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Chapter 21: The Company of Rouvelier

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Alright, enough with the stalling-back to the plot line! Things are going to get fired up in here!

Nova's POV

I sighed in exasperation as Malcolm C. Rouvelier repeated the question for the billionth time. I'm already back at the Order for two days and I'm already experiencing an interrogation? Just what has the world come to? I sat in front of the other Generals, excluding General Cross, and Rouvelier, being interrogated about how I had 'supposedly' destroyed a town. To be honest, the whole incident with my town hadn't entirely settled into my mind yet, and I was gladly looking forward to putting the whole issue to the side, until this toothbrush mustached jerk decided to bring it back up again.

"So you expect me to believe that that creature you call Avon had destroyed your town?" He asked in a sarcastic voice, his cold and narrowed eyes glaring at me. I inhaled, trying to contain my sudden wave of anger and met Rouvelier's gaze evenly.

"Yes. That's my hometown for Pete's sake! What makes you think that I would destroy it?" I hissed out as I clenched my uninjured hand, shooting daggers at the servant of the Pope.

"Watch your mouth," He warned cautiously as he scribbled something down on a clipboard that lay in front of him.

"Next question; what were you doing in that one month you had disappeared from the Order?" I scowled at this, knowing that I probably shouldn't say anything about Victoria yet. She'd want to let everyone know on her own.

"I was healing from my wounds. I was gravely wounded so I needed time to recover," I replied as my injuries ached with a throbbing pain.

"So we can't suspect that you had gone and met with the Noah?" I froze at this statement and locked eyes with General Klaud who looked equally surprised. How would this bastard know something like that when we had purposely hid it from him?

"No you can't because I never did during that one month." I retorted as I looked through my mind of anyone who would relay information such as this. Only two people knew of how I left willingly to find General Klaud. And in those two people, I knew that none of them would let it get out to anyone. So who did it?

"Really? Because according to information that I have received; you had gone with a Noah willingly during a fight. Is this true?" Before I could even answer to his question, General Klaud had held her hand up, stopping me as she interrupted.

"You surely heard of my disappearance as well correct? Nova had gone in search for me, going with the Noah because of the knowledge she received that I was their captive." General Klaud met my gaze seriously before moving back to Rouvelier's.

"If you went willingly, then you betrayed your promise to the Order. We do not know what had happened between you and the Noah, along with the Earl, but if we find any information of a betrayal against us, you will suffer serious consequences because of it. For now, because we, more importantly, myself, don't trust you quite yet, will be on constant surveillance by Howard Link," There was a period silence before two Generals got up to their feet, protesting. I was surprised to see General Tiedoll one of them.

"Someone like her would never betray the Order! There's no need for someone to watch over her!" General Klaud quietly retorted in a low voice, her golden gauntlets against the table. General Sokaro simply smirked at me behind that mask of his, his fingers drumming against the table in a piqued interest.

"I agree, I've seen her, this girl would not do such a thing," General Tiedoll agreed as he met Rouvelier's eyes with a small frown.

"Despite your complaints, my decision is final. Howard Link, show the girl out. Oh and brat, I'll be interrogating you once more later today." Rouvelier said in a stern voice, sending the man who stood beside him with two moles on his forehead over to me. I glared at the man who I hated instantly as Link helped me out of my seat, offering me my crutch as I made my way out of the room.

I panted, trying to catch my breath as Link shut the door out to the large room softly, following beside me with a slowed pace. I stopped for a moment and leaned against the nearby wall, shutting my eyes as I felt the numb feeling spreading over my stomach.

"Is something wrong Krest-san?" Link quietly asked me as I noticed his presence in front of me. I took a breath and shook my head, opening my eyes to meet his coldly.

"No there isn't, and yet there is when the Order thinks that I've betrayed them." I replied bitterly as I made my way past him, making sure I didn't fall flat on my face as I went down the hall. In a moment, Howard Link was by my side once more, making me groan inwardly at how I'd have to deal with this every day till my surveillance was over.

"We all have our suspicions, especially since you had disappeared for a month,"

"I almost died! I needed to heal my wounds and he thinks I affiliated with those damn Noah!?" I spat out as I moved quickly down the hallway in a desperate attempt to lose the constant presence by my side. I noticed that Link was about to say something when I passed by Kanda's room, the door opening to it suddenly as he stepped out-wearing a black tank-, freezing as he saw me. He probably thought I was some sort of dragon with my angered expression and huffing breaths. He met my gaze for a brief second before laying eyes on Howard Link suspiciously.

"You work for that bastard?!" He demanded as he stalked up towards him, moving in front of me protectively. I stumbled back on my feet at this and hit my back against the wall. Howard simply looked back at Kanda with a calm expression, as if he were reciting words mechanically.

"If by 'that bastard' you mean Malcolm C. Rouvelier, than yes. And I'd rather you not call him a bastard either." Kanda clenched his fist in anger at this statement and turned to face me, the look in his eyes filled with pure hatred. What did Rouvelier do to him that made him hate him so much?

"Were you interrogated?" He demanded as he held my own gaze evenly.

"Yes, and I've got another meeting with him later." I replied quietly, wondering what was up with him.

"So who's this?" He jerked his thumb back at Howard with a disapproving scowl. My eyebrows shot up at this, and at the tone of his voice.

"He's Howard Link, someone who's assigned to watch over me at all times."

"At all times?" I met his gaze again and saw that fury within them, wondering why he was so mad. I gave him a small nod and that gave him a reason to whirl around to Howard Link and grab the collar of his shirt. I couldn't make out very many words because of how quiet Kanda's tone was but I'm pretty sure I made out 'if you do something', 'stupid to her', and 'I will personally destroy you'.

I realized then that he was very overprotective when it came to me. I grinned inwardly at this and reached out to put my hand on his shoulder, glad that someone like him was in my life.

"Hey, it's okay. If he does anything, I'll just whoop his ass." I reassured as he pulled away from him, giving me a hesitant glance, his eyes meeting my splinted arm and crutch. We exchanged glances for a moment before he huffed, clenching the hilt of Mugen tightly as he glared at Howard.

"Fine, but if you can't, I will." With that, he stalked off in the direction of the training room, leaving me once again in the company of someone I didn't want. I stared at him for a moment before sighing, picking up my crutch again and heading down the hall towards the cafeteria.

"Well if this is how things are going to be for a few weeks, then I should get to know you better huh?" I asked as I glanced over at Link who stared back at me surprised, making me stop.

"…I prefer that you didn't poke into my personal life." He quietly replied, giving me a small lift of the side of his mouth. An attempt at a smile then? I simply grinned back at him and clapped him on the back with my free hand.

"Don't worry, whatever you say to me, won't get out to anyone else."

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Kanda's POV

Tch, that guy's got to follow her around everywhere? I clenched the hilt of Mugen tightly as I slashed through the air in the training room. Hopefully what I said to him would get to his head. If he's constantly by Nova's side, then I can't even go near her. I'd rather not have someone like him, who works for that bastard, in the way of my conversations with her. Tch, annoying.

"Hey, you look more agitated than usual Ba-Kanda," I turned when I heard that familiar voice and saw the bean sprout saunter into the training room, clad in only a tank top like me, his jacket around his waist.

"Perfect, are you looking for a way to die?" I coldly retorted as I sheathed Mugen and crossed my arms as he slipped off his coat and moved in front of me, taking one of the normal katanas off the side wall.

"No, but I'm sure you want to vent your anger off someone," Allen replied coolly as he slashed his weapon through the air, testing it. I smirked at this and pulled Mugen out once more, muscles tensed.

"Well you caught me in a bad mood Bean sprout,"

"It's Allen,"

"Tch, like I care."

As I glared at him with a smirk, him giving the same to me, we both drew our weapons back, in search of an entertaining fight. And as we lunged forward and clashed swords, I could begin to feel the anger that was boiling within me start to lift. An hour passed and neither the bean sprout nor I had given in easily to each other's strength. I could really tell that he had gained much more power with how built his muscles were every time he swung his weapon forward. We broke apart, both panting with sweat dripping off the sides of our faces.

"What, too tired to go on Bean sprout?" I teased with a smirk, seeing Allen's eyes fire up with anger.

"Not a chance Ba-kanda, and I told you, it's Allen," I scoffed and was about to make a smart remark when the door to the training room was slammed open and figures cloaked in black stepped in, surrounding the both of us. Allen and I exchanged glances and lowered our weapons, moving closer to each other as the circle tightened.

"What's going on here?" Allen demanded as a set of footsteps walked in. The circle that surrounded us parted into two rows and there standing in all his glory was Malcolm C. Rouvelier.

"What the hell do you want?" I snapped as I sheathed Mugen, crossing my arms in front of my chest. Rouvelier's mustache twitched in annoyance as he narrowed his eyes as me.

"It appears that Nova has betrayed the Order." He simply said, his eyes cold as they bore into my own. His words brought a cold hand around my heart. What did he mean?

"What're you talking about?" Allen asked in place of me, stepping forward slightly. The toothbrush mustached man simply scowled at this as he gave the signal for the ones in the black cloaks to encircle them once more.

"It means that Nova will no longer be an exorcist. She will be killed immediately for leaking information about us to the Noahs." Allen and I stiffened at this sentence instantly, hearing Rouvelier's footsteps fade away.

"Hey! That isn't for you to decide!" I demanded as I tried to shove past the cloaked men, the desperation clawing at my gut. They'll kill Nova, for doing what? Why would she even do such a thing? This can't be true. They can't kill her. Right when she just came back!

The men shoved Allen and I back, preventing us from escaping. I exchanged glances with him again and nodded. At the same time, we activated our Innocence and lunged at the men cloaked in black. Mugen clashed against the barrier they put up, matching our strength but not strong enough. With a yell of effort, Allen and I pushed against the barrier and shoved through them with our shoulders, making our way out the door towards Nova.

"What's happening? Right when things were settling down!" Allen exclaimed as we ran through the halls, everyone suddenly scattering about.

"It's not right. This whole thing is suspicious." I replied as I spotted Lenalee held by the arms of those people in black cloaks. She was trying to fight back but they were dragging her away from her brother who was completely shocked by what was happening.

"Nii-san!" She cried out as she was pulled further away from the Chief. Komui was held by his arms as well, trying to struggle in an effort to escape.

"Beansprout! Head towards them, meet in the dining hall. That's where Nova is." I said as I ran towards the railing, jumping off the side to get to the one below it. As I turned in mid air, I saw Allen already kicking the guys off of Lenalee, pulling her to her feet. As I landed on the bottom railing and jumped off, heading straight for the dining hall, I could've sworn I heard a girl's scream.

Just what the hell was going on here?

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Nova's POV

I was truly amazed by how locked up Howard Link seemed. I mean, I did everything to get a piece of information from him, and nothing worked! All of my strategies, blown away. I simply stared at him from across the table as I stirred my soup quietly, seeing him shift under my gaze. A tea cup was set in front of him, steam rising from it.

"Would you please stop staring at me?" He asked as he grabbed hold of his cup and took a sip. I blinked at him for a moment before sighing, giving in.

"It's so weird; I can't even assume anything about how your life was! Ergh, well I'm not going to give in so easily to this!" I exclaimed with a resolved determination, clenching my fist as I stared at Link who gave me a raised eyebrow of an expression.

"I'd like to see you try and get information out of me." He challenged with a twitch of the side of his mouth.

I tightened my balled fist, about to conjure out a question when I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. I saw the crowd of finders a few tables besides ours get pushed aside roughly. Ignoring it, I banged my fist on the table, about to ask it when two lances were placed against my neck. Link stiffened in surprise at this, meeting my gaze confusedly.

"What's the meaning of this?" I demanded the two men cloaked in black who held the two lances. They remained silent as one of them grabbed my arm forcefully, moving it behind my back painfully. Keeping in a cry out of pain, I glared at Link to do something.

"On whose authority do you have to do this?" The man with two moles on his forehead asked as he took a step forward. Once more, the cloaked men remained silent.

"Link, who are these guys?" I inquired as I tried to catch a glimpse of what they looked like under their hoods. All I saw was complete darkness. Link narrowed his eyes as he heard another set of footsteps begin to approach from behind.

"They're members of CROW. I don't know why they're here though." He replied as the set of footsteps stopped behind the two of them. I widened my eyes when I saw his face, anger instantly rushing through me.

"Why are you doing this to me you bastard!?" I demanded as I struggled against the CROW members grip. I saw Link's eyes widen in shock as he saw the person who approached me.

Malcolm C. Rouvelier.

The toothbrush mustached man stopped in front of me, grabbing hold of my chin in order for him to stare deep into my eyes. I stared at him with an icy hatred as I saw nothing but depths of anger and viciousness beneath his gaze.

"Why did you release information about us?" He demanded, tightening his grip around my chin. I narrowed my eyes at his accusation and clenched my fist in anger.

"What're you talking about? I did nothing like that!" I retorted angrily before Rouvelier pulled back his hand from my chin. In a second I doubled over in pain as I felt his fist connect solidly with my stomach. Groaning in pain, his hand seized my chin once more, forcing my eyes to meet his own.

"I received information that you had leaked information to the Noah! Now answer me, what did you say about us?" He quietly asked me, his tone filled with demand as his gaze bore into mine. I gritted my teeth in agitation. I had no idea what the hell he was talking about! Who would make up a lie such as this!?

"I never said anything! Believe me Rouvelier!" I exclaimed as I tried not to wince at how tight his grip around my chin was. His cold eyes showed an unconvinced expression.

"Why should I believe you? I never trusted you in the first place." He simply said as he took a step away from me.

"Who was this person who gave you this information? They probably saw it wrong or something! I'd never betray the Order! Please-" My pleading was caught short when I felt a cold hand slap my across the face. With my bangs hanging over my eyes, I could see Link's stricken expression.

"Rouvelier-san, I've seen this girl. She'd never do such a thing. Please believe her." He said, trying to win the person who seemed to hate my guts.

"No, it's too late for that. This girl should be killed for betraying the Order." I froze at that sentence, my eyes wide in fear. Me, killed? For doing something I didn't do?!

"Who was it? Who told you this bull of lies?!" I yelled as I raised my head to meet the cold, hazel eyes that glared down at me.

"You want to know? It was Sam," I gaped at him in shock, my head starting to shake in disbelief. I never said anything! Why would Sam say such a thing!?

"Sam…why would he-"

"Enough. Kill her already." Fear crept up my spine as I felt the two men who held me captive shift. No-I didn't want to die! I saw Link move forward but Rouvelier got ahead of him, striking him in the stomach. I saw Link's gaze meet mine for a second before he passed out, falling to the floor. I realized then that the cafeteria was filled with people; finders, exorcists; all staring at the scene that was now presently going on. Rouvelier seemed to notice me staring at the lot of them.

"Hm, don't bother with them. We'll erase the memory of you even existing from their minds." He said in satisfaction as he gazed down at me, a smile evident on his face.

"How are the Generals not aware of this?! How-" I was silenced again when I felt something slash against my side. I gritted my teeth as blood was spilt onto the floor, the blade of the lance from one of the members of CROW retracting from my side. A fist connected with the fresh wound and I let out a howl of pain, my head limp as I tried to catch my breath. This was wrong. Why is this happening to me?

"Oi! Get away from her!" I snapped my head up when I heard his voice. Kanda stood at the entrance to the dining hall, Mugen unsheathed and a rage filled look in his eyes. Lavi was standing next to him, a look of pure hatred as well. They both sprinted towards me, ignoring the looks that the finders gave them, confused about the entire situation. Before I could say anything, I felt the air shoved out of me as I was slammed into the ground, adding extra pain to my fresh wound.

All I knew right then that hands were scrambling to grab me, coming from all sides. It was awful. As I swatted them all away, I slowly got up to my feet, panting as I held my bleeding side. Thoughts of the current situation were now circulating throughout my head. Maybe the Order wasn't my home after all. I also knew that I didn't want to die. And yet someone wanted me dead.

I thought of the people who wanted me dead and realized that it was just down to two. The Earl and the Shigai. One of them had given Rouvelier false information. And he took the bait, just like the bastard he is.

As I watched the fight between the CROW members and the exorcists, I realized that if I even made it out of this place alive, I'd have nowhere to return to, I'd have nothing to defend myself with-my Innocence not repairable. This was hell.

I wanted to do nothing more than just run away. To run away from all this fighting, but now I know what my mother, and brother had to go through while they were here. I'm sure they didn't have to go through what I'm experiencing now, but I know that they struggled. However they got past it and became the best exorcists they could be. Liking it or not I'd have to do the same. I was their legacy.

I took a deep breath and clenched my fist, closing my eyes for a second. Then with a whistle, I stopped all fighting, having them all meet my gaze.

"Alright, if you all want me dead, then let me stay here. I'm as good as dead here without the use of my Innocence. Interrogate me as much as you want about this false information of giving, but you will not kick me out of the only place that I have to come back to. You'd regret doing that, I promise you. If you try anything, I swear I'll fight back with every ounce of strength that I have. I'll give you a deal; you let me stay here, and I tell you exactly what happened with the Earl." There was a second of silence before Rouvelier scowled as he took a step forward, my two companions instantly appearing by my side.

"I don't trust you Krest; I should just let you get killed by CROW. But believe me when I say this; the interrogation you will receive from me will make you wish that you had been killed instead." He said that with a sadistic little smirk, turning round to pick up Link's body and leading the CROW members out of the dining hall.

Kanda and Lavi turned to face me but by then I was already letting my tears streak down my face. As I gazed into their averted eyes, I could've sworn I saw the look of payback.

-.-.-.-

"How could you?! Why would you say such a thing Sam!?" I screamed in his face the moment I saw him, pushing him up against the wall with the collar of his exorcist coat balled in my one fist. Kanda and Lavi were behind me, not wanting to interfere. For a moment, Sam looked confused.

"W-what're you talking about?" I widened my eyes horridly at this and loosened my grip on him, taking a step back.

"You…you-" A figure moved in front of me and Kanda was suddenly there speaking for me.

"Rouvelier told us that you had told him that Nova had leaked information about us to the Noah. He got completely pissed and was about to kill her and you don't know what she's talking about?" He said in a low voice, trying to keep his anger calm.

"W-wha? I told him? I never told him anything! I'm sorry Nova, I really don't know what you're talking about!" I looked into his eyes and checked to see if he was lying-but I saw nothing. Just the genuine truth.

"He's not lying…" I whispered as I lowered my gaze, seeing Kanda's head swivel towards me from the corner of my eye.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean he's telling the truth. He didn't tell Rouvlier anything." There was a pregnant pause before I heard Lavi say, "What the hell's going on?" when my world swayed beneath me. I leaned against a warm body and inhaled Kanda's scent as his arms wrapped around me.

"This whole situation's crazy," I whispered as I closed my eyes, just wishing that everything could just stop for a moment. Sadly, that isn't what this world can do.

-.-.-.-

No one's POV

"The task has been done Earl-sama." The black haired, sunglasses wearing Noah said as she walked up to the Earl who was sitting in his large chair. The fat chubby man simply laughed, his wide grin spreading on his face.

"Perfect! You did a great job impersonating that boy exorcist; telling that Rouvelier that the exorcist he trusts the least told information about us-beautiful job well done Lulubell!"

The Noah of Lust simply smiled back at her master, glad that she could have been of service. Surely things were moving along smoothly now. That girl would soon be dead, whether she was kicked out, or by the ton of pressure she'll be put upon by that Rouvelier. Even talking to the man was disgustingly difficult. That cold gaze in his eyes just made her cringe.

Hmph, either way, Nova Krest would need to die in order for the Earl's plan to proceed.

-.-.-.-

Alright! The plot is moving along nicely once more! I hope you all liked the twist that I gave! I originally wanted to keep this chapter like a filler but I realized that the last chapter was basically one so I decided to move the story line along. :) Hopefully you liked it! It's not as short as the last chapter so yay! I'll do something about Nova's Innocence in the next chapter!