-o0o- Chapter Three -o0o-

-o0o-

-o0o- Dutifully Indifferent Comrade -o0o-

-o0o-


"So I've shown you the Science Department, the cafeteria, the library, the lounge-did I miss anything other than your bedroom?" Lenalee asked, placing a hand on Allen's shoulder. "Do you think I missed anything?"

"Perhaps not, but I wouldn't know. I've never been here before." Allen said, staring at the door in front of him rather than at her.

"I guess you're right on that."

Lenalee smiled, but she felt ready to burst. Allen was unnerving and unsettling to be around. He held the same expression and had the same flat, dull tone. It was like he wasn't even alive. But there was one thing off about him that made Lenalee think twice-his eyes. It wasn't the rarity of the unique eye color that made her feel better-it was the clarity and life. It gave few emotions away if any at all, but it showed there was something there. Someone. Just someone. She supposed she shouldn't have expected anything less from him. She's only met a few and heard of them once herself, but they mentioned Allen was a CROW. There were others saying he was an Exorcist as well. The fact of the matter is Allen is both. Komui had told her that.

"Hey, Lenalee! There you are." Lavi exclaimed, running toward the pair. When he saw Allen, who hadn't reacted to Lavi at all, he raised his eyebrow questionably. "Who's this guy?"

"This is... uh... Aaron Wolker?" Lenalee was sure she knew his name. Someone had told her... But she couldn't remember for the life of her!

"Allen." The white-haired, stoic youth said, rotating his head just enough to glance at her. "Walker. Everyone calls me Walker."

Lavi studied Allen. He hadn't seen him around before and he wasn't just talking about Headquarters. He's been to Central a few times, but he's never seen Allen there either. Taking a look at Allen's appearance, though, one would think he would be spotted in Central. With that absolutely emotionless and expressionless facade. Lavi offered him a warm smile as he scanned Allen from head to toe, taking in every trait and quality. The white hair and red scar that resembled an Akuma's poison mark were questionable. He had beads on a string attached to several locks of his white hair-the beads were red, black, even gray. Then a misty-shaded ball hung loosely from Allen's left ear-he had an earring, believe it or not. He wore a uniform Lavi had never seen before, but it suited Allen and he couldn't imagine anyone else wearing that same outfit.

He adorned a long sleeved jacket that was a dark, dark black that shined under the light. It fell past Allen's waist and seemed a little too big on him. The collar traveled up his neck until it was barely under his jaw line. The trimmings were a scarlet red and the buttons were silver. Lavi couldn't help but notice the cuffs were silvery-white and went down beyond Allen's wrist slightly. He, naturally, had the Rose Cross emblem, but there was a second emblem-the CROW emblem, which was a yellow double diamond with a dark (scarlet) red in the middle. This emblem was located on Allen's right shoulder, or arm. He also had his CROW emblem dangling from his earring as well; on flat a golden square that had smaller form on the CROW mark. Other than that, Allen wore black pants and boots. If there was any other color, it was scarlet to silver unless it was Allen's pale skin and white hair. Lavi also saw one last piece in Allen's unique attire. His gloves.

"Hello, Allen. I'm Lavi." The redhead greeted.

Allen slowly faced Lavi, seemingly studying the man in front of him. "You're the Bookman Junior..?"

"Oh, yeah. That I am. I feel special, if a CROW knows about me." Lavi grinned, scratching his nose.

"It's not special. Certain members are required to retain such crucial information, as a person works directly under Inspector Leverrier, I am required to retain that." Allen deadpanned.

Lavi slowly nodded, smiling through some sort of irritation. He didn't understand why he couldn't stand this kid. He's willingly dealing with Kanda and he's like the devil incarnate. But something also made Lavi want to get Allen to express himself. Quickly, Lavi flicked Allen in the forehead. He didn't even receive a blink. He held that same boring expression. It was aggravating.

"Don't touch me." Allen whispered, staring at his new bedroom door, then walked in. "Have a nice day."

Lenalee and Lavi looked at each other uncertainly. They weren't sure if they should hope for him to act differently or to actually live. "Geez, what's with him?" Lavi demanded, frowning.

"He's scaring me." Lenalee admitted sheepishly.

"I don't think he's scary. I think he's freaky. But he's not scary."

"I had to give him a tour around the building alone. I think I have the right to say he scares me." Lenalee whispered.

Lavi nodded. They, abnormally quick in their pace, walked away from Allen's new bedroom to leave him alone, unaware that the white-haired boy heard every word of their small conversation. He peeked out of his door, watching silently as the two Exorcists steadily distanced themselves from Allen, a deep frown on his lips. For many reasons Allen was the way he is, but for an additional amount of reasons, he frowned. Reasons that may have even been unknown to himself. But he knew that there's going to be rumors about him. There were already some, but if word spread about two Exorcists being afraid of him, well, there's many things people will assume. It wouldn't bother him, really.

Allen was CROW, and as such, he is to hold no expression, and one is to never have any emotion. Emotionless. A CROW is emotionless. Allen believed being emotionless was easier than to conceal any emotions he may have with another emotion. He was really good at acting and making a mask of no emotions or many was not hard at all. There were many times his mask would shatter or crack, but at least at those times he was around the people he knew well and trusted more than anything. On his new assignment he can't let any bleak emotion shine through his mask. This, however, was never a concern for Allen. But to say it never bothered those people around him would be a false accusation, as it had been proven moments ago. However, this "mask" was truly who Allen had become. But he couldn't stop one thought from crossing his mind.

If they think I'm scary and weird, what will they think about Madarao? Tewaku? If they think I have issues, what thoughts will cross their minds about Tokusa and Link? If they think I'm quiet, what about Goushi and Kiredori?

Okay, so maybe it was a string of thoughts... But they questions and CROW ask many questions-hardly to anyone but themselves.


Allen sighed. He had no idea why he had gotten lost. Lenalee had showed him around... Then again, he never saw Komui's office. He hadn't even met the man. Komui Lee, Supervisor of the European Branch and a man with high authority over most others, sometimes greater authority than the man Allen served faithfully, loyally, and without question, had finally demanded the new-to-HQ-member-of-the-Black Order to his office. It had been a day and Allen wasn't entirely sure, but he thinks Leverrier and the rest of the CROW that had came with him yesterday, had left early this morning.

But again, it hadn't been long before Allen had found himself lost... Wonderful. It took about an hour before he found a sandy-haired man with an Australian accent and a slim, short man with somewhat curly brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. He wore thick, swirly glasses that was much to Allen's disliking, but he found it hilarious to an extent. He wasn't one to judge by appearance though. By using the white coats they wore, Allen was able to postulate they were both scientists. The other men not far away had white coats as well, and were working on paperwork in the library.

"Excuse me." Allen said softly, dully, gathering no one's attention. Allen inwardly sighed. "Excuse me, I am looking for Komui Lee." Still, they ignored him. Obviously he had no choice but to add extra details. "I'm from Central and was sent by Leverrier. I am to discuss important information with the Head Chief. Can any of you direct me to him?"

And with that, all heads turned. Either they readjusted their glasses with curiosity as they studied Allen or they semi-glared at Allen. Some were even frightened of him! Well, at least he got their attention.

"Are you sure about that, kid? You don't look any older than 12 years of age."

"Russel!"

"But it's true. You men being the scientists you are must be able to see that as well."

How many times did Allen have to repeat himself? "Can any of yo direct me to Komui Lee?"

"Uh, yeah, sure. I was heading there anyway. Why don't you just follow me... err?" the sandy-haired man said, eyeing Allen weirdly.

"Walker."

"Right. I'm Reever and that's Johnny. He's tagging along."

Allen merely nodded. When they got to Komui's office Allen tried his best not to ruin any papers, but it was inevitable. Everywhere you looked or stepped there were piles of papers. It was messy. That said a lot about the man he was meeting. However, he discovered there had been a few Exorcists in the office. Lavi and Lenalee were two of them, as well as two other irritated men. One of whom had long dark hair and long hair, reminding Allen of a woman, but the flat chest suggested otherwise, as well as some other masculine details. The other was a man with short black hair, who obviously had no patience whatsoever. They were sitting on a red couch in front of the Supervisor's desk... Who was snoring... and drooling.

"He's sleeping again?" Reever seethed, smacking his forehead. "Sorry about this, Walker."

"The man ain't waking up, Reever." the Exorcist with the bell claimed, sighing. Allen noted the slick cheer in his tone when he said that.

"Oh, we have a new way to wake him up, Lavi. Go ahead, Reever, try it. I'll just..." a girl said softly, walking into the office. She paused she saw Allen, a new face. "Oh, hello, Allen."

Allen stared at her. She was definitely Chinese. Her long greenish-black hair was up in two pigtails, a gentle smile on her face. Allen saw the Rose Cross emblem on her chest and ultimately knew that she, too, was an Exorcist. He hadn't noticed that earlier. However, he never got the chance to say something to her, because a loud, obnoxious wail pierced the silence and soon, a the lazy man had his arms wrapped around the girl, crying loudly and frantically.

"LENALEE! WHY? WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL YOUR BIG BROTHER YOU WERE GETTING MARRIED?" Allen nervously took a step away from the two individuals, struggling to keep his blank expression on his face. "WHO'S THE SCOUNDREL? WHERE'S OCTOPUS? I'LL KIL-"

The man shut up just as soon as Lenalee whacked the dark-haired man upside the head, frustrated, angry, and embarrassed. That deep blush on her cheeks said it all. But for an extra precaution, Allen took another step back. He inwardly flinched as he thought about that painful punch to the man's head and wondered how he could just brush it off and hide that red bump under his white hat.

The man noticed Allen, coughing into his fist and offering a weak smile, pretending nothing strange had happened at all. "Hello there." he greeted. "Komui Lee at your service." He saluted to Allen quickly, then held out his hand for Allen to shake it. The white-haired boy stared at it warily, ignoring it to the best of his abilities. Allen never... shook hands. It just wasn't one of the things he was taught to do. So he disregarded Komui's action.

"Is something wrong?" Komui asked.

"No, sir." Said Allen, looking up at Komui. "I'm from Central. I was sent by Inspector Leverrier. I do believe he informed you about my coming."

Komui readjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose. He smiled weakly, eyes glinting, as he slowly raised a dark eyebrow in question. Allen thought the man was surprised, unaware, or he flat-out didn't believe Allen. The boy pulled out a letter from his coat that Leverrier had prepared for him just in case something like this had happened-a wise decision that was, too-and he offered it to Komui.

"Ah, I know who you are. I just didn't expect you to be so... young." Komui said.

Allen still insisted the man took the letter. Thankfully, he didn't have to argue. Allen wanted to make sure Komui have every detail of the order from Leverrier, just in case he forgot something... Which Allen didn't doubt he would forget a major or minor detail.

"I didn't mean to disappoint you." Allen said stiffly.

"I didn't mean to offend you."

Like Lavi had earlier, Komui scanned Allen from head to toe, taking in every trait and quality. Like everybody else, he found the mark on Allen's face questionable and quite curious. His hair was shocking and made Komui wondered how and why it was pure white. Allen's uniform had also been something he hadn't seen before and he believed it suited Allen well. Of course, he knew exactly what it meant. The uniform signified obligations to Central, specifically the CROW, or precisely and more accurately, Leverrier. Then the Rose Cross signified Black Order membership, but also as an Exorcist. Which was an odd mix if you asked Komui, so the scientist had to wonder why on earth would Leverrier let such a thing happen. Why was Allen living at Central? Why was he only here temporarily? So many questions... with answers he may never receive. All he knew was that something was brewing back at Central and it had something to do with this boy in front of him.

So this is Allen Walker-CROW member extraordinaire? Komui thought as he drank some more of his coffee. Leverrier personally requested him to observe the Exorcists and to aid them, but I understand it has more to do with his abilities rather than him possessing some sort of Innocence. Hmmm. The kid doesn't look like much, but I guess we'll see how he fairs. He's a CROW for a reason. He's earned Leverrier's trust and confidence, which is difficult to do... He must be commended.

"Do you have any questions for me, Supervisor?" Allen questioned, voice having no traces of emotions, but he was extremely polite for a CROW, Komui mused.

"Do you know your way around Headquarters, Allen?" Komui wondered aloud.

Allen stood up straighter, apparently surprised to hear Komui call him by his name. Not just his name, but his first name. He was used to being addressed to as Walker.

"It's Walker, sir." Allen corrected. "Yes, I do... Miss Lee gave me a tour yesterday under your instructions, so I was told."

"Ah, that's right. I remember." Komui said gleefully, sitting down at his desk now. Still, his eyes never left Allen. "May I ask why you were late then?"

"I lost my way." Allen answered bluntly and without hesitation.

Komui smiled. "Honesty is such a pure virtue. I can see why Leverrier likes you Allen-you're polite and so straightforward."

Allen made no attempt to further acknowledge Komui's words other than a small nod, one that Komui hadn't spotted. Neither did Allen pay any heed to the looks the other people were giving him, especially those men that looked rather aggravated.

"I'm sure you're aware of our current circumstances, so I'll start with the briefing. Lavi and Lenalee are to meet up with Krory, Miranda, and Bookman on their search for General Cross. You'll be going them in Spain. As for Kanda, you will be rendezvous with Daisya, who's residing in Alfine, beyond Mitterwald and the village of Dankern. You two will eventually meet up with Noise Marie and find Tiedoll. It is believed he is somewhere around Romania and should arrive there in a matter of a few days to weeks. he is aware of us trying to find him and won't leave Romania unless there is a logical reason as to why he moved area. You should arrive there in no time at all." Komui said, and Reever handed each of them a dossier. "As for Suman, you will be hunting down General Sokalo. You're likely to meet up with Tina Spark. However, you will all travel in a group together. Lavi and Lenalee will be stopping in Dankarn briefly to investigate the area for Innocence. There's been numerous reports on disappearances and whoever has gone in the forest that leads to Dankern has never come out. You will meet a Finder named Goz, he will aid you. But Suman will be taking Goz with him on his trip, so he will have to either help you out or wait for you to finish the investigation. Kanda, you may just go on ahead."

Finally, Komui turned to Allen, humming thoughtfully. "Allen, I have no known knowledge of your capabilities, but I am aware of some CROW qualities you are required to have. Being an Exorcist as well, and having been trained at Central, I'm sure you're more than capable for any assignment. You don't have a preference to what kind of assignment I put you on, do you?"

"No, sir. " Allen whispered.

"Good!" Komui exclaimed, smile broadening. "You came on such short notice, therefore, I didn't have an assignment ready for you, however, Inspector Leverrier has told me you are to stick close to one of the Generals, preferably General Cross... We do have a large group looking for Cross already, but he's a sneaky rat, so I'm sure you'll be an exception to joining them, hmm? Unless, you want to join Suman?"

"The decision is yours."

Komui sighed. "Suman, do you think you'll need Allen?"

Suman, the short-haired irritated man, stared at Allen. "I can't say if I need him, but this boy does look somewhat dependable, which is more than I can say for the Finders. If it makes the assignment more efficient, I suppose it wouldn't be a bad idea to have him join me."

Allen eyed Suman, but the man looked away. "Well then... what do you think Lavi?"

"Krory hadn't been trained at all, but Miranda has had a bit of training, although she's a defensive type Exorcist. With Allen being there, fully trained and all, he should be able to make up for their lacking."

"... You do make a good point. Well, I guess it adds up fine. Allen, you will join Lavi and Lenalee and will meet up with three other Exorcists in Spain, then you'll head east to find General Cross. Is that alright with you?"

"Yes, sir." Allen mumbled.

"Good. You will eat, then leave. Your train will be leaving in three hours. Don't miss it."

Everyone nodded. Allen took his folder from Reever, skimming through the dossier while everyone else took their leave. Allen seemed to be in his own world. He sat down on the couch, finishing his reading and then just staring at it blankly. Then, suddenly, something rammed into the side of his head. He shifted ever-so slightly to get a good glimpse of who or what it was. He found a golem, but not an oridinary golem. A golden one. It had feet... a tail... feather wings... It wasn't at all similar to a bat. It also had an odd cross hugging the front of its sphere core or body.

Komui looked up from his doodles on his paperwork, adjusting his glasses as he watched the golem sit on top of Allen's head, seemingly snuggling his head with an invisible grin. You could almost hear it sigh in content. Komui smiled, amused and in awe.

"That's Timcampy, Allen. He's General Cross' golem."

Allen stared upwards, trying to look at the golem on top of his head. "Why is it here?"

"We don't entirely know. A year after Cross disappeared, Timcampy back to Headquarters. He's been hanging around us. Perhaps he was just trying to find a companion." Komui explained sincerely, continuing to doodle as the scientists started lining up, complaining about how Komui had to get back to work. "Timcampy seems to like you, Allen. Why don't you take him with you?"

"Will it be useful?" Allen inquired, wincing when sharp teeth poked the top of his head, threatening to bite him.

"Tim doesn't like to be called it. Try not to anger him, Allen. His bites are excruciating."

"Him?" Allen repeated, then he caught on to something. "Walker."

"What was that?"

"Walker. Call me Walker."

Komui stared at Allen again, lips curving downwards. This boy... is peculiar... Then again, I'm not sure if he is to blame for that.


-o0o- -o0o- -o0o-


Allen gazed out the window, eyes half-lidded and dull. He sat up straight, his lips drawn into a thin line of rosy coloring. He didn't fidget or shuffle his feet; he didn't even blink! All while he thought endlessly about his orders and his new-to-come adventures, Kanda glared at him, evidentially trying to figure out some sort helpful piece to a puzzle that hasn't even been laid out on the table or begun. Allen felt his gaze, but never opened his mouth to ask him to look elsewhere or to ask what his problem was. He didn't feel the least bit irritated, so he believed. He could also feel another eye on him-Lavi. The Bookman Junior was also trying to make the puzzle and figure it out, but they had no clues about Allen other than three things. One was that Allen was without a doubt a CROW member and had been in Central for a long time. The second fact was that he was an Exorcist, possessing some sort of Innocence. Lastly, one of his orders was to find General Cross... but there was more to it.

"Can I ask you a question, Allen?" Lavi inquired, leaning against the wall.

Allen's eyes drifted to the redhead. "You may." he whispered.

"How long have you been a member of the Black Order?"

"Almost five years."

"How come I've never seen you before?" Lenalee asked.

"I deal exclusively with..." Allen paused, seeming to reconsider his answer. "I work exclusively with CROW and Leverrier. Any assignments before now I've done alone or with other CROW."

"Have you ever found any Innocence before?" Lavi questioned.

"I've found two fragments. Everything else I searched were hoaxes or myths."

"That's nothing unusual." Lavi commented, shrugging drearily, blinking twice. "Allen, why are you here?"

"I'm here to aid you." Allen answered simply.

"No, that's not the whole truth. Why are you here at Headquarters now if you've been at Central for so long? Why do we only know about you now? Something drastic has happened that allowed you to step in and I have a feeling we don't know what that event was. Care to fill us in?"

Allen tapped his index finger against his lap. Kanda and Lavi caught this, noticing the rhythm and quickness. Whether Allen recognized this or not, Lavi could tell he was either agitated or uneasy about Lavi's questions. For a brief moment, Allen opened his mouth to say something, but inaudibly sighed instead. That nearly went unnoticed.

"I'm sure the death of General Yeager was enough to convince Inspector Leverrier to send me here. Aside from that, Supervisor Komui knew about me, as well as the other six Branch Heads. I see no need to concern yourself about anything other than the task at hand." Allen said calmly, though there was something hitched in his voice. Something... Something, but it was unknown. That something was misplaced, undefined beyond words, but it was there. A sign of stress... Maybe nervousness... It was conspicuous.

"Then how come Komui never told us?" Lenalee demanded, a little loud with frustration. "Allen-"

"Walker." Allen interjected, tone eroded. "My name... is Walker, Miss Lee. Do not call me otherwise."

Lenalee blinked. Then, as what he said dawned her full comprehension and Allen turned away from them all, gazing out the window, avoiding the three and a half pair of eyes watching him idly, suspiciously, heatedly, Lenalee couldn't stop herself from sending a look of sympathy and commiseration. There was something about Allen's steady, apathetic constant mien that she found absolutely somber. He seemed supple, soul-wise. It was like... he was crippled and disappearing. And Lenalee had no idea why, but she was left ponder about it.


I just wanted to say, thanks for the reviews and favoriting and alerting. I totally appreciate it. Also, I want to make this clear to everyone:

This Story Is NOT Meant To Have A Pairing! It Is All FRIENDSHIP!

THERE IS NO PAIRING!


-o0o-

-o0o- D. Gray-man -o0o-

-o0o-