Fullmetal Exorcist – Chapter 22 – Backs in the Distance
Timcampy followed its previous owner, excitedly fluttering about the air around his head. Cross sighed in exasperation.
"Tim, you're going to make me dizzy."
It stopped, and landed on his shoulder instead. Cross slipped his hand into his pocket, feeling the holster of his Judgment. He had decided not to defend himself against that Envy person when he could have drawn his gun, so he abandoned his Innocence to avoid any complications. Too bad it came back to him anyways…
"Now that Lenalee has calmed down," Roy sighed. "We'll need to bring Timcampy back to the office with us?"
Seeing everyone's questioning looks, he continued. "Since Timcampy does belong to Allen Walker, we'll be able to use this golem as a system to locate Allen. I believe that since the name has been presented to Timcampy, the password to all data information has been opened now."
"So that's the reason why CROW didn't allow any mention of Allen," Komui frowned. "They were afraid somehow Timcampy would hear it and tell everyone. They knew Timcampy had stowed away with Lenalee when she left Central to see Allen. Leverrier probably believed that Allen ordered Timcampy to go with her."
Roy bit his lip upon the mention of the other High Inspector. An uneasiness welled over him as a thought of discord would erupt between the Exorcists and CROW when they found they would work together really soon…
"That's not really true," Lavi added, contradicting Komui's words. "Timcampy does have a mind of its own, after all. It probably understood the situation and went off with it."
They all silently took the elevator to ground floor, reaching Roy's office. And the first thing Roy expected to occur…
"L…Leverrier…" Komui stuttered at the tight-lipped officer from Central. The said man set down his cup of tea, nodded at the crowd. The subordinates at Roy's office were writing more furiously, fearing the rising tension between the Supervisor and High Inspector. Roy walked right between, straight to his desk, while Ed, Alphonse, and Riza took a stand beside their superior, leaving Kanda, Lavi, Road, and Komui to sit at the couch… reluctantly next to Leverrier. Road squirmed in discomfort as she felt accusing eyes from Leverrier…
"Before we start pointing any fingers," Roy's eyebrows furrowed. "I will have to explain the entire story."
Lavi and Kanda held their breaths, fearing what might the news be.
"Leverrier came here to tell me to put off the search for Allen Walker." Roy announced, and Lavi jumped from his seat, but Roy silenced him before the redhead could say another word.
"The reason why," Roy continued. "is because Leverrier wants me to work with him to find Allen Walker. Presumably, Allen was missing from the CROW facilities, and Central had announced that Allen was being taken to another Inspector to quicken the interrogation procedure, since they believed Leverrier took too long. The only Inspector that would be allowed to do that is Inspector Bradley."
Ed began to shake uncontrollably, but Riza steadied him. Of course, he would forget Bradley. The man was the nicest person in his brother's perspective, but when the warm brown eyes were set on Ed himself, they turned cold, drawing blood from his soul. The older Elric was the most resembling son of the Eastern Sage, and he suspected that Bradley despised his father.
"Therefore," Roy interrupted Ed's thoughts. "I don't want any complaints. Since the Exorcists residing the Shield have been transferred to my jurisdiction, I strictly enforce this. Leverrier will do the same with his CROW, right?"
Black eyes flitted to the man, who nodded, wordless.
"We'll start now," Roy lifted his hand, and Timcampy, who had been perched on Alphonse's head, sat on the hand. "Timcampy, please project the map of Allen's location."
"Wait…" Lavi asked. "Where's Cross? He was just here, wasn't he? Why isn't he here?"
"He's training," Roy sighed. "The guy probably got rusty again with Judgment. I sent Olivia to oversee his progress. We need him on top notch as soon as possible. He already gave me precise instructions on how Timcampy works."
The golden golem's mouth opened wide, and an intangible screen appeared, showing a topographic map, indicating a small range of hills. Everyone paused, staring at the screen as it increased, filling the whole side of the room. Falman had stopped his work, and began furiously writing down coordinates, and finally finished with a surprised gasp.
"I've found it, sir," He declared, he passed the papers to Breda, who had conveniently walked by and was heading for Roy's desk anyways, and handed the information to Roy. The black haired man perused the calculations, and looked at the anxious group.
"Fortunately, the process was not too hard," He smiled. "Allen Walker is not too far from here. Road."
The addressed girl stood up, and Roy nodded. "Can you use the Ark to transport us to the location?"
"Yes," She nodded, still nervous from the gaze of the Central Inspector on the sofa. Roy turned to everyone else.
"We'll be off tomorrow morning. No exceptions. Am I clear?"
"Yes, sir," A chorus of voices echoed, and with Roy's glance at Riza, she ordered the personnel at the desks to leave, leaving the Exorcists behind.
"As for the details," Roy continued. "I'll have you personally hear it from Leverrier himself. Now, Leverrier, please do tell us what your plans to do with Allen were?"
Leverrier twitched slightly before turning eyes on everyone. Inwardly, he was glad Lenalee wasn't around just yet.
"The Central Command wanted to exterminate Allen Walker," He started. "And remove his Innocence for other purposes. However, we Inspectors thought otherwise."
Lavi jumped at the first idea, but settled down to the second.
"Despite the fact that our procedures were different," Leverrier went on. "We wanted to balance the Noah and Exorcist in Allen. That way, we can get a bigger advantage in the field. However, Central kept close eyes on us as I handled Walker. You may think I had deliberately done horrible things to Walker, but I did not order those public beatings. To keep my word, I kept my true intention secret…
"Ever since then, I had been trying my best to keep Allen as comfortable as possible when Central does not come. Sadly, he's been in critical condition recently, and I am astonished that he's gone out of the facility. Therefore, Central must have found out about my plans, and took Walker without my notice."
Lavi could see the Inspector asking for forgiveness. The conflicted minds in the Bookman's head whirled about, wondering whether to say something pleasant or opposite.
"We understand," An unexpected voice stopped further action. "If you were trying, then we'll rest our case."
All eyes turned on Kanda, who was frowning as usual, but a more confident air enveloped him. To think he would be the more nicer one was scary, but Mustang shook it off.
"I'll repeat my orders again," He continued. "We leave first thing tomorrow. Now, I'll dismiss you all, and get as much sleep as possible."
"Yes, sir."
"Ed…" Lavi's voice caused Ed to sit up in bed. "You think Allen will be in one piece?"
Ed frowned. He couldn't guarantee that… Of course Allen would be hurt… but the fear of the poor boy losing an arm, or a leg, too… just like Ed himself. He turned to the redhead, and smiled.
"He'll be okay," Ed lied. "I'm sure Al will be able to help him. Maybe Miranda can join, too."
"All right…" A relief washed over Lavi as the two settled back into their respective beds, falling asleep.
"Kanda… you okay?" Al asked.
"Fine," Kanda laid himself back on the bed again, staring blankly at the wall. If he just kept staring, he would fall asleep eventually. But then again, this is Alphonse asking, and Kanda knew he could not avoid the boy's ability to read minds.
"Was it a nightmare?" Al broke the silence. "I felt a disturbance when I was trying to fall asleep."
"Somewhat…" Kanda trailed off.
"Who's Alma and that lady in your dreams?" Al changed topics. "They seem pretty important to you. Have you met them before?"
Kanda hesitated, pondering on his answer. "Alma… I know him, and the lady, she's only been in my dreams."
"Alma…" Al tried the strange name on his tongue again. "Is he… a friend? I mean, tell me."
A small but quick intake of breath came from the Japanese samurai as he thought about answering more carefully.
"He was… before…"
Kanda narrated a rather short story about his part in the Second Exorcist Project, and Alphonse listened. As he finished, a silence lay between them for a few seconds, before Alphonse got up.
"You shouldn't be bottling yourself up, Kanda," He faced the man lying down.
"Your point?"
Al hugged his knees to his chest, burying his chin on his knees. "You should at least tell someone you trust. Does anyone know about this? Your tattoo?"
"The sister complex knows, General Tiedoll… and most of the science team," Kanda muttered. "Hell, even Winry knows."
"No, not those people!" Al palmed his face. "I meant the Exorcists, the ones you usually go around with, like Lavi, or Lenalee."
"So far, only one," Kanda answered. "He kept begging me to tell him, one time, I told him so he could stop bugging me."
"It couldn't be Allen Walker, could it?" Al asked, and Kanda looked at Al, who wasn't looking at him, but the closet.
"Yes, it was the bean sprout."
"His reaction," Al guessed. "He sympathized with you."
"Of course that idiot did," Kanda scowled. "He should stop forgetting to take care of himself. If he's going to help anyone else, he should look out for himself. Do you know how many times he's injured himself because of that? I remember I had to talk to him about that on a mission one time. He actually listened."
"You're funny," Al smiled. "I wonder why Allen argued with you a lot. You're actually a pretty nice guy."
"The bean sprout and I only fight when everyone else is around," Kanda continued to stare at the ceiling above them. "Whenever we're by ourselves, we get along. He's probably one of the only people who have seen me this talkative."
"Was one of the other people Alma?" Al asked. Kanda nodded.
"But I think spoke a lot more to Allen than Alma," Kanda mused.
"You and Allen are brothers, sort of," Al added. "Just like brother and me, but not biologically."
"What makes you think that?"
"Well, has anyone told you that both of you are similar?"
"Marie had," Kanda answered. "During a training practice. The same happened with Allen."
"Yeah… he's right…" Al nodded. "Since you two understand each other, it's easier for you tolerate him, and vice versa. As for everyone else, they had troubles, too, but not as serious as any of you two. That's the reason why I think you two seem like brothers. I haven't seen Allen for years, but he probably changed little."
A silence sat between them, and Al turned to face the long haired Exorcist.
"Do you see Allen as a brother?" Al asked.
"No," Kanda answered sharply.
"A friend?"
"Somewhat."
"Then that's good."
Kanda looked at the young Elric, puzzled by the remark.
"Your point?"
Al smiled under the dim light. "I mean, Allen would be happy to know you do actually care."
"Me? The beansprout?" Kanda disapproved of the idea. "I will hate that brat for all my life."
Al laughed softly.
"Have it your way, then…"
Morning came, and everyone had obeyed Mustang's orders. All the Exorcists were lined up, uniformed properly (save for Ed, who found more comfort in his trademark long coat and black shirt and pants). Each exorcist was given a tan coat, for the cold weather. The Shield members were also ready. Roy walked down the two aisles of Exorcists and Shields, putting on a dark tone of determinations. Komui and Leverrier followed behind him closely.
"Let's go," Roy grimaced, slipping on his gloves. Road was standing before him, and she placed a hand to her forehead, closing her eyes.
The nostalgic lullaby echoed in the foyer, and a door, just like the one Allen made a year ago, rose from the floor. Purple neon numbers glowed "27" as Roy turned to the Exorcists.
"We're off." He declared.
Lavi was excited. He would find Allen. He would find him…
Kanda was wondering just what the beansprout would feel when they met again…
Lenalee was ecstatic, but nonetheless, melancholic. Allen had been beaten up badly when she saw him… she hoped Allen was fine…
Ed and Al were very anxious to board the Ark. Izumi had given them a talk about patience this morning, and she was just behind him, grimacing at the gate.
Allen was so near… and the time was now…
Envy grinned watching from Wisely's eyes the scene unraveling. The Earl smiled nastily, wanting to see more bloodshed. The Exorcists were going to struggle again. And this time they were going to get the precious 14th back… Meanwhile, the Eastern Sage and his accomplice were racing furiously cross country to England. At the same time…
"Can we stir something up, yet, Adam?" Envy purred, but the Earl shook his head.
"Not yet," The smile stayed. "I want to see for myself the new chapter. I don't feel like participating today."
The Noah nodded in accord, watching the eyes.
"Good luck… Allen Walker…" A nasty voice drawled. "Your death awaits."
Dorian was panting from the wounds he received. He looked up, seeing the sky crack like a clay pot. A welling panic filled him as he got up his feet suddenly, and he stared at the white tower ahead. He would not let Bradley get away with this. Staggering, he trotted down the destroyed path, limping as he went.
The sky was blood red, and he frowned. Red… Dorian didn't like the sky today… The red… meant that the inward world was straight on the path of collapsing, and he ran faster. He, Dorian Gray Walker, would not let his adopted nephew down. He would not let betray Mana's wishes, or his, even.
Persistent… Persistent.
He could feel outside that more people were coming his way, and he kept running… and running… and running...
"Ah, screw it!" The 14th jumped high into the sky, perching on the roof, and taking off onto another, at full speed, and flash-stepped to the tower. He must go before the bell rang…
A motionless body was lying on the floor, eyes closed, and lips in a tight line. The straitjacket was too tight… Allen couldn't take it… An eerie smile looked from above, and he twitched. A low moan from his mouth was muffled by the collar that was wrapped about his mouth.
"Now, Destroyer of Time…" Bradley frowned. "Your mind will break, and I will rebuild the pieces once more. Your sanctuary is done for, and the 14th will be no more… Central will be pleased that I've gotten rid of you…"
Allen gasped as the terrible man planted his sword aside the wall, and the man approached him himself, cracking knuckles as he went.
"You will never sleep…" Bradley took a step. "And never wake."
Allen couldn't move… by fear or his injuries, he didn't care anymore.
He had waited for too long… No one came for him… Leverrier had helped him live… Link had encouraged to brave the harsh beatings… Lenalee had come to see him, but was wiped of any thought of his existence… and everyone he's come to know… were looking for him, but were found efforts fruitless…
"Oh, please," Bradley smiled, towering over the limp figure. "Don't make that face. I'll get even angrier. You know how much I don't pity strong people like yourself… I like weak people, so I can order them to do my bidding…"
Weak… Allen was weak… but he was strong… his hopes were high… his confidence was weakening… his fatigue was disappearing…
The gag came loose, and Allen could breathe again. Fierce silver eyes flashed dangerously.
"Try me. I dare you."
A/N: Yay! Allen's in again! And he's back! Root for Allen! And, as for pairing issues, this will be AllenXLenalee all the way through. I known some people are not big fans of it, but... But... I've thought about it, and I've decided a solutions. Once this is finished, I'll be posting a remake of this story. I'm not taking this one down and replacing, but I'll post a new story. It will follow the same plot, but as a special story, it will be from Kanda's point of view, and the pairing will be Yullen. but then again, I absolutely do not write yaoi, so I will have to make a twist to keep my word. And what's the twist? That'll be announced next chapter! Review!