Chapter 3

Prove Myself

I took a rare moment of joy to squeal as I flipped through the book Komui had just handed to me.

Fiddler's Fiddling was the cheesy title that was sprawled across the front. But that didn't degrade the value of the book one bit to me. I finally had new music!

Now I just have to get the instrument back from Kanda.

Why does he have it? You may ask. The answer is actually quite simple. No, he doesn't want to play it himself, that'd be ridiculous. He's probably give up the minute he hit the wrong note, maybe even get angry and break it. The fact of it is, he simply finds the noise, well, noisy.

The options he gave me were to either give it to him or have him rip it out of hands and break it. At least he gave me a choice.

Be it that our rooms are next to each other, he got sick of my deciding to the most obnoxious song while he was trying to sleep. He had thrown on some decent clothes and stormed into my room, not even knocking the prude! And I had called him such, only for him to deliver me my options. That was say… last week?

Him and his short temper. I shake my head at the thought.

"Thanks, Komui!" I called as I ran towards the elevator. Komui had taken to only swooning over me when I did something worth swooning over. I've been careful to watch for that glint in his eye whenever I'm talking to him. If it appears, even if for a second, I flee.

I had seen it just now in accordance to my joy at the new music.

Once I was on the correct floor and was winding down the halls knowingly, I devised a clever plan. It was genius. It was so complex and stupid that it might just work.

As I rounded the corner, I noticed Kanda leaving his room. His back to me. I crept up behind him and slid silently into his room. Believe it or not, he's actually pretty easy to sneak by— that is, if you know how to do it. I once joked that maybe all of that hair plugs his ears. He had prominently kicked me out of his room and slammed the door in my face.

I scanned his room, practically chanting. "Fiddle. Fiddle. Fiddle— Ah!" I saw the bow peeking out from beneath his bed. I crawled under slightly to grab it and, as I wrapped my fingers around its neck, I heard nearing footsteps stop outside the door.

Dang it, he probably forgot something.

I tucked my arms in against my body and rolled under his bed, praying that whatever he needed wasn't under there with me.

The door opened. I saw the cruel-looking boots from my spot under the bed. He probably came back for his jacket, I reasoned, for he hadn't been wearing it when I snuck past him earlier. I stiffened as he walked to the far corner, hoping and praying that my hair didn't peek out, or my own jacket for that matter (for he might think it as his own).

I listened as he shuffled with what sounded like fabrics. Then I saw him walk past the bed again, this time with his long jacket dangling around his ankles. He paused before he left, making my heart speed up. Maybe I was thrilled, because I definitely wasn't scared, not of Kanda, not in this case— he had taken my instrument. Mugen I'm scared of, not Yuu. The door creaked open and I saw him leave and close the door behind him. I counted to 50 before I released a breath I didn't realize I had been holding and relaxed the tensed up muscles.

I rolled out from underneath the bed, dragging the fiddle and its bow out behind me. Careful not to make any noise, I crept up to the door and peeked it open. Seeing that it was clear of any Kandas, I leapt out, threw my own door open, and dashed in like there was no tomorrow.

As I leaned against the door, breathing just a bit heavier than I had been previously, I took a moment to relish in victory. But then I looked down at my attire and the hair that hung about me.

Kanda needs to clean out the dust that's under his bed. I thought he did that. Then I grew slightly angry that he had shoved my precious fiddle with all the debris. I checked over the instrument, plucked its strings a bit to make sure they still worked, and then set it on my own bed so that I could fish out my replacement uniform so that I could wash this one. Whereas Kanda favors the long coat overtop his sleeveless navy blue shirt and black pants and boots and Lenalee favored the black skirt and short jacket overtop her white short-sleeved collared shirt, both tending to leave their jackets in their room and just wearing the under armor in leisure, I take an approach that's a bit of a mix between.

I switch between the long black pants and black shorts depending on the season, the boots are always present be it with the pants tucked in or long sock protruding from the tops and bare knees and thighs during the hotter months. I wear a basic black and white cotton shirt with the short jacket.

I'd love to see someone try and put me in the skirted uniform. Technically, all the female Exorcists were supposed to wear the skirt variation (there are built in shorts underneath) but most of us have dropped the tradition flat on its face. General Klaud Nine and I were pretty vicious in our adamant refusal. Lenalee is the only one I know that still sticks to the skirt, and I think it honestly suits her. She is the Order's sweet heart after all.

I set up my music stand and placed the new book that I had acquired from the limited mail on its waiting hold, soon moving to shed myself of the dirtied uniform.

When I pulled the new uniform out, I elbowed a hanger and knocked something out. I bent down to pick up the scattered fabric and was surprised to find that I had knocked my cloak out and onto the floor.

I felt myself sober at the thoughts that coincided with this.

It doesn't really matter what my uniform looks like, however, for I'll never really need it as long as things stay as they are.

Uniforms were for missions. I don't go on missions.

Therefore, uniforms aren't for me.

I put on the shorts, the socks and boots, and the striped shirt.

I left the jacket in the closet.

Eventually I got hungry. So I mumbled some curses and stood up, only to sit back down; muscles sore, stomach growling, eyes drooping, and showing signs of oncoming headache. How long was I playing?

Time sure flies when you're having fun.

I got up after a moment of prepping and stumbled out of my room, down the hall, and into the cafeteria.

I looked around at the surprising emptiness of it. Rush hour has either yet to come or already passed. That's early in the morning for breakfast, noon for lunch, and at about six for dinner, that's when everybody declares that they are done with training for the day. Well, most people declare they're done. I haven't practiced an ounce today. What a joy that's going to be after I have a full stomach.

I walked up to Jerry's booth and practically collapsed on the counter. "Give me something easy to hold down."

Jerry smirked as he began cooking. "Not feeling well, sweetheart?"

"Eh." I shrugged. "More like I lost track of time, I'm starving, and I gotta go train afterwards."

He looked at me knowingly.

I looked away, avoiding his eyes guiltily.

In about thirty seconds he had a big fruit salad and my favorite smoothie drink set before me.

"Thanks." I mumbled as I grabbed them and placed them on my tray.

As I sat down in my corner, I glanced about myself inconspicuously. The only people left in here were the Finders that had long since finished their food that were talking and I think they were playing cards.

I shrugged the thoughts away and focused on the food. The fresh fruits bewildered me, where did the Order get fresh fruits from? It's not like they have their own, personal gardener… Do they?

Lavi sat down in front of me, a cup of water in his hand and a sheen sweat on his face and clothing, which consisted of a pair of long black pants and a green tee.

"Where've you been all afternoon?" He asked, giving me a chilled smile.

"That's what I would like to know." I slumped slightly.

"Not training?" He asked as he swiped a piece of sliced apple from my tray.

"Get your own!" I growled, batting at his hand. "And, I'm actually heading that way after I finish this."'

"Yuu hasn't been in there either. In fact, I haven't seen him all day."

My memory flashed back to him getting his jacket. "Probably a mission or something." I muttered, shoving a big piece of fruit into my mouth.

"Uhm, that's a little too big…" Lavi attempted.

I glared at him.

He chuckled.

I stood up and picked up my tray. I walked over to the table across from the one we were at and sat down, my back facing him. I was done being picked at.

I heard him laugh harder.

I turned around and glared at him. "And what could possibly be funny?"

He put a hand to his mouth, muffling his chuckles. "Nothing," he answered cheekily.

Obviously lying.

LenaLee rushed in that moment, looking as though she was looking for someone frantically. He expression was dead set in business mode, meaning she was probably fetching someone for her brother.

Who wants to be that that someone is me?

When she saw me, her face lit up. Apparently I was indeed that somebody.

"Where have you been?" She exclaimed.

"My room," I deadpanned.

"My brother wants to see you. Now!"

"Oookkkaaayyy." I drawled at her urgency, why me? What's with the hurry? It's not like I'm going anywhere. I made no movement to stand and was about to ask her for what when she attacked.

She grabbed the scruff of my shirt and tugged me sharply off of my seat. I grabbed at my bowl and missed as she pulled me backwards, my heels leaving scuffs on the polished floor. I kept my arms extended dramatically as she dragged me down the hallway.

Lavi took the opportunity, weaved around the table, and pounced on my food, devouring it in mere seconds as if he were a monster. In my eyes, he was.

I glowered at him. He ignored me.

Then I lost sight of him as we rounded a corner.

I was soon pulled onto the elevator and we made our way down, down to the lowest level where Hevlaska resided.

I arrived, no longer holding a fear of this place, but still slightly nervous. Komui had seen the reports of the times I was known as Subject #253. He seen the where they had forced me to act as a submissive test subject, even to the point of abuse. And he had sworn to never make me do it again. Minus that last time, back when Kanda had first arrived.

I don't know why, but I took him as a man of his word and trusted him. Heck, look where I am, and I still trust him!

So, if I'm going to take his promise seriously, why am I here?

That's when I noticed the horde of shadows standing on the bridge before me. I recognized the shape of Komui among them. However, it wasn't just Komui, there were a crowd of people, people who ranked far above Komui. That was enough to strike the fear back in my heart.

Lord, please no.

People with clipboards.

The Heads of the Order.

My heart raced. I didn't want to be here with them; the ruthless men and women who thought of us as tools, who looked down on us even though we are the ones who fight for them. They don't care what happens as long as the Earl is defeated. They don't care how many of us die because they can always find more. They distrust the ones who fight for them in a heartbeat.

I hate to admit it but even Komui can't go against them. So whatever they want, they're going to get it. Komui can suggest ideas to them, and they may take his words and consider them unlike they consider the rest of ours'. But that wasn't going to be enough to stop whatever they have planned. And by 'them' and 'they' I really mean Malcolm C. Lvellie. He's the bastard that pulls most of the strings. He's the man who lacks a heart. He's the real monster.

It did little to console me to see Komui there, staring at me, his expression stiff.

As I glanced around zeroing in on the terrifying faces, I felt myself shut down. I will not give Lvellie the satisfaction of my fear. My internal battle began; my jaw locked into place, my muscles tightened, and I forced my eyes to relax, even going as far as to give them a tinge of mock amusement.

Now why ever would I do that? It's because I know I scare Lvellie more than he scares me. I may be scared of his position, of what his position can force the true terrors to do, but I know he lacks the ability to actually do anything to me himself. I, however, don't rely on the power of others because I have my own, and it scares him. I may have had to put up with this crazy crap when I was younger, when I couldn't stand up for myself, but now I know I can do what I want. I could snap at any time, and he knows it.

As the lift came to a complete stop, I stepped forwards, enjoying the fact that my metal rimmed boots clicked against the metal balcony with each step, making majority of the inhabitants flinch with each sharp sound.

I stepped up to Lvellie, glad to have grown these past few years. Instead of 4'9 compared to his 5'5 (or so), it was now 5'7 to his 5'3. Poor short, shrinking man. I stepped a bit too close, making him really feel the height difference.

"And whatever could you possibly want?" I asked, hostility dripping from my voice.

Lvellie cleared his throat and allowed his eyes to break from mine to meet the form that this room belonged to. "Hevlaska, let's get started."

She looked at me and I felt a chill creep up my spine as she spoke. "We are going to test your Innocence Synchronization Rate."

I felt my heart rise to my throat. "With or without the Seal?"

We did it far more frequently nowadays with the Seal since the Innocent's power has been exceeding it.

"Would you really let me take it off?" Hevlaska asked knowingly.

"Good point, let's get on with it."

She wrapped her tentacles around my body, securing me for the lift. When she placed our foreheads together I felt the seal tingle and ask for relief, I denied it.

"10…" Pleases tell me it got higher than the first time.

"15…" Alright, Cool.

"33…" Uhm…

"57… 68…" Whoah woah woah. Slow down!

"73… 74 percentage synchronized." No! That's too high!

I felt myself panic, praying that that would be it.

The room went silent. I gaped. Last time it had only been 10% and now it was way up there!? How much had the seal faded!?

"And she's still wearing the Seal." I heard one of the ladies whisper, awestruck.

As I looked at the other faces around me, I noticed a similar look of awe on most of the faces in the room.

All except for one. One that looked irritated, hateful, and probably hiding most of their fear. Lvellie.

Hevlaska spoke. "Of our Innocence Accommodators of this age; Kanda Yu: 78%, LenaLee Lee: 75%, Lavi, Bookman Jr.: 74%, and Elizabeth X is tied with him."

"It seems as though she's suitable for missions, as I had said." Komui stated, hand to his chin, smugness written all over his face. I was slightly proud of him and extremely thankful.

"Seems like it. Only," Lvellie paused and smirked, of course he had something up his sleeve. "Just because she can synchronize with it, does that mean she can use it in weapon form?"

Komui opened his mouth to speak, but I raised my hand to silence him with a devious smirk sent Lvellie's way. "Allow me." I raised my hand, the fingers outstretched as I reached forwards with straight arms, but the gap between the fingers melded and flattened, the already ghastly gray taking over my skin. I was sure my eyes were sparked with just enough light to unnerve them but still not a full on glow. My arms were now wide and flat blades that glittered when the light touched them, their elegance unlike even the best of blades, their strength the same as the strength of my soul, their will almost as strong as the Innocence inside of me. They were truly a masterpiece, something I've worked at vigorously up until this point.

I heard a few Ooh's and Ah's and I lowered my now bladed arms to my side, my back straight and proud, my arms positioned coolly, and my face showing the spite I felt.

Lvellie scowled slightly, "Do you even know how to fight with those things?"

"Wanna test me?" I growled.

Komui stepped in before things could get to dangerous. "Forgive her, she's worked really hard on being able to do that, and I made her master them before I even allowed her to show the Heads of the Black Order. Anyone would be a little mad over that skepticism in their pride and joy." He glanced at me, his glasses flashing seriously. I huffed and looked away submissively. "If you would like to see them in action, she was just heading to the training room. I can probably round up someone for her to spar with."

Lvellie smirked, his pride radiating off in waves. "I'll take you up on that offer, I would like to judge her for myself."

I transformed my arms back and flexed the wrists.

"Bring it on." I whispered to myself weakly.

I had to do this right.

I stretched down and touched my toes. No, I wasn't stiff. No, I'm not an idiot. I was just uncomfortable. There are too many people here, glaring at me from the normally unused rafters of the training room. Especially when one of them is Malcolm C. Lvellie and my future is riding on his shoulders.

I glanced over my shoulder at the other onlookers, some less harsh than others, some actually looked as though they were cheering me on. I looked at Komui as I stood back up. He gave me a thumbs-up, his glasses still hiding his eyes. He really couldn't do much against the Head other than suggest ideas. But for that, I'm grateful.

I watched as the creaking door slid open and in stepped the cruel looking boots I had seen earlier this morning. Kanda walked in, looking very peeved. His face grew even more so angry when he saw me in the middle of the room, I grinned sheepishly as I wave girlishly at him.

"What did you do this time?" His features softened slightly.

"I didn't do anything. I think." I said innocently looking away and scratching my head in thought.

"I have a hard time believing that."

I scowled at him but, before I could speak, Lvellie used the loud-speaker to lay down the law.

"Okay, so here's the deal, I want the two of you to spar, no holding back. Try not to kill each other, but anything goes," He smiled proudly, "cuts and scrapes are not of concern considering you are both using blades."

Kanda's eyes snapped in my direction, confusion etched on his stiff features. However, I was the only one who picked up on it.

Kanda shed himself of his jacket, pulled out Mugen, and got into a defensive stance, not knowing what to expect at this point.

I transformed my arms, my stance staying the exact same, relaxed and patient. Kanda's eyes flickered to them in recognition, but his expression remained impassive.

"Let the match begin!" Lvellie shouted.

Kanda charged, something I expected him to do since we had sparred hand to hand combat on many occasions— usually my teaching him and telling him to just charge and learn from each experience. His blade was poised to run me through, for he was testing the waters. Just as I was preparing to do. I raised my bladed arm and suddenly a clang filled the silence as the blades collided. I watched my arms in the midst of the collision, making sure they were durable enough to continue the match without worrying about them getting damaged.

I had fought plenty of other ordinary swords. This was the first time I was battling another Innocence user and his weapon.

They seemed to withstand it well, so I charged on. I pushed my blade further away from me, forcing Kanda to take a step back, where I then shifted my weight and brought the other arm towards his neck.

His eyes widened slightly but he quickly shifted his feet and slid his sword along mine, blocking both attacks.

I pushed my weight briefly all onto him and pulled all the way back, ducking and sweeping my legs beneath him, managing to hook his leg, and unbalance him.

He didn't fall, no, he'd never do that, but I had managed to steal his balance. I had to work quickly from here on out.

I stood abruptly. And stepped behind him, bracing my arms against his shoulders as he positioned Mugen, I pushed forcefully, tripping him over my feet and knocking him down.

But that wouldn't stop him, not this time, for I had pulled this stunt plenty of times in just regular training. I had a knack for getting behind people without their consent and attacking from there. He rolled out from under me as soon as he hit and stood once again, katana poised.

I swung, he blocked, but just barely. Swing, block, swing, block… Faster, faster, faster! I chided myself, aware of the stares.

His blade paused, if only for a second, and managed to throw me off. I watched as he slowly pulled Mugen towards his chest, my blades resting on it, and he pushed abruptly out. He had stolen my move! In my surprise my balance was taken. Time slowed as I slowly fell backwards. My feet stumbled, my balance wavering even further.

And I then did what I consider the smartest thing I could've done at that point.

As Kanda charged, taking my moment of weakness as an opportunity, I reversed my blades back to their original state as hands.

I fell back, pushed off the ground, and launched back forwards into a run, shocking him slightly. But he didn't pull back. I knew he wouldn't fall for my tricks, so I decided to do what he least expected. I decided to do the expected. I leaned back, ducked under the blade, and slid between Kanda's legs; grabbing one of his feet and making him fall forwards.

I shifted my arms back to blades, turned on my heel and placed my blade at his throat, making the tip touch. Only, I suddenly felt a prick of pain at my own neck. I glanced over my nose to see Mugen in position to ram me through.

We were in a deadlock.

Though neither had drawn blood, both were stuck until one gave a sign of weakness.

"That's enough." Komui called down to us. Then he turned to the guests, more specifically, Lvellie. "Does this suffice? Kanda is one of our top Exorcists, almost to the point of becoming a General, the fact that they managed to best each other in the end shows great skill on both ends. You can see the obvious effort and its results will most definitely be positive." He voice darkened ever-so-slightly and his volume dropped considerably. "Plus, we need as many Exorcists as we can get at the current instance."

I pulled my blade away from Kanda and batted his away with my other bladed arm, transforming them both back to normal directly afterwards as Kanda stood.

Lvellie frowned. "You two are dismissed, Komui Lee will relay the outcome to you soon after."

We straightened, stiffened, bowed slightly then left through the same exit, Kanda grabbing his jacket on the way out.

Once we were safely in the hall, away from the door, I growled. "That man makes my blood boil."

"I thought you looked rather pleased with yourself for making him squirm. It was interesting to watch your expressions go to something that was so unlike you." Kanda's scorned face softened, amusement slightly forming.

"You think so?" I mock tapped my chin in thought, "I'm pretty sure that's how I used to be as a kid, Yuu, I think you broke me."

"Agreed, you're much more obnoxious now." Kanda ridiculed.

"Not so obnoxious that I can't knock down a guy's pride. Watch out, it was Lvellie this time, it might be you next." I grinned impishly, soon breaking out into chuckles.

Kanda rolled his eyes and sighed. "I don't understand how you can laugh at your own joke and still have the pride to crack them in the first place."

I shrugged.

"Well, when did you learn to do that?" Kanda asked.

Neither of us said anything as a Finder passed us. This one ignored us besides sending us a wary glance out of the corner of his eye.

"Do what?" I asked as he opened the door to his room.

He walked in, not bothering to tell me to go away. I wouldn't listen even if he did. I followed him in and headed towards his bed, where I plopped down and sat crisscrossed.

"That thing with your arms." He said as he tossed his jacket into a chair.

"Eh…" I fumbled with the sheets, lost in thought. "Does it even matter?"

"You don't even know do you?" He stated more than asked.

"Nope." I said, popping the p. I plopped back on the bed as he shed his sweaty shirt. "I just kind of figured it out somewhere along the way." I looked at him as he sat down on the bed and took off his boots. "By the way, where were you all day?"

"Komui gave me a list of a bunch of stupid errands," He said lowly, sounding very pissed at the series of events he had had to go through.

"Then why are you so sweaty?" I teased, angling my head to get a better look at him.

"They were stupid chores." He repeated, not bothering to elaborate. "Now get off my bed and go take a shower."

"Why? Do I stink?" I asked, giving my armpit a sniff.

Kanda stared at me blankly.

"Fiinnnee." I whined. "I'll go take a damn shower."

I stood and marched over to the door.

"Hey, where did your noise-maker end up?" Kanda asked as he peered under the bed.

My eyes widened as I exited.

I slammed the door.