YOOOOOO! So, this is it: the final battle! I wanted to thank everyone for your reviews, and also for your understanding. It allowed me to put much more thought in the chapter, which is my longest of all, by the way *cough, cough*32 pages*cough, cough*.
You're all so awesome!
Answer: Well, you'll know soon enough. Though, I can say it isn't material.
Enjoy!
The next day passed at the pace of a slug. Minutes felt like centuries and the clock ticked down the time they had left until the showdown. They all tried to act as if nothing would happen, as if everything was fine and well, as if they didn't have the weight of the world pressing upon their shoulders.
But they did.
Komui sighed.
Since he joined the Black Order, he had made a point to always protect the Exorcists at the best of his abilities. At first solely for his dear sister, he then found himself growing attached to each of the members joining their mad crew as the years flew by. They moved forward to become some sort of a twisted family, led by faith and destiny and whatnot.
However, the stronger they grew and the harder their life got. Enemies after enemies, fighting Akumas et Noahs without a rest because at the one little mistake, all odds would turn against them, and they seriously didn't need that.
They never had it easy, the man sighed internally, gazing at the light spar between Kanda and Allen. And yet, they never gave up.
"Supe, we've got to run a few tests!" called Jiji.
"Coming!"
Leaving the training area, Komui couldn't help but think that, however all of this would end, none of them would be the same afterwards.
For the better or the worse, that had yet to be determined.
"Oh, what if I try with the Seventh Seal?"
"Tokusa, wait-"
"Bind!"
There was a small explosion, and smoke filled the room in which the Thirds, along with Link and Leverrier, were experimenting on their Feathers once more. They needed a very special kind to be ready for the battle tomorrow and, while they were close to find the solution, they still had a way to go and needed more time.
Time they couldn't afford.
"Sorry" coughed Tokusa.
"Another incompatible, uh?" sighed Tewaku.
"The blow wasn't strong, though" Madarao pointed out. "It was all smoke. It could be a good decoy"
"Decoy or not, we still don't have what we need" grunted Tokusa, annoyed.
"But the smoke concentrated on our position" Link replied, thoughts swirling. "Meaning the Third Seal had some effect on this one"
"If you try to put together the Third, the Fourth and the Eight, plus a reversed Seventh, then you might be able to add a blinding ability" remarked the Inspector.
They all nodded, understanding his train of thought, and instantly went back to work. They had to pull it off, somehow, and fast. Time wasn't a luxury they had right now, but they'd manage.
Failure is not an option, Link swiftly painted the Fourth seal. We just have to work harder, and faster.
They'd manage. They had to.
Reever frowned, eying the special guns laying on the desks before them. None of them were lethal, for it would be used against the Red Guards. Seeing as these men were merely following orders, it had been unanimously decided that they would avoid human losses as much as possible.
However, for the scientist, these guns meant way more than just weapons for defense or attack. They were the sign that all was changing. Months sooner, they would still be working on a new uniform or filling never-ending paperwork. Now, they designed special guns for the battle that would mark the very end of this century-long conflict.
It seemed surreal, almost a dream.
What will happen after that? He wondered. How many more will we loose to this stupid war?
It was too late to back out now, though, way too late.
In a way, I'm glad, though, the man admitted. No matter the outcome, it will all end tomorrow.
Tiedoll let his pencil do the talking most of the time, and today was no exception. After all, it might be his last. He had to make it memorable!
"What do you think our chances are?" quietly asked Klaud.
Next to him, the woman was sitting on a comfortable chair, petting Lau Shimin with a blank face. However, the blonde beauty wasn't one to usually hide her emotions. For the Marshall to put on such an expression…
She must be truly troubled, he realized.
"The same as usual" he simply shrugged, pursuing his drawing. "We're strong, prepared, but all plans don't always work as planned. We can only wait and see. What do you think, Sokaro?"
For once, the mad ash-skinned man wasn't displaying his usual… well, madness. He was silent, uncomfortably so, and his white eyes didn't show any emotions. After a few more seconds where the other two awaited for an answer with growing wariness, his face broke in a familiar maniac grin, razor-sharp teeth glinting in the light.
"Whatever happens, it's gonna get mad pretty quick!" he announced, cackling.
Instantly, the tension broke and Tiedoll let out a small chuckle while Klaud rolled her eyes at their colleagues' antics.
The Marshall's attention went back to hi masterpiece, and he found himself smiling as, despite the darkness etching on the paper, a small light had yet to disappeared, up in the right corner.
Some red would fit well, he mused.
So some red he added.
"K-Krory, are you a-alright?"
Miranda wasn't sure if she overstep her boundaries when the man jumped at her question, apparently unaware of her presence until then. However, as soon as their eyes met, her offered her a small smile.
"I am doing fine, Miranda" he assured. "How about you? Nervous?"
"Q-quite" she admitted, more quietly. "I-it is a great burden to place upon o-our shoulders, don't you t-think?"
"It sure is" he sighed.
They stayed silent for a moment, enjoying the peace and quiet before the storm.
"We've come far, since it all began" the aristocrat remarked, almost in a whisper. "How did you end up becoming an Exorcist, Miranda?"
The young woman recalled the Rewinding Town Incident, and scratched the back of her head, a little nervous and sheepish at the same time.
"M-my Innocence activated by accident, making my w-whole town live the same d-day over and over again for a month" she answered. "A-Allen, Ary and Lenalee found me and s-saved my life, and they inspired me greatly. That's w-why I've decided to become an E-Exorcist"
He hummed in understanding.
"The first one I met was Cross Marshall, though I didn't know who he was at the time" he informed, smiling wryly at the memory. "He's the one who brought me my Innocence. A few days later, I met Ary and… I kind of tried to kill her, to be honest"
He laughed, remembering his past mistakes and how everything turned out.
"She was quick to forgive, trying to make me see past my illusions" he added fondly. "I was in love with the Akuma sent to kill me and, while destroying her, I destroyed myself. Ary, and Allen, were the ones pushing me forward all along after that"
"They do have this strange ability, don't they?" the klutzy woman remarked, for once forgetting about her stammering.
"They do" he nodded. "But… I regret nothing. If once I had my doubts, they all have vanished by now. I'm ready. And, if it ever comes to this… then I'll gladly join my dear Eliade once all is done"
None of them added anything more, both understanding the truth behind Krory's words. As Ary said, as long as they didn't regret, then it was the good choice.
I am… glad, thought Miranda, a smile gracing her lips. To have met such wonderful people. Allen… Lenalee… Ary… because of you, I finally found a purpose to my life.
Warmth spread in her chest as she felt her Innocence buzz happily on her arm.
Thank you.
Lenalee bit her lower lip, hesitating, before softly knocking to the door before her. After a few seconds, Kanda opened with a grunt.
"What do you w- Lenalee?"
He wasn't awaiting her. She shifted on her feet, a little embarrassed.
"I… I was just wondering if… well, if you wanted to meditate" she asked in a small voice, knowing the samurai to be in a bad mood right now.
He eyed her for another five seconds, before sighing and opening wide, letting her enter. Feeling better already, she froze in place when she saw Allen already sitting on the mattress. Cracking an eye open, he smiled at her.
"Hey, Lenalee"
"Allen? What are you doing here?" she asked, curious.
She took place in front of him while Kanda closed the door and sat next to them, already going in meditation.
"We wanted to relax after our spar, and I proposed the meditation session" the white-haired boy shrugged.
"I'm surprised he accepted" she blinked in wonder.
"Yeah, I thought he would snap at me or something but he just walked away" replied the Fourteenth's Host.
"And we all know that it's the best answer we can get from him, uh?" teased the young girl.
The long-haired Exorcist's eye twitched dangerously as he sat next to them.
"I'm right here" he gritted his teeth.
The other two shared a quiet laugh, before closing their eyes and coordinating their breathings.
A lot of things happened, much more will, Lenalee eased her mind. But Ary is right. We can't back out now and ignore all those who paved the path for us with their own blood and tears. It's time we make our own mark.
Next to her, the sixteen-years-old was however more nervous than he let it show.
Allen, would you stuff it? I'm trying to get some rest before tomorrow.
Sorry Nea, I'm just worried.
Hey, I'll be the one doing all the work, remember our deal?
I know, I know. But I'm not worried about us. I'm scared for the others. If we fail tomorrow-
We won't. And if we do… well, you'll all stay stuck together anyway.
What do you mean?
Well, you'll be dead, but you'll still be together in the afterlife, right?
… moron.
But Allen smiled nowadays.
"Timothy, you should take a break" frowned Tsukikami.
But his young master wasn't listening, going through his training choreography again and again with heavy sweat rolling down his forehead.
"I can't stop now" he huffed, jumping to the right. "Tomorrow's the big day, I can't slack off!"
"If you exhaust yourself now, you won't be able to fight" replied his Innocence.
"But-"
"Timothy"
"Marie!"
Finally putting his training session a stop, he released his stance, wincing for a moment at his sore muscles before putting back his usual grin as the blind man approached, smiling too.
"Working hard, are you?" he asked kindly.
"Uh-uh!" Timothy nodded eagerly. "I'm ready for tomorrow! We'll kick their sorry asses and win for real!"
Marie ruffled his blue hair, not dropping his smile.
"You're scared"
The boy stiffened at the accusation, and instantly built up his bratty façade.
"Am not!" he denied fervently.
"Really?" wondered Marie. "Because I am. Very scared, actually"
This admission of weakness made the orphan falter somewhat, and he felt the worry he tried to push down for the past hours come back up.
"… you are?" his voice was suddenly weak.
"Hmm" confirmed Marie. "I am. But it's okay to be scared, you know? With what's going to happen, no one can predict the end of tomorrow"
A lump formed in the throat of the kid, and tears welled in his eyes. He angrily wiped them away.
"I'm not scared!" he repeated, louder. "I'm not scared…"
But he couldn't close his eyes anymore.
"I'm terrified…"
His body racked with sobs, he cling on Marie when the older man hugged him tightly.
"Timothy…" Tsukikami didn't know what to say.
"We can't predict what'll happen tomorrow" repeated softly the blind man. "But what we do know is that they won't win so easily. However, me and everyone else agreed"
"About what?" sniffed the kid.
"If things turns out badly… we want you to run" announced the eldest more seriously. "Disappear, don't come back. Everyone have the same orders. If the Heart befalls to the Noahs, or Apocryphos takes control, we are to run as far away as we can, and you first"
"What!? But I'm an Exorcist too!" protested Timothy, pulling away. "I can't just run like a coward!"
"Your life is more important than some honorable death" scolded lightly the tall man. "And think of it this way: as long as you live, there's still a chance"
The youngest looked down, pondering on his words. Then, he nodded stiffly.
"Okay" he rubbed away the last traces of tears. "Okay, fine. I'll do it. As you said, everyone got the same orders anyway"
"Good. Now come on, Jeryy made your favorite plate"
"Yes!"
As they walked away, Timothy shared a glance with Tsukikami. Both knew more than well that, despite orders, not one of the Exorcists would actually run. None would be able to bear the the guilt if they ever did.
Timothy clenched his fist.
No matter what, I'll keep on fighting. If it's not enough… then I will have done my best. Too bad Emilia won't see how awesome I'll be.
Fear left place to determination.
Hevlaska could feel the growing tension as each hour brought closer tomorrow's burden. She wasn't a fighter, merely a keeper of Innocence, so she wasn't allowed on the field. However, she knew of one thing that she could do, and that the others were unaware of.
Being linked to each piece of Innocence, the Exorcist had the ability to share her life-force through the bonds. If she ever felt one of her comrades was in danger, then she'd be able to intervene.
Even if it isn't much, I won't stand aside and wait for the end to unfold. I counted on them all these years. Now, it's my turn to return the favor.
Gazing down at the silent Ark, the members of the Bookman Clan were agitated, yet extremely calm.
"Once we have recorded everything, we will have to leave" Bookman suddenly announced.
His grandson showed nothing of the true despair he felt churning in his core. Leaving? After all of this happened? Leaving his friends, his family… leaving Ary?
"I know" he simply said.
He'd confront this new obstacle once the war was won. After all, nothing assured that they'd survive the next day, so thinking about the endless possibilities would only be a waste of energy.
History takes its death march once more, leading to a new era, prophesized Bookman, smoking his pipe. Will it be an era of Peace or the Three Days of Darkness, nothing is sure as of now.
He puffed some smoke out, hiding a sigh in the white mist.
I personally hope the later, or there won't be anything more to record.
The redhead to his side wouldn't be so impassive about everything, though.
Bookman or not… if I can do something to change the course of this battle in our favor, I will. I don't care about the consequences, as long… as long as Ary, and everyone, are safe.
His single green eye glinted in the diminishing daylight.
I won't let them die, no matter what.
Contrary to the day, the night passed in the blink of eye. As everyone slowly gathered in the main place, silence befall, no one knowing what to do or say.
"Be safe" then said Komui. "It's an order"
"Hai" they saluted.
"Our plan should work, but if anything happens that would lead us to defeat, then we retreat" added seriously Aryane. "The more of us that survives, the better are our chances to fight back once more"
"Why so stern, Ary?" grinned Lavi, swinging an arm around her shoulders. "Come on, smile! Oh, do I get a good chance kiss?"
"Only if you get me hot chocolate once it's done" she replied with a small smile.
"Deal"
The rest chuckled lightly at their exchange, and the couple kissed chastely. Suddenly, the Ark started shaking.
Aryane grinned.
"It's time to get this show on the road. Forward, our destiny awaits!"
"Stop being so dramatic, Ary" Allen rolled his eyes.
"I'm not dramatic!" she denied, crossing her arms. "Lenalee, support me!"
"Err… you're tall?"
"What's that even supposed to mean!?"
"You're as short as your temper" deadpanned Kanda.
"TAKE THAT BACK!"
This time, it earned a bunch of true laughs despite the Ark shaking once more. Still smiling as they went to take position, the red-haired girl let out a short breath.
Hime…
It is time. Finally, after all theses years… the Millennium War will come to an end.
Gabriel sighed, then smiled madly.
Ready?
Of course. It's time to end this once and for all.
Agreed.
There was a loud explosion, meaning Apocryphos' army had managed to break in.
Let's do this.
No one noticed that, saved for Rohfa's gift, her necklaces were nowhere to be found.
The Red Guards infested the dimensional plane like cockroaches, weapons ready to strike down the first enemy they'd see. However, as soon as the last of them set foot on the Ark, the Feathers set all around to trap the Exorcists fizzled. The gate, which was about to close, stopped disappearing. Instantly, explosions echoed and smoke filled the whole area. As Apocryphos' army tried to clear the path, all of the Exorcists dashed at the door, which was their only way out.
Once it was close, no one would go in, or out.
Timothy, Lenalee, Miranda and Kanda were the firsts to pass, soon followed by Lavi, Bookman and Marie. As Allen used his own control over the Ark to try keeping the gate open as long as possible, the three Marshalls passed through, Krory and the Thirds on their heels. Finally, Aryane darted outside along with For, and Allen jumped in barely a second before it closed.
As soon as the door disappeared, the smoke cleared, revealing to the Red Guards that they'd have to face the traitorous CROWs.
The battle started in that very moment, the Red Guards still trapped by Apocryphos' strings, and Komui gazed down from the office with a slight frown. They'd handle the army, but it'd be up to the Exorcists to take care of the rest.
Good luck.
All of those who had escaped Apocryphos' trap were now standing on the sidelines of a very familiar place.
"Never thought we'd come back here" muttered Allen.
Edo, which had been wiped out by the Earl months sooner, now laid before them. They had chosen this specific site, hoping to not get innocents trapped in the crossfire.
At the very opposite of their position, their enemy stood, accompanied by fifteen or so unidentified persons hidden under heavy cloaks, along with a hundred more CROWs and Red Guards.
::
"There is one more trick up Apocryphos' sleeve"
"Which would be?"
"The Fourths Exorcists"
Everyone stiffened at the name, and Leverrier's eyes narrowed.
"Explain yourself" he ordered coldly.
"Apocryphos has bestowed upon a chosen few the power of the Exorcists he has taken over the years. However, while the forced synchronization worked out, they still aren't in very good control and could, at any moment, be consumed by their newfound strength"
"It'll be fine" Aryane shrugged. "Fourths or not, they won't beat the originals. We're just awesome like that. Well, for us, at least. I don't know about Jerkface"
"Fuck off, Akahato"
::
As the two parties stared each other down without making any move, the last part of the crew joined in. The Noahs appeared with their portals, the Earl floating above them as thousands of Akumas filled the sky.
Ironically, it wasn't night, and a nice sun was showering them with tender rays.
Perfect day to end it all, thought Tiedoll with a small smile.
Everyone was present, now, but none was making the first move, knowing that, once the final game had started, it would only stop with one victor and the corpses of the losers.
For the Exorcists, the plan was quite simple. Each had been strategically assigned a target. While the CROWs present, Tewaku, Madarao, Tokusa and Link fought off the Akumas, the rest of the Red Guards along with the Fourths, the Exorcists would take care of the Noahs. Allen, or rather Nea, would face the Earl immediately. The sooner he killed him, the sooner it'd be over. As for Aryane and Gabriel, they'd be heading for the big bad wolf.
"Let's go"
The order was barely a whisper, but all heard it and, following the red-haired girl's command, they launched their attack.
Beginning of the end, uh, Hime?
Quite poetic. But you're right. Let's just hope the new beginning will be a good one.
Lenalee and Timothy were the firsts to reach their target. Facing an apparently bored Lulubell, they were ready to give their all to this fight.
Timothy's body slumped to the ground, but rose back up again, now possessed by Tsukikami. All knew the dangers of leaving his body unprotected, and it wasn't exactly the best of places to abandon it to the mercy of any enemy that'd stumble upon it.
Lenalee activated her Innocence while the boy came back, having possessed a Level Three –he worked hard for that one. As soon as he showed up, though, the Noah seemed to have had enough of waiting and morphed into her dragon form. Was it because it was her strongest, or as a last tribute to the deceased Mimi that, despite all, she had grown attached too, no one would ever be able to tell.
Lenalee clenched her fists, then exchanged a glance with Timothy, who nodded back. Understanding the signal, she jumped.
::
"We have to plan this carefully. Lulubell is very strong, and fast. She will more than probably turn into the dragon form Lenalee described to us sooner, or change into one of us to distract. We have to use each situation to our advantage" remarked Klaud, tapping her chin.
"If she tries to confuse us by taking the appearance of one of us, then we can settle on a code word or gesture" proposed Lavi.
"And while her dragon form is strong, she won't have the same speed" added Allen. "Nor the same freedom of movements. If someone attacks her frontally, she'll have to focus her attention on that person, while another attacks from the bottom"
"A pair, then" nodded Reever. "The two should be fast, and capable of attaining great heights. Also, you mentioned her arms turning in whips sooner. This means that the two should also be able to avoid them in the blink of an eye, and-"
"I'll do it"
Startled, all turned to Lenalee, who had spoken. Her brother opened his mouth, as if to emit a protest, and she stood up.
"I'll do it" she repeated, more firmly. "With Dark Boots, I'd easily be able to take her head-on while deflecting her own attacks, and I'd be more than fast enough. I can do this. Plus, I want to get her back for Mei-Ling"
Silence lingered for a moment, before Aryane sighed.
"She's right. Thinking strategically, she's the best choice we have. And, if I may add something… Timothy would be the perfect partner"
"EH!?"
"Timothy!?"
"M-me!?"
She shrugged.
"Taking control of a Level Three should give him great firepower, shouldn't it? Then while Lenalee attacks by the air, he'll attack by the ground. Tsukikami can get his body to safety while they fight, and they already know how to battle with each other, which can only be benefic"
All took the time to consider her words, but came to the same conclusion, and the young boy bit his lower lip, before tightening his fist.
"I'll do it too!"
Komui sighed, pushing up his glasses.
"Very well. Lenalee, Timothy, you are to target Lulubell. Please, be careful"
"Hai!"
::
"Waltz: Mist Wind!" she exclaimed.
The attack, enhanced by her Crystal type, hit its target and a screech escaped the beast as the wind knocked her aside.
That's for Mei-Ling!
Lulubell moved her giant tail, sending it crash on the girl, who jumped once more to avoid the attack. Using the tail to propel herself, she then hit it under the jaw harsh enough to force it closed.
Down below, Timothy wasn't sitting on the sidelines either. Having possessed a Level Three, he had more than enough firepower to do his part. Shooting what seemed to be electrical beams, Lulubell's scales sizzled as the energy ran up her paws and sides.
Instantly, the Noah shifted into Lenalee. Running to the real one before any of them could react, she was quick to mess with the boy's head as she attacked the female Exorcists. Timothy watched everything unfold with a slight panic.
Who's the real one!?
He soon found back his calm, though. They had covered this possibility in one of the numerous plans they had set up, and knew very well what to do. So, without any more hesitation, he closed his fist and started charging as much energy as he could. After a few seconds, knowing he wouldn't be able to take more of the burning beam, he started running towards the two. Seeing him coming, one of the Lenalee grabbed the other by the shoulders and forced her around to use as a human shield.
Her fingers twitched two times.
Instantly, Timothy jumped while the real Lenalee got out of the clone's hold and turned the situation around, kicking her in the chin. Forced away, she barely moved in time to avoid the boy's attack.
Electricity crackled, and the smell of freshly burned flesh rose in the air as the Noah, finding back her original form, narrowed her eyes at them, her arm injured.
Victorious, the two Exorcists exchanged a grin.
We can do this, Lenalee took a deep breath. We don't even have to beat her. We just have to make some time.
And she jumped yet again.
Marie and Maashiima faced each other for a few seconds. Then, the Noah ran to him, brass knuckles glinting in the sunlight. The blind man, hearing him approaching, easily avoided the attack.
::
"Maashiima is awfully strong" said Aryane, rubbing her jaw with a slight wince. "Uses brass knuckles or sheer strength. I haven't fought him, though, so I really can't tell more than that"
"He's mocking" said Madarao in his usual calmness. "Strong, and extremely aware of it. However, he's not much without said strength. He has good stamina, and can fight somewhat, but has no other attacks"
"And he's arrogant as hell" added Tokusa with annoyance.
"That's rich coming from you, Kermit" taunted the red-haired Exorcist.
"Why you-"
"We need someone with good stamina, then, and who'd be able to avoid getting hit while attacking" resumed Tewaku, cutting through the oncoming bickering.
"What about Marie?" proposed Tiedoll with a smile. "He doesn't have the same strength, but probably possesses the same stamina, if not more. With his enhanced hearing, he'd easily be able to avoid getting hit, and his Noel Organon would be able to gain the upper hand over Maashiima if needed"
They all nodded at his reasoning. It made sense. The concerned man simply agreed.
"I see no problem with that"
There was a moment of silence, before Aryane snorted.
"This is probably the worst pun I've ever heard, Cherub" she snickered.
He merely smiled.
::
Avoiding another punch, he hit the Noah's legs, sending him tumbling on the ground. Apparently miffed at being overpowered by a blind human, an Exorcist nonetheless, Maashiima got back up and tightened his fists so hard they cracked.
"Stop running around like a coward" he grunted. "Fight me!"
Marie didn't move an inch, keeping a relaxed posture with his hands in his back. Deeply annoyed, the Seventh Disciple launched once more. However, as his fist was about to crash on the man's face, his arm stopped moving.
Struggling against the invisible bindings now keeping him in place, he then realized he had been trapped all along. While Marie dodged his attacks and moved around with a minimum of energy, he used the lack of attention of the Noah to ensnare him with Noel Organon.
Now angry, Maashiima gathered his strength, and broke the strings in one go, jumping away. They faced once more but, this time, all arrogance had vanished from his traits. His expression now guarded, he eyed the Exorcist before him with newfound suspicion, and a glint or respect despite all.
It had been a while since he had had a fight worth of mentioning.
Marie knew the trick wouldn't work twice, but he had many more up his sleeves. He only had to be patient, and conserve his energy.
As long as I'm not hit, I have a chance, he assured himself. And one chance is all I need.
He raised his hands before him, his Innocence glowing around his fingers.
"Eh? You're the mind-rapist Ary was talking about?"
Wisely's right eye twitched as he stood before the ash-skinned Exorcist with his arms crossed over his chest.
"I am not-"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just fight" drawled Sokaro.
::
"The mind-rapist isn't a fighter type. He said so himself when they awoke Alma. His specialty is on the mental front. He can read your mind, hence the nickname, but can't wrestle to save his life. Like, seriously not" resumed Aryane.
"Someone unpredictable, who won't easily loose control of his mind" hummed Bak.
After a few seconds, all heads turned to Sokaro, who blinked at them.
"Well, he's already mad, so there isn't much for Wisely to mess with" Lavi pointed out.
"Aw, come on!" whined the Marshall. "I wanted an exciting fight!"
"Well, it just means you'll get rid of him easily" shrugged Komui. "Once done, you'll be able to join another fight to help out"
The white-eyed man muttered some curses under his breath.
::
"I'm not much of a fighter" Wisely shrugged, sitting down. "So why don't you just stay still or something?"
As soon as he finished his sentence, his Third Eye opened and trapped Sokaro's mind. The man stiffened, eyes wide. Processing through the natural mind barriers with ease and bringing down anything he could find in the man's head, Wisely scoffed, knowing he'd already won. So much for that big tal-
"Fuck off!"
Startled as his hold over the Exorcist's mind broke, he stared at him with wide eyes. How could it be? In the few seconds he passed inside, he had destroyed more than half of his mind!
"What- how? You should already have gone mad!" he protested.
Sokaro merely grinned.
"That's the problem, kid. You see… I'm already mad!"
He started cackling. Sweatdropping a little at this… display, Wisely tried to read his thoughts so as to know what would happen next. He knew very well how madness rend people unpredictable, and he didn't want to loose anymore time than he already had. So, taking a short breath, he took the plunge.
The Noah instantly pulled out, coughing as if he just nearly drowned. He couldn't read the Marshall's mind, for it was utter chaos. While pushing through to destroy a spirit was fairly easy, reading the thoughts was another thing. Sokaro didn't have any screw loose, the whole thing was equal to madness, and the crazy within had been choking the teen as he felt his own mind get swallowed by the other one. Now annoyed, Wisely scowled at the still cackling Exorcist.
He could already feel a headache coming.
"A-are they…"
"Yes"
Miranda bit her lower lip, sending a wary glance at the two Noahs farther away. They seemed bored out of their mind, leaning against each other without a care in the world with their guns loosely hanging from their hands.
Next to her, Krory was calm. He already fought Jasdevi once, back when they were trapped on the Ark. He won, he knew he did, even if he couldn't remember much of it, and this mere assurance was enough for him. Even if they had grown stronger, and probably matured somewhat, he had too.
"Oi, brats!" he called, gaining their attention. "Remember me?"
They glared at him, pointing their guns at the man.
"Who're you calling brats, monster!?" they retorted in one voice.
At that, his lips twitched in an arrogant smirk. In the end, they hadn't changed that much. He could easily work with that, and with Miranda to cover his back, it'd be a piece of cake.
::
"I want to fight Jasdevi"
Silence ensued Krory's demand, and Komui narrowed his eyes somewhat.
"Why?"
"I fought them once" he answered. "I know how to match them. My Innocence is the best match we'll find to go against them. I have greater stamina, strength and speed than before. I can take them on"
"They must've grown stronger too, though" remarked Lenalee.
"I've won last time" the aristocrat replied.
"It didn't exactly ended well for you either. You were in a coma for weeks, Crow-chan!" Lavi exclaimed, frowning.
"But he's right" Aryane replied, thinking. "They've grown stronger, yes, but they haven't changed that much. They've got the puberty finally kicking in but, other than that, they've still got that awful attitude. Buffy could take care of them"
"It'd be dangerous to gamble on them working as one again" Bookman pointed out. "They might try to attack from two different points"
"It won't happen" assured Allen. "The twins are stronger in their Jasdevi form. This is the last battle, they'll go all out. They can't risk failure, even if it's a slight percentage. They'll be together"
"We can't send him alone" refused Bak. "From what you've all reported, Devit and Jasdero are of the strongest of the Noahs. No matter how strong Krory is, we can't risk him facing them on his own"
"My fighting style doesn't work well with others, though" the vampire-like man frowned slightly.
Miranda bit her lower lip as everyone tried to find a solution that would bring a maximum of advantage. Facing one of the strongest Noah scared her, but she knew that one way or another, she'd have to fight too.
Steeling her resolve, she raised a shaking hand.
"I-I can do it" she said, her voice almost a whisper.
However, they all heard her, and she felt their eyes weight on her. Starting to panic –had she overstep some boundaries?-, she tried to justify her proposition.
"I-I'm not the fi-fighter type" she recalled to the others. "If I-I stay on the sidelines, I'll b-be able to b-back up K-Krory if he ne-needs cover or such…"
"It's a great idea, Mira-chan!" beamed Aryane.
"Then it is settled" nodded Bak, writing something down on his notepad. "Krory, Miranda, you'll handle Jasdevi"
::
Now seeing them before her, though, Miranda felt like she was in the wrong place. Krory was strong, like everyone else, but her? Her insignificant power could merely heal, and it was only temporary!
Her hands started shaking, and she gulped as they started approaching.
I can't do it, I can't do it, I can't-
"Miranda"
"H-hai!" she jumped at her partner's voice.
He shot her a reassuring smile.
"It'll be fine"
She blinked at him surprised, then felt a calming numbness taking over her body. The woman never was confident in herself but, right now, it wasn't the time to doubt herself. She had to help Krory in whatever way she could, and she would.
Taking a sharp intake of breath, determination settled in her eyes and, in one movement, the both of them activated their Innocence.
The twins shot themselves and, soon, the Exorcists faced the Tenth Apostle. Placing his hands on his hips, he sneered their way.
"Think you can take us on?" he asked, two voices echoing as one.
"I've won last time, if I remember correctly" Krory cracked his knuckles. "I guess you brats didn't learn your lesson, uh?"
Fury burned in his golden orbs, and his hair shot their way like spears.
"Don't look down on us!" they exclaimed angrily. "You're only a monster, nothing else!"
The vampire-like man easily jumped away, and Miranda raised her Time Shield to block the attack. However, they weren't paying attention to the woman. The humiliation of their last encounter still itching their pride, they had eyes only for the male Exorcist.
"Die, monster!" they snarled.
Moving through the attacks with ease, Krory fastened his pace, before jumping at the Noah and kicking him in the face. Taking a step back, it only fueled their desire for his blood. Before the man could react, his leg was trapped by another strand of blond hair and he felt himself being lifted from the ground.
"Caught you!" they chanted.
Sending him crashing on the ground, a small explosion followed his landing as, not letting him the time to react, they attacked once more. Pummeling the man to the ground, their fist suddenly encountered an unknown obstacle and cracked.
Cringing at the sudden pain, they backed away on a few meters as the dust settled down, revealing Miranda, who was standing between them and their prey. Her Innocence had formed a shield around them, and seemed to heal the few injuries Krory had earned in the short fight from sooner.
"You're pathetic!" taunted Jasdevi, seeing her hands shake. "Terrified, ain't ya?"
"I-it doesn't matter!" she replied, her voice stronger than she really felt. "I-I'm weak, but it w-won't stop me from helping m-my friends!"
An hand on her shoulder, Krory grinned, showing his fangs.
"Let's do this, Miranda. For the world, and our friends"
"H-hai!"
Kanda faced Toraido, both sporting their usual poker face, none of them making the first move. Then, barely a second later, their respective swords clashed against each other. Not a word was uttered between the two, none seeing the point in conversing with their opponent.
::
"We know basically nothing about this one" Aryane let out an annoyed sigh. "Just that he uses a sword. It'd be dangerous for any of us to face h-"
"Leave him to me"
All pondered the situation for a moment, and the red-haired girl nodded half-heartedly.
"Well, he is a swordsman, and he won't die easily due to his Second Exorcist nature" Marie pointed out.
Nothing more had to be said. Kanda would take care of Toraido, and that was that.
::
Kanda made a faint to the head, but slashed at the shoulder a second before. Easily blocking his attack, the Noah then went for the discovered throat. Kanda thought about avoiding, before realizing his adversary's mistake. Letting the blade pass through his neck with a cringe, he used the momentum to pass Mugen right through Toraido's heart. There was a moment where the time seemed to stop, before the Exorcist's Innocence activated and destroyed the Noah from the inside.
Falling to the ground as the Second Apostle's body disappeared in a swirl of black dust. He waited a few seconds for his throat to heal, before getting up and seething his sword back. Then, without a glance behind, he headed towards the nearest battle to help out Lenalee and Timothy.
"Ooh? You're my opponent, then?" cooed Sheryl.
"It would appear so" Tiedoll smiled pleasantly. "The others seem to have started. Shall we as well?"
"Why not? It is the reason why we're here, after all"
Instantly, Tiedoll called forth his giants. Three of them appeared, he sent two of them after the Akumas and the third one to face Sheryl.
::
"Sheryl is, without a doubt, one of the most dangerous of the Noahs" announced Aryane, serious. "He can control anything around him like puppets, and the only thing he can't use those against is Innocence. My armor and Shield are good examples. Anyone who can't have some sort of Innocence protection will be at great disadvantage"
"Those left are Tiedoll Marshall, Klaud Marshall, Lavi and Bookman" frowned slightly Komui. "Lavi and Bookman confronted him once, I believe? Their Innocence won't do any good against him if he can so easily deflect their attack or take away their weapons. And while Lau Shimin is, in a way, Innocence, he is still a real monkey, so Sheryl would be able to manipulate him"
"Well, guess it'll be me, then" Tiedoll smiled calmly.
::
The Marshall felt more than saw the Noah's strings trying to attach themselves to him. However, he raised Garden Of Eden at the last second, easily blocking them as the giant attacked Adam's Apostle.
There isn't much I can do, he thought, sitting down and pulling drawing set from his bag. I guess I'll just have to wait.
"Is that the best you can do, Bookmen~?" taunted Road, sitting on Lero without much of a care about her two opponents.
Next to her, Fiidora pulled his tongue at Lavi, who shuddered, creeped out by the eyeballs apparently looking at him from the… thing.
::
"Road… well, we'll have to keep her close enough to Nea's fight" Aryane stifled a yawn, growing tired. "That way, she can interfere if needed. Don't delusion yourselves, though. If she gets a chance to kill you, she'll take it while laughing maniacally. As for Fiidora… to be honest, I don't know anything about him. Well, except for the eyeballs on his tongue. If one of those get in you, he can kill you or make you suffer or something like that. Nasty little things…"
"I've already fought Road, back on the Ark" remarked Lavi. "And Fiidora was there when they tortured us too. Jiji can take the eyeballs out if needed, and Road can't get in his head either. Mine's better protected too. We can tag-team on them"
"It's the best course of action" nodded the red-haired girl.
Unbeknownst to the two redheads, the rest of the group –saved for Bookman- flinched when the apprentice mentioned the torture episode. They all felt terrible for not getting them out, all three of them, along with the Thirds, sooner. However, the couple talked about it as if nothing even happened, which seriously made them wonder if they had lost their sanity before being captured.
"It is decided, then" Bookman sighed, resigned. "We will take on Road and Fiidora"
::
Lavi clenched his hand around his hammer, his knuckles turning white. He knew Road wouldn't be able to get in his head as easily as she did back on the Ark. Growing as a Bookman, he had not only developed the telepathic connection he shared with his grandfather, but also strong mental walls to keep his mind safe. He had passed many months working on them with the help of Ary before the Alma-Karma-Incident even happened, and he kept strengthening them ever since.
And no matter what… I know her tricks. I know I failed as a Bookman, but I don't regret it.
At that, his rip relaxed somewhat, and he fall in a less tense fighting stance. His grandfather shot him a look, but said something.
I don't regret it, repeated the redhead to himself, his sole green eye animated by a spark of determination. And as Ary so well said many times before: if you don't regret, than it was the good choice.
"HIBAN!"
"My, my, I get the lovely ladies all to myself? Lucky~" Tyki raised an eyebrow, tapping his chin with a slight smirk.
For snarled his way, easily remembering their last encounter at the American Branch, and Klaud merely glared. Then, the Guardian Deity changed her arms in blades, and the Marshall took out her whip, before Lau Shimin turned into his Innocence combat form.
::
"That leaves Klaud Marshall with Tyki, then" stated Komui, brows furrowing.
"I'll be honest, I don't really feel confortable with that" sighed the Savior, crossing her arms over her chest. "Mikk's a real bastard, but he's awfully strong. Not only his Teez are dangerous, but his Noah abilities makes it nearly impossible to injure him. He can't pass through Innocence, but he's an excellent close-ranged fighter. You're a long-ranged fighter, so it really isn't the best-"
"I'll assist her"
"F-For!?"
At Bak's exclamation, they all looked at the Deity, who harbored a serious expression.
"I'll fight him too" she repeated. "I'm a close-ranged fighter too. I can distract him while Klaud Marshall attacks with Lau Shimin"
"I guess it's the best way…" relented Komui.
"What!?" exclaimed Bak once more. "For! You can't- you can't possibly go out there! You're not an Exorcist! You'll be killed on the spot!"
"If I don't do this, then we might as well be killed later" she barked back. "We need all the forces we can get right now! Me fighting might won't make much of a difference against the Noahs, but it still gives us one more chance! And trust me, we need a hell-of-a-lot of chance if we want to win this stupid war!"
They glared at each other for a moment, before Bak sighed and nodded his head, agreeing to let her go. With a huff and a slight scowl, For then left the room.
She had some training to do.
::
For was the first to strike. Running ahead, she immediately engaged Tyki in a fast-paced exchange of blows and kicks. Not being entirely human, For was less affected by the Noah's abilities. However, while he wasn't able to land a true hit on her, she couldn't even touch him either. Her attacks passed through him as if he was a mere ghost, which was starting to piss her off.
There was a snap. The Third Apostle's eyes widened, a flash of pain and irritation lightening his golden orbs for barely a second, but it was enough. Instantly, For jumped away as Klaud cracked her whip once more.
Seems like he can't use Choose for two different purposes, as we suspected, noted the Marshall, the corner of her lips tugging upwards. If he uses it to defend himself from For's blows, he can't block my whip.
The two woman exchanged a glance, Klaud nodded.
Time to bring in the third party.
"Innocence: activate!"
Lau Shimin instantly took on his combat form.
"Three against one, uh?" Tyki clicked his tongue, more wary now.
While there was no doubt he was one of the strongest of the Noahs, three against one still wasn't a fight in his favor.
The man cracked his fingers one after the other.
Well, well. Seems like I'll have to actually put in some efforts after all.
"Ugh, there's too many of them" grunted Tokusa, using another batch of Feathers.
Making so many had probably been one of the best ideas they ever had. At the rhythm everything was going, they would have run out after two minutes with what they had to begin with.
The green-haired boy was pushed aside by Link as an Akuma started shooting their way, and the other two siblings took it down.
"Focus!" barked the blond Inspector.
::
"Most of the Red Guards will be trapped in the Ark. The CROWs and the scientists will take care of them. However, their will still be the rest of the army outside. We will still have the rest of the CROWs as back-up, but with the Fourth Exorcists and the Akumas of all for Levels…" Leverrier trailed off, frowning.
"It'll be a tight fit" agreed the black-haired girl, biting her lower lip.
"We can do it!" instantly assured Tewaku.
"But-"
"You do your job, Exorcists, and we'll do ours" Tokusa rolled his eyes.
"We are the elite, after all" shrugged Link.
"Leave it to us" concluded Madarao.
Aryane looked at each of them for barely a second, before sighing and giving in.
::
They hadn't encountered any Fourth for the moment, but they knew it was only a matter of time. All around, CROWs were taking down Akuma after Akuma, all the Red Guards having been taken care of at the very beginning, but their clearly were loosing.
They weren't Exorcists, after all.
Suddenly, the ground exploded between the four of them, sending them flying. When they got back on their feet, a Level Three was cackling madly, apparently coming from underground.
Link gritted his teeth. They didn't stand a chance against a Level Three, of all things.
"NOW DIE!" screeched the clown-like weapon.
Before the blast could reach Tewaku, though, a cloaked figure stood in between and effectively blocked the attack with some sort of spear, which was glowing.
Innocence, she realized, looking up at her unknown savior. Wait… Fourth!?
"Are you alright?" it was a girl around her age.
"What-"
Before she could finish her sentence, another of the cloaked figures, which she now recognized as Fourth Exorcists, destroyed a Level Two that was about to kill Tokusa, who had been knocked out by the previous sneak attack.
"It's either we fight with you against these monsters, or we kill each other and the Earl wins" remarked the girl, extending her hand to the blonde. "So?"
There was a moment of hesitation, before the teen grinned and grabbed the hand.
Well, guess the wind is turning after all.
"Allen Walker~" chanted the Earl, in his clown appearance. "Good afternoon~"
"Good afternoon, Earl" greeted calmly the white-haired boy.
Without another word, he activated Crown Clown and pulled out the sword from his arm –or did his arm transformed in a sword?- before brandishing it the Earl's way.
"My, my" chuckled darkly the First Apostle. "My final opponent will be the boy who caused this mayhem in the first place, uh?"
"Not exactly"
::
"The Earl will come, obviously" said Aryane with a 'duh' tone. "Kiddo will keep his word, I believe?"
"Of course" the boy rolled his eyes. "Nea's all pumped up, too"
"Then we leave it to you" she nodded. "Road will come in if Nea's about to be killed, so you have a potential back-up if needed. I also ask for the rest of you not to intervene in this fight, unless it is clear that the Earl is winning"
They all agreed, knowing they'd more than probably have their hands full with their own fights anyway.
For a second, Aryane and Allen locked eyes. Sadness filled her eyes, even though she was smiling.
He simply smiled back, resigned but determined.
::
The cursed boy let out a deep breath.
Nea?
Ready.
Not bothering with one last look around, the teen let go of consciousness and let himself slip in his mindscape. On the way there, Nea smiled brightly at him.
"Thank you, Allen"
"Go get him" he simply ordered.
The Noah effected a cheeky salute, before taking over. When he opened his eyes, they were golden.
"The Fourteenth…" muttered the Earl.
To say he was surprised would be an understanding. Who would have thought the damn boy would let the Fourteenth take over so easily?
Nea readjusted his grip on the sword, the mask of Crown Clown falling in place upon his face.
"I've kept you waiting ong enough, Earl" he stated with a half-smirk. "How about we end this for good?"
The Duke of Millennium started cackling. Then, in a flash of light, his own sword clashed with Nea's.
It's time.
I know.
"Hello, Michael"
Aryane turned around to face none other than Apocryphos.
She was calm, collected.
It was now or never.
::
"And that leaves Apocryphos to Gab and me" she concluded with an heavy sigh. "We already know what to do. We'll just need the perfect opening. When we do find it, we'll use the Spell to pull out the Heart. It will also call forth the four pieces of the Case. Once we get the Heart, the Innocence will release itself and destroy all Dark Matter in the vicinity. Otherwise said, all Akumas. It'll also weaken the Earl for a second: that's when Nea will have to strike"
"Got it" nodded Allen.
"Lenalee, Krory, Kanda, Lavi" then called the dark-haired girl.
They stiffened at their names, knowing she was now very serious.
"Make sure to get away from combats once the Spell is casted" she ordered. "You'll loose a great deal of energy when the Case is reformed, what with you being the current Host Bodies"
"Hai!"
"Then… that is all" she rubbed her temples.
A moment later, a smile stretched her lips as fire blazed her eyes.
"Let's end this damn war"
::
"Where's little Gabby?" taunted Apocryphos.
The girl's eyes glowed.
"I'm right here"
"Oh? I see" chuckled the fallen Angel, taking on his Innocence form. "It would seem… your fusion is complete… what a surprise… you've found your match… dear brother of mine?"
"Enough chit-chat" they grunted. "We delayed this long enough. Silversword!"
The pendant turned into the Innocence-sword as the armor and the gantlets appeared on the girl's torso and forearms.
Cackling like a madman, Apocryphos ran at them. They blocked the attack with barely a second to spare, before avoiding a kick to the ribs and a punch coming for the head. Ducking, they tried to pierce the chest, before backing away at the last second and slashing the hand trying to grab Ary's head.
The hand fell on the ground, but no blood came out.
That's just nasty.
Hime, not the time.
"Ooh? You've gotten better since last time" grinned toothily Michael.
"Of course we have" scoffed Aryane.
"We're just that amazing" added Gabriel.
Ooh, I'm really starting to rub off on you, aren't I?
Shush.
They clashed yet again. Pain flared in Aryane's back as her Innocence reacted to the Heart being so close, but she pushed it aside. Activating her wings, she gained some speed and started her own attacks while Gabriel took care of blocking the Heart's influence at the best of his abilities.
Kick, hit, kick, drop, slash, block, block, kick, hit, hit, slash, drop, there was not a second of rest for the teen as they exchanged blow after blow, their strength on par with each other's.
Kicking the ground, Aryane flew far above. Grinning maniacally, Apocryphos' back then split in two, letting out two weird wings composed of Innocence, flesh and whatnot. Then, he flew up to meet her, and they were at it again.
She wasn't giving any ground, though.
"Die!" he snarled. "Why can't you just die!?"
She cut his arm clean. It fell down as a new one grew back.
"Funny, you wouldn't be the first to ask" she retorted cheekily.
His fist connected with her chest. The armor blocked most of the blow, but it still forced her to back away on a few meters. Seeing the opening, Michael flew at her at a speed she couldn't follow with her eyes.
But of course, she didn't need them.
Sensing his malicious aura coming, she quite easily dodged the sneak attack coming from behind and, without loosing a second, cut off one of the wings. He screeched in pain, crashing on the ground and causing a small explosion. Aryane cringed, feeling slightly bad.
She knew what it was like to have a wing ripped off, after all.
You really are too kind, you know that?
Whatever.
Apocryphos got back to his feet, face downcast. He was shaking, the wing growing back with a weird sound that made the girl gag a little.
"I wanted… peace… why can't you… understand…" he muttered under his breath. "You're… a threat… I'll kill… you… I'll kill you… I'll… kill… you! Die! DIE, DIE, DIE!"
He raised his arms, his eyes rolling in their sockets.
"What-"
Her breath hitched as pain erupted once more.
He's calling for the Innocence!
She knew she'd be fine. She knew her friends would be fine. They were all Exorcists, chosen and blessed by God to save the world.
It wasn't the same with a few others, though.
The Fourths!
Horrible screams echoed from all around at once, putting all fights to an halt for a few seconds. The Fourth Exorcists, scattered no the battlefield, fell one after the other as the Innocence that had been forced in their bodies was called back forcefully.
An eerie silence fell, before the fighting started again.
He… killed them?
Hime! Snap out of it!
Too caught up in the moment, she couldn't avoid the attack in time and was sent crashing on the ground. She cringed, but didn't let out more than a whimper. She had been through worse, after all.
Getting back on her feet, she clenched her fists.
I won't let their deaths be vain.
By taking back the Innocence, Apocryphos had gain in strength and speed. She was now at a clear disadvantage, and knew she wouldn't be able to keep up. With the Heart trying to reunite with her own Innocence, she was loosing much more energy than planned, and she couldn't fully fuse with Gabriel yet, since they would need as much energy as they could for the Spell.
Gritting her teeth, she flew back and clashed with Michael once more.
They'd just have to find a way.
Hevlaska saw it all.
Being connected to Innocence the way she was, she knew exactly what was going on.
They were loosing.
Because of the Heart, the fights were much harder than they thought they'd be, and the Exorcists were starting to grow tired.
None of them would back down.
Hardening her resolve, the woman allowed a smile to stretch her lips as the Innocence stored in her body started glowing softly.
It is time… to do my part…
They glowed brighter.
Good luck… Exorcists…
All turned white.
Aryane gasped, her breath taken away for a second.
Then, energy started to fill her and, next thing she knew, she felt as if she hadn't fought at all. Archangel was back to normal, less agitated, and her sore muscles were no more than a bad memory.
Searching for her friends' auras, she realized the same had happened to them and, after a confused second, understood what had happened.
With a soft smile, she fall back in stance.
Thank you, Hevlaska.
With the new energy boost, she could more easily keep up with him. On par yet again, she could tell he was growing more and more irritated by the situation.
A kick that made her ribs crack sent her on the ground once more. Not even letting her time to get up, the fallen Angel darted down on her, coming at full speed with the clear intent to finally end it.
Her eyes widened.
Ary!
I know!
Moving aside at the last second, she plunged Silversword through his heart. Their was a moment of stillness as his eyes widened.
Fright was clear in his eyes.
Now!
"TraeH!"
The wound started glowing. Apocryphos tried to pull away, but the sword was stuck and Aryane sure-as-hell wasn't about to let go.
"Dlrow siht ot ecnalab Gnirb dna swodahs eht raelc, esoprup ruoy niatta"
"DIE!"
In a frenetic and desperate tentative, Apocryphos plunged his own hand through Aryane's chest, but she didn't waver.
"Eeht htrof llac I!"
With a brutal twist of the sword, she opened the wound even more, ignoring the blood pouring from her own and dripping between her lips.
"Enihs!"
There was a blast of blinding light, and the Heart fell in her grasp. It was like any other Innocence piece, when you looked at it.
But they all knew better than that.
It started beating like a real heart as Aryane, pushing Apocryphos away, got back on wobbly legs and raised her hand high. It beat fasted in her palm. Then, a ruby flew by and stuck against it. Then another. And another. And another. The Case now secured around it, the glow only got stronger, forcing the teen to close her eyes.
Ary…
Wait for me up there, will you?
Of course.
The Exorcists and Noahs alike didn't really know what actually happened. All too focused on their own fights, they only realized what exactly was going on when a bright light blinded everyone, forcing the fights to stop once more.
Lenalee, Krory, Kanda and Lavi all knew, though, what with the Pieces leaving their bodies not a few seconds sooner.
There were explosions. One after the other, all the Akumas were destroyed by the Innocence blast.
"No!" screeched the Earl.
In his anger, the weaker state promised by Aryane went out of the window. He struck down Nea.
"I won't allow it!" he snarled, sending his own sword down.
Nea's eyes widened. He couldn't escaped it.
Then, the blade stopped, barely an inch from his head. Gasping, his eyes fell on Road, who seemed to have captured the Earl in one of her Dreams.
"Do it!" she yelled, fear lacing her voice.
Tightening his grip on his own sword, he didn't think twice before cutting the Earl clean in two.
There was no blood, no gasp. The glasses fell as the Earl found back his human form. Then, his golden eyes wide, more of surprise than anything else, he fell back. His body started dissolving in some sort of black dust, taken away by the wind.
Thus was the end of the Millennium Earl.
Road fell on her knees, forgetting all about her own fight. Tears started streaming down her face. Was it her Noah crying for the loss of their Master, was it herself regretting her treason, or was it merely relief to see Nea win, none would ever be able to tell.
Allen?
Thank you, Nea. Good luck.
No. Thank you. Say hi to Gabriel for me, would you?
Sure thing.
The deal was to let Nea fight the Earl. After that, Allen would die. However, if they hadn't even thought about letting him take back control, even only for him to say goodbye, was because of a very simple reason: Nea was the one who killed the Earl. Nea was the new Millennium Earl. If Allen took over, even just for a second, then the Noahs would be allowed to kill him.
They couldn't afford that. Not now, nor ever.
As the white-haired boy fully let go, a single tear ran down Nea's face.
The Noahs had retreated. The Akumas were all destroyed. All of the Fourths were dead. The CROWs and Central's army was gathering what was left of the survivors farther away, a gate having been opened and letting the troupes trapped on the Ark get out safely.
As for the Exorcists…
"Ary? Ary!"
They couldn't find her.
The Exorcists had been searching for a few minutes now, but couldn't find her, and she wasn't answering their calls either. Was she unconscious? More than probably, what with the energy she spent on this fight.
But still…
Lavi clenched his fist.
Don't think about it.
"I FOUND HER!"
At Lenalee's cry, his heart missed a beat.
Why was Lenalee crying?
Running, ahead of the others, he soon found the Chinese girl kneeling next to none other than Aryane. Her red hair, messy as ever, was lying on the ground, and Lavi had to look twice to realize that blood was mixed with it.
Lots of blood.
"Ary?" his voice was shaking.
He knew the signs. He knew what they meant. Too many times, he saw that blood. Too many times, he saw that skin turning white. Too many times, he saw those eyes closing and never opening again. Too many times… those had been his worst nightmares.
And now? Now, the nightmares were reality.
"Ary!"
He fell on his knees next to the unmoving girl as Lenalee only sobbed harder. Placing the teen's head on his lap, he tried to find a sign, just one, to prove that it was just a stupid illusion.
Pulse?
None.
Skin?
White, cold.
Eyes?
Closed.
Blood?
Too much.
Breathing?
Inexistent.
Heart?
Missing.
His hands shaking, his grip tightened in her bloody hair.
Why was she smiling like that? She wasn't allowed too. She didn't have any right to smile that way.
"ARYYYYYY!"
It was enough to make the rest understand, but none looked away.
They had won. The Millennium War had come to its end.
But… at what price?
DON'T KILL ME! PLEASE! I'M SORRY! I REALLY, REALLY AM! LET ME EXPLAIN!
First of all, I apologize if some of you hoped for Ary to survive. You see, her fusion with Gabriel was too complete. There was no other way for them to use the Spell. Plus, Apocryphos ripping her heart out didn't help her case. But still... I KiLLED MY BABY! I'M AN AWFUL PERSON!
I'm also sorry for the shitty fight scenes. I never, ever was good at those, but trust me, I tried my best. Kanda might have seem to win too easily but hey, it's Kanda. As for Tiedoll... well, I seriously can see him do just that.
There is still another chapter left, and also the epilogue. So don't leave me yet, please, please please!
For the poll, I've decided to leave it to you: Magi or D. Gray-Man?
Question: ... do you hate me? *cries anime tears*
REVIEWS PLEASE! I LOVE YOU GUYS!
PS: Yes, it was decided that I would kill Aryane before I even introduced Gabriel to the story. So yeah.