-man Hallow more yay! I hope you all enjoyed DGM day and also this chapter. I would love to say that things get better for Allen, but that would be a lie. I'm not too happy with the ending but keep in mind Kanda and Lena are both less than 10 and have a bunch of trauma themselves so... Also I'm still debating how close to canon I want this to be. On that note I'd like to remind all of you that I am open to suggestions if you have any.

Thank you to Lol, amenokuma, Ern Estine 13624, Alice2795, and karina001 for reviewing and others for favoriting and following!

Chapter 7:

"And you're sure?" Reever was in the Head Chief's office, reading a report on the incident, having dealt with any problems resulted from the issue of akuma having infiltrated Headquarters. In total, there were fifteen other akuma, but given the thousands of Finders currently at Headquarters, things weren't as bad as they could have been. The idea that the Earl had managed to infiltrate Headquarters with such ease was greatly concerning, and a problem to be addressed later. For now, a different, though equally important problem: Allen.

"How peculiar…" Tiedoll said, glancing over the same report.

"Quite sure. When Allen awoke, the first thing he did was confirm with me about Mana, he clearly still had doubt, or hope more so, that the information was wrong." Both of the other men winced. Though everyone had heard the rumors of Mana's alleged death and definite disappearance, only the higher-ups of the Order were actually informed officially. And Allen, of course. Komui's reluctance and tone told him something he had, in part, already suspected. That did not make things any easier for the boy. Which is what the three of them were discussing now.

"Which means…"

"His hair changed colors when he invoked." TIedoll concluded the thought. There was a brief silence to acknowledge how strange the statement was, before they continued on, focusing now on the implications of said statement.

"I've never heard of an Innocence causing something like that."

"It does not seem too far-fetched, given all the anomalies caused by other fragments. This one in particular however…" Komui replied, trailing off while trying to piece together the how or why of such irregularities.

"First a synchro-rate of below ten percent, not technically an accommodator, but since the fragment was in his body, he was already a parasite-type. Then the Innocence just started reacting…" Reever seemed to catch on to where the chief's line of thought was headed.

"Tiedoll, one of your former apprentices was a parasite-type, correct?" Komui hid his wince at the mention of the deceased exorcist. The general did not.

"That's right."

"Do you think it's possible for a parasite-type to first activate due to a trigger?"

"Perhaps, but probably not the sort you're thinking of, that particular individual was rather calm, and had an optimistic perspective to life, the opposite of Allen in almost every way."

"The trigger is more likely a common factor in the situation. Akuma." The other two tensed.

"Parasite-types create more power by nature, as we have little way of controlling them or altering them to be easier to handle, without also damaging the accommodator. Which tends to mean higher syncro rates and an easier time destroying akuma."

"Komui, are you suggesting that a parasite-type Innocence may naturally seek out akuma?" Tiedoll rephrased wide-eyed. Komui nodded, Reever, though filled with respect for the man when he was actually working, was still doubtful.

"If that were the case, then why doesn't the Innocence instinctually know between human and akuma? Surely the accommodator of a parasite-type would have some idea?"

"That's a good point, however once the Innocence reacts to something like an akuma once, we take and train them. In the training they learn to control their Innocence, so it only invokes when they want it to."

"You don't suppose the training desensitizes the Innocence do you?" Tiedoll butt in, regret quickly brewing. Komui turned to address his concerns.

"No, the Innocence just does not run wildly anymore, so it does not have the opportunity to distinguish. And if the exorcist was not trained they would die or figure it out on their own. I believe that the detection and extermination of akuma by the fragment is a one time thing."

"Assuming that the accommodator is found right away." Reever concluded. Komui thought for a moment, then nodded, continuing the thought.

"If the accomodator was not found by us or killed, and was unaware of the situation therefore incapable of training, it makes sense that they would continue to kill." He sighed.

"Though I can't imagine how the people connected to that person would react to their neighbors being murdered." Komui continued.

"In some cases it's better for us to explain and take that person under our care, especially if there is no one connected to them." On that note, Tiedoll brought the conversation back on topic.

"How is Allen doing?" Reever inquired, closing the report, but not setting it down to avoid losing it in the sea of paperwork that was Komui's desk and floor.

"His injuries seem to be healing nicely, kids usually recover faster. The bullet wound is closing up as well though the doctor says it will probably scar…" He trailed off, trying and failing, to remain optimistic.

"He screamed and cried until he passed out when I first told him, but ever since he's been quiet" Komui continued. Tiedoll sighed, before offering:

"Well it's only been a couple of days. Lenalee and Kanda could try talking to him." Komui nodded but Reever raised an eyebrow in doubt.

"Kanda is… Well Kanda and Lenalee is rather timid…"

"True, but they are both his age and have both had similar experiences" Komui said then thought. Though I came for Lenalee… She still suffered in my absence. Plus she can keep Kanda in line. The other two remained silent, no doubt thinking the same thing. Komui sighed, then readjusted his hat, gathering himself.

"Right, Reever. Tiedoll, Cross and I are off to report to Central and discuss potential security measures." More so because that would require an increase in funding than Central actually caring what happened at Headquarters.

"Can you try and get Lenalee and Kanda to talk to Allen? Central is going to make him fight and begin training as soon as he heals, regardless of his mental state. Which means we have to try and help him before that happens." Reever nodded while Tiedoll tried not to think of the impending doom that was dragging Cross to Central.

"You're in charge" Komui waved before exiting the office with Tiedoll to begin the task of locating General Cross. Reever sighed, glancing one more time at the report, before walking out of the office. He did not have to wait long for Komui to dash back, panting slightly from exertion. Reever raised an eyebrow before handing him the document. Komui smiled sheepishly, offered his thanks, then darted back the way he had Komui. For a smart man, he really is dense sometimes. Reever thought, before beginning his own search for the children.

The children, by comparison to Cross, were rather easy to locate. But that was in comparison to Cross, by average standards however, finding the children wasn't exactly a piece of cake. Which was, coincidently, how he found Lenalee. While your average exorcists had a schedule and certain places they enjoyed, the kids spent far more time exploring than sticking to their supposed comfort zones. They did start to frequent certain places, for Lenalee that was the kitchen with Jerry and for Kanda, that was the meditation room all to his lonesome.

Reever poked his head into the meditation rooms, no luck there, on his way to the kitchen. Jerry informed him the pair stopped by earlier. Lenalee was upset and Kanda tense so he made them a small cake to share. Kanda was messy by nature but coupled with the fact he was a kid, Reever was rather confident that following the subtle trail of cake crumbs would lead him. That it did.

The pair had found their way into one of the lounges. The dirty plate and utensils sat discarded on a table in the corner, while the children themselves were seated in the booth. Lenalee whispered into Kanda's ear, and he offered the occasional nod or shrug, even a few whispered words of his own. Despite Tiedoll's efforts, Lenalee was really the only person Kanda at least tried to be civil with.

"Hey you two" Reever waved before wandering over to the pair. They both silenced, Lenalee tracked him with her wide eyes and Kanda with his narrowed.

"Komui and Tiedoll left to work on some stuff." They both stared at him, gazes unchanging. Of course they were already aware of this information: Komui said his goodbyes to Lenalee right before the brief meeting with Reever and Tiedoll. The general had done the same with Yu more or less. Maybe that's why they are so clingy today. They continued to stare, waiting for him to say something. Or maybe they are just like that, being children fighting a one-sided war and all… Reever sighed, trying desperately to mask his grimace before awkwardly plowing on.

"They both suggested that you two talk to Allen." Kanda's eyes narrowed at the idea, while Lenalee's widened in what looked to be worry.

"Is he going to be okay Reever?" She shifted slightly. Another sigh.

"I don't know, that's why Komui wanted you to talk to him." A phase.

"How come I have to do it?" Kanda, previously glaring at a wall since he did not enjoy getting dragged into things, turned his gaze to drill into Reever.

"Because Tiedoll wanted you to."

"Why? I hardly hang around that guy." This was true of course. Despite being relatively close in age, the pair had never spent time alone together. Their interactions were limited to when Lenalee was with Yu and brought Allen, or when Lenalee was with Allen and brought Yu. The general was aware of the fact that Kanda did not seem to openly hate the boy however, as he did with practically everyone else he had ever met, and that was close enough. Then again, Kanda's relationship with his master seemed rather one-sided, Kanda's viewpoint being loathing mainly, so who could say for sure.

"You don't have t-"

"Kanda please." Lenalee grabbed at his sleeve, eyes round, brows furrowed in worry. Her voice was dripping with worry and poorly concealed sorry. When Kanda turned to address her, she looked prepared to beg. Lenalee was one of the few people he… Liked. She understand, hated the Order just as much as he did with just as much reason. He sighed, turned to glue his gaze to the table and nodded. Lenalee released a sigh of her own, more relief than exasperation.

"Thank you." Her tone was lower, meant only for Kanda's ears and filled with genuine gratitude. He 'tched' in reply before rising.

"Where is he than?" Reever's faint smile over the children's interaction vanished, his face growing serious, solemn.

"Do you want to go there now?" Lenalee bobbed her head in agreement with such speed it looked as though it might tumble off. This was done in stark contrast to Kanda's, though not uncaring, shrug.

"Alright then." Reever said and began leading the pair through the halls. They soon recognized the direction they were heading and allowed a somber silence to settle in.

"Is it really that bad?" Lenalee's voice was high, each word clipped with uncertainty. No answer was offered. They continued towards the medical ward.

Komui had been working at the Order for a little under four years, but already hated the higher-ups with a fiery passion he did not know he possessed. The same could be said for most others that had… Well simply met them. Their priorities were skewed to say the least. Claiming the Holy War and victory always came first, but never failing to take any and all opportunities to play politics, attempt to raise their own status or wealth, usually both. Based on this, and what Komui had learned of Cross within the time that he had known him, the two seemed a perfect match. The reality however was far from it.

This came to him as such a surprise, that he fully intended to interrogate Tiedoll on the subject in private. Though he doubted the opportunity would present itself, and even if it did, the odds of Tiedoll knowing more than him seemed rather slim.

"The director will see to you now." Red suit. Central was well known for their red suits, or red in general. The color is rather ostentatious considering the supposed secrecy of the organization. That being Komui's initial thought. But he had been witness to what they were capable of when he first joined, recieved his first and only warning: do not mess with CROW. The two generals strolled in, seeming to disregard the hovering assassin. Komui was far more tensed, but entered regardless, taking the only remaining seat directly across from the director.

"Taking into account the rarity of your visits here, let's start with you." The director locked his beady eyes onto Cross, who simply smirked. Komui forced himself not to squirm, or show any sign of weakness rather. Tiedoll remained unreadable, reserved.

"Have you carried out your assignment?" His smirk widened and he returned the steely glare for one of his own.

"What do you think?"

"Then why did you come back?"

"This wacko picked up something I need." General Tiedoll's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward slightly.

"And that would be…?"

"None of your business." The director gave him a look that indicated that it was, in fact, his business and took that moment to rather pointedly glance at the CROW hovering diligently nearby.

"Is that a threat Director?" Cross raised an eyebrow.

"It is what it is. Now tell us, what is it exactly the good General took." Tiedoll bristled slightly at the choice of words. An action that was ignored as all the focus was currently on the other general.

"You detained a man, Mana Walker." A statement, but the phase suggested it was a question.

"Correct" the director nodded before continuing.

"He was detained so as not to interfere with the training of his son, who was realized to be an accommodator."

"But you had him executed didn't you." Komui tensed, clasping his hands together while Tiedoll sighed, defeated.

"What sort of organization do you think this is?" Cross remained undeterred, glare, if anything, growing more scrutinizing.

"He was found to be highly unstable, we did what we believed was in his best interest." The only sign of the man's well masked raise was the involuntary twitch of his fingers. A movement flawlessly covered up by a dismissive wave of his hand, before bringing it to clasp behind his head. He propped his feet up on the table and smirked.

"Central is nosy." He phased, attempting to grab more attention then he had already acquired.

"That order you gave me, and whatever information you have regarding it, is worth nothing compared to the value of that man." Tiedoll and Komui exchanged glances, already falling behind given their lack of knowledge regarding Cross's 'orders'.

"So where's the corpse? Burned, or dumped out back with the rest of your garbage?" The question was disregarded in favor of another being asked.

"What about him was so valuable?"

"Tell me what happened to the body and maybe you'll know." The director's eyes narrowed.

"He was executed days ago. The CROW who carried out the order is finishing up his report." Cross withdrew one of his hands from behind his head and glanced at a watch he did not possess.

"Been awhile since that order was carried out. You train your birds to be quick-" Somehow, the director's eyes managed to narrow further.

"-What's the holdup?" Silence. Heavy, tense, unwanted silence. Then the man ripped his steely gaze from Cross and addressed the other two.

"What of the boy?" Tiedoll glanced at Komui, then took the lead.

"He was found in a quote 'god crystal' by priests." He phased, mimicking Cross's style of implied question. Two minutes passed. When no explanation was offered, he sighed but continued.

"He is the accommodator of what appears to be a parasite-type Innocence, however when we first brought him in his syncro rate was below ten percent." The director raised an eyebrow.

"When you first brought him in, huh? Has something changed since then?" Komui shifted forward, placing his clasped hands atop the table.

"General Cross… Confronted the boy. Along with a few major injuries, both physical and otherwise, the boy invoked his Innocence."

"And his syncro rate now?"

"We have not checked yet. We were waiting for him to regain some strength before-"

"Before what? Why has he not already been checked? We cannot afford to sit and wait around for everything to be 'all better'." A tone was added to the last two words, making it seem a childish phrase, unwelcome in their line of work.

"The Earl's plan must not go through, no matter the cost. I expect a full report by tomorrow, as you will take him to Hevlaska's chamber immediately." Komui opened his mouth to protest but was silenced by the next phrase, accompanied with the emotionless glare chiseled into his features.

"Consider it an order from the pope, who, consequently, will also be determining who should take the boy as an apprentice." Tiedoll and Komui visibly tensed. Even Cross appeared mildly unsettled.

"The fate of exorcists is primarily handled by Komui, what-"

"Yes primarily. Due to circumstances, and recent developments, we feel it would be best for us to handle things. Komui will get the final say of course." He smiled, sneered rather, crude and unconvincing. Tension crackled about the room, nearly tangible. But no one could defy an order from the pope, lest they be accused of treason. A few moments of tense silence passed.

"You are dismissed."

Seeing as Reever was in charge for Komui's brief absence, he left as soon as the kids were shown to the room. Something about an experiment and some of the new recruits. Kanda and Lenalee stood in silence, side by side, staring uncertainly at the door. Finally, Kanda sighed and nudged her forward. She stumbled slightly, but proceeded to knock a few times.

"Allen? Allen, may we come in?" No response. She waited, tried again, then glanced back at Kanda. He shrugged, gaze cast elsewhere. Lenalee shifted her weight, eyes fixed on her uncomfortable shoes before taking a deep breath and entering the room. Her uncertainty was not brought about by a reluctance to help, quite the opposite, she would do anything for her few friends. But what she could do to help, that was what made her uncertain, what could she do that would make any difference?

Allen sat in the center of the bed, with its white sheets pressed against the wall. His left arm, remained limp, abandoned, unwanted at his side, will his right was hugging his knees to his chest. Bandages riddled his thin frame, accompanied with the occasional bruise. Lenalee's eyes kept flickering to his hair, snowy white, like the sheets.

"Allen?" His head turned, slowly, toward her. Silver eyes, seemingly unseeing, settling in her general direction at the sound of her voice. Slowly his eyes focused. He stared at her solemnly, silently, expectantly. The raw pain tugging at his entire body.

"This isn't-" she shivered, unable to finish as a wave of hurt and loss crashed over her. How do I fix this? Make it stop hurting for him? She wracked her brain, jarring loose a familiar memory, something she herself did when upset. What her brother had done for her.

"I'm going to go get you a drink, okay? Be right back." She darted up and was gone in the blink of an eye. The two stared after her. An awkward silence filled the room. Kanda sighed, the familiarity of the situation hitting too close to home, then turned to the other boy.

"She's trying her best you know."

"Ya, I know…" There was an edge to his voice, faint but there.

"Then why are you being so stupid and not letting her help you?" Kanda's volume rose slightly, his face twisting with suppressed anger. Allen flinched before bristling.

"What about you? She tries to help all the time and you don't let her!"

"That's 'cause I'm not a complete trainwreck!"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm not sitting on my ass mopping."

"What else is there for me to do? Go out and get more people killed?!"

"Why the hell not! They either had it coming of you screwed up!"

"How! They all just… Died! Doesn't make sense!"

"Well then maybe it's just your fault for being so stupid!"

"It's my fault!" The acceptance, the giving in, completely unlike the person previously bearing the name Allen. Mana's death had thoroughly shaken him, shattered him even. But Alma's death had done the same thing to Kanda and he had refused to lose his sense of self. Allen's behavior rubbed him the wrong way in every sense of the word. His anger deepened as part of the boy snapped, spiraled into the darkness.

"It's my fault! I deserve it! Deserve to die!" Then Kanda snapped too.

"If you hate yourself so much, why don't you stop sitting on your ass waiting for someone else, and finish the fucking job yourself?!" Each word increased in volume and anger, as his hatred was released in screams. Silver eyes widened in horror, before snapping down forcefully as his brow furrowed, mimicking Kanda's anger. Many other emotions danced across his face; aside from anger there was, hatred, self-loathing, regret and acceptance.

"If I'm such screw-up, why don't you just kill me?!" Whether this was a dare or a sincere request was undetermined and of little consequence: Kanda was already swinging his sword.