Author's Note: If you're new to my fanfiction series labeled "Chess", I would highly recommend reading the introduction in my deviantart gallery folder labeled "Chess".

Disclaimer: I do not own D. Gray Man, which belongs to Katsura Hoshino. The only character that is mine is Angel.

Warning: Usually I reserve this for any scandalous relationships, but no action in this chapter.

Rating: T

Fandom: No fandom mentioned in this chapter.

Pawn

Chapter 1

"The Player Must Contemplate His Work"

Allen Walker looked towards his master with confidence, which was a first. It had been three long, tiring years of an apprenticeship, and the white-haired bishounen was ready to depart from his master's side. He only needed three little words to release him from his nightmare. Too many nights had the exorcist worked through, sweating and gambling to pay off the general's increasing debts. Allen had never been able to pursue a well-paying job though because of constant traveling. Therefore, he always sought out new employment. But because he was so desperate, Allen had lost his resolve to be picky about his work. Usually this never boded well.

"Master Cross," Allen said, approaching the man in the appropriate manner. He knelt before the General, hands on his knees. "You wished to see me, Master?" Maybe today.

The red-haired man sat before him on a thin, maple chair near an even thinner and more decrepit breakfast table. Meager portions of cold food, now gleaming with oil and fat, now let off a heavy stink which worsened with the hot Indian sun. From beneath the exorcist's half mask, Allen could barely notice the hint of a distasteful scowl.

Were the teen exorcist in less formal company, he would have let out a small yip and recoiled quickly.

"Allen," the boy knew what was coming.

"It has been almost three years to date from the first I saw you," Cross pushed his cloak looser about him, "And only two weeks remain before I can consider to permit you to formally release you," Cross' visible left eye gleamed with an emerald twinkle.

Aw, damnit, he thought, noticing all of the tell-tale signs. It was about time to—

"Pay the rent, Walker." The man's gruff voice reverberated across the room, and Allen winced.

"I plan to stay here for the time being, and to upgrade to a much better suite than this. One that," he yelled this next part fiercely, so that it would rebound into the hallways, "DOESN'T SERVE COLD GRUEL TO A GENERAL!"

As expected, a waitress appeared at the door no more than thirty seconds after the raging complaint.

"Sir, I would bring you a hot meal with all the amenities, had our cooking staff not been removed for company reasons. If you will excuse me, I will see to it that you will be compensated for your troubles," With that, the voice of the waitress left, following the small footsteps outside the door.

"Madam," the footsteps traveled back to the door, and a small hand opened it.

Allen looked up.

The lady was a fair-skinned Asian women, clothed in a low-slung open-backed black vest and matching pants. Her shiny black hair was gathered into a high-set ponytail, which tumbled down her back. It was held back by a black cord with white wooden flat beads, each printed with a different symbol.

"My name is Angel, sir," she stated courteously before bowing to the two. Her small chest and delicate face seemed to bolster an unwavering spirit larger than herself. Angel's dark eyes followed the floor's rough edges.

Cross stood up from his chair, walking over to Angel. He cupped her chin, smiling. Allen thought little of it, a hint of redness tinted his cheeks regardless.

"Angel, my dear, is such a fitting name for someone as graceful as you," Cross commented as though trying to cajole her. Angel narrowed her eyes, pushing his hand away, and then gripped her palms tightly.

"What is it that you need, sir?" General Cross's smile had all but vanished at her reaction. He motioned for Allen to stand up.

"Angel, darling, I've found you a new worker," Cross slapped the white haired boy on his back, pushing him towards the girl.

TBC!

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-Keiko Agatsuma