Chapter 15

Luna's POV:

Andre Carmichael.

Honestly, I was shocked. I hadn't expected to meet dad so soon, not to mention at the Order. Last time I saw him was, like, half a year ago. Only I had the chance to see him. Neither mom nor Mina knew. It was unfair not to tell them, but dad made me. He wanted to meet in secret and told me that he may have found a way to cure Mina. So, I had kept my mouth shut.

He had changed, but the differences were minor.

His hair needed to be cut; I could see white streaks here and there. He had to shave and the bags under his eyes were still very noticeable. But everything else was the same. His eyes hadn't lost their gleam, his clothes were wrinkled, because he was probably in a hurry and didn't want to lose time ironing them. When he pulled the both of us for a hug, I smelled the familiar sent of coffee.

''My bunnies…'' he said, tightening the embrace. I teared up, knowing that Mina was crying too. He hadn't called us like that in a very long time. I'd never realized how much I had missed him.

But, after a moment that felt like a heartbeat, I realized something very important. His clothes and attitude and the way he acted. He was part of the Order. There was no way for him to help us escape.

'Oh, crap…'

'We're so screwed!'

''W-what are you doing here?'' I asked when he let us go. Mina was staring at dad wide-eyed.

Dad sighed. He sat on the bench near the others and we did too. We all listened carefully.

''Probably you've figured it out, but… I work here. I'm part of the science department.''

''For how long?'' I asked.

''I got hired one year before your mother and I got married. To be honest, your aunt, Iris, was the one who introduced me to your mother. If I remember correctly her words were:

'I think it would be good if you dorks became friends.'

It was really awkward!'' dad laughed. ''We didn't even know what to say. But, as the time passed and with a lot of help from Iris, we became good friends and at some point we started dating. We never separated, even when Iris died.

The truth is that we had to at some point, because Maria got pregnant. The order wasn't a place for babies and Maria didn't want to raise our child in this environment. What kind of parent would want their child to grow among the bodies of his close friends. Imagine the surprise when we found out we were expecting twins.

So, that's why she returned to her home country, Bulgaria. As a supporter, she was allowed more freedom than me. I was given very short breaks from work and I took even extra paper work, so that we could be sure you had everything you needed.

Unfortunately, there was a problem and your mother had to be operated on. One of the babies was dying, so she had to give birth ahead of schedule. I was there with your mother that day.

The operation was a success but we were told that one of the babies had a green mark on her back while the other was a more serious case. We were told that Mina had a heart defect. That was the moment when both of us decided to do everything we could to protect you. I worked harder in order to pay for Mina's operations and while Maria took care of you two, I talked with Hevlaska. It wasn't easy, but we managed to secretly bring you to the order, to try and see what we could do to heal you.

Then, Hevlaska told us that the two of you were accommodators. To be honest, we presumed this outcome for Luna, but we didn't know a thing about Mina. Her condition still remained unclear. Hevlaska advised us not to separate the two of you. Somehow, Luna was holding Mina and that was something we could've never done.

We did what we could, the doctors and the surgeries. We knew that somehow, Luna was helping you. She kept you alive. I decided to come and visit you at times when an operation was going to be done. Either then or at special occasions. I wanted to be with you at the times you needed me the most. Mostly, that's my story. I think you know the rest.'' He said as he patted our heads.

''Do we?'' asked Mina skeptically.

Dad smiled and touched Mina's cheek.

''I know what you're thinking. Maria told me about that time.'' Mina and I tensed. We knew perfectly well what he was talking about. The time when mom for the first and last time used the Exorcist on Mina, the only time when she yelled at her. ''I'm so sorry, dear. I never wanted you to feel like I abandoned you, or like a burden. You have no idea how joyful I am. It's true that I'm sad because of what happened to Maria, but I'm happy, happy that you're okay, happy that we're finally able to meet again. No, Mina please don't cry.'' Dad brushed Mina's tears away. ''I know that you probably blame yourself. Don't do it. Maria's death wasn't your fault and it will never be your fault. Ok?''

Mina nodded. He looked at me then at Mina and stood up.

''It was really nice talking to you, but I have to go. I still have a lot of work to do. If you need anything I'm at the lab, if not then in my room- the second floor, near the windows at the end of the corridor.. Bye.''

We watched him leave. When we lost him, we heard Lavi whistle.

''You girls do know a lot of people here. A mother-supporter, an aunt- former exorcist and a father-scientist.''

Mina smiled shyly and added. ''We don't know our aunt, though.''

''Pay him no mind, girls'' said Allen, who had just finished his enormous breakfast. ''By the way, I want dessert, you girls wanna come?''

We gaped. I stuttered ''W-w-w-wait a minute! Didn't you just eat enough to feed a whole squad?''

''There's always room for dessert.'' He said seriously. I stared at him blankly while Mina and the others laughed their asses off.

''Why don't we go, Luna?''

''Ok, if you insist.''

As we walked to the counter, we passed a lot of tables where stood men, hunched over their meals, mumbling things. When we passed them, they would throw us quite the poisonous looks. Mina was squirming in front of me.

'So she noticed too.'

'What the hell is their problem?'

'How the fuck am I supposed to know?'

I was about to turn and ask them, when someone grabbed my hand. It was Allen, placed a small tender smile on his face.

''Don't worry. They're looking at me.'' I was even more determined to say something, but predicting what I was about to do, he only tightened his grip. ''I'm used to it. Leave them be.''

And just like that he let go of my arm and continued on his way. I only stared at him. I didn't consider him a friend, but he somehow wanted to help. I respected that. That's why when I started walking again, I glared at everyone who was glaring at Allen.

The man behind the counter had quite the character. Honestly, it surprised me a lot. That's why I let him cook whatever he wanted. Mina did the same. It was strange how at times we acted so alike. It wasn't unusual. Just weird.

When we got back to our table, we saw Lavi and Lenalee talking to each other. When we sat, Lenalee turned to us with serious expression.

''Lavi told me the details about your training. '' Lenalee stated seriously. ''The thing is that you need someone to give you the basics, you can do the rest. For you, Luna, it won't be so hard. As you saw a few weeks ago, I'm a specialist at fighting in the skies. I can help you learn to maneuver in the skies, but the attacks and all is up to you. The problem, though, is Mina.'' she put on a thoughtful face as she stared at Mina, as if measuring her. ''Most of the exorcists here are using close-ranged weapons. You're an archer, we need to find you someone who is also like you. Not to mention that most of the exorcists are on missions at the moment. Hmm, what are we going to do?''

''I can try'' said Lavi.

''Huh?'' said Mina

'Huh?'

'Huh?'

''I mean, my hammer isn't just for close range fights. If I want, I can use some techniques. Also, there's one person that can help us, but I don't recommend him. So, what do you say? Agreed?''

Needless to say, I wasn't fond of the idea the rabbit to be alone with my sister. Unfortunately, it looked like I had nothing to say about that matter. It was Mina's training after all. I turned towards her to find her blushing.

'The hell?'

'Why is she blushing?'

''Mina, why are you blushing?''

Mina squealed but before she could say something, Lavi grabbed her by the elbow, took her out of the room, yelling:

''TRAINING!''

''That bastard- wait, wait Lenalee!''

''Lavi's right. We have only a month. Every second is precious. Let's go!''

''Allen, do something!''

''Have a great time!'' he waved at us.

''Are you kidding me?!''

Lenalee led me through some corridors, turning left and right, making my head spin. I just gave up trying to remember the turns. After a couple of minutes, we got out, in some sort of a giant field. And the wind was very strong! With a feminine shriek, which made me blush, I caught my skirt. No way to give the horny men a view to my panties. No fucking way! Lenalee obviously didn't have a problem, and her uniform was actually a dress. Did she have no morals?

She turned towards me and grinned.

''I see you already noticed that it is quite windy here. This will be the perfect way for you to experience a small part of the air battle. The current here is really strong, that's why we'll need to be really careful, or less, you'll just fall into the water.'' she pointed behind her, and that's when I heard the sound of crashing waves. I gulped. From the strong wind we could barely hear each other.

''You're insane!''

''But that's how you'll learn!''

''I'm staying right here, not moving!''

''And you won't be! I only want you to try and activate your Innocence! The rest till the end of the day will be me, showing you what to do and not to do while fighting in the middle of the air! The essential!''

''Aren't you worried the people will see your undies?''

''What? No! I wear shorts!'' and that's when I actually noticed them, right under her skirt.

''W-what about me?!''

''I recommend you star wearing shorts! Ok, let's start doing some actual work! I need you to relax!"

I giggled nervously. ''No way! I'll be blown away!''

''Don't worry! I'll catch you!''

''I still don't trust you, you know!'' I didn't, I couldn't. I just couldn't!

''Well, you'll have to! Please, I'll make sure nothing happens to you!''

Despite my best efforts, it was very hard. The moment I relaxed, I felt like I was about to be blown away by the strong wind. My instincts were in conflict. On the one hand I didn't want to relax, if I did that, I was pretty sure blown away. But on the other hand, a part of me knew that there was nothing to be afraid of.

'The skies belong to you...'

'Ita?'

'You have wings right? Use them, fly away, claim the skies as yours. Why are you afraid? You did it once, right?'

'It was for Mina, sh-she needed help.'

'And for whom are you going through this drama? Show them that you are capable. Show them the power of your wings.'

Her voice was alluring. While I listened to her, I forgot everything. Even the current wasn't that strong. I hadn't realized I closed my eyes until I opened them to see Lenalee smiling at me.

''That's how you do it.''

I turned to see my reflection in the windows. No wonder the current didn't feel that strong. After all I had my crystal wings with me.

Mina's POV:

Luna was nervous for some reason. I couldn't see where they took her. Lavi was still pulling me in some unknown direction. But, when I thought about it, the only place I knew was the way to the infirmary. I sweat-dropped.

'Way to go Mina. Visit the doctors first.'

We entered a big hall, with different kinds of equipment at every corner. Dummies lied on the floors or leaned on the walls, targets were put with daggers and small knives, prepared to be thrown. The ceiling was tall, which meant the whole room was meant to be as spacious as possible.

'Well, of course. Gather around so many lunatics and it would be normal to want to have as much space as possible.'

My eyes were caught on the beautiful bows and arrows put on display. My arm twitched with the mere thought to hold them.

''I see you've already set your eyes on your target. Do you know what we're about to do now?''

''Uh, no?''

''You know for sure that physically, you're way weaker than Luna, also her sync level is a bit higher, but no need to worry. We have, like, four weeks to train. I think the best thing we should do is to develop your physical strength during the first week and then to jump to the innocence. You'll continue your development during your training. Well, I think you'll understand the moment we start.''

I nodded, thinking what hell awaited me. I groaned internally. Just the mere thought of training with Lavi made me uncomfortable. He wasn't a bad person, actually he was really nice. But, I couldn't help but notice the way his gaze hardened when his thoughts ran wild or how he rubbed his chin in the same manner. The shirt didn't hide the fact he was well-built, with enough muscles and abs to show. The dream of every teenage girl. And he was going to supervise my training, my every move. My face set off flames, which spread all over my neck.

'Oh, no. Don't tell me I'm crushing over Lavi. Luna will NEVER let me off the hook.'

''Ok, I need you to run a few laps for me.''

''You're kidding, right? Lavi, if you hadn't noticed, I'm in a skirt.''

''I did notice. But don't worry or feel embarrassed. It won't be the first time I see girl's panties.''

I froze and looked at him. Obviously, he realized what he had blurted out and started to stutter.

''N-n-no! I m-meant that I had seen them in the store not see SEE them-''

''Just. Shut. UP.'' I said, feeling super embarrassed.

I ran the laps, actually I did everything he told me, from running, to lifting weights, to doing every possible weird yoga pose he made me do, making him look at my face. There was no way Luna was finding out about this.

After the full drill, we found out I had good speed and agility. And, finally, it came the time for the bows.

Lavi gave me one and brought me three arrows, with the directions to aim for the three targets next to each other at a greater distance.

I put in an arrow, pulled the string and tensed. It was so different from my own bow. Yet, with all of my might I pulled the string at its extend and fired, three times. The first arrow hit the center, but the other two hit the second circle.

'Damn it!'

''What happened?'' asked Lavi with empty voice.

''Usually my bow is adjusted for my own strength. And my accuracy is perfect if the bow is well adjusted, just to say.''

''Well, sorry to disappoint you, but this whole week you're using those. Good way to get stronger. Then you're fighting me.''

I sat on the ground and looked at him as if he had fallen from Mars.

''Excuse me, what?''

''You heard me.'' Lavi grinned. ''So you know, I won't go easy on you.''

I smirked. ''I haven't become that desperate.''

''Ouch!'' he said through giggles and before we knew it, we were both laughing. He sat next to me and the emotions I'd been feeling became stronger. Joy, mostly, but also some sadness. I could clearly feel an emotion, but it was so raw, I didn't know how to explain it. It was a mystery.

Actually, he was a mystery.

Lavi got up, dusted off his pants and out stretched his hand at me.

''C'mon, it's time for dinner.''

I caught his hand and that emotion of his became even stronger. Unintentionally, I used too much force. He tripped and fell over me.

I didn't dare move. We were on the floor, he-on top of me. I barely breathed, he-too. My face heated, his- too, reaching the colour of his red hair. The beating of his heart became faster, his pupils dilated. That feeling was unbearable. What was it?

'What is that emotion of yours you're trying to hide so desperately?'