- Obstreperous Soldier -

-oOo-

An enigma of nightmares.

-oOo-

Allen leisurely stalked through the almost empty halls. He hadn't planned on where to go today or what to do, but sitting idle in his bedroom wasn't an option. At least not a comfortable one. Staying in bed would make the already soporific Exorcist more sleepy and he would eventually fall asleep or sit in there tired all day.

More than ever, Allen didn't want to sleep. He was afraid to have another nightmare, and last night he had two. His nightmares are often reoccurring, normally the same two dreams he has, and one is about Mana when Allen turned his father into an Akuma, and the second is of the lake, which he comprehends little of; the mood and oddities in that dream sent shivers down his spine. Last night, though, he had a different one about a questionable Noah-like reflection in his form, like a Noah Allen, you could say. Yet... It was... It felt so real. It was a dream, wasn't it...

The only way to discover the truth is to ask Cross, since he was in the dream - that is chilling - for but a brief moment.

-oOo-

"So what do you think, General?" Komui asked tentatively.

General Cross eyed the scientist who stood beside him, being illuminated by Hevlaska's bright glow only. "What do I think of what, Supervisor?"

Komui laughed lightly.

-oOo-

Wondering where he could find the demon he calls a master, Allen yawned, rubbing the sleep away from his eyes. To ask Cross such an unorthodox question may result in a bit of inferior emotions from the scoffing or smug man, who will likely remark something odd about Cross being him his dreams or something else entirely similar yet far-fetch. General Cross lacks maturity most of the time, but Allen must merit Cross for the few things he's done good in his life, as far as Allen is aware, and what he's done for Allen over the last three years. Jejune or not... Whether Allen liked it or not...

Allen owes General Cross his very life. Ever since the day Cross picked him off the thunder clouds and lightning fields, since the same day of Mana's destruction and Allen's beginning of a transformation. If Cross heard these thoughts, the man would be cynical and crude about him stupidly thinking Cross saved Allen's life for Allen and not because it was his job, or act the exact same way, but saying how foolish Allen is to in debt his life to somebody over something so 'trifling.'

-oOo-

"What do you think of Allen?" Komui clarified.

"He's a brat, an idiot," Cross claimed bluntly.

Not always, Cross purposely forgot to include. "He's not always a brat, an idiot," Cross spoke only in his mind, for he knew the ridicule that would bring from Komui, or anyone, in this matter. Hardly Cross admitted to himself, tossing the self-confession out of his thoughts before they could finish, but Allen has done more than impress the General over the last few years.

Allen was...

-oOo-

The white-haired boy smiled sweetly, approaching Arystar Krory III at the table with the redhead from yesterday and another woman, who were both new to him. He's met neither before and was curious to know them. "Good morning."

"Hey-whoa, can you eat all that" the redhead gaped at the mountain of food in the white-haired boy's arms as he waddled his way to the empty seat next to the brunette.

"Oh, yes, of course," Allen said enthusiastically. "I have a rather large appetite. Who was it that said... I think it was Reever who said I eat so much because of my Innocence, being a parasitic-type Exorcist, and my Innocence consuming so much of my energy." Allen started eating his rice and scavenged through the pile of food for his mitarashi dangos. "Fine with me. I love food. The more the merrier, and boy am I merry. Jerry's cooking is so delicious!"

"No... kidding."

-oOo-

"What do you think of Allen's Innocence, General?" Komui questioned, closing his eyes as he let the image of Allen's inchoate left arm fill his vision, inwardly remarking the change in color; it darkened.

"Unpredictable," Cross answered honestly. "It's evolved. There's a chance it might evolve once more."

"Evolution of an Innocence?" The scientist's eyes snapped open. "I've never heard of it happening before."

-oOo-

Evolution is vital to survival.

-oOo-

"I'm Allen Walker. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Lavi. Some call me Junior."

Allen looked at Miranda with a bright, encouraging smile, noticing her antsy composure. "Miranda Lotto."

He gentlemanly offered his hand, to which the elder woman anxiously accepted, and shook her hand. The warm gesture bound more courage in Miranda, who in turn offered him a meek smile. Allen considered the consonances and vowels he could piece together to pronounce a speech or phrase, though he nodded his acknowledgement of Krory toward said man. Allen meets new individuals near every day, even as a young boy. Remembering names is the issue he is forced with and what to say is another. Especially to those who are new Exorcists, as he hardly remembered anyone becoming an Exorcist after him and meeting them in person.

"He-hey, where'd all your food go?" Lavi stammered, blinking the perplex shock away from his eye, thinking there might be a problem with his vision.

Allen licked his fingers clean of frosting before wolfing down a dozen dangos. "I ate it," he beamed, holding one of his mitarashi dangos out to the eye-patch. "Want one?"

"No thanks."

Allen shrugged, unhesitantly eating the last of his food with a contented sigh, patting his stomach. "It's good to be home."

-oOo-

Innocence is the key to survival.

-oOo-

"And what are your thoughts," Komui began inquisitively, "about the prophecy?"

General Cross, in all spite of being the brilliant genius he is, one in which the world has never seen before, had unlikely and possible theories, knowing jumping to conclusions is drastic and may lead to unknown events that needn't occur. Not now. Maybe not at all. The dangers, if said theories prove true and are too soon spoken, may lead to dangers from either side of the war. Betrayal is to be expected, after all, in a war. Betrayal, Cross thought as he recollected some memories, could very well come Innocence as well as the accomodator.

Destroyer of Time.

Allen Walker, some time in the black future, your Innocence will create the extraordinary Destroyer of Time.

Why must Hevlaska's prophecies be undesirably cryptic?

Refusing to admit his keen interest on this subject would be an unbelievable lie. But his theories... Cross thought none of them to be accurate. 'Destroyer' and 'time' arises numerous possibilities. Endless possibilities.

"We'll have to wait for the conclusive end to tell," Cross said.

-oOo-

Opinions are suggestions supported...

-oOo-

"Is Allen ready?"

"For battle? He's been ready for years."

"Is he capable, General?"

Cross snorted. "Next to the Generals, that brat will be the best Exorcist you have."

"Now, don't you think that's biased? I'm sure Kanda could be an equal."

"Tiedoll's kid?" Cross looked at Komui. "They're all improving, I'll admit that much, Supervisor. Allen improves differently. In time you may understand, when Allen reaches his full capabilities..." The General sighed. "There's more to a soldier than strength and power. It just may be my intuition, being his teacher."

Komui smiled earnestly. "Biased or not, you're correct about one thing, certainly. Do you think he's ready for the coat?"

"To officially be called an Exorcist?" Cross grinned, and Komui permitted the elevator to move up. "Certainly."

-oOo-

By creed, judgement, and experiences; personas.

-oOo-

"Allen!" Johnny yelled, dashing down the halls as fast as his scrawny legs could take him, a box held closely to his chest.

Spotting the white hair amongst the mostly emptiness and handful crowd around the specific area the boy was walking, then stopped when hearing his name being called. He smiled at the scientist, having not seen the brown-haired genius in months, at least in physical confrontation, face to face. Johnny and Allen were close, like Allen and Lenalee's relationship, he shared one of similarity to Johnny, having been with either of the two throughout the durations of the periods he had returned home.

"Johnny?" Allen asked, a bit of, evidentially, concern sketching in his pale features. "What's the rush for?"

"This!" Johnny shoved the box in Allen's chest with an eager grin, ignoring the surrounding Exorcists, and Reever, who had been steadily approaching them.

Allen examined the box, confused, while shifting its angles somewhat nervously, all the while curiously. "What is it?"

"Open it and you'll know."

"Okay."

Conceding the likelihood of it being dangerous at zero percent since Johnny gave it to him, Allen lifted the lid of the box, however suspiciously, without being condemned of his wariness under reasonable speculation, Allen found silver and black. Reassured the lack of danger, he removed the lid entirely, discovering the silver rose cross shining under the gleam of the light, glinting as Allen raised it, bringing it closer to his face. The rose cross sparkled, and struck with awe, Allen clamped the lid under the box and carefully stroked the silver with his bare right hand. The cool smooth texture sent chills up his arm, not at all unpleasant. Slowly, his fingers outlined the cross on the black robust fabric, yet altogether genuinely soft. His fingers strayed to the silver trimmings, the three visible ornate buttons. Realization arrived late; he gasped, zealously taking out the coat and studying it in whole, dropping the box in the process.

"This is mine, Johnny!?" Allen exclaimed joyously, albeit knowing the answer.

"That's right. Go on, try it on!"

"Right." Allen slipped the uniform on over his normal casual apparel, finding the coat just right for him. Neither big nor small, neither snug nor loose. It hugged his body perfectly. Being the first time donning the Exorcist uniform, or coat like this in general, it felt a tad strange, uncomfortable. His overwhelming excitement to possess the official Exorcist emblem surpassed the discomfort, and he slid his hands down his frontal appearance, his smiling widening, as if to make sure this was real.

"General Cross told Komui you completed your training," Johnny explained after a few moments, when Allen's face began to contort with incomprehension within his lively bewilderment. "He granted you permission to wear the coat now, Allen. You're an official Exorcist!"

"You never wore this coat before?" Lavi asked, tugging on Allen's sleeve.

"Master wouldn't let me," Allen clarified, fascinated beyond comparison. "Said, "You can't wear the Exorcist uniform unless you're an Exorcist. Can't be an Exorcist until you complete your training." So I wasn't allowed."

"It suits you," Krory muttered.

"You think so?" Allen twisted his body around so he could better his further observation of himself, then he stared at Johnny. "Thanks, Johnny. I love it."

"Thanks, Allen," Johnny said. "I've been working on the perfect design for you since you arrived at the Black Order, so it took a long time to perfect it with you constantly aging and hardly coming around. I was worried this wouldn't fit you, because seven months ago was the last time I took measurements. I wanted to surprise you, so I estimated your growth-"

"Okay, Johnny, I think he gets it," Reever said, chuckling. "Congratulations, Allen."

I've completed my training... This means... Master...

-oOo-

Rewarded a long since anticipated honor...

-oOo-

Allen incoherently mumbled something before darting down the halls, and Reever shouted after him, and Allen hadn't heard. It was a nagging urgency sensation compelling Allen to find his mentor, and he searched every place possible the General could be - Cross's room, the lounge, the Science Department. There were other rooms, but he eventually settled with Komui's office, and sure enough, General Cross was inside, sitting directly across from Komui.

"Allen?" Komui lifted his head to meet Allen's indecipherable gaze.

Oddly, Allen felt bitter, this emotion gradually cracking through his shell, straight to his core, then his expression. He glared at Cross, who continued to pretend to unacknowledge his student's appearance. Komui's seriousness morphed into feigned cheerfulness and he rambled, saying something like how wonderful it was to see Allen and complimenting him on his merits, as well as earning his uniform. But Cross set it off.

The aura fluctuating around him, remaining undetermined. Seriousness? Anger? Frustration? Allen bit his tongue for awhile, trying to comprehend his master's peculiar antics. There's always some reaction, some word, coming from the redhead.

"What are you hiding from me, Master?" Allen calmly demanded, slowly approaching the couch.

Komui's eyes broadened slightly, mouth clenching. In all truth, the ripples of air emanating from the both of them as a testimony of challenge and daring, made him want to run in the corner. Their relationship - Cross and Allen's - needed closer inspection; they were too incomprehensible for Komui's liking. And maybe his safety as well.

A dark expression cross Allen's face when Cross left his question unanswered. Scary. What have you done to the boy, General? Komui sipped his coffee silently, deciding to remain out of this minor conflict that filled rapidly with distinctive anger and unnecessary tension. Komui observed, wondering if Cross was purposely trying to infuriate his student to lessen the likely shock and horror for Allen's sake, thinking about how Allen might take the news. Then he pondered over the mystery of how Allen knew something was up.

"What are you hiding from me, Master?" Allen, impatiently, repeated, grabbing Cross's collar and jerking him forward so they were eye to eye. "Tell me."

Komui blinked. This was unlike Allen, that demanding, cold tone, and those icy slanted eyes. No, that wasn't Allen Walker in the least. Even when angered, Allen never acted like this. Usually, if Komui recollects accurately, Allen reacts overdramatically, loudly, childishly, not harshly. Unconsciously, Komui tightly gripped his coffee cup, rigid by aura emitting from Allen. It was anger, yes, but was it his own?

That's foolish thinking. Of course it's Allen. Who else could it be?

"You can inform him, General, if you like," Komui said hesitantly, knowing he may come to regret this later.

"You will tell me," Allen seethed, tightening his grip on Cross's uniform. Why did he have such a nasty sensation?

"I'm leaving," Cross replied, appearing bored, yet his own rage lain in his swirling maroon eyes.

No one handled General Cross Marian like an inferior subordinate. Allen, his idiot apprentice, is one person especially he hated most to be handled like this from, like baggage. But Cross knew exactly what had overcome Allen, and that grip of his right now, was not Allen's own strength alone. It might be impenetrable. If Cross attempted to push Allen away, in all likelihood, something drastic may happen, and that is something Komui cannot see. They cannot know Allen's secret.

-oOo-

And granted full permission of catastrophe...

-oOo-

"Leaving?" Allen repeated coldly. "Leaving! Leaving? You can't be leaving. You just returned."

"He's been given an assignment, Allen, you must understand," Komui interjected, averting eye contact with Allen.

Cross cursed under his breath as he saw a flicker of amber in those stormy silver orbs. Conflicted and suppressed, a mix of both their feelings and emotions don't meet on common ground and battle each other. Cross presumed both were somewhat understanding the situation while somewhat out of it. Cross knows he is smart enough to let the wall of protection and secrets tumble down, as it be their only guard, so he ultimately knew Allen was in control, yet in a haze, being controlled by innermost feelings. A rare thing, indeed.

"An assignment?" he asked lowly.

"I know what you want to ask, but I'm sorry to say, I cannot tell you. This specific mission came from Central. All details are classified on the matter, even I am unaware of-"

"You're sending him alone." It was a statement, not a question. Komui silently wondered when Allen's inferring abilities sharpened. "With the Noah out there? Are you crazy?"

"Calm down, Al-"

"I WON'T!" Allen scream angrily, gritting his teeth. "You said it yourself, Komui, not even a general can hold their own against the right amount of Akuma and a Noah or two."

"Cross is different," Komui tried to cajole Allen calmly. "He has Grave of Maria to conceal himself and-"

"They killed a general already and destroyed eight pieces of Innocence, including Yeager's own," Allen lamented, sadness burning his blaze of fury blue. "We've lost numerous Exorcists already, didn't you tell me that yesterday? General Klaud Nine and Winters Sokalo have already returned, and the Exorcists dispatched to find General Tiedoll succeeded and are currently traveling with him, as he refused to come home."

Allen paused, releasing Cross reluctantly. "And you plan to send Master out there when the Millenium Earl and the Clan of Noah are targeting the Generals? It's difficult, you know, to think it could have happened to me or Cross while we were traveling alone, location unknown to you, and now you expect me to let you send Master by himself? For a mission you don't even known anything about!"

"It was given to me years ago, brat," Cross said, standing up, seeing Allen's words seemed to strike Komui hard, sent him into paralyzing shock, uncertainty. "I put it on halt to train you, and now you've completed it. Now I must finish my job."

Allen looked at General Cross, realizing the packed suitcase he already prepared. "You're leaving today?"

"Don't sound so petrified."

Allen snatched Cross's wrist before he could take one too many steps away from him. This unwanted feeling, paralyzing, numbing... fear? Allen mustn't let General Cross leave on his own. "Let me come with you. Please, Master."

The General never glanced over his shoulder. The slight quiver in Allen's tone... He was still in the haze, he could tell, but the haze could just as easily bring tears as much as wretched fury. Looking at Allen might make this harder, he sensed that, and he hadn't answer as to why that could be true.

"No, you're staying here," Cross said sternly.

"Why?" Allen bewailed, frustrated. "I promise I won't get in the way."

"You'll be a hindrance, that is why I came here to drop you off in the first place. Think for once, idiot."

Komui immediately recognized the irony of Cross's contradicting lies and truths today. Cross said Allen was ready. That Allen was capable... But for battle. Mentally, he isn't, is that what Cross is trying to say?

"Will you stop treating me like a child!" Allen shouted, gathering the attention of scientists outside the office.

A few moments later all heads turned away, though some ears listened, being all too nosy, being the scientists they were, for their own good.

"You are a child, Allen," Cross said, a sharp edge to his tone that made Allen flinch and step back, alerted and disturbed.

"I am not," he weakly protested, head casted downwards, almost in shame.

"Your job is to stay here. Remember your reason to continue, what made you decide to become an Exorcist." Cross began his walk out of the room and Allen trailed behind every step of the way.

In silence, they reached the water canal. Cross sighed, deciding he might as well take one last look of his pupil. Again, their gazes leveled, both equal with ferociousness and strong emotions. Somehow he was surprised to see how protective his student was of Cross. It should have been expected.

Cross grabbed Allen's wrist gingerly, making the boy stiffen, as he wasn't used to being touched by anyone let alone Cross. "Open your palm," Cross instructed, waiting patiently for Allen to do as ordered.

Allen felt weight land in his hand, and when Cross removed his hand, his eyes widened to that of saucers. "Master, Timcanpy's your golem. Why are you giving him to me-"

"Idiot," he scoffed. "Take care of Tim for me until I come back. He's taken quite the liking to you lately anyway." Cross eyed the gold golem, then Allen, wondering if Allen will be okay in the organization alone with the recent events occurring with Allen and him. "When I come back, I expect to see you're strength multiply tenfold brat."

Allen's head sunk again. "Master... don't go. Please, don't go by yourself."

"You should know better than to worry about me." Cross got in the dinghy, sitting on the cross thwart. "I ought to hit you for that."

"Master-"

"If you protest one more time I'll shoot you."

Allen momentarily clamped his mouth shut as finder pushed the small boat away, rowing Cross and himself slowly down the canal. "Master, last night, did I... Did you see me last night?"

Cross took a brief moment to measure the panic in Allen's features. "What are you talking about?"

"Dont follow me, Allen," Cross ordered as an afterthought. "I'll shoot you if you. Listen to Komui."

The boy looked almost heartbroken to watch Cross drift away in the canal. Why he was worried was beyond reason, Cross simply couldn't comprehend it. Him. But those shimmering gray eyes began to haunt Cross as Allen left his vision, filled with sadness and concern, panic among other things. Deep inside, the General knew better than to ignore it. He learned a long time ago the boy has a strong instinct in specific areas, and took it as a warning to remain highly alert.

Now, he had to hope for the best of all things the idiot apprentice wouldn't follow Cross.

-oOo-

On the fields of blood and war.

-oOo-

The sun had fallen and the half moon resembling an awful lot of a certain white-haired boy's eyes hung in the black sky. Not a star lay in sight tonight.

Finishing the folding of his last shirt and his spare uniform, Allen closed his valise. He took but a second to relax, allow the essence of his room sink in, so welcoming with bearing open arms, and so warm it made his insides fuzzy. It's too bad he had to leave it so soon. Not had. Must.

With a quick glance over his shoulder, he saw his reflection on the narrow, tall window near his bed. Yet it seemed like somebody else entirely, a type of knot of dwindling anxiety and fear squeezing his chest. In the reflection he saw a flicker of gold again.

Shaking his head, mustering all his surreptitiousness, Allen snuck out of his room and down the corridors. Unfortunately he had to take the canal unless he wanted to climb down cliff, which is more likely going to get him sighted with all the golems circling the tower outside above halfway up the cliff. Scientists, sleepy insomniacs or not, can catch him leaving without authorization. Komui has kept a close eye on Allen since Cross left a couple days ago, having Reever and maybe, just maybe, the specific Finders and Exorcists watch as well. Naturally, all the scientists that knew Komui would have their eyes open for him as well. So he had to be careful.

Allen must go. There's no way he can force himself to stay in the Black Order with this foreboding sensation. Everyone who knows shares Komui's and Cross' disagreement. Thus, Allen donned his inauthentic mask to pretend nothing bothered him. Also, to further his success, he played the dog with the cold. So he locked himself up in his room most of the day to lay. It drew no suspicion.

Without glancing back, Allen grabbed the oar, prudently and cautiously settling the suitcase under the cross thwart. Diligently, making little sounds, Allen stepped into the rowboat he'd prepare and check to make sure Timcanpy was somewhere on him, finding said golem in his hair.

"Do you think it wise to leave Headquarters on your own whims?" asked a raspy, muffled voice.

Allen covered his mouth and bit his tongue to stifle his yelp, looking in the direction of the voice, thoroughly startled. "Who's there?"

A penumbra appeared, becoming a silhouette of a short man dressed in an Exorcist's uniform. coming forth a few more steps, the moonlight illuminated his wrinkled face with similar black circular markings to a panda around the eyes. Allen studied him, gulping a lump in his throat.

"I'm not staying here," Allen said, his voice filled with the confidence he internally lacked. "There's nothing you can do about it. I must go."

"I won't intervene with your plans, Allen Walker," he said, and Allen noticed the suitcase in his hands.

"Are you going on an assignment, sir?" Allen asked.

The corner of the old man's lip curved up just a little. "Not exactly."

-oOo-

Impending decisions amongst soldiers.

-oOo-