Reflection

Allen and Lenalee managed to kill all the akumas by dusk,but almost all the finders were sacrificed.Most of them said they had to protect the Excorcists because it's their part of preventing the prophecy of the Earl's victory from happening.Even if it's only a little they can do,they are willing to support them in anyway they can.While the finders mourned for their dead comrades,Lenalee went over to them.

"I'm sorry we couldn't protect your comrades."

"No,Lenalee.You've done more than enough."

"But...-"

"They died for a cause..."the finder looked away,unable to speak anymore.

Lenalee understood.After putting a hand on his shoulder,she got up and left.She felt guilty and responsible for being the cause of the other finder's lives they hadn't saved.She wanted to confide in Allen so she decided to look up for him during supper,but he was late by almost an hour.Allen ordered twice as much as usual and kept quiet all the time.He looked away from Lenalee and got up as soon as he finished.Lenalee decided to follow him and ask him what's wrong.

Allen was feeling as bad as Lenalee was:He felt bad to be the cause for everything that happened.He became an Excorcist to save lives,but he ended up taking more lives than saving them.He saw more bloodshed,sorrow,and misery.People existed in a world they didn't know about.As he walked past a mirror,he could see himself - a white-haired fifteen year-old with storm gray eyes filled with emotions and seen what ordinary fifteen year-olds hadn't seen nor expirenced.The hatred he felt when he was abandoned by his blood parents,the joy of being with Mana,the sorrow when Mana died,the happiness he felt when he was at the Order,the pain whenever he saw Lenalee's tears.The scar that ran down from his left eye to his cheeks was embedded with memories of Mana,probably the Fourteenth.Dressed in his usual white shirt and grey vest,he looked into the figure that scares him everytime he looked into his reflection.Someday,he was told,that he would betray the Order.He would kill all the people he loved.He would become a monster that knows nothing of friendship,and would forget all that he experienced.He would not let himself betray Lenalee.Allen often told himelf.He'll not let that happen,ever.

Allen walks on,still thinking about Mana's connection with the Fouteenth.How the Fourteeth's death was related to Mana's.Of all the people in the world,why must the Fourteeth choose him as his host?He took off his glove and glaced at his left hand before opening the door.Maybe the innocence is supressing the Fourteeth from emerging.Or his will to protect.But he didn't want to think.He looked out of the window and gazed at the stars outside,pointing out constellations Mana had taught him.For once,he wished he could be normal,but his left hand changed everything.He was an Excorcist.That's all that matters now.He didn't care if it didn't last for long,but as long as he woke up to be able to see Lenalee,that would be the best thing that could happen to him.

Wait...the last part didn't sound right...he shook that thought out of his head and slumped onto an armchair beside the window.He kept gazing at the stars,trying to forget everything but he couldn't.Tim made a nest on his head and grinned.Allen smiled slightly.At least being with Timcanpy was better than being with only the walls and furniture inside the room.His eyes reflected the light of the full moon above him as he sighed.Just then,he heard a knock on the door.

Allen got up,moving towards the door with heavy steps.He opened the door and saw the person he wanted to confide in,but was at the moment,seperated by only the locked door.(so close yet so far....)His eyes softened and he let her in.

A/N: I'm sorry for the abrupt ending,but I have to rush my homework.(there's a mountain of it - literally.)I think by the time now,you should know who Allen let in,right?If you don't,you're not paying enough attention.So anyway,I should be posting the next chapter soon.Hopefully by next week.I'm considering to add some author appearances every now and then for a generous pinch of humor.If you have any feedbacks,you could comment on this particular chapter.Ideas are welcomed with open arms.

Thoughts of the Heart

At breakfast,they pretended that NOTHING had happened last night,though stealing occasional glances still happened.

When the two Excorcists finished their meal,a finder called Allen to pick up a call from the Headquaters.

"Coming!"Allen called with his mouth filled with food.

Allen knew better than to tell Komui what had happened between Lenalee and himself.He gulped before picking up the phone.

"Hi,Allen!How'd the mission go?"Came Komui's usual comical voice.

"Not very well."Allen sighed as he stole a glance at Lenalee who was chatting with one of the finders."We lost a host.Lenalee was very upset about it.I wasn't able to protect her.I'm sorry."

"How's Lenalee feeling now?"Komui asked,concerned.

"She got over the incident."

"All the more you should.As long as the two of you are fine,I'm happy enough."

"But...-"

"You were able to protect Lenalee,and that means a lot to me.But..."Komui's voice changed into the one Allen was afraid of most."Did you touch my Lenalee?!"

"Eh?!O-of course not,Komui-san!"

"Good."Komui's voice changed back to normal."I'll see you at the Headquaters,then!"

"Hm."Allen nodded and hung up the phone before he leaned against the wall and sighed.Lenalee came over to him with a bright smile on her face.

"Was that my brother just now?"

"Huh?Uh...y-yes..."Allen stammered as he felt his cheeks burning.

"Did you tell him anything,then?"

"No."

"Good!I don't want you to be shot by Nii-san's bazooka,you know."She gave a wave before she left Allen to himself."I'll see later,then!"

"Okay."Allen nodded.He retreated to his room and thought about a few things.

Do I like Lenalee?Allen thought as a grinning Timcanpy landed on his shoulder.Allen continued thinking without paying attention to Tim.Something tells him that deep down inside,he didn't just like Lenalee.He loved her.But on the other hand.Lenalee is just another friend,part of his family.

"Arrgh!This is so frustrating!Do I like her or not?"Allen scratched his head,then he noticed Timcanpy on his shoulder.He let Tim perch on his finger.

"What do you think,Tim?"Allen sighed,looking at the golden golem.

Without hestitation,it bit Allen's finger as hard as it could.

"Ow!That hurts,Timcanpy!"Allen grimaced and quickly shook it off his wounded finger.

Timcanpy pointed at Allen's chest,as if it was answering Allen.

"So,you think I should listen to what my heart says?"Allen asked the golem.

Timcanpy nodded.

"Still,you don't have to bite me!"Allen pouted.Tim just showed his sharp teeth at Allen,as if it was threatening to bite Allen again.

"All right!I get it!I'm sorry!"

My heart...Allen thought as he laid on his bed.lies all the answers.I wonder if it could tell me more about the 14th.

Suddenly a shout snapped Allen out of his thoughts,sending him rolling down his bed and he landed with a loud thump.He felt pain,but had no time to bother it.He had to find out what was happening outside!

Allen ran to the deck of the ship,Lenalee was already there.

"Lenalee what happ- what the..."Allen looked up and saw hordes of akuma trying to destroy the ship.

"Allen,We're being attacked!We have to protect everyone,before it's too late!"

Allen nooded.The two Excorcist invoked their innocence and fought to protect the ship.

Secrets And Confessions

Lenalee woke up,only to find it was all just a dream.She sat up,still petrified from the nightmare.She knew no matter how she tried,she wouldn't be able to go back to sleep.Even if she did,the nightmare would still come back.

Might as well go out and get some fresh air.She thought as she put on her usual black cloack and lighted an oil lantern.When she passed by Allen's room,she decided to check on him.When she knocked,she realised the door was not locked.When she peered inside,she didn't see Allen on the bed.She suddenly remembered her dream and started panicking.She ran to the kitchen.Anyone would know that's one of the places to find if you're looking for Allen.When she saw him,she felt a huge sense of relief.Allen saw Lenalee's reflection on the glass window,and turned around.Lenalee saw that Allen was covering up his left eye,just like he did the last time she saw Allen before he disappeared.

"Allen-kun...is...your eye all right?"Lenalee started.

"I'm fine.Please...go back to sleep."Allen smiled nervously.

"Can you let me see your eye?"

"It's fine,really."

Allen started stepping away from the light.To Lenalee,it seemed as if he was disappearing,being swallowed up by the shadows,just like what was in her dream.

"Wait!"Lenalee took his hand,tears she held back before now flowed down her beautiful face.

Allen's eyes widened.He didn't like to see Lenalee cry.He hated her tears.It made him feel so helpless.He knew no matter how hard he tried,he won't be able to stop those tears.

"I'm sorry,Lenalee.Did you have the nightmare again?"

Lenalee pulled herself towards Allen and buried her face in his chest,tears staining his uniform.

"L...Lenalee...?"

"I'm sorry,Allen-kun."

"If you don't mind,can you tell me your dream?"Allen whispered as he hugged her back.

"It's the same as before.Everytime I saw Nii-san or the others,I would cry inside my dream,but whenever I saw you,I would scream out your name and wake up.This time,I saw you turn into sand and blown away by the wind.It was really realistic and scary,almost as if it was the future."

"But it's over now,right?"Allen said as he stroked her hair."It's fine...I'm here..."

"I'm really sorry."

"You know something?"

"What is it?"

"Everytime you cry,it makes me feel helpless.Because all I could do is to console you like this."

"But you made me feel better."Lenalee opened her eyes before closing them again."If you don't mind,can we...stay like this for a moment longer?"

"O...okay..."Allen stammered.

Allen could hear her heart slow down a little.He assumed she fell asleep.He had often wondered why God let a girl as nice as Lenalee be involved in this cruel war.He felt she deserves a better childhood than this.He carried her to the nearest chair and sat her down.He took off his own uniforn and laid it over her.When he settled down beside Lenalee,he could hear her whispering his name.

It must be that nightmare again.Allen thought.When he saw her eyes squeezed shut,calling his name,he pulled her closer to himself,desperately hoping it would help.When Lenalee woke up,she found herself closer to Allen than ever.

"That nightmare..."whispered Lenalee so softly that Allen could barely hear."it turned into a dream with only you and me together."Closing her eyes again,she whispered loud enough for Allen to hear."Thank you,Allen-kun."

Allen smiled.Pulling her closer to him,he whispered back.

"You're welcome,Lenalee."Before he drifted to his own world of dreams,he said the three words he thought he would never get to say to Lenalee."I love you."

Lenalee smiled secretly.She had heard those words she'd been longing to hear from him.When she heard nothing but a gentle snore,she leaned closer and whispered back.

"I love you,too."

Allen and Lenalee spent the rest of the night together like this until it was almost morning.If any of the Finders knew of what they did and decides to report it to Komui,Allen would either be skinned alive,drilled,shot by his mega bazooka or be at mercy of one of his crazy inventions.Let's just say it's their little secret.

[A/N:Those reading this DO NOT tell komui or I'm using my puppy dog eyes(my signature weapon) to convince Kanda to slice ya!!No seriously.It works.]

Tragedy And Nightmares

When Kira woke up,she found herself in her own room.Her sight was still fuzzy,but she could hear the raindrops beating softly against the windows.Kira's brother was the first to go in,as expected by Kira.

"KIRAAAA!!!I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE FINE!!!"

"Nii-san!"Kira ran up to her brother and hugged him tightly."I'm sorry.I wasn't able to protect everyone.I didn't live up to my promise."

"It's all right now.You're back safely,that's all that matters now."

Outside,A Finder was waiting.

"Where's the new Excorcist?"

Allen shook his head sadly.Lenalee buried her face in her hands,blaming herself for leaving Kira behind.When Allen sat down beside her and put a hand on her shoulder,she cried even harder.

**********~~~~~~~~~~~~~~**************

On a ship the Finder came in Allen was frustrated.He stood outside the door of Lenalee's room.He thought for a long time before deciding to knock.

"Come in."

Allen entered and found Lenalee sitting on her bed,still mulling over what had happened.She definitely wasn't her cheerful self.Allen tried to cheer her up,but she always forced a smile and said she was all right.Allen knew she wasn't,so he told her it wasn't her fault that it all happened.

"I feel I'm responsible for all this.I was the one who left her behind."

"But you didn't know what was going to happen.It's not your fault."

"I feel that it is."Lenalee turned away.

"If...you need me,I'll always be here for you."Allen said with emotions swirling in his eyes.

"Thanks,Allen-kun."Lenalee smiled faintly.

Allen walked out of her room,yet he still wasn't so sure if Lenalee's all right.He went back to his own room,but stayed awake just in case Lenalee needed him for something.He suddenly felt hungry,so he walked towards the kitchen to grab a snack.Suddenly,he felt his eye sting.Covering in eye with his left hand,he walked quickly into the kitchen in case anyone had seen him.All the Finders were asleep in their rooms.Yet he still felt that he should cover it.He looked out of the window,watching the waves lap over one another peacefully.He was not aware that Lenalee was tossing around in her bed,sweating furiously,calling out the name she loved.

The Innocence: Destroyed

The two Excorcists were beat by the time they reached the exit.They still had to wait for a Finder to arrive in Japan,which would take at least a few hours.While waiting,they had to fend off akumas trying to get the innocence.However,they did not notice the sinister figure of their Nemesis hiding behind the shadows watching them with a purple butterfly engulfed in an evil aura perched on his left hand.

Allen was having much difficulty with seven level 3s.Everytime he attemped to attack one of them,another would counter-attack from behind.Lenalee,who was protecting Kira,couldn't watch Allen being thrashed arond anyone.She wanted so much to help,but she could leave Kira behind.Kira seemed to have noticed Lenalee's flustered expression.She felt bad for being such a burden to them and decided to let Lenalee go.

"I think you should help Allen."Kira whispered without facing Lenalee.

"I wanted to,but..."She looked at Allen who was already hurt badly."I couldn't just leave you behind."

"I don't want to be a burden to you."She said as a tear rolled down her cheek."I wanted so much to help,but I can't."

Lenalee bit her lips.She still couldn't decide which to choose.Kira or Allen.

"Please,I don't want all this to happen because of me.You're the only one who could help Allen now!"

"All right.Promise me you'll be fine."

"I promise.Thank you Lenalee."

"I should be thanking you Kira."Lenalee smiled.

Lenalee stood up and invoked her innocence.She leapt in front of the level 3 who was attacking Allen.

"How dare you hurt my comrade!"

The akuma smirked."So you finally decided to join in the fun,eh?"

While the two Excorcists were busy fighting,the figure from the shadows stepped towards Kira.A few more butterflies engulfed in the same evil aura as the one on his finger.

"Who are you?"Kira asked,suddenly feeling sick in the stomach.

"I came to take your innocence."He said.

"I asked,WHO ARE YOU?!"

"How rude of me not to introduce myself."The figure said in a gentlemanly yet a hint of menance in his tone."My name is Tyki.I'm the 'Pleasure' of the Ancient Family."

"T-the Ancient Family...?"

"Speak no more,girl.Give me your innocence!"

"Why should I?It's the strength God gave me to protect everyone.A weapon that purifies and saves!"

"Well spoken,young lady.But not enough to convince me NOT to take your innocence."Tyki laughed sinisterly.

"I'm not handing it over,Tyki."Kira growled through her gritted teeth.

Tyki grabbed her neck and threatened her in his most menacing voice.

"I repeat myself one last time.Give. Me. Your. INNOCENCE!"

"N...no..."Kira struggled to break free,but her conciousness was slipping away.

Tyki snatched the glowing necklace from Kira.

"This is your innocence,I presume?"Tyki taunted.

"Stop it."Kira whispered.She was weak and could hardly move.

"You will NOT become an Excorcist."Tyki smirked.

"Stop it."Kira's voice became louder.

"Say good bye to your innocence."Tyki laughed errily and crushed it.The innocence residing inside the necklace piece reduced to dust and disappeared.Kira's eyes widened and squeezed it shut again.

"STOP IT!!!!!!!"Kira screamed.Allen and Lenalee heard Kira's screams and ran towards where they last left Kira.They stopped almost instantly when they saw Tyki.

"TYKI?!"Allen gasped."But...didn't I kill the Noah in you?Why are you still...one of them?!"

"The Noah in me didn't die."Tyki stuck his tounge out."On the contrary,it survived.I don't know how,but it did."He turned to the akumas."You there!We have no busniness here anymore.Let's go."

"Roger."The akumas nodded and retreated.

Suddenly,the sky turned dark.Soon,it began raining.Kira cried and shivered from the cold.

"Why...I wanted so so much to become an Excorcist...why did it end like this?"She whispered.

"I'm sorry,Kira.We weren't able to protect you."Lenalee put her hand on her shoulders.

"I-"Kira felt dizzy again.She fell onto the wet grass,unconcious.She could still hear Allen and Lenalee calling her,it got softer and softer until it eventually disappeared.

Danger Lurks Across Edo

Allen and Lenalee decided to bring Kira to the Asian Branch Order.It would take at least five days to get there.An ally is urgently needed and they can't risk anything at all.Along the way,Allen and Lenalee took turns to fight and protect Kira so she could not be hurt.

"Ugh..if we keep this up,we won't leave Japan in time!"Allen groaned.

"We will.We're already halfway across the shortcut."Kira said.

"Allen-kun,what's wrong?"Lenalee asked when Allen suddenly stopped in front of Kira.

"There are akumas in the area."Allen turned around.His left eye was activated,it was a sign that there are akumas nearby.

"Can you pinpoint the exact location?"Lenalee asked,holding Kira close to her.

"No,not really."Allen said."But I can tell you this: there are an army of them coming this way."

"What?!"Lenalee shierked."An army?!But...what about Kira?It would take the two of us to fend them off!"

"Don't worry.I'll manage."Allen smiled.

"But..."Lenalee held Allen's arm,refusing to let go."What about you...?"

"I'll be fine."Allen said.Turning towards the army of level two and three akumas charging towards us,led by Tyki.

"Why?Why must you always sacrifice yourself for others?You almost lost your life back in China when you disappeared on me!Did you have any idea how worried I was?!Did you spare a thought for my feelings?"Lenalee shouted at Allen with tears brimming her eyes.seeing this,his smile faded.

"I did."He looked at Lenalee with mixed colours of emotions in his eyes."That was why I wanted to train myself and return to you as quickly as possible.Every time I sleep,I saw your dreams.And one I didn't know about,was you drowning into the ocean's depths."

"That happened to me while I was on Miss Anita's ship.I almost drowned fighting a level three akuma."Lenalee said plainly.

"Oh.Anyway,I told myself that I had to return to you.You were my reason to fight,to survive,to protect."He said,looking into her eyes.

"I understand..."Lenalee whispered,finally letting go.

"Take care of Kira."Allen smiled before invoking his innocence.

"I will."Lenalee said.

Allen smiled before he invoked his innocence.

"Crown Clown,activate!"

One after another,Allen had to keep akumas away from Lenalee and Kira.However,due to exhaustion,he let one slip past him.By the time he realised it,it had already had a headstart to getting the innocence.

"Lenalee!"Allen shouted and charged towards them.

Dang it!It's too fast! Allen thought.Another akuma flew in front of Allen and said in a sinister voice,"What happened to our little game,boy?"

"I don't have to time to deal with you!"Allen shouted in its face.The akuma grinned.

"You want to end it,yes?I'll do that for you!"The akuma hit Allen and made him flinch.Meanwhile,the akuma was getting closer.Lenalee invoked her innocence and destroyed the akuma.She quickly went back to Kira and kept her innocence invoked,just in case any akuma tries to harm Kira or destroy her innocence.

It's going to be a long and difficult journey to the Asian Branch.

Leaving Home

Allen and Lenalee waited outside as Kira got ready to leave.Kira said she had to do something first before they leave.

"I have to go,Nii-san."Kira sobbed,holding on to her brother."I really have to go now."

"I know."Kira's brother held her tight."I know...take care of yourself Kira.I'll miss you."

"I will,too."Kira said,finally letting go."Goodbye,and take care of Grandpa."

"I will,Kira.Don't worry."

"It's time."Allen whispered to Kira.She gave a nod and left her brother behind.Kira kept looking at her brother waving goodbye.She kept looking until her home disappeared in the horizon.

*******Meanwhile***********

"Master,you've heard that,yes?"A girl sitting on a floating umbrella.

"Of course,Road."A fat man sat on the end of the table said.

"Can I go,Master?"Rhode floated over and hugged the man."It's been a long time since I've had some fun."

"I'm sorry Rhode.You should stay here with Lero."The man said,his glasses reflected the dim candle lights."I'll get Tyki-pon to do this job."

"No fair!"Rhode pouted."Tyki always gets all the fun!"

"Now,now Rhode.Don't throw a tantrum.I'll get you some candies,all right?"

"Okay..."Rhode jumped down from Lero and left.

"We'll see who survives first.You pesky little rats,or...."The man stood up to reveal himself as the Earl."My little pets!"

The moment he said those words,the candlelights burned brighter and revealed an army of level two and three akumas who were hiding in the shadows before.

An eerie laughter ran through the halls as the hungry akumas got ready to leave.