A/N: Surprise! New chapter! This one was a bit tiring because of the attack of characters but I did my best.

Disclaimer: I still don't own anything…only Kaden…

~~Failed Attempts~~

Breakfast was pure chaos. There was only one man, Jerry, managing the kitchen but he didn't seem to have a single problem. The chaos came from the lack of an eating hall big enough to fit all of them: Noah, exorcists, scientists, and humans. Everyone mingled in the streets but for the Noah that kept to their dining table which most kept a safe distance from. It was as if an invisible barrier kept outsiders at bay, away from the family's sacred area where they gathered together.

Allen knew he couldn't push his luck too much and simply create a gigantic table because just the notion of living together was a large ordeal. Instead, he had wanted to create a room big enough for all of them but there was always something else to do, being the 'leader' of the whole operation. Instead, the people were left to file up to order and pick up their food then scramble through the crowd for a place to sit. Nowhere to far though since the plates were a chore to sneak around with and then would have to be returned. So they all yelled out, bumped into one another, and occasionally had food stolen from them.

Allen loved it.

Sure, the arguments were loud, but only because the people involved could resolve it and act as if nothing was wrong minutes later. There was laughter afterwards, and it had become one of Allen's favorite sounds that his piano couldn't recreate. If only it would stay that way. Given time, he was sure that his family of Noah would be able to be accepted and vice versa, but time was not something he had. The War was coming and people would die. His attention needed to be focused on what they should do next, anticipate what side would move first and wait to strike at the perfect moment. For now though, he would have to do his job to let the Noah and his friends see that they could, in fact, get along. Which was why he had partnered one Noah and one exorcist as a start.

Of course, the idea was instantly shut down by a certain samurai once he found out who his partner would be. "I am not spending my entire day with a Noah." Kanda growled out at the gathering of Noah and exorcists.

At his side, arms wrapped around Kanda's left one, Road grinned broadly at him. "But Kanda-kun~, we can play games now whenever we want, with Chibi-Kanda!"

Flames seemed to erupt all around Kanda's body to which Road was immune to. Lenalee, sitting on a chair beside them, tilted her head slightly. "Chibi-Kanda?"

"It's her fucking doll!" Kanda instantly answered with rage. If only the demon child wasn't pressed so tightly against him and thus, keeping him from reaching down and pulling out his katana to slice her into pieces. That would teach her to stick her nose into his business. Instead, he glared at the core of the problem. "Why are we even doing this, Moyashi?"

Allen's eyebrow twitched in strained patience. "It's Allen. And I already explained it, to strengthen our bonds. Plus, it's safer to be placed into 'units' consisting of both Noah and exorcist to balance out ourselves for the war since we will be fighting two other groups."

Lavi looked around the room. "Will it all even out though? There are nine exorcists right now, and seven Noah."

Besides him, Bookman cleared his throat. "It's seven to seven, since neither Lavi or I will participate actively."

Allen nodded grimly at this, then added. "Actually, Jasdero and David act as one, so it's six to seven..."

"I can't be a part of this either." Kaden quickly cut in. He was standing, leaning against the wall and slightly apart from everyone else, blue eyes watching all of them.

"Because of your little 'game'?" Smoke dissipated before the ex-general's face as he spoke.

Kaden's glaring eyes were instantly upon him. "Why else?" He seethed.

Their eye contact was broken off by Allen who went to stand between them. Although not clearly sure why, Allen knew those two males didn't have the best relationship. Cross always kept his stoic appearance while Kaden would be on the defensive with everything the man said. They wouldn't fight outright, but they clearly weren't helping with the tension already over all of them.

"At least let me announce the pairing." Allen sighed. He decided to go in a circle around the room that began with Tyki. "Tyki will stay with me."

"Naturally." The Portuguese man commented.

"Mightra will be with Miranda. Jasdero and David with Lenalee, since she's probably the most capable in keeping you in order."

"Hey! What are you saying?" The two Noah yelled together before David took command. "We don't need some girl telling us what to do."

Sprawled on the floor, young Timothy sat up to face the Noah of Bonds. "You're always messing around, always scaring everyone! And now Onee-chan can kick you in the face, serves you right."

"Shut up brat!"

Allen sighed and continued with the names. "Road and Kanda will form a team and-" He was just getting to Sorath and Demitri when they simply stood up and began walking out of the door. "Is something wrong?" He asked the pair.

"We have other issues that require our attention." Sorath replied. "Please continue without us."

Allen stumbled after them."W-wait a minute. You're here to help us-"

"Which we do using our preferred methods." Sorath interrupted. He paused in his step and turned his head back, looking at Allen with a single golden eye. "Though our goals might overlap, we will not always accomplish them in the same manner."

"Meaning?" Allen said carefully.

Demitri grinned down at him. "Meaning that we do things our way." Without another form of explanation, the two walked out of the room, completely brushing away whatever plan Allen had for them.

Said boy stared after them at a loss of how to properly react. He was the one in command, the one who was suppose to set the rules, enforce them, and keep people from killing each other. All forms of weakness were suppose to be hidden deep where they wouldn't rise up and create doubt in others. He was suppose to do a lot of things, but keeping a tight hand on those two was close to impossible. They exerted strong, intimidating power and everyone stayed cleared form their path. Even Allen was afraid to directly oppose them though he was almost certain they wouldn't kill him; almost since he had, after all witnessed what Demitri had done to Kaden out of sheer curiosity. For now, Allen let them go with a scowl on his face.

"This worked out perfectly…" He muttered to himself and looked around the room at the remaining people who would actually fight at his command. "Tyki and I, Miranda and Mightra, Kanda and Road, and Jasdero, David, and Lenalee. I guess this will have to do then."

Timothy stood up quickly with a frown. "Hey! What about me?"

David took the chance to point and laugh at him. "The little baby doesn't get to fight!"

"Yeah yeah!" Jasdero joined him, waving his gun around as he looked over David's shoulder. "You're too young for this war."

"No I'm not!" The small boy scrambled to his feet, rollerblades tied securely around them, and darted to where Road was, still hanging onto Kanda's arm. "She's only a bit older than me, but she still gets to fight."

Road giggled. "As a Noah, I'm actually a lot older than you."

Timothy looked at her, narrowing his eyes as he contemplated over her statement. Without warning, his hand shot out, expertly landing on her chest. "Liar! See, you're just a little girl!"

"Timothy!" Lenalee grabbed him by the back of his collar and yanked him back. "What did your tutor tell you about doing that?"

"But it's not fair! I have innocence too you know, and with this pathetic army you need all the help you can get."

Allen sighed, rubbing away the beginnings of an oncoming headache. "Please don't call it pathetic…Alright. Fine, you can join a group. You'll be with Lenalee, but you have to do everything she tells you."

"Gotcha!" Timothy grinned, flashing Allen a thumbs up as he dangled in the air in Lenalee's hold. Off to the side, the two Noah of Bonds frowned as they groaned unhappily to themselves.

Road continued to watch him passively, unconcerned about the boy's rude action. In fact, this proved to be a great new game in which she would make him pay. Her face darkened in a smile the more she thought about it. She would have her fun next…

"I guess that's it then." Allen announced. "We'll save the specifics for later; I need to plan out our next moves incorporating all of you." He watched the majority of them shuffle out, overly polite with each other in their speech. Miranda looked more nervous than ever as she attempted to excuse herself from her new partner to which Mightra responded by handing her a flower before running off to where ever it was that he spent his time. Lavi had given him an apologetic smile on his way out following Bookman. Allen couldn't blame him for the shortage of people able to comply with his future plans; as Bookmen, the two had their own jobs to accomplish.

Kanda had all too quickly stepped out of the room to rid himself of the little girl, glaring oh-so hatefully at Allen for his misfortune. Allen though, had a reason for pairing them together. Though they didn't show it outright, there was a trust between them, a trust that they wouldn't kill each other when they were distracted, but it was a place to start anyhow. And Road, he noticed, had taken a liking to the samurai and was usually seen bothering him if she wasn't after Allen when bored.

"That went beautifully."

Allen turned to Tyki and smiled at the sarcastic comment. "It could have gone worse."

Tyki's eyes flickered to Jasdero and David who were leaving with guns pointing at each other's head and arguing about something he already guessed as ridiculous. "Much worse." He agreed. With only Cross and Kaden left in the room, Tyki felt no qualms about wrapping an arm around Allen's waist and pulling him close against his body. "Shall we take a walk? It appears that you need it."

Allen shifted shyly against him, unable to push away the embarrassment of having two witnesses even when said two already knew quite well their relationship. "O-ok. But let's stop by the kitchen first, I'm a bit hungry."

"When aren't you?" Tyki smirked.

/*/*/*

Their peaceful walk had ended too soon with an explosion (that was suspiciously similar to Jasdero and David's when they fired their gun) near the Noah's area. Since Timcampy was with them, perched on top Allen's white head, Tyki decided to check on the damage himself to allow Allen a few more minutes of calm.

Allen was getting better with his deep-rooted fear of solitude. It was the simple notion of actually being alone that triggered the horrid memories of his time of imprisonment. As long there was another being with him, he was fine. Timcampy wasn't necessarily a live human, but had been with Allen long enough to gain a place in his heart.

They walked through the quieter, unused parts of the ark. He had decided to take a quick stroll around the place before returning to Tyki and later meet up with Cross to plan out their next moves. He was making his way past the very top when he caught a glance of another standing not too far from him. Pausing in his steps, Allen changed direction and walked up to him. He had been at first surprised to see Kaden walking around with steady steps. He knew the injured boy was still recovering from the gash Allen remembered as being large and painful. Yet, Kaden was moving around, putting a regular amount of weight onto his leg. "Healed so soon?"

Kaden had been looking around in wonder at how enormous the ark was from the inside. Once he heard the question directed at him, he snapped his head up and paused. "It still hurts, but I can move around with more ease now." He stomped his foot to test it and wince slightly. "It's not as bad as it was before. I can handle it."

Allen smiled about to suggest maybe resting in bed for a while longer but then noticed the large satchel hanging on his shoulder. "So I'm guessing you want to leave." Allen said. They hadn't form that strong of a bond yet, but they knew the importance of saving the souls in the akuma's body, knew that they were the only ones who knew how they suffered. That alone was enough to allow some trust and attachment between the two.

Kaden nodded. "I have to. To save her." I don't want to risk forfeiting the game.

Allen heard the unspoken reason. "I understand." He was rather hoping that Kaden would choose to stay and fight with them. He wasn't about to force him, a method the Order had used. He had decided since the beginning that anyone was fee to leave, well, after having a talk with Komoui who had a vague way of persuasion to keep all if not most of their secrets from the Earl and Order. Kaden though, was one person Allen could trust. "I'll create the door now, if you want."

"I'd appreciate it."

Allen concentrated, thinking of a small city where he could blend in easily and be safe from akuma, if only for a moment. A tall door formed behind him and Allen stepped aside to allow Kaden a path. "You don't want to stick around for dinner?" And to say goodbye to everyone?

"I'd rather not." Kaden sighed and looked up at the 'sky'. "I'm not too good with farewells or touchy scenes. But feel free to pass my message along: 'goodbye and hope to see you again'."

Smiling, Allen agreed. "I will."

"One last thing." The raven gave a sigh and faced Allen. "I should have told you sooner but..."

Now, Allen was curious. The words sounded grave, important. "What is it?"

Kaden scratched his chin with a forefinger. "Well...I came across an akuma a while back and it told me something interesting. I'm suppose to tell Cross but I don't really want to get too close to him if I can help it." He paused, then sighed again. "I'll be blunt. The Earl is close to the heart. It's with the boy who's father became an akuma."

The new information seemed to still the air around them. "The Earl is close to the heart...?" If this was true, then the War could very well end with the Earl as the winner. Should that special innocence be destroyed, all of their anti-akuma weapons would disappear with it. Then there was the second part, about the individual's father being turned into an akuma. Allen didn't know of anyone with a story like that but then again, he hasn't asked everyone about their parents. "Kaden, when did you get this information?"

"A few months ago." Kaden studied Allen's astonished face that was slowly being consumed by worry and doubt. If it was a few months ago, it was when Allen was still living in Edo and as close to the Earl as possible. Then there was Mana; he wasn't Allen's father by blood but that was how the Earl had stated it on their second meeting: Allen Walker, the boy who turned his own father into an akuma. He fit the description perfectly. "I did receive the message from an akuma but I do believe it's true. I don't know exactly how to put it but...that akuma wasn't completely under the Earl's control."

This conversation was turning serious, bringing a grave feeling to Allen. "How is that possible?" He needed answers, a clearer view.

Kaden stepped forward, maybe to explain or to admit being unsure, but froze upon hearing another person approach. "Don't tell me you're off to hunt for your past lover." Cross walked in wide strides, reaching them in less than a minute.

"It is my decision to make." Kaden frowned upon seeing him, instantly on the defense. "And I don't care what anyone else has to say about it."

"If you're going to be so reckless," the man began, smirking dangerously, "you shouldn't be going alone."

Kaden glared at him and faced him completely. "And just what are you suggesting? That you'll offer yourself to help me?"

"Not to help." Cross moved in front of him, both males staring at each other intently and refusing to back down. "But to guide and train. I won't lie and say you're not powerful, you are. But you are foolish and narrow-sighted. With the War nearing, you'll end up dead on your fist day out of the ark."

The younger scoffed at his words. "I am not stupid. I have been on my own for years now, without anyone. And even if I did want help, I would never ask for yours."

Cross sighed impatiently. "Didn't I say I wouldn't be helping you?" With one swift movement, he swung his arm and hit Kaden in the stomach causing him to loose his breath and double over. He then picked him up with one arm and draped him over his shoulder.

Allen stared, shocked at the sudden attack. "Master!"

Cross glared at him, warning him to stay out of it. "I'll be taking him with me. Starting today, he is my new apprentice."

"Bastard." Kaden gasped, beginning his to activate his innocence to free himself a soft glow emanating from a point on the center of his back.

Cross noticed this and griped his injured leg, successfully causing the boy to cry out and stay still, the glow receding. "It is 'Master' now. You are to obey my orders and resist any attempt to run away. Then maybe I might just do something about those akuma you are so worried about."

"What akuma?" Allen knew Cross more than anyone; he knew he was blackmailing Kaden with something. "And what is this about making him your apprentice?"

"I am still your Master, Allen." The man faced the door, only a foot away from it. "Keep Timcampy near you at all times. I have my own communication device and will call you when I need another door." Completely ignoring Allen's questions, he began stepping through the door and into the other side.

"Wait!" A blond head was bobbing up the road as the man ran to reach them. Allen recognized him as Link by the braid swinging from side to side behind his head.

"Link?" The gray eyes didn't miss the suite case the blond held in his hand as he slowed down and eventually stop. "Don't tell me you're also leaving."

Link allowed himself to bend down, hands on knees, as he panted before straightening up. "I'll also be accompanying Fuad. He still isn't fully healed, so I decided to help him as back up."

Cross studied him for a moment, contemplating the admission of another person. "If you understand your place, you can tag along."

The blond had an expression that said he would have gone anyways, but politely nodded to show his understanding.

"Before I forget." Cross rummaged through one of his pockets until he was able to pull out a small book. He looked at the cover for an instant before he tossed it at Allen. "This might enlighten a few things if you use it correctly." Even before Allen had caught the book, Cross was already on the other side with Kaden on his shoulder and Link close behind.

Allen watched them disappear, a bit frustrated, then let the door vanish. Timcampy fluttered around his head as his owner read the title out loud, confusion falling harder with every word. "The Complete Book of Names…?" He scratched his head, groaning to himself. "Of course you would leave me with something like this." He turned on his heel and began stomping his way back to Tyki; not only had his partner-pairing plan failed, but the Original Noah let him know that they weren't under his command, Kaden had been semi-kidnapped, and Cross was gone now leaving behind only questions that Allen knew would be picking at his brain for the remainder of the day. He let Tim nestle himself comfortably on top his head then sighed again. "God, I need Tyki right now."

A/N: And so, thus ends another chapter. Before another (probably lengthy) wait, please feel free to amuse yourselves with a few other things. First, I drew a pic of Road putting kitty ears on Kanda (link on my profile page: Fun in the Ark) and I apologize now because of the non-similarities to the characters (especially Tyki, why can't I draw Tyki?) of it. Second, if any of you yaoi lovers are looking for a good story, try my new favorite author P.L. Nunn! I love her novels, Bloodraven and Dynasty of Ghosts. I FREAKIN' love them. And lastly…well…I think I must have been eating a lot of candy and got some kind of rush because I started this one-shot…a CrossxKadenxLink one-shot. It's kinda halfway written and I don't know if I will finish it. But if any of you want to see it done, please let me know…it's a bit weird now that I look back at it o.O.

So, thanks for reading. And please review ^^

Next Chapter: Battle (I wonder what that means... o.O)