I do not own D'Gray Man or any of the anime references in this anime
Summary: OC insert. Bonnie didn't know how she fell into the world of an anime show she hasn't watched in years. Honestly, she wasn't even a big fan of the series.
Beta Reader- StormyMonday
Chapter 5
"Team Bonnie wins!" clapped Komui, petting his prized hat from Lenalee.
I could almost picture the man hunched down in the corner singing its praises, calling it "precious".
I did the most obnoxious little victory dance, which got a few raised eyebrows.
"Allen and Kanda aren't back yet?" Asked Lenalee, concerned.
"They encountered a Level 2 while collecting the Innocence fragment, but should be back any day now," Komui explained.
"You two can go ahead and relax. Lenalee, you should show Bonnie to her dorm room," said Reever, chuckling as I grabbed Eugene, who tried to follow my dance. He looked all kinds of awkward, but tried to politely follow me.
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Once I was introduced to my new room, I decided I hated the gloomy look. I needed happier colors, so I asked Lenalee if I would be allowed to go shopping. She said it would be fine as long as I didn't cause trouble, which earned her a blank look from me. If anything, I avoid trouble like a diseased foot.
I didn't waste any time heading out into town. I made a mental note on the vision I had planned for my room; lime-green walls, which meant I needed paint and paint brushes – maybe some gold paint, too…
I love the look of constellations, so some star patterns would probably work…and a nice rug!
But I was getting ahead of myself…I needed to be reasonable and just focus on my walls for now.
The wound on my shoulder had been cleaned and bandaged once we got back to HQ. I wondered if I should have kidnapped a Finder to do the heavy work for me.
Finding a hardware store, I met a man conveniently named Sam. He was a grisly old man with a vaudevillian mustache and thinning hair. Surprisingly, I managed to find out that he had a thing for romance.
The man was so accommodating with helping with mixing the perfect shade of green. He made it look very pastel, which I was a big fan off. This world's colors were way too dark.
I stopped working when I saw a flash of white hair. "Allen, welcome back!" I called happily.
He was standing next to a Finder who was holding a handkerchief toward him. I saw the golden snitch flying nearby. "You too, Timcampy, glad you're back."
Tim perched on my shoulder, looking oh-so cute.
Aww. I remembered to ask someone in the science division to get me a cute companion, too.
"I'll be leaving you now, Master Walker," said the Finder, who bowed, and then parted with a respectful nod to me.
All these Finder's were way too polite.
"Bonnie! I'm home!" Allen smiled, catching me off guard.
I struggled to hold the paint barrel while I made my way towards him.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice practically dripping with concern.
This boy was too sweet. I was definitely going to get cavities.
"I'm alright. I was out for like two days. I went on my first mission. I was teamed up with Lenalee and I told Komui we will have a race with you guys to see who comes back with an Innocence first and we ended up arriving before you and Kanda. It was a shallow victory since you guys weren't even aware- maybe we should have a rematch - I also went shopping. I bought a such a lovely set of pillow cases. Next time when you go on a mission let me know. I hear you went to Italy- I would have asked you to buy me a dress if I was awake. Italian cotton is so comfortable-!" I rambled on, not missing a beat.
He blinked at me, looking a little dizzy.
Information overload? Probably.
"Come on, let's go back to the Order. You must be tired. You can tell me about your mission," I continued, swinging around and walking ahead of him.
"Ah wait – Bonnie," he called. Catching up to me, he held out his hand. "It must be heavy," he said, offering to carry the paint barrel for me.
I instinctively held firm on to the handle.
"You just came from a mission, Allen. You also look exhausted. I appreciate the offer but I'm a big girl," I said while pulling the barrel closer to my chest.
"I'm not that tired," he insisted.
Man, he's so stubborn. He wasn't going to budge on it.
I shook my head, feeling fond of him already. I did just come from a mission as well, but it wasn't like I wasn't struggling with the paint barrel that much.
"How about we both carry it," I compromised, so as to placate Allen's gentlemanly sensibilities.
I pulled back my hand a bit and allowed him space to grab the other end of the handle.
"So how was Kanda as a mission partner?" I asked as we made our way back.
"Honestly, I don't think I will ever understand him... but he's not a bad guy," replied Allen, looking thoughtful.
"I see… Maybe he's just really bad at first impressions." I leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, "Did you know Lenalee thought he was a girl when they first met?"
"What? Really?!" He snorted, his face lighting up with humor.
"Really, and I don't blame her. I'm kinda jealous of Kanda's hair, actually. It's very pretty," I admitted while he let out another snort at the word 'pretty.' "I'm serious- I really want to ask him if he can give me a few tips to get my hair look as beautiful as his." I kept a straight face as I said this.
"I think your hair is prettier than Kanda's," he said with such certainty that it made me pause.
I felt my cheeks heat up. Compliments were always a hard thing for me to take, since they were rarely given to me no matter how much work I put on my appearance.
Allen said it with such sincerity, too.
This boy really was bad for my health.
"So you think Kanda's hair is pretty," I teased, looking in any other direction besides his.
"I didn't say that!" He snapped, embarrassed.
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Once Allen and I made it to the lab, we found the scientist bent over their desks with dread all over their expressions.
"It'll never stop."
"It'll never stop."
"It'd be miracle if it stopped."
They were surrounded by piles of papers.
"Anyone want coffee?" asked Lenalee as she walked in. It looked like everyone was tired and preoccupied with work.
I look to Allen, who seemed a little troubled.
"Thanks for your help Allen, you should rest after you report to Komui. I'll be going to my room," I said, pulling the paint from his hands.
"Are you su-" he started.
Honestly, he looked like he was about to keel over. "Yep. Will see you later," I promised and started to leave.
:::
I spent the night painting one side of the wall, only to find out I needed more paint. Guess I didn't plan this well. I needed to go back to Sam's hardware store.
I decided to sleep in a vacant room next to mine to escape the paint fumes. The Order had a lot empty rooms not being used. I laid on the bed, twirling a lock of my hair."It's nothing special," I said, before I found myself passing out from exhaustion.
I woke up the next morning and made my way to the cafeteria.
I watched the clouds as I walked, still dazed from sleep.
I blinked when I heard Allen calling me.
"Mornin' Allen, Timcampy," I yawned.
I needed coffee like nobody's business.
He looked amused. "Not a morning person?" he teased.
Looking at him, I realized that it didn't seem like he slept well. "Are you okay?" I asked. I didn't have the energy to retort, anyway.
He looked surprised by the question, and diverted his attention elsewhere, as if deliberating. "Um, I just couldn't stop thinking, so. I didn't sleep that well," he admitted. He didn't want to talk about it and I respected that. "Let's get some of Jeryy's food. I'm sure that will lift our spirits" I said.
We made our way in to the cafeteria without saying anything else.
:::
"All right, I'll leave you to it," said Lenalee to the someone. She girl stopped when she saw us.
"What's the matter?" Allen asked her.
"It's nothing," she replied, straightening her posture.
"Morning, Lenalee. Did you already have breakfast?" I asked, intending to invite her for a meal.
"You shouldn't go to the cafeteria for a while," she said nervously.
"Did something happen?" I asked, concern filling me.
"Jeryy burned something and the smell is terrible! It's so smelly you won't be able to stand it," she tried to explain.
Huh. Lenalee is a bad liar.
"I don't mind," Allen said.
"Lenalee what are you hiding?" I asked playfully, but she gives me a glare.
Wow… Okay…that's definitely out of character for her.
"Both of you, don't go in there," warned Lenalee, her expression serious.
Allen started to sweat a little and I blinked in surprise.
Okay, that surprised me.
"I'll call you guy's later," said Lenalee, pushing us both back. The girl really was strong for looking so dainty.
Allen and I resumed walking, and I wondered what to do with my day.
I wanted to take a break from painting and finish later, but who knew when I might be given another mission?
I walked ahead and Allen stopped, causing me look back at him curiously.
"Does someone in research and development have a son named John?" he asked.
"John?" I repeat. Was that another exorcist?
"I think he's probably Jake Russel's kid," explained Lenalee.
I left Allen and Lenalee to talk, as I needed to go back to town to buy more paint.
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It was late at night when I noticed two kids near a cemetery. Two boys; one wearing pilot's goggles and roller blades, and the other had blonde hair and blue eyes. He was definitely giving me weird vibes.
I blinked when the boy on skates headed into the shadow of a very large man, who was also giving me a weird stranger danger feeling.
Damn, I knew what this was. I never thought I would see an incident in real life but I always wanted to punch the fucker when I heard such stories.
"PEDOPHILE!" I screamed once I saw the man lay his hand on the boy's head. Screaming pedophile, that usually stops people, that and screaming rape.
The man glared at me, and I glared back. "Yeah you, you sick son of a bitch. I'm not scared of dirty pigs like you!"
Panicked, I abandoned the paint barrels, making my way to the boys. I never thought I'd walk in on something like this unless that anime was Berserk.
Well, now I had the training and abilities to take low lives like this down.
"It's the Millennium Earl! " yelled the boy as he threw a smoke bomb at the guy.
Say wha-
"Leo! Leo! Let's go! We have to run!" He paused. "Leo what's wrong?" he shakes his blonde friend.
Why does this kid have such a freaky expression and did I just call the main antagonist of the series a pedophile?!
"Leo is long dead. On the day of his mother's funeral. That's punishment for getting in my way," said the Earl, his eyes still glaring at pilot-boy.
Fuck… Well, I was going to be his enemy regardless, but I just put bulls eye eye on my face.
I pulled pilot-boy away from the blond, gripping him tight while he struggled. "That's a lie!" yelled pilot-!boy.
"Your friend is acting strange. I don't know him and even I noticed. I'm sorry for your loss, but we need to leave," I said, while the boy struggled as I dragged him back.
My eyes fixed on the Earl. I felt angry. If the he did this to Carol I'd-
"She's telling the truth, John. Leo is no longer your friend, he's an akuma; a weapon for the Millennium Earl."
I turned to see Allen standing there with his arm activated.
John stared in shock.
"Two Exorcists out on a stroll tonight. The Order must be laidback," quipped the Earl.
"Who are you?" His eyes found Allen.
"Your enemy," Allen announced.
I found the Earl's gaze on me as I pulled John closer.
"Nice to meet you M'lady," he smiled at me and tipped his hat.
I flinched when his gaze turned to Allen. "Nice to meet you," he repeated.
I heard a sobbing woman. 'I'm sorry, my son!' I blinked, looking around. Who was crying? Am I going insane?
Allen proceeded to attack the akuma that used to be Leo, and John kicked me so hard that I was forced to let go of him.
The boy ran to the corpse of his friend. "Allen no! Leo's my best friend!"
"John…"
I stumbled forward, almost falling. I felt sad for the boy. If it was Carol... I don't know what I'd do or how I'd react.
These were children, yet this world was so cruel. To kill a grieving child whose mother died? Why? Why did the Earl do this?
"He's my friend. I started my Akuma patrols with him. We said we would protect the city together. He can't be an Akuma!" John cried.
I saw the Akuma change before my eyes, its body morphing into something monstrous.
"Do you have any proof!?" he demanded.
"Leo!"
I took a deep breath and tackled John using all my strength. I blinked, suddenly finding myself across the cemetery with the boy in my arms while Allen diverted the akuma's attention.
Well thank god for Shimazu's training. The boy looked at me finally, in surprise.
I looked across the graveyard to where John and I just were to see Allen crouched down.
What happened?
"Allen?!" I called in panic.
"I once read in a book that there is a virus in the Akuma's bullets that destroys the human body," John explained as he got up and started running toward Allen.
Suddenly I felt like I was going to throw up. Did I just cause an interference that kills the main character?! I Did Allen get hit in the series? Did I fuck up by just being here?
"Allen!" I called again. "Innocence activate!"
I pointed my bow at the Earl, sending an arrow straight toward the bastard. I had to protect Allen and John. Maybe we could get Allen to the science department in time to save him...
Bang!
The Akuma intercepted it?!
I blinked as I saw the Earl floating upwards with an umbrella.
"You know what annoys me most?! I don't like nosy, loud women, Miss Bonnie," sneered the Earl.
"It's Sanders to you, damn pedophile," I snapped before I realized what my mouth had just regurgitated. "I don't understand how you could do this to a kid! Preying on the grief of others…! That boy was a child!"
"I'm just making Akuma for the good of the Earth. What do you think? It's disgusting, isn't it? This is the true form of the human soul, warped by all its sin. You think I'm making akuma simply as weapons, but Akuma are created by the human soul." His gaze moved to John. "This Akuma is the same, it was born from your good friend, Leo."
"Leo?"
"Leo used the Earl's power to bring his dead mother back to this world, and turned her into an akuma. I can see her. His mother is in terrible pain," explained Allen.
A mother forced to kill her son. I felt my heart ache. That's just…horrifying.
"What are you talking about, you pathetic weakling?" growled the Earl.
I shot another arrow, just missing him. Why was my aim so shitty!?
"Stay back!" I warned.
I turned back to Allen, watching as the black on his skin disappeared. "I turned someone precious to me into an akuma. Thanks to that, I see souls which rest within akuma."
"Ah! I remember- you're Allen Walker! You turned your father into an akuma back then," recalled the Earl.
"You turned your dad into an akuma… ?" Asked John in shock, and I pulled him back near me.
"We weren't related by blood. However Mana – my father – took me in and raised me, even though I was born with a paralyzed arm. Mana taught me many things; things I needed to live entirely on my own. But when he died, I was alone and I didn't know what to do."
I looked on at him sadly. Family doesn't just mean blood. My own family was proof of that. No matter how much I tried and no matter how much I pushed to be apart of it, it was never enough. Allen had no one, but his happiness was Mana, someone he loved so much that he called the man his father…It must have been painful.
I knewn the basis of Allen's story, but hearing it directly from him and looking at his face as he recounted the events of his past made it feel all too real. It was heartbreaking and I hated the Earl even more. He had caused the pain of so many, and I still didn't understand his motives.
Why? Why was he doing this? Was it explained in the anime?
"Mana was buried at the top of a hill outside town. I was sitting beside his grave when the Earl showed up," Allen's smile was twisted and I could only imagine what the scene must have really looked like; being alone and lost with no idea of your future. At least I had always had Carol in my darkest times.
"I didn't know what I had done," Allen said. "How could I? But Mana knew, he knew all-too-well as soon as I called him back from the grave into an Akuma form, and he cursed me for it. He sliced my left eye open, and it's been corrupted ever since."
'It's more like a gift to protect him,' I thought
"Then the Earl ordered Mana to do what all newborn akuma are ordered to do: kill; the person who had been tricked into reviving them and to wear their skin. However, I was spared because of this arm, it became my weapon and it acted on instinct, killing Mana of its own volition. I destroyed my father's soul without even realizing it. But he wanted me to do it; that was the last thing he asked of me – to destroy him. He told me he loved me, and then my arm did just that; erased him from this world forever."
"And it was my Master who came to me and explained everything that happened that day; what made the Akuma, the Millennium Earl, and what happened to me. One day after seeing so many akuma, I came realize that the tears they shed aren't out of anger, but of despair and frustration. So I decided to become an exorcist ,not to atone, but to be able to live with greater strength and purpose. This curse lights my way." he said, and I found myself cringing.
I don't like the word 'curse'.
"Akuma are too tragic. So, I destroy them." Allen attacked the Earl and the akuma jumped to protect its master.
"Allen, I should have killed you that day," said the Earl.
I noticed the Earl was sitting on the Akuma. "You can see the soul's inside Akuma? You want to save them? Go ahead and try!"
"Allen? Are you going to be alright?!" I asked, wondering if I should focus on the demon, or keep an eye on John.
"I'm fine," said Allen, his gaze briefly falling on me, then John. "Focus on getting John out of the way."
That I could do.
I twisted my body, seeing Lenalee and a familiar Finder near her. Grabbing John, I took a deep breath and found my body at the entrance of the cemetery. I blinked when I saw a flash.
What was that?
Lenalee and the Finder looked at me in surprise, and I handed John over to them.
I felt my muscles spasm and silently thanked Shimazu for teaching me how to move at lightning speed.
The Earl pulled up his umbrella, and for some reason I thought of Mary Poppins.
I watched in awe as Allen and Lenalee dodge akuma bullets and attack with no hesitation. They looked like superheroes.
I wondered if I looked that cool when I used my Innocence, and then stook my head, pretty sure that I knew better.
I stayed with the Finder and John to make sure they didn't get injured. I knew Allen and Lenalee would be fine without me.
The two were present in the last episode of the anime, so it was a safe bet they weren't going to die now. I didn't need to unnecessarily complicate things.
I felt a twisting feeling in my stomach; what if someone got hurt because of me…or even killed?
From my position, I drew my bow, my body ready for any attacks.
I looked to John's face and saw the look of anguish and guilt melt as the Finder mentions killing the akuma. I bent to him and hug him and felt tears flow.
It wasn't fair! This kid could have been my brother's age. He was too young to have that expression. It wasn't right.
I felt so helpless.
"I- I was the one who told Leo about the Akuma," stammered John, his voice broken.
I griped him tighter.
"I'm sorry, John. I'm sorry you lost your friend," was all I could say.
I remembered watching so many anime with characters dying... how did they deal with depression? How did the support characters help them? What did they say? What could I do besides console the boy and hear him out?
"That idiot! Dummy! Did he want to see his mother so badly that he turned her into an akuma!? I can't see akuma's souls like Allen can. Is she crying? We got so worked up about finding akuma and defeating them...I didn't know anything about a human soul! A soul within an akuma has no freedom. It lives forever…to the will of the Millennium Earl." I listened while Jean cries out his frustrations.
He looked at me, then toward Allen, determination brimming in his eyes. "Put Leo to rest!"
I watched in the relative safety of what was left of the crumbling building as Allen's attack blanketed the sky with glowing crosses, and could hear the faint cries of a woman saying 'thank you', while Lenalee headed toward us.
I could make out the Earl's getaway, Mary Poppins-style though the smoke of the akuma's defeat.
Feeling a little vindictive and angry, I activated my Innocence and fired my arrow.
Holding my breath, I saw the light of the arrow make its way toward him.
Maybe I could end the war now.
I gasped when the Earl dodged, mid-air. "See you later, M'lady Bonnie!" I heard him call, and a disgusting feeling ran up my back.
"Fuck. He knows my name."
"Earl!" yelled Allen.
"All you've seen is tiny fraction of what I have in store. Akuma continue to evolve all over the world. This is not end of the first act! I am the creator of the akuma, the Millennium Earl. I'll drive out your corrupt God and play the lead, together with my akuma. No matter how much you exorcists resist me, you'll never save this world, never!" he taunted.
I wanted to roll my eyes at his dramatics. If this was a play, the heroes always win and save the world.
I watched, my stomach twisting as Allen drops down in exhaustion."Allen!"
"Allen!"
"I'm alright. I'm just a little tired," Allen assured.
John ran to Allen, hugging him and mourning his friend
I looked on with a heavy heart. If I remembered the series clearly, could I have met the boy sooner? Maybe I could have stopped Leo. Maybe I could have saved his mother.
Could I really have made a difference?