A/N: this starts in the cafeteria, remember that (according to this fic at any rate) the fourteenth can only really see Allen when there is something for him to be reflected in (hence the title), he is not yet strong enough to do anything else. It does means that his view can sometimes be slightly warped, like when he is looking out the back of a spoon for example. If what he sees is a little confusing then good. So far as I am concerned he is swapping mediums very quickly at times and he is getting used to seeing from a lot of different places. (You don't have just one reflection now do you?) Just the usual please rate and review, I actually feel inspired to write when I see good reviews so if you want decent stories that is the key.

Disclaimer: I am of Hesperian features, culture and language (no that does not mean I am related to the Hesperides) Hoshino sensei is not. You do the maths.

Questions

I softly cursed all spoons to hell, my view of the world was upside down, for a start, in places and parts of it kept on disappearing. It was one of the least pleasant experiences and I had gotten up close and personal with too many teeth for me to look at them in the same way again. Especially Allen's. At least I lost sight of the other's when they closed their mouths. I was, I admit, sulking, not a very becoming habit but still. In fact I think I had lost all sympathy with my nephew at this stage. I had such a headache. Continually losing sight of one place for a few seconds before regaining it only to lose it again and they couldn't all eat in harmony which only made it worse. Suddenly everything paused, much to my relief.

"Nice to meet you my name is Howard Link and I will be supervising you activities from today on…"

I lost track of whatever else that impertinent man had to say. How dare he, my vision became red at the edges and fury engulfed me. Nobody, but nobody monitored my host. Much to my surprise Allen dug right in to the pie he'd brought as a peace offering. I'd heard girls whispering that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach but this was ridiculous. What was he thinking? I couldn't quite see but I consoled myself with the fact that he was not as innocent as he often appeared to be. Finally after he'd nearly finished the pie the spy began to talk in earnest, telling him about me, my family, my mystery. This fool's knowledge only served to anger me further. It was my business and none of his, if anyone were to tell Allen it should be me. not some hot shot, youngling who was too big for his boots. If he had to be warned it should at least be done by Cross so it could be properly done. Done by someone who understood me and my ideals. The boy was not stupid though, but could I credit him with intelligence for the connection he had made between me and the fourteenth? I had told him he was in the fourteenth's room he would have to be a simpleton not to know that I was connected to the fourteenth but had he understood that I was the fourteenth? I did not know, could not see, it frustrated me.

"What does that have to do with you watching me?"

Maybe it was innocence on his behalf, maybe he truly did not realise who I was. He could guess but there would be no foundation for his fears. I would be happier if he did not know, if only for a little while longer. He did not need to carry that burden yet, need to know that he was fighting a losing battle from within. For now that was my cross to bear. Let him think I had gifted him for some reason not that he was twice cursed. Once by hiss uncle, once by his father and maybe thrice in his compatibility with innocence. In truth that was a curse and a blessing in one. Those who were compatible inevitably did a lot of good but their lives were rarely anything but tragedy.

I was brought out of my reverie by the sound of something slamming on the table. Was it just me, from my lower vantage points and twisted reflection that saw this pile as a mountain? No, from his friend's reaction I was not. He was unceremoniously herded off towards the library, much to his chagrin. His friend crudely blocked from joining him. my nephew seemed truly distressed by the thought of leaving his food behind till he was done. Was that their plan? To starve him to death? I wouldn't stand it, it was a well known fact that exorcists with a parasitic type innocence needed enough food to support their innocence as well as themselves. As we left the room my view shifted polished light fittings and buttons became my portals to the real world. I heard him shouting at my Allen that he was heading in the wrong direction, that the library was else where. So what I thought viciously, serves you right. Run nephew, run. I heard a familiar voice shout, complaining about the quality of the alcohol he was receiving. Typical Cross. Yes nephew I urged as he changed direction following the voice he knew so well. Belonging to a man he mightn't like but whose knowledge and prowess he certainly respected. I could see properly in here too, from the large panelled windows, as no one had thought to close the curtains. I could have watched from the floor too, certainly it had been better looked after than the rest of the place. Extravagance surrounded him and he had a beautiful woman at his side. I checked the label on the bottle, not the best certainly but it was not 'crappy' as he put it. he flirted with the woman who seemed immune to his charms. His conversation was ended quite abruptly by my nephew. He had some novel ideas, those papers must have been quite heavy, dumping them on Cross' head had been a quick was to get his attention.

"Oi, idiot pupil what are you up to?"

"That's my line!"

I quite agree nephew.

"When I think I've finally found you, you hang out getting drunk."

Come now nephew, be reasonable, even I think it is too much to ask for cross to do anything but.

"I told ya to stay away Tim"

What? Why? What had I missed that Cross suddenly wanted Timcampy at an arm's length. Moments later we were dragged from the room. After Cross showed that he understood exactly why we were here. Why was this happening I was relying on Cross being able to direct him, central's pet provided the answer.

"You are now suspected by the order of being the fourteenth participant."

Fury made me sarcastic, do you think so clever, they really must have dug deep to find someone as bright as you. I will get you, when I awaken, you and your puppeteers. All who have added unnecessary difficulties to this.

***

Eventually he seemed to zone out while we walked, contemplating both past and present, looking for links if what I felt was correct. How it frustrated me, being unable to see as I wished to. As I had when he'd been near death and when he'd relied on my strength to save his friends. Yet could I begrudge him what little privacy he had left? Slowly being consumed by an unknown and unwanted host? Even now his physical privacy had been stolen by central? I should let him keep his last sanctuary, though I slowly breached even that. I could not even argue when the prick pointed out that in knowing the melody he proved a connection to me, but it was not one he was conscious of? Could you punish someone for something that was done without their consent? Without their knowledge? Yes they could and they would. The spy was unimpressed by his explanation of how things must have come to be, with Cross hypnotising him in his sleep. For creativity I would have given him full marks but there was one factor he'd forgotten. The spy on the other hand had not.

"Then why could you read this?"

I was a shocked as Allen and Timcampy, Allen's question a prophecy of my own.

"This… why do you?"

"He he. You told branch head Komui about this sheet didn't you?"
Who dared to give away my secrets?

"We did some research: these writings do not match any others of any time, country or people."

Of course they do not you fool! They are mine, mina and Mana's and Allen's.

Of course because these letters are…

Do you speak to me when you are upset nephew?

"Why can you read this?"

The ones Mana and I made up.

"Hasn't someone taught them to you? These letters…"

Of course someone has you fool? How else do you propose he learn to read and write? Were you special? Born with the knowledge of languages in your head?

But I can't say that

No you are right nephew though all else changes we must remain constant, loyal to Mana.

"Are these not the ciphers the fourteenth has made?"

Mana was just a travelling performer who picked up and raised an orphan and he died. I made him an akuma and became an exorcist. That is all there is to it, about Mana and me.

Nearly right nephew, but close enough. We halted next to a large window, I was glad for that, I could see properly.

"Cat got your tongue Allen Walker?"

But he was no longer listening to the spy, instead he had seen me. Perhaps it was not such a good idea for them to stop here.

"Why…are you here?"

I never left.

He dropped the paper trying to point me out. He cannot see me nephew, only you can because you are special. He will only believe you are acting, trying to draw attention from yourself. See there I am right. I stood behind him unsmiling now, as he tried to order things in his head.

My head I just don't know what is going on. Mana… you and I… we were just a foundling and a clown. That's all we were. If that's not all you were… then what on earth were we…?

And part of my heart broke for him, the part that was not as dead as I, twisted and corrupted, it broke for the poor boy child. Had I been able to weep maybe I would have. Poor, poor boy. I cannot honestly say what you were, but I don't know if Mana was entirely sure either. If he even remembered me. Sometimes I hoped that it was me he spoke to but do you know what? I'm not so sure anymore.

A/N: I don't hate Link I just don't think he would've been popular with the 14th. I may improve his thoughts on him later on if you guys like. Just tell me.