Disclaimer: I do not own D. Gray Man.

Chapter 17

Kanda gripped his wound tightly, hoping to stop the blood flow quickly. Ever since he had given Allen part of his powers, his regeneration speed had slowed considerably. Maybe he should just have let the boy die. He quickly got back on his feet, barely dodging an attack from Allen. The boy was still in the same state as before, refusing to stop.

A punch from Allen to his stomach sent Kanda flying to the nearest tree.

"Che…" A few moments ago, Allen was the one on the ground but now, Kanda was the one on the ground. Disgraceful. How utterly disgraceful. He quickly tried to stand up but found that he could not. His legs were completely paralysed. Apparently, he had suffered a lot of injuries from Allen. Allen was steadily approaching and Kanda contemplated in his mind his next move. A grunt of annoyance was heard and Kanda rested his back against the tree, attempting to stand back up by relying only on his arms.

"Die!" Kanda's eyes widened and he screamed at his legs to move, to just move but it was all futile. Allen's hand flew forward and wrapped around his neck, knocking the wind out of him. The look on Allen's face sent chills down his spine. The boy looked, almost, sadistic. His neck burned where Allen touched him and he scratched at Allen's hand, spots filling his vision. Allen raised his sword and his face darkened.

"Bye bye, Kanda." A twisted smile formed on Allen's face and he thrust his sword forward, aiming straight for Kanda. Kanda went completely rigid and panic seized him. He could not die! The sword got closer. He just could not die!

Suddenly, Allen's eyes widened a fraction and his sword and wings shattered into pieces. Allen immediately collapsed on the ground, unconscious. Kanda collapsed as well, taking in deep breaths. His frantic heartbeat finally slowed down and the feeling in his legs was coming back. He winced as he realized that a burning sensation was coming from the places that Allen had injured him. It seemed that injuries inflicted from Allen's fire would take a longer time to heal. He had no problems with fire last time after all.

Kanda none too gently hoisted the unconscious boy on his shoulder and with slightly shaky legs, stood up.

"You sure are troublesome, kid." Kanda muttered as he walked towards the Black Order. Kanda knew he had to hurry, for he could feel himself reaching his limits soon. The extra luggage was only worsening the situation. A soft apology muttered by the boy on his shoulders froze Kanda in his tracks momentarily. He resumed walking, a dark look on his face.

"Apologising won't solve any problems." He said harshly, but Allen was already unconscious.

"Quick, get them medical attention!" Komui's voice rang out over the crowd. The nurses rushed over and supported the exorcists. Allen was carried off to the ward while Kanda waved away the nurses with his hand, insisting that he did not need their help, saying that he would heal in no time. It was, however, obvious that Kanda was not fine by the looks of it. One hand was against the wall for support and the other was pressed on one of his more serious wounds.

Kanda tried to take a step forward and snarled when the nurses rushed forward. Suddenly, he felt something prick the back of his neck and fell forward when the effects started kicking in.

"Damn you…Komui…" His eyelids were fighting to stay open and his head felt heavy. Very, very heavy. How pathetic. And with that last thought, his world was consumed by the darkness.

He could hear muffled voices. What were they saying? Why did they sound so worried? What was wrong?

Weary eyes opened and saw white. His vision was still blurry and he curled and uncurled his stiff fingers. It felt like he had not moved them in a long time. At that moment, he realized something. Exactly for how long had he been unconscious? He moved to sit up but his arm gave out under him. He fell back on the bed, feeling like his whole body was on fire. And why was his whole body aching?

Fighting against the pain, he attempted to get off the bed…And landed on the floor instead. Immediately, he heard footsteps rushing towards him.

"Allen-kun, you're awake! Are you alright?" Lenalee's concerned voice reached his ears. Allen smiled sheepishly and scratched his head. Lenalee shot back a smile and helped Allen back on the bed.

"I'm alright, Lenalee! I don't have to rest! I'm just…" Allen trailed off, blushing furiously. His stomach had just finished his sentence for him. Lenalee was trying her hardest to hold back her chuckles and he heard someone else laughing. It was then that he noticed that Lavi was in the corner of the room. He was clutching his stomach tightly, peals of laughter escaping his mouth. Allen, despite his aching body, stomped over to Lavi, and punched him in the face.

"Ow…Allen-chan, that hurt!" Lavi spluttered out, holding his bleeding nose. Allen merely snorted and stuck his tongue out at Lavi childishly. Suddenly, Allen fell to the ground, holding his stomach tightly.

"I…need…food…" Allen scratched at the air. Lenalee let out a laugh. Allen looked like he was dying. Lavi stood up, a bloodied tissue in his hand. His face was grim.

"Well that is to be expected, since you were unconscious for a week." Allen froze up, eyes wide. He had been asleep for a week? Why could he not remember anything except training with Kanda? What exactly happened one week ago? Allen clasped a hand to his forehead, trying to prevent an oncoming headache. He would just have to ask Kanda then.

Lavi, ridding himself of his serious tone, spoke in a bubbly voice, hand outstretched towards Allen.

"Come, let's go to the cafeteria." Allen nodded, gripping Lavi's hand to pull himself up.

"Yeah, let's go." Allen smiled.

'Together with all my friends.'

Thanks to those who reviewed! Sorry for the really, really late update! (If anyone is still reading this of course)