So, to be honest, this is one of my favorite chapters. It's also the last of the Ark Arc.
Answer: My own would be Lulubell. I don't know why, I'm just not that big of a fan.
Enjoy!
Needless to say, we were kind of in a really bad situation right now.
Lavi flew past me, but I managed to grab him before he could hit a pillar.
He blinked at me with some sort of surprise.
"Eh. You look cute with a halo" he pointed out with a smile.
"Bookboy, not the time" I whacked his head.
Hime, you're blushing.
Am not!
I gazed at the ongoing fight with a frown. No matter what we did, we were clearly outmatched by Tyki's new form.
"Any idea, Bookman Jr?" I asked, sincerely hoping he'd say 'yes'.
"And you, secret genius?" he retorted.
I grunted at his clear lack of positive answer, and Allen flew above our head, catching his fall with Crown Clown.
"Here we go again!" I yelled, running back into the fight. "Spin Rocket!"
I managed to break through four of the shields, before being sent back once more. I landed on my right arm, which earned a sharp gasp as pain flared. I dislocated it when I was forcefully brought down, and kind of forgot about it.
More like you ignored the pain. This is going to be a drag to heal, you know?
I'll let you whine all you want when we get out of here.
… you still haven't given, eh?
I swore I'd never give up again, not until my last breath. I won't go back on my words now.
Good. I'd be ashamed to be your Angel otherwise.
"Why are you still fighting?" pleaded Chaozii, not far from my position.
Lavi, who was about to attack again, smiled to him.
"Because I'm an Exorcist" he retorted.
Then, he ran at Dark Mikk, hammer ready to strike. However, he was caught in the vines, which started choking him. Gritting my teeth, I steeled my wings and sliced trough them, freeing my friend. However, two others wrapped themselves around my wings, sending me crash on the ground as they trapped me tighter and tighter.
There was an explosion, and I gazed in fright as the ceiling suddenly broke down onto us.
And of course, that's where I blacked out.
Fainted.
I don't fucking faint.
WAKE THE FUCK UP!
"I'M AWAKE!"
I sat up in one harsh movement, a humming in the back of my head and warmth in my chest.
This feeling… Innocence?
You'd be correct. The fragment found a new Host, or rather reacted to him. It can't reach him, though. Must be because it's outside the Ark.
But the only one here who could become an Host… Chaozii!?
I managed to get back on my feet, just in time to see Dark Mikk running towards Chaozii, who was supporting what seemed to be a very heavy fragment of the ceiling. Baring my teeth, I charged in and spread my wings.
"Shield!"
His attack bounced on my Innocence and shot back at him, sending him fly a few meters away. Letting out a relieved breath, I turned to the other two.
"Are you alright?" I asked. "Chaozii, whatever you're doing, keep doing it! I'm getting you two out of there"
"H-hai!" he exclaimed.
But he already seemed to reach his limit. Gritting my teeth, I plunged under the rocky weight and grabbed Lenalee, before dragging her out of there. Then, I went back to Chaozii, who was struggling more and more.
"At my signal, you let go of everything, okay?" I asked, placing my hands on his shoulders.
"But… the weight…" he gasped.
"Trust me! Even if you don't want to, just trust me this once!" I pleaded.
He gritted his teeth, and nodded his consent. I breathed once.
Ready when you are, Hime.
Then let's do this.
"Now!"
He let go, and I instantly raised Shield once again. That was going to hurt, but if I concentrated my Innocence on my steeled wings, they would make it through. Grabbing the man's shoulders harder, I pushed against the weight as it crashed down onto us. I could distinctly hear Lenalee's horrified scream, but kept pushing through.
Now, Ary!
"Spin Rocket!"
There was some resistance, before the rock broke and debris flew around as we finally got out. Then, I landed more or less gently, breathing harshly.
"You… did it…" gasped Chaozii, shaken up.
"Of course… I did…" I replied. "I don't… leave my comrades… to die…"
He seemed stricken by shock and some sort of joy at the same time, but now really wasn't the time for a heart to heart.
"Ary, watch out!"
I wasn't fast enough to avoid the vines, though, and I found myself hanging in the air, head downside as they tightened painfully around my ankles.
"Shit!"
Trying to cut through them with my feathered blades, I soon found myself dangling around, unable to move and, the next second, Dark Mikk was in front of me, his face barely centimeters away from mine.
"Err… hello" I laughed nervously. "… nice day, uh?"
It chuckled darkly, and was about to sink it's claws in my head when I started falling, only to be caught a moment later.
"Bookboy!" I grinned his way.
"Hey, Tenshi" he grinned. "Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?"
"This is most probably the worst pun I ever heard" I snorted. "And the worst time to say it too"
Allen landed next to us as the redhead put me back on my feet.
"You two are alright?" I asked, dusting myself.
"We're fine" assured the white haired boy.
But no matter the bravado, the three of us were panting like dogs, our uniforms in pieces as blood seeped from different wounds. Well, for them.
Gotta love Gabriel.
Aw, I love you too. Don't make Bookman Jr jealous, though.
Shut the hell up.
"You know, with the door gone, we won't be able to get out" remarked casually Lavi.
"Even so, now's not the time to be sleeping on the job" retorted Allen.
"Yeah, those two tried so hard, we can't let ourselves look bad" I nodded to the other two, who were watching from farther away.
"Then let's go"
And there we go again.
You were most probably my favorite Host, Hime.
Don't give up just yet. Something's coming. We're not done for.
…Then what are you waiting for? Move your stupid ass.
Fuck you.
Nan, it's Lavi's job.
Sometimes, I really hate my life.
"Fuck, that hurts" I grunted.
But I got up again.
Something was coming. We just had to last a little longer. We wouldn't die here.
I wouldn't allow it.
Allen crashed into me, and I struggled to keep my balance.
"We can't even touch him" he spat.
"Don't give up" I scolded his tone. "We're still alive, right? Then we're not allowed to give up"
"Man, I didn't sign up for this" panted Lavi, joining us.
"Aw, you know you'd be bored to hell and back without it" I retorted with a smirk.
"Talk for yourself" he scoffed. "If we get back, I'm going to take a really long nap"
I narrowed my eyes at him and roughly hit the back of his head.
"Hey!"
"Not if" I corrected seriously. "When. When we get back. We're all going home, got it? Now suck it up and get back on your feet, you big babies. We've still haven't managed to land a blow. My pride's taking it hard"
They shook their heads, smiling a little, but I could see some sort of fire in their eyes again. Satisfied, I turned to face Dark Mikk for the nth time.
You really believe it.
I do. You seem surprised. Any brilliant idea?
Concentrate.
I frowned a little, but did so nowadays as the boys ran back to the fight.
After a few seconds, I managed to find another Innocence approaching our way, and fast. I could also make out the heavy smell of a cigar, and the bitter taste of the alcohol.
No need to search harder, I already knew who it was.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me" I grunted.
Be glad at least someone's here.
Oh, I am. But I'd rather it not be him.
Yeah, me too. I've always wanted to punch him.
Oh, I'll punch him after all of this. Really, really hard.
The ground under Allen's feet started glowing, and I flew back to where Lenalee and Chaozii were standing. Lenalee was still trapped with the weird wires –we didn't exactly had the time to free her- and Chaozii seemed slightly out of it, most probably because he used up so much Innocence in one go without even having it at hand.
"What's happening?" asked my female friend, scared.
The ground broke, and Allen started falling.
"Don't worry" I shook my head.
"But Allen-"
"Cross's here"
She gaped at me, then looked back at the hole, where Allen's scream had suddenly stopped. A second and a half later, Cross was there, dangling his apprentice by the ankle and standing on top of his Grave of Maria. He let go of the boy, and jumped down.
"Seriously?" I heard Lavi asked.
"Err, who's he?" asked Chaozii.
"C-Cross Marshall…" answered Lenalee, apparently not believing her eyes.
The Master gazed down at the student, who stared back.
"Master" finally greeted Allen.
Wait for it.
Ten bucks he's going to throw him away.
I'm not betting on that, Hime. We both know you'd win.
I grinned when Timcanpy sat itself on his head, and his eye widened a little at the sight of Allen's Innocence.
"Well, seems like you're finally able to manage a worthwhile activation" he remarked. "But even so, you're all rags. Here"
He landed him his hand to help him up, and my jaw dropped a little.
This is weird.
You tell me, Trickster. Has he discovered kindness while we were away?
However, before Allen could take his hand, he grabbed his collar and threw him our way. I pushed myself out of the way in time as the white haired boy crashed where I was a moment sooner, and I shook my fist Cross's way.
"Stupid womanizer!" I yelled gaining his attention. "The hell do you think you're doing, showing up like that in the middle of fucking nowhere?"
"Ah, Aryane" he blinked. "Seems like you've finally achieved your potential too"
"You have no idea" I cracked my knuckles.
"However… YOU'RE FILTHY!" he yelled. "Idiots!"
He then turned at Lavi.
"Oi, you! Get your arse over there too!" he ordered. "You're in the presence of a beautiful being. Filthy things go over there"
"Bitch, I'm gorgeous!" I yelled back angrily. "Get some fucking glasses you damn asshole!"
Hime, it's not the time.
Am I really that filthy?
Don't sound so depressed! We're in the middle of a fucking battle for dear life, of course you'd get a little crass over yourself!
But my hair's okay, right? My beautiful, beautiful hair…
"Ary, not the time" sweatdropped Allen, seeing my depressed state.
I shook my head as Lavi joined us and Dark Mikk made it's way back here.
"I come to see what's happening, and what do I find?" asked rhetorically Cross. "You lot rampaging on a ship that's on the verge of destruction. You've lost consciousness, haven't you?"
Understanding he had everything in hands, I let my head fall onto Lavi's shoulder.
"I can't believe he's here" he mumbled.
"I'm going to punch him so, so hard…" I promised.
"When we get back, that is" he completed with a small smile.
I smiled back.
Why are you all happy, suddenly?
He said 'when'.
But that means he trusts Cross to get you all out of here.
I don't like it either, but the stupid womanizer is a strong Exorcist. We're in… good hands, now.
You sound a little sick.
If I ever admit that out loud, I think I'll throw up.
"Eh, what's that?"
At the redhead's question, I raised my head to see Cross now using his first Innocence.
"It's his Grave of Maria" answered Allen.
She started singing, and I sighed happily at the melody. Cross might be an ass, but he had two great Innocence. Grave of Maria always had been one of my favorite.
Say, Trickster! Does it works the same way as Hell's Salvation or Heaven's Damnation?
Not exactly. Your illusions will force their own minds and hearts against themselves. His and Road's are manipulated and created to satisfy their needs. Yours isn't as volatile, but it inflicts much more damage then you'd guess.
I can't wait to try them, seriously. It didn't seem to work that well with the Earl, though.
The Earl… is different. You tried Hell's Salvation but he's the fricking Millennium Earl. He doesn't fear anything, or rather nothing you can exploit. Heaven's Damnation will probably be more effective, but I don't promise great things. He doesn't exactly want anything else, except utter destruction.
Right…
"Eh, it's Magdala Curtain" I blinked, recognizing the sort of veil surrounding us. "That's nice. I don't really want to make any more efforts if he's around to take care of it"
"You're just lazy" snorted Lavi.
"I'm just letting him do his damn job, for once" I shrugged. "Sue me"
There were a few gunshots, and I smiled, recognizing Judgment.
"Yep" I popped the 'P'. "Mikk's definitely screwed. Too bad we don't have any popcorn, though. I could use a snack right now"
"No matter the circumstances, you'll always be the same" Bookman Jr shook his head. "I don't know whether to be glad or exasperated"
"Aw, you know you love me!" I grinned.
But instead of grinning back, he simply cleared his throat and gazed back at the fight.
Well.
That's just weird.
Hime, you can be adorably dense sometimes.
Eh? Why? What do you mean?
But the bastard simply laughed.
A screech brought my attention back to what was happening, and I blinked in surprise when I realized that Cross was about to send the fatal blow.
I think I spaced out for a moment.
No shit. You really ought to focus more on your surroundings.
As he was about to shoot, though, the floor before him exploded in a blinding light that forced us to look away. When I reopened my eyes, it was only to see the fricking Millennium Earl standing on one of the flying debris, Tyki's body slung onto his shoulder.
"Of fucking course" I grunted, getting up.
The others got back on their feet too at the sight of our greatest enemy.
"I'll have these kids disposed of" his voice echoed in the silence.
The ground shook, and I nearly lost my balance. However, horrified gasps from behind made my heart miss a beat. I turned in time to see Lavi and Chaozii falling through a new hole in the ground.
"Shit!"
Lavi managed to grab the new Host and extended his hammer to us. Allen grabbed it, but the weapon had suffered too much attacks, and crumbled into the boy's hand, making my blood turn to ice.
Lavi.
They were falling.
Lavi.
He was falling.
Lavi.
I can't let him fall.
Ary, don't-
Without thinking, I jumped after him. My arm stretching as far as I could, all my thoughts swirling in my head and my eyes focused on the boy's shock-stricken face.
Lavi.
He can't die here.
Lavi.
I won't let him.
Lavi.
I never told him. I have to tell him.
"LAVIII!"
I love you.
A bright green eye was the last thing I saw before everything was engulfed by darkness.
A… ry…
God, let me sleep.
… ry… up…
I said to let me sleep, damn it!
Ary!
Fuck!
I snapped my eyes open, but instantly closed them as a bright light burned my pupils.
"Damn it" I grunted, shielding my view from the damnable white.
Ary! You stupid, idiot, fucking moron of a Host! You're the most reckless person I've ever had the misfortune to meet, and probably the fucking luckiest too!
"T-Trickster?" I groaned. "Fuck, stop screaming, I've already got one headache coming…"
You deserve each and every fucking headaches that come your way, baka! I can't believe you fucking jumped after the guy!
My eyes widened slightly.
"Lavi… oh my God, is he okay?"
I quickly got back on my feet, and cringed at the sharp pain of my dislocated shoulder.
You deserve that one too.
"I can't believe it" I passed an hand over my face. "I never… I almost never told him… everything went so fast and I never…"
I choked relieved sobs, but no tears came out. I wasn't about to cry for that. It would be stupid.
Not as stupid as you've been, that's for fucking sure!
Man, Trickster, you sound kind of pissed…
KIND OF PISSED? YOU FUCKING JUMPED TO YOUR DEATH! HOW CAN I NOT BE FUCKING PISSED?
Fuck, take a chill pill, would you? I'm fine, now. Well, I've got a few cuts, but nothing you can't heal right a-
I ain't about to heal any of those, you imbecile. Live with the fucking consequences, I'm not going to regenerate you anytime soon.
Tche, fine.
I let out a shaky sigh, and looked around. I was in one of the streets, and the whole Ark seemed to be back.
Something happened –not that I know what- and the Ark's download was erased, stopping the process of auto-destruction. Everything came back to the way it was.
But… Gab, that means that the rooms are back too, right? Then Krory and Kanda…
They should be okay. Their Innocence is really weak, like Lavi's by the way, but they're here.
At Lavi's name, everything that happened washed over me, and I felt sick.
Ary…
You were right. I've waited, and almost paid the price. You don't know how much you loved someone until you lost him, right? You're right on that too, I'm a fucking idiot.
Then what are you waiting for? Go find your stupid boyfriend already!
But where-
"Moshi! Rice! Pork ribs! Ary! Allen!? It's dinner time! Come out you two! Steak! Pasta!"
He's calling me like I'm a fucking dog or something.
Let's be honest, it would work if you weren't so shaken up.
… point taken.
There. Now go get him, tiger!
Not really thinking, still a little out of it, the only thing I could think about was how I almost made the biggest mistake of my life.
And I wasn't about to do it twice.
So, I ran. Ignoring the throbbing pain in my shoulder, I ran. As fast as I could, putting every ounce of strength I had left in my legs that threatened to gave in at every step. The voice was closer now, and I could make out Chaozii's too.
"Yuu's underwear!" I heard him yell suddenly, barely a corner away.
A door slammed.
"Bring it on, you retarded rabbit!" snapped Kanda's voice.
"Aw, Yuu!"
I stumbled on my feet and lost my balance, sending me rolling into the dust.
"Ow…" I mumbled.
"A-Ary!" exclaimed Lavi, relief in his voice.
I snapped my eyes at him.
He's alive.
He's alive.
No more controlling my own movements, I got up and ran at him.
"LAVI!"
I jumped into his arms and, my mind completely blank, I kissed him.
There was a moment of lingering silence as he tensed, and I was about to pull away when his mouth moved on mine.
He's kissing back!
Oh my fucking God, he's kissing back.
Told ya so.
He saw her. When she jumped.
He remembered falling, sending his hammer in one last stretch to cling to life, he remembered it breaking, and then the red haired girl jumping after him, hand reaching for his.
There was darkness.
When he woke up, she wasn't there. Chaozii was a few meters away, but she wasn't there. So, easily reaching the conclusion that if they were alive, well Yuu, Crow-chan and her were too, and he started searching for her.
"Moshi! Rice! Pork ribs! Ary! Allen!? It's dinner time! Come out you two! Steak! Pasta!"
It probably wasn't the best way, but he knew her well enough to say that she'd come, if not for the potential food, to hit him.
At that point, he would let her hit all she wanted, as long as he knew she was okay.
"Spaghetti! Ham! Pancakes! Ary!? Hot chocolate! Come on!"
Seeing as she still wasn't there, or answering, he decided to try calling for another of his teammates.
"Yuu's underwear!"
The door next to Chaozii –who was watching him with some sort of awkward- slammed.
"Bring it on, you retarded rabbit!" snarled Kanda.
He had Krory with him, but he seemed unconscious.
"Aw, Yuu!"
Suddenly, there were precipitated footsteps in the next street. Someone fell, and a familiar girl rolled into the dust.
"Ow…" she mumbled.
"A-Ary!"
He was relieved to see her, that was for sure. What the fuck was she thinking, jumping after them like that?
Her eyes were weird, though. Why was she looking at him like that?
She got back on her feet and ran at time, stumbling a few times, skidding on the pavement.
"LAVI!"
She was suddenly in his arms, k- holy shit, she's kissing him?
SHE'S KISSING ME!
At first taken aback, he then kissed back with all the piled up emotions he had kept in the back of his head for so long.
He didn't know if it was a dream.
He didn't know if she only acted that way because she had been scared and confused.
What he did know, though, was that he wouldn't let go so easily, now.
Maybe his grandfather was right, after all. Things were going to get complicated for the future Bookman. But, for now, he really couldn't care less.
After a few seconds, we both pulled away, panting a little, and I let my head fall onto his chest.
"Don't do that again" I mumbled. "Don't you fucking dare do that again, Bookboy"
Seeing as he didn't answer, I raised my eyes to him and saw him sporting a dumb smile on his lips.
"Bookboy?"
"Strike!"
Unable to control myself, I started laughing uncontrollably.
"You're… you're an idiot" I choked.
"I'm your idiot" he retorted, hugging me.
"Yeah, you are"
"Hell, find a fucking room, you two" grunted Kanda.
Suddenly remembering we weren't alone, and exactly who was there, I freed myself from Lavi's embrace and turned to see Kanda supporting an unconscious Krory.
"So, still alive, Jerkface?" I smirked, crossing my arms.
"Go die, Akahato" he retorted.
"Age before beauty" I replied.
But then, my smile dropped, and I hit his head as hard as I could.
"Damn it, wench! What the hell!?"
"You scared me, Ba-Kanda!" I shook my fists. "I don't fucking care what you think, but you're my friend, even if you're a real asshole and a jerk with that, so don't you fucking scare me like that again, got it!?"
He simply stared at me with wide eyes, and I was suddenly whacked behind he head too.
"Hey!" I protested, rubbing the sore spot and glaring at Lavi.
"You're one to talk, Tenshi!" he roughly poked my forehead. "The hell were you thinking, jumping after us like that?"
Embarrassed, I looked away and mumbled under my breath.
"What was that?" he asked, clearly not impressed.
"I said that I wasn't thinking!" I repeated louder. "I saw you falling and I just- my mind went completely blank and I jumped, end of story!"
"That's utter crap" he replied. "But seeing as these are happy reunions, and I can't resist to your puppy eyes, I'll let it slide for now"
"You're whipped" snorted Kanda, apparently back from his stunned silence.
"A-am not!"
I laughed a little, then looked down at Krory.
"Is he going to be okay?" I asked, frowning a little.
"He collapsed, but he's still alive" answered Kanda. "What the hell's going on now?"
"I don't really know either" Lavi shook his head. "Hey, get your ass out there, Beansprout!"
"Who're you calling a Beansprout, Baka Lavi!?"
"A-Allen?" I looked around, trying to find the boy. "Where the hell are you? Are you okay? Is Jumper okay too? Hey, Jumper, are you there?"
"The Beansprout's voice's coming from the sky" remarked Kanda.
"The name's Allen, Ba-Kanda! I won't forgive you if you call me that again"
At that, we all smiled a little.
"Oi, answer my damn questions, Kiddo!" I called.
"Y-yeah, we're fine, Ary. Lenalee and Master too. Oi, Lavi!"
"What is it?"
"Strike, uh?"
At that, I felt my cheeks burn as Gabriel burst out in laughter.
"Shut the hell up, Kiddo!" I yelled.
"Aw, you're all red, Tenshi" grinned Lavi, hugging me from behind.
"I hate you all"
"Maybe the others, but you love me" he retorted, still smiling.
"That I do"
He seemed surprised, before his smile widened and he kissed me again.
"Oi, oi, that's enough you two! Geez, get a room…"
"You're just jealous, Allen" smirked the redhead.
"Of course he is, I'm fabulous" I rolled my eyes dramatically.
"That you are"
"I swear if you say one more fucking cheesy line, I'll kill the two of you" a vein bulged on Kanda's forehead.
I snorted, then smiled brightly at Lavi and squeezed his hand.
It was over.
About damn time, too. Atta girl, by the way. Ready to go home?
Home… yeah, that sounds nice.
I was now walking into the city with Lenalee, searching for… well, I don't really know, to be honest.
"So, you and Lavi, uh?" she smirked, bumping my shoulder gently.
"Don't you start with that, Jumper" I groaned. "Or I'll send Evil Komui on you and Allen"
"But we're not-"
"It's just a question of time" I waved my hand as if chasing a fly.
She looked away, blushing a little, and I smiled. It was good to see her alright.
"You were right" she finally said. "About all of us going back together"
"I promised, didn't I?" I retorted.
"You changed" she replied quietly. "When I met you, you were this little ball of sarcasm that kept going only for the memories. You always put others before yourself, but you never believed to be able to save them. It always kind of scared me, to be honest. How you so easily complied to death. But now, here you are, determined to bring everyone back no matter what, never loosing hope"
"Jumper…"
"I like it" she beamed at me. "I'm glad to have you by our side, Ary"
I smiled softly at her words, and ruffled her hair.
"I'm glad to be there too, Jumper"
We stepped into another empty street, and I blinked at the weird sight.
"Eh, isn't that Chaozii?" I asked, just to be sure.
"Uh? Oh, you're right" she realized. "What's he doing, all hunched up in that doorframe?"
We joined him and I snickered a little when I realized that the others were all clinging to each other to escape falling to their death. Allen was gripping Kanda's ankle, who had grabbed Lavi's shirt, and who's own ankle had been caught by Chaozii, who was struggling to get them back up.
"Hey, guys" I called. "Having fun?"
"T-Tenshi!" choked Lavi, apparently unable to breath correctly.
"Hold on, we're getting you out!" said Lenalee, grabbing the redhead's ankle too.
I sighed, but helped anyway. However, there was a slight problem.
"Damn it, you morons" I grunted, pulling with my left arm. "You ought to eat less"
"That's rich coming from you, Akahato!" scoffed Kanda down there.
There was a flash of light as a tingling sound made itself heard, and two metallic bracelets appeared around Chaozii's left wrist.
"Innocence!" I realized.
The next second, he had pulled them all out with his new abilities.
"Oh, super strength" I realized. "That's cool"
He looked down at the bracelets in wonder.
"That's right, you're an Host now" remembered dumbly Lavi.
"What?" frowned Kanda, kind of confused.
"I-it's stuck on my wrist" stuttered Chaozii.
"Maybe that, because the Ark calmed down, it was able to find you" proposed Allen.
"This is… Innocence" he said quietly. "The power… to defeat the Akumas… Lady Anita bestowed this on me"
"You wanted the power to live for your friends, didn't you?" I asked with a small smile. "You got it. You're one of us, now"
He smiled back, apparently a little unsure, and I sighed when I easily read his doubts.
"I don't really care about what you said, back in the tower" I assured. "You didn't know anything. You still don't, but you're going to learn soon. And I hope that, when this day come, we'll be able to be friends"
"Hai" he nodded, more determined.
"Good! Eh? What's with the long face, Bookboy?" I blinked at the redhead.
"My Innocence's in pieces" he stared at the remains of his hammer with dramatic tears. "Eh, yours too, Yuu?"
"Don't call me that!"
"I'm sure Komui will be able to fix them" proposed Allen.
I cringed in honest sympathy at that, and patted Lavi's back in pity.
"More importantly, I'm worried that Krory hasn't woken up yet" remarked Lenalee. "If we're not able to get out, we won't be able to get him treated"
"Oh, Master is watching him, isn't he?" remembered Allen.
At his words, I stiffened, remembering another oath I made.
"Ary?" Lavi tilted his head in wonder.
But he suddenly backed away, probably feeling my bloodlust, and I darted towards the tower, the others following close behind.
I ran to the room Allen told us about, and found the Marshall taking a smoke. Instantly, I saw red.
"Oi, you stupid womanizer!" I exclaimed, making my way to him.
"Ah, Aryane! We didn't-"
Not letting him finish, I punched him square in the face as hard as I could, before bringing my knee up where the sun don't shine. He collapsed under the strength of the blow.
It hurt, seeing as I used my right fist, but damn did it felt good at the same time.
"A-Ary!" exclaimed Lenalee.
Ignoring her, I grabbed the damn man by his collar and started shaking him.
"You made us run halfway across the world on a fucking goose chase, and now you fucking show up? I swear to God, you're coming back with us to Headquarters and you ain't getting out until I say so, you fucking got it? Et je te jure, si tu penses ne serait-ce qu'une seule seconde à fuir à nouveau, je vais t'arracher les testicules and tu ne pourras plus jamais passer la nuit avec une femme!"
"She's awesome" I could hear Lavi's smug smirk.
"Lavi, am I allowed to think you're a masochist?" asked quietly Allen.
"Say that to my fucking face, Kiddo" I narrowed my eyes at him.
He raised his hands in a surrender gesture, shaking his head.
"I- I didn't say anything!"
"That's what I thought" I snorted.
"M-Miss Aryane, are you injured?" suddenly asked Chaozii, gazing at my right arm.
My evil smile stilled in place as the atmosphere suddenly turned heavier and everyone eyed me suspiciously.
"W-what? Me? Of course not, you know I've got Archangel for th- PUTAIN! What the hell, Jerkface?"
He simply crossed his arms as I gripped my throbbing arm. Allen paled a little.
"Ary, didn't you say your shoulder was dislocated?" he remembered.
"… no"
"Ary!" they all exclaimed in one voice.
I simply let out a nervous laugh.
My arm in place again, but Gabriel still refusing to heal it, I was now sitting next to Krory, who was still unconscious. Everyone was around, Allen next to the piano.
"The Edo Connection?" repeated Allen. "What's that?"
"It doesn't matter, just say it!" retorted Cross, annoyed. "Geez, you're such a pain… After that, we can get out of here"
"You'd better explain everything thoroughly later, Master" a vein popped on his apprentice's forehead.
"Agreed" I sent a scathing glare the Marshall's way.
He gulped a little, remembering our… charming reunion, and cleared his throat.
"Just get on with it" he grunted.
"Yeah! I want to hear it too!" agreed Lavi, pointing at the piano.
"Just do it, Beansprout" scoffed Kanda.
Instantly, flames rose high around the two as electricity crackled between them.
"Didn't I say that the name was Allen?" he asked icily.
"Quit fighting!" Lenalee pushed her way through.
I snickered a little at their faces, but she turned an annoyed glared to me, which made me gulp.
"You're not out of trouble either, Ary!" she assured in a threatening gesture.
"Y-yes ma'am" I sweatdropped a little.
The others laughed, and Allen placed his hands on the keys.
"Err… release the ship's Edo Connection" he ordered.
Then, he started playing. The lullaby was soothing, I liked it.
Of fucking course!
T-Trickster? What-
It's him! I didn't saw it before, but now… I can't believe I hadn't realize it before!
Gab, what's happening!?
I'll tell you everything when we're back to Headquarters, okay?
… alright. Still mad at me?
You have no idea.
"Ark, please open the gate!" exclaimed Allen, still playing.
There was a flash of light, and a door that looked exactly like the one we used to get to Edo before appeared in front of us. Lavi passed his head on the other side. We had agreed not to tell the rest for now, seeing as our situation was still confused to us too, so we've decided to just act like usual until we could talk it out.
"Oi! You guys alright?" I heard him yell.
He jumped through.
""Y-you came back!" that was Mari's voice.
"Thank goodness!" exclaimed Allen, passing through. "Seems like we've made it out in one piece!"
"You're right!" Lenalee followed him.
They jumped out, and I could make out Miranda's sobbing. Kanda followed.
"Are you alright, Kanda?" yelled Marie in a happy tone.
"Shut it, Marie!" he snapped.
"MASTER! Did you hear that?" the man completely ignored him.
There were some muffled screams, before Kanda came back and dragged Chaozii out of there.
"Here you go" I heard him scoffed.
They fully passed to the other side, and I was about to do the same when Cross placed an hand on my shoulder.
"You've got quite the secret here, don't you, Ary?"
I looked back at him, keeping my cool.
"I don't know what you're talking about"
"Of course you don't" he replied smoothly. "Don't tell Leverrier"
"You think I'm stupid?" I shot an hand over my mouth. "Shit"
He snorted.
"If that's how you keep a secret, then I'm seriously worried"
"I won't tell him, you're just sneaky" I huffed. "How'd you guess?"
Even I am curious about that.
"Let's just say… I've got my chance, once" he took a smoke.
My eyes widened at that.
"You mean you've got an Angel?" I spluttered. "You can't have one- I mean, you're- you're you! It's not-"
"Nan, I kicked him out" he shrugged.
"Of course you did" I facepalmed.
"Are you going to tell the others?"
"I… I'm thinking about it" I admitted. "I have to understand better myself first, though. We didn't exactly had that much time"
"Good"
Understanding he wouldn't say anything more, I rolled my eyes and made my way to the door.
In a way, I'm really glad he's on our side.
Yeah, me too. What was that about kicking his Angel out, by the way?
I've heard of it, many years back. Michael chose him as his vessel, but the man was too strong-minded for him to control, so he left and chose another one.
Is it wrong of me to be happy about that? Because having him of all people against us…
Nope, I feel the same way.
And are you-
I froze, barely centimeters away from the door. My abdomen was burning. Why was it burning?
Looking down, I made out a black spear piercing me from side to side.
I blinked, and pain suddenly washed over me as I collapsed to my knees.
"Aryane!" that was the Marshall's voice.
"I really hate these Shields of yours, Ary-chan" cackled another voice. "Makes killing you harder. Guess I'll have better aim next time, ne?"
I spat some blood as I felt myself being lifted from the ground, making my head spin. However, I could clearly make out a familiar figure floating above me.
"M-Millennium.. Earl…" I coughed. "Damn, that… hurts…"
There was another cackle, before he disappeared.
I felt more than saw the transition to the real world, and I realized it was most probably the stupid womanizer carrying me. He placed me on the ground.
"Hey… is that sand?" I asked, feeling the ground under me. "That's… nice –cough-... I like the- the beach –cough-…"
"Ary!"
"Hey, L-a-a-a-vi…" I grinned. "Are you –cough- to… to the b-beach –cough- too?"
"Miranda!"
"H-here!"
"Ary, I'm taking it out" said the redhead, serious for who knows what reason.
"T-taking –cough- what… out?" I giggled. "Y-you're… weird… -cough-…"
But suddenly, utter pain shook my whole body, and I let out a scream. My vision was blurry, black spots dancing before my eyes, but the pain was soon replaced by a soothing feeling to where was supposed to be my wound.
The pain had made me lucid again, and I slowly sat up with the help of the future Bookman.
"God, that hurt like a bitch…" I mumbled. "I feel kind of dizzy, though… Mira-chan, I seriously love you right now"
"I-it's only temporary, Ary" she shook her head. "Y-you'll have to get it t-treated"
"Don't I know it" I mumbled. "Damn, Boss's going to give me yet another earful"
Someone else crouched beside me, and I smiled at Bookman, who offered a slight smile back. There was also something glinting in his eyes…
"Oh God, are you crying, Ji-ji?" I grinned.
"I'm not!" he swatted the back of my head.
"Master, what happened?" asked Allen somewhere behind me.
"The Earl tried to kill her, her Shield deflected the blow somewhat" he resumed.
"W-wait" I shook my head. "I didn't activate Shield, how could it…"
There was a glow, and I looked down at my chest, where the pendant Rohfa, Shifu and Rikei had made for me emanated the faint light.
"Well, who'd have thought there gift would work out that way?" remarked Allen.
"Kiddo, remember to me to hug them really hard once we see them" I grinned.
"What's this?" asked curiously Lenalee.
"A pendant three scientists –really nice, by the way- made for me when we were back at the Asian Branch" I answered.
Lavi helped me up, not saying anything, but I could see his unsure glances to his grandfather. They were more than probably into Bookman mode and wondering just why the hell would the Earl go out of his way to kill me, of all people, and Lavi probably added it to the reason why the twins kind-of kidnapped me sooner.
Damn geniuses.
"Well, we're all alive and kicking" I stretched a little. "We completed our mission by finding the stupid womanizer, and Tiedoll-sensei completed his mission by finding a new Host in our dear Chaozii here. So, how about we go back to the Asian Branch as promised?"
Everyone nodded, and we went back inside the Ark, where we had left Krory. Lavi grabbed my hand and squeezed it slightly.
"I'll tell you everything I can" I assured silently. "Once we're back"
"I'll hold you to that" he nodded in the same tone.
"Did you tell Ji-ji?"
"He knew before I stepped out" he grunted. "But later"
"Later" I agreed.
We let go, and I went to sit next to Lenalee, eying the spot where I had been pierced sooner.
I'm not going to heal that one unless you're about to die.
What? I've got a fucking spear through my stomach, and you won't heal me?
I'm still mad at you.
Bastard.
We walked out of the new door, and found ourselves in the same room we had left by –what, a day or so sooner?-.
Now that I think about it, it seemed longer than it really was.
The few scientists present had wide, wide eyes, and Won ran away, most probably to warn Bak about our return.
As expected, I was right, seeing as they both came back running a two minutes later.
Your modesty is astounding me.
Shush.
"Hey, Stalker-chan!" I grinned, waving a little. "Guess who's back?"
"We'd like to borrow a phone to call Headquarters" added Lavi.
But he wasn't listening to us, his eyes lingering on the girl next to me. I bite back a laugh that threatened to erupt, and nudged Lenalee's side. She blinked at me, and I pointed at Bak, who was gaping at her.
She smiled at him.
Needless to say, the man kind-of died on us, his hives hitting like a brick wall. Unable to help it anymore, I placed my head against Lavi's chest to muffle my laughs as much as I could.
"Who's that guy?" he sweatdropped, patting my head.
"That's the Asian Branch's Head, Bak Chang" answered Allen.
"Are they alright? With a leader like that…" the redhead trailed off.
"W-Walker-san! Ary!"
"Rohfa-chan!"
Letting go of my laughter fit, I hugged her as hard as I could.
"I-I'm so glad you're both safe" she sobbed in my shoulder.
"It's thanks to you!" I beamed at her and the other two, pulling away. "Hadn't it been for the necklace you made for me, I'd be dead by now!"
They blinked at that, then eyed the necklace in wonder.
"R-really?" Rikei scratched the back of his head. "Well, glad it could help"
Someone else stepped out of the Ark, and an hand roughly fall onto my head. I looked up to Cross.
"He's your man, Ary?" he eyed Rikei.
"D-Dafuck? The hell are you talking about, you stupid womanizer?" I protested, struggling out of his grasp. "You know I've got… someone else!"
I shot a look at Lavi, pleading for some help, but he just shrugged, apparently enjoying the show.
Bastard.
"W-we're nothing of the sort, sir!" Rikei quickly shook his head.
"Hm…"
"Marshall!"
I stumbled out of his vice-like grip, and Lenalee suddenly… hugged him?
"Don't go!" she pleaded.
Oh damn, she's got the puppy eyes.
Well, I won't fear him leaving anymore. No one can resist's Jumper's puppy eyes.
This Bak dude is having a heart attack, though.
I fell back into another fit as Allen and Lavi watched everything with wonder, shock, confusion…
"Is the Asian Branch going to be alright?" asked Bookman Jr.
"I-I'm sure they'll manage" I choked. "Oh God, you're all ridiculous…"
He grinned at that.
"Maybe, but you love us" he retorted, passing his arms around me.
"More than anything" I assured.
Making sure no one was looking, we exchanged a quick peck on the lips.
Aw, come on! Where's all the heat? The passion? The flames?
Voyeur.
But I was smiling.
So, here's the confession! Well, more a kiss out of impulse than anything else, but I like it so much! Oh, and I plead guilty: I was too lazy to write the part with the piano where Allen saved everyone, so I just decided to "kill" Ary along with Lavi and Chaozii.
That is all.
Question: How was Ary and Lavi's little confession? Good? Bad? Too soon?
Reviews!