Wondered what would happen if something like Allen's scar was placed elsewhere.

"So this is the next stop then?"

I gazed up at the entrance of the town from under the edge of my wide brimmed hat, but frowned. It's midafternoon and yet not a soul wandering the streets. My black trench coat brushed up slightly in the breeze as I stepped closer to the entrance. I just stood there in front of the opening for a moment and began sniffing the air. Hm…sweet, like candied apple. It's innocence all right.

Not trusting the mysteriousness of the town, I pulled the huge sword off my back and moved it forward. The sword itself was as big and thick as I was, with rings going along the top of the sword that made a melodic sound as they hit each other. As I plunged it through the entrance it rippled like water, so I deemed it safe and replaced the weapon. With a mild sigh, I pulled my hat down further on my head and walked through the water-like substance to enter a town full of people; not one of them paying any attention to another traveler joining their midst.

Walking through the town, I began to follow my nose to where I assumed the sweet scent was coming from. It had been a while since I'd entered a town after my old master left me in the middle of nowhere in rural China. Stupid Cross may have taught me many things about innocence, akuma, and my own capabilities, but he didn't have to knock me out and leave me there. He'd found me not long ago after an incident and seemed to pretty pleased about my ability to sense akuma. To me they give off a different scent from normal people or innocence, for that matter. Innocence gives off a sickly sweet smell, while akuma give off a spicy or bitter smell. I try not to rely on it too much, but I cannot just turn off my sense of smell and sometimes I wonder if it truly is a curse, like my brother said.

No point in thinking about that now. I smell an akuma… a nasty one too. Smells like moldy bell peppers. Running down the road, I followed the scent to an alleyway just as someone else walked in casually. He was an odd character; wearing black and silver robes and his arm seemed to transform when he rounded the corner. What was really weird about him though, was his scent. It's like sweet and sour chicken. A little bit of both.

Staying just around the corner, I hid myself from sight to see what this kid was going to do. He was obviously an exorcist as I myself should be, but it seemed more interesting to watch than to join him. Maybe I will be able to learn a bit more about this Black Order that Master mentioned, seeing how he hates the place and never talked about it much. He didn't take very long at all and finished off the akuma almost instantly, but he apparently didn't notice the woman who had ran out just before he finished.

She gave off a slightly sweet smell as well. She may be connected to the innocence, so I should keep an eye on her and this exorcist. He seemed interesting, although I shouldn't give myself away just yet. I smirked and headed towards an inn to stay in for the night. I didn't have much money, but I should be able to afford a night and maybe a drink later. So, I wandered off and blended into the crowd despite my odd attire and large weapon. After all, disappearing acts were my specialty.

The next day around noon, I headed to a small pub and sat on a bar stool to gather some information. Miranda Lotto. Age twenty-six and had been known to lose every job she gets. She was disliked by most of the town and seemed a little… off at times. It wasn't much but, before I could get any more information, the same exorcist from before walked in and joined another sitting at a table not far away. Unknown to them, Miranda was sitting behind them trying to stay hidden with a blanket over her head.

I mentally chuckled and took a sip of my drink while keeping a close eye on the three of them. Both exorcists seemed like decent enough people though. One, facing my direction, was a young woman with black hair pulled up in twin ponytails. She smelled kind of like cotton candy. The other, was the kid I saw before only I wasn't able to see his snow white hair earlier. It caught me a bit off guard as I thought about my own silver hair that was hidden beneath my hat. Mine's a bit shorter than his, but he doesn't have the long black ponytail that I do. Damn Cross made me grow it out. The stupid pervert. Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I need to have long hair.

"AHHH! This is the person Lenalee!"

I snapped out of my thoughts, snickering to myself as the woman tried to dash out the window to escape the boy, when four men took their seats at the other end of the bar. Rotten fish, vinegar, jalapeños, and boiled eggs. They're akuma, but I wonder when the exorcists will notice. The white haired kid seems to have good senses. Continuing to drink nonchalantly, I stayed in my corner of the bar when the kid stood and confronted the men as they became level 2 akuma.

Everyone aside from myself and the white haired kid left as he jumped through the air and attacked the akuma. Using my sword as a shield against the debris, I observed as the boy defeated one akuma only for another to scream with a voice that attacked even my ears. My head ached and I lowered my sword for a second to cover my ears, watching still as the kid was hit in the arm by an akuma with blue flames.

"Ice fire! It's hotter than fire. Even if you just touch it a little bit, it will rot your flesh."

"I want to cut him to pieces!"

"No, no. I'm going to use my voice. It's more fun to watch his head explode."

I was thinking about getting up and helping, since my outfit hid my identity, but I didn't need to since the three akuma began playing rock, paper, scissors. Idiots. Like he's just going to sit there while you decide. Sure enough, the kid's arm transformed into another form and he shot at the three. It certainly pissed them off, but they suddenly froze mid attack and a voice echoed off the walls.

"Looks like you guys are having too much fun. Aren't you forgetting something? Your job was to retrieve the innocence, not to fight the exorcist. Return to me now."

The three shot out of the building and I scowled at the ceiling, wondering just what could have so much control over them aside from the Millennium Earl. Not a moment later Lenalee returned and hurried the boy, Allen, out to go speak with Miranda. I casually finished off my drink, surrounded by rubble and what was left of the pub, and left without paying before following the two of them to Miranda's house.

If the two exorcists are following her, then she has to be the one with the innocence. I would assume she's an accommodator though, since she too has that sweet scent. Leaning up against the wall, placing my sword next to me, I got settled in for the night to keep watch. You can imagine my face when clocks appeared all over the town and it was suddenly morning. No? Well, okay. It wasn't very amusing anyway. If anything, I was frowning for not getting any sleep. I did, on the other hand, notice that the clocks reversed time and retreated into the building where Miranda was staying.

I groaned and replaced my sword, standing and stretching before following the exorcists around for the day. Geeze, I feel like a stalker, but that Allen kid has some major juggling skills. Nodding slightly in approval, I stayed out of sight until a harsh scent hit my nose. Disgustingly sweet and horribly sour, like dunking a lemon into liquidized sugar. I tried to locate the source of the scent, but it had my mind so frazzled that I couldn't focus on it completely and was distracted by the smell of jalapeños that was above me. I recognized it as one of the four akuma from before and when I saw the exorcists following after it I cursed and hurried towards Miranda. They were falling for a trap and the akuma must have the purpose of taking them away from Miranda. But akuma wouldn't be able to come up with a plan like that! Someone else is behind all of this! Standing before Miranda, I knelt down and grabbed her hand.

"You need to come with me, Miranda. You're not safe here."

"W-Who—"

"We don't have time! Please, you have to trust me!"

She hesitated, but allowed me to help her up. I hurried and began taking her towards where Allen and Lenalee had headed, when a young girl holding a lollipop and an umbrella stepped in front of us. That horrid scent hit me again and I growled at the kid as she spoke.

"So your clock is the innocence? Oh~ And it seems you've found yet another friend. Tell me, who are you?"

"Doesn't matter. Miranda, stay behind me."

I didn't have to tell her before she was cowering behind me as I pulled out my sword and leveled it with the young girl's face. She merely smiled, as though amused.

"Hm~ Seems you're a bit smarter than the other two exorcists… too bad it won't last. I'll be sure to have some fun with you first though."

I stood my ground and remained unresponsive, which must have really angered her because she was soon attacking with a vengeance and I could barely keep up. Her umbrella being used as a sword really annoyed me though, with its constant chatter.

"Ah! What are you doing, lero?! I'm not a sword!"

Unfortunately, the umbrella was a distraction and I wasn't prepared at all for the dirt she kicked up in my eyes nor the candles that had appeared out of nowhere and attacked me from all directions. I struggled to rise from my knees after being hit multiple times and that was all the time she needed for her to knock me out with an attack from the rotten fish smelling akuma who'd snuck up behind me. My vision fogged from the brain crushing sound it emitted and I could just barely register the warm liquid dripping from my ears and Miranda's yell before I hit the ground.

Ugh, my head's killing me.

I went to put my hand to my head, but was met with a sharp pain instead. I winced and tilted my head back to look around the rim of my hat, finding my arms pinned to the wall behind me. Looking around, I took in my surroundings as I searched for my sword, missing the usual weight on my back. What is this? Another dimension? The whole place was covered in stuffed animals, dolls, toys, presents, and candles. It was also extremely colorful and made me think of a candy store.

"Ah! I see your other friend's awake as well."

I swiftly turned my head and spotted the young girl from before walking towards me. That's right. I tried to help out and was attacked from behind thanks to her dirty trick. Looks like the other exorcists are here as well, but they're in horrible shape. I scowled as the girl hugged me around the neck; her scent overpowering and aggravating my sensitive nose. She lifted the rim of my hat a bit and locked eyes with me with a sickening smile.

"Oh~ Your eyes are a lovely shade of red and the scar across your nose is divine… but I don't like that look you have. I want to see your eyes full of fear."

Something sharp plunged into my stomach and I grit my teeth in an attempt to keep from screaming. She frowned seeing the determination in my eyes and twisted the candle further into me. Suddenly, someone yelled out from across the room.

"Stop it! We don't even know him! Leave him out of this!"

She pulled the candle out and I closed my eyes, trying to focus on my sword that was leaning up against the ornate chair that Lenalee was sitting in. Come on. Come on. I'd rather not resort to my other option. Slowly, the sword began shivering and quaking as the girl spoke with Allen.

"You're not an akuma. What are you?"

"I'm a human. What's with that face? Humans can't be friends with akuma?"

"Akuma… are weapons made by the Earl to kill humans… They target humans."

"There are human weapons that are made to kill other humans, aren't there? The Millennium Earl is my brother. We are the chosen ones. You exorcists don't know anything, do you? You are the chosen ones of a false God. We are the true apostles chosen by God. The Noah Family."

Of course, before the conversation could get more interesting, that umbrella interrupted.

"Shhhhhh! Mistress Road, shhh! You're not supposed to talk about the family with outsiders, lero!"

Road, huh. Seems like a spoiled brat to me. I heard a yell and the sickening sound of flesh tearing as Allen ripped his innocence arm off the wall. He was injured beyond belief and yet, he still had enough energy to threaten Road. His innocence stopped inches from taking off Road's head and I shouted from across the room.

"Idiot! Don't hesitate!"

He stared at me in shock and confusion as Road grabbed his arm and killed herself. I stared in shock when she just got back up off the floor and her face regenerated. I saw her pull out a candle from behind her back and she suddenly thrust it into Allen's eye.

"Allen!"

I glared and focused all my energy on freeing my hands and calling my sword. Ripping my hands off the spikes, my sword flew in my direction and I caught it with ease before standing. Allen was already up and began charging at Road, only for those three akuma to show up again. There was no way I was just going to watch this time, so I was there in an instant, using my sword to block as much of the attack as I could.

"Hey, you okay?"

"W-Why?"

I went to respond, but Miranda called out suddenly and Allen and I rushed over and protected her from the hundreds of candles. Grabbing my sword, I lifted it up shakily and tore the vines that held Miranda captive. I would have laughed at her scrambling away if we were in better circumstances, but I was losing energy fast.

"Allen?… O-Other guy… Don't… Don't die… Please…"

The two of us turned our heads and Allen smiled.

"It-It's all right."

"I'm tougher than I look."

She hurried over when the three akuma converged towards us and hugged Allen to protect him. She was delirious and freaking out, but the sweet smell she had increased tenfold. Hm, dandelions? Fitting. Always thought of as a weed but beautiful in its own way after it blooms. A glow surrounded the three of us and she glanced at the grandfather clock behind her before turning back to me like I knew what was going on.

"It's your innocence, Miranda… Take care of Allen for me. I'm going to try and get Lenalee and maybe buy you some time."

"B-But your injuries!"

Bringing one hand to my major wounds, it glowed and I was slowly able to stop the bleeding before lifting my heavy sword off the ground.

"What injuries?"

I smiled, probably the only part of my face she could see due to my hat, and walked out of the circle of light. The end of my sword dragged on the ground, creating sparks as I stepped up to the akuma and Road who seemed surprised at my sudden recovery. I didn't waste a second before I charged, lifting my sword off the ground in the last possible moment and managing to scratch Road across the cheek.

"Mistress Road!"

I dodged the attacks from the other akuma, swinging out my large sword as though it weighed no more than a feather. The rings clinking together and played out a song for my ears to enjoy as I weaved through the three akuma and landed another hit to Road. The small marks regenerated quickly but I was beginning to anger her, which only made the next moment more enjoyable as Allen sliced off the arm of one akuma and stole Lenalee right out from under Road.

"His wounds have healed."

"Best not to get distracted, Road!"

I swung my sword down only for it to collide with that stupid umbrella again.

"Ah! It hurts, lero!"

The wind suddenly picked up and I was distracted for but a moment, allowing Road to hit me hard in my stomach and send me hurtling into the tornado that just came out of Miranda's clock dome. Someone caught me, luckily, and I glanced down to see Allen's innocence arm wrapped around my torso.

"Nice catch."

"Um… Thanks, I guess."

He released me as the tornado dissipated and Lenalee stepped forward cautiously.

"Allen? Who's that child?… And him? Akuma?"

"…No. They're both human… I think."

He gave me an odd glance and I nodded to reassure him.

"A-L-L-E-N. Allen Walker, 'the one who can see the souls of akuma'."

I glanced between Road and Allen, noticing the frighteningly familiar red scar that went across his eye. A curse. I glared at Road and clenched my sword tighter as she continued to speak with Allen.

"You became an exorcist to save the souls of akuma, right?… Because you were cursed by your beloved father. So I decided, if I was going to get involved with anyone, it would be you."

I wasn't sure where she was going with this until she told one of the akuma to self-destruct. I fidgeted, knowing what was going to happen but debating on whether or not to allow it to happen. It would be one less akuma to fight, but what does she have planned?

"You know, if you break an akuma without using innocence to destroy it… for instance, if you force it to self-destruct, the akuma's soul will disappear into dark matter. Did you know that?… And then you can't save it, right?!"

Allen began freaking out and rushed headlong towards the akuma as it was about to explode. Idiot! I charged after him and grabbed him around the waist, pulling him back as the akuma exploded, and covering him with my body. He glared at me, clutching his akuma seeing eye in pain as it bled, and began yelling as Lenalee hurried over.

"Damn… Why did you stop me?!"

Lenalee looked about ready to slap him senseless, but I pulled him up to his feet by his collar and brought him close enough to see the anger in my crimson eyes. My eyes always unnerved people, which is why I keep them hidden under my hat, but now was an exception.

"Why? An exorcist is made to destroy hundreds of thousands of akuma while saving their souls and the souls of the people endangered by them. One human soul is nothing compared to the millions that could be lost because you were too big-headed to think about the consequences of wasting your life! Don't give up your life just for the sake of your pride!"

I threw him to the ground as the two of them stared at me amazed, until Road started laughing.

"Great, great! Running headfirst into an explosion?! You're even more amusing than I expected… but are you sure it's all right? That woman over there—"

We all turned our gazes to Miranda's clock dome and spotted the akuma throwing attacks at it. Allen jumped in first, stopping its wind attack. Then Lenalee kicked it, but not hard enough to destroy it so I sliced it clean in half.

"You destroyed it! Well, let's call it quits for now. It was much more fun than I expected."

A checkered, heart-shaped door appeared from the ground as she said her farewells and I stood back as Allen placed the barrel of his gun to the back of her head. I felt the need to give him a chance to kill her, but he couldn't do it so I threw my sword straight at the door. It sliced off an end of Allen's hair and only managed to embed itself into the door before it disappeared and my sword clattered to the ground. Allen gave me a scared look, but I didn't care. The idiot had it coming.

I strolled over and put the sword on my back just as the dimension began falling apart and the four of us fell through the bottom of a present. The moment we landed, I found myself in an unrecognizable room sitting on a bed while Allen was on the floor.

"This place… it's Miranda's apartment…"

"Is that where this is?"

He looked over at me surprised before growing serious.

"I think it's time you gave us some answers. Who are you? You remind me of someone."

"Hn, hn. Merely an ally but for now, you may call me Silver."

He was about to ask more questions, but Lenalee's voice shouted from another area of the room.

"Allen! There's something wrong with Miranda!"

He rushed out of the room, while I took my time to stand up and check on my wounds. I may have stopped the blood flow, but I could only hold that for so long before I needed to release it. I have maybe an hour left. Hopefully it lasts. Standing just around the corner, I mentally groaned at the scene before me. I was never one for the sappy moments.

"Stop it Miranda. It's because of you that we're here now. That is more than enough. I'll bare my own injuries. As long as I live, I'll be able to recover."

"That's right, Miranda. Please stop…"

The woman was bawling, but stopped her innocence and the wounds on the two exorcists returned. They both passed out and Miranda began scrambling around the room trying to figure out what to do before I stopped her.

"Miranda… Miranda!"

"Ah! You!"

"Do you have a first aid kit?" She nodded. "Bring it here and I'll see what I can do about their wounds. Then hurry and find a doctor and there should be a finder outside from the Black Order. Find him after you call the doctor."

She quickly ran off and gave me the box before dashing out the door. With the limited tools I had, I was able to stop some of the more dangerous bleeding and most of the smaller things before I ran out of energy. My own wounds reopened and I struggled to wrap myself, but I managed and quickly wrote a note to Miranda before leaving the apartment and heading out of the town.

Don't worry Allen. We'll meet again soon.

"A young man in a black trench coat?"

"Yeah. I don't know who he is or anything. He just said to call him Silver."

"Hm, that is odd."

Komui kept a straight face as he brought a hand to his chin in thought, while Lavi gave Bookman odd glances.

"Do you know anything, Bookman?"

"Hm, no. Is there any more information you could give me?"

Allen and Lenalee turned to each other before giving their own accounts of what they knew.

"Well, he carried a large sword, as big as himself, with rings going along the top that chimed together as he fought."

"He was pretty skilled in battle too. He managed to keep the three akuma as well as the Noah occupied while Miranda healed us."

"Then, as far as appearance wise, he kept himself hidden."

"Yeah. We never even noticed when he entered the town or how he knew our names or anything."

"Anything else? Every detail could help."

Allen fidgeted a bit, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced out the window.

"A-Actually, he had long black hair tied off in a low ponytail and… red eyes."

"Red eyes?"

Allen nodded as Bookman frowned. He had never heard of anyone with red eyes, let alone seen one that was also an exorcist. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more unbelievable it sounded.

"Hey, Allen. I was wondering… how did he stop his bleeding? I mean, he was probably just as bad off as you and I, but he never went to Miranda for healing."

That got everyone's attention and, as Allen thought about it, Bookman became more eager to learn about this Silver exorcist.

"I'm not sure. When I was trying to stay awake, I saw him put his hand over his wounds and suddenly he was standing up and the bleeding had stopped. That, and Miranda said in her note that he had stopped most of our bleeding before she returned with the doctor and he had disappeared. He actually reminded me of Master a bit, but maybe it was the hat he wore."

"It's possible that he has or had a connection to General Cross… but what concerns me is why he has not been noticed until now. Someone with that appearance surely should have been seen."

"Well, no matter! It is highly likely that we will meet him again at some point and, for now, we shall have finders and other exorcists on the lookout."

They all seemed to accept that, but little did they know that they would see him sooner than expected.