The train rattled steadily along its tracks, the countryside blurring past the windows. Makoto sat quietly in his seat, staring out at the rolling hills. His body ached from the battle, and his mind felt heavy with the weight of Guzol's sacrifice. Beside him, Lala sat with the porcelain doll in her lap, her silver hair glowing faintly in the morning sunlight.

Timcampy buzzed around the cabin, chirping softly as it settled on Makoto's head. He smiled faintly and reached up to pat the golem. "Thanks, Tim. I'm okay. Just... thinking."

Across from him, Kanda leaned back in his seat, arms crossed and eyes closed. "You've got that look," he muttered without opening his eyes.

Makoto blinked. "What look?"

"The one that says you're blaming yourself for something that wasn't your fault," Kanda replied bluntly.

Makoto hesitated, his gaze falling to the floor. "I just... I wish I could've done more. Maybe if I'd been stronger, Guzol wouldn't have—"

"Stop," Kanda cut him off, his tone sharp. He opened one eye, fixing Makoto with a piercing stare. "People die. That's the reality of this fight. Guzol made his choice, and you honored it. Don't disrespect his sacrifice by wallowing in guilt."

Makoto looked up, surprised by the unexpected wisdom in Kanda's words. After a moment, he nodded. "You're right. I'll keep moving forward. For him."

Lala, who had been silent for most of the journey, finally spoke. "You shouldn't blame yourself, Makoto. Guzol believed in you. So do I."

Her voice was steady, but her hands trembled as they rested on the doll. "I don't know what the future holds, but... I want to be part of this fight. If I can help protect the Innocence and stop the Earl, then Guzol's sacrifice won't be in vain."

Makoto smiled gently. "You're stronger than you think, Lala. And you're not alone. We'll get through this together."

Lala returned his smile, a flicker of hope lighting her eyes. "Thank you, Makoto."

Timcampy chirped, fluttering onto her shoulder and nudging her cheek. She let out a soft laugh, stroking the golden golem's head.

The Black Order's massive fortress loomed into view as the train pulled into the station. Makoto felt a sense of relief as they stepped onto the platform, though the weight of the mission still lingered in his chest.

Lenalee was the first to greet them, her eyes lighting up when she spotted Makoto. "You're back! Are you okay?"

Makoto nodded, though his expression was somber. "We got the Innocence, but... it wasn't easy."

Lenalee's gaze shifted to Lala, her expression softening. "And who's this?"

"This is Lala," Makoto explained. "She was bonded to the Innocence we retrieved. She's... been through a lot."

Lala bowed her head politely. "Thank you for welcoming me. I hope I can be of help to the Order."

Komui appeared moments later, his usual cheer tempered by a serious expression. "Good work, all of you. Let's debrief in my office. And Lala, we'll find a place for you here."

Lala nodded, clutching the doll tightly. "Thank you."

In Komui's cluttered office, Makoto recounted the events in Mater. He spoke of Guzol's sacrifice, the Level 2 Akuma, and the evolution of his Innocence. Komui listened intently, occasionally jotting down notes.

"So your Innocence evolved," Komui said, leaning back in his chair. "Fortuna's Orbit, huh? It's rare for an Exorcist to achieve an evolution so early in their career. That speaks to your synchronization rate—and your determination."

Makoto scratched the back of his neck. "It wasn't just me. Lala and Guzol gave me the strength to push through."

Komui smiled. "That's what makes you special, Makoto. You draw strength from the people around you. It's a rare quality—and one we'll need in the fight ahead."

Kanda, leaning against the wall, scoffed. "Just don't let it go to your head."

Makoto chuckled. "I'll try not to."

Over the next few days, Lala adjusted to life at the Black Order. She was given a small room near the Exorcists' quarters, and she quickly became a familiar presence in the dining hall and training grounds.

Her bond with Makoto grew naturally as they spent more time together. She often watched him train, offering quiet encouragement, and he, in turn, supported her as she found her place within the Order.

One evening, as they sat together in the library, Lala turned to Makoto with a soft smile. "Thank you. For everything."

Makoto blinked, surprised. "For what?"

"For giving me a reason to keep going," she said simply. "For showing me that there's still hope, even in the darkest times."

Makoto's cheeks flushed, and he looked away, scratching the back of his neck. "It's nothing. I just... did what felt right."

Lala laughed softly, her voice like a melody. "That's what makes you special."

Unbeknownst to them, Komui sat in his office late that night, reviewing Hevlaska's latest report. The prophecy regarding Makoto lingered in his mind, its ominous weight pressing on his thoughts.

"The child of infinite chance... salvation or destruction," he murmured, his fingers drumming against the desk.

Lenalee entered quietly, her concern evident. "Komui, are you worried about Makoto?"

Komui sighed, setting the report aside. "He's remarkable, Lenalee. But his power is unpredictable. If his luck falters, even for a moment... it could change everything."

Lenalee frowned but nodded. "We'll be there for him. No matter what."

Komui smiled faintly. "Let's hope that's enough."

To Be Continued...