-man and its characters belongs to Katsura Hoshino.
Ah, you're back? I'm presuming you'd like to hear more of the story. Now, where had I left off? Yes, that's right. Kanda and Allen were having one of their first spats- the one over the finder that Kanda was ready to kill. Well then, let's continue from there.
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Reever was walking by the cafeteria when he noticed the intense heat. He turned to see Kanda and Allen glaring at each other, flames visibly coming off from their forms. "Oh, there he is! Kanda! Allen! Eat your food in 10 minutes and come to the command post. You've got a mission!" The two watched him, the flames still burning with insane intensity.
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Komui was asleep on his paper-strewn desk when they entered. Reever walked over to the supervisor, shaking the sleeping man's head to try and wake him up, and then resorting to a violent punch, which also did not prevail in their mission. Reever bent down to Komui's ear, and whispered in very deadly words. "Lenalee's going to marry someone~."
The reaction was amazing.
"Lenalee~~! How can you get married without telling your own brother?" the supervisor wailed, unaware of Lenalee actually being right in front of him- or the fact that he had been played. Reever apologized to Allen, explaining how it was the only way to get the sister-complex up.
After Komui settled down Allen and Kanda sat on the far ends of the couch, waiting for their mission briefing. "Err, sorry about that, I didn't go to sleep until daybreak, so- *Reever had cut him off here complaining that he didn't get a lot of sleep either* Alright, we don't have much time, so after you hear the summary, move out. If you want more detailed info, just read this while you head to your destination. You two will go as partners. Err, what? You already aren't getting along? But, no excuses. We've found Innocence in Southern Italy, but it may get taken by an Akuma. Your job is to destroy the enemy and secure the Innocence."
Komui didn't allow the two to argue when they looked ready to protest.
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At the Black Order's underground water path Allen tried on his uniform for the first time. He questioned out loud if he really had to wear it and was answered with the fact that it was proof he was an Exorcist. Komui explained how the uniform was for battle, and then said he tuned Allen's gloves a bit. Before Komui could explain what he tuned, a rustling occurred in Allen's uniform, and out came the missing Timcampy. Soon after the group was going down the water way, and from a distance Komui explained how Timcampy had the ability to project the past of someone he's been with, so he could see Allen's adventures using the golden golem. As Komui faded Allen smiled, and gave his goodbye. "I'll be back!"
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During the time Allen and Kanda were leaving for their mission, over in Southern Italy's land of Martel Akuma's were captured by Finder's. The leader of the on-site Finder's was yelling out orders of how to keep them in the seal, and to keep them in even if they were to die. One of the other Finder's conversed how he doubted they had enough talisman, and then they began talking about how the middle one looked as though it had slain many. During their conversation a bullet ripped through the Finder's head, splattering blood. The captain was caught off guard, looking up to find the middle Akuma had broken through. The Akuma started shifting, and the captain told his people to run.
"I've leveled up." The Akuma had evolved. It remained in the air whilst the Finder's conversed about holding on, waiting for the Exorcists, and protecting the Innocence.
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"Ancient city Martel." It is an abandoned city where a ghost dwells. The ghost is a deceased citizen of Martel. It spited those who left the city, and as more left its face became more and more ugly. And in order to escape loneliness, it kidnaps children who get near the city.
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"Um, there's just one other thing I don't understand," Allen called out whilst looking at the mission report. They were dashing along the roofs to catch this train.
"Just worry about the train for now!" Kanda proclaimed. The finder was down below them, asking them to hurry seeing as the train was there now. Even though Allen was surprised of their method of getting on the train he didn't want to get left behind, so he jumped too.
"Illegally boarding the train," Allen muttered, laying down on the top of the train as he caught his breath and his heart calmed down.
"We've always done it this way," Kanda countered before he had to listen to more of Allen's complaining. They opened the top hatch and climbed on down into the train so they didn't have to deal with the whipping wind.
"Excuse me, passengers! This is the 1st class train, and normal citizens are supposed to be in the 2nd class train… and you guys just came in from there," the train attendant argued.
Their Finder just stared the attendant. "We're the Black Priests, please get a room ready."
The attendant was familiar with the Black Priests. After a glimpse at Kanda's badge he bowed and agreed, immediately motioning them to follow him.
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"What was that?" Allen asked as they entered their 'room'
"The rose crest you carry on your shoulder is the symbol of the Vatican, and it allows you to enter any place you desire," the Finder kindly explained to Allen. Allen just now took notice of the cross near his left shoulder. "By the way, I will be supporting you until we reach Martel. The name's Toma, I'm one of the Finders. Nice to meet you."
He stepped out, and Allen was left alone in the compartment with Kanda. "All right, the question I was wondering about earlier. What does this eerie legend have to do with Innocence?"
Kanda glowered at the 'old man' and gave his normal response, deciding to elaborate since he was already speaking. "Che. Innocence is a substance that has changed over the years, from the time of the Noah to the present. In the beginning, it was sunk at the bottom of the sea, but, as if the power of the stone lured us to it, we discovered it. But its appearance changes every time, and it could appear out of nowhere in any form. The stones always cause eerie illusions for some reason."
"So that means the 'Ghost of Martel' might have something to do with Innocence?" Allen concluded.
"Yeah. 'In an eerie place there lies Innocence.' That's why the church investigates these kinds of places, and whenever they feel that there's a high probability of an Innocence being there, they send us in."
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"Where are you 'Ghost of Martel'?" the Akuma called, running through the mazes beneath the city of Martel. The Akuma was thinking of it like a treasure hunt, and the ghost was its treasure.
In another part of the maze systems two cloaked figures spoke to each other, the taller of them asking the small girl to run- to escape.
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"The Ghost of Martel is a doll."
Living between the rocks and the dry land, the citizens lived a horrible life. And thusly, Martel was called 'The Land Forsaken by God'. Living in despair, the people started to create dolls in order to forget about their situation. Joyous dolls that dance and sing, but in the end, they got tired of creating dolls and they eventually moved away. However, the dolls that were left behind still moved as they did before. Even now, after 500 years.
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Ah, I am sorry, but I must limit myself on how much I go over. I am certain you remember Allen's first mission- the Akuma who could create a mirror image of what it sees, the Doll moved by Innocence, and Allen discovering another form of his Crown Clown. Then how Kanda and Allen combined their attack to finish off the mirror Akuma. But most importantly, I want you to remember what Allen said after Lala stopped singing- something very important he wanted Kanda to know. "Kanda, although what you said is true, I want to become a destroyer who can save."
Ah, I also wish to simply remind you of Komurin. I am sure you remember the robot made by Komui that terrorized the Black Order- or more specifically Allen. Then after the machinery incident we have the case of the rewinding town, and how in the end the Exorcists met Noah Road, and Allen was introduced to the Bookmen duo. It would be hard to forget those, no?
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"This is strange. Your crushed eye is starting to regenerate. "This is strange. Your crushed eye is starting to regenerate. You won't be able to see anything or a while, but at this rate, it'll be back to normal in 3 or 4 days. My needles aren't necessary. It seems to be cursed,' Bookman told him.
"It's a wound I got a long time ago, when I turned my father into an Akuma," Allen answered the unspoken question hanging in the air.
"Allen Walker, the child that the prophecies called 'The Destroyer of Time'. We are mutual colleagues called Bookman. Because of our abilities, we both became Exorcists. That brat over there is named Lavi, and I have no name. Just call me Bookman."
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Allen announced his entrance to the supervisor to come in on a somewhat buried Lenalee with Komui sprawled across the paperwork in the room. He used the cursed statement used to normally wake Komui, and when Komui finally came through his murderous haze he finally noticed Allen. Allen told him that he came in to see Lenalee, but she was still sleeping. They had idly chatter about Bookman and his medical instruments before Allen finally allowed his tongue to allow that itch out. "What is the Noah's Family?"
Lavi burst out of the paperwork, and the two were curiously wondering when he got in.
"Only in the rumors of history is the name "Noah" ever mentioned. It's the name of a groundless family. They often make an appearance in the crossroads of history, but that is never noted in the reference or history books. They appear alongside an unnamed Earl. And that leads to why Komui is here," Lavi answered. "Bookman, the only one in the world who knows about the unrecorded his-"
Lavi was stopped when Bookman sent a fierce kick to Lavi's face- sending the redhead flying. The old man reprimanded Lavi whilst Allen and Komui once more questioned how yet another person got in unnoticed. Bookman turned to Allen, and addressed him. "Rest for now. Nothing can be done until Ms. Lee wakes up. Take it easy."
Both Allen and Lavi were unceremoniously shoved out of the room. The two soon found themselves making snowman outside. "How old are you?"
"'Bout 15."
Lavi told Allen he was older, and then went on babbling about Allen's hair color. He then mentioned Allen's most hated nickname- beansprout. Lavi then mentioned some 'You', and then explained to Allen that it was 'Yuu' as in Kanda's first name.
Allen froze when Lavi brought out that the next mission was most likely going to be a long one because the Earl was most likely starting to make his move. Allen clutched his hand- the one of Innocence. "I became an Exorcist to destroy Akuma not to kill human beings."
Lavi rubbed him sore by calling him bean sprout, and Allen left for a walk. However, this only ended up working against him. In the middle of a large group of people Allen had begun freaking out. Road had really shaken him up- the small boy's ashen skin and eagerness to kill him. He snapped his head to look behind him, thinking he felt something only to find a gun pointed to the back of his head. The Akuma was in the form of a baby being carried on its mother's back. "Hewwo, Mr. Exorcist."
Before he could react the Akuma was gone, and in its place was Lavi standing on a large hammer. "Looks like they're here."
Around them the crowd went into uproar, proclaiming Lavi a murderer. Lavi just ignored them and gave Allen the tip to not stay in a crowded street. After he had gotten up another Akuma started attacking them from the rooftops. Lavi destroyed it with his suddenly giant hammer. The two were about to leave when they were surrounded by the crowd. The police officer that questioned them changed into an Akuma, and they responded by dashing off. They had gotten to a somewhat secluded train station, back to back as the Akuma closed in around them. "We aren't all like you- having that convenient eye of yours. Akuma are mixed up with humans. The other Exorcists and I, we end up looking at all humans as the Earl's minions."
The two laid amongst the wreckage, Lavi being childish enough to ask how many Allen had destroyed. Lavi had killed 37, and Allen 30- making Lavi the victor. Tired, but worried about the hospital Lavi and Allen both clung tightly to the top of his hammer, riding it to the hospital. They had barged in to find an awake Lenalee and a pissed off Bookmen (they had hit him when they smashed through the wall). It was Allen's misfortune to land on top of Bookmen.
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"A few days ago a General was murdered. He was found in Belgium with the words 'God Hunt' carved onto his back," Komui updated his company.
Allen, being the new Exorcist he was, tilted his head slightly at Komui. "What's the Heart?"
"One of 109 Innocence that we are searching for. The core of all Innocence, it's called 'The Heart'."
Allen nodded in understanding as Komui explained the Heart. "The Noah and the Akuma combined could easily outdo a General. That is why we are recalling everyone and splitting them into four groups to protect the Generals. You lot will guard General Cross."
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Allen removed the patch over his eye with the mentality that it should be fine by now. He left the bathroom to run into a rather distressed Lenalee, and being the gentleman he was he decided to ask what she was doing there. She gave him a tight-lipped smile and responded with a simple nothing.
Lavi asked a question that made Allen rather off put when they were going over locating Cross, Lenalee bringing up that he hasn't sent any receipts to the Church for them to trace him off of. "Eh? So how does he pay for everything? Out of his own pocket?"
Allen lifted his hand in rejection. "Master borrows money. Master lives off his lovers and acquaintances in different places. When we were really broke, I made some money by gambling."
They all looked at him in mixed surprise. Deciding to break the silence Bookman observed Allen's left eye. "By the way Allen, you still can't open that left eye? Get that eye healed quickly so you can stand watch for Akuma. Judging by the messages from other groups, we can assume that Akuma will try to attack and stop us. To get to the General, we'll be raveling on trains for quite a while."
Allen bowed his head softly. "Understood."
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Allen sat tied to a chair as the people bawled about their vampire problem to him. They dished out their story to him. Next thing he knew, Lavi had popped out from a barrel and voiced his own belief. Soon enough Lavi was seated beside him tied to a chair of his own. The story continued, getting to the point where another Exorcist had told them that if anything was to happen to the master of the castle that another wearing the cross he did was to be gone to for assistance. Allen frowned at the actions of the previous Exorcist, and asked the man for a sketch. The man provided a quick one of what he immediately placed as his Master.
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You do remember who the Master of the Castle is, do you not? His name is Crowley, or you may know him as Aleistar. He joined the Black Order after the death of his beloved Eliade. There's no need to go through something that's bound to have stayed in your mind due to its importance.
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As Allen observed his new cursed eye in the mirror Lavi reported to Komui. "The left eye had 'evolved', just like an Akuma. Komui, you see… I thought that Allen's left eye was a pretty handy thing."
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Crowley had been gone for three hours. It wasn't that hard to get lost in a train. Even Allen wasn't that bad. So they figured Crowley had gotten in trouble or something, so they set out looking for him only to find him playing strip poker in one of the cars. A strange group had taken possession of Crowley's clothes. The one with swirly glasses addressed them. "Sorry. Right now, young kids aren't allowed to be here."
After sharing a few hushed whispers, Allen concluded exactly how Crowley had ended up like so. He removed his Exorcist's coat and hung it in front of them. "All the trimmings on this coat are made of silver. If I bet this for all of Crowley's clothes, will you have a match with me?"
Lavi immediately began freaking out. The swirly glasses man smiled, and gave his consent.
Allen was the epitome of innocence as the three of the strangers sat in their boxers. He had placed down another winning set, the Royal Straight. They had a moment of frustration and upset, and Lavi leaned to ask Allen how he was so damn good. Allen promptly responded with "Because I'm cheating."
It was then that Lavi learned to fear Allen when it came to a deck of cards between his fingertips. At their stop Allen had been kind enough to give them back their clothes. Eaze, as the the swirly-glasses man identified him, was about to hand him the young boy's treasure in thanks, but swirly-glasses man tossed him a deck of cards as the train was taking off. It was unknown to Allen that on the back of the item Eaze offered was the engraved name of General Kevin Yeegar, a gift to him from the swirly-glasses man.
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At home in the Black Order, Daisya Barry was added to the many coffins of those dead. They had 148 confirmed dead, 6 of them were Exorcists. Many of the people were starting to freak out. The Noah were messing everything up. The Exorcists weren't supposed to die, not if they were to have a chance in winning the war. No, the Noah was ruining everything, and destroying their confidence in their victory.
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Allen took down five of the six Akuma surrounding them. Lavi managed to take down the last that had popped up behind Allen. The redhead faced Allen. "That's it! I've had it with this. You're scary! You're freaking scarier than the Akuma!"
Being so innocent, Allen merely voiced his confusion at what Lavi meant. A quick warning was shouted before they dodged the approaching bullet that was Lenalee. She held before them a cat with wings pocking out, and in its haste it spat out its meal to escape. Allen scolded Timcampy for not being more careful.
They finally found a trace of Cross that lead to a brothel. They had gone to check it out, and at the door they were stopped by a gigantic woman. She had them go around to the back, where they found the Mistress of the brothel, Anita. She informed them that he had left eight days ago to go on a journey. She informed them of the sinking of his ship to Edo, Japan. Believing in his Master, Anita prepared a ship for Allen and the others to take to Edo. Of course, their plans loved to be crashed, and as a Fallen One, Suman Dark was the one to crash it. In an attempt to save Suman as Lenalee seemed so desperate to want to, they went up to the giant body. He pulled out a little girl getting sucked in and was 'devoured' by Suman instead. Inside he was exposed to all of Suman's feelings. He managed to find Suman, but what he found terrified him.
"God, Apostles, and everything else, be cursed! Everything be destroyed!"
Allen forced his arm through the Fallen Suman's arm, reaching for the innocence so he could amputate it. Even though he tried so hard to save him, taking the Innocence only made him an empty shell. A Noah appeared, destroying the remnants of Suman's body. When he finally got a closer inspection of Allen he promptly referred to him as Cheating Boy "A". The Noah took Allen's moment of weakness to explain his own power, seeming a bit too cheerful to Allen. He explained to him the Tease that were at his disposal, but what really struck Allen was when his hand passed through his body and circled his heart. Tyki placed a Tease at his heart once his Innocence had left, and Tim had taken Suman's Innocence and fled. He specifically ordered it to only make a hole.
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Would you like me to continue? It's my first time telling this story to someone so willing to listen. So far I've covered everything that's of the same basics, but if you haven't been paying attention to the specifics of dialog and interactions I've given then you won't understand how everything leads up to the climax. It's surprising, too, how sickingly close we are to the twist. Ah, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Just heed my warning, and make sure to pay special attention from now on out. After all, Allen's second love is about to stumble upon him, quite literally, too.
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He was wandering through the fog, he could smell corpse, but could not see one due to the fog. His foot caught, and he stumbled down to the earth, hitting his nose as his face connected. Sitting up, he took in the body. Even though it was already too late, he had to do something. He grabbed the body and took off.
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Lenalee and Lavi were informed that Allen was to stay in China, having lost his Innocence. They were to set sail immediately, and it would be all thanks to Miranda and her Innocence's capabilities. Miranda reversed the damage caused to the ship. They all had looks of complete astonishment, to which Miranda responded to by trying to drown herself, always taking the worst of every situation. Their group was given the updated uniform from Komui. They set sail almost immediately towards Edo.
(3,851 words)
A/N: As I stated before, Road and Fou are male. I would do more, but here presented a fabulous place to stop. I was wondering what everyone was thinking though about the style I'm using to tie the peace together, the 'storyteller telling a story to the reader'? I might use it for some future fanfictions.
Auf Wiedersehen for now~