I do not own D'Gray Man or any of the anime references in this fanfic
Summary: OC insert. Bonnie didn't know how she fell into the world of an anime she hasn't watched in years. Honestly, she wasn't even a big fan of the series.
Beta Reader- StormyMonday
Chapter 14
The Order's cafeteria bustled with Finders as a certain Dracula-like exorcist moved around like a confused fish in the pond.
Jery was excitedly chatting to Eugene about tea selection that arrived from India when he pauses and as sees a certain pony tailed swordsman walk in.
"So what's soba?" I ask curiously to the resident chef as he mumbles about getting it ready.
Jery passes me a book which was in white and crisp while he hurried along in the kitchen.
We have a menu?
I stare at the book curiously and pull to the Japanese section of food.
hmmm where is 's' section. It was like looking through a song list. The delicate italic words finally caught my eye.
Ah its Soba!
A list of a variety of different types with cartoon illustrations next to them.
Mori Soba, Kake Soba, Kitsune Soba, Tanuki Soba, Tempura Soba... so many different Soba.
Studying the tray presented to Kanda.
"Here ya go!"
Definitely the Tempura Soba.
"Mornin' Kanda," I smile at him politely only to be ignored. Krory passes him and his exotic meal catches his eye.
"I want to try some," says Krory.
Being a passive spectator to Krory's introduction to wasabi. Well at least he learnt a lesson that could never be forgotten.
Sometimes you cannot coddle your children. Tough love and all that other spew grandfathers' would say about 'their day.'
Krory clutches his neck as he falls to the ground screaming.
Maybe I should of warned him as Jery brings him an orange pillow.
"Water," I presented to the man on the floor.
"Wh- what happened?!" jumped in the Hero of the show.
"Poor Kro doesn't know how to eat soba," explains Jery."He thought that the onions were salad and the sauce was soup and the noodles were pasta. He ate them all separately then ate the wasabi in a single bite!"
"Th-that's the worst meal I ever had," chokes Krory lying in the ground in despair.
Lightly slapping his shoulder in retaliation. "Don't be rude Krory, the chef worked hard in making the meal," I scold using what could be considered a 'mom' voice as Carol would put it.
"Ah- that's not-" coughs Krory.
"Ah my my my~ It's alright- I understand," waves of Jery smiling fondly.
"You could have just told him.." pointed out Allen and I look up to see him confront the departing swordsman.
"I haven't the time to babysit the new guy," and Kanda walks of in true bad boy sort of fashion.
"Done eating?" Lavi enters the scene casually."Where are you off to, on such a hurry?"
Lavi is like that nosy neighbor down the road who knows everyone's stories.
"Denmark, on a mission," answers the ever 'eloquent' Kanda.
"Ooh, you're mighty busy, Yu."
"I told you before not to call me that." snaps Kanda.
A bubble of excitement hit me as I watch the two... Lavi has seme vibes. Very dominate seme vibes! Kanda who I first believed was a seme has reversible vibes. So therefore I could see Kanda totally do Allen or be done by Lavi.
"Oh my god I ship it!" I squeak.
"Bonnie?"
"Miss Bon?"
Both Allen and Jery exchanged looks between me.
Biting my lip I tried to suppress my inner fujoshi.
"Oh Allen, Bonnie, Komui said he needed you two," says Lavi.
My bubble bursts along with the illusionary flower petals I envisioned around Lavi and now departed Kanda. My hands start to tingle and the cafeteria sounded too quiet.
A mission with the protagonist and me.
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I hated being in Komui's office.
It wasn't the just the messy floors filled with papers or the abnormally high book case that was caked with dust on the top of it. Perhaps the bookcases looked more daunting since that last time I have been in here. Almost as if they were towering over me.
I barely heard Komui as the sound of my own heart thumped I distracted myself with following the flying timcanpy.
Brief phrases were uttered and absorbing key words while I stare blankly.
Marshall Yeegar
Holland
Something about him being one of the five Marshalls.
Him being a stickler for the rules and a bit weird.
It came to no surprise. Usually the stronger higher rank characters all got a lot of 'weirdness' in them. Examples such as the captains from soul society in Bleach and the colorful jounin's in the Naruto series rang alarm bells.
Cross was a weirdo, there was another older guy who knows Kanda and there is blonde chick with the monkey.
That's four then- from the three I can recall from the opening song.
Who the heck was the fifth one?
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Sitting on the train opposite Allen while he set the Marshall's briefcase down, staring blankly out the window as people got on and off. I couldn't remember a Marshall Yeegar in the series. Was he a significant character... or an insignificant character?
"Bonnie?" called out Allen's voice.
Heart leaping and back posture more rigid I turn to the gaze at the hero. His concerned silver eyes gazing at me intently.
"Are you okay? You've been silent since Komui's office," worry dripping in his voice.
I tuck a stray stand of hair behind my ear then clasp my sweaty hand over knees.
"... this is my first time meeting a Marshall," I utter.
-and perhaps terrified at the thought of running into a Noah that seems to happen to you a lot.
"Ah, I see," he states thoughtfully. "Let's hope he's not like my Master." A look of hope crosses his face.
I think- I would prefer Cross than someone I don't have a clue about.
"Cross seems so colorful. I heard he's a ladies' man," I state casually. It was something you couldn't forget in the Order about the man. I had once heard Bradley while he was sorting out files that if Allen ever brought Cross back to the Order he'd have to move his daughter out of the city.
"Don't be fooled by the rumors Bonnie. Master isn't just a ladies' man- he is much worst," shivers Allen.
"There was a time when Master was drinking and I was playing solitaire when some big men burst in claiming Cross had taken one of their woman's money, and they were looking for a fight."
"Did it go to court or something?" Seems like a serious accusation.
"No, actually master ran away-" wait doesn't that mean he's guilty?
"and it was all I could do to keep up, until he told me to take care of it as he kicked me to curb right in their path."
"That sounds like child abuse," I am very concerned now.
Did the writers of the series really found a woman being taken advantage off and children being kicked around funny?
"The men tied me up and forced me to sign a life insurance policy, so they could make money after they killed me," Allen shivers at the memory.
"How did you get away?"
"I ran like hell," Allen shrugs.
"Did he do this often?"
Why hasn't anyone invented social services yet?!
Allen nods solemnly. "I kept working myself to the bone in order to pay off what he owed. I did all kinds of stuff, different things as we moved country to country. At one point, I was working on a fishing boat in the Mediterranean Sea, another time I was hauling the Egyptian desert and nearly died of dehydration."
I don't even know if this abuse anymore. It sounds like torture. Compared to him, life with Shimazu wasn't that bad.
"I thought he was just a perverted ladies man who just leaves you the bill..."
"He's a Demon."
I bite my lip, keeping my focus on the conversation. "Well, he can't be all bad," I state. "He took care you. So I don't think he's a bad person- I mean he raised you well-right?"
Allen blinks slowly as if processing my words. Timcanpy flew around, landing on my lap. Petting it with my finger- my attention returned to Allen's whose face was red.
"Master- he- ah..." Allen stammers. "-he is not that bad. You're right," he smiles. Allen's expression changed again altering to panic. "-but if we meet him you shouldn't ever be alone with him," the boy stresses.
Amused as if seeing a faulty emoticon, my muscles on my face begin to relax. "You probably learnt some tricks from him since you're his apprentice." Having seen his charm used on myself- Allen had the capability of being a ladies' man like his master.
"AH! No Bonnie you're wrong!"
"He probably has a long list of lovers from all the places you have travelled... Did you pick up any girls along the way too?"
"Wait Bonnie! You're getting the wrong idea!"
"Broke a lot of hearts along the way, have you?"
"No! I-"
I held back a snicker seeing Allen's face go redder than I thought was possible. His shoulder raised and his hands fidgeted as he avoided eye contact.
"If I told you I liked you- would you turn me down kindly?"
Allen blinks slowly once again and I watched little by little as the words began to sink in.
I had no idea why I said those words him.
"Bonnie-"
"I'm teasing, ah I don't know why I said that. I must sound weird... I guess I'm a little bored," I explain carefully thinking over my words.
"You're dangerous when you're bored," he grumbles flatly pressing his hand to his chest as if catching his breath.
"You're just easy to tease Allen. It's why Lavi likes to go at you so much," I point out.
"You and Lavi get on well."
"You jealous?"
"Stop messing around!" His face utterly red.
This is fun.
"Sorry," I huff amused. "What do want to do instead? I mean we have a lot of time till we reach Holland," I ask mourning the loss of youtube once again.
"You could tell me a story," he suggests without missing beat.
"You want me to be your personal entertainment? -how bold of you."
I really couldn't help myself.
"Bonnie!"
"Okay, okay I'll stop." I wave him off.
Kill joy.
"Once upon a time there was a sixteen year old mermaid princess named Ariel, who is dissatisfied with her life under the sea and was curious about the human world-"
It was easier to go with something I already rehearsed.
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Meanwhile Komui and Bookman discussed the very two Exorcists at the Order.
"Why did you send Allen Walker and Bonnie Sanders to Marshall Yeegar," asks Bookman.
Komui takes a sip of coffee. "The Marshall said he wanted to meet the two. To see the boy Hevlaska predicted would destroy time and see the girl who was trained by Shimazu."
"I see. So the Marshall, too. Is concerned with what this all means. The girl's prediction is also concerning as well as her ability to revert an Akuma soul back to human."
"Yes, as well as Allen's left eye," adds Komui. "He says that if the Earl were to find out about all this they would be in grave danger."
"I thought Allen's eye was pretty convenient but having seen an Akuma's soul, I'd pass on having one myself," says Lavi standing against the Book shelf. "It must be pretty tough. It was so disgusting it put me of my lunch."
Both man were silent. Bookman eyeing Lavi critically.
"The world he sees must be hellish indeed."
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When the train made a stop to our destination I stretched my legs a bit and took in my surroundings.
"Allen I think I found where I'm planning to retire," I say enjoying the crisp air.
Windmills, beautiful hills of flowers, wonderful weather... just too amazing. I had always considered myself a city girl but I think I could live my life here. A simple life on a farm, own a small bookshop, maybe help out at a bakery.
"It is very serene," agrees Allen as he watches me greedily taking in the sites like a total loon.
He looks around as if searching for someone.
"I thought someone was going to pick us up from the station."
"Are you Mister Allen Walker and Miss Bonnie Sanders," as voice says.
"Call me Bonnie." "Yes!" we both quip at the same time.
"I'm a finder with Yeegar's squad. My name is Thierry."
What nice broad shoulders.
"Ah, nice to meet you. I am indeed Allen Walker and this is Bonnie Sanders. Thank you for taking the trouble for picking us up." He bows and I hastily follow clumsily. "Supervisor Komui from headquarters asked me to deliver this to Marshall Yeegar," he explains handing him the briefcase.
"I'm sorry but Marshall Yeegar is no longer here," apologizes Thierry with a smile and bow..
"Huh?"
-Say what now?
"The Marshall headed off to Belgium to follow a lead on an Innocence fragment."
"Belgium? You mean..."
"- we get to go shopping in Belgium!" I squeal excited.
"Bonnie..."
I think my words shocked the Finder since his tranquil expression breaks as he offers me a weird look.
What? I'm never going to lose out on a shopping opportunity.
"It's the neighboring nation..." he trails off.
...
..
I huff tiredly having taken off the coat of my uniform and sitting with it over my head.
The heat is awful!
Now I remember why I'm a city girl watching how the cute Timcanpy chases a butterfly.
"The train is sure taking a while..." trails off Allen as I huff squashed up next to him on the only bench on the platform.
It's so hot even Allen's face is red.
"Yes, not too many come through here. One should be coming in a couple of hours though," Theirry assures.
Hours?! I can't handle a minute more as I feel a depressive aura knock over me.
"Um.. I heard from Mister Komui that Marshall Yeegar is a strict man," Allen says. "Is that true?"
"Well, he likes his manners and formalities but he's a nice guy at heart."
"A nice guy?! The Marshall!" exclaims Allen in shock almost knocking me over when he unexpectantly stands up.
"What's the matter, all of a sudden?"
"I'm sorry, it's just that 'nice' and 'Marshall' don't really go together in my mind," Allen scratches his head.
"The Marshall is really a nice man. He knows so much of the world and teaches it readily." Thierry holds his finger and a butterfly sits of his finger.
Oh my god! Thierry is Snow White.
"Do you know what this bufferfly is called?" he looks at me as he asks this perhaps amused by the expression on my face.
"No," both Allen and I chorus.
"It's called the Monarch. It's a common butterfly which propagates throughout Europe and Asia."
"Did Marshall Yeegar teach you that?" asks Allen.
"Yes, he did- he is sort of like a professor. I hear he was a teacher originally so I suppose that's natural."
"Well, he certainly sounds nice," says Allen thoughtfully.
Sorry Allen, your Master was the literal devil incarnate.
"So, what did you do? -Before the Order that is?" I ask curiously.
Thierry looked taken aback.
"-I mean if you don't want to talk about it- you don't-" I began to stammer feeling embarrassed. I mean it could of been a tragic life story that lead him to this path.
"No, I'm not upset," he placated looking embarrassed. "Ah- it's not something I'm asked especially by exorcists I meet for the first time," he states eyes looking at me curiously.
No one has- are exorcists not suppose too?
"-so what did you do?" I ask deciding not to think much about it.
"An accountant," he answers.
This time it was my turn to jump up in shock like a total spaz.
"Really!?"
I look at his oh so ripped physique.
He chuckles almost sadly. "The business that I worked at was attacked by Akuma. I was one of few that survived..." his face was downcast. "It was also the first time I met Marshall Yeegar."
"I felt indebted for my life and hoped to follow and assist the Marshall to pay him back for it. Now I'm here travelling with the Marshall. We have travelled many places I thought I never would in my life, met many people and saved many more. I'm grateful to have met the Marshall" He smiles at me reassuringly.
I return the smile a little weaker. Allen and I share a look.
It's kinda sad...
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When we arrived to Belgium. It was surrounded by thick smoke. The street were absent of all life and the buildings were old. Tall chimney's at every house that polluted the skies.
"No shopping," was my sad whimper wondering what would kill me first- the depression or from the lung cancer.
"There's Innocence in this city?" asks Allen.
"The Marshall said there is no doubt about it but I wonder where he could be," says Thierry.
"And there's no body to ask either," says Allen.
Allen stops to see a mother pull a child in who was starring out the window.
"Mister Thierry, call Marshall Yeegar."
My body stiffened. Did Allen see something?
"Hmm?"
"If he is nearby the wireless golem should connect, hurry!" instructs Allen.
Allen explain what is going on!
"Um well. The Marshall doesn't have one. His wireless golem got old and broke. I thought you were bringing him a new one."
Allen opens the brief case to see a black golem inside.
"Is there any other way to contact him?"
"Not from our end. If he contacts headquarters they might give us an idea of his location," says Thierry.
"Allen- did you see something?" I manage to get out confused by this.
He turns to me and nods his head.
Ummm... what's that suppose to mean?
"We don't have time to contact headquarters. Let's search for him. He might be nearby," suggests Allen.
"What's going on Allen?" with repeated concern.
"Judging from the towns people behavior, there has to be an Akuma."
Really Allen? Because that mom pulled away her son from the window. She could of just thought you were some weirdo looking at her son wrong.
"- an Akuma must have come to recover the Innocence we found."
Allen's eye suddenly turns red and activates.
Okay! I'm not going to question main protagonist Akuma sensing instincts ever again!
"Innocence," I mummer activating my bow.
We hear a loud commotion at a distance while we follow Allen in mad sprint.
Wow this Finder is pretty fit as I note that Thierry was able to keep up with both Allen and I.
I aimed at a few flying Akuma without much thought about the Marshall.
The Marshal used some sort of metal chains to attack. The old man was surprisingly strong and threw an Akuma to a face cliff as his chains bound it.
Allen joins in as the Marshall started to become surrounded by many of the level ones.
The Marshall's chains trap the level two only for it to breakout.
"Don't move Marshall Yeegar!" yells Allen and shoots down the level two in true Superheroic protagonist fashion.
"Are you Allen Walker? Thank you for helping me. I'm in your debt," says the Marshall as he picks up an Innocence.
I'm here too, dude.
"No, not at all. Bonnie helped at well," shifts Allen as he looked toward me as I approached him.
The Marshall looks at me sharply and I jump slightly. "No disrespect- your assistance was much appreciated, Miss Bonnie Sanders I presume," he states.
"Ah, you can just call me Bonnie...um nice to meet you Marshall," I gulp.
"I'm glad you're safe Marshall and that you managed to recover an Innocence," adds in Allen.
"True however..." he trails as he looks of to abandoned little farm house situated on barren land. "Unfortunately it was at the cost of another Innocent life."
When we make our silent trip back to central town we were greeted by the town folk. I stiffened since my last experience with town folk ended in tears from Krory.
"If only I had arrived sooner- you would of escaped without casualty. I am truly sorry," the Marshall bows his head.
"Not at all!" assures a large man in overalls."Thanks to you all our lives are saved."
"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts," bowed the homely mother we had saw before her son nestled near her. She bows her head and townsman followed her.
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"This is a nice change," I whisper to Allen. Allen turns his gaze from the crowd and nods his head in agreement.
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I wondered if Cinderella's pumpkin carriage had a built in kitchen.
I was strategically sitting in between Allen and Thierry in case the Marshall ended up to be something like Jiraiya from Naruto.
A blond guy with a scar on his face sat on the seat opposite us.
"You were Marshall Cross's apprentice, were you not?" asks Marshall Yeegar as he cooks some meat.
"Um yes," says Allen.
"That must of been difficult."
Someone who sympathizes with Allen? Did Cross do something to the old guy too.
"Um, well... Oh, no, not at all!" denies Allen. "I thank god everyday for my master!"
Is he just trying be polite?
"He's not really the best at human interaction but at least his desire to eliminate the Akuma is stronger than anyone else. That is why he took you as his disciple, I suppose. You were born with an Innocence within you."
I remembered Allen's words of being abandoned because of his arm.
"As you know, we five Marshall's carry many Innocence fragments with us, and try to find their hosts. Including the one that we recovered today- I have eight in my possession. I know not how many Innocence fragments and hosts I will be able to find while I yet live-" he places stakes on each of our plates.
"-but I must continue, that this fight might see its conclusion as quickly as possible."
I eye his long hair and mustache. He kinda looks like Gandalf.
"Now, eat. This meal will serve as my thanks to you two," he exclaims.
I dig in unabashed.
"No, you have nothing to thank me for..." says Allen and almost chocked at Allen's words.
For the first time the old man smiled and looked amused by me. Maybe he is a secret sadist as I tears run down my eyes.
"Ah sorry Bonnie," apologizes Allen patting my back.
"Thanks- not for saving me but for becoming exorcists."
"Though you two may be hosts, it is painful indeed to send younglings to the battlefield. I figure it to be for the best that you two eat well while you're in the Order."
"Marshall Yeegar."
"It's really like the Lord of the Rings," I found myself saying out loud.
"Lord of the Rings?" repeats Allen.
"Ah, um a story I heard."
'F-uck!'I internally scream seeing Allen's curious expression.
"A story?" repeats Yeegar intrigued.
Double Fuck
"Well, I um can't remember it."
The Marshall's eyes me suspiciously almost as thinking. 'Why would you bring it up if couldn't remember it.'
It's like three freaking movies- not to mention the hobbit movies to unpack. No freaking way I'm gonna tell them that even if it lands me in a cell.
"- I remember bits of a song," I try to explain myself.
"It's a sad song and I can't remember the words really. It's about soldiers about to have their last meal before battle," I hastily say as I cut a piece of meat and stuff it in my mouth. "Wow you seasoned this great!"
Damn it! why did I just go so dark. I could tell that the imaginary of the song really shook the people at the table.
"This is delicious!" agrees Allen following my league after watching me for a second.
"I'm starved!" Allen takes a roll from a basket.
Nice Allen- your gluttony ways takes out the suspicion of me. Even as the two Finder's relaxed beside me. I peaked a glimpse at the Marshall who was still studying me.
Great- I need to get a filter for my mouth.
"I'm gonna look at the sheep outside!" I announce trying to dodge his uncomfortable gaze as I make my way around the hunched Finder.
"Miss Sanders?" blinks Thierry.
I take a break. Placing a hand on my heart as I look at the Finder on lookout. Pierre?
The guy was larger than Thierry and very silent. He looks at me curiously as I sit down and offer a smile.
I could hear their voices briefly. Pierre too as he shifts and shoulder's slacken.
Marshall's Yeegar's students killed forty years ago.
A little girl Joanne.
The Millennium Earl taking advantage of her.
The Massacre of the students
A stranger with a bow and arrow?!
Joining the Order
"I have fought ever since, hoping to avert tragedy but tragedy seems to follow me wherever you go. You younglings must of experienced it too Allen Walker, Bonnie Sanders?"
I could hear his voice a little louder affliction as if letting me know he's aware I'm listening.
Thankfully my face couldn't be seen. Nobody would see the guilt on my face.
"I turned Mana..." I hear Allen utter. "-the man who raised me. The only family I had, into an Akuma. I destroyed that Akuma, as well. My left eye was cursed and gained the ability to see the souls of Akuma."
"I had heard. Then you became Cross's discipline and become an exorcist, correct?"
Why does this feel like an interrogation all of a sudden?
"At first I decided to atone for what I'd done to Mana but now I fight not to atone, but for my very life. I fight to lay those poor souls to rest and that my life might have meaning."
There's something wrong with what he just said now...
"I was born endowed with the Innocence, so it is my duty and the only way I can make up having made my most precious friend an Akuma..."
"You've done very well indeed to refuse to curse your unlucky fate and live on."
I heard Allen's tears and my heart ached because I couldn't find the courage to go back in to there for him as he had been for me when I cried at the night of our welcome home party.
Marshall Yeegar's words were soothing for him.
Feeling light headed I sit up and walk around stretching my legs. I wasn't like Allen-
Instead, I'm an anomaly with no past here...
It's not something I can fix.
It was a few hours later that I found myself sitting alone. The Marshall had set up camp for us to rest and I was given a private tent to sleep in being the only girl.
Sleep didn't come as my mind played like a broken record.
I didn't belong.
I wasn't trusted.
I will be hated.
It's lonely...
I leave my tent to see Allen sprawled out in a sleeping bag and The three exorcists out as a light.
Marshal Yeegar was awake with a cup of tea.
"Restless sleep?" the man quips.
I bite my lip. If I knew he was awake I would of just stayed where I was.
"I have an over active brain," I say.
He pulls a cup from a bag and pours hot tea from a bowl over the make shift fire.
"Tell me about yourself Miss Sanders. I'm quite aware that you were trained by Shimazu," states Marshall Yeegar passing me a cup as I sit down across from him.
"I met Shimazu two years ago. we trained on a mountain with those years... there's nothing much to tell- Shimazu hardly spoke," I say.
"Sounds like him," he says.
"You know him?" I whisper in surprise.
"He was a Finder on site who was with the woman who saved me," he says.
"The exorcist with the bow and arrow?" I ask curiously.
"Hmm...I had been with the Order for a while then when I discovered that she was killed by a Finder, Shimazu," he stated.
He eyes my bracelet as slowly I felt the color drain on my face.
"He killed-" He's a murderer?!
"You can understand the scrutiny you're under now, Miss Sanders?"
"I-" what do I say... "I don't want to believe the man who has trained me for the last two years is a murderer... I really don't know what the Order wants from me. I don't know where Shimazu is."
I could just be blatantly honest really.
He stares at me hard before his eyes softens. "I know... I can see it. You're not a very good liar," he points out.
I could feel a swirl of thoughts in my head.
"Could you tell me about your life before you met Shimazu?" he asks.
I pause looking at him as the guilt ebbed at me.
"There's nothing much to tell... I was with a friend. I had finally left a life I dreaded and found myself in this situation with the Akuma and the Order," I wipe sweaty hands on my shorts.
"Adjusting to the life now- do you miss it- the normalcy?"
"I miss my friend. She looked at me... when I thought no one could see me..." I trail off.
There was never anything normal in my life.
"Will you tell me why you became an exorcist?" he asks.
The question made me wonder. Why did I become an exorcist?
-because Shimazu told me too
-because I was hoping to find Carol
-to enjoy some power fantasy of having powers.
"If-" this really felt like an interrogation. "If I had to be honest Marshall Yeegar, I became an exorcist to find answers. I know there are a lot of discrepancies about me. I'm also confused by this all and I became an exorcist to learn the truth," I say.
"I see, such a path... some truths aren't going to be the easiest to accept," he states not judging my selfishness.
"I know but even if I have to hear the words from Shimazu's own mouth... I want to know the truth," I say.
He stands up and pats my head affectionately.
"You and Mister Walker remind me of my students. All with different reasons to be in the classroom. Like with my students- you both have my blessings. To see the end of this war, to save those Akuma and to find the truths," he says.
I didn't all out breakdown like Allen but I was touched by his words.
We sat in comfortable silence, just listening to the sound of insects and just being in the moment. The sky was pitch black and stars shone brighter glittering the sky.
"Ah, when we were in Holland- Timcanpy was chasing an orange butterfly and Thierry told us about the Monarch butterfly... Why is it called 'Monarch?'" I ask curiously.
"When you hear the 'Monarch' what do you think?" he asks curiously a certain twinkle in his eye.
"Um...I think royalty or nobles..." I stutter.
He nods his head patiently. "The name 'Monarch' was believed to be given in honor of King William the third of England whose secondary title was Prince of Orange which is in reference to the orange color on its wings," he begins in sought of a teacher lecture mode.
"Of course- it also goes by other names- tiger, milkweed, wanderer... it all depends on region," he informs.
"I like the 'wanderer,'" I admit.
"Why is that?" he asks curiously.
"Well it sounds enchanting," I smile.
"Is there any subjects that interest you, Miss Sanders?" asks the man.
"Well- um-" I use to love physics but being away from those things for so long... I couldn't even recite all of Newton's Laws beside the third one.
"English- I love stories and books," I guess.
"Anything in particular do you like."
Ah- shit this is embarrassing- no body alive or in this world. I couldn't really say Rowling or Roberts now.
"Shakespeare," I decide. I did that shit as set books in school. It's not something I'd go out of my way to read but I did enjoy analyzing his writing. "I mean I don't know a ton about it but I've read the classics Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Othello and Twelfth Night," I say hoping he won't quiz me.
"Classics... I don't believe they are old enough to be classics. I quiet impressed Miss Sanders. There is no need to be self-conscious about your knowledge. As old as I am I haven't read Othello," he says. "Books are a precious part of history and they are so not readily available to everyone."
"Then you have to read Othello- it's my favorite," The reason of it being my favorite wasn't even in the writing.
When I was in school with Carol- we had gone to see the play. A side character- Othello's friend named Casio was portrayed by some really handsome pretty boy. I remember by the end of the play both Carol and I had gotten up from our seats to give the actor a standing ovation much to the embarrassment of my teacher.
"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy
It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock
The meat it feeds on."
I quote- I was familiar with these words as I had to write an essay on the passage.
"Do the those words have some meaning to you?" a curious look in the Marshall's eye as he leans in.
Honestly, I never thought I'd get on with this guy. He has such a grandfatherly aura that I'm sure Kanda will have a hard time turning down.
He's also a man that cooks so he gets extra points.
"Not personally- but it's the theme of the book which leads to the character's downfall." I began to meet his eye more easily the more we spoke.
"Is there any books you're interested in?" I ask curious.
"I usually spend my spare time on textbooks. Though I had come across a piece of fiction by an eccentric author-" began the man going to the carriage as speaks. He goes through his things and passes me a book. It's a few pages with illustrations you would find on a children's book.
There was a bird with a statue of a boy which looked to be made of gold.
"- I've found this man's short stories quiet intriguing. The way he moves a narrative and describes the setting is rather poetic."
"Oscar Wilde..." I trail off looking at the name on the spine of the book. That name is familiar- I'm sure people posted his quotes online.
I turn the book to look at the cover again. 'The Happy Prince.'
"What's it about?" I ask.
"This book is my gift and we can discuss it when we meet again."
Did Marshall Yeegar want to start a book club with me?
"I couldn't-"
"I insist. It's rare to find people who know how to converse critically. You seem to have an open mind so I'd be looking forward to hear your thoughts on it."
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I yawn tiredly on the train while Allen waves to the Marshall and his companions.
"Take care!"
Slumped on the seat and dreading my life choices.
"You should of rested Bonnie," states Allen concern dripping from his gaze.
"Ah, I really couldn't," I look at him apologetically. I hated to be the miserable friend on a trip.
Allen's eyebrows were furrowed as he seemed to be concentrating on something.
"Something wrong?"
"No- ah well," he looks away.
Really Allen, I'm too exhausted to play charades with you!
"It's just I heard what you said to the Marshall last night," he says.
I bite my lip- so he wasn't asleep...
"-about your friend... Is she alive?" asks Allen curiously.
Just that? I was surprised he didn't ask about Shimazu.
"Yes... why you're asking?" I hesitate.
"It's just I'm glad you had someone. When you talk about home you sounded so lonely but when you brought her up you sounded nostalgic and happy."
"I met her during my darkest time in my life. She liked to call me a dumbass in distress because she is always bailing be out when I'm in trouble. She wasn't very good at the comforting thing but she made me laugh. I guess we made each other laugh. We had the same humor but we were so different," I chuckle at the memory of fights from music to our Jacob versus Edward debacles.
I lean my head on the train seats. "She's my best friend... did you ever have a best friend?" I ask.
Allen smiles sadly, as he nods his head about to offer his own story.
"I met him when I was working in India. Master was living in a palace that belonged to the Mararaja, who ruled the land. Inside the palace lived a widow named Urumeena; she and Master Cross... well, you know."
"Lovers?" I snort at his childishness. "Honestly Allen for travelling with a guy like Cross- you sound like a repressed nun." I tease as I watch his face turn that familiar red while he coughs uncomfortably in his hand.
"His name was Narei. He was smart. He wanted to become a doctor when he grew up. Anytime he wasn't working, he'd immerse himself inside advance medical books, studying so he could attain his dream." I close my eyes as Allen engrosses me in the story.
"He had an older sister named Mina, she worked as a servant. She always wanted to be a dancer, sometimes she'd perform for the people in the palace, but she always dreamed of being on stage in London." I open my eyes to look at him to see him deep in thought.
"Ah, Allen if you talk about other girls entertaining you- I'd get jealous," I couldn't help but tease.
"Bonnie!" he scolds turning red.
"You left an opening." I pause. "Sorry continue."
Allen takes a breath with a small huff before continuing.
"I'd been working in India for six months when it happened. I had crossed an Akuma and couldn't fully activate my Innocence. Master threw me out and I went to find Narei hoping he'd cheer me up-"
I would of teased him for going to a man for comfort if his voice didn't hold such a somber edge to it.
"I found Narei kneeling beside a coffin with his sister, Mina inside. She had been killed in the Akuma attack I couldn't stop when the building collapsed."
I didn't know what to say.
"That must of been heartbreaking... hard for both you and him," I couldn't begin to imagine how I'd deal with the situation.
"I remember him crying, screaming at me that even though he had all these books that taught him to save lives, he couldn't do anything to bring her back."
"So the Earl..." I trail of knowing how this story is going to end as Allen nods his head.
"At Mina's funeral, I bought a wreath and candles to set adrift in the Ganges, but Narei wasn't himself. I knew something was wrong and then it happened..." Allen's hand closes in a fist and his face grimaces in pain as if being stabbed.
"I remember being so angry with him, thinking how could he have been so stupid as to listen to the Earl, but-but I'd done the same thing," he closes his eyes shaking his head.
"Did you?"
He nods his head slowly. "It was the moment I found what I was fated to do... when I saw Mina's soul suffering... I realized with this arm- he holds his arm up. "I had to save her and for that I have to destroy Akuma."
I take said hand in mine. "I'm glad. I'm sure she was in a lot pain," I tried to find some way to offer comfort. "You did the right thing. The only thing you could of done."
Naive words- I'm sure someone has told you before or you even told yourself this.
"Thank you," he smiled his sad smile.
I wasn't sure if it was the sleep deprivation or my longing for Carol's company. My body worked on autopilot as I stand up and seat next to Allen. Placing my head on his shoulder I put my hand and loop it in his.
"B-B-Bonnie! Wha-"
If it was Carol- I'd pull out the cute puppy videos on YouTube.
"I wanted your pain to go away... I'm not sure if I can give you the right words."
A hug... physical contact. It's the only thing I felt I could offer him a darkness falls on my vision and I find myself in a deep slumber.
Chapter End
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