Rejected (D. Gray Man Fanfiction)

Chapter 17

Innocence.. Activate...

Red light exploded in the dark, making me gasp. Air filled my lungs, making my blood run on adrenaline. I attacked in random directions, feeling the claws fall away from my body. After I was sure nothing was squeezing me tight, I stopped, and a feeling of the red light caressing my skin washed over me.

I felt like I was floating.

And then it was all gone, an impact shattering the feeling. I groaned and struggled to get on my feet, snapping my eyes open.

"Y/N! Are you okay?" Someone shook me and I almost fell down. My vision was blurry. Strong arms pulled me up and I slumped against the figure, taking long breaths. "Sorry about that," he apologized.

"Don't worry about it." My voice was small, but I could feel my body regaining its energy after the adrenaline rush. "Thanks for helping me up."

"Yeah," he suddenly whispered. "You think you can stand on your own?"

"I think so, why?"

"We need your help." My vision refocused and I found myself staring at Allen's face. I scurried away as I realized the close proximity of his mouth. Allen made no comment, but looked relieved.

"Can you take the robot down? I think you have a better chance. I'm the only one who woke up., and the science division is having a heated argument..." I noticed the other two Exorcists behind him. Memories flooded my mind and I grimaced as I realized what I was suppose to do.

The scientists were shouting at each other for who knows what, and I facepalmed. Now I have to deal with Komui's stupid robot...

"I can try." I scavenged my mind for Alice's support but she mentally shrugged. I sighed.

"Here," Allen handed me a pair of familiar swords. "You dropped these."

"Chō no ken..." I took the handles and gripped them tightly, wondering how they materialized without my command. "Thanks Allen."

"Sorry for giving you this task," Allen said, stepping away more than necessary. "Just try not to fall unconscious again..."

Komlin VIII suddenly charged at me, and I barely reacted in time to meet its claws with my blades. I gritted my teeth at the impact. Rolling around and away from the robot, I attempted to duck under its next attack and cut its legs. A claw swung towards me and nearly pierced me, grazing my cheek. Blood spilled down my shirt.

I attempted to attack again and again, aiming for its eyes, its claws, anything. But I wasn't the best at handling swords, and the robot started to pick up my moves.

It's not working! I shouted mentally, stabbing my sword into its chest. I was on the verge of getting sliced up. I don't care what you say now, Alice, but I'll be damaged more if I continue to fight in this form.

I jumped back as far as I could, putting some distance from the robot and deactivated. I watched sadly as the swords slowly faded away into red particles. "What are you doing Y/N?" Allen shouted. "Reactivate your Innocence!"

"Don't worry Allen!" I hollered back. I glared at the robot and took a deep breath.

"Innocence Hatsudou," I whispered, watching my forearms. The crystals thickened and grew larger. "Scarlet Rain." The crystals shattered, my blank expression reflecting back. The pieces danced around, until it reached Komlin VII, clinging onto its metallic body. The robot charged forward.

"Reject." The crystals formed stigmas and Komlin VII froze, its exterior cracking. Light seeped through them and my hair was tousled around by an unseen force.