Disclaimer: D. Gray - Man belongs to Hoshino Katsura.

Chapter Twenty-Three: Artificial Life

"I hope this is of no trouble to you..."

"No, not at all! I'm just worried I can't live up to Mr Mikk's expectations."

"Please don't worry, I'll make sure Tyki won't do anything ridiculous."

Anyone within the vicinity could not help but look at the conversing pair, almost convinced they were twins if not for subtle differences between them. Even so, it was not everyday that one got to see two heads of white, on teenagers nonetheless. Allen and Sion both were polite, and warmed up to each other quickly. They would have had nothing in common that would bring these two together, except that fate tends to play a peculiar hand.

"Allen, act in the play I'm writing for the school festival!"

"What?"

That had been the first words Tyki announced upon finding Allen, two weeks after that meeting with Komui. Allen was bewildered by the sudden request, seeing as he was not even a university student where Tyki was teaching. Knowing Allen's confusion from his expression, Lavi stepped in to explain, having been with Tyki often.

"It's part of his unwinding, from the trauma that Komui mentioned last time. Tyki figured he could put a lot of things to rest if he could exercise his creativity a bit without any interruption. Since he got posted as the Theatre teacher, Tyki wanted to write something, and I suppose it's a play since he's asking you to act. He didn't tell me what he made, so I'm pretty interested too!"

"I see...If it can help Tyki I'd be happy to lend a hand. But I'm not that good at acting...What role do you plan to give me?"

Allen's innocent question was answered by a dark chuckle. It sounded horrifically similar to the laughter that Komui used whenever he completed a Komurin. It did not sound good. As Tyki brandished a piece of paper and announced Allen's role, the teen's face turned as white as his hair.

"The heroine, of course."

"...What are you talking about?! How can I be the heroine?! I'm a guy!"

"Shakespeare's era used no women for their plays, and pretty boys are all the catch for female roles, so I am putting you to it!"

He had not been too conscious of it since Komui's advice of gently easing them back into normal lives, but now Allen was absolutely sure. Tyki was off his rockers! Allen was about to vehemently protest the incredulous suggestion. Brother or not, he sure was not going to put on a dress again! By some cruel twist of fate he had been subjected to that once in the Asia Branch, and the windy feeling under his waistline was not a feeling he could get used to, ever!

"Also, I'll treat it as a real job. Komui will pay you for acting!"

"How much is the salary?"

Lavi's jaw almost dislodged itself with how far it's fallen as the fight immediately died from Allen's eyes upon the mention of money. But that was not the only case, he had heard nothing about Komui willing to pay Allen for acting.

"Allen, are you okay doing this for money?! Tyki, when did you get Komui to agree to pay Allen for doing this?!"

"Don't sweat the small details, hun! Now Allen, let's go! I found the right boy to play your opposite, perfect for my script!"

Dragged away by Tyki, that was how Allen experienced a second encounter with Sion, though it would be their first true meeting. Right now they were in the theatre, preparing for a brief practice to make sure they both were actually up to the task, neither having any acting experience.

"...This may be nosy of me, but have you spoken to Nezumi?"

Allen's sudden question startled Sion, but he was quick to smile in return and slowly shook his head.

"No, and I don't plan to. Meeting Nezumi here is a coincidence, and I was not supposed to see him again here anyway. I was going to wait for him, but Safu insisted that I came here. She's still angry at Nezumi...but I can't blame him for travelling."

"And you are fine with waiting for him? You've never thought of chasing him?"

Allen was merely curious, but Sion's answer caught him off guard.

"Countless times, actually. I was so desperate not to let Nezumi leave, but in the end I could never deny his wishes. If Nezumi intends to meet me, then he will at his own pace. I can't chase after him...And I don't have the right to," Sion's quiet whisper made Allen surprised. What did Sion mean? It was then, that Sion's gaze came to rest on Allen, his unique carmine eyes flickering in the light.

"Have you known Nezumi for long?"

"No, actually we've just been acquainted. But what do you mean, you don't have the right to?"

Sion's smile turned a little sad, not betraying the true depth of his sorrow.

"...Something happened to us before Nezumi left for his journey. I was unable to realise it then, but I understand now. I broke my promise to Nezumi, and I've hurt him. Even though he tried to stop me, I didn't. I've made him sad."

The cold sensation of déjà-vu ran down Allen's spine. Drawing himself closer to Sion, Allen whispered, "...Do you mean, when you shot...?" His question was left unfinished, but it was more than enough for the latter, whose eyes widened in surprise. But Sion did not question Allen's knowledge, he merely nodded in answer; his sad smile did not waver.

"Nezumi didn't want me to do it, but I did. If I had to walk that path again, I would still choose the same path. I won't let anyone harm him. But...The choice that I made had hurt him. I hurt him. That's why, no matter how much I didn't want him to go, I couldn't stop him. I don't want to hurt Nezumi anymore. Because I love him."

The words just slipped out from Sion. Allen was slightly surprised that Sion voiced those words so easily, but Sion did not seem to realise it.

"Love is not even the most accurate word to describe it, but I'm not so eloquent with words to be able to voice it. I just love him...And at the same time, I realised my existence only served to hurt him. Even now I want to see Nezumi, but I respect his wishes, so I won't seek him out. If Nezumi decides never to come back...I am fine with that too. If I can do nothing but make Nezumi suffer, then it would be better that I'm out of his life. He has always said that we would never be able to coexist together, because we're like water and oil."

The slight smile upon the face did not reflect in those sombre spinel eyes. A heavy feeling settled in Allen's heart. This feeling, it was not his, but it was there. This sensation was familiar, yet it was foreign to him. A sorrow that seemed to earn no thoughts on its surface, yet ran deep...A sorrow belonging to the boy sitting before him. Allen felt Crown Clown stirring within his mind, but made no further indications of having felt the foreign emotions touching Allen.

"...You aren't okay with this decision, are you? And you still insist on leaving Nezumi to his own devices?"

Allen's question was unexpected, but Sion nodded all the same. Powdery white hair framed those innocent eyes, leaving an impression that Sion would be about Allen's age despite the fact that Sion was as old as Kanda.

"I'm not, and I will never be. That's how much Nezumi means to me. And that's exactly why I can't stop him from doing what he wants, because I want him to be free to do what he wishes to do. I want to hold him back, but I won't. If what I do is only going to hurt Nezumi, then I will stay away. That's all I can do for him."

"Even if you'll be alone?"

"I'm not alone. I have my mother and Safu."

Sion's smile grew brighter; he meant those words. Melancholy filled Allen, but he was in no position to say anything. Sion has made his choice, then so be it. After all, the teen knew nothing of Sion and Nezumi, but if his own past experiences had anything to say, Nezumi would regret the moment that Sion would walk away from him, perhaps not even realising that it was himself who drove Sion away, though Sion only thought to do it out of affection for him.

"...If that is your choice, then I have no right to say anything in contrary. But I'll be here to lend an ear should you need me. Allen Walker, at your service."

Rather belatedly realising they have not formally introduced themselves to each other as it was Tyki who briefly identified one to the other, Allen held out his hand. Sion took it and shook it, a similarly gentle smile on his lips.

"Kanahara Sion, likewise."

As if knowing that their conversation was over, Tyki came up to the backstage where the two teens had been waiting, brandishing papers as he approached. Allen had no idea whether he waited for them to finish conversing before he made his entrance or not, but if so, he was grateful to Tyki for giving them the time to talk.

"Right, here is the scene that you both are to practice. As it's a musical, what's most important is that you can sing. Allen, I'm bloody sure that you can, so it's just Sion I need to worry about. I also need you both to get used to being stared at since it's a stage play, so I have a small crowd watching the audition. Alright, now go break a leg!"

Still, it was rather bizarre to see Tyki all this pumped up and excited. Maybe Komui was right, perhaps letting Tyki go wild for a bit would help himself settle down. Allen chuckled quietly, finding the fact that Tyki wrote a play more amusing than anything else. Sion looked a little nervous, but he kept his bravado.

"Shall we go?"

"Certainly."

The play was a romance, something that the younger teen thought surprisingly suited Tyki as he was always acting quite the romanticist around Lavi. The play's main characters were a mortal and a Valkyrie, who are to look similar to each other, which explained why Tyki chose Allen and Sion for the roles. Allen half-expected the ending of the play to be tragic, but the best twist to the story was there.

Sion was nervous, of course, but at the same time he was excited. Being raised in an environment of barely any artistry (he had not known such until he met Nezumi), he was thrilled at an opportunity to participate in a stage play, though he doubted that he would be as mesmerising an actor as Nezumi. Still, it was a group effort and Sion swore to do his best.

Unbeknownst to the two boys, both of their other halves were among the audience of the audition. Kanda had naturally known through Lavi, and without a second thought came to watch. He was trying to control that simmering green envy sitting heavy on his chest at the thought that his lover was playing opposite to another man. Nezumi, being sponsored for theatrical arts, was recommended to take a look at the audition. He had no idea what he was going to see on stage.

"Nervous?" Allen's silver eyes twinkled in amusement.

"A little," Sion whispered back, staring right at Allen. He loved silver eyes, and the reason why to that was very much obvious. Allen's hand came down to his shoulder, patting it gently. He had once been raised as a street performer; stares did not faze him, and to a certain extent he had been an actor. That was what a clown was, wasn't it?

"Don't worry. The most important matter is to be able to understand the character's feelings. After that, everything else will come naturally. Now let's go."

"...The feelings..."

His hand tightened around the script.

Nezumi, who had occupied himself in a corner to keep obscure, had almost fell out of his seat upon seeing Sion come out to the stage. What was this? When did Sion have an inclination for acting? The boy could not even lie straight! Catching himself, Nezumi quickly tried to calm down. What was it to him if Sion felt like it? Deep silver eyes watched the teen, unaware that he was preoccupied solely by Sion.

"That guy..."

Kanda was surprised. It was that boy they had seen previously, the one who looked like Allen. But the audition had begun, and both the white-haired boys surprisingly had rather good chemistry on stage. Rather, they both seemed to understand each other's cues without any words. It was then, that a melody filled the auditorium. The scene with the song had started.

It was not as if the wind had stolen it away

With courage just enough for a one-way journey

We accepted the tragedy

In this void (This void)

Where my heart should have been

If only I was stronger

You, the future,

Could I have saved them both?

Sion's voice was clear and strong, unexpected from someone of his build. Even Nezumi took a while to comprehend that it was Sion singing, an inexplicable sting hurting his chest when Sion gently took Allen's hand in his, playing the part of a mortal who fell in love with a Valkyrie. However, the Valkyrie would see no other but a warrior strong enough for her to welcome to the halls of Valhalla. Thus Allen shook off his touch, but song spoke more of the Valkyrie's true feelings for the mortal man.

The means to protect those who are precious

You, who possess only one way to do so

Separated and drifted away into the sky

I will never meet another who exceeds you

The long flare that struggles against the moon

The story that ended before it began

The melody which imprisoned gentleness gained from being hurt

Until I can play it, sing of it, destroy it

You are that beloved

Like the moon that ascends from dreams

A sorrowful love song

As it is strummed

It returns to a silent winter

Sion did not seem to pose a threat, but the unusual way in which both seem to seamlessly work together unnerved Kanda, who as usual was held to his seat by Lavi and Alma. Both had already expected that Kanda would react this way. Though it was mere acting, it still annoyed Kanda to see Allen sing a love song for another. Why did Tyki have to pick Allen of all people anyway? Sure, his beansprout had a lovely singing voice, but the school surely had others! They did not have a Performing Arts Department for nothing!

Almost perfectly enacting the song out, anyone could see Allen was acting seriously with his precise gestures and subtle movements that polished the atmosphere he adjusted to the scene. With nearly practised ease, Allen strode towards Sion smoothly, a hand reaching out. In answer, Sion reached out too. But both outstretched hands completely bypassed each other, as the two swept past each other completely unaware, matching the song's lyrics.

With gentleness which knows no friction

We are lost in a deep misty forest

And we both grow apart by a thousand years

A gray-coloured harmony (harmony)

Love and freedom

Why can't they ever encounter each other?

Until someday (someday)

They become dew upon the wasteland (wasteland)

The weight of a heart(The weight)

The weight of love(The weight of love)

I listened to it with all my whole body

That sorrowful and proud silhouette of your figure

If I had protected your dreams to the end

The long flare that struggles against the moon

The story that ended before it began

The tears I softly placed in the sky,

An incomplete symphonia

Only for you

Just for you

The last request of the stars

I want to see you

At that moment, as if he had sensed his presence, Sion's gaze turned sharply towards the direction where Nezumi was sitting. The cynic had been sitting in the farthest, highest corner. Even someone with perfect sight should have trouble trying to identify him from the stage. However, Sion only had a smile on his face, as if he knew Nezumi was sitting there.

Tyki was already up on his feet in an instant, obviously happy that his judgment had not been wrong. Those two made a perfect combination. Only no one saw Allen's slight expression of confusion. He was observing Sion, but silence otherwise held its sway over the teen, who kept whatever was concerning him to himself. Sion blushed despite himself at Tyki's rare words of praise. He himself had no idea how he did so well, but Allen's words did help. As he identified with the character's emotions, Sion could allow himself to feel the same way.

"Okay, now that you've both proven to be great, let's lift the dozy atmosphere with something a little more lively! Care for another duet?"

Tyki's suggestion inadvertently caused Allen to sigh.

"Look at Yu. Do you think another duet is going to help?"

True to his words, Kanda looked very close to spontaneous combustion. Finally stepping in to reign in his almost lunatic partner, Lavi tweaked the disc player. Spotting just about the only song that would likely pacify his friend, the redhead turned over to the two white-haired teens. "This probably will keep the ants out of Yu's pants. I'm pretty sure Allen can sing it since he has a thing for Galactic Fairy's songs, but you okay with it, Sion?" Lavi quipped as he showed the boy the song he chose. Sion nodded ambivalently.

"I know that one. Safu is quite a fan as well, so I'm familiar with most of them. Ah, do I have to do this in context of the play?"

"I think you can do it however you want it now, Sion. Right now we're just indulging the whims of a madman," Allen airily answered as he pointed at Tyki. Tyki showed no signs of having heard the accusation of lunacy, but grinned at the prospects of listening to another song by them. At this point, Tyki was pretty much just satisfying his own curiosity and wants.

"Hihihi, Tyki needs to go crazy for once before he can just let it all go and become normal again!" Jasdero snickered and pointed out. As half of the resident loonies, his opinion was well-received indeed. Kanda was sulking, rather childish of the young man, but sulking he was and there was no denying it! Even Road was patting his shoulder, though it was out of pure amusement than any form of sympathy.

Tyki shooed everyone back into their seats as the two teens got ready for their next song. Even Nezumi unconsciously straightened himself in his seat, wondering what was to come next after a ballad they sang just now.

Who are you going to kiss?

Is it me, or will it be me?

Who are you going to kiss?

My pure feelings orbit the planet!

It was unexpectedly cute. And shocking. Cute because the song was meant to be sung by girls, and the two boys that were singing it now were equally attractive prospects in just about anyone's eyes. Shocking, because Sion once again proved himself a rare find as he matched Allen's feminine lilt for this song. If they listened with eyes closed, they could have mistaken the singers for women!

Bringing along my weak and crybaby self

I thought I could still go on

Rather than loving and pursuing

I hate myself for finding it much easier to be doubtful

It hurts

Things like "I'm on your side, but I don't love you", or

"I'll protect you, but I can't stay by your side"

Such bitter self-contradictions

Right now, touch me

If it was destined, let us be connected!

Kanda felt a jolt as Allen's eyes came to rest on him. Allen dimly wondered if Kanda ever realised, that for all the moments Allen had pursued him and willingly gave all affections to, had Kanda ever known that Allen had equally often moments of doubt? As Allen thought so, Kanda had his own thoughts in mind, as the words became more serious than its sugar-coated beginning.

"I'll protect you, but I can't stay by your side, huh..."

Was this coincidence or irony? Kanda mouthed those words that Allen sang, contemplating how they mirrored his past. The moment he chose to protect Allen without realising he had pushed his lover away, and was torn from his side unwillingly. No, Kanda had left Allen's side willingly in order to protect him by destroying the Noahs, without realising he had forsaken that space beside Allen forever.

Sion did not seem particularly focused on anyone, but Allen could feel that his emotions were completely devoted to a single person, who was sitting right in the highest corner, keeping their figure obscure with shadows and poor lighting. Did Sion perhaps understand without actually knowing, that he was hurt by Nezumi as much as he said that he had hurt the other? Because to Allen, Sion was equally emotionally aligned to this song as he had been with the other.

"...Did I ever say I was on your side?"

Nezumi smiled in spite of himself. Did he ever put it in words? He doubted so, and if he ever did, it would be in such ambiguity that Sion would not be able to understand. He was sure Sion did not realise that he was here, but again, if that was the case, why was he so sure that Sion was thinking of him as he sang? Nezumi shook his head; it was all logical reasoning. Maybe Sion did realise that Nezumi was here after all, and chose to sing it to Nezumi.

Who are you going to kiss?

Is it me, or will it be me?

Rather than words that shake the heart

Embrace me irresponsibly to the limits!

Laws that judge delusions

As I kicked them up from behind

I stumbled over that all-revealing love

It's taking all that I have just to breathe

Come for me,because I'm drowning

It hurts

An optimistic lie, to take it seriously

Because I can't force you to laugh

I just toyed around with the future

Right now, hold me

Push down all reason

Who are you going to kiss?

Is it me, orwill it be me?

Tears seem completely useless

My pure feelings race across the stars!

Who are you going to kiss?

Who are you going to kiss?

Is it me, or will it be me?

With only my life as a shield

I brandish my sentiments now

With only my life as a shield

I brandish my sentiments now

Before realising it, they had already sent the song packing with a home run, judging by the reaction the crowd had. Sion and Allen smiled at each other, relishing in their great work chemistry. However, something was tugging at Allen's heart. There was something about Sion that told him that he was special, and Allen wasn't so sure if this was a good foreboding or not.

"That was great! That'll be it for the day, boys!"

Tyki was already pleased with the small "test-run" and let it wrap up for now, having satisfied his urges for creative art. Certainly, he noticed his disgruntled lover among the audience, but Allen's instincts were egging him to go off with Sion. Slowly slipping to the back of the stage and out of the hall before Kanda noticed, Allen matched Sion's stride pace for pace.

"Sion, can I talk to you for a bit?"

"Of course. It'll be great if I could talk to you too."

Sion's answer was friendly, and Allen was about to breathe a sigh of relief. That was when from the corner of his eyes a shade of black flitted into view. Men in suits, and Allen was in their direct line of sight. The teen's mind went blank temporarily, when finally he managed to digest the situation. It was the school festival, a lot of people move in and out of the school during preparations so security must have been somewhat lax, and as Allen was thinking all that in a go he saw one of the men aim a gun, at Sion who was standing right before him.

"Watch out!" Allen had barely time to push Sion out of the way when the man fired. Bewildered at being shoved aside, Sion watched with muted horror as Allen collapsed. Before the fact that there were attackers around them even registered in his mind, Sion had knelt down to Allen's side fearing for the worst.

However, no stains of red were found. There was a capsule-like dart still attached to Allen's arm. Belatedly realising it was a tranquilliser and that he was surrounded, Sion barely was able to shoulder Allen's prone form and ran. The halls were strangely quiet. There still was people inside the hall that they just practised in, but Sion knew running there for help wasn't an answer. He could not risk endangering innocent lives, even if it were just tranquillisers.

"I'm sorry, Allen...!"

Sion could only apologise to Allen, though the unconscious boy would not have heard it. It was his fault that Allen got caught up in this. He thought he had put this horror behind him once and for all. He thought it had ended when the secret laboratory had been destroyed. How could it have come back to haunt him? If they spotted Safu or Nezumi, then...

Determined not to get caught or let them find out where his precious people were, Sion hoisted Allen onto his back and kept running. As the suited men gave chase, one of them made a call.

"...Sir, in pursuit of Allen Walker we have engaged Specimen A-01 as well...Understood, they both will be brought alive before you."

...I seriously need to stop these song inserts...Sorry for the late update...After long contemplation, I have decided to discontinue most of my current fics, except this one and Bride of the Demon Prince. Also, after these two fics are completed, I will buck up and move to AO3, which will be the new home for all new fics. (Working on a Yullen, KuroShiro (of K) and NezuSion (of No.6) AU fic at the moment) I am currently contemplating whether I should import this series over to AO3 as well.