Headquarters
Black Order- Chief's Office
Eleanor entered and saw Komui's serious face. She knocked making the chief flinch. Papers fell on his desk. "You're back, Eleanor. Did Marshal Squalo left you again", he sounded childish. "Yes. Thanks to that, I have to find my way here alone", Eleanor sighed. She watches as the science department lean on their tables. They looked tired as ever. Just yesterday, they prepared a transmision earing for Allen before entering the arc.
"I want to sleep forever", Tap wished. "That's not good. It means you're also good as dead", Johnny tried to fight his drowsiness. "I'm back", Eleanor walked behind them. They sat down. "Welcome home Eleanor!", they suddey felt excited again. "I had sometime to walk around so I bought some souvenirs", Eleanor brought out a bag of sweets. The science team gobbled on it as if they were starving for days. "They just wanted to taste how the outside taste like", Komui explained.
Eleanor sat on the couch. "I haven't seen any exorcist around", Eleanor noticed. "Most of them are in Edo and headed there", Komui's voice turned serious. "Most of them? The only exorcist left are the Marshals, Bookman, Lavi, Kanda, Marie, Miranda, Lenalee, Krory and Allen. Does that mean I'm the only one here?", Eleanor stood. "You don't have to feel worried about that. By the way, I believe Marshal gave you the innocence", Komui tried to change the topic. "Here they are. I will be preparing to go there as well", Eleanor was about to go. "You just have to think what you can do, Miss Eleanor. With all the exorcist staying in one place, who will deal with the concerns here in the Order", an unknown voice made the lady calm down.
She looked at the direction of voice and saw a person with such dignified posture. A man with two dots on his forehead looked like his bodyguard. "Welcome, Chief Louverier. You came earlier than the expected time", Komui greeted. "Wouldn't that be assuring to still have at least one remaining exorcist aside from the general? We don't have an assurance that the rest will be coming back", Louverier stared at Eleanor's worried expression. "Inspector, she was the one mentioned by the High Generals", Link whispered. The mustache man had a short laugh. "How does it feel killing demon this time? Is it a little different from feeling human blood dripping from your hand?", the Inspector sat down. Eleanor stepped back and saw the science department.
Don't say it.
Don't listen.
Please, don't look at me.
" Oho? Chief, could it be that you haven't heard from this lady? ", Louverier playfully asked. A hand dropped on the table having Eleanor hidden with his tall stature. "I'm back", Squalo shielded the young lady's terrified face. "The cast are gathered. Shall I tell you about that lady and the danger she carries-", Louverier was interupted with Squalo's yawn. "Who cares? If you need to deal with monsters, you need to rely on someone worst that those killing weapons", Squalo clicked his tongue. "Don't lazy around here! There are still matters to deal with!!! Go carry my luggage", Squalo ordered the lady.
Corridor
Eleanor walked behind the Marshal. "Thank you, Marshal", the lady gave a weak smile. Squalo didn't respond.
Herbarium
Link went down to get some tea he would be brewing for Louverier. He looked around and appreciated how well it was taken care of. He stepped on someone's leg. Eleanor winced and woke up from a deep sleep.
"My apologies, Miss exorcist", Link bowed. Eleanor sat straight and leaned on the glass wall. She stared outside and saw the endless cliff to which the Order had been built. She often wondered how can a building large as the Order is supported by a thin set of rocks. Link stared at her crimson eyes.
"For what Inspector said a while ago, he didn't mean to..", Link was about to say something when Eleanor gave a weak smile. "Do you know me?", she asked. Link stood straight then nodded. "You are the young general that captured Ireland", the young man said with a firm voice. Its been a while since Eleanor heard that news. True enough, she was that ignorant child who moved like a robot that time. She was tossed by the wave of the situation. "The month after Ireland made a surprise attack to Wales, you escorted the King of Wales, your uncle, to infiltrate the Palace. To reduce the number of casualties in the coming all-out war, a special elite soldiers sneaked in Ireland. That elite group of twenty was able to kill hundreds soldiers stationed in the palace along with knights that guarded the royal family.
Flashback
Wales Palace
The bell rang indicating of a surprise attack. Eleanor went out of her room and carried her sword. She dropped her sword on the corridor. Keanne picked it and handed over to his daughter. Feeling so much guilt, he cannot bring himself to look into her eyes. "The other knights are already headed towards the capital. Stay here and protect your mother", Keanne ran towards the throne room.
I am going to be stronger. Stronger than anyone so I can protect my mother and also dad.
The lady gripped on her sword tightly. Battle after battle, she felt the sword getting heavier and heavier. She secured it on her waist then took the pistol instead. Comparing to the sword, the blood of the enemy rarely touches her but pistols have limited bullets.
Shiraih's Room
Eleanor saw assassins gathering in front of Shiraiah's room. She shot them with no hesitation. It's either she shoots or get shot. She pocketed the pistol then started using her sword to slash the enemy. She skillfully evaded the attacks. Some soldiers arrived on time. They wanted to help but watching the lady's swift and calculated moves made them want to savor the moment. Eleanor doesn't give a move that is wasted. "Why are you just standing there?", Shiraiah went out clenching her fist. Even if Eleanor is skilled to protect herself, a lady shouldn't be holding a sword. She should be staying inside her room and being protected. After sometime, Eleanor took a handkerchief and wiped her sword.
Shiraiah hugged the lady and covered her small frame. Eleanor wanted to hug her back but her hands have blood dripping from them. She hated that sensation. Just for a while, it feels warm but will soon envelop her hands with chilling coldness. She hated the sinister color of the blood.
Few weeks after
Capital
Eleanor and the other knights are having their monitoring rounds.
"Have you heard? They might raise your rank to Lieutenant General".
"You're just twelve and look how many soldiers you have trampled on".
"No worries, we will always be proud of you".
Eleanor saw painful smile from her fellow soldiers. They feel pity for her. They even have their own kids with that age and they are secured and safe within the walls of the capital. The right hand of the king didn't have a choice either. He didn't have a son so all the responsibilities were placed on his daughter's shoulder. Eleanor forced a smile. "Let's continue fighting for the King", she nodded and the soldiers cheered.
She heard laughter all around the place. The children are playing around the capital with no fear. She knows it. For the sake of the motherland, she has to fight. Are there no other way to achieve and maintain freedom? A young girl offered a flower to Eleanor. The lady took it and gave a salute. "One day, I will also be like you; someone who is strong", the girl's eyes are glittering. Eleanor wanted to reject the girl's desire. She couldn't say anything but just nod.
Chapter end.
