Eh, I'm getting so many reviews suddenly! I'm so happy, you guys are all so awesome! Also, cheers once more for Leahcar-chan who, as said in a previous chapter, found out the position of the last fragment.
Answer: Well, guess you'll discover in this chapter, uh?
Enjoy!
"Ary! Ary!"
"What is it?" I asked, sipping on my hot chocolate.
"Come, quick!" Timothy pressed.
"But-"
"Quick!"
As he pulled me behind, I've decided to ask questions later and ran with him to the room that had been transformed into a lab for our dear scientists.
When we got there, everyone was already present.
"What's going on?" I frowned.
"Asian Branch is under attack"
It took me a few seconds to process the information.
"T-the Asian Branch? By who? Why?"
"Well, we couldn't possibly get our hands on all the equipment here, so Bak handed some to us" Komui answered, frowning too. "But Apocryphos heard of it. The Asian Branch is currently under siege by Central"
"We're afraid the action will get the attention of the Noahs, though" added Reever. "So, your mission is to evacuate their Headquarters safely and quickly while protecting them"
"You're going now" concluded Komui. "Go!"
"Hai!" we saluted.
Without loosing a second, Allen opened a gate and we passed through, except for Lenalee, Kanda and Krory. If there was the slightest chance that the Noahs might show up, then we couldn't risk getting one of them captured because of the Cases.
When we showed up, all the scientists were already gathered around the gate. When he saw us stepping out, Bak ran to meet us.
"Is everyone here?" I asked.
"No, many went to the other bunkers" he shook his head. "We couldn't all fit here"
"Okay. Cupcake, Mystère, Doll and Kermit, you go help Nasturtium to hold the siege" I ordered.
There was a moment of silence.
The nicknames, Hime.
Oops.
"Link, Madarao, Tewaku and Tokusa, you go help For to hold the siege as long as you can" I traduced, somewhat sheepishly. "Allen, show them the way. Sokaro, Tiedoll and Klaud, you go for some back up"
That finally got them moving, and they quickly followed the scientist. I turned to Bak once again.
"How many other bunkers are here?" I then asked.
"Two"
"Okay. Miranda, Timothy, you guys help evacuate this one. In the meantime, Rikei will lead Marie and Bookman to the nearest bunker. Rohfa, you'll guide Lavi and I to the farthest one"
"H-hai!"
All started moving, and Lavi and I ran outside, following the girl in the hallways. As soon as the doors closed, though, Lavi snorted.
"What?"
"You wonder why we ask you to take the lead yet you become a real general each and every time there's a situation" he replied.
"I don't…"
I trailed off. I did just take command of everyone but… why did none of them asked what the hell I was doing? I mean, even the Marshalls listened, for God's sake!
It's instinctive for them. Their Innocence reacts to yours, and you can influence its will because of that bond. Plus, you tend to influence the auras around too, which is why they actually listen to you.
Wow. No pressure at all.
Don't worry, Hime. I got your back.
I know you do.
When we finally reached the bunker, I was glad to see that it wasn't full like the one we had arrived in. As we started evacuating the thirty or so scientists, though, the whole building shook, and the earth growled.
"The barriers broke down!" Rohfa exclaimed, worried. "They're getting in!"
"No they aren't" I assured, trying to keep everyone calm. "The Marshalls are taking care of it. Now move, people, come on!"
We roamed the hallways, fast but silent. We were approaching the room with the gate, but I could feel the dozen of auras swarming inside despite the Marshalls, the Thirds –I'll put Link in that group- and Allen.
Accelerating the pace somewhat, I felt the new presence almost too late.
Almost.
"Lavi!"
"Hiban!"
He burned the whole hallway to a crisp, but I knew our enemy had escaped.
"Noah" I answered my friend's silent question. "The one that looks like a penguin"
"I'll take care of him, you get them out of here" the redhead ordered.
I frowned at that.
"You're not allowed to interfere, Bookman" I recalled firmly. "If you take him on your own-"
"I think it's too late for this crap, Exorcist" he retorted in the same tone. "We're in this together now, so just get out of here, would you?"
I was about to protest but, feeling the Noah slowly coming back, I let it go and gestured for the rest of the bewildered group to follow me.
"We're almost here" I assured them.
Then, I shot one last glance at the redhead, who simply waved, before leaving.
When we finally got to the room, we found Marie and Bookman keeping guard.
"Pass through the gate, we got this" I ordered to the scientists.
None of them protested, of course, but Rohfa lingered behind.
"P-please be careful!" she squeaked out.
"Sure" I patted her head. "Now go, we'll see you when we get back"
"H-hai!"
With that, she left.
Bookman eyed me with a blank expression.
"Where's Lavi?"
"Fighting a Noah" I answered honestly. "I'm going back, now, he-"
"I'll go" he cut.
Before I could oppose to the idea, he disappeared. Letting out an annoyed huff, I turned to Marie.
"The first and second bunkers have fully been evacuated" he assured. "You said the Noahs were here?"
"Yeah. I'll go warn the others to fall back. There's no way we can keep the branch now, so we got to back out while we still can. Be on your guard and ready to take off" I instructed.
"Hai!"
Flying in the hallways towards the other's position, I nearly got shot in the head by a flying candle. Landing on the floor, I raised my eyes to meet Road's, who was sitting on that damned pumpkin umbrella and smiling sweetly at me.
"You missed" I stated fatly.
"The others won't" she assured.
More were sent my way, but I easily deflected them with my wings, and Shield sent them back to their owner. Instantly, she made them disappear with a scowl.
"Not so easy when I'm not a chained down wreck, uh?" I taunted. "Now that I think about it, we didn't truly fought since we met back in the Rewinding Town, did we? I mean, the last time was in that dream world you created…"
"You've grown stronger" she narrowed her eyes. "But not enough!"
As I sent back all the candles, I could feel her unease grow. Seeing as she couldn't use her dreams on me because of Gabriel's presence, she was at a clear disadvantage.
"Heaven's Damnation!"
She stiffened, her eyes turning glassy, then fell from the umbrella and crashed on the floor.
"Lady Road!" screamed Lero, flying to her side. "Damn Exorcist, what have you done- Lero!?"
"What I had to do" I replied coldly. "Be glad I haven't used the other one"
A faint smile stretched the girl's lips.
Armor!
I made my armor appear, and there was a slight hiss from behind. Turning around, I found Tyki, grabbing his burned hand.
"Still using those cheap tricks?" he grunted.
"Because a sneak attack is so much better" I retorted, falling in a defensive stance.
"What have you done to Road?" he asked, tone icy.
"Why don't you find out?" I proposed. "Hell's Salvation!"
His golden eyes opened wide, and he was sent crashing into a pillar.
Err, Trickster? Was it supposed to do that?
Behind!
Ducking low, I sent a bunch of feathered blades at my second attacker, and one hit his shoulder. Falling back, I realized it was Sheril. He must have pulled Tyki out of the way before my attack could reach.
I repressed a shiver at the crazy expression on the man's face as he pulled out the weapon, blood dripping and his pupils dilating.
Gab… He's really freaking me out.
I think he's a little possessive of Road.
"My… Road…" he whispered. "My Road… What… have you done… to my Road… My… Road… What have you done!? Give her back! My Road, my Road, my Road!"
A LITTLE?
"She's still alive" I assured. "This attack doesn't kill"
"Give her back… give her back!"
He launched himself at me with full intents to kill. Letting out an ungodly yelp as he nearly hit his mark, he then disappeared. Instantly, I jumped in the air, but was sent back to the ground rather harshly by a hit in the back.
"Ow…"
"GIVE HER BACK!"
"Fuck!"
Rolling aside, I avoided his oncoming fist, and the ground exploded under the strength of the blow that nearly hit me.
HE'S GOING TO KILL ME!
GET YOUR FUCKING SWORD!
"Silversword!"
Feeling the weight of the blade in my hands made me feel more at ease, and I parried the next attack. He bared his teeth my way as he retracted his arm, deeply cut and more of his blood dripping.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Tyki watching everything unfold with his arms crossed over his chest.
All he needs is the popcorn.
Ary, so not the time!
"The hell are you doing?" I snapped his way. "Standing aside like that, think I can't handle the both of you?"
Don't annoy the crazy psychopath!
He shrugged with a slight smirk.
"With Sheril in this state, I'm not interfering. I might die too"
"All that for Road… Is he a fucking pedophile?" I dropped my stance, stunned.
"She's his daughter" he replied, not really caring. "Adoptive, at least"
"I'm honestly freaked out by you people" I sweatdropped.
FOCUS!
Raising my sword, I blocked in time Sheril's strings that tried to attach themselves to my body, before avoiding his feet coming at my face.
"My Road, my Road! Give me back my Road!" he snarled.
He kicked me roughly in the guts, and I stumbled into the nearest wall, breath cut short. I watched in horror as he ran at me, fully ready to deliver the final blow. Tyki's attention seemed to snap back to reality as his peer made his way at me. Apparently, they still weren't allowed to kill me yet, a rule that Sheril seemed to have forgotten.
I swung the blade around to ward him off, but it was no use. The both of them froze in tracks as his hand stopped merely centimeters away from my neck, and-
Wait. Are they… crying? Trickster?
That means one of theirs is dead.
Road is still alive, though, so who- the penguin dude! Lavi and Bookman must have defeated him!
I watched with wonder the tears streaming down their faces. It was weird, to say the least. But, before I could react upon it, Sheril and Tyki backed away. The eldest picked Road up, before running away with her in his arms.
Mikk shot me a look, and a cold chill ran down my spine as he disappeared too.
What just happened?
They retreated. Fetch the others and get the fuck out.
On it.
"Oi!"
I dropped next to the Marshalls. They didn't seem to have any trouble defending the entrance, but I knew it wouldn't work for much longer.
"What's happening?" asked Klaud. "We were fighting some Noahs and they-"
"One of them has been killed, they retreated" I resumed. "But Apocryphos is coming. We have to go now"
They nodded, and Tiedoll activated his Maker of Eden, effectively defending our own retreat.
"Guys, let's move!" I called towards the Thirds, Allen and For, farther away.
After a moment of hesitation, they followed the Marshalls outside, but the guardian deity wouldn't budge. The white-haired boy tried to talk to her, but she kept refusing. I gestured for Allen to go, and went to her side.
"Nasturtium, we've got to go now!" I insisted.
"I am to defend the base" she gritted her teeth, her arm-blades glinting.
"You are to live so you'll be able to preserve Bak's life!" I snapped back.
She clenched her jaw tighter and an explosion shook the white vines surrounding us.
"You dying here will prove nothing!" I poked her roughly. "This base is lost, but surviving now will allow you to take it back later, when you'll have the opportunity, strength and necessary means to achieve it. So, swallow your God damned pride and move it, for fuck's sakes!"
The woman gave me a startled look, then glanced back at the entrance by which the intruders were trying to come in, before letting out an annoyed sigh.
Her arms turned back to their usual.
"Alleluia" I huffed. "Now come on! Tiedoll-sensei, let's go!"
"Hai, hai" he smiled calmly at me.
As if not really bothered by our current situation, he deactivated his Innocence, and we ran as fast as we could as Central's watchdogs swarmed inside like cockroaches.
After a few minutes of full sprint, we reached the room by which we came in first. When we arrived, Allen, Lavi and Bak were waiting for us. I saw them relax their stances somewhat at our arrival, and I grabbed the redhead's hand, squeezing it tightly.
He's fine, Hime. Just go.
"Let's leave"
We passed the gate, and it closed behind us. Once inside, I exchanged a glance with Tiedoll-sensei as dozens of terrified scientists sat around us. We had achieved our mission, but the outcome wasn't that much better: the Asian Branch had fallen and, now, the Order fully was under Michael's command.
It's okay, Ary. It's almost done. One Case, the Heart, and all will be over.
… I have a question.
Shoot.
How will it end? I mean, we can find the Heart, but how exactly do we use it to defeat the Earl, Noahs and Apocryphos?
I'll explain later. We're not there yet.
I bit my lower lip, but asked no more.
Three days had passed since. All the scientists had been sent back to their home, except for Won and Bak –plus For-, and I still hadn't gotten any new flashback about the Fourth Case's location.
Which put everyone on edge, obviously.
I frowned at the game before me, moving my Bishop ahead and grabbing his Queen.
"You do realize it was a dumb move, uh?" I asked, placing it aside. "You just lost your best piece and got Check"
But Johnny simply smiled, moving his Knight to-
"Well fuck"
"Checkmate" he grinned victoriously.
"You sacrificed your best piece as a bait to lull me in a false sense of confidence and therefore winning the game" I resumed. "Nice one, even though kind of ruthless. You could have waited two other turns to win with your Pawn just there"
"Sometimes, the strongest piece has to sacrificed itself so that the weaker ones can insure victory" he retorted, still smiling.
But said smile fell quickly.
"You wouldn't fell for it so easily" he remarked with a little frown. "Your mind is elsewhere"
"I'm just… worried" I admitted with a sigh, tucking my legs against my chest. "I've still haven't go any memories from the Fourth Case, and everything is moving so fast that I'm afraid we'll miss our chance if we act too late"
He grabbed my hand, trying to reassure me with a slight squeeze.
"We'll be fine" he assured. "We'll manage, like we always do. Always move forward, eh?"
I chuckled at that.
"You really admire Kiddo, don't you?"
"He's our friend" he replied instantly. "Always will be. I never doubted him. Or you, for that matter"
"Aw, thanks, Checkmate!" I bumped his shoulder with little strength. "You're my friend too, and the best chess partner ever!"
"Even better than Summan?" he asked.
For a moment, I stilled, before seeing the happy twinkle in his eyes.
I smiled softly at that.
"Even better" I assured. "The Old Man would probably kick my ass if I dared to say this in his presence, but I let him win half the games so that he wouldn't stop playing"
He laughed at that.
"He'd probably hit you in the head and calling you a dwarf or something like that" he snickered.
"He would" I agreed, fond of the memories despite all. "But then, I'd ju-"
::
It was dark, cold. The air was thrumming around, everything was unclear. I couldn't make out any images, any sound, just an uncomfortable buzzing and a red, shining light in the distance.
::
"Ary!"
"I'm fine!"
Taking a few breaths, I closed my eyes so as to get back my senses faster.
Trickster, what happened?
The Fourth Case was moved, that's the only explanation I can find.
Moved!? Where too?
How the hell should I know?
"Oh God…"
"What do you mean, it was moved!?"
"I mean it was moved, damn it!"
"This is bad" sighed Allen.
"No shit" I snapped his way, making him gulped.
Ary, breath.
… right. Sorry.
Taking a few deep breaths to calm down, I then thought about it. The Fourth Case had been moved. Otherwise said, it had been discovered. It wasn't Apocryphos because, according to Gabriel, I would have felt the change in auras or something like that. Same for the Noahs. However, the only aura I could feel was civilian.
Seeing as it was a big ruby, it was either in some sort of museum or in possession of some rich people.
Either way didn't suit me.
Why is that?
There are loads of museums, and breaking in won't be a walk in the park. As for the rich people, well, they're just a pain in the ass to deal with.
Touché.
"Ary"
I glanced at Tewaku.
"What is it, Doll?"
"Didn't you say you should be able to retrace the auras?" she asked.
"Uh?"
"Now that I think about it, you did mention it" recalled Lenalee, thinking. "You said that if you concentrated enough, you'd be able to spot the different Innocence, just like the guys' invention is able to find it anywhere across the world. You said you should be able to use it to find the Heart, but… do you think you'd be able to use it to find the Fourth Case?"
Now remembering that, I rubbed my chin.
"I guess it might work" I admitted slowly. "But… it'll take loads of concentration… I never even tried it before…"
"And we all know how she just can't stay in place" pointed out Lavi. "She has trouble meditating for more than five minutes, so concentrating long enough to find a Case that could be anywhere in the world? No offense, Tenshi"
"None taken" I assured. "Bookboy got a point, though. I just can't pull that off, no matter how much I try –and trust me, I tried"
"If I may…"
We all turned to Leverrier, somewhat surprised. He did kind of became invisible ever since we met on my first day on the Ark.
...You forgot about him, didn't you?
I had a lot on my mind, sue me.
"CROWs are trained since a very young age in the mystical arts" the ex-inspector informed, serious as always. "If you didn't know, they too can sense auras, even though not as precisely as you do. If they used their own auras to influence yours, do you think you'd be able to… pull it off, as you say?"
"You mean like some sort of energy boost?" I blinked, understanding dawning on me.
Trickster?
That… might very well work. Let's try it!
"I think it's worth a shot" I admitted with a small smile.
Then, I turned to the Thirds.
"Up to it?" I asked.
They all nodded, determination settling on their features.
Let's do this!
Tewaku had painted some weird markings on my arms, torso and back, saying it'd help with the transfusion of energy, and we then joined the guys in one of the training rooms.
All doors and windows had been locked, and it was only the five of us so to allow full concentration. I sat in the middle of the room, crossing my legs.
"We're going to manipulate our auras so as to meet your own" announced Link, taking place a meter in front of me. "Linking our auras will create a bigger source of energy. It will ease your way in the astral projection and allow you to last longer"
"Do we have some sort of insurance or…"
"We've… never tried it before" admitted Tewaku, sitting to my exact left at the same distance as Link.
"We're experts, though" added Tokusa, behind me. "So don't worry about it"
"Right…"
I was afraid linking our auras might lead to unnecessary feedbacks.
I've never tried that before, so I can't really say how it'll go. Sorry, Hime.
So reassuring.
"Relax" ordered Madarao, now sitting to my right. "The linking phase should be easier done, seeing as our auras were already somewhat altered by your Shield. If it becomes too dangerous for any of us, including you, then we'll pull away"
"… okay"
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, my hands resting on my knees. After a few seconds, I felt my muscles relax somewhat.
Thanks, Trickster.
No probs.
"Renketsu!"
Their auras shot like massive waves but, somehow, it wasn't threatening. I could make out the threads extending to me, and my own reaching for theirs.
Warmth washed over me, and I instantly felt much better than I had in days.
Everything okay, Trickster?
All's good and well, Hime!
~This is so weird~
Holy shit, Kermit invaded my mind!
~Stop calling me that!~
~Guys, that's enough!~
Doll? This is getting creepier by the second. Oi, Cupcake, Mystère, you here?
~We are all present~
~The first phase worked. Now, we have to focus~
… right. Still not okay with this mind-raping, though. My head's already crowded as it is.
You tell me, Hime.
~Is that the Angel Gabriel?~
Doll, don't call him that. His ego's already too big for me to support.
There was a distinct sigh coming from Link.
Sorry.
~Let's start~
Soshin!
My breath caught in my throat as I was violently propelled forward. Images started flashing in my mind as my spirit roamed the skies of the Earth. After a few seconds trying to adapt to the speed –which made me kind of sick- I was finally able to see clearer landscapes.
Narrowing my eyes, I finally spotted auras all around. Civilians all around, some Akumas dispersed in crowds, CROWs waiting in the shadows, the creepy Noah with the eyeballs on the tongue lurking around…
Wait.
Managing somehow to stop the wild pace, I floated above London for a moment. There was a pulse, a little spark in the distance… in the middle of the city… in a tower…
A bright ruby shined for a second, but it was instantly replaced by an eye more than familiar.
"I see you!"
The voice wasn't his, though.
I started falling, and felt my back hit the solid ground rather harshly. Coughing out some blood, it felt like my lungs had been fully emptied from air for way too long. I could make out some presences by my side, but it took me a few minutes to fully come back.
When my breathing became normal again, I opened my eyes to see the Thirds surrounding me in worry.
"Still alive" I croaked out, rubbing my temples. "God… never again, you hear me?"
"How are you feeling?" asked Tewaku, helping me in a sitting position.
"Like I passed hours underwater" I admitted. "My ears are buzzing…"
"Someone interfered" frowned Link.
"Two" corrected Madarao. "Very strong entities, at that. Your sudden panic sent you back here"
"Those were the Noah Wisely, and Apocryphos" I precised. "I had to come back, or they might have been able to do some damage to our minds, seeing as their were linked. Is everyone okay?"
"You took the worst of it" informed Tokusa. "Still got an awful headache, though"
"Boo-fucking-hoo" I deadpanned.
"Did you find it?" intervened the blond man before we could get in another argument.
It took me a moment to remember what I had seen.
"It's… in a tower" I answered. "In London, on a crown of some sort…"
Their eyes widened. Apparently, they knew what I was talking about.
"What is it?" I frowned, confused.
"The Crown Jewels" breathed out Tewaku.
"Err… is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
At the look they sent me, I could guess it wasn't exactly the best situation we could get in.
All had quickly been informed of our success, and we had elaborated our plan: the team would be composed of Allen, Lavi, Bookman, Madarao, Tewaku, Link, Tokusa, Klaud, Timothy, Miranda and me. I would get inside along with Lavi and Bookman to go get the Case while Tewaku and Allen took care of the different securities –cameras, booby-trapped display cabinets, alarms, etc-. Tokusa, Madarao and Link would seal away the entrance to the tower to stop anyone from breaking in. As for Klaud, Miranda and Timothy, their job was to ward off the Akumas lurking around.
The thing was, now that Apocryphos knew where we were going, he would more than probably post CROWs all around the place. Going there was clearly suicidal, but it was the only way.
Ready?
As much as I can be.
Walking down the streets of London once again had been quite the nostalgic experience, and our new uniforms had quickly gained the attention of the passerby. Mainly civilians, but I had spotted two Level One and one Level Two so far.
When we got to the London Tower, Red Guards –Central's watchdogs- were already surrounding the whole place.
I frowned a little at that. If he knew where it was, then why didn't Michael take the Case and be done with it already?
It's a trap!
Don't pull a Star Wars on me right now, it's seriously not the time.
…
Kidding! Good one, Trickster.
Of course it was. Any ideas?
We'll have to work with that. And of course, I can't sense the auras now that we are in the Case's vicinity.
A few explosions were heard farther away, and we all understood that Klaud, Miranda and Timothy had engaged the Akumas. Not only would it divert the weapons from us, but it would also gain Central's attention for the time being.
Paying for our tickets, we all went inside. I could feel the Exorcists tense as their Innocence stopped answering their commands, and I bit my lower lip. Without our anti-Akuma weapons, we were more than outclassed if we encountered CROWs.
You'll have to leave them to Tokusa, Madarao and Link.
Aren't I glad we got the elite on our side?
I nodded to Tewaku and Allen, who smiled at us before leaving towards the security center not far from our position. Knowing they had this in the bag, we made our way inside the Tower where was displayed the Crown on which was attached the Fourth Case.
As soon as we were inside, the Thirds placed Feathers to seal the entrance, windows and other means by which our enemies could get in. The sudden gathering of energy must have got the CROWs' attention, for there were already crackles of electricity all along the barrier.
"We got this, go" ordered Madarao.
We ran upstairs, ignoring the cries of the tourists in our way, and finally got to the room. As soon as we got there, though, there were no tourists, but loads of Red Guards and even two other CROWs.
Just great.
"Bookboy, the Crown to the right!" I ordered.
Grabbing one of the swords hanging on the wall next to us, I faced our opponents, back to back with Bookman.
"Get them!" ordered a first one.
They jumped on us, quite literally, but I easily deflected their attacks. While the Red Guards were good watchdogs, they weren't exactly good fighters, and the only problem was cause by the CROWs, which were taken care of by Bookman. As I blocked each and every Shield trying to close onto us –those usually used by the Finders, that is-, I was careful as to not fatally injure any of our opponents. They were just doing their job, after all.
A glass shattered, and Lavi picked up the Crown.
"Tenshi, there's five of them!" he yelled my way.
"Grabbed them all!" I retorted, slicing a arm almost in two. "Only one will answer to the new Body Host!"
After what had happened with the Noah back at the Asian Branch, the Bookmen had decided to halt their first mission in order to help out. Despite it being their job, even Bookman couldn't just stand aside by now, seeing as how much they were involved already. So, they were still recording the war, but they were participating too, which meant that Lavi was allowed to become a Body Host.
"Watch out!" I yelled his way.
Three of the Red Guards were running at him with guns. However, as I sent another one crashing into a pedestal, they were electrocuted by Feathers and slumped to the ground a second after, knocked out cold.
The same thing happened to the five last, and I put down the sword, eying the CROWs carefully.
"Got it!" suddenly exclaimed Lavi.
There was a flash of light, and I instantly felt my Innocence come back. Relieved, I then approached the two masked men.
"Why did you help us?" I asked, more curious than anything else.
One of them got rid of the mask, revealing in fact a brown haired woman with a very serious expression.
"Apocryphos, as you have called him, has taken control of Central" she said, tone blank. "The Pope has assigned us a new mission: to help you defeat him in whatever way we can. However, he is not aware of our status and believes we are under his command, which is why we couldn't help sooner"
"That's so cool!" I beamed at her. "Because trust me, we'll need all the help we can get. But… not now"
A slight confusion etched on her features, but it was soon gone.
"When, then?"
I smiled at that.
"You'll know when the time comes" I shrugged. "Be on your guard, though. Apocryphos is way more aware than you might think"
"We will be careful" she replaced the mask.
Nodding, I then turned to Lavi and Bookman, who were watching with their recording look.
"Let's go"
Fetching the Thirds –who had learned much the same way as we did about the place of the CROWs in this conflict-, we then met back with Tewaku and Allen.
As we ran outside, we ran into Timothy, Miranda and Klaud.
"So, you kicked these Akuma asses?" I asked to the kid.
"Hell yeah!" he pumped his fist.
I bumped mine against his with a grin.
"Awesome"
"Did you get the Case?" asked the scarred woman.
"And much more" assured Lavi, showing his carved palm.
"What do you mean?"
"We'll explain once with everyone" I shook my head. "Better not risking to be heard"
"Then let's go" ordered Link.
Okay, first of all: I went to London once. I saw the Crown Jewels. And trust me, I KNOW the display isn't like that, and the jewels aren't even in the tower. However, let's not forget that all of this happened way before the security system of today was invented. I allowed cameras because seriously, they've got awesome technology at the Black Order so of course they'd have some for the fricking Crown Jewels. After that, I just decided to do as I pleased. It is a Fanfiction, after all.
Hey, Lavi became a Body Host! I know many would think "Bookman would never allow it" or something like that but, the thing is, when Lavi got involved with the Noah, Bookman was forced to fight by his side -not wanting his grandson to die-. However, by doing that, they lost their status of untachables in this war. After all, their role is to record and not interfere, even Apocryphos and the Noahs know that. We could say that Sheril broke the silent agreement when he had them captured and tortured, but nothing was official until Lavi oppened the hostilities. By doing that, they lost the protection the title of Bookmen procured to them, and can now be targeted freely. Going away wouldn't have changed anything and they would more than probably have been killed, which is why they now have to help.
Also, for the Asian Branch: there's nothing really important about it. I just believed that Michael wasn't stupid enough not to notice how the Asian Branch was actually helping his ennemy.
Any questions are welcomed!
Results of poll for my next story:
D. Gray-Man = 2
Magi = 2 (Err... I'm glad to receive ideas, and I love Magi too, but I honestly have no inspiration whatsoever for a Magi fanfic. But... do you consider a Sinbad No Bouken would work instead?)
Fairy Tail = 1
Poll still up!
Question: This is a war. When the final battle occurs, people are bound to die on both sides. Which "good guy" do you want dead, and which "bad guy" do you want dead? I can't promise I'll respect those demands, but I'm really curious.
Reviews, I love you guys so much!