Chapter 10: Promise Made

"Heard that that raven-haired guy is one of the strongest Exorcists, and you just send one puny Akuma? Aren't you afraid that it would fail?" Rhode asked, but Allen did not need anyone to remind him of that. He slowly stood up, the purely white cape fluttering slightly. He glanced at his white-gloved hands, his face cringed with sheer disgust as he went to the table beside him and pulled out a clean tissue gently, wiping every corner of his hands and fingers carefully. The silver-haired teen threw away the dirty tissue into the bin as he turned around and faced the little girl who was anticipating his reply.

"No worries. If it fails, then at that time, I will do it myself."

"You promise that you will heal him when I agree to your conditions. Please do not forget."

"Are you going to keep that promise?" The Millennium Earl turned to look at the dark one sitting at one far corner of the library, his face hidden by a book in his hands. The old man did not say anything, turning back to the table in front of him and continued to write something down on the paper. Receiving no reply from the other, he removed the thick book from his face, his golden eyes peering at him in curiosity.

"Millennium Earl?" The Earl stopped writing. The cooling air of the air conditioners blew lightly against his face, slowly reducing the heat on his body. The papers shuffled slightly from the touch of the wind from the air conditioners, making soft sounds which echoed through the silent library. Little light entered through the windows, the sky cloudy and grey. Soon, it was going to rain in this area again. He breathed in heavily, staring at the words that he had written in the papers.

"Yes. I don't need another Akuma, since I already have Allen in my hands. With that silver-haired teen in my possession, everything is already set."

The black curls twitched from his position, as Tyki just stared at him silently. It was currently three in the afternoon. Everyone was busy in their jobs at hand. Jasdero and David were out buying groceries for next week's supplies. Lulubell went to scout around and bring back the latest news on the enemy's movements. Allen and Rhode were assigned to retrieve the Innocence found at the outskirts of Aurora City, where some Exorcists were already there to get it as well. It wasn't really a good idea to send Allen to that particular mission when he was just awakened, but he just sent him out, deciding to observe him for the next few months.

"But he is a successful specimen that you have created!"

"That is a failed one," The Earl snapped lightly, feeling a little annoyed. Tyki was slightly astonished by his reaction. The old man adjusted his small spectacles at his nose, peering at the clouds which were constantly moving. The antique clock in the library ticked rather noisily in the distance, reminding him that the time was always moving.

"A failed one?" Tyki asked, not understanding what he meant. The Earl sighed as he put down his pen and closed his eyes, deciding to rest for a few minutes. Ever since he remembered that promise in his mind, his headache had never stopped throbbing before, getting worse whenever he was alone in his room, facing the portrait with him and the Fourteenth inside. So long had he pined for his return, regretted of the pasttimes, and longed for his presence. He had lived for many decades, but none brought him happiness but loneliness.

The grey sky flashed for a moment, before thundered boomed faintly. Tyki turned around and gazed at the dull and lifeless view outside. It always felt so boring staying here. Though there were books to entertain him and keep him away from boredom, he prefered to go back to visit his friends and the cute, sickly child he met when he was still conscious. He never expected his life to be that fulfilling when he worked together normally with humans, sharing their joy and laughter whenever they had achieved something. The dark Noah sighed as he ran his fingers through his thick locks of curls. Sometimes, he was a little tired with the killings.

"Boring!" The Millennium Earl raised his eyebrow, as Tyki let out a loud yawn and stretched himself on the couch, feeling exhaustion sinking into his head and making his eyelids heavy all of a sudden. Maybe it was time for his afternoon nap, he supposed.

"Bye, Earl-san." Tyki said in a monotone voice as he waved and excused himself, walking out of the library quietly. The Earl just stared at him as he exited, before a smile appeared on his face as he chuckled lightly. The chuckles soon stopped, as the smile disappeared, the painful reality sinking in. He never realised that he could be so hesitant in making such a decision, and he wondered whether he was doing the right thing on taking Allen in.

At that time during the battle in Edo, when he and Allen crossed paths, he was stumped immediately by that pure white and utterly familiar appearance in front of him. His heart beat painfully, as he wondered repeatedly on whether he had finally come back to him again. However, painful memories sank into him as well when they started fighting. He still could not forget, and could not forgive the Musician for abandoning his job and duty as a Noah, choosing to seek his own death by helping his mortal enemies instead: Humans. That silver-haired teen didn't even know that he might be deceived by their masks on their faces used to hide their real intentions! Once he left, he did not return again, and this emptiness went on for several years. He travelled to many places, made many connections, and finally came here where it was rumoured that the Fourteenth might be here.

The thunder clashed and boomed louder than before, heavy pelts of rain falling down from the darkened sky. The clear glass windows were soon covered by countless droplets of rain, blurring the whole view. The temperature was gradually dropping automatically. The chill slowly crawled up his arms, its coldness taking away the remaining warmth from his body.

Promise me.

His eyes softened at that phrase which rang in his head. It was such a long time ago, and he could just ignore the whole matter, pretending that everything had never happened. He could use his authority to control the situation, but as he thought, he realised that he couldn't do it. He had really wondered, why Allen could interest him to no end, and why he could waver his hardened emotions so easily. Was it because of his determined voice that was drawing him to him unconsciously? Was it because of the familiar shadow of Fourteenth he had behind his back? Or was it because of his deep concern towards an Exorcist he was so deeply in loved with? He had never admitted this, but it was rather obvious.

Promise me, that you will return him back to normal.

What right did he have to order him to do that kind of promise? He even did not have the position to talk conditions to him. He only could agree silently to the demands he wanted from him. He had no other choice to make but to make a deal with him, in order to save people who were important to him.

In order to get his whole attention to himself, he had made such a ridiculous condition to keep him forever at his side. He couldn't believe how possessive he was in getting Allen all by himself. This showed how important and precious Allen's existence was to him. Never once was he so greedy in his whole life, but Allen was all he needed. All...he needed.

"Allen Walker..." He murmured softly. The promise would be kept. The current Him would probably be unaware about the deal he had made with the previous Him, but he would keep that promise that held so little significance to the whole aim he was heading. Or maybe he was wrong. If that promise was not kept, the path towards his goal would be lost forever.

And keeping that promise...might cease some guilt towards the silver-haired Noah. Towards the Fourteenth.

The Earl stood up from his seat and walked towards the door. As his hand reached out and opened the door, he stopped, a thought constantly in his mind when Tyki mentioned it.

He was supposed to be summoned back and join the family. It was one way to give a great blow towards the Exorcists of the Black Order. However, with the promise in its way, it was already unnecessary. He wondered whether it was right not to take him back as well. But, as what he had said, Allen was all that he needed to accomplished the final task he had in mind. He won't make a difference.

"Failed one..." Those words lingered at his lips. He did not need to be reminded of that. The Earl sighed as he walked out of the library, the door slowly closing in behind him.

Come here, Yu.

He walked up to his father who was wearing a smile on his face. His big and warm hand landed on his small head, patting it gently. He looked downwards, before he smiled, feeling so happy inside.

Come here, Yu.

Little Kanda's eyes widened slightly, as he turned and looked up at his father, except that he wasn't his father at all but someone else; someone he totally did not know about. He also had the same stance: he wanted to pat his head, but this time, he ran away. As far as he could, searching for his real father.

No, Yu. I am your father.

Little Kanda stopped in his tracks, his horrified eyes stared hardly at the ugly person who somehow appeared in front of him. That crooked smile on his face made him more frightened. His little body just froze there, waiting as the man bent down and hugged him lightly.

My previous Yu. My precious child.

Kanda woke up with a start, his eyes snapped open suddenly as he saw the view moving in front of him. He then ruffled his fringe slightly, realising that it was just a dream; a childhood dream which had been a very long time since it came back to haunt him.

It went back to the days when he was very young, living together with the samurai clan in Japan. At that time, people were already suspicious that he wasn't the son of the clan leader, who was his father, because their appearances totally differed. But his father put all trust into him, insisting that he was his son and only son.

"Yu is my only son, and no one is going to say anything about it!"

That sentence silented everyone, and no one ever talked about this matter again. His father had the authority over everyone, and everyone had to listen to what he said, no matter whether they wanted to raise objections or not. He was very happy that his father acknowledged him as his proud son, and all the more he wanted to work hard and become a full-fledged samurai quickly, to show his father that he was as capable as him. He trained day and night with little rest, and he would observe his father's training to improve his skills as well. Sometimes the two of them would have a friendly spar. Of course, his father always won, but one day, he was going to defeat his father by his swordsman skills.

One day, he was studying in his room, when the wooden doors opened. He turned around and was slightly stunned to see his father standing there.

"Come with me, Yu," He said. Kanda noticed his deep frowns and the grim look on his face, but he didn't probe about that as he followed his father out of the house. The two of them just strolled silently on the empty path that led to the flower garden that they had at the back. Kanda stared at his father's back, wondering what his father wanted to do at this particular moment. He was curious, yet he had an uncomfortable feeling about this.

"Father?" He asked. The adult did not reply, continued to walk forward. Kanda skipped across the stone steps, couldn't understand what this was all about. They reached the sakura tree, where his father stopped. Kanda looked up, seeing countless cherry blossoms fluttering across the white sky, painting it a shade of pink. He turned towards the pond, his eyes widened as he ran towards it.

"Look, Father! The lotuses have bloomed!" He exclaimed, running to the side of the pond and squatted down, observing the small, whiteish pink flowers gliding smoothly on the waters, not shaken by the ripples. He gasped, stunned by their beauty. As he turned, wanting to show his father this, he realised that his father had not spoken a word, or moved from his current position.

"Father?" He asked warily, a little scared about this awkward situation. He stood up and walked over to the adult.

"Yes. The lotuses had bloomed, Yu."

"Father?" Kanda stopped in his tracks, feeling strange about this whole conversation which didn't seem to go nowhere. The adult then slowly walked towards him, his hand wanting to reach out to him. Kanda just stood there, feeling the gentle and warm touch of his father's big palm. He did not know why his father did this all of a sudden, but he felt happy inside.

"I'm sorry, Yu."

"What?" Before Kanda could finish; before he could see his father's kind look on his face; before he could give his father he loved so much a hug, the vision in front of him slowly faded into the darkness. As he slowly sank downwards, not understanding why his father did this, he could only hear a string of words, before he became unconscious.

"Forgive me, my precious child. It is because of the bloom of the lotuses, that I have to make a decision."

And it was at this very moment, he realised that he had been betrayed...completely by his very own father he once loved so much.

xxx

When he opened his eyes once more, he could no longer remember what had happened a few hours ago, but as he opened his eyes, he just saw the whole village into flames. People were running away, fleeing from the home that they had lived for years. Everything was all destroyed, and corpses were lying everywhere as well, staining the whole grasspatch with a crimson colour of red. He, a small teenager of just a mere ten, just stood there as he tried to absorb this situation.

Suddenly, someone grabbed his small wrist. He was being swung around hardly, as he stared straight into the angered eyes of a particular middle-aged lady carrying a baby at her chest. That darkened face and that pair of cold and scary eyes frightened him. She just glared at him hardly, wanting him to feel the burning hatred she had towards him.

"I curse you! I curse you for doing all of these! You will regret it one day!"

He couldn't understand a word that she said. She continued screeching painfully into his ears and his head, jabbing him with curses and heartless words to speak to a child. They were like venom, slowly poisoning him to death.

"Hey, why are you still there? We have to leave!" Someone grabbed her and asked her to leave quickly. She stopped and glared at him darkly once more, before she left. He just stood there, surrounded by the licking red flames which were devouring everything in its way. Her hurtful words rang constantly in his head which acted like sharp razored knives slashing him in different directions. The raven-haired teen then looked at his hands. His eyes widened in horror.

There was blood stained on them. He then realised that there was a sword lying on the ground as well, just right beside him. The dark crimson colour was slowly covering the shimmering blade of the sword, turning it into a black blade. Sapphire eyes just continued to stare at it, seeing the blood slowly formed a pool beside it. Wooden houses started tearing down, collapsing onto the ground with a loud thud.

He screamed, his piercing voice screeching through the air as he screamed again, and again, and again. What was he exactly doing when he was unconscious? Or was he really unconscious? Kanda screamed, clutching his hurting head. He couldn't understand anything. Why did his father spoke those words; those words that really hurt so much. Why was he apologising to him? Why were the villagers' cold eyes showing such detest and disdain towards him? Why had he done?

He shook his head continuously. He just couldn't understand anything.

"Do you want to become stronger, Kanda Yu?"

His eyes blinked, hearing someone talking to him. He saw a shadow standing in front of him. He looked up, seeing no one's face. That black stranger hid his face in his hood, unable to see who he really was.

"Do you want to become stronger, Kanda Yu?"

He was holding something in his hand. He looked closely, realising that it was a small lotus flower in a large hourglass. That pink-stained flower reminded him too much about the encounter with his father who had betrayed his feelings towards him. Kanda hissed in anger and slapped it hardly onto the ground. To his surprise, it did not shatter.

"It will not shatter easily," The stranger said, bending down and picked the hourglass in his hand. His hands clenched tightly, couldn't forget what had happened earlier on, and couldn't forgive his father for doing this to him. Fear left him eventually, replaced by red anger and black hatred which clouded his eyes, turning them into a dark sapphire blue. A smile just crept up to the stranger's face, as he knew the answer.

"I shall grant what you want, Kanda Yu." Before he knew it, he felt raging burns of fire shrouding his skin and entering his heart. He screamed again, feeling his flesh tearing as the burns moved across his chest forcefully. It only last for a few seconds, as he collapsed when it ended. His face looked sideways, towards the stranger who was standing there.

"Show me what you got, Kanda Yu. This will help you when you are in a dangerous situation, but there will be a price to pay." He put the hourglass onto the ground, in front of his eyes to see it clearly. Kanda just stared at the lotus flower blankly.

"When you start using its power, the lotus petals will start to fall and wither. Once all the petals fall to the bottom of the hourglass, you die."

Kanda's eyes widened.

"Wait -" He then realised that the stranger had disappeared. He groaned inwardly, staring at the hourglass which was given to him. His hands clenched, grabbing some sand by his fingers, his eyes narrowed angrily. He felt something at his wrist and turned, seeing a white-bead bracelet settling on it.

Remember, what your life is really worth.

"What are you thinking about, Kanda?" Kanda opened his eyes again, staring at Marie who was sitting at the left side of the wooden wagon. The raven-haired swordsman grunted and looked outside, wondering why he was reviewing memories that he did not want to remember, but somehow, something was amiss. Some parts seemed to be missing from the whole story...or was it his imagination?

"Look forward." Marie and Kanda turned to stare at General Tiedoll who had stopped drawing for a while. He leaned against the wooden boxes, his eyes staring far at the white sky which stretched on endlessly. That kind grey eyes softened as a smile appeared on his face; a smile looking towards the future.

"Don't keep looking back. Let it go, and move forward. There is no meaning if you keep reminding yourself about your past, Yuu-kun." Kanda stiffened at that statement. General Tiedoll turned to stare at him, his eyes wanting to convey him something. The faint sun crawled out of the clouds, shining on their bodies. The raven-haired swordsman then chose to close his eyes. He wasn't really avoiding that old geezer's eyes. He was just a little...astonished by those wise words.

It was no meaning to cling onto the past that he did not want to remember. Of course he knew that, yet he just couldn't put it down. It was the only clue to finding his true identity. He wanted to find out what his father meant in the end, who that stranger really was and the truth behind the massacre of the village. Was it really him who did it, or was there something more than this? Furthermore, he wanted to remove that horrid curse he had at his chest, clinging so tightly to his thumping heart which reminded him that burning pain when the curse was transferred from his hand to him.

There was no way to forget...but something was missing.

"Che. Shut up, old man," Kanda said. General Tiedoll started laughing, to his greater annoyance. Marie just smiled, glad that everything was back to normal. The hoofs of the horses clattered on through the dirty road as they were reaching the next town. Miranda had returned to the Order to deliver the Innocence and the report about their journey, as well as to convey an important message to the Supervisor of the Science Department.

"What?" Komui exclaimed as he nearly spilled the coffee out of his mouth, staring at the Exorcist who had just returned from her mission. Reever was just standing at a corner, cleaning up the shelves while eavedropping on their conversation. Miranda was just standing in front of his desk, feeling uncomfortable about the tension in the office. Komui realised that he startled her, and mumbled an apology.

"So, how's Kanda-kun then?" Komui asked, adjusting his spectacles as he took the report that she had just handed in, flipping open to read it.

"Um, currently he is fine. There seems to be nothing wrong after he was brought back, just a few minor injuries that he probably got it a few days ago." The woman stopped and fidgeted, thinking of what she should add on. Reever approached the desk and began cleaning up the papers which were all over the place. He glanced at Miranda for a moment, seeing that grim face which he had never seen on that woman's face often. He wondered what had happened, and why was Komui so astonished at her words?

"Okay," Komui nodded his head, his eyes focusing on the documents in his hand as he continued to read. He paused for a while, his eyes turned towards the hourglass on his desk. The lotus flower was withering faster than he thought. He grimaced, rubbing his face with worry. Was it a right decision to send Kanda out to find the Innocence and Allen? Or was he making his health condition worse? Either way, he did not want to imagine it. The Supervisor just sighed, pressing at the middle of his forehead lightly by his finger.

"Do you find anything strange about Kanda-kun?" Miranda was a little surprised by his question. She peered at the ceiling and pondered.

"I...don't think so. Or am I wrong?" She mumbled, worried. Komui frowned at her reply. According to the lotus petals that had dropped, there should already have some symptoms surfacing, yet none of them noticed anything? Was Kanda aware of his real condition? Komui closed the file in his hand, feeling the stress that was slowly killing him. He turned around, facing the window. What did the Millennium Earl want? Was Allen really going to betray them eventually? Was Havleska's reading wrong?

"But Supervisor," Komui heard Miranda's voice as he turned around, looking at her. The woman gave a hesitanting face, but breathed in deeply as she decided to say it.

"Komui-san, there might be a possibility that...Allen might be coming."

Lavi's eyes widened in shock as he just stared at Lenalee in astonishment, not believing what his ears had received. Lenalee was panting heavily, trying to catch her breath as she ran all the way from her room to the library after hearing the news.

"It's...It's true! Miranda...Miranda has come back! She was with Kanda and the others before she return to hand over the Innocence! She..." Lenalee took in a deep breath, before she finished her sentence.

"She might have the latest news on how Kanda is doing."

Lavi was stunned completely, not knowing how he should react. Many months had passed since he disappeared without a trace, and when he found out the truth from Lenalee that he went off in search for Allen, he did not know whether he should be glad or worry about it. In one hand, it showed that he really cared for that Moyashi, but in the other hand...

"That's..." Lenalee stared at the redhead who slowly sat up, his eyes which had been staring at the floor for quite a while. Lavi settled more comfortably in his seat, before emerald eyes looked up at her.

"That's great. I...I'm glad that he...he's fine." Lavi managed to finish his sentence, before he looked down and covered his exhausted face with his hands. Lenalee's eyes softened. Lavi was really shaken even though he was trying to hide his emotions from her. He had been worrying so much for Kanda when he suddenly disappeared. It was really a heavy burden taken off when he heard this great news. It was all he needed to hear, to finally put his anxiousness at ease.

"Lavi..." She bent down and hugged him gently. Lavi just sniffed in silence, burying himself into her warm embrace as he started to cry softly. He always hated crying, because that showed that he wasn't strong enough to face the obstacles coming in his way. Because of this, no matter what happened, he would force back his tears and cast his emotions away. Afterall, a Bookman had no need of a heart. Emotions were unnecessaryand would hinder him more. But, after all these incidents which happened, he could not cast away the truth that was lying in front of his eyes anymore.

"I'm really so relieved that Kanda's alright. Really, I was so worried sick about him," Lenalee murmured softly, the two of them continued to hug each other for comfort. Lavi managed to control himself and wipe away the tears, getting out of the embrace. His face was slightly red, embarrassed at what he had done. He just chuckled softly, a smile lit on his wet face.

"Sorry. Really...sorry."

"You do not need to say that, Lavi! I understand how you feel!" Lenalee exclaimed as she shook her head vigourously, a little embarrassed at this awkward situation as well. The two of them just stared at each other silently, before they broke into laughter, feeling a little silly at their reactions.

"Yep, you are right." Lavi replied, having a weak goofy grin on his face. Lenalee just smiled, glad that he was finally back to his old self.

"It...really put a great load of burden down my shoulders when I hear this news. I'm going to punish Yuu-chan for this when he returns. Geez, making me so worried about him," Lavi said, wiping away the remaining tears at his eyes. Lenalee had to agree with the redhead for this. If only there were more available Exorcists in the Order, or else she and Lavi would follow him to search for Allen. The olive-haired Exorcist sighed, before she turned to peer at Lavi.

There was something which she had been puzzled for a while. So many things have happened to the Order, making it a dangerous place to live, yet why were Lavi and Bookman still willing to stay here? Shouldn't they...be leaving soon? Lenalee flinched slightly as she felt a slight wrench and tightness at her chest.

"Lenalee, are you okay?" Lavi asked. Lenalee just smiled and shook her head. She turned away from his worrying gaze, wondering why she was feeling so weird for the past few days, especially when she was with Lavi. Sure, she was rather close to Lavi these days due to Kanda and Allen's absences, but this wasn't right either. Lenalee stared at the redhead's eyepatch at his left eye, confused.

"How is Yuu-chan doing?"

"I'm not very sure. We will find out when Miranda returns." At this moment, the door opened from behind. Lenalee and Lavi turned around to find Miranda stepping into the premises rather coincidentally.

"Miranda!"

"Lenalee!" Both of them ran towards each other and hugged tightly, so happy to see each other again. Lavi just smiled, happy that Miranda wad able to return to the Order. This place was becoming too quiet that he was slightly frightened by the eerie silence which lurked. It had been like that, ever since Kanda and Allen left. At these recollections, Lavi let out a soft sigh, putting his head on his knees gently.

Both girls finally broke their embrace, as they stared at each other and laughed softly. Miranda went to sit down, as Lenalee sat down as well. The woman just pondered for a moment, before she looked up and faced them.

"The both of you might have known that I was with Kanda-kun and General Tiedoll before I return, right?" She asked. Both Lenalee and Lavi nodded their heads.

"How is Yuu-chan doing?" Lavi asked.

"He's fine. Just some cuts and bruises from the encounter in the virtual world that the Innocence which trapped his consciousness inside." At this sentence, Lavi and Lenalee stared at her in astonishment, which made the woman more nervous than ever. She got into a fluster, wondering whether she had done anything wrong.

"Wh-What?"

"Kanda's...trapped in the virtual world of the Innocence? I never heard this before," Lavi said, still slightly shocked. It was so rare of that samurai to be so careless in doing his work.

"So is he alright, Miranda?" Lenalee asked hastily, getting up and walked up to her, holding her hands tightly.

"Y-Yeah. I manage to get him out. He's okay. Nothing serious happened to him." Lenalee heaved a sigh of relief, letting go of her hands. Lavi felt relieved as well.

"But,"

Both turned to her again, wondering what she would speak this time.

"But?" Miranda just stared at their anxious faces, before she sighed.

"Something is wrong. Someone seems to be manipulating behind the scenes. Someone...seems to know what we are doing, and is trying to destroy it." Lavi just pondered by himself on what she had said, before his eyes widened.

"Don't tell me..." He turned to Lenalee, who had the same worried face as him. They both turned to Miranda, as the three of them were silent.

"Allen, you have not been saying the truth for the whole time."

"What are you talking about?" Allen feigned ignorance as he continued staring outside the window, pretending that nothing had happened. The youngest Noah just laughed instead, jumping off the old sofa as she walked towards him. She slowly crept towards him, wanting to jump in front of him and scare him for a second, but as she walked up to him, she stopped, seeing Allen's expression.

"Aren't you going to scare me from behind?" It was Rhode's turn to stiffen slightly at that comment, but only for a second. Receiving no reply from the other, Allen turned around and stared at her, wondering what happened.

"What happened?" Rhode just blinked, staring into that pair of deep golden eyes, before she turned away.

"Nothing happened." Allen just raised his eyebrow at her reply, before he stood up and walked to the old sofa, sitting down on it. The silver-haired teen examined the couch as he pressed his weight lightly on it, before he put up his legs and lied down, getting comfortable.

"Allen, that is my seat!" Rhode whined as she ran to him, hitting his thighs rather hardly by her small fists. Allen growled softly by his lips and stopped her hands, telling her silently not to do this. Rhode shot him a rather fierce glare that stunned him for a moment, before she produced a smile and pulled her hands away from his, turning around. Staring at the dull-coloured and dirty wall in front of her, her eyes slowly softened, as she slumped down on the floor, leaning against the sofa. She then felt her hands, which was exceptionally warm.

What was she thinking?

"You said that I have been lying all these while, isn't it?" Allen asked, peering at his black nails before playing with his fingers to spend his boredom. Rhode just sat there, not deciding to answer. Allen sighed as he closed his eyes, putting his hands down.

"Yes. Actually, I have already made my move. I already knew that they were going to get the Innocence, and I knew that they would be able to send it back to the Order safely. In fact, I think the Exorcist should already have arrived." Allen said, peering at the ceiling blankly.

"Then, why?" Rhode asked, using a colder tone this time. It was slightly obvious that she was angry with this outcome, but Allen ignored it completely. He gazed at the light that shone from its source, raising his black hand and tried covering the light, but some light seemed to be able to escape his hand and shine downwards.

"Haven't you forgot the emotions you have for that raven-haired Exorcist, Allen?" Allen stiffened, his eyes widened in slight astonishment as his heart responded with a harder thump on his chest. At this moment, he felt exposed, his existence which was hidden so well to be discovered by someone. He held his hand in the air, staring at it as he clenched it tightly. He gritted his teeth in frustration, before these fluctuating emotions slowly slipped away, replaced by his emotionless expressions.

"No. It is because of this, that is why I used the Innocence to send him an important message." This seemed to surprise Rhode slightly, but she didn't turn around to show him her beautiful face expression. Allen peered at his clenched hand, his eyes narrowed as thoughts played in his head.

It was true that he did manipulated the Innnocence, trapping his consciousness inside, but the real aim was different. Rather than to say it was to convey an important message, it was more of...checking something out; about that person who couldn't get out of his head, no matter how many times he erased him. As he created that virtual world, his own consciousness would also be sent in. That means that the Allen Walker in that virtual world was the real person as well. However, he regretted kissing him. That move was meant to tease and humiliate that samurai's pride, but it seemed to create an opposite effect onto him, and onto that person as well.

Allen hissed in pain, seeing that person more often. It was not his head that pained, but his heart which wrenched when he reviewed his memories; about him. Annoying emotions started to surface, and they were starting to make him confused. Why, after all these while of erasing that hateful past and freeing himself from their grasp, was he recalling that person's name? And once again, he was completely stumped by this feeling, just like that time...

Rhode turned around as she heard a loud, crushing sound coming from behind. The pen that Allen had been holding all these while, was broken into little bits as the Noah released his hand and let them fall onto the ground. The silver-haired teen slowly sat up, his white cape moved slightly and in a graceful way from its position. He put his feet onto the ground, standing up as he walked towards the window. The blue-haired Noah blinked, observing him from a distance. Allen's hands were shaking rather violently. Was he cold, or was he controlling that monstrous beast within him which wanted to come out so badly?

At that time, he showed a rather hurt expression, which was not what he wanted all along. It was rumoured that this person was cold and stoic; someone who would not be moved so easily. Yet, was he swayed so slightly by his words? What Allen couldn't understand was that, why was he the one who wanted to bring him back? Why was he, the one who hated him so much throughout the years, wanting to bring him back?

"Let's go." He said. Rhode slowly stood up at her position. Allen turned around, a sweet but rather eerie smile appeared on his darkened Noah face.

"As I thought, I cannot leave this matter to one, puny Akuma. I shall finish this myself."

And completely erase your existence from my mind.

Kanda opened his eyes, finding himself unable to sleep properly. He turned and gazed at the dull, grey scenery; an empty place where there were only their existences around. He turned back, seeing General Tiedoll and Marie snoozing at a corner. His eyes narrowed, resting his head on his knees. How he wished he could sleep just like that, but it would be impossible for now...with that silver-haired teen constantly in his mind.

He still couldn't calm down his heart which raced when he was reviewing his memories; all about him. It was so ridiculous, getting so worked up over that useless idiot...but even he could not push away the fact that he was concerned about him, no matter how much he wanted to deny. The raven-haired teen sighed under his lips, tracing his hair strands down his shoulders with his finger. His left arm rested on the edge of the open wagon, gazing at the emotionless sky.

I love you.

That three words were not real. Yet, he was started to waver so slightly, by those three words. It wasn't supposed to mean anything, yet deep inside, he wished that it would mean something...something which was warm and could lean on to. Kanda hissed as he pressed on the middle of his forehead in frustration. Just what was this supposed to mean? Could someone just explain these strings of weird emotions to him?

Suddenly, he heard wild laughter coming towards their direction. Kanda gripped his sword strapped by his waist and jumped out of his sitting position, dodging an attack which flew straight for him and crushed part of the wagon into pieces. This astonished the horses, as they came to a messy stop immediately. Marie and General Tiedoll had noticed this and woke up, getting out of the wagon.

"Kanda!" Marie shouted, seeing Kanda in midair. Kanda glared at the black enemy who was still laughing crazily away, having all these fun to himself. He did a summersault, seeing Marie's strings coming this way and he grabbed one of those and landed on the ground safely. The three Exorcists stared at the enemy in the sky, wondering who he was.

"Why did he attack Yuu-kun first?" General Tiedoll asked, puzzled.

"Do you know him, Kanda?" Marie asked.

"No," Kanda responded, but his eyes narrowed as he observed this enemy who was flying down towards them. He would not know any Akuma by any chance, but his voice sounded utterly familiar.

The enemy landed on the ground lightly by his dirty feet, standing across them by a stretch of distance. He then paced towards them slowly, an evil grin planted on his face as he held his hand and pulled away the black cape which had been hiding his face for quite a while. General Tiedoll and Marie did not react much to his appearance, but Kanda's eyes widened in shock and disbelief.

"Why...are you here?" General Tiedoll and Marie stared at the swordsman's changed expressions in bewilderment. The enemy just smiled in satisfaction at seeing that horrified look on his face. He stopped, a few metres across them.

"Shocked to see me, Yu?" Kanda's eyes narrowed angrily, his face darkened the minute he spoke. He had never expected such a surprising greeting from the Millennium Earl, but why was he here, with such ugly appearance and the distorted expression he had on his face? He never thought he would meet him again, all these years after the massacre of the whole clan. Kanda hissed, unshealthing Mugen.

"Why are you here?"

At this moment, Kanda's eyes widened. He then knew the missing part to his past memories, and it was all linked to him.

His first friend, ReiKei.

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