-The Request-

"No one can control the Ark but you and Rhode! How could you even think I would be doing it myself? I don't have that kind of power." Panic was beginning to set in. The Earl seemed quite (correctly) convinced that Neah had been the one to mess with the Ark and wasn't to be dissuaded.

The Earl had finally caught on that Neah was the reason for all the trouble on the Ark and was plotting revenge. Everyone knew he'd betrayed the clan by saving the exorcists' lives. Neah knew it was only a matter of time before he'd have to kill or be killed and he preferably would have liked to stay alive. He permanently sealed his room off so that no one could find it without his permission. This special honor would go to both Cross and whomever Neah chose to leave behind as his 'player.' That part would have to wait until he made his move. He'd only planned on passing his ability on if he failed in his mission.

It was when he discussed his ideas and strategies with Cross that Neah realized that he was more than likely going to get himself killed. He was going to have to kill all the other Noah individually in order to succeed.

His friend brought news from Mana as well. He was living comfortably in his profession and seemed happy enough despite not having seen his brother for nearly ten years. Cross had told Mana of Neah's plans and, as an older sibling is meant to do, Mana expressed his concern that he was putting himself in danger. Neah wrote a letter in response, saying that he would be returning to his side once everything was over and to expect him soon. He also wrote that he need not worry about him; that everything would be fine. After a final check of the letter and hoping his brother wouldn't catch the lie, Neah sent the letter with Cross to meet up with Mana and deliver his brother the news that he was planning every step and scenario. All he could hope was that Mana bought it, but that was unlikely. He'd always known when Neah was lying.

Cross appeared at the Order for a mission brief before leaving to find Mana. Mackley had decided to send him on an errand to find a possible Innocence host in England. The young general gave a sigh of relief; he wouldn't have to go too far out of his way to deliver his message. Mana was living in England not too far from where the supposed host lived. He stepped out into the rainy night, hoping the journey would be akuma-free and eventless. The Noah didn't need to know of his correspondence with Mana through Neah. He was in enough trouble as it was without them finding out he was also conspiring with the Order, not just working to save them.

The circus was set up and in between shows, but it didn't take Cross long to find the entertainer. Mana was hiding in his small preparation area outside the tent, changing make-up and making sure he was all tidy for the upcoming show. The exorcist approached the aging man and handed him the letter, "Neah has a few words for you, Mana."

He took the letter and opened it slowly. Inside was an explanation of what Neah was planning to do:

Mana-

I hope Cross makes it to you safely so that my message gets to you. You undoubtedly know of my plans to take down the Noah clan. What Cross told you is true. My goal is to destroy them so that never again can anyone be harmed by the Akuma or the clan.

I have control over the Ark and can disrupt the Earl's control of it. I want to use this to keep the exorcists safe in their journey while they find the Innocence fragments and their hosts. I know that the Earl is catching on to my plans and by the time you read this, he will most likely have caught me, but do not worry. I will be fine. I'm a Noah, too, so it won't be that easy for him to kill me.

I plan on returning to your side soon, brother, as soon as I defeat the Earl and assume control of the clan. Be ready for me.

Your brother

Neah

Mana's face looked worried even from beneath the make-up, "Cross, he's going to get himself killed. What do I do?"

The exorcist stared at his friend before sitting down on the cold, wet grass, "I'm not sure, Mana. He's going to try to kill them all no matter what I tell him. He seems determined, but I'll let him know to at least prepare for the worst. Knowing Neah, he probably already knows the incredible danger in his plan and is ready for it."

"When will you be meeting up with him again?"

"In a few weeks, why?" The clown stared at the ground before answering the question.

"I'll be waiting for him here. Tell him to come here when he finishes what he's doing." Cross gave Mana a look of concern, but nodded after a moment.

"I'll tell him."

And with that the general left.

At almost thirty years old, Neah had been planning the destruction of the Noah clan for nearly ten years. His plans were about to be set into motion and the final piece was the exorcist to whom he was trusting everything he had.

The tension in the family was rising as everyone began to suspect that Neah had more up his sleeve than messing with the Ark. He couldn't wait for Cross any longer. He was going to have to use an upcoming attack to begin executing the clan. It was now or never.