…And here's the chapter that I've been waiting to share with you.

And it's here, hooray!

Life has been great. Went and watch Avengers Endgame, it was really fun. The semester is going to start up again and I'm down for it and dreading it at the same time. It's going to be a bit more hectic as I'm prepping to go for internship and have lots of things to prepare and dealing with pre-internship jitters.

So the results of the poll are 5 votes for jumping straight to canon (option 1) and 2 for going through the ten years (option 2). And for the reviews, three goes for option 1 while 2 votes for option 2. A majority of you prefer option 1 so we're going to go with that. All right, that solves my dilemma. We're just going to jump right into it and see what surprises await us. Thanks guys for giving me your thoughts on that. My mind feels lighter.

Anyways enough about me, onto your replies!

Dear xenocanaan, thanks for your vote and input. Looks like we're gonna go with that and that's a pretty good reason. Definitely interested to see how things will go.

Dear Elsa - 18, Thanks for your vote. Looks like we're going with option one but no worries, the scenes would come back as flashbacks. Just have to figure out where they would go.

Dear Guess (and proceeds to facepalm because I completely missed it.) Dear Guest, duly noted. Thanks for your vote and input. It helps in deciding and aaaaah, thanks. You're trying to make me melt? I'm a goo now. A good happy goo.

Dear ADDBaby, Oh…yeah…sorry. I kinda winced when I wrote the Alma scene because I thought about you but I'm also kinda too drained to go back and slap some sparkles and cherry blossoms on it. And thanks for the vote and opinion. *pats on back and dare not say everything will be okay* Alma's scene was suffering for me even to write. Can't imagine what's it like to read it. Yeah, he was close though not all issues had been dealt yet but he was getting there. All Kanda's truing is hidden somewhere deep inside him and he will never admit it. And I'm so sorry. Nice things, here are all the nice things *shower ADDBaby in confetti made of candy*

Dear bestloserever, Yeah me too. *pats on the back* Thanks, I'm really glad to hear that. Sometimes I feel like some may get annoyed by it but it's probably in my head. It's just been something that fascinates me even though I didn't set out to do it. I'm glad you're enjoying it. And thanks for your vote and input. It really helped.

Dear Cheshire Mayhem, actually I gave you warning before hand and omg, I would love to see someone throw a pineapple at Yun and combined with the lemon throwing competition at Yu they can be the Yu and Yun show. I never meant to use flower imagery but somehow it happens a lot and it just clicks so I'm going with it. The paper crane thing was on impulse and from something a friend told me not too long ago. A story about a hundred folded paper cranes. And I feel like it fits Yun even if I can't tell you how it makes sense. Just a feeling. They are just children and he is a bit cold but he knows what he has to do. And yeah, Lvellie may be a central villain but he's a party pooper and a bummer. I'm just glad I do't have to deal with his character until way, way, way later. And who has Alma's surname? Who jerk? What? You're welcome to try stabbing them with a rusty spork. I don't secretly hate Alma. I love him but I just feel that that's how his character direction goes. Dunno why, just his vibes and the impression he gives me. He's still a cinnamon roll though. Thanks, his hatred is a part of him but its a very sharp double edge sword that he would have to learn how to deal with. By now Kanda's mechanism is just to shut everything out and he's feeling poetic that day. What other figure? I've definitely had fun reading your review and trying to decode some parts haha.

For now, onto the story!

26th Night

Everything Will Be Alright

"Action may not always bring happiness…

But there is no happiness without action."

-Benjamin Disraeli

The boots around her ankles were like the world weighing down on her. Even though it allowed her to fly through the air, it pulled her down like anchors of gravity pulling her back to earth- like a bird with clipped wings. Flying…it would've been pleasant like a dream all children have of angel's wings and floating but for her, whom it became a reality was a nightmare and a burden she wished she never had.

"Again. That was too slow," The General's voice boomed across the training ground as she landed on her feet, pushing herself to stand straight even though her legs were sore and she could feel jitters of pain throughout her entire body. Sweat coated her forehead and she couldn't recall how many times she had repeated the exercise, all with the same result.

"I'm sorry," Lenalee gasps, willing herself not to drop to her knees. That would only get her another round of scolding and she only wanted it to end.

She got into her stance and tried again but moved a fraction too fast, tripping over herself and dropping to the ground. Her appendages slapped against the linoleum floor and she could feel bruises forming. Her long hair spilled around her and she hide her wince behind it, acting like a curtain and hiding from the unpleasant expression that he was sure to wear. He sighed, irritation clear in his nasally voice. "That's enough, we'll continue again tomorrow." He shook his head and her heart sank at the blatant disappointment in his gaze as he walked away. She didn't do good enough.

"Sorry," She was doing her hardest but it always seemed to never be enough. Picking herself up, she patted off the dust from her clothes, brushing her hair to their usual order.

She wandered into the hallways, aware of Golems nearby, one-eyes blinking. They were always watching, calling out whenever she tried to leave and goodness knows how many times she tried to leave. But those were fruitless attempts. It was useless. They had let her know it was useless and now all she could do was to hide away for a while and cry, as if that would change anything. She misses home.

But there was no home now. Memories of that day flashes in her mind…the day that she was taken away, dragged into this strange place and surrounded by faces of strangers. She was overwhelmed, couldn't think and the faces blurred into one another and eventually she stopped looking knowing that there were only coldness.

Curling up against the wall with her knees to her chest, the tears started to fall. She willed herself not to cry but it was ineffective. She felt alone. Her voice and needs snuffed out -in their eyes, she was sure that she was a tool and a weapon in this war. She couldn't help to wonder how her brother was doing. Was he happier without her?

"Hello," A voice called out quietly behind her. Gasping, she whipped her head towards it to see a boy behind the door partially hidden by the shadows. Her heart drummed and she went into panic mode, leaping to her feet and scrambling to run away.

"Wait, wait, don't go!" She pauses, looking back as he threw his hands out between the gaps, "I'm not going to hurt you." She peers at him, unsure. Even unintentionally, everything had been hurting her. But he was only a boy after all…and he was in this place. She had to wonder, was it for the same reason she was? "See, see," He waves his empty hands and in his haste, something shiny dropped onto the floor, "Oh no!"

The silvery object bounced against the ground, heading over the edge of the railing. A bit more and it's down into the abyss it goes. Lenalee leapt into action, reaching out to catch it before it was gone forever. No amount of pleading from anyone was going to have her enough courage to go down to that place. She gave a sigh of relief, reaching back and opening her palms, the cold metal left angry red indentions against her palms. It's pretty. A lotus caging in a seaglass gem. She looked at the boy looking at her both hopeful and distraught. It must be precious to him.

Hesitantly, she drew closer and handed it back to him. The boy muttered his thanks and he held it fast as if making sure that he would never lose it again. It was like she suspected. It was precious to him. He seemed lost in deep thought and she felt uncomfortable watching him. It felt like she was encroaching in a private moment and started to back away. But before she could make a break for it, he noticed.

"What's your name?" He asked with a friendly smile…or maybe what he thought was a friendly smile? His expression had flickered a bit as if he had been completely drained and for a moment forgot what a smile was.

Should she tell him? It didn't seem like it would be any harm. "Lenalee..." She spoke softly under her breath and he inched closer trying to hear it.

"That's a pretty name," As he said it, she flushed, "My name is Alma." He introduced himself holding his palm out to her. It would be rude if she didn't shake, would it? She reach out and shook it. Flapping dark wings catches his sight. They were back again. She looked worriedly about before taking a sighing breath. The Golems were everywhere but they were ignoring her, floating about and blinking bored. They weren't looking for her. She still had time. The boy…Alma seemed to be growling at them, "Just you wait. I'm gonna throw my shoe at you and one of these days, its gonna hit."

"Huh?" She blinked, did she heard that right?

"Nothing!" He pulled back a cheery smile, shaking her hand more frantically that she was afraid that he's gonna pop her arm right off its socket. And as fast as his face changed, he changed the subject, "So what are you doing here, Lenalee?"

"I'm hiding." She admitted, peering to the corner keeping an eye out for the scientists. Alma's face turned grim as his gaze grew distant.

"I understand." What did he understand? His gaze was earnest, "There's times where I wanted to be alone too."

That made her stay and she found herself growing less afraid and unsure of him. They started talking and it all felt so natural that she slowly found herself relaxing, shoulders dropping from tension. Over time, they had become fast friends. Each time she would drop by and they would chat only for her to leave again before the next rotation as to not raise suspicions. She wasn't supposed to wander without permission after all. Though she would do it all over again.

Talking to Alma was interesting. He would tell her stories, dipping into his experiences but for some reason -she realised after a while- he would always avoid saying the names of his friends sometimes substituting ridiculous nicknames or pushing past it completely. It seemed almost like a sore subject for him but it wasn't her business and she didn't want to pry. He pushes on, telling more ridiculous stories that she found herself chuckling and smiling.

"Have you heard of yodelling?" He stopped mid story, peering at her and wondering if she could picture it.

She shook her head, "No."

"Well it's something like…" He flushed, suddenly feeling embarrassed, "I'm not going to do it. But it's a weird sound." And she took his word for it. As the story reaches the crescendo, she laughs as he continued, throwing his arms about animatedly s much so that she was afraid that he might smack himself on the face.

They would talk for minutes but it felt like hours, easing each other loneliness and holding unspoken tears and thoughts at bay. Little by little, Lenalee let her guard down and she found herself talking about her home for the first time since she was dragged to this place.

"You've seen the outside world?" His eyes widened.

"Yes, why wouldn't I?" She peers at him curiously. His questions were strange and she wondered why would that be such a surprise. Any children had seen the sun sets and falls and the blue skies that stretched endlessly.

"I thought…no, nevermind," His brow furrowed in confusion and then he shook his head and smiled, "You have a family?"

"A mother, father…and my brother," She could barely recall their faces, hazy in her memories for some reason but she could still feel fragmented moments- her mother's smile as she worked on a new quilt and the warmth of her father's pats on her head…and her brother who would always bring her souvenirs when he goes on one of his short trips. It was either something really nice or very, very strange. But it felt so distant that she could barely tell if her memories were real or just something she had dreamed. "I don't remember…"

Alma had caught her look but quickly changed the subject to another one of his wild tales about his friends. It always draw a smile and giggles from her. Smiles and laughter were better than tears as he would say. "You should smile more! You look pretty when you smile!"

Her smile dropped a bit before she pulled it up again. It was difficult to smile in this awful place and thoughts flickered in her mind and she quickly squashed them but there were times where she would wonder. Sometimes she thinks she doesn't deserve to smile. Had she been bad? Was that the reason why she was taken away from her family? Her brother had promised that he would come find her but until now…was she just a burden to him?

She pushed those thoughts away, feeling her mood slipped further. Mulling in these thoughts wasn't the point of escapism, she reminded herself and threw herself into enjoying Alma's stories again. Minutes counted down from seconds and she realised that it was time for her training again. She didn't want to leave but if she don't…She sighed and he pauses, knowing that it was time.

"I'll come again." She stood up, saying the words she would always say. It was like a routine and somehow comforting.

"You promise?" He asked for the sake of it, holding no weight as they both knew that she would always return.

"I promise." She waved with a smile. She wouldn't break it for the world. She finally found someone who saw her and not right through her.

She made her way through the dim hallways, catching her sight in the silvery surfaces. She paused, frowning at the heavy bags under her eyes. It has been a while since she had gotten a good night of sleep. The dark was so cold and she was sure that there was always something in the darkness. And when it was quiet was the time that thoughts were the loudest.

But there was a change. There was a light in her eyes that she hadn't seen in a long time. Tear streaked eyes that mostly trailed to the ground, defeated but now looked alive and everything felt somehow lighter.

You're going to be late. She forced herself to look away from the reflection and quickly ran. He would be mad if she was late. It was then that she realised something strange. The corridor were darker and it was deeper and a deep seated chill in the air. She wasn't cold, not yet but a sense of dread skittering up her spine like tiny legs of spiders.

This wasn't the way to the training hall. She looked around in panic, realising that she was lost and must've made a wrong turning somewhere back there. She tried walking back and retracing her steps but only to find herself even more lost as the corridors blended from one into another like a spiral labyrinth. She considered shattering the walls to find a way out but bit her lip in hesitation. That would get her punished and she didn't want that. She had to find another way. She gazed around but there were no Golems in sight. Great, they weren't there when she needed them.

Guess she had no choice. She would've to find someone and hoped that they don't get mad at her. She walked and walked but it was quiet and completely devoid of people, not even the distant footsteps. It was horribly odd and the creeping feeling intensified like a slow tightening noose.

A sudden sound cause her to gasp and she found herself standing in front of a large wooden door framed by iron hinges. It was enormous only second to the Order's front gate. She couldn't help but to wonder why would one need such a big door and if giants lived in the shadows of the Black Order. That was silly, right?

Murmurs echoed behind the door and even though she knew she shouldn't, curiosity beckons her on. She pushes the door, biting her lip and hoped the hinges were oiled. It opened smoothly nary of sound as she peers through the gap.

"You may speak freely. He can't hear anything." The familiar sound of pens against clipboards met her ears as she peered through the darkness to see scientists surrounding a boy who sat down on a large chair. He had a tired look, staring off into the distance as the scientists talked among themselves. She inched forward to get a better look, her vision sharpened picking up details that she didn't noticed at first glance. It's that boy! She blinked not believing her eyes.

She had seen him around before but they've never spoken, the boy silently following behind a man when he first arrived. Their eyes had met and she had waved at him and he waved back, hiding it behind his back as to not get spotted. But after that encounter she never saw him around, not even when she had went looking for him. He was thin, arms and feet bony and the clothes he wore hung loosely around his figure. He looked much thinner that she last saw him. Was he okay? Did they feed him?

They continued discussing among themselves and the terms and words they used were cold and complicated but it was all directed at the boy who sat there not reacting. She felt lightly sick. She couldn't imagine saying something like that about a person. Although…they were scientists after all. She thought back at their true nature peeled back from behind kind masks. They had dragged her back time and time again and ignored her even as she cried and screamed. All they cared about were the boots- the Innocence.

"And his synchronisation rate? Before now, it was negligible." The man in white coat hummed to himself, "His body however is breaking down. Perhaps it's impossible for a non-accommodator."

"I'm not giving up. He's the blood relative of an exorcist. It has to work!"

What has to work? She had a feeling that she wouldn't like the answer but she didn't want to leave, afraid for him. Their eyes met and her heart leapt. She was apprehensive but his gaze was steady and calm as if only observing but not giving her away. She wondered if he remembered her. She wasn't sure if it was because of the light but his hair seemed lighter almost translucent.

"It's time. Let's begin." They snapped their fingers in front of his eyes and he stood. The man in front of him set his hand on his shoulder, placing weight on him and leading him further into the room. He didn't break her gaze, looking over his shoulder as he turned. His lips parted and he waved. Goodbye? A deep sinking feeling of dread pooled in her stomach.

"Hevlaska, implant an innocence in him."

Glowing tendrils reached out towards him, lifting him into the air and it was then that she noticed the ephemeral giant figure. It was the woman creature, the one she met with face full of tears when she first arrived and had analysed her synchronisation rate and spoke of words and rhymes that she couldn't understand but had sealed her fate. What are they going to do to him?

She watched, eyes wide and unblinking as a shiny glow rose up the body of the woman into one of her tendrils and she pressed it against the quiet boy's chest. The boy's eyes widened and his mouth flew open. Lenalee gripped the door tighter as she watched swirling white light and electricity rushed through the entire room, scientists watching in a distance, dotting down their findings in their notes.

"Stop…" You're hurting him. She could see his form through the glowing light. He's in pain.

One of the scientists broke from the monitors rushing forward, "Exceeding safety limits! Stop! It's too dangerous!"

Please stop. "Keep going Hevlaska. It could still work. Come on! Synchronise."

The light grew more intense, stray electricity struck at the railings and the scientists threw themselves back before getting back to their feet, egging it on, "That's it Hevlaska, keep going!" . Her heart pounded and squeezed and she could barely breathe. Something was happening to him. Something bad.

"Stop." But they wouldn't hear her and she could do nothing but watch, unable to tear her eyes away.

With a resounding crack of something breaking and an explosion, Hevlaska recoiled her tendrils. The body of the boy slid off, splatting onto the ground in patterns of grey white and patterned black. Her breath got caught in her throat as she stared. He looked not human; limbs melted off, features gone save for a shape of what used to be a man with hollowed bleeding eyes and mouth agape. She covered her mouth and swallowed her screams.

"Ahh! Blast, another Fallen one."

They stared at the thing, faces grim, "It's hopeless. Innocence will only synchronise with accommodators chosen by God." Was that all they cared about? The door creaked as she leaned against it. "Who's there?"

She can't get caught. She took off running and didn't look back. She didn't care where she run of if it was the right direction. She just needed to go. To get out of this place. Tears gathered on her eyes, blurring her vision. She wiped viciously at them but more came. Suddenly, fingers wrapped around her arm and pulled her. She screamed, scrambling to tear the limb off her. Her mind a mess and someone calling out to her. "It's me! It's me, it's just me!" She breaths, the adrenaline melted off as her hazy vision cleared to see Alma staring at her.

She stared at him, relief flooded her system and she dropped to her knees. Her legs were like jelly, her ankles burned and sobs choked her system as she was flooded by tears. "Lenalee, are you alright?" He peers at her, frantically pressing against the bars, "Did someone hurt you?"

She shook her head. That's not it. That's not…She shivered. "I saw…" The sight of the boy's body fresh in her mind. Her stomach twisted into knots and she felt incredibly sick. Fresh tears prickled the edged of her eyes and she pressed her face into her hands.

"Lenalee, what did you see?"

"I saw…I saw…" She broke into hysterical sobs that swallowed her words. Her body unable to stop shaking. Bit by bit, she pushed the words out and spoke of what she saw. Alma's hand gripped the bars tighter and incredible expression of anger etched on his face. But as quickly as that expression appeared, it vanished and he knelt down patting her.

"Lena, you're going to be okay," How's anything going to be okay? "You're strong. Stronger than you know. I need you to do something."

What? She wasn't sure if she could even do anything. "I know you're scared and what you saw…it's horrible. But I need you to go back and pretend that you didn't see anything. I know it's hard. Almost impossible even but Lena, if anyone finds out that you saw…" He swallowed, "I'm scared what they will do to you."

Ice cold fear filled her. He was right. But she couldn't stop the tears nor the choking sensation around her lungs. He whispered words of comfort to her and patting her until she finally calmed down, drained and numb and not feeling much else.

"You're okay?" He was still worried.

No, but that wasn't the answer that others want to hear. Instead she nodded. He asked her to take care and she couldn't respond, leaving and dreading having to go back to normal. As she left, for a moment, she thought she heard the sounds of shattering wood but she was too rattled and didn't look back. It could've been anything.

But one thing was for sure: she needed to get out of here.

It was long awaited but it was finally happening.

His heart beat in anticipation and he could barely believed his ears. If it wasn't the letter in his hands or the hot tea scalding his sleeve, he would've thought that he was dreaming. "Thank you," Komuii bowed down deeply, "I'll make sure you won't regret it." The wait had been long but he was finally getting the position that he had been dreaming off. He wasn't sure if he would even made it at one point, the competition had been fierce like wolves ready to maul each other apart. But now he's the papa wolf! Standing over them, victorious.

He could barely believe it! He twirled out of the room ready to tell everyone the news. Many still tired from the clean up and the torrent of work handed to them still patted his pack, muttering their congratulations (even if it was only to get rid of him). His rivals slammed their fists against hard objects (one was even close to swinging one at him but he cheerily dodge. Nothing could bring him down now. He's the king of the world!) Other begrudgingly shook his hand. All in all, he couldn't stop grinning.

He burst through the mess hall, "Jeryy!"

"Komuii!" Jeryy popped out of the kitchen greeting his friend. Komuii yelled out Jeryy's name again and Jeryy echoed back his best bud's name. Annoyed grunts from bystanders as they stared at the two man. Couldn't they get a moment of peace and quiet around here?

"Honey, guess what?" Apparently not.

"What Sweetie?"

"I'm now the the Head Chief of the European Branch!"

"What?" The whole room was in an uproar. Jeryy ran and enveloped Komuii into a hug as they yell loving nonsense to each other. The man had screamed at him over the years to take a break once and while and more importantly eat. Komuii had sometimes get annoyed by all the mothering and lectured but ultimately he was really grateful for it. If without Jeryy's mothering, he would've been dead somewhere under piles of papers and files starved to death.

But there was still one person that he had yet say goodbye to. he made his way down the halls, seeking a particular blonde.

"Wong, did you hear the news?"

"Congratulations Master Komuii." The man bowed at him but still peered at the corner worriedly.

"How's he holding up?"

From the look on the man's gaze, he could guess and he wouldn't blame him. Even so, he ventured forward to meet his old friend and deep rival. He could still remember the happier days when they would try to one up each other. It was almost nostalgic now, like rose tinted glasses.

"Hoi, Komuii!" The blonde man hollered as he came over. The cry reverberated through the walls and rattled the pile of papers surrounding Komuii's desk. Komuii sighed quietly. Just what he needed.

"Yes, Bak Bak?" Komuii puts on a sweet smile with a tinge of threat. Here comes the holier than thou son of the Head of Asian Branch…Ever since they were formally introduced, this snot nosed brat had always rubbed him off the wrong way.

"It's Head Chief Chang to you!" His face grew red like a tomato and Komuii could barely tell if he was getting flustered or getting angry? Probably the latter, either way it was easy to get a rise of him. He wondered if Bak Bak knows that he was pretty transparent, his face tells everything.

"What do you need Bak Bak?" He tilted his head playing the role of a dumb dumb and waiting for a chink of weakness in the boy's armour to strike.

"It's Chief!"

They were eternal rivals competing against each other. "I will beat you next time! Just you wait!"

"Sure you will!"

"Damn you!"

Things had changed so much from then. The figure of Bak stood straight. The last few months had been hard on him but despite it, he had clawed back up standing straighter. He was now the official head of the Asian Branch, despite his loses he couldn't sit down and stay down. There were still streaks of dried tears under his eyes and Komuii spies his sleeves were wet.

Bak barely acknowledges him. They were no longer boss and subordinate. They were equals now.

"Don't mess up." Even though the edge in his voice shows that he hopes that he will.

"There's no need to worry. I won't." I can't. He could never. Messing up would mean the end of everything. Everything that he had worked hard to achieve.

Within the rest of the day he had packed and the next, he was heading to the train station. He boarded the train. Without wasting time, he went through all the files and papers, the frown on his face grew deeper at its contents. It wasn't good. Some were even downright sickening. The place where his sister was trapped in was drowning in rivers of blood. He couldn't help but to be afraid of what he might find.

"So, you're the new Chief," When he had arrived at the European Branch, the Section Leader of the Science Division greeted him, his cohorts lingering behind. The man grins, eyes sizing him up. Komuii couldn't help but to feel uncomfortable, for some reason…he felt really tiny in that man's eyes. He then laughs, reaching over and slapping Komuii on his back and throwing his arm over his shoulder, "Let us give you a tour and a warm welcome."

The sudden physical contact had irked him but Komuii kept his lips sealed, unsure what awaited him behind those walls. The man spoke brashly, his voice ringing against Komuii ears as he had no reservations shouting to the staff in a distance. He was sure that he would have sore eardrums by the end of the tour.

"And next to a special place…where the magic happens." They lead him down the path. The hallways were dark and dingy and there was a strange chill in the air. Even with the thick coat covering his skin, he could feel it running through his body, summoning goosebumps.

Dried blood covered the railing, caked in layers. The sight of it chilled him to his veins. He stood still as the elevator descended, unwilling to touch anything. As they went deeper, the darkness grew and at the bottom, glowing silvery light. His eyes widened at the strange sight, a creature…no a giant woman with profusion of tendrils. He ventured a gaze down, catching the etched circle and symbols that laid in her translucent being. Fascinating. He had never seen something like this before.

"Meet Hevlaska." He looked up at the strange being. Hevlaska, her name…Memory tickles at the back of his mind. He had read about her before in the documents handed over to him. Though he could not see her eyes, he was sure that she was watching him, staring down at him with silent interest. "Pay no mind to her. she mostly stays in this place."

The Section Leader…(Pierce was it?) pressed the buttons and they were ascending. Komui's stomach twisted as he finally remembered the details he read about her. Forced Synchronisations...That's where the rivers of blood run deep. As he looked down towards the creature…woman, he couldn't help but to wonder if she had a hand in it or was merely going along with her orders. From the brief moment he met her, he could sense no bloodlust and no desire for harm but appearance were deceiving and he wouldn't pass judgement until he finds out for sure.

"Now for the most anticipated place," The man rubbed his hands together. He opened the door to a dark room lit only by candles even though the rest of the building had operated on lights. He blinks as the Pierce bowed down with a flourish, "A room fit for a chief." They clapped him on the back, sending him stumbling forward.

Regaining his balance, he pushed up his glasses and surveyed the room.

It was definitely bigger than his own in the Asian Branch but incredibly gaudy. Red and gold marred the room. It was as if it was a desperate show of opulence with the absence of taste. He sat down on the bed, sinking further and further down as it was too soft, he felt all the more smaller. He never missed his tiny room more.

"Isn't it great?"

He looked at the man completely enamoured by the room and wondered if he had a hand in decorating or he had wanted the room for himself. Though from his expression, he could tell that the man would not take no for an answer. "Oh yes, it's great." It was difficult biting back the sarcasm in his voice. But he would managed. He always does.

They had shown him around the lounge area, the library and the sanatorium. The last would be the office…bu there was one place that he needed to go first.

He had made an excuse that he needed the loo and wandered off, knowing exactly where he was going. It was the first thing that he had made sure of before he came and the most important fact that he would remember above everything else. He stood in front of a door that would lead to the room where she was kept. And for the first time, he was nervous.

His palms seemed to sweat but he pushed himself forward, twisting the door handle. The door creaked as he entered the room. It was dark and barely lit save for a hanging lamp and a candle by her bedside. As he drew closer, his eyes adjust to the dark making out her figure on the bed, hands bandaged and bound, vacant tear soaked eyes staring into the distance. She had tensed when he came in, bindings pulled taut. But it loosened immediately, as if defeated, no hope in escape. What had they done to her? The state of Lenalee nearly drew him to tears. But he wouldn't cry, not now. She needed him more than anything. Tightening his fingers, he crossed the room, careful calculated steps even though all he wanted to was run to her and bring her into his arms. but he couldn't, unsure the measure of her response in such a state. Silently, he sat down by the side of the bed.

"Lenalee," He started, "I'm here."

Her eyes moved, glancing at him. It felt like she was looking past him, as if she didn't believe in him, that he was a dream and wasn't real. He reached out slowly and gently as if he was afraid that he would hurt her and held her hand. at the touch, her eyes widened a fraction before fresh tears sprung.

"Brother?"

"Yes, I'm here." And I'm never leaving your side again.

She burst into tears, drop after drop trailing down her cheeks soaking past her dark long hair into the pillows below. He reaches out, hand running down the tangled strands of her hair in soft repeated motions like he had done in the past when she awoke from strange dreams and nightmares. "There, there. Let it all out," Her nightmare would come to an end, he would make sure of it.

It wasn't long before she had fallen asleep, tuckered out by her constant tears. The air was quiet once more and he sat for a few moments in case she would wake. Her eyes remained closed, silent sleeping breaths filled the air. It would have to do for now. He stood up, quietly leaving. As much as it hurts him to leave her, he had work to do and hopefully, he would be back before she wakes.

"Isn't it awesome?"

He stares at the red cushioned seat by his newly stationed table. It was massive, towering over the desk like a massive throne. What in God's name? He blinks, wondering if he was dreaming, trapped in some kind of nightmare where all he could see was red and gold. He glanced at the gold trimmed carvings and the awkward arch of the chair. How does one not get a back ache from this? His predecessor must have a spine of steel!

He was even more convinced as he sat down on it and no matter how he squirmed or angled himself, it was no less comfortable than sitting on a pointy rock, waiting for your back to be broken. Eventually, he hunched over the desk, humiliated and feeling like a child on a kiddy chair instead of a fully grown man and the head of this branch. He couldn't help but to wonder if he was being hazed or that the previous Head Chief just had terrible tastes.

They were all smiles, giving no indication that they were punking him.

"We'll leave you to it, Chief."

"Oh yes. Thanks for the tour." He wasn't sure they noticed the deflation in his voice as they grinned and waved at him on their way out.

He lets out a breath or relief, reaching for the piling files. Time to work. He sort through the papers, putting them into tiny stacks. Dipping his pen into the ink pot, he scribbled little notes and comments left and right and occasionally reaching out for coffee.

It was certainly quite a mess. He stared and stared until he could stare no more, the words started to blur from one line into another and no amount of coffee could get him through another paragraph. He set it down, slapping the dossier shut with extra added spice of vengeance. Ludicrous! How could they run a Science Division like this? He bite his finger, hands curling a death grip on the arm of the chair, nail digging into polish wood.

Oh how he hated the chair. He would throw it out the window if he could. Damn his predecessor and his spine of steel!

His patience was ironed thin. Komuii smiled, it was tight and doesn't quite reach his eyes. They were all mean and cruel and the same people who had done this to his precious Lenalee.

This wouldn't do. Oh, it wouldn't do at all.

Komuii had been in his head, muttering to himself as he plotted out ways for his master plan to work, drawing weird gazes and rolled eyes as he paced back and forth and when it didn't work, he let his feet wander. All of a sudden, he spotted dark skin and corn braids. He did a double take spotting a familiar face and a body of good fashion. Is it? It is! He couldn't believe it. His heart soared. "Jeryy!" He threw himself at the Thai man as the man caught him and spun him around, "What are you doing here?"

"I transferred, I couldn't just leave you alone." He grinned. This dark place was looking much brighter.

Then all of a sudden his stomach growled and Jeryy turned a critical eye onto him, "Did you forget to eat?"

"No?" He had been so busy with his plotting that food was the last thing on his mind.

They sat down with a cup of coffee and food. He had never missed Jeryy's cooking more. The European Branch chef had been good but his was always the best. The warm pot of steamed rice with salted fish and minced pork was always a delight and each bite gave Komuii a bit of comfort. He couldn't remember when was the last time he ate properly since he arrived and Jeryy had certainly gave him an earful of it. His ears had never missed his nagging more. Komuii quietly spilled the situation to Jeryy, careful to make sure there were no prying eyes or ears.

"Oh, that poor girl! I'll make her something to eat."

Komuii smiles. He would like that. He was sure that she hadn't had a good meal in a long time too. With that in mind, he couldn't forget what he has to do and a sigh escaped. Jeryy appraised him from behind his sunshades. He shook his head but it's been weighing in his chest. "I have to find a way to deal with them, to make it work. I already petitioned and met up with the Vatican to put a stop to any more forced synchronisation attempts but..."

Closing down the forced synchronisation experiments did him no favours, neither from the families seeking for power nor the scientists who had a hand it it that were his subordinates. He was losing ground and even though the repercussions hadn't shown, he was sure that in time it would become a problem. He needed to find solid ground to stand on or he would be in deep trouble and he wouldn't be able to protect his sister. That was his deepest fear and he find himself losing sleep trying to find a solution to solve his problems.

And until now, he had no answers. Komuii trailed off. The food didn't seem so appetising anymore. The thousands of files and dossiers that he had gone over through the nights filled his brain, the words cold and succinct but they were enough to bring life grotesque imagery especially accompanied by photos. "Kate Brolly, Froly Ringer, Fedrico Fra, Gustav Sinclair, Barnaby Martin, Arcia Tsiet, Gianni Porscienzzo, Enrico De Mascani..." The list of names slipped his lips, growing more solemn, "…Thomas Brody." The blood that run through for a hundred years, "How many lives destroyed? How many lives forgotten?"

"You remembered all that?"

"If I don't, who will?" Komuii downed the last of his coffee. It hadn't been easy, names were easily mixed up and mistake but he had forced himself to remember, whispering their names under his breath like a prayer before he collapsed in bed (if he even get a chance to)…hoping that his sister never become one of those names, forgotten and buried. His throat seemed to close at the though. He hoped that it wouldn't come to that.

This place runs deep with blood, filled with dirty, dirty liars and even more rotten people. Even a good scrubbing wouldn't be enough to clean all the sins out.

Unless…

His glasses glinted, "I have a plan."

"It's not murder is it?"

"No, it's much better." He was short of cackling, "But I'm going to need your help." And without a doubt, Jeryy agreed. Watch out evil doers, here comes Komuii!

He takes a breath. Here goes nothing. "Stop working! Stop working! All of you!" He leaps onto the box dramatically, clapping his hand in continuous succession to gain their attention. They stared at him, some annoyed from interrupted and other bored. They were getting used to his crazy antics. Time to sell his best act. "I have a surprise~ We're having a feast!"

There was a resounding cheer. Komuii's glasses glint. Phase one, complete. They rose from the desks. They headed to the mess hall where every table were filled with plates brimming with delicacies from around the world and bottles and bottles of wine and champagne. Streamers and balloons littered the walls, giving a welcoming air. "Come on, enjoy yourselves boys! Eat to your hearts content!" Drink more, drink more you tiny little fools!

Before long, they were all drunk; cheerfully scarfing down the food, clinking glasses and singing silly songs. "Three cheers to our new chief!" Hooray, hooray, hooray! He smiled holding the cup up to them and they guzzle it down.

His glasses glinted. They were at their most vulnerable. Time to attack. He clinked his glass, gathering their attention. "I have an important announcement to make." All eyes were on him. He gaze down at all of them, their faces flushed and eyes unfocused, some were even falling asleep over themselves. Perfect. "Pack your stuff, boys! All of you will be reassigned!"

It was silent for a moment before it exploded into a cacophony of yells and protests, "He's mad!" They wanted to follow him and to maul him but too drunk, tripping over themselves.

Ah, the sweet taste of victory. He skipped out of the dining hall, giddy. It's all going according to plan. All their transfers had been approved and he had slaved over the last two nights to get it all done. All he have to do was wait. For now, he's going to see how his sweet sister is doing. He slowed, skip fading when he finally noticed Jeryy stood by the door, tray in his hand, food untouched. He gazed up at him, looking a little downtrodden.

"What happened?" He was almost afraid of the answer.

Jeryy rearranged his grip on the tray, "She wouldn't eat without you."

"Oh." He felt a little happy but also a tiny bit sad. She's always been a bit shy since she was young but almost never afraid but he may have been too caught up with all the hubbub that he might not considered that it might be too fast for her. He really hoped that he hadn't scared her. He patted Jeryy on the shoulder. Komuii knocked on the door with the goofy rhythm that they shared before he opened the door.

She sat petulantly on the bed, her bindings long gone and she curled up between her blankets. She perked up at the sight of him. "You're back."

"I'm back." He settled down by her side as she edge away, giving him a space, "I'm sorry I'm late."

"It's fine. I know you're busy." She gazes down and picks as the pilling fabric of the blanket.

"I heard you didn't want to eat." He could catch a flicker of guilt on her face, "It's okay. You don't have to feel guilty. I forgot that you're probably uncomfortable around strangers. So let me introduce you my friend. I think you'll both get along very well." He gestured for Jeryy to come over, "This is Jeryy. He's the one who cooked all the delicious food for you," Jerry gave a smile as he set the tray in front of her.

"Hello cutie." Jeryy was careful to keep his excitement and energy on down low. He may have his own pace but have always been aware of people's boundaries. "Your brother have told me all about you. He worries like a mother goose." And he went into telling her stories about her brother and she peered at him interested.

"Okay, that's enough crazy stories about me for now," Komuii flushed feeling embarrassed that his uncool side have been exposed to his sister. He didn't want to see her as anything but her knight in shinning armour. "Like I said, Jeryy is a great cook. When you get better, you can ask for anything you want."

"Anything?"

"Anything," He smiled softly patting her on her head, "But first, you must eat your porridge. Look, we even got you starfruit." He picked it up, making a show of you, "It's an edible fruit in the shape of a star. You did say you wanted to take a taste of a star."

She took a bite, tasting the sweet pulp of the fruit.

"Good girl," He patted her head. She was getting better. She quietly dig into her food, flushing as she spilled some over and muttering that she was sorry. Jeryy brushed off the spills and assured her that it was fine and they both talked quietly. It felt like a distance from the chaos outside, a bubble of happiness. And as she completed her meal and started chewing on the starfruit, she had a thoughtful look on her face. He couldn't help but to ask, "What is it, Lenalee?"

"The starfruit taste sweet," She peer up at him, "Can I give some to my friend?"

A friend? Who? His mind conjured out a lists of names, some on his to kill list and the none of it okay to be near my precious sister list. Who was even…? The gears in his mind gears in his mind whirred to a ? She couldn't mean a boy, could she? "Um…Lenalee, who's your friend?"

"…I still can't believe it." Komuii moaned, laying his head on the kitchen table. His precious Lenalee had a guy friend.

"Jeryy will get it for him." And I would poison it. He tried to school his expression but Jeryy shot him a look. Blast, he was sure that Jeryy would foil his plans.

"You promise?" I promise that I will protect you my precious Lenalee!

"I promise."

And he wouldn't break it unless it was something that would hurt her. But he really wants to get rid of that boy. Time to see the boy that his sister had been talking about. "Are you pouting?" Jeryy asked him as he knife went against the chopping board in skilled smooth movements. He could swear that the way that he made it, cooking become like an art.

"No." He said sourly but his face said otherwise. He looked up, blinking as he stared at the pile of white, "Mayonnaise?"

"Sweet boy always requested it. Who am I to deny?"

At that volume? He could feed two villages and a whole town! "Do you think he can finish all that?"

"Oh I'm sure. Boy eats like no tomorrow." He wasn't sure he even wants to know. But curiosity was really a nasty trap. He followed Jeryy down the narrow hallways, their conversation between them sparse as Komuii couldn't focus only wondering what sort of person the boy was. He had heard the rumours and he had read the reports but nothing could prepared him for what awaited him.

"Jeryy!" The boy's gaze were warm and shinning and filled with admiration for the the taller man but when his eyes landed on Komuii, it was like all hell froze over. Glaring down at him like he's no better than the dirt between his toes. "You brought food?" The boy looked normal. Completely normal. Nothing like in the reports and what he imagined to be the one responsible for the massacre.

"Yes, topped like mayonnaise like you like it."

"Yay!" He watched with great awkwardness as the boy scarfed down the pile of starfruit drowned in mayonnaise. Even as he ate, his murderous glare was like a feral rabid dog bearing down on him. He wasn't sure if he should be intimidated or feeling sick. He glanced back at the bowl of monstrosity and swear that it was staring back at him. How does one even have that much mayonnaise without getting sick? Even he couldn't look a second longer. He's not what he expected. Not at all.

Newton's Third Law said that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. He wasn't that naive to think that everything would go smoothly. From the conception of his master plan, he had expected resistance. In face, he welcomed it.

He was in the office, working on paperwork when the door flew open sending papers flying, the edges smacking him in the face and his stack of files wobbling and toppling to the ground. And as he had expected, Section Leader Pierce and two of his favourite underlings marched into his office, shoulders squared and chest puffed trying to look threatening. They slapped their hands onto the table, leaning forward and glaring down at him, "I won't stand for this. We're loyal followers of the Dark Order, I won't let our work be destroyed by a useless person like you."

"If I'm correct, you refuse to accept the transfer?"

"Over my dead body." Pierce slammed his fist on the table, rattling the coffee mug over the corner of the table. Komuii frowns. He really liked that mug.

"I see." This man thinks he could strong arm him but it wouldn't work. He wouldn't let it. Komuii slid open his drawer, fingers closing around familiar cool surfaces. Meeting the gaze of the Section Leader and his two cohorts, Komuii set the vials in front of them - one for each.

"What's this?" Pierce stared at it.

"Your resignations."

"What?"

"Your performance had been slipping. We need people with the proper dedication and skills. In this line of job, we're here to assist the exorcists and do our part. If you wish to cling to the old ways...well, I'm sure that the Order will be just fine without you."

His two cohorts grew silent. Pierce's eyes flickered to the both of them and when he realised that both wouldn't get him up, a flash of anger clear on his face. "To hell with you! See if I care!" He downed the vial. Komuii pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. He had expected as much. The man had a defiant glare as he tossed down the vial, the glass shattering. One…two…three…Pierce shook his head as his sight grew more unclear and the room started spinning, spots appear his vision and he lost balance, dropping to the ground.

"Don't worry about him. When he wakes up, he won't remember anything about the order and can go back home to his life." Komuii sets his eyes on them, pressing his fingers into wide steeples, "Now, what about you two?"

This went much smoothly after that. The two accepted their transfers to Central and little by little, the rest of them left. The Order was empty. He visited Hevlaska daily, to get a scope of the place. He couldn't show Lenalee the place yet, it was still dark and it wouldn't do her much good. Her mental state was already fragile. He wanted her to see this place as a place of warmth and safe haven. As much as he wanted to get her free from her fate, it was impossible. This was the best he could do and he'd only hoped that it was enough.

He worked day and night, reviewing all the files of confirmed transfers. They all have good track records and have the necessary skills. The only thing left was to vet them. See if their behaviour was suitable to carry on the legacy of the new European Branch. A Branch that he envisioned.

With time, they arrived. One by one Komuii welcomed them, making sure that the individuals he picked matched his expectations. They were kind family mans or people with a heart for humanity, ambitious but with a high regard for ethics. But for the position of the Section Leader, he needed someone that he could trust. From the files, the man had exceeded his expectations and the only thing left was to meet him. He looked out among the hustle bustle as his men settled in and he spotted him, a tall blonde man with hair sticking up and bands around his wrist. He had an air of calmness around him. "Hello, have we officially met?" He knew who he was. He had gone through his files but he was interested in how he would react.

"Reever Wenhem," He offered his hand.

"Ah, the one from the Australian Branch," Komuii reached out and shook it. This was looking promising. He looked like a stand up and reliable kind of guy. "I've heard of your work. It's quite impressive."

"Thank you," The man blinked, "Who are you-"

A cry interrupted them and a guy with glasses ran over, he spoke fast, "Can you help me out, Reever?"

"Sure, Johnny," He turned back to the man but he was gone. "Huh, strange. Whatever." He helped Johnny with the boxes, wondering what's in it that was so heavy until the box popped open revealing fabric and various silver buttons. Ah, that answered the mystery.

"Hey Reever, what were you talking with the Chief?"

"Wait what? That was the Chief?" It was only a day later that he met Komuii again and his opinion on the man was growing weirder and he's starting to wonder if he was alright accepting the position as Section Leader. At least the food was good.

"I can't believed that the Chief's first order of business is asking us to clean up," Reever sighed to himself as he brushed against the floor. They worked together scrubbing every corner, rubbing off the blood stains and throwing out what they no longer need. Everything was clean and shiny but it was far from being done. Reever folded his sleeves as he finally finished his part only to get dragged off by Chief to help to tidy his office. Reever glanced at the pile of papers, "Don't you think you should arrange it so you know where everything are?"

"No, leave it. I know where it all is. I have a system and it worked like a charm for years."

Sure of course it would work. Reever stared doubtfully but shrugged it off. He was the Chief after all, "If you say so." Komuii didn't miss the look Reever gave the papers and was a bit sullen and hurt that his subordinate didn't believe in him but he would show him in time.

"Do you think Chief Komuii is a little bit weird." Reever couldn't help but to ask and everyone nodded. But then again the Boss wasn't bad..."Well I supposed that it could be worse." They stared as Komuii greeted Jeryy and they give flying kisses with each other, "Do you think they are together?"

"No way!"

"Why not? They seem to be matching for each other."

"…"

Another answered, "I dig it."

His colleagues were strange too. But he supposed it could be worse.

It was finally time and Komuii's heart was beating so fast that he feel like he would burst. He whipped his head left and right, surveying the room with frantically. Was the lights bright and warm enough? Was the railing shiny enough? Was the place too cold or too warm? Were the faces friendly enough? Did they have enough presents? What if they were not to her liking?

"Ahhh!" Komuii let out a nervous yell.

"Calm down, Chief. Everything is ready." Reever assured him and he could feel himself calming down. Komuii nearly becomes teary eyed. What a reliable guy. "Just go get your sister. Everything's alright."

He breathed. He was right, he couldn't put it off any longer. Jeryy give him an assuring thumbs up and he smiled weakly, feeling equally excited and sick at the same time. He pushed open Lena's door, "Will you join us, Lenalee?"

"I'm scared brother."

"I promised you that everything will be alright." He held out his hand to her, assuring her that everything was going to be fine. She held his hand and they headed towards the door, taking pitter patter of steps through empty hallways. Her small hand was shaking in his and he wishes he could do more for her. But this would be enough. He had to believe that it would be enough.

He glanced at the dining hall. Jeryy giving him the thumbs up, followed by his new staff. Everything was finally ready. He took a deep breath. This was it. "Lenalee, you can open your eyes now." She screwed her eyes shut, unwilling to see their faces. "Lenalee, it's okay. You can open your eyes. It'll be okay, I promise."

She opened her eyes and was greeted by warm friendly faces. All the faces of sneers, laughter and scorn were all gone. "Nice to meet you." The bespectacled man waved and she shyly hid behind Komuii.

"Ahh, she's so cute!" Another rushed up to her.

"No one touch my precious Lenalee!" He threw his arm around her like a blockade and the other karate chopping the man repeatedly who pulled out a clipboard to block his attacks. His subordinates rushed forward to peel him off the man but he karate chopped them too.

"Whoah there, Chief! All right, we get it, we get it! No touching!" Reever took a step back. Was this how's it going to be like for the rest of his career?

Lenalee watches as they talk argued among each other, drifting to Jeryy's side. They didn't seemed cold and for the first time, she dared looking at their faces, tearing her gaze away only when their eyes met. Even so the didn't scowl or glare but grinned widely at her. It was strange but not at all unpleasant. They lead them to the cake and she see a wide banner hanging over that said 'Welcome Home, Lenalee.' Her heart began to thaw.

They cut the cake. "The biggest piece goes to my sister!"

"Give her the piece with more frosting!"

"MORE STRAWBERRIES."

"Jeez, calm down Chief! We'll give her the best piece." They cut the delicious looking slice and handed it to her. She took a bite, it was soft and sweet and melts in her mouth. They chatted among each other. She looked around at all the friendly faces and the pile of presents that piled up.

And for the first time Komuii sees Lenalee smiles.

It's been a week since her welcome home party and Lenalee was getting used to her new life in the new Black Order. She had been staying in her old room as half the building went under renovation and Komuii had promised that she would get a new room soon in the new wing that he was building. She felt a little excited but busied herself with training and in between her breaks she watched Jeryy. Her eyes were on him as he bustled around the kitchen, stirring and mixing. He looked like he was in his element. He looked over to her, "Do you want something to drink? How about some Chinese tea?"

She shook her head. That would remind her of home, her home. And she felt a tinge of guilt welled up in her knowing how hard her brother had worked to made this place her home too. "What are you making?"

"I'm making coffee," He poured hot water into the cup and placed it on the trays. He could see her curious looks, "Would you like to help?" Jeryy glanced at her. She nodded. She hadn't had a chance to help make coffee before.

She held the tray, taking careful steps to the science department, not wanting to spill a drop. Her feet had been sore from all her training but she was alright. "Pardon me," She whispered under her breath as she stepped through the door only to be greeted by the sight of scientists slumped soullessly over tables and papers piled high. Her eyes widened at the towers of papers wondering if she should breathe carefully lest they topple over. She gazed up at Jeryy wondering if its alright for her to set foot further in. He nodded warm smile encouraging her before he flitted off to the other half of the room, greeting scientists and handing them their liquid of gods. Looking down into the dark liquid she wondered, was coffee really that good?

She walked up to Reever and shyly asked, "Would you like coffee?"

"No thanks. I got it covered," Reever hold up his mug of fizzing liquid. She peered at it wondering if that tasted good. Reever glanced over his shoulder. "Johnny would probably like some though."

She nodded, venturing further and handed Johnny his cup and sent the rest of the cups to the other scientists only one remained. It was her brother's. She had picked up the mug when Jeryy brought her to the nearby town. It was blue and had a goofy rabbit on it that somehow reminded her of him. She knocked at the door to his office and his voice beckoned her in. "Thank you, Lenalee" He grinned as he sipped the coffee. She beamed, setting the tray down and watched as he worked. He caught her staring at his mug and asked, "You want to try?"

She nodded and he handed her the mug, she took a sip and pulled her face, "Ugh, its bitter."

"Oh my bad, I forgot to add sugar." He opened his drawer, pulling out a scoop and adding it to the coffee. She stares at the drawer of sugar. Wouldn't ants get in there? Though she supposed the drink tasted better.

She help him sort the papers, occasionally asking if she was getting it right. It felt like a comfort for both siblings to be around each other again. Her mind wandered towards Alma. She haven't had a chance to see him for quite a while. Her training had kept her busy more than she liked. She wondered how he was doing. She was overwhelmed by the urge to see him again. She bit her lip.

"Brother?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I…nothing."

"What is it, Lenalee?" His expression was mixed but he schooled it. She knew what he wanted to say- that she could always tell him what she want. It felt uncomfortable to her even though she appreciated the sentiment, she didn't want to burden him too much. But this once, she wanted to see him again.

"I want to go see my friend." She was much more forward with her words that send Komuii's heart soaring. But then the gears in his mind creaked to a stop. Friend? With that boy?

He did not like it. Not even one bit. Komuii sighed. He had no choice. Lenalee lets go of his hand and ran towards the cell greeting the boy. He pouted. He had gotten used of her hand in his. The next words that left their mouths left his jaw dropping.

"Lena!" How casual!

"Alma!" And by first name basis too!

"Get away from that white hat bastard!" Alma bared his teeth and pointed at Komuii. White hat, what? "It's flat like a bun and it looks like a flower bun and I want to eat it but Lena it's rotten! Rotten, rotten, rotten to the core!"

Flower Bun?

"No, Alma. That's my brother!"

"He's your brother?" He tilted his head to the side as Lenalee nodded and he glanced at both of them, "Not a nasty, nasty scientist?"

"Well he is-"

"Lenalee!"

"He is a scientist but he's one of the good ones!"

Alma narrowed his eyes at Komuii. He does not trust that man. He looks like a nasty scientist, smells like a nasty scientists, he must be a nasty scientists. For all he know this white coat man with a flower bun as a hat could've eaten Komuii's real brother and wear his skin to deceive her.

That boy better not corrupt my precious Lenalee! He'll feed him to the wolves. He better not be Lenalee's boyfriend too! His sister is too young to have a boyfriend! Komuii was shaking but he held himself back. He wanted to burst forward and pry his sister away declaring that she was his and only his and no one should touch her or even look wrongly at her. But he held himself back. They're just friends, just friends. He tells himself. Why are they touching hands?

Unacceptable!

"Lena-"

She turned around and spoke, "Can we let Alma out, please, brother?"

Her eyes was begging, pleading. And he didn't know what to say.

"I'm sorry," Komuii tightened his hands, "I can't do that."

He couldn't imagine what the order had done to the boy. But there were even some things that he can't do. And he had to protect Lenalee the most. He couldn't jeopardise the chance that he worked hard for. He only hopes that she could understand that all he had done was for her sake. Plus, there was the fact that the boy was classified as dangerous. Even though he didn't know the full exact reason, he could take a guess from a few things Bak Bak had slipped while in despair. And not to mention, Lvellie's Black Wings wouldn't like that. Even though he scarcely seen the man, he was sure that he was always watching. "His general will come for him soon. He will be fine, Lenalee," He dare not promise it.

Klaud's boots clicked against the linoleum floor as she walked past the staring scientists into the office of the Chief. Lau Shimin climbed onto her shoulder, back tensed and eyes focused as she looked back at the Black Wings trailing her step behind her. She walked past the pile of spilled paperwork to meet the newly appointed Chief. Komuii, his name if she remembered correctly. She meets his gaze and in his eyes, recognition clicked. He knew what she was here for. "I'm here for the boy."

She stared at the figure inside the metal bolted room. The boy was young but she wasn't surprised. Exorcists seemed to get younger and younger every year. Tragic but there was nothing that could be done. Clasp on his wrist was a silver band- a tracker that would tell the order his location at every moment. Like it or not, he was trapped. Dark eyes were glaring at her before he fixate his sight on the Black Wing. There was darkness in the boy's eyes, swirling anger that wanted to consume everything. That was going to be a problem. Anger uncontrolled would destroy more than intended…even themselves. Lau Shimin curled her tail across the back of her neck, agreeing with her thoughts.

"Your general is here." It was the man with the flower bun hat. Alma stare was steely. Even after Lenalee had tried to convince him that her brother was not a bad guy, he still can't trust him. And he had trust the blonde lady and that damn CROW even less! Don't think that he didn't notice that damn fox like man grinning in the shadows and watching him to make one wrong move. The door unlocked and he stepped out, knowing that it was useless to break away. They would catch him in a heartbeat. Instead, he stayed, meeting them right on in the eyes, telling them that he was not afraid. He was weak now but he would get stronger and when he does, they would pay for it.

Komuii handed him a jacket. He frowns, "What's this?"

"Your exorcist jacket." The flower bun guy answered, "Johnny made it for you."

He pulled it on. It was a short jacket paired with dark pants, his pockets limited but it was enough. He slid the trinket into his pocket and the wooden carving of a duck, patting it down. It was comfortable and the jacket was made of a strange material but it felt very warm. There was padding of feet in the distance and Lenalee appeared, out of breath and eye misty, "Alma."

"Lena?" He glanced over to her and Klaud notes at the harshness in his eyes softens. She looked frantic, unable to say out the words but he knew what she was saying. "I will write." He glanced at Klaud, "I can write, right?"

Klaud glanced at the girl, eyes hopeful and then at Komuii, "Of course. I'll see it that your letters get through."

She gave them time to say their goodbyes watching as the boy and they girl exchanged hugs and the Chief shaking yet controlling himself. She pressed off the wall and gestured for the boy to follow. It was time to leave. They left through the gondola, Alma's gaze was set straight ahead as he ignores the watchful eyes of the Black Wings. "Have a safe trip." Komuii called from behind. Alma turned, pulled at his eye and stuck his tongue out in mockery but waved to Lenalee. I'll see you again, don't worry.

It's been quiet since Alma left…or maybe it grew only more quiet for her.

Lenalee watched as her brother tried to cut his own hair but had difficulties reaching back. She stood up from her seat, approaching him. She bit her lip and spoke up, "Can I try?"

He turned, a warm smile on his lips, "Of course you can, Lenalee." She took the scissors from him and gingerly running her hand through his hair. Her hands were shaking but she bit her lip trying to stay steady. Was it straight enough? Even enough? Snip. She gasped, a trail of long hair fluttered to the floor. "Sorry."

He gaze into the mirror, "I love it?"

"Really?"

"Yes, can you help me finish it?" She smiled quietly and continued, taking care to be more careful. When she finished, he patted her on the head and put on his head. "Let me help you do your hair." She sit on the chair as Komuii ran a comb through her hair untangling the rare tangle in her hair. Her mind wandered back to Alma, feeling unsettled.

"Brother?"

"Hm?"

"Everything will be alright, right?"

He brushed her hair. And pulled it up into a two ponytail, fastening it with a hair tie.

Komuii's smile soften, "Everything will be alright."

"If you fall behind, I'm not coming back to get you." Yun called over his shoulders and the girl nodded, quickening her pace to keep up. He could hear her grumbling under her breath but her grumbles faded mid-sentences as she ran out of breath. Thought so, he sighed, pulling her by her collar and putting her in front of him. He would never hear the end of it if she falls down the ditch or rolled down the hill…which she had, many times already. He could never understand how someone so clumsy had survived this long. He swears that each time he turns around, she's in a whole other world of trouble.

They reached a tiny house isolated from town with a wide extension and sparks flying of hammers against anvils. Someone's home. Good, at least he didn't have to look at the brat for the next few hours. He knocked and heard a grunt before entering. The girl looked around curiously, rearranging her arms around the bundle in her arms, black surface revealing itself from the folds.

"Wait here," He forces her to sit down and about to leave before turning back and sliding his less than impressed eyes onto her, "And don't touch anything." He was going to meet an old friend.

"No promises," She muttered to herself after he disappeared through the door. She glanced about awkwardly and sighed, settling the bundle on her lap, careful to bundle the fabric around the egg-like rock and ensured that it would fall over. She could feel it shake, glowing light blue. She hushed at it, the glow vanished and it was quiet again. She leaned against the table. How long was he going to take? "Ugh, can't I ever catch a break?"

"Hello."

"Gah!" She jumped, the egg rock nearly rolled away but she caught it in time. Her heart beating a thousand miles per second as she whipped her head to catch sight of two boys staring at her. One was quietly smiling, clothes neatly pressed and tucked in looking more like an old man than a nine year old while the other was outright grinning, splotches of ink on his fingers and his rolled up sleeves. Why does everyone find the need to sneak up on her like that? "Who the hell are you and how you sneak up behind me? If you're here to mug, I got a rock and I'm not afraid to use it!"

"Whoah, whoah, calm down. We live here. We didn't mean to scare you really," The grinning boy laughed, "Though your reaction is really funny."

I'll show you funny. She narrowed her eyes at him and have the urge to hit him over the head. But they live here. Have patience…Patience…She held back her fists. The quiet boy stepped forward, "So how you find yourself here, Miss Stranger?"

"Oh…I was just following-"

Before she could finish, he cut her off handing her a cup of tea, "Here, drink this."

"Thank you?" She drank it. The trip had made her outright thirsty and Yun wasn't exactly thrilled about stopping every hour that she had give up halfway and powered through it, "Can I have more?" He poured her another cup and another. She was busy quenching her thirst that she didn't notice the grinning guy shooting his friend a concerned look and quickly switching back to a grin when she glanced at him.

"So how'd you find yourself here?"

"Oh it's a long story. I was having a normal life and then I died and found myself reborn in this fictional universe. And it gets crazier, of all things I was reborn as a Second! Literally the worst thing to be…" She couldn't stop herself, her frustration reaching the peak as the words flowed and flowed. Every grievances she had and all her frustration came out. "Turns out the Destroyer of Time was the 14th the whole time and yadda, yadda, yadda, you get the point." She waved it off and drank another cup. Was it her or does the tea tasted divine?

"Ahhh…That's some good tea," She hiccups. Were her cheeks warm? "The main point is. I'm a mess. I messed everything up and now I'm not even sure if everything will happen the same way. Basically, I'm screwed. Or rather, they're screwed because I screwed up. Which is nothing new. Welcome to my world!"

She stared at the two boys, one peering intently at her while the other scribbled down something in that little notebook of his. For some reason, they looked kind of familiar. Something tickled at the back of her mind, a memory? A screaming voice? She couldn't fit the pieces.

"Wait why am I telling you all this?" She blinked.

The grinning boy gave her a sheepish smile, "Truth serum?"

She dropped the porcelain, it shattered onto the ground. What? A look of utter horror flooded her features.

"It was a good batch. I never expected it to work this well," The more serious boy begin scribbling it down in his notepad.

She pauses, a sudden thought occured to her and she had a deep sinking feeling, "Um, who are you again?"

The two boy glanced at each other and the one with the messy hair grinned, "Oh I'm RiKei and He's Shifu."

She look at them stunned and horrified and said the first thing that came to my mind, "Shit."

Phew, it's finally done.

This is one of my favourite chapters to write, another being one that you'll be seeing soon when we get into canon. At one point I had wanted to write a fic about him and Jeryy and their adventures to get into the Black Order but that pretty much got crushed when I popped open wikia only to find out that Jeryy and him met in the order. Welp, that was that, motivation gone. Though I guess it did led to me writing this chapter. I had also some headcanons about Komuii that I may share on my dgrayland tumblr (if I even remember to do it) but I also have integrated some into the chapter.

Anyways as always, tell me your thoughts and feelings. Thanks again for participating in the vote. You really helped out. I hope that it will continue to be a fun adventure to share with you guys.

Take care of yourselves and see you in the next chapter ヾ（〃＾∇＾）ﾉ

Yule.

CHAPTERS TO CANON : ) Next Chapter "27th Night : Journey of a Thousand Stars"

Edit 1: Changed Li Kei and Shi Fu to Rikei and Shifu. Even though Li Kei is more correct, since it's Rikei in wikia, might as well go with Rikei and I seriously need to go back and change Sahlins name. I can't believe I forgot to do that.