Flynn has never been a runner. To be more accurate, she hates running, but, for some reason, is rather good at it. Anyway, Flynn is currently running from a massive monster thing. She has no idea what it is, but it's huge and shooting at her. As she races down an alley, she trips on her skirts. The monster seems to lock its sights on her and it fires. Flynn's eyes widen as a bullet races toward her. She squeeze her eyes shut and braces herself for impact. She's surprised when nothing happens. Her eyes fly open. There's a young man with snow white hair and a grotesque arm blocking the hits. Another young man with a black sword and blue hair tied back from his face is slashing at the monster. The white haired man smiles at her slightly and asks, "Are you alright, miss?"

"Um... Sure?" She whispers. His smile broadens.

"What's your name? I'm Allen and that's Kanda. We're exorcists."

"Oh, okay... Um, I'm Flynn."

"Short-stack, get her out of here!" Kanda growls, slicing into the monster.

"Stop calling me that!" Allen shouts, then turns back to Flynn and offers a hand to her. She takes it and he sprints with her close behind him down the streets of London. When they stop running a good fifteen minutes later, Flynn slides down against a wall and sits in silence for several minutes.

"What was that thing?" She asks softly, looking up at Allen.

"An Akuma. It's the soul of a person trapped and used for evil." He explains.

"Oh..."

"This must be a lot to take in, huh?"

"Just a little..."

"So, do you have an idea why that Akuma would be after you?"

"No... Pardon me if this is blunt, but is this a part of some religion?"

"Exorcists are a part of the Vatican."

"...And Akuma are sort of like demons?"

"In a way, yeah."

"Then I have an idea. It's not the greatest idea... Um, well, I'm an atheist. I'm not sure if these Akuma get angry over something such as that..."

"...I don't think that would be it." His eyes had widened at her innocent confession. 'An atheist? Don't people like that not believe in God...?'

"Huh... Um, Allen, is everything alright? You grew rather quiet all of a sudden."

"Oh! Yeah, it's fine. I just got a bit lost in my thoughts. Flynn, I need you stay here until I get back. I need to check on Kanda and make sure he has everything under control."

"Oh, okay. Good luck."

"Thanks." He sprints back over to where he had last seen the Akuma and Kanda brawling to find Kanda finishing off the Akuma.

"Took you long enough." Kanda growls, slashing one last time. The Akuma disintegrates.

"She was pretty shaken up. I wanted to explain some of this to her before I came back.." Allen sighs at Kanda's gruffness.

"I'm going to continue the search for the innocence."

"I'll catch up with you as soon as I can. I'm afraid I left the girl in a bad part of town."

"Whatever."

•*•*•*•*•*•*•

Flynn paces up and down the alley Allen had left her in. 'How can Akuma be real? And exorcists? If these are real then have I made an error in my beliefs?'

"Hey, sweetie," A man drawls from the mouth of the alley. He staggers up to Flynn.

"What's a pretty lil thing like you doing out here all alone?"

"I'm waiting for a friend." She shrinks away from the drunkard.

"That's no excuse. Come and have some fun with me, sweetie."

"No thank you, sir. I would appreciate it if you would please leave me to myself."

"No, no, sweetie. You see, I came all the way from New York and I really need to blow off some steam."

"I don't see how that's any of my concern. You can just find a prostitute in the slums."

"I don't feel like paying money for some lowlife. I want a real girl who hasn't been deflowered yet."

"Sir, you need to go back to the tavern, please."

"That's no way to play, sweetie." He reaches out to grab her and she scrambles back.

"Allen!" She shrieks. A white haired figure seems to glow in the alleyway. Allen stalks down toward the pair and pushes the drunken man away from Flynn.

"Stay off of her." Allan hisses.

"I-I didn't do anything! Honest, sir! I didn't know she had a beau!" The drunk shouts as he lopes from the alley.

"Flynn, are you alright?

"Yes, I'm fine. A little shaken up is all." Flynn sighs, running a hand through her messy hair. She looks to Allen and gasps. "A-Akuma!"

"Get behind me!" Allen shoves her behind him and activates his innocence, his hand growing. Flynn skitters back to hide behind a few barrels while Allen engages the Akuma. She winces every time something crunches or cracks. Allen swipes at the Akuma and it dodges then shoots and misses. It goes this way for at least an hour. Swipe, dodge, shoot, dodge, and repeat. Allen finally manages to get a hit in but is blasted back by the Akuma's gun. He slams into the wall beside Flynn.

"Allen?" She crawls over to him. "Are you okay?"
He doesn't respond. Flynn's eyes widen as the Akuma grows closer to them.

"Allen! You have to get up! I don't know how to fight this thing! Allen, please get up!" She cries out, lightly slapping the unconscious boy's face. The Akuma shoots at them and again, Flynn is amazed when they're unharmed. She stares in shock at her parasol, which has grown to be a shield. She had even forgotten she had brought it with her until now. With shaky determination, Flynn picks up her parasol and jabs it at the Akuma. The parasol fires a bright burst of light at it and the Akuma explodes. The parasol returns to its normal appearance then.

"Flynn!" Allen shouts. He's woken up and sitting up slowly. "Where are you? Are you alright? The Akuma!"

"I'm right here. It's okay, I think I killed it..." She holds out the parasol to him. "It turned into a shield and then a gun... I'm not sure why or how..."

"We should go find Kanda."

"Um... Okay. Do you know where he might be?"

"No. That's why we should start looking."

•*•*•*•*•*•*•

Kanda walks into a shady bar, searching for a hint of the innocence, or even an Akuma to tell him that he's on the right path. Nothing again. Not even a homeless person looking for change. As he walks out an attractive young woman comes up to him and places a hand on his chest.

"Where are you going, handsome?" She smiles seductively.

"Away from you." Kanda snaps and tries to continue past her.

"Oh, sugar, what's wrong? I bet I can help."

"I doubt-"

"Kanda?" Allen waves, jogging up to him with Flynn in tow. "Um.. I found it."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner, short stack?"

"I only found it ten minutes ago, if that! And stop calling me that!"

"Just because you swing that way doesn't mean I can't help you gentlemen have a little fun." The woman smiles again.

"Marjorie!" Flynn gasps. "You're working the streets!"

"Oh... Hi Flynn."

"What would your parents say!"

"I don't need them for that... You act just like them."

"Marjorie, you don't have to do this to yourself. You could work anywhere! You have so many connections."

"Did you ever think that I wanted to do this! God, Flynn, I think your parents were wrong to bring you up as an atheist. You are so messed up! Of course, they can't change matters now since that fatal carriage accident."

"Kanda, let's go." Allen wraps an arm around Flynn's waist and heads off in a random direction. "Flynn.. That was pretty harsh."

"I've heard worse." Flynn shakes her head to clear it as they stumble along. "I really do wish she would get a job that doesn't endanger her so much. There are many bad people in London. Especially with Jack the Ripper showing up out of the blue."

"Were you two close?"

"No, not really. She was always rather rude to me."

"Where's the innocence?" Kanda barks. Allen halts and turns to him.

"Flynn has it." Allen releases Flynn from his hold and gestures slightly toward her.

"What? No I don't!" Flynn jumps back in surprise.

"Yes, you do. Your parasol is an anti-Akuma weapon that can only be activated by the innocence."

"But this is the first time it's done anything... At least to my knowledge."

"It could've just recently bonded with your unique imprint. When did you get it?"

"It was my mother's... And she had it for nearly twenty years and it's been in my possession for four years. I rarely take it out though."

"We should take her to be evaluated by the Black Order." Kanda says.

"Um, if I'm going to be going somewhere, I must stop by my house first. A few things are there that I'd prefer not to leave behind."

"If you must."

"Lead the way." Allen grins.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•

"Can we go yet?" Kanda groans.

"Um, almost!" Flynn replies sharply. She spent about an hour changing into breeches, a hat, and a tunic and searching for her parents' wedding rings, a box for her mother's wedding dress and one of her own dresses, her mother's favorite pendant, and her father's pocket watch. "I just need one more thing! Charm! Where are you, boy?"

"What's a 'Charm'?" Allen hisses.

"My dog! I hope he didn't get out..." Flynn races across to the other side of the house.

"There you are, silly boy! Come on!" She clips a leash to the dog's collar and drags him back to where the men are waiting. "Um, they're alright with pets, right? Because otherwise we may have a problem."

"Komui basically makes pets, so you should be fine." Allen shrugs.

"Then let's go!"

•*•*•*•*•*•*•

"I've never actually been on a train!" Flynn wiggles in her seat. "Why does Toma have to sit outside?"

"It's customary." The finder replies from outside the compartment.

"Oh... That's not fair. And don't say life isn't fair because everyone knows that."

"You more than some people." Kanda grunts.

"Who shoved a stick up your ass?" Allen bursts into laughter and soft chuckles from outside show that Toma has joined in the laughing. "Charm, go bite Kanda, okay?" Charm barks twice and turns to growl at Kanda, who summons his sword.

"If you even come near my baby with that, I will go all Ripper on you." Flynn hisses. Kanda begrudgingly puts his sword back and Charm curls up on the bench beside Flynn.

"What breed is he?" Allen asks, leaning forward to pet the big dog.

"A German Shepherd."

"He's massive."

"You should see my friend's Great Dane. She's nearly twice Charm's size."

"I find that hard to believe."

"It's quite impressive. I've heard that Newfoundland's are even larger than Danes. Personally, I find that to be a bit preposterous, but since Akuma exist, who knows?"

"Still a bit shaken up about that?"

"Just a tad. You can't expect someone to just accept something that could very well disprove what they've believed their whole life."

"And what would that be?" Kanda queries, suddenly interested.

"That there is no God. What kind of person lives in the clouds creating random people? And since clouds aren't tangible, that person would have to have less of a mass than the clouds, but not so much less that they'd float away. Um... But that's just what I believe. Go science..."

"Have you been to church before?" Allen asks.

"Twice. The first time I fell asleep once I determined that I had absolutely no reason to stay awake. The second was my parents' funeral."

"…And how long into the service did you fall asleep?"

"Right before everyone sat on the floor, so maybe five minutes. A woman in black and white hit me with a wet broom at the end..."

"A nun? Why?"

"I don't know! Why would I know?"

"The conductor said we'll be at the station in a minute. Be ready." Toma says from outside.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•

"We have to climb up a giant rock?" Flynn frowns, looking up at the cliff the Black Order's headquarters resides upon. "May I ask how Charm might be able to get up?"

"Uh, I actually forgot about the cliff. Don't worry, there's another way we can go." Allen smiles reassuringly. "There's an underground river that will take us up."

"Does that mean a boat ride or swimming?"

"A boat. Just be careful in it. Don't need you falling in."

"I have been on plenty of boats, thank you. Gondolas included."

"Good." Allen picks up Flynn's small trunk and begins to lead the way.

"Oh, you needn't do that! I can carry it myself!"

"It's fine. You are a guest, after all."

"Um... Then, thank you, Allen."

"It's no trouble. All right we're here."

Kanda is already in the boat, scowling at something. Allen helps Flynn in, hands her the trunk, and hops in himself. He takes up the oar and begins paddling. Charm dunks his head in the water and barks in surprise.

"Your dog is stupid." Kanda huffs.

"Well, your face is mean." Flynn sticks her tongue out at him. Toma makes a sound of amusement as Charm turns to lick Flynn and she giggles.

"We'll reach the main passageway soon," Allen says after a few minutes of silence.

"Oh, good." Flynn beams. Those minutes pass quickly and soon they're at the mooring bay and on dry land.

"Well, I'll take you to see Komui. He's in charge around here." Allen grins.

"Hey Allen! Welcome back!" A young Chinese woman with bright blue hair tied up into two long tails bounds up to us. "Who is this?"

"Lenalee, this is Flynn. She's a carrier of the innocence."

"Oh! Well, Komui's in his office. I'll see you two later!" She races off, short skirt flashing high up on her legs.

"That's Lenalee, Komui's little sister. She's an exorcist as well."

"She seems nice. Rather perky." Flynn comments softly, gazing up at the sloping architecture of the building. It really is quite lovely... There seems to be a good deal of Gothic influence behind the stonework. Flynn falls behind Allen while she studies the room. He turns down a hallway, to find himself pulled into a room with some of the scientists.

"What're you doing?" Allen sighs. "I have to go!"

"No. You need to help us test something!" Reever grins, pushing him into a chair.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•

"You look lost." A young man with bright red hair and an eye patch approaches Flynn, who has now realized that she has lost Allen.

"Um, I suppose I am. Allen was supposed to take me to Komui, but I haven't the foggiest where either of them are." Flynn sighs.

"I can take you to Komui. I'm Lavi by the way."

"Oh, I'm Flynn. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lavi. Don't take this the wrong way, but it might be better if Allen were to escort me. He wished to talk with Komui before I speak to him."

"Ah. Why is that?"

"Um, I got attacked by Akuma and am apparently a carrier of innocence... Toma tried to explain it to me but the whole concept is illogical, at least to me. Allen and Kanda decided to bring me back here. Oh! Charm? I'm afraid my dog's disappeared now as well."

"How about I help you find your dog and then Allen, alright?"

"That would be wonderful, thank you."

"It's no trouble. I don't have much going on right now."

•*•*•*•*•*•*•

"Ow!" Allen growls. He's still strapped into a chair while the science division monitors his reactions. "Let me go already!"

"We need this. For science." Reever states and the rest of the division nods behind him.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•

"Charm?" Lavi calls out for the dog. "So how old are you?"

"Charm, come here, boy!" Flynn yells. "Nearly sixteen. Why?"

"Charm! I was curious. I'm older than you by two years."
Flynn whistles loudly, then says, "That's surprising. You don't seem to be ahead of me in years."

"Hey!"

"Oh, I didn't mean to offend you! It's just... Your demeanor is that of a teenager. Which I suppose you still are, technically. Charm!" Nails clatter on the floor and a lupine shadow flares up on the wall. The large shepherd trots to his owner and coils around her legs, snarling at Lavi. His ebony coat shines in the soft light of the hallway, making him even more impressive a beast. A soft cluck from Flynn quiets the dog and he relaxes, tail wagging lazily. Flynn crouches next to him and cups his snout while scolding him, "Silly pup. You stay near me, got it?"

"Uh, is he safe to be around?" Lavi asks nervously.

"Of course he is! He might look frightening, but he's the sweetest dog this side of the pond." Lavi cautiously pats the dog's head. Charm leans into it, barks sharply, and promptly licks Lavi. Flynn smiles as the man seems to relax a bit and watches as he ruffles the dog's fur. Flynn speaks up after a few minutes, "Shall we look for Allen now?"

"Of course," Lavi stands and brushes his clothes off a bit. "He might be in the dining hall. The kid never seems to be full."

"Charm, do you remember Allen? White hair, pale skin, dark cloaks." Charm barks twice for yes. "Good, can you track him in here?" Two barks again. Flynn clips a leash to the dog's collar before he rushes down the hall, nose snuffling along to the floor. He leads the Flynn and Lavi down a few floors and across the rooms to where Flynn and Allen last were together. Charm darts down an hallway and sits beside a closed door.

"What does that mean?" Lavi hisses to Flynn.

"It means that Allen is in there." Flynn beams and takes a treat from a hidden pocket for Charm.

"Those are the experiment rooms. What could he possibly be doing in there?"

"Why don't we find out?" Flynn pushes the door open to find several men and a blob thing in lab coats looking at Allen strapped into a chair. Allen's shirt has been removed, revealing dark tattoo like marks on his upper body and a disfigured arm. She gasps, "Oh my... Um-"

"We need Allen. Komui's orders." Lavi interrupts. The red-haired man goes up to Allen and undoes the restraints, ignoring the scientists' groans. Allen pulls his shirt back on and refastens the buttons, then throws his cloak on top. The trio exits the experiment rooms

"Sorry I left you alone. They needed a test subject." He smiles brightly at Flynn.

"Oh, it's fine. Lavi was quite helpful." She replies softly.

"Thanks Lavi." Accommodator

"It was nothing." Lavi shrugs. "I'll catch you guys in the dining hall later."

"Alright," Lavi retreats down the hallway, leaving Allen and Flynn by themselves.

"Shall we see Sir Komui now?" Flynn queries.

"Don't call him that. It'll just go to his head. Now follow me."


Okay, so that's Chapter One... I don't think it was too bad... Please review (or at least tell me if there's grammatical/spelling errors)! Convince them to review, my puppets!

Light: Review this or I'll write your name in my Death Note.

Allen: You're not even in this story!

Kanda: Get out of here.

Light: What're you gonna do, stab me?

Kanda: Yes. *chases Light with Mugen*

Light: AHH! HELP ME RYUK!

Ryuk: Heh, heh, heh... *eats apple*

Lenalee: What are you idiots doing!

Komui: Lenalee! I'll save you! *shoots Light and Kanda with blowdarts*

Kaoru and Hikaru: We are experiencing some technical difficulties.

Allen: GO BACK TO YOUR OWN MANGA! *attacks the twins with crown clown*

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A few minutes later

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Allen: Just... just review already. Then those others will go away!