Hey! This is yet another of my favorite chapters, since all the Noahs finally show up! *cheers*
Answer: I think I'd see her good friend with Tyki. You know, playing poker and all that. Oh, and maybe Wisely too, in a Ary/Kanda-like relationship or something of the sort.
Enjoy!
For a second, I felt the usual dread churning my guts that came along with a Noah. Easily spotting its location, I could hear his aura playing some sort of melody, that I then recognized as the one Allen played back on the Ark.
Nea.
But Allen-
As soon as I thought about the boy, his usual lemon aura came back. Frowning, I made my way to the medical wing, where he was resting.
Once there, I found Link banging against the door and cursing his charge and Lenalee to hell and back.
"Morning!" I waved. "What got your panties in a twist, Cupcake?"
By now too used to my banter to take offense at my language, he just fixed his collar with an heavy and annoyed sigh.
For once that it's not against you.
Shut up.
"Lenalee Lee is interfering with my work" he simply said. "But very well. I'm going to Head Komui's office right now to inform him that you are in a locked up room with his sister"
With that, he walked away. The white-haired teen instantly unlocked the door to go after him, and I could feel the smugness from Link's assured steps.
"Morning Ary" he greeted, passing by without as much as a glance. "Link! Link, wait up! I was wrong, don't- Link!"
Laughing, I turned to Lenalee, who giggled.
"So, going naughty with Kiddo?" I smirked.
Instantly, she turned as red as my hair, shaking her head violently.
"N-no! I was just sleeping in Link's bed!"
"That didn't sound any better" I remarked.
"Ary!" she whined.
"Fine, fine, I'll stop teasing you" I rolled my eyes.
She sighed, cheeks still burning, but then bit her lower lip. I took gently her hands in mines.
"You saw him, then?" I asked quietly.
"I might just have imagined it…" she trailed off. "He looked like… a different person…"
"The Noah is awakening" I confirmed. "But him and Allen aren't the same. Kiddo won't let him take over so easily, all right? He just needs us by his side"
"Right" she nodded.
Feeling that she was more at ease, I linked my arm with hers.
"Come on, we're going to grab something to eat" I proposed, pulling her behind me. "I'm starving!"
She simply giggled at that.
Things are brewing. The air feels heavier.
I know. Plus, the Head of the American Branch is here with Doll, the other guy and three more. They're with Komui right now, but I'm worried.
I'm sure we'll cross path anyway. Aren't we going to the training room later with everyone? They'll probably pass by.
If not, I'll find her myself.
"Ways to destroy an Akuma?" repeated Marie.
"Yeah, ones other than using Innocence" nodded Allen.
"Self-destruction and cannibalism" he instantly answered, blocking Allen's fist.
"Cannibalism?" I repeated, going for a round-house kick.
He easily avoided my foot, and I escaped in time the white-haired teen's oncoming blow for my stomach.
"One Akuma being absorbed by another" the man precised.
I grabbed his oncoming foot and returned it against him, before dropping to the floor in time to avoid Allen's.
"The red garbed guy seemed human, though" remarked the teen.
"He was" I confirmed.
At the same moment, we grabbed each other's fist. Nodding, we let go and put some distance between us, ending the spar.
"I heard that he wasn't an Exorcist at the Order" Marie informed. "Does that concern you?"
"Well, the Akuma… he just disappeared, you know?" the boy scratched his head. "Usually, Akuma souls are purified and freed by Innocence but this one was merely destroyed. I just wonder if the Akuma's soul was okay…"
He trailed off, his eyes catching Marie's deadpanned expression and his injuries, and he cringed.
"Gah! I'm sorry, Marie! It's not-"
"You should be more worried about yourself, Allen" the man shook his head.
"Myself?" he repeated, now confused.
"Most of the people here despise Akumas, Kiddo" I pointed out. "To the Order and Central, the souls that were turned into Akumas don't matter. You can see the souls, and you try to bring them mercy and salvation when you're fighting, but not many can sympathize with your train of thought"
"It'll only cause trouble one day, and pain while you're at it" assured Marie.
"But of course, that doesn't mean you have to stop" I bumped his shoulder a little. "I'm not a big fan of Akumas either, but I can't blame the souls trapped to create them, so I understand your situation. People who can't are just stupid or plain blind- no offense, Cherub"
"None taken" he smiled softly.
Allen thought for a moment, before smiling too.
"Thanks, guys, but as Ary said, I can't just let it go" he announced.
"Now I understand why you two fight with Kanda so much" the man sighed heavily. "You three are so much alike…"
"Gah! Don't put me with Jerkface!" I protested.
"Don't lump me in the same bag as this complete idiot-"
He was stopped in his rant by Marie's hand over his mouth.
"You're a complete idiot too" he replied. "And yet, the darkness that you guys are caught in is so deep that I don't know how to pull you out of it. I really feel frustrated… especially since he saved me…"
"Uh?"
"That was quite poetic, Cherub" I grinned. "But he's right, Kiddo. You can be a complete idiot too"
"Don't think you're any different, Ary" Marie ruffled my hair. "You act so recklessly and so selflessly at the same time it makes me wonder how you can still walk despite the weight of the world on your shoulders"
I blinked at him.
"Cherub, you're starting to freak me out"
He just smiled, smile that quickly turned to an evil smirk.
"And you're wide open!"
My breath caught as he roughly kicked me in the chest and sent me flying on a few meters, before I collided with something. It wasn't a wall, seeing as it had an aura, but it felt like Tewaku's and the other guy's.
"That was dirty, Cherub!" I yelled his way, trying to get up. "I'm really sorry for tha-"
As my hand came in contact with the man's, there was a crackle and his eyes suddenly turned to full red. I felt sick as his aura grew so cold I wanted to shiver, and found myself crashing into the nearest pillar.
"Ary!"
I felt blood drip from my forehead, which had taken the full strength of the surprise attack, and I struggled to stay conscious as another wave of nausea washed over my entire being.
I'm taking care of it, don't move too much, Hime. You took quite the hit.
"The hell was that for?" I exclaimed, angry. "Fuck, that hurts like a bitch…"
"Are you okay?" asked Allen, helping me in a sitting position.
"I was used as a fucking soccer ball and am currently bleeding to death" I cringed. "Does it looks like I'm fucking okay?"
But his attention wasn't on me anymore, his cursed eye activated towards the three of them.
Suddenly, I understood.
I understood why I kept reacting that way with them.
I understood why their aura felt that way, why the orange and sparks kept fighting against the purple and the cold.
I understood how they could so easily destroy other Akumas, yet react that way with Innocence.
"What are you doing, Gushi?" asked the youngest of the trio, calm.
"A side effect" replied the man who threw me. "It got activated responding to Innocence"
I nudged the white-haired boy, gaining his attention.
"He's part Akuma" I said quietly. "Don't know how, but they aren't fully human anymore"
He sported a startled look at my announce, and Link suddenly stepped between us and them.
"What do you think you're doing, Gushi?" he asked imperiously. "Exorcist Aryane isn't under supervision anymore. Why are you CROWs trying to arm her?"
"Inspector Link, uh?" recognized the kid. "Gushi"
The man, who had his arm still held before him in a threatening gesture, finally put it down, and Lavi –who had joined the scene moments later- helped me up.
At the same time, the third one with green hair and a seriously arrogant face stepped in.
"Our apologies, Exorcist Aryane" he said in a pompous tone. "We're half Akumas who have been genetically engineered from humans. Hence, our body rejects Innocence on it's own. Please pardon the trouble"
"Don't sweat it" I waved it off.
I felt the pain disappeared, and Lavi handed a cloth to wipe away the rest of the blood on my face.
I could feel their eyes narrow as my injury closed itself.
Thanks, Trickster.
Any time.
"It's one of Archangel abilities" I answered their silent question. "I can regenerate myself as much as I want. I can guess you're staying here for a while, and I crossed path with the other two sooner. Would you mind taking me to Tewaku's room?"
"You know Tewaku?" asked the little girl, curious despite appearances.
"Sure" I grinned. "She was the Inspector assigned to me four months ago"
"You're the one sending her the books" realized the arrogant one.
"That's me" I nodded. "So?"
"We'll show you the way" he accepted.
"Sweet. Guys, I'll see you later, okay?"
I could feel their worried gaze as I walked away with the three new guys, but just smiled and waved until the door closed.
"I'm Aryane, by the way" I smiled their way. "Even though you must have caught on that by now. Just call me Ary"
"I'm Kiredori" said the girl in a composed voice.
"Gushi" added the gigantic man.
"… Tokusa" gave in the third one.
"Are you new Exorcists?" I asked curiously. "I can guess it was one of Leverrier's ideas, and… ah, he must have use the fragment of the Akuma Egg from four months ago… and that would be why Doll left…"
"Doll?" repeated the green-haired boy.
"Tewaku's nickname" I shrugged it off. "Oh, talking about the devil. Doll! Oi, come here, girl!"
She blinked in surprise at me as I ran to her, completely ignoring the guy to her right.
"Ary" she recognized with a somewhat nervous smile.
"I knew it was you back in Paris, but I couldn't catch you until now" I said, linking arms with her. "Come on, we've got a lot to talk about"
"Why isn't your Innocence reacting now?" Kiredori pointed out.
"Uh? I restrained it" I shrugged. "Oh, and thanks for the hand back at the Orphanage, red-and-mysterious-guy-who-I-haven't-catch-the-name-yet. It would have hurt even more than when your friend there threw me in a pillar a few minutes ago"
He shot a look at Gushi as Tewaku eyed me with worry.
"Don't give him gray hair or anything, it was an accident" I assured. "Now come on, Doll! We won't stand the whole day here, and I found new books for you!"
At the announce of the books, she finally gave in and waved to her friends, before following behind me with a small smile.
Thanks, Trickster. I feel kind of powerless, but at least I can approach her without feeling sick and creating World War Three by accident.
I'll warn if anything comes up.
"So, half-Akuma, uh?" I asked as soon as we entered my room.
She bit her lower lip, sitting at my desk, then lifted a determined gaze at me.
"Y-you asked, back then… if I was ready to take my chance" she recalled fervently. "You asked if I was ready for when the opportunity presented itself to me. I- I made my choice then. I've got power now, I'm a Third Exorcist! I can finally make my difference just like you do yours! I finally found my purpose! I told you that when we'd see each other, I'd have found my own path, and I did"
"You made a choice" I repeated, more serious. "Do you regret it?"
"I don't" she assured instantly.
At that, a smile graced my lips.
"Then you also remember what I said back then too, right? I'm with you on the whole way"
She sighed in relief, and I decided to drop it for now, pulling out a few books from under my bed. Her eyes glinted in delight.
This is quite the power she acquired. The Akuma in her is fighting for control, though.
If she's sure of herself, than who am I to judge her? As she said, it's her own path. There is no good or bad answer, and you know it too.
There's only to hope she won't regret it.
After around an hour in my room talking and reading at the same time, she left with The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde under her arm and a happy glint in her eyes.
My stomach grumbled rather loudly as I felt my senses come back to normal.
"Well, I'm going to eat" I mumbled.
Walking out of my room, I made my way to the cafeteria. On my way there, though, I nearly collided with the no-name guy from sooner.
"Yo" I greeted. "No-name-mysterious-guy. Can I help with anything?"
"My name is Madarao" he informed me flatly.
I blinked.
"Madarao?" I repeated. "You're Doll's brother! Wow, I feel stupid now… anyway, do you need anything?"
"When Tewaku came back to Central, she had changed" he said in the same tone as before. "She was more determined, more sure of herself and her choices. The sister I thought was lost had came back to life, and I believe it is thanks to you"
At that, he bowed, and I quickly shook my head, embarrassed at how honest he actually was.
"I-it wasn't- well, okay, maybe a little, but I just nudged her in the right direction" I assured. "As I told her, those without a true purpose are those who die the fastest in this organization. I just told her honestly, nothing else. Don't make a big deal out of it, really"
He straightened and eyed me for a moment, as if searching for something he couldn't find.
"She is quite fond of you" he pointed out. "Which, I must admit, I do not quite understand"
"Err… okay?"
"From what I've gathered in our last encounters, you are rude, sarcastic, reckless, hot-headed and clearly disrespectful of any form of authority, rules or protocols" he resumed plainly. "My sister is not one to admire someone who clearly lacks the basics civilities and who defies the littlest command without a care for the consequences and yet, she holds you in high regards"
I scratched the back of my head, confused.
"I seriously doubt whether to be insulted or amazed at how simply you described my humble self" I admitted. "But it's not that I like breaking the rules or anything, I just stand for what I believe in, and that's that. For my language, well, I can be civil if I needed, but seriously, who cares? If I want to talk, I'll talk, and no one's stopping me. As for my brash attitude… well, I can't really say anything about that one, it's just how I'm made"
Crossing my arms, I hold his blank stare with my own.
"I don't exactly care about anything that might be said about me" I admitted. "I know who I am, my qualities and my defaults. I'm no role model, and I'm certainly no lady, and I never said otherwise because lying isn't one of my forte. For whatever reason Tewaku likes me, I can't tell either. I'd say it's everyone guess at that moment. However, if you're really that worried about whatever trouble your sister might encounter because of me, you can be certain of one thing: my friends pass before myself. If there is even a risk that they might pay for whatever I'm saying or doing, then I won't take it and I'm ready to receive any blow as long as they're safe. Nothing will happen to Tewaku or any of my family as long as I'm around to keep an eye on them"
Satisfied, I hold his eyes a few more moments, before he nodded slightly.
"She was right" he remarked quietly. "It seems there is more to you than the eye let on. Very well"
"Uh?"
"Have a good day, Exorcist Aryane"
And with that, he turned around and walked away. I stared at his retreating back in wonder, before shrugging and going to grab a bite.
It would seem that whatever test he made up with this stunt, I had passed with flying colors.
The evening was barely starting when I felt like choking under the sudden pressure. It was dark, freezing and I barely managed to stumble out of the cafeteria before throwing up everything in the nearest trash can.
Leaning heavily onto the metal basket, the remains of my now empty stomach splattering its contents and my body shaking so much I was afraid I'd collapse at any second, I finally let go because of the smell and let myself slid against the wall, hugging myself while trying to stop the violent shivering.
Someone sat next to me, hands on my shoulders.
"Tenshi, eh… eh, Tenshi… Ary, calm down… eh, relax…"
Recognizing Lavi's voice, I took breaths as slow and deep as I could to slow down the rash beatings of my heart.
"They're here" I finally managed to blurt out. "All of them…"
"Who? Ary, who's here?" he asked, more urgently.
Grasping at the last of my strength, I lifted my eyes to meet his.
"The Noahs" I croaked out. "The whole family's back… they're coming for us…"
His jaw clenched, but he said no more and stayed next to me until I managed to fully calm down.
Four minutes later, I was feeling better.
"We have to get ready" I breathed out, getting up. "Inform the others discreetly. The Earl is about the make his move, and with all the Dark Matter gathering, it'll be a big one"
"Will you be okay?"
"I'm fine" I assured. "I was just… overwhelmed, with their sudden appearance. But we have to move now"
"Got it"
He took a step back, before leaning in for a quick kiss and then darting away.
Biting my lower lip, I was about to go in the opposite direction, knowing Lenalee, Marie and the Marshalls were there, when I froze as a presence I hadn't felt before made itself known.
Link's frown deepened, before he walked away without another glance my way.
Well fuck.
What am I supposed to do!?
Wait.
Wait?
For now, we have more important things to do.
R-right. Let's move.
Damn.
The blond just had to waltz in with the perfect timing, didn't he?
"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck" I chanted.
Avoiding attack after attack with barely a second between each, I was having some difficulties with the bunch of Akumas surrounding me.
And when I say a "bunch" it's for not saying a fucking army.
"The hell are you all coming from?" I exclaimed angrily, bashing one's skull.
The heavy smell of blood was making me dizzy, but I couldn't bring myself to care right now.
To top it all, I'm one against the lot of them. Why was I sent alone anyway?
You volunteered to go help Allen.
Oh, right.
Hime, go with the spell.
Now!?
You don't exactly have much of a choice.
I won't have any energy left, though.
I know, but it's the only way. We can see Allen struggling from here. If you do it with the right timing, you'll be able to get rid of his opponents too.
Give the go, then.
One of the weapons grabbed my legs with some sort of whip and pain shot through my whole body. Feeling kind of numb, I however managed to break free from my position and flew high above them, placing my palms against each other. Activating Shield, they screeched and clawed at my protection as I started reciting the spell.
"Yb eht snevaeH dna eht s'rehtaF lliW, I llac nopu siH ssenevigrof rof eht denmad sluos, daelp rof siH ycrem dna geb rof siH noitavlas. Gnirb meht siH ecaep rof ereht si on noitanmad"
"SHUT THE HELL UP, EXORCIST!" yelled a Level Three.
"Kill the bitch!"
"Shut up, shut up!"
"Kill her!"
"Make her stop!"
Now!
"Yfirup!"
My arms spread as the swirling sphere of light surrounding me suddenly expanded. Growing and gaining ground by the second, each and every Akuma caught in the blow disappeared in angry snarls.
I finally let my arms drop to my sides as silence ensued, and started falling. Batting my wings with as much strength I could muster, I managed a rather painful, but relatively safe landing. Then, exhausted, I let myself sank to my knees, my legs loosing their presence as Archangel deactivated by itself.
Nerve damage. I'm on it, but it'll take a while. Like, a long, long one.
"Ary!"
"Yo, Kiddo" I panted. "You okay?"
"I'm fine, but what about you?" he frowned, kneeling next to me.
"The spell is very strong, and a hundred percent effective, but it takes a hell of a lot of energy" I explained, catching my breath. "An Akuma damaged the nerves in my two legs too. I can't fight anymore"
His frown deepened as he eyed the canyon in which we were now standing –more or less- alone. Damn, I can barely feel the boy's aura, and he's just in front of me!
"Stay sharp, I can't sense anything in this state" I warned.
"It was reckless, Ary" he remarked. "If others come…"
"It was that or dying by the over-amount of Akumas" I replied, feeling sore. "Fuck, I'm tired…"
"Can you stay awake? Others are coming" he informed, suspicious of our surroundings.
"I'll be fine, there mustn't be much left with that att-"
I found myself unable to finish my sentence as another little army of the weaponized souls trapped us in the canyon.
"Well fuck" I blinked.
Trickster?
They appeared right after our attack, they weren't in our range.
Damn it.
Struggling to get back on my feet, I however found myself unable to activate my Innocence and fall back on my rear.
"Well, wasn't that just a great move" I grunted.
"I'll take care of them, just get to safety" ordered Allen, taking out his sword again.
"Kiddo, we're in the middle of fricking nowhere" I deadpanned. "There is no safety. Plus, I can't walk"
He paled at the same realization, before gritting his teeth and falling into a defensive stance. Instantly, I tried to move, but my legs fully stopped answering to my demands and I fall back on the ground once again.
"Kiddo, give me a fucking piggyback and get the hell out of here!" I ordered. "You won't be able to fight them off alone!"
"I won't be able to run as fast, I have to get rid of them here" he shook his head.
Before I could answer, he smashed the sword in the ground with a growl. The energy gathering crackled loudly as a beam of light, much like the one I had just used, made our enemies explode.
Many more came to replace them a moment after.
Noticing the bands of sweat forming on the boy's forehead, I realized he mustn't have much strength left either.
You're a great back-up, Hime. Really.
Shut the fuck up. You're the one who told me to use the spell.
Oi, I can't foresee the future either! How the hell was I supposed to know others would come?
Trying to stand up again, I realized I could hardly move my fucking toes.
Trickster, the hell do you think you're doing? Now's so not the time to take a nap!
I'm trying, but I don't have much to run with either, you know. Give me a break!
As I said… NOW'S NOT THE TIME FOR A FUCKING BREAK!
THEN HOW ABOUT YOU COME HERE AND DO IT YOURSELF!?
IT'S YOUR FUCKING JOB, DO IT RIGHT DAMN IT!
THEN SHUT THE FUCK UP AND LET ME CONCENTRATE!
"Clown Belt!"
"Uh?"
Allen's cloak wrapped itself around me and lifted me from the ground, which exploded a second later as one of those Giant came from under. He sliced through it before placing me down next to him, and it was then that I realized we were truly trapped and doomed.
"Crap"
"You can say that again" he grunted, gripping his sword tighter.
"What-"
I stopped talking, finally sensing the presence of two new individuals above our heads. Raising my eyes, it was in time to see two of the Third Exorcists landing on each side of us.
"T-Thirds!" realized Allen.
"Tokusa, Madarao" I added, recognizing the boys with relief. "We almost waited!"
"Primordial Devouring Device: Void!" exclaimed Tokusa, hitting the ground with his open palm.
Instantly, said ground started moving and all the Akumas in the vicinity sank in what seemed to be dark quicksand.
"What's happening?"
"We're sinking!"
"It's a hole that leads to hell" snarled the younger of the two. "Time to be eaten, you damn iron scraps!"
And just like that, they disappeared. Not an explosion, not a purification. They just weren't there anymore. I felt the need to throw up, but once in the evening was enough for me, who was already running on an empty stomach.
Plus, I've got my pride.
"Oh? Were the souls of these Akumas suffering?"
At the taunting voice, I snapped out of my trance and realized he was talking to Allen, who seemed rather shaken up by the whole situation.
The souls weren't saved, Hime, but destroyed. He could see them.
Oh.
"You know, I envy you for being able to see their souls" added Tokusa.
I scrunched my nose at that. He wanted to see those poor souls suffering? What kind of sick joke was that?
"What?" seethed the white-haired teen through his teeth.
"Sorry" said the boy, not sorry at all. "Whenever I see high and mighty apostles, I seem to get irrita- no, rather like I feel kind of high after destroying Akumas, so…"
"You shouldn't 'feel high' when destroying those weapons" I replied coldly, still sitting on the canyon's floor. "You can be proud of saving innocent lives when you destroy them, but don't take pleasure into the mere chase"
"And why shouldn't I?" he asked, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Because there is no pride to take into destroying already destroyed souls"
His lips tightened in a sneer but before he could add anything, my heart throbbed painfully and, mustering all the strength I could, I propelled myself at him. Grabbing his legs, I put my whole weight in the push and sent him to the ground. We both landed rather harshly, but I let out a relieved sigh nowadays.
"What-"
"Oh? That was quite well done, Milady"
I stiffened at the voice as Tokusa quickly got back to his feet.
I still can't move my legs, Trickster!
Calm down, I'm trying! Repairing nerves is such a pain…
"Mikk" I growled, twisting my body so I could face him.
"You should be grateful, boy" he shot at Tokusa. "She just saved you from having your arms cut off"
As my senses slowly came back, I felt the appearance of two other Noahs near us. Tyki's presence also felt stronger than last time we saw him without his Dark Tyki appearance.
"It's nice to see you again, Milady, Boy" he waved mockingly.
"He's not alone" I warned. "Two others"
Hoping it was subtle, I was slowly but surely putting some much needed distance between us. I was helped back on my feet and I shot a grateful look at Tokusa, who just nodded.
Guess we're friends now.
Hime, not the time.
I can feel my toes, now. Almost done?
No exactly. Like, really not. I need more time.
Not sure we have it.
Then make it.
"Always breaking our fun, are you?" Tyki pouted.
The next second, two other Noahs we had never met before appeared. The first one looked a lot like Tyki, and I could recognize his aura with the distinct sound of some sort of waltz following him around. The second one, who wore sunglasses for God-knows-what reason, could be identified with the taste of nachos.
No comment.
"The hell do you want?" I asked coldly, almost fearing the answer.
"Well, it's not like we have serious business or anything" shrugged Tyki as his look-alike eyed me in curiosity. "We're just here to hunt Exorcists. Oh, and to extend to you an invitation for meeting with the Earl, of course"
Allen, Tokusa and Madarao exchanged a glance at that and I let out a sharp laugh.
"Finally have the whole family back, eh?" I remarked. "How sweet. Did you throw a party or anything?"
"She's trying to gain more time, how cute!" cooed his creepy look-alike.
"Explode!"
Magic papers exploded around us, covering our escape with smoke. I covered my nose as someone –surely Tokusa- fully lifted me from the ground before darting away. Keeping my eyes closed to protect them from the smoke and the rock flying around, I only opened them when I was placed back down.
"Nerve damage" I answered the green-haired boy's silent question.
He nodded, and Madarao and Allen were suddenly next to us. Looking around, I realized we were now into some sort of cave.
"Damn it… to think we ran when these Noahs were right in front of us…" grunted Tokusa.
"We have to get Ary out of here" my friend simply said.
"What do they want with her?" asked Madarao.
I froze, and shot the boy a warning look.
"Kiddo, don't you fucking dare t-"
"She can find the Heart"
I banged my head against the wall of the cave behind me as the two Third Exorcists shot me stunned looks.
"What the hell, Kiddo!? You can't blurt that out to anyone like that!" I protested.
"Ary, they're after you! You need as much protection as you can get, and they wouldn't understand the severity of the situation otherwise!" he replied in the same tone.
"But they're with Central! If Apocryphos-"
"Apocryphos is the last of our worries right now!" he cut sharply. "I'm just trying to protect you, Ary!"
"But it's my job!" I clenched my fist, shaking in anger. "I'm the one supposed to protect you and everyone!"
"Yeah? Well right here, right now, you can't do it" he replied harshly. "So, I'm taking over. Madarao, Tokusa!"
They straightened a little when he called over them.
"Aryane has the ability to find the Heart" he informed seriously. "The information is locked away in the back of her mind, which is why the Earl is trying to get his hands on her. We have to get her out of here now"
"If I'm out of here, so are the three of you" I bared my teeth a little. "I'm not leaving any of you behind!"
Trying to prove my point, I got back on my feet by using the wall, glaring at the white-haired teen with all my might. He just stared back as I struggled to stay on my shaky legs.
Tokusa scoffed.
"Seeing you, a first Apostle, in such a state, makes me sick" he grunted. "You're barely able to stand on your own, and if what he's saying's the truth, then there's no way you're going back t-"
"I don't care how many times I have to get my legs and arms cut off" I sneered his way. "I'll fight until I drop dead. I'm sure you of all people should understand that"
He gritted his teeth at my remark, but I wanted to go to the bottom of this affair.
"Tewaku told me all, about how you struggled to make your lives count" I pursued. "That no matter how strong you were as CROWs, you couldn't possibly do as much as us Exorcists. That's why the five of you decided to take your chance with the Third Exorcist Program, and I honestly applaud your determination and sacrifices. However, do not tell me to stand down when you yourself are ready to loose your very soul for our cause. Do not tell me to back down when you wouldn't listen to your own advice in my situation!"
There was a moment of silence, before someone placed his hand on my shoulder. I lifted my eyes to Madarao.
"It's not about you"
My breath hitched at his words and whatever reply I was about to utter caught in my throat.
"You told Tewaku… that selfish purposes only led to hurt and death" he recalled in a posed tone. "Right now, it isn't about you or what you want. It's about making sure that all those you pledged to protect and save will survive by not letting your knowledge fall into the enemy's hands"
"B-but…"
Ary, he's right. In our state, I wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight against Wisely. You have to lay low for now.
Taking in a deep breath, I finally nodded.
"A-alright" I breathed. "Okay, fine"
They relaxed somewhat at that, apparently glad they wouldn't have to drag me around kicking and screaming, not that I would have-
Hime, be honest. You so would have.
… not the point.
My guts twisted violently.
"Behind you!"
Listening to my command more by instincts than will, the boys jumped away in time to avoid the sudden explosion.
You're good for now, Ary. Don't push them too much, though, the nerves are still connecting.
Got it.
"You're right, Tyki, she really does break all of our fun" remarked the waltz-man from sooner with a pout.
"Told ya"
I felt my heart miss a beat at the voice, which had echoed just behind me. Trying to move away, an hand shot from the wall on which I was leaning and grabbed my wrist, pulling me back against what I guess was Tyki's chest or something of the sort.
Lavi won't be happy.
I'm going to skin you once everything's said and done.
If you're alive by then.
You know, sometimes you're all 'stay alive 'til the sun dies!' and the next you're just all 'sucks to be you'. Are you bipolar or something?
I struggled when his hand fall over my mouth, but it was a 'mosquito VS lion' kind of situation, so I didn't really have much of a chance in the matter.
Allen grabbed his sword, ready to strike, and the green-haired men tried to throw some of their papers, only to be sent away by the guy with the sunglasses. As he occupied the Third Exorcists, my friend found himself facing the Tyki look-alike.
"Tyki, you shouldn't let the Earl waiting any longer" he remarked. "You know him. He just can't wait to see our guest"
"Hai, hai, Sheril" nodded Tyki, his grip tightening on me. "Say goodbye, Milady"
He was clearly mocking me, what with his hand blocking any word I tried to spat, but he let go somewhat when I nearly bit his fingers off.
"Don't come, Kiddo!" I yelled as we started sinking back into the wall. "Don't you fucking come!"
As he tried to run at me, the other Noah –apparently named Sheril- sent him crashing into the lower parts of the cave, before following Mikk and I in the portal-like passage.
I found myself unable to breath for a few seconds, before roughly landing in what seemed to be some sort of steeled floor. Coughing as air entered my lungs once again, I felt my blood freeze as many new presences shifted around me.
"Good day, A-ry-ane" greeted mockingly the big boss.
"It was a good day 'til I saw your face, Earl" I replied smoothly.
Well shit.
Couldn't have said it better.
YEAH! SHERYL! Sorry, I just really like him, even though he's creepy as fuck. And he's funny too. So, so funny... next up is some mind-raping and some more Karma drama, so keep close!
Question: Any ideas on what should be Wisely's aura?
Toddles for now. Reviews are love!