Whew! As of now, this is my longest chapter! It contains the entire G-Thief Arc, though, so yeah.
Answer: Leverrier, Krory, Sheryl. Like, just no.
Enjoy!
When I woke up again, the sun was lazily getting up upon Headquarters. Lavi was holding me, and it took me a few seconds to remember what had transpired sooner.
Instantly, I concentrated again, and felt relief wash so hard over me my whole body trembled.
The slight move caused my boyfriend to wake up, and he shot me a worried look.
"Ary?" he muttered. "Are you feeling better?"
"I'm sorry" I said in the same tone, leaning onto him. "Something happened last night… I couldn't feel any aura and when I came to check up on Lenalee, she wasn't there, so I went to Allen's room but he wasn't there either, and seeing as Gabriel wasn't answering and I couldn't even feel his presence, I panicked and your room was next so when I saw you…"
I trailed off as he his grip tightened.
"We're all here, Ary" he assured. "Allen and Lenalee both fell asleep in one of the living rooms with Johnny. Why don't you try calling Gabriel again?"
"Right"
Gab?
Hey, Hime.
I instantly relaxed at his voice, and the redhead did the same, obviously understanding the disappearance of my stiffness.
What the hell was that? You scared the crap out of me!
Michael was here.
What!?
I didn't have the time to warn you so I locked myself as far back as I could. That way, your aura came back to an Exorcist's one and didn't attract his attention. It also refrained you from feeling the other's, though, but we couldn't risk him finding out about you yet.
Where is he now?
Not here, that's for sure. I'm sorry for the panic, I just couldn't warn you, and you aren't ready to face him yet.
It's alright. At least I know everyone's alright, and I'll know not to loose control if it happens again.
Glad that everything came back to normal somewhat, I allowed myself to take a few breaths.
"Apocryphos was here last night" I then informed the older boy, making him tense. "Trickster locked himself away so that we wouldn't be spotted, but it stopped me to sense the other's auras, that's why I couldn't feel yours, even when I was literally against you. Sorry for worrying you"
"Nan, don't sweat it" he shook his head, frowning slightly. "It's troubling, though. I can guess he left by now, but what was he doing here in the first place?"
"His main targets are Exorcists" I recalled, a chill running down my spine. "Shit!"
Concentrating to get back a feel of the auras, I managed to find all my friend's, but one was clearly missing.
"Cross' isn't there" I paled.
"Crap!"
Both getting out of bed, I went out first to the Marshall's room as he ran to find his grandfather to inform him of the situation.
The morning was still in its early hours but when I finally got to my destination, there were already a few people inside. Stumbling in front of the door, I came in as Komui, Leverrier and Allen turned to me. The last one was in shock, Komui was frowning and Leverrier was narrowing his eyes at me. However, I really couldn't care right now, my eyes frozen onto the broken window and the blood smearing the glass and the carpet, a broken mask tainted with red and Judgment lying on the floor.
There was no sign of Cross.
Feeling sick at the amount of crimson liquid, I looked away, and hand over my mouth. I never really liked Cross but, despite everything, I respected him as a fellow Exorcist. His methods were unorthodox and his morals seriously lacking, but he got the job done and honestly cared about Allen despite the appearances, which I greatly appreciated.
But now… he was gone. Dead.
He wouldn't come back.
Quickly recovering a calm façade, I caught Komui's hopeful glance, but shook my head in a negative gesture, which made his traits darkened.
"Exorcist Aryane" called Leverrier. "How have you known to come here?"
"I didn't" I refuted instantly. "Cross pulled a bad joke on me and I wanted to punch him"
"He never left his room to 'pull this bad joke', as you put it" he pointed out.
"Uh?" I played dumb. "So how the hell was I woken up by a fucking horn in… my… room… fuck, that must have been Lavi's doing, stupid ass…"
Then, I frowned at the window, as if just remarking the current state of the whole room.
"The hell happened here? It's Cross's room, but… fuck, did he just commit suicide on us?" I asked around.
"This is what we are trying to uncover, Miss Aryane" sneered Leverrier. "If you and Allen Walker here would clear the crime scene now…"
"Of course" I scrunched my nose, grabbing Allen's sleeve. "Come on, Kiddo"
Still in a shocked state, I managed to pull him out without much difficulty.
Michael got him first, then.
I can't believe he's actually dead, though. And in a way, I feel sick. I should have been able to prevent it. Aren't I the 'Protector and Savior'? He got fricking assassinated as I was having a panic attack. Some savior I am.
Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm the one who blocked your abilities. Plus, if you had intervened, then we'd both be dead by now.
Doesn't mean I have to like, though. Cross was one of us. I won't forgive your brother for this.
I'm not asking you to either.
"Ary…" Allen's voice snapped me out of my silent conversation. "Is he really dead?"
"It was Apocryphos" I admitted in a low tone. "I'm sorry I couldn't do anything"
He frowned, but said no more.
With Michael making his appearance after so many years…
I know. Soon, the paths of all our friends will diverge towards different destinies as my own awaits.
I'm with you, though. As you said, we started this together, and we're going to end this together.
No matter the price I have to pay, my friends will be safe. I swear it.
"It has turned out that Allen Walker has the memories of a Noah named the Fourteenth and that he is his Host" announced Leverrier.
I clenched my fists. Of course he'd fucking tell everyone right after Cross's death.
"However, officially, he'll continue to be a member of the Order's Headquarters and to work as an Exorcist" pursued the damned man. "The Order needs his ability as the Player right now and, at the same time, we cannot afford to loose any more of our forces"
He's going to say something stupid. I know he will.
Hime, breath.
I seriously want to hit him.
It'll be considered treason.
I don't care.
There was a slight pull on my muscles as the Angel warned me not to do anything rash, and I could see Leverrier's sick glee in his snake's eyes.
"Hence, Central has decided that'll keep a Noah in our ranks for a while" he resumed.
I'm going to kill him, I'm going to kill him, I'm going to kill him…
"Nii-san, is that true?" asked Lenalee, worry etched over her features.
"Supervisor Komui" warned the Inspector at his silence.
"As of now, Exorcists are under an indefinite assignment" Komui cleared his throat. "If Allen Walker awakens as the Fourteenth, and is considered to be a threat to us…"
I gritted my teeth as he struggled to finish his sentence.
"If that should happen, please kill me" concluded Allen, composed.
Everyone stiffened, turning to him, and Miranda inched away from me as my bloodlust went up a notch.
"But it won't happen" assured the white-haired teen. "If the Fourteenth attacks the Order, I will stop him a-"
"This is fucking insanity here, people!" I finally lost control, gaining their attention.
"Ary-"
"Allen is our friend!" I insisted. "There is no need for such extensive measures! He won't let the Fourteenth take control and as his friends and fellow Exorcists, it is our duty to help him!"
I then turned to face Leverrier.
"I don't fucking care about what you say, Inspector" I sneered. "You are trying to disrupt the trust between each of us by your stupid manipulations, but you know what? It won't happen because we're much more than machines and weapons, and we ain't about to betray our friend just like Allen isn't about to betray us. And you know what else? Fuck you"
And with that, chin held high, I walked out of the room. If I didn't, I would more than probably have lost what little control I had left over my actions and sent Leverrier to hell with one of my punches.
You just had to add the last one, didn't you?
Hey, he deserved it.
Damn right he did. I'm fucking proud of you.
I think he won't let this one slide.
Same. Fucking worth it, though.
Couldn't have said it better.
"You just had to open your damn mouth, didn't you?" sighed Komui, rubbing his temples.
"He's a fucking asshole" I huffed, crossing my arms.
"He's still in a superior position" he pointed out. "He's already trying to find a way to get you locked up for potential insubordination, and while I'm fighting back, you're not exactly helping your case"
"Allen is no traitor, and I will take on anyone who dare say otherwise" I remarked, my voice as cold as ice.
"I know that, Ary" he seemed so tired for a moment, I almost felt bad for him.
Almost.
The doors to his office opened, and Kanda, Marie, Allen and Link walked in.
"Yo" I greeted.
The first one scoffed, the big man nodded my way, Allen smiled at me and the blond eyed me with something I couldn't quite place.
It seems like he's suspicious of you, but struggling with some sort of respect too.
He's a good guy, Trickster. He's just caught up between his loyalty to Leverrier and Central and his true feelings towards Kiddo's situation.
"Exorcist Aryane" the blond called. "From now on, you are under suspicion of a potential mutiny against Central. You are sent on this mission as a test of loyalty towards the Order. Any form of insubordination will find you guilty of potential treason"
Or he's sent to investigate you, too.
Fuck my life.
"Ary, this is crazy! What were you thinking!?"
I rolled my eyes, shifting in my seat. Now heading for Paris to retrieve a group of Finders that had disappeared, Allen was letting go of pretty much all his pent up frustration.
On me, that is.
"Do you even understand your situation?" he insisted. "You're one hair from being incarcerated for treason!"
"Yeah, I heard it the first time" I winced at his tone of voice. "Keep it down, would you? I'm starting to get a headache…"
"You really don't care, do you?" he finally gave up with a sigh.
"It's not that I don't care, but more that I won't turn my back on my values just for Leverrier's or Central's aspirations of grandeur or whatever" I replied. "And my values include my friends"
"This could be considered as a declaration of war to Central" the Inspector pointed out.
"This is loyalty, Link. I'm sure even you can understand that" I replied icily.
He seemed to falter at the lack of nickname, but I really couldn't care less right now. It's not so much at him that I was angry, but if he tried to stand in my way, he would get burn, that he could be certain of.
There was a knock on the door, and Kanda made his way inside.
"We're here" he simply announced.
"Ne, Ary, weren't you living in Paris before coming to the Order?" asked Marie as we walked down the streets.
"Yeah"
I gazed around with some sort of nostalgia. I knew these streets like no one else did but, in a way, it all seemed different somehow.
Then again, it's been seven years since you came here. Things were bound to change.
I guess they were.
My step faltered as we passed a house, and I couldn't help but stare. It was like all the others around, but you could clearly make out a few burn marks on the now repaired walls, and an easily recognizable dent on the stairs was half-covered by a carpet.
"Ary?"
Surprised, I turned at Allen's voice and realized they all had stopped in their tracks and were looking at me.
Shaking my head, I quickly joined them.
"Don't mind me, just some nostalgia" I smiled, waving it off.
None of them seemed very convinced, but they dropped it anyway.
Are you alright, Hime?
The past is the past, Trickster. I regret nothing.
Doesn't mean you have to like it.
I never said I did.
The police station came in view, and I fully stopped in my tracks this time.
"Err… guys?"
"What is it, Ary?" asked Marie, just next to me.
"Are we going in the police station?" I asked, getting more nervous.
"The Finders are there" Allen pointed out.
"Right… err, you see, I kind of never told anyone when I left for the Order?" I scratched the back of my head. "The police marked me as kidnapped and there's this one police guy who-"
"TOI!?"
"Totally jinxed it" I grunted.
Someone roughly grabbed my shoulder and I found myself facing the one and only Inspector Galmar, who was sporting a funny mix of disbelief and anger.
"T-toi!" he repeated.
"Est-ce que tu pourrais me lâcher?" I cringed a little when his grip tightened.
"C'est hors de question!" He started pulling me behind him.
"Fuck! Lâche moi, espèce d'attardé! T'es en train de m'arracher le bras!"
"Je m'en fiche! Ça fait sept putains d'années que j'essaie de te retrouver, et voilà que tu te pointes sur le pas de ma porte! Tu ne t'en sortiras pas si facilement cette fois, et on va mettre cette foutue histoire au clair une bonne foie pour toute!"
"Mais j'ai pas le temps! Bordel, je suis plus une gamine non plus!" I struggled.
In a burst of strength, I managed to free myself from his grasp and stumbled into Allen's arm, who was watching the whole ordeal with confusion.
"Ary, who's he?"
"Inspector Galmar, who was in charge of my case when I was 'kidnapped'" I rolled my eyes. "He managed to catch me once before I reach Headquarters seven years ago, but I slipped through his fingers and he never heard of me since. I think he's still sore about it"
Red of rage, the man took a step towards me, but Kanda suddenly stood between the two of us.
"We were sent here to retrieve a group of Finders you have incarcerated" he announced coldly. "Where are they?"
"W-who're you?" he stuttered with a heavy accent.
Then, his eyes landed on the insignia on the he-she samurai's chest. Backing away slightly, he gaped openly at my own uniform.
"The Black Order…" he recognized.
"A group of our men were arrested a few days ago" I said, dusting myself. "Would you be so kind as to lead us to them?"
"B-but…"
"I will answer whatever question you deem necessary, but now is not the time, Gadget" I pursued. "We're here on an official mission, we don't exactly have the time to chitchat"
He seemed about to protest, turning purple, but finally gave in and made a motion for us to follow. As soon as he passed ahead, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding in.
"Damn, I didn't need this" I sighed.
"He seems… quite invested, in his job" Allen remarked.
"Yeah, more than you think" I snorted. "He can be nice when he wants, but he's a workaholic through and through, so he doesn't really have time for his family…"
"Ary, are you sure you're okay?" he frowned.
"Why are you asking?" I blinked. "I'm totally super-duper fine, really"
I thought you didn't like lying.
I'm not lying.
Even I am not convinced, Hime. Don't fucking try.
I'm just tired, okay? Give me a break.
He didn't answer, and we finally went inside the police department.
I placed an hand over my mouth to stifle my laughs, quite in vain if the looks Kanda shot me were any clues.
The cells were absolutely full of people. However, said people were all wearing the same ridiculous outfit, and I really felt bad for them at the same time.
"EXORCISTS-SAMA!"
At the familiar voice, we all turned to one of the cells and found Jiji Lujun, in the same state as all the others.
"Hipster!" I grinned.
"Ary!" he seemed ready to burst in tears.
"What happened?" asked coldly Kanda.
"Why am I the one who has to be on the roof?" I grunted, shivering. "It's fucking cold"
"You're the only one who can reach it, Ary"
"You're just a bunch of lazy asses" I replied to the white-haired teen. "And I can't see our target anywhere, though. Cherub, any sign of our Phantom Thief?"
"Nothing"
Kanda, Marie and Allen all knew about my ability to sense the presences, but seeing as Link was there too, I couldn't openly use it. So, we decided to use the big man's ears for now.
What exactly are we waiting for, though? Hipster told us it was Innocence, but that it was a Ghost…
I think I know what we're going against, but I have to see for sure.
Warn me if anything happens.
"Can you hear me, Beansprout, Akahato?"
"Seven on five, Jerkface. Unfortunately" I assured.
"Fe namfe's Ashen"
"Stuff it, Akahato, and stop eating, Beansprout. It's about time. Don't let the Paris' Police take our prey before your eyes"
"It's not our prey, Kanda, it's Phantom Thief G."
"Roger that"
"Just do your damn jobs" I huffed.
Then, I glanced down at the paper in my hands.
"I will pay a visit this evening to 'Regent', a national heirloom in the possession of the Louvre Museum. Sincerely, Phantom Thief G."
This is so weird. Who'd warn when they're about to commit a crime?
The kind that are convinced they're not going to get caught, Hime. He doesn't know about us, though.
That's too bad for him, then. He won't escape us once I get a feel of his Innocence.
About that, if he really is who I think he is, then it won't-
"G'S HERE!"
The alert went of as a man with the weird outfit broke through one of the windows, the crown in his hands. I frowned.
I couldn't see or feel his aura.
I'll explain later, just be sure Marie can retrace him.
Got it.
Glancing down, I saw the Phantom Thief running away, but Kanda made him trip with his sword.
"Oi, petty thief. Got a minute?"
"Kanda, don't break the crown, okay?"
"What a pain"
The asshole caught the crown, before hitting the costumed man straight in the head, sending him to dreamland.
"Got him"
But of course, Galmar had to come running in. As Kanda handled him, though, I realized that the aura of our target was back, but it just felt like a civilian's.
That's what I thought. Hime, our thief isn't physically here. His mind takes control of other's, gaining their bodies and abilities. He must be in someone else right now.
That sounded really wrong.
Just fucking find him.
Scanning the crowd, I could feel each person present, and I narrowed my eyes. Could he have left?
A movement to my right caught my eye, and I saw him as he started laughing.
"We got him. Ary, get ready for an ambush"
"Roger that, Kiddo" I agreed.
"I'm sorry gentlemen, but I'll never get caught!" cheered the masked man.
"Guys, be careful, he got the crown" I warned through my Golem.
"Got it"
Allen jumped out of his hiding place as I circled around to get a better position. I couldn't use my Innocence, seeing as there were too many civilians, so I'd have to fight bare hands.
Am I glad that you trained me or what?
While I'm flattered, don't push yourself. You're not at the same level as the others in hand-to-hand combat.
Don't rub it in, would you?
Phantom Thief G suddenly threw the crown away, making everyone panic.
"I got it! Take care of our thief!" I exclaimed, jumping on the roofs.
"Hai!"
Running as fast as I could –our budget wouldn't be able to handle the damage caused to the artifact-, I nearly threw myself off the roof to catch the damn object before it could fall to it's doom.
Grabbing the gutter to stop my own fall, I let out a breath of relief, before climbing back to safety with the crown in hands.
"Allen? Allen, what's going on?"
Blinking in surprise, I looked in the boy's way, only to find him… fighting Link?
He got possessed, Hime.
Damn, Cupcake sure is strong despite appearances.
He's clearly one of the elites. No wonder Leverrier put him on Allen's case.
"Hey, you!"
At the blond's voice, I blinked. It seemed almost childish, which was weird considering it was in Link's body. Allen was nowhere to be found anymore.
"What, want to play with me too?" I asked, slowly backing away.
"Give me back the crown, would you? I don't want to hurt such a pretty lady" he said, making his way to me.
Unable to stop myself, I snorted. I knew it wasn't the Inspector, but damn, what I'd give to see his face if he could hear himself right now.
Hime, not the time.
Sorry.
"Sorry, no can do" I shook my head. "Mind freeing this body? 'Cause I'm not sure he agreed for you to hitch a ride in his head"
"No way, this guy's awfully strong!" he protested. "Wanna see?"
Glowing papers suddenly shot from his sleeves and, before I could react, I was trapped into some sort of barrier, my body feeling so heavy I struggled not to collapsed.
The hell's happening?
Must be Link's abilities.
I can't move!
"Bind!" he cackled.
"Fuck!"
Lightning stroke, and I nearly stumbled off the roof. Someone caught me in time, and I glanced at Kanda, panting and my muscles awfully sore.
"Thanks, Jerkface" I nodded.
"Don't think it'll happen again" he grunted.
"I thought his strength was his mind" Allen pointed out, joining us. "But he's strong"
"He's some sort of magician" I informed. "I could feel his aura. It's the same as the masked guys that escorted us when we came back"
"He's a CROW" announced Kanda. "It's a combat unit that belongs to Central. It is said that their training begins in childhood, so they have a gratuitously high level of fighting power"
"How the hell do you know that?" my eyes widened. "I've been wondering for months but Komui wouldn't talk!"
He just shrugged, and a scream was heard behind.
"It wasn't me!" the second guy who was possessed exclaimed. "I swear I didn't do it!"
"This is crazy!" retorted Galmar, shaking him by his collar. "Take him away!"
"No, it wasn't me! It wasn't me, I swear! Let me go!"
The Link/G started laughing, and my eyes narrowed at him as Allen grew tenser.
"Is something funny?" he asked coldly.
"Hm? That looks funny, right?" smiled the blond. "He's an adult and yet he's acting like that"
"And you act like a fucking brat" I retorted, now annoyed.
Instantly, he stopped laughing, anger brewing in his eyes.
"What?"
"I said you act like a fucking brat" I repeated. "These men might loose their future because you thought fun to possess them to do whatever the hell you want, and that's akin to a fucking child tantrum. You're low, brat. Lower than any dirt I've ever walk on"
"S-shut up!" he yelled, running at me.
Instantly, the two boys were in front of me.
"Ary, get the crown away" ordered Allen. "We can take him"
"Make him cry" I simply said, before running away.
I could feel their puzzled looks on my back as I quickly made my way down the roof to join with Marie. There were then a few explosions, signs the two were going all out –more or less- on the Link/G. However, as I reached the last stair, loud cries were heard.
I snorted.
"Will that be enough, Cherub?" I asked at the Golem.
"It's perfect, Ary. Good thinking"
"Anyt- fuck!"
My head stung, sending me collapse against a wall. Rubbing my temples, I felt myself slip in my mindscape without any control.
Once fully inside, I found Gabriel rubbing his knuckles roughly against a blue-haired kid's skull, while said kid kept crying.
"Whoa, whoa, what the hell's happening here!" I intervened, separating the two.
"You tell me, crazy lady!" protested the kid, sniffing. "I get in your head and I find another guy!"
"Yeah, it's kind of full already" I sweatdropped. "You're our infamous Phantom Thief G, than?"
At my words, he froze, before disappearing. Sighing, I turned to Gabriel, who had a sulking frown on his face.
"Everything's okay?" I asked.
"The brat gave me a headache" he grunted.
"Suck it up, you oversized baby" I rolled my eyes. "I'm going back now. Thanks for the protection"
"Whatever"
I closed my eyes and, when I opened them again, I realized Marie was crouching next to me.
"Eh? The hell happened?" My voice sounded hazy.
"You just collapsed" informed my friend with the headphones. "Are you feeling alright?"
"The kid tried to possess me, but Gabriel stopped him" I answered. "But yeah, I'm okay. Did you manage to locate his position?"
"I got him" he assured.
"Sweet"
Getting up, I then realized I still had the crown in hands, and we could hear the confused screams not far from our position. Grinning sheepishly at Marie, who just shook his head with a fond smile, we went back to everyone.
"Hey, Gadget!" I called, gaining Galmar's attention.
He turned to me just in time to catch the crown.
"Thank you" he grunted.
"Cherub got his location" I told the other two. "Should we get moving?"
"Ary, it's night" Allen pointed out, Link leaning on him for support. "And Link isn't in shape to move right now. We should go tomorrow morning"
I exchanged a glance with the other two. Marie shrugged, Kanda scoffed and that was that.
"Okay, sure" I gave in. "Oi, Gadget! If you want to ask questions, it'll have to wait tomorrow. I'll pass in the evening to the station, got it?"
He seemed about to protest, than sighed and waved it off, apparently to tired by the whole situation to argue.
Satisfied, I lead everyone to an inn for us to pass the night.
The next morning, we were back to work.
"Hearst Orphanage…" Allen read. "Are you sure this is the place, Marie?"
"Yeah, G's crying voice disappeared here" assured the blind man.
There was suddenly a high pitched scream but before we could react, the door slammed open and the kid that was in my head a few hours sooner came crashing into the white-haired teen.
Both landed on the sidewalk rather harshly as a blonde and familiar girl stepped out, horrified.
"Wah! I used the self-defense technique Dad taught me again!" she realized.
"What are you doing?" Link crouched next to Allen.
"Itai…" the boy mumbled, sitting up.
I narrowed my eyes. His aura had disappeared.
They must have switched place when their foreheads collided.
Meaning the brat can't control it well. Just great.
At least we know it's Innocence, now. And I even know what. Or rather who.
The hell are you blabbering about?
"I'M BLEEDING! I'M BLEEDING!"
And I sweatdropped, before something suddenly clicked in my mind. Turning back to the blonde girl, it took me a few seconds to recognize her.
"Emi-chan!"
She jumped out of her skin, before turning to me, wide eyes.
"A-Ary? Ary!"
Running down the stairs, the girl latched her arms around my neck, hugging me so tightly I was afraid I'd black out.
"C-choking…" I choked.
"Sorry!"
She let me go, and I took in a few breaths as she chuckled sheepishly.
"I can't believe it! It's really you!" she exclaimed. "I thought you weren't coming back! What changed your mind?"
"The brat here" I nodded in the boy's direction. "Do you have a moment? We've got some explaining to do"
"Sure, come in!"
"Timothy has been stealing by using other people's bodies?" repeated the Superior Mother in disbelief.
"Hai. It seems he has the ability to take over other's bodies with his mind and control them" nodded Marie.
"Are you serious?"
"You know, that does sound crazy when you put it that way" I remarked. "But Emi-chan, remember when I had to leave? I jumped from the roof, remember?"
"Well, yeah but-"
"You saw them" I recalled. "I remember your expression, I know you did back then. What, did you think it was your mind playing tricks? Because it wasn't. All of this is as real as you and me"
She bit her lower lip, looking away.
"This is a waste of time" grunted Kanda.
"Don't be rude, Jerkface" I whacked his arm.
"Shut up, Akahato"
"I apologize for my partner, he's not good at talking" quickly apologized Marie with a nervous smile.
"More like he lacks any sort of social skill" I rolled my eyes.
He hit my head, and I glared at him.
"Superior Mother, do you know about the sphere on Timothy's forehead?" asked Cherub, bringing back the conversation on tracks.
"Hai. His father was a thief and was arrested by Inspector Galmar" recalled the woman. "One day, in order to hide his crime, he made little Timothy swallow his loot. When the Inspector took him into the police's care and brought him here, he already looked like this"
I felt sick. What kind of father would do that to his own child?
Hime, not every kid can have a loving family.
I know, but it doesn't mean I understand.
"I see" Marie hummed. "His ability may have been caused by the sphere. You see, we've been searching for something called Innocence. Could you allow us to check and see if the sphere is indeed what we are searching for?"
"Wait a second!" intervened Emilia. "If it is indeed this Innocence you're talking about, what're you going to do with him?"
"We can't let him stay here" answered flatly Kanda. "We'll take him in at the Black Order and have him become an Exorcist"
"No way!" protested instantly the boy. "Don't you decide my future for me!"
"Timothy…"
"You guys are just like my dad!" he sneered. "You treat me like a thing… I wanna stay here! I won't go even if it costs me my life!"
"What about theirs?"
My voice had snapped in the air, cold and sharp, and he shot me a startled and confused look.
"W-what…"
"What about their lives?" I repeated, nodding to Emilia and the Superior Mother. "We're not the only ones after the Innocence. Our enemy is dangerous, and knows no bounds or morals. He'll come for your fragment and kill anyone present just for the fun of it. Are you ready to take on this burden? Are you ready to endanger those you consider family out of selfish wants?"
He was gaping at me, fear creeping in his wide eyes, and he started shaking.
"I… I…"
"We're not your enemies, Timothy. In the end, the choice is yours" I assured. "There's no good or bad one. Just make sure you don't regret it"
"Ary, that's enough" frowned Allen.
I huffed, before leaning against the window. However, as soon as I gazed outside, dread settled in my guts as the sun disappeared.
"They're here!" I exclaimed, getting away from the window.
"My eye didn't react!" paled Allen.
"They must have some sorcerers with them" I shook my head. "We have to get the kid out of here now!"
"But we-"
Feeling the attack coming just before it could it, I activated Archangel and spread my wings around Timothy, Emilia and the Superior Mother, knowing the others could easily avoid it.
Just in time, too. There was an explosion, but I barely felt the blow, and then retreated my wings in my back.
The blonde girl gazed in wonder.
"They are real…" she whispered.
"Looks like we're trapped inside some sort of barrier" announced Kanda, unsheathing his katana.
"Are you an angel?" asked the older woman.
I smiled a little, and placed an hand on her shoulder.
"I'm not" I shook my head. "But I'm here to protect you. I-"
An horribly familiar feeling made my stomach twist as a new presence made itself known just outside the building.
"Level Four" I gritted my teeth. "Change of plans. I-"
"Mother, it hurts…"
"I'm scared…"
"Mother…"
Fuck, the kids!
Hime, they can take care of the Akuma. Go get them to safety.
Right.
"Guys, I leave it to you, I'll take care of the kids!" I called.
"Hai!"
As I flew as fast as I could to the group of children, there was a snarl just behind me, but I didn't look, knowing they had my back.
Landing in front of the group, I crouched to their level with a smile I hoped was reassuring.
"I'm here to help, little ones" I assured. "Come on, we have to go to safety"
"Are you an angel?" asked a little girl, hugging a stuffed animal against her.
For a moment, I was about to answer the same as before but, seeing their frightened stances, I let it drop for now.
"Yeah, I am" I nodded, still smiling. "And I'm here to protect everyone, alright? If you listen, then we'll all be fine. I promise"
They all got back on their feet, wiping their tears, and I picked up two of the youngest, a third one climbing on my back.
"Is there a basement?" I asked to the girl from sooner.
"Down the stairs" she confirmed.
"Then let's go, we have to move fast and without a noise, alright?" I beamed at them. "It's like a big game of hide and seek. If we stay quiet and hidden, then the bad guys won't find us and we'll win! Do you want to play with me?"
They all smiled back, nodding earnestly, and we made our way as silent as possible towards the stairs while the three other took care of the Level Four. A minute later or so, we crossed paths with Emilia, the Superior Mother, Timothy and Link.
"Exorcist Aryane, you are to return to the battlefield this instant" he frowned when he spotted me. "This is a Level Four. We need all the fighting power we can get-"
"I'm not leaving them" I instantly refused. "I promised to protect them, and the three of them are strong enough to take it down without me"
"This is a direct order-"
"I don't care!" I snapped. "These innocents are in danger and hell if I let anything happen to them! I'm a protector before a warrior, Inspector Howard Link, and I'll do my damn job even if it's the last thing I do!"
He took a step back, startled at my outburst, and I used this momentum to pass by him and lead the kids to the basement. However, barely two steps farther, another of the Mothers of the orphanage stood in hour way.
Narrowing my eyes at her, I placed down the three kids and pushed them behind me.
"Link, get them out of here" I ordered.
"What-"
"Now, for fuck's sakes!"
He gritted his teeth, before obeying the order and leading everyone in the opposite way. Knowing they'd be safe for a while, I faced the woman.
"Braker, uh?" I realized. "You're disgusting"
"I do what I gotta do, Exorcist" she snarled. "But now, with an Host here, the Earl will give even more than usual…"
"Don't bet on it. Feathered Blades!"
Her eyes widened as my blades pierced through her body and blood splattered the walls. She collapsed to her knees, eying me with sheer fear.
"You're an… Exorcist" she coughed. "You can't… kill… humans…"
"You're not human anymore, though" I replied blankly. "Barely a shadow of what was once a human. May you find whatever peace you deserve"
Her body shook, before hitting the floor in a gurgle.
You don't regret it.
I can't regret it. Her soul had already been lost. She was merely another puppet of the Earl.
You really ought to do it more cleanly, though. It'll be a drag to get the blood out.
Hey, I had to do it fast, okay?
There were screams, making my blood freeze.
It came from the kid's direction.
Run!
So I did.
Made three meters before an explosion sent me crashing through the wall.
"Lady! Hey, lady!"
"Inno… cence?" I blinked at the weird guy before me. "Timothy? Is that you?"
Emilia helped me up, but I couldn't take my eyes of the kid before me. He was wearing some sort of armor, and I really couldn't tell what he was supposed to look like. Then, I saw his body lying farther away.
"Wait, did you take control of an Akuma?" I realized. "The hell were you thinking? And where's everyone? There was an explosion and…"
"They were turned into dolls" answered the boy, looking down. "Just like Two Spot there"
I snapped my head at the second body, and suddenly felt really sick at the sight. Link looked like a puppet, his mouth articulated and his skin hard and easy to break.
He's still alive.
Thank God.
Look to your right.
Obeying, I nearly jumped away in surprise at the man towering behind what seemed to be Timothy in an Akuma body.
"Who're you?" I asked.
"Eh? She can see you?" exclaimed the kid, turning to the man. "I thought I was the only one who could see you!"
"Guys, what are you talking about?" Emilia frowned.
"Later" I shook my head.
"I am Tsukikami" he presented himself with a little bow. "Or Timothy's Innocence, if you prefer"
Just as I thought. He's the only conscious piece of Innocence, to make things simple.
"We'll talk about this later" I sighed. "You two, don't worry. They're still alive. If we destroy the Akumas, everything will go back to normal"
At the same time, two of them walked out by the hole in the wall.
"Level Three and Two, uh? Emilia, you take Link's and Timothy's body away and stay hidden. Timothy, are you up for a first battle?"
"I can do it!" he assured, pumping his fists.
"Good attitude" I nodded. "Tsukikami, you can guide him, right? I won't be able to watch his back all along"
"I got him"
"Then let's go kick some Akuma asses" I cracked my knuckles. "I leave the rabbit to you, kid"
"Hai!"
Are you going to use your second level?
No. I want him to give his all, and if he sees how outmatched he is compared to the rest of us, he won't work as much. He has to realize his potential, even if it's through mistakes.
Good point. Don't get too beaten up, though. Healing you is such a drag.
Fuck you.
Ask Lavi first.
Before I could move, though, Timothy had already jumped in and kicked the two of them away.
I whistled.
"I'm impressed, Brat" I admitted. "But leave me my share, would you?"
He just chuckled sheepishly, and we both ran towards our prey, who's fall had interfered the boys and the Level Four's face-off.
"Just passing by!" I waved, landing next to Allen. "Don't mind us!"
"Ary! What-"
"Akumas fighting amongst themselves?" wondered Kanda.
"It's the kid" I informed. "He took over a Level Two. It truly is Innocence"
As their eyes widened –even the Level Four was stunned-, Timothy turned the rabbit one into a doll, before destroying him with a glowing fist.
I clapped.
"Nice one, Brat!" I cheered.
But even if the Level Two exploded, his fist was stopped by the Level Three.
"I'm a higher level than you, baka!" he taunted.
Then, he sent him flying away. Sighing, I sent a glance at Tsukikami.
"I thought you were supposed to watch over him" I said.
"He's such a hasty kid" he grunted, flying after him.
"Who're you talking to?" asked Allen.
"No matter" I shook my head. "I'll take care of him. You're alright with the Level Four or you want to switch?"
"We don't need your help, Akahato" scoffed Kanda.
"Which is why the bastard's still standing and Marie lost two of his fingers" I hummed. "You really handle it well"
"Shut the hell up, or I'll kill you" he threatened.
"How about you kill that one first, hum? Then I might consider your threat as more than some stupid bark" I shrugged.
He gritted his teeth, but we were all forced to retreat somewhat when their opponent started shooting at us. My Shield deflecting the beams of light, I simply stood in it's way.
It narrowed it's eyes at me.
"The Angel, uh?" it recognized. "We have special orders for you"
"Don't I feel loved" I drawled. "Can you just explode or something? I'm really not in the mood for this"
"Go, Level Three" it ordered, still looking at me. "Kill the child"
"Hai!"
It's subordinate instantly disappeared.
"Go, Ary! We got it!" assured Marie.
"Aye, aye"
I darted after my target, not looking back.
"To your right!"
The Akuma turns its head to my signal, and I hit to the left, internally wondering why the hell it actually listened to me.
The blow sent it crashing into the ground as I landed on my feet between it and the possessed Akuma. Tsukikami had joined Timothy's side by using the boy's inhabited body, and both were now quarrelling like two children.
"Out of my way, Angel" it snarled.
"What are your orders concerning myself?" I asked calmly.
"Why the hell would I tell, uh?" it retorted.
"Because you're stupid?"
"I'll make you suffer!"
At the same time, though, Timothy left the Level Two's body and tried to possess the Level Three's.
He couldn't.
"Seems like Level Two is our limit for now" informed Tsukikami, floating next to him.
"You couldn't have said so?" exclaimed the boy in his astral form.
"I did!"
"Crap, I gotta go back in the other one!"
He tried to flee back, but found himself rejected as the body disappeared.
"You can't. Once you leave an Akuma body, it gets purified by the Innocence and disappears"
"You can't be serious!"
"Timothy, go back to your body now" I ordered.
"R-right!"
The Level Three tried to get to his still unoccupied body, but I stood in the way once again.
"I'm your opponent, scum" I announced. "You told me you'd make me suffer, though. You didn't threaten to kill me, which leads to the logic conclusion that you are not allowed too. But, if you wanted to capture me, than the Level Four would have come after me. Conclusion: your orders are to not kill me, simple as that. Am I correct?"
"Damn Exorcist…" the weapon sneered. "I don't care for orders! Die, just die!"
Lightening shot from it's oversized body, and I was ready to send it back when I realized I wasn't the one he was targeting.
"Timothy!" I yelled, spinning around.
The boy, barely waking up, wouldn't be able to move in time. However, at the last moment, Link ran in between and lifted a barrier.
"Bind!"
The electricity crackled, but couldn't reach it's target. I let out a sigh of relief.
"Thanks to you purifying the Akuma, the effect of the Dark Matter is wearing off" he informed, still a little puppet-like. "Looks like I'm not finished yet!"
Using the distraction, I managed to slice off the Akuma's right arm. It screeched in pain as I crouched next to the blond.
"Cupcake, take the kid to safety" I ordered. "I'll finish it off. Both of you aren't in fighting shape"
He nodded, retreating his barrier, and he picked up the boy, before running away. Satisfied with this outcome, I faced the enemy once again. However, before I could even think of moving, an awful screeching echoed, and I felt my head splitting.
Fuck! It's the Level Four!
Hang in there, Ary!
Gritting my teeth, I felt more than saw the clawed hand falling onto me to bash my skull in the ground. I raised my steeled wings in time to stop most of the blow, but the strength sent me flying on the few meters.
"DIE!"
My eyes widened as its fist crashed onto me. I wouldn't be able to stop it in t-
A new presence made itself known and the attack was stopped so easily I wanted to scream in frustration. I gazed up at the man in red now standing before me, amazed and truly frightened at the same time as his aura grew.
"An Exorcist? No, I don't sense any Innocence…" muttered the Akuma.
"Level Three, uh?" the man asked rhetorically.
"No shit" I grunted, getting up.
I couldn't stop staring as energy built up in the hand still stopping the weapon's fist. The arm of the red dude deformed itself as the presence grew colder.
"Activate Devouring device: Primordial Void!"
I felt my heart miss a beat when the Akuma was suddenly sucked in the man's open palm, before disappearing completely.
Hime…
His aura… it's terrifying… it's so warm and cold at the same time… I feel sick…
"Who are you?" I asked, suspicious.
He simply looked at me, before a new scream caught our attention.
"Allen!"
Not paying attention to the mysterious man anymore, I activated Archangel and flew at the second battlefield as fast as I could. When I got there, it was in time to see Kanda and the white-haired teen cutting the Level Four to pieces.
"I told you… my name is Allen" but he was smiling.
I narrowed my eyes at the mark on his chest. Crown Clown had acted against him, but it only worked against Noahs.
Nea is waking up.
This is bad. At least Link wasn't there. That would have fucked up everything.
What about the other guy in red?
I shivered at the memory, glancing behind me. He was coming, calm and composed as Link followed behind him with Timothy.
At the same time, we found ourselves back in the entrance hall as the barrier broke down somehow. The unknown man –Link seemed troubled by his presence, though- walked out first, and we soon followed, only to find the Inspector Galmar along with Reever, Hipster and the other Finders that had been in a cell not a day sooner.
Another aura, familiar and distant at the same time, could be felt down the stairs. Walking out, I stared at the second figure in red and as soon as my eyes landed on the blond hair under the hat, I recognized her.
Tewaku?
Her aura's the same, yet not… Trickster, what happened to her? To them?
I don't know, but now's not the time for asking. You do that once we're back to Headquarters. Something's telling me they're coming with us. For now, just act as if you hadn't recognize her.
I don't like this.
Me neither, but at the moment, we're powerless. Just suck it up for a while.
And-
My eyes widened.
"Damn it! The kids!"
Ignoring the confused gaze from the rest, I ran back inside, heading for the basement where I last saw them. On my way, I could hear voices and feel all of their aura's coming back to normal.
When I finally reached them, they were all alright, Timothy hugging the Superior Mother and crying, Emilia smiling softly next to them with the rest of the children bawling as if there was no tomorrow.
"Thank God" I let myself sank to my knees.
My sigh of relief reached their ears, and the kids stumbled on their feet to run to me. I was surprised when the little girl from sooner latched onto my neck, crying even louder.
"T-the Angel!" she sobbed. "You protected us… you saved us!"
"N-no, I didn't" I shook my head. "I came too late… I'm sorry…"
"You protected Timothy, though" remarked the Superior Mother with a thankful smile. "And you disobeyed your orders for us, more than probably risking heavy consequences. You have our gratitude"
My heart fluttered and, unable to help myself, I hugged the girl back. Taking this as an invitation, all the kids kind of jumped on me, but I couldn't bring myself to push them away and instead found a way to get them all in my embrace.
You did well, Hime.
I regret nothing.
Even if Leverrier hears of it?
I regret nothing.
Atta girl.
Because of the aftereffects of the Dark Matter, which was what turned them into dolls, the kids were sent to the hospital.
The few wounds of my friends had been all bandaged up, and we were now sitting in the stairs with Emilia, Timothy and Inspector Galmar.
"When I arrested Timothy's father, I charged in even though I knew he was with his child" he admitted quietly. "Emilia suggested that we take him in, but I felt very sorry for him every time I saw his forehead. I thought he might bear a grudge against me, so I took him to this orphanage. Can't you somehow overlook this and not take him? I'll protect him from these Akumas next time for sure!"
"Ba-a-a-aka" I yawned. "You're useless against these damn weapons. Just drop it"
He slumped at my words.
"At any rate, don't you have to arrest me, Galmar?" asked Timothy, not really caring.
"It's Inspector Galmar!" corrected the man. "And how can I arrest a kid like you, idiot?"
His voice cracked, and I realized he was crying, which made me snicker a little.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
That's just mean, Hime.
I held a grudge for when he kept me in his damn cell. Sue me.
"Then maybe I'll just leave" shrugged the boy.
"What?"
"Timothy?"
"Mother is getting old, and the kids are small too" the kid pointed out. "This Akuma stuff is too much for them, right? I'll join you, black coats guys"
I smirked as he faced us, understanding where he was going with this.
"My name is Timothy… Timothy Hearst" he announced. "My Innocence is Tsukikami, which turns Akumas into weapons. I'll fight hard, Exorcists! But, I won't do it for free!"
At that, truly unable to stop myself, I burst in laughter.
"Brat, I like you" I stated with a grin. "What do you want?"
"You pay for the damages caused by Phantom Thief G" he instantly answered, as seriously as he could. "And also pay a charge for those who were imprisoned because of me. At last, you fund the Orphanage so that it doesn't have to close"
This time, a true smile spread on my face, and I crouched in front of him, extending my hand.
"Sure" I accepted. "My name is Aryane Darkelston, but you can call me Ary. My Innocence is Archangel, which allows me to protect my friends. Welcome to the Black Order, Exorcist Timothy Hearst"
He beamed at me, and shook my hand, sealing the deal.
"You're talking to Komui" warned Kanda.
I let out a nervous chuckled at that. I completely forgot about him.
He's going to freak out.
Well, at least you gain a new Exorcist and it is for a good cause.
He'll just see all the zeros on the paper, though.
True, true.
"Alors c'est pour ça que tu as fui cette nuit là?" asked Inspector Galmar.
I hummed, eating my apple.
"Je suis reconnaissante pour tes efforts, Gadget, je le suis vraiment" I assured. "Mais je ne pouvais pas rester à l'Orphelinat. Ça aurait mit tout le monde en danger et je devais faire honneur à la mémoire de mon père"
"Il serait fier de toi" he assured.
"Merci"
We stayed silent for a moment as he gazed at his daughter's sleeping face.
"Elle va rejoindre l'Ordre" he informed me.
"Je garderais un oeil sure elle, comme sur Timothy and tous les autres" I promised. "Je vais m'assurer qu'elle revienne en un seul morceau"
"Tu as vraiment grandi, pas vrai, Ary?" he smiled, somewhat dryly.
"Come je te l'ai dit plus tôt, je ne pouvais pas rester une gamine éternellement" I shook my head.
"Tu ressembles tellement à ta mère…" he trailed off. "Je suis heureux de voir que tu vas bien. Ne fais plus peur à ton pauvre oncle de la sorte, tu veux?"
"Promis"
Two days later, a decision had been reached for the Orphanage. Until they decided where to put the new one –which had been funded by the Black Order, as promised- they were all going to live in London, where it was assured to be safe. Timothy had received his uniform, and was now sitting with the Superior Mother before the hospital, on which second level Allen, Link and I were now standing.
The cursed-eyed boy smiled softly at the two of them.
"You know, the Superior Mother is a bit goofy and that side of her resembles Mana a little" he said. "Timothy resembles my childhood self a little too. So, I understand how he feels"
"This… is the first time you opened up to me… about Mana" stated quietly Link.
"Uh? Oh well, maybe it is" shrugged the teen. "Maybe it means you're becoming like air!"
"What do you mean, like air?"
Allen just laughed, and walked away. I shook my head with a slight smile.
"Miss Aryane"
Surprised to be addressed by the man, I turned to him.
"If this is about what happened at the Orphanage-"
"I won't tell"
I blinked a few times at him, trying to wrap my mind around what he just said.
"W-what?"
"I won't tell" he repeated, looking away. "What you did… might have been, insubordination. However… it was the right thing to do, and you went back to the field right after. So, I won't tell"
"Aw, thanks, Cupcake!" I grinned, bumping his shoulder. "It means a lot, really!"
"D-don't think it'll happen again" he readjusted his collar, clearly embarrassed. "I would betray my own position if I did"
"Of course"
But I couldn't keep the grin from my face.
In a way, things are looking up, don't you think, Trickster?
I guess we can say that and allow ourselves to relax for now. I'm still worried about Tewaku and the other dude, though.
Same. But, as you said, we'll get there when we get there, right?
Right.
So, Ary's from Paris, Timothy joined the Black Order and Link's loyalties are swaying. The Third Exorcists are about to make their appearnces too, along with a few very important antagonists *cue evil laugh*
French traduction (there's a lot, so I just rewrote everything in english):
"YOU!?"
"Y-you!" he repeated.
"Could you let me go?" I cringed a little when his grip tightened.
"Hell no!" He started pulling me behind him.
"Fuck! Let me go, you inbred! You're taking my fricking arm off!"
"I don't care! I've been searching for you for the last seven damn years and there you are, popping out of the blue! You won't get out of it so easily this time, and we're going to make this story clear once and for all!
"But I don't have the time! Geez, I'm not a kid anymore either!" I struggled.
::
"So that's why you fled that night?" asked Inspector Galmar.
I hummed, eating my apple.
"I'm grateful for all of your efforts, Gadget, I really am" I assured. "But I couldn't stay at the Orphanage. It would have put everyone in danger, and I had to honor my father's memory"
"He'd be proud of you" he assured.
"Thanks"
We stayed silent for a moment as he gazed at his daughter's sleeping face.
"She's going to join the Order" he informed me.
"I'll keep an eye on her, just like on Timothy and all the others" I promised. "I'll make sure she comes back in one piece"
"You really have grown, haven't you, Ary?" he smiled, somewhat dryly.
"Like I told you sooner, I couldn't stay a kid forever" I shook my head.
"You look so much like your mother..." he trailed off. "I'm glad to see that you're doing well. Don't scare your poor uncle of the sort anymore, okay?"
"Promise"
So, that's that!
Question: Who do you think Ary would be BFF with the most, in all of the Noahs, and why?
Toddles, and reviews!