Well, here's chapter seven. I read chapter 200, and does anyone find the art to be different, or the general plot to be slightly confusing? Huh. Anyways, hope you enjoy this chapter! It's a bit angsty, but we're finally diving into the mystery family! Thanks to all the reviewers – and to respond to the anonymous reviews, I don't mind them at all! All of your reviews fuel me to write, so enjoy this chapter. It's a bit longer, too. :3 Chapter eight will be out within a week.

Also, there's a bit of a preview for another story I'm working on. It's Christmas-y. Let me know if you want to see it written?

Drop a line?


7.

[family ties and the meaning behind a father]

"Always breathe as you walk, and you'll be just fine."


i.

"Why did you come back? You're not welcome here!"

Allen was rendered speechless, staring at the short man screaming in front of him. The stubby male had large glasses, sweat dripping from his forehead as his winkled face turned a deathly shade of red, almost matching the crimson sweater he wore with black pants. After leaving the hotel with Kanda, Lavi, and Lenalee, Allen had taken a detour to see if he could find even a tidbit of information on the missing family, but after tapping the man on his shoulder to ask a question, he took one look at Allen and started screaming. Allen figured it was because of his exorcist uniform – but even the cursed boy hadn't been expecting the assault of… colorful words.

"S-Sir… Please, I was – "

"No! Don't talk! Leave!"

Allen just sighed hopelessly, waving a quick goodbye with his left hand – that wasn't covered.

Oops.

"Freak! Get out! No one wants you here! It's your fault they're missing!"

Dropping his hand, Allen blinked. Maybe the man did know something, and Allen needed to find out. Schooling his frustrated expression, Allen smiled kindly, backing up slightly and putting distance in between him and the angry civilian.

"Sir, my friends and I are looking for them. If you have any information, we might be able to locate them a lot quicker – "

The man started shaking his head, his face turning purple. If Allen hadn't been standing there for five minutes, he might have assumed the poor guy was choking – but, considering the man had been screaming and cursing for the past five minutes, Allen dismissed the thought.

"It's your fault they're gone," the man said, interrupting Allen's thoughts. His voice had gone low, and Allen leaned in a bit closer to listen. "It's your fault they're gone. They aren't coming back. They're… She's…"

"She?"

"She's dead."

Allen gasped slightly, his eyes widening. He was completely lost at what the man was talking about, and something in his very core dreaded the situation to come.

"Can you explain?"

Signing, the man replied.

"…My name is Dile."

Dile's face began losing the unhealthy color, returning to a light tan. Turning around, Dile waved his hand as a gesture to follow, and Allen just watched him for a few minutes before following. He lead the exorcist down a dark alley, few buildings highlighted by the slight sunshine peeking through the clouded sky. As they walked past the small houses, the villagers in the windows closed the curtain, and Allen felt a slight chill through his body.

What's with this guy?

Shrugging, Allen continued to follow, the silence beginning to torment him. There was a dull ache in his chest, and he idly touched the material over his covered wounds. The temperature was still far below zero, and Allen had his overcoat wound tightly around him to shield out some of the chilly air. Although the black uniform with red trimmings was warm, for some reason, the cold was affecting Allen more then he let on. He could still recall earlier that morning, when Lavi had pointed it out.

"Exorcist? I'm not going to tell you if you keep spacing out."

Allen shook his head, smiling apologetically.

"Sorry, a bit on my mind."

Dile looked suspicious, but shook it off, leading Allen to one of the small houses. The bricks were a dark brown, the little bit of sunshine making some of the bricks glow. All the pale curtains were closed, and despite having two floors, the building still looked small. As he walked inside, Allen's eyes widened slightly at the inside. The interior was quaint, a small rug covering some of the cold floor as a single table with three chairs furnished the room.

"Well, anyways, take a seat. Would you like some tea?"

Allen nodded politely, the small smile never leaving his face. It seemed odd to be having tea with a man who, just minutes ago, had been cursing Allen's very existence. Looking around, Allen saw a small, framed picture hanging on the wall. A young girl with dark hair and a white dress was in front, carrying a young child in her arms. A man stood behind both of them, his thin arm embracing a beautiful woman, her short blonde hair shining.

They looked happy.

"That's my son, and his family."

Dile returned, taking a seat across from Allen.

"They're lovely."

"Well, my son's wife is deceased… She passed away a few years ago, due to a disease that wasn't curable. You should know the rest."

Allen tilted his head, confusion clouding his mind.

Could it be…?

Dile nodded, his eyes darkening with unshed tears. The dark aura that Allen was beginning to grow accustomed to returned, but he ignored it, focusing his thoughts and attention on the current situation.

"They… They're your family…"

"Yes. I'll explain it all in a few minutes, but how about we wait for the tea?"

Dile attempted a smile, but even Allen could tell it was sad – after all, Allen knew fake smiles all to well. Nodding Allen looked out the window beside him, the glass looking cold as the wind outside danced along the trees and leaves. Glancing back at the picture, Allen noticed something around the young girl's neck, the silver almost blending in with her pale skin.

That's the Innocence!

"Something the matter?"

Allen averted his eyes from the picture, the color draining from his already pale face.

"Ah… No, no."

The suspicion returned to his eyes, and Allen quickly diverted his attention. It wasn't hard, for the loud whistle of the tea kettle startled both men in the room.

"I'll be right back."

Allen nodded, a sudden thought echoing through out his mind.

I wonder how the others made out. I know Lavi and Kanda went to the forest to look around… Lenalee went to ask some of the civilians. I don't think they'll find anything though, not if what this man said is true.

"Here you go, boy. It's green tea, I hope you don't mind."

Allen gratefully took the cup, the china feeling hot in his cold hands. He gladly took in the warmth, the liquid burning his throat happily.

"Well, I suppose I should explain," Dile started, sipping his own tea and placing it back down. "You see, my son, Kai, loved his wife dearly. They were a very happy family – with good luck, too. But when Lara died, Kai began losing faith in God and just about everything else. It was Cleo who brought back his senses, and helped him through the rough times to come.

"However, Cleo was a very special girl. She could sense what people were feeling by shrouding them in invisible fog – at least, that's what she told me, and I believed her – and she was always there to support anyone. Suddenly, demons began attacking the villagers, the fields – no one knew what to do. One night, a demon destroyed their house, and said he wanted Cleo. Panicking, they fled into the forest. Ever since then, they've been missing, and the fog won't dissipate. That's why I believe Cleo. That fog has something to do with her, I know it. But if it's not invisible…"

"Then you're presuming she's… dead."

Dile nodded, and the pieces suddenly started clicking to Allen.

"If you don't mind me asking… How did Lara die?"

Dile shifted, taking another sip of his tea, Allen mimicking the movement.

"No one was sure. She was found with pentacles on her body. Yes, I knew what it was, because I know of you exorcists and the akuma."

Allen blinked, almost dropping his cup.

"Y-you know?"

"Of course. An exorcist with red hair and half a mask showed up a long time ago, slaying a demon right before my eyes. No one else had seen it. No one else had believed me."

Allen choked on his tea, pounding his chest to try and catch his breath. There was no mistaking the description – Cross had come to the village.

"He was a nice man, really. A bit odd… Do you happen to know him?"

Allen sighed, rubbing his good eye to try and clear his mind. He wasn't sure if he should express his ties with his former master, but something encouraged him to share the information, and Allen swore he could feel the 14th's presence. Sitting up a bit more, Allen folded his hands on the table, his cursed eye pounding underneath the bandages.

"Um, well, yes. He was my master. But he passed away a little while ago… I'm not surprised it was him – "

"Oh, it wasn't just him," Dile said, interrupting. "A woman was with him. Blonde hair, a burn scar. They seemed close."

Allen stared dumbly for a few minutes. Klaud? Klaud had been with his master? Shaking his head, the young boy sighed, placing his hands on the warm mug of tea. The heat was still radiating from the cup, and it warmed Allen up a bit.

"Sir, I'm very sorry. But we're not going to give up – we'll find your family, I promise."

The man chuckled sadly, placing his own mug of tea on the wooden table. A pounding on the window foretold rain, and the aura that Allen had been cleverly ignoring came back full force. He thought he might vomit, but pushed down the bile as he waiting for Dile to answer.

"Look, boy, I appreciate it. I do. But… the chances…"

"Are slim, maybe. But that never stopped us before."

Dile contemplated this, folding his hands underneath his chin.

"If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?"

"Allen Walker," he said, a bit startled at the unexpected question. Dile's eyes widened, pointing a finger at the boy in front of him.

"That man mentioned you! I asked him if he had a family, and he had said he had 'an idiot apprentice who was the closest family he had.' You're the cursed Allen Walker!"

Allen felt tears sting his eyes, confusing him slightly. It seemed out of character for Cross to say anything of he sort, yet Allen found himself missing his once master. He hadn't even paid any mind to the 'cursed' part, instead reveling in the hollowness that settled in the pit of his stomach.

"I didn't mean to offend you…"

"No, no, it's alright. I'm not offended. Just… shocked."

Dile nodded, taking the final drink of tea and standing up.

"If it's any consolation, he said it with… pride, I do believe."

Allen smiled, but it was short lived as a large knocking came from the window beside him, making him jump. As he turned to look, he found something golden looking at him, and Allen felt sweat drip down the back of his neck.

"Timcanpy…"

Dile started laughing as he came back into the room, pointing at Tim.

"That's the same creature that had been with the exorcist."

"It's Timcanpy. He's a communication golem. He's supposed to be with one of my comrades, I hope she's okay…"

Dile walked over to the window, leaning over Allen to unlatch the glass and let Tim inside. The golem immediately landed in front of it's new master, opening his mouth to project a screen. A familiar figure was flung backwards into a wall, blood trailing on the bricks and onto the ground. Allen watched as Lenalee stood back up, attempting to fight the level four that was also being projected. Jumping up, Allen was about to run to find his comrade, but Dile stopped him and pointed to Tim. Allen watched as the akuma suddenly flew off, leaving the injured girl unconscious on the ground.

"What…? Another level four? And it just disappeared… What's going on?"

Tim closed his mouth, resting on Allen's head.

"Thank you, sir, for the tea. And for explaining everything. We'll find your family, I promise, but right now I have to find Lenalee – "

"Allen, bring her here. I can get her treated. I used to be a doctor."

Allen nodded his thanks, bolting out the door and down the darkened street. Although his knowledge on the village was limited, he knew enough to recognize where Lenalee had fallen. Picking up his pace, Allen made the necessary turns and curves, spotting something crimson up ahead.

Please be okay, Lenalee!

When he reached his comrade, Allen looked for various wounds on her body. He uniform was still in tact, and a few scrapes marred her thin legs. No blood was surrounding her body, and thankfully, there was only one head wound that must have knocked her unconscious. Allen breathed a sigh of relief when it didn't look to worrisome. Still, he picked her up cradle style, carrying her as fast as he could without jostling her back to Dile's house. It wasn't hard to find, and Dile was standing outside, waving frantically with a first aid kit in his hand. As Allen reached the house, almost out of breath, Dile lead him inside, his crimson sweater standing out against the grayish aura.

"Lie her down on the couch."

Allen did what he was told, gently releasing her as Dile tended to her wounds. Timcanpy flitted around Allen, a buzzing sound emanating from the golem.

"Lenalee? Are you there?"

He immediately recognized Lavi's voice.

"It's Allen. Lenalee was attacked, but she's being taken care of now."

"Attacked? How…?"

"It was a level four, again."

Allen had understood Lavi's general question – they were exorcists, and normally didn't get defeated by the very demons they were fighting. But level four's were a force to be reckoned with when caught off guard, especially when one of them were alone. It seemed as if the Earl were making the akuma stronger and stronger.

There was silence over the golems as Lavi was speechless.

"We'll have to figure out where all the akuma are coming from. How's Kanda?"

"He's fine. He went up ahead when he couldn't get a signal from his golem. It's working now."

"Alright. We'll meet up in two hours at the hotel. Can you make it back in that time?"

"Sure. As long as there aren't too many akuma, we should be fine. See you then."

The golem hung up, and Allen found himself feeling extremely fatigued. He had to hang on to the nearby wall for support as the world swam in front of him, his wounds stinging with a newfound pain.

"So that's how they work… You're injured too, aren't you?"

Allen nodded.

"From our last mission, though. I'm fine."

Dile finished working on Lenalee, coming up to Allen and feeling his forehead.

"You're clammy. And warm. There's an extra bed upstairs, third door on the left. Get some rest, and I'll wake you up in an hour and a half so you can join your friends."

Despite his analysis, Allen actually felt ridiculously cold. But sleep sounded nice – if he didn't have similar dreams every time he closed his eyes.

"I can give you sleeping medicine, if it helps."

Allen just stared, not sure what to say.

Who is he…?

"I'm a doctor, remember? Now, go. I'll be up in a few minutes to give you something to help you sleep."

Normally, Allen wouldn't trust someone enough to get shut eye in their house – but something about the man screamed innocent, so Allen nodded, trailing up the stairs and following the hall until he reached the third door on the left. As he entered the small room, he found himself staring in to a mirror, the black, shadowy figure looking back at him with the familiar smile. If Allen's eyes weren't deceiving him, the 14th was becoming clearer, and Allen felt the sick, dark aura shrouding him once again.

What's happening…?

"Allen? Here, drink this."

Turning around, Allen accepted the drink, downing the foul liquid in one go. After the startling realization of the image that haunted him in his nightmares, Allen was desperate for some sleep that was dreamless, where he wouldn't fear the Noah inside him, or have to relive the night that changed his life. Twice.

Mana, and Cross.

Hearing Dile shut the door, Allen shed his overcoat and tumbled onto the bed, tears filling his one good eye as he crawled under the blankets and into himself.

He fell into sleep, but it wasn't dreamless.

ii.

"Allen, keep up!"

The white haired boy stared after his former master, the red haired general walking far up ahead as he called out to his ex-apprentice.

"Come on, I want to show you something."

Shrugging, the realization of everything being a dream, Allen ran up to Cross, falling in step beside him. The scenery was familiar, the rocky path bright as it fell beside the shining green grass, the sun hot as it beat down on the two walking. Allen looked down, feeling odd in his familiar white shirt, red tie, and black pants. No pain, no bandages.

It was nice.

"Allen, you're getting better at fighting. You let your guard down too much, though. I thought I told you not to do that? Remember the time in India?"

Allen nodded, looking up at Cross with interest.

"Master – "

"Ah, it's Cross now. I'm not your master anymore, my boy."

Shrugging, Allen continued.

"Cross, where are we going? What are you showing me?

"You'll see," was all Cross said, looking up into the clear sky. Allen found himself with the hollow feeling once again. Even though he knew it was a dream, it still made him miss his master – Cross had become a father figure, however unorthodox it was.

"Allen?" Cross asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Look."

Allen glanced forward, the patch of flowers swaying slightly from the breeze. A large tree loomed over, creating shade for the bright colors. Mana stood within the flora, smiling with his familiar his top hat placed upon his head.

"Hello, Allen. It's been a long time since we've been able to talk."

Allen froze, not believing it. Even though he knew it was a dream, it seemed unbelievably real, as if they were directly talking to him. Maybe they were?

"Allen, you've continued to walk. And when I told you to breathe, I meant it."

Mana stepped away from the flowers, placing a hand on Allen's other shoulder as he smiled widely.

"Always breathe as you walk, and you'll be just fine."

Allen, don't listen to him.

The dark aura returned, and Allen gasped, feeling ill once again.

Both Cross and Mana tightened their grips, and a different aura began to shroud him. The dream began to fade, and Allen reached out for Mana as the latter wrapped his arms around the boy, Allen now feeling like he was the young child who had been found by the very man holding him.

"Never forget."

The dream faded away, and Mana and Cross were gone.

"Allen, I hate to wake you up, but it's been an hour and a half. Lenalee is awake as well, and she's downstairs waiting."

Allen quickly sat up, feeling slightly disoriented, but unaffected as well. He knew there was a meaning behind the dream, but didn't have time to think on it as he jumped out of bed, quickly grabbing his coat and thanking Dile for waking him up and ignoring the pain from his chest. As he trailed down the stairs, something – or someone – slammed into him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace.

"Lenalee! You're alright," Allen said, wincing as the pain intensified.

"Allen! Kanda just called over the golem! They found something!"


A Christmas Story

The Christmas holidays are slowly approaching, and everyone is preparing for both the holidays and Allen's sixteenth birthday. But when Allen stumbles upon the same potion that turned Lavi and Kanda to kids once before, the almost sixteen year old is reverted back to his six year old self – with no memories of anything after that. When Kanda is put on babysitting duty, the samurai learns more about the boy known as 'moyashi' that may change the way everyone thinks. Will it be a Christmas to remember?

"Bean sprout really is a bean sprout, now." ~Lavi