Welcome back to another week of Veil of Ink and Gold! Yes I'm still here. Work hasn't killed me...yet. It just might though, man I'm dead tired. Seriously I'm going to bed after this. Just a quick reminder that this coming Monday is the last day to guess Luca's birthday. As of Monday October 8th, 2018 at 11:59 I will no long be taking guesses. The winners will be announced in next week's chapter. Now to answer last week's question, if I could tell Tyki one thing about Luca I would tell him that Luca has body art. ;) So this week's question is: What was the biggest surprise to you so far in the story? Now onto the reviews!
Dear Alexc1209, I can say that Tricia and Luca will meet. I haven't decided on the extent of their interaction but I hoping to include her more into the story. I have a feeling that she would make an interesting addition.
Dear Freakinoutagain, Yeah Tyki's having a rough day. He's gonna be having them for a while now. I love to hear any theories you may have on the bite mark and what it may mean. ;)
Dear Guest from the 28th, I'm so glad to hear that. I hope you like this new chapter!
Dear Destiny's Gem, Your review brought a smile to my face. I can't really tell you why. Something about the wording "I never knew I wanted" It brings a warm feeling to my chest. Hope to hear from you again, enjoy!"
Dear SheuOgama, I look forward to seeing if you manage to find all the clues I hid in the chapter. It's like a literary treasure hunt! Please don't hurt yourself as you fangirl. Remember to do it in a safe place. Yes the teez likes to dance like his mistress. Your excitement at Joyd's decision was highly amusing and energetic. I'd love to hear you take on it all. Unfortunately for you Allen and Luca is completely fraternal. They are siblings and nothing more. I can't wait to see your picture of Luca!
Dear Kp, I'm so glad that this chapter lived up to your expectations. I know you've been looking forward for this chapter for a while at least. You loving everything about it was amazing. Joyd does seem to have an interest in Luca huh? Theories are always welcome. As for the Earl and Luca, well that will all be revealed in due time. Unfortunately Tyki and Luca aren't going to see each other for a while. Tyki needs to heal from his wounds and sort a few things out ;) while Luca's got some problems of her own that will require her attention. Fear not they will meet again and just because they don't see each other doesn't mean that they won't be in touch. Oops. I've said too much. Enjoy!
Dear WinterYule, I've been waiting for so long! I'm glad you finally caught up! Knowing that you saw the intensity of the fight was amazing! It was so real to me so knowing that you saw it the same way was fantastic! As for Cross well, read and find out! Yes Luca does know how to use magic. It actually wasn't out of nowhere there are several hints to it if you reread the story. It's alluded to several times. So you think that her mother passed it down to her? Well you'll just have to wait and see! Yeah the fight with Lavi was actually hard to write. I spent a while trying to decide if she should do something about it or not. Eventually it came down to the fact that Luca wouldn't be able to standby and watch. It was different with Tyki for several different reasons. You have to remember that Luca had already fought Mimic and Lulu Bell. She was bound to be tired and that effects Harlequin's ability to move and absorb energy and damage. Even Luca has her limits. I'm excited to know that I managed to keep you on your toes!
Dear 15th, You are going to make me blush with praise like that. Especially considering that you were the first one to ask about Joyd and how he would respond to Luca. You asked about him way back in your first review on chapter 9 and ever since then you've been asking about him and how he would react to her. At the moment I'm trying to decide if he should make another appearance or not. Let me know what you think. I'm glad you liked the puns, I put them in just for you. I just read that part in the manga and the way it was said by the Earl. There was no way that Luca would pass that up. She's just not capable. XD And to answer your question no it's not about the telephone game they played. He doesn't actually know that it was her on the other line, he thought it was Tyki playing around. As for Joyd and his hotness, well yeah he is very hot. He wasn't happy with Cross' interference and then Luca seemingly vanishing from the ark. So you think he was claiming her when he bit her? Maybe she just smelled good? You never know. As I promised before you will see Tyki's etiquette lessons in a few chapters. He's not gonna get a break for a while. As always I love your theories on Sheril and his reaction to Luca! Thanks for the encouragement on my regular life and my new job. Your review made last night possible so thank you! Until next week!
Luca was too exhausted to care that she was sitting on the floor or about the weird face her master was giving her. Every single part of her body ached and she was still bleeding. She vaguely registered that Cross was talking but she didn't care at the moment. She only moved once a door appeared. Pushing herself to her feet she got up and walked through the door, hearing the heavy sound of her Master's boots and the light clicking of Lenalee following after her. Allen was standing at a piano he smiled up at her and Lenalee. Luca rushed over and threw her arms around him. He hugged her back though he glanced suspiciously at the teez perching happily on her head like a bow as if it belonged there. Scor was sitting on her mistress' left shoulder and if golems could pout he would've sworn that the little silver one was doing just that. I guess she's not fond of Luca's new pet. What is she even going to do with that thing? he questioned in his head before turning to glare at his master. There was a more pressing issue.
"Well done, my pupil. Now would you stop glaring at me like that?" Luca reached out and rubbed her brother's back soothingly.
"Why? Why was that music score-" He was cut off.
"COME AND GET IT, ALLEN!" Lavi's shouting rang through the ark sending Allen crashing to the ground and the other three exorcists leaning away from the sheer volume.
Allen sat up, "Food?" he questioned looking around.
"Lavi, he's not a dog." There's Chaoji's voice. Damn. He survived. I was sad that Lavi fell but I was really hoping that Chaoji wouldn't come back, she huffed irritably.
"Oh yeah? Just you watch Chaoji. He will definitely come running! Here boy!"
Luca snorted, "Allen why didn't you tell me you were a dog? Dog biscuits are a lot easier to carry around instead of all these extra snacks." he made a face at her but she just smiled teasingly. She decided to tune out all the arguing that started as Allen and Kanda starting bickering upon reuniting. Honestly boys, she rolled her eyes. She eventually followed the boys out to explore the ark. They wandered around for a while just poke and prodding the buildings. Luca glanced over to see Allen tearfully reuniting with Timcampy.
"Come to think of it I haven't seen you since we parted ways in China. And then things were so hectic that I'd forgotten but I missed you Timcampy!" Luca rolled her eyes with a snort as both her brother and the golem started crying. The golem snuggled into his left cheek. Luca raised an eyebrow when the boy pulled a ruler out of nowhere and held it up. "You've gotten bigger too. Why?" Where did that ruler come from? she questioned silently rather confused as her brother continued to measure the golem.
"Excuse me you two..." Lavi tried to gain the white haired boy's attention with little luck. Kanda had better luck.
"Beansprout! Shut your face!" Luca sighed as Allen turned to glare at him.
"I'm not a beansprout." Kanda ignored him and continued.
"We've looked all over. There isn't a trace of the Noah left."
"Obviously. The Earl was expecting the ark to disappear. He pulled us in here to kill us. He wouldn't leave his precious Noah here." Kanda glared at her but she ignored him. His glare didn't have the same effect on her anymore.
"This has been bothering me for a while. Kanda what's with that huge mark on your chest? You haven't always had that giant tattoo have you?" Kanda turned away from Allen.
"It's none of your business." he huffed. Allen smiled sweetly at him.
"That's not very nice of you, Kanda! C'mon let's play catch with the conversation ball!" the British boy clapped his hands a few times as if trying to encourage the older teen to throw him a ball.
"Shut the hell up!" Lavi sighed and leaned over to Luca.
"Why are they always like this?" They watched as the pair glared at each other. She grinned and leaned over to whisper in his ear.
"Maybe they're secretly in love and this is how they flirt?" she started snickering as Lavi choked on his own spit and began coughing violently. The other three looked over at them to which Luca smiled innocently as she patted her friend on the back. She watched Allen walk over to a random door with Kanda not far behind him. Eyes widening Luca rushed over just as Allen opened the door.
"How the hell do we get out of here Beansprout?!" Kanda growled.
"Allen! Wait!" It was too late and he stepped out into the darkness.
"Ahh! There's no floor!" Lunging after her brother and friends she grabbed onto somebody's wrist and then onto something else. Felt like fabric. She felt the larger hand close around her wrist to hang on better. Glancing down she found that she was hanging on to Kanda with Allen holding on to what was left of Kanda's long jacket. Turning her gaze upwards she found Lavi. She had grabbed his shirt somehow and taken him with her. Poor guy was hanging upside down with Chaoji being the only one to hold them to the ark by Lavi's ankle. Allen looked around at the emptiness.
"I don't think this is the right room."
Luca snorted and rolled her eyes, "Ya don't say? Jeez Allen look before you walk out into nothing!" Kanda's reprimand was much more colorful.
"Damn you Beansprout! If you want to fall to your death do it alone!" Luca glared down at him.
"My name is Allen." Luca groaned.
"Guys stop flailing around down there!"
"You guys are choking me!" Lavi thrashed around trying to loosen the collar of his shirt causing the chain of exorcists to swing dangerously. The teez hung onto the Hungarian's bangs tightly.
"Knock it off Lavi. If you keep doing that we're going to fall." Luca tightened her grip on his shirt. Desperate to hang on.
"Hold on! I'll pull you up!" Chaoji strained while Allen apologized to which Luca just huffed. She knew at the moment it was probably best not to start something. She was still planning on kicking the punk's ungrateful ass.
"Hurry please! Seriously! I'm gonna pass out any moment." Luca saw something glow above Lavi but couldn't see what it was past his body. Suddenly they were flying through the air and then hitting the ground. Allen hit first on his back with Kanda not far behind. Luca groaned when she landed on Kanda's chest hard. She yelped when Lavi landed face first in her breasts. She twitched angrily.
"Would you mind getting the hell off?" She resisted the urge to hit him as it technically wasn't his fault. Apparently her new pet did not agree with her assessment as he (she wasn't completely sure if the golem had a gender but she couldn't keep calling the butterfly it) promptly bit down on Lavi's ear causing the bookman in training to shoot up shrieking in pain. Huh, I should give him a name. But what to call him? Hmmm, she pondered silently as she rolled off Kanda before he could start complaining and insulting her by calling her fat or something. The boys began to talk about Chaoji's innocence. Luca groaned internally, Just great. I was really looking forward to getting rid of him but now it appears he's coming home with us. Just perfect. Peachy. Perhaps there can be an unfortunate accident...
"Anita and the others gave it to me. I just know it." Luca rolled her eyes again. I didn't know that the afterlife had messengers. I've been rolling my eyes around him. This isn't looking good for when we get home. Maybe if I'm lucky an akuma will kill him relatively quickly. Is that mean? she wondered silently before pausing. Oh wait, I don't care! As if sensing his mistress' sour mood and the cause of it the butterfly fluttered over to Chaoji and chomped down on his nose hard. The Chinese man began to screech and flail trying to remove the golem that was hanging on rather determinedly with all it's might.
"Luca! " All three exorcists shouted.
Luca shrugged and questioned, "What? I didn't tell him to do that! I don't have any control over him!"
"Call him off!" Luca shrugged her shoulders again.
"I don't know how!" Allen waved his hands around wildly for a few minutes while he tried to come up with a way to remove the teez. He noted that his sister didn't seem all that concerned with removing the golem. In fact she seemed to be enjoying it rather sadistically.
"Try calling him or something!" Sighing she did as she was told.
"Gambit, come here!" Upon hearing his mistress' voice the little butterfly released the bleeding red nose of the man and flew back over perching on her head rather happily. The Walker siblings would've sworn that the creature was incredibly smug and oh so pleased with himself.
"That thing is evil!" Chaoji shouted pointing an accusing finger at it. Luca glared at the man and growled.
"Don't you dare call Gambit a thing! He's a butterfly. Now get your finger out of my face." Lavi glanced sullenly at it as the girl smacked the large hand away from her personal space.
"A carnivorous one. C'mon Beautiful you can't possibly think about keeping it." She turned her glare on him. "Him, you can't be thinking of keeping him." he corrected though he did note the girl's reaction to the Chinese man. This doesn't look good, he thought.
"She's already named him. Besides I don't think that he'd just go away. This one seems to have a mind of his own. When did he show up?" Allen asked gazing at the insect.
"When you guys started fighting. Probably when he sent that one after Lena." Allen nodded.
"And he hasn't done anything to you?"
"He's just been sitting with me...and biting people. But he hasn't bitten me. Maybe he's a gift?" she offered a shrug.
"Could be. Tyki Mikk seems to really like you." Chaoji glared at the pair. Luca glared back and Gambit took off from her head and started flying menacingly towards the Chinese man again who immediately leaned back away from it.
"Gambit." hearing his name the small creature flew back over. Scor glared at it from her place on Luca's shoulder causing the girl to laugh. Allen joined her.
"I think somebody's jealous." she nodded at her brother's comment.
"I think you might be right. Anyway back to the topic at hand: where did the innocence even come from?" she asked.
"Dunno." Allen shrugged causing the girl to snort at him.
"Speaking of innocence, mine got shattered. I hope it'll be okay." Lavi moaned dejectedly hold up a bag labeled hammer shards. Kanda held a similar bag though his was only labeled Mugen. Allen waved his worries off.
"Komui will fix them. I'm sure of it."
Lavi grimaced causing Luca to snort knowingly, "Yeah but for how much? I nearly cried the last time he fixed Harlequin."
"I'm more worried for Krory, he won't wake up no matter what we try." Luca turned to look at her brother. None of them had gotten up from the ground where they had crashed. "Lenalee and Master are taking care of him right now..." he trailed off as a thought occurred to all the boys at the same time.
"Lenalee and that womanizer?" Kanda spat angrily.
"Alone together?" Lavi asked worriedly causing the group to jump to their feet and go thundering back to the room with the Hungarian following after them at a leisurely pace. Lenalee can take care of herself and wouldn't fall for any of Master's tricks, she thought with a smirk. The boys screamed causing her to enter the room. Cross was rather close to the Chinese teen with his hand cupping her cheek.
"THAT'S A CRIME MASTER!" Allen bellowed.
"We're too late!" Lavi cried. Lenalee tried to clear up the misunderstanding.
"What? Guys no! He was just-" Cross cut her off.
"16 years old is a fully grown woman!"
Lenalee turned to berate the man, "General!" causing Luca to burst out laughing easily defusing the tension. The pair broke apart and Allen insisted on taking Lenalee with him instead leaving Luca with their master instead.
"Luca," she glanced up at her master. She had been rubbing her left shoulder again. The wound still stung all the way down to the bone. "what's with the butterfly?" he questioned examining his daughter.
"It was a gift. The Noah gave it to me before the fight started. He's stuck by me ever since. I doubt that he'll leave my side any time soon." The red haired man got up and walked over to her. He tugged the shredded remains of the collar of her jacket. He glared at the bite mark. It was bleeding again.
"What's this? Did he..." he trailed off still glaring at the wound. She reached up to stop the bleeding but he caught her hand and started to inspect the wound more thoroughly. "He couldn't have..." the man trailed off again as he prodded the wound causing a hiss to escape between her teeth. The area was incredibly sensitive. His finger ghosted over the wound following the shape as if he could believe what it was. That it was there. What had happened to his oldest apprentice? Why did the Noah bite her? What does he gain from it? His instincts should've had him trying to kill her yet this wound isn't life threatening at all. Despite being so close to her jugular vein, he had missed it or avoided it on purpose. But why? Did he want something from her? Was it something only she could do? he pondered as he racked his brain for something unique that only his daughter could offer. She had many abilities and unusual traits but none of them would mean anything to a Noah never mind the memory so why had Joyd bitten her yet not killed her. Had it been on the front of her neck he would've assumed that she had managed to dislodge him before he ripped out her throat but that wasn't the case. "What happened when he bit you?" he finally asked bringing his cigarette to his lips.
"I was trying to distract him from the others. He caught me and pinned me against the wall. Then he licked some of my blood." she pointed to the wound running down the outside of her left eye. It was still bleeding though not as much as it was before. "After that he said "Mine" and ripped my jacket open. He smelled me for a moment then bit down on my shoulder. I fired Harbinger and then crashed into you." He nodded though he didn't allow his face to betray his worry. As if one apprentice having a horrible fate isn't bad enough now the other one has this? It sounded a hell of a lot like a claim and he wasn't ready for that nor was he sure that he could even do something about it. If HE was awake I could ask him as he would probably know but that would mean losing Allen, he groaned mentally. To save one he'd have to lose the other.
Road watched with worry as her uncle paced around in his room restlessly. Almost angrily. When he reached one end of the room he would turn around and start again. It was almost as if he was looking for something in the dark room. She heard the door open behind her allowing some light into the room. The taller Noah whirled around and hissed at the light. Road glanced over her shoulder at the other Noah who had joined her though she didn't dare take her eyes off her uncle completely.
"No change?" she glanced up to meet his gold eyes for a second.
"No. He's been like this ever since he woke up." she had been with him when he had but instead of changing back, Joyd was still in control. Sheril sighed as he watched his younger brother sadly. The man was wandering around his darkened room muttering in a rather deranged manner. Any attempt to talk to Tyki was lost completely. "What about the Earl? He was upset earlier." she asked glancing up at her father again in an attempt to have a normal conversation with the man.
"Bad news. The exorcists stole the old ark. They have the factory and the egg. I believe Lulu Bell is planning to steal it back but she'll have to heal up first. She's got some nasty bruises and cuts. I'm more interested in the burns she's got though." Road sighed. She knew exactly where they had come from. Lulu Bell would heal.
"Butt..." both heads snapped over to the awakened Noah who was scratching at the wall, as if trying to dig his way out, "er...fly." A sharp yank ripped the wallpaper away from the wall. Pieces of rubble fell as he continued to tear at it.
"Did he just speak?" Sheril asked. He hadn't heard an intelligent word from his younger brother since he had woken up.
"Butt...er" Road ran over and grabbed his hand before he could tear more away. "fly." he leaned down to sniff Road only to crinkle his nose and go back to the wall.
"No no no no no no no. The Earl wants you to wait here, Joyd." He turned to look at her again.
"Butter...fly." Sheril blinked a few times from his place by the door.
"He wants a butterfly?" Road just shrugged at him and continued her attempt to keep him from tearing the wall apart though she wasn't having much luck. "I think we have some in the garden? I could send one of the servants out to get it. Do you think that would help?" he was completely out of his depth here. He had never seen anything like this before and thus had no idea how to help at all.
"You could try it. I don't see how it would help but I don't really know what to do either." she shrugged before running over to the window to pull the awakened Noah away from yet another escape attempt.
Luca laughed as Wong came thundering back with Bak leading the charge. They had startled the Asia branch with their sudden arrival but it was the only place that the ark was connected to at the moment. She shook her head as upon seeing Lenalee Bak broke out into hives and Wong had to save him.
"Er...who is that?" Lavi asked looking over at the strange pair. The four teens sweatdropped at the pair.
"That's the branch head, Bak Chang." Allen answered weakly. Lavi leaned over to whisper in Allen's ear.
"Is he okay to be running things?" The question didn't get answered as Rohfa immediately welcomed Allen back with her love sick puppy look. Luca groaned as as the small Chinese girl began to cry.
"I'm so happy to see that you are safe and sound!" Allen panicked while Lavi looked on rather confused.
"Please stop crying!" Lavi looked from Rohfa to Luca who just shrugged her shoulders trying to tune it all out.
"Allen! Who is this girl and why is she crying?" Luca walked over to try and fix the chaos that was quickly unfolding around them. She just barely managed to jump to the side as Cross shoved Allen out of his way via grip on his face.
"Hmmm," The general inspected Rohfa for a moment. "Allen, is this your woman?" Luca snorted while Allen flailed around as the older man started to walk away after examining the scientist making her go red in the face. Both his apprentices snapped their attention over to him.
"Where are you going Master?" Allen asked.
"Allen! He's making a run for it!" Luca shouted having long since learned the signs of a rather abrupt departure for them or their master. Lenalee lunged forward wrapping her arms around the general's waist upon her friend's revelation of the man's intentions.
"Stop General!" Cross froze and looked down at Lenalee who looked up at him, large eyes and cuteness in full effect. She looked up at him pleadingly.
"Please don't disappear again!" Luca was stopped from laughing at the look on everybody's face by the high pitched banshee like scream that came from Bak. She winced and glared at him. While Lavi just stared at the scene before him before leaning down to the Hungarian girl as their friend clung tighter to the general.
"Just who is General Cross?" She gave a non-committal shrug as she wasn't quite sure what kind of answer he was looking for. The Walker siblings and junior bookman looked over at the three scientists who were freaking out. Li Kei now obviously had a crush on Lenalee and Rohfa was still focusing on Cross calling her Allen's woman. Shifu just looked dizzy as Li Kei was shaking him violently in his love-struck daze. The three deadpanned at the scene in front of them.
"Master Bak!" Luca closed her eyes and whimpered but turned to the branch head along with Allen and Lavi. The Chinese man was once again lying on the floor in Wong's arms, a towel over his eyes, and clutching Wong's hand as if he was in immense pain. Luca groaned and rolled her eyes as Bak sobbed.
"First Lenalee's hair! And now her purity!"
"Please pull yourself together Master Bak!" Wong's yelling wasn't helping the massive headache that was starting to pound in the girl's skull.
"Is the Asian Branch really okay?!" Lavi asked looking around at the chaos while Luca just sighed into her hands. She really just wanted to go home and sleep in her own bed for about a month.
"No. I don't think any part of the Black Order is okay." The welcome home was cut short by the appearance of the demon from hell aka the Head Nurse. Every exorcist was dragged straight to the infirmary. Luca hissed as a nurse pulled a bandage rather tight. "This is excessive. I'm fine. Really." The nurse gave her a pointed look, raising a single eyebrow before going back to what she was doing. The nurse got up to grab some more bandages and Luca took the opening. Bolting for the safety of her room was easier said than done. The Order was like a zoo only if every animal had gotten out of their cages. Scientists ran around balancing things and comparing notes, despite all the finders there didn't seem to be enough and all the exorcists were in the infirmary. Luca groaned as she dodged another finder on her way up to her room. "I swear this is ridiculous Scor." The golem floated up and down to agree with her mistress who ducked behind a desk. Head Nurse had entered the room no doubt looking for the escapee. "She's like a freaking bloodhound. I think I'll be safe in my room but I need to get there first. Some food would be good too. I have no idea when the last time Gambit ate was." As if to remind her that she needed food too her stomach growled. "Or I ate for that matter." She glanced over at Johnny who was balancing a huge stack of books. "Mean but he will survive. Gambit go untie Johnny's shoe laces." the butterfly nodded and fluttered over. She heard the man yelp and fall. A small part of her felt bad but it was quickly killed when the nurse went over to see if he was okay. "He'll live." she shrugged and jogged into the cafeteria.
"Luca! I didn't figure I'd see you for a while. The nurses made it sound like you exorcists were hurt pretty bad." she smiled at Jerry.
"Oh you know how they are. Overexagerating things all the time. I'm fine, but I could really use some food. Feel like whipping something up?" He grinned at her.
"Oh you know how I love to do that! So what will it be?" She thought for a moment.
"How about some bread pudding! Oh I love that stuff and yours is just the best!" He laughed.
"It will be right out in a few moments." She smiled again at the thought of food and walked over to the coffee maker to pour herself a cup. She'd need it to hide out. I've got to talk to Master. He's got some explaining to do but Head Nurse is insane. Honestly the woman should worry about the others more, she sighed sipping at the warm liquid. She closed her eyes to savor the soothing feeling spreading in her hands and down her throat. The image of Tyki being consumed by those dark vine like tentacles rose to the surface of her mind. She winced and tried to shake the image away. The sound of his screaming echoed in her ears.
"Stop it." She covered her ears with her hands in an attempt to block out the bone chilling sound. "Go away." The girl clutched at her head tighter, her fingers digging into her scalp, her claw like nails drawing blood from the abused skin. "Stop hurting him." Her shoulders shook and he lunged at her again.
"Luca!" she jumped at the sound of her name drawing her back out of the memory. She turned to see Jerry who was standing next to her, giving her a worried look his hand on her shoulder.
"Are you okay?" She blinked at him a few times and looked down at the shards of porcelain and coffee that now covered the ground by her feet.
"Yeah, I got lost in thought for a moment." She bent down and began picking up the broken pieces of the mug. "I'm sorry about the mess. I must've dropped the cup while I was zoning out. Don't worry about it. I'll clean it up." His expression didn't change.
"Maybe you should still be in the infirmary. I can have somebody go get Head Nurse." Luca jumped cutting her hand on a fragment of porcelain. She hissed at the bleeding wound that run diagonally across her hand. "Oh no! Here." he handed her and towel but she merely put the piece in it and emptied it into the trash. Unwrapping the excess bandaged from around her arm she tied it around her hand.
"It's fine. Is my dinner ready?" He nodded though the concerned look didn't leave his face.
"Yes, perhaps you should talk to somebody about it. You looked upset about something. I couldn't understand what you were mumbling but you were clearly agitated about something." she sighed and took the tray.
"It wouldn't help. What's done is done. There's nothing that can change the past, we can only look to the future now." The Indian man didn't know how to feel about the melancholy tone of voice the normally cheerful and grinning girl used, her green eyes cast upon the floor. "I think I'm going to eat in my room. It's been a long day and I think I've had enough excitement. I'll bring the tray down tomorrow." she waved lazily at him as she took the tray of food and left. Jerry was torn unsure of what to do or what he could even do. He had almost never seen her like this. The others spoke of the battles of victory. Kanda had killed a Noah while Luca and Allen had both defeated one in lone combat. Lavi had even survived a battle with one though he had gotten some assistance from the Hungarian yet the Harlequin user acted as if she had lost something. The Indian man stared after the girl long after she was out of sight.
Luca was on her way to return the tray and her dirty dishes when Head Nurse jumped her having finally tracked down the fugitive exorcist who had dared leave the hospital ward before she had been fully treated never mind healed. Luca hissed violently as the hand clapped onto her shoulder right over the bite mark. The older woman moved her hand, sliding it down the girl's arm before locking it around the girl's small wrist.
"You haven't even been treated completely and you thought it was a good idea to just go wandering off and don't even try to tell me you are fine. I barely touched your shoulder and you flinched and hissed." She glanced back at the girl as she dragged her back to the infirmary. "And your eye is bleeding again. Luca I thought you were the smart one. It will be even worse if they get infected. A beautiful young lady such as yourself should be worried about this wound scarring." Luca sighed.
"I'm a soldier Head Nurse. My beauty as you call it won't kill akuma. I'll never be free so it doesn't really matter." She huffed though her mind started to wander as she was pulled down the hall, I wonder if he thought I was beautiful. Nah, probably not. He probably has all kinds of women throwing themselves at him with the way he looks. He has to be some kind of nobility with clothes that nice. Woman who are dainty and elegant without huge scars or have tried to kill him and almost succeeded in that endeavor, though almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, she shook her head free of these thoughts as the older woman shoved her down onto a clean hospital bed and ordered one of the other nurse to fetch the medical supplies no longer trusting the exorcist who would probably make another escape attempt the moment her back was turned. The Hungarian hissed as the woman poured disinfectant onto her face, her eye closed securely to prevent the medicine from damaging her eye or eyesight.
"These scratches on your face are pretty bad. They might even scar." The older woman spoke as she covered the entire green eye with a large bandage. Luca groaned at the fact that suddenly half her vision was gone but held still none the less. She'd be running into things for a while now until the bandage came off. "Now let's see that shoulder." she removed the jacket from the girl's shoulders. The nurses around her gasped at the once again bleeding wound. She tried to tune them out though the other noise in the room was Komui's sobbing about Lenalee's hair. The Hungarian just listened as the Chinese man sobbed about it as she fidgeted with her own long dark hair idly, feeling a bit awkward about it and the unruly state that it was in. She couldn't help but wonder if anyone would mourn if her hair was lost the way the tall Asian man was doing at this very moment. She laid down on the bed to appease the older woman.
"I made her this pillow that plays a lullaby." Luca looked at the pink and white striped monstrosity. The fake Komui head on the end was singing creepily.
"Sleep, sleep. My Lenalee." Lenalee sweatdropped at it while Luca just looked horrified.
"She doesn't need that." Head Nurse hissed at the man angrily and slammed the door in his face.
Luca sighed, "Well that's gonna haunt my nightmares." As soon as the old woman was out of the room the Hungarian was out of the bed.
"Aren't you supposed to be staying in bed?" Luca grabbed her long hooded cardigan. The knitted fabric soft against her skin and bandages.
"I need to see Allen. I wanna make sure he's okay." Lenalee looked after her friend now worried about her other one. Scor and Gambit fluttered after her. She easily found her brother in the piano room of the ark with a huge bag of food, and Timcampy.
"The path I've chosen, Or did somebody choose it for me?" She leaned against the door with her arms and legs crossed.
"Of course it's your path. Somebody can't choose your path for you. A path is what you leave behind. You make your own path as you go." His eyes darted up to meet hers.
"Hey Lu." The greeting was halfhearted and weak. She sighed and walked over to him, shoving him over so their was room on the bench for her too.
"I can't tell you anything about it. I'd love to but I know as much as you." she pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. "Things...sometimes things happen that we can't explain. I know that Mana is a sensitive topic but you didn't really know a lot about him. Don't think on it too much." She looked up watching Scor and Timcampy chase Gambit around. The two golems had finally accepted the teez as one of their own and were now playing with him. She sighed. She didn't know how to comfort her brother. The pair sat in silence both just thinking while watching the golems dance through the air. The peace was ruined when the door slammed open. The Head Nurse had found them again. Neither Walker sibling escaped her grasp. She dragged them back to the infirmary berating them the whole way. Luca did her best to tune it out as it was the second time that she had heard the rant.
Luca glared at the blond man who was offering Allen a pumpkin pie. Despite his politeness and wording she knew what he really was. A member of Central. Clearly the Order no longer trusted Allen. So much so that they had assigned him a watch dog. Allen was as usual stuffing his face full of food. She vaguely heard Allen and Lavi arguing about the pie but she ignored it. She needed to find her master and find out what was going on.
"The fourteenth?" Allen asked curiously tilting his head to the side. Link, as the man had introduced himself as explained.
"A Noah who was killed by his clan. He was born after the original 13 Noah and nobody knows his name so he's just called the fourteenth. Have you heard of him?" Luca listened intently. It's good to know how much they're sharing. Obviously because they don't trust him they won't tell him everything they know. I'll have to see if I can find out what they know that they aren't sharing, she thought silently. She watched Link stare at Allen. He seemed to suspect something.
"What does any of this have to do with me?" Allen inquired still not understanding what the older man was talking about. Link sighed.
"First of all we'd like some information." He set down a huge stack of papers taller than Luca herself. "I'll need you to fill out this questionnaire and it will have to be done by tomorrow morning." Allen blanched and Luca snorted. She watched as Link began to drag Allen from the room to the library to start filling out all the paperwork. The man suddenly yelped in pain as the black and purple butterfly bit him. He turned to glare at the Hungarian who shrugged. Allen stifled a snicker as the man tried to pry the golem from his skin. In response to it the golem released his nose and bit the finger that was moving to remove him from the flesh. He tore a chunk out as he fluttered back to his mistress.
"Opps." she shrugged mockingly. "You'll have to forgive Gambit. He hasn't eaten yet."
"Walker, you would do well to control that thing." his hissed.
"He has a mind of his own." she spoke innocently but he just glared at her.
"Or it will get squished." Her venomous green eyes narrowed threateningly daring him to try it.
"Baszódj meg (Get fucked)." she snarked back though he didn't understand her at all. "You couldn't do it if you tried. He's far more intelligent than you." She rolled her eyes when he made a face at her. Allen sighed. They hadn't even known each other for a day and the pair was already fighting. This didn't look good for him. Link led him away. Luca stood up abruptly though she did grab the piece of meat for Gambit that she had ordered.
"Where are you going Beautiful?" Lavi asked looked at the girl who was already walking away, her golems flying after her, one of them chewing on a raw piece of meat.
"For a walk. I've lost my appetite." Her words were biting and he almost flinched despite knowing that it wasn't him she was mad at. He sighed as she left. She wasn't very far from the cafeteria when she was surrounded by CROWs.
"Inspector Lvellie wishes to speak to you Luca Walker." she glared at the CROW in front of her.
She spat irritated, "Peachy." the leader moved closer to her.
"You will do well to remember to keep your hands to yourself this time." She snorted and shrugged.
"What? He looked better like that." One of the other's stepped towards her threateningly but the leader held up his hand. She followed them to the small, rather dark room where the inspector was waiting for her. He sat at a table with a sickly sweet smile.
"Good evening Miss Blackwood," he paused. "No, it's Miss Walker now isn't it. How funny that you chose to take your brother's surname. If I remember correctly you aren't actually siblings. Please have a seat." she sat slumped in the chair, one leg crossed over the other. He eyed the butterfly fluttering by her head. The small silver golem sat on her left shoulder, it's tail twitching violently back and forth, almost like a cat.
"Family doesn't end with blood. Just because you're blood doesn't mean that you're family. You have to earn that." Her words were calm but the fire burned in her eyes he noted to himself. Sitting up he placed a platter on the table.
"That's very eloquent Miss Walker. Would you like some cake?" Luca took the piece but picked at it not really eating it but she did offer it to the black and purple golem. The creature refused it. She snorted and put it back down. "Remove that thing from this room." She glanced up at Gambit.
"He stays with me." His eyes narrowed at her.
"Are you arguing with me?" She snorted.
"The last person who tried to remove him from my presence is still missing a rather good size chunk of his flesh. Gambit has a mind of his own and does what he wants." He waved his hand to shoo the butterfly away. It was a mistake. Understanding the intention of the movement the golem sank his teeth into the gloved hand. The girl shrugged as the man tried to shake it off. "Told you so." He was unable to pry it's needle like teeth out of his skin. Sighing the girl called for it, "Gambit. Come here." Immediately the small insect flew back to her.
Lvellie smiled at the girl in front of him doing his best to be pleasant despite the new injury to his hand, "Now it's all very simple Miss Walker I just need you to tel me what you know about the 14th and the previous incarnation of the Noah family." He folded his hands in front of him and placed them gently on the table once the bleeding had stopped. The 16 year old would be easy to fool. She probably won't even know the importance of what she has seen or what it could mean. She's just a surly teenager, he smiled at the thought. Luca looked up at at the man, completely bored. Her head rested in her palm which rested on the table, her piece of cake still untouched except for the fork that was stuck in the middle of it straight up.
"They're all dead." He blinked for a moment then shook his head.
"No, no, no, no." Lvellie spoke firmly. He didn't need the obvious stuff like that.
The girl shrugged, "Alright then, they're all living."
"No, no, no, no." Lvellie spoke seriously but felt like groaning. What on Earth was this girl doing? He had always gotten the impression that she was smart but now he was beginning to question that.
"Well now we're getting into philosophy."
This time he did groan, "We are NOT getting into philosophy. I think that's enough for now Miss Walker. You may leave." He motioned to the door for her to leave.
The Earl stepped into the room, "How is he?" he asked though he stopped to bat away a bright blue butterfly that tried to land on his nose. Both Kamelots looked up at him from where they sat. Joyd was still pacing around the room angrily unwilling to sit down or hold still. The more time that past the more agitated he grew.
"About the same." Road sighed. The Earl looked around at all the butterflies that filled the room.
"What is with all the bugs? We haven't had this ark long enough for them to all get in here all on their own." Sheril sighed.
"He keeps asking for butterflies. So I thought maybe this was what he want. It doesn't seem to be right though. He doesn't seem to be happy with them." As if to confirm the comment Joyd grabbed a butterfly and looked at it for a moment before sticking it in his mouth and chewing thoughtfully. The three other Noah flinched.
"Yeah I don't think that's what he wanted." Road grimaced, feeling a bit sick. Joyd wandered over towards them.
"Butt...er...fly." he moaned looking around. He sniffed at the Earl and got closer. "Butter...fly." he spoke more clearly looking at the Earl expectantly.
"Okay so he definitely wants a butterfly but apparently these ones are wrong?" the Earl spoke looking around at the different species and colors of all the butterflies. "Have you tried giving him one of his teez?"
"Butter...fly." Joyd demanded.
A lone figure moved through the halls silently. Their feet making no sounds, they clung to the shadows avoiding every living thing in them. Even the golems missed the small frame. Two golems floated by her head. The hooded silhouette watched the guards talk for a moment. There were only two of them. That would make things easy. Glancing around, hidden eyes found that there was nobody else in the hall the figure slunk around the corner and over to the guards. Grabbing each by the back of the head, they were smashed together, the bodies crumpling to the ground. A voice called out to the attacker as they rested their hand on the doorknob ready to open it.
"Come in Luca," Ignoring the unconscious bodies of her master's guards Luca opened the door, stepped over them, and closed the door behind her. "We have much to talk about and very little time."
So Luca's sneaking around which is never a good sign. I couldn't help but include the singing pillow! It's just too entertaining and poor Luca. It scares her so. Anyways it didn't take long for her and Link to become good friends. As you all asked Luca now has a pet teez. I can't wait to hear what you all think about him and how he changes Luca's life. Lvellie and Luca are always an interesting. I've hidden a favorite scene from one of my absolute favorite tv shows as a kid. You will see more of that show in here as we go. Poor Tyki, he's having a bad day. Too bad the others can't figure out what it is he's looking for. As always reviews help me survive work! Please don't let me die! Cheshire is out~!