A/N: Updating this earlier than usual today, because after the sucky day I had yesterday, and the fact that I'm still sick, I decided to not go to school today. So you guys get a new chapter not even 24 hours later! And thank you to Storm VII, Lena-luvs-cats, Takei Daloui, and jy24 for all taking the time to review!(: Thank you for the ideas and advice. You're the best!(:

Please enjoy!(:

Disclaimer: Seriously. How many times have I said this? I honestly do not own anything! I promise, okay?!

Chapter 8

Time Frame — Afternoon of January 12th, 1896

—3rd Person POV—

~Allen~

"The plan's a lot simpler than I thought," Allen remarked, after yet again, repeating his part aloud to Lavi. The redhead had insisted on it, wanting to make sure that neither of them would forget. "You sure it'll work?"

"Of course!" the redhead exclaimed, fingers tapping against the small hammer strapped to his thigh. "Now that the numbers are even, it'll be an easy victory!"

"You might want to rethink that last move!" Mei-Ling piped up for yet the hundredth time, seemingly amused as Lavi returned to thinking up new ideas. Allen was surprised that the redhead hadn't yet snapped at the younger girl, but it appeared he was willing to take all the help he could get.

"We should probably start heading out," Lenalee called as she exited the bathroom and began to strap on her Dark Boots. "Lunch is over in twenty, and you know how General Klaud gets when any of us are late."

Lavi shuddered, as if recalling a particularly dark memory. "Yeah," he said, turning to Allen and whispering, "That's when the whip comes out. It's not pretty…"

Allen would like to think they were just messing with him… Yes, that's what he would stick with. No need to imagine Klaud terrorizing them with a whip every time he saw her. "Um, right," Allen eventually replied, pushing Lavi away when the older Exorcist got too close. "Let's get through Komui's hallway of death, then."

And just as the both male Exorcists were zipping up their boots, a booming crash had them all jumping up, startled as they automatically activated their Innocence weapons. Horrified, they observed the massive tangle of machinery that towered just beyond the doorway it had smashed through.

"MALE PRESENCE WITHIN THE ROOMS OF LENALEE LEE DETECTED. TARGETS IDENTIFIED. LAVI BOOKMAN. ALLEN WALKER. MISSION TO DESTROY ENSUING IN 3… 2… 1…"

"Oh shit…"

On the other side of campus…

"You guys are unbelievable!" Alma finally snapped, knocking his chair back as he abruptly rose to his feet. "Do you guys even want to win?!"

His exclamation was met with a dozen shhh's from the other Library patrons. But they soon learned to mind their own business once Alma shot them a nasty glare, for once, not in the mood. Andno one wanted an angry Exorcist on their hands. Turning back to the other two, Alma continued to glare at them stubbornly, hands leaning against the table.

Daisya blew out a sigh, chair wobbling slightly as he balanced on the back legs of the chair. "No need to blow a fuse, Alma. What's the big deal? You remember when Lavi first came here, and he couldn't tell the difference between the top and bottom of that stupid hammer. You think scar face is going to do any better against us? He'll only drag the other two down, and then we'll easily defeat them. You know, unless you don't suddenly choose to side with pigtails and the rabbit!" Daisya glared at him accusingly.

Alma shrugged unrepentantly. "It was only one time, and I felt bad! They hadn't gotten a mission in almost a year, and the numbers weren't fair."

"Whatever," Daisya scoffed, crossing his arms as he finally allowed his chair to land on all four legs. "You and kitchen knife over here got that last mission to Mater in any case, so it's my turn!"

Alma grumbled out an answer, as he finally sat down with an irritated huff. Kanda, who up until now had paid more attention to Mugen than either of the two arguing idiots, finally found it prudent to say, "As much as I hate to agree with the clown, he's right. The beansprout was a pretty decent fighter against Klaud, but she was going easy on him. I doubt he can keep up with the rest of us. But if it turns out we're wrong, neither of you better lose to him. Or the rabbit, for that matter. If I have to go on a mission with either of them…" The frightening glower on Kanda's face was enough motivation for both Alma and Daisya to quickly agree.

"Hey, what's with the commotion?" Alma suddenly garnered their attention, quickly standing once more as he noticed yet another couple of science students rushing over to the other side of the library. Following the gathering crowd, the trio of Exorcists was swift to push their way to the front, revealing the single wall that held floor-to-ceiling windows, rather than more bookshelves. Coincidentally enough, they faced the training grounds, upon which lied a horrific scene.

"Who the hell allowed Komui to built another one of those fucked up machines?!"

Kanda's demand went unanswered, but Alma was quick to unlatch one of the enormous windows open, much to the consternation of the other students. Daisya and Kanda immediately raced after Alma, soon reaching their classmates, along with General Klaud.

"New course of plan, kiddos!" Klaud called, as all the young Exorcists warily circled around Komurin II. "Whoever demolishes that monstrosity gets the next available mission!"

A/N: A shout out to Storm VII for the idea of introducing Komui's inventions!(x Haha, don't forget to review please!(: