Two chapters are left before the end of Hallow! Whew, that makes me feel weirdly proud and sad at the same time...
Question: I think it'd be fun to hang out with the twins. They're so funny!
Enjoy!
The American Branch Headquarters had exploded.
Nothing but rubbles and dust was left.
The Noahs, safely above, stared at the destruction at their feet with glee and impatience, knowing the best had yet to come.
The roc cracked, and a body landed on the ground.
At first confused, the half-man, half-Akuma then took in his surroundings, eying the fuming ruins around him.
His eyes locked with tormented ice ones.
"Yuu?"
His voice echoed in the silence that etched along the tension present between the two, and the Apostles of Evil watched the ultimate chapter of this lifelong story of love and tragedy finally unfolded.
"Fuck!"
The moment broke as a few explosions were heard all around, revealing the scientists all safe and sound. A white haired boy was staring at everything, confused. A red-haired girl stood high and mighty in the middle of it all, arms spread wide to extend her protection to all the members of the Branch.
Releasing her Shield with a tired huff, she then raised an angry gaze at the Noahs, and the Millennium Earl instantly noted the glow of her orbs.
No, not her's.
Gabriel's.
"Well, well, seems like little Gabby finally deigned to join the party!" he cackled.
"Earl" he simply greeted through the girl's body and voice. "It has been a while. What, a few thousand years or so? Not that I missed you or anything. I could go for eternity without seeing your stupid face"
"Already on the petty insults, eh? You truly haven't change" remarked the big boss.
"G-Gabriel?" asked Allen in wonder.
"Ary is too tired, so I took over for now" he answered the silent question. "Earl! I don't take well to bastards who harm my Host! You see, I've grown quite attached to her, and I'm kind of in a vindictive mood right now…"
He cracked his knuckles, or rather her's, but the Earl merely shook his head.
"Now, now, don't steal the spotlight" he scolded. "There's already a tearful reunion happening before our eyes!"
At his words, all attention turned back to the awakened boy and the swordsman.
Alma Karma took a step ahead, a weird glint in his pale eyes.
"I had a dream…"
With that, he fully started walking towards Kanda, who watched him approaching with a calculating gaze.
"I finally came to know… why you betrayed me… I held a grudge against you… for destroying me and only me… Because you continued to live… humans didn't repent… Because of you… I became an Akuma!"
Energy crackled around he who was once human, and a sick grin graced his lips.
Kanda unsheathed his katana with a bored air.
"Then… I'll destroy you"
At his words, Gabriel's attention was however diverted towards the East, where two auras had started… breaking.
Something similar was happening far to the North, and way closer to their position by the South.
The Thirds have Alma's cells.
He gritted his teeth at the realization. That meant that the orange and purple fight had taken a violent turn, and the purple was winning.
Shit! Tewaku, Tokusa, Madarao and the other two-
We have to choose, Ary. We can do something for them, but that would mean leaving Alma Karma and Kanda.
But- but-
"Allen" he called over at the boy.
"H-Hai?"
"The Thirds are in trouble" he said simply. "I might be able to save them, but that would mean leaving. We can't let Kanda and Alma destroy each other, though, seeing as it must be part of the Earl's schemes"
"I'll take care of them" he assured, getting up with determination settling on his features. "Go"
Hime?
… let's move.
"I'll be back as soon as possible" the Angel promised.
Then, he spread her wings, ready to take off.
"W-wait! What do you think you are doing, Exorcist Aryane!?" exclaimed angrily Leverrier, lying not far away.
"Saving your subordinates, Leverrier" he answered.
Then, without another glance behind, because he knew it would only make it harder for his precious vessel, he took flight.
"C-come back here! Exorcist Aryane!"
Bastard. He better thank us when they come back alive.
Hime-
I know, I know, we're not going back. Just get done with it, would you? We don't have much more time.
… right.
When he finally got to them, both of the boys were kneeling on the ground, face scrunched up in utter agony. The Noah with the sunglasses was still there, but wasn't attacking anymore, merely watching the whole ordeal with a sick smile.
Gabriel landed between the three of them.
"E-Exorcist…" recognized Tokusa between his teeth.
At his sudden appearance, the black man got back on his feet. However, the possessed girl seriously didn't have the time.
Trickster, what can we do?
We can't stop the evolution of the Alma cells. They're going to fully turn into Akumas whether we like it or not. However, we can put a safety of some sort within them.
What do you mean?
If we can put one of your feathers in their hearts, Shield will act on its own and protect said hearts. The Earl is going to take them under his control with the help the Akuma inside them, but when you activate Shield, it should disrupt the control.
It won't work instantly, will it?
… no, it won't. It's better than nothing, though.
Go for it, then.
Completely ignoring the Seventh Disciple, he crouched next to the two green-haired man, pulling out two steeled feathers.
"I can't save you right now" he said quietly. "Alma Karma has awoken and has been fully transformed into an Akuma. As long as he'll live, you'll be under his cells' control"
"T-then… kill us…" pleaded Madarao.
"You still have a chance" assured Gabriel. "To become yourselves again. Are you ready to take it?"
Their bodies arched as their flesh started to turn to a sick red, lumps appearing all over them and their arms becoming alive.
They exchanged a glance despite the agony, and nodded stiffly.
"We… we're ready…" ordered Tewaku's sister.
"I'm going to stab you"
Their eyes widened but, before the thought of backing out could even cross their minds, Gabriel had already made his move and plunged his feathered blades into both of their hearts. Blood splattered, and he wiped away a few drops that had tainted his –well, more like Aryane's- face with a little scrunch of his nose.
He never liked blood.
... You actually stabbed them.
Can't say I didn't warn them. Now, they're going to turn into Akumas. We can't stop it, as long as Alma Karma is alive. However, we'll be able to bring them back when the time comes.
How exactly?
Shield, when activated, will destroy the Akuma cells in their bodies, which is why it won't work instantly. Satisfied?
… yes. We should go find Tewaku, Gushi and Kiredori now.
Right.
"W-what… have you… done?" asked Tokusa, gasping.
"It'll protect you" the vessel assured, getting back on his feet. "Just bear with it for now. I'll come back as soon as I can"
With that, as they grew into Akuma bodies, he turned to his opponent, who had been watching without making a move.
"You stabbed your own comrades" he remarked with something akin to disdain.
"I did what I had to do"
On that, he took flight once again, ignoring the Third Exorcist's cries, pleads and curses that echoed after him.
Please… just bear with it…
Gabriel didn't say a word, heading for the next aura.
He sliced through both of the Level Four in one go, using Link's diversion to his benefits, and the Akumas exploded as he landed next to the wide eyed blond.
"M- Miss Aryane!" he recognized. "What-"
"Tewaku!"
Completely ignoring the Inspector, he ran to the girl's side. She wasn't as advanced in the transformation as the others, her spirit fighting even harder against the possession, but she was loosing her ground.
"A-Ary…" she croaked out, lifting a shaking hand to the face of her friend.
We have to tell her!
No time! It's now or never!
Pulling out another of her feathers, she implanted it straight into the teenager's heart, earning a sharp gasp.
Instantly, the Angel was sent away by a harsh kick to the guts.
"What are you doing!?" yelled Link, eying the blood pooling out from her chest in horror.
"I'm saving her life" the Host grunted. "Alma Karma is awake and the Earl has taken over the cells in the Thirds' bodies. They're all transforming into a new form of Akumas"
"What!? But you just-"
"I implanted a protection. It won't take effect immediately, but it'll work" he explained.
Link eyed him, more calm and rather suspicious by now.
"You're not Exorcist Aryane" he then stated.
"… I'm not. I can't explain right now, but I'm your ally, alright?"
"What are you?" Link took out a few of his glowing papers. "And what happened to the real Aryane Darkelston?"
The vessel let out an annoyed sigh.
Trickster, we have to go now if we want to save Gushi and Kiredori!
It's already too late for them, Hime. We got to Tewaku barely in time. I'm sorry.
She didn't answer, but he could feel her sorrow.
"I'm an Angel of the Lord" he stated, his aura becoming more imposing. "But you can call me Gabriel. As for Aryane, she is my Host, and she has been exhausted by her precedent fights, which forced me to take over her body for her own safety"
Before the man could ask him anything more, though, Tewaku started screaming.
"I have to go back to the American Branch immediately" he announced, frowning.
"But Tewaku-"
"Let her be. We can't do anything more for her. And don't bring her there"
He left as her body grew into an Akuma's, hoping Link wouldn't try anything rash.
When he finally got back to the American Branch, things weren't looking good. Allen was fighting off Tyki, while Kanda and Alma kept going at each other's throat. For –who had apparently been summoned by Bak meanwhile- was currently protecting the scientists from Sheril's attacks, and the Earl, Wisely and Road were watching everything without batting an eye, the second one still clutching his head in pain.
"ENOUGH!"
Landing between the swordsman and his archenemy, he activated Shield in time to protect himself from the oncoming blows and sent the two of them flying away.
"And who's that?" spat Alma, his arm reforming.
"Step away, Aryane" sneered Kanda, lifting his sword.
"This is all part of the Earl's schemes" stated the Angel imperiously. "Do not fall to his manipulations!"
"I do not care about the Earl!" exclaimed the Akuma. "All I care about is my hate and Yuu's death!"
He shot a purple beam at him, but the vessel easily deflected it towards the Millennium Asshole, who avoided it without much trouble.
"Don't interfere like that, little Gabby" he taunted. "I thought you liked teary endings?"
"Out of the way!"
Kanda's sword, shining with Innocence, pierced through the Shield and nicked his neck, drawing blood. Gasping at the sudden burning sensation, the glow in his eyes dimming somewhat as his control over the body slipped.
"What the fuck!?"
Both voices had come out as one, startling the now white-haired samurai who took a step back.
"Gabriel?" he finally recognize.
But the intelligent glint in his eyes had been replaced once again by pure insanity and a one tracked mind, set on destroying Alma Karma.
"I SAID OUT OF THE WAY!"
This time, Gabriel truly had to jump away to avoid the next onslaught of attacks as Aryane slipped back to her mindscape. However, as soon as the Angel backed out from the fight, both Second Exorcists were back to killing each other.
Damn it…
We can't do anything for them, he won't listen to us.
Then let's switch with Kiddo, he might be able to knock some sense into him.
Good thinking.
He flew at the next dual and knocked Tyki away, freeing the boy for now.
"G-Gabriel!"
"Go stop these two, I can take care of Mikk" he assured.
"Hai!"
Grabbing his sword, he darted towards those who were once friends, letting Gabriel face the Noah, who was sporting a smug smirk.
"You should have fled while you had the chance" he remarked.
"I don't abandon my friends" replied coldly the Angel.
"That's new"
He gritted his teeth at that.
What is he talking about?
Not now, Hime.
Tyki disappeared, but his hand, which was trying to pierce through it's heart, was nearly cut off by the armor that suddenly appeared.
The Noah hissed as his wrist burned, and jumped away.
"That was a cheap trick" the man grunted.
"Not as cheap as the Teez you tried to put in" retorted the vessel.
We have to act quickly, Kiddo seems unable to do it alone.
Then let's go with the Second Level.
Without wasting anymore time, he grabbed the feather pendant.
"Silversword!"
His weapon formed just in time to block the oncoming bunch of gigantic Teez flying at him, and barely stopped the foot coming at his face. Slicing around as the evil butterflies dropped like leaves in autumn, he suddenly felt the pull on his muscles.
Instantly cutting the strings off, his attention diverted one second too much towards Sheril, who was still battling For despite interfering in Gab's own fight, and his breath caught in his throat when Tyki hit him square in the chest. Crashing against one of the debris, a scream suddenly reverberated on the whole battlefield. Twisting around to avoid Tyki's incoming fist, he looked over at Allen, and saw the boy clutching his shoulder in pain as Kanda pierced Alma from side to side with his Innocence.
Kanda… attacked him…
He's not himself anymore, Hime. He can't control his-
Bullshit! I'm going to talk to him. Gimme back my body!
W-what? The hell do you think you're doing!?
"Pay attention!"
He grabbed Mikk's oncoming foot and threw away the Noah with all his strength.
I'm serious! Let me talk to him, I'm sure I can knock some sense into him!
No way!
Gabriel, this is MY body and these are MY friends! You will let me out this instant!
… I can't. I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that.
Dafuck!? Gab, let me out!
Suddenly gaping like a fish out of water, he kneeled, trying to catch his breath as Aryane stormed in the back of his mind and blocked his air pipe, trying to force him out.
He cringed a little. She had never been more furious.
And he never despised himself so much.
We had a deal! Gabriel, let me out!
He knew. Hell, he knew. But he couldn't let her come back right now. If he did, there was no guarantee they'd get out of this alive, and no matter how much trust he had in her, he just couldn't risk it.
Not now.
GABRIEL!
He had a promise to keep.
"I'm… sorry…" he choked.
"Oh? Milady seems quite pissed" mocked Tyki, suddenly hovering over him. "She wants to come back? Why don't you let her then?"
"Fuck… off…"
The Apostle of Lust kicked him in the side, sending him rolling in the dust as he clawed to his throat, his lungs trying to work in vain.
A-Ary… you're… killing us…
GET THE FUCK OUT!
His head stung and, no longer able to keep control, he let go of whatever he had left. As he returned to the mindscape, the girl glared at him before taking her body back, locking him away.
They would talk later.
"D-damn… it…" I coughed, feeling kind of dizzy.
Gabriel didn't answer, most probably knocked out due to my intervention.
I won't complain, though. Bastard deserved that one.
Someone grabbed me by the hair, forcefully pulling me up. Struggling, I met Tyki's amused and mocking golden eyes.
"Trouble in paradise, eh?" he grinned.
"Fuck… you…"
With that, I kneed him in the family jewels. He released his grip somewhat, allowing me to send my knee up and cracking his nose. Fully letting me go, he stumbled away, blood dripping.
"It's been twice that you hit my nose, now" he grunted. "Do you hate it that much?"
"It hate… all of you, if it can… comfort" I replied, my breath coming back.
"So cold" he pouted.
"Feathered Blades!"
As he avoided the steeled projectiles, I made a run for it towards the trio battling farther away. Kanda was lying on the ground, apparently regenerating, and Allen was trapped by Alma's tail.
"Are you Yuu's friend?" he asked with an insane smile. "Can't I… forgive him, you ask?"
"Back off bitch!"
Not batting an eye, I slashed his tail in two. He snarled as Allen fall back on the ground, and I felt his aura spike hatefully as he collapsed.
"Ary! But where's-"
"Later" I cut, helping him up. "Geez, I leave you for two minutes and you find yourself in trouble, uh?"
There was a crackle of Dark Matter, and I realized Alma wasn't getting up.
"Oh?" cackled the Earl, standing high above. "Having trouble with your regenerative capacities? Well, you're only an improvised Akuma made from someone useless, after all. Even if you gain power because of the Dark Matter, it won't be enough, Alma Karma"
"Shut up… Earl…" he ordered, shaking slightly. "As long… as I could kill… Yuu…"
"Why, Alma!?" exclaimed Allen, picking him up. "Why do you want-"
"Heads down!"
Spreading my wings above them, I swallowed a scream when Mugen sliced through my steeled wings.
"Ary!"
Ignoring the white-haired boy, I sent the swordsman flying against a barely standing wall, very annoyed.
"The hell do you think you're doing, Jerkface!?" I shook my fist his way as he got back on his feet.
"I'm going to destroy him" he announced in a blank tone. "Hand him over"
"You truly aren't thinking, are you?" I realized, remembering the Angel's words.
"Seeing Alma like this, you've blocked out your thoughts" added Allen, kind of horrified by the whole situation. "Because it's so painful to think! You aren't even trying to face Alma! I thought… I thought he was someone so precious that you wanted to live together, even when it meant you had to leave behind your anger towards the Order!"
I frowned at that. It must have been from Kanda's memories, then, but Gabriel couldn't show me right now, and I really didn't want to hear him either.
"Why are you running, Kanda!?" yelled my friend angrily.
It felt horrible, as if spears pierced through my whole body and very soul as Kanda's aura grew so strong the rest could see it clearly too.
He totally lost control.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" he asked, his pupils so dilated they seemed to disappear. "It was your fault that Alma was turned into an Akuma. The Earl turned him into a monster because of you, who is in the Order even though you're a Noah!"
"You don't know what you're talking about!" I exclaimed, activating Archangel. "You're the one running, Jerkface! Don't put this on someone else's back!"
"You're no better!" he snarled my way, tightening his grip on the hilt of his katana. "You have the power to finish all of this, yet you hide behind stupid excuses like friends and family! The fuck are you doing here!? You can find the Heart, then what are you fucking waiting for!?"
"Shut the fuck up!"
I ran at him, he ran at me.
"Gugen: Exploding Soul Slicer!"
I froze, fear taking the reins.
"Hell's Salvation!"
He stopped in tracks as I was fully hit by his attack. The armor exploded, and I hit my head against a metal bar. I winced in pain, but had the right set of mind to instantly pull away my illusion.
He collapsed instantly, eyes wide and unseeing. I then realized what I had done.
I placed an hand over my mouth to keep me from throwing up.
I had used Hell's Salvation on him. On Kanda. On a friend.
What the hell was wrong with me?
"I'm sorry… God, I'm sorry…" I whispered, falling to my knees. "I couldn't- I just reacted- I didn't want…"
And suddenly, he was back on his feet. Looming over me me, staring down at my trembling form with so much hate I actually wanted to cry.
He raised his katana above my head, ready to strike, but I couldn't move, unable to do otherwise then hold his hazy gaze.
"I'm sorry…"
The blade went down, coated in Innocence.
There was a gasp.
My breath was taken away.
Blood spilled.
A tear rolled down my cheek as my mouth opened in a silent scream.
A second later, my scream wasn't so silent anymore.
"ALLEN!"
Waaa! This makes me so sad... This episode was amazing, but so, so sad... Also, there is a reason why Gab refused to let her control again. And, of course, Allen decided to play martyr again and take the hit. Also, dont, hesitate to ask questions if you're not sure about the whole 'Third Exorcists protected by Shield' thing.
Question: Why do you think Gab refused to give her control again?
Reviews!