Author's Note:
Thanks again for the reviews! Please keep them coming... I need some motivation to go on... school is getting tougher and tougher and is the reason why I haven't been updating. Actually, I should be doing something else but I missed writing so much that I just have to update.
Disclaimer: I don't own D Gray Man. Heheh...
Chapter 14: Take Two
Kanda was tired. She breathed deeply before aiming another kunai at a particular spot at a tree trunk. A whoosh was heard before the said kunai landed dead on the spot she aimed for.
"Tch"
Kanda stood at her usual training ground in her exorcist uniform. She went there to vent all of her frustrations out on the random things that her gaze would land on like she usually does when her missions go bad or Lavi pisses her off. Unfortunately, it wasn't working out the way it was suppose to.
She threw another kunai hitting the tree right beside her previous throw. No matter how good she seemed to be at throwing the damned things, it wasn't the same as slashing things with Mugen. The katana has never failed to relieve her from her frustrations whatever they may be; and she really needed to take it out on something. She was very frustrated.
Why the hell did she accept this mission again? Right, because the code of the samurai says she should protect the weak. And women (Lenalee) are generally weaker, along with children. Honor the Bushido...
Kanda brought out three more kunais, pausing to contemplate where to throw them next. She unconsciously wiped her lips at the back of her hand smudging a small amount of the accursed substance that she missed when she washed her face. Those make-up things sure are fucking hard to remove.
Earlier today, Kanda spent at least five hours learning how to put on make up on her own from Lenalee. She doesn't remember much from her childhood but she is somehow reminded of the porcelain dolls of Japanese women when she puts on the colors. She has always hated those things. What is the point of putting on make up anyways? No matter how good you look after you put them on, nothing changes. After you wash them off, you're the same old person and you accomplish nothing but deceive others into thinking that you are something you are not. How shallow...
"But Kanda, you will be on your own when you get there and no one will be able to help you dress," Lenalee told her sternly while trying to teach her how to put color on her lips.
"Tch" was the only thing she said in reply. Kanda was well aware of the seriousness of the mission no matter how much she feels stupid doing all of this stuff.
She tried acting professional about it, even tried ignoring it but Kanda just can't shake off the feeling that something's just not right. How can betraying you manhood be right anyway? It's just a plain and painful jab at her used-to-be manly samurai pride.
And that's another thing. She is no longer a man. Kanda wanted to scream a whirlwind of curses at the top of her voice, well aware that the act is nothing but stupidity. But what can she do? This mission wouldn't be given to her if it hadn't been for the gender switch. Kanda is not the type of person who would whine about such things when she knows that there are more important things to worry about.
Thus Kanda does not whine. Instead, she decided to take it out on the innocent trees, insect and all the other things that had the misfortune to be there.
"I knew you'd be here," Allen said making his way carefully into the clearing.
Kanda rolled her eyes muttering a "tch" before deciding to ignore Allen. She proceeded to randomly tossing the kunai in her hand to the tree. She sighed.
"We're leaving tomorrow," Allen said.
"I know that beansprout," Kanda said annoyed. This has got to be the most stupid thing she will ever do.
Allen smiled a bit. Truthfully, he had been secretly looking forward to this mission. Allen knew that this was a mission and going with Kanda does not make it something else. It doesn't change the fact that they are still part of the war but he can't help feel somewhat happy about the whole thing.
For once, Kanda will be the vulnerable one. He'll have the chance to be someone Kanda depends on. Kanda had depended on Allen several times during their numerous past missions and even though she never admitted it, Allen knew. But those are different. Allen wanted to be much more than a partner, he wanted to be her keeper.
"Stop smiling. You're nullifying the effects of kunai throwing," Kanda said suddenly.
"What? I'm nullifying what?" Allen asked perplexed.
"Tch, nothing. You didn't come here just to remind me of the mission, did you?" Kanda said. She sat down, finally giving in to the tension of her legs. Her face didn't show it.
"Komui asked me to tell you to come by his office before we leave tomorrow. I think he's very worried about you cutting off Arthur's head before we even get the chance to investigate," Allen said taking a seat too.
"Tch. If he doesn't trust me that much, maybe he should have picked someone else to cross dress for him," Kanda said.
"I don't know, I think he's got a very good reason to worry," Allen said smirking.
Kanda smirked. At least they got the right person to worry about.
"Looks like you'll be holding Mugen for me again," Kanda said. Allen nodded.
"Take care of it like it's your own damned life," she said seriously and got up. She started to walk back to the castle.
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"PLEEEEAAASSSEEE...!"
"I told you, you're still in no shape to go on missions!"
"But I'm feeling all better! Keeping me at in the clinic is just stupid!"
Kanda and Allen didn't need to be inside Komui's office to know that Lavi is pleading for Komui to let him go with them. They entered the door to find Lavi tightly holding Komui's right leg.
"Ah! Yu-chan! Will you tell our supervisor that you absolutely need me during that mission," Lavi said as he spotted Kanda entering.
"First, stop calling me that. Second, absolutely not," Kanda said. "I'm already babysitting the Moyashi and I don't want a stupid usagi to worry about too."
Both Allen and Lavi stared at her. Kanda ignored them. "You wanted to talk to me?"
Komui suppressed a grin. "Yes, actually. Kanda, I know you are a person with short temper but PLEASE, please don't kill Arthur if he tries anything on you." Komui looked seriously at her.
"Try anything? I'll skin him alive if he does try anything," Kanda said.
"I'm serious. We already know that there is a very big chance that he'll try to get close to you since you're Asian but we also know that he likes Asian women even more. Let's not be blind about the details," Komui said.
"tch"
"I'm including in your mission objectives that Arthur stays alive. Do your best to put distance between you and him discretely but be patient with him," Komui added giving Kanda a meaningful look.
"I think I will be able to hold him off when necessary," Allen said.
"Who? Yu or Arthur?" Lavi asked.
"Both," Allen replied.
"I'll take your word for it," Komui said looking relieved upon hearing Allen's statement.
"Now, get some sleep. The ship where you will find Arthur will arrive tomorrow morning to reload supplies before continuing on south. Both of you should be able to get on that ship," Komui told them.
Allen nodded and Kanda tch-ed before leaving. They have some packing to do.
"Is there a chance that I will be able to go with them if I tell you that my head is fine?" Lavi asked Komui.
"No," Komui answered.
Lavi huffed before taking his leave too.
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Lavi's POV
Bookman was looking straight at me when I entered the library. His hands were holding several pieces of paper while a jar of ink stood open beside his brush. Even though he looked like he had been busy all these time, his gaze perfectly caught mine as soon as I opened the door. He had been waiting for me.
I said nothing and went straight to my desk to continue working on my logs.
"You are showing quite an unusual enthusiasm for your work," he said.
I said nothing. I tried to focus on what I'm writing.
"If you keep this up, you might succeed in getting to the next level," Bookman added as though I did not ignore him just a moment ago.
"Doing logs is all I have to do. I'm not going anywhere so I might as well," I said monotonously.
"Your role as my apprentice is more important than the façade of being an exorcist. Logs go first before missions," he said. The rustling of papers was hitting my ears like little drills.
"You made sure of that," I said before I could stop myself. I turned my gaze at my master. He was staring back at me.
"It is for your own good. Being involved is the last thing a stupid apprentice like yourself should do," he said staring hard at me.
"I'm not being involved with anyone," I said quietly.
Bookman huffed in disbelieve before saying "I thought as a watcher, you'd see your own self."
"I do not understand."
"Don't be confused. You're letting the setting engulf you with its colors and excitement. This, Lavi, is nothing but a backdrop. I told you that."
"And that's how I see everything."
"Don't fool yourself and don't stray either. It's as clear as day to me!"
I looked away my hands shaking as I tightly grip the brush that has written nothing but a black dot. Kanda...
"This is a very critical stage for you and for our clan. You are chosen. There is nothing you can do but walk the path that is laid down at your feet," my master said firmly. "Be always reminded."
Of course I remember. I know. Everyday of my life I live my days at the constant watch of the elders. Reminding me is something they do very often.
I released the brush from my grip. Looking up and breathing deeply, I tried to push the nagging feeling in my chest away. I mustered a nod.
"You've come a long way. There is no turning back now," he said gathering the papers before going out of the room. I was left alone.
"This eye can never be opened unless to witness important events in history," I said. He just stared at me.
"Tch, what the heck are you talking about?"
"My eyepatch. That's why I wear my eye patch," I said.
His eyes widened but did not say anything. "Why did you come here? I thought Bookman told you not to see me again."
For some reason, I felt happy. I knew I'd get into trouble but I didn't care.
"Even a bookman apprentice is allowed to visit his friend right?" I asked him smiling slightly.
"Tch, baka. Go back to your room."
"But Bookman is taking me to India tomorrow," I said.
"I know. Don't be such a wuss, everyone has to undergo training. What are you worrying about any way?" he said looking straight at me.
"But Jiji said... I won't be... It will never be the same," I tried to explain but he knew already.
"Maybe it's time you do some growing up. Watashi mou..."
One of the disadvantages of being the next Bookman is that you remember everything. How he looked, his voice, even the exact words we uttered.
"I'm sorry Yu. It looks like I have some more growing up to do. I still haven't grown out of being a wuss."
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I'm trying to build the system by which my version of the Bookman clan works. I hope the things I wrote made sense. Next chapter will be the start of Kanda and Allen's mission.
Tell me what you think. DO you have suggestions for the plot? No guarantee that they will be used though I would still love to hear from you. Please review! XD