UPDATE: Alrighty, reviews are back online! Apparently this was a site wide problem. People were losing their proverbial shit on the Help forums. Thankfully, the glitch has been corrected, and I'm now able to respond to the reviews I received that I couldn't see before. Thanks again:)
From: WaruWaru
Q: YES. YOU DID FUCK IT UP NOW, CASSANDRA. To explain how conflicted I am, I will now list the thoughts I had while reading this. -Oh, we're off to a good start.
-Whooo! More original chapters!
-On this episode of precarious hill climbing...
-Isolated village drama. Great.
-Aaaaand there's Cas's chapterly ration of non-Callen flirting.
-Isolated kid, walking statue, cute teenage romance... All good here.
-More precarious hill climbing!
-And here is our regular dose of Akuma.
-Moth Akuma *shiversOh, not you again, Lulu Bell.
-NOOO! DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH MY BABIES!
-Problem solved!
-Salim and Katya better have cute children.
-And it's Lulu Bell again!
-Well, we've finally settled down.
-Does Lulu Bell's ultimate plan have something to do with getting Cas too horny for work?
-Neh, she probably doesn't know that Cas's empathy works like that.
-Awkward bathroom scene!
-Awww... Scar bonding!
-And now it's sexual tension. Great.
-Cas, get your mind out of the gutter.
-Cas... what are you doing?
-Oh god no...
-Stoooop! Consent!
-CONSEEEEEEEENT!
-Finally! You've reacted!
-And now Allen is mad.
-Yep, you did fuck up.
-FUCK. SHE FUCKED UP.
-Great, now we need another near-death situation to stress me out and fix this a looooooong review XD But weeeell. This story deserves it. You get the drill.
A: I do not frown upon long reviews in the SLIGHTEST. I appreciate feedback in all shapes and sizes, and this review is definitely one of my favorites. The play by play was quite entertaining
Some thoughts:
-It's actually not an original chapter; this whole arc is anime-only filler. Lulu Bell does not nearly have as big a role in the manga as she does in the anime (I'm not even sure if she's spoken yet)
-'Precarious hill climbing' hilarious
-Yeah, this Akuma freaked me out too; bugs, fucking hate 'em. It flew at the screen and I was like: Eeeeehhh!
-Salim and Katyaare pretty adorable for a one off couple
-You are correct in that assumption that Lulu Bell is unaware of how she makes Cas feel. To be honest, I think she'd be just as embarrassed about it as Cas is. I think Tyki would be thrilled if he found out how he makes her feel though.
-Yeah, the bathroom scene actually made me realize that Allen has seen Cas practically shirtless twice now and both were in entirely non-sexual ways: once when she showed him her heart and again when she was all bandaged up after her encounter with Tyki
-Let's be honest: Cas's mind is ALWAYS in the gutter
-It's been established that Cas likes Allen's torso (and his hair)
-Your reaction to Cas attempting to seduce Allen: priceless
-Her hands went…places
-Poor Allen
-Aren't there always near death situations regardless? This whole anime/manga is stressful as all hell
Anyways, thanks again so much for this wonderful review! :D
From: AmericaNidiot
Q: I, personally, would enjoy Cas as a pole dancer (and I'm glad I can amuse you with my lovechild realization). I wanna know more, too, because how is *SPOILERS* Nana dead but also the Earl? like what? and the thing with older Allen and Neah and ugh, the Walker/Campbell family needs some serious light shined onto it...*END SPOILERS* dammit, it was getting hot and then BAM! everything comes crashing down and I feel hollow on the inside...
A: I think Cas would like ALLEN as a pole dancer. That's a thought, huh? Love child jokes are one of my favorite things XD I KNOW RIGHT! This quarter year serialization is giving me ulcers! I can't wait that long, not to mention that three-month printing has fewer pages than single month printing GRRRR I need answers damn it!
Well, I'm glad you thought it was hot, but yeah, not in a good kind of way.
I imagine Cas probably feels similar
And now here are the reviews from the previous chapter:
From: TitanOfStone
Q: The review not showing up sucks, yeah.
Aaaaaanyways it's awkwardly hilarious when they're still jittery around each other. I laughed-cried at "you can have it all you want you little s***" part. Man, Allen was very venomous then. And a blood angel? Mine God just imagining it looks awesome. Btw 110 is in F right? Or in C? Cuz if it's celcius it means you just give Cas the ability to vaporize f*** water. :p Not that I'm complaning or anything ;)
Great chap, as always. Lookin forward for more!
A: I'm glad you thought that little squabble over food was funny. Yes, I think Allen needs a snickers or something, but I mean, he was still kinda salty about what had happened.
Thanks so much! It is a pretty cool effect. Yes, F; I'm American XD
I deeply appreciate the compliments, and I'm glad you're enjoying the fic.
From: animexxfreakxx
Q: Author-san please stop teasing me so (TT) Allen and Cas! These two are just too adorable for me to handle some times lol.
I love your take on the Noah's abilities affecting Cas. I'm honestly waiting for her and Tykki to have another scene _ oh! And the upping of Cas' abilities! The wings sound awesome... can't wait to see them in actual combat
A: I'm sorry! Really, I am. They are adorable though. Thanks, I'm glad you like that element, and don't worry, Cas's next encounter with Tyki is coming up.
Well, considering how much Allen's Innocence evolves, you can expect something similar for Cas ;)
From: Oz
Q: What a great follow up from your last chapter. I like how you resolved the tension between Allen and Cas. And wings of blood? Why do I get a sense of foreshadowing with that or is that just me?
P.S why haven't Cas and co put two and two together yet when every time Cas gets sick near some people I.e Amir, that they turn out to be Noah's? She's like a human Noah detecter.
P.P.S Keep up the good work! :)
A: Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked the chapter so much. Idk, it might be foreshadowing…
Well, I suppose in this instance, Cas just thought it was her mixed up emotions that was making her ill, but I mean they were a little slow on the uptake that Lulu Bell was following them in canon too…
Cas is a human Noah detector! I died!
Thanks so much. I'm so happy you're enjoying this.
From: YaoiLovinKitsune
Q: Jesus this story got my feels flying around alike a sir Kimlin the II ! I'm for real! Very good story, and I love the Allen x Cas going on but I just love Tyki so much and want him to be in there. Cas being like a tall steamy meatball in sexy manly buns that just squeeze her and hopefully other stuff*wink**wink* well bye bye update soon
A: Awww! I'm happy my story's giving you feels:D
Ah, a Cyki shipper, I see. Well, there is another important scene with them coming up and there is plenty of shipping fodder in the Ark arc and beyond. Like Allen and Road, it gets shippier in later manga chapters and such.
I'm so glad you're enjoying this;)
From: ShadowKat
Q: This chapter made my heart ache. I'm not a big crier, but I definitely felt my eyes stinging. I feel like I relate so much with this particular scene, though not necessarily the same circumstances, if you will. The Shame Train, as one of the previous reviews called it, is certainly not a fun ride.
Have you, the author, had an experience like this yourself? No details, just curious if this chapter was inspired by a personal experience :)
A: Aww! *holds out a tissue* I suppose that's an accomplishment as a writer, but I'm sorry it made you kind of sad.
Well, like you, I can relate to this scene not necessarily in the same circumstances. I've let down friends and family members through my own flaws and like Cas, have struggled with moving past my inborn shortcomings, coming pretty close to giving up on myself from time to time. Forgiveness is difficult to earn as is regaining trust. Becoming aware of one's faults is a really hard thing, trying to move past them is even harder.
Regardless, Allen and Cas are back on track; expect more fluff in future chapters.
I mean…you know…until we get to the Fallen Arc.
From: AmericaNidiot
Q: my stomach was in knots the majority of this chapter. Ewe
A: Oh no! I hope you liked the ending at least!
From: Waru Waru
Q: My review was the lost one *cries in a corner*
Oh well, there wasn't any real question in it, besides me raging on consent XD.
This chapter was another emotional rollercoaster (as expected). However, this one hit me relatively hard... probably because I've experienced that same disgust with myself (well, not on the same scale nor with similar reasons as Cas, but you get it). The tension between Cas and Allen was beautifully written, and Cas's mental state did touch home.
As I predicted in my review that decided to go to Neverland, a stressfull (for me), near death situation was needed to get Callen back on track. The ending was woth the stress, though.
As to what will come... I feel that Cas won't go back to being the same. This may be too based on personal experience, but I think that Cas might be a bit more cautious of her advances in the following chapters... *strokes invisible beard*
Now, I do have a question this time around - when do you write? Since you are in college and all, when do you find time for writing? Do you have to sit down specifically to write, or do you write by pieces whenever you are free? Also, do you write on a notebook first or directly to an electronic device?
I ask this since I was wondering how you manage to squeeze out such beautifully long chapters as frequently as you do XD I'm one curious reader~
-See you next week!
A: Never fear! I saw your review! And I'm so happy I did; I really enjoyed it :D
Yeah, I think just about everyone has been in Cas's shoes in some shape or form; a couple other people have commented on this as well to me. I'm glad you think so, and yeah, Cas is a bit of wreck at the moment: this trauma's got layers.
You are very much correct; Cas has never really hit on Allen all that much, but the longer she's known him the more she's teased him (I mean, his reactions are entertaining) She definitely will ease up on that; although, Cas will have an epiphany in the near future that's going to shake things up…
In answer to your questions: I do have to sit down specifically to write so I can get myself in the right mindset, and I upload on Tuesdays because I have only two classes that day and they're four hours apart with one in the morning and one in the afternoon, so I write in between them. I always write on a laptop because I can type so much faster than handwriting.
Another thing I've found however is that these chapters and this fic just comes so easy to me: working with the OC, the canon characters, the story, all of it. For other fics (like Doctor Who for instance) it can take me weeks to finish just one chapter, but sometime I can do three in a row in a single day for this story (as you've seen)
I also don't sleep…so there's that.
Anways, I hope you enjoy the next chapter~
ONE LAST THING: First off, I want to thank everyone for all the questions and inquiries you've made in previous reviews. I'm flattered you're interested. Now then, if any of you have any questions for CAS directly, feel free to ask away! I'm sure she'll be more than happy to answer them (at the very least, with some prodding from me~)
With that, enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 36: The Girl of the Crystal
Darkness.
A gleam in the distance.
Coldness
Drifting in the shadows.
Am I underwater?
It has always belonged to me.
The light is coming closer
I shouldn't have run away.
A warmth spreading out of the blackness.
And yet, in that moment, I did…
Flashes…Images
A silver crest, covered in blood
Is that...?
I feel strange. I feel…afraid. But it isn't the crushing, constricting terror that I've come to know now. It's almost nostalgic in a sense, the kind of fear I'd experienced as a little kid.
I'm suddenly flashing back to a little five-year-old child, before I was…myself. The first time I used my Innocence.
The Fourteen Place…
My eyes flutter open.
"Cas, are you alright?"
"Huh?" I slowly lift my head. I'm lying face down in the dirt. I glance up, groggy, to see Allen kneeling beside me. "Wha-? What happened?"
"You keeled over there for a second," Lavi replies, standing over me with his hands clasped behind his head. "Heat stroke or something?"
"I dunno…" I reply, slowly shifting onto my knees. I look around to see Allen, Lavi, Lenalee, Krory, and Bookman are all looking at me with similar expressions of concern. "Guys, I'm alright. Really. I think it was just an empathic episode."
Allen raises an eyebrow. "Did it have something to do with the Noah?"
"I-" I shake my head. "I'm not sure. Maybe."
"Regardless of the cause, it is evident that you are weary from the journey," Bookman declares. "I believe it would be in all of our best interests if we find some place to rest soon."
"I agree," Allen says, pulling me to my feet as he stands as well. His stomach growls a minute later and he folds in on himself. "I'm about five seconds away from eating my boots."
I nod in agreement. My insides constrict from a similar emptiness. It feels like it's been weeks since I've eaten.
The walk through the Chinese country side has been grueling, especially with the noon sun of late-July beating down upon us.
The air feels heavy as we struggle along an isolated beaten path, our feet dragging behind us.
Bookman's right. No wonder I passed out.
Lavi glances up at the offending solar, shielding his eyes.
"Jesus, it's hot. I'm so thirsty."
"There should be a town up ahead," Bookman proclaims. "Let us continue on."
So, we do. Trudging along the dusty road in a dismal little queue. Bookman and Krory lead the way, followed by Lavi and Lenalee with Allen and I playing caboose.
After a time, I take off my cloak and throw it over my shoulder, loosening the red tie Allen had given me for my birthday.
I glance towards Lenalee, who's wearing her long black coat over her already heavy Exorcist uniform.
"Aren't you dying, Legs?"
She gives me a weak smile. "I'm fine."
I eye her curiously. Why does she wear a coat over her Exorcist clothes anyways? I mean, isn't the whole point of these things to be a walking bullseye to attract potential Akuma away from innocent humans?
Komui keeps her more sheltered than I thought.
Beside me, Allen groans. He looks miserable. "Are we there yet?"
"Almost, Allen," Lenalee assures him, "Hang in there."
"Cas!" Allen whines, grabbing the end of my cloak and letting it drag him a few paces. "Do you have any more candy bars?" he whispers, scrambling as he fumbles through the garment's pockets.
"If I do, they're probably nothing but a chocolate-flavored puddle at this point."
"Cas!" Allen moans louder, wrapping his arms around my waist and hanging off me, holding me down as I try to walk. "Give me food!"
"Get off me," I lightly chide, gently prying his arms from my torso. "I'm hungry too."
"Hey, look ahead!" Krory suddenly exclaims from the head of the group. We all glance up to see he's flashing us a reassuring smiling, pointing ahead of him. We're just mounting the crest of a hill, and spread out below us, is a vast valley with a sprawling town.
"It's a village!" Allen exclaims.
"Yes!" Lavi pumps his fist in the air. "Drinks!"
"Food! C'mon, Cas!" Allen grabs my hand and yanks me along, making me nearly drop my coat as he pulls me down the hill and towards the city.
"Let's go, Lenalee," Lavi laughs as he takes her hand as well.
I look over my shoulder to see her smiling as he leads her down the hill after us.
They've been really chummy ever since we'd met up with them in Lhasa last week.
I wonder what happened while we were separated from them…
As we approach the gate, I notice that Bookman has held back. I cast a glance over my shoulder to see he's wandered over to a small canal system carved and laden with stone in the ground beside the road. It stretches across the entire perimeter of the village.
However, the water system appears to be flowing with less consistency than usual as nothing more than a thing ribbon of silvery water can be seen rippling along the canal's base.
"Come on, Cas!" Allen yanks me harder, causing me to turn my attention away from the water system, my inquiry as to why Bookman is so interested in it dying in my mouth.
The village gate is a large structure of painted red wood with pagota like slates to make its roof; it matches the buildings of the village's interior: all of them are made of clean white stone with the same grey pagoda roofs.
The streets are polished grey stone and red lantern bob in the breeze as it winds through the silent streets.
We pause on the threshold.
"There's no one here," Lenalee whispers.
In our line of work, this is never a good sign.
"Where is everyone?" Lavi demands.
"Could this place be abandoned?" Krory wonders.
"No! It can't be!" Lavi exclaims, shaking his fists and jumping up and down like a child throwing a tantrum. "What about our drinks?"
"And food," Allen whimpers, his shoulder slumping.
"Stow the negativity, would you?" I rebuke them, lighting my pipe and blowing out a drag of smoke. "If this place is abandoned, it's in remarkably good shape."
"But if people are living here, then where are they?" Lenalee inquires.
We all gaze around the silent streets once more just as another gust of wind rattles the houses, making the lanterns dance vigorously. "There's something weird going on here," Krory declares.
"You are correct."
We turn around to see Bookman has caught up with us.
"There is something unusual about this town. Have you noticed the waterways?"
"I saw you looking at them earlier," I remark, blowing out another puff of smoke. "They're drying up."
The elderly man nods, brushing past us and we all follow him further into the village.
"The waterways run throughout the entire village," he explains as we step over a wooden bridge, beneath which his another part of the canal.
It's almost completely dried up.
"The water hasn't flowed in a long time," a voice calls to us.
We turn around to see a wide-faced man looking at us from across the street.
"Thank goodness," Allen exclaims with a relieved smile. "There's actually someone living in this town."
The man raises an eyebrow. "Are you people travelers? Do you have a place to stay?"
"We don't wish to trouble you," Lenalee asserts.
"It's no problem," the man replies, beckoning to us. "I own a restaurant. Come in and get something eat."
Beside me, I hear the sound of Allen drooling.
"That sounds like a good idea," I add, the promise of food making my insides clench painfully.
"We thank you for your hospitality," Bookman commends as we follow the man into the restaurant across the street. "Would you perhaps tell us what's happened to your village?"
"Can we eat first?" Allen whines.
The man leads us over to a large round table. After a short time, he brings out a large round tray laden with many different kinds of dishes.
I grin as the platter is laid out in front of us.
Second only to Italian food, Asian cuisine is my favorite.
"Please, help yourselves."
"Thank you!" Allen exclaims before sticking his fork through several pieces of chicken at once.
I follow suite, making sure he doesn't snatch everything out from under me.
Eating with Allen always turns into a competition.
While we're layering our plates, the man goes over to a large pot resting in the corner. He opens the wooden lid and ladles out a painstakingly measured portion of water: just enough to fill a small, metal pitcher.
"I'm sorry," he says as he walks the water over to us. "This is all I can offer you."
He then proceeds to fill each of our cups up to just enough that the liquid almost reaches the brim.
"I'm sure it will be enough," Bookman assures him.
The man nods, smiling slightly. "Well then, dig in."
We all go on eating, except Bookman.
"Your people seem to be suffering here."
The man shrugs. "Well, it's easy. We've all been scrambling ever since the town's water supply started drying up."
I look up. "The source?" I ask through a mouthful of rice.
"That's right. You see, there's a good sized like just outside of town," the man explains, "There used to be plenty of water that naturally overflowed into our waterways. However, about a month ago, the water levels started dropping lower and lower, and we can't for the life of us figure out why. It's gotten so serious; we've had to start rationing our drinking water."
Beside me, Allen, who had been taking a swig of his drink, chokes.
"Is there some kind of drought in this area then?" I inquire.
The man shakes his head. "No. According to those of us that have been observing the lake for the source of the problem, even after a heavy rain the water level keeps decreasing."
"That shouldn't be possible," Lavi proclaims.
"How can that be?" Krory agrees.
"It's certainly a mysterious phenomenon," Lenalee agrees.
"Indeed," Bookman nods. "One worth looking into."
"I agree." Allen gets to his feet. "Would it be alright if we took a look at this lake? We might be able to find some overlooked clues that could help."
"Go ahead," the man replies simply, gesturing over his shoulder, "If you go out the gate and make a hard right, keeping going straight and you'll eventually run into it. If you could help us in any way, we'd greatly appreciate it."
"We'll do our best, sir," Lavi replies, jumping to his feet. The rest of us follow suit.
"What?! Why do Cas, Lenalee, and I have to stay in town?" Allen whines as we reach the town limit's.
"Come on, even if we check the lake, that doesn't mean we'll be able to solve the mystery," Lavi lightly chides, "It would make sense if half of us stay behind and talk with the townspeople. Especially about what was going on a month ago. And with Lenalee growing up in China and all, I figured she'd be perfect to talk to them."
Lenalee beams as Lavi winks at her.
"But-" Allen starts to protest.
"If Innocence is the source of the lake drying up, there may be other things in the area as well," Bookman declares pointedly.
Allen falters. "Akuma."
"Right. So, I guess we'll meet back here in an hour or so," I say to Lavi.
He nods. "We'll leave the questioning in your capable hands." He, Bookman and Krory then turn and head off down the path in the direction of the lake. "Good luck to ya."
"Same to you," Allen calls back.
"You guys be careful!" Lenalee adds.
Lavi flashes a grin over his shoulder, "C'mon, Lenalee; I'm always careful."
With that, our three comrades vanish over the side of a hill.
"Alright," Lenalee says as we turn to face the still silent and empty streets, "Let's find someone to talk to."
She marches down the road with Allen at her heel. I'm about to follow, but something makes me pause: a feeling like all of my Blood is suddenly running into my shoes.
I gasp as a freezing, wet feeling engulfs.
"Cas?" Allen turns back around just as I fall down on all fours and retch violently. "Cas!" he rushes over to me, dropping down on his knees and grabbing my shoulders as they shake.
My body heaves, and I cough loudly as freezing liquid dribbles from my chin.
"That's not…" Lenalee trails off as she runs back over to us.
I look down as the clear fluid dribbles down my chin and splatters across the dirt road.
It's not Blood.
It's water.
"Cas." I look up as Allen squeezes my shoulders. "Talk to me. Can you breathe?"
I take a deep breath and thankfully inhale a huge mouthful of air.
I gasp. "Uh huh."
"Well, I think it's safe to say there's definitely something going on here," Lenalee declares as Allen helps me to my feet, "You're like a beacon for this sort of thing, Cas."
"Happy to be of service," I grumble.
Allen grips my arm. "Maybe you should sit down."
"I'm fine," I reply as I wave off his concerns, "Lenalee's right; we should continue with the investigation, and find out what my empathy is trying to say."
Allen raises an eyebrow. "How do you feel?"
"Cold," I reply as I step away from him. "Cold and…scared."
"Are you alright, dearie?" We all turn around just as a kind-looking old woman with long grey hair swept up in a bun hobbles out of a little shop towards us. "I saw what just happened. Did you have some kind of attack?"
"I guess you could say that," I reply, smiling weakly. "But I'm fine now. I-Whoa…" I falter as a wave of dizziness washes over me.
"Cas!" Allen grabs me around the arms, steadying me as I lean on him heavily.
"Oh dear, we must get you out of this heat," the woman declares, beckoning us forward. "Come, come inside for some cold drinks. You all must be stifling in those heavy things."
She then turns, and we follow her into the shade of her open store. Through the main business area and into the living quarters of the building. There's a small but homely little living room with the windows flung wide open to keep the cool air flowing.
"Thank you very much for your kindness," Lenalee says as Allen leads me over to the low sofa.
"Not at all. We don't get many visitors in our isolated little village, so I do my best to be hospitable," the woman replies before vanishing into another room to fetch us some drinks.
As Lenalee wanders about the parlor, examining all the antique looking artifacts lining the walls and shelves, I sit slumped forward on the couch and try not to pass out. The fogginess comes in waves, making me feel like I might puke all over the very fancy carpet at any second.
"How are you doing?" My eyes flit to Allen as he rubs tender circles around my back.
"Not great," I grimace, "I'm sorry about this. I feel like I'm impeding the investigation."
"Don't be," Allen asserts, smiling warmly, "It's no trouble at all, really. You know I'd do anything for you."
I look at him, startled, but the woman returns with a tray of drinks before I can respond.
She passes one to me, and I take a generous sip, feeling the cool liquid clearing my mind almost instantly.
"How's that, dear?"
I nod. "Much better. Thanks."
"Now then, what brings you all to our village anyways?" the woman then inquires as she hands Allen and Lenalee their glasses.
Lenalee takes a sip of her drink before responding. "Well, we actually only happened across your town accidentally, but we've heard you're having water problems, and we'd like to help if it's at all possible.
"Ah, yes," the woman sighs deeply, "It's been such a terrible plight upon us these last few weeks. No one seems to know what to do, not even the fortune teller."
I raise an eyebrow. "Fortune teller?"
"Yes, they could tell anyone's fortune with the help of a crystal ball. They were exceptionally accurate too; nary a false premonition to be seen. The whole town was delighted with how truthful these predictions were. However, about a month ago, they stopped telling their fortunes. No one really knows why."
"A month ago…" Allen trails off, shooting Lenalee and me a knowing glance.
"Thank you very much for your hospitality," the former says to the old woman, getting to her feet, "But we should be going now. Would you mind telling us where the fortune teller lives?"
"I'd be happy to. It's right at the end of this street as a matter of fact: the last house on your right with the big walled courtyard. You can't miss it."
"Thank you," Allen says to her, setting down his empty glass before he turns to me, "Are you alright to stand?"
"I'm fine," I assert, stubbornly getting to my feet without his help, but it makes the room pitch violently, and I almost fall forward.
Something feels really off…like there's a disconnect of some kind.
"Hey, it is okay to lean on me," Alle lightly chides, offering me his arm, "I don't bite."
I scowl slightly, but relent, gripping his elbow as we follow Lenalee to the door.
"That's quite the dedicated boyfriend you've got there, sweetheart," the old woman calls after us, winking at me. "He's a keeper."
My face flames. "Oh no! He's not my-." However, Allen leads me out the door before I can fully get the words out.
Allen and I follow Lenalee down the street in the direction the old woman said the fortune teller's home was.
"There's bound to be some connection between this person and the water shortages," she declares, "It's just too much to be a coincidence."
"It's strange though," Allen remarks, "At this point, we're nearly certain there's Innocence involved here, and yet I haven't seen any Akuma."
"Perhaps they haven't quite caught the scent yet," I surmise.
"That's true," Allen agrees, grinning up at me. "They don't have you to help them out."
I find myself flushing again. "Thank God."
"This is the place," Lenalee calls to us, stopping before a large but secluded home that is heavily fortified by a high wall made of red and white painted stone.
I falter as we approach. "Um, where's the doorbell?"
"Hello?" Lenalee approaches the large red door, "Is anyone home?"
No response.
"Maybe they're out?" Allen offers.
Tentatively, Lenalee places her hand on the handle and the door opens just the barest amount.
We all gather around the crack and peer through it into the garden beyond, only to come face to face with a bent and wrinkled old man all dark eyes and shaggy grey beard.
"Who are you?!"
We all scream and fall jump back as the door swings open all the way.
"Why did you come here?" the man demands, stalking forward and brandishing his cane threateningly.
Geez, he's like my grandmother.
"You see sir, we're doing some investigating," Allen starts as we scramble to our feet.
"And we heard that you stopped telling people's fortunes around the same time the water started drying up," I continue.
"How dare you!" the man exclaims, swinging his cane and we all dive further backward, scrambling to avoid getting struck. "Get out! And don't come back!"
"Wait, please just tell us why you stopped seeing people," Lenalee pleads.
"I have nothing to say to you!"
"But any information you have could help us," Allen insists.
"I said no! Now leave."
"Grandfather?"
A small voice makes us all pause.
"Who's that?" Lenalee inquires as we look over the old man's shoulder to see a tiny little girl around eight or nine standing in the middle of the courtyard. She's wearing a silky pink dress with a crown of smooth white shells tied around her head. Her hair and eyes are both dark brown; the former is short aside from two braids draped across her shoulder and the latter are big and brown as they gaze curiously at us.
Her eyes meet mine and something sparks in the back of my mind.
She looks at me, and her eyes grew wide as they flood with fear.
I'm floored as a wave of emotions surge into me, too much for me to handle.
My hand goes to the side of my hand, fisting a handful of my hair as my skull throbs under my fingers.
My vision swims in and out of focus, and I hardly notice the little girl as she approaches me, despite the faint protests of the old man.
It's like everything else just falls away, and it's juts me and the girl looking up at me with her wide, terrified eyes.
I open my mouth to say something, anything, but the girl places a hand on my chest.
A shock runs through my body, and I convulse, staggering backwards to evade her touch.
"Mei Ling, come inside," the old man cries, grabbing the little girl around the waist and hauling her through the gate, slamming the door behind him.
The world turns a somersault, and I feel like my stomach drops into my shoes.
"Cas, are you…"
I don't hear the rest of Allen's question as I fall to the ground and finally pass out.
A full moon
A place I don't recognize: a forest full of trees without branches…thin, slender and green.
Blood seeping into the dark grass.
My Blood.
Mixing with someone else's.
A shadow standing over me.
Reaching towards me…
My eyes slowly open as the dream seeps away, draining down into the depths of my mind. Reality slowly flows back into clarity.
I find myself lying in a bed I don't recognize, fully clothed and with something cool and damp draped across my forehead.
"Welcome back," I see Allen smiling down at me as he presses the wet washcloth to my brow. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," I reply, slowly sitting up. A quick glance to the window shoes that it's late evening. "Where are we?"
"A hotel," Allen explains, "We brought you here after you collapsed outside the fortune teller's house. Lenalee talked with Lavi and the others a little while ago. They haven't been able to investigate the lake much because there are a lot of townspeople guarding the lake. They don't want a fight, so they're going to wait until it's dark to investigate further."
"I see," I nod distractedly.
"Hey," Allen presses his palm to my forehead. "You okay?"
I shrug. "I don't know…I'm just, confused, I guess."
"That girl," Allen drops his eyes, "Having contact with her seemed to make you freak out. Do you know what that is? Is she a Noah?"
"No," I shake my head firmly. "She's not that. When I encounter a Noah, it's crippling; it's like I can feel my entire body falling under their power, but with her: all I felt was…fear."
"Fear?"
"Her fear, more specifically."
"So, does that make her a-?"
"Yes, I do believe she's at least had contact with the Innocence, but if I can feel her emotions, she's most definitely an Accommodator."
Allen looks thoughtful. "I wonder what happened to make her so afraid, to make them stop telling fortunes." He pauses, stifling a yawn.
"I guess we'll have to try and get them to talk to us tomorrow." I declare, ruffling his hair, "Why don't you get some sleep?"
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'll be fine," I assure him, heaving myself off the bed. I pull off my wrinkled cloak and throw it over my shoulder. "I'm going to go have a wash. I'll see you in the morning."
"Alright. 'Night, Cas."
"Good night, Allen."
I then exit the room, closing the door behind me. Down the hall, I see that the main sitting room of the suite is still fully lit.
I move down the corridor and into the brightly lit lounge to see Lenalee sitting at the low table, a cup of tea in a traditional ceramic cup cradled in her hands.
She glances up as I enter. "Oh! You're awake. How are you feeling?"
"Fine," I say flatly, tossing my cloak onto the couch and sitting down on the floor beside her. "Allen's going to sleep," I add after a moment.
"Good," Lenalee sips her drink. "He's probably tired. He was fussing over you all afternoon."
I raise an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yeah," Lenalee eyes me over the rim of her cup. "He really cares about you."
"Well, I should hope so," I remark, "I consider him my best friend and all; I'd hope that the feeling's mutual."
"That's not what I…" Lenalee drops her eyes, turning from me as her long, deep green pigtails dance around her shoulders, "Never mind."
I eye her oddly. "What is it?"
"Nothing. I'm fine."
It's in this moment, as I look at Lenalee, that I realize that I didn't really know her all that well. Sure, I'd made her acquaintance nearly a year ago, but I hadn't really talked to her during all these months I'd been with the Order. At least, not sat down and had a meaningful conversation or even just an extended discourse that was more than passing small talk.
I can't really say that it strikes me as all that strange that I've been spending more time with my male colleagues than my lone female one. I'd always found that I've related far more to boys my age than girls. With the exception of Emma, I hadn't had any female friends growing up in Waterende.
It didn't bother me necessarily; after all, Lenalee and I were very different girls, and I couldn't really see myself talking to or getting to know her in any other worldly situation.
It did make for a rather awkward conversation at the moment though.
"So, um," I'm cut off, almost thankfully, by an abrupt knock on the door.
"Who could that be?" Lenalee inquires allowed as she gets to her feet and goes over to the door of our motel room.
Almost as soon as she opens it, a tiny figure with a green shawl thrown over her shoulders scampers into the room. I recognize the dark, fearful eyes.
"It's you," I exclaim, getting to my feet. "Mei Ling, right?"
"Y-Yes," the girl replies quietly, averting her eyes. "I'm sorry for coming so late, but I say you today, and I just…" she trails off.
"Why don't you sit down?" Lenalee leads the girl over to the table and gets her settled. "Do you want anything?"
Mei Ling shakes her head, staring intently at her lap.
"Hey, there's no need to be afraid," I assure her, gently clasping her chin between her thumb and forefinger and lifting her face, so she can see my reassuring smile. "We don't bite."
The tips of Mei-Ling's lips curl up into the barest of smiles before it drops down again and a haunting look fill her eyes. "It is you," she whispers, pulling back from me, "It really is you."
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"I saw you this morning, and I recognized you from a vision," Mei Ling explains quietly, "A vision I'd had…I'd had."
"Of the future," I finish grimly.
"Wait! You're the fortune teller?" Lenalee is aghast, "I thought it was your grandfather."
Mei Ling shook her head, "No. I'm the one who tells the fortunes, and I'm so sorry about earlier. My grandfather's just really worried about me, that's why he was so mean and drove you away."
"Oh, don't worry about that," Lenalee assures her.
"Yeah. We're fine, and besides, I don't believe we've been properly introduced," I add. "This is Lenalee," I gesture towards her, "And I'm Cas Williams," I hold out a hand to her.
Mei Ling stares at it oddly.
Out of the corner of my eye I catch Lenalee pointedly gesturing to me.
'We bow here' she mouths.
"Oh! Right," I quickly retract my hand and dip my head in a slight gesture of indication. Mei Ling returns it, still appearing uncertain.
I sigh as I drop to one knee in front of her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Why don't you tell us why you came here tonight?"
"Because-Because I'm worried about the town. The water's almost gone," Mei Ling blurts, tears gathering in her eyes, "Before, I enjoyed telling people's fortunes and seeing how happy it would make them, but now…It's just awful! Everyone's suffering so much."
Lenalee leans forward in her seat. "So then, do you know what's going on?"
Mei Ling sniffs, shaking her head. "No. I don't."
"But you are a fortune teller, right?" I ask of her, "And a pretty damn good one too from what we've heard. If you truly can look into the future, then why don't you use those abilities to see why the water's drying up?"
But Mei Ling just looks at me, the tears falling thicker and faster down her round cheeks. "But I-I'm not able to tell fortunes anymore."
"Oh, Mei Ling, don't cry," Lenalee exclaims, reaching out to wipe some of the tears from her face. "Here." She reaches into the pocket of her coat and pulls out a handkerchief.
"Thank you, Ms. Lenalee," Mei Ling whispers before blowing her nose.
Lenalee smiles. "Oh, please, just Lenalee."
"Okay, Lenalee." Mei Ling's lips curl up once more in just the barest hint of a grin.
"So, why exactly is it that you can't tell fortunes anymore?" I inquire.
Mei Ling closes her eyes, "The only way that I was able to discern fortunes before was through my crystal ball, and I can't now because grandfather and I threw it away."
"Where is it?" Lenalee asks.
"We threw it into the lake…about a month ago."
My heart drops into my stomach; I turn to see my own shock reflected in Lenalee's face.
"You did that a month ago?" she whispers.
"Yes."
"Well then," I get to my feet, "It's probably the crystal ball that's causing the water to dry up."
It made sense now: those visions of a deep darkness, spilling water from my lips on dry land, a sense of disconnect.
An Innocence separated from its Accommodator, crying out for help from the depths.
I glance over at Lenalee to see she's looking at Mei Ling intently.
I felt a funny notion in the pit of my stomach.
Is that…nostalgia?
Before I can question it further, I see Mei Ling's expression and I'm instantly sobered.
She looks horrified. "Are-Are you saying that I'm the one that caused the water to dry up?" Her bottom lip trembles, a sob escaping from her lips.
"No. Of course not," Lenalee asserts, placing her hands on the girl's trembling shoulders. "You couldn't have known."
"The ball's got to be Innocence," I declare, crossing my arms.
Mei Ling looks up at me. "Innocence?"
"Yes, it's an object that contains unbelievable power," Lenalee explains soothingly.
"Mei Ling," I get the girl's attention, "Why did you throw the crystal ball away? What made you do that?"
She pales, her expression stricken.
I feel a surge of burning terror. My knees buckle and I lean against the table as Lenalee comforts Mei Ling, tears spilling from the girl's eyes once more.
"It's because…" Mei Ling's voice is barely a whisper. "We did it…I didn't mean to do anything wrong!" she sobs, burying her face in her hands.
"Hey, it's okay," Lenalee rushes to her once more, "Everything's going to be alright."
I'd just recovered from my surge of empathy when the door suddenly flies open with a bang. Allen bursts into the room, his left eye full activated.
"Cas! Lenalee! Akuma-!" He's cut off when a loud bang goes off behind him.
"Allen!" I shoot out a whip of Blood, pulling him out of harm's way as the doorway behind him erupts into fire. My vision goes white as I fall backwards, holding Allen against me as we hit the ground.
Blinking rapidly, I sit up as the room is plunged into soot and darkness. However, I can still clearly make out the bulky shape of the Akuma sidling into the room.
Mei Ling screams. "What is that thing?"
"Get down!" Lenalee herds her behind the couch just as Allen and I jump to our feet.
He fires his gun and several bullets tears the Akuma apart, opening the doorway and only creating space for the rest of the horde.
Allen jumps into the fray, and I'm about to follow but pause and hurry over to the sofa to grab my Exorcist cloak.
"Where are you going?" Mei Ling whimpers as I throw the cloak over my shoulders.
I shoot her a reassuring smile. "Just stay here, and keep your head down."
Lenalee and I are about to leave to join Allen when I catch sight of Mei Ling looking at me. Her face is chalk white as she stares not at me but at my cloak hanging from my body. Tears slip from her wide eyes as she reaches out with a shaking hand, her fingers brushing ever so slightly against the gleaming badge.
An image flashes in my mind, quick like a fire's shadow when it's disturbed by wind: I see the silver crest covered in Blood.
"NO!" Mei Ling's shriek breaks the spell.
"Mei Ling!" Lenalee cries and I whirl around in time to see the little girl bolt out the door and sprint out into the darkened street, her green shawl falling away behind her.
"Hey, come back!" I yell, about to follow when the ground erupts around my feet, peppered with venomous bullets.
Lenalee and I jump to evade, spilling out into the street. Several coils explode from my clothes and slice the prowling Akuma apart.
"Mei Ling!" Lenalee cries again, taking off in the direction the little girl had vanished.
"Cas?!" I see Allen wrestling with the lingering creatures just as more of them swoop over our heads. "I've got this. Go!"
I nod before jumping up onto the high wall framing the street, chasing the Akuma as they persue Lenalee and Mei Ling.
"Legs!" I yell, launching a spear through the closest one while wrapping a coil around another. I let it pull me down onto the ground, catching a glimpse of Lenalee's bobbing green pigtails as I tuck and roll, hitting the ground amidst the exploding shrapnel.
As I get my bearings, I hear Mei Ling scream.
"Shit," I grit my teeth as I tear around a corner.
I see Lenalee hurrying over to Mei Ling, the terrified girl frozen in place as a gigantic silver serpent Akuma leer down at her while still more Level Is drop down from the sky.
"Legs!"
In a flash of green light, Lenalee's Innocence activates. She kicks backwards, turning a somersault in midair before bringing her Dark Boots down through the Akuma's bodies, kicking them apart.
I twist my body, Blood curling out from my form as I pierce the others, all of them erupting in a cacophony of fire and smoke.
Then I hear Mei Ling scream again.
"No!" I turn as Lenalee sprints forward, following the twisted silhouette of the snake-like Akuma weaving through the sky, something clasped firmly in its claws.
I follow her up until she leaps into the sky, her Dark Boots streaking behind her as she flies upwards towards the Akuma, hands reaching desperately.
I draw up short, a gasp catching in my throat as a violent blast knocks Lenalee back.
"Legs!" I scream as she tumbles through the air in heavy free fall.
"Mei Ling!" she cries out as she falls.
I snarl in frustration. The wings would have come in handy here, but I hadn't been able to do them again since our ordeal in Nepal.
I clench my teeth, my Blood surging in my body as I thrust myself forward, hurling myself into the air. I meet Lenalee halfway as she falls, my arms encircling her, holding her against my chest as Blood unravels from under my clothes and shoot outwards to snag anything and everything in their reach.
We drop down sharply before jerking up as the ropes lose slack, bouncing somewhat. I stand on tiptoes, my boots just touching the ground as the dozens of Blood each gripping different parts of the surrounding walls and roofs and all back to the single point of us, still partially suspended against the webbing.
I look down at Lenalee as she buries her face in my shoulder, crying quietly.
"Mei Ling, no…"
I glance back up in time to see the snake-like Akuma carrying Mei Ling vanish behind the moon.
A/N: So, there we are. Another chapter's done, leave a review, questions for me or for Cas on your way out if you feel so inclined:D