A/n: Welcome to the first chapter! All about this story could be found in my profile. I am quite excited to see how this turns out, very little paralles to be drawn from The Host. Anyway Lavi disclaimers!

Lavi: K-chan owns nothing but the plot and Aurelia 3


"A world without color is often times the saddest world. Sometimes it is also the happiest."

-Ancient Proverb


Aurelia longed once to see color and to see the smile of her mother as she told her stories of fanciful dragons and hobbits. She often times found the world of gray to be quite boring, never knowing what was going on, living the fear that if she cannot see she will fall yet this only made her determined to prove herself. Her mother merely shook her head when she made these declarations saying it was alright if she relied on her, but Aurelia would have none of it!

"But mother how will I make use of myself? I will not let my blindness take away from who I am! I am just as good as the other kids! Even better! I'll prove I'm better! I'll run away and when I come back I'll be better! I'll make you proud and no one will make fun of me! you know its terribly rude when they do but I'm not going to let them beat me!"

And her mother always smiled and said, "I await the day when my daughter finally becomes a woman. the world will be shaken to its core."

Now as she sat waiting for the final train she fears one thing: Weather or not she'll be able to find food or shelter.

The 13th train had come and gone and as far she knew and there were only thirteen trains coming in, so why then did this train pull up? The wind stirred around, like waves lapping the shores or crashing into the rocks which meant something was going to happen and Aurelia bit her lip, eyes closed, head bowed, and hood casting her face into shadow. She wished that whoever was on the train would not stare, would not speak her only wish then they'd pass her by. Around her neck lay a simple gold locket that was intricate in its design but simple to pass as nothing more then a rusted locket to anyone who may wish to steal.

'Please pass me by' she thought wistfully, as if thinking this would make them disappear. She was terribly shy, so shy it was almost painful and she did not wish to be side tracked.

"Man what a boring train ride! I'm ready for some home cooking! How about you Lavi?" A voice, surprisingly gentle but masculine reached her ears.

Why if she was some adult woman she may have found it a charming voice! In another world she may have fallen in love with it! As it was it sounded gentle, like father who would always be there to protect her when she fell. Who would help her when she needed it -and she often would refuse to which he would laugh say "Such a silly girl! You're so mature!"- That was another thing she wished and wanted to find: A father if only because she never had one.

"I dun know Allen I'm hoping we could just crash. I mean unless you want food first. What do you think Kanda?" The next boy whom had spoken caused different vibrations in the air, voice certainly not as gentle as the last but none the less pleasing. Lavi she deemed, as that was his name, to be playful and not at all serious like a mischievous elder brother. One who cared but would often play pranks and she liked the idea of such a brother.

The next boy gave a feeling of intensity that caused her to shiver. Never had she felt such an intense presence in her life! Instead of a voice like she was hoping -It was how she read people- she was gifted with a weird noise like mix of a growl and sigh. The sound itself was quite amusing and Aurelia let herself a little laugh, which stopped when she felt the intense stares on her. Already her panic started rising 'Oh no, oh no, oh no!' her mind chanted as she fought down the urge to run and flee from the three gazes. She was strong willed yes but she was also weary of strangers: and rightfully so. One never knows who may be lurking and a blind child, no matter how fearless she may be, she still feared the unknown because when one could not see it made everything scarier….but also much more thrilling. Still she did not know who they were and though she felt nothing of malcontent from them she still panicked. They could be murderers! Or thieves! Or worse yet monsters! She scolded herself for such a silly ranting. She had to be logical and calculating in this new world. No time for such idle fears…but she never could get over that dreadful shyness of hers.

"Something funny miss?" Allen, the first boy, spoke. Aurelia paused to look at him as she gauged his presence, heart beat still pounding furiously in her ears.

"Ah…" she stopped and closed her mouth, trying to think of what to say. What does one say to a stranger?

"Yes?"

She did not speak, merely walked in the direction of the voice; the deep red hood which covered her tanned face was pushed back by the wind, allowing the short blond hair to be tussled gently in the night air. Without thinking she lifted the boy's hand to her face, the cursed one, and started to trace her fingers along it before she reached up to touch his face gently, which confused him but seeing her blind relaxed and smiled some. Kanda, who was watching merely stared before she turned to him, feeling his eyes on her. Kanda always hated looking into the eyes of the blind, it was always so weird yet he took her by the hand and led her over, guiding her hands to his face. She did the same thing she had done to Allen before repeating it on Lavi, and, satisfied she had some idea she smiled then, still shy as ever but curtsied as was only polite. She did not speak a word, instead letting them look at her, or let them move on, she did not care. The train would not leave for another few minutes and she could have easily walked passed them so why didn't she?

Lavi continued to stare for longer then the other two if only for the mere fact he swore if she did not speak he would think her a rather pretty boy who liked to dress up. For all he knew she could be but it was the distinct way she held her self, the missing Adam's apple, and the fact her face was very, very female in every way, but what amazed him were how expressive her blank eyes were. He mused briefly on the idea he may be attracted to her in another world if she were older. Maybe.

Kanda too had notice the subtle gestures, she was nervous he could see it plain as day and for some reason couldn't help but feel some pity for her. She was probably waiting for someone, without thinking he pulled the two aside leaving a confused Aurelia to look after them.

"What do you make of her?" He asked, finding her to be innocent, but that did not mean she couldn't be an enemy; everyone could be an enemy even his friends and he knew this…because he was being realistic or highly paranoid, but then again it is Kanda.

"Well I think she's cute," was Lavi's reply. "A bit boyish looking but definitely cute! You think she might be waiting for someone?"

Allen tuned them out, his gaze kept turning to mysterious girl who was shy. Was she waiting for someone? Probably but then why did she look worried when they came near? He disliked the shy ones for this reason but he did have to admit she had a strong will. He found that adorable, why if he had a little sister he'd want one like her.

"She could be running away too." He said nonchalantly. "I mean this town isn't exactly known for being nice to different people, you know."

Indeed for it was very hard for her and her mother get by and as Aurelia listened the more she began wanting to leave. If she left; her mother would be better off and she would prove she was strong! Yes nothing would stop her from proving them wrong. So caught she was she didn't hear their footsteps and so squeaked when the tough one grabbed her arm.

"Huh?! Hey let go!" the soft French accent filtered through as she struggled. Kanda rolled his eyes.

"I'm not going to hurt you, brat."

"Then let go!" She said, pouting and glaring though she had no idea if it was effective she could picture an angry sneer and pouted more holding her arm when it was released, almost like it had been bruised. "What do you want anyway?"

Now she had them confused, and since it seemed he had been the unofficial leader Lavi grinned.

"Business. Would you happen to know a hotel near by?"

At this a loud grunt was heard as two elbows went into his stomach.

"Way to go Lavi, she's blind, remember? She can't see!" Came Kanda's harsh voice. Aurelia couldn't help but laugh though, causing them to look at her.

"It is quite alright, good sir, for I am used to such remarks! I know my way around this town or two, why when one is blind they must find a way to navigate. Though I do not see I feel and I hear. Do not think me lame for my sightless eyes for I could tell you the approach of a mouse if you so asked!"

At this the three guys stared before Lavi grinned.

"A blind child…whose got more spunk then your average child. Why its like looking at a blonde Lenalee!"

"Perhaps." Came Allen's amused voice. Kanda merely stared and watched her as she interacted with the other two males.

Something about her charmed him, whether it be her will or her strong headed personality he was unsure but he did find her to be interesting and someone who would be of great use. Definitely not some idle child why if she were to apply herself, she could do many things maybe show the two juvenile males a thing or two. Kanda liked watching them fail and to watch a young tomboy beat their skinny white asses would be most amusing. Kanda did not smile though -it would be unheard of!- instead he smirked faintly, a scowl still deeply set on his face,

"If you are done being a annoying could you perhaps find us a hotel sometime soon?"

Aurelia glared before huffing.

"Of course, sir," she said sternly, turning on heel and stalking off.

The nerve of that man! Ordering her like some common woman! She was no woman! Why she should rightfully lead them to a whore house and let the drunks hit him up! She snorted in amusement. His face was rough yes, defined, but girly. She also could hear the swish of hair: Long hair that her mother's hair made. Odd she never imagined a man who would look pretty but so manly nor have such long hair but there was always something much more odd. Silence passed as the three were led by this blind child whose hands darted out testing the air, whose steps were precise, calculated and careful. She moved more graceful then shadows but seemed to be guarded and right she should be.

"We are here…or I should think we are. Tell me, the sign it has a grinning cat does it not?" she asked, turning to face them.

"I should think so," Lavi said ruffling her hair. "Good job kid."

"I am no kid! I will be a woman come my thirteenth birthday and I shall be a fine woman! Strong and independent! No man shall tie me down!" Her voice was filled such a fiery will that Lavi grinned even more. She would so be the perfect little sister if he could choose.

"Will you stay the night too?" Asked Allen chuckling at her outburst. "Its late, and I don't think I could sleep on a good conscious if you were to be attacked."

Aurelia blushed brightly before pouting. How dare he treat her like some child? Still it was a generous thought, why her mother would scold her for declining this nice young man. A man who gave her the warmest feeling as if he could hold her and lift her up high, ready to catch her. A father she never had…a father who left her. No this boy would be better; and as a result, she would not let the shame of a man she called father bring her down for this boy surely would be better then that shell of a spineless man He was no father and she was determined to prove to herself she needed no male father figure in life. She needed only herself and her wit. Although the idea of a father figure was quite alluring. She often wondered what it would be like to have a father yet pushed the thought away. Idle childhood needs would only bring her down.

"I must decline, dear sir. Good night to you, may you wake in the morning," She said and turned right then and there started to walk in the direction of home. She would perhaps return home then after all a proper goodbye to her mother would be more appropriate and this way her mother would not worry…

Aurelia disliked having people worry about her.

"What is your name?" Asked Allen as the other two went inside. Aurelia stopped mid-step before turning around and smiling brilliantly spoke to him the sweetest voice she had.

"Aurelia. My name is Aurelia."

And she turned her back heading into the awaiting night, leaving behind a smiling Allen who merely turned to head inside to retire, food forgotten. She would be a fine woman one day and he wished to help her on that journey.


Aurelia smiled as she now sat on her bed, quiet as a mouse as she pulled her legs to her chest, she was quite dirty and dusty from the evening of walking around and yesterday she forgot to take a bath…she felt so lame when it was not her mother helping her -to think she was 10 and still needed help bathing!- The mere thought mortified her but she knew that she would need to rely on people for that someday when she left. Part of her wondered if she could do it the other said she was being a stupid child. She chose to ignore this voice and lay down instead, eyes closing, as if it made a difference. She would only be met with gray darkness; however, that did not bug her though her only concern really was if she could find ways to eat when she left.

A small hand clutched the patchwork rabbit. Truly a patchwork of different fabrics and little stuffing but it was her toy, her only personal possession other then the locket which held a picture of her mother -even though she could not see it. She wondered then if she could see would she be different? 'No use in thinking,' she mused silently as she pulled the rabbit tighter as she felt her eyes close. 'I wonder why…those three were familiar?'

Yet this thought too was placed away into the back of her mind as sleep soon consumed her, dreaming of a world of color…a world she would never see outside her dreams.