Teito slowly opened his eyes as a dream faded away. He rolled onto his back and rubbed his hands down his face. Dream? Or memory…He got a feling he should have remembered what he dreamed. Teito could not remember his early childhood, it was a blank canvas. All he could ever remember was the academy and Miroku. He was told that he was a sklave before. A sklave, otherwise known as a slave. Many people forget or ignore that slaves are still used today, although not in ways one would think. The basic definition of a slave: property to be bought and used by the masters wishes. As a sklave, Teito was special, he fought for his master in any way that pleased them, and killed anyone he was ordered to.

He was brought to the academy, from somewhere outside the United States, under the pretense that he was attending it. However, at night, while the others slept, Miroku's true intentions were revealed. Teito has a special strength, and already raised a sklave he was taught every night the ways of assassination, infiltration, and becoming devoid of all emotions. Kill your emotions and fight, Teito Klein!He was told night, after night, after night until he listened. And then he was told some more.

Teito shook his head, ridding it of memories. He glanced around the room to distract himself, noting that it was still dark. But when did I fall asleep?He couldn't remember if it was dark or light in the room when he did. Teito looked next to his bed for a clock but didn't find one. Soon enough a ticking noise dragged his eyes to above the door. 6:03 amNow that he was aware of it, Teito could hear every tick of the hands rotation. Tick.Teito sighed and slumped back into the bed. Ticktick.The sun will be up in an hour. Only one hour. Tick.Teito rubbed his face and buried his head under the pillow. Tickticktick.He growled and shot up out of bed towards the door. Fuck it.He glared at the offending piece of machinery sitting there, mocking him. Ticktick.The clock was situated right above the door, and about four feet above his measly five foot one. Fuck my height.

Tick.His eyebrow twitched and his hands flexed, a faint blue light swirling around them. Then it slowly faded with a weary sigh. Teito opened the door and left the room. I shouldn't use my zaiphon… They don't know about it yet.He meandered down the hall, deciding to explore a bit. And hopefully they won't find out.Teito, having knowledge and use of zaiphon, could blatantly incriminate himself as an academy member, a part of the military. And those of the military are not allowed in the church.

Although, technically, Teito wasn't a part of it anymore. Not after what he did. Stupidstupid
The halls were quiet and empty, lit by soft lights lining the walls. His footsteps resounded gently off the marble walls. For each turn he made and every door he passed, he added to his mental map of the place. So far, he hasn't seen much of it at all. He paused at one door, hesitating in front of it. A sign to the right declared it as a "Music Room". At the Academy his only solace for the longest time was sneaking during his breaks to a secluded room that everyone forgot about. There, in the corner and covered in dust, sat a grand piano. There were music books everywhere, and over the course of a couple years he managed to teach himself a bit.

Teito tried the door, somewhat surprised to find it unlocked. Maybe nothing is locked in this place…He cautiously stepped into the dark room, feeling the wall for a light switch. Finding none, he took a hesitant step forwards. The lights suddenly came on and he jumped back out of the room. The lights went back off. Teito again stepped a few steps into the room, the lights coming on. He laughed at himself and closed the door.Technology…The lights seemed to be automated to come on and go off if someone came in or left the room. Teito looked around. It was empty of people, but full of instruments. There was, to Teito's relief, a piano in the back. There were also multiple string instruments, guitars of various shapes, and a bunch of black cases both large and small; and shaped rather oddly. It looked to hold almost every instrument known to man. But in reality, probably not.

Teito approached the piano and lifted the cover, running his fingers over the keys without pressing down on them. He sat down in front and positioned his fingers, letting them decide what to play. After the first few notes he recognized the song to be one of his favorites: Nuvole Bianche, composed by Ludovico Einaudi. As he played he let his body and mind relax. To a certain degree. His thoughts shot back to his stupid ass mistake at the Academy that left him running and Mikage dead.

Teito was almost done for the day, all he had to do was drop off his report and then he could relax. Well, until nighttime anyways. He walked down the familiar corridors to Miroku's office. He had just completed the exam, at least he hoped he did. The exam was for him and his classmates to kill a prisoner or be killed themselves. Supposedly, these prisoners volunteered; if they could beat the zaiphon users then they would be set free. So far none of them have succeeded. It started out well enough, half of the students nearly pissing themselves and succumbing to fear. Teito hung out in the sidelines, dodging when necessary, trying to gauge how it fought. He would have waited longer, for more of his classmates to be knocked out, but Mikage didn't get out of the way fast enough and was thrown into a wall. Anger surged through his veins, it was an odd feeling, considering he doesn't really feel. He threw himself forwards and directed its attention to him. He dodged and attacked, trying to suck down its energy. Soon enough, Mikage got up and the both of them together was nearly unstoppable. When Teito finally saw a hole in its defense he readied his zaiphon. And hesitated. He couldn't take its life. Why? He had no idea. Instead, he circled his zaiphon around its neck, causing it to freeze so its own movement didn't sever its head. Teito declared the exam done. And that was when he met HIM. Ayanami. No one knows his last name, but he is widely known for his accomplishments at a young age as a field marshal and as the leader of the Black Hawks, the most powerful military unit.

Ayanami had come into the room, demanding that Teito finish it off. Teito refused, saying he had immobilized him, beat him, and that the exam was over. Ayanami had looked right at Teito, and with barely a flick of his wrist, sent his own zaiphon and severed its head. "Weak." Was all he said, then he turned around and left. Everyone was shocked, but none more so then Teito. He had seen darkness in the field marshals eyes, and it chilled him to the bone. But something else as well, a sense of familiarity.

Miroku's office was just around the corner, but a deep voice caused him to pause. He heard his name, from the lips of none other than Ayanami and Miroku.

"Teito Klein is one of our best, one of our strongest." Miroku said and in which Ayanami replied,

"He is weak. But he shows potential." The rest got lost as Teito collapsed, clutching his head, which felt as if someone were trying to split it open with a spoon. His vision blurred and he fell to his knees, crunching the report beneath them.

"Father!" Red. There was red everywhere and father was sleeping. He wasn't moving and he wasn't getting up. Teito heard footsteps behind him. "Father!" He shook the body once more before turning around. There was a large group of men, all in uniform. But two men stood out the most, and one with violet eyes held a sword dripping in blood.

Teito's vision cleared and ragged breaths filled his hears. Those two men. Those faces. Yes, he knew them. Miroku and Ayanami. Immense hatred filled every inch of his being, a hate a didn't understand. Without even realizing it, his body lurched up from the floor and ran into the office, his zaiphon swirling around his hands, aimed directly at Ayanami, who merely gave him a cold stare. Suddenly, his face was smashed into the ground and a sword appeared next to his face.

"Now, now, I can't have you killing Aya-tan, now can I?" A teasing voice called from above him. Then his vision went black.

He woke in the dungeons, chained by wrists and ankles. He had full control over his body once more, the hate long vanished. But it left him feeling exhausted. He was surrounded by two men, with two outside the door, and more most likely beyond that. Teito knew that he would be killed, or worse, for attacking the field marshal. And he had no idea what caused him to do so. He wasn't ready to die just yet, there were things he needed to figure out, memories that needed remembering, and questions to be answered. So, without further ado, he used his nighttime training skills to kill every one of the guards. His hands and clothing were covered or splattered in their blood. And that's how Mikage found him. Mikage looked at Teito with wide eyes, out of breath. Teito could nearly feel his heart stop. He waited for Mikage to leave, or call him a monster. Instead, Mikage grabbed his hand and started running.

"Mikage! What are you doing?!" Mikage didn't answer and just pulled Teito along. "Mikage! They will kill you for helping me!" Teito was desperate to get him to understand. Mikage just held his hand tighter.

"Do you remember our promise, Teito? Fight together, die together. Does it mean so little to you?" Mikage glanced over his shoulder at him.

"No, of course not!" His eyes pooled in tears, "That's why I'm trying to get you to understand!" They stopped in front of a black sedan, its engine already running.

"That's why I'm helping you idiot. I already had the car waiting." He shoved Teito inside and then threw himself into the drivers seat. They screeched out of the spot, headed for the exit from the garage. That's when the shouts began, that's when-

The song ended, Teito's fingers lingering on the keys, the last notes fading to silence. He forced himself to not remember what happened next. Forced himself to stop thinking about it. Teito sighed and shook his head, closing the cover over the keys once more. He dragged his fingers through his unruly hair and left the room.
After walking the corridors even more, he found a large courtyard. It had a fountain in the center, with benches scattered throughout, and little rivers carved into the floor swirling in an intricate design. The entire courtyard was encompassed by a massive wall with a long staircase leading up to a gigantic metal gate. And, of course, everything else was made out of white marble. Teito ventured from the hallway, through an archway, and into the courtyard. It was peaceful. Quiet, except for the sound of splashing water. Teito sat down on the nearest bench, leaning his back and his head against the wall. And he listened, letting the sound clear his mind.

Frau POV

Frau was sitting in Castor's office, waiting for Labrador to show. He slouched in a chair with crossed arms. He grumbled to himself. That damn brat. How did he find his way back? And passing out on the bed fully dressed and not under the covers…

"What are you muttering to yourself now?" Frau glanced up at Castor, a frown on his face.

"That damn brat." Castor, seated at his desk, leaned a head on his fist and hummed.

"Yes. A strange one, isn't he?" Before Frau could ask what he meant, Labrador walked in.

'Sorry I'm late. I was talking with the flowers." Frau snorted and Castor shot him a glare. "They are upset. A storm is coming. And it all revolves around that boy." Castor stood and walked around the desk to lean on it as Labrador took a seat next to Frau.

"He's a mystery, isn't he." Castor frowned, "Lab, have you heard anything about him?" Labrador shook his head,

"Not much. Only that when the sisters bathed him he went to great lengths to keep his shirt on."

"So the kid has modesty?" Frau interjected.

"No. He's trying to hide something." Castor looked over at Frau, "I want you to keep a close eye on him."
"I already am, Glasses!"

"A closereye on him. As much as possible." Castor continued over Frau's objections, "You will be with him at every moment except for when you are doing your duties and when he is sleeping. In both the times you are watching him and when you are not, my dolls will be there too." Before Frau could say anything, Labrador cut in,

"Frau, you need to watch over that boy. You may be the only one to save his life." Frau fell silent at that. The only one? What the fuck?

"Did you see it, Lab?"

"No, but I can feel that both Frau and the boy need each other."

"Fan-fucking-tastic." Castor sighed at him.

"I believe your watch duty begins now, Frau."

"Now?! The brats asleep!"

"Actually no, he's in the courtyard." Frau grumbled as he stood. Fucking kid can't even sleep and stay in one spot.Castor suddenly stiffened. "There's something in the church. Something not good." Wonderful."I'll send my dolls out. Lab and I will search the grounds?" Castor looked to Labrador who nodded in agreement.

"And I'll go find the kid."

Teito POV

After an unknown amount of time, he heard slow footsteps echoing down the hallway. Teito held his breath, hoping that whoever they belonged to would just pass by. Instead, they stopped directly in front of him. He peeked open an eye to see an elderly man in holey, saggy clothes. His back was hunched and his face wrinkled so much Teito could barely see his eyes. Teito sat up and gestured to the seat beside him.

"Please, sit." The old man wheezed a chuckle and eased himself down.

"Why thank you, young boy." There was something odd about the man, but Teito couldn't exactly figure out why. "I'm so tired, yet I can't sleep." He glanced to Teito, "Is it the same with you?"

"Yea. I keep remembering things." The old man nodded.

"The same with me, young man. I keep remembering my family." He looked sad, yet Teito hesitantly asked,

"And where is your family?" He dreaded an answer but hoping for the best.

"Dead. All of them." The old man choked. "At the hands of the blasted military. The feeling of losing loved ones is… indescribable. I hope you never have the experience that." Teito looked down at his lap and folded his hands.

"Actually, I have." Mikage…

"How terrible, at such a young age. I am very sorry for your loss."

"And I for yours." They fell into a comfortable silence. Yet the uneasiness still pricked at Teito. He lifted his head and scanned the courtyard, not seeing or hearing any movement.

"I would do anything to get my loved ones back. Anything." Teito looked over at the old man. He was hunched over with his face buried in his hands. I'm no good at comforting someone… ah crap.He awkwardly placed a hand on the man's shaking shoulder.

"We can't get them back. All we can do is remember them and keep them in our hearts."

"But if you could, would you?"

"Excuse me?" The old man stilled and lifted his head to gaze at Teito, his eyes dark. Teito suppressed a shiver.

"If you could bring a loved one back, at a small cost, would you?" Teito removed his hand and leaned back. He didn't like where this conversation was going.

"It's not even possible." Would I? Would I bring Mikage back? At what cost?His heart warmed a bit at the thought of seeing Mikage again, to hear his laughter.

"Oh, but it is." The old man's voice dropped and became raspy. "What if I told you I had the power to grant you a wish, any wish." Teito swallowed nervously.

"No." Teito stood, backing away slowly. Fear coiled in his stomach and his uneasiness spiked. Whatever this is, it's not good.The old man fell silent. Then,

"Foolish boy. You could have brought your beloved Mikage back." Teito froze.

"How did you-"

"Then again, there is no need to. He isn't quite dead you see." The old man stood, his head jerking to the side with a crack and his shoulders hunching. The sound of fabric tearing echoed throughout the empty courtyard as a pair of massive bone wings sprouted from his back. He lifted his head, looking to the frozen Teito with violet eyes. Familiar eyes. And spoke with a voice he knew. "Stupid boy. You think you can hide from me?"

Ayanami's voice threw Teito into action, unfreezing him. He spun on his heel and started running, hearing a cackle behind him.

"You think you can run from me?" The voice came from above and Teito threw himself to the side at the last moment, dodging a bony wing. He rolled across the ground and stood up, only to have a wing slam into his stomach. He was thrown into a wall, crashing to his knees. His ribs were on fire and his stomach was cramping. Fuck…He clutched his midsection, staggering to his feet, desperately trying to pull air into his lungs. He looked up.

Ayanami/old man was waiting for him with a grin on his face. He pushed himself further up into the sky and then dove at Teito. Teito lifted his hands, summoning his zaiphon. But before he could, Frau was suddenly standing in front of him. Teito stopped, then fell to his knees coughing.

"You alright, kid?"

"Yea." He rasped out. Frau jumped into action, chasing after the old man. Teito sat back on his heels and watched with wide eyes as a scythe appeared in Frau's hands. The old man hissed and landed on top of the fountain.

"This is not the last you'll see of me, Teito Klein." Frau threw his scythe and it sliced through the retreating Ayanami's wing. The bones shattered to a million pieces and the old man collapsed, falling from the sky. Teito tried to shout out a warning but Castor was already there, catching the old man in his arms. Teito stood on shaky legs and made his way over to Frau and Castor.

"What the fuck is that?" He pointed to the scythe, which seemed to be attached to Frau's arm. Frau looked at where Teito was pointing while Castor gave him a guarded look.

"You can see it?!" Teito didn't reply, instead his vision blurred and he swayed on his feet. "Ah, shit." He felt arms around him and heard Frau speak before he fell into the black. "So. Teito Klein, eh?"