Hello everyone! Thank you for being ever so kind as to check out this story, I hope you all enjoy it. :)

I do not own D. Gray-Man.

Presenting to you...

A Marshmellowtime productions…

EDITED: 1/8/20 Small edits I did to adjust the flow and small hints of foreshadowing for what we will touch on later. I've decided to imbed them all the way back to chapter one ;) Thanks for waiting so long!

The Good, the Bad, and Her

Chapter One: Good and Yours Truly

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"The world is cruel, the world is kind.

But this world is yours and this world is mine."

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"What...?" Blood red eyes stared at the sight before them, knees shaking as fear coursed through thin veins, throbbing.

Flames licked up the surrounding buildings, engulfing the place she had known as her temporary home in a fury of red. The hot heat seared outwards, nearly scorching her face as another house fell, nothing but a pile of ashes. The smell of burning flesh filled the air and she gagged, choking on the smoke and clawing at her throat. Her eyes watered, hands coming up to grab her head and hold it tight in her hands.

"No." Her knees shook and threatening to buckle as her eyes grew wide, despair overcoming the soft features. "No! Why? Why?"

Lunging forward, she trudged through the snow. It crunched under her feet, the distant sounds of children's laughter and the ringing of a bell echoing loud and painful in her ears. Tears of desperation forming in her eyes. "Hello? Hello! Anyone? Someone!"

Another house fell to her left, and a burst of flames ignited to her right. Her eyes darted this way and that, searching for any form of life. "Someone!"

Gears turning in her head, legs pumped her to the house she knew lay at the end of the road. Her lungs screamed for fresh air, smoke causing her eyes to tear as she coughed, struggling against the acrid scent.

Burning.

Everything was burning.

Her blood boiled beneath the surface of her skin, and she ignored the searing pain from stray flames licking at her, she had to know, she had to see they were okay.

Her feet skidded to a halt and her heart grew cold as she stared at the burning home before her.

What once stood a simple one story home, small in length in size, but not in heart, was engulfed in flames, the heat reaching to the sky in an attempt to burn even the clouds above.

Her knees hit the floor, tired and spent from the journey, and there was no spirit left to carry her on. Eyes pulled over with tears, a refreshing cool against the burning heat of her face.

Gone.

A pain jerked through her chest and she toppled to the ground, clutching her heart tight in her hand as she curled up, pain searing through her body. The snow threatened to swallow the small body up, piling heavier and heavier on top of her. The heat from the fire couldn't reach her here.

It was all gone.

Again.

"Don't worry, little one. Let's keep going, you and me. We can't just die here, now, can we?"

"Worthless piece of shit!"

Blood red eyes narrowed and flickered over to the scene in front of her, hands pausing against the glass she had been polishing.

A girl of sixteen clutched her cheek, an angry red mark stained against the soft features of a milky cheek. Soft caramel fell in wavy ringlets around her and even softer baby blues threatened to flood over in unshed tears. She bit her lip against the rough pain, holding steady.

Her features were soft, but her heart was softer.

The man standing above her sneered, kicking a table over and tossing down the half full mug, amber liquid splattering into the wood floors and soaking in. Red eyes narrowed in annoyance. Ale isn't easy to get the smell off, you know. "What kind of shit is this? When do you serve beer warm?"

"I-I'm sorry," the caramel haired girl stood, head bowed as she pulled the now empty cup onto her tray. "I'll get you a new one."

"Damn straight," the man grinned, fitting the cookie cutter bill of any asshole needed. The other two with him chuckling at the display. "You're lucky I'm feeling nice today, otherwise I would have demanded payment."

"Thank you very much." The girl whispered, hands shaking as she clutched the tray tighter. "I promise, we'll get the money to you."

"You better." The man stood, spitting onto the floor. The very stature of him reeked of alcohol and smoke, eyes dark and smile cruel. "This dump isn't even worth its keep. I could take it away and be making a lot more off of this land, you know? Open up a business worth something."

"Yes." The girl answered, bowing her head and letting caramel locks cover her face. "Thank you for letting us keep it."

The man smirked, grabbing the girl by her chin and jerking her forward. "You could always pay some of the debt off yourself you know? Get a job and be worth something, you've got a nice face."

Crash.

All eyes in the small inn turned, widened in surprise and slight amusement at the scene before them.

The caramel haired girl stood, aghast at what had just transpired, eyes wide in shock and immediately clouding over in worry and fear. The men behind the so-called leader stared in disbelief at the taller man.

Cold beer began to spread across the tailored white shirt, the amber liquid quickly staining and leaving its mark. The man stared, jaw open wide enough to catch a few number of flies.

"Whoops." A cool voice broke the air, steely and layered with a cold cover of false innocence. The girl standing beside the caramel haired one put her hand to her mouth in surprise. "My hand slipped, clumsy me."

Blood red eyes met a furious brown and the girl looked up at him, brows creased apologetically and tilting her head to the side. "My apologies sir."

Eyes turned to the new person who had entered the fray, and the man drenched in beer began to bristle, catching on—despite his small brain—to what had just happened. "You little bitch..."

Her eyes sharpened, like chips of ice and hair a smoky black, bordering gray framed a tanned face. The air in the room grew cold and her fingers twitched at her side, ever so tempted to connect with the meaty face in front of her.

"Do you know how much this shirt cost?" The man spat, taking a threatening step forward. "More than your shitty ass is worth in a lifetime!"

True enough. The girl agreed, she wasn't worth much. She'd been offered a specific amount before and figured that sounded about right. I'd be offended if I really cared.

Upon her silent stature, the man's face grew a blotchy red, and his hand drew back, curling into a fist. The girl's heart began to pump, blood beginning to pump harder through her veins in anticipation. Just hit already you overweight drunkard...

"Please don't!" A head of caramel suddenly blocked the black haired girl's view and her eyes grew wide as her body jerked in response, uncoiling. "It was an accident, we'll pay for the cleaning, I promise. Please, forgive her."

The man's eyes narrowed, and the caramel haired girl continued to look up, eyes pleading. The girl behind her cursed under her breath, forcing herself to calm down so she wouldn't strike first and put her friend through more trouble.

"You better." Knocking over a chair, the three men left, leaving the restaurant silent as they went on with what they were doing.

It was a common occurrence after all.

"Rye!" the caramel haired girl whirled around, blue eyes searching desperately through red. "What did I say about doing that? What if they actually hurt you?"

Rye narrowed her eyes, looking down in annoyance. "You should've let him hit, then I would have an excuse to finally beat his ass."

"I told you to stop that already!" the caramel haired girl bent down, righting the fallen table and chair. "Thank you, Rye. But I can take care of myself to you know, violence isn't the answer."

But it gets things done faster. Rye sighed, shoving her hands into her pockets. "I'm sorry, Leah."

Leah smiled. "It's all right. I would've liked to see you beat him up too, but that's not the way this is going to work. We're going to work hard and pay off our debt so we never have to see him again!"

Rye's eyes softened, feeling her shoulders slump in defeat at the girl's brightness. Too nice, that was what she was. That was how people got hurt. "He didn't hurt you too bad, did he?"

Leah blinked, touching the now red mark on her cheek and she smiled. "No, not at all. He hits like a girl."

Rye cracked a grin, taking the tray from her and bending down to pick up the other fallen cup. "Go get it taken care of, I'll take over for now."

Leah opened her mouth to protest but Rye shot her a sharp look. Leah sighed and stomped off, playfully waving her hands in the air in exaggeration.

"It's your pretty face that brings in customers," Rye called calmly after her. Leah let out an even heavier, more dramatic sigh and Rye followed her until she disappeared behind the door leading to their room. She waited a moment before setting down the tray on the counter top.

The small restaurant served as half and inn in the small village town. The top half contained the various rooms for customers to use, and the first floor being the restaurant. The innkeeper, and Leah's mother, had fallen ill, allowing her unable to work. So Leah, being the kindhearted soul she was, promptly took over her jobs and worked herself to death to keep the inn running, and try to make money to pay off the debt her father had racked up before disappearing.

Leah's story was classic and admirable. A beautiful, poor young girl swept up in the absence of a bad father, and a sick mother, forced to work hard, always smiling to finish off the debt until one day she could be free to own the inn as she pleased. Rye figured if it was anything like the books, a nice, handsome young gentleman was due to walk through the doors and sweep Leah off her feet, pay off their debt, and marry her and be happy.

Rye liked those stories. They were simple. They didn't change. And people who deserved nice things got them in the end. Leah was a good character for those stories.

I'm just the faceless side character who helps run the inn. Rye even fancied maybe she was the one faceless character close to the main character, crying happy tears at the wedding.

Rye set the cups in the sink, turning back outside to make sure things were going all right. Normally, she'd feel bad for people in a situation such as this and stay away from their establishment or stay a few nights in hopes of helping business, even with just one quiet customer.

But Leah and her mother had taken the girl in with willing arms, Leah like a sister, her mother treating her like her own daughter. Rye had once again fallen under the spell of warmth and kindness and stayed, helping out at the inn, despite their protests.

I shouldn't be here. Rye blinked, looking down at her hands, bandages covering up both of them up halfway to her elbows, and stopping before her fingertips.

The black haired girl would normally be gone in a few days, a week tops. It had become her policy to never stay in one place too long, it was better that way, it always was.

But years of traveling makes a person lonely, and like all people, she couldn't help but be swayed by the opportunity before her to stay someplace for more than just a day or a night. This wasn't uncommon for her, like a sick drug addiction or an obsession for alcohol. Rye would skirt away from the lure of warmth and people, stick to her strict policy of leaving, and then she'd get sucked right back in with a different family, a different place.

And then it all falls apart and you go.

Maybe that meant she was a bad person. That would make the most sense. If she was a kind person she wouldn't be an addict. She'd be good and stay away.

Her eyes darted to the door Leah had disappeared behind, and after counting to ten, Rye took the wad of bills rolled up in her pocket and placed it into the register as if the money had been earned, not given.

Rye had tried more than once to give the money she had—stumbled upon to Leah, knowing the girl deserved it by far, but the sweet girl always refused, saying Rye should keep it for herself and buy something nice instead.

Staying here went against all her instincts, but for once, Rye let herself revel in the warmth of a home. Her eyes darted to outside the window where a couple, layered in silks and furs walked by, chatting aimlessly about who knew what.

Rye felt a small grin touch her lips and she made a mental note of what they looked like and where they were headed.

Besides, she could finally put her thievery to good use.

"Little Town?" The white haired exorcist blinked, eyeing the assignment paper before him.

"A new Innocence shard has popped up," Komui explained, taking a sip of his beloved sister's coffee from his beloved mug. "Kanda, Lavi, and you are being sent to retrieve it."

Allen blinked, pocketing the paper. "Why so many of us?"

"Originally, it was supposed to be you and Kanda, but Lavi offered to tag along, so I didn't see the harm. There's not much known about the Innocence, so it's always best to be careful." Komui answered, looking unnaturally serious behind his mug.

Allen stared at the scientist for a moment.

"You just wanted to get rid of us didn't you?"

"But that didn't even work!" Komui wailed, slamming his head against the desk. "Because Lenalee is disobeying me and going as well! How can I stand to see my beloved sister with all these unruly dogs?"

"K-Komui-san..."

"I won't allow it!" Komui cried, tears streaming down his face. "Why does she have to go through her rebellious phase now of all times? Why? What did I do wrong?"

The white haired boy stood, silently slipping out of the room as Komui began to rant about how his sister was hanging around bad company to explain for her sudden 'rebelliousness'. Allen let out a sigh, unfolding the paper and skimming over the contents.

True enough, not much information had been gathered on the Innocence. It seemed some exorcists had been following it for awhile, but it would always disappear before they had the chance to find it.

Little Town had been watched for a few months, and the Innocence showed no signs of moving, meaning it was now or never to gather it.

A strange feeling flickered through him and he paused, frowning slightly. An odd feeling had settled in his stomach, something promising him that this mission wasn't going to turn out like all the others.

When was any mission normal? Allen sighed and slipped the paper into his coat, Timcampy settled peacefully on top of his head as he went to go get the others.

"We made so much today!" Leah cried, throwing her arms around Rye's neck and tackling the girl into a hug. "We have enough to pay off this month and next month too! Look, there's even a bit left over!"

"That's great," Rye shoved the now empty wallets into the trash, hidden from the caramel haired girl. She kicked the bin away behind her. "You should go and buy something nice. What about that dress you wanted last week?"

Leah's cheeks flushed and she looked down in embarrassment. "I couldn't! It would be better to just maybe buy a new ribbon—or maybe a hat."

Rye shrugged, holding back a wince. She had been rather careless today, they came too close to getting her. "I could buy it for you." With money I earned, not stole too.

Leah shook her head, curls bouncing with the action. "No. Absolutely not—you should get something for yourself, Rye! You wear the same thing nearly everyday!"

Rye blinked, glancing to her outfit, consisting of fitting black pants, and a loose white button up, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Bandages were wrapped up her hands from her wrist all the way to her fingertips, taped up. A thin chain necklace stooped down into her shirt, a flower charm Leah had given her resting peacefully beneath.

"What's wrong with how I dress?" Rye's brows furrowed and Leah giggled, patting her hair.

"Not that! You would look so nice in skirts though..." Leah began wistfully.

Rye rolled her eyes, silently reaching to the small ponytail resting at the nape of her neck, "I've got this ribbon, right?"

She kept her black hair short, cropped a bit below her chin and hanging above her shoulders. When it was long, it grew out in thick waves and stuck up every way, tugged by the wind and it was annoying. Rye already knew long hair was a liability since it meant easier things to grab when she was chased or it got clumped up with dirt and lice when she spent too long without housing and that was the real pain. So she kept it cut and tied it off at the nape of her neck despite Leah's wishes to see it longer.

"We can even pin your bangs back," Leah suggested, lifting her thick caramel curls up for example. Rye tugged at the side-swept fringes curling against the side of her face, threatening to curve the way her longer hair did.

"Maybe I should buzz it all off," Rye said seriously. It wasn't a bad idea.

Leah looked horrified and Rye quietly pulled one of the chairs over, slumping down as she kicked her feet out.

"Man, I'm beat," her fingers brushed over her bandaged hands, moving to tuck a strand of hair behind her ears. "How's May?"

Leah smiled, her eyes shining brightly. "Getting much better thanks to the medicine you got—where'd you find it? The doctor nearby had nothing like it!"

Rye shrugged, remembering that particular encounter with the higher class doctor up the street. She really hadn't meant for him to get knocked out in the process, still felt bad for it, actually. "There was a merchant traveling around who sold it pretty cheap."

Settling back in her chair, Rye felt her eyes soften and her shoulders relax. Leah's bubbly personality did wonders to those around her. It had been a long time since she'd been around anyone this happy. It was nice. Theraputic. Like a morphine injection.

Addictive.

And she'd do anything to protect it.

Strike one.

The bell to the entrance jingled and the two girls blinked, Leah looking over in surprise and Rye simply looking over her shoulder, eyes narrowed and shoulders tense.

"Excuse me," white, impossibly white—like snow. Rye only saw hair that white on the old or the dead. "Are you still open?"

Rye turned fully over her shoulder in her chair. Leah rushed forward, beaming. The door pulled open wider and quiet steps entered through their front door.

He walked softly, with finality. The soft crunch of his soles made Rye's ears tickle.

His features were almost slender, soft cheeks that hinted baby fat framed by the white tufts of his hair. His jaw had a good angle, nice and defined. His eyes were big—perfectly polished pebbles of gray, clear like stained glass, hinting color, maybe a soft purple like irises. A strange mark went through his left eye, leaving a red trail—an angry scar. She blinked curiously at the mark before shrugging; it wasn't any of her business. A heavy looking black cloak was slung over his arm, tucked politely to his side.

He smiled at them.

For a moment, just a moment, like the distant, soft sound of a ticking clock, Rye felt the world slow.

A strange blanket of calm fell over her. The blood in her veins didn't throb the way it normally did, itching to burst through her skin. It pulsed, beating in tandem with her heart and pushing softly at her fingers, coaxing for motion. Rye stared at the white haired boy and found herself unable to do anything else, lost for a moment.

Warmth rushed through her, unbidden. For the first time in years, a familiar twinge tugged at her eyes and Rye quickly blinked twice, dispelling any threat of tears. She touched her chest experimentally, turning her head from the door and looking down at where her fingers rested over her heart.

Ba-thump. Ba-thump. Ba-thump.

It…

Have we met before?

"I was just wondering," his voice flooded her head like water, clear but hard to grasp. His words were clearly directed to Leah, but his eyes hadn't left Rye's form in the chair. "If you…"

Rye quickly looked up. For once, the startling urge to speak, to say absolutely anything to this white haired boy and hear his voice rushed through her in a flood, spurring her lips to part as Rye fully turned.

Those gray eyes held in her place, suspended in time. She couldn't see what he was thinking behind that quietly kind smile and eyes. His lips twitched, maybe a falter.

"W-We're still open!"

Leah's voice rang out, resounding in Rye's head. She blinked, the fog lifting. The white haired boy seemed just as rattled, touching his chest for a moment.

Her heart leapt into her mouth. Red caught her eye and Rye turned, staring at Leah's blushing face.

Oh.

The strange sensations painting colors across her eyes and her head were washed away, a cold bucket of water dripping the colors to the floor of her mind. Rye considered the strange colors and muddled puddles in silence before realizing quickly instead in that moment what this must have been. Why he was so familiar.

Rye sat up straighter in her chair, eyes sparkling with renewed interest.

The cute prince who will help Leah?

Leah instantly shone with a smile, heading over to the counter as she flusteredly tucked hair behind her ears. "Of course! Are you here for a meal or a room?"

"Both, if you would," the white haired boy gave Leah a warm smile and the strange spell that fell over Rye was broken. She focused more on his clothes, trying to figure out if he had money or not. "But, ah, it won't just be for one. For four, actually."

A head of red and two more heads of black appeared by the door, examining the place with varied expressions.

Leah's eyes brightened and Rye watched the process at the counter a few steps away before turning her eyes to the brooding male who was part of the group, leaning against the wall, a sword hung at his hip. Rye assessed the nature of the weapon before turning to eye the group as a whole.

All four of them looked young, around Leah's age if not a few years older. All of them wore the same uniform, black and white, with a silver crest pinned to their chest. I think that's real silver too, maybe he does have money.

Mercenaries? Rye frowned, shaking her head. No, too nice looking... Except for Mr. Brooding. Are they with some sort of army? The uniforms look familiar...

"Get away from them."

Rye stilled.

"My name is Leah," her ears pricked and she turned her gaze back to the counter. Leah was offering the group one of her warm smiles as she handed the white haired boy several keys. "The girl over there is Rye—Rye, come say hello to our guests!"

Rolling her eyes, but deciding to amuse the girl, Rye stood, moving to stand beside Leah as she eyed the people in front of her. "Pleasure."

The white haired boy offered a kind smile in return, despite her short greeting. When their eyes met again, properly and firmly, he held her gaze and Rye looked quietly back at him. He paused for a moment before stretching out his hand, "I'm Allen."

I want to take that hand.

Rye awkwardly grabbed the dirty trays off the table next to them, staring at her feet. Allen blinked once, searching her face briefly before he smiled, quietly bringing his hand down.

"Lenalee," the girl with pigtails also smiled, beaming at Leah and Rye both. "It's nice to meet you!"

"I'm Lavi," The red haired male grinned brightly at Leah, his one emerald eye staring adoringly at Leah. "But you can call me whatever you like."

Leah giggled, her cheeks dusting pink with Rye rolled her eyes. The white one, go for Allen, Leah. Gaze flickering back to the red head. Her gaze skimmed over his green headband, but she stopped at his eye patch and then moved on.

"The one over there is Kanda." Allen pointed to the brooding male behind them. "And he won't bite."

"What was that bean sprout?" the one named Kanda called over, an annoyed look on his face. Allen simply grinned, though he looked slightly annoyed at the term used as well. Rye eyed the group and shrugged once more, no one important. Except Allen for being a potential suitor to Leah's fairy tale.

Briefly, she wondered if it would be rude to leave and get some long awaited sleep, but then that would mean leaving Leah on her own. Rye sighed at her mini dilemma and resigned herself to waiting a bit longer while Leah chatted with the guests. The inn didn't get people this young that often, so it was always a change, one Leah welcomed with open arms.

"What brings you here?" Leah pulled up several cups, ushering them to a table as she set down to mugs. "Rye, could you get the plates?"

Silently, Rye grabbed the plates as asked while the others settled down, obviously glad to be sitting and worn out from their own travel. "We're actually looking for something." Allen searched through his pockets and pulled a paper out. "Have you ever heard of something called Innocence?"

Leah blinked, and Rye set down plates, keeping her face void—which was never too hard. You already lack so much emotion anyway. Now that was a particularly strange term she felt she should pay attention too, especially coming from Leah's potential suitor.

Leah's brows furrowed and she paused, putting a hand on her hip. "No, I'm afraid not."

"That's alright," Lenalee smiled, she seemed nice, like Leah, made of the same softness. "You see, sometimes they're associated with some myth or unnatural phenomenon. Has anything odd happened around town?"

Leah titled her head in thought, causing the one named Lavi to coo, starting about how cute she was. Rye rolled her eyes again and set down bowls of soup and bread. She paused at the feel of eyes on her and her gaze flickered upwards, meeting Allen's.

The white haired boy looked away, embarrassed to have been caught staring, and Rye watched him carefully. There had been something in his gaze that made her pause, something that tipped her to run and get away from this place.

"You know, now that I think about it," Leah tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Rye, hasn't there been news going around about a thief?"

Rye nearly dropped the mug of water and quickly regained her composure, coughing into her hand as she set it down in front of Lenalee. "What would a thief have to do about myths? What about that old story May would tell us about that tree on the hill? That sounds more like—"

"No, no, this thief is different!" Leah turned to the others with a smile. "He's been wreaking havoc for a few months now and hasn't been caught!"

"Sounds more like police work," Kanda muttered, and Lenalee gave him a reprimanding stare which he ignored, though Rye silently thanked his interference.

Rye struggled to maintain her calm façade as Leah continued on with tales of the thief's works, inwardly cursing herself for being so careless.

"This is all very helpful." Allen smiled warmly. "Thank you very much for everything."

"Oh, not at all!" Leah, smiled brightly, and Rye felt herself slump, unable to deny the hole she'd just dug for herself. She'd have to lay low for awhile. "Stay as long as you'd like!"

Rye hummed in neither agreement nor disagreement and Leah gave her a scolding look, nudging her slightly. "Oh, don't mind her. She's much nicer than she lets on."

"I'm a saint," Rye agreed solemnly, and Leah rolled her eyes while Allen, Lenalee, and Lavi grinned.

"I used to be pretty sick," Leah started and Rye paused, turning to the girl in faint surprise. "But Rye came and started helping out my mother while I was ill, I owe her a lot."

"I was homeless so you gave me a job," Rye answered bluntly, fingering a leather strap.

"Are you better now?" Lenalee inquired curiously and Leah beamed, nodding her head.

"Much! All of a sudden, my illness went away, and now I feel as if I could do anything!" Leah declared, and Rye stiffened, eyes narrowing ever so slightly as she felt the four tense slightly at the comment.

The four shared looks, oblivious to Leah, and Rye felt herself grow guarded. They were up to something. But Leah being the person she was, offered them all another smile—the girl was full of them it seemed. "Call for Rye or me if you need anything!"

Leah turned and Rye blinked, following suit, but pausing briefly as she felt a pair of eyes on her. The girl half turned, and found the white haired boy staring at her once more, a thoughtful look on his face as his brows furrowed ever so slightly.

She ignored it and shrugged, following after Leah, unable to deny the nagging sensation in her head that she knew who these people were.

It was always amazing, how fast you could lose things.

"You shouldn't have told them you were sick."

Leah gave her companion a curious look as the two traveled through the various shops lined down the street. "Why?"

Rye shrugged, there was no way to explain to Leah that she caught the suspicious way they all seemed to settle on something. Not to mention the fact that she recognized those uniforms from somewhere, she just had to figure out where... "It seems kind of personal."

"I think it's all right," Leah beamed. "They all seem nice, Kanda a bit rough—but I'm sure he's nice as well!"

Rye was silent, wondering within herself as she tried to figure out who they were and if they posed a threat—why did she sound like a guard dog all of a sudden? Sheesh.

"I wonder where they're from." Leah mused, looking curious. "They all had the same uniform too..."

Rye shrugged, keeping a pace behind Leah. She had grown so used to following the girl, it seemed wrong to be walking beside her. Rye had followed into the routine of looking out for her.

She was her dealer of kindness. Rye didn't want to see that supply end just yet.

A scream tore through the air and Rye stiffened, whirling around as the building a few paces a way blew up before them. Leah let out a horrified cry while blood red eyes widened, watching as people ran from the burning building, some collapsing to the floor as streaks of bright light hit them.

"What's going on?" Leah cried, eyes wide with fear, and Rye felt herself kick into gear, grabbing her hand and pulling her away from the rubble.

"I don't know." Rye muttered, turning back and catching sight of round objects floating in the air, cannon like structures coming from them. Her eyes went round.

In a populated place like this—

"Monsters!" someone wailed, and Rye narrowed her eyes, pushing forward with Leah, intent on getting away from the danger. "Monsters! Run away!"

"Here?" Leah panted, struggling to keep up with the other girl. Rye's eyes widened and she slowed, casting glances back. "What are they doing here?"

"Who knows?" Rye bit her lip. "Don't look back, Leah! Keep running!"

Several screams hit the air and Rye felt adrenaline course through her veins, her hands growing shaky as her body urged to run faster. Her blood hummed to life, pressing against her skin, wrapping around her muscles and bones like a vise.

She had to protect Leah.

"Rye!" Leah screamed, and the girl turned, eyes widening at the couple of akuma that had started to trail after them, cannons firing aimlessly.

She didn't know much about demons, but she had seen a few in action time and time again, and she knew what they were capable of. Gritting her teeth she ducked into a building, giving the two coverage. But I can't do anything with Leah here.

The store shook under the impact of several shots and Rye searched for a back door. "Come on, Leah!"

"What about mother?" Rye cursed, thinking fast.

"The inn's on the other side of town! They won't make it all the way there." Part of the roof began to cave in and Rye jerked the girl beside her. "Come on!"

The two pushed out the back door as the building began to crumble. Rye navigated them through the alleyways, silently thanking her thieving habits to giving her the chance to explore the alleys so she knew where to go. Leah's caramel curls were sprinkled with dust.

Glancing back, she caught a glimpse of a canon above a building and her chest hurt from all the running. Why were they following them?

Her feet hit grass and she realized she had taken them to the forest bordering the town. Rye risked a glance and near shouted in frustration as the akuma remained hot on their trail.

The trees provided some coverage, and she darted this way and that as trees fell to the ground before them, towering birches crashing without a care. Leah was panting heavily beside her, and Rye knew she wouldn't be able to keep it up for long.

Her eyes widened when they approached a clearing and she braked to a stop, turning around too try and double back when an akuma appeared before them, eyes staring into nothing as it floated closer.

Rye backed them away and she let out a string of curses as another two blocked them from behind.

They were trapped.

"R-Rye..." Leah gripped onto the girl's shirt and Rye glanced to her. Baby blue eyes once so bright were full of fear as the girl shook. Rye stood in front of her, narrowing her eyes as she slipped a pocket knife out.

Eyeing the massive size, she knew it would do little damage. It wouldn't even do damage, it'd do nothing. Rye ran options through her head, there had to be something she could do, anything.

Use it.

"Damn it," Rye's hands began to shake as her blood began to pump. I can't. I can't. I don't want too.

"Leah, I want you to run when I count to three." Rye eyed the akuma as they grew closer, canons moving into range. "Run as fast as you can and as far as you can. Head back to the inn and get May and get out of here."

"I'm not leaving y-you!" Leah clutched her shirt tighter, blue eyes shining. "Rye, what would happen to you? They'll kill you!"

"I'm just a homeless person, remember?" Rye gave her a crooked grin. "You have a mom to look after."

"I'm not leaving you." Leah's eyes glinted hard in determination, and Rye inwardly sighed, why did she have to pick the ones with such good hearts? "I refuse."

A light began to form before her and Rye's eyes darted back to the akuma, realizing they were about to fire.

Damn it all.

"Leah! Rye! Duck!"

Without thinking, Rye grabbed Leah's coat and pushed the girl to the ground. Her eyes glanced upwards as a streak of black and green appeared, and the akuma before them burst apart. The explosion shook the air, blasting branches and debris away.

Rye's eyes widened and she held Leah protectively as a blur of black shot by and slammed into the other two akuma. Leah peeked up from her protective stance, eyes wide with hope, "Allen!"

Rye flickered to Leah and back to the first streak, sure enough, recognizing the head of white. Her eyes followed the large white arm that followed, a cross mark imbedded to the back of the hand, and long claws as fingers.

To her surprise, the left eye she had been so curious about had changed, turning a dark red and black, seeming to glow in the shadow cast upon him by the trees.

Oh. Rye wondered, briefly, in the back of her head. You're a little strange too.

"Are you two all right?" Rye whirled around and met gazes with Lenalee as the girl bent to examine the two. "Did either of you get hit?"

Leah let out a cry of relief, but Rye watched the two before her with wide eyes, her mind reeling.

They use things called Innocence as weapons.

Black coats.

Exorcists.

Something in her ran cold, and the feeling within her to run increased, but she couldn't leave. Leah slumped against her as she talked to Lenalee about what had happened. She couldn't leave Leah.

You've dug your own grave.

"We got all the ones in town." Her ears twitched and she turned her gaze, spotting Lavi and Kanda as the two approached.

"Thank goodness," Leah put a hand over her heart as her eyes turned to the two approaching. "Did you two see the inn? Is it alright?"

Lavi gave the girl a smile. "Totally untouched. They never made it over."

Tears streamed down her face as Leah nearly collapsed in relief. Rye meanwhile kept her eyes on Allen, feeling them narrow slightly as the boy approached, an almost sad look on his face.

"What were they doing here?" Leah started, her eyes growing wide. "I've never seen anything like this!"

Lenalee paused, and Rye stiffened. The four exorcists were silent, and Leah continued on. "But it's a good thing you were here! Thank you all so much!"

A breeze whistled through, carrying the scent of smoke and Rye felt herself shudder at the smell. She hated it. But at the moment, there were other matters.

Leah blinked, realizing that none of the four seemed happy. "What's wrong?"

"Leah," Allen spoke up, his eyes stayed on the ground for a moment before they met Leah's, a sad look in them. "They were here because of you."

Leah froze, her face coated in disbelief. "What?"

"The Innocence we were looking for had latched onto you," Lenalee explained. "That's why you got better, it happens sometimes. The Innocence causes strange phenomena, sometimes miracles, to happen."

"But the Innocence attracts akuma." Allen continued, and Leah's face all the while grew paler and paler as she registered this. "That's why they were here, that's why they followed you."

"It's my fault?" Leah whispered, her eyes began to water and her hand tightened on Rye's, causing the black haired girl to turn to her. "I... All those people... I put Rye and my mother in danger… But how? I don't..."

"It's not your fault." Lenalee put a hand on her shoulder, her eyes soft. "But if the Innocence has chosen you, it'll become much harder to stay here."

"I have to leave?" Leah's voice filled with pain and Rye felt herself twitch. "What do you mean?"

"We could take the Innocence. If it hasn't chosen her as an accommodator." Kanda spoke up, and his cool voice nearly made Rye flinch as she watched his gaze, mildly surprise that it met hers evenly instead of Leah's. "But we don't know what would happen in that case."

"What do you mean?" Leah murmured, and Lenalee flinched.

"Taking the Innocence away from you might make you sick again." Lenalee explained softly, and the girl truly did look earnest.

"I can't leave though," Leah started, looking to each of them desperately. "My mother's ill—I have to work to keep the inn running. I can't get sick too—I-I—"

"You don't have to do anything," Rye stated calmly, standing up as Leah looked to her in surprise. "You can stay right here, and you won't get sick again."

"With the Innocence, her life will never be the same." Kanda's eyes narrowed as he faced the girl. "She's better off leaving."

"She can do what she wants," Rye answered, her eyes narrowed in return, like cold chips of ice.

"Rye—" Leah started, her eyes softening.

"Now, now," Lavi made calming motions with his hand, taking a step forward. "There's no need to fight—woah!"

The redhead blinked at the sharp end of the knife held in front of him. Rye's eyes watched him carefully, her body tense and ready to spring into action.

Lavi's one eye met hers, and it seemed to crinkle slightly as he gave her a cheeky grin. She could see the understanding in his eye, and it made her bristle. The happy-go-lucky idiot she had dubbed him as instantly changed, this guy was far too aware for her to feel comfortable.

"Rye!" Leah, stood, grabbing the girl's arm, but the black haired girl remained in place, red meeting green as she eyed Lavi. "Put that down! We don't have to fight!"

"Is this what you want?" Rye questioned, turning to look at Leah, whose eyes widened. "Because I refuse to let anyone force you into making a decision like this."

"No." Leah whispered. "But Rye, put down—"

"Woman," Rye's ears perked up as she heard the sound of a blade, and turning her head, she eyed Kanda, an annoyed look on his face. "This is none of your business."

"Oh?" Rye felt her blood rush and she felt a small smirk touch her lips. "I'd like to see you do something about it."

"Rye!" Leah scolded, eyes growing wide.

"Kanda!" Lenalee looked shocked. "Stop it!"

Kanda's eyes narrowed and he turned his sword. "You intend to fight me with that?"

Rye blinked slowly at him, tilting her head. "It's all I need."

I'm lying through my teeth. Rye inwardly cursed, if she could she'd slap herself she would. You're going to beat his sword with a pocket knife? Hah, nice try, Rye. You've done it this time.

Kanda lunged forward, face impassive as Lenalee and Allen exclaimed for him to stop, Lavi taking a step forward. Rye stiffened, realizing if she dodged, Leah might get hit. And she didn't know if this guy had the right mind to stop.

You have no choice.

Damn it.

Kanda's eyes widened a fraction as he realized Rye made no intention to move. He skidded to a stop, the tip of the blade stopping beside her ear.

Rye wouldn't deny the fact that fear had coursed through her veins, and she winced, feeling a trail of blood trickle down her cheek. Any closer and it would have gone straight through her head. But this guy had known what he was doing, and she realized how outmatched she would have been.

Shutting her eyes, she let out a sigh, shoulders slumping.

"Kanda!" Lenalee sounded horrified that the blade had even touched the other girl as she rushed forward. "What are you thinking?"

"Are you alright?" Rye's gaze snapped to the left and she met a single emerald eye, worry in the gaze as Lavi reached a hand out. "It doesn't look bad—"

"This is all my fault!" Leah exclaimed, and Rye blinked, whirling around as the caramel haired girl backed away, eyes wide. "All my fault!"

"Leah—" Rye reached a hand out and the girl shook her head, turning on her heel and dashing into the forest. "Leah!"

"It's not safe!" Allen exclaimed, taking off after the girl. Rye's eyes grew round and she took off after them, feet pumping as she heard the others not too far behind. Oh, no.

Rye felt fear course through her veins as Allen let out a small curse, his eyes growing wide as he put on a burst of speed. "Leah!"

The trees cleared up, giving way to an open stretch of land. Rye's heart near stopped at the large body floating before them—a different shape compared to the others.

Leah stood in front, her legs had collapsed beneath her and baby blues looked up with fear, face paling as the face imbedded within the Akuma's chest smirked, hands curved into claws rising up.

"Leah!" Allen exclaimed, running forward, clawed hand outstretched to attack.

He won't make it.

Rye's hands reached for each other, feeling the tightly wound bandages slip down and hit the ground.

Leah won't make it.

The thin trail of blood that had gone down her cheek suddenly grew hot and Rye shut her eyes, letting out a tired sigh as she felt blood begin to fall from her palms, hitting the floor.

No choice then.

An explosion rocketed through the air, bits of debris hitting the ground with a crash. Allen's eyes grew wide and his arm faltered, having been prepared to strike the Akuma. Leah's eyes were wide with shock as well, and the caramel haired girl hesitantly reached a hand up to touch her cheek, feeling the wet droplets. "B-Blood?"

Allen quickly turned, whipping around to find Rye standing still, examining the work that had been done.

Blood no longer fell from her palms, but pooled around her feet, soaking into the earth and winding upwards in vine-like structures, some reaching out and wrapping themselves around her.

Blood red eyes met grey, and Allen's left eye widened, realization dawning on him.

Leah stared at her friend in disbelief, watching the tendrils wave about as if blown by the wind. "R-Rye?"

Rye shut her eyes for a moment before releasing a sigh, stretching her arms over her head. "Ah, it was nice while it lasted."

Allen blinked, taking a step forward. "Rye, did you do that?"

"Who else?" She idly lifted a hand, watching as a tendril of blood curled around it, winding around her outstretched fingers like a vine.

"H-How...?" Leah's eyes were round as saucers. "Y-Your blood...Rye?"

You dug this grave. Only you can climb out.

"Surprised?" Rye flicked her fingers, and the blood that littered the ground where the Akuma had been flew back to her, joining the pool at her feet. "Or disgusted?"

"Rye," Allen started, taking a step towards the girl. "Have you always been able to do this? Do you realize—"

The white haired boy's eyes grew wide in surprise as the spike of hardened blood stopped directly before him, pointed tip aimed between the eyes. He turned to Rye in surprise and the girl eyed him coolly, the blood at her feet beginning to swirl.

Her gaze turned back to Leah and softened, ever so slightly. "Thanks, for everything. Tell May I said thank you too."

And with that, the blood began to vaporize, leaving with it a metallic tang in the air as the girl standing before them disappeared, nothing left but the copper stain in the ground.

"Guess I have to look for a new place now." Rye let out a sigh, tightening the bandages around her hands. "Man, this bites."

She leaned against the trunk of an old tree, bark charred in areas from being struck by lightening so many years ago. A bit of dizziness still followed her movements—it'd been awhile since she'd used it like that.

Rye paused at the term, look back to her palms. It was Innocence, as they had called it. That geezer of a man had told her the same thing, but to hell if she'd pay attention to anything he said.

Her gaze flickered back to the town behind her, smoke rising up from where the main city had been. The scent hit her senses and she flinched, reaching up to unclasp the necklace Leah had given her.

Rye pulled the thin chain and gently dropped the necklace into the leather knapsack around her shoulder. The necklace settling down with various other items from the past towns she'd been too.

Another souvenir.

She tugged the loose leather jacket closer to her and brushed her fingers over her hands, feeling the blood pulsing beneath them. Innocence, huh? She turned her gaze to the sky. Are you the root of all my problems or is it just me?

"Where are you going now?"

Rye nearly jumped, struggling to keep herself rooted to the ground and holding back a cry of surprise, she turned, eyes slightly wide to face the four exorcists behind her. Her eyes stayed heavy on them, asking the silent question.

"Leah told us if anyone were to be leaving town, they'd head this way." Lavi explained, the red head offering her a faint grin. "Not even a goodbye?"

"Better off this way," she pictured Leah and May, they'd be in good hands. She'd taken whatever she needed to get her to the next town and left them the rest. "Less drama."

"You healed Leah, didn't you?" Allen questioned, tilting his head slightly as his eyes strayed to her hands, as if recalling the memory of the blood pouring from them. "With that power of yours."

"It did it on its own." Half a truth. "It does things I didn't even know about sometimes."

"You have something very extraordinary, you know," Lenalee started, a small smile touching her lips as she looked to the girl before her, eyes shining. "An Innocence fragment has chosen you to carry it."

Rye eyed her hands, remembering the first time she'd seen the blood flow from her palms, from all over her actually.

It hadn't been pretty.

Rye let out a hum, fingering the bandages as she turned to face the road before her. "Is that all you have to say? Or is there something else I can do for you exorcists?"

"So you know about exorcists?" Allen smiled, looking slightly relieved. "That makes explaining a lot easier."

Rye arched a brow and the group gave her encouraging smiles—well, except for Kanda—she'd expect a smile from him when hell froze over. Allen glanced down to his arm, the scarred hand appearing from the cuff of his sleeve.

"Exorcists fight against akuma to keep the world safe—to keep people like Leah safe," Rye flinched, and Allen continued on. "You've been chosen to be given a power that can help others. You've been given a chance to do something with yourself."

Rye watched the white haired male warily as he looked to her, determination etched in his silver eyes. But there was a kind smile on his face. "Instead of wandering around doing nothing, come back to the Black Order with us, become an exorcist."

Rye near choked on her own spit at the offer, staring at the group incredulously. Her mind reeled at the words and she felt her hands shake on cue.

Become an exorcist.

An exorcist?

The people before her stood, a door opening up to actually have a reason to her life. She'd just been traveling around, exploring, she'd met others like Leah and stayed until she couldn't any longer. Then her goal became to help Leah, and now, that was gone.

You could fight to save lives. Rye stared, Allen stretching out a hand to her, a hopeful and determined look on his face. You could stop what happened today, you have the power to.

You could do something.

Slowly, Rye lifted her hand, bandaged palm clasping Allen's hand in her own.

Lavi grinned, and Lenalee looked excited, eyes shining. Kanda raised a brow, look slightly amused, his eyes not fooled. Allen's eyes brightened and he gripped her hand firmly, grinning at the girl.

Rye gave his hand a soft, firm pat.

"No, thanks."

Slowly, carefully, the little girl stood up from her place in the snow. She quietly brushed off the ice and soot from her clothes, what little bit she could, at least.

Quietly, without another word, she wrapped her arms around herself and turned.

She started to walk.

How's that for a first chapter? :D

Hahaha, thanks too all who gave this story a chance and checked it out! I've always wanted to do a D. Gray-man story, and even though I have so many, I just couldn't resist. It was too tempting.

I look forward to being able to write Rye's character, seeing as I've made her different then what I'm used too. And I hope you've all enjoyed the first chapter of The Good, the Bad, and Her, and I hope to see you all again!

Marshmellow-

-OUT!