A/N: Sorry for the wait. I know I haven't updated any of my stories for weeks, so I apologize. Honestly, I haven't even been on this site much. And a big thank you to xenocanaan, WinterYule, lizyeh2000, Red raspberries, The Ruisu, Guest, readwithcats, Not-Gonna-Update, sadark, Farahilde, AmatsuKitsune, and Lena-luvs-cats for all taking the time to review! I'm happy to see both old and new readers!(:

Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: Nope!:P

Chapter 9

Time Frame — Morning of January 9th, 1892

—1st Person POV—

Despite Road's insistence on my attendance of school, I was thankfully given another week to adjust before being thrown into that mess. It was mainly the doing of Mana—he wanted to make sure that I fully became accustomed to the new arm he'd carefully molded into my shoulder. Its dark presence was a sharp and uncomfortable contrast to that of my Innocence limb, but at this point, I was too grateful to begrudge it. For now, I was simply focusing my attention on gaining a better control over it; its movement was rather stiff and awkward, but I'd managed to nick a deck of cards off of Tyki and practicing with them was slowly, but surely, allowing for improvement.

"Have some tea."

I paused. Slowly, I shifted my gaze upwards and stared at Mana. Up until a moment ago, I'd been seated alone, residing in the gardens behind the manor. According to Road, this area was where they normally ate brunch when they had noble guests, or if Tricia was healthy enough, hosted a luncheon. The wrought iron chairs, though exquisite, weren't all that comfortable, but I figured I wouldn't be bothered out here.

Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if Mana had been lurking.

"Thank you," I finally consented, carefully setting down the card in my hand and picking up the dainty teacup off of the platter. I was pleasantly surprised to find my movements a little more fluid than before.

Mana seemed relieved. Eyeing my assortment of cards, he asked, "What have you been up to?"

Small talk. Not exactly what I'd been expecting.

Where were the interrogations? The suspicion? Why was he acting so… normal? Don't get me wrong. I'd prefer this over the insane scheming of the Millenium Earl, but the lack of threat from him, unintentional or otherwise, had me on edge.

Rather than responding immediately, I observed the way he met my gaze anxiously. Mana sat across from me, stiff and practically on the edge of his seat, leaning towards me as if he expected something. What that 'something' was, I couldn't begin to guess. My unwavering gaze only seemed to unsettle him further, so I finally took a sip of the bitter tea and replied, "I'm playing Solitaire. The movements are helping my left hand become less stiff."

Mana's features softened. "I'm glad to hear that, little brother."

That only worked to raise another question—was I now expected to refer to him as 'Brother'? I frowned, setting the teacup back onto its accompanying tray before folding my hands on my lap. Calling him 'Adam' seems formal and I doubt he would appreciate that. Goodness, I expected to deal with an evil mastermind who had too many screws loose, not a so-called brother and his pathetic attempts at bonding. Sheesh.

The silence became stilted and awkward, so I pointedly returned to my card game. Unfortunately for my unsettled nerves, Mana didn't take the hint. Instead, he appeared content to simply sip away at his tea and watch my solitary game. His attentive gaze only served to distract me, and whatever progress I'd made seemed to vanish, much to my frustration. My left hand once again grew taut and unyielding to my control, and I was sorely tempted to shout and shove all the cards aside.

Instead, I gritted my teeth and fisted my other hand. Almost cautiously, I guided my left hand back onto my lap.

"What's the matter, Neah?" Mana was quick to demand. "Is your new hand causing you too much trouble?"

I took a deep breath in order to calm my nerves, before replying, voice tight, "I'm fine. I can handle it." It took a couple more breaths before I was better able to gain control over myself. Sliding off the chair and onto my feet, I spoke a little more calmly, "I'm going to take a break. If you need me, I'll be in my room."

Before Mana could protest, I rushed off, accidentally abandoning my deck of cards. But I didn't return for them. Instead, I stumbled through the halls, the shakiness suddenly hitting me like a battering ram. Pausing and leaning against a wall, I slid down onto the cool, marble floors.

What is wrong with me?

I recoiled in shock when I received an answer.

That would be my doing. The longer I'm around him, the more my memories clear up and the more my ire grows. There's a reason I'm a traitor to the Clan, Allen. Do you perhaps, remember?

I snorted. My psyche is already drowning beneath your mounting persona. I don't exactly have room to recall memories that will most likely remain lost.

Tch. I see. Neah's tone was unreadable. Whatever the case, stay away from him. It's already difficult enough as it is keeping myself under control.

Yeah, I scoffed, And you haven't exactly been doing much of a good job in that department either. Gingerly, I picked myself up and began the long trek to my bedroom.

Give me a break. It's been two days.

You woke me up all of three times last night, I deadpanned. If you don't get it together, it'll come to the point where I'll be forced to explain why I've got Road in a chokehold in the middle of the night. And you haven't exactly got a remarkable track record, if you know what I mean.

Neah's sigh swept throughout my mind with a swoosh. I can't help it if I want to rip most of their faces off.

I paused mid-step. Um, actually, yes you can.

… That's not that point.

Then what is the point? I huffed as I reached the grand staircase.

The point is that you need to find a better pastime than hanging around the Noah. With the war at a standstill, you won't be assigned missions by the Earl, therefore it's manageable.

Reaching the top of the staircase, I couldn't help but scoff as I ventured into the maze-like corridors. You're kidding me right? Have you already forgotten the mission Cross assigned us?

In my defense, we were prepared to face the Clan's suspicion, not their unconditional love, Neah grimaced, the distaste in his voice practically tangible, I expected to have a little more space to acclimate myself to their presence. The mission can wait, Allen. It's not like you've accomplished much yourself. You were with Mana for practically an hour and you barely said a word.

I faltered. … I know. It's just… I'm not exactly comfortable with Cross' instructions. I mean, I know your brother's an evil mastermind and all, but it's difficult to see that when I only see Mana's face. I'm not sure if I can do this.

You have plenty of time, Neah assured me, before his voice abruptly darkened, But there's no turning back. You're going to do it, Allen. Because if you don't, I'll take over, and get it done myself at whatever cost.

Before I could make a retort, Neah's presence suddenly vanished from the forefront of my mind, and I could only remain frozen, startled (but not shocked) by his threat. Even so, it was difficult to hold back a shudder.

"Boy, if you could not block my way, I'd appreciate it."

Startled back to reality, I belatedly noticed Tyki's lanky form towering over me, most of his upper half concealed behind stacks of tomes and papers weighing his arms down. "I'm sorry, but you could have just walked around me," I pointed out, hand gesturing towards the spacious hall around us.

He huffed impatiently. "You're blocking the way to my room," he pointed out, nodding to the door I'd paused by.

Face flushing with embarrassment, I smiled sheepishly and offered, "Right, my bad, let me get the door for you!" Turning, I hurriedly twisted the handle and pushed the door open, before stepping aside. Tyki only offered me a nod of thanks as he lugged the heavy stack into his room. Heading towards the small sitting area, he dumped everything onto the coffee table and settled himself on the thick carpeted floor, in between the sofa and coffee table.

Curious, I ventured into his room. "What's all that for?" I asked, remaining near the doorway just in case I needed to make a quick escape.

Tyki scowled. "Sheryl's saddled me with all this work," he answered, irritated, "Says it's supposed to teach me more about running campaigns and advancing in the political world by getting involved in the current issues he's aligned himself with."

"Sounds boring," I admitted, casually stepping further into the room. "But why's it got your knickers in a twist?"

"Because," Tyki glowered, "It's rubbish! He's just getting me to do all the paperwork he finds too tiresome!"

Settling onto one of the armchairs, I had a vague recollection of Komui and Reever, before I shook the image away. "Can't you just say no?" I asked, resting my elbow against the armrest and dropping a cheek against my palm. "It's not like you're obligated to do so. Plus, how does he even know you'll do it correctly?"

"Well, for one, I'm living with him," Tyki pointed out, "And last time I messed his paperwork up, he nearly killed me." He said it so deadpan, it made me wonder how much Tyki had grown accustomed to Sheryl's (or even Road's) Noah bleeding through. Poor guy. "So now, I've got to study up on everything before I can even make a decision! It's like I'm playing minister behind the scenes!"

My lips twitched into a smile. "It could be worse. You could be a roaming vagabond forced into random labor work because nobility are a bunch of penny-pinchers when it comes to offering the lower class a better economy."

Tyki grimaced. "Don't even go there."

I pressed my lips, trying to keep my laughter at bay. Once I was sure I wouldn't burst into giggles at the irony, I instead pointed out, "Either way, it's not like you have anything better to do."

"And what would you know about that, boy?" Tyki huffed, straightening out the stacks of papers and filing them into a specific order known only to him.

"I wouldn't," I shrugged, leaning back against the armchair, "I just assumed most of the upper class people sit around doing nothing."

"Some do," Tyki agreed brazenly, "But if I don't pull my weight around here, it's back to living with mother, and God knows that's an absolute nightmare."

I rolled my eyes. "Why can't you just get your own place?"

Tyki grimaced with distaste, "I could, but that would also involve mother showing up to check on me. She usually leaves Sheryl to do his own thing, which is why I'd rather stick with him."

"Huh," I replied thoughtfully, "This 'mother' must be quite the character."

Tyki merely grunted a reply and continued to sift through the piles of papers and books. With nothing better to do, I remained in my seat and watched him stress as he sifted through the heavy tomes, occasionally pulling at his hair in frustration. It was such a sad sight, I very nearly offered my help, but I knew nothing about running a government, so I refrained.

Eventually, my eyes drifted to gaze around Tyki's quarters. They were even more extravagant than my own, colored in all shades of blues and silvers. Any and all fabrics shone in silky textures of cerulean, panes of glass accented in silver, and furniture carved delicately from dark mahogany. After much observation from my part, my eyes finally landed on the brand new deck of cards stacked neatly on Tyki's nightstand.

Casting a glance Tyki's way, I made sure he was fully enwrapped within his work, before allowing my feet to sink into the plush carpet. Silently, I slinked towards his nightstand and snatched the cards up and within minutes, I was sitting beside the armchair I'd previously resided in and setting up the cards into another game of Solitaire. With a grimace, I stretched out the stiff joints on my left fingers and wrist, before settling into the game. Amusingly enough, it wasn't until I'd nearly completed my game that Tyki finally realized that not only had I stuck around, but that I'd also snatched his new cards.

"Boy, it wouldn't happen to be you who stole my last deck?" Tyki demanded, eyes narrowed my way.

I frowned. "No, of course not."

"Hm," Tyki hummed, unconvinced, before snapping the tome in his hands close and wearily rising to his feet. "I believe it's almost lunch time."

"Really? That's great! I'm starving!" Within seconds, I'd shuffled the cards back into a neat stack and had carefully set them on the corner of the coffee table, making sure they remained apart from Tyki's mess of paperwork. "H-hey! Uncle Tyki! Wait for me!" I called, realizing that Tyki had already left without me. And much to my surprise, he actually paused just outside the doorway, not continuing until I'd reached his side.

"Uncle Tyki, when does Road come home?" I wondered, trotting alongside him.

"Your sister should be back within another two hours," he replied with a sigh, "Trust me when I say you'll know the exact moment she steps through the front door."

I tossed him a curious look, but he didn't elaborate. "So," I continued, "What else is there to do around this place?" If I had to keep away from the Noah for a little a bit—at least, for Neah's sake—I'd need something to distract myself with.

"Around here? Nothing much," Tyki shrugged as we descended the grand staircase, "Though if you turn out to be anything like Road, you should have plenty of fun terrorizing the staff." I frowned, but before I could protest, Tyki continued, "And once you join Road in school, you two will probably vanish for hours on end just for the sake of avoiding Lulubell."

"Eh? Why would we avoid Lulubell?" I asked, hopping over the last step and onto the ground floor.

"Sheryl hired Lulubell to be Road's tutor when the school sent too many complaints about Road shirking her studies," Tyki explained as he lead me towards the dining room, "Now Road's been disappearing on and off for the past couple months, while Lulubell's forced to hunt her down."

"Uh, I think I'd rather stay out of that," I mumbled. I found that both Road and Lulubell could be rather frightening—an assessment I'd technically made within my previous life, but one I didn't doubt. Whatever they had going on was probably a lot more complicated than simple hide-and-seek.

"If you say so," Tyki shrugged. We were the first to arrive, and Tyki took a seat beside the head of the table, where Road normally sat, and I took a seat beside him. Within minutes, one of Tricia's caretakers was assisting her into the room. She was so delicate in appearance that I couldn't but hurry over and pull her designated chair back as the caretaker helped Tricia settle into her seat. Once the caretaker disappeared, Tricia offered me a sweet smile.

"Thank you, Neah, my little gentleman," she spoke quietly, reaching a hand out to smooth down my short tuffs of black locks.

"Of course, Tricia!" I returned her contagious smile.

"Please, call me 'mum'," she insisted.

My face grew hot. "Oh. Um, really? Are you sure?"

"Yes, you're legally my son now. And I couldn't be happier for it," Tricia answered sincerely, smile still in place.

"O-okay," I nodded, belatedly tacking on, "Mum." She pulled me into a brief hug before allowing me to return to my seat. Lunch was eaten in a companionable silence on my part. Sheryl and Mana (or Adam) were currently meeting with the President of the Republic, while Road was still attending school. Occasionally, small talk was exchanged between Tricia and Tyki above me, but overall, lunch was a peaceful affair.

"Neah, would you help me to my room, please?" Tricia suggested once lunch concluded.

"Certainly!" I quickly agreed, hurrying to her side as she carefully rose her to feet. Tricia rested her hand against the crook of my elbow, and we slowly began to make our way towards her room. Her breathing seemed to become slightly ragged from the effort. "Are you okay?" I asked, frowning.

"Just a little out of breath," Tricia explained, sending a reassuring smile my way. "Don't fret too much, Neah," she continued as we gradually ascended the staircase, "It's only a fever. I should be fine within a day or so."

Until you catch yet another sickness, I couldn't help but think cynically. It's not like there was a cure for a weak immune system. But I didn't voice my thoughts. Instead, I continued to assist in guiding her to the master bedroom. I was ready to make my exit once she settled into bed, but instead she patted the space beside her and suggested, "Would you mind keeping me company for a little bit, Neah?"

"I don't mind," I smiled, kicking my boots off and clambering onto the bed, careful not to jostle Tricia as I settled down beside her.

"Thank you," Tricia smiled once more, and I was beginning to wonder if she could hold any other expression.

"It's not a problem," I shrugged, slightly confused. I was only sitting beside her. It was nothing much to be grateful for.

Tricia shook her head, relaxing back against a mound of pillows and pulling my close beside her. "Not only for this. I… I'm just so happy you've agreed to become a part of our family. My body is much too weak to carry children. Road is a joy, of course, but I'm so happy to have another child around the house. I'm happy to be a mother once more."

"Y-you don't have to cry!" I protested.

"I didn't even realize," Tricia smiled, lifting her finger to wipe away the drops.

A warmth filled me as I watched her. I reached out towards my fading memories, attempting to remember if this is what my own mother had been like, but… I couldn't recall. I ignored the ache within in my heart, and instead enjoyed my time with Tricia. If this is what mum's were like, then I didn't have a doubt in my mind that Tricia and my previous mother were similar. I soaked in the warm feeling as Tricia and I spoke. I revealed nothing of what my life was like before joining the Noah—I didn't want to lie, not to her—but I spoke of the things I liked and loved, of the places I wanted to visit, and the people I wanted to meet.

"You want to meet the Pope?" Tricia giggled beside me.

I shrugged. "Well, yeah. I want to see what all the fuzz is about! Anyway, you know who else I want to meet?"

"Who?" Tricia humored me.

"Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!" I declared dramatically. "He just published his first short Sherlock Holmes story last year! I have a feeling there'll be more to come…"

"I myself have never heard of him, but I'll take your word for it," Tricia nodded, lips quirked into an amused smile.

"Mhmm," I hummed, as we drifted into a comfortable silence. I was so warm and comfortable, and my eyes fluttered shut for a little bit. We must have drifted off to sleep, because next thing I know, I was being startled awake by a distant shout.

"I'm home~!"

"Hm, that'll be Road," Tricia murmured, concealing a yawn behind a petite hand. "Why don't you go on and greet her, Neah?"

I didn't really want to, but Tricia appeared slightly worn out, so I instead offered her a smile as I stretched out the kinks in my muscles. "Okay, mum. You keep resting, alright?"

"Thank you, Neah," she murmured as she leaned down and curled up around her fluffy pillows. I tugged the thick comforter over her and then pulled on my boots before tiptoeing out of her bedroom. It was just as I was nearing one of the halls leading to the grand staircase that I ran into Road.

"Neah!" she cheered, tackling me with one of her bear hugs. She didn't allow me much time to protest because all too soon Road had hauled me back to my feet and was dragging me through the maze of corridors. "School was awful!" she moaned, "You're so lucky you get to stay home for another week! But I bet you missed me, didn't you? Come on! Let's go play before Lulubell tries to make me do homework!"

It was slightly difficult keeping up with her boundless energy, so I only really caught the last of her rant. "Eh? They gave you homework on the first week?"

"Yes!" Road agreed indignantly, finally releasing me from her grasp as she stomped into her room. Curiously, I gazed at the disaster that was her bedroom and wondered if maids were even allowed in here. Most of the carpet was concealed beneath piles of toys for as far as the eye could see. How many dolls and teddy bears did one girl need? "Shut the door behind you!" Road called, startling me into action. Once I closed the door, I followed after her, careful not to step on any of her toys, pausing when something weird caught my eye. In between a pile of blocks stacked to resemble a castle and heap of animal figurines, a strange doll resembling Tyki lied on its side.

Carefully picking it up between the tips of my thumb and index finger, I warily called, "Um, Road? Did you make a voodoo doll of Uncle Tyki?"

"Oh! I was wondering where that had disappeared off to!" Road exclaimed, skipping back to my side. She beamed. "Isn't it great? With a single poke of a needle, I had Tyki joining my tea parties without a single complaint!" Road giggled.

"Gee, that's handy," I laughed nervously, discreetly taking a step back.

"Don't really need it at the moment though," Road shrugged, snatching it from my fingers and tossing it aside. I pretended not to hear the distant shout of pain that followed. "I bet you'd be a way better playmate than Tyki! And I've got your dress up clothes ready! Come on!"

Minutes later, Road and I were decked out in some fancy getup. She was dressed up in one of her gowns, a pretty lilac one, and was now taking the time to tie a bowtie around my neck. "We're ready!" she decided with a grin, skipping over to a round table with a fancy tea set near one of the corners of her room, and shoving away the bear with the top hat off one of the seats. "This is your seat, Neah!" she indicated, motioning for me to join her as she took her own seat.

Despite my earlier fear of her, playing make-believe with Road was more relaxing than I thought. There was something about goofing around and just being a child that brought me closer with the usually scary Noah girl. Which is why I was startled when Road suddenly grew irritated as we were interrupted of our game by a staff member.

"Lord Adam wishes for Neah to join him in his office."

Road's expression softened. Turning towards me, she remarked, "Millenie wants to see you! Go on, Neah, I'm sure you'll have a great time!"

"O-okay," I nodded, smile weak. As I left, I couldn't help but drag my feet.

Can you handle it?

I'll be fine. It is you, who should consider taking advantage of this.

I didn't respond and instead prepared myself to face Mana once more, Cross' orders swirling throughout my mind.

MISSION TITLE: OPERATION RED DEMON

SUBJECT:
Allen Walker and Neah Walker.

SITUATION:
By majority, the Millenium Earl has taken to roaming around as a traveling entertainer. His mental status appears to still be unstable. It isn't until recently that he has altered himself in order to appear of higher status. Though it has yet to be confirmed, it is probable that some of his associates are newly reincarnated Noah and that he is preparing himself to be involved in the Holy War once more. The Millenium Earl has also recently come into contact with Neah Walker, hosting the body of one Allen Walker. To avoid suspicion, they've joined the ranks of the Noah, and are no longer under my supervision.

LOCATION:
Unknown.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
The subject has been tasked with inflicting psychological torture upon Mana Walker/The Millenium Earl. The target's already mental instability will further degrade upon the subject's methods of destroying his self-image by removing any kind of control over his environment, creating a state of psychological regression, depersonalization, and learned helplessness. Furthermore, through the use of Magykal aid, Neah Walker's death shall be staged, irreversibly annihilating any definite stability within the Millenium Earl's psyche.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:
The subject shall take possession of the Noah Ark, robbing the Noah Clan of a transit unit, the Akuma Egg Plant, and its legion of Skulls.

DATE OF DISPATCHMENT:
Night of December 28th, 1891

DATE OF COMPLETETION:
To be determined.

REPORT SUBMITTED BY:
General Marian L. Cross

REPORT SUBMITTED TO:
Inspector Malcolm C. Leverrier

A/N: Okay, that's a wrap folks! I hope the chapter was okay, considering it was a pain to write, lol. Some chapters come easy, and others fight you every step of the way. Anyway! So I decided to include the mission report towards the end, in order to clarify what Allen's purpose is while she's with the Noah. Originally, I had Allen explain it herself, until I cringed and decided that 500 words of word-vomit was too much, and instead shrunk it into a simple report. I know it's not in character for Cross, but this is kind of a bid deal!

Let me know your thoughts please!(: