DGM

More Than This

Chapter 26

Farewells And Waterfalls

Komui stared at Kumari as she sat down on the couch in front of him. A week had passed since her innocence had left her. She hadn't utter a word since then either. None except for 'innocence, please, come back'. She wouldn't even look at anyone. Allen could somewhat understand how she feels, but her situation is totally different from when that whole in his heart was formed and his innocence was crushed. It had accepted her then protected her. Now, it has rejected her as it's accomadator. Why? What's the reason? Though it worries everyone else for the possibility of it happening again and that they lost another exorcist, everyone was deeply concerned about Kumari. Today she requested to talk to Komui in private and that what they speak of he mustn't say anything to someone else.

All the scientists left and all the exorcists waited at the door. When they shut the door they tried to hear, but only Bookman and Marie had good enough hearinf to hear them, but then again, Kumari knew they were at the door and didn't say anything. Just fiddled with her fingers. "Who's going to train Sunshine?" Kumari asked.

At least her concern for her friends hadn't left. Worrying about them before herself. Or she could be prolonging the conversation. "Tiedoll has gladly accepted the student." Komui said, smiling, but he really didn't want to. It was times like these that he had to be strong for the exorcists. At first they never wanted to fight. Kumari did, but didn't. SHe didn't want to hurt anyone and didn't really trust anyone. Only Kanda, but she didn't want to leave. So she fought. She came close to death so many times too. Then they decide they will devote their life to fight in this damn war. They would get stronger though, but Kumari got weaker. "Sunshine will probably try to kill him knowing her." Komui said, adding humor.

"That's good to hear." Kumari murmured. "How about the Bandits? WHo's going to take care of them?"

"Mainly Allen, but all the exorcists are going to help out with it." Komui answered.

"That's good." Kumari muttered.

"Everyone is worried. You are just like Allen. ONe of our exorcists we look up to. All of us. You are so kind and put others before yourself. Then again, most of you exorcists do. Allen, Lenalee, Lavi, Krowley, Miranda, and-"

"I've made up my decision." Kumari interrupted.

Komui stared at her and then he understood what she meant. His fake happiness fell and he sat up straight in his chair. "Kumari, where are you going with this?" Komui queried.

"It rejected me. I'm no longer the accomadator. No longer an exorcist. I can't fight in this war anymore. I'm not smart enough to be a scientist and I can't be a finder. I would just be more of hindrence. I'm used to being out there on the battlefield and I'll just get myself or someone else killed. I no longer play a part in this war." Kumari said.

"Kumari. . . . . . . . ?" Komui muttered.

"I can't stay. All I can do now is learn to live a normal life. As normal as my life can get. I'll go back to my travels and find supporters and possible finders and accomadators. I will send letters to you all. I promise." Kumari said softly, staring at him.

"You can't leave. You are still. . . . . . " Komui paused when he saw Kumari's face harned then soften, a small sad, ssad smile upon her face. Only one tear fell though. "Kumari."

"I've already thought it over. The Noah may continue to come after me, but they have less of a chance of finding me because I won't have innocence. I know my place in this world and I'm afraid it's not here. That is why I'm telling you this. This is my resignation. This is where we part ways possibly forever unless a miracle happens." Kumari said.

"You can't be serious Kumari." Komui said, standing up and everyone heard his chair hit the floor.

"It's my choice. I've even talked to the head Generals in Hevlaska's chambers. If an exorcist loses their inncoence then it's his or her choice to leave or stay at the Order. They can stay and do absolutely nothing, but can you see me just sitting around all day?" Kumari responded.

"I know the rules, but what about the others? Your friends? Your teacher? Kanda?" Komui said.

"They'll do fine without me. Kanda wants me to be safe, right? All be safer outside these walls than in here a moment longer. I'll be leaving tomorrow night. I've already have the ticket. This is where I bid everyone farewell." Kumari told him.

"I do not support your decision. You may not have innocence no longer, but there is some logical explanation why you lost it and you can get it back. We'll help like we did Allen. Kumari you can't leave." Komui said.

"I'm leaving tomorrow no matter what you say or do. I do not ask for your support nor do I ask that you understand. What I ask is that you do not tell anyone and that you let me do this. This will always be my home, but I have nowhere else to go and I nothing to do. Life will be different, but we'll have to adjust. I'm sorry." Kumari said softly.

"WHy not become a nurse? Matron started training you before and still is giving you a few lessons. Kumari you need to stay. It's still dangerous out there." Komui protested, but Kumari stood up and it silenced him.

"I will not sit here and listen to your objections. The only way I'm staying is if I get my inncoence back. I don't see that happening." Kumari said.

Komui stared at her and nodded his head. He understood. Really, but he didn't approve one bit. Kumari thanked him and opened the door causing everyone to fall down on the ground and laughed sheepishly. Lenalee stared at Komui then at Kumari. "Is something wrong?" Lenalee asked.

Kumari shook her head then looked at Komui. Would he tell? "Kumari is. . . . . . . . is just talking to me. It is best to get your feelings out, yes?" Komui responded, but didn't have a single bit of happiness in his voioce or face.

Kumari stared forward and Marie had a small smile on his face. She knew she could trust him, but she didn't know Bookman heard her. With a small smile on her face and one more tear running down her face she looked at her friends. Old friends, Lenalee, Kanda, Lavi, Bookman, Marie, Tiedoll, Reever, Bak, Wong, and Komui. Her new friends, Krowley, Miranda, Allen, Chester, Timothy, Timcampy, Ori, Sunshine, Johnny, Tapp, Lou Fa, Rikei, Shifu, Russel, and so many more. This would probably the last time she saw them. This choice wasn't easy because she knew she would, poissibly, never see Kanda again either. Then Komui understood her a little more because instead of calling Kanda Yuu like she usually does, she said Kanda. When Komui heard that he understood completely. "Kumari, you alright?" Lavi asked, touching her shoulder.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Just thinking. I gotta go." Kumari said and started walking out, but Komui stopped her.

"Are you sure this is what you want Kumari?" Komui asked gently, trying not to overstep anything.

She turned arond and walked backwards. A small, sad smile. "Yes." Kumari said and started running off.

"Komui, what did she say?" Bak asked.

Komui sat down and looked down at the desk untensils. Everyone stared at him and their curiousity grew, peaking to where they'll do just about anything to find out, but they could tell this wasn't the time to bother him. "You'll have to wait." Komui said.

Lavi walked down the halls beside Bookman with his arms up over his head, stretching then he put them to the back of his head. He grinned like usual, but last weeks events played in his head. Kumari has been crying more and more lately. Losing her innocence twice. . . . . it had to be hard on her. At least she had talked to Komui. About what is unknown, but she hadn't spoken in a week. She wouldn't come out of her room and Lenalee had to bring her her food. Kumari cried all week. She wouldn't even let Kanda in the room. She wouldn't look at anyone. So when she came out of her room and said she needed to talk to Komui everyone wanted to know what was going on, but now no one will tell them anything. Why is there only secrets? "What are you thinking about?" Bookman asked.

"Kumari. She's had a rough week." Lavi said.

"You didn't hear them?" Bookman questioned.

"No. If you remember I was on the bottom of the huge pile. Marie wouldn't say anything either. No one else heard a thing. Man, the curiousity is killing me." Lavi said.

"No one is going to say anything until tomorrow night at least." Bookman told him.

"What do you mean gramps?" Lavi inquired.

"She's leaving. Going back to her travels as a teenage girl." Bookman said.

"What? Bookman, I think you heard them wrong. There's no way Kumari would leave this place. Komui would forbid her anyways." Lavi said.

"He tried to convince her, but there's not much he can do. Once the accomadator loses combatibility or the inncoence is destroyed, the person can do whatever he or she pleases. Her mind is settled on leaving tomorrow night, but I wonder what her heart is set on." Bookman said.

Lavi stopped walking. His arms dropped to his sides and Bookman stopped to look at him. Lavi was looking at the old panda with disbelieving eyes. Kumari was leaving? She wouldn't. She wouldn't. He didn't want to believe it, but he knew it was the truth. Lavi turned back around and ran down the hall. Bookman sighed and continued to the library to watch Kumari. She was going through the books and reading them, memorizing them, sitting alone, jotting things down. Her travel plans? Kumari noticed Bookman and stared at him. "May I help you?" Kumari asked.

"Do you really want to leave?" Bookman asked.

This took Kumari by surprise, but she remembered who he was. She closed the book and put the pen down. "Do you really want to be an observer in history? No real emotions? No human ties? Fake feelings and disguises? Fake lives and personalities?" Kumari retorted and Bookman remained calm.

She did know this was Bookman not Lavi. "I agreed to that years ago." Bookman said.

"But now that you've gotten to know people who have expierence what you might have then do you still feel the same? The reason men or women become bookmen is because of their past. Abandonement, hatred, no home, loss of family, life in a war, and many more things. I've never understood you and I've tried to figure out what would let you agree to become a bookman then I realized how close you are to Lavi. You are suppose to have no human ties. Not even with another bookman, but you do. You see Lavi as a grand child. If he were to die you would surely mourn for him because he is your only family. You have broken the very law you keep reminding Lavi about. Just because you want to record history doesn't mean you can't participate and make your own choices as well. That's why you were born as a human being. Not a Noah or something like that. Right Bookman? You guys say humans are stupid. But they are smart as well. You hate humans, but you are a human. If you really hate them then why don't you join the Noahs and kill everyone. Then you won't have to worry about recording history because either you will die or the world will. No history to be read then." Kumari said.

Bookman turned his back on her and stared at the hollow halls. "Have a good trip Miss. Janco." Bookman said and walked away.

Kumari finished packing her things and stared around the empty room. She haad Yeager's things, her pictures, her clothes, one uniform, some money, everythng needed. All in that same bag she had the very first day Kanda came back. She was wearing that same outfir too. The shorts, the sneakers, the belly shirt for the most part, and her red and yellow jacket. She would be a supporter of the Order, but she can't be there anymore. She needed to find out who she was, what she could do, if she could live a normal life. This was her chance of freedom, but in the end she had to leave everyone else behind. That was the only problem. She put the bag over her shoulder and stared out the window. Her sais were in their little cases in her bag. SHe even had a golem if necessary. She took a deep breath and fixed the bed. She had to get to town within eight hours or she would have to find another place to start out at.

Kumari opened the door and then almost ran into Lavi. He was grinning like always and he stared at her as he stopped his hand from knocking on her face. "Lavi? Wh- what are you doing here?" Kumari asked, closing the door.

"What's with the bag?" Lavi asked, staring at the ticket that was peaking out of her pocket then stared at her face.

She had her hair up with her bangs lining her face. She always had it up like that so she could train and fight without having to worry about it messing her vision up. She found really strong bands though because they only came off once or twice. "Nothing. I'm just. . . . . . . it doesn't matter. Everything's fine. Good day. See you later." Kumari said and tried to walk away, but Lavi pulled her back.

"Wait, we need your help. Komui had another one of his robts that was suppose to help in the cafeteria and it made a huge mess. We need all the help we can get. Will you come help us?" Lavi asked.

"I have something important that I need to do. Maybe next time." Kumari lied.

Lavi sighed stared at her. He knew he was going have to do this, but this was the only way he could get her to go to the cafeteria. "Fine then. I guess you be of much help anyways. Being as weak as you are, Johnny could do more work than you. I mean, the innocence rejected you and it was probably the only strength you had so now you're weaker than ever. Maybe you should just get lost and not burden us anymore. It's almost pathetic you know. I pity you by how pathetic you are. I mean, Miranda could whoop butt better than you." Lavi said, but it made him feel bad.

Kumari stared at her feet, hair overcasting her eyes and her grip getting tight on her bag. She gritted her teeth and decided on whether to be hurt or angry. Right now, anger took over. "You are just a bothersome person who always gets in the way. We're always saving your ass and now you're finally able to leave. You should just leave and stop being a nuisence to us." Lavi said, putting his hand in the air casually.

Lavi could feel a deadly aura come off of Kumari and took a few steps away, gulping. 'Too far.' LAvi thought. Kumari lashed out and tried to hit Lavi, but he only ran away, laughing and sticking his tongue out. He turned around and shook his butt and smacked it to insult her more. Kumari was red with anger and Lavi could see smoke come out of her ears and nose. Fire erupted in the background and she breathed out fire. 'Wow. She's so much like Yuu.' Lavi thoughted. Lavi started runnign off and Kumari chased him. He kept making turns and she kept running into the wall by mistake. She finally caught up and grabbed his shirt, but then something tripped her. She fell down and rubbed her nose. She stood back up and ran after him. "I'm going to kill you!" Kumari screamed and it echoed throughout the whole building.

Kumari noticed that no one was around. Why was that? She didn't care. Lavi said it himself. She should just leave and stop being their nuisence, but it didn't sound like him. Still she couldn't stop her fury and chased him down, but she was out of shape. She hadn't ran this much since here last mission. She felt ready to give up and just head out, but then she tried to jump for him and fell on the hard floor. She rubbed her head and hit the floor. SHe lifted her head to glare at Lavi, but then she was caught by surprise as Lavi stood by their friends. Smiling, wavnig, hiding behind Lenalee, trembling, scared. "What the. . . . . " Kumari whispered as she stood up.

"I t- t- told y- you w- we ne- needed your h- help h- here." Lavi stuttered.

Kumari stared at a huge banner that was painted with words on it. 'Good- bye Kumari and good luck. We'll miss you!' Her anger disappeared as she looked at all of her friends smiling faces. "You think we would let you leave without a going away party or even a good bye?" Lenalee asked.

"Komui!" Kumari shouted.

"It wasn't me." Komui said, smiling and handing her a cup filled with juice.

"Marie?" Kumari mumbled.

"No."

"Bookman told me of course. You told them not to tell though. Still, I wouldn't of listened." Lavi said, still hiding behind Lenalee.

"But. . . . . . you said. . . . . . . . why?" Kuamri responded.

"Did you actually believe that? You know I would never say that and after seeing this I would think you would understand." Lavi responded.

"What?"

Lavi laughed as he put an arm around her shoulder. "We're not just friends Kumari. We're family. If you are leaving then we should support you even if we don't agree. You have completely reasonable and understqandable reasons to go, but as long as you come back for a visit now and then. We all feel terrible that you lost your innocence because you are such a strong and helpful person who wants to continue, but you aren't going through the same process Allen did. So we want you to go out there and live the life that you deserve." Lavi said.

"This is just our way of saying thank you for all you've done. As an exorcist. As a friend. As family. You were always there for us and this is the only way to repay you. Even if only a little." Lenalee said.

"You have done so much for us all. You saved our lives and you fought against the Noahs. We're glad you came back, but we will miss you. All of us." Komui said.

"You will not be forgotten." Lavi added.

"We want you to know how much we love you and we are all glad we could meet you. Hopefully some of us will see you again and we pray that you find whatever it is you're looking for." Allen said.

"There's not enough words in the world to explain how much we appreciate you and how much we'll miss you. We just hope life will treat you well and we're happy for you. Even though you lost your innocence you are still a family member. You are welcomed back at any time and we will miss you. The good part is that you fought and you are still alive. At least we know you'll be safe." Reever said.

Everyone nodded and Kumari's bag fell to her feet. She didn't want to tell them because it would make it harder on her. This makes it a little harder. She stared at everyone and remembered the welcoming party she had when she came as a child. Who thought she was have a going away party? She was filled with joy and happiness. She felt loved and wanted. She shut her eyes and her head went downwards. "Huh? You alright? Kumari?" Lavi asked.

Kumari opened her eyes and stared at everyone again and tears ran down her face. Everyone panciked and Lavi took his arm off of her. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you cry!" Lavi said.

Kumari shook her head and smiled. The cup had fallen from her hands though. She cupped her mouth with both hands then hugged LAvi since he was the closest. "Thank you. Thank you a million times over." Kumari said.

They all sighed. Tears of joy. Phew. Close one. "Group hug!" Lavi shouted as he pulled everyone in.

Kumari looked around and noticed one person missing. Kanda. She sighed and stared at her bag. A few hours had passed and she had to go before she misses the train. Tiedoll put a hand on her shoulder and she turned around. Smiling, she looked up at him. "Thanks. For everything Tiedoll. I hope to see you again then you can show me more of your beloved art." Kumari said.

"Is it that time?" Tiedoll asked.

"Afraid so. I'll miss you my dear teacher." Kumari said and hugged him.

"You will do well out there Kumari." Tiedoll said.

Kumari stared at Marie. "Good luck with Yuu ya two. He is hard to handle. I should know." Kumari told them.

"We'll be fine. No need to worry about us." Marie said as Kumari hugged hmi.

"That only makes me worry more Marie." Kumari said.

"You leaving now?" Lavi asked.

Kumari let go of Marie and nodded. Lenalee still smiled and Lavi gave his goofy grin. "Now don't you go forgetting us out there." Lavi said.

"Yeah. When we meet again we want to hear all about your travels and the wonderful friends you'll make." Lenalee agreed.

Kumari hugged the both of them and they hugged her. Lavi almost crushing her. He loved those bear hugs. "It would be impossible to forget you Lavi. You're the most annoying person I've ever met." Kumari said.

"Hey!"

"But I love ya. You are my brother afterall. And Lenalee, you're my sister. DOn't be hard on yourself. You are strong and you can protect anyone if you make yourself believe that. Don't have a single doubt in your head. Kay?" Kumari said.

"Of course." Lenalee said and they let go of each other.

Kumari walked over to Miranda and held her hands. Miranda was crying again. "You are also very strong. You are not troublesome, but you need a little more confidence. Remember, not everyone's opinion matters. Just your own. Plus, if it's something good, then the other's matter to. They'll give ya the little boost you need. Alright?" Kumari said.

"Yes. I will do that." Miranda said as she hugged Kuamri and cried on her shoulder.

Kumari bent down and patted Timothy's head. "Now you little troublemaker. Take it easy on Yuu. ANd listen to Emilia. You may be an exorcist, but you're still a child scamp. You have many things to learn in this world. Got it kid?" Kumari said as she wiped away one of Timothy's tears.

His face was all runny and snotty, but Kumari let him hug her and cry. "I won't miss you one bit and I don't have to listen because I'm the almight Timothy!" Timothy said as his innocence cried and tried to hug Kumari too.

Kumari went over to Krowley and stared at him. "You got a lot of spirit and need to learn quite a few things about life. Though it's not your fault you a guilble and naive Krowley, but you'll do well. Remember to keep your spirit." Kumari said and Krowley nodded his head, hugging her.

Kumari walked to the science divsion and stared at Komui. Komui smiled adn Kumari gave a little salute and laughed. "As for you Komui, let Lenalee have a bit more freedom. She's a big girl and can take care of hersself. So don't go overboard. As for you guys, try to keep him in line and good luck on trying to get him to do his work for once." Kumari said and hugged each of them. "And when I come back I'll play a little game of chess with you Johnny. I know how much you love them."

Kumari looked down at Sunshine. SHe wasn't crying like most people, but she saw some bit of sadness in her eyes. "Take it easy on Tiedoll Sunshine. He loves his beautiful art and try not to kill him. Your spikes are dangerous. Learn to smile every now and then too." Kumari said.

"Whatever." Sunshine muttered.

Kumari patted her head and then stared at Will. "DOn't forget who you are. I like your kindness and your sweet talk. I still wish I could've figured out what your innocence is and it's better to watch instead of hear about it so I guess I'll have to wait and hope to see you kick some akuma asses next time." Kumari told him.

"It won't be the same without you. The world better take care of you. You're an angel." Will said and hugged her.

Kumari turned around and stared at Ori. "I guess that leaves just you, Allen, and Chester." Kumari said.

"You're forgetting one important person." Ori responded.

"It's best this way anyways. I hope you do gain enough confidence to face the Noahs. They are strong, but you can not doubt yoursel for your comrades. If so they will find that weakness and use it against you. You can get your freedom and you will find other Bandits. If I do I will talk to them and send them here. You behave though. Your ability is annoying like when you and Lavi decided to bring me and Kanda closer that one night." Kumari said.

Lavi and Ori laughed, rubbing their head sheepishly. "You know about that?" they asked.

"Damn right I do, but Ori. You need to learn how to be in whihte form. ANd I would like to see the real you. So would you please try?" Kumari asked.

Ori nodded and closed his eyes. The stigmatas vanished. His black hair turned orange- red. His skin turned caramel and he opened his eyes. They were orange too. He looked tired just by doing that and she smiled. His smile got bigger. "You keep at your scientist buisness bud. Don't let your knowledge go to waste." Kumari said and hugged him.

"Thanks for everything Kumari. I'll miss you." Ori whispered.

"Same here." Kumari returned.

Kumari put her hand on her hip and the other on Allen's head. She grinned as he was forced to hunch oner a bit. "Don't worry beansprout. You'll hit a growth spurt someday. Unless you lose another inch." Kumari teased.

"I'm average!" Allen shouted.

"You're just having a really late puberty. I wish I could be around for when your voice changes. It's always hilarious. You should've been there when Lavi had his. It was just as bad as Yuu's." Kumari said and Lavi blushed as everyone laughed.

Allen stared at her and smiled. "I'll miss ya little brother." Kumari said and hugged him.

"Brother?" Allen repeated.

"You are family. You never seem to get that through your head though. Remember not to bear the burden alone. The weight of the world is on everyone's shoulders. The exorcists more so than everyone else. Especially to those who are younger and have had a rough life. You'll do well and keep your generousity. I couldn't think of anyone better to of replaced my mentor. Take care Allen." Kumari said.

"Same to you." Allen said.

"Take care of Lenalee. You'll have a lot of people on your back if you intentionally hurt her. M'kay? Not that I doubt you." Kumari responded.

"You don't even need to tell me." Allen said.

Kumari felt something nudge her head and eat her hair. SHe laughed and held Timcampy in her hand. "You watch over everyone. Try to keep them out of trouble." Kumari said.

Chester barked and Kumari knelt down, petting the pup. Chester licked her face and she stared into his eyes. "Oh, I love those big brown eyes of yours. WHo knew that when I saved that starving little pup in the rain that you would turn out to be an exorcist. AN amazing dog you truly are. I guess we're squared though. I saved your life and you saved mine. I wish I could take you with me, but I can't." Kuamri said.

"I'll miss you Kumari." Chester barked.

"I'll miss you CHester." Kumari said and scratched the dog's ear.

Kumari stood up and walked towards her bag. When she went to pick it up someone stepped in front of her. She stood up straight and stared at Kanda. He had done so much for her over the months. They met in London and started it off a bit rough, but who knew it would turn out so sweet? Not her. Kanda soved her into the wall a few feet away and she stared at him. His eyes were covered by his hair and he wasn't looking at her. "Kanda, I must go." Kumari told hm, but he just pressed his body against hers.

Kumari was soon being crushed with no way to escape and no space between her and Kanda or the wall. SHe put her hands on his shoulders and tried to get free, but she couldn't. "Ka- Kanda, please-"

"What did I tell you about my name?" Kanda muttered, but there was something in his voice.

She stopped struggling and stared at him. She didn't want to leave him, but he couldn't come with her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her bangs covered her eyes. She frowned, but then slowly smiled. "I will come back to visit. I will write letters. Then, when the war is over and you guys win, because I know you will, then we can be together again, but for now I part ways with you all. I'm sorry, but I need to find answers and this place isn't going to give them to me. Maybe now, I can find some other family out there. Who knows, maybe I'll talk to my Lily and make things up." Kumari said.

"Stay." Kanda muttered.

"I can't. I'm sorry. You know I don't want to, but I have to. I love you and I always will. I won't forget you and we'll meet again. I won't let some boy come and take me away from you. You're my lover and you're in my heart for now and forever. This is hard on me too. I lvoe you so, so, so much." Kumari said.

"Sometimes. . . . . we do childish things when we. . . . . . . love someone, right?" Kanda said and Kumari's eyes widened.

He had actually listened to her when she said that. Kumari stared at him and realized why he said that. "Y- Y- Yuu?"

Kanda stared into her bright red, red eyes. They made him feel like he could do anything and make him want to be kind. Kumari cupped his face and stroked his hair. "You do childish things with the one you love because you know you can trust them with everything. If they can't accept you then they don't deserve you. So when we know we can trust each other you do childish things all the time, but not always intentionally." Kumari recited, remembering what Yeager told her.

"Then here's the first one from me." Kanda whispered as he hugged her.

"Yuu?" Kumari asked.

Kanda gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, putting his head on her shoulder. She stared stright ahead and had trouble holding back tears. "I love you Kumari. Please don't go. . . . . . . . . without answering me this." Kanda said and his voice cracked for the first time since they were kids.

Kanda picked his head up and put his lips next to her ear. "Will you. . . . . . . ." Kanda stopped for some reason, choking on his own words.

Kumari's hold tightened and she closed her eyes. He was making this so hard on her. "Marry me." Kanda said.

Kumari must've looked like an idiot because of how she reacted. He asked her. . . . . . to marry him. He didn't believe in marriage. Kanda pulled away, but not by much. His hand came up and she stared at a ring. It wasn't much, but to Kumari it was the whole world. Marie smiled and everyone waited. Kumari covered her mouth with both hands and stared at the ring then at him then back at the ring. "I. . . I thought you hated marriages?" Kumari murmured.

"I won't let you leave until you answer the question. This way I will know. . . . . . . . ." Kanda trailed off, feeling that he had been too kind already.

Kumari couldn't look at his eyes. He was hiding his face. SHe slipped her finger through the ring and kissed Kanda, but turned his body around so his back was against the wall. When she pulled away her hand caressed his face and she took small steps backwards. Kanda stared at her. She smiled, but it was not just of happiness, of sadness. Her hand started slipping off of his face and unknowingly and unwillingly, one tear rolled down his face slowly. "Yes. I love you, Yuu. Don't forget that. I know you'll continue to live and when you guys win the war we'll be together. . . . again. . . . . forever, but for now. . . . . . . . . . good bye." Kumari said as she picked her bag up and her hand left his face. She quickly left and tears ran down her face and she ran out. "Yuu. . . . . . . . ." Kumari whispered.

Kanda couldn't stop the tears from falling, but he didn't say anything to anyone. They all watched as Kanda cried for the first time. Tiedoll came over and put a hand on his shoulder. Kanda had planned on asking Kumari o marry him a long time ago, but he couldn't. He never did believe in marriage, but Kumari did. Tiedoll smiled, but Kanda only slapped his hand away. He tried to wipe the stupid tears away, but couldn't. He ran out of the cafeteria and everyone watched him leave. "Kanda. . . . . . . . He's taking it so hard and she probably hasn't even left yet." Lenalee murmured.

"It's not easy to let the person you love go." Krowley said, knowing from expierence.

"He'll be fine. They'll meet again and besides, it seems we have a wedding to plan." Lavi said.

"Then why are you crying?" Lenalee asked as her own tears ran down her face.

"I'm not crying. I have. . .something in my eye." Lavi said, but hugged Bookman and cried like a baby.

"Stop your blubbering you idiot!" Bookman shouted.

"Oh boy." Komui said as he rubbed his head.

Kumari ran out of the building and onto the sandy beach. She had a reason to carry on. She had a reason to come back if she can't find a place in this world. She didn't want to go, but she had no choice. SHe had no choice. She couldn't stay. "Forgive me Yuu." Kumari said and ran into the forest.