DGM
More Than This
Chapter 16
Thanks Yuu
Kumari sat down staring at her hands. For some reason they healed. Too fast in her opinion. Matron thought so too. Because they were broken about two weeks ago and a healed now. "Are you going to help with the decorations Kumari?" Lenalee asked.
"No. My hands have healed, but it still hurts." Kumari said absentmindingly.
"Oh, alright. If you need anything, holler." Lenalee said, leaving.
Her smile vanished when she rounded the corner. She was still upset. Why was she upset? It couldn't of been because all three innocence were destroyed in front of her. It was something else, but only she knew. It also didn't help that she was avoiding Kanda so he couldn't say or do anything. So, it must've been about him. "Kumari. . . . "
Kumari stared out her window at the snow. Her hand touched it and wiped away the fog. The snow seemed to soothe her now that no one else could. Now that she wouldn't let them. She didn't care what anyone said, she wuld never figure things out with them. They wouldn't tell her anything. WHy should she just wait around? There had to be some way to remember. "Kumari? Are you in there?" Lenalee asked.
"Yes."
Lenalee opened the door and sadly smiled. She closed the door and stood beside her. "Kumari, you're acting strange lately. Is everything okay?"
"Yes."
"Kumari, please?" Lenalee begged.
"I'm fine. I just need to think. Be by myself. Okay?" Kumari said.
Lenalee stayed there, watching her. Kumari didn't tell her to leave. She disregarded her and continued to watch the fallen snow. After so long Lenalee left. The day was still young and trying to talk to her friend would be useless. Whatever was bothering her, it was really disturbing her. Kumari opened her window and looked around. She stuck her hand out and a small smile graced her lips. She got on her jacket and walked outside, making sure no one noticed her, but someone was was watching her. She walked onto the snow and shivered. She only had socks on. How did she forget to put shoes on?
She still continued to walk out and let the snow fall on her. The snow might give her some memories. She loved it so much so she had to get something to remind her of something! She sat on a bench after she wiped the snow off. Her feet sunk into the snow and she didn't bother to move them. The coldness didn't disturb her. She looked around and sure enough, memories flashed. She closed her eyes and hoped they would show her everything, but no. It was all silent and just more pictures. "What are you doing?" Kanda asked.
Kumari jumped out of her skin. Kanda stood in front of her, frowning, nothing new. So she couldn't leave. "Thinking."
"Why?"
"Because I want to." Kumari said.
"That's not what I meant and you know that bit. . . . maggot." Kanda said, stopping himself from calling her bitch.
"I didn't feel like confronting you. I hurt you and I hurt myself. I just need to be by myself. I need to remember everything until i talk to you. Yuu, I'm not trying to avoid you, but it hurts to look at you knowing I had hurt you trying to give up my life." Kumari told him.
Kanda sat down and stared at the snow. He seemed to understand. The tension she had felt earlier disappeared and she leaned on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'm just really confused." Kumari told him.
Kanda looked at her andthe frown disappeared. He wasn't smiling, but he was not frowning. His lips formed a firm line. "You're warm." Kumari said.
She hugged him to get warmth and he let her. Heb turned his head away though. "You're strong, but so shy Yuu. Also, you smell like tea. I think that's what it is. Now sound weird, smelling you. Huh?" Kumari said.
Kanda didn't say anything. He just let her hug him. A breeze blew by and Kumari shivered. "Go inside." Kanda said.
"No. I want to stay right here. With you." Kumari told him.
Kanda gazed at her. She was going to freeze in that clothing. So he unzipped his coat and she hugged him, hands and part of her body under the coat. She sat on his lap, by her choice, and pulled him closer. Kanda was a little surprise by her actions, but didn't push her off. She rested her head in his neck. "I want you to promise me something Yuu." Kumari told him.
"I don't make promises." Kanda reminded.
"Do this for me just once. Yuu, I love you. I know that and you know that. I know you love me. I want you to promise me that no matter what happens, you'll be here for me, right by my side. When I turn my head I'll see you. I want you to be there with me whenever possible. Can you please promise me that. That we'll be together forever. I can't stand the thought of losing you. I know this doesn't sound like you, but I need to know you'll be there for me when I need you." Kumari asked.
All she was asking is for him to be there for her when need be. That they'll be together and pull through. Kanda could do that. He already did. She just wanted to make sure he will keep doing it. He is a man of his word. Most of the time. Again, he turned his head and looked somewhere else. "Promise."
"Thank you." Kumari said.
Kumari closed her eyes, suddenly getting tired. She stayed awake and held on to Kanda. Kanda stood up and had to hold her in his arms in order to go back inside. She opened her eyes and let go of him. They walked the rest the way inside together and she held onto his arm, wanting to stay with him a little longer. Kanda took her to the meditation room and sat down. He took off his coat and put Mugen to the side. He took of his shoes and started to meditate. Kumari thought she'd give it a try. Lenalee came around and caught a glimpse of them and peered in. She grinned when she saw Kumari smiling and hanging out with Kanda. "What'cha ya watchin'?" Lavi asked.
"Look. She's smiling. She's with Kanda." Lenalee whispered.
"Yuu did it again." Lavi mumbled.
"Umm, Yuu? How long do you usually meditate?" Kumari asked.
"I don't keep track." Kanda told her.
"It's nice, but my legs are starting to hurt. We've been in this position for a few hours already." Kumari said.
"You don't have to be here." Kanda reminded.
"I want to be here. I don't feel like leaving your side right now. I feel like I'll miss something." Kumari said.
Kanda looked at her. She was acting like a kid again. When she was a kid. She has not been in any arguements. No training, no singing, no music, no missions, nothing. She was always calm and nice. No swearing either. It's not that he didn't like it, but it felt a little out of place. "Is there anything you want to do?" Kanda asked.
"No. I just can't stand being still for so long. I have to move around a little. Uh, how about a walk around the place? That should be fine, right?" Kumari said.
"Che."
Kanda stood up and put his now dry shoes, on. He put Mugen back and put his coat on. (Uniform coat.) "We should go." Lenalee uttered.
Lavi nodded and they walked off. Kanda and Kumari walked around the place talking. Mostly Kumari, but Kanda did talk. He was a good listener on most things too. They ate, walked more, and finally settled down in the longue. She read a book and he had his eyes closed, enjoying the peace. At least she still likes books. Kumari yawned and Kanda checked the time. She leaned on him and continued reading. Her eyes drooped and she kept opening them. It was only eleven, but she was still having troubles with going to bed. Kanda was about to tell her to go to bed, but when he turned to look at her, she had fallen asleep with her book in her hand, ready to fall. He sighed an dAllen walked in with Bookman, walking books back to the library. "Hello Kanda."
"Shut up beansprout." Kanda told him.
"I'm good, thanks. No need to help." Allen mumbled.
Allen almost fell and Bookman had to help him. The scene was hilarious, but Kanda said nothing. He tried to get up, but Kumari had her hand around his wrist tight. He couldn't wake her up so he had to pickk her up again and take her to her room. Allen stared at him through an empty space on the bookshelf. A smile abroad. Kanda felt his eyes on him and glared. Allen immediately put a book there, nervous. Kanda sighed as he picked Kumari up and walked towards the rooms. He was going to put her in her room, but it was really cold and he had a bad feeling about leaving her alone. So he went next door to his room and put her on his bed. She would be the only person who has ever been in his room. He wouldn't have to worry about Kumari though.
Kanda laid down on the couch in his room and stared at the ceiling. He closed his eyes and let sleep take him. Kumari woke up not too long after he fell asleep. She stared at him and wondered where she was. Sitting up, she understood that he had brought her to his room. SHe held her head and a huge headache came on. She laid back down and went to bed. She hoped the pain would seize, but she wasn't too sure.
Dream. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kumari smiled as she followed Kanda. He looked at her, but tried not to. He couldn't help it though. She ay of not been the most attractive girl he has ever seen, but she was beautiful in his opinion. It was odd. Her hair was snarly, because she hasn't been brushing for a long time, and her teeth were clean. They had a few cavaties and weren't straight. Her hair color was unique, but what took his breath away were her eyes. There was not a single thing wrong with those lovely bright, shiney, red, red eyes. They were perfect. The same with her smile. It made something in him swell and flutter. He had butterflies in his stomach. He was nervous around her and his hands were clammy. He could act the same, but he was nervous. No one has ever made him feel this way and he wanted to hate it, despise it, but he couldn't. He loved this notion she gave him. The feeling made him want to be. . . . . . nice. He shook his head. She was just a ne'er-do-well. He didn't like to think like that about her though.
Kumari felt her heart beat faster and faster. She had never had a crush before and now that she does, it makes her not to want one. Then again, she didn't. Her heart pounded in her chest and echoed in her ears. She prayed that he couldn't hear it. Still, she held a smile upon her face and her head was held high, proud and strong. She would be herself and would not pretend to be someone else. Fear she may of had, but she would not let it get the better of her. She could trust him. Otherwise she wouldn't be crushing. . . . would she? Who knows. She is just eleven and doesn't know what love is. SO the crush would fade and she would not have to worry. Kumari's hands balled in her pockets. She brought one hand out and saw the knuckles white. Quickly, she put them back in and stared at the little samurai in front of her. Her smile got bigger as if looking away for just a minute caused her to want him more. A knot formed in her chest and she raised her hand. It laid on her chest where the knot was and she continued smiling, but wanted frown. What was this feeling? She loved it, but. . . . . . .it was good.
Lavi looked from Kanda to Kumari. They were silent. They sat together with no problems. Kanda had not threatened her. She had not tried to get him to talk or anything. They were actually co-exsisting without a single problem! He couldn't believe. Kanda seemed to be enjoying her company. They kept looking at each other and then away. They were perfectly fine! How the hell can this be? "Tiedoll, look at Yuu." Lavi said, grabbing his attention.
The group turned to look at the two. "Staring is rude." Kanda told her.
"You're staring too." Kumari retorted, taking a bite of her french toast.
"You're really Japanese?" Kanda queried.
"Yes, but I'm also and Iceland. . . . er. . . ian. . .person." Kumari said, trying to think of the word.
Kanda looked at her as she tipped her head in looked directly into his eyes and he froze. His soba noodles fell back into the bowl and his mouth hung open. "Cute." Kanda said.
"What?" Kumari asked.
Marie choked on his food and then turned his head in Kanda's direction. He may not be able to see, but his hearing was good enough. Kanda just said cute! Cute! "Marie?" Tiedoll said.
Kanda had a panicked face, which was very rare, and looked away. "Nothing. I said nothing. Just forget about it." Kanda said, nervous.
Kumari blinked, but shrugged and began eating. "What's your name?" Kumari asked.
"Kanda. What are you, deaf? They all said-"
"Then what's with Yuu?" Kumari interrupted.
He shut his mouth and stopped eating. "That's my first name. Yuu Kanda." Kanda told her, emotionless.
"Then why doesn't everyone call you Yuu? Sure, it might get confusing at times, but still. Your name is you name. You should love it. Honor it. Your name makes you you." Kumari asked curiously.
"I hate it. I hate being called Yuu." Kanda said, his hand starting to crush the table.
Kumari stood up on the chair and got in his face. She smacked him in the face very hard. He looked at her, utterly shocked "You moron! You should respect your name! Your parents gave it to you. They gave you life. Even if they died or sometihng it doesn't matter. Unless they abused you or tried to kill you then you should love your name. There is no god damn reason to hate your name. Whether you like another name better or not. To hate your name is to ask for death!" Kumari said angrily.
Kanda's hand was lying on the spot where she had hit him. It was red and it was hurting. His eyes widened at her words. "Besides, I love your name. Yuu, it's nice." Kumari said, hiding her angry eyes from sight as everyone stared.
Kanda stood up, angry, and got in her face. "It's none of your buisness! If I hate, I hate it. It's not your 's mine. So stay in your own damn buisness little girl!" Kanda shouted.
"Little girl? I'm eleven! Besides, I'm more mature than you, YUU!" Kumari responded, folding her arms.
"Yeah right. You're a girl. Girls can't do anything right." Kanda shouted.
"Men are pigs. They are irrisponsible. Arrogant, ignorant, prudent, stupid, moronic, barbaric, and most of all, they always think they're better than women when they make women feel useless because they're scared they'll overcome them!" Kumari insulted.
Kanda glared and tackled her and they went flying across the room and rolled on the floor. "Men are stronger!"
"WOmen are smarter!" Kumari shot back.
"Men are brave!" Kanda told her, pinning her.
She kicked him and pinned him. "Men are foolish and let their guard down. They are filthy and bloodthirsty."
Kanda pushed her off and pinned her down again. "Women are strict and stuck up. Stern and think they are right. They're boring and are always too freaking organized." Kanda said.
Kumari took a deep breath. She made him get off and they stood up, staring at each other. "We're equal. Both flawed and both gifted. My mother and my father told me that life can not be without both. Newborns are created by both making the world go round. TOgether we're stronger than being alone." Kumari said, calmed.
Kanda frowned, but gave a small nod. Kumari smiled again and hugged him. "I'm sorry."
"Get off me! Now! Girl, get off off me!" Kanda said, moving around trying to get her off.
Kumari let go, but looked into his eyes. His anger vanished and he stared at her eyes. "Hello, I'm Kumari Janco. It's a pleasure to meet you Yuu Kanda." Kumari said, reintroducing herself and holding out her hand.
Kanda stared at her hand, debating. How did she bring out the good in him? How? Kanda didn't know it until he felt her hand, but he shook her hand. Lavi, Lenalee, Daisyia, Marie, and Tiedoll gasped. Kanda leaned towards the hands and moved it here and there, looking at the hands weirdly. What the hell was he doing? Kumari giggled at his behavior. "Well, you have more manners than I thought possible."
Tiedoll smiled and picked the two up, hugging them. Kumari didn't know if she could trust anyone else yet, but shrugged and hugged back. Kanda tried to push them off, but it was useless. "Supervisor Komui Lee, I must have this girl as my student!" Tiedoll exclaimed.
Komui smiled. "General Yeager already asked. You must decide upon yourselves." Komui said.
Tiedoll looked at Yeager and they both smiled. "SHe'll train under both of us. We'll take turns." Yeager told him.
"If that's what you wish, but I'm not sure how the higher ups will react. Yeager must have her first though. He needs to start training someone and it seems she needs some education as well." KOmui responded.
Tiedoll rubbed his head against Kumari's and she laughed because his hair tickled her. "So Yuu. . . . . " Kumari trailed off.
Kanda acted bashful and Kumari pulled him closer. Kanda had a small tint of red on his face. The tint went beet red when she pecked him on the cheek. Tiedoll put them down and looked at them both. Kanda tried to hide his face, but Daisyia and Lavi saw it. They started teasing him and Kumari covered her mouth to keep from laughing. When Kanda got so frustrated that he was about to cut off their heads, Kumari kissed both the boys on the cheeks, making them redder than Kanda. Kanda smirked and Kumari sat down. Lenalee sat beside her, laughing. "I'm going to like you. You'll be just like a sister." Lenalee said.
Kumari stared at her father's gloves when they started to glow. "Not now."
Kumari started running off, scared, panicked, and worried. She started to lose energy, but kept running. SHe could hear people behind her, but ignored them. SHe didn't want to hurt them. They were already like family. She pushed people out of the way and found a window. She smashed it and looked down. She didn't have a choice. SHe climbed on the window sill and took a deep breath. "What are you doing Kumari?" Lenalee asked, floating in the air.
Kumari looked at her with sorry. "I'm sorry, but I don't want to hurt anyone." Kumari said then did a back flip.
Lenalee zoomed out the window and looked down. She was relieved when she saw a bunch of water. Kumari dived into the water, creating a big splash. Lenalee saw a bright. bright green glow. The water had many ripples and bubbles. She saw a purple and blue coloring. Electricity or lightning popped out of the lake. The Order shook and land broke, crack, and fell into the water. A whirlpool was created then a large tower of water came up, holding Kumari. The cloud grew dark and came together. Lightning came down and started destroying trees, parts of land, and even the Order. Kumari was hunched over and violently shook. Her hands glowed a dark green. The wind picked up and her hair started waving. Everyone watched from the window. "Get all of the generals!" Komui shouted to the workers.
Kumari heard them and looked up. Her eyes were glowing a bright red, but the whole eyeball glowed. The red turned from red to green and sheheld her head and screamed. Fire casted over her and circled around the area. A big wolf made of fire surrounded her, making her disappear from sight. Kanda got on the window sill and held Mugen in his hands. "What the hell is going on SUpervisor?" Leverrier asked.
All of the supervisors stared out the window as all the exorcists dispersed. Komui felt pity for Kumari because Leverrier could see what she was capable of. . . . . she was going to need protection. Lenalee tried to rush in to her, but the wolf threw her back into the wall. She went through it and fell into a group of people. Lavi tried to use the hammer to blow the fire away, but he was only sent soaring in the same direction as Lenalee. Daisyia and Noise ended up in the same spot. Soon, only the generals could stand. Kanda was buried under rubble and pushed it all of. General Yeager managed to get to her and Kumari trembled. "Kumari, deactivate your innocence!"
She stared at him. "I can't!. . . . . . .IT hurts. It hurts. I can't do anything. It won't listen!" Kumari cried out over the fire.
Tiedoll fell on his back when he landed on the tower of water. Yeager helped him up and they looked at her. Kumari tried to take the gloves off, but they wouldn't. THey tightened against her skin and they cut her as they dug in. Lightning surrounded her and the generals' eyes widened as they came at them. "No! Stop!" Kumari shouted.
Kumari heard music and everything her innocence made or did, froze. She fell on her knees, frightened. The five generals stood in front of her, innocence activated. They couldn't kill her and she didn't know how to control her innocence. Kanda came and stood in front of her. He bent down and fiddled with the gloves. "Kanda, you should get away from her just in case. . . . . .Ka-" General Yeager said, but got interrupted.
"Shut the hell up old man." Kanda barked.
Kumari stared at him. "What are you doing?"
"The innocence can't be activated unless it's with you. We just have to seperate you from it." Kanda told her.
Kumari flinched when he tried to get under the gloves, but it only made her hurt more. She looked at her finger that were starting to turn blue. Blood was gushing out and she couldn't even more any part of her body. "Yuu, stop. It hurts." Kumari whimpered.
Kanda looked at her for a minute then back at the gloves. He looked around the place then at the generals. "Do you want me to help you?" Kanda asked.
Kumari nodded her head and closed her eyes from the pain. "Then you have to trust me." Kanda said.
She heard him take out his sword. Forcing her eyes opened, she looked at him. He had it raised above her right hand and she watched. "What are you doing?"
"Cutting them off." Kanda said, turning the hand over.
The sword was above her palm and she pulled them back. "NO! These are my father's! I can't ruin them! I cherish-"
"They'll be fixed! Right now we don't have a choice. If this keeps going someone will be killed. You don't want to be the reason for that do you?" Kanda replied.
Kumari turned away from him and looked at the group of exorcists looking up from the hole in the wall. They all had been wounded because of her. She held out her hands and he cut them off. When they fell off Kanda put them in his pocket as they started fall into the lake. Kumari passed out and Kanda grabbed her as they fell. Everything vanished and everyone fell into the lake. Kanda swam to the top and Tiedoll helped him by taking Kumari away.
Kumari looked at her hands as she sat down in the training room watching Lenalee, Lavi, Daisyia, Suman, Noise, and Kanda. She learned how to control her innocence, but she could only use fire right now. She has to work on everything else. Then she had gone to central and it was scary. Especially Leverrier. They did tests and so much more. She just wanted to forget it all, but it haunted her in her sleep. "Kumari, come and train with us. You need to learn how to fight." Lavi said.
"I know how to fight." Kumari told her.
"Just because you have self control of Fire Wolf doesn't mean you can fight." Lenalee told her.
Kumari didn't like the name Fire Wolf for her innocence. It was too plain. She just had to wait to come up with a better name. "I can fight."
"Then show us Kumari." Daisyia said, not believing her.
She sat still as the others taunted her to get her to fight, but she refused to. By now Bookman, the generals, and KOmui, and the supervisors came in to test them, but were freaked out by the kids. Kumari finbally had enough and punched Daisyia's bottom jaw. Lavi gulped as he back up. He took out his hammer and Kumari thought that was unfair. She looked around and found a staff. Picking it up, she did flips and dodged. She wound up behind him and hit him with the staff. Turning around she let go of the staff, ran, slid, and tripped another person. She continued until everyone but Kanda gave up, but he had mugen.
Kanda lunged, but Kumari kept moving to the side or tucking herself. She tripped over her feet and Kanda was going to attack, but she reached for the staff and kept him from slicing her. Kumari kicked him. He stumbled backwards and she got up. He hit her and she rolled. Using her hands, she slid on them until she stopped. The dust had gotten in her eyes, but she could hear Kanda. He tried to hit her again, but she kicked him. She kicked and kicked until mugen went soaring. Luanching herself up, she grabbed Kanda around the neck using her legs and held him down, almost choking him. He tried to get free, but she had a lock on him. She had a hard time breathing, but managed. "Give?"
"NO!" Kanda shouted.
She tightened her hold. He started to really struggle and after a few minutes, he caved. She laid on her back trying to get all the necessary air. Kanda did the same right beside her. She turned her head to look at him with a grin. "I. . . win."
"Che."
"Sore loser." Kumari stated.
Kumari played in the snow outside her hotel. She loved it. She had made hundreds of snow angels, twenty- five snowmen and women, she had a snowball fight with Daisyia, and now she was sleighing down a hill. Tiedoll sat off to the side, painting. Marie smiled while watching her. She was still full of energy and Daisyia was pooped. Kanda was meditating, ignoring them. Kumari fell off the sleigh and laughed. It was nice knowing she could still act like a kid.
She laid there in the snow smiling. More snow fell and she held her tongue out to eat it. She stared at the clouds and put her tongue back. A frown upon her face, she stood up. She sat on her knees and wrote something in the snow. After awhile she bowed her head and put her hands together. The others watched as she prayed. They couldn't hear much, but they heard her mention her father and her mother. When she was done she stood up and ran to them. Tiedoll gave her a hot cup of cocoa with marshmellows. "I love winter. Especially around Christmas." Kumari mumbled.
"So do I." Tiedoll told her.
Reality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kumari's eyes opened and she sat up. Holding her head, she looked around the room. "Yuu?"
Kanda was holding his head and giving a little glare. "Watch it maggot! Get the hell up. It's already three in the afternoon." Kanda said.
"Yuu. . . . . . . . . . .I remember. Everything." Kumari told him.
"What are you talking about?" Kanda asked as if she was insane.
Kumari got out of bed and hugged him. "I remember!"
Kanda pushed her away and looked her over. "Your birthday?"
"July 6th." Kumari replied.
"Favorite color?"
"Red and yellow. Never could decide." Kumari answered.
"Your grandparents?"
"Jarrod Henry Janco and Lily Ann Janco. My aunt is Cindy Janco. I'm nineteen and born in Iceland. Yuu, I remember everything." Kumari responded.
Kanda stared at her and she smiled. "Yahoo! Wohoo! Yay! Yeah! Aww man this is great!" Lavi shouted in the doorway, dancing.
"Lavi." Kumari said sternly.
The End. Hope you enjoyed. Please review. Thanks!
Yan Luna4373