Hitomi: … *GETS SHOT, BIG TIME* I know, I know! About time for an update, eh? I'm sorry if I haven't been writing lately. I've been in quite the writer's block and it's made me gone frustrated. But, it's a good thing that I've managed to finish this chapter before second semester of school starts this Monday. XD Right on time, eh?

These days, I didn't feel like responding to the reviews this time. Maybe it's because I got lazy or guilty for holding off this chapter for too long. But, I want you guys to know that I've always been appreciative of your feedback and your support. It really means a lot to me, to have you guys stick to reading Unravel up to now.

DX And yeah, yeah, I KNOW I was supposed to update Ice Flare! *headdesks* But, I've been stuck in this writer's block (for fanfiction) for more than a month. As for original fiction… *laughs weakly* Much worse, writer's block for over a year. But… I'll get by… As long as I got your support, I'll be all right. I'll find a way out, somehow. I may not be able to update as much as I used to, but I will still write.

Now then, it's time to see how this will all unfold as the Tiedoll unit continue on their journey to Edo. Travelling in numbers with danger constantly lurking, they continue doing their best to protect General Tiedoll at all costs. However…

What's happening to Rue now during all of this?

Disclaimer: I do not own D . Gray-Man, Hoshinou Katsura-sensei does. The only thing(s) I do own in here would be my OC(s).

There she stood, right in the middle of the bright scenery. Though she had no idea where she was, it was so clear and warm. The nature surrounding her was beautiful. There were trees rustling in the soft breeze while long grass looked like green waves and tickled her legs. Upon more observation, she was standing in a field of beautiful flowers of every size, shape, and color.

She could hear his laughter. Looking straight ahead of her was him, playing around with the Charity Bell as usual. Once he sensed her presence and turned around to see her, he flashed a wide grin at her, waving as if beckoning her to come over to his location.

She took her steps in a sprint; the need to be with him was very strong. But as she ran towards him, the more she ran, the farther away he was; however, he seemed to be oblivious to this as he was still waving at her, wanting her to be by his side. Still determined to catch up to him, she kept going, though the distance between them got bigger and bigger.

After what seemed like forever, she was so close, so very close, to just touch him. Just when his hand reached out to ruffle her hair, a gesture of affection he gave her countless times before…

The scenery flashed in blinding light and she took a step back and shielded her face, shocked and unsure of what was going on. When the light faded, the scenery changed drastically. The abundant nature around her was dead now; flowers wilted no leaves on the tree, and the grass into a rusty brown. The weather was no longer warm and bright; there were dark clouds masking up the very blue sky as cold, heavy rain fell down.

When looking in front of her again, she found him crucified upside down and chained to a bloodstained tree, dead eyes starting back at her. She ran over there, about to take down the chains and let him go into her arms as if to warm him back to life, but he dissolved into black and never came back.

He disappeared without a trace and without a proper goodbye.

And taking his place was the Millennium Earl, feral gold eyes staring down at her.

"I will take away everything precious to you, Marucut…" The First Noah whispered eerily with wide, evil smile lighting up his face. "And I will make sure that you will be broken before I end your life."

Unravel

XXXVII

Falling to Pieces

「I've to keep reminding myself that many will die in these circumstances.

I've to keep reminding myself of my duties.

And, most importantly, I've to keep reminding myself that I'm an Exorcist.

But, why is it so difficult to accept now…?」

She woke up with wide eyes as she sat up at once, cold sweat matting her hair to her forehead. Her breath came out in ragged panting and her heart was beating wildly in her chest. What seemed like hours were only a few yet torturous minutes; it took quite some time, but the thumping slowly went back to normal. A rough sigh escaping from chapped lips, she ran a hand through her hair in frustration, her body paralyzed and shaken with fear.

Darting her eyes around in a paranoid fashion, she only met darkness, save for the moonlight pouring in from the windows. Sighing again, she shook her head, cursing under her breath out of exasperation on how disturbed she felt from her horrible dream.

Not again. Rue fussed inwardly with a grimace, her gaze shifting to her blanket covered lap. I think this will be the start of my insomniac days again…

It had been three days since Daisya died and the Tiedoll unit was currently recuperating in Black Order HQ before being given another mission. Since then, Rue had not been getting any decent sleep. Nightmares of Daisya's death plagued her slumber, forcing her to wake up in the ungodly hours of the morning. In order to distract herself from both the unbearable pain of loss and the unshakeable fear, she made it an every day routine to train alone around this time until sunrise or so.

Getting up from her bed, she stumbled out of the room. Being the only one awake, it was total silence in the middle of the night. Being careful not to trip, she went down the spiral corridors to go to the lower floors where the bathrooms were.

Making it into the bathroom and going straight to one of the sinks, Rue splashed cold water on her face to get the sweat off and to keep herself awake. With dull eyes, she looked into the mirror and observed her face's paleness and the darkening eye bags. Lips in a thin line, no sound came out from her, but she already formed unvoiced assessments regarding her current condition.

Looks like someone's getting haggard… She mused quietly, scooping water into her hands and wetting her face again. But, I guess it can't be helped. After all…

His face appeared in her mind, looking to be in good cheer as he always did. There was a sense of heaviness on her chest, followed by a wave of nausea, when she saw him.

If only I wasn't far away at that time, if only I had made it…

Deciding not to dwell on it anymore, she went back to her room and grabbed her coat and boots. Having taken out the pocket watch from her coat pocket, it displeased Rue to see that the time was 4 in the morning. Checking on last minute adjustments (daggers equipped at her side, pouch fastened onto her leg, etc.), she made her way out. A worried Deja tagged along, feeling a strong need to watch over her/its mistress.

Looking over her shoulder, the Exorcist gave a gaze that bore through the silver golem. Oh, if only the tiny machine had the function of speech, she/it would've voiced out that Rue looked really scary.

"Tagging along as always, huh, Deja?" She/It only gave a weak, reluctant nod. "Heh, I already told you that I'm fine. But, I guess you can't help but worry, hm? Well then, let's go. Don't worry, we're not going that far. Wouldn't want the rest of them having a hard time looking for me, you know."

With Innocence activated, Rue made her way out of her room and closed the door. With footsteps as quiet as a mouse, she was off to head to the training grounds as she usually did. The golem trailed behind at a certain distance, sensing that the Exorcist had undeniably changed ever since he died.

As much as Rue was stubborn to admit that, it was true.

I've to shake this off. I am an Exorcist and I have to take my duties seriously. I can't give into this. I can't.

No matter what, I've to be strong for you.

oOo

Don't think.

Don't think.

A swipe here, a swipe there, all of them a silvery blur in the early sunrise. A punch launched and another one making a blow in the air. The Innocence glowed with the elements it had learned for the past two years, forming into powerful energy with the intention to kill.

Fight until there's red; dark red that stains everything and will never come off; a dark red to remind everyone that I mean business.

"Have you forgotten? I was never originally an Exorcist." She whispered sinisterly, slashing the air with silver. "I am an assassin. And you, Millennium Earl, know that very well, so get ready."

The daggers were wielded with skilled precision, poising for execution. Her teeth were gritted and she was sweating now; this time, from solo training.

"Rue!"

She sheathed her daggers immediately, not batting an eye. Looking up to find the source of the voice, she saw a tired Reever who was calling her. Turning a full about face, she strode over to him, not breaking her strides.

"Yes, Sir Reever?"

"There you are, I've been looking all over for—"

He stopped abruptly the moment he met her face. There it was, she had that look on her face. He never saw that look not since she first came into the Black Order; that emotionless, cold look that made her seem that she wasn't human.

"Ah…"

"Hm?" Her voice was calm, the cold look slipped into innocent confusion. "Is something the matter, Sir Reever?"

He cleared his throat, adding in a white lie, "No, no… It's just that I thought you look tired. Your face looks awful."

"I guess so. I've been waking up earlier and earlier these days. Seems that my body's trying to adjust to it." She murmured sleepily, letting out a yawn. "So, why are you looking for me? Did something happen?"

He chuckled, relieved that her cold mask disappeared. Perhaps, he was imagining things. Well, after all, he was tired and had been up from coffee to do a lot of paperwork, thanks to a certain supervisor who shall remain nameless.

"Nah, nothing serious. Johnny's looking for you since he's made another uniform for you."

"Oh…"

He looked at her carefully again, a bit surprised at her tone. It sounded flat… But, it seemed to be tinged with sadness too.

"Are you okay, Rue? You don't sound happy about it."

"No, no." She shook her head furiously, meeting his face again with eyes that glowed with appreciation. "I actually wanted to see what Johnny's up to with uniform making. And I am thankful on how hard he works on it, but…"

Hesitation cut off her sentence and she wasn't sure what to say. Before Reever could say anything to question it, Rue shook her head again as if to silence him, having made her mind up.

"It's nothing. Well, I suppose we should get going, Sir Reever. Wouldn't want to keep Johnny waiting."

With that, she brushed past him, putting an end to the conversation. As the older scientist followed her to the Science Department, there were a lot of questions at the back of his mind. Looking at her back, somehow, he felt his chest tightening in pain from the sight of it. It just gave off such a heavy aura of sadness, as if she was bearing pain all by herself.

Why, why did that look come back to resurface? Why had Rue sounded sad just a moment ago? Something must've happened when she and the rest of the Tiedoll unit came back to HQ to recuperate. And if so, what was wrong?

Did it have to do with him?

oOo

In her new uniform now, Rue was back in her room, examining herself in the mirror. Turning this way and that, checking out the detail, she seemed to like it.

But, it feels so unfamiliar… She thought serenely, looking at herself once more. Well, it is a new coat… And it's my size, so…

What's wrong?

She looked at her bed, seeing her old uniform all neatly folded up. An unknown sensation stirred in her body and, promptly, she turned away from it.

The memories… All of it, they're still…

"No. I've to keep working." She muttered in frustration, a clenched fist formed and punching a nearby wall, making a fairly deep dent. "I will not let myself think about it. I have to keep moving forward."

Opening the door, she slammed it on her way out, trying to cut away whatever was bothering her.

Because moving forward is the only thing I can do right now.

oOo

Once more, the Tiedoll unit had set out traveling, already boarded on a train and killing time. General Tiedoll and Marie were making small talk with each other and Kanda was napping; obviously, it was going to be a long journey, their next destination. Somewhere in the first class compartment, in a somewhat isolated spot, Rue watched the scenery rolling by outside from the window.

While still conversing with Marie, the gentle Exorcist-General momentarily glanced over to his youngest disciple and frowned in concern. Something was wrong with her and he knew it; but, no matter how much he tried to get answers from Rue, she always played it off as nothing.

Rue was lost in her own thoughts and dark prospects were starting to take over…

So, it's off to Edo we go… She mused, closing her eyes. So, they're there, huh?

oOo

"Your next mission is to go off to Edo." Komui announced once the Tiedoll unit gathered up in his office. "Sources say that there are many Akuma being created there. Reports have also been given that the Earl and the Noah family are there too."

"So, you're saying it's their base, Sir Komui." Rue concluded solemnly, her eyes dark at this piece of news.

"So to speak, Rue." Komui didn't seem to notice the change in Rue; in fact, it was like he was unperturbed. "We also got word from the others that General Cross is possibly there."

Rue stiffened a little at this, the feeling of dread coming back. Now that she thought about it, ever since his death, she couldn't get a hold of Allen and the others, who were in China at the time. When she tried to, their end of the communication line sounded rather chaotic.

Gulping, a hand grasped a sheathed dagger as she gave the supervisor an unreadable gaze. The rest of the occupants in the room were uneasy in their own way from Rue's actions. General Tiedoll looked a little anxious, Kanda frowned slightly in confusion, and Marie shifted in discomfort, sensing something was wrong.

"Sir Komui." She called out to him, her voice quiet and flat, her grip on the dagger tightening.

"Y-Yes, Rue?" Now, he was surprised at her sudden change of emotion.

"What happened… To Allen and the others? I've been trying to contact them, but… Every time I do, it sounded like something was wrong. Do you… Know?"

A deadly silence struck the room. Kanda and Marie could only look at the apprehensive supervisor while General Tiedoll had a resigned look on his face. Perhaps, in their own way, they knew what happened to the Cross unit (though, how much detail of the incident they had, one could only know; though, it wasn't a surprise General Tiedoll knew about all of it). But, they left Rue in the dark about it to spare her any more pain because what happened to him changed her.

In a quiet, serious tone, Komui said, "General Tiedoll, Kanda, Marie."

With a nod, General Tiedoll said, "If you please excuse us. Kanda, Marie, we'll be waiting outside."

Though both disciples had puzzlement written on their faces, they didn't question their mentor's actions. One by one, they went out. Before General Tiedoll went out, being the last one, he looked over his shoulder and gave Rue a meaningful expression. To which the tomboy only responded with a curt nod, letting go of her weapon's hilt.

When the door shut with a soft click, Rue turned to look at Komui, bewilderment and seriousness displayed. With that look, Komui sighed, smiling wryly at her as if to say, "What am I going to do with you?"

The truth came out in slow reluctance, but it got to the bottom line and gave the information Rue sought for. In China, there was a disaster around the period when Daisya had died. Suman Dark, one of General Sokalo's disciples, had turned into a Fallen One because of telling Tyki Mikk information about the Black Order in exchange for having his life spared in battle due to having a wife and daughter back home. Though Allen had tried to save Suman by taking his Innocence, his mind was already dead. And when Allen planned to bring Suman's body back to the Black Order for burial, the corpse was eaten away by Tyki's Tease.

Hearing Allen was fighting against Tyki; Tyki inevitably leaving him at Death's door and destroying his left arm; and the Exorcist's current stay in the Black Order's Asian Branch to recover from his wounds and restore his broken Innocence, left Rue stiff in shock.

Allen… Allen almost died…? It was difficult for her to digest this. And once it suddenly hit her, the dark emotions in her heart grew more and more at a rather frightening pace.

"Sir Komui, this Noah… Is he the Noah who kills people without leaving external injuries?"

"W-What?"

"Then, I'll repeat myself, Sir Komui." Walking over to his desk, keeping her eye on him with that unreadable look, she asked in a polite but bone chilling tone. "That Noah you're talking about… Is he the one who can kill people without leaving external injuries?"

The silence was thick, tense, and unbearable; the time stood still in an on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense; and Komui, poor Komui, was at a loss of what to say. He knew about Daisya's death, having been told reports that he—and a few other Exorcists—died with no wound marks. He had a good idea on where this was going, having known Daisya and Rue's bond. He was conflicted on whether to tell Rue the truth or not after seeing countless, unseen wounds that she tried so hard to hide; the wounds that steadily grew bigger the stronger she became.

But, she deserved to know.

Taking a deep breath, Komui locked eye contact with Rue, and finally got out his answer in a soft voice, "…Yes, Rue. The Noah that almost killed Allen is the one who kills people without inflicting injury on their bodies."

She closed her eyes in resignation, the emotions deep within her ready to burst. Involuntarily, her hands clenched into tight fists, fingernails digging in the palms deep enough to draw out blood.

Turning away in order not to show her emotions, she opened her eyes, already knowing they had gone dark with an emotion that was beyond anger. She spoke again with a voice hoarse from not speaking for so long, a voice that barely contained the sentiments she gave all of her willpower not to slip out, "…That's all I needed to know."

As she walked to the office door, she stopped in front of it.

"Sir Komui."

The supervisor jolted at the sound of her voice, startled, because was so lost in thought on whether it was the right thing to tell Rue the truth or not.

"Yes, Rue?" Komui replied hastily, observing her warily with concern. He couldn't see her expression well from his desk, and there was the fact that her long bangs always hid her eyes, but it surprised him to see her lips lifted up in a small smile. But, somehow, it didn't feel right.

Smiles were meant to be for happiness, for joy; but hers looked so fragile, as if she was ready to…

Cry.

Could you really make any sense of it, a sad smile? Who would've thought such a paradox existed?

" Thank you… For telling me the truth, Sir Komui. I owe you… A lot for it." Her voice was cool, but there was a slight tremor to it. "When I come back here… I… I will become a powerful Exorcist who will destroy the Akuma, the Millennium Earl, and the Noah family… And save everyone with all of my strength."

With that, she opened the door and hurriedly closed it on the way out, running footsteps heard from outside until they faded away.

Komui sat back in his chair, feeling weary and frustrated and not in the mood to do paperwork. Seeing Rue like that really made him feel helpless, reminding him so bitterly that he couldn't do anything for her—or anyone else in the Black Order; most especially the Exorcists, even his own sister—at all. How he hated seeing everyone in the Black Order suffering in this war in more ways than one and he couldn't do anything but watch.

But being there for everyone was all he could for he was their leader, Supervisor Komui Lee.

And they knew better than anyone else that he would always be there for them, no matter what.

oOo

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you, Allen. If I had known that happened, I wouldn't have let you be at the brink of Death."

"It's all right, Rue. You had your own mission to fulfill with the Tiedoll unit. I should consider myself lucky since the Black Order Asian Branch found me and all. I… I really thought I was a goner."

"Well, it's a good thing you're still alive. I…"

"Hm?"

"I don't… Want you dying on me now."

"Rue…"

"I'm not letting you die on me. That's an order, Walker."

"H-Hey! Since when do you call me Walker?"

"Or would you prefer Beansprout?"

"Argh, no, not you too! That's the last thing I want as I already got stupid Kanda and Lavi calling me that! And you already know that, so I'm begging you not to call me beansprout!"

"Then, promise me that you won't die."

"Rue—"

"Promise me."

"…I promise I won't die, Rue…"

"…Good. Now, rest up as I know you need to train to get your Innocence back and you still need to recover from your wounds. Feel better, Allen, okay? Make sure you get lots of sleep. Heh… Make sure you eat a lot too; knowing you, you bottomless pit."

"Hehe, yeah… Thanks. Hey… Rue?"

"Mm?"

"If something's wrong or if you feel down… You know you can tell me anything, right? I may not be able to solve all of your problems, but… I'm more than willing to listen."

"…I know. Thank you. The same to you, okay? I don't want you to hold your burdens all by yourself… Especially when you're the 'Destroyer of Time.'"

"Don't worry… I know I can rely on you."

A click was heard, the call disconnected. With Deja now perched on her shoulder, Rue started sketching in the exchange diary, something she occasionally did when Lavi had been away for the Ireland mission.

So, the Noah who killed him was the one who almost killed Allen too, huh? Her lips pursed grimly, trying to keep herself under control, which was proving to be difficult as the days passed by. When I go to Edo… I'll make sure he feels pain. Every last one of them, I'll make sure the Innocence will eat them alive and burn their souls.

Nobody hurts my comrades and gets away with it, not on my watch.

You crossed the line, this is personal, and you will pay the price.

As she concentrated on drawing with these dark thoughts in mind, she felt something patting her head, snapping her out of it. Quickly averting her gaze from the page to see who disturbed her, she looked up to see General Tiedoll, who greeted her with a small but warm smile. Apparently, his hand was patting her head since he moved his seat to be with her.

She looked back and forth, from him to the exchange diary and back. To this, he only gave a nod, as if telling her she could continue doing what she was doing. She only nodded back, slowly getting back into the psyche of drawing. His hand stayed on her head, stroking her hair, occasionally watching her from the corner of his eye as he, too, was lost in thought.

Though somewhat unaware of how badly Daisya's death affected Rue, he still wanted to be there for her, unable to stand seeing her like this because it broke his heart. She was alone and she needed comfort, despite not voicing out such. He knew how she felt so very well: Daisya was like a family member in the Tiedoll unit, he was like a son to him and a brother to Kanda (as much as he would NEVER admit it), Marie, and most especially Rue.

It couldn't be helped that one thought popped into General Tiedoll's mind and it stuck with him since Daisya's death as he slowly watched his "daughter" suffer a fatal blow that left a big wound to the heart.

It's as if Daisya took a piece of you with him, Rue.

The artistic Exorcist-General couldn't—wouldn't—say anything to console her for Death was an inevitable part of life and it came in unexpected turns. That and she wouldn't take pity; he definitely knew that part of her very well enough.

But, he couldn't help but cried the tears for her while she, herself, grieved inside.

Would her wounds heal? Would be she able to go through life, stronger than before, even with the constant fear of losing a loved one? Would she ever forgive herself for something Daisya wouldn't—and didn't—blame her for at all?

Only time would tell.

Being there for someone to show them that they cared was all there was to "tell" them that everything will be all right.

And that was enough.

oOo

The ship—in perfect condition under Miranda's Innocence—had set sail for Edo from China and everything seemed to be calm, though everyone still kept up their guards in case of enemy assault.

Inside the Exorcists' room at the moment were Bookman and Lavi. Lavi was studying as he always did while Bookman was taking notes, recording this event.

"Lavi."

"Yeah, Gramps?" The junior Bookman replied without looking up, absorbed in his studies.

"Remember what I told you a few days ago before we set sail?"

How could Lavi forget? It was a scolding he received after being angry at Lenalee and making her cry because she was condemning herself on what happened to Allen back in China. Not only did he get quite a good smack on the head, thanks to Bookman as usual, but there was a harsh rebuke that followed concerning his Bookman duties.

Even now, he still recalled the cold words: "Do you believe yourself to be God's apostle? You are the successor of 'Bookman' and nothing else. Haven't I taught you to be nothing more than an onlooker, regardless of the situation? As Bookman, you must place yourself within that and record all matters with fairness. You must not be affiliated with anything nor be biased. In the hidden history, there will be evidence of war, and because of that war, history will change. Don't be taken in by the war. We are only on the Order's side 'by chance,' all for the sake of recording history. Don't forget our goal, Lavi."

"Yeah? What about it?" The boy answered indifferently, still not looking up. He still felt a strange sense of shame because of that lecture, which was why he was acting like this.

"…That includes Marucut as well. After all, during the time when you were getting Arystar to join the Black Order, Allen Walker, who was with you that time, did say that Marucut was with you two."

Hearing Rue's surname made Lavi's heart stop. Slowly, as if trying not to be affected by it, Lavi closed his book and looked up, giving his elder an unreadable expression.

Then, he put on a small smile, chuckling wryly, "What are you talking about, Gramps? It's not like she's affected me from my duties—"

"You're lying."

He stiffened, caught off-guard from Bookman's conclusion. Even so, he still attempted to put on a smile, trying again, "Really, she isn't—"

"Lavi. I know that you're attached to her, don't lie to me." Bookman said calmly, finally stopped taking his notes as he gave his apprentice a withering stare. "And even whether you realize it or not, the fact still stands that she's starting to get to you as well."

"That's…"

"If you're not attached to her, prove me wrong."

At this, he couldn't take it anymore. Without warning, Lavi got up from the desk and slammed his hands on the table, giving his master a defiant glare. Though unfazed by this notion, Bookman had a vague inkling he would've reacted like that.

"You're wrong." Lavi muttered darkly, still keeping his eyes on the elder Bookman. The next words came out hotly. "Rue hasn't affected me a bit!"

"Then, why are you reacting like this? It's almost as if you're defending her, Lavi."

This cowed Lavi into stunned silence, instantly quieting him. To Bookman, it looked like he hit bulls-eye.

"You see? You have gotten attached to her, after all. How much, I don't know, but it's really obvious."

"And what if I am?" Lavi challenged calmly, unwavering. The next sentence went to the bottom line, ready to set off a detonation. "Even if I am attached to Rue, that's none of your business in the first place!"

At this, Bookman couldn't take it anymore, unable to hold back his exchange of cutting remarks.

"Don't tell me it's none of my business when it obviously is! You're the successor to Bookman and you know we have no need for attachment! Have you forgotten your goal?"

"You don't understand what I've just said, do you? I told you I haven't forgotten my goal at all! I've been under training as a Bookman for twelve years now, what makes you think I've forgotten all the things I've been through? Being a Bookman is still a dream to me!"

"Then, what's more important to you? Becoming a Bookman or getting involved with the Black Order and Marucut? Answer me!"

By now, they ran out of words to say, panting out their exhaustion and exasperation and gave each other poisonous glares. Fortunately, before the verbal assault could escalate to any more disastrous results, this was when Mahoja chose to walk in.

"Bookman, Lavi! You're needed on deck! Looks like we got Akuma heading our way."

" We'll be there shortly." Bookman called back with a calm voice, seeing her nod and turning back to go on deck. Shortly, he turned to Lavi to give him quite a glare, warning him with a voice that was barely disguising its anger. "This isn't over yet, Lavi. Do as I say. When you cross paths with Marucut again, detach yourself from her. I mean it."

He brushed past his grandson, putting an end to the conversation, leaving him alone in the room. As he heard the older man's footsteps fading away, the Bookman apprentice gritted his teeth, feeling his frustrated discontent building up.

Well? What will you do now? Deak asked quietly from the back of his mind. The old man's serious.

There was no answer from him. Lavi didn't seem to hear Deak; instead, he was recalling everyone's faces from the Black Order, memories of them playing into his mind. While part of him will have to deny it due to his duties, it was obvious that he just couldn't give them up that easily. For two years, he had been in the Black Order and made so many memories with many people there. There was no way he would give up on them just like that.

Including her; most especially her. He couldn't give up on Rue either.

The alter ego made a quiet noise; from what it sounded like, he was sighing. Then, a dry chuckle came out from Deak.

Then, what are you going to do now?

No answer came from Lavi again, still recalling and still thinking on what to do. Then, he finally made up his mind, a determined, passive expression in his eye.

Then, I guess I have no choice. I've to be serious about it this time.

Hitomi: Done. Finally!

This chapter… Was not how I intended it to be. Originally, Rue was supposed to be traveling around with the Tiedoll unit after Daisya died, but I sent all of them back to Black Order HQ to rest (and to get their new uniforms).

I'm guessing you're wondering why I didn't introduce Rue to her siblings, who are now in the Black Order… Well, wouldn't want Jericho and Claire to find their sister like that, eh? After all, they don't know about her assassin life when they were separated years ago. So, might as well have Rue get these awful feelings out of her chest first before reuniting the siblings again.

Looks like Komui and General Tiedoll sense Rue's changing from Daisya's death… How much of the change they're wary of, only a hint of it. They really have no idea of the dark thoughts she's thinking of (well, Komui would, considering Rue's interrogation about Tyki…).

As for the conversation between Allen and Rue, I know I didn't describe their emotions on how they're communicating with each other. But, it shows how close they are now, the way they talk now, huh? After all, Rue can't bear to lose Allen too when Daisya's death is already slowly sending her to insanity…

Right, I have to develop on how Rue's taking Daisya's death and Allen's almost dying by the same culprit, Tyki. Originally, I was supposed to show how she changed when traveling with the Tiedoll unit, but, again, I had them rest in Black Order HQ. But, it really would have you question more how much more can Rue bottle this up…

And then, there's Lavi and Bookman fighting in regards of Lavi slowly straying away from his Bookman goals… Oh no, Lavi, what are you thinking at the end of the chapter? Could it be you'll distant yourself from Rue again, after making a promise to her about what happened in Germany on the Krory mission? This won't bode well…

I hope you guys enjoyed this! Wish me good luck in school on Monday (hectic schedule again; eight subjects and a Monday through Saturday schedule AGAIN!) and keep your eyes peeled for the nexr chapter!