Note: I started writing these stories as one-shots, independent of each other but revolving around the Allen-Cross encounter. The one-shots consist of the thoughts of several characters: Bookman, Lavi, Lenalee, Allen, and Cross. These are 'what-if' scenarios. They were not written in the order you see now. After completing them, I noticed the stories interconnect at some point; hence, the title "Intersecting Thoughts."

DOUBT

From the other record of the Bookman:

I have witnessed many wars in my lifetime, but none on a scale like this. The war between humans and Akuma—no, the war between the exorcists and the Earl—is intensifying. The darkness is coming on fast.

Yet, I put my faith in that white-haired boy, Allen Walker. Hevlaska had prophesied that the boy would be the "Destroyer of Time." I believed that "time" referred to the Earl, but…

That revelation Cross made shook my theories about this ongoing war. What if Walker would bring about the end of time?

I refuse to believe that. Cross had advised the boy to listen to the 14th inside him. Surely, Cross is not as cruel as to let his own disciple fall into the shadows. He knows more than he lets on—perhaps, even everything. And maybe the 14th is the key to end this war.

Walker's Innocence is remarkable; it has a will of its own. Its unusual form was also noticed by General Tiedoll. To protect humans and save Akuma, that is what Walker's Innocence is for. That is what Walker lives for.

That boy may be one who is loved by God, Komui had said. But isn't God cruel to let a mere child go to war and let him carry the weight of the world upon his shoulders?

The battle between good and evil has been fought for centuries. The human person is the battleground for these powers. The Earl knows that extremely well, and has acted accordingly. From the sorrows left behind by the tragedy of death rise the Akuma.

Countless wars have been recorded in history, and how many of these have been perpetuated under the name of God? This battle is another holy war.

But, there's another side. The Earl is letting the Order live for a reason. If only the aim is achieved, it does not matter under what cover it takes place, and cover is always necessary.

We are observers of history—that is what I always remind Lavi. We are only on the Order's side by chance, all for the sake of recording history.

Now, I am not so sure. Will we be forced to abandon our principles as Bookmen and take a side in this war?