Lotus in the Snow (Snow Queen AU)
Chapter Twenty
Departure
Kanda hardly slept during the night. He couldn't get comfortable. He couldn't keep his eyes closed. His mind wouldn't turn off – Kanda's thoughts just kept jumping from one thing to the next. The Order. The finders. The two akuma Kanda had heard about, or the tattoo that now adorned Kanda's body-
'Fuck this,' Kanda thought, sitting up in bed. Sleep wasn't coming anytime soon, and outside Kanda could see the moon hanging high in the sky.
The whole tattoo procedure had been done hours ago. It had been a peculiar experience, primarily because there had…really no pain at all. This was surprising, since Kanda had anticipated there being some physical discomfort. However, aside from a weird tingling sensation, Kanda hadn't felt anything. The whole ordeal hadn't even taken that long.
"You'll probably notice feeling more restless and energetic the next few days until your body adjusts to it," Komui had informed Kanda upon completing the tattoo. "Don't be fooled – you're still not invincible, so be wary of that."
Yeah, Kanda would be wary of that. Kanda would be wary of everything now. When had his life gotten so complicated? Just a year ago he had been traveling with Daisya, with the simple goal of annihilating as many akuma as possible. But then, Kanda had gone back to the village, and met Alma, and lost Alma…
Kanda paused, taking out the lotus pin he had. He still remembered the first night he met Alma – annoyingly inquisitive and pestering in that church. Kanda recalled how much Alma had aggravated him at the time – heck, Alma was aggravating to think about now in a way ('Why couldn't you have stayed safe, idiot?'). Aggravating, and stupidly naïve, and underserving of whatever might have happened to him.
'One year,' Kanda remembered. One year to try to find Alma.
Kanda was eager for morning to come.
"Lavi, you're next assignment will be in Norway."
Lavi raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by this information. When Komui had requested him to stop by his office so late, he had figured something was up – but he had anticipated his next assignment being elsewhere.
"Yeah? I thought you wanted me and old panda face to head east when we both made it back," Lavi commented, though his words still held enough intrigue to signify he was definitely interested in why Komui was giving him a new assignment.
Komui sipped his coffee – it was the only way he was even still awake by this point. "That's correct, but this assignment needs to take priority now. Between the akuma activity Maosa and Kie reported, and General Cross's potential presence in that area, it's worth looking into. Preferably sooner rather than later," Komui explained as he looked at Lavi. "Bookman hasn't returned yet, but he'll have instructions to join you as soon as possible."
Lavi nodded in understanding. "So, you want me to just scope the area then? I can do that."
"That, and it seems Kanda is also going in that direction," Komui added. A serious look passed over Komui's features. "He's not obliged to report to the Order for a year, but I think it would be wise for you to keep an eye on him for a bit."
Lavi's expression sobered at this. "You want me to watch for anything specific?" He asked, arms crossed.
A thoughtful look passed over Komui, as he tapped his finger to his chin. A few seconds passed before he finally answered. "Just try to make sure he doesn't do anything reckless, or something to get himself killed," Komui spoke. "He'll be useful as an exorcist later on."
Lavi didn't speak right away, but Komui knew the intent had been made clear enough.
Eventually Kanda had gotten some sleep, although it was minimal. Maybe a few hours at best, but as Komui had warned Kanda he did feel more energetic than he had been lately. Even if the sensation were temporary, Kanda couldn't deny he was grateful for it. If anything, he hoped to make more headway traveling with the energy high while he could. If he had to sleep less, that meant he could cover more ground – which would be necessary, given how Kanda was on a time crunch.
It didn't take Kanda long to prepare to leave. As soon as morning had come, Kanda had dressed and gathered any belongings of his (which was minimal). Since Kanda had already confirmed with Komui that he'd be leaving the previous night, he didn't plan on stopping to say bye – the sooner Kanda could leave, the better. He wouldn't own the Order any explanation for the next year.
A knock on the door interrupted Kanda's thoughts, as he glanced over at it warily. He hadn't even answered it, let alone interacted with anyone yet that day, but Kanda was already impatient due to his anxiousness to leave. "Yeah?" He grumbled, hoping that whoever it was wouldn't take long.
"It's me," Lenalee's voice responded.
Grabbing his bag, Kanda went to the door and answered it. Sure enough, Lenalee was standing outside. Kanda noticed she was holding a slightly smaller bag.
Lenalee held up the bag for Kanda. "Here. I got this together for you before you were going to take off – it's some food."
Kanda was a little caught off guard by this, and looked at it somewhat awkwardly. He'd known that he would need to get some food together before he left, but he had just planned on grabbing some things from the kitchen or something. Kanda didn't get why Lenalee had thought she needed to go through any trouble.
"I'm fine-" Kanda started, before Lenalee promptly pushed the bag into his hand.
"Just take it. I made one for Lavi too."
Kanda frowned, and looked back at Lenalee. "Why?" He asked, unable to hide the suspicious edge in his voice.
Lenalee blinked. "Oh, well…I guess he's coming with you."
Kanda stared at Lenalee, just trying to process this bit of news. Lavi was coming? Oh no. Lavi didn't need to come – anyways, didn't he have other assignments and crap to do for the Order?
Kanda's scowl deepened a little. "Tch. That's not happening."
Lenalee laughed softly. "Good luck telling him that – although, I doubt he'll be with you the whole time. I think he's just going in the same direction you are for his next assignment," She explained. "It might be nice if you keep each other company."
No, it'd be nice if Kanda didn't have to deal with Lavi's weird, enigmatic personality and antics for a while.
"Anyways," Lenalee continued, "I wanted to say safe travels before you head out. Komui told me you were probably leaving early this morning."
Kanda nodded, then looked back at the bag Lenalee had given him. "Um, thanks. For this," He offered, somewhat awkwardly.
Lenalee beamed. "You're welcome," She responded. "Oh, and Lavi's downstairs by the canal. There's a ferry leaving the island soon, so you guys should be able to catch that."
Kanda exhaled in exasperation. He really wasn't pleased that he apparently was somehow getting stuck with Lavi, but if what Lenalee said was true then there was no reason Kanda couldn't go his own way once they left the island and got back to the mainland.
After a final farewell to Lenalee, Kanda headed downstairs. Lenalee had given him some directions so he knew just where to go, and as she'd described there was a canal below the Order's European Branch. It was a dark and dimly list area, cool and damp as moisture filled the air. There was a somewhat musty smell as well that Kanda found to be quite unappealing, but he ignored it as he spotted a familiar head of fiery hair in one of the boats.
Upon see Kanda, Lavi grinned. "Hey there, partner!" He greeted, having already gotten into the boat. With him was a finder, who looked to be the one who would be guiding the boat along.
Kanda responded with a glare. "Don't call me that," He warned lowly, before stepping into the boat. It rocked a little, but was still steady.
Once Kanda was seated across from Lavi, he looked at him skeptically. "Why the hell are you here again?"
Lavi's lips remained quirked up into a smile. "Aw, Lenalady didn't tell you I was going in the same direction you were for my next assignment? I figured you'd be happy."
Kanda rolled his eyes. He had prepared to bite back at Lavi's words, when he paused to notice the finder that had started to steer the boat with an oar. Kanda soon recognized him as the finder he had confronted in the dining hall – Maosa.
Lavi noticed where Kanda's attention had fallen. "You remember Maosa, right? He's seeing us out today."
Hearing his name, Maosa glanced back toward Kanda and Lavi, and nodded with a small smile in greeting. Kanda didn't comment or say anything back.
As the boat rowed on, Kanda turned to Lavi. "So, what's this assignment you have?" Kanda asked, naturally wondering what it was that had caused him to inadvertently get stuck with Lavi a bit longer.
Lavi leaned back a little. "Just looking into some activity in the area. There's a general that went MIA a few years back, and he might be in the area," Lavi explained before grinning in Maosa's direction. "Not that it's very likely, is it Maosa?"
Maosa, who was still guiding the boat, glanced back at Lavi. "Not if he was supposed to be where Kie and I were," The finder pointed out. "That area was pretty barren of people…"
Kanda's eyes flickered in Maosa's direction. "But that's where you saw those akuma?"
Maosa nodded, then returned his attention to steering the boat. "Yeah. That still had to be one of the strangest akuma interactions I've ever seen."
"I bet. I don't think I've ever seen two akuma go at it like you described. They definitely couldn't have been level 1 if they had enough of a consciousness to fight each other – or to let you guys get away so easily," Lavi chimed in, before realizing that his words could easily be taken as an insult. Sheepishly, he added, "No offense or anything."
"None taken," Maosa responded good-naturedly.
The group eventually got out of the canal. Musty air was replaced by cool, icy air that instantly cleared Kanda's lungs, and the sky was a startling pale blue. Behind them Kanda could see the European Branch, with several of the crow guards outside. A bitter taste instantly appeared in Kanda's mouth as he recalled his first encounter with them.
It didn't take long for them to reach the main docks where the ferry would be. Once the smaller boat came to a stop, Lavi and Kanda both got out while Maosa remained. "Good luck with everything you two," Maosa offered them.
"Thanks, man," Lavi said, before Maosa began to head back toward the Order.
As they were left on the dock, Kanda looked over, spotting where the ferry was that would be heading to England's mainland. He noticed that it wasn't particularly crowded, save for a few people that seemed to be loading up some cargo.
Lavi spoke up. "So, I guess we're heading to Norway then."
We. Kanda suppressed a groan. "I guess," He mumbled, accepting that Lavi didn't seem to be going anywhere.
Whatever – as long as Kanda didn't get slowed down from his own goal, he would deal with it.
As usual, Lavi didn't seem to be put off by Kanda's lack of enthusiasm. "When we get to the mainland, we should probably see what cargo ships are going where. It'd save us a lot of time if we didn't have to cut through Germany."
Germany – god, Kanda was recovering from the last time he was there. Unwillingly, his mind flickered back to that cabin, and the whole…illusion it brought. He felt his body go rigid as he recalled that moment where he had been with Alma, or who he thought had been Alma, and then…
Kanda stopped right there. He still couldn't think about it.
"Yeah, that works," Kanda agreed stiffly.
Lavi's gaze lingered on Kanda for a fraction of a second longer than normal, and for a moment Kanda thought that Lavi had noticed his discomfort. However, Lavi's attention quickly returned to the ferry. "Well, we better get going then. We've got a long way ahead of us."
Kanda nodded.
Yeah. They did.
"Wiselyyyyy," Road called. "Wisely, help me with my homework!"
There was no immediate answer. As Road entered the large room, she quickly spotted just who she was looking for. At the long, rectangular table was the two twins Jasdero and Devit who looked like they were playing some kind of a board game. Her main target, Wisely, was also present (though he sat a bit away looking quite bored). Actually, if anything, he looked slightly annoyed.
Road didn't care. She approached Wisely immediately, slamming her large textbook onto the table. "Hey! I need help with my arithmetic."
Wisely's attention flickered to Road. "Isn't the point of homework to do it yourself?" Wisely asked, with cool disinterest. "I don't see how you'll ever learn anything otherwise."
Road rolled her eyes. "Of course I'll learn," She countered. "I'll simply learn by watching you do it."
Wisely looked at Road flatly. "I highly doubt that's how it's supposed to work."
Jasdero's shrill laughter pierced through the air, causing Wisely to bite back a grimace.
"Besides," Wisely spoke, teeth slightly gritted. "I couldn't possibly focus with those idiots right there."
Road's molten-colored eyes flitted over to where the twins were, before back to Wisely. She sighed dramatically. "Well fine then," She muttered. Road placed her hand on her hip as she glanced around the room, before moving her attention back to Wisely. "Where's Tyki? I know he'll actually be helpful. Unlike you."
Wisely frowned slightly, before closing his eyes as he pressed his fingers to his head, massaging his scalp slightly. "I don't know," He sighed.
"What do you mean you don't know? He was here earlier!"
"Ugh, don't screech. You have such an annoying voice sometimes," Wisely snapped,.
Road pouted, but when Wisely saw she wasn't speaking he continued. "The Millennium Earl sent him to do something. I don't know what."
"Aw, Tyki always gets to have all the fun," Road complained. Curiosity formulated in her expression as she leaned with her back against the table. "Do you know where he went?"
Wisely shrugged. "No idea. I didn't pay much attention."
Road rolled her eyes. "Wonderful," She bit back sarcastically, before taking her book back with her. "I'm going to find Lero. He'll do my homework for me."
Wisely didn't spare her another glance. "I'm sure he will."
It was crowded where Tyki was. Lots of people. Lots of voices. For some people, the city might have been overwhelming with its smells and noises. Tyki didn't mind though – he frequented cities so much that he had long since grown used to the environment. If anything, Tyki found himself fond of the at times chaotic environment. Things were always a little interesting, and something was always happening.
'Never a dull moment,' Tyki mused, as he saw two people get into some kind of argument not too far away. No. Never a dull moment at all.
Of course, Tyki wasn't just in the city to play around. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a playing card, of which had something written on it.
"That name on the card is who I want you to find," The Millenium Earl explained. "Though it may be tricky. He's been sneaking around for quite a while."
Tyki looked at the name, then back at the Earl. "Alright," He responded. "Though I must ask, is there a reason you're having me look into him now?"
The Earl paused as Tyki looked at him with intrigue. "I might have finally narrowed it down to where he could possibly be," The Earl explained. "If you find him or where he went, it might lead you to that mirror. I want it back still. Even if it's just one piece you find – I can still use it."
Tyki nodded, and slipped the card into his pocket. "Will do," He said, before smiling. "I'm sure it'll be quite fun. Hide and seek is such an
entertaining game."
It would be entertaining for sure. Tyki always had enjoyed those tasks of seeking – it made things exciting, and gave him something to do. Plus, it was an excuse to play the role of human from time to time.
'Now, where will you be hiding…' Tyki thought, as he started walking through the crowd.
With how busy it was, it was hard not to occasionally bump into someone else. For the most part, people didn't really stop to apologize though, and were quick to carry on with their business. A few feet away from Tyki, two other individuals were doing just that.
Lavi snaked through the crowd, with Kanda right behind him. "I'm pretty sure I heard someone say a boat was leaving to Denmark from here," Lavi commented, as he glanced back at Kanda. "If we hurry we can probably catch it."
Kanda nodded, and swiftly followed behind Lavi. Catching that boat would save them quite a bit of travel time, so he wasn't opposed to rushing if it meant being able to catch it.
It was frustrating trying to get through the crowd though, since the throng of people inevitably slowed their movement. Kanda struggled to keep his impatience to a minimum. 'Damn crowds-'
His thought was interrupted as he caught sight of someone. Dark hair, and a familiar cloak – Kanda immediately stiffened, but the person had disappeared within the blink of an eye.
Lavi skidded to a halt a few feet away from Kanda when he saw the other exorcist had stopped. "Kanda, what'd you stop for?" Lavi called to him. "We need to get going!"
Lavi's words got Kanda's attention, though he still found himself hesitant to leave. But, they had a boat to catch, and Kanda didn't have much time.
Without looking back, Kanda continued, leaving the area with Lavi.
A/N: BET YOU GUYS THOUGHT THIS FIC WAS DEAD, HUH? Actually, I did too for a while, and I hate myself for how long this took. I hate myself even more for the fact that after an almost four month hiatus I came back with a damn TRANSITIONAL chapter. ;_; It's short, and I'm rusty, but I mean, a short update is better than no update, yeah? XD
Anyways, time for a monster note.
This hiatus came a bit unexpectedly, because my life got really chaotic (again). For those of you who don't really follow me on Tumblr, I ended up finding out mid-September I'd be able to move and leave the state I was in so I could move to the state I WANTED to go to (which is alllllllllll the way across the US - so a good 2300 miles of driving). So on a total whim I quit my old job, got rid of most of my things, and moved early October where I was staying somewhere temporarily until I could get my own place. Then, I had to move again before October was up because I found a place WAY more quickly than I planned. After that, the next month was me focusing on getting a job - which I finally managed to get one the end of November. SO. Lots of things happened, and it made it really hard to write. Especially with this fic - there's a lot of little plot details that tend to get complicated and tricky to keep track of, so I had to really go back through what I'd written and plotted to get my head back on straight.
I will admit that I /did/ get very discouraged at one point with this fic, because I felt like it wasn't doing well and just wasn't working. But everyone can thank the amazing anon (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE XD) who reached out to me not too long ago and has since gotten me fired back up about getting this fic finished. So yes. Everyone who is still reading this and glad for an update better give a bunch of cookies to this person for actually letting me know they were still reading it. XD Also, a special shoutout to Suckmyinnuendo for helping keep me accountable to get this chapter out! (I love you, and your art btw. You know that because I always gush about it but I'm saying it again. XD)
So, about the chapter. It's the shortest chapter I've posted yet, transitional, and boring. (For me anyways - it was boring to write, and we don't get any Alma here.) But, it was actually sort of necessary to set up for the rest of the chapters - which are about to start snowballing, so you guys are getting a warning now. (The next chapter I have planned is one I've been wanting to get to for a while, so I am relieved to finally be there writing-wise.) We've got Kanda and Lavi FINALLY going somewhere (thank god, they needed to leave that damn European Branch), and the Noah made a little appearance with Tyki on a little mission for the Earl. Who is he looking for, I wonder? Dun dun dunnnnnn.
Anyways, I am sorry for the delay, and the REALLY short chapter. But, at least I got it out before 2018. My resolution will be to finish this fic. XD
As always, feedback is welcome! Happy (belated) holidays to everyone as well!
(ALSO: For people on FF in particular, after this fic I will no longer be posting my work to this site and only to AO3. I've already stopped posting short fics here, so for more you can find me under TheFairieQueen on AO3.)