Advance of the Fool

by ButterflyMiko

On his way to the Order, Allen Walker comes across a young priestess who reminds him painfully of himself. He cajoles the young woman to join him in his journey, but can she keep walking when her body will not hold her upright?

9. Meaning

"ALLEN!" The Earl released her. Kuri fell to her knees in agony. "No…"

"GIVE HIM BACK!" Her body glowed in fury, and all the akuma, purified, blew up. "YOU HAVE TAKEN EVERYTHING!"

"I can do that…" the Earl advanced, more friend than foe, as the young exorcist's tears fell in rivers. Her tears dried and her eyed deadened as she looked up at the terrible Auguste.

Earl lifted her chin. "You poor child. Even your tears have deserted you. What's left of you is so pitiful…that it's beautiful. Is your existence meaningless without Allen Walker to guide you? To keep you walking?"

Earl stopped, looking confused by his own words.

"Her life isn't wasted!" Allen stood, alive, innocence active and pointed at the Earl. "Nor have her tears run dry! I won't allow her to make the mistake I did!"

Earl seemed completely out of it. "Who are you?"

"Earl…" Allen smiled. "I am your nemesis."

"Very well." Earl dropped the priestess. "Another time then, Allen Walker. And priestess, Kurisuta Hikawa; I will remember your name! I look forward to seeing you both at the curtain call!"

Earl flew away with his umbrella, filling the night with his laughter.

Kuri growled. "Sacred Arrow! Hit the Mark!"

The pentacle released an arrow that hit the Earl in the butt!