Cross My Heart
Author's Note:Wow, it's been FOREVER since I updated. Goodness...I need to work on that. I had soccer camp, the ACT, and a family reunion all in one week, and at camp, there was little time for writing. Last week, I was working almost every day, and I was also helping my dad out. I love spending time with my dad! :)
Anyway, I have no excuse. Well, actually, I should be working on my summer reading for AP English...but I needed to get this chapter out before going to the beach next week! Okay, enough excuses! Thanks to my loyal reviewers too! Hope you guys like the chapter!
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot and my original characters.
One more thing: The second half of this chapter might be a tad confusing. You'll see what I mean when you read it. Bear with me, please. It will get better, I promise!
If it helps, the first line in italics is the "lullaby" or comments from an outside source, the next line is Kanda's thoughts (3rd person POV), and the dialogue and action follow before the cycle repeats itself! (I was worried some people would get confused...)
Chapter 5: In Extremis
It was an interrogation, plain and simple. No matter how Inspector Leverrier dressed the room up, he wasn't there to have a tea party. He wanted answers, and he would get them no matter what. That's why the "third exorcists" were positioned around the room, as well as Bookman and Lavi, who had been ordered to view the proceedings for their records. Needless to say, Komui was uncomfortable just watching the proceedings from the sidelines. He couldn't imagine how Chloe felt as she sat across the small table from Inspector Leverrier.
"How are your injuries, Miss Bellerose?" the inspector asked while stirring a cube of sugar into his tea.
"Healing," Chloe replied.
"That's good." Leverrier brought the dainty china cup to his lips and sipped at the boiling hot liquid.
"Why am I here, Inspector?" Chloe asked after a few minutes of silence.
Leverrier gently placed the teacup in its matching saucer and folded his hands in his lap, all the while regarding Chloe with narrowed eyes.
"You disobeyed a direct order, Miss Bellerose. I would like to know why and what you hoped to accomplish by doing so."
"I was under the impression that, because the number of remaining exorcists has decreased as of late, losing a powerful asset to the Order would jeopardize our position in the war against the Millennium Earl," Chloe stated. "In order to protect innocent lives that could be lost in the future, I made the decision to save Kanda Yuu's life."
"And just how were you able to save Kanda Yuu, Miss Bellerose?"
Chloe's fists clenched tightly, and she sat up painfully straight in her seat as all occupants of the room waited for her reply.
"My master told me of a technique that could be used to restore a person's life force. However, I was only made privy the process, not the method. I needed addition research to make sure I was coming about it the right way," the red-haired girl finally replied.
Her answer was vague, as she had intended it to be, but Leverrier wasn't going to drop the subject.
"If you knew what to do, why did you need to do more research?"
"To make sure I was right."
"Right about what?"
"The method," Chloe repeated.
"How does this method of yours work?" the inspector asked.
"I don't believe the Church would approve of it, so why waste my breath?"
"Are you refusing to tell me?"
Chloe remained silent.
"With my authority as a Chief Inspector of the Black Order, I demand that you tell me how your method saved Kanda, and how you carried it out."
"Demand all you want. I'm not telling you anything."
"Are you refusing a direct order from a high ranking official of this organization?"
"High ranking or not, Inspector, I am an exorcist. My only superior is Supervisor Komui Lee. I take my orders from him, not you," Chloe stated.
The red-haired girl got to her feet as soon as she said her piece, and she walked towards the door without another word. Komui saw Leverrier nod to one of the "third exorcists," and before Chloe could open the door, a large hand closed over her wrist and pulled her back.
"I did not dismiss you, Miss Bellerose. Please sit back down," the inspector stated as he placed his hands in his lap.
With a sharp tug, Chloe freed her arm from the half-akuma's grip, but she made no motion to turn around or return to her seat.
"I have nothing more to say to you, Inspector," she said while crossing her arms.
"On the contrary, we have a great deal more to discuss, Miss Bellerose," Leverrier said with a grin.
"Je pars. Usted no puede pararme, fils de pute!" (1)
Without another word, Chloe opened the door, and she disappeared down the hallway before Leverrier could order the "third exorcists" to follow her.
"Supervisor, Chloe Bellerose will not be assigned any more missions until after Central has reached a verdict concerning her conduct the past few days," Leverrier stated after a few moments of silence.
"Why is Central getting involved in this case, Inspector Leverrier?" Komui asked. "Chloe's transgressions were minor at best, so involving the high commanders is—,"
"I didn't ask for an opinion concerning the matter, Supervisor," Leverrier replied while getting to his feet. "And as for Kanda Yuu," the inspector began as he walked towards the door, "he is to remain in headquarters until Central sees fit. That is all."
Komui felt the tension drain from the room when Leverrier stepped through the door, and he refrained from sighing in relief as the "third exorcists" followed after the inspector.
"Well, Kanda-kun certainly isn't going to be happy about this…"
…Frere Jacques…Frere Jacques…
He couldn't get the damn lullaby out of his head.
"Take deep breaths, Kanda-kun," Matron said as she leaned towards him.
Kanda suppressed the urge to flinch when he felt the stethoscope's cold metal head press against the skin just above his heart, and he took deep breaths as Matron moved the device from one spot to another on his chest and back.
…Dormez-vous…Dormez-vous…?
It haunted him worse than the idiots he had to deal with on a regular basis.
"Relax your arm, please."
The Japanese boy did as he was told, and Matron placed a loose black cuff around his left arm. She squeezed the small pump connected to the end of a thick cord attached to the strange device, and Kanda felt the cuff tighten around his arm until his fingers tingled uncomfortably. Matron glanced at the gauge connected to the material around Kanda's arm, and she smiled while twisting a small knob near the pump in her other hand. The cuff quickly deflated, and Matron slipped the device off Kanda's arm as he massaged his aching fingers.
…Sonnez les matines…
The stupid song brought up memories of death and gold eyes—two things he wanted to forget about as quickly as possible.
"Your heartbeat sounds normal, and your blood pressure is perfect," Matron stated with a smile. "It looks like you are free to go, Kanda-kun."
Kanda nodded, and he grabbed the folded shirt sitting beside him on the bed while getting to his feet. The shirt reeked of starch and was a good size too large, but the Japanese exorcist didn't mind in the least. Kanda shrugged the garment on without a word, and he headed for the door as he buttoned it up. With a clean bill of health, there was no use in staying in the infirmary any longer.
…Sonnez les matines…
It was like that Noah was still in his head, singing to her heart's content.
"Exorcist Kanda Yuu, we have been ordered to escort you to Supervisor Lee's office," a voice said, interrupting Kanda's thoughts and bringing him to a halt in the middle of the hallway.
With a frown, Kanda glared at the two "third exorcists" standing on either side of him. He contemplated attempting to lose the half-akumas, but he knew running was was futile. There was no use in wasting his energy when he couldn't escape.
…Ding…
He needed a way to distract his mind.
"What does Komui want?" Kanda asked while crossing his arms.
The pair of crimson-clad exorcists remained silent much to the Japanese exorcist's chagrin.
…Dang…
There had to be a way to make it stop.
"Please follow us," the taller of the half-akumas stated, ignoring Kanda's inquiry completely.
Kanda's eyes narrowed, but he followed after the "third exorcists" nonetheless. The walk to Komui's office was blessedly silent, but Kanda's calm expression instantly darkened when he entered the room. Instead of Komui being the sole occupant of the room, Kanda found General Tiedoll, General Sokaro, General Cloud, and Bookman sitting next to Komui's desk. Inspector Leverrier stood on the other side of Komui's desk, and he smiled as the "third exorcists" moved to the back of the office.
…Dong…
He vaguely wondered if Moyashi had the same trouble with the Fourteenth.
"Madarao, Tevak, thank you for bringing Kanda."
If looks could kill, Leverrier would have been six feet under and pushing up daises from Kanda's death glare. The inspector didn't seem phased, however, and he continued to grin at the Japanese exorcist. Komui cleared his throat at the awkward silence following Kanda's entrance, and the Chinese scientist shuffled a few papers in an effort to ease the tension that had filled the room. Leverrier turned his gaze to the door when it opened a second time, and his wicked grin widened as a red-haired girl stepped into the room flanked by the three remaining "third exorcists."
…Ding…
Maybe Moyashi would know how to get rid of the song...not that he would ask the white-haired brat anyway.
"It's nice to see you again, Miss Bellerose," Leverrier said while picking up the folder sitting on the edge of Komui's desk.
The girl didn't comment, and she slowly made her way to Kanda's side with a scowl on her face. Kanda glanced over at the newcomer in curiosity, and his eyes widened as a familiar face flashed across his mind.
…Dang…
It was her…or was it really? The girl had the same appearance, but her presence felt much different…much warmer than the golden-eyed Noah's did.
"I can't say the feeling is mutual," the girl stated.
Leverrier's smile didn't falter even at such harsh words, and the girl clenched her fists tightly enough to draw blood. She took a deep breath when the inspector turned to examine the contents of the folder in his hands, and her body visibly relaxed as she glanced over at Kanda. The Japanese exorcist met the girl's gaze, and calm washed over him as he continued to stare into her blue-green irises.
So, she still hasn't left yet. That could be a problem.
Not only was someone singing in his head, now someone else was speaking in his head too. He had officially gone insane, no doubt about it.
"Kanda Yuu, Chloe Bellerose," Leverrier began a few moments later, "both of you have been summoned in order to receive the verdict regarding your cases from Central command. But, before I read the judgment, I have a few questions I want you both to answer."
The girl turned her attention back to Leverrier, and she absentmindedly rubbed her left shoulder while waiting for the inspector to begin his interrogation. Kanda grudging focused on the inspector, and the Japanese exorcist crossed his arms as Leverrier placed the folder back on Komui's desk.
You have to tune her song out. That's the only way to get rid of her.
Like he hadn't tried that already!
"Kanda Yuu, did you divulge any information regarding the Order to any member of the Noah family during your captivity?"
The Japanese exorcist shook his head without hesitation. Leverrier appeared to accept the answer, and the inspector thought for a moment before asking his next question.
Then try harder, usted idiota! (2)
He wished he could throttle the new voice in his mind.
"Were you aware that you were under a Noah's control when you attacked another exorcist, Kanda?"
The girl stiffened at Leverrier's question, and Kanda glanced at her from the corner of his eye as he shook his head. He remembered feeling his life draining away as his consciousness faded, but that was all he could recall. His next memory was waking up in the infirmary with the idiots leaning over him. It was not a pleasant thing to wake up to.
She controls the mind with that song. As long as the mind remembers the song, she can control the person at her whim.
Then how was he supposed to rid himself of the Noah?
"Miss Bellerose, what happened when you encountered the Noah controlling Kanda?"
You have to forget the song or you will become her puppet once again!
Puppet?
"The Noah told me that Kanda was going to be my opponent, and she used her powers to control his body. She made him attack me, but I managed to free him from her grasp before she drained all his life away," the girl stated.
Kanda could feel all three generals and Bookman staring at him as Bellerose's words sank into their minds, and he pointedly ignored Komui's sympathetic gaze. He had already been wounded and kidnapped. He didn't need pity to make the wound in his pride even worse than it was.
If you don't want to lose the rest of your pride, or your life, you must fight the song.
How could he fight something that wasn't even real?
"Were you injured during your confrontation with Kanda?"
Kanda's attention immediately snapped to the girl. She refused to look up or answer, but Leverrier didn't need her to. Her silence spoke volumes.
Don't listen, Kanda.
What had he done when he was under the Noah's control?
"Do you consider Kanda a danger to you, Miss Bellerose?"
The girl slowly lifted up her head, and she glanced up at the Japanese exorcist before shaking her head.
Don't give in.
That's easier said than done.
"I see. So that's why you decided to save him. Isn't that right Miss Bellerose?"
Kanda's eyes widened. He attacked her—wounded her even—and yet, she had still chosen to save him.
Esté fuerte, Kanda. (3)
Why had this girl gone so far for him?
"And, because you deemed Kanda not to be a threat to your life, you disobeyed my order and went to the Asia Branch before returning here to save Kanda."
The girl nodded.
See, you've already won!
Won?
"Now that all the facts have been presented, I will read Central command's verdict," Leverrier stated while picking up the folder once more. "Kanda Yuu," he said with a brief glance at the Japanese exorcist, "after reading testimony provided by Chloe Bellerose, Komui Lee, and members of the nursing staff, Central has ruled that you are still capable of completing your duties as an exorcist."
Kanda heard Tiedoll and Komui sigh in unison, and he refrained from rolling his eyes as Leverrier continued reading.
Good work Kanda.
What had he even done?
"And Chloe Bellerose, despite your disobedience, your actions have been deemed reasonable by Central command. You have also been ruled capable of completing your duties as an exorcist, but you have been warned. Your status as a general will not keep you from being tried for insubordination should you defy a direct order again."
Komui sighed once more, and Leverrier closed the folder with a serious expression on his face.
The song stopped.
That's right. He couldn't hear the Noah anymore.
"You are both dismissed," Leverrier stated.
Kanda wasted no time in heading for the door. He knew the inspector would release the generals next, and he wanted to be as far away as possible from Tiedoll after the interrogation.
Make sure you guard your mind well, Kanda. She isn't one to give up easily.
He had gotten rid of one nuisance in his head, but the other still remained.
"I'm not a nuisance," the girl said as she brushed her long red hair from her eyes.
Kanda turned to the girl. It was her the whole time?
The voice that had been in his thoughts since he first saw the newcomer had suddenly gone quiet.
"Why did you help me?" Kanda asked.
"Because," the red head said, "I don't want her hurting anyone else."
With that, the girl—Chloe Bellerose, as Leverrier had called her—walked away, leaving Kanda staring after her retreating back. Something in his chest tightened, and he shook his head while heading down the hallway towards his room. He needed some time to think.
All right! Translation time ~
(1) The sentence contains both French and Spanish, and it translates to "I am leaving. You cannot stop me, son of a bitch!" I love that little black book of things you should never say!
(2) Yes, I reused a phrase from chapter 3. It's Spanish for "you idiot."
(3) If anyone is taking, has taken, or is fluent in Spanish, this is the 'usted command' saying, "You be strong."
And if you want a translation of the ever present French lullaby, I'm sure it's at the end of a previous chapter. Soy perezosa. You'll live!
**F.Y.I. If you want to know what the chapter title is about, here's a quick definition: a situation of such exceptional urgency that immediate action must be taken to minimize imminent loss of life or catastrophic degradation of the political or military situation.**
As I said at the top, thanks to my returning loyal reviewers! Here are replies you should have gotten a long, long time ago!
Pyschomantium: I actually contemplated having Chloe learning something from the library in the Asia Branch (because she's brilliant and can do that). I even wrote up a chapter around that idea. But, I got a serious case of writer's block and decided that a rewrite was in order. And, maybe a KandaChloe has been born from this chapter. I'm not quite happy with how I ended it, but I didn't want to keep going. Kanda needed some time to think anyway...Thanks for your support! I always enjoy your comments! :)
Lathya: Thank you for the ideas! I was having trouble deciding on Chloe's Innocence, but you really helped me out! Feel free to leave suggestions about anything!
ERBurke: I'm very sorry it has taken me SO long to update! I could give you my whole life story, but that would be boring, so I'll spare you. And yes, the mystery is deepening considering even the author isn't privy to how each chapter will go...I also wanted to have my story starting at the current manga chapters so I wouldn't twist the past chapters' plots. I wanted to have my own plot, but I didn't want to diverge too much from Katsura Hoshino's storyline either. Oh, and Kanda will be having plenty of conversations with himself during this fic, or so I have decided at the moment. I mean, he has a monologue (even though it's in 3rd person) in practically every chapter, I think...
Anyway, I hoped you liked this chapter. It's a bit short. I'll do my best to make the next chapter longer! Thanks for the comments!
Okay...read and review...criticism is welcome...blah blah blah...it's 3 o'clock in the morning. I need sleep...but I want to write...it's such a hard decision! Whatever...BYE!