Some time had passed since anyone at the order had last seen Allen Walker. "Some time" those are the words used to replace "we have no idea if we'll ever see him again" or "Is he even alive?"

Indeed some time had passed. Just how much Lenalee didn't know. She stopped keeping track of the passing days as keeping track made her heart grow heavy and only pressed the certainty that Allen was gone from her life.

So instead she let time slip by without keeping track it was easier that way.

The joke that Lavi had spread around the order had become serious after days had passed and still no sign of the missing white haired exorcist. Even Lavi had lost his joking manner, replaced by signs of worry which was distressing to watch for Lenalee. It only meant that her feelings were correct...

Where had Allen gone? That was the question that was plaguing her mind and those in the Black Order.

She and Allen had seemingly switched places. Now it was her who was keeping up false appearances. Pretending she was alright. Smiling when Lavi asked if she was alright. All of it was a lie. She tried to be strong and hated feeling like she wasn't. It felt better even if the strength she showed to others right now was fake. It still felt better than letting them know how worried she was. How scared she was that she would never see Allen again. That she might never even find out what happened to him.

Lying curled up in her bed, holding the pillow cupped to her chest. It was the one time, the one place she didn't need to be strong for anyone. Where she could let down her guard and just be herself: A worried young girl who's world was so very frail and falling apart.

Falling apart? Is it really? Is losing Allen...does that undo all that's important to me? I still have so many things that are important to me. My brother, Reever, the science department, Lavi, Miranda. Yet...why does it feel like everything is gone now? Like my world has already been destroyed?

These feelings that she buried deep within her so she could be strong. Strong....so she could protect her world made up of the people which were important to her. Why did it feel like she no longer needed to be strong?

XXXXXXX

"OH how is my PRECIOUS Lenalee doing?" Was Komui's love inspired greeting as she entered his office. The greeting came complete with devoted eyes and that awkward wobbly stance that seemed to defy gravity as well as that creepy feeling you get when the director talks about his younger sister.

"I'm doing fine brother" smiling that wonderful smile that only Lenalee could give. Marian Cross seemed to know how to spot attractive woman ahead of time as Lenalee had become quite the eye catcher. Her short hair seemed to accentuate her changes. Yet to director Komui she would always be his precious younger sister and he would protect her with all his worth.

"That's wonderful and thank you again for the coffee this morning. It was even better than usual."

"well um..I really didn't do anything to different today. Well I did add some cinnamon but other than that nothing was different."

"It must have been Lenalee's love in the coffee that made it so delicious. Had anyone else made it it wouldn't have been nearly as good."

"uh....brother."

"hmm...yes?"

"Is there a reason you summoned me to your office?"

Komui's face grew serious. He had been trying to put this off. Trying to forget, if even for a moment, what he was about to do. He knew that Allen's disappearance had an effect on his younger sister and he worried for her well being. That's why he wanted to avoid this.

"I need you to investigate reported sightings of innocence in the city of New Orleans."

"Sure. That'll be fine. Am I going alone?"

Komui didn't like how well she was taking this. Where was the crack in her armor. He knew it was there but the fact it wasn't showing was worrisome. She seemed to be fairing far too well in light of Allen's disappearance. As the saying goes if you bottle it all in it's unhealthy and eventually one explodes.

"No, Lavi and bookman will accompany you. As will Timothy, it will be good in field experience for him. The information we have so far are rumors and speculation. There is talk down there of strange magic and disappearances. Although it being New Orleans I imagine it to just be local superstitious folklore. Voodoo and the like are well known around those parts so I wouldn't be surprised if it's nothing but rumors but w2e need to have it checked out anyway. This might be completely unrelated but the local wildlife in the swamps outsiede the city seem to be-"

He flipped through some papers looking for the exact words.

"-irratic or completely absent. There doesn't seem to be much more in the report about it but please keep it in mind just in case."

"Kay, anything else?"

"...No. That'll be all. Please take care of yourself Lenalee.-"

Ring went Komui's phone

Komui sat there smiling ignoring it.

Ring Ring!

He knocks it off the table.

"Uh brother aren't you going to get that?"

"Hmmm....get what?" He said with a smile.

Reever poked his head in the office. "Uh director Komui I have Levrierr on the phone here requesting a word with you."

"Tell him I'm not here!"

the phone erupted in the noise of Levrier's yelling which was loud enough for those present in the room to hear.

"KOMUI I CAN HEAR YOU! ANSWER ME NOW!"

Director Komui reluctantly and hesitantly complied.

"Oh hello sir how have you-"

"Don't feed me that! I've been trying to get in contact with you unsuccessfully for quite some time. I find out that investigator Link was incapacitated. Why was I not informed!?

"Well you see-"

"What's more I find out that due to your failure to comply with regulations Allen Walker has gone missing while under your watch. Your neglect in your duty has resulted in this and is unacceptable. You are hereby stripped of your rank and duties until further notice. I'll be sending someone down to investigate your competency to perform your duties along with other things. Until then you're in charge Reever."

"What but sir I'm not-"

"It's only temporary until my subordinate arrives and the investigation is over. It won't be too long.

Komu turned to his Lenalee. "Uh this could take awhile but don't worry about brother. I'll take care of it."

"Uh okay" She closed the door behind her. I hope brother is gonna be okay.

XXXXXXX

Komui had dismissed himself from the discussion between Reever and Levrier. If he was no longer acting as head director than it was nothing he needed to worry about. He had more pressing concerns on his mind and he wished to use the power of his position to try and get some answers while he still could.

The appearance of the new crystal form innocence that Lenalee now had was unique and unprecedented. It concerned him greatly, not just out of concern for his younger sister but for the safety of other exorcists. What was this new evolution of the innocence. Parasitic innocence shortened the lifespan of the wielder severely. What effects did this crystallized innocence have?

Komui had been discussing such matters with Hevlaska. Her knowledge of innocence was beyond reproach yet even this new form of innocence puzzled her.

Komui had been trying to form theories with Hevlaska's assistance but nothing substantial had come.

The lights of floors flashing across his vision as Komui descended the elevator shaft still thinking.

The most pressing concern is something which has recently surfaced. The innocence known as "Judgement" which belonged to the now deceased general Cross and now being held by Hevlaska. She had reported to him that Cross was no longer the one whom the innocence was compatiable with. That was already known. What was new was that she claimed that it was now resonating.When Komui asked her to clairify all she could say was that the user to this innocence is becoming active. She wasn't much clearer about that.

What does this mean? An innocence finding a new weilder after the old one died? I haven't heard of such a thing before. Could...could it be the heart?

Such an idea seemed ludicrous since this innocence was once possessed by Cross who was known to lack a heart. But it would be very ironic if it was indeed the heart and it was weilded be one who lacked a heart of his own. Ironic, funny, and sad.

"Hello Hevlaska. I wanted to talk to you one last time about how Judgement is doing?"

"One last time?..."

"Oh you'll learn soon enough."

"Well actually I have become concerned myself as I haven't felt anything like this since the Walker boy's innocence reached critical levels. Although not near that magnitude the resonance of this innocence is similar in nature...as if being pulled to the user."

"Well that IS interesting....."

XXXXXXX

She brushed her green bangs out of her eyes as she stared out of the window of the carriage as they made their way towards the city of New Orleans. They should have been taking the ark but without Allen around it was nearly impossible to use it except the way Allen had left it and since this city wasn't programmed in it was impossible.

So the group had been forced to travel the old fashioned way.

Lenalee tuned out all noises around her as she let her mind wander. Her head supported by one hand as she took in the greenery of the flora they were passing. The trees lush and different from the kind she was used to. The area was much more humid and the ground was constantly moist due to nearby swamps. The trees seemed to have adapted well to the area as their appearance suggested giving the unwelcoming look that fit with many horror stories of which were prevalent in the area amongst the locals.

The bumps along the road being fully felt inside the cabin of the horse drawn carriage although this too went unnoticed by Lenalee who's mind was elsewhere, with a certain white haired exorcist. Her mind was missing...just like him...just like Allen...

"Lenalee."

"Huh?"

"I said we're almost there." Lavi placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, trying to pull her mind back to the here and now. It was strange how he seemed able to see though her, like she was transparent.

"Oh yeah...right." She said, looking out the window only briefly. Taking one last look at the natural landscape passing them by. Allowing her mind one last chance to wander the harsh cruel realities of life before she had to resolve herself to turn and face it once again.....most regrettably since dreams seem to have it all....in ways even she couldn't fathom at the moment.

XXXXXXX

Upon arrival in the city of New Orleans the group of exorcists were led by their finder through the streets towards their destination. They took in the sites, sounds, and yes even smells of the vibrant city. Though it had only been around for roughly a hundred years it seemed to be fast becoming economically well off for a city so new.

It was strange as neither Lenalee nor Timothy had ever seen a city quite like it as their primary commodity to success seemed to be fun and style. It had a laid back, friendly atmosphere that seemed to put ones mind at ease and lift burdens as it was doing for Lenalee at this time.

It was quite a colorful community Lenalee had to admit. The people were friendly yet different but in a good way. It brought a smile to her face which had been absent for quite some time.

The finder had led them to one source of information about the 'rumored' innocence.

"A pub?" Lenalee asked quizzically

"Actually here they refer to it as a bar." corrected the finder

"What are we doing in front of a liquor store?" Asked Timothy.

Lavi merely smiled, "a pub isn't a liquor store Tim. It's a place where-

"Blah blah blah blah yeah right people go to get drunk yeah I know. Don't use your smart words to make it sound better around me red head."

Lavi was dumbfounded at these words but found them amusing and merely laughed it off ruffling the boy's hair.

Lenalee didn't find it as acceptable though and grabbed Timothy by the ear, "Tim you shouldn't talk to Lavi like that, it's rude."

"Ow ow ow ow ow! Let go! Yeah right sorry geez."

Tim muttered under his breath that it was still a place people went to get stupid but Lenalee pretended not to hear him.

"Anyway why ARE we here anyway? I thought these finder guys were suppose to take us to where the innocence was suppose to be."

"Normally I would young exorcist but in this case I don't know where it is specifically. All we have are rumors and the like. I felt it best if you inquired one of our sources for information yourself before we venture further."

They walked into the bar. The finder was right, this isn't what one would call a pub, more like a dive. Barely any lighting broke the shadows. The first thing they saw was a rather tall dark skinned man talking to some woman. He was obviously the bartender. His hand planted on the oaken counter as he leaned on it while talking enthusiastically to the two young woman who seemed captivated by his words.

The presence of the exorcists seemed to kill the man's mojo though and upon seeing the exorcists the girls bid the man goodbye much to his chagrin and displeasure.

The girls now gone his attention turned to the party crashers. "Can I 'elp you?"

"I believe you can." The finder said stepping to the front of the group revealing himself.

"You. Whadda you need friend?"

"I need you to tell these people everything you've told me."

"What! Again! Look I already told ya and I'm getting mighty sick o' this topic so unless one of you plan to buy a drink or make it worth my while there's no business 'ere.

The bartender's eyes seem to find Timothy, "We don't serve kids though sorry."

Ignoring his most recent comment Lenalee stepped forward and addressed the man herself. "Please sir. We've come a long way and it's very important that we hear what you have to tell us."

Giving Lenalee an appraising look, "This 'ere is New Orleans pretty thing. Where anything's vailable for the right price. What's it worth to you?"

"What do you want?" Lenalee asked not liking where this was going nor the look the man was giving her

"Bein as you mighty over dressed little lady how 'bout you show some skin thaz all. Skin's a low form o currency round here. More 'spensive stuff 'll run you more than just a show though if you know what I mean. Luckily I'm not askin' for that."

Everyone's eyes bugged out at where this conversation was going. Timothy seemed to be the only one slightly lost. "Wait..so he just wants her to take off more clothes right? What's the big deal?"

Lavi looked down at Timothy, this kid had a strange assortment of knowledge.

Lavi tried to put a stop to it but before he could get a word out edge-wise "All right"

WHAAAT!!! "Lenalee do you know what you're doing!?"

"It's okay Lavi."

"Relax boy, sit back 'njoy tha show.

Lavi couldn't believe what was going on. The bar tender came out from behind the bar to get a better vantage point, sitting atop the oak. Lenalee slowly and hesitantly bent her leg and lifted her skirt slowly and with the other hand beckoned him to come closer.

Lavi took this moment, his jaw hanging open, to cover Timothy's eyes.

The man got down on his knees to comply. He liked this game. He could just begin to see under the skirt when Lenalee's bent leg knee'd him hard in the face sending him flying back against the bar.

"Oops! Sorry about that. I can be so clumsy sometimes but you got to feel which is more than what you asked so can you please answer our questions. Please?" She asked in a fake sugary sweet voice.

Grumbling the man rose from the floor and nodded while rubbing his face. "Tha trouble you bring ain't worth it. You best be careful who ya try that on. The next guy might be the one ta jam something in your face after ya try a stunt like that."

"What stunt?" Lenalee asked innocently with a smile.

"Right." Taking his place back behind the bar he pulled out some glasses and began stocking the liquor cabinet as he talked.

"Don't know when it started, just know what I picked up in conversation. Ya hear a lot running a bar and not all of it true but I know there's a grain o' truth ta this one. Anyway people 'round town been disappearen' an all that. Locals, greenfolk, tourists n' what not. It don't matter. All of em go missing. People go missing everday round here it's just now it's gotten worse! Too many folks vanishin and whatnot.

One o' my employees, yeah well he and I would talk with the customers about it. Some real strange stuff. He seems to enjoy talking about it more than me though. Doesn't bother me what he talks with customers 'bout 'long as he don't scare em off and they keep coughin' up the green."

"That's really fascinating and all but could you get to the point please." Lavi didn't want to have to memorize useless information as a bookman and everything this guy was saying was being locked away in that vault he called his memory.

"I'm getting ta that! God almighty little patience seish. Well anyway like I said that employee o' mine I was telling you about, guys got a weird name I tell you, matter o' fact he should be here workin' right now but the guys lazy as hell. Does this all the time and I'm gonna bust his ass next time I see em. Anyway name's Xadi. He picked up an awful lot about these missin people from the customers. He says that most o' the disappearances happen just outside o town near the clarksville swamp. Land was once owned by...I dunno *shrug. An old mansion was built out in that estate god knows why. Some guy musta liked his privacy and you can't get more private than a swamp. Don't nobody wanna go out there ta visit you.

So Xadi comes up ta me one day says 'ey bill! I went out there and it was weird as all 'ell'...said something about there being no sound out there. Like nothin, nada. No crickets nothing. 'so what I sayz. And he tells me it might be true or something like that. Talked about seeing a woman out there near the old rundown mansion. Holding a doll. He went back out there and talked 'bout seein some lights in the old run down clarksville mansion.

Creepy stuff he sayz. Starts bringin it up ta the customers round the bar 'specially the ladies. Like he's tryin to impress em o somethin. Big bad tough guy lookin for missin people or some garbage like that. Ha! Good guy though. Lazy as all hell though.

Anyway. I follow em out there one night just ta see if he's a chicken shit and call his bluff. But it was real. I saw a glowing light out there in the swamp and I coulda swore I saw a girl. I lost Xadi out there but he was right about one thing. There is nothing out there AT ALL! No animals. Like god has cursed that place. Haven't seen anything like that in my entire life."

"You wouldn't happen to know where Xadi lives would you? If he's the one who has most of the information shouldn't we be talking to him?" Lenalee asked.

"Heh, you're the second person to ask where he's stayin. But it's a lost cause because he's probably not at home. Never is. Can't ever find the guy for my life. Shows up to work late and that's the only time I'm able to find the guy. Hangin' out after work with em is fun though."

Lenalee had to ask the question buzzing around in her head. "Finder, why haven't you checked out the swamp yourself?"

"I have Ms. Lee and it's just as he says. I can't find this Xadi person even though I've searched high and low for him. I also seem to be incapable of finding this clarksville mansion so my search has come up with nothing. That's why I felt it would be best if exorcists were brought out. Things are quite strange."

The bartender seemed miffed, "are we done now."

XXXXXX

It's been quite awhile since I've updated. Sorry about that. I'll try to update more frequently. The good thing though is the time away has given me some good ideas like taking the setting to New Orleans. Bet no one saw that coming. I'll update soon...hopefully. I hope I haven't lost any of my loyal fans because we still haven't gotten to the best part.

Next time: The exorcists travel to the clarksville swamp in search of clues while someone manages to track down this Xadi person.

Timothy: This sucks! Hey Lavi carry me!

Lavi: What! NO! *Swats at mosquitos This is bad as it is