Disclaimer: I do not own DGM; I only own my OC's and this fanfiction.
Grualonan narrowed his eyes as he gazed out over the smouldering city. The fire had begun to recede; the destruction became more apparent as the smoke cleared.
"Well," Leverrier prompted. "What's the situation?"
The dark skinned man turned.
"There's been some damage, but nothing that Valencia can't recover from," Grualonan answered evenly. Leverrier came to the other man's side and took a look at the sight for himself. Being human his senses were not as keen as Grualonan's. "It's become quiet."
"The battle is over?"
Grualonan pulled his lips back in a smirk. He shook his head.
"I'd imagine that girl still has some fight left in her," he commented. "You should hope your exorcist does too."
Leverrier glowered, returning his eyes to the dimming flames in the distance. He didn't take notice of the other man's change in expression.
Grualonan's attention was drawn to the north of the city. He narrowed his gaze. A sound far off outside of Valencia made his instinct stir.
Lavi didn't know how long he had been unconscious, but when he woke next there was a distinct lack of heat from the fire. He opened his eye to take in his surroundings. Everything was blurred.
The exorcist groaned as he attempted to rise to a seated position. His body ached all over, and his head throbbed with an immense amount of pressure. Nevertheless, he persevered.
"What happened? Did… I really defeat Fidelia…?"
The red-head glanced over his shoulder – his distorted vision having cleared. Behind him lay the cindery rubble of the storehouse. Only small patches of the wreckage were still ablaze, dwindling further as the drizzle dampened the ground.
He saw no movement from underneath the ruin.
Lavi swallowed thickly, tasting the bitter copper of blood. He didn't doubt that his adrenaline had worn off; his body was riddled with far more injuries than he had thought. His muscles felt so tender it was a challenge to even move.
He lightly pressed his fingers over his legs, hips, torso, and then arms. His ribs felt particularly sensitive to the pressure he applied and upon taking a deep breath Lavi couldn't refrain from wincing. He couldn't accurately guess how many bones had been fractured or been brought close to breaking point, he could only assume that his body was in a very fragile state.
"I can't stay here… I should find Leverrier… Tell him it's over-"
Lavi's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of shifting concrete. There were a number of loud thumps and crumbles that echoed from the warehouse ruins. The exorcist dreaded to see what had made them.
Reluctantly, he looked back.
"No," he muttered, barely above a whisper. "How…?"
His words were met with silence. Driven by instinct Lavi jumped to his feet, taking his hammer into hand. His body was in agony at his sudden movement, but he knew he couldn't afford to drop his guard.
Fidelia staggered forth from the wreckage. She looked as though she should have been dead. Her hands had almost returned to human shape, covered only in grey scales that gradually continued to withdraw. Her feet, on the other hand, remained beast-like.
She stopped just metres from Lavi's position, leaning back like she would fall over. Her eyes were open, but unfocused. He heard her ragged breaths and painful wheezes.
"Stop this, Fidelia," Lavi urged. The girl swayed, her fists balling at her sides. "You're in no condition to keep fighting."
"I… w…" Lavi could hardly hear her. "I won't… give up…"
"Fidelia…"
She screamed with what voice she had left, flexing her arms before leaping forward. Lavi batted her back with his hammer and blocked the punches she threw. She took the handle into her own hands turning the situation into a battle of strength. Lavi knew she was weaker because suddenly he was able to hold his ground against her.
Their arms shuddered under the strain. Eventually, Fidelia gave in.
She toppled over and landed flat on her back. Before she tried to stand, Lavi pressed the weight of his hammer to her chest, pinning her to the ground.
"Enough…" Lavi said, breathlessly. "Enough now…"
The exorcist found himself putting his weight on his Innocence to keep himself upright. Fidelia held his gaze, struggling to draw breaths under the mass. She brought her hands to the surface of the hammer and gripped it tightly. She lacked much of her former power.
Lavi pressed harder, squeezing Fidelia's ribcage to force the air out of her. The brunette realised his intentions and tried to fight back. With depleting oxygen in her body, Fidelia was unable to lift the weight from her chest.
"La… vi…" Her face twisted in agony as her bones ground against one another; fractures that were already present only worsened in condition. She was going to suffocate. Tears were welling up at the edges of her eyes from the pain, frustration and fear. Fidelia barely noticed her demeanour turn desperate. "P-please… Lavi…"
Lavi couldn't afford to lose his nerve, not now. He wondered how long Fidelia would last under this force; he could only hope she would die soon.
He shut his eye, blocking out the image of her distressed face.
Sparks began to snap and dance around them as Fidelia's last hope came into play. The gems beneath her eyes reappeared glowing more furious than before. The light and static bolts intensified. The energy coursed into Lavi's body, sending shockwaves through each and every bone and muscle.
It was a burning, agonising sensation not too different from an intense electric shock. The pain was enough to make Lavi scream and lose his grip on the situation, setting Fidelia free.
The shocks diminished after Fidelia had regained her stance. She seized the opportunity while it was still there and tackled the exorcist to the ground.
Jagged pieces of debris stuck into Lavi's back and shoulders. No longer stunned, Lavi brought his hands to Fidelia's. Her fingers dug into the sides of his neck as she attempted to give him the same punishment.
There was no way Lavi would be able to throw her off – she had straddled him to the ground, digging her large talons into the rubble as an anchor. Breathing became more difficult by the second as Fidelia proceeded to strangle him. She struggled to hold herself up, burying her face into his chest as she channelled all of her might into her hands.
Lavi's fingers tried to get under the girl's hands; her nails were definitely drawing blood. In desperation, Lavi reached out his right arm to the side to search for a weapon; his hammer having been dropped in the electrifying attack earlier.
His vision blurred at the edges and his lungs burned with the desire for new air. Combined with the burning was an increasing dampness – Fidelia was crying.
His hand fell onto something sharp and instinctively he took hold of it, not caring whether it cut his own flesh or not. He brought the object up and slammed it mercilessly into Fidelia's side.
The shard of glass – presumably from a shattered window – bit through Fidelia's skin. Lavi felt and heard her howl against him, tears spilling from her eyes. She didn't relent, so Lavi pushed the fragment deeper and deeper, twisting it even. His hand grew hot with the blood that gushed from her wound.
Lavi kept cutting into Fidelia until finally he felt her grip ease. His fingers were finally able to slide beneath her hands and he pulled them away from his throat. He relished every breath he took, despite pain and stench of bloodshed that came every time.
Fidelia hadn't moved from her position and remained on his chest, whimpering quietly. She no longer seemed capable of fighting, whether from the loss of blood or sheer exhaustion – if not both.
Her sobs perplexed Lavi.
He wasn't sure how to react, whether to force her off or be gentle about it. He didn't get a choice to decide.
A beastly growl erupted above Fidelia's moans. Fidelia was suddenly pulled off of Lavi by an unknown force. It hadn't been what he had expected when he sat up.
"Eerios?"
The rich brown fur and copper eyes were unmistakable on the wolf.
He dragged Fidelia's body back further, growling with every tug until finally he dropped her flat on the ground. He pressed a paw to her shoulder and held her in place.
"I came as soon as I could," Eerios finally said between huffs. "Are you badly hurt, Lavi?"
"I'll live," he answered. "But how did you know what was going on?"
"There is a lot that needs to be explained, but for now we need to secure Fidelia." Eerios glanced down at the girl beneath his paw. Her eyes were closed – brows knitted in a pained frown. "Tell me, did you see another dragon, Lavi?"
Lavi had been relocating his Innocence when Eerios's question came. He stiffened, unsure of how to answer. Eerios noticed this.
"Judging by that reaction, I would assume you have seen him… This is bad…"
"What's going on, Eerios?" Lavi asked. He needed answers.
"As I expected, the council have gotten involved, but," he paused before proceeding. "I believe there's a rogue within the circle of Elders who's working for his own gains. He's using Fidelia's case to win the Supreme Elder's favour. I don't know what he plans to do once he gains power, but I cannot imagine the outcome to be positive…"
The three fell into silence. The drizzle finally came to a stop.
"What will happen to Fidelia?" Lavi inquired. Eerios remained quiet for a while – for he, himself was not sure of her fate.
"She'll be executed."
Both Eerios and Lavi turned their heads, following the voice that had interrupted. Eerios removed his paw from the girl's shoulder and faced the newcomers.
"Such a fate is befitting for a criminal like her," Leverrier stated. "Wouldn't you agree?"
Eerios stepped forward, the hair on the back of his neck standing tall. His aggression was not directed to Leverrier, but the man who stood at his side. Grualonan.
"There are other ways this situation can be dealt with; she does not have to be killed!"
Leverrier's expression remained the same; Grualonan held his glare. The inspector was not swayed by Eerios's words in the slightest.
"My interests do not lie with the dragons but with the Black Order. The knowledge Fidelia holds cannot be exposed. I intend to deal with her and her accomplice all at once," Leverrier said darkly. "We have a common enemy; this is the best way to deal with it."
"Heh," Eerios huffed. "You really picked a winner, didn't you Grualonan…"
Grualonan stepped ahead of Leverrier – his eyes focused on the wolf.
"Step aside, Eerios," he commanded. "The exorcist must carry out his orders."
Eerios darted his head across to Lavi who was paralysed where he stood. The exorcist was weakly holding onto his Innocence, stuck for a decision. Eerios drew his eyes back to Grualonan before taking slow steps backwards until his body was over Fidelia. He would not let Grualonan go through with his plans.
"Step aside," he repeated, firmer. He advanced a step towards Eerios who had lowered himself protectively over Fidelia.
"Lavi!" Leverrier yelled. His temper was reaching its threshold. "Kill her now!"
The red-haired exorcist gazed anxiously between the three – why was he being so indecisive?
"Don't do it, there's another way!" Eerios countered.
If he didn't obey, Leverrier would ruin everything. His future as bookman was in jeopardy and yet he hesitated. The look in Eerios's copper eyes were of pure desperation.
Why couldn't he find his neutrality when he needed it most?
"You meddling fool," Grualonan snapped. "You're interfering with council business!"
Eerios didn't react the way everyone had expected him to. The wolf didn't recoil, nor did he attempt to defend himself. He didn't have to.
Just as Grualonan's beastly shadow was on top of Eerios, another shape burst into view.
Grualonan was halted in his tracks by a wild flurry of feathers. The humble guise of an eagle was ripped away, replaced by the lithe form of a yellow serpentine dragon. Having swooped down from flight, the yellow dragon wrapped its long body around Grualonan – the force pushing him backwards, away from Eerios.
The two dragons clamoured and snarled; Grualonan's body shimmered with an amber glow as his scales seemingly ignited into flames. His attacker hissed and countered with a transformation of its own.
The serpent's yellow scales liquefied and turned transparent. It splashed and churned, like a river suspended in the air.
"Lavi!"
The red-head snapped from his trace as the wolf beckoned him.
"We have to get Fidelia to safety," Eerios suggested. "Liryd can handle this."
Lavi put his trust in his ally and moved to his aid. Hoisting the girl's limp body over his back, the exorcist began to retreat alongside the wolf. He was in pain, but he persevered.
Through the thick of the fight, Leverrier saw Lavi escape. His blood simmered with rage.
"Traitor!" He hollered. The inspector would have pursued them if he had a way around the brawling dragons.
Eerios led the way, sprinting ahead of Lavi to find a safe passage through the crumbling ruins of the city. The wolf tried not to let himself get frustrated with Lavi's slow pace. As soon as the exorcist caught up, Eerios bolted off down the next street.
Lavi halted at the third street corner; he needed to catch his breath. Fidelia's head rested beside his; she was still unconscious. He could see her flesh was paling – her wound was likely still bleeding.
Lavi urged himself to keep going. Another wave of adrenaline kicked in as he chased after Eerios once more.
"If you're still in there, Kiyre," Lavi thought aloud. "I hope you'll accept this as my apology."
He didn't expect her to answer. His words were for his own comfort. Lavi had a lot to contemplate as he carried the brunette.
Eerios came to a stop in a small alley. The cobbled path ended at the opening of the passageway, replaced by a sparse cover of grass and dirt.
As Lavi laid Fidelia's body on the ground, the extent of her injuries became apparent. Her open wounds had stained the remnants of her dress a deep red.
The exorcist pulled the scarf from his shoulders; he had to stop the bleeding. He was about to wrap it around the gash in Fidelia's side when Eerios stepped in.
"Hold on, Lavi, I might be able to seal the wounds better."
Lavi watched the wolf as an unnatural breeze passed over them. Eerios concentrated his energy as tiny roots began to rise from the damp soil. The roots all began to converge at Fidelia's cuts where they then pierced the skin. They tugged, twisted and stitched the lesions shut. Only when the deepest of her wounds was intruded upon did Fidelia stir.
She groaned; her voice was hoarse.
Eerios finished up. The roots severed at the base as the magical energy dispersed.
"That's incredible Eerios," Lavi remarked. "You did the same thing in Perchélles didn't you?"
The wolf nodded.
"I owe you an apology, Lavi," Eerios said quietly. "I shouldn't have dragged you into this."
Lavi frowned at the wolf. He went on.
"If I had known Grualonan was coming after Fidelia I would have never have let her leave with you. I'm sorry," Eerios apologised.
The exorcist shook his head.
"You entrusted me with her because you believed I would keep her stable," Lavi explained. "I was already involved with Fidelia and even if you had kept her in Perchélles that wouldn't have changed a thing."
Eerios remained silent as he considered Lavi's words. Despite what he had said, the wolf couldn't remove the guilt he felt inside.
"Lavi…"
Both heads turned to Fidelia who had spoken. She looked at Lavi through watery, partially opened eyes. Weakly, she edged her hand towards the one he supported himself on. The exorcist closed the distance between their hands, holding her cold one in his for the reassurance she sought. She smiled a little, and then let her eyelids shut once again.
"What's happened has happened," the red-head murmured. "We need to focus on the future – on helping Fidelia. I owe her that, at least…"
Eerios said nothing, allowing the silence to fall. Slowly, he turned his back to the pair and began to move towards the alley's opening.
"Eerios?"
"I'll be back shortly with Liryd," Eerios answered the exorcist. "Until then, wait with Fidelia."
Before Lavi could say another word, the wolf ran from sight. He turned back towards the brunette, giving her hand a light squeeze. She returned it.
"At least her condition has stabilised, somewhat," Lavi said inwardly. He reflected on the girl's behaviour – she had not shown any aggression since they had moved. Had Fidelia lost her control again?
"You don't have to worry…" She reassured, as though she had heard every thought of Lavi's. That's when he remembered the mind-linking ability that dragons possessed. "I am me now; I am Kiyre…"
"It's sometimes hard to tell," Lavi commented. "For all I know you could be pretending."
"I could say the same thing to you, Lavi…" Kiyre laughed faintly. Though she could barely see the expression on the red-head's face, she felt the tense emotions inside of him. She closed her eyes again, knowing that Lavi was no longer looking at her. "I don't hate you."
"You should," he muttered. "You have every right to."
In his peripheral vision he saw Kiyre shake her head, disregarding his statement. She then shifted and, against what her body was telling her, Kiyre sat up. With all her energy put into that single movement she simply collapsed against Lavi.
Lavi leaned against the wall of the alley with both arms around Kiyre as she clutched his uniform tightly.
"I could never hate you."
Author's comments: Whaaagh, sorry for the delay again. Year 12 happened.
I have an exam coming up and what do I choose to do? Finish a chapter of a fanfiction. Excellent procrastination. Only two more instalments left of this! Amazing! This just keeps getting sadder and sadder...
Sorry for the delay, once again, but I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a review and I'll get chapter 37 and the Epilogue completed soon! Hopefully before the year rolls over!
KHue