Warnings: Behold, for this chapter consists of plot. You've lived to the day in which a lot of your questions will finally be answered! (Or at least I think they will.)
~Gone Forever~
Chapter 21: Friend or foe?
"What do you mean he's gone?" Kanda asked again, sounding as puzzled as Allen himself. It was a matter of seconds before the dark-haired approached the boy, giving him a suspicious yet curious look.
"Exactly what I mean... he's gone." The younger of the two repeated, though the voice which left his lips was full of uncertainty and hesitation. "I can't see him in the mirror anymore... And look," then he raised his right hand in front of them both. "The stigmatas... they're gone, too."
Out of sole reflex, the Japanese caught the wrist of the hand that was being offered to him, only to pull it closer and inspect it more thoroughly.
It was just as Allen claimed - the palm of his right hand was free from any kind of wounds. There was no cross-shaped mark etched into the flesh, contrary to what Kanda had seen appearing with his own eyes just a longer while ago. There wasn't even a scratch.
"And your feet?" The older Exorcist asked automatically.
Understanding the intent of the question immediately, the boy kneeled down, reaching for one of his shoes. And after the layers of fabric were gone– "...Not even a trace."
The older man watched Allen rearrange himself in silence, his thoughts running in circles. "...How?"
"That's what I want to know." Walker spoke a lot more confidently this time. "That's why I've asked you what have you done to him. He wouldn't just... disappear without a reason like that, would he?"
Back at eye-level with the Japanese, now Allen looked like he wanted to bore himself into Kanda's soul with the intense gaze he was giving. Silence fell upon the bathroom as the two kept staring at each other intently.
But truth to be told, the older man was confused. Surely, whatever it was that happened to occur between him and the Fourteenth wouldn't have such an influence on the bastard? Was it their last night? ...Or was it something entirely different?
Whatever the case, things would be too easy if the Noah disappeared for good, just like that. Somehow he had a hard time believing that was the last they would see of him.
Still, was there something he had missed?
"Hey ladies! Step on it, will you!" A sudden yell startled the two. And both were pretty convinced it belonged to a certain red-headed general which they almost forgot about for a moment there. "You're not making out in there, are you!"
Allen had the sudden urge to facepalm himself. And get the hell out of the bloody bathroom as fast as possible for that matter. His Master was seriously impossible sometimes.
The snow-haired boy regretted the lack of a scarf and gloves as he finally took a step outside the building together with his two companions. He was thankful that they at least managed to find some kind of old jacket in a cramped hospital closet (which, to his satisfaction, was even hooded - perfect for the traces of blood that were still left on his white locks). But even with the thick wear, the frosty air was already starting to give him a hard time.
He had no idea where they were even supposed to go, and the snow that was falling into his face and disturbing his vision as he stopped in his tracks wasn't making things any better. Let alone the fact that it was night, and the streets weren't that brightly lit, either.
Well, there was also something else he wanted to know.
"Master, how did you find us here?" Allen turned to Cross, acknowledging his figure properly for the first time since they met that night.
"Well, there's something you apparently forgot." Marian answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, suddenly reaching for his pocket. Moments later, a golden ball with wings flew into the air, tackling the youngest Exorcist on the spot.
"Oh my God, Tim..." The boy gasped in bewilderment, catching the golem in his hands. And just then it hit him - when was even the last time he's seen it? How could he forget about his pet? They were still together by the time-
...By the time Kanda had found him?
"Come on, we should step on it." Cross suddenly exclaimed. "God only knows if Crow isn't hanging somewhere around here, too-"
The General stopped in his tracks when the sound of a sword being unsheathed reached his ears. Much to Allen's own horror.
"K-Kanda-?"
And Marian didn't really seem that surprised from his apprentice's shock and the thing behind its cause. The moment the red-head turned around, there was a katana pointed in his direction.
"I'm not following you anywhere before you give me some answers." Kanda hissed, holding his weapon confidently. "And I think that this brat here would want to have some questions answered as well."
Cross appearing out of nowhere like that? Especially when it was convenient for him? He wasn't buying any of it.
"Ehh... as stubborn as always, I see." Marian sighed, pulling a cigarette out and taking a drag while lighting it. "I had a hunch this would happen."
"Why did you run away from the Order? Why the hell have you been accused of treason in the first place?" The dark-haired demanded. "What the fuck is your relationship with the Noah?"
Cross took another drag, closing his eyes, looking perfectly calm. "You see, that's something I'd like to explain once we're gathered with everyone else."
That said, the General tried to move, only to get stopped by Kanda yet again.
"Don't give me that shit. Hell if I know you won't make a run for it the next moment we get our eyes off of you. Just like you did back at the Order, not giving a damn about anything. Did you ever stop to think how your disciple felt about that? And what your actions have caused-"
The Japanese got cut off by a whistle and a smirk that implied something that made his blood boil. Oh, how he hated that implying look on this jerk's face. "He really did hook you around his little finger."
"Why you son of a-"
"Can you two stop it?" No matter how grateful deep inside Allen was for Kanda being so unusually considerate of him, he had to interfere and catch the other's blade - with his left hand, of course - hindering the man's movements as he turned to him intently. "They might really find us here if we stay here any longer-"
"So what, you want to blindly follow this prick again?" The dark-haired tried yanking Mugen away, anger in his voice. "Your constant trust got us nothing but trouble till now, Walker!"
Ignoring whatever words of complaint that Cross mumbled behind him, the youngest Exorcist looked away, making Kanda wonder if it was hurt that flashed through Allen's face for a split second.
The Japanese didn't mean any harm, really. He didn't. He just wanted for Walker to learn. To look back at his own mistakes. To make him understand what situation they were in; what could they afford risking and what they couldn't.
They were... they were in this together now, weren't they?
"Okay, I don't mean any harm, but Kanda is right." Allen closed his eyes for a short moment and sighed, as if finally making his mind up and ready to side with his companion's point of view.
The moment he turned back in Cross' direction, his eyes were full of determination.
"Master, what is going on? Tell me, please."
And that maybe did take the red-headed general a bit off guard.
"Since you insist that much..." Marian took yet another drag, looking a bit less pleased with the situation. "Just... can you listen to me while we walk, at least?"
"Truth is, I've wanted for Rouvelier to disappear from the picture for a longer while now. I assume I don't need to voice out the reasons, do I?" Cross stopped for a moment, even though the question was pretty much rhetorical. "Central or not - that guy seriously went over the line. Somebody needed to put a stop to that. I simply used every opportunity I could to get near him."
"Then..." Allen trailed off, trying to get his words together while giving his Master a slightly worried look. He was aware of Kanda's presence; the Japanese was following them both closely behind. "When the Order accused you of attacking Central together with the Noah..."
"Yes, that might have seemed a bit ambiguous from the outside." Marian admitted. "I've never joined them for real, though. I mean, seriously - who do you hold me for? We just made a small deal. Or an exchange, you could say."
"Exchange?" The white-haired boy repeated, curious.
"Rouvelier's head." Cross deadpanned. "For you."
"What?" Walker shrieked, feeling a sudden dark aura appearing at his back.
"It was all but a bluff, of course." The General assured as if it was obvious, shaking his hands in front of him, gesticulating for his companions to chill. "Once they would help me kill Rouvelier - since we kind of did have similar targets at the time - I wouldn't let them get their hands on you, anyway."
"...That's dirty, Master." Allen just had to comment on it, as he let out a sigh. Well, Cross would probably always be Cross.
"Hey, I had no idea they were stupid enough to go along with it in the first place." The red-head shrugged, as if not understanding the blame that was put on him. "Those twins really weren't the brightest bunch. It was the loli-girl's fault for leaving me with those two idiots."
This seemed to have caught Allen's attention, however, his eyes going wide in surprise. "Loli-girl?" Did his Master mean Road? "Wait, the twins were alive?"
"Yeah, were." Cross emphasized the past tense, implying the obvious. "And yes, a creepy-looking loli-girl. And a dude with curly hair. And some chick with a stick up her ass. Those three Noah found me first, but they apparently had some other business to take care of."
"Road Kamelot proposed the idea?" Surprisingly, the one who asked this time was Kanda.
"Jesus, those kids have fucked up names." Marian commented more to himself. "If that's how the loli-girl is called, then... wait, why do you ask?"
"No reason." The Japanese shrugged.
This, however, made the general turn his head in the dark-haired Exorcist's direction, their gazes locking. And behind the serious look that Kanda received, he was positive that there was something left unsaid there.
Did Road try to cooperate with Cross, just like she tried helping him back then? What the hell was up with that? And if that really was the case, then why was this bastard trying to hide it?
"Well, anyway," Marian suddenly continued, changing the topic. "As you probably already concluded, the whole plan failed. And since the fucker I wanted dead was still alive, I had to take compensation and shot these two Noah instead. At least they seemed to have died good." He pointed out in a cocky tone. "Things got a bit messy after that. So I made a run for it."
"So... You killed those two Noah." Allen murmured, almost as if talking to himself. "And it happened when the evacuation order was given."
"Yeah, I think someone mentioned something about that during the whole commotion." Marian deadpanned, not sure what was supposed to be so interesting in that fact.
"Okay. This might be just a guess... And I might assume things on my own, but... I've wanted to make sure of something for a while now." The youngest Exorcist paused for a moment, turning to the dark-haired this time. "Kanda, you remember that time when you found me in the bathroom?"
The Japanese seemed a bit taken aback when Allen suddenly turned around and looked in his direction, but shortly, his expression softened. "Considering all the theater that you caused."
The white-haired boy smiled weakly to that, if not a bit apologetically, though Kanda wasn't sure why. "I can't quite explain it, but... I think the Fourteenth... felt that they died, somehow." He paused yet again, as if trying to sort his thoughts out. "How should I put this..."
"Basically, you mean to say that when those two Noah got killed, the Fourteenth inside of you reacted to that and affected you along with it?" Cross offered his help.
"Yes, exactly! It was as if sorrow suddenly flew inside of me out of nowhere and I couldn't control any of it..." The boy started enthusiastically, but then trailed off again. "Though I have no idea how the Fourteenth could have known about anything happening with another Noah just like that."
"It's all in the genes." The general answered without a hint of hesitation. "The Noah can do that. Feel each other's presence and whatnot. And they can't control it. One of them dies and it affects the rest of the clan, whether they want it or not. It's not the person they're mourning, but the Noah inside of them. And it's the Noah that mourn, not the people - assuming they don't have any emotional ties with the person in question."
The overflow of information was unexpected for both Allen and Kanda.
"Basically, it means that the Fourteenth felt sorrow because of another Noah's loss simply because he was programmed to do so. It wasn't something he had influence on. And he probably was pissed at the sole fact himself." Cross paused for a short moment, but then continued before any of the other two asked him the question he already knew would come flying. "How do I know this? I've seen it happen. More than once, actually. And let me leave it at that, at least for now."
Allen's mouth was already open, the thing he wanted to ask stuck at the edge of his tongue. He wanted to - no, he needed to know this. His Master owned him an explanation - a proper explanation about himself and the Noah and whatever it was that went on between them. And yet, the moment Marian beat him to it and went all preventive, he hesitated.
Was it really not the time and place to ask? Was it because of Kanda? Or was Cross planning to clear this up when they met with the others (somehow he had a hard time imagining it could be this option, but then again who knew). Whatever the case, Allen had no idea, but he was sure of one thing - we wouldn't let his Master get out of this one again.
"Okay." The white-haired boy said, determination written all over his face. There was also one more thing that intrigued him in regards to his new revelation. "So does this mean that Lulubell is still alive?"
Because if what his Master said was true, he would be aware of her death.
It intrigued Kanda as well.
It was far from what they had imagined. Or at least from what Allen had imagined. When Cross mentioned something about preparing a hideout for them, he kind of expected to see a run-down basement of sorts. Best case scenario - an abandoned inn.
But this?
The three Exorcists entered the building - the house - which to Allen's surprise wasn't run-down at all. Quite the contrary. He almost couldn't believe his eyes as he went past the entrance, then the wide corridor, only to reach a hall the size of... one fourth of their previous training grounds, maybe.
Big windows with gathered curtains decorating the walls, a fancy staircase granting access upstairs, thick carpets covering the floor, various wardrobes, shelves, tables - that and so much more surrounded a couple of sofas standing in the middle of the hall, right next to a burning fireplace.
It was a bloody mansion.
When Allen's bewilderment finally faded, he was able to notice two people on one of the sofas. Lenalee lay curled up with the tip of her head placed neatly in Lavi's lap, while the future Bookman was sitting with his head thrown back against the backrest. Both of them were apparently asleep.
Well, were being the keyword, as they suddenly started to stir, most likely having woken to the sounds of three people entering their new base.
"Since we're already gathered here," Cross interrupted whatever words of greeting Lenalee wanted to say upon recognizing both her white-haired and Japanese friends. "I'd like us to form a meeting and have a small talk. So that everything's clear from the beginning. I know it's the middle of the night and you're probably tired, but I'd like to get this over with as fast as possible."
The female Exorcist stood up, adjusting herself. "Alright, we'll go get my brother and everyone else, then." And that said, she advanced together with Lavi upstairs, Allen's gaze following them both as they moved.
Then the boy's attention went back to Cross. "Master, don't mind me asking, but... what is this place and who does it belong to?"
Much to Allen's surprise, the red-headed general smirked to that. "Let's say that all of that debt-collecting of yours didn't go to total waste."
"Okay, now that we're all gathered, let me begin." Cross exclaimed, his voice loud and clear in the spacious but currently cramped hall.
Allen, Kanda, Lavi, Lenalee, Marie, Krory, Miranda, Tiedoll, Bookman, Head Nurse, Bak, Lou Fa with her two other friends (whose names the white-haired boy failed to recall at the moment), Komui, Reever and a few other people from the science department - all of them were present. The place might have been big, but over twenty people weren't a small number in one room.
Still, everyone's attention turned to the red-headed general immediately the moment he spoke.
"The fact that you're here must mean that you weren't particularly fond of the Order's way of doing things - and bless you all for it. Welcome to a better place." Marian exclaimed enthusiastically before adding in a more quiet tone: "...Well, we still have no cook, but that's not something that can't be taken care of."
That seemed to have lighten the mood and tension a little, some laughter and giggles coming from the listeners echoing throughout the hall.
"I know you might have questions you'd like to ask me, but please try to bear with them and wait till I'm finished with what I have to say first. I'm going to start with a few facts regarding our new base."
Cross stopped for a moment, then, content with the silence, continued.
"This is a two-story building on the surface, not including the roof. The floor which we are currently on has a big-ass kitchen, but probably all of us won't fit there at once, so either we sit and eat there in turns or simply take the food elsewhere - I don't really care as long as you don't leave a mess after yourself. There are six rooms on the first floor - each one of them a double. We already took the courtesy of assigning everyone to their place, but since you two weren't there when it happened," Marian pointed out in Allen's and Kanda's direction as he said it, "I'll go over it again."
The two mentioned boys' curiosity seemed to have intensified.
"First room on the left - Head Nurse; second room on the left - Marie and Krory; third room on the left - Lavi and Bookman. And then, there's the first room on the right - Tiedoll; second room on the right - Lenalee and Miranda; and finally the third room on the right - you two. We're kind of low on space and I figured you two wouldn't mind staying in one room, anyway. In case you do have a problem with it, pretty-face here can always go and share a room with Tiedoll."
Allen blinked in slight surprise at the info, but then his gaze turned to Kanda when Cross mentioned the last option.
To his biggest surprise, the Japanese man didn't even comment on the nickname he received. He was already looking in his Master's direction. The older man waved his hand cheerfully in return, a huge and genuine smile on his face. The white-haired boy wondered if the "che" and the immediate look to the side meant that Kanda figured the first option wasn't so bad after all.
Without waiting for an answer, Cross continued where he left off. "Past the corridor with all those rooms is the staircase leading to the roof. There's nothing interesting there, but if anyone's desperate enough, they can train there. Fresh air and stuff. Anyway, there's also a bathroom on each floor. Four in total - one to the right when you go up the stairs, one near the kitchen and two down the basement."
Somewhere at the back of his mind, Allen wondered why anyone would put a bathroom - let alone two of them - in a basement. But then again...
"The basement is what's tricky about this mansion, I suppose. What's in the basement? The proper training grounds - not as big as the ones we had, but I doubt you'll complain at lack of space - and the science department lab - that place is almost three times as big as the rest of this mansion. Enjoy it to your heart's content."
Marian paused, pointing in the direction of a corridor - the one which stretched along the right wing from the mansion's main entrance.
"That's how you can get there. And finally, along the way, there's also my room and Komui's room - more to that shortly. One last thing that needs pointing out in regards to the structure of this mansion - in case you were wondering - there's a barrier set around it. I've been upgrading it for several years, and I can assure you that no Akuma will notice us here nor be able to enter this place. The Noah shouldn't feel our presence either, so as long as they don't see us come and go, we should be safe here."
Then, the general stopped for a short moment.
"Well, in regards to the base - I think that's more or less it." Suddenly, there was a cigarette making its way to the red-head's lips, pulled from one of his pockets.
Taking a drag after it was lit, Marian closed his eyes, blowing out a cloud of grey smoke.
"...Now for the harder part of our conversation."
For whatever reason, a slight feeling of dread appeared somewhere at the pit of Allen's stomach. Whether it was just anticipation or something else entirely, he couldn't tell.
"First of all - and I'll be straight to the point - Rouvelier's dead."
"...D-Dead?" Lenalee was the one to mutter, cutting through the commotion that broke out.
"I know it might be hard to believe, but I'm serious. That asshole won't be getting in our way anymore, rest assured." The red-headed general smiled at the female Exorcist. "If you want witnesses, go ahead and ask Allen."
Everyone turned in the boy's direction - well, everyone beside Kanda. The Japanese could tell that Allen wasn't happy with the topic that's been brought up without even looking at him.
He'd bet that the idiot even felt bad for that jerk's death, just because he was soft and naive like that. Had the circumstances been different, he'd rub it in Allen's face. And bring up another issue which was tied up in all of this mess - right now, however, it would do nothing but make Walker's mood worse. Maybe he'd ask Cross about this later, in private. For now, he was content with the fact that they got rid of one of their biggest enemies, and he was set on leaving it at that.
"Are remnants of his guts splattered all over me enough proof?"
The way Allen asked it made Kanda look at him immediately. He could swear that for a split second there was something odd about the boy - the Japanese had no idea what it was, but it made him confused.
"Yes, I've seen Rouvelier die before my very eyes. I didn't kill him - my Master did. And, in fact, he probably saved my life while he was at it." Walker explained in a serious tone, though Kanda couldn't rid himself of the weird impression of how hollow and morbid his voice had sounded. "And I'd be grateful, really, if it weren't for one small detail."
Grave silence cut through the room, and to Kanda's utmost surprise, even Cross seemed far from comfortable.
Had Walker noticed it, too?
...Maybe he wasn't as naive as he held him for, after all.
"Master, were you the one who lured Rouvelier and Crow into the hospital?" The question fell like a ton of iron.
Allen didn't want to ask this, he really didn't. But now that he thought about it, he had all the rights to be suspicious. He knew coincidences could be crazy sometimes, but still.
It wasn't even all that much about him. It was mostly about Kanda.
"True. It's just as you say." Cross suddenly admitted, for once, both sounding and looking guilty. "I planned it all out beforehand, and I knew what kind of risk it involved. I'm sorry you had to go through all of that."
There was a short pause.
"But you need to understand that if I hadn't done that, Rouvelier would be still alive and breathing, trying his best at making our existence miserable."
Well, Allen was at least glad that his Master didn't try to lie himself out of it.
"I don't mean that what you did was wrong - you did do it for the greater good, after all." He admitted him right. "But because you didn't warn us beforehand, you placed both mine and Kanda's lives in danger." And after a short pause of intense staring, he added: "I just hope you're aware that I won't be able to follow someone I can't trust."
The moment the white-haired finished his sentence, the silence stretched further. And now even Kanda was surprised from the boy's words.
"What I mean to say is..." Allen sighed, suddenly resigned, all the tension finally leaving him. "Promise us not to plan anything behind our backs anymore, okay? I'm not really mad at you or anything. If Kanda won't hold a grudge against you, then I won't, either."
The Japanese man seemed even more taken aback from the sudden mention, though he didn't show it for long.
"Che." He shook his shoulders, as if not really giving a damn. "I'm not the type to hold grudges."
Allen only smiled weakly to that. "Alright. We forgive you, then. Please go ahead and continue where you left off, Master."
Kanda had to vaguely wonder if the kid's masks were always that obvious to distinguish, or whether he simply spent so much time with Walker that he learned to read him like an open book.
That Cross proposed to be the leader of the group didn't really come as a shock to Allen - and he doubted it was a surprise to anyone else present in the mansion, actually. His Master did plan for most of this to happen, after all. Out of all of them, he was the person who was most aware of the situation.
He also was the one who made all the necessary preparations way before any of them even stopped to think about the necessity of them. He did find this base. If it weren't for Marian, they wouldn't even have a proper place to stay in. Not only that, it seemed that their financial problems weren't that big of a deal now, either. Allen was surprised to hear that Cross kept gathering money for this purpose precisely - and that he did it for the four past years.
Maybe the general wasn't lying when he said that Allen's debt-collecting didn't go to total waste, after all.
Cross wanted Komui to be his second in command - and there didn't seem to be anyone who was not content with the idea. Marian then explained, that their former supervisor would be in charge of everything most of the time, anyway. The red-headed general warned that he still had a lot of things to take care of and that he'd be on the constant run, leaving them here on their own. Him being the actual 'leader' was just formal stuff, a type of precaution. Something that would prevent power to fall in the wrong hands, just like it happened back at the old Headquarters, courtesy of Rouvelier.
But there was also one major reason behind the fact why Marian wanted to become the leader. He was nothing like the Hitler-dude, nor did he want to become someone like the tyrant. Much to Allen's satisfaction, the general wished for this 'third front' to become something akin to a home. A home for those who needed it, a place where they could feel safe and happy, away from Central's one-sided ideas and prohibitions.
It went along with one major rule - a rule not all of the Exorcists might be content with at first. There were always advantages and disadvantages when it came to those, and as much as the white-haired boy could side with either point of view in regards to the matter - this single rule might have been the key to make him feel as if he really belonged here for what he was.
"There's one major difference in the Order's way of doing things and my way of doing things, and I want you to be aware of this."
Everyone listened to Cross as he spoke, not a single person daring to interrupt him.
"Whether you have some kind of special power or not, whether you're a Finder, an Exorcist, an Akuma or a Noah - I don't give a damn who or what you are. As long as you have the willpower and willingness to fight the Earl, everything's fine - you're welcome here."
The words stirred a flood of whispers throughout the room. And Allen couldn't help but wonder... was this his Master's way of making everyone accustomed to the fact that... they had a Noah with them in the party as well now? Of course, beside Kanda, Lavi and Lenalee, none of his companions were probably even aware of the fact yet.
How could he even forget such a thing?
"If anyone's against having a Noah in the party, then he's welcome to leave. I won't try to hold you here against your will, of course." Cross assured. "Just let me tell you that this is the main reason why I went against Central. Those imbeciles aren't even aware of how the relationship between the Noah and the Earl works."
The whispers turned louder and louder with each passing sentence that left the red-headed general's lips.
"You hold them for enemies just because the higher-ups never let you think otherwise. I have reasons to believe that the Noah can become one of our greatest assets in this war, if only we can make them cooperate."
If there was previously a flood of whispers, then now it was a bloody commotion. And Allen, too, was confused from his master's words. What was he saying? Was he out of his mind for suggesting them such things in the open? Did he mean all the Noah?
...Or was there really something they weren't aware of, after all, just like the general claimed?
'There's another side to this war. Don't die before it's over this time.'
The words echoed in his mind over and over again. Suddenly, his heartbeat increased and something twirled inside of his stomach, the feeling of realization hitting him hard.
His Master had meant the Noah.
The Noah were the third front he was talking about all along.
"Master."
The word left him before Allen even stopped to think about it, the whole room suddenly going still and quiet. He had no idea when he even stood up, but there he was, everyone's attention turned to him and waiting.
"Master," The boy repeated, his voice firm, his gaze intense and confident. "What is your relationship with the Fourteenth? ...Or with all the Noah, actually?"
Marian didn't seem to be that taken aback by the sudden questions.
"I trust the Fourteenth. And I believe he can help us win this war."
The white-haired boy couldn't recall seeing his Master more honest than he was now.
Allen wanted to trust the Fourteenth as well. But, given the circumstances, he simply couldn't do that. Not after what he did - both to him and to Kanda. But maybe he could trust Cross instead. He wanted to believe in this plan with everything he got.
The boy moved from his spot, advancing towards his Master, then turned in everyone else's direction with a weird glimmer of determination in his eyes. "There's something that I need to tell you all."
The room waited in silence, Marian had apparently no intention of stopping him, and somewhere at the corner of his vision, Allen could notice Kanda narrowing his eyes in slight worry. But he needed to get this out of his system, and now was a good time as any.
"There's… a Noah inside of me." The gasps coming from the people that didn't know of this yet weren't really surprising. "This is the precise reason why I left the Order on my own. And this is probably the reason why my Master told you what he did."
The white-haired boy turned in Marian's direction, watching as the other man took another drag of his already ending cigarette in stoic calmness.
"But let me promise you this." Allen went on. "No matter what happens, I won't let him hurt any of you. In case it turned out that he would pose a threat - I will be the one to leave this place. I want you to feel safe here."
"I'm signing my name under that promise as well." Marian suddenly exclaimed, startling the boy a bit. "And Allen," the general went on, something suddenly changing in his eyes. "There's also a role I'd like you to take up in this group."
Allen blinked at his Master in both confusion and anticipation.
"I want you to be our tactician."
A moment of intense silence passed before the white-haired boy got over his shock and comprehended what the red-head actually meant by that. And somehow, the young Exorcist just had to ask the question which was boring itself into his mind mercilessly, and which also worried him beyond comprehension.
"...Do you mean me?" There was a strange note of guilt present in those words. "Or do you mean the Fourteenth, Master? …Because we might have a problem in case it's the latter."
Any further questions and explanations were left unsaid, because suddenly a loud noise echoed throughout the hall.
It was the Mansion's door bell.
"What the-" And assuming from Marian's face expression, he wasn't expecting any guests in the middle of the night, either.
Did Crow managed to follow them here, after all?
"Stay put", Cross threw and advanced in the direction of the entrance, his Innocence already prepared at his side. Allen followed his Master out of reflex, noticing how Kanda did the same, both ready to fight in case of need.
Not five seconds have passed before they were in front of the door, swinging it open, their weapons pointing in the direction of the unknown guest.
"Please wait." It was a girl's voice. "I'm not here to fight."
Road Kamelot stood before them, her hands lifted up in the air. The rest of the people present on the other end of the hall observed them in readiness and concentration.
Cross raised an eyebrow, acknowledging the girl's figure, but he still wasn't convinced to put his weapon down.
The Noah didn't look the same as he remembered her. Her dress was different, now a solid white with pointy edges, together with some dark stockings and long gloves - both with countless, large holes. Not really his taste when it came to garments, but he had to give the girl credit that she did look a whole deal older than she did previously.
While Allen's confused "Road?" wasn't really surprising to hear, Cross made a mental note that Kanda's ability to greet people went way below the edge.
"What the fuck do you want?"
Yes, that definitely needed some work.
"I need to admit that you're pretty brave for coming here on your own like this." Cross admitted, Kamelot's gaze locking with his. "So, what brings you here, miss?"
Road kept silent for a short moment, then turned in Allen's direction, careful not to change her stance. "You can do with me what you want, I don't care. But I need to have a word with Nea."
"Nea?" Allen asked, confused.
The dark-skinned girl blinked at him, slightly surprised. "Oh? He hasn't told you his name yet?" Walker's eyes widened like two silver coins. "Yes, I mean the Noah inside of you, Allen."
"And your business is?" Kanda hissed, almost sounding defensive.
The white-haired boy gestured for the Japanese to calm down, suddenly lowering his left hand.
"I'm afraid... that's not possible." His voice sounded apologetic. And before Road got to ask any further. "He kind of... disappeared. Though I'm not sure how or why."
"Disappeared?" The girl repeated, unable to hide her bewilderment. "As in gone? Nea's... gone?"
Well, both Road and Cross were kind of out of it. He didn't get a chance to explain this to his Master yet, considering he got kind of interrupted in his attempt.
But truth to be told, Allen silently wondered whether Kamelot would be able tell him something about the Fourteenth's disappearance. It was kind of worrying to figure out she had no clue about this, just like he himself hadn't.
"That's weird." The female Noah seemed thoughtful. "Well, whatever happened to him, he'll come back eventually. That I'm sure of."
Well, at least Road could tell him this much.
"But this is interesting." The girl seemed to get lost in thought. "No, actually... if that's the case, then that even makes things better for us at the moment."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Allen, I need to talk to you." A chill ran down the boy's spine from the intense gaze that he's suddenly received. "In private."
"You wish-"
"Kanda, wait!" Walker acted even before the Japanese moved, already aware what the man's reaction would be. Thankfully, the dark-haired man let himself be stopped in his attempt at attacking the enemy.
"What?" Kanda hissed, staring bloody murder at the younger Exorcist, as he tried yanking his sword from the other's tight grip. "You don't think I'll leave you alone with the Noah of Dreams in one room just because you're stupid enough to fall for-!"
"Kanda." Allen's voice was surprisingly firm, the conviction even making the Japanese go still. "I'm glad that you're worried about me, but please, let me do this."
"What the f-" He probably hesitated for a second too long, because next thing he knew, Walker was already looking back in the Noah's direction.
"Road?" The white-haired got the girl's attention, his voice genuine. "I trust you. Okay?"
"This is fucking brilliant." They could all hear Kanda curse under his breath, as he sheathed Mugen, advancing back inside the mansion with a killer's aura surrounding him. "Just don't go running back to me when that bitch eats your brain."
Even Allen went slightly dumbfounded at that comment. "Uh... don't mind him. He's always like that."
"Hmm." Road smiled to that, a weird kind of glimmer in her eyes. "I kind of noticed."
"Okay, I don't mean to ruin the party or anything." Cross interrupted the two, finally letting his guard down as well. "And I can't say that I'm content with the way you're trying to do things right now, Allen." The general threw his disciple a suggestive look. "But I'll let it slip this once and let you kids settle this on your own. Just don't put the house on fire."
Allen nodded to that, content. Then, turned back to Road.
"You can lower your hands now."
And so, the girl did, giving the boy before her a genuine smile.
"Come inside." The white-haired gestured, showing that it was okay. And the moment he moved, taking a step in the direction of the hall-
"Allen."
He turned around to look back at the female Noah, her smile even wider than before.
"Thank you."
Nayru's Note: Tu-dum-dum-dum. And the plot thickens (NOT).
First of all, sorry for taking so long to update. College literally killed me this semester. Beside that I had some serious problems with plotting everything out for this chapter so that it would actually WORK - so yeah.
I'm aware that you're probably disappointed from the lack of Yullen in this chapter (I am, too). But be assured, for there will be lots next time.
Till we meet again! C: