Disclaimer: I do not own D. Gray Man.

Chapter 19

Allen laid down on the bed, his whole body aching. He massaged his sore arms, sighed, then stopped when massaging proved ineffective. His arms were still as sore as before. For the past three days, he had participated in vigorous training with Kanda. Every day, they would combat with each other, but no words, not even insults were exchanged. Gazes never lingered for more than a second and when it reached noon, the two exorcists would part silently, heading to their respective rooms. That was how it had been the past three days, and that was how it would remain.

Looking at the window, Allen noticed that gray clouds were gathering. The sky's orange colour was slowly diminishing and being replaced by the darkness. Just then, a thunder sounded, causing Allen to jump. The hair on the back of his neck stood up and Allen had to suppress a shiver when it started raining. His face was grim and solemn.

He could feel it. Something dangerous was approaching. Something very, very dangerous. And two days later, Allen's premonition came true.

Allen and friends were in the cafeteria when it happened. Everyone in the cafeteria had heard a crash, but it was dismissed as one of Komui's experiments and they all resumed chattering. No one was prepared for what would come next. Another crash was heard, this time louder. Then, all the golems in the air crackled as they all received a message.

"We are under attack! I repeat: We are under attack! All available exorcists, please head to the North Wing! All other people please evacuate! This is not a joke! I repeat: This is not-"

Everyone was silent. They had the same thought in their minds. This could not be happening. Then, murmurs rang through the cafeteria. No one was doing anything.

Lavi clenched and unclenched his fists, then stood up and banged the table. Everyone turned to gape at him, shock clearly written on their faces. Lavi's face was set in determination and anger.

"Well, you heard the message didn't you? Then why aren't you moving? Don't you want to save your friends? Don't you want to live?" Lavi frowned, then moved to leave when no response was heard. He grabbed his weapon and activated it, sparing one last glance at the others.

"Suit yourselves then. Rot here for all I care!"

The speech was inspirational, and everyone was finally doing something, but it was all too late. Maybe if they had moved the moment they heard the message, all would have been fine. There would still have been hope, and the end result would not be as bad. It was all too late.

Just as the finders were trying to escape, a part of the ceiling collapsed on the exit. They barely dodged it. Fortunately, there was another exit and everyone but the exorcists rushed towards it. Then, someone created a huge hole in the wall and the exorcists shielded themselves from the flying debris.

"Good evening, everyone." A chubby man with the widest grin appeared, an umbrella in his hand. His grin had a sinister feel to it and behind him, some other silhouettes could be seen. The Millennium Earl was here, with the rest of his family.

The Earl's eyes thinned and everyone could see that he was crazy. The rest of his family stepped out from the shadows.

"Meet your doom, exorcists!" And the battle was on, with Allen in the middle of it, clueless as to what to do. Kanda noticed him first, and he yanked Allen to the side. Allen had to leave before anyone found out he was here. Tyki was bound to be among their enemies and Kanda could not let Tyki know he was there. As far as Tyki was concerned, Allen was dead.

Kanda squeezed Allen's shoulders and sent the message across.

"Leave! You can't do anything here!" Allen flinched at Kanda's words, but he stood his ground. He did not even register that Kanda had finally spoken to him.

"No, I want to help! I'm sure that I can help in some way!"

Kanda slammed his fist at the wall behind Allen. There was a crack when he pulled away.

"You can't. Right now, you can't even use your powers. Sword fighting won't help, you'll just be a burden to us!" Kanda growled. He knew he was being too direct, but he had to do it if he wanted Allen to live. Allen had a downcast look on his face and he finally nodded, tearing his gaze away from the battle scene.

Kanda unsheathed his sword and he grabbed Allen's arm.

"Go," he ordered, "I'll protect you until the exit, so don't worry." Allen felt his eyes widen and he looked to the side, rushing towards the exit. Kanda was constantly beside him, protecting him if there was any danger. Finally, they reached the exit.

"Don't die." Allen muttered and Kanda stared at him, a slightly shocked look on his face. Slowly, the ceiling above them started to crack.

"I won't." And the last thing Allen saw before the ceiling collapsed, was Kanda's huge smirk.

Allen turned away and started running, hoping he was going in the correct direction. When he was about to turn around the corner, he paused. Something was grabbing his arm. He looked behind him and saw a dark-skinned man with a top hat. He was wearing a tuxedo, along with white gloves. His eyes were comically wide as he stared at Allen and he pulled the cigarette out of his mouth.

"Wow, you were alive?" Allen felt warning bells go off in his head and he attempted to wrench his arm away from the man. He took a step backwards as the man grinned and cracked his knuckles. An image filled Allen's mind.

"Who…Who are you?" Allen asked uncertainly, licking his dry lips. The man turned his attention to him and he smiled in amusement.

Allen grabbed his head as the headache came full force. Other images filled his mind.

"Ah, forgive me for my manners," the man said, reaching out with a gloved hand to tilt his hat.

Allen cried out in pain and his back hit the wall. It was too much.

"Tyki Mikk, at your service."

And finally, Allen remembered everything. He remembered having a hole in his heart, he remembered Kanda saving him, and he remembered going berserk and attacking Kanda.

Tyki pulled him up by the front of his shirt and slammed his against the wall. Something wet trickled down Allen's head.

"Let's have lots of fun tonight!" Tyki said with sadistic glee and Allen felt the fear creeping into his heart. The image of Kanda filled his mind.

'You probably won't die, but I will.'

Then, Allen heard a voice which definitely did not belong to Tyki. A girl with spiky hair appeared behind Tyki, a lollipop in hand. She had on that same crazed look as Tyki.

"Let's paint him a beautiful red, Uncle Tyki."

Thanks to those who reviewed! Sorry if the updates are slow! Blame the exams!