"Allen Walker," the shadow in the mirror chuckled. "The prophecy said you would die. I did not think I would see you again."

"Never trust a prophecy," Allen replied, equally polite. "After all, look at us. The Exorcists living in peace with the former Noah. Fourteenth . . . I hated you for the longest time. I don't know how to be friendly with you."

"My time on earth is almost over; it does not make a difference now."

"I was relieved to know that you weren't really part of me. That you were just following me."

"I apologize for that, Walker. You were my most likely chance in defeating the Earl, Destroyer of Time. Although . . . I did not expect you to be able to play the Ark's piano."

"That was entirely Mana," Allen laughed. "I still find it hard to believe the entire thing was coincidence."

"Allen," Lavi sighed. "We should go. The others are probably waiting on us."

"Right."

"I am grateful to have seen you one last time, Allen Walker," the shadow said. "I believe it is finally time for this weary soul to pass on."

"Farewell, then, Fourteenth."

"Allen. My name is not Fourteenth."

"What is it?"

". . . Mana Walker."

Allen froze. If that were true—if Mana was not the Fourteenth's brother, but actually the real thing—then that meant he had been raised by a Noah! He opened his mouth to answer, but . . . the mirror was clear once more, showing only his own reflection.

"Allen," Lavi complained. "Let's go!"

"Impatient much?"

"Just hungry!"

"And I'm not?" Allen carefully pulled the red-headed Exorcist upright, letting his body be the support.

Even after a month, to look down at Lavi's body cut Allen emotionally. During the last stand, Lavi had tried to sacrifice himself to ensure Allen's victory . . . completely throwing away any thoughts of a Bookman's indifference. Allen had managed to stop him, but not before damage had already been inflicted. Lavi had permanently lost the use of his right leg.

But Lavi had never complained. He still believed he had made a good decision. Lavi had a lot more faith and belief in himself now that he had finally made his choice to stop being a Bookman. He'd also made the decision to keep his current name, since it invoked the beginning of his true self.

Lenalee was waiting at the door to the dining hall. As soon as Lavi had been settled in, she took Allen's hand again. "Who was the visitor?"

"The Fourteenth." Then he shook his head. "No . . . Mana."

"Mana?" She looked up in confusion. "You mean your father was the Fourteenth?"

Allen nodded, but before he could explain, Komui called out, "Are we all assembled, then?"

Allen looked around. Of the Noah's side, there was Jasdebi, Road, Tyki, Lulubell, and Cyril. Directly across the table sat the Exorcists, Reever, Johnny, Komui, and Bak. Only one Exorcist General was present and that was Allen himself. Miranda was back in her hometown, Marie with her. Still, the numbers favored the Exorcists.

Komui glanced at Allen for confirmation, and he nodded. Everyone was present.

"Then let's get started," the Branch head announced.