Hey everyone, I wanted to let you know that this story is still alive! I'm updating this story EXTREMELY whacky and I apologize for that, I update what ideas come into my head and I'm rewritting most of the story and I have like half of it done so yay. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, added to their favs and alerts and thanks for your patience although I haven't uploaded a new chapter since forever. So this chapter has fluffyness and I hope you guys like it although this is a work in progress, I will possibly update it later after my diploma exams most likely and after I get new Hetalia chapters up. My latest obsession is PrussiaxCanada and Spamano. 0/0 Thanks again and I hope you like it!

My Choice

Devitto just stood there in disbelief. Was she that hurt that she was going to risk her life to run away again?

"Help me!" Echoed in Devitto's head. Suddenly his entire body hurt all over then stopped.

"The hell? She's gonna get herself killed."

"Miss, are you… Master Devitto!" A maid was standing outside her door. "Where is…?"

"I don't know. But listen," Devitto came up to her. "Don't mention anything to the others. For all you know, she's visiting her friend." He said as he hurried towards his room.

"Jasdero,"

"Devi? What's wrong?"

"Teal's gone. I think she made a run for it again."

"What? Wait, what happened? Why do you think she would've run?"

"Okay… Here goes…" Devitto took a deep breath. "She probably saw this girl kiss me. Remember that girl we met the other day? The female you know who asshole look alike?"

"Yeah. So she kissed you?" Jasdero had a disgusted look on his face.

"I know, gross isn't it? Aw great, you made me think of something nasty!"

"Not my fault that girl looks like you know who." They both shared extremely disgusted faces.

"Anyway… I think we should start looking tomorrow." Jasdero said. "Her dad may know something but it's too late to go over there now."

"Alright." Devitto nodded.

"Hey Devi,"

"Mmm?"

"Can I ask how you feel about Teal? You seem happier when she's around now."

"I dunno. I like her… Weird, ain't it? I found her to be a total pain and wanted nothing to do with her but now…" Devitto looked down and scratched his head to hide his faint blush. "How do you feel about her?"

Jasdero paused for a moment then answered him. "I really like her. But I love my brother and I think that you should be happy. I know that much."

"Dero…"

"OMG! Twincest moment!" Road overheard the last part of Jasdero's sentence as she was heading to her room. She stood at their doorway and couldn't stop a giggle fit.

"Get over here, you little brat!" Devitto bolted out the door after Road.

"You're late." A husky female voice snarled.

"I had some business to take care of." The frigid winter winds were approaching. It isn't the ideal condition for a tournament but it had to be done at night. Without watchful eyes of civilians and police. The best place to go is the most deserted place in the town. The woods that led to the mountains that were on the other side of the train station did provide a place far enough to avoid suspicion. But the scent of blood that would be shed would attract predators. No one bothered to go to the eastern woods. Rumors have spread that demons (the akuma) will kill you if you go anywhere near there. There is only one place left: the abandoned shopping district where most buildings are ready to collapse and where thugs and thieves lurk in the dark.

"All right, you bitches. Now that everyone's here, shut your traps and listen." The tallest member of the group was circling around a burning barrel that was in the middle of a pathway. She had short spiky hair and wore a mask on her face.

"This year's prize is this map. This isn't your ordinary treasure map. This leads to the jackpot." She held a golden brown scroll in her hand high in the air with pride. "This map leads to the catacombs of this godforsaken town. Legend has it that hundreds- possibly up to a thousand years ago, looters and thieves who have stolen from the big shots have stored all of the loot down in the catacombs. There's millions and millions of dollars of treasure and other things. There used to be many passages to the catacombs but they have collapsed over the course of time. But one. Few have found it but no one went down there for many years. It is impossible by simply digging. You dig one night looking for the catacombs, the hole will fill itself up by morning. This map can lead you to fortune, ladies. If you want it so bad, you have to listen to my every word." She slipped the map into her inside coat pocket.

"First off, to get this map, you obviously have to win the tournament. In addition, you get one demand that can go against the code. Second, if I catch any of you bitches cheating or trying to get the map in any dishonourable manner that violates the code that bitch will pay the same price as a coward and the map will be thrown in the fire. A coward must suffer beatings from everybody. Those who do not participate in the beating will be reprimanded. Think twice of becoming a coward. If you wish to leave now, you will not get the shit beat out of you. But this is your last chance. When the tournament begins, there is no mercy. The rules of the tournament are simple: the first one at a stalemate loses. You may only use wooden swords that we have supplied. May the strongest survive."

"Devi… Devi! WAKE UP!" Jasdero yelled.

"Mnn… It's too cold. A few more hours…" Devitto moaned.

"If you actually wore a shirt, you wouldn't be cold. Then again, I'm not really the one to talk." Jasdero said as he looked down.

"Okay. I'm up I'm up."

"We better wear something warm, it's starting to snow. Hee! And it's cold!" Jasdero gave a yelp after he put his hand on the window. "Devi, help. I'm stuck."

"It better not be your tongue on the window again. Last year I was ready to create a flamethrower. Alright, hold still." He grabbed his brother's arm and was able to get it free on the fourth or fifth tug.

"Thanks." He smiled at his brother. "Now let's get ready and go!"

Jasdevi used the ark to get to the town and they arrived at the abandoned shopping district where no one would see them.

"Sheesh, what a dump. Hard to believe anyone would come here."

"Move it Devi! Someone's coming!" They heard heavy but slow footsteps so they changed to their human forms quickly.

There was a figure breathing heavily and leaning against the wall. They could see that it was severely injured and on the verge of passing out. The figure did see them from the darkness and was on her knees begging for mercy as she thought she was going to die.

"Okay… Weird druggy, we come in peace." Jasdero said as he and Devitto slowly backed away.

"Any idea where her dad lives?" Devitto asked Jasdero when they entered the main market place.

"Some place on the outskirts?... I've got an idea! I'll be right back!" Jasdero opened an ark gate when the coast was clear and closed it when he went through. Devitto stood at the alley entrance making sure no one would enter and notice the gate when Jasdero came back.

'Humph. It's starting to snow. I hate it when it's so damn cold. The only thing I can really look forward to is our birthday. We finally turn 18 and can do whatever the hell we want.'

"I'm back, Devi!" Jasdero brought his chicken.

"Dero, I know our chicken is awesome but I don't think it has a good sense of smell."

"Are you kidding? Chickens are in the top… 20 of the most intelligent animals on earth."

"Where'd you find that out?"

"Lucky guess." Jasdero grinned. "Go boy!" He threw his chicken in the air and it made a rough landing. It pecked the ground for a bit and clucked as it charged down the alley.

"Let's go!"

3 hours later…

"Anything look familiar yet?" Devitto said as he and Jasdero were on the way to the light house.

"Kind of. We walked down her with Teal before so maybe when we reach the lighthouse we can work our way from there."

"Don't let the chicken lead this time. If we get lost in there, we are so freakin' screwed."

"But if we do get lost, we can use the ark to get back."

"Right. I knew that." After another few hours finally made it to Shishou's place, ready to pass out.

"Damn. How long have we been living around here and we can't even navigate through this part of town?" Devitto panted.

"Because it never interested us?" Jasdero leaned against a tree holding his chicken.

"Right."

"Oh, hello. Are you Master Black's students?" Alexander greeted them at the gate.

"No. We're friends with his daughter."

"Very well. Please come in and I'll get Master Black." Jasdero and Devitto made their way into the sitting room like before and waited anxiously for Shishou.

'What's wrong? Were you crying?'

'I'm fine.'

'I know my own daughter well enough to tell that she's upset. What's wrong?'

'Dad… I can't… I want to tell you so much. Everything that's happened since I left. But-but... I just can't!'

What the? How am I seeing this? Is this what happened the night she left?

"Devitto!" Jasdero shook him by the shoulder and back into reality. "You okay? You're just staring off into space."

"Huh, yeah I'm alright. It's weird. I thought I saw…"

"Hello boys." Teal's father was standing in the doorway. His tone had lost some of its kindness and he gave them a polite smile. "Can I help you with something?"

"Uh yeah. Is Teal around?" Jasdero asked.

"No, she's not."

"We can't find her. She's been gone since the ball." Devitto and Jasdero could catch that this news didn't seem to surprise him too much although he tried to hide it.

"Well, she's the kind of girl who can't sit still for a minute. She probably is working an all-nighter at her job to get her mind off of certain things." He said dismissively. "So if you excuse me, I have some students coming later."

"I call that bull." Devitto stood up suddenly. "You know something, don't you? She came here didn't she? Where did she go?"

"I don't approve of that language but I'll let it slide this time." He sighed. "I can tell you really care for her by your actions. But a father could only go so far to protect his child."

"So did she come here?" Devitto was slightly calmer.

"Yes. But I can't tell you where she went. I honestly don't know myself. Teal does have a tendency to go to such dangerous lengths to help or protect someone she cares about all by herself. I noticed that she bearing a heavy burden and appeared to have nowhere to go. I'll just cut to the chase: she told me everything. About herself, what she suffered through and what she found." He glanced at Jasdevi as if he were studying them.

"She told you about-" Jasdero pointed between himself and Devitto. Shishou gave a small nod.

"Yes. I know it isn't meant to be discovered but if you blame someone, blame me. I couldn't bear watching her suffer because of that. I'm aware of the consequences but I'd rather face them then watch my daughter live in agony until she dies."

Jasdevi remained silent for a while. From the faint bad memories of their own father, it took a while for it to sink in that he'd be willing to die for her sake. There are people who are actually willing to do such a thing.

"So can I ask how you feel about her now that you know? About us being with her and this whole situation?" Jasdero asked.

"I'll stand by Teal regardless of the choices that she makes or what she becomes. I won't interfere with her staying at that place if that is her choice. As for you… Teal seems to trust you and care for you so I'll trust you as well. But I do have one…" Shishou was waving his hand while trying to find the right word. "Demand. I guess you can call it that. If you really do care for her, make sure she doesn't lose herself."

'Man, Night three already. With any luck it'll finish tonight.' Teal thought as she stretched her arms and walked down the abandoned shopping district with the head girl of the group and one other girl. The other girl was the second or third best in the group, tall, strong and other than that, nothing really marks her as anything special. 'I'm exhausted but I can't give in now.'

"So, Siren was it? Hard to believe you're back in business. Got tired of living with the big shots, eh?" The head girl said.

"Never liked 'em from the beginning. Bunch of stuck up bastards with guns. Not to mention those prissy bitches. Makes me want to kill them."

"So why haven't you?" The leader grinned as she lit a cigarette.

"Meh. Don't feel like being hanged."

"Are you stupid? You just said they had collections of guns so they'll only shoot you. And it's easier to recover from."

"I didn't say that."

"Hey, we've got intruders." The other girl pointed. Teal looked up and Devitto and Jasdero were in conversation by themselves.

'Ah geez, why now?' "Best to leave them alone. They were at that thing and if we mug 'em, they're likely to squeal and we're gonna get shot." 'Hurry up and get back.'

"I need to let loose but the code forbids it during a tournament."

"You can let loose when I kick your ass." Teal said.

"Heh, I like your attitude." The leader grinned.

"I doubt you'll win, outsider. Outsiders haven't won one of our tournaments in a few years."

"Well if it isn't the twins. I was wondering where you were." Tyki approached them shortly after they stepped through the gate. They arrived in the entrance hall. He had a smug 'you're in for it' look.

"What? We're not kids Tyki we can do what the hell we want."

"Tell that to the Earl. He wants to see you." Tyki pointed down to the hallway on his right.

"He's in the living room upstairs and try not to step on his scarves this time." He sighed. Devitto and Jasdero exchanged they're 'Oh shit' looks. They did do some pranks in the previous couple of days such as hiding in town; throwing a tomato at occasional passers then popping a bag, making a person think they'd been shot. To them it was pretty funny to watch their victim freak out and faint. Then at one of their few breaks at the ball, they secretly planted a smoke stink bomb in the champagne and it must've got someone good.

They managed to keep their sniggering under control long enough to keep a calm façade to the Earl.

"Hello boys.~" The Earl looked their way as he was working on a knitting project. The room that they were in was large, dark and was only lit by floating pumpkins overhead. On the floor were telephones all over the place.

"How's your mission going with Teal? Has she told you anything of what she's planning to do yet? I see that you two are starting to become quite close to her and she must've told you something.~"

'Yes, we're not in trouble. Yet.' Jasdevi thought.

"It's- it's going okay. She's less hostile but she hasn't really told us anything what she's gonna do." Devitto said.

"Except that she's afraid of becoming one of us."

"I see. That's a normal reaction. Jasdevi, do you know why I asked you to get close to her again?" The Earl's tone made Jasdevi swallowed. It was deadly kind meaning that they were in for some serious trouble.

"Because we were friends when we were kids?"

"Partially.~ When you were friends with her, you created a special, powerful bond with her and those bonds are extremely difficult to break. And using that bond, her feelings, thoughts and experiences can transfer to you in visions. And that bond is the reason why you regained your memories of her."

"So using that bond, we could see what she was thinking… And we could use it to convince her to-" Jasdero was trying to sum everything up.

"Exactly.~ And possibly to get some information about the Order. Normally, the visions would be transferred to you under great deals of stress and since she's in a very delicate stage, she's very unpredictable and anything could be transferred. And I urge you to do everything you can to convince her to awaken her Noah. The sooner the better."

"What do you mean, Lord Millennium?" Devitto asked carefully.

"She's a natural fighter and is still resisting her Noah to the best of her abilities. The longer she resists, the more disastrous the consequences will be. She will fall into insanity and eventually die. Then it's another twenty or so years to find her reincarnation. We're looking for two more of our clan and we don't need a third to look for.~" As Devitto and Jasdero were about to leave, the Earl stopped them.

"One more thing." He tossed them a vial of red liquid. "Make sure she drinks that. That will awaken her Noah immediately."

"Oi, Siren! Ready to face your final match?" Teal wiped the blood off of her face that her opponent spat on her before she delivered the final blow. She ached all over with cuts and bruises everywhere and she could only feel a strong surge of warmth flowing through her body while the whole square reeked of blood.

"Oi, Siren!"

"Yeah, I'm ready." She said monotonically. She went to the center of the square where the leader was waiting for her. They crossed their swords and there was a tense atmosphere between them as they glared in each other's eyes.

"Yer not scared, are ye Siren?"

"You wish." Teal growled. There was something about her that made Teal like she wanted to kill her. So much hatred, so much anger, this person was a sinner, she had to die otherwise the world would die because of this sneaky, traitorous wench that stood in front of her. No, that's not it. Another voice in her head was saying. The leader was a criminal and the aura of severe corruption surrounded her but Teal could not kill her. She was not here to kill humans; she was here to find something she desired more than anything.

The fight was excruciating painful. Teal's opponent was quicker than her and it was difficult to land decent hits due to she was exhausted and her Innocence was starting to slow her down. It didn't bother her much lately so why now? There were a few times where she was knocked down and almost couldn't get back on her feet. She wanted to give up. Let the pain stop. Let it stop. Try again, keep going. The voice of her will continually encouraged her to be persistent as she was in so many of her fights before and came out victorious-although not always in one piece.

"This is it!" Teal cried as she disarmed her opponent and took her sword. She finally did it. She won. She desperately wanted to collapse and rest. She got what she wanted but she knew there was a price that had to be paid. This wasn't over.

"Well done." The leader smirked. "You're better than I remember. Now, name your term. You can be leader, you can have anything you want from us, just say it." She handed Teal the map and looked at her expectantly. She was expecting her to take the new position as a leader.

Teal opened the map carefully as her fingers trembled. It was a map of the catacombs that lead to a vault. She placed her finger on the picture of the vault and a vision showed her that what she was looking for was there. She would be free if she could recover whatever it was about the Noah. Then her thoughts shifted to Devitto, Jasdero, her father, her friends then to Devitto. After all this time, what would the price be to be free? What did it mean to be free anyway? If she became a normal human at the price of the ones she loves, it wouldn't be worth it.

She closed the map and swallowed hard. She knew one thing: the map was hers. She could take her time to think about going after the treasure. If she didn't want it for herself in the end, the Order would find some use for it.

"I-I want this map to be kept in my possession, untouched by any of you… When I leave." The girls looked around in shock. The strongest person was just going to walk away and leave with the prize.

"Heh. We won't touch the map in any way. Like you want. But…" The leader's voice turned deadly and everyone circled around her. Ten against one. Which is better: going against them single-handedly or facing a Level 4? They were equal in pain and terror. "You know what happens to deserters don't ya?"

"I know the price." Teal whispered hoarsely. One girl grabbed her from under the arms and held her in a position where she was totally helpless and immobilized.

"Then get ready to take it, bitch!" The leader took the first hit on her face then several others followed. She was ready to cry and plead for her mercy but her mouth was too numb and it was filling with blood. Then she was thrown to the ground and everywhere it felt like she was going to be crushed. The pain was just too much, there was one blow after the other and there wasn't even enough time to allow a numbing feeling to occur so the pain would be less intense. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't see, no one was coming to rescue her. Everything hurt and even struggling to breathe was next to impossible and excruciating painful. After what seemed like hours, they finally stopped but the next thing Teal heard sent her an extreme fear that she felt only once or twice before: she was actually going to die. Someone unsheathed their sword and the sound of metal sent painful shivers down her spine. Someone grabbed a handful of her hair and she yelped as she was forced on her hands and knees. The metal was getting closer and was right on the back of her neck. She squeezed her eyes shut and prayed it would be quick. The metal made a quick slash and she collapsed once more.

When she opened her eyes, she saw patches of white all over the ground. Her body hurt worse than it did facing the Level 4 and the akuma with Jacob's soul combined. She nimbly touched the back of her neck and other than a bruise or two, it was unscathed. As she moved her hand down, she felt a soft bristly feeling on her shoulder and realized what happened.

'Well, better my hair than my neck I guess.' She cringed and then started to sob softly. Why? She knew what was going to happen. She knew that the pain would be there. She wasn't supposed to cry over it. But, then again, you can't control everything. Something needed to cry. The soft falling snow was the only thing to comfort her and soothe her as she was fading back into a peaceful sleep. Then shadows and red stained the snow beside her and shadows were lurking over her.

Devitto sighed as he pulled his hood up. He didn't know how much longer he could keep up the charade. He told anyone who was looking for Teal that she was doing some work and didn't come back late or until he or Jasdero picked her up from town. It did work for now but if it kept up, they'd figure it out.

He pulled out the vial out of his pocket and just stared at it. She wasn't strong enough to beat the Noah. She had to accept it or she was going to die. So what? She's an exorcist. One less annoyance, a voice in his head thought. But other than the Clan and Jasdero, no one truly cared for him or loved him. He thought back to their accidental meeting in China. He didn't think much of her at first, thinking she was a total idiot for going against a man with a gun on her own. When they actually could see each other clearly, he did think she was kind of cute, and pretty stubborn, cheeky and kind of funny. Not something you find everyday and he was… kind of attracted to it.

The things she said to him, 'Not something you hear everyday, I like it… It was nice meeting you. I hope we meet again!' Her smile, her kindness he yearned for it. But what were the chances that they would actually meet again? And would she accept him if she knew what he was?

The next time he saw her, she was with the exorcists and the final pieces of his memory came together. He was furious, he felt betrayed. He wanted to kill her for betraying him by joining the exorcists who were the Noah's natural enemies. When he found out that she had a Noah and had to convince her to join their side, he didn't know what to think. He'd swear that he wouldn't get too close. He would do anything just to get his job done and think of nothing more but that day when she was going to kill herself, he had to stop her. Not because of what he was told to do, but because he did care for her. After that, he couldn't but help liking her more and more. Which brings him to this point where she was the only other person that mattered other than Jasdero.

"Please, stay alive for me." He whispered as he put it back into his pocket.. He was about to open a gate for the ark to head back when he heard some soft crying. He turned around and he saw somebody badly beaten who was surrounded by a thin layer of snow and blood. He cautiously moved towards them, and pulled down the coat that was draped over them.

"Teal…" He whispered. She barely moaned, and cracked her eyes open slightly.

"Devitto?" Teal said heavily as tears were rolling down her cheeks. "Where…"

"You're with me. You're gonna be okay." He said as he moved his arm under her shoulder to lean her up against him. She whimpered as he moved her close to him. "Hey, hey… It's okay." She rested her head on his shoulder against his neck, embracing what little warmth she could recognize. He could hear a faint 'I'm sorry' over and over as a warm tear landed on the side of his neck.

"It's okay. I'm going to take you back now." He gave her a comforting smile.

"Stay with me... Please..." She barely whispered as she moved closer to him slightly.

"You idiot," He kissed her forehead. "I won't leave you again. I promise. I love you."