Hi guys! I'm gonna try to get back to weekly update this time. I will try my best. :) So enjoy this chapter. And thank you for those who reviewed, favorited, and followed this story.

By the way, WE'RE IN THE 30'S EVERYONE! THANKS FOR STICKING WITH ME THIS ENTIRE TIME. You all ROCK.

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Chapter 33: Black Lines

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Cross's POV

"Just sit there," I ordered as I carefully led Nova into the room of the inn we were staying in. Letting her sit on the edge of the single bed, I pulled off my coat and turned to her. She seemed spent, as if the Innocence had sucked all of her life energy and left her with nothing but a dribble of it. Nova heaved a big sigh before meeting my gaze with a curious look in her eye.

"Activate your Innocence and we'll begin analyzing it. See what's wrong with you." I instructed as I pulled up a nearby chair. Flopping into it, I watched as the gifted exorcist in front of me activated her weapon. Noticing her arms turn into the black, charcoal texture and color, I narrowed my gaze and put out my hand. "Gimme your arm,"

Complying with my request, Nova stretched out her arm to me, letting me see up close what exactly her Innocence was. Observing every detail, I concluded that I needed a more active reaction. What I was looking at now was simply the construct of her Innocence, nothing more. Meeting her gaze, I pressed my lips into a firm line, not liking where this will have to go.

"What?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We need a more active reaction. Something where your Innocence is pulsing erratically, to the point where I can figure out what's wrong with you. But..." I trailed off as I met her gaze again.

"But?" She inquired as she looked at me seriously.

"You'd be putting yourself in danger just for this purpose. Are you alright with that?" I held her gaze for a while as she pondered the question. It was only moments before she let out a small sigh that she replied.

"...yeah," I wasn't surprised.

"Alright then, activate your scythe. We'll start from there."

Nova held my gaze once more before closing her eyes. As she went into her scythe form, I watched her black, charcoaled arms pulse with a light purple light. Her scythe materialized in the hand I was holding. I was paying attention for any signs of distress or any irregular patterns in the rhythm of her Innocence but I couldn't find any. What about the Second Form?

"Let's see your Second Form." This received a surprised sound from Nova who looked at me in concern.

"Are you sure? With the black marks and all?"

I nodded silently as she carried out my request. The scythe in her hand increased its pulse as a purple hue surrounded the blade, sparks climbing along the blade and back. I was brought back to look up at her face when she made a pained sound. Those black marks from before were crawling up her neck, from what seemed like her shoulders. Probably where her Innocence starts. They stopped at her cheeks, looking like the jagged edges of a shadow.

"Tell me what you're feeling..."

"In this Second Form, when the black marks appeared, I felt pain in my right eye. It was like this earlier too..." she continued to tell of her pain from the battle as I moved closer to take a look at that strange eye of hers. It vaguely reminded me of Allen's cursed eye.

The purple hue that had changed the color of her silver eye was trembling, like it wanted to get out of her eye itself. This was strange. What kind of Innocence is this? I noticed with great detail that black lines were making its way into the purple hue. It seemed to want to shy away from the black lines, twitching and trembling in an effort to escape. It was like something wants to invade her Innocence.

"-and when my eye was hurting, it felt like cold fire was making its way inside me."

"Is this your original Innocence?" I inquired as I pulled away from her, sitting back in my seat. I let go of her hand, allowing her to let the scythe's staff hit the floor. Nova wouldn't meet my gaze as she replied. She seemed reluctant to talk about it.

"Yes but... it was destroyed until Hevlaska somehow repaired it for me. Now my very Innocence fused within me...because of that...damn Rouvellier." She whispered as she clenched her fists in anger.

"Hm, can't say I don't feel bad for ya. That guy's a pain in the ass. Anyway, your eye. Those black lines are in it as well." Nova snapped her head up in surprise, meeting my gaze with wide eyes. I nodded to reassure her that I was telling the truth. There was a theory that lingered in my mind that wouldn't disappear.

"...it could be possible..." I murmured as I leaned back in my chair, my eyes to the ceiling.

"Hm?"

It's possible that something may have been planted inside her in a battle or something. But then those who fought the same opponent would have these same symptoms.

Unless it was only meant for her.

I suddenly lurched forward and placed my hands on my knees, startling the young exorcist. She looked at me with an astonished gaze, speechless.

Those black marks on her eye and her cheeks...might kill her. If my suspicions are right, then someone wants her gone. Bad. This may be why she was in so much pain earlier.

"Kid,"

"Y-yes?"

"...is somebody out for you?"

"...actually quite a few! The Shigai, the Earl and those Noah. Why do you ask?" She replied after a moment. I looked away from her, thinking of the possibilities of who would plant black streaks like that. However I couldn't think of any.

"Those black lines...someone put them into you. Whoever it was wants to kill you badly. From examining your eye, and what you told me before whatever was put in you will kill you from the inside. But it will only spread if you use your scythe, is what I believe. Do you remember fighting someone who used black streaks?" I asked as I observed her reaction to the news. She looked completely shocked.

She recovered her surprised expression and was now deep in thought, gazing down at the floor. We sat there in complete silence, the sparks from her scythe buzzing. I also mulled over the possibilities but none came up.

"Wait! I know!" I met her wide eyed gaze seriously. A look of dread spread across her face as she got ready to say the name.

"A Noah! It was that Noah, Tyki Mikk!"

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Tyki'S POV

I held in a sneeze that came suddenly, brushing my nose with a finger. Road glanced over at me from across my bedroom. The grin that appeared on her face made me groan in irritation.

"What?" I drawled out in an annoyed tone.

"They say if you sneeze once, someone's talking about you! Somebody's talking about you, Tyki!" She excitedly squealed, jumping off of the bed to float into the air with the umbrella Lero.

"Hmph, if that's true then it must be someone we've attacked since that's practically all we ever do now." I grumbled as I settled against the wall, crossing my arms as I played with the cigarette in my mouth.

"Oh relax grumpy! We're still looking for the Heart ya know! And we're getting ready for a battle too! You should be training not sitting here smoking the day away!"

"I could say the same for you, since your always fooling around with that damn umbrella." Road suddenly sat in front of me-or should I say on me- and stared me in the eye, a pout on her lips.

"You're no fun! I'm going out to play with Lulubell!" She growled as she jumped off and stormed out of my room.

"Finally," I sighed as I exhaled deeply, cigarette smoke wafting around the room. "Some quiet."

As I enjoyed the silence, I couldn't help but think back to when I fought Nova and that man of hers. I remember almost yanking her heart out and getting stabbed but that was it. Everything else was a blank slate. Had I gone and released myself just for the sake of wanting to kill Nova and that man? Is that why I can't remember anything from that point on?

I closed my eyes as flashes of images flooded my mind. Those of an enraged face of that man, and the pained expression of Nova. So I had hurt her. A small grin appeared on my face. Now she knew what fear was.

Hopping off of my bed, I buttoned up my white flannel shirt and made my way out into the hall. Heading over to the Earl, I smirked as Nova's pain filled face invaded my mind. How I'll miss that.

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Allen's POV

"Okay guys! Break time!" Lenalee called out as she came into the repaired training room with a cart of water filled cups. Why she didn't just come in with the water pitcher? I dunno. But we all stopped hacking away at each other and wandered over to our friend. All sweaty and tired, the three of us plopped down on the floor as we tried to catch our breath.

"Good...job...Kanda," Lavi wheezed as he raised his empty cup towards his friend. The man in question simply nodded as he raised his own cup.

"You guys really worked hard today! You deserve some rest!" Lenalee encouraged as she sat down with us, not minding the smell of sweat.

"Thanks Lenalee for bringing this for us!" I thanked as I gave her a bright smile. She blushed before nodding in agreement.

"So. What's next?" Lavi brought up as he grabbed another cup of water, downing it in seconds.

"Another spar?" Lenalee suggested as she raised a finger.

"Fine. Moyashi, get over here. We're fighting." Kanda instantly jumped in as he stood up ajd headed back towards then mats.

"What?! But you just-you just fought Lavi!" I protested, kind of tired from smacking the punching bag a thousand times.

"What, already done?" The samurai taunted as he picked up one of the practice swords. I bristled at his words, getting ready to stand when a hand suddenly landed on my shoulder.

"Why don't I give it a try?" I was surprised at the voice.

"Lenalee?!" Lavi and I both shouted as she stepped in front of us, moving to pick up a practice sword as well.

"What? I'd like to give it a shot since all I work on are my legs." She innocently replied as she glanced back at the both of us. Lavi and I both met Kanda's gaze which was also burning. He didn't want to fight her either. Lenalee held the hilt of the sword in both of her hands, getting into a stance.

"I don't think-"

"Here I come!" Kanda's words were cut off as she charged, roaring. Kanda clashed with her, about to say something when she yelled again, striking once more.

Lavi and I sighed, knowing it was hopeless. As we glanced at each other we shared a chuckle of relief. We were going to get stronger. Just like Nova.

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Avon's POV

"Power surges are at thirty-percent so far, Master." I informed as I readjusted the cuffs around his neck and wrists. He was somewhat conscious I knew he could hear my voice.

The amount of hatred in the room made my stomach roll in uneasiness. How Master was able to take all of this in appalled me. That's why I admired him. He was beyond any leader I had imagined. When he had grabbed me by the throat, I didn't care. He was the only one I'd listen to and trust. He needed loyalty and I had that. I knew he wouldn't kill me.

As I left the huge cavern, I was met with the new recruits we had gathered from all around. They seemed to have taken a liking to Master as well, willing to join our fight. It was glorious. We can have our own world. Just as long as we kill the humans and those aggravating Noah. Then it's all ours.

I led the new Shigai to our area to absorb the hatred in the air. Just like the Master, we too will grow stronger in order to fight. He will be pleased with our work once he has awoken. Setting them all up in the machines, I hooked myself to the main one and met the hungry gazes of the others. With a grin, I pushed the button that would begin our path to victory.

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Klaud's POV

There's no way she's gone. I refuse to believe that!

I gritted my teeth as I walked through the halls. Koumi had told me the news that the recent akuma cases might have been because of Nova and possibly Cross. If that's true, then that means we've all got to work harder for her sake. If we were to meet her the way we are now, it'd be shameful. Believe. That's all everyone needs to do. Is to believe in the two that will finally end this all.

Turning a corner, I heard sounds of fighting and approached it, curious to see what it was. Peering inside the training room, I raised an eyebrow when I saw Lenalee actually exchanging blows with the notorious Kanda in a heated chain of strikes. I spotted Allen and Lavi sitting down as they watched the two spar. They were all working hard. Smiling, I entered the room silently and leaned against the wall as I watched them all in admiration.

The sound of a faint roar caught my ears, making me turn to see Tigress-a now full grown tiger-running around in the halls with Lau Jimin running beside her along the rails. I suppressed a chuckle at the humor. Even they were getting ready.

Nova, be ready because when you see these people again, they'll be ready to fight with you no matter what.

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Nova's POV

"So you're saying that I shouldn't use my scythe and my eye until I face the Earl and the Shigai?" I asked Cross as we packed our things for the road. We still didn't have much.

"Yeah, you'll spread the thing inside you at an even faster rate if you continue using it." My mentor replied as he grabbed his black big hat.

I remained silent after that, even as we exited the town, my thoughts buzzing all around me. I didn't even notice the few once in a lifetime chance concerned glances coming from Cross himself. I could only focus on the fact that Tyki Mikk had actually brought me one step closer to death. The feeling of that black strip of matter cutting through me still remained in my mind. At least he knew I was dead. I smirked to myself as another thought emerged.

Then when I see him again, I'll won't let him get away with what he's done.

I was broken out of my silent reverie when Cross handed me something as we boarded the train. Taking it, I realized that it was another eye patch. Sitting down across from him, I raised an eyebrow curiously.

"Wear that over your right eye from now on. Only use it when necessary. We're taking as many precautions as we can."

"Then...I can only use my machine gun and swords to fight with?"

"Actually, just using your Innocence itself with further the process." Cross replied as he gazed out the window. I scowled as I glanced out the cabin door to see a few older women pass by. They saw Cross' bored face and giggled excitedly before walking away.

Tch, they'll come in soon.

"So what? I can't fight?"

"Yes you can brat, it's just your scythe that speeds the process up the most. It seems like your other forms don't do as much to cause any reaction yet. I feel like the marks were targeting your scythe because it has your most powerful attack..." He trailed off as his eyes landed on me seriously.

"So...if I use its Third Form on the Shigai and the Earl..."

"Ah, you'll possibly kill yourself in the process."

I shut my eyes as the train began to move. Great, another step closer. I'm practically engulfed in death itself by now. You can just see the black aura around me.

"Relax kid, you'll be fine."

"...fine? I'm close to death again..." I whispered to myself harshly as Kanda's face came back into picture. I shook it away hastily.

"It's part of our job to have Death constantly around us. So suck it up." Cross sternly replied as he stared at me. I could feel his gaze on me.

"I'll come out of this alive...I have to." I quietly said as I met my mentor's gaze slowly. We simply stared at each other before a knock came at our door.

"Excuse me? May we come in and relax with you during this ride? You wouldn't mind would you?"

Ugh, it was those two ladies again.

"Yeah no problem, I was just leaving."

Standing up, I broke away from Cross' gaze and made my way to the door, allowing the girls to come in. I could still feel my mentor's eyes trained on my face.

"I'll be getting some air," I muttered to Cross, not meeting his gaze. Exiting the cabin, I walked through the halls, pulling my hood up in the process.

It was just getting to me now, how real this all was. How I could actually die and not see the others again. It pained me at how cruel a world this was sometimes. It's taken away everything that was ever mine. Yet I'm happy in the reality of this world. I've met so many great people.

My anger for the death of Patrick and of my mother boiled within me for the first time in a while. The Millennium Earl. I clenched my fists at the rage that fired up inside. He also won't get away with this.

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Wow...I meant to have this out last week but I could never write it out...anyways...now we know why Nova was in all that pain! Everything's falling into place! And there were more POV'S in this chapter than any other! Hope you enjoyed reading and see you next week for the next chapter!