Allen and Lavi burst into Komui's office, breathless and wide-eyed. Komui looked up from his mountain of paperwork, his brow furrowing in concern.
"We actually have a problem," Lavi panted.
"What type of problem?" Komui asked, setting his pen down.
"Well, the reason that thing looked like me is because it's my identical twin brother," Allen said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Komui's eyes widened in shock. "Well, I don't see the problem there."
Allen took a deep breath, his eyes filled with pain. "He's a Noah."
Komui's face fell. "Now I do," he said gravely, his frown deepening.
Allen stared at the floor, his shoulders slumped with the weight of guilt and sorrow. "I think it's my fault he's with them. I ignored him and pushed him away when Mana took us in. Now he wants revenge against me..."
Lavi frowned, placing a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. Seeing Allen so distraught broke his heart. Just then, Allen's stomach growled loudly, cutting through the tension.
"Let's go eat. I'll finish reporting everything to Komui a little later," Lavi said, trying to cheer Allen up with a small smile.
Allen looked up at Lavi, managing a weak nod. They both gave Komui a small wave as they left the office. As they walked through the halls, Lavi could see the pain etched on Allen's face.
"Hey, everything will be okay, Al," Lavi said cheerfully, though his eyes were filled with concern.
"I hope so, Lavi…" Allen murmured, his voice heavy with doubt.
Meanwhile, Ace stormed through the corridors of the Ark, his anger radiating off him in waves. He had been so close to exacting his revenge on Allen, but the Earl had held him back. He needed a plan, a way to destroy everything and everyone Allen loved.
"Someone looks angry," a deep voice drawled from the shadows. Ace stopped and turned to see Tyki, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
Ace frowned at the sight of the cigarette, but Tyki ignored it, walking over to him. "Something wrong? You usually don't come back this angry."
Ace huffed, crossing his arms. "I finally met him again after all these years, and he had the audacity to forget about his own twin brother!"
Tyki chuckled, ruffling Ace's hair. "You're mad that you couldn't just kill him, huh?"
"...Yes..." Ace admitted, his eyes flashing with fury.
"You'll get your chance. Just not now. I can help you get revenge on him if you'd like," Tyki offered, his smirk widening.
Ace thought for a moment before grinning maliciously. "Sure, Tyki, I'd like that."
Tyki smirked as they walked together, concocting plans for Ace's revenge.
Back at the Order, Allen lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. Timcampy flew in circles above his head, sensing his distress.
"Tim, I don't know what I should do. I now remember Ace, and now he wants to destroy everything around me... It's my fault he feels this way. If only I hadn't ignored him..." Allen's voice broke as he spoke.
Tim landed on Allen's face and bit his nose before flying away when Allen swatted at him. "Ouch! Tim, why'd you bite me?" Allen whined, sitting up. Tim landed on the bedpost, staring at him with unblinking eyes.
Allen sighed and flopped back down. He didn't move when there was a knock on his door. "It's open."
He didn't look up as the door opened and closed. When someone stopped next to his bed, he sat up, surprised to see Lenalee standing there with a sad expression.
"Lenalee, is something wrong?" he asked, concerned.
"Lavi told me about what happened on the mission," she said softly.
"Oh..." Allen looked away, trying to muster a reassuring smile. "I'll be alright, Lenalee. Don't worry about me. I'll make sure he doesn't hurt anyone here and try to get him to forgive me."
Lenalee frowned, not buying his brave front. "Allen..."
Allen sighed, laying back down. "...I'm worried. He truly hates me now. And I have no idea what he's capable of. I would never forgive myself if anyone got hurt or worse... especially if it was you."
Realizing what he had just admitted, his face turned bright red. He glanced at Lenalee and saw her blushing as well.
"I-I-I did..." Allen stammered, unable to find the right words.
Lenalee blurted, "I...I...I have to go!" and quickly ran out of the room, leaving behind a confused and embarrassed Allen.
He buried his face into his pillow and groaned. "Great..."