Third chapter! Though each chapter I'm writing is short, I'm really enjoying typing out this story. Hope it's just as good for you guys. Thank you so much for the reviews! It really helps me and my lazy ass going… lol Hikari: Whoa! gets hugged I'm usually the one who does this, nice to be on the getting hugged side for once. Really nice to hear you so happy about the new chapter, believe me, it's a big motivator for me. (and I need it too, lol) while I'm writing this I'm still trying to decide what effects the Akuma should have on him. :P I'll think of something… yup. Tarragon: always full of surprises. I love cliff hangers when I'm writing them, they're fun when I think of you people imagining what's going to happen next. :P Enray: The plot is still under construction in my mind now, and I'm trying to see where I can twist it… really encouraging to hear your comment, I'll try my best not to disappoint ya!

I can't believe I forgot to mention it, but it was Ravi's birthday on the 10th! Happy birthday Ravi! Woot! in the story i kept him as 18. I'll try and do a b-day chapter sometime

Disclaimer: I don't own D.gray-man. Wish I did… oh god what is going to happen to Allen in the series? The TORMENT! AAAHHHHH! a frying pan comes out of nowhere and COINCIDENTALLY hits Phoenix Charmer (from now on I'll just say PC)

Enjoy!

Chapter 3

Allen thought he felt the world sway.

As the abrupt words from Riba penetrated the skull of everyone in the room, they all tensed, lost for words. Linaly tightened her grip on Allen as she felt him slightly sway. She bit her lips and fought the burning sensation behind her eyes. This wasn't the time to go all emotional. She knew she needed to be there for Allen right now. Just like he'd always been.

Komui felt a tinge of guilt as he saw how the news affected the Exorcists. Allen was pale; a sickly color of yellow around the edges of that face which usually gave a smile that reminded all of them of their pure-hearted childhood. Ravi's face was bare of its usual jovial expression. A grave, tired-looking boy of 18 stared down at his hand, still in the bowl filled with ice. Perhaps the numbing pain of the ice-water was keeping his nerves at bay. However, what bloomed on Linaly's face was not despair, confusion, or misery, it was determination. A strong will to protect, that research has proven only women to have as a side effect of maternal instinct. Komui's spirits slightly lifted, and couldn't help but feel the warm sensation of pride grow inside him. He turned to Riba, who he had given the task of being the bearer of bad news. He saw him scratch his head with both hands, and noticed a tinge of red on the hairs; the hands that had scratched them had semi-circles that were slowly filling with blood again. He had probably punctured his own skin when gripping them into fists too hard. The news was hard on everyone.

"I'm sorry to say that even through all this… we have a mission for you three."

The attention snapped back to Riba, then to Komui.

"Not far from here, there have been concentrated Akuma attacks on a small town, and we think there might be something to it."

"But nii-san, Allen is…"

"What is our objective for the mission?"

Allen spoke with a strong, firm voice with a matching expression despite the ill color of his face. He understood; this mission meant that they trusted him. They trusted that he'd survive.

"Eliminate all Akuma in the area; report if there are any findings and we will give out further instructions."

"Right. When do we get goin' then?"

Ravi caught on to the enthusiasm, and a shadow of his usual smile appeared as he stirred the ice around in the bowl.

"Tomorrow evening. We'll give you more information on the mission then, so for now, go back to your rooms and get a good night's rest."

Komui got up and left the room, and the others slowly followed. As Allen stepped out of the door way, Riba pulled him aside.

"Don't know what to say to you Allen, really sorry bout the mission. We're trying our best but we just don't have enough men… take this."

Riba clumsily stuffed a box in to Allen's hands.

"Cool strips; my life savers." He winked. "I don't think you're going to be feeling your best the next few days… not much, but they work faster than any shitty medication I can give you."

"…Thank you Riba-san, I really appreciate it." This was the warmth that he had when he was with Mana… the warmth only love from a family could bring.

"No problem, and one more thing," he continued in a more serious tone, "I want you to keep us updated on how you're doing. Unfortunately we haven't been able to figure out what this Akuma's abilities are, and we need to as soon as possible. Got to get rid of the bastard. I've got a bad feeling bout it… after all, the Earl risked those limitations for something. There's probably more to it than just a few nightmares."

Allen nodded, his eyes full of the warmth he had received. He wasn't afraid anymore. He trusted them, just like they trusted him.

"I will. Thank you so much for your troubles Riba-san."

"Anytime. Oh, and speaking of thank you, you'd better thank this guy too."

Timcanpi whizzed out of Riba's sleeve and landed gleefully on Allen's head.

"...Thanks buddy."

To Be Continued...

Third chapter finished! I'm sorry my chapters are short, but I think this length keeps me going at a good pace...

Questions, comments, suggestions always welcome! Please review!

Quote of the day: "Hey, hold on. You called me back to help with homework?" (Tiki)