The flowing long dark coat flaps against the strong winds in unison with the whiplash of his long hair tie in a ponytail. Closing his eyes, the young man cherishes the bellowing winds crashing against his face. Sitting at top of the tower, he feels as he owns the world. Almost touching the sky, it is clear; the shimmering stars give him the impression of bathing in a shower of thousands of cold-hardy diamonds while the waxing moon is a thin silvery chain keeping them floating. He sighs. It is an uncommon thing to do for him but tonight has been an uncommon night.

The weirdness started when he was on his way to his room. He has just come back from his latest mission and the head nurse has just look after his injuries when he hears the commotion. His heartbeat starts to accelerate at an incredible speed when the alarm is risen; someone is trying to come inside headquarters. Without thinking, he flies through the corridors to be the first to get to the gate. If someone sees him would not think of anything, it just his normal self rushing to meet those accursed Akumas. However, he could not shake the feeling that something was off tonight. Yes, something was definitely off with him. It is not the first time he goes into battle mode within seconds but his heart rate has never risen to this level.

Finally, he reaches the gate and decides to climb to the top of the building to have a clear view of the ground below and come up with a quick plan to battle this Akuma. He is surprise to see a scared lanky kid screaming something into the intercom. Squad leader Reevers' voice comes loud and clear once more through his golem, the intruder is to be stop and question. So he jumps while he unsheathes his sword preparing to cut the intruder in half. He is not the type to ask questions. If they want to find some answers, they can examine the corpse later on. He wants this to be over and leave so he can find out why this oppression is taking a hold of his chest. He was perfectly healthy a few minutes ago, except for the injuries. Well, it is not the first time he has been injured before as a matter of fact his injuries are not that bad, no broken ribs to speak of just some scratches and small cuts and a few bruises nothing abnormal.

His first blow is blocked by the kid's left hand. He is taken aback. A perfectly normal left arm has grown to a huge proportion. The kid is wielding an enormous left hand. He examines his opponent careful. He looks young probably about fourteen or fifteen years old. The kid is average a little shorter than him. He is five feet nine inches tall, so he figures the kid in front of him is about five feet three inches maybe four. The kid cannot weight more than hundred and twenty pounds maybe a pound more still the kid is too skinny to be able to wield such an enormous hand and better yet to move with such agility. The kid reminds him of a bean sprout, so white and delicate slim with that overgrown yellowish head. Yes, the kid definitely looks like a bean sprout.

He takes a step back before charging again as he says, "What's with the hand?" [1]

"Uh! It's my anti-Akuma weapon. I'm an exorcist." [1] The bean sprout replies half out of his wits. He is not sure if he can survive another blow from that sharp sword and dangerous looking boy. His left eye trained on the boy in front of him. "At least, he is not an Akuma… He wears the same long-dark coat as my master… So, he is an exorcist just like me… He is good looking! Long-dark hair tied in a ponytail, about five feet six give or take an inch, lean-muscle maybe hundred and twenty pounds. He sure has murderous intentions unlike my master… Are all exorcists good looking? Is it a requirement?"

Millions of thoughts cross his mind while trying to figure out a way out of this mess. He is the master of quick thinking there is not a single possible bad situation he cannot get out of it, all thanks to his master General Cross Marian. Finally, a light goes on his head. He speaks frantically while the sharp blade swooshes through the air coming at an incredible speed towards his face. He is sure he is going to be cut in half from head to toe. "My name is Allen Walker… General Cross Marian… my master sent a letter of recommendation to someone name Koumi a few weeks ago." [1]

A few seconds went by, but for Allen seemed like an eternity before someone yells, "Kandaaaa… stoooop!"

Kanda stops Moguen's blade inches away from Allen's face. Allen feels his heart stop for a few beats before restarting. Kanda on the other hand has the urge to grab his silvery-white hair and pull him for a kiss. Kanda's eyes widen at the sudden thought, but he is distracted by the pain on his head. Lenalee has just hit him with a clipboard. He recovers instantly and walks away. He needs to get away from this person. He needs to clear his head too many emotions are whirling inside his mind.

Allen breathes in relief they always said your life flashes before your eyes when you are about to die, but he has encounter too many near dead experiences that just breathing again is all his mind can muster. He hears the sweet melodic voice of a young girl and he opens his eyes to be greeted by a cute long hair smiling face. "What a difference between Kanda and this girl."

Allen assumes his ever present polite persona and smiles and greets back as if he has not been attack and almost kill a few minutes ago. He is urged to pass through the gate that is beginning to close. He turns around to find Kanda who is almost flying the scene. For a minute, Allen feels a sense of lost. The close proximity of a few minutes ago between him and Kanda has been lost even the adrenaline rush is gone before Allen could think of anything he finds himself calling after Kanda, "Kanda… that's your name." [1]

Kanda stops dead on his steps. His heartbeat still rises as if his heart will jump out of his chest at any second. He resists the urge to turn around and grab the newcomer for a deep kiss. "What am I thinking? He is a guy… I'm a guy… Why would I want to kiss him?" Trying to steady his heartbeat, Kanda barely turns his head in acknowledge that he is listening.

Allen takes courage as he introduces himself, "Nice to meet you." [1] He extends his hand and waits for Kanda.

"I'll not shake hands with a cursed one." [1] Kanda answers coldly. He wants to get away from him as soon as possible. It is the first time that it pains him to be coldhearted with someone. Kanda resumes his flight with a steady step and without looking back. "Is it really because he is cursed? No… I cannot trust myself if I get near him again. When was the last time I was with a woman?"

Allen is left standing with his hand extended for a second he feels his heart shattering into thousand pieces. "How can that be? I just barely meet him. Why does it matter if he hates me or not? Why are these feelings welling inside me right now?"

Kanda finally arrives at his room and changes his clothes. He looks to see if his wounds have not re-opened or stain his bandages while quickly donning a clean change of his exorcist uniform. He leaves his room and climbs quickly the stairs towards the highest tower of the Exorcist Central Headquarters building his favorite place to hide from the buzzing of the exorcist life. As soon as Kanda feels the cool air strike his cheeks, he relaxes. He finds the perfect spot to sit and disappear from the world below.

After a few more sighs, he finally begins to allow his brain to look for a logical explanation for tonight's events mainly his desire to kiss a complete stranger in top of that a male. His heartbeat has finally achieved a normal rhythmic beat. "Who am I kidding? I never had been with a woman. I never had the desire or urge to be with one let's face it I'm 18yrs old so it is not like my hormones are just starting to act now."

Kanda's long black hair floats in the air while his long coat continues flapping hitting the cement wall where Kanda is sitting. Kanda then quickly stands up he has come to a decision and he flies towards the nearest town.

Next Day: Dark Order Central Headquarters—Allen's second day as an official exorcist.

Allen finally finds the kitchen. He was lost for a few minutes before he was able to follow the nice aromas coming from the kitchen and just in time since his stomach was rumbling like crazy. He was not one to be down for long. He could quickly adjust to any circumstances and after the shock of Hevlaska's invasion of his body he finds himself quite relax and ready to face the new day with a smile. He is on the process of ordering a hearty breakfast when a commotion from the communal dining hall is heard.

"Bastard! Care to repeat that again" [2]

Kanda is not in the mood to deal with these low-lives finders. He just arrived from his wandering from town. He has not slept at all and all he wants is to eat his breakfast in peace while he wallows on his self pity. It is not his fault that idiot finder decides to whine behind him. Kanda has just point the obvious. His friend got kill because he was stupid an inexperience. Now, Kanda has more important things to think about like questioning his manhood. He had spent all night trying to get aroused by a large number of good looking women, but he just could not perform. Now that was something worth wallowing about. Maybe here was the perfect opportunity to test his manliness. Yes, Kanda slowly and carefully puts his chopsticks on top of his empty bowl then in a quick and swift move he grabs the large over muscle finder from his neck and pulls him a few inches above the ground.

The idiot finder's feet dangle in the air while Kanda points out to him and to all the finders on the dining hall how insignificant they are in his eyes. Yes, Kanda was sure this will arouse all of the finders eating breakfast. He needs to test himself to the maximum. There was no Akuma present to reassure himself that he was a man and not a failure. If only he had not pushed himself so hard trying to have sex with the women in town. It was not that the women he chose were not good looking. He got the best money could buy. He had never spent a cent of his exorcist pay. He did not need to spend his money. He did not have any bad habits. He eats properly and the food was provided by headquarters or the bill always pick up by willing sponsors of the order. He had no vices. So, he saved his money and now that he decided to put it to good use it had been a complete disaster. The women sure were very helpful they tried their best to arouse him but he just could not bring himself to that point. The closes he got was when he allowed the image of Allen flash in his mind then all his desires would come filling him but the moment he stop thinking of the bean sprout his desire would disappear and no matter what the girl tried it just did not work.

Kanda certainly need it to be reassured he was not gay. He was a man with manly needs. He is just enjoying the power he is exerting over this macho type finder broad shoulders, tall and tone muscle when he feels something burning his wrist.

"Stop!" [2] Allen yells as he grabs Kanda's hand by the wrist.

Allen decides to take action; the moment he sees that Kanda is behind all the commotion he knows he is going to regret getting involved. However, Allen cannot tolerate Kanda's insulting behavior. He was not familiar yet with all the workings of the church and the exorcist's role, but he could tell that every member is part of the team. Therefore, everyone is needed and valuable for the church and the exorcist. Also, Allen has seen the murderous intent in all of the finders rushing to crush Kanda. For some strange reason, Allen could not allow something to happen to that gorgeous coldhearted bastard.

"I hate to barge into an argument where I have no say but I think your tone is simple unnecessary." [2] Allen tries to be polite, firm and at the same control his fear of angering Kanda more than what he already was.

"Let me go, Moyashi." [2] Kanda says methodically slow.

He is surprise to use that term. He is not the type to get chummy with others. He refers to people by their given names. He has never use nicknames to talk with anyone. However, his anger altogether with that increasing need to grab Allen and kiss him and tore his clothes off is more than he can handle, so something slips from his mind. He was just thinking of Allen and that delicious burning sensation on his wrist.

"Moyashi?" [2] Allen asks a little surprise. The images of bean sprouts come to his mind specially those of mug beans those green little beans that are part of one of his many favorite dishes from India.

Allen decides to drop that and just reminds Kanda of his real name, "My name is Allen Walker." [2]

Kanda cannot help it but to choke a bitter laugh as he says, "I'll remember that, if you make it a month without biting the dust." [2]

He will be damn if he would let that person know that it was a slip of the tongue. He knew Allen's name. Allen's name was imprinted in his heart from the moment Allen say it to his face while looking at him scare to death. It was the name of the person that makes him feel so hot and arouse, so he certainly remembers that name. To certain extend Kanda fears for Allen's life and at the same time he wants his statement to be true if Allen was dead then all of his current problems will go away. He had come to the conclusion that he was not gay; however, Allen was the only person capable of arousing all these intense emotions in him. After all, he had been cooked up for too long with male company all his life and he never felt this way before and right now only Allen was making him hot and sweaty the rest of the finders were only pissing him off.

Kanda say some other stuff before Allen's tight grip force him to drop the finder. Finally, Kanda looks Allen dead on his eyes as he says, "Don't touch me cursed one." [2] Kanda feels the need to hurt him that way because he himself was cursed.

"You'll die young; I hate your type." [2] Kanda now understood how his life has been curse from the moment of his conception. Now more than ever he would need to find his special person the one who will lift the curse from him; otherwise, Allen would be the ruin of him.

Allen could not believe his ears. He looks inside Kanda's dark-black eyes and all he could see was hatred. A chill runs down his spine as he feels his lips move and some words come out of his mouth, "Well, I returned your sentiment." [2]

Kanda gets lost for a minute on the depths of the most gorgeous liquefied-gray eyes. Then it happens a bolt of electricity engulf both of them. Their emotions have reached a peak and whether it is hatred, love, or fear of the unknown the connection has been made. Finally, they are brought back to reality by Lenalee's sweet melodic voice informing them that supervisor Koumi has a mission for them.

However, all of Kanda's hopes to get away from Allen are shattered as Koumi orders them to work together. Kanda is the first to protest as he calls Allen again a cursed one. Allen could not let him have the last word so he too protests loud and clear about working alongside Kanda. Supervisor Koumi would not hear of it and sends them together to fulfill their duty as exorcists.

Kanda leaves the office grumbling as he goes to change his clothes and to take a shower. After finalizing the preparations for their departure, Kanda boards the canoe that would take him and Allen to the rendezvous point where they are expected to board the train to Italy and then from there to the town of Martel. He silently listens to the idiotic things Allen and Koumi talk about. He keeps his back to Allen and Koumi until Koumi says something strange to Allen who has finally taken a seat behind him, "I had him show me your past." [2]

"What in hell is Koumi talking about? What's Allen's past?" Kanda eyes Allen from time to time as the latter falls into a quiet state. Kanda did not know Allen well but he did not strike him as the type to brood or go quiet for long periods.

It is not long till Allen begins to be lively again. They are desperately running to catch the moving train. Kanda could not help it but to admire Allen's clumsiness. Kanda jumps the train in a swift elegant move landing in one knee very composed. The finder lands on his stomach holding firmly to the sides of the cart; however, Allen's fall was sort of funny he lands too in his stomach as he tries desperately to hold on to something finally they are inside the train. Allen keeps his one sided conversation since Kanda has decided to definitely not talk to him. He does not want to get closer to Allen. Kanda realizes if he begins to strike any type of conversation with Allen, he might view it as an invitation to get closer to Kanda. And Kanda does not want any more complications. He will conquer his feelings of lust for Allen and then everything will be back to normal. He will continue being a solitary person living only to fulfill his destiny as exorcist no more no less.

Kanda keeps eyeing Allen while pretending to read. It is quiet impossible for him to read the details of the mission since Allen keeps reading out loud, "Doesn't he knows how to read quietly? I like his voice. It is not annoying at all sort of childish but what can you expect from a fifteen years old. He has a good face even that scar on his left eye gives him personality. His silver-white hair is somehow unusual but it sooths him well. I wonder if he lets his hair grow like mine how would he look. No, I like his hair just the way it is. I wouldn't change anything about him; although, he is too naïve. What am I saying?

"What does a ghost have to do with the innocence?" [2] Allen asks Kanda despite the latter's silent treatment.

Kanda cannot help it but to snort. Allen is definitely too cute. He is getting use to the idea of appraising him as a potential rival or does he means partner. Kanda turns away surprise by his train of thought.

"Ah! You just made fun of me, didn't you?" [2] Allen yells at Kanda for someone who is giving him the silent treatment Kanda is too aware of his antics.

"No!" [2] Kanda says firmly while hiding a small smile. "Definitely cute in a childish sort of way."

"You did!" [2] Allen screams annoyed. He wants to continue sparing with Kanda but the finder begins to inform him about how the ghost and the innocence are related.

Kanda keeps quiet annoyed that someone butt into his and Allen's time. "Well, at least I don't have to go into the details for him and I have more time to think of this weird situation. Okay! I'm attracted to Allen Walker. I find him cute; I definitely would not change anything from him. While I'm not attracted to women, I don't think I'm gay since I'm not attracted to any other male other than Allen. So, maybe I am being tested by the curse. What do I know of the curse? My grandmother said that only the males born into my family are curse with the Lotus of life. It all began when one of my ancestors rejected the love of the town's princess. My family comes from a noble and ancient family, so my ancestor was expected to marry the princess but he refused. The princess then cursed him saying that any male born into my family would enjoy a long life as long as their destined person does not come into their lives. However, the moment our destined person comes into our lives the lotus would begin to lose its vigor and whither unless that person returns our love. If by the time the lotus loses its last petal our destined person does not return our love, we will certainly die."

Kanda is brought back from his reverie by Allen's sudden movements. He walks toward the door while talking with the finder staying on the hall. Only exorcists are allowed to ride in the first class cabin; the finders had to stay on the halls like guards. They still are talking about the innocence and the legend of the ghost of Martel. Allen opens the door and then closes it behind him. Kanda gets irritated why Allen has to be so friendly with the finders. Well, Kanda has noticed that Allen is friendly with everyone. He feels a pang on his chest as he bites his lips. He feels like going out to grab Allen forcing him to get inside the cabin at once. However, his pride helps him keep his cool. He can hear the entire conversation between Allen and Toma, the finder. He has just learned the name. He has been paired with him in other missions before he likes him because he is quiet and keeps his distance from him as well as knows how to perform his job without being a hindrance to Kanda. However, it is the first time he has heard him being so talkative and also his name. "I guess the Moyashi has that effect in people. I wonder if the Akuma would be friendly to Allen."

Finally, they arrived at their destined place. Kanda and Toma try to get in contact with the group of finders waiting for them in Martel. Allen follows closed as they run to arrive as soon as possible to the city of Martel; however, there is no response from their allies. Allen's left eye gets activated as he feels the presence of Akuma and finally sees the souls floating above the killing machines. Toma realizes that Allen can see the demons and he asks him about it. Allen confirms that he is able to see the souls of the Akuma. His left eye allows him to recognize Akumas from humans.

"Che! Now, I have to worry about him trying to save thus accursed Akuma. Knowing the type of person, he is, I'm sure he will try to save them. I better make it clear to him that we are here to collect the innocence no heroics or anything else. Kanda now speaks, "A cursed eye! I'll tell you this before we get there, Moyashi. I have no chivalrous ideas like you. Even if you are in the verge of death, I will leave you to die, if it means the completion of my mission. Don't think we're friends and don't try to protect me. Sacrifices are a matter of course, in combat." [2]

Allen listens carefully to Kanda's speech as he answers, "What a terrible thing to say…" He cannot help it but to shiver at Kanda's cold words. "I wonder what it would take for you to think of us as friends or at least as comrades."

Kanda just eyes him. "Definitely he is a naïve idealist. Che! Why did you cross my path Allen Walker?"

As they arrived at the scene, Allen can see all of the finders dead. Toma's finally spots were the Ghost of Martel is held protected by the magical barrier created by the finders before their demise. Allen is shock and saddens by the scene. He had witness death before but not on this scale. Kanda is talking with Toma and assessing the situation as the best course of action that the finders could have taken when a burst of fire is heard on the distant Allen instinctively flies toward the site since it means at least someone from the finders group still alive. Toma calls after him but Allen is far gone. Kanda is irritated but he knew that was the type of reaction Allen would have. So, he forbids Toma from following Allen and asks him to help him secure the innocence. Explosions are heard on the distance and Kanda realizes that Allen is fighting two Akumas at once. Kanda whispers, "Baka!" [2]

Kanda is extremely annoyed at the possibility of Allen losing the battle. "I cannot think of Allen right now. I need to concentrate on securing the innocence. I'm an exorcist and he is one too. He should think first before going into battle led by his raw emotions."

An Akuma threatens the ghost of Martel and Kanda prepares to destroy it. As he disposes of the accursed Akuma with Mugen's spell of illusion, he finds one of the finders on the verge of dying. He stops to ask for the code to free the Ghost of Martel from the barrier. The finder gives him the code and dies. Kanda takes custody of Guzol and Lala while Allen destroys one of the Akuma but the other evolves into a level 2 Akuma. Once Kanda secures both Guzol and Lala; he decides to go by Allen's just to make sure he still is alive. To his horror he discovers that the Akuma has evolved into a level 2.

"Kanda!" [2] Allen is surprise by the sudden apparition of Kanda.

Kanda on the other hand just spats, "I won't help you. This is your fault, for acting on your emotions. Take care of it on your own." [2]

"That's fine. That the innocence is with you puts me at ease. I'll come after you when I've defeat the demon." [2] Allen just answers back honestly relief. "At least I know you and the innocence are safe. It's not the first time or the last I find myself fighting for my life alone." Allen's pride is injured. He has been taking care of himself since he could walk, why Kanda would view him as weak.

As Kanda finds a safe distance between the Akuma and himself, he says, "Toma watch over him?" [2]

Toma asks surprise, "Over Lord Walker?" [2]

Kanda realizes his slip of the tongue and corrects himself, "That demon" [2]

"Allen Walker, you're destroying my peace of mind." Kanda now leaves to find a safe place for him and the innocence while Allen battles the evolve Akuma. "I know you cannot win against that evolve creature. I want to turn around and go and help him but I have a duty to uphold. I have to keep the innocence safe."

Once he finds cover he explains to Guzol and Lala about the innocence and why Allen cannot defeat the Akuma on his own. Guzol now understand that Kanda only wants to take the innocence and leave. However, Lala tries to change Kanda's mind by telling him that they can hide. Kanda receives a call from Toma telling him that there was a huge explosion and he cannot establish contact with Allen. Meanwhile, Gozul and Lala are planning to escape from Kanda since Gozul can see Kanda's determination on taking the innocence from the doll and fleeing the place not caring at all for a pair of old dolls. Kanda on the other hand is frantically trying to come with a plan to retrieve the innocence from the doll and see if he could find Allen or at least his corpse to take with him.

Kanda sends his Golem to locate Toma and as he turns around to get Guzol and Lala he realizes they have escape. He smirks as he discovers that they have used a secret escape route. He cannot follow because he doesn't know the place well and besides he is more worry about Allen right now. He knows those dolls have survived for almost five hundred years they can survive at least a few hours more while he gathers more information about Allen's whereabouts and Toma. Finally, Toma comes to Kanda and gives him Tim campy shattered into pieces. Tim campy reforms and shows Kanda what happens to Allen including the fact that the demon copy Allen's figure and ability. Kanda finds the flaw on the demon's copy by saying that the demon/Allen is reverse. He should know he has study every single scar and hair on his Moyashi. He decides to go and look for the fake Allen and to destroy him. He is confident to recognize the fake Allen from the real Allen.

As soon as Kanda and Toma leave the building, the fake Allen shows up. However, it is not the demon but the real Toma since the demon have copied Toma's body and then turn Toma into the fake Allen. Kanda did not notice because he was not as aware of Toma's physiognomy as he is of Allen's. Kanda is upset that the demon had the guts to show up looking like his Moyashi so he readies himself to attack and actives Moguen and as he strikes the fake Allen the real Allen appears protecting him. Kanda now gets pissed off as he is also relief to see Allen alive. He asks him why is he protecting the demon and Allen reminds him of his left eye ability to see the demon's soul. Allen now sees a cut on the fake Allen's face and tears it revealing Toma's face. Allen realizes the danger Kanda is in but it is too late. The demon strikes Kanda and he almost kills him as he smashes him against the building's wall. The demon is dancing in rejoice of having outwit the exorcist; however, Kanda says, "I am not dead. I can't die. Not until I find him… I…" [3]

The Akuma begins to strike Kanda and as he says, "he is dead…" [3]

Allen grabs him and smashes him against the floor but the demon rises laughing telling him that Allen cannot defeat him. Allen's shock wears off as he realizes Kanda is terrible injured and hits the demon once more with all his anger and power. The demon flies several yards as he is smashed into several building. Allen runs to Kanda's side and tries to force him to talk to him. "Please God don't let him die! Kanda don't die"

"Kanda… Kanda" [3] Allen shakes him trying to get a response.

Finally, Kanda grunts and Allen is relief that Kanda still is alive. Then he grabs both Kanda and Toma and carries them as he tries to find a safe place to take care of their injuries. Toma begs Allen to abandon him, but Allen would not hear of it. As he searches for a safe place, Kanda regains his consciousness and tells him about Guzol and Lala and how they escape. Allen tells Kanda that first they will look after his injuries and then try to find the innocence. Allen feels happy that Kanda is conscious now.

Kanda falls unconscious once again the pain is unbearable. Allen finds a secret passage that leads to the underground tunnels and he takes Toma and Kanda with him to find cover while Tim campy follows him. Finally, Allen reaches the end of the tunnel and on the center he finds Lala and Guzol hugging each other while Lala sings a lullaby. Feeling threaten, Lala attacks Allen. Once he finds a safe place to lay Toma and Kanda in, he stops Lala from throwing pillars at him. Lala tells him the real story behind the Ghost of Martel and promised him to relinquish the innocence once Guzol dies. He only has a few days or maybe hours to live.

All this time Kanda has been in and out of consciousness and as he hears the story he knows that Allen would be move to accept those terms. So, he forces himself to say no and Allen is taken aback by Kanda's words. Kanda orders Allen to take Lala's heart since it is the source of the innocence and Allen then refuses. Kanda stands up and throws Allen his exorcist uniform coat as he says, "That coat isn't just a pillow for a sick man! It's the uniform of an exorcist! Such sacrifices are inevitable, new boy." [3]

Kanda is really enraged as he walks passed Allen to go and kill Lala himself. He is in pain. "I know this hurts you Allen, but is the dolls life or ours. Allen stop being so naïve and idealistic."

Allen is frozen in place as he digests Kanda's hurtful words. "I never thought you were really so cold hearted Kanda. Why cannot you be more sensitive?"

Kanda draws his sword Mugen and readies to strike as Allen speaks puts his coat on and says, "Then, I'll do it." [3]

Kanda is surprise at Allen's answer, "What are you saying Allen?"

Allen stands in front of Kanda between him and Lala as he continues, "If I sacrifice myself for them, will that sate you?" [3]

Kanda is speechless, "That's not what I meant Allen. You're precious to me. Our lives are important. That old man is already dying and that is nothing but a soulless doll."

Allen is firm on his resolution speaking from his heart, "They just want to live together to the very end. Until then, I will not take the innocence from this doll. If I destroy the demon, there's no problem, right? It's just pitiful to fight when nobody benefits." [3]

Kanda has reached his limit of patience. He punches Allen on the face. "Baka! I won't sacrifice you for one stupid doll. Your life is too precious for me." As he strikes Allen with all the force that his anger musters, he too falls to the floor on his knees while Allen lands a few feet away from him. Toma is concern for both of them since Kanda still is the most injure of the three.

Kanda spats, "That's awfully naïve. You feel sorry for them, so you're sacrificing yourself for them! Don't you have any reason to live?"' [3]

Kanda is trembling ignoring the pain that cuts him like sharp knives. "Don't I matter to you? I need you to live. I want you to live."

Allen still laying on the floor as he barely answers, "I lost everything I love long ago." [3] Allen now sits up and faces Kanda as he continues, "I don't have an important reason, like feeling sorry for anyone or anything." Then turning his face away from the furious man in front of him he says, "I just don't want to see them suffer. That's all. I'm a petty person. So my heart goes out for those in front of me, before greater world events. I can't just leave them, so if I can protect them, I want to!" [3]

Kanda is speechless. For the first time he sees Allen in a different light. Another pain pierces him on his heart. He wants to protect Allen. He wants to go and grab him and kiss him and show him that he cares for him but his pride keeps him on his place. Meanwhile, the Akuma finds his way into the hideout and impales Lala and Guzol with his fork hand ripping the innocence from Lala. Both Lala and Guzol fall to the ground while the Akuma admires the innocence on his hand. Allen goes into shock and Kanda sees the sudden transformation of Allen as he gets angry. Allen's arm begins to change while a violet aura engulfs his arm and his red eye activates.

With a cold distant voice Allen says, "Give the innocence back… Give it back!" [4]

Kanda observes stupefied from where he is kneeling as Allen changes, "Allen! Allen!"

Before Allen's arm finishes its transformation, Allen jumps into the air to attack the Akuma. Kanda screams in horror, "Baka! Your arm has not finished changing." [4] But, Allen is already firing at the Akuma. Kanda realizes that Allen's arm has transformed into a machine gun and that Allen is not thinking. He is just acting on his pure emotions. Toma is horrified when the Akuma transform into sand to evade Allen's bullets and then eats Allen while he transforms into a Sandman. Kanda calms Toma as he tells him that Allen still is alive since he can feel his presence. "Since when I can feel your presence Allen? How this connection occurred?" Kanda sees the events developing in front of him as he digests all that is going on with him and Allen.

Allen also is processing what is happening between him and his innocence as images of Lala and Guzol flood his mind. He knows Lala and Guzol were in love so he cannot bring himself to forgive the Akuma. Finally, Allen's arms give up and he falls to the ground with a limping arm since the transformation was incomplete he could not sustain the new weapon for long. As he kneels on the floor in complete defeat and realizes his mistake the Akuma takes the opportunity to attack Allen, but Kanda intervenes to save Allen. With one hand to cover his injuries and sustain his broken ribs, Kanda uses the other to wield Mugen and stop the Akuma from striking at Allen.

Allen looks up as he says, "Kanda!" [4]

Kanda spats, "Gutless worm! Don't cower before an asshole like this!" [4]

Eyeing Allen while trying to keep the Akuma at bay, Kanda continues, "You won't be able to do a damn thing like this!" [4] Kanda knows that right now is not the time to let Allen sulk. He needs to rally him up so he can bring his incredible power out once more to defeat the Akuma even if it cost him his life.

"Wasn't it you who said you wanted to protect them? I hate naïve idiots like you, but I hate people who break their promises even more!" [4] Kanda feels he is at his limit but he has to endure just a little longer while his Moyashi snaps out of his sulking reverie.

With a bitter laugh, Allen lowers his head then he states, "Either way, you hate me?" [4] He continues, "I'm not cowering." [4] Looking up at Kanda again and a smile in his face he says, "I was just taking a break" [4]

Kanda turns to face the Akuna as he whispers, "You annoy me to no end!" [4]

Both Allen and Kanda get ready to activate their respective innocence and they both attack the Akuma at the same time. A mega explosion occurs obliterating the Akuma in one blast. With the explosion, they lose consciousness falling to the ground once more. When Allen awakes, he sees the innocence laying next to him and he picks it up and restores Lala's heart; however, Lala lost his memory and just sings while Guzol slowly dies. It takes him three days to die and all this time Allen is sad waiting for the last moment when Lala would stop singing. Kanda has return from the hospital with his injuries heal and tells Allen that they have new orders from Koumi. Allen is to return to headquarters with the innocence while Kanda is off in a new mission.

Kanda failed to mention Allen that he was the one that volunteer to do the mission. He does not want to spend more time with Allen; as it is, he knows he loves Allen and he cannot expect Allen to return his feelings. They are just too different to begin with, Allen is too naïve and he is too pragmatic and realistic, a cynic if you may say. Also, the only thing they have in common is the very thing that would keep them apart. Why wasn't Allen a cute girl? Kanda feels his heart tear up as he sees the pain in Allen's face, so he suggests Allen to stop Lala himself if it is too painful for him. Allen responds by telling him that only Gozul can stop Lala's heart and at that moment Lala ceases to sing. Allen goes to Lala and Gozul and as Lala dies on his arms, Allen states, "Kanda… I still want to be a destroyer capable of saving someone at least." [4]

Kanda silently observes him from the entrance, "Moyashi! I will miss you."

TBC

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters of D-Gray Man that totally and unashamedly appeared on this fan fiction. They are the product of Katsura Hoshino's wonderful imagination and art. However, the plot is totally my selfish desired to get some romantic thrills, which are only alluded to or implied, on their creative work.

Author's Notes: I want to apologize because I don't have a beta. I hope that my horror nightmares don't ruin the story too much for you, arigato. The story may sound like a recap of some D-Gray Man episodes but eventually I will branch out to my own plot. I just need these episodes as a base of Kanda and Allen blooming relationship. Also, the story is going to be told mainly from Kanda's point of view; however, it doesn't mean I'm not going to mix Allen's at some point. The last thing I will be basing the story on the anime and the manga, so please bear with me.

1. I don't think I'm using the exact same words but just in case it is dialogue from episode 2 on the anime or chapter 5—the black priests from the manga.

2. The dialogue and scene is from the third episode—The Ghost of Martel and chapter 8—Mission Start.

3. The dialogue and scene from the fourth episode

4. The dialogue and scene from the fifth episode