A/N:

Alright, here's the update. Thanks a lot for all the reviews, nee, everyone! I really appreciate them! And as an information, this is the last chapter of Love Ordeal series. Starting from the next chapter, the title will return to the normal form. Well, that's all I guess, I hope you enjoy the last part of Love Ordeal: Calm Before Another Storm.

Thanks a lot to Mysyticmoon for beta-reading this! Good luck with your Summer School!

Warning: Yaoi, meaning boys love, OOC-ness, bad language, OCs, and lots, lots of Yulleny goodness. XD LUCKY is also here! X3

Disclaimer: It's not mine. This is the 18th time I've said it. Now, on with the story!

Chapter 18-Love Ordeal: Part 3-Calm Before Another Storm

One sometimes considers this life as a curse. The others consider it as a blessing. Which is true? It's up to each individual to discover whether it is a malediction or a gift. Every single being in this world has to find out about it themselves.

Allen woke up at dawn from a sound of knocking on the wall. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. Timcanpy flew low near its master and landed on Allen's shoulder. Again, that same knocking sound. Allen twitched his brows a little in frustration and then stood up grudgingly, walking to the room next to his.

"What now, Kanda?" he asked grumpily. The irritable samurai frowned at the greeting.

"Don't complain, you're the one who said I can call you at any time." He said, smirking. Allen twitched again.

"Alright, alright, so I did say that. What do you want now?" the white haired boy twitched.

"Nothing." Kanda answered. "I just wanted to know if you're up to more of my orders."

Again, another twitch. "Did you wake me up just for that? It is freakin' five in the morning!" the white haired boy complained, courtesy lost. Kanda shrugged.

"Yeah, I keep forgetting that you need to sleep longer than average since you're a bean sprout." Kanda said mockingly. Wow, talk about déja-vu.

"I TOLD YOU, IT'S ALLEN!" Allen bellowed.

"Ah, those two are awake." Lavi said from the hall while walking along with Lenalee.

"Yeah. It's like clockwork." The Chinese nodded.

It had been five days since Kanda lost his memories. It seemed Allen made a mistake by promising to always be there everytime Kanda called him. It started at the first night. Kanda woke Allen up in the middle of the night just to make sure he came if he really needed him. That, of course, irritated Allen. A half hour later he called just to tell Allen to fetch a cup of tea for him. And so it goes like that for the entire night. Allen only got a few winks of sleep thanks to Kanda. And the said samurai didn't seem to feel remorse at all for causing Allen trouble. Maybe Kanda thought it was interesting to disturb Allen everytime he could.

"I'm beginning to regret letting him know he could count on me anytime." Allen said as he helped Lavi sorting the books in the library. Apparently Kanda's father was a book collector

since his library was filled with rare and informative books. That, of course attracted Bookman and his apprentice (although Lavi was sort of forced to read them all).

Bookman insisted that they had to read all important books there since there were also informative books about the war with the Earl years ago. Lavi was forced to stay all day in the library all day just to absorb them all in his head (although with his photographic-memory that wasn't a difficult task to do).

"Well, think of it this way, at least you are 'attractive' to Yuu-chan." Lavi laughed at the comment Allen launched. Allen sighed.

"Yeah, as attractive as a slave." He grumbled. Lavi laughed again.

"But really, this week has been a quite peaceful one, hasn't it? No akuma, no innocence, no Noah, no Earl, no anything." Lavi said. "It's almost dull compared to our usual ones."

Allen's face turned a bit dejected. Yes, it had been five days indeed. But Kanda hadn't shown any sign of regaining his old memories at all. He was still the way he used to be before he lost his memories; he fought with Allen, he threatened Lavi for calling his given name, he twitched at Tiedoll's doting loving words, spat at Lucius' joke, and everything else, except that he didn't know his true relationship with anyone at the moment. Allen always wondered why he didn't show any signs of discomforts being with people he didn't know, people who acted like they knew him very well even when he didn't. If it was Allen, he would be very stressed out and confused. In other words, Kanda didn't show any signs of emotion. Was he always that emotionless?

"…Lavi…" Allen started, sorting back the books he had already sorted a while ago. He wasn't even aware of what he was doing. "Do you think this is futile?"

"What is?" Lavi asked while putting a thick book on the top shelf.

"Kanda." The white haired boy answered. "Do you think it's useless? Will he really regain his memories?"

Lavi's face softened and he smiled comfortingly at the younger boy. He understood Allen would feel dejected even if only a little bit since Kanda's recovering hadn't shown any progress at all. He patted the younger boy's shoulder and smiled assuring.

"Don't worry, Allen. As long as you believe, anything can happen." The redhead stated. "Besides, if you lost hope, who would keep believing then?"

Allen gazed down to the stack of books on his lap that he had been sorting again and again. Yeah, he had decided he wanted to believe, that he would stay until Kanda recovered, and everybody else willingly stayed with him, but they couldn't stay there forever, right? They still had things to do, like looking for Cross. Moreover, what if Kanda never regained his memories?

He shook his head at the thought. No, no that couldn't be possible. He didn't want that to be possible. Kanda had to remember him. He couldn't lose him this way. He had already had something that threatened to make him lose his lover, he couldn't lose him this way. He didn't want to.

Allen sighed, even though he wanted to believe so, the situation proved that he had to believe what was in front of his eyes. He needed to acknowledge the truth instead of living in his own fantasy. But why was the truth so hurtful sometimes? He didn't want to think he would lose the Japanese this way. He understood that nothing was infinite, that everybody would die someday, but losing him this way…

'Stop it, Allen Walker, Kanda is still here. Don't think of such depressing thoughts, it would only destroy your faith…' Allen thought to himself. 'You need to keep on believing. You're the only one who could…'

He understood that he had to keep on believing. Like Lavi said, if he couldn't, who could? He loved Kanda with all his heart, and that love was the very thing that was keeping him going right now. If he lost his faith, then nobody else could believe. All the hope would vanish, and if so, Kanda would never be able to remember. He would have to spend the rest of his life making new memories and learning things he should have already known from the start.

"Right now, faith is the most important thing." Lavi stated. "So stop worrying and keep your faith, Allen. Everything will work out, trust me."

Allen smiled. "Yeah, thanks Lavi." He replied. "You always help me when I'm in trouble, Lavi. You're such a good friend." Allen stated truthfully.

Lavi smiled back. "Don't mention it, Allen. That's what friends are for, right?" the redhead stated.

"Even so, if you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask me, okay?" Allen said, grinning.

"Well of course." Lavi said. Suddenly a yellow golf ball came floating to Allen and landed on his shoulder. Allen frowned.

"What is it, Tim?" he asked. The golem fluttered its wings as an answer. Allen sighed. "Again? Oh well, I have to go now, Lavi, Kanda called." Allen said.

Apparently, Timcanpy was a messenger for the two. Anytime Kanda called, Tim would go to Allen and inform him about it since Allen couldn't possibly stay in the room all the time, waiting for command. He wasn't Kanda's keeper for heaven's sake! Keeper…no, lover…yes.

"Sure, go to your love, Moyashi-chan." Lavi grinned naughtily. Allen flushed a little at the statement.

"Oh, shut it." he said. "And it's Allen." He stated those magic words before making his exit.

"You want to go out?" Allen asked incredulously and Kanda nodded.

"You guys have been keeping me locked in this damned mansion for fucking five days already. I'm freaking dying with boredom here!" Kanda said, reasoning. Allen frowned.

"You really need to watch your language, y'know." The white haired boy reminded. "And as for us keeping you here, we're doing it for your own good. You're not familiar with this area, and who knows when those guys will attack again. What would you do if they attacked you?"

"Or so you keep saying for the 1,254th time." Kanda said impatiently. "Who are this 'those guys' anyway?! You keep saying so but nobody ever fucking attacks this place or even come here! I've had enough of your lies!"

"It's not a lie!" Allen said. "They are our enemies, and you can't fight in your current condition! We're only trying to protect you!"

"I don't need your damned protection." Kanda glared annoyed. "Even if I were to die, who are you to fucking care?!"

"I'm…I'm…" Allen stuttered. What should he say? He couldn't possibly say that he cared because he loved him, could he? What would Kanda say?

"Isn't it fine? Just let him go out." Lucius said, appearing behind Allen suddenly, almost making Allen jump in astonishment. "Of course he is bored. We've been too overprotective with him these five days. I think it's a fine time to start loosening up our tight precaution a little."

"Lucius-san…are you sure?" Allen asked, not too sure with the suggestion.

"I'm sure it'll be fine. But he still will go with a chaperone." Lucius grinned. "Allen-chan, you will go with him, won't you?"

"With him again? You've got to be shittin' me." Kanda said almost immediately.

"It's decided then." Lucius smiled at the answer. "Don't forget to bring Mugen, okay Yuu-chan?"

"Don't freakin' call me that!" Kanda spat.

"Why do we have to bring it? Kanda can't use it in his current condition." Allen questioned.

"Safety measurements." The blonde reasoned. "Maybe we're just being too much of a worrywart, but who knows what will happen, right? After all, it's just akuma."

"If it's just akuma, then I'll be glad." Allen said, sighing. "We still have the Noah to deal with…not to mention how ridiculously strong they are."

"It'll be fine. Alert us if something happens." Lucius said lightly. "Have fun then."

It was 9 o'clock in the morning. Tyki Mikk was leaning to the railing on the deck, enjoying the smell of the saltwater and the sea wind blowing to his face. He decided to go to Edo with a boat instead of taking the short, easy way. After all, he wasn't in a hurry to get there. He was in his Noah mode, wearing his black suit and top hat. Ever since he got to the boat, he had been getting not-so-few stares from the people, mostly women. Can't blame them; He looked handsome like that. He looked like a rich aristocrat from Europe. Tyki smirked. Humans were so naïve, they believed what they saw instantly. Well, not that he cared much anyways.

He couldn't wait to get to Edo. He would meet that redhead boy again there, and such thought brought a smile to his face, much to his own confusion. He was still confused at his own feelings and still believed that Lavi would be able to explain this alien feeling inside him.

"Attention, passengers, we will soon board in our destination. Please make sure you don't have anything left behind." The voice of the announcer informed everyone aboard that they would arrive in Edo soon. Tyki smiled. Finally, he thought. The journey had been fun, but it's going to get even more fun once he arrived.

--Flashback--

"…he's still alive. Allen Walker is alive." The Earl stated with his ever present smile. "I'm sure you know that as well. I want you to go to Edo, because he is there."

"And…?" Tyki asked with a bored tone. As if he hadn't known what the Earl would want already.

"And…I want you to get rid of him." The Earl said, as Tyki had guessed. "The transformation has shown signs lately. I don't want to have to take care of that person again. It's better to eliminate him now, while we still have time. It'll be bothersome to have him back."

"So, it has begun, huh?" Tyki sighed. "Well, if you say so, Earl of Millennium."

--End Flashback--

Tyki sighed. He understood that was his main mission, but he needn't be in too much of a hurry to get it done, right? He had plenty enough time to play with his rabbit boy before going to work.

"Woah, they're so pretty!" Allen said cheerfully as he saw the Sakura petals fell to the earth one by one, blown by the wind. Kanda and Allen had finally decided to go to the lake after visiting the town. Kanda was instantly bored by the rows of shops there. Allen had always thought that Kanda wasn't the type who liked to go shopping, and it seemed he was right after all.

"Hn." Kanda snorted. "Spring's almost over."

"What's your favorite season, Kanda?" Allen asked as he sat down on the green grass.

"…winter." Kanda answered. Allen chuckled at the answer.

"I thought so." He stated. "Well, mine's spring. Spring is so beautiful. Everything is so colorful this time of the year. They are really full of life. I love it that way. Too bad they have to die in the winter, though."

"But they'll bloom again when spring comes back again." Allen continued. To tell the truth, he was glad to be out too. He hadn't had the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery these days. All they did was look for Cross and travel here and there, got attacked by akuma and debt-chasers. Apparently Cross had piled up a lot of debts again for Allen to pay (much to Allen's annoyance). "Nature is so wonderful, don't you think?"

"…whatever." Kanda said as he stared to the lake. "Hey Beansprout."

"I told you, it's Allen." The white haired boy said. "What is it?"

"Why do you care?" he asked. Allen blinked. Whoa, that was random.

"I told you, I care because I just care." He said, repeating his answer while maintaining his smile.

"I'm serious. Why do you care for me so much?" Kanda repeated. Allen's smile faltered and changed to a confused expression. "You've been following my ridiculous orders around even when it's clear that you don't like doing it. Tell me, what makes you so willing to do it? Why would you do it? Who am I to you? What are we to each other?"

"Kanda…" Allen was surprised. So Kanda did those things to test him? He wanted to know how close Allen was to him?

"I don't remember who I am. All I know is my name, and I even got it from you. I don't know you or the other guys. I don't remember ever being in that place before. And I don't remember what happened before I got to that house." Kanda said, staring down to his open palm, face serious and frowning, as if pained. "I don't understand… Who are you? Who am I? What am I?"

Allen was taken aback with that. So Kanda did feel uneasy too with his lack of memories after all. Allen always thought it was amazing how Kanda stayed so nonchalant around people he didn't know. So all along he had been hiding it? So he did wonder who he was and who Allen was to him. Allen always thought he didn't care.

Allen smiled sadly. He always knew Kanda was good at hiding his emotion, but he didn't think it would be this good that he couldn't read it the slightest bit. No, it shouldn't be so, Lavi, Lenalee, and Lucius could read Kanda well enough, so maybe it was him? Was he really that dense? Or was it because…

"You are…our precious fellow." Allen answered and Kanda threw a confused look to him at that as Allen began to stand up. He turned so his back was facing the other. "A precious exorcist, a soldier who fights for the sake of this world, and…"

"And…?" Kanda repeated.

"And my…I'm your…" Allen's words seemed to stick on the tip of his tongue. For an unknown reason, he couldn't really voice what was in his head.

He turned around and faced Kanda. He stared at the older boy face to face, locking his gaze with the other. "I…I l…" Allen hesitated for a minute. Could he really say it? Would Kanda freak out or something if he said it? After all, normal people would be after hearing it from someone of the same gender.

Ah, to hell with it.

"I love you." Allen said, smiling as he did so.

Kanda's eyes widened at the statement. Allen's smile was still there on his lips, even after he had said that word. He said it so positively. It wasn't like a girl who just confessed her love to a guy she liked, but it was more like a wife saying it to her husband as a reminder of their relationship. Kanda couldn't find a word to say. Was he trying to say that…that…their relationship was…that he was…they were…

Lovers?

Suddenly, they heard someone clapped their hands and turned around to see Tyki Mikk standing before them. He had been watching the entire scene. Allen's eyes widened. Oh no, what he feared had become the truth. It wasn't akuma who came, it was a Noah.

"That was an exciting show." He said mockingly. "Allen Walker."

"Tyki Mikk…" Allen chanted, stepping backward and took off his glove, preparing himself for a fight. Tyki smirked.

"Actually I had hoped to meet your redheaded friend first, but I happened to see you being here with your lover, so I decided I can meet that rabbit boy later." Tyki said. To tell the truth, Tyki had hoped he wouldn't meet Allen first, so he wouldn't have to take care of him right away. But it seemed it couldn't be helped. "Well…I can deal with you first."

Allen glared. "What do you want now?" he growled.

Tyki's smirk widened. "How did you stay alive? I was pretty sure I had pierced your heart directly that time." He asked, a malicious grin appeared on his face. Allen didn't look scared at all and smirked back at him.

"Too bad for you, you forgot we had a great healer at our side." Allen said. "So I suppose you want revenge for what happened?"

"Well, I mean…" Tyki took off his hat and suddenly appeared behind Allen. "Exactly that."

Allen flinched. Tyki was fast! He activated his Innocence and formed the crown clown immediately, swinging it just in time to block Tyki's Cross-shaped blade. Kanda flinched at the sudden fight. What the hell?

"Kanda, run!" Allen instructed. He couldn't risk Tyki attacking Kanda who couldn't fight in his current condition. "Hide, please!"

Tyki smirked at that. "You still have time to worry about your lover, huh?" he asked mockingly before booting Allen in the stomach, knocking the wind out of the boy. "How sweet of you boy, but no way."

"Beansprout!" Kanda yelled as Allen was thrown backward and landed on his back, groaning slightly at the pain on his stomach. Before Kanda could approach him, Tyki appeared before him and tried to attack him. Kanda immediately leaped away based on pure instinct and landed a few meters away from the attacker. Tyki smirked.

"Hm? I notice you're not as aggressive as usual, samurai boy." He commented. "Why is that? Usually you would swish your sword and retaliate to my every attack."

"What the hell are you?!" Kanda growled. Tyki put on a surprised look.

"Huh? What am I? What do you—oh, I see, you don't remember anything do you?" Tyki said, smirking. "No wonder you didn't react when the cheating boy A confessed his feelings to you."

"Don't involve him, Tyki! He can't fight right now!" Allen yelled as he tried to stand, clutching to his sore stomach. Wrong choice of words Allen. Tyki's smirk widened.

"A vulnerable exorcist, what a coincidence." The brunette said. "Well, I'm not supposed to take care of you, but I guess Sweet Tooth won't mind if I take one of his preys, will he?"

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Kanda was really confused. He really didn't get it. But wait a minute, why did he feel like this wasn't the first time he had encountered this man? He recalled it was an old house which was already rotting with age, filled with old dusty flasks and books, the town of Linfa…Innocence.

The memories came to him in an instant that his head began to throb painfully. He winced at the pain and gritted his teeth. What else? Yes, he remembered faintly, the Beansprout's face, the edhead boy called Lavi and Lenalee, the Chinese girl, and this guy. What did they call him? A Noah or something?

His train of thought was interrupted when he felt a hand grasping his neck and pushed him down to the ground. The not-so-stranger knelled beside him, smirking maliciously. He remembered that smirk too. He knew this guy. Yes, he knew him. He was his enemy. But what kind of enemy? What was him to be his enemy? He remembered something else faintly. Something round and silly looking. A stupid looking umbrella. Something that was supposed to be his greatest enemy.

"Kanda! Let go of him, Tyki!" Allen yelled as he dashed to the two. Suddenly he stopped upon seeing a lot of black butterfly surrounding him instantly. Tease. He heard then, Tyki's mocking laughter.

"Take care of him, Tease, while I take care of this one first." Tyki said, ordering the Tease to attack Allen. More and more Tease flew out of his palm and attacked Allen.

"Beansprout!" Kanda yelled with a husky voice. He began to feel strangled with Tyki's hand grasping to his neck. He felt so hopeless and he hated it. He remembered dimly that he usually could fight. He had a weapon. What weapon was it? He remembered himself clenching his hands tightly to the weapon. Then it had to be a sword.

"Tell me, samurai boy, where is your Innocence? Why aren't you bringing it with you?" Tyki asked. Kanda struggled under him, trying to free his throat from the man's choking grip. "Well, I guess you don't remember ever owning it, do you?"

"Che, I don't know what you're fucking talking about!" Kanda spat.

"You're still as foul-mouthed as I remembered you to be." Tyki said as he released another Tease from his palm and pointed it to Kanda's heart. "Now, boy, say goodbye to this world while you can."

"I think you didn't hear me earlier, Tyki Mikk." Allen said, surprising the two. He was still surrounded by the Tease. "I said," the bunch of Tease suddenly exploded and Allen emerged from the dead flock of butterflies, dashing to Tyki with full speed, "let him go!"

Allen swung his claw to the man and the man immediately leaped away from Kanda, dodging the attack. Allen turned his gaze to the Japanese with a worried look on his face. "Are you alright, Kanda?" he asked. The swordsman coughed as he rubbed his sore throat. It was red where Tyki grasped it tightly.

"Do I look okay to you?!" he spat. Allen smiled at the answer.

"You're okay then." He said in relief. "Stay here."

"You can't be planning to fight." Kanda guessed. Allen smiled.

"He's one of the enemies I've been talking about. Sooner or later, it would come to this after all." He said. "Besides, I have to protect you. You always protected me. Now it's my chance to pay you back."

Kanda widened his eyes. Protect? Him? Protecting that Beansprout? Wait a minute, yes, he could remember it. A train of memories flooded into his mind once again, and his head throbbed again. He remembered he once, no, not only once, protected this boy in front of him. He remembered shielding this boy from danger often, carrying him when he fell unconscious during battle, staying beside him all night until he woke up. Yes, he did know this boy after all. He had a special connection with this boy.

Allen dashed to the Noah as Tyki prepared his Cross-shaped blade again. Their weapons clashed with each other with a resounding clang sound. Kanda could only watch. He couldn't take it. He felt the urge to join the battle. A hatred toward that guy for something he had nearly done to that Beansprout.

His gaze flew toward a black sword lying on the ground. He had placed it there when they arrived in that place, since he had been carrying it on his back since they left the house; that blonde idiot had forced him to bring it with them. It was a surprise Tyki didn't notice Mugen lying on the ground, waiting to be used. Maybe he was too focused on the two guys instead on what was around?

Kanda stared at the katana. He remembered that sword was always in his room. It always seemed familiar to him that he felt irritated when someone else touched it. Somehow he let no one, not even Allen went near that sword. He was so protective to that beloved sword of his. So some things really never change after all…

He crawled to the sword and eyed it. Yes, this sword was indeed his. He took it in his hands, feeling the familiar cold feeling of steel in his hands. When he was about to unsheathe it, something came back to him.

"Once you touch that sword, you cannot go back to your normal peaceful life." He remembered an old man once said that to him.

"Che, it wasn't like my life was normal from the beginning." He saw himself replying.

"…won't you become an exorcist?" He recalled the same old man asked him.

Exorcist. An exorcist. He recalled those words. Those words came from his mentor, his master. He remembered them. He remembered that old man, and his companions: The tall one with gadgets on his ears and the smaller one with a football fetish. He turned his attention when he heard Allen's yelling.

The white haired boy charged at Tyki with all his might. He struck the man's chest and his weapon went through him, exited through the back. But the said man didn't seem to be in pain at

all. Allen cursed. Was there really no way to defeat the Noah? No matter how hard he tried, he still couldn't cause a single wound on the Noah's immortal body.

"No matter how many times you do it, it's still of no use. You can't kill me." Tyki said as he thrust his hand to Allen's chest, and it went through. Allen gasped when he felt Tyki's gloved hands around his heart. "You move, I'll take this out."

Kanda's eyes widened at the scene. Yes, he remembered. That night, in Barcelona, akuma, Noah, the Earl. Everything snapped back in place. He remembered everything. He was an exorcist. He was 

General Tiedoll's apprentice, an 18 year old exorcist from Black Order on a mission of protecting his master. He was that stupid rabbit's so-called best friend, part of Lenalee Lee's world, and Allen Walker's, that Beansprout's lover.

"Have any last words, boy?" Tyki asked. Allen struggled with the will to jump back. If he did so, Tyki would rip his heart apart.

"Hmph, yes, die will you?" Allen said. Tyki's grin widened.

"Sorry, no can do." Tyki said. "Say your prayers, boy."

"Kaichuu: Ichigen!"

Tyki turned his head to the voice and saw hellish bugs fly towards him and Allen. He immediately took his hand out of Allen's body and jumped away. Startled at the movement, Allen fell down to his bottom. The bugs disappeared once they were an inch away from Allen. Allen's eyes widened. That was…

Allen was surprised when he saw Kanda leaping towards Tyki and waved Mugen to the man, only to be blocked by the man's Cross-shaped blade. Tyki retaliate and Kanda dodged it, slashing at Tyki's side as he did so, which of course, didn't do much harm.

"Nigentou!" Kanda summoned his twin blade and began attacking again. Tyki managed to block each one of the attack but he winced at the speed Kanda had. Tyki sent a purple ball of energy to the man and Kanda jumped away to dodge it.

"Oh, I see you remember how to fight, don't you?" Tyki asked. Kanda smirked.

"Not only that. I remember everything. I also remember what you did to Allen that night." He said, turning his gaze to the stunned Allen and smiled, yes, he smiled, not smirked. "I remember everything. I'm back, Beansprout."

Allen felt tears stinging in his eyes. His mouth was left open, his jaw hanging in disbelief. Kanda's memories had returned! It had finally returned! He felt his lips trembled as tears began descending from his eyes. Yes. He's back. Kanda's back.

He snapped out of his stupor once he realized Kanda was still fighting. He wiped the tears with his sleeve and joined the battle once again. Both Allen and Kanda dodged Tyki's consecutive attacks and then Allen threw his claw to the man and slashed at Tyki's side. At the same time, Kanda stabbed the man in the chest. He flinched upon seeing the smirk on the man's face and immediately enough leaped backward, avoiding a slash from the Noah.

Tyki then sent his Tease flying toward the raven haired exorcist. Kanda flinched at the attack and jumped away, sending his first illusion to destroy the butterflies. Allen used his Crown Clown, attempting to stab the Noah. Tyki noticed that and leaped to the right, dodging Allen's attack.

Tyki smirked as he landed on the ground gracefully. Getting Kanda to join the fight was only making it more fun, but he didn't have the patience to go round and around with those two kids. He just needed to finish this off before—

"Allen! Yuu!" Tyki suddenly heard a voice from a distance, a voice he knew so well. Tyki glanced behind his two opponents and saw a redheaded figure coming their way. Heh, so he was with them after all, that Lavi boy.

"Lavi!" Allen turned his head and saw his friend. "Lenalee! Krory! Everyone!"

Everybody was there to their aid. Allen saw a little yellow thing floating near Lavi's head. Timcanpy! So it was Tim who told Lavi and the others about the Noah! Allen had been too absorbed in the fight that he didn't notice Tim gone.

Lavi stopped dead in his track when he saw Tyki's smirking face. Oh no, just the person to meet right now. Tyki withdrew his Cross-shaped blade immediately and smiled to the redhead.

"Ah, we finally meet again." Tyki said. "It has been such a long time hasn't it, Lavi?" He said. Lavi grimaced.

"…Tyki…Mikk…" the Bookman junior muttered.

"I see you still remember me. I'm happy, since I've been wanting to see you again, rabbit boy." The Noah said with a charming smile. Lavi gulped and he swore he could feel his face heating up. Oh no, what's wrong this time? This was no time to be allured by that handsome Noah's words!

"Don't act friendly with me, you bastard! What do you want?!" he asked. Threatening, he wanted it to be but it really didn't sound that way. It sounded much softer than he meant it to be, and for a second Allen could've sworn he could sense a bit of…longing from Lavi's voice.

"Now, now, no need to be too harsh with me." Tyki smirked. "So everyone's here already, huh?"

"A Noah…" murmured Krory. He remembered encountering this guy back there in Barcelona, when he was sent to General Cross' team. The Noah was trying to kill Allen back there.

"What are you here for? If you're looking for a fight, we will all fight you now." Lenalee said threateningly. She was not going to let the Noah hurt Allen again like before. When he almost killed the slightly-younger-boy before, Lenalee was very scared. She was not going to let that Noah take part of her world, her family, from her.

Tyki sighed at the girl's boldness. "I don't think so." He shook his head. "I'd prefer to fight one against one, although I'd have no problem taking you on all at once." A malicious grin played on his lips. "Well, then I'll see you again later, Cheating Boy A. don't worry, we'll definitely meet again."

Tyki spared one last glance to Lavi and smirked before disappearing suddenly. Lavi glared to the Noah, but inside, his heart was beating really fast for an unknown reason. He felt a slight twinge of…happiness at the encounter, but he was holding back as hard as he could.

"So the Earl is beginning to move again…" Marie said. "Are you alright, Lavi? Your heartbeat's a little…fast."

"H-huh? Oh, yeah I'm fine. Don't worry about me. It's just…because we've been running. Yeah, that's it. I'm fine." The redhead said, rather surprised at the sudden question.

Lenalee frowned worriedly and approached the older boy, patting him on the shoulder comfortingly, as if understanding Lavi's uneasiness. Lavi smiled weakly at the attempt to cheer him up, but he knew that Lenalee, no, nobody understood how he truly felt. He even doubted he himself understood how he felt.

"Tch, that bastard fled." Kanda cursed as he sheathed Mugen back into its sheath. "Fucking annoying." He grumbled.

"Kanda…" Allen called out softly as he approached the older boy. Kanda turned to face the younger boy, whose eyes were bright with unshed tears. He sent him a confused look that turned into a sober expression when the tears began leaking from the white haired exorcist's dark blue orbs.

Without warning Allen launched himself to Kanda and embraced him tightly. He sobbed into the older boy's chest in pure relief. He was too glad that Kanda had finally regained his memories, that his Kanda was finally back. Kanda returned the hug and gently patted his lover's back comfortingly.

"Shh, it's okay, Beansprout. It's okay, don't cry." Kanda said rather awkwardly. He really didn't know what to say or do in a situation like this. He was never the comforting figure from the start. After all, his master always said that he was an "antisocial humbug" and that was the fact. "It's okay, I'm back. And I'm not going anywhere anymore."

That was when everybody finally realized (Wow, that was slow) that Kanda had regained his memories. Lavi forgot about his problem for a second and let a smile finally reach his lips again. Lenalee felt tears stinging in her eyes and laughed slightly in pure relief. Lucius sighed, a relieved smile painted his lips.

Krory smiled. So Allen's determination managed to give born to a miracle after all. Tiedoll took off his glasses and wiped his wet chocolate orbs with a white handkerchief, blowing his nose into it afterwards. Marie sighed and smiled also. Bookman was silent as usual. His mind was somewhere else that he didn't even turn his head in disgust at the scene he usually abhorred.

They were glad to find out that miracles did happen to those who believed after all.

"I'm glad you're finally back, Yuu-chan. Moyashi-chan has been quite restless these days, literally and figuratively. All thanks to ya." Lavi commented with a mischievous smirk as they walked in the halls of the Kanda family house once they got back. It was already five in the evening. Kanda sent him a death glare while Allen smiled weakly at the comment and shook his head.

"No, really, Lavi, I'm fine. It was worth it. Everything I did didn't matter anymore because Kanda has recovered." The white haired boy said. Kanda sighed and ruffled the Beansprout's hair fondly.

"Aww, Yuu-chan's being lovey-dovey with Allen-chan already! That's so sweet!" Lavi commented and received a slash (which he dodged of course) from Mugen. "Well, I missed that." He chuckled. "You haven't swung Mugen at me once since you lost your memories."

"Che." Kanda spat as he sheathed his katana. Allen laughed merrily at the usual scene. He was so happy. Kanda had finally regained his memories. His faith really gave birth to a truly sweet fruit after all.

"Kanda, come here for a second please?" Lenalee called.

"Che, what is it?" Kanda asked as he approached the girl, leaving Allen and Lavi behind.

Lavi fidgeted in place uncomfortably. His mind had flown back to his problems again. Tyki's currently here. He was really here. He wondered, why he had felt such happiness at the thought of the Noah being there. He should feel alarmed! Alarmed, worried, concerned, anything but this! He shouldn't feel happy that his enemy was here! What was wrong with him really?

"Nee, Lavi." Allen called. "I told you already, right? That if you ever want to talk, you can always come to me."

Lavi turned his gaze to the younger boy and saw a very understanding smile on his lips. Was it very obvious that he was having a problem that even a rather dense person like Allen could see it?

"Nah, it's alright, Allen. I'm fine." Lavi lied and shook his head. "I'm fine…" his expression turned somber at the lie. He wasn't really fine with it, but he didn't want to involve other people at in this. It was his own problem and he had to solve it on his own.

"…you know, Lavi. I think it's fine being in love with someone." Allen suddenly said. Lavi flinched. What was Allen getting at? "You know, you said it yourself when I was utterly confused about my feelings to Kanda. That it was alright, to be in love. You can't help it after all."

"Allen?" Lavi questioned.

"Don't you think it's funny, Lavi? We're here now because of each other. We helped one another on the way and so we could reach to now. Don't you think it's amusing that we think we can't love someone in the middle of a war like this while we're really surviving 'till now only because we have love? In fact, we fight because we still love our world and don't want it to be destroyed." Allen said, walking toward the open terrace and leaned to the wall, gazing to the blue sky.

"At first, I was so confused of my feelings. I reminded myself over and over again that I can't love him. That I'm not allowed to. This is not the place or the time to fall in love. We are soldiers, we are tools for fighting and saving the world. Love doesn't belong here, within us. But then I thought it over again, and I realized, we are really not fighting tools." Allen continued.

"We are humans. We have feelings. We are living beings, and are never going to be tools. There will always be feelings lingering in our hearts, no matter how hard we try to erase them. We are no different than other people. We also grieve at our loss, we also weep for our fallen comrades. We are no different than the people out there, who don't have a clue about the war in front of their eyes." Allen turned to Lavi and smiled.

"Right?"

Lavi widened his eyes. How was it that Allen managed to read through him and guessed right on target? He always thought of the white haired boy as his younger brother, but right now, he felt like he was the younger brother instead of Allen. He rarely saw this side of Allen. When seeing him like this, Lavi realized, Allen was not just a boy like he had always thought him to be. Allen was also a soldier. He might be young, but he was really a mature person. He fought for people. He protected this world with his hands. He was an exorcist. He was not a mere 15 year old boy. He was a man.

Lavi lowered his gaze as he continued to ponder. Allen was right about that. But his case was not only not normal, but also dangerous. He was (probably) in love with an enemy. That was definitely not normal. That was dangerous. But then Allen continued.

"Who we love doesn't matter. You said it, remember, that love's blind, that it knows no gender?" Lavi's head snapped up at that. "Then it also means that it can't see who to strike at, right? Even to our own enemy as well."

"Allen, you…" Lavi was speechless. Of course, he had said it to Allen once. How could he be so forgetful and failed to notice that?

"I know how you feel, Lavi. We're the same. I was like you too once. Confused and scared of what to do. But don't worry, everything will work out. I promise." Allen said reassuringly.

Lavi finally allowed himself to smile confidently. "Thanks Allen." He said.

"Hey, that's what friends are for, right?" Allen beamed. "It's the least I can do to help. You always help me after all."

"No. Really, thank you." Lavi shook his head. "I'll be going now. I'll be back for lunch later. Thanks again, Allen." He said as he waved to the younger exorcist.

"Okay, see ya." Allen waved back.

Lavi smiled. Yes. He was sure now. He wasn't going to hesitate anymore. It didn't matter if Tyki did love him back or not. To love someone was never a sin. And he felt so free now that he finally had the courage to admit it.

Yes, he was in love.

Lucius walked to the backyard lightly, humming a cheery melody as he did so. He stopped upon seeing a small figure standing in front of him with a very serious expression on his face. The blonde smiled in greeting.

"Hello, Bookman-san. I'm here. What did you call me for?" he asked with a happy tone as usual. The old man stared at him carefully and sighed.

"Lucius, the seeker of light, isn't it?" he asked. Lucius tilted his head in confusion. "I heard from my apprentice that they encountered you in China while hunting for Innocence. Is it true that the Innocence was in your possession when they found you?"

"Why are you asking?" asked the blonde questioningly. Bookman sighed and continued,

"Is it true that you possess a double personality?" he questioned again.

"What are you getting at?" Lucius asked. Bookman realized he was dodging the question and kept going,

"Were you really named Lucius since you were born? Or is that name just an allusion to describe what or who you really are?"

"I don't understand what you're talking about." The blonde said.

"Are you really as stupid and childish as your actions implied?" Bookman continued.

Lucius was silent. Bookman kept his serious gaze intact and noticed the blonde monster had avoided to meet his gaze since the second question.

"Tell me, Lucius, the seeker of light, are you really a monster at all?" Bookman asked. Lucius flinched at the question but kept silent. "Answer me."

"…" but he didn't answer.

"Beansprout."

Allen heard Kanda calling him and turned around. He had returned to his room after talking with Lavi and was resting right now, sitting leaning to the wall and reading a book he borrowed from the mansion's library. He closed the half-read book and smiled to his lover.

"It's Allen." He answered. "What is it, Kanda?"

"I talked with Lenalee a while ago. She said Komui wanted us to hurry and depart to our next destination as soon as possible, now that the Earl has begun to make his move again." The raven haired exorcist walked toward the younger boy and sat down next to him. "He wants you to find Cross as soon as possible."

Allen groaned at that. "Oh yeah, I forgot we are here to look for Shishou in the first place…" he admitted. "I mean, so many things have happened lately and everything was just starting to calm down right now."

"I know. Master also wants to move out as soon as we can." Kanda told him. "We have stayed in this town for a long enough time and we really should leave soon."

"Staying here makes me feel like we are not really on a brink of war at all." Allen said, smiling softly. "We eat together, chat when we have nothing to do, read books, and take walks around the town. It really feels like we are being innocent civilians right now, doesn't it? It's rather boring."

"You seem to enjoy it though." Kanda commented. Allen chuckled.

"Actually, I do." Allen admitted. "Being in a family like this reminds me of my own family who ditched me and about Mana. While Mana was still alive, we would travel from place to place, working in various places. It was fun, but being like this is fun too. I'm wondering though, would I be like this too, if only my original family didn't ditch me that time?"

Allen's expression turned a bit sad at the thought. He always knew, he was a kid that was not wanted by his own family because of the Innocence imbued arm of his. He started to see it as a blessing after he came to Black Order. With it, he could help others and save poor akuma souls. He was truly grateful to have been born with it, but only after he became an exorcist.

Allen flinched upon feeling an arm circling his shoulder and then he was pulled to an embrace of the older boy's. He felt his cheeks heating up at the familiar sensation he had not felt for so long. It had only been five days but it felt like eternity to him. Kanda had said nothing, but Allen understood that it was his own unique way to cheer him up. He was happy at the attempt even though it was awkward.

"Kanda, do you think we'll be able to live normally like this after the war's over?" Allen asked. "I'd like it to live like a normal civilian. The first days might be a little boring though." He chuckled.

"Che, of course we can." Kanda said, ignoring the fact that he might not be able to live past the war. Allen was already depressed enough and he wasn't going to make him even more depressed by saying that. "Though I'm not sure if I can fucking survive just staying in a house like we've been doing this week." He added and snorted.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll manage." Allen said, chuckling happily. Then he noticed Kanda stifling a yawn. "Sleepy, Kanda?"

"No, just a bit tired." The raven haired answered. Allen laughed.

"That's basically the same." He said. "Why don't you rest then? We don't have anything to do, right?"

"No, I'm fine." Kanda denied.

"You said yourself that you're tired. Just take it easy, we still have about three hours 'till supper. You can sleep here. I'll wake you up when dinner is ready." Allen said, persuading. To tell the truth, Allen just wanted to see Kanda's sleeping face. The samurai never looked as tranquil as he was when sleeping. He really enjoyed watching his lover sleeping because he looked very beautiful when so. Not that he'd tell the older boy, though. He still loved his head where it was.

"Che, fine. If you do anything weird while I'm sleeping, I'll kill you." He threatened.

"Yes sir." Allen joked.

Kanda smirked at the younger boy as he laid his head down on the younger boy's lap. Allen immediately blushed at that. What was Kanda doing?!

"K-K-K-Kanda?" Allen stammered. "W-what are you doing?"

"Baking cookies." The older boy answered sarcastically. "Of course I'm fucking sleeping. Are you too stupid to notice, Beansprout?" he mocked as he closed his eyes, attempting to sleep.

"B-but you're…I mean…you have…err…your head…is on my…" the younger boy stuttered. He was truly panicked. This felt very odd and somewhat funny. In other words, he had never done this before.

"Just shut up so I can sleep." Kanda cut in, and Allen breathed in a lungful of air, attempting to calm himself down. After a few minutes, he relaxed and leaned back to the wall.

He turned his gaze to the older boy's sleeping form on his lap. He could feel Kanda's soft dark hair on his lap. The samurai had such a peaceful look on his face right now. Then Allen realized he had fallen asleep. It's funny though that he didn't feel tired at all even though he was the one whom Kanda had been keeping awake these five days, making him do the older boy's stupid commands.

He stroked Kanda's dark strands of hair and smiled contentedly. It had been such a long time since they had the chance to enjoy their peaceful time together. This week had been quite tiring and stressful enough although there were no attacks up till earlier today. He sighed and cupped the older boy's pale cheek with his normal human hand. He then planted a gentle kiss on the other's forehead.

"Sleep tight, Kanda."

Lenalee sighed as she walked through the long halls of the large Japanese house. That house was really large. It was hard to memorize each part of the house. She was never the type who gets lost easily, but it was under different conditions. A week around this house and she still couldn't really remember which part of the house her room was located in.

She stopped upon seeing Bookman and Lucius standing, apparently talking in the backyard, under the Sakura tree. She hid behind the wall and eavesdropped on their conversation. She really wasn't usually this nosy, but both men had such serious expressions on, she couldn't help but feel curious of what they were talking about.

"What are you really?" Bookman inquired.

Lenalee was puzzled. What did Bookman mean by that? Hadn't Lavi told his mentor about the monster? She thought Bookman had already known about it. But she was more puzzled now that Lucius' expression was not his normal expression. It seemed rather troubled, or more precisely, horrified. Did Bookman just say something wrong? She had never seen the blonde with that kind of face before.

"Aren't you going to answer me? Or are you mute now?" Bookman asked rather harshly. "Well, then I'll change my question. Lucius the seeker of light, are you really what I think you are?"

Right now, Lucius' eyes were wide and panic was clear there. To Lenalee's surprise the blonde suddenly laughed. His laugh was somewhat odd. It really didn't sound like a normal laugh and his laughter didn't reach his eyes.

"So you've found out, huh? Just as expected from a Bookman." He said, hair turning red. Lenalee gasped. She hadn't seen him like this for quite some time now.

"So I was right…" Bookman stated. "I have been suspecting it since I first laid my eyes on you, but since your acting was very good, I was almost fooled too. I didn't know you knew how to do something like that."

"Live and learn, Bookman." Lucius said, playing with a strand of his fiery red hair. "I've lived centuries already. It should be expected that I am no longer who I used to be as recorded in the Bookmen's data."

"What do you intend to do? And how could it be that you manage to last this long without losing yourself? Or could it be that you…" Bookman's glare intensified. Lucius shrugged.

"Why don't you ask the other me? I'm sure he knows better than I do." He answered. "Because he and I are two different people in one body. I am myself and he is himself. We will always stay that way for who knows how long. Though I expect we may complete our transformation soon."

"And why are you telling me that?" Bookman asked.

"Just a precaution." He answered. "Because if…it started before the time I planned it to be…if so…just destroy me. While I still have my heart."

Lenalee gasped at the statement. What were they talking about? What transformation? What was happening? She then turned her gaze toward the old exorcist and saw him lowering his gaze, nodding slowly.

"I understand." He answered. "So you really haven't changed that much after all." Lucius smiled rather sadly.

"Sometimes, leopards don't change their spots at all. And some other times, they do." He said. "Can you…keep it a secret for now?"

"If you wish." Answered the old man.

"…thank you."

As he said that, he walked away. Bookman sighed and walked away to the opposite direction. Lenalee released the breath she didn't realize she was holding and bit her lips. Lucius was keeping something from them. Something that was so important that only Bookman knew. And judging from their conversation, it was something very serious. It was possible that the blonde had been lying all along to them, according to the dialogue.

She fidgeted. What should she do? She was beginning to rely on that monster too. She was beginning to trust him, but how could she after she heard this? What was in the mind of that monster? He had always been helping them along the way, but could it be that he was planning something bad? Would Bookman just stay silent if that were true? But the Bookmen clan were only watchers. They wouldn't involve themselves into this war if not truly needed, like when they need to save themselves from danger.

She fell down to the floor and sat there. Her mind was messed up with suspicion and doubt. Just the time to be doubting their comrade…why now of all time?! Just when the Earl had began to move again, she had to hear that confusing talk. It wasn't like Lucius was planning for something bad for sure. She wasn't so sure herself, but…

She sighed distraughtly. What should she do?

Allen turned in surprise as he heard the sound of footsteps echoing in the quiet hall and found a little dark haired 10 year old boy running down the hall and went inside a room in the hall. He gasped when he realized, he had once again entered the memories of the Kanda family house. Kanda's childhood memories.

"Did you call me, Mother?" the child that was Kanda Yuu asked to a woman inside the room. Allen stood behind the boy curiously. What was he going to see this time?

"Yes, please come in, Yuu." The woman whose name was Rukina Kanda answered. She was still the same as when Allen first saw her. Her skin was pale, her hair was dark and long, her lips were pink like the Sakura blossom. On her shoulder, a warm looking mantle was hung low. The lower part of her body was covered with a thick blanket. She was such a beautiful woman Allen didn't even doubt she was definitely Kanda's mother. He looked a lot like her.

"What is it, Mother?" the boy asked, kneeling beside the futon where her mother was sitting. The woman smiled.

"I heard from Yukitaka." She said. "Your father hit you again, didn't he?"

Kanda kept silent at the question and threw away his gaze. Allen bent a little to see the expression on the boy's crouching figure. He looked sad and hurt that Allen immediately knew that what his mother said was true. He was a bit surprised too at the question earlier. Did

Kanda's father really hit his own son? And she did say 'again', meaning that this wasn't the first time he had done it.

"…please forgive your father, Yuu. He's not always like that. He's usually such a gentle and caring person." Rukina said, attempting to cheer up her son. "I'm sure he's just a bit on edge today. Today's the big meet after all."

"No he isn't. Chichiue (father) hates me." Little Kanda answered with bitterness in his tone. His mother sighed and stroked her son's dark hair softly.

"Please don't say such painful thing, Yuu. Yuuji does not hate you. He was very happy the day you were born. He loves you just as much as I do." Rukina said, hugging her son's small figure in her embrace. Even though her embrace looked so loving and caring, Allen noticed Kanda didn't look happy at all. Judging from his expression, he just wanted to get away from the hold right away if possible. Why was that?

"You have such strong arms…" Rukina told her son while grasping on the boy's arms softly. "You would be such a strong samurai someday…you're my beloved samurai. I'm so proud of you, Yuu."

Allen could see Kanda frowning sadly in his mother's embrace for an unknown reason. The last thing he saw was a single tear drop falling down from the woman's deep blue eye before everything went dark.

Allen opened his eyes with a gasp as he realized he had fallen asleep without even noticing it. He was leaning against the wall while Kanda was still sleeping peacefully on his lap. He shook his head. He had once again gone to see the past memories of the house, but this time it wasn't that painful like the first. The first time he went, his head had hurt like it was going to explode.

He looked down to Kanda's sleeping figure. He was still fast asleep. It seemed he really was tired. Allen sighed, relieved he hadn't disturbed Kanda, and stroked his dark strands of hair softly. He remembered how Kanda looked so sad in his mother's embrace. Allen didn't understand why. Why would he hate to be hugged by his own mother? Wasn't she the only one person who Rui said Kanda the most in this house? Why? Allen really couldn't understand…

Allen sighed again and glanced to the door. His heart jumped in surprise when he found a couple of green orbs staring at the two of them with a naughty smirk. He found himself flushing immediately at the smirk and he could swear his hair also jumped in surprise a while ago. He wanted to punch the daylight out of that rabbit boy in front of the door but found he couldn't because of the certain someone on his lap. Standing up would surely wake him up.

Lavi laughed at Allen's flushed expression and walked in, sitting down on the floor next to the two. He smirked as he saw Allen pouting.

"Can't you warn me before doing something like that, Lavi?!" the white haired boy whispered, not wanting to wake Kanda up.

"Heheh, sorry Moyashi-chan, but you two looked so tired earlier so I decided I would just wait until one of you woke up." The redhead grinned not-so-sheepishly. "Oh, do I wish I had my camera with me! You two looked so sweet! You really looked like a newly-wed couple!"

"Shut up…" Allen puffed his cheeks and looked away embarrassedly. "Kanda started it."

"Yeah, sure, and I don't see you being disturbed at all. I could even say you looked happy about it" Lavi said, smirk widened. Allen's flush deepened. "Aside from it, Yuu sure does look pretty when he's asleep."

"He sure does." Allen chuckled, agreeing with the redhead. "I sure advise you not to say that when he's awake though." Lavi paled at the thought of saying that out loud in front of the person wide awake. He'd get minced that way.

"You don't have to tell me." Lavi said, taking a strand of Kanda's raven hair between his fingers. He really had the urge to braid Kanda's hair right now. This was the only time he wouldn't get killed for doing that…immediately at least.

"What are you doing?" Allen asked, feeling slightly disturbed at the fact that Lavi was playing with his Kanda's hair. Lavi looked up in surprise and then smirked again, releasing Kanda's hair immediately.

"Oh, my apologies, Moyashi-chan. I didn't realize I was stepping into your territory." He said jokingly. Allen blushed again. But it was true though, he didn't like to see Kanda being touched by people other than him. Maybe he was being overprotective? Or jealous? Whichever described it better, I guess.

"S-shut up." Allen stammered. "By the way, have you met Tyki yet?" he asked, Lavi's expression fell.

"Not yet, no." Lavi said. "But we'll see him again soon enough I'm sure. You need to be careful though, Allen. He's currently after you." The redhead warned.

"…I know. I'm not planning to die yet." Allen nodded. "I still have things to do. Not to mention finding master and all. I won't die just yet."

"Yeah, you'd better not, or else, Yuu-chan will cry!" Lavi said, chuckling again. Okay, time to blush again, and so, blush Allen did. "Though the truth is I would like to see Yuu-chan cry. I've never seen him cry since I met him. I bet it would be amusing!"

"Yeah, I bet it would be." A deep murderous voice answered him and Lavi immediately paled. He looked up and saw Kanda wide awake with Mugen in hands. Allen also paled. They had spoken too loudly that it awakened Kanda. "But too bad you'll have to die before you ever got a chance to witness it, stupid rabbit."

"N-now, Yuu-chan, I see you're awake, aren't you? Are you hungry? Return to Allen-chan's lap and go back to sleep please? Or else Allen will cry…" Lavi tried to persuade the raven haired boy, crawling back slowly but surely.

Kanda smirked at that. "The only one who will cry right now is you, after I send you to the hospital in a bento box." He said dangerously and Lavi gulped. The redhead teen dodged the swing from Kanda's katana just barely and ran into the Oshi Ire (Japanese cabinet which is made together with the wall) behind him, seeking protection.

"Stop hiding and fight like a man, you wimp!" Kanda yelled.

"No! If I come out, you'll kill me!" Lavi yelled back from inside the cabinet.

"Exactly!" Kanda answered with another yell, lifting his Mugen as he did so.

"A-ah, wait! Let's calm down, shall we?" Allen said, clutching to Kanda's waist, holding the murderous teen back when he was about to stab the cabinet with his Mugen. The damage would go beyond repair if he did so. To both the redhead teen and the cabinet.

Suddenly a scream was heard and Allen's left eye activated. The other two immediately stopped their childish routine and turned their attention to the scream. Lavi came out from the Oshi Ire with a deep frown.

"That voice…" he murmured.

"A woman's voice." Allen continued. "Three level II akuma near the antique store!"

"Let's head there." Lavi suggested. Allen nodded while Kanda snorted. They really couldn't lighten up even a little anymore. This proved the Earl really was back.

The three exorcists ran as fast as they could to the antique store. When they arrived, the said store was already destroyed. Allen winced at the damage the three level II did to the store and the people. He thought he might throw up at the sight of blood everywhere. Lavi and Kanda abruptly attacked the two akuma in sight while Allen reactivated his left eye, searching for the remaining akuma.

Then he turned his attention to one of the akuma who was facing a girl about his age. The girl was cowering to a tree in fear, covering her face with her bright purple yukata. Allen immediately jumped to help the girl.

"Cross Grave!" he yelled and attacked the akuma. The white claw slashed at the level II and destroyed it easily. Allen huffed. It seemed the girl was safe. What a relief…

"Err, miss, are you alright?" he asked, kneeling in front of the woman.

The girl slowly uncovered her face and Allen saw two deep blue orbs staring back at him. As the girl uncovered her face wholly, he noticed that this girl had a somewhat strange face, like he had seen her somewhere before. Her hair was black and long, her lips were pinkish red and her skin was pale, almost white. Allen was lost in his own thought for a while. Yes, he seemed to have seen this girl somewhere before…but where? When?

"Eh, sir…hello? Sir, are you alright?" the girl asked, her voice was soprano and sounded so sweet. She also spoke with a good English accent and Allen snapped out of his stupor immediately. Then he laughed sheepishly.

"Ah, yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry." He said embarrassedly. "Are you hurt, miss…?"

"Ruka. My name's Ruka, and no, I'm not hurt. Thank you so much for helping me." She shook her head.

"Oi, Moyashi-chan, what's going on here?" Lavi asked as he approached Allen with Kanda following closely behind.

"Ah, it's nothing, I've just destroyed the last akuma. I don't detect anymore akuma around here." The white haired boy answered.

"Oh then, we can go home now. I'm sure Lenalee's looking for us and—"

"Yuu?"

The girl suddenly called, cutting Lavi's words and made all three gazes turned to her. The girl stood up slowly and approached Kanda, who stared at her in pure confusion.

"Yuu…it's really Yuu…isn't it?" she asked. Suddenly a smile was brought to her face and she glomped Kanda immediately with a lone happy tear on the edge of her eye. "Ah…finally! I've been waiting for this moment! I've been waiting to meet you again Yuu! My darling Yuu!"

The three were all taken aback by the sudden 'confession'. Allen stared at the girl with both confusion and jealousy. He definitely didn't like the girl for hugging his Kanda, but he was confused as hell when he saw Kanda's face. This girl seemed to know Kanda so well, but apparently Kanda didn't. His eyes were wide and horrified. It was like he was seeing a ghost.

Human are sometimes gullible. They sometimes do without thinking. They sometimes hurt each other without considering, how painful it is to become the one who's hurt. After all, humans always make mistakes. But in the end, only those who are willing to learn from their mistakes, willing to realize and listen to their inner voice and repent, will grow and be forgiven.

A/N:

Okay, what do you think of this chapter, guys? I personally think this 29 pages chapter is better than the other 2 before. Maybe I do write better when schooling...

Well, whatever. There's a little bit of brotherly Lavi-Allen here. I just love family fics! X3 and also, LUCKY is here, minna-san! Starting from the next chapter, it's going to be better...I hope. Well, here it is, Kanda's regained his memories! X3 I hope it wasn't too corny...And...another plot twist. Yeah, probably the last? Or not? Let's just wait and see what my twisted mind have to say. Lol.

Well, anyways, please tell me what you think of this chapter. Review me please? XD And for you who could guess who Ruka is, gets a homemade cookie. X3 I thought it was rather obvious though. Mysyticmoon thought so too. And another homemade cookie for anyone who can guess who Luci-chan really is. X3 Even Mysyticmoon couldn't guess this one X3. I can only say he's not a Noah.

I'm currently listening to the Musician's song. It's such a beautiful song...luv it to tears...anyways, don't forget to review, okay? It's not hard to write a sentence or two, right?

Thanks again, Mysyticmoon. Luv ya! X3