Chapter 1

Never Someone.

-Normal POV-

Walking down the streets of Bombay, Allen couldn't help but recall the happier memories spent here. Nothing much had changed over the years – Bombay was as crowded and busy as it had ever been. It was also in this city, that Cross left him so that Allen could embark on his journey to the Black Order.

Flashes of Cross with a hammer crossed his mind and they sent shivers down his spine. No... shudders Allen slapped himself mentally for having such thoughts and began prep-talking to himself.

"You are always going to be an idiotic apprentice if you still can't stand up to Cross now. You are already a General yourself! Be a man! Be like Kanda!"

Allen would never say it out loud; his biggest secret. He loved Kanda and not even Timcampy knew – it was too scandalous. Initial admiration had blossomed into something else and before he could stop himself - he was in love. Then, came the desire to prove his worth and gain Kanda's acknowledgement, and maybe take a second look at him? Kanda was always skeptical about his abilities; even after becoming a General. Now he was contented with securing Kanda's acknowledgements.

Despite the lack of any civil exchange, they worked surprisingly well together. Their endless digs at each other only served to push the other to do his best. While Kanda's razor-sharp sarcasm fanned these desires, it was Kanda's little acts of concern, as rare as they were, that made everything worth it. Memories of these sweet moments were also carefully tucked away, only to be retrieved and savored at his most private moments.

For this leg of the trip – they were staying at Ms. Urmina's mansion. She had been Cross's mistress and insisted on hosting Allen and Kanda while they were in town. Allen couldn't be happier to stay at the luxurious mansion and have a comfortable night before going onto their mission. But the young general should have known better. Over dinner, cries of how much she had missed Allen quickly turned to questions on Cross's details and whereabouts. He could hardly finish his dinner before it turned cold. Sigh – what do women see in Cross? I really don't get it.

On his little walk, Allen's legs subconsciously brought him to a familiar stretch of land and he settled himself on the river bank. Tonight, he and Kanda would set off to a remote village further north, where several level 2 Akumas were sighted. There was still time before dinner and Allen let his thoughts wonder.

Allen had gotten to know Narein during his stay in India and he had been his first real friend – someone he finally found to share his thoughts and feelings with. But Narein turned his sister into an Akuma. In the end, he; they were the first Akuma that Allen had consciously killed. Looking at the sunset's ray reflecting of the water reminded him of that fateful day. This was the very spot where he killed the Akuma. A small, sad smile sneaked its way across his face.

Was anyone, whom he loved, destined to be killed by his own hands? Perhaps he was destined to be alone forever? Deep down, Allen already knew the answers to his questions - because he loved both humans and Akuma. So he had to fight for their salvation – so maybe that was why there was no room left to love any individual. I could love everyone but never someone… there was no place for a single individual…

Allen had been too caught up in his thoughts to sense the approaching samurai. Beneath his sulking mask, deep down, Kanda was concerned. Since yesterday's dinner, Allen hardly talked, spending long hours roaming the mansion grounds. Now dinner was about to be served and Allen was nowhere to be found. If he didn't get Allen back for dinner, he was very sure the white haired general was going to pass out on the streets. It would be embarrassing to carry the little brat back…

Toma had already gotten their suitcases and they would leave right after dinner. Any minute longer spent in the wretched mansion and he was sure he would go insane. If Allen hadn't insisted on spend a night in the mansion, they probably would have completed their mission by now. Stupid beansprout… he wanted to shout at the damned moyashi for being an irresponsible brat and forgetting it was time for dinner.But his words were suddenly stuck in my throat when he spotted silent tears rowing down those pale cheeks.

"Che – that stupid beansprout. Turning himself into an emotional wreck again. How the hell did the brat ever become a General anyway?! He is still such a sensitive and naive idiot…"

"Oi, Moyashi. Stop staring at your own reflection. It is not going to make you any less ugly. It's already dinner time."

"Idiotic beansprout general. Fancy having me to walk so far to invite you to come for dinner…"

Allen was shocked that Kanda had been standing beside him, hoping he hadn't seen his tears. He tried to wipe them away discretely as he stood up and silently, he walked towards the mansion with Kanda a few feet behind. Right now, he didn't trust himself to speak.

Goodbye Narein… until we meet again, take care my friend.

Dinner was a simple affair and before sun down, they set off on foot towards the village. Accustomed to each other's habits, the trio hiked the hills and through the forests in silence, carefully observing their surroundings. It had become their habit now.

Because Kanda's lotus had only 5 petals left – it wasn't wise to send him on missions alone. It was decided that he would accompany Allen on his missions, traveling around the world for Innocence and returning only once of twice a year. It provided opportunity for Kanda to look for a remedy for his curse or perhaps find that person. With each passing day, it meant Kanda was a step closer to death; and there was no stopping the 'curse'. The slowing down in Kanda's recovery rate was a subtle but strong indication of his dwindling life force. Time is precious. Indeed.

Kanda was still early in his prime and it was an excellent exorcist. The order was in a terrible state now as news of Kanda's imminent doom enveloped the Order a state of gloom. Kanda might not be one of the most popular exorcists; but he was a man, serious about his job. His combat abilities fully compensating for his lack of personality and his silent, subtle love for comrades didn't go unnoticed either.

Eventually they spotted the village up ahead and Allen's eye picked up the presence of 4 Akumas. While Kanda's duty was to retrieve the Innocence, it was Allen's duty to destroy the Akuma. Kanda was also not allowed to invoke unless absolutely necessary and he grudgily accepted these arrangements, not wanting to upset Lenalee.

Allen frowned with worry. Hopefully they were only level 2 Akumas. He didn't want Kanda to invoke, much less get himself injured. Allen was determined to minimize the use of Kanda's life force as much as possible. But he would never say it in front of Kanda. God knows how Kanda would react if he was going to be protected like a damsel in distress.

As they hurried to the village, Allen swore to protect the one he loved.