Chapter Two : Reason to Fight
"Hurry up, Timcampy!" calling out to my golem, I further speeded up my pace.
If I had wings, I would be flying already. Timcampy had wings but it was trying hard to catch up with me. At this late hour, Klaud's team should already been ambushed by the Akumas. If only Malcom Rouvelier had released me earlier. How I hated that man from Vatican. He was anything far from holy. If he had to be a "holy" something, it could only be "holy shit". I wouldn't waste a tenth of a second on that man if the Black Order did not have to worry about its relations with the Vatican.
How could he deliberately kept me in his office until the last minute and assigned another mission for me at this moment. If Rouvelier found out I went to help Klaud instead of going on my assigned mission, I would be suspended from duty for God knew how long. Not that I liked working for them but I won't get paid if I got suspended. The troubles I already had with the Vatican because of my "fame" in burning their wealth on fine wine and women. My name was no doubt proudly inscribed on their little black list. I knew they had to put up with me because I was one of the best Exorcist General they ever had in their battle against the Millennium Earl. But not General Klaud Nine.
I made a huge leap over a pile of shattered rocks and burnt woods, "Hang in there, Klaud. I'm coming."
Sometimes I suspected Rouvelier loathed the idea of having a female as a General. He was, afterall, the typical type of fool that truly believed females should be inferior to males. It made sense that Klaud was a sore in his eyes. Her presence as a General was too supernatural for him to accept.
I made another leap over some dense bushes. "Good woman is always stubborn," I sighed inwardly.
How I wished my forecast about the attack was incorrect. Unfortunately I knew the Earl too well, he would definitely send out more than just Akumas to hijack the Innocence. Why didn't you listen to me, Klaud? You had too much youth and too much pride. There was no obvious road ahead. The Dark Forest was close. If it was Rouvelier who recommended her to take this route, I swore I would tear him to pieces. I could smell fire and blood from a distance. Things definitely look gloomy ahead. If anything happened to Klaud... My beautiful and talented Klaud. I refused to let anything happening to this fine woman, not when she never once submitted to my charms.
The sight of a ruined and unsightly woodland appeared. No sooner, I began to see dead bodies lying on the ground and hanging from tree branches. All good thoughts fled from my head. I grimaced and wiped Klaud's face off my mind. It was not a good time to think dirty. I might need to put up a good fight against the possible appearance of the Noah.
As I approached the center of the Dark Forest, I slowed down and observed the surroundings. I held my beloved Innocence 'Judgement' ready at hand. My Innocence was one of a kind. An Innocence weapon in the form of a gun came in handy when I could fire multiple rounds at will from long distance if I saw Akumas ahead. No close encounters were needed and I hated to get mud and blood on me. Unless, of course, it was from a gorgeous woman. Then I surely wouldn't mind cleaning up her body. I shook my head again as the face of the imaginary naked woman became that of General Klaud Nine.
"Damn," I silently cursed. Klaud deserved more respect from me. I should be worried. It was too quiet. Where was Klaud?
"Having happy dreams?" a voice giggled out of no where.
I halted and fired three rounds instantly at a large oak tree a few yards ahead. Timcampy bumped onto the back of my head, knocking my hat off.
A small girl in a black dress, with black-and-white stockings, emerged from behind the huge tree trunk. She smiled and waved at me with her cute little orange umbrella. Her umbrella had a very peculiar pumpkin head stuck to the sharp pointy end. I recognised her. She was Road Kamelot. Although looking no more than a twelve-year-old, she was the eldest daughter of the Noahs. I knew it, a dozen of Innocence was an excellent bait to lure out the Earl. He did send out the children of Noah. I waved back at her with my free hand, barely smiling and kept my Judgement locked onto her.
"Lost in the woods, little girl? Let me send you back to hell!" I said as I pulled the trigger again. I had made it just in time. Now I could postpone this Noah from reaching Klaud and she should have enough time to fight through the Akumas.
Road narrowed her dark grey eyes at me as she dodged the bullet, "Exorcist General, you wish to go save your companions?" The girl advanced towards me, swirling the umbrella in circles with her left hand while her right hand in her dress pocket. Her lips curled up to a ghastly smile, "Well, you will have to play with me first."
Good, that was what I wanted. Let's play! I gave the demon child a wide grin.
Road drew out a short blade from her pocket and licked the dried blood on the blunt side. The blood on the blade did not seem to originate from the Noah and Akumas did not have blood according to my knowledge. My eyes widened but the last thing you wanted to show to the Noah was fear. The girl began to sing to herself, "I am going to enjoy this… killing two Exorcist Generals in one afternoon. Earl will be so proud of me! Proud of me!"
My heart missed a beat. Two? Surely one of the quotas was intended to be for me entirely at her own wild imagination, but the other one…
"Road-sama, Road-sama! Please take the Innocence back to Earl-sama at once! Earl-sama would not be pleased if you risk losing the fresh Innocence at your own games with this exorcist!" squeaked the tiny pumpkin head on the umbrella.
"Oh, but I want to play for a bit longer with Exorcist Generals! It is such a shame to kill them eventually. They are so fun to torture! They can last long hours of immense pain! Really, really I can't play with him too?" sang Road, dancing around and wielding her umbrella. If she was trying to irritate me, she had succeeded. I fired a couple of rounds at the horrid little child, chasing after her as she squealed happily. Dodging the bullets, she jumped onto the lowest branch of the oak tree.
"It's not nice to lie at such a young age!" I called out coldly to Road Kamelot while summoning my second Innocence 'Grave of Maria'. There was no way I could run from a fight with Noah. I needed to end this fight as soon as possible. I refused to believe the worst had happened. I trusted General Klaud Nine.
"Such impatience! I don't like you, I won't play with you anymore. I am taking the Innocence back to see Earl-sama!" cried the Noah girl as she summoned a pink stylish door from thin air and left through it. She left behind a nasty echo of crazed laughter. I snatched my fallen hat from the ground and kept on running ahead. Where was Klaud? Her squad was here. They were attacked here. Where could she be? Where had she fallen?
There were bits and pieces of human remains everywhere. Not far from the massacre laid a bloodily mauled Exorcist General. I finally found Klaud.
I stopped a few feet from her unmoving body. Her lips were slightly parted and her face was drowned in blood. Her golden hair, now stained orange, sprawled out around her head, tangled with mud and caked blood. I held my breath. My stomach protested a little but I was used to awful scenes on the battlefields. I closed my eyes for a second. This sight was making me really uncomfortable. I was upset. Klaud was deliberately tortured but left alive by the Noah.
The Noahs killed without mercy. This was the first as far as I knew. Maybe the Noah was fond of a rare female General, just like a child fond of a rare toy. She left Klaud alive to suffer the lost of her team. I walked towards her, breaking several fallen branches softly under my footsteps. My military trench coat soaked up a mixture of blood and mud as I knelt down beside her. Klaud's blood. I saw her chest shifted very slowly. Although ever so slightly, it was a good indication of her still breathing. I must do something fast. She was losing her strength along with her will to live.
Klaud treasured her team too much to let them go. She would be with them no matter where they were. I would not let that happen. General Klaud Nine would survive and fight another day. Her fate was not supposed to end today, not like this.
What was best to stimulate her at this moment? There must be something that I could do to get her fighting again! So far, the only way for me to get Klaud's eyes on me was to get her pissed off. Although that was not what I always originally intended, it always ended with her slapping me across the face.
"How much time are you going to waste here? Get up when you already had enough beauty sleep. I want my red wine," my deep voice echoed through the dense air. Did I just say that? I was such an asshole. To my relief, the injured woman snap opened her eyes. My 'resuscitation' act worked! Her lips trembled and I saw the fine muscles on her clawed face jumped with pain. Klaud was losing it again. She would need further stimulations.
"Shouldn't have sent a girl to do a man's job in the first place. Now they want me to clean up the mess that you have stirred up." I spoke, trying to sound as annoying as possible. My stomach still tightened as I watched her fighting the pain. If provocation was what kept Klaud fighting, then I would play the role of the super bastard.
Her face twisted a little with anger now. I knew she would love to smack me in the face if she still had the will to do it. Strength, I believe, she still had. It was the will, dying along with her team. She squinted her eyes at me but I doubted she could see me through those blood on her eyes.
"I told you, Noah was a tough one. And the Earl sent Road. No wonder your ass was kicked bad. You owe me three bottles of red wine," I snorted and I guessed that did it. She glared at me now. I tried to hide my smile but didn't succeed. I felt relieved. Sparks of fury were reappearing in her eyes.
"What? You didn't forget, did you? I bet you three bottles of red wine that you will be attacked by a Noah. Your brains are not mashed, are they?" I pretended to frown. If Klaud didn't spring to her feet right now, I guessed I would just have to carry her back to Headquarters. She would definitely crush my skull for touching her afterwards.
"Come back to me, Klaud," I whispered silently. Looking into her eyes, I drowned into the deep blue. I knew she was too serious a woman to be fond of a too unserious man. She didn't have to love me to come back. She could come back and hate me, to fight me and become stronger.
A faint smile flashed across her face. She headbutted me! I did not comprehend that sort of smile but the sudden pain snapped me out of my deep thoughts. I nearly fell backwards by the force. I was very surprised indeed and gave a muffled cry. Klaud then fell back onto the muddy ground.
"What the hell? You are not passing out on me here, Klaud! I will not carry you back to the headquarters!" I yelled, rubbing my sore chin as I leaned closer to her bloody face. I checked to see if she was just playing dead. She was not playing dead and she really had passed out. But she would survive. Her breathing was still shallow but much more stable now compared to a few minutes ago.
"Yes, live, Klaud. Fight again another day. Don't you dare go down without me," I murmured. A heavy weight seemed to be alleviated from my heart. I smiled and wiped my face with my sleeves. Timcampy fluttered around my head excitedly. "Don't you dare tell anyone about this. I just got mud in my eyes!" I hissed at the golem. Klaud's wounds were serious, especially the ones on her face. A huge patch of skin was burnt in addition to blade cuts. I picked Klaud up gently, allowing her head to rest safely on my shoulder. She was still bleeding as I ran. Her warm blood soaked onto my uniform and her body was getting cold. I stopped and rested Klaud on the soft ground gently. I took off my trench coat and wrapped the woman in it. I hoped the warmth would make her feel better until she got proper medical care.
I picked up Klaud again. She was light despite her fully developed body. I felt a wave of shamefulness washed over me as my eyesight unintentionally lingered on her body a few times as we headed back to the Headquarters. If she realized I carried her in my arms in a traditional bridal style, she would inflict more terrifying marks on my face than Road Kamelot would. But that, I won't mind at all.
General Klaud Nine, I – General Marian Cross – would not let you die in action today. … Klaud, I – Cross – refused to let you leave me just yet.
"Oh my, you are awake at last!" I was startled by the new nurse in the intensive care ward of Black Order hospital wing. It was rare that I had forgotten her name. Usually I could remember every girl in town. I must be very tired. It had been tough, waiting for Klaud to wake up… for four days since I carried her back to the headquarters. I even dozed off a while ago. The medical team rushed her to the operation room when we arrived and they refused to let me in. I went back to my room, got myself cleaned up and went straight back to the hospital wing. It was about 14 hours later when the door of the operation theatre opened again. I followed them as they transferred her to the intensive care ward. I sat down on the edge of her bed and watched her bandaged face and arms quietly. Her body and legs were well covered by the blanket and hidden from view, but I believed they were also heavily bandaged. The hospital bed was fairly spacious for a single person, so I could sit comfortably by her side for a long time without disturbing her.
For four days I had sat there, waiting and praying. I seldom initiate a conversation with God, especially when actually asking something from Him. So He knew I really meant it. Finally, Klaud woke up from her deep slumber. I could tell from her parted lips as she tried to speak. No words formed from her lips. The last time I heard her voice was when she mumbled in her sleep, calling out to her team mates. I could still see the faintly pink tear mark on the bandages above her eyes. It was said that when one was in terrible grief, blood instead of tears would roll out of your eyes.
"Don't worry dear, you're back in the Order now. You're safe. Please take more rests, you are not even half recovered from the massive number of terrible wounds. Your eyes had bacterial infections but were already treated while you were still in the coma," the young nurse spoke to Klaud in a soft voice. I leaned in closer, trying to get a good look at the awakened Klaud. My heart ached to see her trembling like a frightened kitten. If there was anything I could do to comfort her, I would have done it. I placed my hand lightly onto her forehead. Honestly I did not know what I was doing. I brushed aside the few strands of hair clinging onto her face before I withdrew my hand.
The nurse continued, "However, the doctor said it is best to let them rest for a while longer before taking off the bandages. Besides, General Cross Marian specifically ordered that you are to be bed-bound until fully recovered."
I snickered at heart as the nurse told Klaud that it was by my order that she could not leave the ward until fully recovered. However, I carefully instructed the nurse not to let Klaud know I was there beside her and worried sick for the past four days. That would really ruin my 'good' manly image.
"What! Where is that man… that traitor!" Klaud exclaimed weakly as she tried to sit up in bed. I was a bit surprised. Did she just call me a 'traitor'? I had absolutely no idea why she would describe me with that vocabulary. The phrase 'horrible man' coming from her sweet lips was what I expected. Klaud had always been gentle in her way of speech and I had never heard her say one rude sentence since I met her. I focused back to reality as I saw some blood soaking out of her wounds. I held her back down firmly by her shoulder. Apparently, there was another blade wound on her right shoulder as a small amount of blood began to emerge from under my grip. I grimaced at the sight of her struggling painfully. I really wished I could hold her in my arms and calm her down. But that would be as dangerous as sticking your hand into the mouth of an angry wolf. The nurse looked worriedly at me but I smiled back to reassure her it would be fine. I could handle Klaud. I gestured the nurse to step back from the bed and she nearly swooned from my charms. Luckily, Klaud gave up struggling sooner than I thought. The way she inhaled deeply from the pain made me felt guilty for holding her down so hard. But if I didn't, she would instinctly spring to her feet and rip open every wound on her body.
"Please stay still dear, otherwise the stitched up wounds will be torn apart. Oh, and you, please be gentle on her, the wounds are difficult to treat if they get infections," the nurse giggled, unwittingly blowing up my cover. I frowned. Now Klaud knew I was there, the owner of the hand that forced her down and caused her pain. She could not see me yet when her eyes were still bandaged. I hoped she would think I was another medical staff. Fearing she would do something out of a sudden, I kept her down and watched over her. Strangely, she seemed calm.
"General Marian, remove your hand… NOW." Klaud spoke quietly, putting a lot of emphasis on the last word. She never called me by my first name. I would really want to hear the word 'Cross' coming from her pink lips. Not 'General Cross Marian', 'General Marian' or 'Marian Cross'. Just plain 'Cross', like I affectionately called her 'Klaud'. She seemed to be gaining back a certain amount of energy now despite the wounds. I could tell from the way she communicated with me. I adored this cool lady and I refused to let her walk away easily after accusing me of being a traitor.
I cleared my throat and said, "I didn't know you miss me this much, Klaud honey. It touches my heart to hear you calling for me. But still, you will pay for calling me a traitor, in addition to the three bottles of red wine you already owe me." I moved slightly forward, but careful not to have contact with Klaud's body except my hand on her shoulder. The last thing I wanted was Klaud mistaking me for taking advantage of her under such a condition. I could sense her body tensed up. She must have felt my presence at close proximity. My face was several inches away from hers and her seductively slightly parted lips looked more than inviting. Hearing no reply from her, I slowly brushed my thumb on her shoulder, pressing softly occasionally on her bandages. There was still no sound from Klaud but a squirm that she tried to hide. I understood all too well how a suitable degree of pain would elicit ecstasy.
"Leave us, my good nurse," I smirked at the nurse. She knowingly nodded and left the room quickly. The door of the ward closed with a soft thud after her. The ward was now empty with just us. Great, now I could enjoy some quality time with my Klaud.
"Now, tell me about this 'traitor' thing, my love. What did I possibly have done to earn such a rewarding title? I did just save your precious little ass four days ago, in case your memory system was still rebooting," I asked, circling my thumb slowly on her wound, applying just enough force to make Klaud shivered from time to time so that I would know she didn't pass out during my interrogation.
She finally whispered, "… Just do it, General Marian. Make it swift for I had suffered enough of losing the ones I loved." Klaud bit her lips so hard that it bled. My God, this woman was so good at wounding herself. "I should have joined them four days ago," she trailed off but I caught every word clearly. My heart bled at her words.
So she still wanted to die. But die by my hands? I knew she was not fond of me but why would she think I would kill her? And I was worrying that she might mistaken me for doing something erotically sadistic. I could tell she wanted to cry again. Her pride was really overwhelming to allow her breaking down before me. Her body was trembling and I let go off her. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to do. For the first time in my life, as a very successful 'womanizer' as the others praised me, I did not know what to say to the only woman I had truly loved in my life.
The clock was ticking away annoyingly on the wall. Her face was staring at me although her eyes were hidden behind the bandages. How could I efficiently let her know my feelings? I ran out of ideas. It hurt me to see her like this, giving away her life so easily. Giving up her life so easily for the already deceased when there was still a living man right here. A man that loved her dearly. ME! Marian Cross!
So fragile, she looked as though she would fade into dust any moment. I closed my eyes and gave her a soft embrace. I tried to help her sit up in bed. Maybe she would feel less scared when not lying in a so vulnerable position.
Klaud pounded her powerless fists on my back, banging and clawing like a scared animal immediately upon contact with my body. This was not unexpected. She tried to push me away but I held onto her tightly. I refused to let her go. Would she ever realize my genuine feelings for her? Seemed not. It didn't seem to work out as I hoped and I released her. I let her rest her back on the head board of the bed. We were only within one-feet of distance of each other but why were our hearts so far apart? Klaud was always on the other side of the ocean. And my boat was always sunk in the storm.
"You were there and you watched them die! You traitor!" Klaud hissed suddenly with all the strength she had left. "It's all my fault! I led them to their deaths! I should have died with them!" she screamed.
I looked at her sadly. So that was why she thought I was a traitor. And that was why she wanted to die. She thought she had failed her team. Blood bled from beneath her bandages. Her tears carried along her blood down her cheeks. I tried to look away from her. It was not a frightening scene. It was too heart breaking. Klaud hid her face in her palms and pulled her knees up, reducing herself into a fetus position. I remained silent while she wept. I guess that was all I could and the best I could do now.
I saw it clearly now… Malcom Rouvelier. He had always wanted to dispose of Klaud. That clever man, knowing how to manipulate this poor girl's personality and planning to dispose of her in the battlefield. Come to think of it, it wouldn't be that hard for Rouvelier to persuade Klaud that she was more than able to take on the Noah by herself. This foolish girl, too much pride to be blinded by that devilish man's words. Klaud would have thought of my warnings before this mission if not for Rouvelier. If I had just given Rouvelier the finger and came to Klaud's rescue sooner, her entire team would have lived. If I had got there sooner. It was my fault things turned out this way. So it was actually my fault this happened.
I touched Klaud's head softly. She was quiet now. Crying had exhausted her. I caressed her hair and tilted her head upwards with care. I wanted to see her face again. She didn't resist and I leaned her back onto the head board. Looking at her, I swore silently. I glided my hand over her bandaged eyes and swore that I would never let this happen again. Even if that meant to go against the Vatican.
"I'm sorry, Klaud," I whispered. So softly, it was barely audible to myself.
-to be continued-