An Act of Love

Teal couldn't believe what she just did. How could she be so stupid? She turned her friend into an akuma. She could not bear to look at him. She had two choices: keep going or stay and fight. 'Innocence, Activate!' Her blades and boots activated.

Thunder could be heard and it started to rain. The akuma charged at her and she jumped and did a backwards flip. Her legs and arms felt heavy. The ground was starting to get slippery.

"You are going to pay for what you did! I hate you! I'll never forgive you!" Teal shut her eyes and tried to ignore the stinging words. She wasn't sure if he was saying this on his own or not.

'Combination Attack: Fire and Air 'Dragon's Furry'' Teal hovered high in the air and a wall of fire surrounded her. The fire formed into a blazing red dragon with golden eyes. The dragon dove down toward the akuma and struck it and it didn't go down. All it did was the attack burned off some armor and gave the akuma a burn on the arm and it made a small crater.

When the dragon vanished and when Teal landed in the crater, she was extremely shocked. She was weaker than she thought. She could hardly do any damage to a level three.

"Not bad. Only one of us is going to make it out safely. Who will it be?"

"That's going to be me, Jacob." 'Not too sure about getting out in one piece.'

"Heh. Stupid as ever. You really are good for nothing."

They charged at each other and Teal attacked the akuma's arm. The akuma hit her in the stomach and she skidded on the ground and crashed into a tree. Her arms and legs were bleeding and dirt was added to her face.

'Spell of Earth: Earth Wave' Teal stomped on the ground and she hurtled a wave of rocks at the akuma. The rocks were hard to control and the akuma dodged them all and slashed the ones that were close. Teal had to change spells.

'Spell of Water: Magic Tide' Teal summoned water from the rain and she commanded the water to go near the akuma. When the water circled the akuma, it rose into a high dome and the water caved in on the akuma. 'Freeze!' Teal stopped moving her arms and the water formed into a huge block of ice.

Teal dashed up to the block of ice and before she could attack, the akuma shattered it and attacked her. Teal wasn't knocked off her feet this time but after the hit in her stomach again, she vomited some blood and was forced to the ground.

"Oh… I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I chose you! It's your fault because I am suffering now! It's your fault!" He started to kick her all over her body. She covered her face with one arm and was still holding her stomach with the other.

Teal's eyes started to water. She lowered her head to hide any tears. Jacob was so kind before. If it weren't for him, she would know nothing but hate, frustration and sorrow.

Teal sat up and prepared for another attack. Before the akuma could deliver another blow, she was able to use her Earth spell to send him back a bit. She sat on her knees and turned her body away from the akuma. Tears uncontrollably fell on her cheeks. She couldn't shed tears for her comrades. Why could she shed them now? She wiped them away and faced the akuma again.

"Jacob… Tell me something… Why did you choose me out of all people? I was beyond of all hope of any form of forgiveness and yet, you chose to save me." Her weapon deactivated and she vomited again.

"I don't know why I chose to help you. It didn't do me any good. Now, I have a chance to change that by killing you."

"Akuma! You have orders not to kill her!" Tyki shouted. "We need her as a Noah!"

"Make me self destruct then!"

"No! Jacob don't!" Teal shouted. The akuma lowered his arms.

"What's this? You 'love' me so much that you don't want me to self destruct?" He asked slyly. Teal looked down and was holding her stomach with both of her arms. Her throat burned and she couldn't think of what to say.

"You never cared for me at all! You just used me as an excuse! A replacement to soothe your consciousness!" Out of all things he said, that struck a chord. Maybe the only reason Teal did love him is because he was so much like them. From the faint memories that almost faded, she thought they would be like him.

"What's wrong did that sting? It just shows that you're still a dirty little girl. Never really noticed how dirty until now."

"You're- You're wrong!" She activated her weapon again and charged at him.

"Stupid." The akuma teleported and attacked her from behind then picked up Teal by the front of her coat. "You should be where I am." He gasped. Then he tossed her across the crater.

Her arms and legs were heavier than before. They felt more like they are being crushed. They throbbed with a burning sensation and the ice cold mud made it burn even more. Her ribbons felt like they were tightening their grip and they were like chains. Her skin on her arms started to form an odd pattern like hexagonal cells.

'This is bad. I'm breaking.'

"Innocence… Please… Don't give up on me now…" She whispered.

"It's a little late for that. It seems like you can't destroy me because you are no longer the accommodator. You're Innocence is angry with you because of what you are." He attacked Teal's cheek. There was a large cut on it. Teal didn't want to hear anymore and she refused to fight back.

Teal shut her eyes. 'Innocence… Have I deceived you to think that I could fight as an exorcist when I'm the very thing you have to destroy? If I'm no longer an accommodator and we have to go our separate ways then I ask for this one last wish: lend me the strength to save Jacob. Then do with me as needed.' Teal opened her eyes and looked up at the akuma.

"What are you going to do now?"

"I'm going to end this." Teal struggled to stand herself up. 'Innocence Maximum Power, Activate!' Her ribbons unwrapped themselves once more around her arms and legs and formed into blades and boots that looked like they were forming wings. They emitted a bright green glow that was three times brighter than normal and the glow engulfed both her arms and legs. She jumped high in the air and tried to go higher so she could perform a strong meteor attack. She didn't have to rely on waves now that her Innocence is at its full power.

'I can't see souls unless Allen is around. I know that level three souls severely suffer. I think that Jacob's soul is just like any level three. I may have enough power to destroy him but I don't think I can manage to restore his soul. My Noah won't help… there has to be something else.'

Everything disappeared and it was pitch black. Teal was just standing there alone. Something appeared in front of her. It was a memory of the time where Tyki attacked Allen and Teal but it went to the moment after Teal sacrificed herself and Tyki left Allen to die.

She remembered that she cared so much for her friend that her heart was protecting him. Teal tried to think back about what made her help Allen. Faith. That's all there was to it. They had to believe in each other.

Everything came back. She was still in the air and she started to descend. 'Spells of Earth, Water, Air and Fire combine: Spell of Heaven: Heaven's Meteor!' A ball of fire was forming at her feet and was engulfing her body. The flames kept on getting bigger and she was getting near the akuma. The cells started to appear all over her body. All Teal could hear was her heart beating in her ears.

She shut her eyes and focused on Jacob. She couldn't let him be lost to the darkness. If that was a fate for her, she didn't want him to share that fate.

'I believe…' A warm sensation went through her body. It was like that feeling at the Order, the same energy surrounded her as she thought of Jacob. As the energy was surrounding her, her eyes showed her another vision. It was Jacob trapped inside the akuma. She could see a dark shadow surrounding his soul that was disintegrating. It was his hate and rage that was controlling him and he was powerless to fight back.

Teal finally landed on the akuma but he was holding the ball of fire back but it was struggling to keep her away.

"Heh, your efforts are useless, Teal! You used up all of your power for nothing!"

"Guess again." The flame engulfed both Teal and the akuma. When the fire completely surrounded both of them, there was a bright light and the akuma had taken form into Jacob, who was just as handsome just like the last time she saw him. It was like time had stopped and she was alone with him in her twelve year old self. He still had his kind gaze and was smiling sadly at Teal as he approached her.

"Jacob. I'm sorry." Teal's eyes were watering as she collapsed in front of him. She buried her face in her hands and tears kept on flowing. "I wasn't strong enough to keep you safe. I-I tried so hard not to bring you back. I know you must be furious with me. I'd be furious. I knew there was another that you loved yet I wanted to keep you for myself."

Jacob reached for her hand and helped her up and continued to smile.

"I'm not mad about that. I'm glad I met you. You were meant for better things." He gently wiped her tear away. "It was rather unfortunate that it things turned out the way they did."

"It meant everything! Jacob, without you, I don't know where I'd be. I just… I want to be with you again." Teal grabbed his hands feebly.

"I know. I wish for that too. However, you'd be living with regret because you would leave the other person you loved behind." He gently removed one of Teal's hands and placed it on her heart. "As your friend, I beg you to listen. I know for a fact that love still exists. Don't lose this fight now just for me." He let go of her and was fading into the light.

"Innocence, bring peace to this akuma's soul!" Teal gave the final attack and the akuma was destroyed. She saw a faint image of Jacob rising from the flames.

"Rest in peace, Jacob…" She whispered as tears fell down her cheeks.

Her arms and legs gave out a sharp pain and they were heavier than before. When the flames vanished, she slowly fell backwards on the ground. She noticed an odd pattern replaced the cells on her forearms and she passed out.
-

When Teal woke up, she noticed she was back in the room. Her clothes were burnt, dirty and torn. Her arms and legs hurt really bad but some of her injuries were healed. She tried to move her left arm and it took a lot of effort to do so.

When she tried to extend it all the way in the air, it was yanked back immediately. Teal looked at her wrist and it was in a shackle and a chain. She followed the chain with her eyes and it was attached to the bed and another chain was near it. Teal tried to move her legs but they were shackled as well.

'Now they get smart.' She laughed to herself. Then she started to cry. 'Why am I crying? Is it because I'm living? Jacob's free at the very least. I should be happy that I'm alive. I want him here with me. I never wanted to see him so much before.'

Before Teal fell asleep, she heard some voices by her door. She recognized them as Sheryl Kamelot and the Earl echoing in the hall.

"My lord, why not just erase her memories? She'll willingly stay with us and she wouldn't be suicidal. She will go mad if she isn't already."

"I'm aware of that. That is why I told Jasdevi to get close to her. She doesn't trust any of us except maybe them. If she had a friend here, she might be able to settle down. But I don't think she'll be able to escape anymore."

"Oh, so that's why they are around her so often. I just figured that they actually liked her not that they really liked anyone before anyway. But what if we destroyed her Innocence?"

"Only she has the power to destroy her own Innocence. After she finished that battle, Tyki wasn't able to go near it. It is another odd Innocence, protecting its user from the brink of death. At the same time, its prepared to let her die if it is destroyed. I'd rather not spend more years searching for this Noah."

Teal's eyes widened. They were playing her all this time. Any slim hope of reviving a friendship in the very least shattered. She didn't know what to do with herself anymore.
-

As Teal was dreaming, all she saw were the past events where she attacked and almost killed her friends, and running as Jacob's life was slipping away. Then she saw her friends again but they ignored her and attacked her.

When Teal saw her reflection, she saw herself as a Noah. She was no longer human but that monster similar to what Tyki had turned into. The scenery suddenly changed. She was standing in the middle of the bodies of her dead friends, comrades and the ones she loves. She was holding a sword with blood on it. She dropped it and screamed. Tears burned her face. There was a voice that echoed and said "This is what you will become… There's no escape…"

Teal couldn't handle this anymore and she woke up. She ended up crying again and saying "I can't let that happen…" over and over.

When she settled down, she stared up at the ceiling and she was thinking of what she should do next. 'I've betrayed my friends… I'll kill everyone I care about unless something is done. Jacob… I can't do this anymore.' Her eyes started to water again.

'I want to see you so much. I'm scared but my friends won't die at my hands.'

"I-I want to see him…" Teal mumbled.

Teal leaned her head to her right hand and her fingers grasped a bobby pin from her hair. 'Never go anywhere without one of these things.' She turned the bobby pin over and poked it in the hole of her shackle. Her hands were sweaty and her fingers almost dropped the pin.

After a few minutes, the shackle was unlocked. Teal forced her arm around her body to the other shackles and one by one, she unlocked them. After she unlocked them, she slid off the bed and dropped to her hands and knees. It was extremely difficult moving them but her arms were easier to move.

She was dragging her body on the floor and her legs were starting to bleed a bit. When she could see what was on her she found black patterns on her forearms and her calves. They were a mix between zigzag lines and circles like Lenalee had on her legs when she maxed out her Innocence.

'Why?' She whispered. 'Why did you spare me after all I've done? You know that I will eventually awaken my Noah.' She forced her body to stand up. Her legs were heavy and they wobbled when she took a step.

She decided to go down to the lake barefoot. In addition, her footsteps wouldn't be heard. Teal was able to walk a little while and every now and then she had to drag one or both of her feet across the hall. She didn't know that she left a small trail of blood behind.
-

Jasdero was coming back from the bathroom and he noticed a dark trail in the hall. He wasn't exactly sure what it was but he noticed that the trail led to Teal's room. The door was slightly open so he pushed it all the way. He noticed that Teal's bag was still in here but Teal was gone and the shackles were unlocked. He ran back to his and Devitto's room to wake him up. Devitto was on the top bunk and was still asleep.

"Hee! Devi! Devi, wake up!" Jasdero poked his brother. All he did was move towards the wall. Jasdero stepped on his bed and slapped him. "There are omelets downstairs." Devitto just put the pillow over his head. Jasdero puffed his cheeks, grabbed the pillow and shouted "HUSTON! WE HAVE A PROBLEEEM!"
Devitto jumped, hit the ceiling and fell out of the bed.

"Damn it, Jasdero, it's a Saturday. It better be freakin' important. And that's the last time I let you watch Apollo 13." He moaned sleepily.

"It's important alright! Teal's gone!"

"Right. It's not like she can escape after that stunt she pulled the other day. She's probably still recovering."

"It's been like four days she's been sleeping. Hee!"

"Then she probably went to get something to eat or go to the bathroom or something. Like I said, it's not my job to baby sit her. We don't need to be watching her all the time."

"No, I saw this trail coming from her door, it was something dark and I couldn't really tell what it was but I think it may be blood, so then when I come out of the bathroom, I notice the trail, Teal's door was open, so I went in and I saw that her bag was there, and she was gone!" Jasdero was talking extremely fast. Devitto just stared at him.

"Seriously, cut back on the boring movies and cut back on caffeine. But I'll come and help look for her."

"That won't be so hard. All we have to do is follow the trail."
-

Teal had collapsed again on her hands and knees and was panting. She found it somewhat odd that no one had noticed her go out. Not even the akuma. The sun was rising and the air was a bit cold.

'How long have I been out? It's still October, isn't it?' She coughed and threw up again. Her throat was really dry and she still had a bit of an upset stomach. She forced herself up and continued walking to the lake. She was almost there.

'Almost there. I'm starting to get dizzy from my fever again. Jacob… I'm scared. I'm not sure I can do this.'

"Teal! There you are!" Tears started to flow from her eyes and she couldn't even look at Jasdevi. She just ran as fast as her legs would let her and collapsed as the water was knee deep. She could feel the current under the water and the wind was making it stronger.

'No. Get up. If I stop… I'll be taken back there. Back into the darkness. I hate it there!' She raised her head and tried to force herself to stand up. Everything was shaking and blurry.

'Don't disappear. It's my only way to freedom, my only way to be with him.' The water looked like it was disappearing and it was turning into an endless pit to the darkness.

"This is turning out to be a bad dream." Teal gasped. Everything hurt. The pressure was too much she couldn't even breathe. It was burning, at the same time, it was sheer freezing. Something gave her a jolt that was not part of this ever changing hell.

"This isn't a dream." Teal realized Devitto was holding the arm in front of her trying to make her stand up and Jasdero was right beside her about to grab her other arm to help Devitto get Teal up.

"What the hell are you thinking Teal? It's freezing out, you're not fully recovered, and you still have a fever!"

'Get up. Keep going. I have to keep going.'

"Come on, let's go back." Jasdero said as the twins were able to lift her to her feet.

'Spell of Fire: Fire Wall' Teal's body emitted a red glow and burned the twins' hands slightly allowing her to free herself and step closer to the cliff. She turned to the twins with a vacant, sad expression.

"Teal what is wrong with you? Any reason why you're trying to roast us?"

"We just want to help." Jasdero said as he took two steps forward as Teal retreated when he was coming to her. The water was waste deep and the current was slowly dragging her feet backwards.

"You just want to 'help'?" She gave a bitter smile. "What else is part of your act? I know for a fact that you don't give a damn. It was all just an act." She clenched her fists and she forced herself to lash out at them at their weak spot.

"If you really want to help, then get lost and leave me alone you stupid mon-" She couldn't finish the last word she tried forcing herself to say it but her mouth stayed shut and couldn't stop herself from trembling.

"Teal, you don't want to do this. Don't be stupid and throw your life away." Jasdero said.

"It isn't mine to begin with. And it will never be. This is my decision, don't stop me." She barely took an inch of a step backwards and the ground underneath her started to crumble.

"Teal," Devitto took a few steps forward and Teal retreated again. "This is crazy. You can't do this. You don't want to do this, do you?" Teal remained silent and stared at him with a weak spiteful expression. She couldn't hide her fear from them.

"You're trying to see someone right? By doing this you won't be able to."

"Wha-What are you talking about?" She trembled.

"This is gonna sound really weird." Devitto sighed. "I don't know how but we are able to hear your thoughts. You want to see someone, who is it?"

"It's that akuma that I fought that night. It's just another reminder that he's not coming back! Do you even know what its like to lose someone you care about!" Tears were starting to flow down her face.

"Ye… um…" Devitto and Jasdero said in sync.

"That's what I thought." She bowed her head. Devitto suddenly came up to her and embraced her.

"Let me go!" Teal tried pushing him away but it was useless. He put his hand on her head and brought it close to him.

"I know its hard losing someone close to you. I don't know how painful that feeling is. If there's someone who cares about you, there's no reason to throw your life away. I'm not going to let you die." Devitto said calmly.

Teal raised her head slightly and her eyes widened. It was like those words released her from her nightmare of sorrow. What he said did ring a loud bell. If she did go, she would see Jacob, but she would leave her friends and her master behind. And she could risk becoming an akuma. She couldn't stop herself from crying fairly hard. After a little while, Devitto stepped back and extended his hand.

"Look, Teal, I know we got started on the wrong foot, but we're here for you, me and Jasdero."

Teal started to reach out but she hesitated. She was getting a mixed feeling about this. Part of her told her don't accept it; he's a Noah, he'll drag you back in the darkness. But another part was looking past the Noah.

Before she could accept, she slipped and the current suddenly picked up and carried her under. She was going deeper and deeper into the water. It was so heavy and she couldn't move her arms, she was nothing more than a rock.

'I don't want this anymore. I don't know what I was thinking.' Everything was going numb. The darkness had returned and the light was above her, far beyond her reach.

'Please, just let me live! I can't die just yet.' She thought as she was extending her arm. Something was echoing in the water. It wasn't a normal human voice, nor was it gentle. It was a sad, quiet screech that was traveling through the water. It sounded like English but no words could be made out. While it was traveling, it gave an uneasy feeling that gave her a vision. She felt something brush against her and she was heading toward the light before the vision had time to present itself clearly.

When Teal came to, she was in someone else's room, facing the wall. She looked around and there was a low ceiling above her. 'No wait, I think it's a bed. I guess this is Jasdevi's room. Why would they bring me here instead of the room they keep me in?' She managed to sit herself up and move her legs on the edge of the bed. When she touched the floor, she couldn't notice anything other than everything was cold.

'That vision I had earlier… That feeling… Is so familiar… Is it Innocence?' Another brief vision came and it was some sort of monster in a catacomb filled with some sort of treasure. It was definitely not an akuma. She held on to her head and leaned against the ladder.

'What did I just see?' Something grabbed her wrist and she turned her head around.

"Where are you going?" Jasdevi's voice came from behind her and part of his hair grabbed on to her.

"Um… Thank you. For saving me."

"Where are you going?" Jasdevi asked again.

"Back to the lake." She said weakly.

Jasdevi dragged her towards him, held on to her so he couldn't move and binded her ankles with his hair.

"Wha? Jasdevi… let go of me!" She could feel his hand on her shoulder. She shuddered as his fingers were brushing, or slightly scratching her neck. She could barely imagine what he would do to her. Just being immobile scared her at this point and she couldn't stop shaking.

"I swear I'll do it unless you shut up and listen. In case you haven't noticed, you almost died. You're one of us so deal with it instead of throwing your life away. It's not the end of the world that you were chosen as a Noah. You're still alive, doesn't that mean anything?"

"It does have some value that I'm alive. It's just… never mind." She said quietly as she turned her head.

"Just what?"

"I said its nothing."

"Teal you…" Jasdevi said sharply and jerked her towards him. Teal shut her eyes and gasped as she prepared for the worst but he was only embracing her. "You really are an idiot. You have to think about what you're doing. It affects others too, not only yourself. And another thing…"

"I get it. I know what you're saying. I didn't realize that until I was about to die but I get it." Her voice was slightly steadier then it got weak again.

"Hey, don't interrupt me when I made a damn good speech." Jasdevi's tone got softer and he loosened his grip a little.

"I hate speeches." She glared at him briefly. "I understand what you're saying. I often don't learn until I get hurt."

"And you're afraid of getting hurt?" Jasdevi loosened his grip a little bit.

"Isn't everyone?" She said without looking at him.

"Then you're afraid of what I might do to you?" He tightened his grip a little bit.

"Not really."

"Right. That's why you're shaking."

"Fine. I'm scared out of my wit's end." She paused for a little while as Jasdevi loosened his grip on her again. "Battles and some other I can deal with. But I have been really hurt more times than I'd like to remember. I try not to let that happen again."

Jasdevi let go of her and allowed her to move away a little bit.

"And… you want to talk about it?"

"What are you, a shrink?" Teal raised an eyebrow.

"Technically, no." Jasdero came from behind her. "But we can shrink."

"Eep! A little warning would be nice!" Teal jumped off the bed and clung on to the ladder for support. Jasdevi burst out laughing.

"That's the fastest we've ever seen you move. You should've seen your face." Devitto snickered.

"Will you shut up!" Teal turned red.

"Well, I think we've done our job." Jasdero smiled.

"Eh?"

"We kind of cheered you up. We didn't tell anyone about that incident, thought it might be worse than it is on your end." Jasdero continued.

'Oh. He could be right. I might've lost my memories for sure if the Earl found out. Or they've might've never let me out of their sight at all. But what they did, that does… make me happy.'

"Thanks." Teal mumbled. As she turned her head away to hide her blush. "Oh crap."

"What was that? We couldn't hear you." They said at the same time.

"My coat is really destroyed!" Teal just noticed that. It was burned and extremely torn and beyond a tailor's repair. The sleeves were just two pieces of fabric that was held together by the shoulders and the remains of her Innocence could be seen clearly. The coat waist down looked like it went through the shredder.

"Say what?" They flinched.

"And I really liked this one." She pouted and her eyes watered a little.

"You JUST noticed that? What about thanking us?" Devitto stood up beside her angrily. Teal blushed more as this was awkward. She fidgeted with her fingers and gave him an explanation.

"Well up until now I couldn't really think about anything else. For all I know I could've been naked and I wouldn't noticed! Oh damn, why the hell did I just say that?"

"Ah, I wouldn't worry about it too much. You mostly look like a boy anyways." Devitto said casually.

'Are you saying that I still have no boobs?'

"Teal…" Jasdero suddenly hugged her and stopped her meltdown. "You're so cute when you act like this!"

"Cho-Choking, not breathing. And I'm not much of a hugger." She pried Jasdero off her.

"I guess you're right. You both saved my life and what you did, I'm very grateful. So…" Before Teal could finish, the door suddenly swung open.

"Hey, can we do something today?~" Road whined. "You promised that you'd play with me."

Jasdero and Devitto simultaneously glared at each other, shared the same grin and looked at Teal who was 'hiding' in the shadows.

"We're sending in our replacement. Will she do for now?" Jasdevi made Teal stand up so Road could see her clearly.

"Eh?"

"Teal, you're awake!" Road glomped Teal and she fell down.

"Apparently, yes." 'So much for an ability that lets me see an opponent's thoughts. The least it could do is give me a 10 second warning before she tackles me.'

"Have fun!"

Road was tugging her arm and almost dragging her. Teal had no time to say 'no' and she was dragged away by Road. She had time to look back and mouth furiously 'You two are SO dead!'
-

'I take back what I said earlier when I thought things couldn't get any worse. Well, they just got worse.'

"C'mon Teal, this way!" Road led Teal to her room. It was fairly big. The walls were a dark color and there was a mix between pink and dark colored items all around the room. There were candles that floated above them and dolls and stuffed animals were floating as well. There was a black four post bed in one corner and a wardrobe and a dressing area in the other.

'Guess there's no way out of this. I don't have the strength to run.' She sighed. Road sat her on a stool and went into the wardrobe. There were more outfits in there than the closet could hold.

"Let's see… What colour would suit you?"

"As long as it doesn't look like puke I can survive in it."

"How about crimson red?" Teal shuddered as she caught a glimpse of the gothic style dress Road pulled out.

'Red Snow…'

"On second thought, a puke colour doesn't sound that bad."

"Wow, what ideas did the idiots give you?"

"Can we talk about something else?"

"Okay~ Are you adjusting here alright? We haven't had a chance to talk much."

"No. I mean no, we haven't had a chance to talk."

"I know it's not an easy thing to talk about, but you have to face it sooner or later."

"Oh. Yeah. Becoming a Noah. Not my favourite topic to bring up."

"I have to admit, you're an interesting person."

"Eh?"

"The Deceiver was a powerful Noah and often consumed her hosts. However, she didn't last too long because her hosts were weak. I believe you are the strongest host."

'The way that this is going, I might be able to find something about the curse.'

"Your will and strong heart are admirable. I think that's why the Innocence chose you. It was rather unfortunate that you didn't find out about the price once she was gone. I'm afraid the 'memories' were too strong for the Innocence and that's why it was destroyed."

"Road, do you know…" Teal stopped herself.

"Yes?~"

"Do you know if I was stronger, I could've killed the Noah itself?"

"I doubt it. You may be a great fighter but that would've been beyond anyone's reach. Except maybe the Heart user."

"Also, I'm a little curious but have the Noah ever been together all at once?"

"Mmm… Not for a long time. Well, anyway, I've got the perfect outfit for you!" Road held up a blue dress and a pink apron with cat ears.

"There's no way you're going to make me wear that."
-

After a few hours, Devitto and Jasdero came into the room. Teal was playing cards with Road and Teal had a sheet wrapped around her and her hair was in a ponytail. Teal's clothes were on the stool on the far side of the room.

"Well, how are you two doing?" Jasdero asked.

"Two eights. We're doing fine. Teal show them what you're wearing."

"Cheat. Show them?" Teal pushed the pile of cards at Road.

"Why not? Nice way to start a friendship by first impressions."

"How'd you know I was cheating? You're the one who cheated earlier when you played those sixes instead of eights!"

"It's called strategy. And you have to pay attention to what your opponent plays. I beg to differ on first impressions. Second impressions on the other hand are when you make a total fool of yourself one way or the other. Been there, done that."

"Okay…" Road moaned. "But show them what you're wearing. They might like it." Road smiled.

"No way. How about they leave, I change back to my clothes, and I show them what I was wearing?" Before Teal knew it, the sheet was pulled off her. She was wearing a pink mini dress with green sandals.

"Hey!" She shouted. "Give that back!"

"Why? You look cute in that. Hee!"

'It's too showy.'

The nightmare vision returned again. Road's room was covered in blood. Teal's hand was twitching badly.

"I'm sorry." She dashed between Jasdevi and on her way back to her room, she collapsed in the hall. The hall was covered in blood and she leaned against the wall.

'Damn. What's it going to take for this to stop?' Her neck started to hurt for some reason. Teal's left hand was by her neck and when she brought it down, her fingers were covered in blood. She automatically licked her finger and it was her own blood. When she licked her finger, the vision was starting to fade.

'It's disgusting. I have to have blood to stop the vision. I know Road said that she's gone but I feel like she's still here. I hate that woman more than ever.'

Teal grabbed a clean cloth, her first aid kit and a change of clothes from her room then headed to the washroom that wasn't very far from her room. The blood on her neck was starting to get on her shirt and she didn't want the others to see. Ever since the nightmare started, she became less and less tolerant of blood.

'This nightmare scares me more than becoming a Noah.' After she finished wiping her neck, she threw the cloth into the tub behind her by accident. She bowed her head and held on to the edges of the sink.

'It's frustrating. After all this time, I'm free of her. Just to be traded for more chains! There has to be a way to break it! God only knows how long until the Heart is found. I don't want to wait that long!'

She wet her hair down so she could get some of the dry blood out. 'But that should be the least of my worries. My Innocence is still alive. Maybe. Just maybe I can synchronize with it again.'

She heard the door open then shut and she turned around. Devitto came in with a towel under his arm.

"How'd you get in here?"

"Lock's broken. Lero broke it."

'I don't even want to know what happened.' "Out! This is a girl's bathroom!" Teal was trying to push him out but she couldn't even move him.

"No, it can be used by anyone. The other bathrooms are on a different level, and I don't feel like walking ten miles to go there. If you got a problem, you can leave." He walked by the tub and Teal lost her balance and fell face first.

"Don't take off your shirt when I'm still in here!" She kept her head down and blushed.

"What? Do my good looks charm you that much?" He took her chin and gently moved her closer to him.

"Don't-Don't be an idi- moron. Have some dignity when you're around a girl."

"You don't seem to be much like a…female."

"I think you mentioned that already." Teal sighed. Her legs started to hurt and she staggered around trying to keep her balance.

"You okay? You're legs seem to have a mind of their- oof. Own." Teal crashed into Devitto and she landed on top of him.

"You are such a klutz. Or are you just that attracted to me?" He smirked.

"ONE Johnny What's-His-Face is bad enough. Besides, I draw the line after friendship. And FYI, I feel like a mermaid who just traded my voice to a witch for legs." She said as she got off Devitto.

"Huh?"

"Ever heard of the Little Mermaid? A kid's story?"

"No, the other thing. About friends. What I said back then, I wasn't that serious. Besides, don't you hate our guts right now?"

"Mmm… I'm still a little angry. But I've lost my edge and can't hold a grudge for a long time nowadays. But… You and Jasdero did save me. It's the least I can do so I'll humour you."

"Okay. Hold on for a damn minute. How do I know this isn't a trick? Trying to use us to get information from the Earl? No way. Not until you become a Noah and your Innocence is dead as a doornail."

"Interesting theory. But there's a flaw. I'm not an entirely Order-law-obeying exorcist. I don't believe in involving others in my agenda when they have nothing to do with it. Besides, gossiping is SUCH a bore and I only eavesdrop if it's something interesting. Like treasure!" She smiled.

"You know, I think that's the first time I've seen you smile since you were brought here. I was getting bored of the same blank dull look on your face." He said as he was helping her up.

"Uh…"

"It's a compliment. You're supposed to say 'thank you'"

"Right. Thank you. Also thank you, from before. I don't know what-"The door suddenly burst open then slammed shut and Lero was panting heavily.

'Damn it! He ruined my moment!"

"Gotta hide, Lero. Gotta hide, Lero. Lero?" Lero looked up and saw a shirtless Devitto holding Teal's hand and they were very close to each other.

"Lord Devitto! You can't be with her! She's an exorcist, Lero!" Lero screeched and shoved himself in Devitto's face. "You are fooling around with an enemy? If the Earl found out, he'd, HE'D… LERO!"

"Will you shut up? You're so goddamn annoying you piece of junk!"

"Will you screw your head on straight for once, Lero! She's never going to join us and she is just using you to- Lero…" Lero's voice died down when Teal found a spot on the back of it's neck that made it pass out.

"Lero is so not going to be happy with me." Teal sighed.

"What did you do?" Devitto raised an eyebrow.

"It's a nerve that makes most people (or animals) faint you hit it in the right spot. I just need a little payback for you sending me to Road then we'll call it even."

"Then you better get out because I'm going to take off the rest of my clothes and I'm not wearing underpants." Devitto smirked.

"Oh God, I did not need to know that! I am GONE!" 'I said payback not… pay…day? How am I going to get him back? Let's see… Horror books. Nah. Even the scariest of the scariest would be like a comedy festival. Wait a minute, I got it! I'll buy him and Jasdero Twilight. Considering they hate vampires.' Teal silently laughed to herself.

'Although, I have to admit, they're not half bad. I guess I can survive a little longer here.'