Hitomi: You know, I find it ironic that on the same day I created Ice Flare, I also managed to, somehow, update Unravel's Chapter XXIV. Really, I don't know how I did it. Perhaps, I was quite stressed out with lots of pressure. Or maybe I really didn't want the writer's block to completely take over me because I know it'll render me to stop writing for a long period of time (and like Hell I'm going to let that happen again!). Maybe it's both, then.

Urgh, I really got to stop getting frazzled so easily. And I love writing so much that I absolutely hate it when I hit a writer's block – honestly, it's because I feel writing's the only thing I'm good at, so I'm afraid to lose it.

And holy— *dies* This got a lot of reviews, faves, and alerts! I'm very surprised! Honestly, I thought the story wouldn't stand out nor it would be considered interesting… But, it looks like I'm wrong. *is floored* Thanks so much, guys!

And hashire, as much as I appreciate your feedback… While I know that, as a writer, constructive criticism helps you get better, for some reason, I feel that you're being rather crude to me instead (especially when OCs are concerned). Really, there was no need for you to be such a snob about it.

Now, where to go with this fic… Heh, I'll just have fun with it as I go along with it. I'm just trying to see how this'll go… Especially since I'm still being picky about the characters' age because I feel I should stick to Unravel canon (as Rue met Lavi and everyone else—excluding Allen—when she was thirteen, this also being when she first came in the Black Order), but if I do that, I may end up not letting Allen appear for a while again…

And if I do go with Unravel canon, somehow, I may have to weave thirteen-year-old Allen in there too since I don't want to leave him out again. However, if he'll be thirteen in this fic, that'll mean A) I'll have to make his Innocence a bit weaker and B) I don't know how his personality will be like at first as since C) We only got snippets of such, AKA before he came to the Black Order, when he'd tell his stories about General Cross and his debt troubles.

Or perhaps, I should let Lavi and Rue meet at their current ages (Lavi being eighteen; Rue being fifteen). However, fifteen was the age when Rue had developed her personality little by little in Unravel (not to mention developed her Innocence's power). If that's the case, I'll let that developed personality still stay intact, but I'll still make her stoic and distant. As for the Innocence, it will still be at its high percentage, you'll find out why.

Disclaimer: I do not own D . Gray-Man, Hoshinou Katsura-sensei does. The only thing(s) I do own in here would be my OC(s).

Ice Flare

II

Preparations

[No matter what, be prepared for anything!]

"Someone, please help me… Or maybe just kill me now…" Principal Komui Lee muttered helplessly, his head resting on his cluttered desk, looking like he was in total despair.

"What's wrong, Komui?" Vice Principal Reever Wenham queried with a frown, setting a pile of papers on the already messy table.

"As you already know, there's war between the Exorcists and the Millennium Earl and it's because of the Heart. We've been trying to get information on the Heart, as well as examine the students' individual Innocence in case one of them is the Heart, but there's no sight on neither." He sighed, not even bothering to lift his head up because he was so weary. "On top of that, the White Chaos Institution suspects certain Exorcists for either having information of the Heart or think they are the Heart. Because of this, they've already made plans to target and exploit them."

"Are there any specific Exorcists they're looking into?"

"From what some of the Recruiters have found out from their undercover assignment in the White Chaos Institution…" Komui lifted his head up and Reever could see the distress in his violet eyes. "They've already set their eyes on someone who they think might hold recordings of the Heart."

"Who?"

"Lavi."

The Vice Principal was shocked, speechless. He couldn't believe what he just heard: they were targeting the Bookman heir?

At the same time this name was uttered, the office door opened, revealing a short, elderly man. His dark circled eyes met the principal's worried gaze, scrutinizing him thoroughly.

"That's impossible." The aged male spoke indignantly, a slight scoff in his raspy voice. From what he was saying, he might've eavesdropped on the conversation. "The Bookman clan has been recording as much facts as it could on this conflict. But, as far as I'm concerned, like all of you, we don't have details on the Heart Innocence."

"I know, Bookman." Komui sighed with frustration, pressing a hand to his temples. "But, the Earl already has the notion that your grandson may hold specifics about this, especially since the Bookman clan is well known for recording what's going on around them."

"Hmmm…"

Both of them turned to Reever, who looked to be thinking about something.

"Something on your mind, Reever?" The principal asked uncertainly, the fatigue on his face replaced with confusion.

"Yeah," the person being addressed confirmed with a nod, a stern look on his face. "As the Bookman clan is famous for documenting information and Lavi's the next successor, it's no surprise the Earl is targeting him. So, since it's come to this, wouldn't it be a good idea to get a bodyguard?"

"I would like to point out that even before obtaining his Innocence, Lavi was taught combat from a young age because it's part of Bookman training." Bookman stated seriously, his face furrowed in thought. "However, my grandson can be such an oaf at times when it comes to work, so it makes me wonder if he'll really be able to take over the Bookman title…"

Oh, how true that was because, if you knew Lavi well enough, you'd definitely question the future of the clan. Just the thought of it made the senior so ashamed and annoyed, his already creased face deepening into a scowl.

"Then, is it all right?" Komui questioned, sipping away the freshly brewed Blue Mountain coffee from his mug. "The bodyguard idea, I mean."

"Yes, it's all right. Besides…" He was still thinking of his grandson; then, he shook his head as he imagined Lavi and—to him, at least—his idiotic ways. "If that idiot apprentice of mine slacks off on his Bookman duties, it makes me wonder if he can protect himself. Well, I know he can because he's quite capable of it, it's just that he tends not to use his head from time to time."

"As we both know." The principal grinned widely, knowing exactly what the old man talking about. "Ahhh, Reever, I'm so happy that I thought of this idea! Aren't I a genius?"

"Hey, don't take the credit because you didn't think of this idea first!" Reever shouted in annoyance, shooting his superior a very dark glare, to which he returned with a smile. Perhaps, the coffee must've perked him up and, thus, he wasn't listening whatsoever.

"One more thing…"

Both of them turned to face Bookman again, whose eyes were hardened with a steely resolve.

"If I'm going to hire a bodyguard, then they'll have to follow that code."

* * *

In the art room, there was a person there who was working on an illustration. Dark eyes behind red spectacles held intense concentration as they watched the paintbrush color in certain details. Dipping the tool in a cup of water, coloring the liquid a dark blue, the bristles were then swirled into green paint. When he lifted up the device, the hair was covered with the substance, ready to do its work.

"Froi!"

The older man who was being called set down his paintbrush on the easel's shelf, looking away from the painting in progress to turn to the owner of the voice. There, he had found a concerned Komui at the doorway.

"Komui." Froi Tiedoll acknowledged with a kind smile, beckoning him to sit in a chair. "What brings you here?"

Once settled in an adjacent chair, looking face-to-face, the principal began to explain the current situation. By the time he was finally done, the artist scratched his chin contemplatively.

"So, Lavi is being the first target of the Millennium Earl. And because of this, the Bookman heir needs to have a bodyguard."

"Yes, exactly right, Froi. Though, I'm still unsure on where to find a guardian for Lavi. Not to say the other divisions aren't strong, because they are, but I came to you because your 'children' are faring excellently when it comes to combat. Not only that, Kanda is the one who's closest to Lavi, though I have to say…" Here, a cheeky grin appeared on his face."Lavi really enjoys making fun of Kanda too much."

"Of course," the other man chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement. "You know Yuu. He can be gruff at times."

"Yes. So, how about it? Would it be okay if one of your Exorcists becomes Lavi's bodyguard?"

"They're all capable on taking care of themselves, so I'm sure this wouldn't do any harm."

"Thank you, Froi, I owe you a lot. But, there's one thing that I've always wanted to ask… How is she doing?"

At this question, the older man went quiet for a moment; then, he answered the question with a warm smile.

"Ah, she's faring very well; there's been lots of progress with her Innocence, it's hard to believe that she had a weak synchronization rate before. Yuu's been training her, pushing her beyond her limits. Sometimes, I worry on how rough he's been on her for the past year or so on this, but she doesn't complain. It makes her want to do better in her job."

"I see. So, she's been improving…" Komui nodded, noting this carefully. Though the topic was never brought up nor discussed so often, a few handful of people were aware of this one thing in Black Order Academy: Exorcists who had a low synchronization rate in their Innocence needed to train themselves first before fighting Akuma because, the lower the synchronization, the more dangerous it'll be for the Exorcist. If they felt uncomfortable being in the Academy while being weak in their Innocence, they can choose to train in private until they are ready to expose themselves to the public and attend the Academy with no worries.

"Komui?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think that… She should be Lavi's bodyguard?"

At this suggestion, he slumped into his chair out of shock.

"Are you sure?" This was asked warily as the principal looked slightly concerned on the prospect. "Do you think she's ready?"

"Well," Tiedoll reasoned compellingly, his warm smile still there. "She hasn't attended the Academy because of her Innocence's low synchronization rate, yes? She had chosen to train and train until her Innocence's power was at an adequate level. And because she chose to do this privately, she doesn't know what it's like to live the Academy life. Her older brother, Riley, told me that ever since they've been with us, she's been learning slowly about her surroundings and such. But, he also said it would help more if she interacted with people her own age often, so she can feel at ease on what her life's supposed to be like.

"Also… Who knows; with her being assigned this duty, she'll be able learn things from Lavi and, of course, vice-versa."

Komui lifted his hand to his chin, his brow furrowed in thought. An approving smile appeared moments later, a nod of agreement made.

"Besides, she won't be totally alone. After all, since she grew up with your boys, that means Lenalee knows her too since she's childhood friends with Kanda. All right, then, it's settled. That girl will be Lavi's bodyguard."

"Good, I'll tell her that she'll be starting school tomorrow."

* * *

The Tiedoll residence was an expansive mansion; not to go far as to say it was a castle like the Black Order Academy, but it still had wealthy written all over it. Because Froi Tiedoll was a famous artist (no wonder his Innocence took form of an art tool as well, ironically), this was how luxurious his life became.

Around this time, the late afternoon, the children (well, in spite of how they feel about it, Tiedoll liked calling them his children) should be home by now—

"About time we came home!" A boisterous voice shouted in the air, followed by a loud yawn. "Man, what a bore today, just small fry Akuma to kill and no Innocence. Seriously, you'd think there'd be a challenge when it comes to the Akuma, but they were just too easy!"

"Che," a grumpy tone responded back with a growl. "Let's face it, missions like that are boring, period. But, a mission is a mission, so shut your damn yapping before I make Mugen do it for you!"

"While I don't normally mind this, both of you, please stop shouting." A third voice—calm, but sharp—interjected, cutting the other two off from their banter. "It's been a long day already and we're all tired."

"Besides," a cheerful, carefree voice made its input; though the tone sounded fatigued, there was still a hint of excitement lingering about. "Wouldn't want to keep the kiddo waiting, you know? So, it'd be nice to tell the kid about today, that's the least we could do. Must've been cooped up for some time already, so the poor thing must be bored not being in school with us; at least, not yet."

Four boys were making their way to the Tiedoll residence, going up on the cobblestone path. They were of different ages and different ethnicities, but they were all interacting like brothers, despite no blood relations whatsoever.

The first boy who took the lead of the group was a nineteen-year-old Turkish male, his hands behind his head as he looked up to the sunset sky. If anyone took a first glance at his Exorcist uniform, it was custom built like a shaman cloak or jester clothes. Notice that the reason why this was so was because at the end of his hood attached a round bell, which was his Innocence. Bandages were wrapped around his forehead (concealing some of his brown hair) as well as the sides of his face and his neck, nobody knows why. Dark brown eyes expressed boredom, which pretty much summed up the day he's had: boring and uneventful.

Following behind him was an eighteen-year-old Japanese guy, who could've been easily mistaken as female because long, dark blue hair trailed behind him in a high ponytail. His long Exorcist cloak flapped idly with the soft breeze and his movements, looking so much like a male kimono. Those with sharp eyes would see that concealed against the black of his coat and hanging from his waistline was a sheathed sword – most likely, his Innocence. He looked agitated—perhaps still annoyed towards the first boy from his useless babbling of boredom—since his black eyes were narrowed in irritated slits.

To the left of the second boy was a twenty eight-year-old Austrian man with a calm aura around him. His gray eyes were white with blindness, which got people talking about him from time to time because he looked so intimidating with those and his giant build. On the other hand, aside from that, the thing that stood out from him was the pair of headphones that sat on top of his head of dark brown hair. This was his Innocence, which also served as an aid to enhance his hearing further to make up for his sightlessness.

Lastly, on the second boy's right was a twenty one—maybe twenty two—year-old chap that was smiling in spite of the day's hardships. It was hard to tell what his heritage was, but he looked to be of both Caucasian and Asian descent. Messy olive green hair framed his face, cherry red eyes sparkling with good cheer and a hint of exhaustion. While walking with the three boys, his hands busied themselves playing and flipping a deck of cards back and forth; it was possible that he was performing a card trick, but it could also be practice for a new card technique as this was his Innocence.

"Tch, I don't think the shorty is bored, though." The second male grumbled to the fourth one, his hand resting on his sword's sheath. "She's not really by herself all of the time, she's with the old man and all. And as we all know, he tends to dote over us a lot. So, he's probably giving her an art lesson today as that's one of her interests."

"That's true, she isn't alone." The fourth boy acknowledged with a firm nod, keeping his cards back in his Exorcist coat pocket, save for the Ace of Spades that was still held in his hand. "And teaching her something like that is just like him, though, Kanda."

Kanda Yuu only made a grunt of agreement as his response, clearly not wanting to get into the subject since he really wasn't used to Tiedoll's fatherly, caring ways.

"I think she may be able to attend to school soon." The third man stated serenely, a slight smile on his lips. "Kanda's been training her a lot, so her Innocence has progressed and developed."

"Well, of course, Marie!" The first boy replied noisily, a wide grin on his face. "She went through Hell when it comes to Kanda being her sparring partner. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if her rivalry towards him motivated her to do better because they really don't get along at all, no matter how much Tiedoll tries to make them."

"Shut up, Daisya." Kanda snapped at him, really not wanting to get into this. "I don't need to get along with the shorty if I don't want to."

"But, you have to because she's your sister!" Daisya Barry pointed out playfully with a sly grin, deciding not to tease him anymore as he hastily dodged a cuff from the other boy. "Hey, you know it's true because Tiedoll wants us to be a family, so don't take it out on me!"

"I told you to shut up about that! And I refuse to acknowledge the shorty as such!"

"Well, you can't make me! And too bad, you have to, even Marie knows that too!!"

"Bickering, like always." Noise Marie sighed lightly, shaking his head with some sort of resignation.

"Well, this is how they are." The last male replied with a chuckle, flipping idly the Ace of Spades between his fingers. "So, there's no point of stopping them."

"I guess there isn't much to do to prevent it, is there, Riley?"

"I guess not." Riley Locsin responded with a sigh of his own, a soft smile on his face. "But, I guess it's okay to be like this as long as we're happy."

* * *

In the mansion's garden…

"The stem looks a bit off, and there seems to be something imbalanced in the picture, but you really do have a knack for detail." Tiedoll commented gently, watching a smaller figure besides him on the bench sketching furiously.

Like Riley, it was hard to tell of this person's heritage as well, but there were also traces of Caucasian and Asian blood. Although, it was not only the difficulties of knowing the figure's exact bloodlines, but the gender just as well. There was no telling from the public eye whether they thought the teen was a boy or a girl.

Sharp blue-gray eyes concentrated with an intense focus, looking hastily between the sketchbook and the object—a carnation—right in front. A white gloved hand zoomed in this direction and that on the paper, the pencil in its tight grip while making its dark gray marks on the white sheet. Occasionally, erasures had to be made because of Tiedoll's constructive criticism, but the fifteen-year-old didn't mind.

Sighing a little after a while longer, slicking back boyishly short strawberry blonde hair with a black hand, the androgynous teen put the pencil down quietly. Though the face was blank of emotion, the eyes seemed to be glowing with accomplished satisfaction.

"I'm finished."

When looking at the sketch, a soft smile graced Tiedoll's lips. Though the illustration still had its flaws, there was no denying that the hard work could be shown. He was fascinated with it, especially with the detail of the flower's petals.

"You did well, Rue. Though you still have your mistakes, you've been getting better."

"Mmm, that's because I had you as my teacher in art. It's because of you that I've gotten a lot better than before." Rue Marucut responded with a quiet, modest air as she closed the sketchbook, looking directly into the older man's now slightly surprised gaze. "Even if I still continue on with my inaccuracies when drawing something from observation, you're still there to guide me. So, if anything, I should thank you."

"Rue…"

"Really… Thank you, General Tiedoll."

"I thought I'd find you here! And I did!" A loud voice interrupted the atmosphere as Rue felt a tight hold around the neck by none other than Daisya. "Hey, Dad, Rue!"

"Ah, welcome home, Daisya." The older man smiled softly, nodding in warm acknowledgement. "Since you're here, that must mean the other children are home too."

As if on cue, the others' voices could be heard from inside the house. They could be seen as they passed by certain parts of the house, greeting their fatherly figure by the windows.

"Che, I'm not a child and you know it, old man!" (Kanda)

"I'm back, Father. Glad to see you're doing well too." (Marie)

"Ahhh, feels good to be back! I'm home, Dad!" (Riley)

"W-Welcome home, D-Daisya." This was said with coughing in between breaths, feeling light headed from the arm's hold. Though this was a customary greeting that Rue was already used to from Daisya, it still knocked the wind out of her, given the boy's strength. "Would you mind if you let go now? I can't breathe."

"Eh?" He hastily let go the moment he saw her face turning blue. A sheepish grin curved on his face, a nervous laugh. "Sorry again, tomboy, I keep forgetting about that."

"It's fine." She replied with a slight cough, rubbing her neck. "I'm already used to it because this is how you would normally greet me when you come home."

From the kitchen, Riley's voice sang out from the window, "Time to cook after a long day of work~"

"Don't forget the soba." Kanda called from upstairs, changing out of his uniform and into more comfortable clothes.

"Well, time to set up the table, then." Marie mused quietly, heading off to the dining room to do so.

"Sounds like dinner will be ready." Tiedoll remarked with a smile, getting up from the bench as he went into the house. "Better help them too."

"Hm, you think Riley needs help preparing the food?" Rue asked Daisya softly, frowning a little in thought.

"Well, let's ask! We're the only ones outside, anyway." Grabbing her hand, the two headed off inside the house and in the kitchen to make themselves useful.

* * *

After dinner, Rue was called to Tiedoll's room for a private chat. Though this was meant for her ears only, Riley tagged along since he felt the need to be there for her. Tiedoll didn't mind this because he understood how their bond was – perhaps, he could be a guide to her for what would come up soon.

"So… I'll be attending school tomorrow." She slowly absorbed the information addressed to her, her face as serious as ever when hearing the news. She wasn't sure how to react at this, but she could feel herself stiffen in her chair.

"Yes," the older man confirmed with a smile, nodding as he did. "Principal Komui Lee has already decided this."

"Seriously?!" Riley slammed his hand onto the desk, looking shocked. The surprise dissipated into a wide smile, no doubt that he was going into doting brother mode. "That's great, Rue! Oh, there's so much stuff for you to know and see…!"

She only sighed, watching the boy go all around the room, gathering all sorts of items and what not.

"Riley…" When he was done collecting the miscellaneous items and putting them on the table, the girl studied them cautiously. These were the things that were supposed to be packed in her school bag: school supplies, magazines, her cellphone, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, a handkerchief…

"These are the essentials of going to school." The boy explained enthusiastically, answering the unspoken question on her obviously bewildered—though still stern—expression. "Naturally, these are things you need to pack in your bag. Do you know what they're for, though?"

"Riley, do you honestly think I'm that sheltered?"

"N-No! But, it's because of how our lives were before we came here that I need to make sure that you're—"

"Hmmm, speaking of that, there's also one more thing that I've forgot to mention." The older man quietly cut in their conversation, which caused the two to look towards his direction; one that still held a stoic face, the other wary.

"Dad…?"

"General."

A coincidence or perfect timing, nobody could tell, but it was apparent that Bookman had chosen to enter the room.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"No, Bookman. Have a seat here." Tiedoll smiled welcomingly, gesturing the table. The two pupils only went in further befuddlement, not knowing what was going on.

After short introductions between the elderly man and the students, the main objective needed to be brought up.

"Principal Komui told me that your unit is one of the strongest around." Bookman drawled out in a slow, serious voice. "From what I've been told, a certain pupil will watch over my apprentice."

At this, he took a short pause to scrutinize the androgynous teen in front of him. Rue, acknowledging the elder's gaze, made sure not to stir. Her facial expression remained unchanged, but there was a sense that she would not waver from this.

"So, I take it this is the one."

"Yes." Tiedoll made it clear, a thoughtful look. "Komui and I agreed on having Rue watch over Lavi."

"Wait a minute!" Riley clamored loudly, red eyes wide. "Are you saying that Rue will be watching over the Bookman heir—"

"Yes, Riley." The General replied evenly, knowing this was going to be his reaction. "It's because the Millennium Earl is targeting him first. Since you already know how famous the Bookman lineage is, it's already clear what they're going after: information of the Heart."

"But!" The boy was waving his arms frantically, as if suddenly in a panic or a hysterical fit. "We don't have that information!"

"And they don't know that." Bookman sighed, rubbing his head out of fatigue. "But, even so, they would anything to get the Heart before us. So, they're after my idiotic pupil."

"So… I have to take up bodyguard duty." It was the first time that Rue had spoken up about the matter, which got all three of them startled.

"Yes." Bookman got out what looked like a folder and slid it over to the soon-to-be Exorcist. "This is all you need to know about my apprentice, who is also my grandson, Lavi. You can look at it later if you wish, just make sure to do so without anyone peeping in as that's information for only you to know."

This was emphasized further as the elderly man shot a sharp glare to the currently giddy Riley, who looked very much tempted to peek into the brief.

"Be sure to do your best, Rue." Tiedoll encouraged, giving her a warm smile.

"I will fulfill my duties to the best of my ability." She replied solemnly with a crisp salute.

"There is… One more thing I've to say." This caught the tomboy's ears as she looked straight into Bookman's face once more.

"Yes, Sir Bookman?"

"If you are willing to fulfill the duty of guarding Lavi… Then, there's a condition that you have to follow at all costs."

Hitomi: X___x I thought of leaving it at that, so I'm finally done. Sorry for having not updated, guys. The writer's block really did interfere this time. Not only that, I had midterms last week, so I was extremely busy. It's a good thing I got done with this, I should be writing the Allen/Kanda mission (which is where I'm up to in the Word Doc.), so I can also post up the 25th chapter of Unravel.

DX WAH, I hope this chapter didn't come off as too serious!

So now, it's revealed what Komui and Reever's positions are. *nodnod* XD And they're the same as ever. Then, I needed to have Bookman pop in since, obviously, Lavi is being targeted and they needed to discuss about this. And oh, are you confused about Recruiters? In Ice Flare, Recruiters in Black Order Academy are the Finders in the original DGM canon. Crediting Kevin for giving me the idea.

Anyway, you now see what I've in store for Exorcists under the Generals. *nods* They're basically living like family. XD This also explains why everyone in the household (except Kanda and Rue) calls General Tiedoll Dad or Father, but only at home. In public, they will call him General. There is a reason why Rue doesn't call General Tiedoll such at home, though. *laughs* Of course, we all know Kanda refuses to do such a thing as that's the way he is.

Besides… *small smile* It's always nice to write about Generals and the Exorcists that go under them as family. XD I always wanted to write this kind of thing, anyway!

And then… There's the condition that Bookman has for Rue to be Lavi's bodyguard. I think we all know what it is, but I'm not saying anything~

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this!