The Future Was A Bit Bleak

by clearmind-clearheart

Modern AU,FemAllenXTyki- Moving towns was normal for Ellen since Cross became her guardian- starting a new school wasn't. And making friends definitely wasn't normal for her. This is her last shot- can she afford to befriend both black and white when either side can be her undoing? All she could do was give it a try; after all, what did she have to lose? [FYI this is slow burn]

4. The First Day of School, Part 1

A/N: I am so sorry that this is late- or at least it feels late, I am trying to put up each chapter monthly, but I always feel like I made you wait too long. To make it worse this isn't even the full update (I'm so sorry!)I'm gonna call this Chapter 3 Part 1 cause I wanted to post something on time (semi on time.) If I'm gonna keep all the chapters around the same length this Part 1 and 2 thing may happen a few times…

Anyway…For my followers and previous readers, I advise you to go back and re-read the end of Chapter 2 before you begin this one. After a comment from a reader I started thinking about just where Tyki becomes a part of this story. And in bits and pieces he is always a factor. There are events and situations that lead to him and Ellen interacting, that happen in tandem to Ellen's own changes. And rather than trying to cover it all when they meet, I decided to tease all my readers with short glimpses at Tyki and his life. I hope you enjoy them.

CHAPTER 3

8******8

The next day Ellen was rudely awakened by Cross pulling her off the bed by the blankets, after she had just drifted off again from the obnoxious ringing of his work phone.

"Really?" this exclamation was met with a grunted command to get up, and a light kick to her side, cushioned further by the blankets. "What?" Ellen snapped as she finally untangled herself enough to prop up on her elbows and see her chain smoking guardian standing over her.

"It's too early for this bull shit girl." he muttered, taking a long drag from his cigarette. Surprised by his current nonchalance, the teenager was warier than if he had snapped at her in his usual morning manner.

Sitting up properly Ellen brushed her hair back over her shoulder, pulling it back into a messy ponytail as she studied the older man. He studied her right back, and the look in his eye was calm and determined; which showed just how much trouble the sixteen-year-old was in.

"What is it?" she asked upfront.

"School. Get up." he said, tossing a pile of clothes onto her lap.

"What?" staring down at the uniform, the conversation from last night suddenly bubbled up, "Oh,"

"Shouldn't you be more excited about this," Cross grumbled, traipsing back over to his bed to snatch his cigarettes from the bedside table.

"Probably," Ellen said wryly, shaking out the skirt to stare at it. As if being spotlighted as an exorcist in the black jacket wasn't bad enough, the skirt was atrociously short. How was she supposed to wear this?

"Well then pretend, at least long enough to get there on time. I don't need Komui driving out here to get you."

"Would he?" Ellen asked, surprised. Yes the principal and Black Order Headquarters Supervisor was clingy, but she wasn't sure he would be that accommodating.

"He threatened to, and I will not put up with his shit this early in the morning, so get up." Cross' words weren't very convincing, since Ellen would much rather be driven around by anyone but her -god-how-did-you-get-a-license guardian. The second kick, this time to her leg, and the foot in her face, are convincing though.

"Cross stop, that's so gross," Ellen complained, scrambling away from the obviously unwashed foot.

Chuckling to himself the adult, in the barest sense of the word, stepped away to his scratched up leather suitcase and began pulling out clothes.

Sighing Ellen dragged herself off the floor and snatched her own bag up before stealing the bathroom. Usually Cross' antics made her smile, if only because he was amused, but today she really didn't want to be happy. She wanted to not be going to school. And not at the end of September, after the term had already gotten underway.

8-*-8

"Right, left, right, right, left," brushing her hair out of her face as she looked from hastily scribbled directions to the fluorescently lit hallway, Ellen briefly spared a thought to whether it was worth the energy to beg another uniform exception from Komui so she could cover her hair.

That was a worry for later though. When, (if) she found her A period class.

For a school associated with the supernatural, they had a lot of normal, mundane posters up about tickets to some sporting event, club activities, and even reminders to schedule SAT's.

She was one of the few people in the hallway, which she preferred at the moment, taking the time alone to try to rid herself of habitually tugging her skirt down. Why the hell was this thing so short! If they were supposed to be training to fight, why would they ever make a uniform with such short skirts?

Ellen had almost gotten away with wearing her own pants, but Komui had caught the 'uniform infraction' and was less than happy about it. All she wanted was her schedule, but he refused to let anyone give it to her until she 'abided by the rules' and changed into her uniform skirt. He had wasted her entire homeroom period arguing with her.

Why couldn't she just wear the boy's uniform? It was much more practical.

She had tried asking Komui, but he certainly hadn't listened when she asked him.

Well, to be fair, he did have other, more important things, on his mind at the time.

8*8*8

Five minutes before

Sulking after having been made to change into the uniform, Ellen returned to the main office, hearing her name as she opened the door.

"And when Ellen gets back remind her about the wards Reever-"

"What about the wards?" Ellen asked, letting the door close behind her. All the occupants jump at her voice, and the older student was curious about the new face among them. She expected Komui and Miranda, maybe even the secretary she met yesterday, but she didn't know the man standing beside the principal.

"Oh, Ellen, good timing," the principal made to move towards her, then, seeing her attention on his companion, Komui motioned from the man beside him to Ellen.

"Reever this is Ellen Walker. Ellen, this is Reever Wenham, the assistant principal."

Taking a step forward, the red head met the young man halfway, holding out her right hand.

"It's nice to meet you." She said politely, taking in his features. He was probably in his late twenties, with rather messy light brown hair, a matching goatee, and tired looking eyes.

"Same here," Reever's casual manner was evident in his work attire, which was a lab coat over jeans and a button up shirt.

With introductions over Komui returned to the matter at hand, "I was going to leave a message with Reever as I have to run," he began, pointedly waving a file in his hand, "but since you're here I have to ask you to stay on campus during school hours."

"Why?" was the automatic reaction from the teenager, but she amended that question at Komui's puzzlement. "Am I the only student you have requested that of?" she asked, a hard note entering her voice.

"You know as well as I do that there is a reason for this Ellen," an authoritive tone entered his voice and the red head scowled, but not because of his words. Rather what they indicated.

"Cross told you, then." She said coldly, hands tightening on the strap of her messenger bag, averting her eyes.

The teenager caught movement out of the corner of her eyes, following each step of a pair of black dress shoes; a white coat fluttered at the edge of her vision as the same person leaned down, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"He only told me enough to keep you safe Ellen." Komui said softly, kind even as Ellen avoided his gaze "It is your choice what else to share with me."

There was an expectant pause and Ellen nodded that she understood.

With one last, comforting squeeze of her shoulders Komui stepped back again.

"The wards are most effective in the buildings, but as long as you are within the campus boundaries they should help." He assured her, voice back to normal volume.

Ellen nodded in answer. There was silence and she knew Komui was watching her but she didn't meet his gaze.

Thankfully the bell broke the silence and the school leaders stepped into action.

"Reever can you take Ellen to her first class, I really should be gone already." The dark haired man's request was met with an affirmative and an enthusiastic push towards the door.

"Just go Komui, I'll get Ellen situated."

Nodding at his colleague, the man turned a crazy grin her way, completely 180-ing his mood; "I knew that skirt would look great on you!" he exclaimed.

He was lucky Ellen didn't have any of her books yet as she resorted to glaring heatedly at him.

Hurrying out the door with a last good luck tossed her way, the principal finally exited the main office, leaving the occupants to embrace the peace he had left behind.

"Here is your schedule Ellen," Reever held out a paper, getting straight to business as well. "Each of your teachers will have to sign it to confirm your classes."

The moment she took the paper the assistant principal began ushering her towards the exit.

"Go on, your first class is in room 311, Algebra II,"

"But what about introductions-" Ellen began to interrupt, anxious again, as Komui had promised to walk her to her class and introduce her.

"Mr. Durant is not a fan of interruptions so he probably won't ask you to introduce yourself." Reever assured, and at his pause Ellen hurried to jump in with her other problem.

"I don't know how to get there."

Seemingly someone had warned the assistant principal of her horrible sense of direction because he didn't question it, rounding the counter and snatching a pad and paper from near the phone. With quick, smooth cursive he scrawled out a mini map of hallways and labeled objects such as stairs and libraries.

"Here, just follow the turns and you should end up at a T, you'll want the left, and your class will be on the right." Even as he handed her the paper Reever was shuffling Ellen out the door and into the hallway.

"I'll want the left?" Ellen questioned the turn of phrase but the office door had already swung shut behind her. Well. Guess everyone was really busy today.

Sighing she glanced down at her directions and started on her way.

8*8*8

Having finally reached the T that Reever spoke of, Ellen glanced at her watch, groaning when she realized she was 15 minutes late. So much for a good first impression.

Checking the numbers on the classrooms to both sides of the dead end, the meaning to the phrase 'you'll want the left' was a bit more understandable when she found her classroom on the left side of the split in the corridor.

Stuffing the paper back in her pocket the young woman smoothed down her skirt and tugged her jacket down a bit; how could she ever get comfortable in this skirt? Taking a deep breath she made sure her bangs were swept over her forehead, and tucked any stray hairs behind her ears.

Peeking in the window on the door of classroom 311, the nervous girl could see the students bent over their books, working in silence as the teacher corrected papers at his desk.

Maybe no one would notice her entrance?

Taking a fortifying breath Ellen reached out and turned the doorknob, the creaking of the door causing more than one head to shoot up. Lips tightening into a polite smile the teenager crossed the short distance between the entrance and the teachers desk, trying to ignoring the increasing stares.

Guess everyone did notice.

"Um, hi, sorry I'm late," she nervously began, holding out her schedule for the teacher to take, "The Assistant Principal said you had to sign this?"

"Ah, you are the new student, Walker was it?" the older man asked, adjusting his far too small glasses as he shuffled through papers on his desk. Peering at one he nodded to himself. "Yes,Walker." He removed his glasses and looked up at her again, "Welcome to my class Miss Walker."

With a quiet thanks at the portly, and balding, old man Ellen held out her schedule again. Wordlessly the teacher accepted it, signing beside the first period class before handing it back to her.

"There is a free seat over by that chalkboard, books are in the back, and the assignment is on the board behind me," he said impassively, "Check in with me at the end of class for your make-up work." He added, waving her on.

Thanking him again the red head turned around and found herself facing the curious gazes of her classmates. Most of the class seemed to consist of students in the tan uniform jackets, but the teenager didn't exactly take the time to look everyone over. Ducking her head Ellen quickly crossed to the indicated seat, ignoring the curious whispers that had started up.

Only six more hours and three more periods to go; hooray.

******8*8

After arriving to her next class late, which she expected to happen (really, why have such a large school for such a small student body), Ellen had tried to engross herself in the assigned reading to satisfy her rather irate English teacher.

Tried being the key word.

It wasn't like the story was boring, but she couldn't seem to concentrate on the page before her. She had already re-read the same paragraph five times now, and it wasn't even related to the end of chapter questions.

There wasn't one single thing bothering her really, so it was rather difficult for her to brush her thoughts aside.

She had finally gotten a chance to look over her schedule in the pause between lectures only to become rather confused. After fourth period she was signed up for another class, but Ellen was pretty sure the school day ended at 2pm. So what class happened after school that she would have to take? Had Komui put her into some kind of study group? The class had no name, just listed as fifth period. She was already far behind on work with her required courses and adding another class on top of that made her cringe.

"Miss Walker, can you tell me where you are in the curriculum? If your school was similar to ours- Miss Walker, are you listening?"

The obvious answer to that was no but if Ellen answered the negative then it would seem she was being rude.

Not that she even pulled herself out of her inner monologue to hear the teacher's question.

And even though it seemed slightly petty in comparison, Ellen was gnawing over her embarrassment at having to wear the uniform. She had gone so long wearing guys clothes, wearing clothes more suited to her gender was just weird. And Komui made it clear this morning that she wouldn't get away with ignoring the dress code. Maybe she could wear shorts under her skirt…but she definitely didn't have anything that tight. So that meant going to the store to try and track down something suitable to wear. Who knew how much that was going to cost?

Ducking her head further behind her textbook Ellen held back a sigh.

Though if she hadn't been hiding her face she might have seen her semi-savior before he scared the crap out of her.

A hard poke square in the center of her back was the only indication Ellen had that anyone was even near her, which meant that her first reaction was to try to elbow the person in the gut. Only to remember that she was stuck between an uncomfortably hard school chair and an equally painful desk.

"See Penelope, she was too engrossed in her reading to hear your question." A boys voice spoke over Ellen's muttered curses as she massaged her aching elbow, at the same time turning to see who had poked her.

Standing nonchalantly in the row to her left, arms folded behind his head, was a slightly familiar red head with an eye patch and a green bandana.

The eye patch cinched it- this was the boy who helped her yesterday on the stairs.

"Lavi Bookman I have told you before about using my first name so rudely. If you don't want another detention I suggest you sit back at your desk." The teacher said sharply and the boy grinned even as he raised his hands in surrender, backing up slowly.

"And you Miss Walker, don't think I didn't notice that you were ignoring my lesson." Ellen tried to speak up in her defense but the teacher raised her hand for silence. "If you think it deserves so little of your attention, maybe you need more work to do."

Shocked that this teacher was being harsh Ellen hurriedly tried to apologize. "Ma'am I am sorry I wasn't listening-"

"Ma'am? Young lady that is just rude! I will see you back here at 2:15 sharp for your detention."

Ellen could feel her mouth drop in surprise but she snapped it shut immediately as the expected twittering and snickering came from her classmates.

"But I have class then-" Ellen tried to plead her case, hurriedly flipping through her notebooks for her schedule, but again she was cut off. This time it was because of an unexpectedly sweet voice speaking from a few seats back.

"Ms. Reagan, the new student has a class at that time. Can she serve her detention later?"

Confused that this person seemed to know her schedule better than she did, Ellen whipped around and followed everyone's eyes to the speaker in the back.

It was a dark haired girl, of Asian ethnicity, with a kind smile and a childish air about her, probably helped along by the pigtails she sported.

She was familiar as well, and cute too, cute enough that Ellen could completely understand the teacher cooling down a bit as she turned to the other student.

"Am I right to guess your brother, miss Lee?" The teacher asked and the girl giggled. She actually giggled and smiled even more.

And Ellen just barely kept from slapping a hand to her forehead; Miss Lee, as in Komui's sister, as in the girl Ellen saw the other day at her job. Well, there were worse people to let come to her rescue...like the jerk with the ponytail, K something. Maybe Kevin. Not that she cared to remember that jerks name.

"Yes, he asked me to show her around since she's going to be joining my program." The young woman said and the teacher nodded sharply before turning back to Ellen.

"You will be joining the late detention period then, and Miss Lee can show you where that is as well. If you don't come back with a signed slip tomorrow I will assign you another detention." Before Ellen could even affirm her understanding of this sharply given command the teacher stalked back to her desk.

Frowning Ellen turned back to her book and decided now may be a good time to actually concentrate.

"Miss Walker." The teacher snapped and Ellen startled enough to drop her book to the floor.

"Yes?" She quickly asked, ignoring her book for now, though it was easier than ignoring the laughter from around her.

"See me after class for your extra assignment."

"Yes ma'a-" Ellen began but caught herself before she could upset the teacher again. "Yes, got it" she said instead.

As soon as the teacher looked away Ellen leaned down to grab her book, but another hand swooped down and snatched it up before she reached it.

"Can I have that back?" she asked without pause, left hand held out expectantly.

"You weren't reading it anyway, so why do you care?" This from the boy holding her book; he was broad in the shoulders, made her think of a jock with his attitude, but otherwise was pretty nondescript in his tan uniform jacket.

"I already got one detention, I don't need another." Ellen said honestly.

Unfortunately, though most people were surprised by her honesty, this guy easily brushed it off.

"You sure you're an exorcist?" he asked, looking her up and down, eyes resting on her outstretched hand.

At his gaze Ellen faltered, pulling her hand back; she had unthinkingly reached out with her left hand, and she couldn't tell but her sleeve might have ridden up slightly, exposing the skin between her glove and her dress shirt.

"Shut up Rolovo, you barely qualify for this school, let alone as a finder."

Annoyed the kid in the tan jacket turned around fully now, facing the same meddling red headed boy.

"You talk big Junior, but you're all brain and no brawn. In a fair fight you wouldn't last a minute against me."

"I don't need a fair fight, do I?" the eye patch toting boy said, a hand moving to his side. From her angle Ellen could see the edge of a dark object tucked into a holster; it couldn't have been a gun, could it? Now that her mind had supplied the image she couldn't shake it. Cross never mentioned if any of the other order exorcists had guns, so how could she know if it was a normal choice of weapon.

The cruel boy opened and closed his mouth a few times before he muttered something and tossed the contested book on her desk, cursing.

"Um, thank you." Ellen quickly thanked the red head, but he didn't respond, instead studying her rather intently. Then he suddenly smiled.

"Well you are going to be trouble, nice to meet you Ellen." He said, holding out his empty hand.

Even thrown off by his words Ellen didn't forget to be polite, immediately shaking the offered hand.

"Nice to meet you." She said automatically, and then realized fully what he said.

"Trouble? What do you mean by that?" She demanded, not sure if she should be offended or not.

"Well first you were falling all over me yesterday, and now today you're just begging to be saved, I am going to have to work overtime to keep up with you." He said all this with a wide grin.

Sputtering, cheeks reddening, Ellen tried to come up with some reaction to that, that wasn't overwhelming embarrassment.

"Really Lavi, manners." The scolding voice belonged to the girl with the pigtails, and she bumped Lavi aside to hold out her hand.

"I'm Lenalee Lee, it's wonderful to meet you Ellen."

"Um, you too." Ellen returned, shaking hands.

"My brother has told me about you, though he didn't have much to say. Cross hasn't really told us much, and since he usually doesn't keep in touch we didn't even learn most of the things we know until recently." She said all of this pretty fast and it took a moment for the red haired girl to catch up.

"Cross doesn't stay in touch with anyone." Ellen replied offhandedly, and then added with a smile "Thank you for your help."

"Of course." Lenalee said, right before the red head behind her almost pushed her over as he rather suddenly threw his arms around Ellen's neck.

"You're so cute!" He crooned and the red haired girl couldn't hide her blush this time.

"Lavi if you continue disrupting my class today you'll get more than a detention" the teacher said sharply.

Lavi barely slackened his grip as he looked over at the teacher.

"Does that mean I have detention with Ellen?" He asked eagerly.

The end of the teachers level of tolerance was very evident as she dropped her head into her hands.

"Why did you stay back a year?" She complained to her hands but no one really paid her any attention.

"Lavi that isn't exactly a good thing." The dark-haired girl told off her friend but he wasn't really listening, looking at the young woman who was trying to gently pull his arms off her.

"Ellen aren't you excited that we get to have detention together?" Lavi enthusiastically questioned the girl but her not so subtle response was to pinch his arm. Hard.

As he yelped and jumped away, crying to Lenalee about Ellen being mean, said girl calmly brushed off her shoulders and turned away. He was lucky it wasn't her left hand.

Without another word she opened her book and concentrated on the story she was supposed to be reading the entire time, and the questions that followed.

She doesn't pay attention at all as Lavi continued to make a fuss and Lenalee scolded him. Or the half smile on her face as her eyes skim over the words.

Maybe, maybe, this future would be a bit brighter.

Not surprisingly, Ellen figured the two trouble makers would wait outside the class room for her. Well to be fair one trouble maker and one hero.

Cross always said she had a kicked puppy dog aura - an observation she definitely denied as often as it was said.

"Thank you for waiting for me Lenalee." Ellen greeted the young woman politely, ignoring her companion.

"Don't I get a hello too?" The red head whined but Ellen ignored him.

"How is your elbow?"Lenalee asked suddenly, tipping the new girls books up to glance at the arm underneath.

"Covered by my uniform." Was Ellen's bland response as she leaned back to move away from the touch, bringing a frown to the other girls face.

Seeing that frown Ellen sighed, and though she felt like this girl got invested in her way too quick, she corrected herself.

"Bruised, but that's all." Ellen said, words that Lenalee smiled at.

"Good." Lenalee said happily and Ellen shook her head absently; this wouldn't last long. Not once they saw... well once they spent a bit more time with her.

She would indulge them for now at least; it wasn't like she knew anyone else who shared classes with her, and it would take too long to find on her own.

The annoying one asked Lenalee a question and they began walking down the hall, Ellen trailing behind them after slipping her messenger bag over her shoulder.

Glancing around the hall out of the corner of her eyes Ellen didn't see any hint of a warding; no glimmer, no hot or cold feeling, not even the faint buzz some of them gave off.

Cross had at least been right when he said this school would be a bit easier for her to handle on one end. When he said it was warded better than anything he could do alone, she hadn't quite believed it could be as peaceful as their motel room.

Concentrating on that so intently Ellen drifted onto the wrong side of the hall, apparent by the number of people she walked into before she hurriedly stepped out of the way. And found herself in the way of the other side of the hall as she coasted to a stop when she realized she had no clue where Lenalee went.

Suddenly someone walked right into her and Ellen barely kept herself standing, which was a miracle with how clumsy she could be. Quickly turning around to apologize Ellen momentarily lost the ability to speak.

The guy before her was gorgeous, and much too mature to be a student here. He was tall, with slightly curly black hair, tanned skin that had to be natural it was too beautiful a shade, and a pair of deep brown eyes- And he was staring down at her, eyes narrowed. Maybe it wasn't quite a glare, but he definitely wasn't happy.

"I'm so sorry, I have no idea where I am going," she began rambling as he didn't say or do anything, "I was following someone and then apparently I walked onto the wrong side of the hallway and then I walked into you and I'm sorry." Taking a deep breath at the end of that long statement Ellen unconsciously held it as she waited for him to say something in return.

He was dressed rather casually for a teacher, so why was he wandering through the hallway in the middle of the school day? If he was teaching here, maybe someone should remind him that a long sleeved white shirt tucked into dark jeans was bordering on too casual, especially with those top buttons loosened so-

"You are?" he finally asked, eyebrow raised, glancing over her uniform.

"Um, new?" Ellen supplied tentatively.

Seemingly taking that as enough of an answer the young man took his gaze off of her, glancing around at the floor.

Following his example Ellen looked around and spotted a paperback novel on the floor to the side of them. Stepping around a few students the red haired girl swept down to grab it before turning back towards him.

"Is this yours?" She asked, holding it out to him and hoping it actually belonged to him.

"Yes, it is," he said, but he didn't even look at it, his dark eyes glancing behind her for a moment before his gaze returned to her, though she swore there was a slight twitch to his lips. As if something he saw had amused him.

But then his intense look shifted, the focus on her head (which was at least 3 inches shorter than him) and Ellen tucked his book on top of hers as she reflexively smoothed down the longer bangs that swept over the left side of her forehead, sure that she didn't want him to see that.

His eyes follow her hand and she realized that wasn't what he saw. Before she could question it, a stray strand of hair brushing her cheek provided her answer. She didn't even need to touch it to know now what he was staring at.

"Oh, um, sorry again." She mumbled as she ducked her head and moved past him. She didn't care if she was going in the wrong direction now. She just needed to move.

Refusing to look back she rounded a corner and stepped out of the way of the crowds, leaning back against the closest wall. Taking in a deep breath she closed her eyes for a short moment, trying to gather her composure.

"Hey Ellen you're going the wrong way!" Someone called and almost immediately following that statement an arm descended over her shoulder and turned her around to walk in the other direction.

"I would appreciate it if you stopped that." Ellen muttered as she removed his arm from her shoulder.

"What?" Lavi asked, faking innocence, but there was something in his eye that Ellen recognized; he was studying her. Not judging, but studying.

She'd had enough of that in her past already, thank you very much.

"You know." She said sullenly before moving past him.

"Ellen you're still going in the wrong direction." The red head called after her but she ignored him.

At least she tried to, but he was rather loud and if he said her name again she was either going to punch him or murder him. Really if she hadn't had the sister-complex of a man hugging her every ten minutes the past couple of days, then she probably would have punched the red headed idiot by now.

After all, it took a certain degree of patience to deal with Komui, and Lavi hadn't exceeded that degree. Yet.

As she turned a corner her name was repeated, but in a completely different voice.

"Ah Ellen-chan there you are!" She heard and before she could avoid the white blur of a person they wrap their arms around her.

Speak of the devil. Or as Mana used to say Vorbeşti de lup şi lupul la uşă. [Romanian for "Speak of the wolf and the wolf [is] at the door."]

"President Komui why are you looking for me?" Ellen asked calmly, fighting not to shove the older man off of her.

Before Cross brought her here she really hadn't had so many people hugging her. It was really weirding her out (though she had to admit Komui's hugs didn't feel so awkward now after two days straight of it.)

"Ellen, my darling sister said she didn't know where you went and I knew you must have gotten lost so I came to help look for you." Komui cried, hugging her tighter.

"Don't you have work you need to do?" Ellen's aggravated voice was barely heard since it was muffled by Komui's jacket as she wriggled out of his hold.

"Yes brother, I believe you should return to your office."

At that moment Ellen was so grateful to hear Lenlee's voice; especially since she was the only other person Komui would be so excited to glomp.

"Lenalee look who I found!" Komui cried, turning, or rather swinging, the just freed Ellen to face his sister.

"I noticed brother," Lenalee commented after smiling warmly at Ellen, "though someone found you it seems." She added as she grabbed Ellens free hand and pulled her away from her brother's reach.

Ellen glanced over her shoulder to see Komui's hastened retreat as he called goodbye to the girls; followed closely by a strict voice of the assistant principal telling him to get back to his office.

"Um..." Ellen trailed off, not really sure what could follow that. But then something clicked (she really was so slow today). "Lenalee you were looking for me?" She asked, trying to keep her tone emotionless, as if it really didn't matter to her either way.

"Of course Ellen, why would I just leave you in the hallways to fend for yourself." She said, smiling all the while.

Ellen couldn't help but smile back.

8*8*8

Lavi was excited to have found his elusive red-headed prey; for a girl with easily noticeable features she had hid herself pretty well in the crowd. Though technically Lenalee found her, but since it was his quest the hammer wielding boy was going to take the credit.

Coming up behind the two girls as they watched Komui's departure Lavi abruptly slung an arm over Ellen's shoulder.

"What-chu doin' hanging around here? It's lunchtime!" Lavi enthused, turning her around in the direction of the cafeteria, ignoring her disinclination to his touch once again.

"My brother was just being disruptive, again." Lenalee explained, following after them.

"Well that's not unu-oof" the exuberant boy crouched over, clutching his elbowed side, "Ellen, you wound me." He cried dramatically as the object of his attentions escaped his grip and smoothly moved to put their pig-tailed companion between them.

"Maybe if you stopped being so grabby she would stop hurting you." Lenalee said, hiding her mirth behind her hand. Ellen nodded her agreement to this, and though she avoided looking at either of them the observant boy does note that it wasn't embarrassment that kept her eyes down on the ground, not with how tense she was.

"Not you too Lena-lady, don't abandon me too." Gripping his friends arm the red head continued whining, hiding his own grin at Lenalee's embarrassment over her old nickname.

Elbowing him herself Lenalee grabbed Ellen's hand and dragged her down the hall away from the loud-mouthed teen.

Forgetting his ills Lavi subtly watched the two converse, adopting a carefree attitude, hands behind his head as he followed them down the hall. This was an opportune chance to observe the new student so observe he did: dark auburn hair, sporting a few white streaks here and there, characteristic of a brush with the supernatural; light silvery-blue eyes, soft features, and a normal stature and build, if a little on the short side for her age.

Ellen Walker. Parasitic innocence wielder, signed into the school just this week by the elusive Cross Marian, General of the Black Order.

The official story was Cross found her some cities away and decided to leave her here under Komui's watch to be trained. The real story Bookman was trying to figure out, but Lavi took it upon himself to help the old man along. The panda didn't know the first thing about interacting with teenagers anymore. Not that Lavi had been the best learning point for the guy; even for a supernaturally affiliated teenager Lavi knew he was quite weird. Which he accepted fully; being normal was boring after all.

Having made it through the lunch line first, (it was amusing to watch Ellen try to choose between all the meals) Lavi turned to scope out a table as he waited for the two girls.

As he scanned the faces in the cafeteria Lavi kept an eye on his companions, noting the relieved smile on Ellen's face when she found she didn't have to pay for lunch. Another point to add to his growing list of curiosities.

Even distracted by the new girl, it was easy enough to spot the dark haired form of his friend, considering he had isolated himself to eat lunch in peace. Really, when would he learn that there was no peaceful place in the school for him?

"Look Lenalee, its Kanda." Lavi pointed out loudly, eagerly leading the way across the cafeteria, weaving among the tables to approach one in the corner along the wall by the windows.

The girls followed, Lenalee eagerly chatting about their English class, though Ellen didn't appear to be listening, and Lavi caught her glancing at Lenalee with an odd look. A second look and Lavi put it together- Ellen was looking at Lenalee's arm locked around hers. Seems the pig tailed girl had prevented the escape of her new bosom-buddy. Why was Ellen so eager to make her escape? Or was it not an escape but rather a graceful bowing out rather than infringe on their kindness much longer?

As they got closer to the table the dark haired samurai-wannabe stiffly got up and moved a few seats down the table without a glance in their direction.

"Come back Yuu!" Lavi called with greatly exaggerated desperation, putting down his tray so he could dramatically reach for the dark haired boy, as if the table was a barrier preventing him from approaching.

"Don't call me that!" the long haired boy snapped, throwing the first object he could grab-which happened to be one of his chopsticks. Dodging it Lavi whined,

"Yuu is being mean too, why is everyone so mean to me!" Lavi dropped into his seat, slumping across the table.

Meanwhile Lenalee and Ellen took seats on the opposite side of the table, an amused quirk lifting the corner of the red head girl's lips as she watched the spectacle.

"Why did you move so far away Kanda?" Lenalee remarked with a pout, "I wanted you to meet Ellen."

Kanda shot a quick glance at the dark haired girl, keeping a carefully stoic look on his face.

"Yah Yu, come meet Ellen, remember we ran into her yesterday." Lavi added vivaciously.

"I don't need to meet the Moyashi." Kanda grumbled, his cold eyes sweeping over the girl in question. An irritated tic at the corner of her lips was the only response to this nickname, choosing to concentrate on her food instead.

"Oh that's right, you guys have first period together, don't you?" Lavi asked

"Who cares?" Kanda said, dismissing them all and concentrating on his soba.

"Didn't even notice." Was Ellen's own flippant comment. Then, frowning, she looked to Lavi, "How did you know what class I had first period, you definitely weren't in it."

"I know everything." The red head said loftily. The look on Ellen's face, her nose crinkling at his audacity, would have made him laugh if a hand hadn't reached across the table and smacked him on the head.

"Really Lavi, why don't you just tell her the truth."Lenalee smiled at Ellen as she sat back in her seat, explaining herself rather than waiting for the red head, "Brother gave me a copy of your schedule so I could help you around the school."

"Oh," Ellen seemed unamused by this fact; maybe even slightly annoyed if Lavi was reading her posture correctly. If he had to guess, he would say she didn't like someone poking into her affairs, or she didn't like having help. From her other behavior so far today, Lavi personally thought it was a mix of both.

This girl was going to make school so much more interesting.

Watching Ellen and Lenalee chat about the teachers Ellen would meet, Lavi wondered if the younger girl ever wanted to be normal, or if she just preferred to not have the troubles that came along with this odd lifestyle. Being normal would mean she could have had a chance at the classic high school experience, had a choice in her own career…and maybe Lavi wasn't talking about Ellen anymore. Though normal wasn't all it was cut out to be by the mainstream media.

A giggle brought his mind back to the other occupants of the table, and he turned his eyes to the two girls as Lenalee pointed to Ellen's hands.

"You know, you are going to get your gloves dirty if you don't take them off to eat." The dark haired girl said, having apparently noticed the accessories when Ellen was tearing apart the bread that came with her soup.

"Ah, I prefer to keep them on, but thank you for your concern." Ellen said politely, avoiding meeting Lenalee's gaze as she hurriedly brushed off her gloves, sliding her hands under the table out of view.

From their earlier interactions in the classroom and otherwise, Lavi had already noted that the gloves were an off-white color that spoke of long time use, but he hadn't really noticed anything particular about them that might hint at why she wore them. But the fact that she didn't take them off, even to eat, was another piece to add to the puzzle.

A movement from Kanda brought Lavi's attention to his stoic samurai-like friend to see him openly studying the new girl.

Amused that Kanda wasn't scowling for once, seeming too caught up in studying the red haired girl to remember to keep up his resting-bitch-face, Lavi's amusement disappeared as Kanda's demeanor rapidly changed. Eyes widening Lavi watched Kanda stiffen, his gaze concentrated on one thing, before he abruptly stood, jaw clenched and cold fire burning in his eyes.

"Kanda, what's wrong?" Lenalee worriedly asked, shifting to stand herself, but she was ignored.

Without a word Kanda walked away, slamming his tray down on the return belt before disappearing through the swinging doors.

Granted the samurai wannabe often slammed things around, but usually he had something to say before he stormed from the room.

Turning a quizzical gaze on the seeming origin of this behavior, Lavi was surprised by Ellen's reaction. Rather than being taken aback by their friends behavior, she instead seemed to understand perfectly, calmly smoothing her bangs into place over her left eye. The movement brought his attention to the angry red scar that zigzagged down her cheek, and not for the first time Lavi wondered just where the mark started, and how it was created. A normal scar wouldn't be so bright, like it was painted on rather than carved into the flesh.

"What was that about?" Lavi asked, deciding to go with a direct approach, since he had missed whatever Kanda saw (and was kicking himself over not observing Ellen more closely.)

"Who knows?" Ellen said loftily with a shrug, occupying herself with her food again, keeping her gaze down.

Deciding a change of topic was in order Lavi jumped on the opportunity to find what Ellen was doing here.

"So Ellen, what brought you to the academy?" Lavi asked immediately

-*-8-

As she bowed her head Ellen had caught the probing look from the red head opposite her, as if he was waiting for some puzzle to be laid out on the table. Or perhaps the puzzle was already in play and he was picking up the pieces?

Either way she was grateful when he changed the subject rather than pushing for answers.

She often had bad reactions from people who glimpsed the scar on the left side of her face, but it didn't affect her any less.

"Lavi I already told you that General Cross recommended her." Lenalee pointed out

"Yah, but that doesn't explain why he did so." Was the red haired boys come back.

"Did he need a reason?" Ellen asked, curious. She hadn't heard the cover story Komui was using and this was probably the best chance she was going to get.

"Well you can't just choose to come here." Lenalee said

"You can't?"

"Wow, you really know nothing about this school." Lavi commented.

"Lavi," Lenalee swatted him on the arm, "I already told you she wouldn't."

"Well sorry for my ignorance." Ellen muttered sarcastically.

"It's not your fault at all Ellen. Really my brother should have explained things better."

"He was kinda too busy running away from his secretary to do much of anything." Ellen pointed out

"Ah, well..." Lenalee straightened her utensils, keeping her eyes down on her task rather than look at Ellen, "he does that a lot, sorry."

"Oh no, you don't need to apologize Lenalee," Ellen hurried to assure the younger girl, waving her hands about frantically, "your brother should really be concerned with his own responsibilities and not put it on your hands."

Lavi and Lenalee exchanged a look and feeling suddenly anxious that she offended someone Ellen hurried to redact her opinion, "I mean Komui is a good principal and I'm sure he works hard, and- why are you smiling?"

Looking back and forth between the two amused teens, the red head kinda wished she could go crawl into a hole now, "I'm just gonna go now." she said, slowly inching her way off the bench, cheeks hot with embarrassment.

"No, no don't leave." Lavi said, waving a hand for Ellen to sit back down, while Lenalee quieted her giggles.

"Sorry Ellen we aren't laughing at you as much as we are just amused by you, oh I guess that's not much better." Lenalee tried to explain, and Lavi had to take over,

"What she means is we like you, and you should definitely hang with us." Lavi said, grinning widely.

"Oh," surprised Ellen looked from one to the other as she slowly settled back into her seat, "really?"

Lavi nodded, while Lenalee affirmed this, "Really."

"Cool." Ellen responded, smiling back at the two of them.

The bell interrupted their tete-a-tete and Ellen realized she never got the answer to her question.

"I still want to know how someone qualifies for this school." Ellen said as they gather their things, taking the trays to the drop off area.

"You took a placement test, right?" Lenalee asked, pointing out where to drop utensils and trash.

"Yah, but there was just the normal stuff to determine your classes." Following the other girls silent directions Ellen placed her now empty tray on top of Lenalees, which was then covered by Lavi's.

"You talk as if you know these tests really well." The red headed boy pointed out as he led the way through the swinging doors into the crowded hallway.

Fiddling with her books rather than look at the two of them, Ellen said, "I've taken a few of them."

"You're just a junior, how many times did you switch schools?" Lavi asked, looking over his shoulder.

Rather than give a clear answer Ellen shrugged. It would be too much effort to explain all the home schooling qualification tests she took, and why she had to take them so much.

She liked to believe it was just because Cross was so irresponsible, but she knew that it would be easier to figure out where a person was living if there was any homeschooling record. Even if it was under a pseudonym, it was still a possibility Cross wanted to avoid.

Seemingly sensing that another topic change was in order, Lenalee jumped in.

"So brother said you will be training as an exorcist, have you fought before?" Lenalee asked

"I have, but I don't have much experience." Ellen said carefully.

-*-8

Watching her closely as she answered this question Lavi saw her look around the hallway, avoiding their eyes. So either it was the truth, or a heavily edited version, he decided.

"What kind of experience have you had?" Lavi asked pointedly meeting Ellen's eyes.

Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly, jaw clenched, before she was literally saved by the bell.

"Oh we should be in class by now, shouldn't we?" Ellen asked, tearing her eyes away to look around the hallway. "Where is our class?" she asked, digging through her books, probably to find her schedule.

Lenalee looked to him with a question in her eye and he shrugged; it's not like they wanted to turn their fact finding into an interrogation of the new girl.

"Don't worry Ellen, our class is right here." Lenalee assured the red haired girl, taking her elbow and steering her towards room 251.

As they stepped through the door there was a blur of black followed closely by pain, knocking Lavi back into the floor.

"And what do you think you are doing?" The old man that approached them was rather short, and dressed a bit oddly in a long shirt, tied about the waist with a rope belt, over pants that were tight at the ankles. Overall he looked a lot like a kung fu master in the movies.

"Going to class, what else panda. Jeez." Lavi muttered, rubbing his aching forehead.

Lenalee giggled, and the red head looked up to see Ellen stifling her own laughter.

"And how is my pain funny?" Lavi griped good-naturedly

"You have an outline of the eraser on your forehead." Lenalee got out between giggles.

Ellen smothered a giggle of her own, before reaching a hand down to Lavi.

Gratefully accepting the help Lavi stood and pouted at the old man still standing before them, tapping his toes.

"Why are you late to my class?" he demanded, looking the three of them over.

"We were helping Ellen find her way around the school." Lenalee explained congenially, motioning to the red haired girl, whose cheeks tinted slightly as there were a few snickers from their classmates.

"You are excused Lenalee, Ms. Walker," he nodded to both of them, "but you boy," the old man turned and grabbed the bandana sporting boy by the ear, "You don't have an excuse, especially since this isn't your class."

"But Ji-ji I was helping!" Lavi whined

"Um, excuse me, Boo- Sir" the hesitant words from the younger girl drew both their attention,

"You may call me Bookman, Ms. Walker; it is nice to finally meet you." the old man introduced with a stuttered bow. Lavi looked between the two in earnest- he hadn't missed that slip of tongue from Ellen-did she already know Bookman? If so, why was Jiji pretending they weren't acquainted?

"Uh, right, nice to meet you too Bookman," Ellen began again, seeming confused and assured at the same time "Um, please excuse Lavi, he was just helping explain some things about the school."

"Well he can do that outside my class time." The Bookman proclaimed, but even so he let go of the red heads ear, motioning the three to shoo away.

Taking the hint the two late comers hurried to their seats, Ellen following Lenalee's direction and taking a seat behind her, Lenalee waving bye to Lavi as he flitted out the door, avoiding another projectile, this time a piece of chalk. He would have to wait to interrogate Jiji later, since he was technically late for his class.

-*-8-*-8