Smallpumpkin here and so very sorry we updated so late like this! We have a lot on our plates, but don't worry, we won't abandon this story! Promise. I'm so excited that Kapitel raw 84 will be out in a few days :D~! Please enjoy this story and don't forget to drop by a review or cheesecake for mysik-dawn! Enjoy.
p.s We don't own 07-ghost!
March 30th, 2143: 10:34 AM—
"Hi Aya-tan!" Hyuuga enthusiastically waved at his superior; Ayanami and Katsuragi stood by the foot of the hospital bed, regarding Hyuuga. Konatsu was in the other bed, still knocked out from "the accident".
Shortly after Ea had jumped out of the train, the train began plunging off the cliff. Ayanami helped control Hyuuga, saving him and Konatsu from their deaths. Now, the two officers were hospitalized, recovering from their wounds.
"Ea has escaped," Ayanami stated, "The higher ups believe that the accident was caused by a group of rebels."
"Oh, so we get to go on another vacation to find the rebels?" Hyuuga asked. At that moment, Konatsu stirred, and slowly opened his eyes.
"Oh, good morning Konatsu-kun!" Hyuuga happily greeted, "How are you feeling?" Konatsu groaned, and slowly sat up.
"Oh yeah Aya-tan," Hyuuga remarked, looking around, "Where's Haruse-kun and Kuro-tan?"
"They're gone to the church," Katsuragi explained.
"Aww that's not fair!" Hyuuga pouted, "I wanted to visit Teito-kun too!"
"You've had your chance and you messed up," Ayanami coldly said. He wasn't as mad at Hyuuga as he was to himself. He had completely underestimated Ea, and the sly ghost had escaped. He had no idea whether Ea was alive or dead, and where Alexandra Night was.
"I should have treaded more slowly," Ayanami thought, "I've given those two too many opportunities. There won't be a next time for them."
"When will Haruse-san and Kuroyuri-san be back?" Konatsu asked.
"The clergy exam is happening soon," Ayanami remarked, "There's more that they must do along with capturing Teito Klein." Hyuuga's eyebrows rose, and he gave a sly smile.
"Oh, is Aya-tan planning something more?" Hyuuga remarked.
Ayanami was silent; he finally said, "Get well soon."
"Aww that's so sweet of you Aya-tan~!" Hyuuga crooned, "You care so much about us!"
"Because there's a lot of paperwork that you must catch up with," Ayanami finished. He inwardly smirked when he saw Hyuuga's face fell, and walked out of the room. Katsuragi followed closely behind him, like a shadow.
"What about Alexandra Night?" Katsuragi questioned, "Even though Haruse-san and Kuroyuri-san have left to the church for Teito Klein, we must not forget about her."
"Indeed," Ayanami replied, "It is logical to assume that since Ea was obviously in her company that she must have gone to the god house in District 6 for help." He sensed Katsuragi's surprise on his face, and continued, "There is no point in going there because another war would have sprouted if the military intervenes. The only hope is to simply get her when she is leaving the god house."
"How will we know if she has left?" Katsuragi asked.
"Don't forget about the wars," Ayanami reminded, "It isn't perfectly accurate, but I will be able to sense when she has left. The wars is right now considerably weaker, because she is in holy ground. As soon as she leaves, I will have more access."
Katsuragi nodded, understanding. "And what of Admirals Nibaki, Shiroki, and Ogi?" Katsuragi asked quietly, "They have been talking ill of you recently."
"I am aware," Ayanami replied, "For now, do nothing. They have nothing to base his claims on, and their greed will only increase once the Eye of Mikhail is returned."
March 30th, 2143: 3:45 PM—
"Teito-kun," Castor greeted, "I have some good news for you." Teito looked at him, curious. His body was still aching after last night's gruelling training, but he was determined to win against the dolls; he used to be the top of the military yet those dolls were always able to win no matter how hard he tried.
"Congratulations brat," Frau said, "your girlfriend is alive."
"Alex?" Teito asked, shocked. Alex...is alive! "How do you know?" Teito asked.
Labrador smiled and replied, "A friend told us. She is not with the military, and she is safe." Teito blinked quickly, relieved.
"Alex is alive," thought Teito, "She's not with Ayanami." He gave a slow smile, looking at the three bishops.
"Thank you," Teito said, "It means a lot to me." He stroked Mikage, as the fyuulong nuzzled his cheek.
"Will Alex be coming to the church?" Teito asked. He was disappointed when Castor shook his head.
"She will be travelling to another place," Castor replied, "You will get to meet her if you pass the clergy examination." Teito nodded; he was more determined to pass. He noticed Castor's smile, and realized that it was a smile that he had only seen Castor give to Razette.
"I wonder what he is so happy about?" wondered Teito.
March ?, 2143, ? AM/PM—
Felsen coughed, slowly opening his eyes. He was feeling very tired, and his right shoulder was hurting a lot. "What happened to me?" Felsen idly wondered. His fingers twitched, and he felt the soft material wrapped around his body—a blanket.
"I'm in a bed," Felsen realized. He looked around the room, trying to find out where he was. "Hello?" Felsen whispered, and coughed again. It hurt to talk; his throat felt like sandpaper.
At that moment, two people entered. "Oh, he's awake at last!" the woman remarked, and the man smiled at Felsen.
"Hello young man, how are you?" the man asked.
"What happened?" Felsen slowly asked, his voice dying away.
"Your group was on the cargo train, remember?" the man asked, "There seemed to be engine failure, which resulted in the train getting derailed. You were the only survivor."
The memories were coming back to Felsen; getting captured, the train, the fight...
"Nobody survived?" Felsen asked. Both of them shook their head.
"How long have I been out for?" Felsen asked.
"Only a couple of hours," the woman replied, "You lost a lot of blood, but luckily there is no infection." Felsen slowly smiled.
"Thank you for your hospitality," Felsen said, "There is one small favour I must ask you to do. Could you please write a letter on my behalf?"
"Of course," the man replied, "To whom?"
Felsen thought for a moment, and then said, "Please address it to the Barsburg Church..."
March 30th, 2143: 2:14 PM—
Alex looked around, stunned at the military in front of her. They didn't seem to realize who she was, but were arresting her for something else?
"You can't fight them," Lazarus said, "You'll start another huge war between the church and the military."
Alex agreed, but thought, "Then what are we going to do?"
"Stop! This goes against the head of the family's will!" Seilan shouted.
"I don't want to fight," Alex said, "Please step aside."
"I don't think asking nicely will get them to step aside," Lazarus remarked.
"Hey, it's better than bashing them," Alex silently retorted. Suddenly, Alex was roughly pushed behind, as the three bodyguards appeared.
"Follow me," hissed Seilan. He grasped her hand, and Alex followed him as they went back inside the mansion.
"Where are we going? What about them?" Alex asked.
"You'll have to take the back exit," Seilan hurriedly replied. He opened a new door, revealing a flight of stairs.
"You have to go down these stairs. Follow the path, and you'll eventually find yourself out of this place," Seilan explained, "Ria will be very close to where this path ends."
Alex suddenly gave Seilan a huge hug. Seilan stiffened, but wrapped his arms around her. "I hope you find your family someday," Seilan said, "I'm sure that you have a family too, who misses you."
Alex sniffed and said, "I'll miss you a lot."
"Thank you for everything, and good luck," Seilan said, "Go now, quickly."
He handed her a lantern; Alex nodded, and slowly descended down the stairs. She heard Seilan shut the door behind her, and it became dark. Alex lit the lantern, glad for the light.
"I hope Seilan and the others are ok," thought Alex, worried.
"Don't worry. They will manage," Lazarus replied, "The military will not dare to attack the members of the house, even the servants."
There was a period of silence, as Alex began to contemplate about the events that had occurred today. The quest wasn't so bad, and she got the cursed ticket.
"Despite that, there is so much about people I don't know about," thought Alex, "Castor-san is a ghost...Teito told me that the perverted bishop was one too..."
"He is Zehel," Lazarus interjected, "Teito managed to see his scythe. His scythe is Verloren's."
Hearing Verloren's name made Alex feel nostalgic. She stopped walking, and placed a hand on her forehead.
"What's...wrong with me?" murmured Alex, "Why am I feeling so strange?"
"Have you not figured it out yet?" Lazarus asked. Alex blinked, and started to walk again. She knew that the memories were Eve's...
"You are the reincarnation of Eve," Lazarus finally said. Alex stopped walking, stunned by what she had heard.
"What?" she asked out loud, "I'm...Eve?" That was impossible! What...what...WHAT?
"You have her memories, hence you are her reincarnation," Lazarus explained.
"No I'm not!" Alex angrily said, "I don't even remotely look like her! My zaiphon is horrible! I'm just an orphan who's caught up with the military and church and I just want to be with Teito and Mikage again!" Her voice cracked, and she angrily wiped her eyes.
There was a moment of silence before Lazarus spoke again. "Did you know that you do look like her?" Lazarus gently remarked, "You do have her hair, but ever since I have inhabited your body, I purposefully changed your appearance so that you will not be recognized."
"I don't get it," Alex thought, numbly, "Doesn't Teito look like her?"
"Teito doesn't have the same eye colour as yours," Lazarus replied, "His soul is pure only because I sense another presence inside of him."
"What?" Alex thought, shocked. Teito was hosting some weird angel too?
"I'm not weird!" snapped Lazarus, "But I do believe he is hosting Mikhail..."
"...What?" thought Alex. Teito was hosting Mikhail...the Eye of Mikhail...what?
"We're digressing," Lazarus said, "You have to be more careful, now that you're Eve."
"I am not Eve!" Alex immediately thought, "Does it look like I love Verloren?"Again, the same feeling overcame her when she thought of Verloren. Purple eyes flashed into her mind. She shook her head, feeling afraid.
"If I'm Eve," Alex repeated, "Then why is Father-san not doing anything to me? Is it possible for me to just visit Father-san right now?" She became excited; perhaps she could get Mikage back!
"I don't think that the Chief of Heaven isn't aware of your presence," Lazarus said.
Alex's face fell. "That's stupid," she angrily said, "So I'm now going crazy, hallucinating about my previous life and Father-san isn't aware of me?"
"You are not hallucinating!" Lazarus angrily said, "What will it take for you to accept the truth? Why are you being so stubborn?"
Alex snapped, "I'm just..." She fell silent. "Who am I?"Alex wondered. She was an orphan, who spent ten years in the army as a boy, yet...yet...
Alex stopped walking, and blinked. A strange feeling came over her. She felt a pair of ghostly arms wrap around her. She stiffened, not from the ghostly touch, but when she smelled a familiar scent.
"Father-san?" Alex thought, her eyes widening.
"My dear daughter," a voice began—it was Father-san's! "Accept your destiny and become the saviour of this world," Father-san whispered, "Only you have the power to do what is right."
"Father-san," Alex said, desperate, "What about Teito?" Teito wasn't completely safe in the church; Ayanami would still be definitely looking for him...
Father-san whispered, "Do not worry about Teito Klein; he is safe with Fest, Profe, and Zehel."
"Father-san," Alex began, "Verloren, he's—"
"Don't worry about him," Father-san replied, "The seven ghosts and Lazarus will protect you from him." Alex blinked, alarmed. That wasn't what she wanted to tell him! His voice was becoming fainter and Alex barely heard his last words—"Don't forget that I love you, and I am always watching over you."
"Father-san!" Alex loudly said, but there was no answer. He had disappeared.
"Alex!" Lazarus asked, "Are you okay?"Alex didn't immediately answer.
"That's me," Alex muttered. Her voice grew louder as she said, "I am the reincarnation of Eve." It felt right, saying her name.
She heard a brief chuckle in her mind as Lazarus said, "Welcome back my lady. The Chief of Heaven's daughter, the girl who never listened, and the goddess of joy itself." Alex continued to walk.
"Father-san was watching over me," thought Alex.Despite that, her thoughts were constantly on Verloren.
She grew sad, thinking about the god of death. She was already missing his cryptic words, his serious expression, his gaze... "I never got to tell Father-san about Verloren,"Alex thought sadly, "Just when will I find the opportunity to tell him the truth?"
March 30th, 2143: 11:52 PM—
Teito's mind felt like air, but he forced himself to keep running. He focused on his strides, breathing deeply. "Almost there," thought Teito. He narrowed his eyes, as he noticed the other dolls behind him. Closing his eyes, he pushed himself, ignoring his muscles' protests. Hearing something rip, he slowly opened his eyes and felt himself being lifted into the air.
"I won?" Teito thought, wheezing. The dolls were throwing him into the air.
"Congratulations!" Castor happily said. Teito noticed he was holding something in his hands.
"I now present you with a basculus for professionals. You may use these dolls as a target," Castor continued, giving Teito the staff.
Teito grasped the staff and slowly stood up. "I wouldn't have it any other way!" Teito angrily thought, as he summoned his zaiphon. His zaiphon swirled around him, forming a large mass at the top of the staff.
"That would be its basic shape," Castor said, "Try releasing it." With all his strength, Teito hurled the mass towards the dolls. There was a large gust of wind, and he saw with satisfaction the dolls were knocked off. The dolls slowly stood up and he noticed that they were holding small papers. He read the numbers scrawled on them—20, 30, 40, 50, 80...
"Isn't 80 a good score?" Teito wondered out loud. He was feeling confident about his zaiphon ability. "I knew it," Teito thought, "Thank goodness for my previous training."
"By the way, the full score is 1000 points," Castor remarked. Teito scowled at Castor's smile. "That sly bishop,"thought Teito, "He's worse than that perverted bishop!" 1000 points? Teito looked at the numbers again, and inwardly groaned. He had a long way to go.
At that moment, Castor loudly asked, "Why don't you join him in practice, if you like?" Teito noticed that Castor was looking beyond him; turning around, he saw a familiar figure walk towards them—it was Hakuren!
Hakuren held out Mikage and nonchalantly said, "I'm only doing this guy a favour by bringing him here; he looked so lonely." Mikage jumped onto Teito's shoulder, and Teito stroked him.
Meanwhile, Hakuren accepted Castor's offer; Teito and Hakuren spent the next while with Castor. Teito was secretly happy that Hakuren was training with him. Already the distance between him and Hakuren seemed to be shrinking, and it was an opportunity to witness Hakuren's finesse. Finally, Castor had dismissed them, and Teito and Hakuren began to walk back to their dormitory.
"The bishop is so kind to accompany us in our training," Hakuren remarked.
"Yeah," Teito replied, "That's how Castor-san is." He had never felt so weary in his life; he didn't catch Hakuren's shocked expression.
Suddenly, Teito and Hakuren both stopped, as they saw a dark mass surround them. Hakuren swiftly summoned his zaiphon, pushing Teito roughly out of the way. Teito quickly got his footing back, as he saw Hakuren got flung out of the arch. Without a thought, Teito threw himself out of the window.
"Hakuren!" screamed Teito. He had to save Hakuren! He was going to die!
"Teito!" Hakuren called back. He grasped Teito's hand, and Teito brought his bascule against the wall. He summoned his zaiphon again, struggling to stop falling. Meanwhile, there was another black shadow that was falling towards them. Teito felt a pair of strong arms wrap around him. Looking up, he saw that it was Frau. Hakuren was being held under Frau's other arm—Teito wasn't sure whether Hakuren was conscious or not.
Frau landed lightly onto the ground. "Hold on to me brat," Frau grunted, and leapt again.
He summoned his scythe, and Teito watched him slice through the darkness. "What exactly is that?" wondered Teito, watching Frau's scythe devour the darkness.
"You've finally shown yourself," Frau remarked. Teito's eyes widened as the dark mass began to slither away.
"Yep!" a new voice called, "I'm just following Ayanami-sama's orders!" Teito looked on, as the dust settled; at one of the balconies, two strangers were standing there. One of them was a pink haired short person wearing the student robes, while the other was a blue haired bishop.
"They look so familiar," thought Teito. A memory of the begleiter exam flashed into his mind, but he was still not able to recognize the two strangers.
"We meet at last Zehel," the pink haired person said. Teito inwardly shuddered at the cold tone.
"It just attacked out of nowhere! Just what is it?" Teito asked.
"That is a 'wars'," explained Frau, "The result of someone having all three of their wishes granted by a kor."
Teito looked down, and saw a corpse was sprawled on the ground. "Isn't it the guy that was killed near the church?"Teito realized. A new worry appeared in his mind—Hakuren! What was Hakuren going to say if he told him the entire truth?
Looking again, he noticed that Hakuren was unconscious. Teito breathed a sigh of relief, glad that he would be saved from explaining his past to Hakuren.
"Thank you Frau," breathed Teito. It would be complicated to explain to Hakuren about what was happening. Frau didn't acknowledge his words and instead glared at the two strangers.
"That murderer of our brethren," the pink haired person hissed. Another kor was hurled towards them, and Frau immediately destroyed it.
"Che," cursed Frau, and Teito saw that the two strangers had escaped.
"Ayanami-sama? They work for him?" wondered Teito, "Who were they?"
March 30th, 2143: ? AM/PM—
After a long time, Alex finally broke the silence.
"So what are we going to do now?" Alex asked out loud, "We've got one cursed ticket..."
"We must first deal with your appearance again," Lazarus replied, "The military is still after you, and Ayanami probably knows that you are no longer in the god house through the wars."
"Oh no, the wars!" Alex thought, alarmed, "What are we going to do about that? It's like a tracking device for him!"Subconsciously, Alex began to hasten her steps.
"Luckily, since you're Lady Eve," Lazarus replied, "Within time, you will eventually be able to purify the wars. For now, I am doing my best to prevent the wars from consuming your mind."
Alex shuddered. "Thank you Lazarus," Alex murmured, "You're a good friend." There was a period of silence (Alex swore that Lazarus's expression would have been shock), until Lazarus said,
"You need to change the colour of your hair...they have your photo from their files."
"Well, Seilan said that Ria is really close,"reasoned Alex, "I can go visit some shop there and ask for dye." Alex didn't want to cut her hair again; she decided to buy a cap and hide her hair under it.
"What about my powers?" wondered Alex, "I hope they come back soon..."
"It will take time," Lazarus replied, "Be patient."
"Oh, I think we're close now!" Alex excitedly said, as she saw a faint light up ahead. She began to walk faster as she approached the light. The light began to expand, and Alex held her hand against her eyes, shielding her gaze. Afternoon seemed to have disappeared, and Alex realized that it was night.
"Wow it took us several hours just to walk here?"Alex thought, as she slowly clambered out of the hole. She fell to the grass, exhausted. She looked around, and saw some buildings close by—Ria.
Letting out a sigh of relief, Alex lay on the ground and looked up at the stars. "We did it," Alex happily murmured.
"There's still more to come," warned Lazarus.
"Way to ruin everyone's mood," Alex thought, closing her eyes. Breathing deeply, Alex never realized that she had fallen asleep.
In her dream, Alex found herself at a familiar place—her favourite grove, where she often met Verloren—"Another memory?" Alex wondered out loud.
Different people began to appear in front of Alex—she recognized a few angels, and then she saw Father-san. He held out his arms, and Alex ran towards him.
"Father-san!" Alex happily cried. It was Father-san, her beloved Father-san...
She hugged him, but suddenly screamed when she saw his robes stained with blood and purple-black stains. She looked up, horrified, as she was facing a skull.
"Lady Eve!" she heard Lazarus dimly call out. She tried to pull herself out of the skeleton's embrace, but the bony hands had gripped her hard. Alex summoned her zaiphon, and manipulated the skeleton away from her.
The skeleton cackled and hissed, "You are growing weak everyday...you are slowly losing your mind...surrender now..."
"No!" yelled Alex. "It was the wars!" Alex angrily thought. She was mad at herself for falling for that wars's trick. Where was Lazarus?
The skeleton gave another mad cackle, and to Alex's surprise, it vanished! Looking around wildly, she suddenly noticed a very familiar figure standing there.
March 30th, 2143: ? AM/PM—
Ayanami smiled as he entered Alexandra Night's mind again. "Lazarus is growing weak," Ayanami noted, satisfied. He silently ordered the wars to keep Lazarus occupied while he would have another 'talk' with Alexandra Night. Walking around the forest, Ayanami reached a grove; he narrowed his eyes as he recognized the grove. It was the first place where he met her...and her favourite place to meet him...
"Stop it," Ayanami angrily thought, "It's Lazarus's stupid illusions again."
He came to a stop and smirked. Alexandra Night was looking around, and didn't see him. After a few moments, she seemed to finally notice his presence.
March 30th, 2143: ? AM/PM—
Alex felt her breath caught in her throat when she saw him.
"Verloren?" Alex thought wildly. Verloren! Verloren...he was standing there, in front of her! Her heart began to pound faster, and she could feel a smile at the corner of her mouth. She took a step forward...and another...and another...
"Verloren," choked Alex, feeling a sob in her throat. The silver hair, the amethyst eyes—she suddenly paused.
His eyes...they were cold. Alex blinked, and frowned. Ayanami was standing in front of her, staring back at her. His eyes bore into hers, and Alex gulped, fearful.
"What? I thought..."thought Alex, shaking her head. She took a step backwards, frightened.
"What has that sly angel been telling you?" hissed Ayanami, advancing towards her, "Has he figured out any other secrets?" Alex shook her head, numbly. She...she...Verloren...wasn't he—
Lazarus appeared in front of her, and Alex suddenly had the strange sensation as if someone was violently shaking her. Her vision blurred, and everything went black for a moment.
"Hey...hey!" she heard someone call. Opening her eyes, she blearily looked at two boys kneeling in front of her.
"Are you ok miss?" one of them asked. Alex groaned, feeling a massive headache.
"Ayanami is trying to enter your mind again," Lazarus explained. His voice sounded strained, and Alex was alarmed."Don't worry, he's retreating now," Lazarus said.
"Ayanami," dimly thought Alex, "Verloren..." She felt something wet on her cheek, and realized that they were tears. She started to cry, not caring about the two boys in front of her.
"He's Verloren," sobbed Alex, "He's Verloren..." The boys looked at her, confused and somewhat embarrassed.
Alex's mind was completely blank except for one thought, echoing over and over:
"Ayanami...was Verloren?"
March 30th, 2143: ? AM/PM—
"Surprise," Ayanami thought when he saw Alexandra Night's surprised expression. He suddenly froze when she said, "Verloren". She slowly began to walk towards him, her eyes entranced.
Ayanami was shocked. She...she called him by his true name! "How did she figure that out?" Ayanami thought,"Lazarus must be behind this..." Lazarus must have told Alexandra Night about his suspicions...
Alexandra Night stopped walking, and gasped. She seemed to realize what she had called him. Fear flashed in her eyes, as she took a hesitant step backwards.
"What has that sly angel been telling you?" Ayanami hissed, "Has he figured out any other secrets?" He walked towards her. Lazarus already knew that he was a warsfeil; he began to suspect Ea was also behind this.
Before he could get any closer, Lazarus suddenly appeared. "You," snarled Ayanami. He summoned his zaiphon, and hurled it towards Lazarus. Lazarus dodged it, and used his holy magic. Ayanami could feel himself being pushed out of Alexandra Night's mind. He tried to push back, but realized that his human body would get severely damaged if he tried. He reluctantly retreated, allowing himself to go back into his body.
Ayanami found himself back at Hohburg Fort. He stood up, and stalked to the window, his teeth bared. He failed. AGAIN. That stupid angel and girl they got the better of him—
He slammed his fist against the window, breathing heavily. She said his real name...how did she figure it out? HOW? The god house certainly did not know his identity, and his source told him that Fest was still at the church with the other two ghosts, while there was no sign of Ea—
Ayanami turned rigid, as another thought occurred to him. "Her soul," thought Ayanami, "It was different." Teito Klein's soul shone because he was the host for Mikhail, yet Alexandra Night's...Ayanami's eyes furrowed as he tried to find an answer to his thoughts.
"Hyuuga," Ayanami silently called, "I will be away for the rest of the night and possibly part of the morning."
Hyuuga swiftly replied, "What? Why Aya-tan?"
"Alexandra Night has left the god-house and it's time for me to get her," Ayanami responded, "If anyone asks, simply tell them that I am away. Do not specify where."
"Ok Aya-tan," Hyuuga said, "Have fun!"
Closing his eyes, Ayanami summoned his wars. The office was illuminated in darkness for a second; when the lights came back on, Ayanami had vanished.