Alright! For those who guessed who the person is, great guessing guys! I'm glad you decided to participate in it! So the person who got it right was DancingDynasty with the guess of Sam! For those who didn't get it right, I'm sorry, why don't you have some chocolate brownies? Oh and some brownies for the winner as well! Thanks for playing and enjoy the chapter!

Oh and I have a question, please do read it at the end of the chappie.

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Chapter 14: The Smell of Death. Literally

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Sam's POV

When Nova had agreed to go with that old woman who came out of nowhere I instantly wanted to smack her for being such an idiot. Why would you go with someone who just appeared out of nowhere? Unless her injuries were that bad. I only came after she met the old woman.

As the three of them began walking towards the house, I trailed behind them quietly. I made sure that I was undetectable. The house itself was just enough to live in. It wasn't one of those huge ones, but it was enough. When they stepped inside, I climbed up the side of their house and stood on top of the rooftop, eyes shut. With my Innocence ability, I could sense the three of them inside. Everything was calm so far so good and if there was even one sign of danger or distress I would take a look inside check it out.

I've had my suspicions with old ladies helping injured people. Based on experience. The last old lady I met tried to kill me and I'd rather not go through that again. And now after seeing another one take an injured exorcist in, well I'm dead certain that they're akuma too.

It's odd how I'm suddenly here, yes I know. But I have my reasons for that. I was sent yet on another mission by the Generals to look for more possible Innocence and just ended up losing track of time. So let's just say that I was, uh, taking a stroll. Yeah.

I'll just let you know that I'm not always this cold. I used to be a bright, cheerful person. But that kind of all changed a while back. A clatter of dishes broke me out of my black haired, blue eyed memory as I sensed distress from below. I immediately jumped off the side of the roof and dodged a barrage of poisoned bullets, rolling on the grass.

Up on my feet, I pulled out my swords and grimaced as my skin changed color. This is also what I hated about being an exorcist. The first reason was because I had to leave someone to live.

The side of the house suddenly exploded, sending splinters of wood into the air. A figure immediately stumbled out, wearing an exorcist jacket. As I took in Nova's condition-the way she clutched her side and the gaping hole in her coat, I could see why she decided to go with the lady. At least she got her wounds somewhat bandaged.

Nova fell to her knees as she coughed up a round of blood on to the ground. I rushed over and was about to reach her when she suddenly rolled over to the side, the little boy from before sailing over her. As I knelt down next to her, she looked like she was fighting a battle with death, her face sheet white.

"Sam?" She hoarsely said as she pushed herself up to sit. I grimaced at the already soaked bandage and sighed as I punched her in the shoulder lightly.

"Don't trust old ladies that pop out of nowhere." I growled as Nova broke out in a grin. Glad to see that she could at least still do that.

"Yeah, I figured." She weakly replied as she activated her Innocence, pulling her large sword from behind. I gave her an incredulous gaze but she simply brushed it aside as she got to her feet with the help of her sword.

"Are you crazy? Sit this one out or you'll die." I said as I turned and left her standing there, jaw dropped. Sometimes I wished that people like her would let the guy help out sometimes.

-.-.-.-

Nova's POV

Okay, first Sam comes over to help me and then he tells me to stay put? Normally I'd disagree and go off into the fight but I have to admit, I feel pretty close to death right now. It wouldn't do me any good injuring myself even more. As Sam fought off the two akuma, I closed my eyes and deactivated my Innocence, hoping to save my energy for later. I just wish I could see Lavi and Kanda again. I'm pretty sure they've told Komui already as well as the others. Feeling my world sway around me, I sat back down and tried not to fall unconscious. I was confused about how Sam was here, but I'm glad because I could use his help. If he weren't here, then I probably wouldn't have made it alive.

I whirled around just as I heard the old lady akuma scream, "Die!" before Sam appeared in front of me and slashed her straight into two. He glanced back for only a second before returning back to the fight to destroy the other one. I sighed with exhaustion and winced as pain spiked through the middle of my gut. I kept wondering how I was going to be healed, whether it was by magic or something, I just didn't want to feel this pain anymore. A pair of feet appeared in front of me and suddenly I was carried on his back.

"We need to treat those wounds." Was all that Sam explained to me as he started running towards the now empty house where I was only a few moments earlier. Whoa, wait, he's going to look at my wounds? No freaking way man. I already made this clear with Kanda and now I have to do it again to this jerk?

"No way," I instantly replied as Sam set me down on the bed. As he set down his weapons, he whipped off his coat, only wearing a black tank and a complete worked out body. Oh god, not this again. I looked to the side as I felt my face heat up. I glanced up when he approached with the roll of bandages from before.

"Whoa whoa whoa," I quickly said as I stood up from my seat, moving behind it as I pointed at Sam with wide eyes. Said exorcist froze in place as I put a hand over my wounds, the pain spiking. Sam started to move again but I thrust a hand out to make him stop.

"What're you doing?" The milky brown haired exorcist asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Nothing! Could I...have the bandages?" I hesitantly inquired as i reached out for them, a forced smile on my face. Sam scowled at this and crossed his arms, clearly not getting it. I have this serious problem with guys wanting to help bandage my wounds. Ever since that time with Kanda it's been freaking me out ever since.

"I can handle it myself so you don't need to help." I added as I gaze at him intently, hoping he'd give it to me, just like Kanda did.

"You've got more than that hole in your stomach don't you? A few broken ribs with the way you're holding your side." He retorted as the side of his lip lifted into a smirk. I narrowed my eyes as I fumed and tightened my grip around my side.

"So what if I do? I don't need your help to-"

"Do you want to die?" I blinked as I pressed my lips together, looking away from him as Kanda's face popped back into my mind. Suddenly the roll of bandages was tossed to me and I caught them with a startled gaze.

"Do whatever you want; I've still got a mission to do." He coldly said as he put on his coat and strapped on his swords on his back. I gaped at him, speechless as he made his way towards the huge hole in the house and bit the side of my lip as he left. That didn't go too well. How am I going to get to the Order now? Wait, what about the General? I ran my hands through my hair as I sighed, slowly limping over to the spare room to change the bandages. As soon as I finished, I took out my golem again and asked for it to hook up to Kanda's golem. Again, static.

I groaned in irritation and held my head in my hands, wondering what to do when the door to the room was suddenly kicked open. Immediately reacting, I was holding my sword in my hand, the point held straight at the person's throat. I instantly widened my eyes as I stepped back, a suspicious look in my eyes.

"What are you doing back?" Sam shrugged quietly as he walked back out into the ruined part of the house- which was pretty much everything.

"I've got nothing else better to do." He replied as he leaned against the wall, his arms crossed in front of him. I tilted my head to the side in confusion and sheathed my sword, shaking my head.

"I need to get back to the Order. Are you on your way there?" I inquired as I stepped outside the hole in the house, turning to him with a raised eyebrow. Sam blinked for a moment before stepping outside as well, sighing.

"Yeah, but I need to finish a mission."

"What? But you just-you just said that you had nothing else better to do." I exclaimed incredulously with wide eyes, seeing him meet my own.

"I don't. I honestly don't like being the Generals dog." A frown appeared on my lips as I kept quiet, a moment of silence passing between us. Sam cleared his throat awkwardly and turned to me, a frown on his face.

"Anyway, if you're headed back to the Order then come with me. Once I'm finished with my mission I'll be heading back." I thought about his offer for a bit but bit my lip and simply shrugged.

"Sure why not? I'll just help you kick some ass if needed." I offered with a bright grin, a thumb pointing to myself as I saw Sam's lip twitch slightly.

"As if you can kick ass." I heard him mutter under his breath not so secretively. With a twitch of an eyebrow, I scowled as I grabbed a fistful of his exorcist coat.

"What. Was. That?" I bit out, teeth clenched as I glared into his eyes angrily. Sam shoved me off of him and started walking along the trail, leaving me behind.

"I said you can't kick ass!" He yelled back at me as he raised his arm and gave me a thumbs down, all the while still walking. Fuming, I clenched my fists and followed behind him, only further away from him and his entire ego.

This was going to be a pain in the ass.

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Kanda's POV

As soon as Lavi and I arrived back at the Order, we were immediately met with the Moyashi and Lenalee, all dressed and ready in their exorcist coats. I raised an eyebrow at them curiously but they both shrugged, having no clue what was going on. All I knew was that I really needed some sleep. Lavi looked like he needed it too.

"Hey! Kanda! Lavi!" We both turned at the sound of his voice and saw Komui and Reever approaching us with Tigress in his arms. As they both stopped in front of us, Reever handed Allen the tiger, petting her head affectionately before walking away to the Science Division.

"W-wait! What should I-" Komui put his hand up to make him stop talking, a serious look on his face. The four of us turned to him, a questioning look in our eyes.

"Nova's missing and we're hoping that Tigress here can help find her." He explained as he glanced down at the not so small cub. She wasn't the size of a hand anymore. She was more like an entire arm now.

"She's missing?" Lenalee asked worriedly, eyes wide as she looked at her older brother. Komui nodded, his gaze wavering over to my own as well as Lavi's. He wanted us to explain later.

"Yes, but we recently found out that her tiger Tigress may be able to find her. She's got Innocence inside her which means Nova can use her in battle if she takes her with her." I nodded as Tigress jumped out of Allen's arms and padded over next to me, her head tilted all the way back to look up at me. I scowled down at her but she didn't seem to care, a curious look in those Innocence colored eyes.

"Oh look! She likes you~!" Lavi cooed as he bent down and patted her head with a cheerful grin. Tigress raised her head as he whiskers twitched with pleasure. I glared angrily at Komui who simply moved on to explaining the situation.

"I was hoping that the four of you would go out and search for her together. I told the Generals that you're all going out in a back to back mission which means more time to find Nova. This is your cover up in case they became suspicious because if the Generals find out that-" He leaned in and made us all huddle together, his eyes darting around cautiously before he continued.

"-that Nova had gone with them freely to save General Klaud, the other Generals would have her head. Only one other person has done that," Komui whispered before he pulled back to resume in his normal voice. I exchanged knowing glances with Lavi and turned back to the Chief, deciding to keep our word.

"So you think that Tigress here can find her?" Lenalee inquired as she locked her hands behind her, bouncing from one foot to the other. Komui gave them all a grim smile but nodded, positive.

"Yes, just ask her yourself." He exclaimed before he whirled around and went back to his office, leaving the four of us exorcists alone with a growing tiger cub. Allen gave Tigress a pondering glance before bending down on his knees, followed by the rest of us.

"Tigress, can you find Nova for us?" For a second, the tiger tilted her head to the side curiously before she blinked and nodded, her tongue swiping over her lips. All of us gaped in surprise as she nodded again.

"She can-she can understand us!" Lavi cried out with a wide eye, pointing at her with a shaking hand. There was a moment of silence before he broke out into a wide grin.

"THAT'S SO COOL!" I scowled at this while the others literally deflated, a sweatdrop behind them. Bending down, I scooped up Tigress in one arm and turned to the others, a serious look in my eyes.

"Let's go. We've got a lot to tell you."

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"Are you serious? So she might be mortally wounded?" Allen exclaimed incredulously, his eyes wide with concern. I glanced over at him as Lavi nodded to his question, a grave look on his face.

"I hope she's alright," Lenalee softly said; a worried frown on her face as she gazed at the ground. Lavi, being the one who always had to cheer things up shot his arms up in the air, startling the Moyashi and Lenalee.

"DON'T WORRY! SHE'LL BE FINE! YOU KNOW OUR LITTLE NOVA!" I cringed at the volume of his voice but proceeded to walk alongside them as Tigress took the lead, walking on the pathway with her tail dragging on the ground.

She had led us on the train to some rural area and now we're on the way to a nearby town past the train station. She was pretty good at it too, keeping her eyes alert and cautious as if something were to pop out and attack us-which hasn't happened yet. We had told Lenalee and Moyashi all about what happened to Nova starting with the decision she had to make and how she left. They were both pretty quiet about it, taking in the information.

Soon with a soft growl, Tigress had led us to the town we were headed to, a place called Shion. The place was pretty lively too, lots of shops and bars, people all about. Not as crowded as Fermosa though. That place was just overwhelming with people. As we entered the town, Tigress froze in place, eyes wide. She turned around and literally shook her head at us as if to say run away! I exchanged glances with everyone and activating our Innocence, we ducked for cover just as a few bullets landed in the spot where we were just standing. I blinked in surprise at how they weren't those pink poisonous bullets we were all familiar to.

"What're you doing here exorcists!" A distant voice called out, filled with fear and anger. I glanced over at Moyashi who was sitting beside me who simply shrugged, not knowing what was going on. Lenalee took a breath before standing up and stepped out of cover, taking cautious steps as she met whoever shot at us.

"It's okay. We're not here to hurt you. We're just looking for a friend." She calmly explained, a reasoning look on her face as she looked at the people who pointed rifles at her, blazing gazes wavering with fear.

"Please let us pass," Lenalee added, meeting everyone's gaze seriously. A middle aged man with an aging beard stepped from the line of people with rifles and stepped out to meet her, his rifle still pointed.

"Why should we? You exorcists cause nothing but trouble for us! Coming in here and destroying our buildings, trying to get rid of those weird flying, clown faced creatures." The man yelled as he tightened his grip around the weapon, eyes narrowed. Lenalee seemed shocked to hear this but composed herself, giving the man a pleading glance.

"Please sir, we're not here to cause any trouble. We won't destroy any buildings. That isn't us." She replied as she beckoned for the rest of us to come out. Slowly, we filed out of our hiding spot and stood behind her, Innocence deactivated and weaponless. The man gave them a wavering gaze before he frowned and lowered his rifle, signaling for the others to lower theirs as well.

"Fine. Just pass through then." He grumbled as he stood to the side, glaring at all of us with anger. Lenalee glanced back and shrugged, telling us silently that we can't rest here. We'd have to look for someplace else.

"Thank you," Lenalee quietly said as we passed the middle aged man who grunted in reply. In a few minutes we were away from the town that returned to its business, now back in the rural part of the place once more, an empty trail leading our way as Tigress continued her search. I just hoped that it wouldn't take too long and that Nova wasn't dead yet. Because if she was, then like I said before, I'd bring her back and then beat her senseless for being stupid.

At least that's what I'd think I'd do if she were dead.

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Nova's POV

As Sam and I reached the town of Kingsley, we were immediately met with bright smiles, glad that their happy village finally had a few visitors. I exchanged glances with Sam as the villagers who came out led us into their most well known restaurant, seating us down immediately. They seemed to be pretty excited about all this. But I guess it was just one of those one time things. Soon the table we sat at was filled with food and Sam and I were finishing it all, not inhaling it, but chewing it quickly to quench our ravenous hunger. Once we had our fill, we drank our tea in silence, sipping it ever so often.

After a few moments, I started to feel my eyes begin to close on its own. What the heck? I forced myself awake and looked over at Sam who was also in this situation. He narrowed his eyes when he saw me and grabbed a knife, making a slash in the palm of his hand, probably to try and keep himself awake. I was about to do the same thing when a twinge of pain shot up my back, reminding me of the wounds I had.

"They goddamn drugged us," Sam bit out as he clenched his cut palm, blood seeping between his fingers. I struggled against the drug, trying to stay awake as much as possible, but it was just too much. My eyes closed of its own accord, as did Sam's and soon I was taken into the darkness.

When I woke up I could feel that my arms were tied, raised above me and chained together against something. Scanning my surroundings, I noticed that they had torn off my coat with a sudden coldness, revealing my bloodied shirt and bandages. I realized that I was in a small room as well, my coat and Innocence nowhere to be seen. This was all by using my senses in the dark; it was complete pitch black in here. Hearing a moan next to me, I shifted and turned my head to recognize his scent; Sam.

"Ugh…Nova?" I heard him softly say as he shifted as well, gathering his surroundings through the darkness.

"Yeah?" I replied, pulling against the bonds to see if I could break out of them.

"You okay?" I glanced over at him-wherever he was, wondering why he'd suddenly ask a question. It was unlike him to do such a thing, in my opinion anyway, being a cold and mean person sometimes-well really most of the time.

"Never been better Sam," I replied bitterly as I felt another spike in my gut, biting my lip in pain. The wound was still bleeding; I could at least tell that from the way I could feel something sticky stuck against me.

"How do we get out of here? They took our coats which has our golems. I don't have my Innocence either." I wondered as I struggled against the bonds once more, sighing when they didn't work.

"Got no idea. I guess we just wait until someone comes in to check on us." I settled with that thought for a moment before widened my eyes, stiffening. I just realized it now. How could I have not noticed it sooner! As if Sam sensed my sudden stir of fear, he nudged me with his leg.

"What? What's wrong?" He asked, his burning gaze on me, even though I couldn't see it. I tried not to breathe it in but the stench became unbearable.

"Don't you see? No one is going to check on us! Don't you smell it?" I heard Sam tried to sniff but he sighed and then silence, indicating he was shaking his head no. I groaned and leaned back against the wall, shocked.

"Sam, this town robs the people that come in. The people that are robbed never come out. They're dead Sam and they're in this room." There was a second of silence before Sam sniffed again, this time gagging and coughing from the smell of rotting flesh.

"Shit,"

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I know this chapter is a bit short compared to my other ones, only a few hundred or so words short though! Right now I've got around 4,000 words, I'm usually aim for around 4,500 or something and I'm usually at that level by now but I've got no more scenes to write till the next chapter so bear with me! I hoped you enjoyed Sam and Nova's little scene there. And I'm sorry; Kanda and Nova's meeting will have to wait for the next chapter! I promise it'll be good!

Okay so here's my question: Wouldn't it be cool if this story had some bonus specials or something? I know it's a little late with how far the number of chapters is now but I've always wanted to do it! I could start right after the next chapter based on your feedback! So what do you think? Would it be cool to have a bonus chapter filled with random shit about Kanda, Nova, Avon, and all the other characters? Wouldn't that be AWESOME? Leave your opinion with your review!

Please leave a review for me!