TWP: And then we've reached chapter nineteenth. HALLELUJAH! My arms hurts like hell!

Disclaimer: I don't own DGM

Chomesuke checked the sky and the land before nodding to the others and continued to walk forward. The group travelled mostly in silence, so as to not attract any Akuma. Only two of the Exorcists weren't hurt from the attack on the ship and that were the two Krory's. Ava wasn't hurt because she had healed up inside the egg and Krory was alright because he had managed to avoid the shots from the Akuma. Lavi was a bit suspicious about the way they were going but Chomesuke told him that she had memorized the whole route to Edo. If he didn't believe that, then he would have to believe in Timcanpy, who also pointed them in the direction that Chomesuke was leading them.

Suddenly shuriken fell from the sky. Lavi jumped out in front and deflected them with his hammer but he recognized them immediately and frowned. He looked up and saw the level 3 that had attacked them earlier stare down at them.

"That level 3 from before! Did you follow us?" He demanded and the Akuma chuckled darkly. "Oh, there are so many humans running around." Bookman appeared behind Lavi and whispered to him before he attacked with his Innocence and pinned the Akuma even though it was no use trying to destroy it with that kind of attack. Of course that wasn't needed when Lavi used his Heaven Seal and caused electricity to rain down from the sky, hurting the Akuma, but not killing it. A level 3 could already stand such an attack and now with his right arm in a sling, the power was cut in half. Chomesuke kicked the cliff wall and a secret hidden route opened. They all instantly ran inside, leaving the angry Akuma behind.

"This isn't good, cho. It's not easy to get away from a level 3, cho!" Chomesuke rambled on in worry. Suddenly the ground shook and the roof began to cave in. Miranda quickly activated her Innocence and used Time Recovery to make it turn back to normal. They expected it to be the same Akuma but this time it was another.

"I will be the one to kill you guys." He claimed. Krory whispered something to Miranda before he took off, taking a direct hit from the Akuma's weapon. Once he hit the roof Miranda deactivated her Innocence and with the use of Lavi's hammer they escaped out into the open.

"Even if we escape they'll just continue to chase us to Edo!" Lavi said and the third Akuma appeared in front of them laughing insanely.

"You won't be reaching Edo!" He called and his Dark Matter seemed to be energy blades that he hurled towards them. Lavi changed their course from up to down and they narrowly managed to avoid the attack but the Akuma threw more of them and the explosion from the one that landed in front of them cause them to be thrown off the hammer and they fell to the ground. Clutching their wounds they looked up and gasped as he readied himself to attack again.

"Wait, where's Ava?" Lavi looked around but couldn't find the girl anywhere.

"HAAAAAH!" The Akuma looked up and raised his arms as shield from Ava's kick from above but her speed gave her attack strength and his arms got cut clean off. He screamed in pain and she tried attacking once again, from the side this time but he jumped and kicked her and she fell back on the ground in front of the others. The Akuma growled and charged but Chomesuke took something from her kimono and threw it on the ground before their enemy. A bright light blinded him and when he could see again, they were gone.

It seemed like whatever Chomesuke had used was for naught though for the three Akuma quickly caught up to them. The Exorcists readied themselves but before the fight broke out their skulls began glowing with Dark Matter. Chomesuke also clutched her head and whined.

"Sachiko, what's wrong? Does your head hurt?" Lavi asked in worry but she shook her head. "It doesn't hurt…" She grit out and the Akuma around them leaped into the air and disappeared.

"What's going on?" Lavi wondered and then they noticed a horde of Akuma flying over them.

"Meet in Edo." They turned to Chomesuke. "All of these Akuma are going to Edo?" Lenalee exclaimed.

"Well fuck… We're screwed." Ava muttered. Even she didn't see a positive outcome from this. If they reached Edo they would most probably be attacked by all the Akuma and the chance of actually reaching Edo before was low.

"Indeed, there's little chance we'll make it out of here alive." Bookman turned to the others. "Will you still go?"

"The answer's obvious!" Lavi said and Lenalee nodded.

"Bookman… you, Lavi and the others should leave here. Arystar and I will find the General." Everyone turned to stare at Ava with wide eyes, not quite believing their own ears.

"What the hell?" Lavi exclaimed.

"You can't do this alone!" Lenalee reasoned.

"Are you sure about this?" Bookman asked.

"Ava?" Arystar seemed hesitant and surprised.

"Let me stay and use Time Recovery on you at least!" Miranda begged. Ava sighed and held up her hand, tipping off one finger for each reason she had.

"Lenalee's legs are hurt. She can't fight. Miranda is exhausted; using her powers anymore is life-threatening. Chaoji, Maosao and Kie ain't Exorcists and you two." Here she pointed at Lavi and Bookman. "Should leave simply because of who you are and you're hurt too. Arystar and I are the only ones who're mostly unhurt. We stand a better chance in sneaking in in a smaller number." She explained.

"The hell do you mean, we should leave simply because of who we are?" Lavi grabbed her collar and glared at her angrily, not getting the reason as to why she was suicidal. "This has been a suicide mission from the start! What if you fail at sneaking in, huh?"

"Then you'll lose only two Exorcists, not six and three civilians. And what I mean with you two is because you're Bookmen. You're the recorders of hidden history. You're not even supposed to be here!" She shot back and Lavi growled before throwing her on the ground.

"What do you mean we shouldn't be here?" He was furious now and Ava didn't bother getting up from the ground knowing she probably was going to end up down on it again. She didn't like this option either, but it was better that they lowered the risk of losing everyone. Lenalee and the others stared at the two in confusion except for Krory who got in between the two.

"Calm down, both you, please."

'What did she mean by that?' Lenalee thought and glanced at Lavi, then Bookman.

"She has a very good point." Everyone turned to Bookman who had his eyes closed.

"Gramps, you can't be serious-" Lavi began but the old man held up his hand in order to silence him and gave him a look that reminded Lavi of who he was.

'That's right… I'm the successor to Bookman. I'm not supposed to get attached.' But how did Ava know all of this? Where had she gained this knowledge? She still sat there, staring at him with an unreadable expression on her face, the kind he wore when he was in his Bookman mode. It was unnerving, not being able to at least guess what she was thinking. She was usually like an open book.

"But we're now on a mission given to us by HQ." Bookman stood in front of her and kneeled down in front of her; speaking silently so only she could hear. "What do you now?"

"That the Bookman clan grows no attachment to anything or anyone. They are neutral and chose no side. I guess the reason you joined the Order is solely for the reason to record history?" Bookman nodded slightly. "That's all I know."

"How do you know?"

"I've always known this. I don't know why, but it is knowledge I was born with." Bookman inspected her before leaning back, nodding and letting it slide for now. He had seen, heard and witnessed weirder things. "You said so yourself, Bookman. If you are an accommodator, you have a responsibility as an Exorcist." She whispered and he froze.

"Indeed. I did say that once." Bookman nodded.

"What did you say, old panda?" Lavi asked and Bookman punched him. "Nothing, you idiot apprentice! And stop calling me a panda!" He huffed as Lavi groaned.

"That's why we're staying." Bookman told Ava and she shook her head and let her bangs cover her eyes.

"This is folly!" She muttered. "Claiming to be able to finish this alone is an even bigger folly." Bookman retorted and began walking, the others following. Krory stopped by her and held out his hand but she shook her head.

"Just go. I need to think." He seemed hesitant but he followed the others, leaving her behind.

"Bookman, is it wise to leave her alone? Especially here? " Lenalee asked.

"She needs to sort through her thoughts. Keep in mind that what she offered was to give us a way out of this alive. She won't be far behind." Bookman said, reassuring Lenalee a bit. Chomesuke groaned as she received the message while they continued.

'Foolish! This is foolish! Going in there now… it's stupid! We'll all die!' Just the mere thought of her comrades dying made her want to throw up. She remembered how she pictured everyone the day she was told that Yeegar died and bile rose up her throat. She heaved and bent over, throwing up whatever she had eaten on the ship. The stench burned her nose and eyes, causing her to gag more and he eyes watered. She spit, hoping to rid herself of the awful taste in her mouth but it didn't work. She sighed and brought out her handkerchief as she sat back, wiping her mouth. She wiped her forehead and tried to breathe a little easier but it was hard. The images came again but she shook her head, managing to get rid of them for at least a short while. She thought about what she had told Bookman. The man was already edgy around her because of what happened on the ship and now he had a reason as to why he shouldn't trust her. And her suggestion earlier…

"I'm an idiot." She sighed and leaned back, resting on her arms.

"Glad we agree on something." She tensed before turning around, glancing at the one who had snuck up on her. "Your suggestion just proved to me that you're suicidal, ya know. And what's with the whole: you should leave simply because of who you are, crap huh?"

"Not now, Lavi. I know it was stupid-"

"Stupid doesn't even begin to describe it." He cut her off and she hung her head. "Of course, I should have told Arystar to go with you. Very selfish of me wanting to save you." She said sarcastically and he slapped the back of her head, not too hard though but it caused her to lurch forward, almost throwing up again.

"Hey, are you sick?" Lavi's mood went from anger to concern.

"N-no." She stammered as she took in fresh air so as to clear herself from the annoying feeling of nausea before she gagged again and threw up.

"You are sick." He held her hair back and awkwardly managed to rub her back as she rid herself of the disgusting matter.

"Well… there goes my lunch." She mumbled and wiped her mouth, grimacing at the taste. "Here." Lavi handed her a bottle of water. She didn't know where he had managed to hide that but she accepted it gratefully. She drank, rinsed her mouth and spat. She checked and found that the taste was almost gone and she was satisfied with that as she handed it back to him.

"Thanks."

"No problem." He stared for a while as she breathed heavily before he asked. "What did the old man say to you?" She stared at him.

"Why do you ask?"

"It seemed serious and he seemed to be deep in thought back there, didn't even react when I called him a panda again."

"Whoa, then he's really in deep thought." She joked but he didn't laugh. "Come on, that one was funny!"

"Just answer the question." He snapped and she knew from his tone of voice to tread carefully now. She had never seen Lavi really angry before but she had a feeling that if she wasn't careful he would show her exactly how angry he could become.

"He asked me about what I know of Bookmen." She answered simply and he stared at her, telling her to go on. "And I told him what I know."

"Which is?"

"That you're not supposed to get attached, you choose no side in war. You simply exist to record history." She stared at him. "Though I didn't tell him, I know you're failing at the first part." He stiffened and stood up, turning away from her.

"You sure 'bout that?" He said coldly. Her head snapped up, a bit surprised at hearing his cold voice.

"Yeah. Because you're already attached. The way you reacted when you were told Allen died. How you reacted when we were attacked on the ship… they're telltale signs." She said and got up, walking over to him. She put a hand on his shoulder but he shrugged it off and began walking.

"We'd better catch up to the others." His voice was still cold and distant and she stood her ground. "Stop putting up a front!" He swirled around with a glare.

"Who says I'm faking it?" He growled and she sneered right back. "You did! Just now!"

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah! You came back to scold me and I never said anything about faking anything! I call that being worried about someone a.k.a. being attached to someone!"

"I'm not worried about you! I could care less!"

"Then why the fuck don't you just get the hell out of here already?" She snarled, turned around and stalked back the way they came.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?" Lavi called and she gave him the finger both surprising him and angering him further. "Away from you!" She shouted and continued. He growled before running after her and grabbing her arm, forcing her to turn around.

"The hell you are! You're going with us to Edo. Even if I have to drag you back-"

Slap!

Lavi stared wide-eyed at the girl whose own eyes were so wide in anger he felt like taking a step back but he stood his ground. His cheek stung like hell after her palm met it.

"Did you just-?"

"Yeah, and I have to admit, it felt pretty damn good. Now, lemme go!" She yanked her arm back but Lavi grabbed her again and hugged her to keep her from hitting him again. "Lemme go before I fucking do something I'll regret, Bookman Junior!" She growled, putting weight on his title, and pushed but he only tightened his grip. She had to admit, he was pretty strong when he could hold her with just one arm. Maybe she should hit his wounded arm or something so he would be forced to let go-

"I'm sorry." She stilled. "I'm sorry, I acted like an asshole. I guess I am attached to you guys. Gramps is gonna kill me when he finds out." He chuckled silently.

"What's so bad about being human?" She muttered after a while and he shrugged. "I don't know… maybe it is to prevent recorded history from being corrupted." They stood there in a long silence before Ava lifted her arms and hugged him back.

"I'm afraid." She whispered and he nodded. "Me too."

"I don't want any more people to die." He shook his head.

"No one will." She groaned.

"You're too naïve."

"No, I'm just an eternal optimist." He said and tightened his grip on her as she made to move away. She stilled and let herself be engulfed in his warmth. She herself had felt cold before he returned to lecture her. She could hear his soft heartbeat through his clothes and suddenly a gust of wind passed by them, causing her to shiver. The shorts weren't ideal clothing in this weather.

"Are you cold?" He asked and she nodded. "A little." She admitted and they ran out of words to say for a while.

"Lavi… I don't want you guys to die. I… I wouldn't be able to take it. I know it's selfish to say something like that but it's the truth." She rambled and he eased his grip enough to be able to see her face. He could see fear and grief in her eyes and he furrowed his brows. He didn't know what to say. What could he possibly tell her that would calm her in a situation such as this when swarms of Akuma were passing by over them? He lifted his good hand to her cheeks and wiped away tears with his thumb. She closed her eyes to try to stem the flow and was somewhat successful.

"Hey now, it'll be alright." He whispered and she shook her head slightly. "How can it be alright? There are but a few Exorcists left, and the chances of us all getting out of here alive are slim. I don't want to lose Arystar and the others. I don't wanna lose you." She whispered and he felt his heart flutter.

"You've done so much for me after Yeegar and Daisya… I don't wanna lose you." She looked down at the ground but he lifted her face up.

"You won't okay? I promise."

"There's no way you can promise that." She said and tried to turn away again but he forced her to look at him. "I promise we'll all get out of here alive, with General Cross." She saw honesty in his eyes but he could talk all he wanted now and still die later, but even with that knowledge she smiled and nodded.

"Alright. I'll believe you." He smiled too.

"That's the spirit." She blushed at his gentle voice as she noticed how close they were.

"Lavi…"

"Yeah?" He murmured.

"You're very close." She breathed out.

"I know." Still, he didn't pull away and Ava felt something within her. Was it happiness? Affection? Care? One of them, she figured and her eyes closed half-way. "We should catch up with the others before they get worried." He nodded and let go of her and they ran after the group that left ahead of them.

They were fighting the Earl and the Noah, and they were losing, badly! Lavi, Krory and Ava had managed to get rid of the three level 3 Akuma that had been pestering them the whole way from Izu but Lavi had lost himself in his fury and was fighting Tyki. The Noah had teased him about how he knew how it felt when a friend died, and then thrown Lavi off the game by telling him that Allen was still alive.

"You may see him. If you live long enough, that is." The Noah was much stronger than him and he tried to confuse Lavi but this only made the younger male more determined to survive, and all of his comrades too. Ava and Krory were busy with the twins who called themselves Jasdevi while Bookman had his hands full trying to protect Lenalee and the others.

"You know what, Arystar?" Ava called as she dodged another bullet from the twins.

"What?" Krory called back roughly.

"I've started to-" She narrowly ducked a fist. "Dislike twins!"

"Your brothers are twins!"

"I know! Weird, right?!" Suddenly the Akuma began swarming together above the Earl and this caused everyone to turn their attention to him. At first two giant upper bodies appeared, then heads and at last their legs grew out. The Exorcists stared at it in horror, except for Bookman, while the Noah smirked.

"Okay, that's it. We're screwed!" Ava stomped her feet like a spoiled child and cursed loudly making everyone blush in embarrassment at her foul language, even the Earl was shocked. "Not only do we have to deal with the Noah, now the GODDAMN FUCKING AKUMA MERGED TOGETHER TO MAKE TWO GODDAMN GIANTS! DO YOU NEED SOMEONE BIG ENOUGH TO KISS YOUR FAT ASS, EARL?!"

'She's lost it…' The others thought. Clearly she wasn't good in the head if she started to yell such things to their greatest enemy when the odds were against them. And in a life or death battle too.

"Is that… normal for her?" Tyki stared at her wide eyed as Lavi sighed and shook his head. "Yeah…"

"Hey! I think that one's supposed to represent a female!" Ava called and pointed at the one closest to them making everyone sweatdrop.

'This is hardly the time!' They thought.

"You don't have the time to be distracted." Lavi turned just in time to block the attack from Tyki with his hammer. He threw away the cloth that held his right arm and held his hammer with both hands. Tyki smirked as he noticed the badly hurt arm.

"Don't think you'll be hearing me complain about the pain." Lavi growled and ascended to level 2, causing Tyki to jump back as the seals appeared around the hammer. "You say that you can go through anything, but Innocence is different. Back then, Allen landed a hit with his Innocence. That makes you no different from the Akuma. Your weakness is Innocence, isn't it?" Lavi's explanation caused the Noah's smirk to widen, whether it was from excitement or the fact that Lavi was right, no one knew.

"Circle of Fire! Circle of Heaven!" Two seals merged together as Lavi called their names. "Combo Seal: Strong Thunder of the Heavens!" A fire pillar shot out and a lightning dragon attacked Tyki who let out his Tease's that devoured the dragon. Some burned up but the rest headed straight for Lavi. While he was distracted with the butterflies made of Dark Matter, Tyki commanded one of the Akuma to attack Lavi. The Akuma hurriedly did as told and tried to stomp down on Lavi. It missed though and was surprised, if it could feel that emotion, when Ava passed it by with Lavi in her arms.

"You're too reckless!"

"Hey, you're hurting my arm!" He complained as his right arm was squeezed between him and her.

"DEAL WITH IT!" She yelled! She was stressed and angry, both at seeing Tyki again and because she saw that one of the giants had swept Krory away easily and right now, they were followed by the Tease. They landed on the rooftop of an outpost where Lavi tried to hit away the Tease.

"There's no end to them!" He called annoyed and Ava used her wings to create a strong gust of wind to try to blow them away but they just came back.

"Whatever you do, don't let them touch you!"

"You should watch your back." Lavi turned and was sent flying by Tyki.

"LAVI!" Ava screamed but froze as Tyki put an arm around her shoulders and held her chin up.

"You again? I thought you would keep out of the war with your boyfriend dead. Oh well, you'll just have to go too." He aimed for her heart but found out that he couldn't phase through her chest.

"What… are you doing?" He found himself holding her breast and his eyes widened. An elbow met his stomach and she grabbed him around his arm, throwing him over her shoulder before leaping after and kicking him, sending him after Lavi. He crashed into the roof, a little ways from Lavi and co.

"What do you think you're doing in the middle of a battlefield?" Ava flew above him, glowering at him shaking her fist angrily. He held up his hands in defense.

"W-wait a minute! I didn't mean to do it! I was supposed to grab your heart, not your chest!" She twitched before launching herself at him. He hurriedly phased through the roof and she only managed to punch a hole in the roof but Tyki was already gone.

"Come back here you goddamn asshole!" She yelled and followed after him, ignoring the others warnings as the giants launched multiple attacks.

Krory and the others had retreated to safety when the Akuma had attacked and Chomesuke was trying to make Krory drink her blood so he could join the fight again but Krory refused, saying he wouldn't drink the blood of a friend. Suddenly Tyki phased through the wall, sighing in relief.

"Finally shook her off." He leaned over, putting his hands on his knees and breathed heavily before he noticed the others.

"Eh?" Suddenly the wall behind him fell down in a perfect square and on the other side, a furious Ava stood. "EH?!"

"I'm going to kill you!" she hissed lowly and dangerously, her blades gleaming in the moonlight that came from the hole in the roof.

"I already said I was sorry!" He ran, phasing through the wall with Ava following close after, leaving the others behind. They were first confused as to why Tyki ran away and then they wondered if Ava was so furious at him because of Yeegar and Daisya. A simple sorry was not enough for that but it had seemed like Ava had been blushing in anger too. Chomesuke gasped and grabbed her chest before running out.

"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." Tyki said to himself as he ran with Ava yelling curses after him. He laughed nervously. "This isn't my day." He turned and attacked again, intending to try to leave a Tease inside of her but he failed again. Luckily for him, he had aimed at the stomach this time.

"What's with you? Why can't I phase through you? It's almost like you have Innocence guarding your whole body!" He growled as he dodged punches. Then he blocked and found little resistance behind it. He raised an eyebrow.

"You… you aren't physically strong are you?" She growled and sent another fist but he caught that one too. "You really aren't!" A crazed grin grazed his handsome features as he gleefully brought her down on her knees by bending her wrists. Right then and there she cursed her inability to bend and lenghten the blades at will.

Inside the stock house the others were hiding in, Krory finally decided that he would go out to fight. When Lenalee attempted to follow, Bookman and Lavi appeared, stopping her.

"I just need to distract them so they won't swat Lavi away when he extends the hammer above the Akuma." Bookman explained.

"Come with us, Krory-kins. It'll be an all-you-can-eat Akuma blood buffet." Lavi smirked and Krory nodded.

"That's not a bad idea." Lenalee tried to argue but she was shot down and Lavi showed that he wasn't at ease with Bookman's plan either but Chomesuke spoke up suddenly.

"I'll fly you up, cho. I can't stay with you guys for much longer, anyway, cho." She said sadly as Timcanpy landed in her hands as veins appeared on her face. "Even though I'm modified, I can't suppress my bloodlust for much longer, cho. I'll end up attacking you soon. I should be commended for making it this far, cho."

"Agh-gaaaah!" Ava cried out as Tyki bended her wrists more and more, a crazed grin still of his face.

"You wasted your boyfriend's effort. He requested me to let you live and I did. Here you are, throwing away the life that was spared. What a waste." Tyki said maliciously above her. He threw her to the ground and she landed on her stomach. When she tried to get up though, he stomped down on her head, slowly putting pressure on her.

"Ugh!" She glanced up at him but behind him, she saw Chomesuke fly towards the giant Akuma.

"I'll end this quick. You want to see him again don't you?" Tyki leered but was forced to jump back when she extended her wings, barely scratching him, but it was all she needed. She jumped to her feet and took off after Chomesuke, reaching her right after Lavi and the others had left her.

"Chomesuke! You're hurt!" The Akuma grinned.

"It's okay. I was going to self-destruct now either way." Ava's eyes widened and she shook her head. "There's no peace for Akuma who self-destruct." She laid down on Chomesuke's back and pierced her with her wings. The Akuma gave a pained groan.

"Rest in peace, Chomesuke."

"T-thank you." The Akuma managed to utter before she exploded. The giant Akuma fell to its knees and she thought the others were victorious. She glanced to the side and saw Miranda's Innocence standing out like a beacon. Growing worried, she hurried over there only to see the others safe.

"Ava!" Lenalee called out and the girl landed in front of them with a happy smile before she flinched. Her ankle hurt, bad. She sat down and held it, checking over it.

"What's wrong?" Miranda asked. "I think I sprained it." The younger girl muttered.

"Look!" Chaoji called and they all turned towards the giant Akuma, where they could see green light clashing with purple.

"It's Lavi and that Noah!" Growling, Ava got up but fell down again when the pain in her ankle intensified. "Ow!" She exclaimed and Lenalee held her down.

"You have to stay here Ava!"

"The others are fighting! I can't just sit by and watch!" The girl argued but Lenalee shook her head. "You're hurt!"

"It's only a sprained ankle!"

"What if you worsen it?" Lenalee begged her to stay and the girl sighed before nodding. She saw that Miranda was tired and Lenalee wasn't in a condition to fight anymore. She had to stay and protect them. Lavi, Bookman and Krory would just have to do without her and though she didn't like the thought of sitting on the side lines, she knew they were strong enough to take care of themselves.

TWP: Through the hours it took me to write this chapter, I listened to: I'm Sorry (Goodbye) – And then I Turned Seven. God, it's a beautiful song!