Author's Note: From now on, I have decided to write chapters in this point of view, rather than switching between Allen and Ed's P.O.V all the time. So, sorry for the late change, but I hope you all still like the story. XD

Chapter Ten – Host

They were all gathered in the crowded office of Mustang, each group facing each other. Ed, Al, Mustang and Hawkeye sat on one couch while Komui, Lavi, and Leenalee sat on the other. Kanda and Allen stood behind them, still glancing nervously at the crowd of military personnel that worked for Mustang. They all hovered around the group, their eyes wide and waiting as the Exorcists prepared to tell their story. Allen glanced to Komui with hard eyes as he began to tell it.

"Our order is called the Black Order, the Dark Order. We are a group of scientists, Finders, Exorcists, and Generals. Generals are Exorcists that are beyond normal and have proven their worth in battle after battle, Allen-Kun here being the youngest we have had yet," Komui smiled up at the boy when he protested at his nickname being used. Lavi joined in on teasing him before Allen shut them both up with a glare that could kill.

"I fight for the Humans and the Akuma. I fight to save the Humans and release the poor souls inside of the Akuma. It's our job to make sure that they don't spread to other worlds, but apparently the Noah have made a deal with the Homunculus over here," Allen's glare left his friends as a more friendly stare landed on the couch opposite himself.

"What are Akuma?" Fury piped up across the room, all eyes flitting to him.

"They are demons. They are made when someone calls back the soul of their loved one. Their loved one then kills them, taking their body and skin to use for themselves and the Earl's purposes. The Millennium Earl is the head of the Clan of Noah, our arch-enemies, I guess you could call them," Kanda spoke with enough hatred in his voice to have poor Fury cowering up against the wall. Komui gave another smile, oblivious to the fear around him as he continued.

"Our job is to get more Innocence than the Earl and Noah. Innocence is what enables Exorcists to be created, made, find their weapons and fight. Kanda has his sword, Allen his arm, Lavi his hammer, and Leenalee her boots. Each Innocence user can come to a point in which they develop their Innocence, as Allen did to come to the point of having Crowned Clown," At that point, Allen activated his Innocence, showing off to them his white and black arm. A silver mask as holding a white cloak to his chest, explaining where he got the name "Crowned Clown". Komui continued to explain that Leenalee had developed as well, watching as Leenalee stood up, and activated her red boots, showing them off to the others. Lavi stood next to her, growing his hammer to the point of it being about head level. Kanda pulled Mugen free of its' sheath with a little too much enjoyment out of the reactions gotten from the Alchemists.

"There are only two more Exorcists that have had any experience in the battlefield, Krory and Miranda. They are both on missions at the moment, but should you ever wish to meet them, I can arrange it," Komui was left as the only one sitting, a smile plastered on his face as he told the story.

"Why is your hair white, Allen? And what is with the scar?" Someone piped up from the small crowd of Central Military personnel. Allen stiffened, his eyes flitting to the general direction of the voice. His whole demeanor had changed the instant they started to ask him the question, now a dark aura enveloping him.

"As a child, I lost my adoptive father, Mana. I made him come back, but instead of killing me, he cursed me. I killed him instead…" Allen trailed off, his gaze diverting to the floor. All went silent as Ed and Al suddenly made the connection he had made not to long ago. They realized just how much the Exorcist General was like them, and just how much they were like the other. Ed stood, looking to the group with seriousness.

"You were right when you said I had Innocence, Lavi," Ed dug in his pocket as Kanda and Allen turned on him. Allen snapped out of his depressing revere, saying something along the lines of "Why didn't you tell us?" and watching calmly as Kanda pointed the sword at the Rabbits throat. The military group was ready to save the rabbit, but Kanda sent them a glare that fended them off.

"I didn't say anything 'cuz I wasn't sure. Plus, he denied it and he seemed like an honest kid," Lavi shot a glare towards Allen as he paid no mind to the sword at his neck. Ed grumbled something about being called a kid, but left it at that as Al looked to him sternly. Ed outstretched his hand, the glowing green orb hovering slightly over his skin. All the Exorcists left their pointless battle, eyes falling to the Innocence.

"Yeah, that is definitely Innocence," Lavi stated the obvious, getting glares then even from the opposite side. Ed prepared to hand it over but was surprised when Komui stopped him.

"Are you sure he isn't a host?" Komui eyed the others, watching as their eyes lit up with realization. Allen took a step around the couch, his white cloak billowing slightly behind him as he did so. He reached towards the boy with his white hand, letting the Innocence decide then. It was a Generals job to know if there was host, and the Innocence would not respond to Allen if Edward ended up being one.

Al took a step closer just then, the orb bouncing slightly at the movement. All Exorcists eyes flitted to him, all except Allen as he stared intently at the orb. "Hand it to Al, would you?" He asked kindly. Ed did just that, watching as it bounced all too happily into the Armored boys' hand. Allen followed it, his hand still outstretched towards the orb as he waited for it to decide. All eyes were watching, all of their hearts nearly in their throats. Al held the orb, watching it with curiosity.

He could feel it. He could feel the warmth the orb had to offer, the little pulse of life that it was. He could feel something after nearly three years of not even being able to sleep. He wanted to scream and jump with joy at even the small fact he could feel it, if he didn't end up being a host. He wanted to smile, to be able to show the others just what he was feeling right then. He wanted more than anything to show Ed that he was happy and to have his brother stop worrying about everyone but himself. He wanted to scream and shout and smile and dance, all in his human body. He could feel the warmth.

"It chose him. Al is a host," Allen declared after a lengthy pause. Al looked back up to the General, at once seeing a General and not a boy any longer.

So, what did a being a host mean, exactly?

Author's Note 2: So, yeah, Al is a host. If you want to comment with ideas on what his Innocence could take the form of, I would appreciate the help immensely. I hope I didn't just ruin his character, but I think that it takes the right form, it will end well.

Thanks for reading! Please Review?