Kanda had awoken before his partner, letting her sleep longer. He was careful not to disturb Lenalee getting out of bed. Bringing the covers to their shoulders again, Kanda busied himself, content to listen to the sleeping girl's breathing as he picked up the clothes taking care to fold them. Leaving them on the desk, he stole a second to glance back at Lenalee's relaxed form, unconscious and snoring lightly. Going over to the closet, Kanda pulled out his uniform, instantly dreading the idea of putting it on.
'Not today,' the man thought adamantly. Kanda returned the much worn dark uniform, and instead grabbed a plain white shirt, buttoning it right until the coller, preferring the loose fit. Black slacks would accompany the white nicely. Before slipping out, Kanda ran a brush through his hair, his experienced hands tying his long hair back with his much loved red cord.
Slipping out before Lenalee awoke, he made sure to cushion the large doors closing. It was still early, so the halls were practically vacant still. The dining hall was his objective, and soon enough it was on his left.
"Kanda. Good morning!" Kanda found the voice and it's personage immediately. Johnny had already started Kanda's way. "I was hoping to talk to you. The Science Division is mostly caught up on our seemingly never ending work load, thanks to the chief for once." Johnny chuckled at the crazy idea, still in disbelief at the idea of having leisure time again. "I noticed your uniform was in need of some patch work. I'm asking everyone to drop uniforms in need of attention off by the Science wing." The samurai smiled, the other's early morning enthusiasm a pleasant way to be greeted first thing. He replied,
"I'll be sure to have mine and Lenalee's to you later. I appreciate it." To say the young scientist was excited was not the right word. He was elated.
"Thanks Kanda! I'll have them done before your next job. Have a great morning." Kanda, remembering one last note, called Johnny's attention back.
"On my coat, theirs embroidery. Please be careful not to hurt it." He smiles at the thought of Lenalee finding such a thing out. "Lenalee will have my head," he joked. Nodding an understanding, Johnny gave Kanda a confident thumbs up. "No problem!" Kanda was on his own again until he turned into the dining hall, the quiet of the empty halls gone in a matter of seconds. Everyone was eating and chatting amongst one another. Kanda grabbed himself a spot in line, eager for breakfast. The finder in front of him finished ordering, letting the samurai step up to Jerry's window.
"What can I make you this morning Kanda?" Jerry was still up beat as usual, however he had seemed to lose his flare the tiniest amount if you paid enough attention. It was no surprise that the cook, like most of the order, had become less excited about a lot of things since Lvellie's reign infiltrated the European Branch. Kanda placed his order, "I'm thinking something different today. Surprise me." The idea sounded right, then and there. "I'll have whatever the Moyashi enjoyed for breakfast. Oh, but just one dish please, not fifty-three," he thought to add. The older man's eyes lit up, face beaming.
"Oh Kanda darling, I'm glad you asked! I'll have it made right away! And I suppose you're bringing dear Lenalee her food this morning?" Jerry had a memory that could rival a bookman. 'They never fail to pick up on habits do they?' the exorcist thought, grinning.
"That's correct Jerry. You know how she likes her breakfast. You always remember everything." Jerry was a god-sent in the kitchen for everyone there.
"It's in my job description. Now, you take a seat and I'll have this order out before you know it." Kanda thanked them, and as Jerry said, it wasn't even twenty minutes before several orders plus Kanda's double was ready to be eaten. Taking the tray of his and Lenalee's food, Kanda asked what Jerry had chosen to make.
"It's a good ol' simple potato soup, my boy. He once told me this was his favorite growing up. Fun fact for you." Kanda decided to push that tid bit of new information into the back of his mind for later use.
"It smells great, and thanks again Jerry." Jerry bid Kanda a good morning and the exorcist was soon back to his room, having balanced the tray with plenty of practice, managing to open the door. The door had half swung open when it was opened wide, and fast. Lenalee grabbed the food tray and bringing it to the desk. She had already dressed, her night shirt folded neatly on the end of the bed.
"I would have come with you. I don't mind getting up early, you know that," Lenalee said, handing Kanda his bowl. He accepted it happily, catching the spoon before it could fall into the soup. Sitting beside him on the bed, she balanced the fish and placed the rice in her lap. "Potato soup huh? No Soba. I'm surprised." Lenalee teased, using her chopsticks to take a bite of fish. Even with food in her mouth, Kanda could still make out her saying how great it tasted.
"It's Allen's favorite apparently. I told Jerry to make me his preferred breakfast." She turned her head to the man, opening her mouth. Understanding, he gave the girl the first bit, feeding her. Her face spoke for her. Her mouth now empty, she stated matter-of-fairly: "Now that, is some good soup. I wouldn't of thought such a simple dish would be his favorite food." Kanda agreed.
"Oh, so the letters." The man started. "I was thinking your brother's office would be best for gathering everyone later. It's by far the safest place from Lvellie's 'all seeing eyes.' Komui can make sure the space is secure." Chewing her food first, she swallowed.
"That sounds best. Anything to avoid that man's keen ability to eavesdrop is perfect." Both finished their meal, setting the dishes aside. She picked up where she left off. "My plan is to pass out the letters at the meeting, that way we can break the news all at once."
"One of is is going to need to bring Lavi his," Kanda realized, forgetting for a brief moment that not everyone could attend. Lenalee spoke up, "I'll do it." Kanda stood, picking up all dishes and placing them back on the tray. He told Lenalee he would return the dishes, and Lenalee filed through the letters, finding Lavi's name. The exorcists went about their tasks, Lenalee heading for her brother's office.
Lenalee took care not to broadcast who the letter was addressed to, on the off chance she passed prying eyes, so the ink faced inward, promptly pressed into her skirt. She didn't knock, feeling carefree this morning. "Komui?"
"Lenalee! Good morning." Komui answered. He seemed to be hard at work already, a rare sight to behold. He set his paper aside, giving his attention to the girl. Making sure the door was securely shut and they were alone, her smile faltered a little. Lenalee had to ask, and was only afraid at the prospect of Lvellie somehow impeding her mission. "I need to ask you a favor." The man nodded, understanding.
"Of course. Anything for you Lenalee." She moved to stand by his desk.
"I was wondering if the director was planning on being back before tomorrow? And if, it was possible, can I borrow Lavi's cell key for a bit?" Her smile hesitant, herself apprehensive at hearing opposite she wanted.
"You're in luck little sister," Komui's face brightened. "Director Lvellie won't be back before tomorrow. And-" he slid a desk drawer open, finding what he sought, and slid the key in question onto the desk. "Here, Lavi could use a friendly face." Picking up the key, taking it gratefully. "Thank you Komui," she grinned ear to ear, leaning over and kissing him on the cheek. "I appreciate this more than you know." She hurried out of the room, excited to see her friend.
It took no time navigating her way down the stairs, and before she knew it the key was in lock, and the click was music to her ears. The door needed hardly a push to swing open, and Lenalee took the invite. "Lavi? It's me." Quietly she could hear the other's response, "Lenalee?" She left the door open, no worry being caught. She remembered how dark it had been before and hoped the light from the hallway firelight would be enough for Lavi to read.
"I brought you something. And I promise, it's very good news." She handed the letter eagerly, Lavi still sitting, taking the extended surprise. He thanked her, and his voice did very little to hide his exhaustion. Reading the neatly printed name on the envelope, Lavi didn't hesitate to sit up straighter and open its contents.
'Please be okay' was his only thought as his eyes surveyed each written word with care.
I've rewritten this letter twenty times, and every time I have twenty more things I want to say. Lavi, it's been too long. And I miss you so much. Lenalee told me everything, and I hope you aren't as beat up as I imagine you are. I'm holding my own over here. In fact, I've nearly beaten Fou in a sparring match, so I'm not doing too bad! And even better news, we finally have a plan. We're taking back the order and doing what we should have long ago.
Reading Allen's detailed plan made Lavi's smile even bigger.
Lvellie's taken a lot, but he hasn't taken our family yet. And he won't. Lavi Bookman, I love you. You never cease to amaze me. Your curiosity tends to get the best of you, and it's what fills your face with wonder when you're excited. And I love that about you. You make everything okay when it seems impossible. Never lose that spark. And I promise, with every second we've been apart, I'll make it up to you when we finally see each other again.
-Allen
Lavi folded the paper, slipping it back where it came from, and handed it back to Lenalee.
"I assume it's too risky to keep it, so I'll trust it with you. And, thank you Lenalee. This is exactly what I needed." She took the letter in hand.
"I'm glad everything's going to be okay," Lenalee moved to leave, "We'll have dinner sent down later. The director's gone until tomorrow, so we can splurge even. You'll need your strength if we're going to kick his ass," she chuckled. Lavi grinned bigger than before, resembling his infamous smirk: "I'm looking forward to it."
(Line Break)
Lenalee breathed in, letting it go. She opened her eyes, meeting Kanda's steady gaze. Their hands at their sides, he squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"They'll believe you. I'm sure of that much," Kanda stated confidently. "The letters are proof enough. The biggest challenge will be convincing everyone of the plan. And I for one have faith in said plan." Lenalee let a small smile take her face.
"Yu Kanda, and faith in the same sentence? I'm surprised." He smirked.
"Maybe I'm ready to believe in something. Even if it isn't God, I can still believe in you and the others. If I've learned anything, faith in God is the last thing that's getting us out of this mess. We're getting ourselves out of this. Together." She was ready.
"I agree. It's high time we stood up to the director." Lenalee placed her hand on Komui's office door, ready to turn the handle. "Let's Head I'm." Kanda followed, letting her take the lead. Pushing the door open, heads turned and conversation quieted upon seeing Kanda and Lenalee enter together. Komui waited for the two at the front of the room, by his desk. Everyone; scientists, exorcists, and finders alike waited in apparent anticipation. No one knew what the meeting was about, and their faces spoke for them. Going around the group, she took the letters from Kanda and passed them to their rightful owner.
"Once you've all read the letters I've given you, I'm sure you'll understand why we're all here," the girl's voice wavered a bit, finding its strength. She gave the room's occupants time to unseal the envelopes, watching their faces, waiting for them to read the much awaited words. Johnny's, Miranda's, Link's, and Reever's faces changed first: uncertainty became disbelief.
"Is it true?" Link spoke first. "Is Allen Walker alive? Because if this is an elaborate hoax, I'm not amused." His tone was strict, bordering demanding. She stiffened, seeing his cold demeanor.
"Every word is true. Allen wrote it himself." The letters weren't long, having been short and sweet; to the point. Everyone looked up now, listening intently.
"So...if Allen is alive," Miranda's small frame fell forward, looking doubtful, "and we do retaliate, do you really believe we can hold our own against the CROW's and the director himself?" The woman spoke softly. Lenalee nodded.
"I do," Lenalee confirmed, her voice stronger, more bold, "As we speak, the generals are being notified by golem with letters of their own, detailing the same plan as in yours." She turned to Kanda, who stood by her again, his eyes never wavering. She took on the same determined look, facing the crowd again. "With the brains and inventions of the science department, the finders intel, and both exorcists and generals, I believe we are more than capable of taking the Order back. We can't forget the assistance of the Asian Branch either." Reever took the opportunity to speak up.
"Lenalee's right. We have the resources. Let's use them. Hell, Sir Komlin the fourth might even make the difference," he offered, looking and sounding hopeful.
Johnny stood from his spot on the couch, turning around to face everyone. "If not now, when are we ever going to have this chance again?" He spoke, his expression solemn. "This is our home. This is all most of us will ever know, and we have every right to take our home back. Lvellie has more than shown us he doesn't care in the slightest whether or not we survive this holy war. Results are all he wants. So let's make our own. We have generals on our side. We have exorcists. And Lenalee IS right. The science department and the finders can play their part. We have the Ark to use to our advantage. We can do this!" Johnny finished strong, his voice giving way to his rising excitement. Timothy, sitting by his sister, took the chance to speak his mind.
"I hadn't known any home outside the orphanage, until I came here. So I for one am ready to fight for it. I haven't been here long, but, I've been here long enough to know that if we don't stand up now, and fight back, we never will. It's okay to be scared. Being brave is doing what scares you, and I myself am scared to fight the Director. But, I'm more scared of losing everyone here." Emilia put her arm around his shoulders, in support.
"I concur." The doors swung open, revealing the man's tall stature. His arrogant smirk played on his lips, his eyes emitting anything but doubt. "If my idiot apprentice can pull off evading the order this long, especially Lvellie, than I for one am ready to follow his plan." Komui, surprised by Cross's appearance, grinned. Hoping he sounded as optimistic as he felt, Komui added,
"Within a few months time, we can and will be ready. All we need is your support and contribution to this fight. Unless we all fight together, we have little to no chance of coming out on top. And we can claim victory."
"If we don't try, nothing changes." Kanda's tone wasn't harsh, but soft. "I've been here a long time. The order hasn't given me much reason to fight for it, but you all have. I'm done being used. I imagine you all are too. We can fight this war the right way. Our way. But the only way that's ever going to happen is if we choose our own fate. That's never going to happen if Lvellie is in charge." Kanda met his partner's eyes. Lenalee picked up where he left off.
"Doing nothing means we've already lost. And I'm not ready to accept defeat without even trying. Who's with me?" Johnny's hand shot up, boldly stating, "I am." From the back of the room, Link could be heard, "I'll trust Walker's plan."
Miranda, Krory, Timothy, Reever, everyone; the finders, present in the room, the science department, Jerry, all chimed in there cooperation. Toma, speaking loud enough for all to hear him, asked, "When do we start?"
Lenalee radiated confidence, in voice and body.
"Right now," she said.
(Line Break)
The deity barely dodged the punch, simultaneously blocking the boy's kick coming from the left.
"You're good, but you can't hit me!" Fou exclaimed. She shifted her arm into a sharp elongated blade, aiming for Allen's head, swiftly. He ducked, making space between them, stepping back. He let out a nervous laugh.
"That was a little too close Fou. If I didn't know better, I'd say you actually had it out for me," he teased." She scoffed, "Maybe you need to bring your A-game then," she lunged again. Activating Crown Clown, Allen met Fou, charging her. Crown Clown, acting on its own, engulfed his body in protection. Fou swung down, being met with the boy's left arm, his edge end activated. Her blade grasped tightly in his claws.
"If you aren't going to take me seriously, I'll make you," Fou quipped, bringing her leg around in a roundhouse kick, aiming for the small opening in the cape. She smirked, Allen attempting to grab her with crown belt. The white ribbon grabbed its target, Fou's ankle, but not before making contact with the others stomach. Allen, slightly winded form the blow, caught his footing, losing his grip on Fou's weapon. She retracted it, however was knocked down before she could catch her own footing, crown belt pulling her off balance and to the ground with a hard thud.
"I call a tie, alright?" She offered, breathing hard, her breathes coming quick. Allen wasn't doing much better. He deactivated Crown Clown, giving a small, tired laugh. He offered his hand to help her up. Fou accepted it, taking the hand.
"I can accept a tie. We have been at this for almost two hours. And if this were to the death, who knows, maybe there might be a winner," he wondered.
"Why are you grinning like an idiot?" Fou snided. "You look happy, despite being kicked around." The boy only chuckled at his friend's confused face she made.
"Remember when we started? I could barely last twenty minutes against you. I'd say a tie is progress, considering we spared for two hours straight. I'm feeling pretty good right now. Even if I do feel like I was run over by a train." Fou dropped her frown, letting it turn into the smile that came naturally.
"You're right about that much Allen. We're as ready as we're going to be. And I for one am ready to see Lvellie grovel on his knees. But first," she started to push Allen towards the door, "We both need rest if we plan to do any butt kicking, I for one am ready for sleep."
"You don't have to tell me twice," he said, covering a yawn. "Good night Fou. I'll see you later today." Fou, already having reached her expansive wall, ready to retire to bed, laughed.
"I guess it is morning already. On that note, sleep well and see you soon." She phased into the stone wall, and Allen was headed promptly for his bed. Sneaking in undetected, Allen quickly readied for bed, opting to bathe when he awoke. Timcanpy's form hovered above his head, seeming to come from nowhere. In its mouth was a folded parchment. Allen thanked the golem, taking it, and unfolded it. The brief note read:
Hey Allen, it's Rohfa. I wanted to tell you in person but I know we're still keeping everything under wraps. I'm happy to be apart of everything and I really do believe that we can fight Director Lvellie. So keep up the great work and we'll win this fight together!
He smiled, remembering the crush the girl had for him some time ago. She was a good friend and comrade, and appreciated her words of encouragement. Setting the paper aside, Allen got comfortable under his blanket, letting Timcanpy settle in, curling up into Allen's arms, its tail swaying contently. They were both soon asleep, and Allen was feeling more confident about their game plan, more than ever.
Thank you for reading this far! I do hope you've enjoyed the story so far. I appreciate all reviews and love to hear what you think. Yume wouldn't be the same without awesome people like you :)