A Soldier's Heart

DGM

Chapter 10

Disarmed Role

Deep concentration, strong determination, unstoppable courage, all this was needed... To write Allen's necessary report.

Miranda and Lenalee were chosen to keep an eye on Allen with the three Asian scientists. Actually, Rikei, Shifu, and Lou Fa were there more to study Allen while the women were there to make sure Head Nurse and Allen don't continuously fight able letting him go... And to not take his medicine. All the time, each hour, each time he ate, whenever he accidentally hit his arm or moved it too much, they had to argue with him to take his medicine. For some reason Allen did not like the pain killers they kept giving him. Half the time the Nurse had to have someone hold him down and force him to guzzle it down with water or sneak it in the food they gave him. All that was entertaining, neverless, this had to be the most diverting process he's done since they have arrived by far.

Each and every single time Allen picked up the pen it would slip out of his hand, but he allowed no one to help him. He made it perfectly clear he wanted to do this alone, but he couldn't grip the pen even if his life depended on it. After hours of endlessly trying, Allen gave up, using his forearms to push away the movable table. He had been stuck in the infirmary because of the Head Nurse and his innocence being damaged. He still shuddered when the memory of Komui taking a giant drill to fix his arm. It didn't matter that Komui numbed the arm, he still experienced the pain. "Can I please get out of the infirmary?" Allen asked cooly, eyeing the Head Nurse as she tapped her food, getting ready to serve him his medicine. "I promise I'll take the medicine and I won't spar and I won't try to invoke Crown Clown and I... and I... won't strain it. I'll do whatever you say."

"Tell me how you plan on doing things around here then?" Head Nurse questioned demandingly.

"Like what exactly?"

"Change your clothes for one. You can't even hold a pen." She deadpanned.

"I'll figure it out." Allen sweetly reasoned.

"No."

"All Branch Heads please report to the meeting room at once. All Branch Heads please report to the meeting room at once." A bat-like purple and black golem floated in the infirmary as Reever came in with a small welcoming smile. "Will the Generals please report to the meeting room as well."

Allen cheered, jumping out of the bed he had been designated to. His happiness was cut short when the Head Nurse forced him to sit back down. Allen-not wanting to have his ear ripped of-did as told. A direct order was being given and if he doesn't go through with this then... "This meeting is mandatory. Under the restrictions of Malcolm C. Leverrier, General Cross Marian and General Allen Walker must attend this meeting under any circumstances. This meeting is mandatory. Anybody else with a reasonable excuse may not attend if approved by Leverrier. You have 30 minutes to arrive."

"I said you are not to leave this room." Head Nurse growled.

"But I have to go!" Allen protested, standing up. "They said it was mandatory."

"They also said anybody with a reasonable excuse may miss it."

"The golem clearly said I had to go under Leverrier's restrictions and only he can approve the absence."

Reever itched his head nervously, stepping in, carefully placing his hands on Allen's shoulders. He offered the Head Nurse a smile she did not return. She was strict and she was there to help the exorcists no matter what position. If she has to she'll go against Leverrier. "Komui said Allen may leave the infirmary. The testing we've done has proven everything is alright, Head Nurse. Someone will be with Allen at all times to take care of him and he'll come here to sleep. I even have the letter if you wish." Reever said, holding out a small letter.

The Head Nurse took it with a frown. Reading it one time and one time only before folding her arms across her chest and handing Reever the medicine. In the letter was the research they had done on Allen's arm. They were still to do more, even so, they-the many scientists-all agreed to let him free during the day. "Right now Allen is going to get prepared for his meeting and I'll guide him there." Reever additionally concluded.

The Head Nurse stalked off and Reever signaled for somebody outside the doors to come in. "Miranda and Lenalee, you may go now. Johnny and I will be taking care of him for the rest of the day."

"Are you su-sure?" Miranda stammered ever so slightly. At least her stammering isn't as bad as it used to be. "I wi-ish you luck th-then, Allen."

And off went Miranda. That left Lenalee, the Asian Branch's scientists, and the two men with Allen. "I'll stay."

"But Lenalee... Leverrier." Johnny uttered, greatly concerned over that matter.

Allen raised his eyebrow. His guilty conscious has yet to forget what he read about Lenalee's past, but he never saw Leverrier's name... Perhaps... Just maybe Leverrier was the reason behind him? Yet his curiousness remained forever dormant in fear of upsetting her. When the time rose he would say something. If it arrives. "I just want to help..." LEnalee whispered.

"It is getting late, Lenalee. Why don't you go rest and you can help me around tomorrow? I'd appreciate it." Allen said, genuine tenderness in his voice as he continued. "Besides, as far as I'm concerned, I'll be getting lectured again for doing something I shouldn't have and I don't want to get you involved."

Lenalee half smiled, her eyes move skywards from her seated position so she could get an excellent look of Allen. He wore that smile again. A smile with excouragment. A smile that is not entirely pure, but it was real as much as it was fake. It's sufficient no less. "Allen, I just want you to know..." Lenalee paused, standing up to met his gray-blue eyes. "How glad I am to know you're here with us, and I'm sure everyone feels the same."

Allen blinked out of surprise, but then it shifted into that of appreciation. "Thank you... I'm glad I am here."

He truly meant what he said. The battle is bloody and painful, but that's to be expected. Allen was still proud to be here, to be able to fight. "See you tomorrow morning, Allen." Lenalee muttered and followed Lenalee out of there.

Reever and Johnny helped Allen dress-much to his embarrassment. He did send Shifu and Rikei off to bed, bbut Lou Fa insisted on staying with Allen a little longer tonight just in case. Allen honestly didn't feel like arguing with her and gave in to her will. There was an awkward stillness though, as Reever and Johnny gave Allen a tour to the meeting room. Lou Fa sat outside the door to wait for Allen to get back out so she could take him back to the infirmary, but Allen mused at how quiet she has been before he entered the room to leave all three-in exact-out there by themselves. If he thought about it, Bak's workers have been oddly quiet. Were they intimidated by him? Who knows?

Upon entering the room, all heads turned to the formally dressed Allen Walker. Though he was in his normal attire. A long sleeved button-up white shirt with a lovely red ribbon tied in a bow around his neck. His casual black pants and his regular boots. He had change dout of his hospital clothing so he could attend this meeting. Had they not given him time to he would be wearing his hospital outfit with a white cotton cape-like coat that goes down to his ankles. All of the Generals seemed to be the only ones forgetting their uniforms.

What made Allen feel disconcerting was that he was the very last person to arrive. 'It wasn't my fault. It was abruptly called up at this hour and I am injured. I'm just surprised I made it ten minutes before time expired.' With that lodged in his mind, he closed the door, urging his feet to move soundlessly and steadily. Not having to walk much these days and the pain searing through his body against, because of the sudden movements in his left arm again, Allen practically staggered in the room. It seems some of them have gotten used to Allen by now. Perhaps admiration for actually bringing Cross here? Impressed for going against orders? Keen on him stopping the Fallen One, no doubt returining Suman's innocence to Hevlaska as well? Or something completely different? The wonders may never be answered. "I'm surprised you got away from the Nurse." Cross uttered to Allen as he sat down between him and General Tiedol.

"I'm dumbfounded that you're actually here." Allen shot back.

"Touche."

Allen snorted. "... Asshole."

"Now that everyone is here, shall we get down to business?" Leverrier sternly called, scrutinizing Allen and Cross. Was this going to be only about them? This guy really knew how to hold grudges and to testify against them when given the chances. "We'll start with General Cross Marian and the reason why you've disappeared from the face of th earth for five years, and your work you neglected ever so narrow-mindedly?"

Sitting back in his chair, Allen felt his muscles tense for being here in this room. It was strange, listening to Leverrier and his partner, Howard Link, talk about Cross' mishaps and inconveniences. Cross had disappeared from the Black Order around the time he had discovered Allen and brought him in, raising him as a maggot and exorcist. Did he even expect anything less of Cross when he agreed to join Cross on his journey? Did he ever thought to ask Cross about how come he never contacted HQ? Indeed he had, but he always believed Cross had a durable reason. Allen never did find it. That is, until now. "Stop Link." Leverrier paused Link from reading the long list of the issues Cross created that stacked against him over the years. "You were given a mission to find the akuma egg five years ago, so why didn't you carry it out?"

"I did. I know exactly where it is at, too. I'm sure my apprentice would agree with me on this." Cross declared curtly, narrow-eyed.

Allen took a glance at Cross, but found his eyes diverted to Leverrier's waiting and antipating ones. "What are you talking about? I didn't know you had a mission, slacker."

"Think about it. Think about everything thoroughly." Cross told him.

"I don't even know what the akuma egg is, Master." Allen whispered.

Cross shot him a look that told him to do as told. Cross seriously thought Allen knew. Unbeknowst he may be entitled to the knowledge, but he wasn't all too sure. Cross said to think thoroughly and about everything. There had to be something he indirectly interpretted.

-o0o-

"They all seem to be heading eastwards."

"I think your theory may have been right, Allen. The akuma may be protecting something."

"Anybody from the Order who goes too far east in Asia end up be slaughtered by the akuma."

-o0o-

"They're feeding and evolving, doing everything in their power to grow. The akuma are growing exponentially."

"Is it possible the Earl is creating more because they need more on their part?"

"In the war?"

"That, or for something more, more in depth. Something we don't know. The Noah Clan has arrived and I have a feeling they are covering something up again. It has to be linked to the growth and the movment, Devon."

-o0o-

"Japan? That's all the way across the world! What is in Japan anyhow? Master?"

-o0o-

"Why are there so many akuma in Japan, Master? I don't understand."

"Someday, Allen, you'll understand. Now isn't the time for me to tell you. In time... In perfect time... When everything is ready."

-o0o-

"Master, you're planning on going to Japan again, aren't you?"

-o0o-

Realization gradually dawned Allen, orbs broadening. 'No way... Then he was... He brought me on his assignment then. That's what we were ding in Japan, and that's what he was doing before I brought him back. That explains that part, but what is the akuma egg?' Allen silently mused to himself, startled when Leverrier spoke up. "We are waiting General Walker. Do you or do you not know?"

Allen inwardly sighed. He should pay more attention to Cross. He gives so many hints that will later on be needed and Allen is the one neglecting this. "I have a pretty good hunch. I can't say I'm wholly satisfied with that place, however. I can say it is likely linked with the sudden akuma growth. This akuma egg you sent Master after is possibly what they are protecting." Allen cryptically claimed.

"You don't know?" Leverrier's inquiry came out cold.

"I am not one hundred percent sure. All I'm saying it's a safe estimate, quite plausible."

"And where do you believe it is?" Leverrier persistently continued on, knocking on Allen's nerves.

With one more glance at Cross, Allen answered. "Japan."

Cross smirked, placing his feet on the table and leaning further back in his chair to lean his head back, tipping his head ever so slightly to get a small glimpse of his student. "Now why do you say that?" Cross queried, confusing Allen at first.

"Are you telling me I'm wrong?" Allen responded.

"No, I am asking why you think as such." He then pointed out.

"It's reasonable place for the Earl to claim a throne and hide out there. Considering that most of Japan's population is akuma, if not that, then all." Allen simpered, clicking his tongue on the roof of his mouth. Where was Cross going with this?

"That's completely irrational, General Walker!" Bak blurted out, earning several hard stares. "Japan is not a measely city or town, it's a country! It is impossible for the entire country to be controlled by the Millennium Earl and its population to be all akuma."

"Don't blurt out on your own accord without permission to speak." Leverrier calmly ordered, adding a few words of his own as Bak apologized. "I wouldn't say impossible; it's more or less implausible, but do continue on. Please brief us on the crucial basis you seem to have pointedly mentioned confidently. How do you propose that is possible, if it's not too much?"

Great. Now he understands why Cros sput this on him. That way Allen would have to explain and not himself. Curse him. "For several years now Japan as cut off all ties and trade routes coming in and out of it's barriers. Having no news of what's going on there, and having no information about what's going on outside the world they know, the Earl could have made the akuma attack them and kill everybody. Since it isn't the largest country in the world could take a mere three days to succeed in that... Or if they had a civil war of some sorts they could have caused a lot of grief and brought back many souls from the dead. Thus, with no connections whatsoever or immigrints and tourists, the entire country could quickly be polluted with akuma. What hasn't been turned into an akuma would have likely been killed by the akuma. There's many ways to view this, as for what truly happened, we may never know." Allen explained, thinking about it all as he randomly came up with some of the details.

"And how do you know the entire country is made of akuma?"

"Master and I once traveled there. As far as my cursed eye could see, no matter where we went, akuma were scattered there. It's a dangerous place and hard for survival. There may not be any humans left there, except maybe the Noah." Allen concluded unsurely.

"Interesting." Leverrier muttered.

Allen was glad they passed that and went on with the other tedious matters. He couldn't say it brightened his mood whatsoever. The death toll, how to solve their situation, deciding on whether or not to send exorcists out and more, was everything they talked about. Then Renny brought up another matter. "About the Fallen One, I was wondering, does anybody know how much information has been leaked because of the Fallen One?" She asked.

Allen mentally cursed in his head. Almost, so close, he didn't manage to evade this matter. Now Leverrier was focusing on Allen again. Damn. "I'm sure General Walker as a justifiying answer for that."

Allen had no idea how to put this into words. He had been struggling with the pen so long he hadn't thought about what he was going to write. Thankfully Komui stepped in. "Suman Dark, the exorcist who became the Fallen One, had been asking the Black Order about exorcists' location around the world and were recent sightings of possible innocence were placed. Sometimes he did ask questions about the other exorcists abilities and specific details about the higher ups placed in the Order, all who are sitting here. No one thought much of it because it was natural for an exorcist to be concerned for everyone and wanting to know all that's going on. His questions also ceased. Everything had been forgotten about it." Komui informed them.

"That is conspicuous if he had been asking so many questions, though." Louis stated.

"Indeed, but I'd like to hear more about this from General Walker." Leverrier finished the conversation.

Allen stammered at first, feeling an odd sensation welling within him, eyes widening slightly as he remembered that day. He had been trying so hard to avoid this. He had no idea how to explain this. "I-I thought I was sup-supposed to file a writ-written report on this, Sir?" He asked.

"You were, but it seems, since you happily disobeyed irders to stay put in Headquarters, both of your hands are broken." Leverrier stated, causing Allen to glare at them. "It would be difficult for you to give us a written report when you can't even move your fingers. Why don't you just orally relay it?"

Allen kept his eyes on his hands, leaning forward. This was going to be hard. "There isn't much to say... I couldn't say I suspected it. I had just met him and was only beginning to understand him. All I knew is that he wanted to go home to see his family, saying he would do anything to do that. I hadn't realized he meant it in a literal sense. I didn't know about a traitor in our mist then either until a few days before the inccident." Allen said, his eyes watering a little as all the emotions came rushing in.

Everything Suman felt. Everything Suman saw. Everything he thought. All that was implanted forever in Allen's brain. "I didn't know Suman had been missing from our troupe that morning the events occurred because I had just woken up and been sent to take a call from Supervisor Komui. A few minutes after I had spoken with him screaming filled the air and everyone went outside to discover the Fallen One. It didn't take long for us to find out why he had been the Fallen One and that is was actually Suman. My eye had showed me akuma had also been coming so I sent the exorcists Lavi, Miranda Lotto, and Arystar Krory III to meet the forwarding akuma at the docks to help keep them away from the Fallen One and to protect whoever and whatever renmants of the city as possible." Allen uttered, his throat itching and each word coming out with a fight.

Komui gripped his pant leg, frowning at what he was seeing. Allen was only a child and went through all that. You couldn't expect him to speak about all this so suddenly and so quickly at that. He much rather prefer Allen wrote the report. "Once Lenalee Lee and I arrived we found a girl there and I sent Lenalee to get the girl medical attention and to keep the approaching akuma away as well."

"You were worried about a single person at that moment?" Leverrier interjected.

"It's my job, Sir. It doesn't matter, because I still got the job done! After a long time with trying to distract Suman who as still there to make him stop what he was doing and trying to also figure out a way to sa-stop him, I managed to separate his innocence from him and we fell to the ground. All my energy had been drained out of me by then... That's when Suman completely died and the Noah... approached me... And..." Allen took a sharp breath, breaking his hesitant speech. He wasn't giving nearly as many details as he should. "The Noah that Suman had been giving information to came up to me. He was arrogant enough to boast about the exorcist he had killed during these few months, giving me a good description of his abilities and kindly demostrating them to me... The Noah did not tell me his name, but informed me that he was the one who killed General Kevin Yeager."

How much more could Allen bear? He wanted to cry. The emotions were too much, but yet he went on and did the best he could to conceal his emotions, probably failing. "He said he was looking for somebody. It turned out it had been me, and he added that I was his 'target'. Given this, it's safe to safe the Noah are killing exorcists as they are being told, they're being given 'targets'."

"What were the Noah's abilities?" Leverrier question, disregarding Allen's vagueness.

Allen pressed his hand on his chest, right over his heart. He could still feel the Noah's hand over grasping his heart. "He can touch whatever he pleases and phase through whatever he doesn't want to. In other words, he can place his hand in someone's body and rip out their organs without having to lay a single mark on their body, and-"

"That's enough! Timcampy-General Cross' goldem-was with General Walker at the time. I will have him show me exactly what had happened and I'll write the report myself and you can send it out. This meeting is being called to an end right here." Komui bellowed, standing up.

Leverrier's cold brown eyes met Komui's stern and angered dark-colored ones. Allen looked up from his hands to witness this peculiar staredown between the higher authorities in the Black Order organization, but was somewhat relieved and indebted to Komui for this. He can see some hints of Lenalee's kind characteristics and seemingly compassionate ones within the man. Having not been around much, Allen couldn't have told you this fact about him before. He hardly knows anyone, that includes his comrades. "Very well. I expect the report soon, however, Howard Link will be staying with General Walker for an extended time to make sure he doesn't disobey orders once again, and for assistance seeing how his health hasn't proved advantageous on his point." Leverrier announced, glancing at Allen one last time before standing up to leave with the rest of the Branch Heads.

"Allen..." Tiedoll whispered beside him.

"I iddn't expect anyone to ask that... I should have known better... And it's not like I want to keep it a secret, but it's not easy to explain." Allen told the people who stayed back-Tiedoll, Komui, and Cross. "The Noah was behind Suman's fall. Suman didn't want to do it, but he was desperate and scared. Fear makes us to things we will come to regret, and though he had done it he didn't want to continue on with it. Suman didn't... He didn't..." Allen clenched his jaw, using his feet to push the chair back and standing up. "Suman didn't deserve the fate handed to him, and I know if I tell them that they'll be none too happy with me."

Cross snorted, making Allen react with a slight glare. "I'm going to bed." Allen mumbled, striding out of the room, sighing when he saw Lou Fa sleeping on the floor. The meeting had been going on for hours after all. He may not even have time to go to bed. He knew it was past three in morning. That much he could discern. He noticed Reever and Johnny were still waiting for him as well, but they were busy talking to each other when he had exit the meeting room. "Why are you still here?"

"Just looking out for our newest member, Allen." Reever said as he got off the floor, helping Johnny up and offering a smile to Allen. "And it's an easy way out of work. I thought Johnny needed a break."

"Me? You're the one that has been working nonstop!" Johnny retorted.

"Everyone needs a break right about now." Allen told them, kneel down beside Lou Fa and slipping his arms underneath her, carefully lifting her off the ground. He looked down at Lou Fa with a small smile. Allen hadn't spent much time talking to her, but he heard her talking to Lenalee and her friends about her dream of becoming an official scientist here at the Black Order Headquarters. She must feel absolutely honored to be here. "I'm going back to the infirmary due to certain orders. Good night."

Allen noted how quiet the building was tonight. There must be a lot of people here at Headquarters and so many which he never met. This place was amazing to it's own extent. With the people and with the bonds here... The dreams... "Allen, hold on, you shouldn't be carrying her! Your arm...?" Johnny exclaimed, trailing behind Allen.

"It doesn't hurt right now. I think the pain killers are working." Allen replied.

"If that's true, and you know it is, how come you don't like taking them?" Reever asked.

"They taste nasty. My sense of taste is extremely sensitive. If I don't llike it, I won't take it or eat it."

"Allen, I don't think that's a wise nor valid assessment when you consider your circumstances." Reever murmured.

"How come?" Allen stupidly asked.

Reever shook his head. It was best not to answer that question. Seriously, would Allen even listen to Reever's reasoning. It's his choice if he wants the hassle and the pain. Yet he knew Allen had another reason of some sorts. Maybe it wasn't just the taste, but he didn't want to depend so much on the medicine's capabilities to heal him or lessen the pain each time because when he's on the battlefield... There's nothing that medicine can do for him. Perhaps-not wholly does Reever agree or think it's wise-it was a valid assessment for an exorcist.

As Allen set Lou Fa down on one of the beds in the Hospital Wing, he stared out the window not far away from them. He could see the moon in whole from there. It was marvelous. Quite the scenery, one that would soon be overthrown by the sun at dawn. He wondered to himself about how most people tihnk of the moon as a beautiful blessing we see just about every night, but has anyone ever heard anybody say something about the sun being just a captivating? It was unlikely. It may be beautiful in someone's eyes, but who would think about it like that? It was a massive ball of fire that no one could look at long without harming their optics. If you thought about it in a different view, if the sun had feelings, if the sun and moon were there because of many stories people have spoken of, what if the sun was lonely?

At night the moon shone proudly in the lumnious array with many stars surrounding it, many friends she has.

The sun was all by himself during the day. No one was up in the sky with him. Only the clouds and rain, but they do not reach the sun, do they? They are beneath the sun.

Allen climbed on a chair and sat by the window, leaning on the window sill with a smile on his face as he gazed at the night sky in the dark room. Allen admires the moon and sun. "Life is strange, filled with so many qeustions." He playfully thoguht aloud.

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