DGM

More Than This

Chapter 3

Kumari sat on a tree branch in a tree three towns away from the Order. She wiped the tears away, but they kept falling. That day, it upset her deeply. She would always say something about the trust and them abandoning her, but it was something more. It was what Kanda said to her before the fight with the hord of akumas. He was always rude and cruel, but he had a soft side as a kid. Especially when it came to her. Lenalee too, but she knew him more than Lenalee. Lenalee would always stick with her brother or go missions. She was just not around Kanda as much, but Kumari, Kumari barely ever left his side. There were times she would follow him to his room and sleep outside his door. Sometimes in his room on the floor. Plus the showers did keep them apart. Kumari was usually calm and quiet though. She didn't have much self- esteem, but she knew about her importance in life. She knew that she was a great person and knew that half the things kids and people said about her were just lies and insults, but she always took everything offensively.

With Kanda though, he treated everyone the same and Kumari was able to accept him being a jerk. His insults never meant anything to her. They just made her feel human. Normal. Kanda didn't even see her as a nuisence after so long. She always stayed out of his way when he needed his space. She was never a bother on missions. She would stand up for him when someone said anything about his height and his voice. It was so low and soft then it got high pitched when he hit puberty. It was funny, but she wasn't like Lavi. Kanda always told her to stay out of his fights with Lavi and the insulting part, but she could always find confidence when it came to her friends. Especially Kanda. Whether he would admit or not, they were best friends. The only reason she stayed so close to him though, like a stalker or a lost puppy, was because she was scared.

She was scared of everyone else. She didn't know them and they all were older and so much taller. They just scared her at first. Then Kumari was scared of the akumas. Of fighting. Of dying. Of innocence. Herself at times. Kanda did scare her at times, but that's when he was grumpy. More than usual. She was scared of losing him. Anyone could die in this war. Kumari was worried that it would be Kanda. She always seemed to lose those important to her. Kanda was the one she feared for though. She feared for the strongest. Not including the generals. Most said it was because she was closest to him. Odd as it may seem. She understood Kanda and Kanda understood her. Every night when they went to bed she was scared something would happen. Something that would take away her friends. Her family.

The reason why she cared so much for Kanda was because he accepted her. He may of not acted like it at first, but he did. He didn't care that she was ugly or funky looking. He didn't care that she was different. He just saw her as another little girl. Another person. Another annoying human, but everyone is annoying. Everyone. "Yuu." Kumari muttered.

She missed him and the others. There were several reasons for not going back. Several reasons. One was because of her freedom, but another was the fear of letting them down. Of doing something wrong. Somehow getting them hurt or killed. Of using her innocence wrong. Her innocence was dangerous and it scared her because she could never fully master it. She didn't want to get anyone hurt because she messed up on one decision. She didn't want to tell people why their family or friends died if they saw what happened. She didn't want to have the fate of her friends and the fate of the world in her hands. It was too much pressure. Just too much. Just thinking of letting so many people down made her break down in sadness and at times, she roke down in tears. She would always be depressed and her music let her express herself to where her depression doesn't get the better of her. So she isn't a full time pessimist. Only once and awhile. Even when she is by herself, just singing or writing a song, maybe humming, helped. When she was a child she always said she would be a famous musician. She is a musician, but not famous. Plus, her dreams changed when she got the Black Order.

Kumari thought about going back, but she didn't. She never could bring herself to do it. She has tried so many times, but always stopped. She just couldn't. It started raining and Kumari was getting soaked. She hadn't realized she had gotten out of the tree. In fact, she hadn't realized there was a dog following her, barking. She turned around. It didn't look that old. Maybe half a year. It was alone and cold. No collar either. It didn't look to swell. It was thin and shivering. The pup was whining and had a few wounds. Some small, some long scratches, and others were deep. She bent down and petted it's head. She couldn't tell if it was a boy or a girl. She'll just have to wait. "Hey there." Kumari's soft voice said, welcoming the pup.

It looked up at her with it's tail wagging a little. "You wanna come with me? I can use some company pooch." Kumari asked.

The tail wagged faster. She took that as a yes so she picked the pup up and held it in her arms. Kumari was freezing, even with her sweater, but she didn't have an umbrella. She looked around and spotted a dew hotels. There looked at little crappy, but they were decent and all she could afford since she needed food too. Kumari ran over to the door and looked for an sign that said no dogs allowed. None. She opened it and she sighed It was so warm in here. The pup shook and got her wetter and she just laughed. "May I help you?" a man asked.

"Yeah, I just wanna make sure you allow dogs." Kumari said.

The man looked at the stray dog. "Well, it's not a giant dog, so yeah. The pup will be fine. Just make sure the little thing doesn't chew anything up. I'm Danel by the way." Danel greeted.

"Hi Danel. I'm Kumari." Kumari replied as she walked up to the counter. "I take it you're alone." Danel said, looking behind her to make sure no one was with her.

"Yeah."

"That's a shame. You're a lovely young lady. I bet you have men fawning over you all the time." Danel stated.

"Actually, no. I've always traveled around and left one town after the other so fast. If any have I haven't noticed. Thanks though. It may come as a surprise, but I was rather ugly as a child. As the years came everything changed. My mother said it would happen because she had gone through the same thing." Kumari responded.

"I see. So you've never had a boyfriend?" Danel asked.

"I was never looking for a relationship. I'm still young though. I can wait to find love. Instead of searching for it, I'll wait for it to come to me. Afterall, it would be a shame not to live before you stop and have a family." Kumari said, stroking the pup's hair.

"Yes, many people make that mistake around your age." Danel told her.

'Mistakes. . . leaving the Order. Was that a mistake? Will it be something I come to regret. Why does this have to be so hard. I don't want to go back then I do then I don't and now I'm caught inbetween. Ughh!' Kumari's mind went into turmoil. Danel waved his hand in front of her face and she blinked. "Uh, sorry. Lost in thought." Kumari said.

Kumari walked up the stairs as the puppy followed her to the room. When she got there she flicked the light on and the pup ran inside. Even though they were in the rain the dog was dirty. She went into the bathroom and got the tub full of water. It was lukewarm and it should warm the dog. She made the pup hop in. She was glad he liked bathing because it would be a struggle to make the dog bathe if they resist. When she was done cleaning the pup she dried it off and let the dog roam aound as she put new clean water in and bathed. When she was done she put her pjs on and was glad her bag held a few sets of clothing. She would have to go shopping for new ones soon.

Two Months Later. . . . . . . . . . . .

Two months had passed and she had gotten decent clothing, decent food, decent jobs, and betters pays. It helped to have better pays because she had to go to new inns and hotels constantly. Then the food for her and Chester. Chester was the pup she saved that rainy night. It was a common dog name, but he seemed to like it and it was easy to say. It had been fun to have Chester with her in her travels. He was always energized and full of life. He never chewed up anything and was good. He was easy to teach tricks to. She had taught him to speak, roll over, play dead, shakes hands/ paws, beg, and many others. She even taught him to swim and play with kids. Chester was her best friend and when an akuma came, he hid long enough to for her to get rid of it. Chester wasn't that big though.

He was healthy and strong, but he wasn't going to get much bigger. Although, he looked beautiful His fur was soft as silk and shined like diamonds. It was nice and black, but his chest had some white and his left front paw had a white spot. Kumari went in a dog shop and got a few toys and snacks, but when Chester started barking she ran outside with everything in her jacket. "Chester, why you barking boy?" Kumari asked.

Chester began growling as a few people approached. Lavi, Allen, and Kanda with their innocence activated. She looked up and saw many akumas and a man with seven stigmatas, ashen skin, and golden eyes. He was wearing a suit with his hair pulled back. A black top hat on top. They looked at her and the dog. Kumari bent down. "Chester, run. I'll get you when it's safe." Kumari whispered.

Chester looked at her with his big brown eyes, but Kumari was looking at the others. Chester turned around and ran off. "Kumari? How convient." Lavi said, still a happy doofus.

Kumari put her hand in her short's pockets. Her grip tightened on two gloves. "Leave the town. No one here deserves to be hurt." Kumari ordered.

"Tyki! Why'd youleave us behind?" Jasdero and Debbitto asked.

"Because you're annoying." Tyki said truthfully.

The twins turned to look at the exorcists, but they stopped at Kumari. Their faces got panicky and they began sweating. "Tyki! Tyki! Watch the bitch! She's dangerous!" they shouted.

"She's just another exorcist." Tyki said.

"She almost killed us in ten minutes!" Jasdero screamed.

"That was your own stupidity." Kumari said idly.

"Oh, this was your target? Wow. You got your butts handed to you by a girl. Pitiful." Tyki insulted.

"Excuse me? What does gender matter in battle?" Kumari asked, pissed off.

"It doesn't mean anything to me, but it does to Jasdevi." Tyki replied.

She narrowed her eyes. "Leave. If you're going to fight do it elsewhere." Kumari warned.

"Why would I do that?" Tyki inquired.

"Because I will hurt you if you don't. These people have nothing to do with us." Kumari threatened.

Tyki gave a half laugh. "Let's see if your bite is as big as your bark." Tyki said, sending tease at her.

Allen and Lavi got rid of them and Kanda lunged forward, but Tyki dodged. Kumari watched as they fought. Carefully observing each and every one of them. She would've just ran off since there was a Noah. Or three might work better, but anyways, she had to make sure none of them got too close to people, but luckily, they all ran off screaming. Not sure that was so good, but at least they were out of danger. That's all that really matter. Kumari was about to leave, but Mugen, Hi Ban, and tease came flying at her. Kumari easily dodged the weapons, but everywhere she went the tease followed trying to eat her skin. Even though she was in trouble she looked at her friends. They were all bleeding and since both Kanda and Lavi lost their innocence they were pracitically defenseless. Allen was on his knees holding onto his side.

Kumari wasn't paying attention and she bumbed into Tyki. Quickly she went backwards to keep him from putting his hand through her or use that weird purple butterfly weapon. "You're fast." Tyki remarked.

Kumari was suddenly surrounded by the tease and they began to bite her. She tried to get rid of them, but just getting rid of them one by one didn't work. Tyki walked back to the other three and was about to attack when fire appeared before Kanda, who he was about to hurt. The cigarrette moved down as he looked at it surprised. It couldn't be Lavi because he didn't have his innocence so it had to be, "Don't touch them. I'm your opponent now." Kumari said threateningly, voice low and bitter.

Tyki's eyes looked off to the side, but it was a mistake. The fire moved towards him so his clothes got burned a little. He stepped back and fire covered the whole street. The three bleeding exorcists were surround by fire because they and Tyki were in a big circle that wasn't covered by fire. "We warned you!" Jasdevi shouted from a rooftop.

"If you two are so scared then why don't you leave?" Road asked, floating on Lero.

"Where'd she come from?" Allen asked.

Lavi looked at the spot where Kumari was. There was fire, but he could see a shadowy figure coming towards them. When she appeared out of the fire she was putting a glove on her right hand. Lavi noticed that they were old and dirty, but that's because see hasn't been at the Order for years. So they were never improved. Also, they were fingerless. They barely went half way on every finger. They were black. Just like Lavi's. Unless they got really dirty over the years. "It's wrong to fight those that can't defend themselves." Kumari said.

"You do know that I can just phase through the fire?" Tyki asked.

"If it was normal fire, but this isn't any ordinary fire. It's made of innocence which means you can burn fast Lavi's probably wasn't that effective because it was quick and moves, causing it to lose the heat. My fire is different. One reason is because I can control it and make it move whenever I wish to do so. Not in just one attack." Kumari explained.

Tyki stared into her cold hearted face. She looked angry and there was something in her eyes. Maybe it was just the red in her eyes, but it looked like she was bloodlust. "I can handle myself." Kanda told her.

Kumari wiped the blood from her cheek. She looked at her jacket (the same one as when she was taken to the Order) then at Kanda. She looked at the ground and smirked. She kicked at big rock at him. It hit him in the face and Kanda didn't look to pleased either. "If you can't catch the rock then you're movements are slow. Yuu, you're bleeding and on your knees in front of your enemy. I know you Yuu. So just sit and watch or I'll make sure you will regret it. Just let me do my job. Isn't that what you've been trying to get me to do?" Kumari said, face completely emotionless.

Kanda held his head where blood was coming from. She didn't even kick it with full force. How much strength was she holding back? "Stop calling me that!" Kanda shouted.

She looked off to the side at Allen. His cape was soaked with blood and his hair was red too. How did Tyki draw so much blood from all of them? He was strong and knew their abilities, but they knew his seeing how they all fought him. "I'm shocked you haven't attacked yet Tyki." Kumari mumbled, looking at Lavi.

Tyki let the his cigarrette fall to the ground. Once it hit the ground they fought, but Kumari had more luck than Tyki. Because of her speed she was able to easily dodge then attack. She used her sais too. Somehow she was able to let the innocence boost the sais. So that when she hit him he got injured. Now, Tyki was bloodied. Kumari did have a few cuts and wounds, but most were from the tease which were ash now. Tyki looked behind him to see a pit of fire behind him. Kumari may have not known, but Tyki noticed the fire was slowly enclosing. She obviously knew what she was doing and Tyki didn't. Kumari had the advantage, but he wondered how? This is the first time they've fought. The first time she has seen his abilities. 'She should be injured more than this!' Tyki thought.

Road licked her big lollipop. The only thing ou could see was her big violet eyes that turned golden. She looked at Kumari with curious eyes. Road most likely saw her as another doll for her, but then again, maybe not. "Interesting." Road commented.

The wind blew and Kumari's hair got in her face, waving in the wind. "It's time to go Tyki!" Road said childishly.

Tyki looked at her. He was enjoying this little fight. Kumari was rather intriguing. "See you around kid." Tyki said then the Noahs disappeared.

Kumari deactivated her innocence and the fire disperse. She looked at two passed out exorcists. Allen and Kanda. "You can carry Yuu." Lavi told her as he picked Allen up.

Kumari gave him his little hammer which he put in it's carrier. Kumari put her sais in their carrier as she picked up Mugen then Kanda. "Chester. Come here boy. Chester!" Kumari shouted.

The black pup came running down the streets wagging his tail and circled Kumari. They all walked through a forest path to the next town over. They stopped at a hospital and their wounds were taken care of. Lavi and Kumari were the only ones allowed to leave at the moment so they were going to have to keep Kanda in there. Lavi actually. Kumari was about to leave after a week of waiting for Kanda to wake up. Tyki must've really hurt him because it's not eas to hurt Kanda and keeo him down for this long. "Why don't you stay around a little longer?" Komui asked.

She turned her head and looked at the tall man. Why was he here? "I'm here to make sure everyone is alright and to talk to you." Komui answered as he entered the building.

It was like he read her mind. Lavi must've told him she was here because she had her eyes on Allen the whole time. He was a strange kid, but he was kind. Looks didn't matter anyways. In her opinion. She used to be judged by appearances all the time so she never judged anyone by how they looked. Kumari sighed as she walked back in and sat back down with Chester. Kanda was finally up. He already made Allen mad. That might be a new record. She waited for a few hours, but Komui said nothing to her. It was like he didn't notice her at all. It actually disturbed her. It was quiet and the silence was eerie and dark. "How do you feel?" Komui asked.

"Fine." Kumari answered.

"Lavi told me how you saved them. Why didn't you run?" Komui inquired.

"I have to the right to fight and protect people." Kumari said.

"You said you didn't want to fight though." Komui countered.

Kumari stared at his face. He was just asking random questions. She knew what he was aiming for. She just didn't know if she wanted to answer or if she was ready, but. . . . .she looked at Kanda. His words echoed in her head, but even though they had hurt her all those years ago, she cared. She cared and worried. She missed him and everyone else. "If I go then Chester comes." Kumari told him, demanding.

Komui blinked and gazed at the pup. She petted it's tiny head and he smiled. It may get him in trouble, but a dog could cheer people up. "Alright, You're responsible for the dog though." Komui said.

The Black Order. . . . . . . . . . .

Kumari pulled the neck of her jacket from her neck. She forgot how stuffy and irritable these uniforms were. At least she didn't get stuck with a skirt like Lenalee. Instead, she got caprees. She still wore a black t-shirt, but under her jacket. It was kinda like Lavi's new one, but fitted for a girl. So like Lenalee's too, but inbetween. That's the best she could describe it. "You'll get use to it. " Komui said.

"Yeah, right." Kumari responded, a little sarcastic.

Kumari follows Komui into his office. She had already gone through the whole procedure with Hevlaska. It looked like they've gathered more innocence and Hevlaska hasn't changed. Not like she expected her to. "98%, you must've really been training Kumari. Last time it was what, 57%? Right?" Komui asked, cheerful as can be.

"I think so. As for my behavior earlier, uh, I'm sorry. Yuu put me in a bad mood and I just really didn't feel like coming back. Nowadays, I can get pretty mad and act out. Other than that, I'm the same." Kumari replied.

He looked at her, surprised by her words. "My, how you've grown. All on your own too. General Yeagar would be proud if he heard that." Komui commented.

"Now you're saying something you would tell Lenalee." Kumari told him.

"I suppose so, but it is true." Komui said, voice calm and sincere.

Kumari smiled. "I never forgot anything important my mentor said. Nor had I forgotten you guys and important quotes. That word befits the sentance. I guess." Kumari said, completely serene.

"Your apology, you might want to tell that to the others. Oh, don't forget to talk to Kanda. I bet he is happier than he makes everyone believe. You of all people should know that." Komui replied.

Kumari watched him walk out. Good thing he showed her her room before the sychro rate procedure. Otherwise she might be lost. It's her second time here and she only remember so little. It would've been easier if it was the old building. Why did they leave it though? Chester jumped on her lap. Kumari absentmindingly patted him. She felt at ease. Like she was in absolute bliss, tranquility. No troubles or thoughts. Just. . . nothing. It didn't bother her. It relieved her. Like all the stress and pressure on her was released. The burden, all the weight upon her shoulder, all the disturbance in her mind, it had taken away. Lifted into the air. Her eye lids half closed as she smiled. Her emotions were taking control. She was just so happy. This feeling wasn't able to be described, but it was so nice. So serene and sincere. Kumari knew why she felt like this. She had finally found her one and her only true home.

Sadness, mourning, greiving, dispair, depression, all of those bad things in this world and in this war lurked just around the corner. IN the darkness of the shadows, but then there was light, happiness, glee, cheerfulness, love, friendship, and so much more. None of this would ever leave, but as long as the good things in life stay then there is hope. There will always be that little ray of light, of faith, here with her and everyone else. It will forever remain to everyone as long as they believe in this and as long as it stays within their hearts. That is what has keept this war going. That is what has driven the exorcists to fight, to protect, and to keep going. Even those with the coldest of hearts. There is just something they have in each of them that keeps them thriving for life. For victory in this war. "Chester, this our home now. For you and for me." Kumari said aloud.

Chester's ears lifted, but he wagged his tail and stuck his tongue out. He barked in response to show his understandment. He was happy here. She just hoped he would love it here for as long as the pup lived. She petted his head and layed down with him on her stomach. She played around until she fell asleep. Chester soon following, but stayed there. As if to protect the sleeping girl. Someone walked in and peeked over the couch and stared. "For how long this time before you run away again?" Kanda asked coldly.

The End. Please Review. Thanks! Yan Luna4373