Ch. X - Here and Gone
The sun had long since set by the time Noelle and Allen reached their destination, leaving them to stare up at the tremendous cliff that stood in between them and the Headquarters of the Black Order. An almost disdainful expression took hold of the young healer's face as she stared up at it, edge hidden in the distance. Sure, she could easily activate her Innocence and fly there, but their non-stop journey had left her quite tired since she refused to delay in seeing her new home despite Allen's willingness to rest at any of the inns they passed by.
"There's an underground river that leads inside, so you don't have to worry about climbing all the way up like I did the first time I arrived," Allen spoke, gesturing to a barely visible path only noticed if one was aware of its existence.
"That sounds amazing," Noelle exhaled yet stayed put, giving a determined look upwards, "But I think I'll take this route. After all," she activated her Innocence, spreading wide her wings, "all this traveling has left me a bit stir crazy." Holding out a hand, she finished, "Would you like a lift?"
Smiling, the boy took her hand and immediately found himself soaring up into the air – cliff-face streaming past the two. It certainly was a much more pleasant and quicker journey than his initial climb. While he enjoyed the rewarding sense of accomplishing the feat, the sensation of flying up was just as much a reward. It felt so freeing despite his initial misgivings. No wonder Noelle enjoyed it so much and found it difficult to not fly everywhere.
They landed softly on the stretch of path jutting out from the base of the mountain holding the Order. As Allen attempted to straighten his windblown hair and attire, Noelle stepped forwards in awe and slight apprehension of the place. Maybe because it was late, and thus dark, and she couldn't really see anything or the fact that they were so high up that they were practically in the clouds, but a wave of unease trickled over the girl as she gazed at her new home. Faintly she could make out the cloud of bats she passingly noticed on the way up flying above in larger numbers at the top. She wondered if the forest around the tall, campanile-like building harbored them until she noticed something off. They didn't sport any faces. Instead, what appeared to be a target-like eye took their place, puzzling the new arrival.
Noting this, Allen clarified, "Don't worry, they won't harm you. These are some of the Order's golems. They serve as a way for us to communicate while we're apart from each other, although these ones are more for surveillance."
"Golem?" she echoed, glancing at the gold one atop the boy's head, "Like Timcanpy?"
"Well, Tim's a bit different since my master made him as opposed to the others, which were crafted by the Order," he explained, walking forwards, "I'll let Komui-san explain the rest since he's more knowledgeable in that area than I am."
Nodding in acceptance, she followed the exorcist down the path, briefly taking in the dark scenery along the way. The touch of unease failed to simmer away, instead staying put like a rock in her throat. Noelle hoped it was just her nerves and pre-move-in jitters, but knew such wasn't fully the case. She had stayed in one place for so long, and the security she found there was a long forgotten memory now. While she trusted Allen, she couldn't help giving a wary look about, the slight glow of the black golems' eyes transforming into something more sinister in the darkness.
Unconsciously, she sped up her pace and shortened the distance between them. Allen easily picked up on her actions and deduced her reasoning, sympathetically slowing down so she wouldn't have to push herself and adding softly, "Everything is alright, Noelle. You're safe here, I promise."
The named blushed, feeling somewhat embarrassed in letting her fears get the better of her and relying on the boy so much. While he held more experience, she was the older of the two (sure, only by three years, but older nonetheless), and should be the one looking out for him. Nevertheless, she gratefully nodded in thanks for his support as they stopped at the tower's enormous surrounding wall.
Upon closer examination, once her nerves died down enough, Noelle noticed a face embedded in the stone between the two gates. Her curiosity, however, quickly turned into shock as the face leaned forwards suddenly, coming within inches from her own. A startled yelp escaped from her and she desperately fought the urge to jump towards Allen, who also stiffened at the quick action, and grab his hand. No, she had to start standing on her own strength. She couldn't rely on the boy and others to keep her safe forever.
"G-Good evening," she greeted, desperately trying to purge the stress from her tone.
The only reply she received was its eyes suddenly casting forth two bright rays of light that illuminated Noelle and the ground around her. Squinting and shielding her eyes, she questioned, "What…What is it doing?"
"An x-ray exam," Allen answered, eyes adjusting much more quickly than the girl's, "It's just a precaution the Order takes for newcomers to see whether they're human or not. You should be fine." Or at least he strongly hoped so. Anything other than the greeting he received. The boy shuddered slightly at the recollection as he began rubbing the area on his arm where a not too friendly comrade once sliced him.
Sure enough, the exam went by with only minor problems in picking up the girl's image (the gatekeeper mumbling what Noelle believed to be something about a reoccurring bug needed to be checked out), and the large gates creaked open at last. Not wasting a moment, the pair walked inside, the girl slightly faster than before if only to get away from the startling examiner. They soon crossed the small open area between the wall and the tower, ascending a few steps and entering into a spacious foyer.
Despite a few guards scattered here and there, no one was present in the large entryway – most likely asleep or having something better to do than stand around and wait for visitors, which were probably few for a couple of very obvious reasons. She suddenly got the urge to be very quiet even with logic telling that if the residents didn't stir from the activity outside, then realistically they wouldn't from her normal tone. Regardless, precautions took leeway.
"Hello," a new voice echoed almost loudly in the silence even though, in reality, it was a typical inside-level tone, "You must be Noelle."
The named turned, taking in the new person's form: a kind-looking girl slightly shorter than the two. Her hair, which Noelle instantly took a liking to, was tied up in two pigtails while her familiar uniform paralleled Allen's, testifying to her status as an exorcist. The girl wondered what her Innocence was like. Perhaps her hand transformed like the boy's, or maybe her hair or feet?
Shaking away the thoughts, she gave a polite bow and replied, "Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Please, there's no need to be so formal," the exorcist blushed slightly, "I'm Lenalee, the Branch Chief's assistant. Allen-kun's told me a little about you and your Innocence. I think it's amazing that you were able to help save your village and heal everyone. We're lucky to have you."
It was Noelle's turn to blush as she twirled a strand of her hair self-consciously, "Allen did most of the saving. I just assisted where I could."
"Come now, give yourself some credit," the boy smiled, "You were amazing, no need to be shy about it."
The girl's expression lightened slightly, not fully accepting the praise coming her way but not refuting it either. She began following Lenalee towards where her brother, the Chief Supervisor apparently, would meet and examine her Innocence for any injuries and perhaps make some adjustments so that it could be used more effectively. She showed the newcomer a few of the rooms within the Order on their way downstairs, commenting on the day-to-day life of the residents and exorcists like them. Eventually Allen got into conversing about his journey with Lenalee, leaving Noelle to curiously inspect her new lodgings.
It certainly was homier than outward appearances suggested, and she found herself amazed at all the amenities offered. Just as she was beginning to relax, however, she noticed a group of guards murmuring a ways off and every so often directing their attention towards the trio, or, more specifically, her. A wave of unease spread over her, hand instinctively going to her hair, which she suspected aroused the odd looks. Indeed, a group of darkly dressed figures (whom she learned to be the Master Generals days later) also gave her inquisitive glances.
Fortunately, the stares ended upon them turning the corner to meet a man dressed in white. He gave each a warm smile, welcoming Allen back before turning and introducing himself as Komui Lee – the Branch Chief of the Black Order's Headquarters. Noelle took a liking to him pretty quickly, enjoying how, even when they just met, he treated her as an old and dear friend, sparking her to mirror his kind tone.
"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Noelle Vermillion, although you probably already knew that," she chagrined.
Komui nodded, although a certain level of interest remained in his gaze, "You hold quite the reputation, Noelle-chan. Not only because of your heritage, but your skills as a healer as well. We're extremely blessed to call you an ally and friend."
"Thank you," the girl shyly bowed, "I'm glad to have finally found a place where I can learn about my Innocence."
"Speaking of," Komui turned into a room, "Mind if I take a look?"
Noelle shook her head, stepping into the room while Allen and Lenalee continued onwards, claiming to have some sort of important matter to attend to but promising to meet up later. Almost instantly she deduced the room's medical purpose from the increased sanitation and medical equipment. While familiar with such sights, the Order's version was much more advanced than the humble tools and tables back in Thilay, sleek metal replacing refined wood for most objects.
While she was still in the process of examining her surroundings, Komui took the opportunity to assess the girl, making some notes on her height and build for the members of the Science Division to use in creating a suitable uniform for their new ally. He paused, however, upon seeing two small tears in the fabric of the girl's shirt and coat – skin below only barely visible. They must be for activating her Innocence, the supervisor assumed and he made an extra note to find a way to accommodate the unique feature into the uniform without leaving the area exposed in preparation for the colder months and missions.
Once accommodated to the place, Noelle sat down on one of the stools facing away from the branch chief. She then removed her jacket and pulled up the back of her shirt half way so that he could see the small cross embedded in the skin above her spine. A few bruises and burns surrounded the area – lingering scars from her battle a few days prior. Komui took note of the injuries, grabbing a small bottle of anesthesia to lessen the pain when he treated them. Additionally, he leaned in a bit closer, wondering whether the piece merely rested on the top of her skin or was deeper below. It was difficult to tell based on Noelle's slightly malnourished form, yet a faint scar crossing over the area spoke a clearer answer. As for her nourishment, that would soon change with a little help from Jerry.
"Can you activate it?" he inquired, earning an affirmation from the girl.
Instantly the Innocence burst into light, fading to reveal a pair of wings with similar coloration as her off-white hair. Briefly he wondered whether she, like Allen, was cursed having heard that those of the Vermillion family tended to have reddish hair (he later learned that it was simply an odd trait she was born with, in her opinion, due to the Innocence within her). Nevertheless, her Innocence captivated him as did any passerby who happened to glance in the room through the small window in the door and later be shooed away by a senior member focused on making whatever progress possible in their work.
"It appears that you are a parasite type, just like Allen-kun," Komui finally said, gently taking one wing in his hand and feeling around for any injuries.
"Parasite type?" she echoed, stretching out the wing fully for his benefit, "There's more than one type of Innocence?"
"Yes," he answered, measuring the wing to be about 95cm (about three feet), making her totally wingspan around 190cm, an impressive length necessary for flight. Her reduced body weight and fast metabolism likely aided in that area as well. "Parasitic types, such as Allen-kun and yourself, harbor Innocence inside their bodies, while equipment types harness the power from an external object, such as a sword or shoes in Lenalee's case. Both are very important and have their pros and cons, but parasitic types tend to be rarer."
"I see," she nodded in comprehension. She felt a slight sting from under one of her wings, turning to see Komui retreat with an empty syringe whose contents, based on the increasing lack of feeling in the area, were some sort of anesthetic. He returned with a few intimidating looking tools that prompted Noelle to ask, "Is there something wrong with my Innocence?"
"Just a few bumps and strained muscles. Nothing major presently, but they could get worse in the future without treatment," he explained, a grin taking hold of his face as he prepared himself, "It should only take a few minutes."
"Alright," Noelle turned to face the wall again, allowing him to begin.
While the noises and subtle pressure on her wings unnerved her, she remained surprisingly collected throughout the procedure, impressing even Komui, who commented that most were scarred upon receiving the procedure. Noelle chuckled, commenting that she would have likely joined them if it wasn't for her experience in the medical field back in Thilay, which built up a resistance for otherwise traumatic procedures such as her current one. They spent the remainder of the process talking about her healing knowledge and past, where Komui, like Allen, was surprised to hear of her encounter with the Earl and apologized for bringing up her family name in case it affected her. She brushed it off, saying it was nice that they weren't so soon forgotten by the world.
"And that about does it," Komui concluded, backing away from the girl, "You'll still feel a bit numb until tomorrow, so no activating your Innocence until then, okay?" When she nodded, he continued, "I also took a few of your feathers for the Science Division to look at. They can analyze it to see if we can make some adjustments to our healing remedies, and how you may use them in battle."
"Sounds good to me," Noelle smiled, deactivating her Innocence and pulling down her shirt gingerly. She rose on somewhat shaky legs from sitting down so long, but recovered quickly thanks to the supervisor's support. Turning to him, she added, "Is there anything else that you need?"
"Just one more thing, and then you'll be all set for your new life as an exorcist," he answered. The girl gave a hopeful smile, which he mirrored as he led her out of the room and towards their next destination.
...
A light rush of air lifted Noelle's hair slightly as she and the supervisor descended into the darkness below. Amazing… To think that the castle-like building could be this huge and go down this deep. Indeed, as the girl leaned over the rails – much to Komui's concern since the anesthetic still hindered her ability of flight – she couldn't help but believe that they were deep within the Earth, intent on continuing until they reached the molten core. She wondered what it looked like in real life, and slightly worried about the repercussions of getting near such a hot object. Fortunately, such never came to pass as they stopped well above the center of their planet.
Nevertheless, they were a ways down; to the point where the only source of light was the lift upon which they stood. Or was it? Noelle frowned. There was something else, not just the extra light, but a presence within the area. But what was it?
"Where…are we?" the healer murmured, looking about the darkness curiously.
The supervisor gave a knowing smile. "Welcome."
Noelle blinked. Although warm and familiar like Komui's tone thus far, the greeting did not come from him. No, rather it had a feminine note to it, and echoed from above as opposed to on the lift's level. Her head shot upwards, eyes widening in shock at the sight of a being covered in luminescent scales – some like that of a snake's stomach, and others, which framed the former, appeared more like a fish's flowing fins – towering well over their heads. To make things that much more confusing, it possessed the mouth and nose of a human yet had multiple hand-like appendages.
As anyone stumbling upon such a sight, Noelle took a wary step back. Her instincts told her to run away from the unknown being, but a sliver of logic argued against it. From what she gathered, the Black Order was an exorcist organization set on defeating evildoers like the Millennium Earl, and valued new accommodators. Surely they wouldn't put her in harm's way, especially after temporarily nulling her ability to use Innocence. Unless they wanted to test her, which she strongly hoped not. Whatever or whoever this being was, she posed no harm to the two on the lift.
It was then that the girl realized her pause in thought delayed any reply to the tall being, and she hastily gave a polite bow, "T-Thank you!"
Komui chuckled, somewhat impressed at the newcomer's reaction. It was certainly more controlled than the previous accommodators he brought to the room. Even then, the minute shakes in her body told clear enough of Noelle's discomfort. Fortunately she wouldn't have to endure it for much longer.
The being, if impressed, showed no sign of it, instead wrapping its hands around the girl and lifting her high up into the air. Noelle stiffened instinctually, suddenly feeling uneasy about the height now that she could no longer bring out her wings. So this was what it felt like to be a normal human being.
Up and up she went, and with each inch she felt her heart pound louder and uncertainties grow. She took a breath, trying to ground herself, but it was a hard thing to do seven meters in the air with a strange being as the only thing keeping her from falling into the endless darkness below. It didn't help when one of the appendages swiveled around to her back either. The moment it made contact Noelle grimaced, feeling as if it somehow went under her skin and was now rummaging around her insides. It felt gross, worse than the time a few of the children accidentally stumbled into a termite's nest and the healer hand to fish them all out, resulting in her being covered from head to toe with the small insects.
"K-Komui-san," Noelle tried, hoping the man would at least provide some reassurance yet only getting a humorous grin that only added to her troubles while slightly annoying her that he was being entertained by her dilemma.
Even when he finally spoke, it wasn't addressed to her, "Hevlaska, what can you deduce from Noelle-chan's Innocence?"
Hevlaska, the healer gathered meant the being's name, leaned forwards in response until their foreheads touched. While she tried albeit fruitlessly to avoid touching, Noelle found herself almost soothed by the contact; body relaxing and eyes widening in wonder. From afar, it appeared that the being's body was a glowing mass of light blue, but now that she was closer the girl discovered that she could practically see straight through the strange person. It wasn't exactly clear, more like opening her eyes underwater, but it did captivate her until a blinding light forced her to squint lest she become blind.
To add to the already odd situation, Hevlaska began counting, "3%...11%...27%...39%...53%..."
What was she going on about? What percentage was she calculating? Noelle figured it had something to do with her Innocence, but failed to fully grasp just what was happening. Luckily, she got her answer quickly as Hevlaska pulled away, concluding, "It seems that 53% is the highest synchro-rate that you and your weapon are currently capable of."
Noelle frowned, pleased that the uncomfortable sensation faded along with the amount of tendrils surrounding her body but confused as to the meaning of Hevlaska's words. With no other comparison available, she didn't know if the percentage was good or bad. Apparently noting this, Komui called up at her, explaining the connection between this so called 'synchro-rate' and an exorcist's ability to fight akuma. The higher the rate, the better the exorcist. Made perfect sense.
Hevlaska set the girl back down gently on the lift, explaining her own identity as an exorcist – much to Noelle's surprise and awe at Innocence's various forms – and her ability to read other pieces through touch, adding, "Forgive me if you felt uneasy, most are quite shocked when they first see me."
"No worries," Noelle smiled, tilting her head curiously, "You mentioned earlier about learning things from my Innocence. Does that mean you can communicate with it – that Innocence can actually talk?"
"Not quite," Komui responded, "Being the essence of God's power, Innocence does indeed have a will, and some – like Hevlaska – have the ability to discern that will."
"To describe it as a verbal conversation would not be entirely accurate," the woman added, "Rather, it is more akin to an instinct coupled with knowledge such as when a sailor knows a storm is on the way when the morning sky is red."
"I see, that makes sense," the girl nodded, "So what else, besides synchro-rates, does Innocence tell you?"
"Mainly the basics of its accommodator and general story of the original cube," she answered, "Although, in some cases, a little extra is given."
"Extra?"
Hevlaska nodded, "Your Innocence is like an echo from long ago. While the path you and it shall take is clouded, one thing is clear to me: Noelle Vermillion, your essence is kindred to a fire – warm and nurturing the wounds of time, yet at the same time possessing the ferocity to destroy it as well. I believe that your future will hold many important decisions that will determine the course of not only you, but others as well."
The named frowned, feeling more confused than before. It was common knowledge that her actions would not just affect her but others as well, and yet the way that Hevlaska said it made her believe there was something else involved. Komui seemed to think likewise as he studied Noelle with new-found curiosity. Coupled with the silence that now hung in the room, Noelle began to feel uncomfortable and shifted uneasily.
Thankfully, Hevlaska broke the silence; however, what she had to say hardly lightened the mood, "Do not worry too much about what the future may bring. What will come, will come. However, I do hold some concerns presently. Your synchro-rate is rather low, probably due to you not fully utilizing its abilities."
The girl gave a concerned look, "What do you mean?"
"Up until recently, you have activated your Innocence for only brief amounts of time in which its purpose served to heal and mend, or basic flight. While that is an attribute of your Innocence, it is only half," Hevlaska explained, "I believe the remaining part is meant for combat."
"But I don't know how to fight with my Innocence," Noelle shifted uncertainly on her feet.
"Precisely, which is why I recommend that you train until those skills emerge before becoming an independent exorcist," the woman responded, causing both figures below to give concerned looks.
Noelle frowned. So did that mean she wasn't going to become an exorcist? That she still had a long ways to go? A part of her realized this before even setting foot in the Black Order Headquarters, yet, for the most part, she found herself disappointed – an emotion driven by a strong sense of urgency to learn to defend herself and thus others. Something that couldn't afford months or perhaps even years of training. Additionally, the Order needed all the help it could get to fight off akuma and the Earl. She didn't want to keep them waiting forever.
"That does complicate things," Komui murmured, echoing her thoughts and only adding to the newest exorcist's concern. Fortunately, he quickly offered a solution, "However, there may be a way to fix it in a more efficient manner than training here for months on end."
Eyes widening in hope, Noelle instantly jumped on the possibility, "Really?! Please, tell me what I must do!"
Both Komui and Hevlaska were caught off guard by her vivacity, wondering whether it sparked from her character or a drive to become an exorcist to finally begin fighting back against the one who nearly took it all and for those whom she cared for so deeply. The supervisor paused, allowing the time to mull over whether his answer was the right course of action, but the look of determination reflected in that azure gaze burned away any lingering doubts. It was as Hevlaska stated, perhaps not as big as a conflagration, but there definitely was a flame within Noelle.
Komui nodded. He knew just the person to nurture it into a magnificent light for all the Order.
...
"Nii-san," Lenalee greeted, entering the mess of her sibling's office with Allen close behind, "Have you seen Noelle? We've been looking everywhere but can't seem to find her."
"Yes, and Jerry-san has already finished making half of the food," Allen added, "We wanted to keep her company so she wouldn't stumble into the dinning hall before the surprise was ready."
"Ah…" Komui sighed, action diminishing the pair's outlook even more so, "I guess it was sudden, so you wouldn't have learned yet."
"What do you mean?" his sister frowned.
"Noelle-chan has already left," he sadly explained, earning two looks of disappointment he sympathized with all too well. He too had hoped to convince the girl to stay if only for a little while to celebrate her arrival, but, in not wanting to spoil the surprise, he came out unsuccessful against her strong determination to become an exorcist as quickly as possible.
Both exchanged disheartened looks, not wanting to bring the bad news to the others when their excitement in meeting the new arrival was already so high. Nonetheless, Allen turned to inform them while Lenalee stayed a while longer in her brother's office, sad to see her new ally leave so soon but silently wishing her the best – something she knew was entirely possible as she found where the girl was headed towards.
Yes, I know, I'm late, I'm a terrible person who gets distracted WAY too easily. Just finished this up, hope it wasn't too cliche and/or boring with the information I assume you all already know (which is why I tried to summarize instead of do a ton of repetitive dialogue). Anyways, long chapter, whoop whoop. And don't ask where the 'Echoing Flame' title for Noelle came about. It was three in the morning when I wrote that part, I was a little delirious.
Anyways, sorry for the short appearance of Lenalee and Komui and Allen (yet another meaning for the chapter title, which I fiddled around with and thought of changing to Echoing Flame but chose not to because yeah. It might change to that later, I don't know). They will be coming back, but not for some time. But don't worry, familiar faces are on the way. Can you guess Noelle's destination? I'm actually a bit excited for this part of Noelle's journey, especially since it will allow my independent storyline to grow a bit before joining the main one once Noelle's synchro-rate is up a bit.
Oh! And thank you all for the lovely reviews. Yes I've read them and adore them and roll about in petals of joy when I get them. Thank you so much, it means a lot to see you all like my story so far (I say in that my writing may faceplant and yeah, I'm forgetful).
Love you all, hope you're not in for a week of thunderstorms like me. Yay summer. Although I start orientation next week for my job, so the next chapter may be a bit delayed. Sorry in advance, and God Bless~
Em