There are two references to other manga in this chapter, can anyone pick them up?

"I'm surprised, General, that you will personally come out to see the problem."

"The Grand Generals in reality could care less about what we're up to, as long as the goal is settled, they wouldn't care about what we're doing. That's another reason why I'm here, to ensure I won't have people trying to find me again."

"Uh huh," Komui smiled, although his eyes did not match it. Seated at his usual office desk with papers piled in front of him, he felt very self-conscious under General Cross Marian's gaze.

Already a week had passed since he and the select few Exorcists returned from Scotland. The news of General Yeegar's condition had not been well received by them. A General had been defeated, it was alarming and demoralizing. For the group that Komui had been with, it was a reminder of the Millennium Earl after the wedding and the Sirenna fiasco.

As of the moment, there were no missions to be handed out, so the Exorcists were now all resting in the Tower. Stories were being shared about their missions, and the most popular one was of Sirenna's hospital, with the cloning, near-death experiences by human hands and the notable lack of Akuma. It was almost like a science fiction novel instead of reality, but Komui knew he wouldn't forget his short experience or the horror he had felt when he saw the syringe in Kelly's hand.

"Komui."

Cross' voice brought him out of his thoughts, and the Supervisor looked up again to see the man staring down at him. He rubbed his forehead, "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

"I didn't say anything, you asking that only shows the complete lack of attention you were giving me," Cross answered, and Komui flushed in embarrassment. "What were you thinking about?"

"Memory."

"Memory?"

"I was recalling my experience in Scotland, acknowledging how I might never forget the experience," Komui didn't mention the fear, someone as powerful as Cross would only scoff. He changed the subject before the General could notice the pause, "Memory is such a strange thing; I don't know what happened to mine before joining the Black Order. It's odd, when I'm old and grey there's a good chance I'll only remember the past and not the present, but right now I'm suffering the opposite symptoms."

Cross let out a grunt, "I know for a fact that for the older generation, it's because their brain cells cannot turn recent memories into long-term memory, so that's why they cannot remember present events."

Of course as a scientist Komui already knew that, instead he switched to another field. "Does the same thing happen with young men as well?"

There was something in his tone that Cross couldn't quite place. For the moment though the General decided to ignore it "There's nothing impossible in this world."

"True," Komui admitted, "Nothing is one hundred percent certain. I've seen plenty of young men with poor memory."

"Is that so?" There was something in this conversation that was eluding Cross. He tried to stall some time so he could figure it out, "But you are right, sometimes I do forget things."

"Well, the Black Order is full of people so you can't remember them all individually. But sometimes when something very…drastic happens, I would think that one would never forget it (1)."

"Possibly," Cross turned to look back at Komui, the younger man was staring at him, almost intently. Cross returned the gaze, and then leaned forward with an outstretched hand. Komui didn't move away, but the hand went by the Supervisor's face to a paperclip caught in his hair.

"You fail at taking care of yourself, do you know that?"

"You've only told me that several dozen times," Komui answered with a vague smile. He then changed tactics, clearing his throat, "Anyhow, casualty protocol will be followed and when General Yeegar dies his cremation will be conducted on the Black Order's grounds. I shall notify you when everything is ready. Until then, you are under no obligation to stay in the tower and are free to pursue your recreational interests, though if possible the Order would like it if you actually return during the night or send us a note to let us know you have not gotten yourself killed." Cross nodded to show he understood.

When the two separated, Cross reflected on the Supervisor's words and realized he couldn't figure out what Komui was getting at. As he left the tower and started walking in the city, he passed a bar. The unlit name Passion showed the bar was closed. Cross stared at it, and then a seemingly insignificant sentence Komui had once said crossed his mind.

"Marian, the young people here really love to have a drink at the bar 'Passion'. You must have gone there before, right?"

Somehow, the memory seemed unsettling now. There was something in Komui's tone that Cross couldn't figure out, and that was somewhat a concern. Cross pushed that thought aside; there were more pressing matters to deal with.

Such as how Allen was now in the Black Order, when he should have died years ago.

Street

Things went just as Lavi had expected.

When the four of them – Linali, Allen, Kanda, and himself – first went out, he knew Allen had a bad sense of direction, and when that happens Kanda's anger tends to snap 0.3 seconds earlier then normal. It didn't take long for Linali to get annoyed and tell them off, and though the boys would fall silent it would only last for a maximum of one minute before they began death-glaring and snapping at every little thing the other would do. Considering the male competitive spirit, that meant the two of them made things difficult for the other two.

Even Lavi would only take so much. He was spared from an uncharacteristic rant because Linali finally got so sick of how the argument went from Allen's inattentiveness to the meaning of what the word 'is' is she bonked them both on the head, declared the two of them idiots, and stormed off. Lavi, using the excuse of calming the enraged female, ran after her as well, leaving the bickering Exorcists alone.

Then, Lavi found himself 'lost'.

Okay, he wasn't really lost; his memory was enough to direct him back to familiar ground. He was just alone, as he had lost sight of Linali. Still, that had been part of his intentions, and it wasn't long before he turned and walked down a trail where fewer people dwelled. "I know you're there, so stop sneaking around and just come out."

"How rude, I was not sneaking around, I am simply keeping watch on you," a voice drawled. Lavi turned to see Tiki emerging from a brick wall and stepping out onto the path. The Noah dusted off imaginary dust from his suit, while his handsome face remained spotless. He smirked at Lavi, who had not said anything, "What? Are you going to leave your greeting to just an insult?"

"You don't deserve politeness," Lavi snarled, "not after what you've done to General Yeegar!"

"Who?" Tiki tapped a gloved finger at his temple, "Oh, that old man. It was almost his time anyways, I just happened to push the deadline up early." Then he frowned, his eyes narrowed suddenly, "How did you know it was me and not some other Noah?"

"The Supervisor told us that when Yeegar was defeated by a Noah, a few Finders accompanying him were killed when their hearts were removed from their bodies; yet not a single cut was made. Considering the amount of times you've threatened to do the same to me, it doesn't take a genius to figure it out!"

Tiki sneered, "Is that what he told you?"

"Even if he hadn't, I would have suspected you anyways," Lavi answered. He tensed further as Tiki began to walk forward, "Stay where you are, Noah!"

"Is that anyway to greet your adversary, Lavi?" Tiki drawled as he walked forward. "Although your counterfeit courage may pass with a less intelligent enemy or our brainless Akuma, the rest of us can smell the fear radiating from you. You think you can intimidate me because you have that Innocence? I have already dealt with one of your Generals, if I wanted to I can snap yours like a toothpick. Then we'll see what you can do right now…alone, with no backup, while I have hoards of Akuma at my call."

Lavi had been backing away as Tiki advanced forward, and predictably felt the wall behind him quickly. He tensed as Tiki lifted a hand up to caress his face gently. A thumb brushed his eye patch, and he flinched.

"My Akuma keeps track of your movements, and reports to me accordingly," Tiki continued, mockingly gentle as he pushed Lavi against the wall. "According to them, you've been receiving the attentions of another man. What was he like, hum? I heard that although you tell him off constantly, you haven't really tried to stop him. Did that fool manage to make space for himself in your supposedly non-existent Bookman Apprentice heart? I'm curious, Lavi. His dark hair, and even his body built, are almost similar to mine. Was that intentional?"

"Leave Ti out of this!" Lavi hissed. "He's not involved at all!"

"Do I detect worry in your voice? Is that because he is Allen's friend, or because of your own feelings?" Tiki asked, and Lavi fell silent. "Don't worry, I won't kill him. He is Allen's friend, and he is not a threat enough to warrant the attention of the Earl or my bloodthirsty side. Anyone else, however, is another story." Tiki's eyes gleamed dangerously, "I do not like to fight for what I would like to see as mine, Lavi. If I see someone else trying to take you away from me, they will find themselves in a very dangerous position. The Noah family and the Akuma grow stronger everyday, and no matter where our victims may hide, we will find them."

"Don't threaten me, Tiki," Lavi whispered, but it sounded weak even to his ears. Tiki laughed.

"Threaten you? I am not so subtle, I tell you outright what I plan to do. If anything, you are in more danger within the Tower, then you are when with me."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Lavi snarled. Tiki's face nearly split in half as the sinister grin spread over his features.

"Lavi, your Supervisor told you a few Finders had their hearts ripped out; that was how you concluded it was me. The bodies by now would have been burned, so you cannot confirm it. However, I will tell you this: I did not kill the Finders by tearing their hearts out. They died because they tried to interfere, I did not rip their hearts out. So how DID your Supervisor know, if my method of killing was not my trademarked way?"

"You're lying!" Lavi shouted. "The Supervisor…he…"

"I myself am curious, Lavi, how he learned it was the Noah of Pleasure who dealt with the General. If I'm curious, you should be too. Where did the Supervisor learn the information, I wonder (2)?"

With those words, Tiki walked right into the wall behind Lavi and disappeared, leaving the redhead alone. The boy released a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding, and closed his eyes.

Fenced Land Site

The door of a sleek carriage opened smoothly before a man stepped out. Gilbert Arks looked out over the fenced area, at the vast dry land that will eventually be the site of development. He calmly walked forward to the fence, leaving the carriage door open. The fence prevented anyone from crossing over or seeing the area clearly, but the eyes which Gilbert used to survey the area were as if he was scanning everything down to the last grain of sand.

"Harry, do you see here, this area paved with gold?"

The other neat, business-dressed younger man who remained sitting inside the carriage looked only out the open door at the land when he answered, "I've checked already, there are at least six big companies interested in bidding for this site."

"Let them dream, then!" Gilbert smirked as he stared out at the land. "The auction will make it so that this site will cost more then they could ever hope to pay off. We are ahead; I have already guaranteed the support of several overseas investors, yet our competitors are still negotiating with their banks for loans! It will take too long for them, and in business, you can't always be patient! The Arks Investment Group will claim this land as their own, and profit from it!" He laughed, Harry said nothing.

Ever since his divorce with Tina, Gilbert had thrown himself into his business. Harry knew it wasn't because Gilbert missed Tina; the reason was solely because Gilbert wanted to prove that even with his failed marriage he could still be victorious in his career. Harry never thought Gilbert could become more ruthless then he already was in the business world, but Gilbert had. The oldest Arks son was even taking more risks with his signature and finances; it was causing concern on Harry's side, concern that their brother Alfredo did not share.

Even Harry's girlfriend Lulubell had told him not to worry about it, as long as Gilbert wasn't dealing in illegal activities and was earning money for their company, nothing mattered. Harry knew that Lulubell had been taking advantage of Gilbert's state, such as going to Scotland to snatch the shares of some dying man so that her power and influence in the company could increase (3). The youngest son of the Arks could feel the shift in power due to those struggles.

He was interrupted from his thoughts as the sound of hoofs approached, and another carriage pulled up besides theirs. Unlike the sleek new carriage that the Arks brothers were using, this was a public one. Gilbert tensed, and Harry watch curiously as a uniformed man opened the door and a silver pointed high-heeled boot stepped out to the ground. The female that emerged from the carriage was one he had never seen before, but Gilbert obviously had. The man's eyes narrowed as the young woman smiled and approached him.

"Long time no see, Mr. Arks, you look just as well as before."

"Same to you, Miss Frere," Gilbert answered the supposed Apostle of God. He was rightly justified in being concerned; this was the same person who had threatened to reveal his blackmail of Tina unless he helped ship some of her 'goods'. "The world is such a small place, for us to meet here."

"I actually came to seek you out," Gwen smiled. Harry watched the two of them, feeling slightly lost, as Gwen continued. "I know you and some overseas investors are interested in this site. Consequently, my good friend and tycoon Mr. Ross is also interested. If I can persuade you to give up, Mr. Ross would be really happy."

Gilbert smirked, "Do you know what you're saying, Miss Frere? Do you know how much money this site can get me? Why should I give it up?"

"Considering your fortune, you don't need any more," Gwen pointed out, but Gilbert did not back down.

"What makes you think I will listen to you?"

"My woman's intuition," Gwen answered, almost playfully. "This site is to be auctioned off soon; if you don't want to lose you had better drop out."

"Ha!" Gilbert laughed, it was shrill and made the back of Harry's neck prickle. "I will get this land no matter the price, Miss Frere."

"Mr. Arks, I know you are great in the business world and your name commands respect even from adversaries," Gwen acknowledged. "However, you are bound to be overtaken by newcomers sooner or later. If I were you I wouldn't try going against them, it will only be futile. I'll let you think about it," and bowing her head politely, Gwen turned and left. Harry stared as Gilbert watched after her, his gaze betraying nothing.

Later, Harry went to the train station to pick Lulubell up. The blond woman smiled when she saw him, "Harry!"

Harry smiled as he pulled her into his arms, Lulubell's warmth was a welcome distraction from the chilliness of the business world or the instability his oldest brother had been exhibiting recently. "Lulubell, how was your trip?"

"I was busy networking, trying to see if I could meet anymore business figures that would be beneficial to our company," Lulubell smiled. "So, what has been happening in my absence?" The two fell back into normal patterns, as Harry told her all that she had 'missed', while Lulubell listened intently, occasionally making a remark or two. A carriage was waiting for them already, and the two got on, still discussing the latest decisions their company had made, before moving on to more recent events.

"Miss Frere? I don't recognize that name as associated with Mr. Ross, but then again that wicked old fox could have been convinced to throw in any obstacle at us ever since I took Mr. Hans' shares."

"Yes," Harry nodded. "That's right, that could be it." He hoped that was it, if this Gwen person was proven right, Gilbert would be proven wrong. Then the oldest Arks would probably take even more risks in his attempts for success, and Harry would not like to see that happen.

He smiled as he pulled Lulubell close to his side, and she rested a head on his shoulder. The two of them fell into silence, as Harry understood the need for rest after that long train ride. Lulubell always refused the chance to relax there, instead she would walk around the train seeing if she could gather more business partners for their company. He admired her for her devotion, but wished she would stop seeing business so importantly. There were other things that were more valuable then her ambition for success.

He gazed out the window, watching as the scenery passed them at a leisurely pace. The mood set was of a peaceful quiet as he listened to Lulubell's soft breathing, an echo of his own.

Black Order Tower

Linali stared at the clothing she held in her hands, the outfits Rhode had brought for her as a present since their meeting in Scotland. She picked out one and put them on carefully, before moving to the mirror in her room. Then she untied her hair, letting them fall like dark rivers around her. After running through them with a comb, she stared again at the mirror. Without her Exorcist uniform, the mirror displayed a civilian, a normal girl. As she pushed her hair back, the bracelet around her wrist jingled cheerfully, and she stopped to look at Rhode's latest gift.

Although she had been out with Lavi and the others earlier, she found her thoughts wandering to the young Noah. Maybe it was because the boys' bickering kept interrupting those thoughts that she lost her patience with them. When she had left with Lavi, it took a while before she realized Lavi was no longer with her. Shrugging it off, she had returned to her room at the Black Order headquarters, where she was faced with Rhode's presents for her. She lightly touched the bracelet around her thin wrist, and let out a soft sigh.

If she wasn't an Exorcist, she would be carrying a naïve hope that she could change Rhode, and convince her to side against the Earl. As an Exorcist however she knew that it was impossible, while it was not clear exactly what type of relationship the Earl shared with the Noah family, she knew that they would never betray him. They were all too convinced of their role to destroy the world. It would never work.

Should the time come, Linali knew she would continue to fight. She was not going to risk thousands of lives because of her personal feelings. With that in mind, she walked out of her room. Reever, who was passing by, glanced at her and did a double take. "Linali?"

"Yes?" She asked.

"Er…where are you going, dressed as nicely as you are right now?"

Linali knew she was carrying a confused expression, "Out, where else?"

"Dressed as you are?"

"What's wrong with that? It's not revealing or attention grabbing…is it?"

"Well, no, you…look really nice, but why not with the Exorcist uniform?"

Linali looked at him; the socially awkward Reever almost looked as confused as she was. She smiled softly at him, "For once, Reever, let me walk the streets as a commoner, not an Exorcist. Let me go out without thinking of my role as a weapon of this world, mere sacrifices in the war. Let me go out and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the streets, without thinking of Akuma or the incoming destruction of the Millennium Earl."

At those words, Reever's compassion won over his common sense and his penchant for obeying protocol. He nodded silently, and Linali walked passed him and out the tower. Once outside, she wandered about aimlessly. The people walked past her without greeting, busy with their own lives. There were a few smiles now and then, and Linali smiled back, but no words were exchanged.

"So what's going to happen now?"

"We can buy a new one."

"But if we went again, it'll raise attention, and the next bakery is too far away!"

"Then we can try making one…"

"None of us know how to bake!"

"We can always try looking through baking recipes…" Linali turned to see a girl sitting on a wheelchair and a boy kneeling on the ground. Between them was what seemed to be formerly a cake, but was currently a mess of sugar and cream on the sidewalk. The girl appeared to be the one talking, "There are plenty of cakes meant to be made by beginners, we can learn from there."

"It will have to be really beginner, Mayu, I don't think any of us have ever handled baking!" the boy ran his hands through his hair, Linali noted the interesting shades of pale purple and light blue. "I wonder if we can pay someone to subtly make one for us…"

"Fuuto! Mayu!" Another voice called out, and Linali's eyes widened. She watched as another girl ran up to the two other children: Rhode! The Exorcist watched as the Noah, in her White form, exchanged greetings with the two before her face fell. "You dropped the cake?!"

"I couldn't help it! A flock of birds suddenly came at me and…!"

"I know you have a phobia!" Rhode chastised as she lightly smacked the boy with a large, unopened lollipop. "That's not the main point! Lukia's party can't go on without a cake! We'll have to buy a new one!"

The boy – Fuuto – rubbed his head where Rhode had smacked him, "but if we went again it will surely gain attention, and the next closest bakery is too far away!"

"I can send someone out," Rhode reminded.

"But that defeats the purpose of keeping everything just to us," Mayu pointed out. Rhode swung her arms behind her and bounced on her feet thoughtfully, before speaking.

"We make our own."

"You know how to bake?" Fuuto asked doubtfully.

"I can learn, so can the rest of us, by someone who does," Rhode smiled and turned to look at the watching Exorcist. "Right, Linali?"

Auction Hall

Unlike his adversaries, who all came with either their secretaries or accountants, Gilbert arrived to the hall alone. He barely spared them all a glance, but a flash of silver caught his eyes. It was Gwen, by her side was another man dressed in business attire. They appeared to be in the middle of a discussion, but when Gwen caught his eyes, she smiled and stood up, "Mr. Arks, care to listen to my offer?"

Gilbert looked at her coolly, "What offer?"

Gwen smiled charmingly, "Your budget is 500 million dollars, right?"

Gilbert smirked, "The auction is about to start, do you think I will tell you such confidential information?"

"No, but your eyes have already betray you," Gwen answered. Gilbert's eyes narrowed, but Gwen was not intimidated. "Mr. Ross really wants this land, you and I both know how much he's worth. If you fight against him, you will only lose. The price will rise so high that whoever gets the land will not be able to make much from it. However, I can persuade him to give it up and ensure that the land goes to you. The only condition I have is that I receive 5 percent of your winnings."

The man only raised an eyebrow, "You change sides pretty quickly."

"I am always loyal, to money that is," Gwen added.

"Your offer is tempting, but not secured enough. If tycoon Mr. Ross really wants this piece of land, would you so easily persuade him? If he doesn't want it, he wouldn't push the price too high." Gilbert turned to enter the auction room, "Next time you offer a deal, recheck the logical field." He was about to leave when Gwen spoke again.

"Not everything in this world is logical, Mr. Arks," Gwen smirked, and Gilbert could not help but pause. "People act on their instinct as well, associated with that instinct is intuition, and my intuition tells me you will regret it."

"If what you say comes to pass, I will have to see you in a whole new light, Miss Frere."

With those parting words, Gilbert walked into the room, picked up his number, and sat down. The auction began with the auctioneer first thanking those who had arrived, and then it began. It didn't take long for those present to realize that the price was beginning to increase at a dangerous rate, and even Gilbert was starting to grow concerned and agitated. Gwen appeared to be more then calm as she raised the price every time someone bid. Upon seeing that, Gilbert fought to raise the price as well. The auctioneer, sensing the tension, was starting to display excitement. "400 million, do we have…410 million! Do we have more then…420 million! Ten million from Number…"

At that moment, a person suddenly ran into the room. He was out of breath and appeared really worried, and upon arriving looked around the room, before rushing to where Gilbert was. "Mr. Arks, we received a message from Mr. Roch. He says in the upcoming urban plan a confluence will be built on the side of the site, the land would at most be only worth 350 million!"

"Mr. Roch?" Gilbert repeated, confused, "I only know a man by the name of Roch in the Urban Planning Department, but we are not even acquaintances." And then, before the newcomer could speak, there was the sharp sound of the hammer hitting the pad.

"Done! 480 million dollars for the land! Congratulations Number 28!"

Gwen leaned back against her chair, a satisfied smirk on her face as awed whispers spread over those present. Then she turned and looked over her shoulder at Gilbert, victory in her eyes. Gilbert stared hard at her.

"Robert, when we get back, check up Gwen Frere for me."

"No problem," the messenger answered as Gilbert continued staring even as Gwen turned away to talk to the man beside her. Robert was the only one to hear Gilbert's next words.

"Smart girl, confusing me so that I would be distracted from making a bid. To be able to go through my company in order to deceive me, looks as if you have done your homework after all." (4)

Kitchen at Butterfly Orphanage

Linali had heard of Butterfly Orphanage, years ago it was founded by a nobleman named Leonard Cromwell, whose own mansion was known as Butterfly Mansion. The name was a reference to the man's first wife, a Japanese actress named Tohko who committed suicide after being driven to insanity. Rumours had been rift about her death being encouraged by Leonard's second wife, Abigail, who later died a few years after marrying into the Cromwell family. Around the same time her son, Emilie, also fell off the roof of the mansion, leaving Leonard only with his first wife's daughter Lukia. Leonard kept all details quiet, and as a nobleman his influence was enough to make it so. Shortly after their deaths, he founded an orphanage and quickly ensured that the children he took in lived in relative comfort and safety. As homage to his first wife and Lukia, preference was given to children who might be shunned by society.

Linali still didn't understand how Rhode fit in as she wasn't an orphan. When she asked, Rhode pulled her away from the others before answering, "I met them through Allen."

Linali's eyes widened, "Allen used to live here? But I thought he said…"

"No, well, yes, Allen didn't live here long enough," Rhode corrected. "Allen…I don't know if he told you this or not but he was abandoned by his blood family because of his arm. His 'special circumstance' gave him a spot here at Butterfly Orphanage. Luckily, Mana adopted Allen when he was still of a very young age, so Allen was provided a parent figure. As part of Mana's circus crew Allen travel constantly, and anytime they were here Allen came to visit. The last visit was about three years ago, but I think something happened because the kids here don't talk about him. They still welcome me though. "

Linali looked at the Fuuto and Mayu, who were currently unpacking the groceries they had brought. Fuuto was talking cheerfully, and though Mayu seemed unemotional there was a soft look in her eyes. Both of them seemed to be nice people, Linali could see them as Allen's friends, so what would have happened that caused a falling out? As she pondered, Fuuto looked up at them.

"Hey, you girls finished talking?" Fuuto called out, "We have to start soon if we want to finish the cake in time!"

"Coming," Linali smiled. With Rhode's convincing Fuuto and Mayu had decided to bake a cake instead of letting Rhode buy another one – probably by sending an Akuma out to do the deed – and allowed Linali into their group. They brought the ingredients, a How to Bake book, and were currently now back in the orphanage. The kitchen was available for them, and Linali was amazed at how equipped it was.

"Uncle Leonard – that's what we call the Orphanage founder – used to make sure we were well provided for," Fuuto explained as he handed the book to Linali. "I personally have no idea how to do this, so I guess we'll follow your lead?"

"We shouldn't all be crowded around making the cake," Mayu pointed out. "If we can't make the cake, we will make something else instead; the book had other baked goods did it not?"

"I call for cookies!" A new voice called as another girl walked into the room. "I've made some before and Lukia liked them! Nice to see you here as well Rhode…and who are you?" She looked at Linali, but not with hostility, so Linali offered her hand.

"Linali Lee, and you are…?"

"Eriko, classified files claim me as Eriko Kawai," the girl smiled gently, like someone who was used to meeting orphans and took measures to comfort them. "Are you new here?"

"Nope," Rhode answered for Linali, "Linali's just here as my friend today, she's going to help us make the cake!"

"If we're making cake and cookies already, should I get more people to help?" Eriko frowned, "Although I think most of them are out. Kidoumaru was here earlier…"

"Really?" Fuuto's eyes lit up, "Is he coming to the party then?"

"Maybe," Eriko shrugged. Catching Linali's confused look, she explained, "Kidoumaru is an older friend of ours, though he himself is an orphan he doesn't live here with us. He comes visit now and then, quite popular with the younger children. You might see him around if you make a hobby of visiting us; he's a bit rough but a good guy. Anyhow, let's start!" She smiled as she picked up the book.

"You seem highly energized for this," Mayu observed.

"To quote our former fellow orphan Ayana, a person's heart is located not far from their stomach!" Eriko chirped, Rhode looked at her curiously.

"Former?"

"She's been adopted! Her name's now Ayana Katsuragi! Her story is that her baking skills caught the attention of a couple that are now her parents! Therefore, I've been quite eager to learn! What are we waiting for? Linali, Rhode, let's bake!"

Arks Investment Group

Later that day, Gilbert was found in his office staring blankly at the window. Then there was a knock, before the door opened and Harry stepped in. Gilbert raised an eyebrow as his former half-brother-but-not-biologically handed him a file, "As requested, this is information on that Miss Frere."

"Where's Robert?"

"He did the research, I am simply delivering it to you."

"Oh really? Are you not spending time with your pretty girlfriend Lulubell?"

"After that long train ride, she needs sleep. I was only needed to bring her back home safely."

"How chivalrous of you," Gilbert commented as he took the file and noted the difference from the usual reports, "So little, Harry?"

"According to Robert, most of her records were classified, but not so much in regards to her business," Harry explained. "She was not bidding on behalf of Mr. Ross, the man's on vacation, most likely because Mr. Hans' shares in Scotland went to Lulubell instead of him so he probably needed a vacation to cool off. Frere's company is but a joint venture set up in Spain (5)…"

"With a capital of 5 million only?!" Gilbert sputtered in disbelief as he read the report. "Such a small company, how in the world did she get the money for the site? Which bank gave her the loan?"

"None of them did," Harry answered. "That is what's so shocking; the enterprise has no money for the site at all!"

Gilbert stared at the report, and then he snapped it closed and began to laugh hysterically. "Harry, did you know, in the eyes of many Gilbert Arks have actually gone insane?" He let out a few more chortles, and then before Harry could blink he was yanked down and face to face with his former brother's glinting eyes. Gilbert grinned widely, "Yet who would have thought, today I met someone more insane then I am!" He laughed madly, "She takes more serious risks then I do! Not only her reputation, but her life and freedom are on the line! Yet she risks it all without batting an eyelid!" Gilbert shook his head, "Interesting, very interesting."

Street

With Linali and Lavi now gone, Allen and Kanda could bicker to their heart's content. However, after a while of non-stop bickering, their throats were sore and it made sense for each of them to buy a drink. As they were cooling off, Kanda reflected on their argument and realized that Allen was much more vocal today compared to their previous disagreements. He watched Allen bite on his drinking straw, lips turned downwards and eyes darkened by his narrowed eyebrows. Kanda wasn't used to seeing this side of Allen; he did not recall seeing this scowling expression even when the boy fought against Akuma.

Then again, Kanda had to admit he didn't know Allen for that long, and couldn't judge the white-haired boy. He had a feeling the boy's expression wasn't due to just Kanda, no, the boy's face had not been its happiest since General Cross' appearance. What was it that Cross called him? That's right, his idiot former disciple. Then…why and how could it be possible that the Exorcists had found Allen among a nest of Noahs?

"Oi, Bean sprout…"

"IT'S ALLEN!!"

"What is your relationship with General Cross?"

At those words, Allen let out a snort, "Oh, wouldn't you like to know. I haven't seen that man for years, and all of a sudden he just pops up here again as if nothing's changed…"

"Is popping out of nowhere a habit of his that you've learned?"

"Kanda, you may be older, more experienced, and have been in the Order longer than I have; however I am not obligated under any rule to tell you of my past – and even if there was, I wouldn't. Not unless I get something back in exchange. Such as what was your past like, hum? Who is this person that you must seek before you die, I wonder?" The two stared at each other, almost challengingly. Normally Kanda would sneer and leave it at that, since he wasn't the type to reveal his past. However, Allen's did catch his attention. The Black Order had not properly interrogated Allen when he first arrived, no doubt thanks to that welcome banner and the Sol Uproar, which had somehow managed to ensure that Allen be given some leniency about his background. So…

"I was born and raised at an orphanage in Japan," Kanda started, and took momentarily satisfaction at Allen's startled look; that he was giving out his past willingly. "They told me my mother died giving birth to me and I have never met my father. During my time at the orphanage I discovered I was Innocence-compatible, but at that time I had no idea what was going on. It wasn't until I met General Tiedoll did I learn of Exorcists, he took me to the Order and I've been there ever since." Kanda looked at Allen, he had purposely kept his story vague but true, "Your turn."

Allen looked as if he was considering backing out, but his honest side eventually won. The white-haired boy did prove to be as vague as Kanda, "I too was raised in an orphanage, and I never knew my parents. Luckily or not I was adopted quickly by a man who acted as my guardian for several years until his death. Cross took me in after that, however…" Allen's eyes flared with a sudden fire. "That man would have left me for dead! He drove me insane, into despair for Earl knows how many times, and I…!" He cut himself short, but Kanda could hear the unspoken words; and I chose the Noahs instead.

Allen did not look like he will be saying much more on the manner. Kanda wanted to shake the other boy and demand more information: How did the Noahs accept you? Are you part of their Noah family or just to a select few? Have you seen the Earl? But Kanda knew if he asked, he would be going against the unofficial order that Allen be treated well and not suspiciously. Not to mention…he knew how children who suffered will look upon anyone who offered them the slightest bit of kindness, the child will regard the person as an idol. Kanda could see Allen being deceived, the foolishly naïve boy the other Exorcist had proven himself to be.

"The orphanage I grew up in isn't far from here," Allen spoke again, and Kanda realized that he was changing the subject. "I haven't seen the other orphans for years…I wonder are they all still there? Or would they be adopted into other families already…" He trailed off, staring over Kanda's shoulder. The Japanese Exorcist glanced behind him and saw a rather untidy-looking man emerging from a store. He was tall, with long hair, and a complete lack of fashion sense. Thick glasses rested over his nose and gave him a scholarly, yet still messy look. He didn't appear to notice the Exorcists.

Almost eagerly, Allen moved away from Kanda and approached the stranger. Kanda watched as the white-haired boy sprinted after the untidy man, who did not turn around, and Allen stopped. "Professor?"

The man stumbled to a halt and turned around to see Allen. He stared at the younger boy, and Allen smiled cheerfully, "Professor Ichigo? You don't recognize me?" When the man continued staring at him, Allen held out his hand, "It's me! Allen! I used to be in the Butterfly Orphanage until I was adopted by that circus crew years ago!"

"A-Allen? Allen Walker?" The man, Professor Ichigo, stuttered. Kanda frowned, unlike Allen's joyous face the other's man was paling. The man slowly reached out and touched Allen's head, as if to confirm his hand did not go through like it might with a spirit or ghost. When he felt Allen's solid form, he drew in a sharp breath.

"You're…you're really Allen Walker?"

"Yes!" Allen smiled, "I haven't seen you or the others for years!"

Ichigo frowned and rubbed his head, "Allen…aren't you supposed to be dead?"

Allen blinked, confused, "I'm supposed to be dead?"

"You were murdered several years ago, weren't you?"

(1) Clearly, Cross forgot something important between him and Komui here
(2) So while Alfredo told Komui that Lavi's with a Noah, Tiki's telling Lavi that Komui is suspicious! More distrust aboard in the Order!
(3) Mr. Hans' shares from previous chapters, when Lulubell had the other Noahs help her find her competitors' drugs so that they would show her support in gaining the shares
(4) I am personally tired of reading stories where females are displayed as weak, emotional, stupid, the source of men's failures or just way too dependent on men. If I can't write Linali as cunning, I'll have to settle on either Lulubell or Gwen
(5) Gwen's last mission was in Spain, as mentioned before in her last meeting with Alfredo

In the first scene Cross said Allen's supposed to be dead, now in this last scene we learn that the Orphanage thought Allen was murdered several years ago! Just what happened in Allen's past?!

Up Next: More about the relationships among the Black Order members, and Allen's past is revealed to be an unsolved Murder Mystery to this day!