Chapter 21
Disclaimer: I don't own DGM
________________________________________________________________________________
For the millionth time, Lavi's eyes darted around. Without Cross, this walk was becoming a single, nerve-wrecking walk through hell. Everyone was trying to levitate over the floor to avoid stepping on branches, which was nearly impossible in this forest. He had the sneaking suspicion that those sword-wielding madmen that called themselves villagers had spread even more branches on the floor, so that they made more noise. The entire group froze at the slightest sound, often not moving for an entire minute before proceeding. The only one who bothered to not keep your weapon in your hand was Kanda, and the only reason Mugen was still in its sheath was that Kanda's Iai-strike was near the top of the 'List of things you just don't survive'.
Needless to say, they were not making much progress. The plane that doubled as the graveyard had just come into sight. Lavi felt the hairs on his neck stand up. This was were things really went to hell, and he only hoped they didn't follow.
And he was right. They were roughly in the middle of the plane when a for this population decent-sized army broke through the foliage.
Jesaia summed up all their thoughts. "Fuck."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Noah didn't do much better. They were making slow progress, but thanks to their guide, they avoided many close calls and were much closer to the lake than the exorcists. Unfortunately, it seemed that the closer you got to the lake, the more people they had to avoid. Of course, they could just kill them, but then the entire village would pounce on them. They could probably win that, but then the exorcists would snag the sword in the commotion, which would make the Earl pissed. And that was not something anyone wanted.
Hence the sneaking around like a bunch of common thieves. Arthur was going a distance in front of the others, in order to be able to warn them in case anyone approached. But in the end, it was no use, as Jasdevi lost patience with the foliage.
"FUCK!" "I HATE THIS FOREST!" They shouted as they had stepped into a thorn-bush. The others could only stare.
"Have you lost it? We're trying not to get noticed, and you just shout like madmen!" Tyki hissed, still carrying Road. Then they heard the trampling of feet coming their way. Of many feet.
"Great." Allen moaned, while Jasdevi had the decency to look ashamed, even though they had drawn their weapons with a happy expression. After all, now they could blast the damn forest.
Lulubelle rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Allen, since you are the one that's supposed to 'modify' the sword, you go on with Arthur. We'll handle things here."
Allen shook his head. "I don't think that's a good idea, I should stay and help."
Tyki rolled his eyes. "We're not as helpless as you may think, and in a minute tops, we'll have enemies swarming us like flies a shit-heap, and if the exorcists use the commotion to get the sword, the Earl will have our heads. Now go!"
Arthur hesitantly grabbed Allen's shoulder. "Y-You have to respect their decision. And they're m-much stronger than anything my village c-can throw at them. I-I also heard a whistle a while ago, meaning that there is another fight going on, probably these e-exorcists. The village's forces will be split, and I'm fairly certain the b-bulk will go after the others, who didn't k-k-kill anyone. They're not as brave as they c-claim, not that I'm one to talk about courage. A-A-Anyways, we have to leave!"
Allen bit his lip, then he nodded and they ran.
Only after they were gone Tyki realized he was still carrying Road. Since it was too late to call back Allen, he hid her as best as he could, barely managing to finish before the attackers arrived.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cross was standing in front a a lake. In the center of the lake there was a small island, barely more than a bunch of rocks piled together. Only one rock stood out from the others. It was perfect cube, the thing everyone was looking for sticking out of the top. Excalibur. Cross could literally feel the power coming from this legendary blade, but his eyes also noticed the runes on it. As he suspected, they were designed to keep something out, or in this case in, unless the focus of the runes willed it. Aka, only the true wielder could remove the sword. That also meant that the only way they, or the Earl, could get the sword was by taking the stone as well.
Cross knew the Earl had tried forever to get this sword, but the sheer aura of the blade made Akuma collapse like puppets with cut strings long before they even got close. They weren't destroyed, they just didn't work anymore. As far as he knew, the villagers just made a sort of scrapheap somewhere in the forest where they dumped them. He smirked when he thought what his stupid apprentice would say if he found it. "He'd probably make a nice firework." Cross muttered, knowing full well that the rambling old man could neither hear nor see him, or even his footprints.
The man was standing in front of what was clearly a sacrificial altar, testing the restraints that kept the victim from squirming too much, and generally preparing it for use.
The man muttered something about wanting to have more ladies of the lake, and Cross muttered that he'd turn the man into Swiss-cheese if he tried. He could clearly see what was going on on the lake. He could see the restless spirits, chained and bound into service. Cross knew that these spirits would attack anyone who tried to reach the sword by other means than the small path that consisted of slippery, jagged rocks that pointed out of the water. He also knew that these spirits would not attack his body, but tear apart his soul. While souls could recover from things that bodies couldn't, being shredded was not one of them. It was a painful way to go and Cross had no intention of meeting his maker this early.
Cross analyzed what he saw and found that all the women's ghosts were held by four seals. The altar as the vessel catching the life, aka the blood, as a sign of the place of death. Then the ritual dagger, representing the cause of death and severing the connection of body and spirit. Excalibur's stone was actually binding the the spirits, limiting their mobility to the lake. The final object was a necklace around the old man's neck, signifying the murderer that kept the spirits from moving on. All four had to be destroyed for the spirits to be released.
Cross snorted. "I'm starting to sound like my stupid apprentice." he muttered.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tyki cursed. While the Noah were easily wiping the floor with these wannabe-knights, he was doing a little harder than the others. This was simply not his fighting-style. He could fight better than many others, but his preferred way of combat was to phase through attacks and pump Tease into his opponents. His actual combat-skills were better then that of other Noah, like Jasdevi when not united, but he was used to actual combat being one-on-one, seeing as exorcists, the only ones who had something he couldn't phase through, didn't come in swarms. So while he could fight these gnats off without too much of a hassle, he still wasn't used to fighting against great numbers. He glanced around.
Jasdevi were doing well enough, relentlessly peppering the enemy with all they had. They had even called out their fake Earl, who was still enough to plow through the enemy's lines like a wild bull through a curtain.
Lulubelle seemed to follow the saying 'Why change something that works well?', as she was once again liquid, with the exception of her whip-like arms. All attempts to capture her ended with blood of the ones foolish enough to try.
Luciano seemed to be getting better with his scythe, as he danced around his enemies while his weapon produced a gray aura that sapped the strength out of his enemies the closer they got to him. Additionally, it seemed to strengthen the weapon as Tyki saw when one of the men blocked Luciano's scythe. When the actual blade was stopped, a afterimage of sorts continued, slashing through the defender's body, withering it to the point that the man dropped to the floor in two pieces. Luciano looked at the corpse, then he swung his scythe above it, reducing the corpse to dust.
One of the men howled in outrage. "Have thou no respect for the fallen?"
Luciano looked at the man. "Respect is for those who deserve it murderer, not for the likes of you." With that, he rammed Morrigan's blade into the ground, then pulling it out forwards creating a slash-wave similar to the one he had sent towards the exorcists. It cleaved the shouter in half.
Tyki sighed as he snapped another neck. They were doing fine, he was doing okay, Road was... "Road!"
The villagers had found her and were carrying her away. "Oh no you don't!" Tyki hissed as he dashed towards the kidnappers, only to be stopped by two villagers.
"Oh yes we do! Say goodbye to the girl, she'll have the honor of becoming a Lady of the Lake!"
Tyki lost his patience. "Out of my way!" He grabbed the two by the heads and rejected. The two heads met with such force that they completely shattered on impact, sending gore splattering in the directions of reject. But the men's suicidal actions had served their purpose, Tyki had lost sight of Road. "Dammit!"
The Noah plus Deminoah jumped together. "What now?" Jasdero asked, seeing that Tyki was well beyond pissed.
Tyki looked thirsty for blood. "No mercy for the damned."
Luciano was imagining what Allen would do to him once he found out he'd let these lunatics take Road, and he wasn't liking what came to mind. He made a swipe with his scythe, the slash killing five attackers and a bunch of trees. "No escape from catastrophe." He added.
Lulbelle nodded. "Genocide seems to be our best option here."
None of the Noah felt like talking about the weird feeling they were all getting ever since they came here. It was hard to identify, but all had reached the shocking conclusion that it was...
...Regret.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allen looked back for what was probably the thousandth time. Arthur's words had reassured him, and they had talked. Allen had told him about his life in the Order, about his life with the Noah, even about the Deminoah and the Level 5's, but he still had this feeling something was terribly wrong. Arthur noticed it.
"H-Have faith in your comrades. I-I know that they're very s-strong, they'll be fine. We're almost at the lake, o-only thirty more yards until the trees end at the shore. It seems that we're lucky, as the fighting seems to have distracted all guards." He said, then he tensed. "Hide!" he hissed, and Allen vanished.
Moments later, a young man stepped out of the woods into Arthur's field of vision. Arthur winced. This was the the last person he wanted to see, his brother Valan.
"Arthur, I need to talk to you." he stated.
Arthur blinked. Valan had never wanted to talk before, so why now? "O-Okay."
"You should leave as soon as you can, this commotion might be your best chance. Let's face it, you don't have what it takes, and your sullying Arthur's name every moment you spend here. It's not forbidden to leave, only to return, so that would be your best option." Valan stated coldly.
Arthur looked down. "I-I'll stay. M-M-Maybe I'll leave someday, b-but right now, there's something I want to do." The last part came out without a stutter.
Valan looked him in the eye. "I see. Do whatever you want."
Arthur nodded and continued to walk towards the lake. He passed his brother and walked on, when Valan talked again. "Your birthday is soon, isn't it?"
Arthur didn't turn around. "I think so."
Valan blinked. "You think? Oh, right I forgot, how should you know your exact birthday, we haven't celebrated it since you were four, so it makes sense."
Arthur nodded silently and continued walking.
Valan continued. "In that case..."
Arthur stopped mid-step. He completely froze. Then, slowly, he turned his head, first looking down, then behind him. A dribble of blood came from the corner of his mouth and dropped on the blade that was run through his chest.
Valan sneered. "...happy birthday, brother."
Arthur opened his mouth. "Why?"
Valan's face turned into a grimace of hatred. "Because unlike everyone else, I'm not an idiot, Arthur. I saw you train by yourself, you have long mastered our style, brought it to new heights. I saw how the water reacted when you were put in it as an infant, and I knew that moment you were Excalibur's wielder. Every time you even get near the lake shivers go through it, and the waters try to crawl to you. The only reason you're seen as weak is because you have some sort of morals binding you. I won't accept having to bow before my younger brother. All these years I destroyed your self-confidence, undermined your progress, hoping you'd just leave or kill yourself. But no, you stubbornly remain here, and now you're heading towards the lake. I won't let you Arthur, I won't let you become a king. Our village is large, and our family has been in charge for generations. As the firstborn and worthy heir, the rule would pass over to me, do you really think I'll let you just take that away? Don't worry brother, I'll tell the others you were brave for once and were killed by a superior enemy. That way, our family's good name won't be sullied and you won't be remembered as the useless maggot that you are."
He raised his sword, preparing to decapitate his brother. Valan's gaze wandered up, and met the the golden gaze of a young man with black hair and cross-marks on his forehead that was draped in a white cloak. "The ghost." He muttered, horrified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allen stared at the scene before him. This man had just skewered his own brother, out of greed for power. This was not something Allen could accept. Compassion welled inside of him, and suddenly Allen felt strange. He was completely calm. All he knew was that there was one thing he had to do, and that was send this man to hell. He charged.
Valan was nervous. The stuff he had heard about this figure were impressive, if not frightening. He was much faster and stronger than any of them, and that was saying something. Also, Valan didn't like the look in the man's eyes. They were empty, devoid of any emotion. He bit his lip to get his head clear, then he kicked Arthur out of the way, not daring to move the sword from a position in which he could quickly react to any and all attacks. It would prove to be useless.
He thrusted his sword forward, hoping that the ghost impaled himself on the unbreakable blade. After all, no sword forged with the waters of the lake had ever even chipped.
Allen moved his head to the right, letting the tip of the blade sail past his ear, then he grabbed it with his left hand, and with a single motion, broke it.
Valan stared in shock at his sword which was suddenly only half its original length. "Impossible!" He gasped, before noticing he had made a mistake: He had taken his eyes off his enemy. Said enemy was holding the broken blade-tip like a dagger and, without a moment's hesitation, rammed it into his leg, shortly above the knee. Valan collapsed to his knees, holding his injured leg, taking his eyes off the enemy for a second time. He looked up just in time to see an ax-kick coming down, right on the broken blade.
He howled in pain as the blade went through his upper leg and pierce his calf, effectively nailing his leg together. His eyes widened in pain and he screamed. But Allen wasn't done yet.
He grabbed the sword-piece Valan had dropped and used his free hand to send a jaw-shattering uppercut to the obviously inferior opponent. Valan shot into the air, passing most treetops in his ascent. He was now high enough that the lake with Excalibur was in clear view.
Then Allen was in front of him, the cloak smashing Valan into a taller tree behind him. Before gravity took a hold on him, a clawed hand pinned him to the tree.
Valan looked at his opponent, and his heart skipped a beat. The ghost was holding his sword, preparing to slam it into his body. "No, please don't!" he begged.
The look in Allen's eyes was absolutely void of emotion, as if he was not conscious. Then, without a moment's hesitation, he rammed the horizontally poised blade into Valan, shortly below the neck. For a short second that extended to an eternity, Allen and Valan simply gazed into each other's eyes, then Allen was gone, descending down to earth while Valan was nailed to the bark. He tried to pull the sword out, but it was impossible. It didn't budge an inch, and Valan felt his strength leave him. Then he noticed something else. The blade had pierced his body in the exact same location he'd stabbed Arthur, a lethal injury that would bleed him dry, but would take a good ten minutes until he finally lost consciousness. Until then, he'd be hanging here, too weak to free himself and out of range of any rescuers. Then he understood. He had heard Arthur mutter that their ways would damn them to hell, and now the devil had come to collect.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Allen landed, he dropped to his knees, clutching his face with his right hand. What had just happened? All he remembered was that bastard stabbing Arthur, then rage, followed by a strange calm. Everything else was just a blur. But right now he had more pressing worries.
Arthur was leaning on a tree, his breathing ragged. Allen ran to him. "Arthur, are you okay?" It was a dumb question, but Arthur managed a smile. "I'll... manage. Let's go, we're almost... there."
Allen looked worried. "Maybe you should rest."
Arthur shook his head. "I'll last... ten minutes at most. We have to... go now." With that, he dragged himself forward, eventually reaching the shoreline. When he looked around, his eyes widened. Allen gasped. "ROAD!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cross had to chuckle when he heard his apprentice. First they dragged a barely conscious Noah to the altar, something that had been a small shock even for him, and now this. Of course Cross would have saved the girl anyways, a lady was a lady after all, no matter which side she fought on, but now it looked like he could relax. But first he brought a bit of distance between the altar and himself, just to be safe. He could still get a clear shot on the priest if things turned grim, but it was unlikely he'd be in the line of fire. Then Cross noticed the other boy with his apprentice. The boy was holding his chest, blood seeping out in between his fingers, but he stubbornly walked on and started to clime the collection of rocks that did a poor imitation of a path. As soon as he climbed the first rock, strong winds started to blow over the lake, nearly blowing the boy into the water.
Allen meanwhile dashed towards the altar where the old man had already raised the dagger. Normally a dagger would be no danger to a Noah, even if it struck the heart, but this one was imbedded with magic that was designed to sever the connection between body and soul, which led to the body's death. In other words, if the old man slammed the dagger into the girl's chest, she'd die. Then Allen's cloak separated from him, spreading over Road and throwing the old man into the sand. Another jumped towards the cloak, his fate was more grim. The cloak knocked him into the lake.
Allen and Cross were the only ones who could see what was happening. The moment his body had passed the shoreline, all spirits had grouped on the man, seemingly wanting to get revenge on at least one of the people who caused all the suffering, and literally tore his soul to shreds. In their infinite rage, they even did the impossible, as they managed to damage the physical body as well. Cross stared in morbid fascination, but Allen gave the screaming man hardly more than a quick glance before grabbing the girl, the clawed cloak having already cut the restraints.
Road curled up to his chest, and looked into his eyes. She looked feverish, and she seemed to be unable to speak loudly. Tears were running from her eyes. Allen, protected by his Innocence, leaned closer the her lips, and the words he heard shocked him. Road's whisper was still nearly impossible to hear, but Allen managed. "Allen, what should I do? I've done horrible things, and I don't know why. Help me." Then she fainted.
Allen stared. What was wrong with Road? Of course she did horrible things, with a sadistic passion he might add, but that was his opinion. For Road to say things like these, something wasn't right. Then he saw that Arthur was almost at the sword. He looked at Crown Clown. "You look after her. If something tries to get close to her that shouldn't, grind it into the dirt!"
The Innocence nodded and Allen dashed to the path. He had already understood that it was the only way to reach the island without being attacked, so he took it.
The winds were bad, pushing him backwards and throwing him around to all sides while soaking him with waves that nearly washed him off on multiple occasions, but Allen managed to reach Arthur just when the boy had reached the stone with the sword.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jesaia cursed profoundly. He was wielding two... borrowed swords that he heated until the tips were glowing white, and manged to keep his opponents at bay with that. But he knew he only did that because he had not other choice, seeing as his arsenal was either designed for one-on-one or wide-area-effect, which in this situation would only endanger his comrades.
Lavi was swinging his hammer like crazy, but he was facing the same problems as Jesaia, added with the fact that the enemies simply didn't give him the time he needed to use any high-powered skills.
At first they had hoped that Val could simply put them down, but they weren't completely stupid, seeing as they had sealed their ears with something. She was having the most trouble, as she just wasn't a close-range fighter and four men attacked her whenever she tried to put the flute to her lips.
Link was using the blades in his sleeves additionally to the talismans to draw blood and gain some air, but with moderate success, seeing as he was outnumbered.
Lenalee used he boots to the best of her abilities, but this time they wouldn't let her leave the ground, so even though her kicks sent her enemies flying, she was also taking a few hits.
Even Kanda was slowly forced backwards, despite the fact that he effortlessly moved down all who dared approach him with his Mugen. But all in all, there wasn't a single one amongst them that didn't have multiple cuts.
At least the waxed ears of their enemies allowed the exorcists to somewhat coordinate their force, so that they were backing away towards each other instead of being herded apart. With a single jump, they stood in a close circle, the enemies deciding to give them a short breather,which only lead them to understand the hopelessness of their situation even more.
Lavi sighed. "There's no way out of this!"
Kanda nodded. "Che, the Usagi unfortunately has a point. We're stronger, but eventually we'll just be overrun."
Jesaia nodded grimly. "This is just ridiculous, how do we fight an army?"
Suddenly, Val's face lightened. "Why, with an army of course."
Lavi frowned. "Sorry, it seems I forgot mine at home, you wouldn't happen to have yours in your pocket, would you?" He said sarcastically.
Val glanced around. "This is the cemetery, right?"
Link nodded. "According to the information we got from that boy, yes. Why?"
Val shook he head. "No time to explain. I can get us out of here, but I'll need at least ten seconds to prepare."
"In that case," Jesaia spoke as he tossed both swords into the air, clapped his hands and created a fire-circle shortly before the attackers "Get going, we'll cover you. Ten seconds, maybe twenty, that's all we can guarantee."
Val nodded. "And that's all I'll need." She grabbed her flute as the first villagers jumped through the flames. "Innocence Level 3 activate: Melody of Blasphemy: Postmortem of Hel: March of the Dead" The melody that she played sent cold shivers down the spines of all who heard it. Ten hard-fought seconds later, she stopped.
"What did you do?" Jesaia asked.
Val gave him a brilliant smile. "I called for help." Suddenly the earth began to shake, which strangely made Val's smile widen, before she started something that sounded like a prophesy or incantation. "The earth rumbles, opening to spit out what should not dwell within this realm. They know no fatigue, they know no distraction, and they know no mercy. Abandon all hopes, for they have arrived."
The ground opened, and hell broke loose.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arthur was breathing heavily, seemingly gathering his last strength. Allen showed up beside him. "Arthur, don't push yourself so hard! You'll die!"
Arthur smiled weakly. "I'll die anyway, but this way it won't be in vain." He climbed on the stone and grabbed the sword, using it to pull himself into a standing position.
Allen bit his lip, he could clearly see that Arthur was using the sword as a crutch and he had no idea where the boy would take the strength to pull it out.
But that's what Arthur did. Slowly, the sword glide out of the stone. When the tip left the stone scabbard, multiple things happened.
A golden shock-wave crumbled the stone, then spread through the lake, all trapped souls shivering in happiness.
The high-priest screaming as the sacrificial-dagger simply shattered, its duty fulfilled.
High in the trees, Valan breathed his last breath, cursing the gods that they only allowed him to die after witnessing what he had tried to stop his entire life.
And suddenly, images appeared in Arthur's head.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arthur saw a boy pulling Excalibur out of a stone, much like he had done. He saw that boy rise to become a legendary king. He saw that king, smiling as he was holding an infant. But then the picture changed. He saw that infant, now a teenager, arguing with his father. Suddenly he heard voices.
"Father, why? Our people are struggling just to survive, the harvest was not good. This is not the time to raise taxes! Already children are hungering, they will starve if you do that! Father, please, rethink your actions."
The king's face was passive. "It was discussed at the Round Table, and you and Lancelot were the only ones that objected. My decision stands Mordred, now begone if you have nothing else to say."
Mordred's face twisted. "Father, your condemning our people to death! As a Knight of the Round Table, it is my duty to protect our people," He drew his sword and pointed it at his King "even if that means that I must bare my blade against my king, against my father."
"Very well." Arthur jumped up, grabbed Excalibur and dashed towards his son. He aimed for the shoulder, intending to cut off Mordred's arm. Merlin would be able to heal him, but he would no longer be able to serve as a knight.
There was a clang of steel meeting steel. Mordred had raised his sword to deflect the strike, and he succeeded. Arthur's eyes widened in shock, before he caught himself. "Begone Sir Mordred, I currently lack the patience to deal with you."
Mordred knew that he was the only one that saw Arthur's eyes widen. The other believed it had simply been a warning, after all, Excalibur cuts through all, unless its master doesn't want it to. He ground his teeth, but teeth, but that his father had called him Sir Mordred meant that it was a order of the king. He bowed his head. "As your Majesty commands." He stated bitterly, before turning and swiftly leaving the throne-room.
Arthur saw the king sitting together with an old man, arguing.
"Merlin, how could Mordred block Excalibur? It's impossible!"
Merlin stroke his beard. "I have only one explanation Arthur. In your hands, Excalibur cut all. In someone else's hands, it was a sword, no different from any other blade. It chose you when you pulled it out of the stone."
Arthur growled. "I know. But what does that explain?"
Merlin looked at him. "Everything. Excalibur has chosen a new master, therefore it is merely a sword in your hands."
Arthur's face reddened. "NONESENSE! EXCALIBUR IS MINE, NO ONE ELSE'S!"
Arthur's view shifted again. He saw he was now close by the lake, at its shores even. He saw two men, locked in mortal combat. One was Mordred, the other wielded Excalibur.
Mordred bit his lip. "Father, I beg of you, cease this madness!"
Arthur's aged face was a grimace of rage. "Silence! You will not take it from me Mordred! Not my kingdom, and certainly not my blade!"
"But I want neither your kingdom nor your sword father! All I wish is that you return to your senses and become the wise king you were before." Mordred pleaded. It was obvious that in terms of sheer skill, he was superior to his aged father, but he didn't want to hurt him.
Arthur grimaced. "Lies!"
Mordred winced. "Is there truly no other way? Must it end like this?" He received no answer. "Very well then, you leave me no choice, father."
The tides turned to Mordred's favor, but the man still hesitated to deal the final blow. A costly mistake. In a moment's hesitation, Mordred froze. His father used that instant to stab his sword into Mordred's chest. In a reflex, Mordred did the same. For a few seconds, neither moved, just stared at each other, Mordred's eyes filled with sadness, Arthur's with rage. Then Mordred opened his mouth, blood flowing out of it "Father." Then he fell.
Arthur stared at his fallen enemy, and slowly, the rage left him. Tears rolled down his eyes. "Mordred? Mordred, my child. My beautiful child, my son. What have I done?"
He staggered away, climbing the rocks that led to the island in the center, ignoring the blood pooling from his own chest. He reached the island, climbed to the highest rock and rammed his sword into it. "Stay within the rock Excalibur, and sleep! Too great is your power, too easily is one corrupted by it! Sleep here, until one worthier than me, who will not fall to the temptation awakens you to defend all that is good in this world!" He shouted, before climbing down, back to where his son was. He shut Mordred's eyes, layed down beside him, and closed his own eyes as well.
Two observers came out of the woods, saddened expressions on their faces. Lancelot spoke first. "Here lie Arthur and Mordred Pendragon, honorable warriors, brave men, true heroes. May they rest in peace." He turned away.
"And what will you do now?" Merlin asked.
Lancelot shrugged. "Perhaps I will become a monk, I have seen enough blood in my life."
Merlin nodded. "A wise decision of a wise man."
Lancelot shook his head. "Of a weary man. I am tired Merlin. I'm much younger than you, but I'm so tired of it all."
Merlin looked at him. "Wisdom and weariness are not bound to age. And I feel the same. Good luck on all your paths."
"And to you." With that, he left.
Merlin turned to the stone. "On you I engrave magic so that the great king's words be more than flowery speech."
Arthur blinked. Was this the true history of Excalibur? If so, why was he worthy? And where was he now? It was definitely not the lake. It was... a throne-room?
And what a grand one. The walls were made of marble, with engravings everywhere. There were two banners of red satin, showing a one-horned lion with wings on its hind-legs, holding a short pole-ax in one hand, a shield with a winged A in the other. But the most impressive thing was the throne.
It looked to be made of solid gold, and it practically screamed power. That image was strengthened by the four gold lion-men that flanked the throne, yet were also part of the throne. They looked like the lions from the banner, only the statues were wielding swords.
No, the most impressive thing was the woman standing next to the throne. She was wearing a golden dress, her brownish hair reaching her lower back. She was looking at him, her eyes were filled with authority, strength and... love? She smiled at him.
"You have returned, for how short it may be."
Arthur gulped. "Who are you Milady?" he asked.
She smiled. "So, your memories haven't returned yet."
Arthur looked at her. "Is that your throne?"
She shook her head. "No, it's not. I take care of things for now, but it's not my throne."
Arthur looked at the throne. "Whose throne is it?"
She smiled. "It's the throne of the true king."
Arthur realized this was leading him nowhere. "Does the A stand for Arthur? Is he the true king?"
The woman shook her head again. "No, Arthur realized that he was weak to the temptation of power, so he never made his bid for this throne. And the A stands for Avalon."
Arthur's eyes widened. Avalon?! "Are you Queen Guinevere?"
She shook her head again. "No, she doesn't reside in Avalon, not yet anyway. But she will soon arrive."
Arthur tried to straiten his thoughts. "Where is the king?"
The woman smiled. "The best leaders are those who only reluctantly pick up the mantle of leadership and are shocked that it fits them well. Our king does not want to be a ruler, as he feels unworthy of such a grand task. Therefore, he reincarnated himself into your world, and will live a mortal life before he returns here once more, this time hopefully more enthusiastic. But I already know, he won't be a king in that life either. I guess a knight was really all he wanted to be." She chuckled.
Arthur looked at her. "Are you his queen?"
She chuckled again. "I'm his mother."
Arthur blushed. "O-Oh. I-I'm sorry, you just looked so young, I-I just thought..."
She laughed out loud. "Why thank you."
Arthur tried to get it together. "Anyways, I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Arthur."
The woman looked at him. "No, it's not."
Arthur blinked. "What?"
The woman looked up. "It seems that you have to go soon. My name is Morgan le Fey."
Arthur's eyes widened. "You're Morgan le Fey? Then the true king is Mordred?" Even while he spoke, Arthur felt himself fading away.
She smiled. "Yes, Mordred is the king of Avalon. And before you leave..." She walked to him, hugged him and kissed him on the forehead. "Come back soon, I miss you."
Arthur was baffled. "Wha...but...I...why?"
Morgan poked him on the nose. "Have fun Mordred."
Then the room was gone, or was it him that vanished?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile with the exorcists, the tides had turned in a disturbing way. The small army that had intended to capture and kill was now desperately fighting for their lives, against an enemy straight out of nightmares: The Dead.
The ground had broken open, and masses of bones had streamed out like blood from a cut. Most of the dead were mere skeletons, but there were a few that seemed recently buried, or worse, only halfway rotted. Then, when the villagers thought it couldn't get any worse, the men they had nailed to the trees as a warning appeared out of the forest.
The exorcists watched in morbid fascination, their enemies suddenly way to busy to bother about them. Kanda smirked. "Interesting."
Val hummed a melody to herself, then she sang out loud.
"Hass und Furcht, habt ihr gesät,
Ein wahres Meisterstück.
Für Reue ist es längst zu spät,
Die Totenwelt, sie schlägt zurück.
Hört ihr was uns rasend macht?
Das ist die Melodie der Schlacht.
Sie singt in unsern Klingen, pfeift im Wind um uns her.
Für euch bedeutet's Leid und Schmerz.
Nicht weniger, nicht mehr."
Lavi stared at the skeletons. "They're dead!" he stated.
Val nodded. "Yes, the dead make wonderful soldiers. They don't need supplies, they never complain," She saw one of the villagers hacking of a skeleton's arm, only for it to attack with the other one while the removed arm started to climb its owner "and they don't stop fighting if they loose a limb or two."
Lavi blinked. "But only god has the right to rule over the deceased."
Val smirked. "Guess why it's called the Melody of Blasphemy."
Lenalee looked at her. "Still, I don't think that you gave them a good order."
Even Jesaia nodded. "I don't know, 'Leave no one alive' sounds a little drastic."
Val rolled her eyes. "Fine." She looked at the dead. "Spare the children, the pregnant," she glanced at the others "and all who surrender!" she turned to her comrades. "Happy?"
Jesaia shrugged. "Not really, but better them than us."
"My thoughts exactly." Lavi added.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arthur awoke, standing tall, Excalibur in hands. He felt a surge of power from the blade, and did something he wanted to do for a while now. He raised his sword in a stab-position, the hilt right next to his head, and thrust it forwards. A blue shock-wave shaped like a beam shot in the direction of the thrust, disappearing in the foliage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inside of the forest, a hidden observer's eyes widened as he saw the blue spear shooting towards him. With a shout of "OH FUCK!", he jumped backwards and started to dash sideways to avoid it. He almost managed, as the last digit of his pinky was caught in the wave and immediately turned black, as if it had died off. The figure hollered in pain.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arthur turned towards Allen. "There was... someone tailing us. He's gone... now." Then he bowed before Allen, and used all his strength to get his words out clearly. "I hereby pledge my loyalty to thee. I am thine to command, I am thy sword that strikes down all who stand in the way of thy path. Wield me as thy blade." He offered Allen Excalibur, holding the blade in a way that its tip was hovering an inch before his throat while the hilt pointed towards Allen.
With his left hand, Allen grabbed the sword. There was a pulse from his arm, and the blue light turned to a pure white. Allen was surprised at how easy it was, as if the sword wished for the change and welcomed the power Allen was sending into it. Allen raised the sword straight into the air, then he slashed the air to his left as the tip of the blade traveled to the earth. One inch above the ground, the blade stopped. However, a cut appeared on the rocks in front of the tip, cutting the entire island as well as the water of the lake. To Allen's amazement, the waters didn't immediately flow back together, but instead stayed split, as if the water hadn't realized it was cut.
'Is this how Moses felt when the seas parted before him?' Allen wondered. Then he raised the legendary sword again, the waters now flowing back together, and used the side of the blade to tap both of Arthur's shoulders. "You may rise."
Arthur rose and accepted the sword. Allen nodded. "Your first order is simple, destroy the altar." Now that the stone and the dagger were gone, Allen could see the spirits were bound by two chains, one leading to the altar, the other one led to the old priest's chest.
"Yes, my lord." Arthur grabbed the sword with both hands and raised it over his head. Then he gave a single slash, that shot towards the altar. Around the altar, runes appeared and formed a barrier, but to the slash, nothing seemed to exist. It split both the altar and the magic that had tried to protect it in half. A second later, the altar exploded, while Arthur collapsed against Allen, blood flowing from his mouth. He looked at Allen. "Allen, was I... useful?"
Allen looked at him. He shook his head. "No Arthur." Arthur looked heartbroken, but Allen wasn't done. "Tools are useful. You... were fantastic."
Arthur smiled. "Thank you. I... only wish, I could have... served... you longer."
Allen's eyes widened. "Arthur, that's it! I hereby offer you a second chance at life, a chance to be my companion. But in return, you will loose your humanity, and enter a ancient war were the number of sides is not as certain as one may believe."
Arthur looked into Allen's eyes, then he smiled. "I am... your sword. Forge me... as you please."
Allen took his hands and focused. The stigmata appeared on Arthur's forehead as usual, but then things got unusual.
Arthur was lifted into the air, as if a invisible entity carried him in his arms. The wound in his chest began to heal, and even the blood vanished. Then the lake began to glow and a dust-like substance rose from it and shot towards Arthur.
Allen noticed the same stuff was coming out of the old priest, and he saw more of it appearing from the forest, and understood. This was the energy of the Innocence that had remained in the lake and strengthened the villagers. Now it was returning to its master.
Arthur felt strange. Suddenly, a flash of images entered his mind, and he understood. He remembered.
The stigmata suddenly turned white, and Arthur's clothes changed. Instead of the dirty garb, he was now wearing a golden armor (Imagine Gilgamesh with his hair down from Fate/Stay Night with blue eyes and a white stigmata on his forehead). Then he floated to the ground, landing in a kneeing position, sword stabbed into the ground and both hands on the end of the hilt.
The old priest went mad with rage. "Arthur? YOU! YOU DON'T DESERVE EXCALIBUR, RETURN IT AT ONCE! ARTHUR!"
The armored boy looked up, and spoke, with a previously unknown authority. "Arthur is dead. He was slain from behind by his brother. I... am Mordred of the Fallen." Then he lost consciousness.
Allen smiled. "Rest, you deserve it." He turned to the priest. "As for you...", Allen jumped, using his power to freeze the water beneath him. The ghosts had seemingly lost interest in him, they instead tried to attack the priest, but something drove them away. Then Allen stood before him, looking down at the small husk of a man.
The man snorted. "What can you do? I am protected by ancient magic, and even old, I am more than a match for you." He swung his cane at Allen's head. Allen saw the strike coming, raised his right arm, caught the cane and broke it like a twig The man gaped. "How? That cane was carved from a tree fed by the lake! And it should have broken your arm!"
Allen smirked, his left eye turning black. "It seems that A... Mordred took back what his sword had given when he awakened. In other words, your swords are now normal pieces of metal, your wood is normal wood, and your village consists of normal people. You are nothing more than an old man with a deeply twisted soul. For all the women you murdered and whose souls are still bound by you, and to keep you from murdering more as you're planning, I'll have to end you. Such is my duty to the world as Compassion."
The old man sneered. "What do you know of our noble duty?!"
Allen looked at him. "That it's over. And it was never noble."
"How dare you?!" Then a snort. "Do you really think you can harm me? I am protected by magic you cannot even begin to comprehend!"
Allen's hand shot forward, grabbing the man's necklace. Runes glowed up, forcing his fingers open. Allen frowned, and focused his power. "If that magic stands between me and what must be done, then I hereby crush it!" With that, his hand formed a fist, and both runes and necklace shattered like glass, before turning to dust. Allen looked at his hand, which was smoking as if it had been burned.
He turned on his heels. "It is done. For your crimes, your victims will lay down your punishment. The rest," he muttered as he walked to Mordred, ignoring the screaming of the old man who was torn apart by angry spirits "is history."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lavi blinked. "What just happened?" he asked.
Jesaia scratched his head. "Well, suddenly a silvery dust left the bodies of the villagers and vanished. As soon as it was gone, they began to fall like flies before the corpses and quickly surrendered."
Lavi nodded. "I know. My question was more focused on what that dust was and why they lost all strength when it was gone."
Link scratched his head. "If I had to guess, I'd say they somehow lost what the Innocence gave them."
Val scratched her cheek. "But what could have the power to take it away? Except maybe what gave it to them."
Everyone's eyes widened. "We're heading for the sword, NOW!" Link shouted. He was not about to fail this!
Val gave a last order to the dead "No villager leaves this clearing until I say so! If they need to use the bathroom, tough luck!" and dashed off with the others.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allen shook Mordred's shoulder. The boy blinked, looked at him, and was suddenly on his feet, standing attention. Allen smiled. "Relax Mordred. From your words earlier I'm guessing you'll join me, right?"
Mordred nodded. "I gave my vow, and that I will not change."
Allen smiled sadly. "Thank you. I'm giving you the same mission I secretly gave Luciano. You will watch my back."
Mordred nodded. "Of course. But why make it a secret? It's a valid order."
Allen shook his head. "I wasn't done. You see, there have been moments I did things I'd normally never do, and recently I'm having trouble remembering them. When I nailed the one who stabbed you to the tree, I didn't remember I did that until I looked up. The Noah fight on the side of the Millennium Earl, who wishes to exterminate mankind. Before I awakened as a Noah, I was fighting against the Earl. Now, I'm afraid of what I might become. Therefore, my order is simple: Watch my back. Because watching my back also means you can stab me in the back. Should I become a monster, that's what I ask of you. Do you accept this request of mine?"
Mordred looked at him. This boy had just ordered him to kill him should he turn into something that stood against his own, noble ideas. Truly, he could not have chosen a worthier lord. "As you command."
Allen looked at him. "You sound different somehow."
Mordred smiled. "I remembered my past life. I am Mordred, son of Arthur and Morgan le Fey" 'and ruler of Avalon.' he mentally added.
Allen shrugged. "At this point, nothing surprises me."
Suddenly, a man with red hair appeared. He was clapping. Mordred drew his sword, but Allen raised a hand, signaling it was okay. "It's just my stupid master." Catching Mordred's raised brows, Allen sighed. "You can say he trained me to fight Akuma. Most of the time, he just threw me to the wolves, sometimes literally, while he was off drinking. For now, he's okay, but if he pulls out anything that even looks like it has something to do with debts, strike him down."
Mordred's lip twitched, but he remained impassive otherwise. However, he held his word ready, prepared to kill the man if he twitched the wrong way.
Cross shook his head. "Stupid apprentice. I put so much energy into teaching you to fight, and then you run off to the enemy. Such a pain in the ass."
Allen frowned. "Most of your energy was put into women while I did the dirty fobs to pay for it all, stupid master. And you already knew about the Fourteenth, didn't you?"
Cross raised his visible brow. "What makes you say that?"
Allen snorted. "While Levrier may be an asshole and not that competent, he did have a point. Your timing on that night was a little too convenient. You appeared right after I killed Mana's Akuma."
Cross smiled. "Who knows? But there is one thing I wonder Allen. Why are you Allen?"
"Is that some sort of philosophical question?"
Cross shook his head. "I was just wondering, did your parents give you that name?"
Allen shook his head. "No, Mana gave me that name."
Cross's gaze turned dim, and Allen knew his thoughts were elsewhere. "It seems that his mind really was starting to slip."
Suddenly, Allen heard the Musician's voice. "So it seems. Of all the names, he gave you that one."
Allen's old worries resurfaced. Had Mana really only thought of him as his brother's reincarnation? 'Why? Was your name Allen?'
The musician laughed. "Oh no, our mother seemed to be psychic, as she gave us names that fitted what we'd eventually do. It's just... maybe another time. But I can assure you that Mana didn't love you because he thought you were my reincarnation, he never believed that, as your name proves."
Allen wanted to ask, but he knew the Musician well enough to tell that if the man didn't want to tell you about something, he didn't. He turned his focus back to Cross.
Suddenly, they noticed that while the spirits of the women had moved on, a single spirit remained. It was a beautiful woman wearing a old, expensive dress. She smiled. "Thank you. The ceremony to become a Lady of the Lake was made for me by Merlin. I wished to protect Arthur's wish and Mordred's sacrifice. Originally, this ceremony was built on self-sacrifice, not sacrificing others. However, a woman who was urged to do what was then considered an honor feared death, and sacrificed a old wandering woman instead. It was then the villagers decided they'd rather sacrifice others than themselves. But the spirits who were forced didn't want to serve, which was why other mages created the altar and the amulet, things that never should have existed. But thanks to you, who destroyed them all, the poor spirits are now free, and knowing that Excalibur is in good hands, I can rest as well."
Allen bowed. "Helping the spirits is my mission in life. To destroy what tortures those who should rest in peace is why I was given my left arm. But before you go, can you tell me your name?"
Mordred spoke. "This is the spirit of Queen Guinevere."
The ghost smiled. "Indeed Mordred, I see you remember me."
Mordred bowed. "A knight never forgets those he served."
Guinevere smiled again. "Good. Protect your master Mordred, for his tasks are grand and a helping hand is never wrong." With that, she faded away.
"Now what?" Allen asked.
Cross looked at him. "Now you take your buddy and your girlfriend and make a run for it before some exorcists show up and I'll be forced to kill you."
Allen nodded, motioned to his Innocence which had been guarding Road like a sheepdog, glanced at Mordred, then they headed for the trees.
Cross gave them a head-start, then he pulled out Judgment and fired. As he had expected, Crown Clown blocked all shots, but to the exorcists who just arrived, it looked like Cross, who had started to gasp as if he was out of breath, was trying to stop the Noah from escaping. He looked at the exorcists.
"They got away, with the sword! And they have the one that wields it!"
Shocked faces stared at him, a single person hiding a smirk. Link turned towards Lenalee. "Exorcist Lee, you're the only one fast enough to catch up, go get that sword!"
Cross shook his head. "Alone against an unknown number of Noah? That's suicide. And I think the sword has already been changed, so it wouldn't be of any use against the Noah anyway. All we can do is return to the Order."
Link ground his teeth. "Dammit." he muttered.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, a different figure held his arm in pain, which had died off and blackened almost all the way up to the elbow. A second figure, a girl, shook her head. "I told you that was a bad idea, and look where it got you."
The first figure, a boy, cursed. "Shut up! Who could've guessed that the sword would be this powerful?!"
The girl raised a brow. "Um, let me think. Everybody? It was called the purest Innocence in existence, and considering what normal Innocence does to Noah and that we react much worse to it, seeing that it was designed as a weapon against us, you'd have to be brain-dead to go near it. Anyways, what about your arm?"
The figure winced. "It's still spreading, and it kills off my soul too. You have to cut off my arm, or I'll perish!"
"At the elbow?" The girl asked.
The boy shook his head. "I can feel it halfway up my upper arm, it just didn't die off there yet. Cut it off at the shoulder, all else will be a waste of time."
The girl looked at him. "Are you sure?"
"JUST CUT MY FUCKING ARM OFF!" the boy shouted.
The girl looked at him, moved, and the severed limb fell to the floor while the former owner screamed in pain.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allen looked at the sight before him. "What is this?" he asked.
Mordred shrugged. "These things fell out of the sky or just lay on the ground. They don't do anything, and we have no use for them, so the villagers just piled them here. Why, do you know what they are?"
Allen nodded. "Yes, these are Akuma, the weapons of the Earl, powered by a human soul."
He looked around and gave a pile of Akuma a kick, then he spotted something. "Mordred, can you get me that white one?"
Mordred grabbed it. "This one with the star on the stomach?"
Allen nodded. "Yes. Are there any more like these?"
Mordred looked at it. "White with a star on the stomach and the forehead? Nope, that's the only one like that."
Allen looked at him. "Then destroy the others. I have something I want to do with this one."
Mordred shrugged, and with a single swing from Excalibur the Akuma exploded.
Allen grabbed the Level 4 and changed it. When the transformation was complete, a teenager with long hair and green irises was kneeling in front of him. Allen looked at it. "Do you have a name?"
The Level 5 shook his head. "None that I can recall."
"What is your ability?" Allen asked.
The Level 5 bowed. "My power is Absolute Law. It allows me to summon my territory where I lay down rules and laws that must be followed. I can force people to act in a certain way, like 'There will be no lying', and I can lay down laws of nature and physics that override the existing ones."
Allen nodded. "Then from now on, you are Metatron, one of my Archangels."
"As you wish."
Allen looked at Mordred. "Lets find the others and get out of here."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tyki bit his lip. The fight had been hard and he had considered going full power, despite the fact that he couldn't control it yet, but a weird turn of events had taken care of the problem. Sparkling dust rose from the men and their weapons, and suddenly Tyki could easily phase through it all again while their foes lost all strength. Needless to say, the battle had practically been over at that point. But the Noah were slowly getting worried. Before the scales had tipped completely in their favor, they had actually let a few younger ones escape. It wasn't that they couldn't have caught them, they had, even if unconsciously, spared them!
But a more important thought had been going through their heads then the sudden surges of humanity going through them, namely Road. Tyki prayed they weren't too late. Road had been severely weakened, scratch that, she was barely conscious. Then Tyki heard the rustling of leaves and immediately summoned two big Tease, while Jasdevi pointed their guns at the foilage. Lulubelle simply turned her hand into a blade.
To their immense relief, Allen stepped out of the bushes, carrying Road bridal. "Thank heaven." Tyki sighed. Then he rose a brow at the golden-armored Mordred and the new Level 5. "Do I want to know?"
Allen shrugged. "Probably not. Not much to say, found a Level 4, I guess it crashed or something, and turned it. As for him, meet Mordred, newest member of the Fallen and wielder of the now Noah-safe Excalibur."
Tyki nodded. "That answers most questions, but maybe I should carry Road. Cyril might kill you."
Allen nodded and handed him Road. "Here, take her. She's looking much better, she'll probably be fine by the time we're back. And since we're currently on the topic, let's go home, I am so sick of this forest."
"Seconded." Tyki, Luciano, Jasdevi, Mordred and even Lulebelle said at the same time.
Allen grinned. "Since we all agree, let's go back. Back to Noah's Arc."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile at the Arc, the Earl grinned. "Finally, it works. Now to test it."
________________________________________________________________________________
And chapter 21 is in the bag! Thank you thank you, far too kind. Again, this is not the norma chapter length, I just wanted to finish the Excalibur-arc. Anyways: FINALLY! OVER 100.000 WORDS FOR THIS STORY! HOORAY FOR ME!
But seriously, this took longer than I thought it would, but I'm also having some problems with my schedule right now, so I'm not sure when my next update will come. As for how long the story will go on, I'm not sure. Probably somewhere between 5-20 more chapters till I'm done, that's all I can say right now.
I revealed some stuff here. Yes, I always planned to have Arthur/Mordred get Excalibur, and that he'd become a Deminoah, why else would I let him meet Allen instead of Lenalee otherwise? And kudos for MysticalKingofthePotatoPeople for guessing everything correctly.
For once, the exorcists and Noah didn't meet, let's face it, they were way too busy with the locals to be bothered with each other.
Abot Val's power: Hel is the Norse goddess of the underworld who gathers all that have not died in battle, gathering an army against Odin for Ragnarok, the day where all ends. And let's face it, in that village, nobody died in battle in a long, long time. That ability is not resurrection, it's more like necromancy. It doesn't restore life, it controls the dead. She didn't gain this power until she became a Deminoah.
My new Noah will probably appear in one of the next few chapters, I want to do something different first.
If someone wants to know what Excalibur looks like, follow this link: .com/art/Durandal-127086382
As for the scene with the throne, while I was looking for a suitable picture for a sword, I stumbled upon this, and it fascinated me. It just seemed to fit. So this is what the throne and Morgan look like: .com/art/Anima-Queen-Elisabetta-46260162
And what Val hummed was from a song by Jan Hegenberg, called "Die Allianz schlägt zurück", though I changed a little. It rougly translates to: Hatred and fear you've sown, a true masterpiece. For regrets it's now too late, the underworld strikes back. Do you hear what drives us into a rage? It's the melody of the battle. It sings in our blades, whistles in the wind around us. For you it means suffering and pain. Nothing less, nothing more.
Now onto the questions.
1. How do you like Val's new power? How am I doing at creating powers?
2. Someone was watching Allen, and he didn't like Innocence. Yes, this will be very important later on. So, who could it be and why was he watching?
3. Arthur got Excalibur, and Allen got Arthur, and a new Archangel! How do you like the outcome? How do you like the Archangel and Mordred?
4. I gave the whole King-Arthur-story my own twist. How did I do?
5. I gave a few subtle hints about certain things in this chapter, people doing things they shouldn't be able to. Can anyone find them?
6. How did you like the song? Did it fit? Should I find more on (rare) occasions?
7. What is the Earl planning?
8. The usual. How did you like it, what can I do better, on a scale from 1 to 10, etc...?
9. Tell me whatever you want to.
To AnimePinkGirl: It wasn't Arthur that called him a ghost, it was his stupid father. But thanks for the review.
To AanimeLoverr29: First of all, I read all my reviews, why would I ask for them otherwise. Secondly, Val will remain in the Order for a while, it's too soon for her to turncoat. And Arthur being like Friedrich wouldn't be something that Allen's eye would miss. Regarding your PM, here's the chapter. I try to get everything done as soon as I can, but between school, private life and my other fics I really can't work on a schedule. The chapters get done when they do, and I learned that being in a hurry only drags the story down. I always try to update fast, but it just doesn't go faster than it goes. Thank you for your interest.
To MysticalKingofthePotatoPeople: First, congratulations for guessing correctly. Secondly, about Allen's sword. You're right of course, it was vital when he was an exorcist. But when he became a Noah, it was vital that he didn't have it, as the Earl would never allow him to even possess the ability to turn his soldiers into normal humans, so Allen had to be unable to use it. But don't worry, I do have something planned with it.
That's all folks, now
Please Review