A/N: Whoa, I just noticed I haven't worked on this for a year. This story is one that's always been on the back of my mind, so I didn't realize it'd been so long! Weirdly enough, I wrote this chapter on my phone while I was watching kids, so if you catch any mistakes, feel free to point it out! A huge thanks to ultima-owner, xenocanaan, readwithcats, Inspiration 101 O-O, giant salamander, MoonCake, iluvfairytale, lizyeh2000, and tysedon for reviewing! I always love going back to reread your comments!

Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: I guess I own my OC. That's it…

Chapter 5

Time Frame — Morning of October 31st, 1897

—1st Person POV—

"And stay out!" the Head Nurse's voice thundered, followed by the harsh slam of a door and its shuddering hinges. As she bustled about, we kept silent, eyes shying away from her furious scowl. It wasn't until she disappeared into an adjoining room that we released a collective breath.

The Head Nurse had kept me (all of us, really) under lock and key inside the Hospital Wing for the past day in an effort to make sure everyone had a thorough check up before they went gallivanting around the castle, chasing away any golems or anyone unfortunate enough to show up in person, in their quest to have me return to my regular training schedule. Fortunately, General Socaro didn't care enough about me to come tearing the door down. I was sure a facedown between that man and the Head Nurse was something no one wanted to be a witness of.

The mere thought made me shudder.

"Oomph!"

"Heh, you looked a bit cold there, Colette," Lavi snickered.

"Lavi!" Lenalee scolded, removing the blanket piled on my head and heaving sigh. "I'm gonna have to start again..." she frowned, raking her fingers through my hair and loosening the elaborate braid that'd gotten dislodged.

"It's okay, Lena! We have plenty of time," I reassured her, "Enough to redo my hair and exact revenge on Mister Eye Patch!" I cackled evilly as I stroked Poppy's fur.

Lavi pouted. "Is that what I've been reduced to?" he whined, hand grazing his concealed eye.

"Can I see what's under it?" I asked, eyes wide and curious. The elusive Bookman Clan was something I hardly knew about. Sadly, they were just as secretive brought to life, as in the story.

Lavi squinted his single eye at me. "Only if you show me your secret tattoo..."

"I don't have a tattoo!" I squawked.

He grinned. "And I don't have an eye."

I frowned. "Touché..." And then thought to add, "Hey, Lavi! If I become your apprentice, can I see it then?"

"You can't be the apprentice of an apprentice, squirt," he guffawed.

My reply was drowned out by the growling stomach of the ravenous boy in a nearby cot. Our gaze collectively landed on Allen's white head of hair sticking out from a pile of blankets. "I'm dying..." we heard his muffled voice.

Lenalee laughed. "We just had breakfast an hour ago, silly."

Allen stuck his head out and groused, "It's been too long!"

I nodded emphatically, halting when I heard Lenalee's frustrated tsk. "He's right you know!" I said in my best sage-like voice, "It's nearly time for second breakfast!"

Marie's voice reached us from the cot across, "Second breakfast?"

I gasped dramatically. "You guys don't know about second breakfast?!"

Allen sat up. "No, but I like the sound of it!"

I nearly shook my head again, but instead opted for a disappointed frown. "What about elevenses? Luncheon?" All I received were blank looks. "Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper?"

"Okay, we've definitely heard about those last three," Lavi nodded, "Not so sure about the other ones," he snickered, "Did you make those up, Colette?"

I scowled, "I did not!"

"Hey, there's no shame in that, Colette!" Allen grinned, "Sounds like it's exactly what I need to implement into my dietary plan!"

"Dietary plan? I didn't know having a vacuum for a mouth counted as having a dietary plan," a new voice scoffed.

"Shut up, stupid Kanda!" Allen glared. "I have to eat, to keep up my strength. You on the other hand don't have to maintain your ugly attitude. It's rather unfortunate we're subjected to it daily."

"Beansprout—"

Sensing the brewing storm, I was quick to cut him off with a clap of my hands. "So, who wants to hear another story?"

"Oooh! Another one of Colette's misadventures!" Lavi perked up. "I'm all ears, pipsqueak!"

"Glad to know both your ears are still intact!"

"You bet!"

Lenalee laughed. "What story will it be this time, Col'?" Her fingers continued to intertwine my curly tresses meticulously. "Another one of your mean pranks on Edmund?"

I smiled sheepishly. "That was only once... When Mum found out, she tore me a new one, so I never did it again. But this one time a few coppers found my mates and I in a one of our hide outs, and..."

As I told them the story of the time Irma accidentally stole a copper's wig, I keenly observed each of their expressions. They held that same look of wistfulness each time I told them about my life. Originally, I had insisted they tell me about their missions as Exorcists, but the haunted look in their eyes made me realize this wasn't the story I'd once enjoyed, but the simple tragedy of being a child soldier.

I held Lavi's rapt attention, as he nodded and laughed in all the right places. Allen was just as attentive, simultaneously stuffing his mouth with food (where had that come from?). Marie's eyes were closed, but his face was tilted in my direction, expression serene. Kanda appeared to be meditating, so I couldn't be sure of his thoughts, while Miranda, Krory, and Chaoji slept in a dimmer corner of the room.

"—and so Irma was running through the main street waving the wig like a mad woman, while the copper frantically chased after her!" I laughed, "I was the only one who kept up with her, so then she tossed it to me, and we lead him on a goose chase through London, until finally the copper—who was not in very good shape by the way—keeled over and collapsed right into some noble lady from Spain! It was absolute chaos! Irma and I didn't get a good look, but later we heard that he puked all over her gown, and that he got arrested by his own partner!"

Lavi's grin was wide. "With those kinds of trouble making skills, I might have to take you up on your offer."

"Oh! What does that make me? Bookman Junior Junior? Bookman Junior to the power of two? Or how about, Booklady?"

Lavi frowned. "But you're not a lady!"

A pillow to his face was my only reply.

"Watch it!" Lenalee mumbled. "I'm almost done!"

"Sorry Lenalee!" I said sheepishly.

"Hmm..." she hummed, pressing yet another pin into my hair, before finally exclaiming, "All finished!"

I cheered. "Thanks, Lena! You're brilliant!" I carefully threw my arms around her thin shoulders, mindful of her injuries.

"It's no problem," she giggled, returning my hug. "I just wish we had a mirror, so you could see how pretty you look!"

I delicately ran my fingers along the crown of my head, tracing the entwined braids and loose curls resting against the sides of my cheeks. I burst into a grin. "Sort of feels like those fancy updo's Margaret always did on my hair, so I can imagine what it looks. Okay, now it's my turn to do your hair!"

Lenalee's eyebrows shot up, a hand reaching up and grazing the short hair strands. "Um, I don't think there's much you can do, Colette…"

"Can too!" I argued, before pouting. "Except I don't have any of my stuff with me… I'll be back in a jiffy! If the scary nurse lady comes looking for me, tell her General Socaro kidnapped me, okay?"

"Wait, what?!"

"Keep an eye on Poppy and don't go to lunch without me!" was the last thing they heard, before I disappeared through the doorway. Ignoring my aching muscles, I shot off, nearly crashing into a pair of teenage boys who appeared more lost than Allen with a map.

"Hey, kid," one of them called, "Do you know where the Hospital Wing is? We're looking for our friend Chaoji!"

Neatly ducking around them, I called back without pausing, "Just keep going straight, but watch out for the demon nurse!"

I didn't stick around to elaborate, and instead sped off to my room. I was nervous of running into one of the Generals, or worse, an agent from Central. Much to my relief, I reached my bedroom with no trouble, and with one last suspicious look around me, ducked inside the doorway. I hurried over to my nightstand and dug around for the ribbons, hairbands, and hair clips Mum had packed for me, and stuffed them into the pockets of my pale pink training pants. At the last second, I hopped over to the basin and snatched up my fancy comb, before exiting my room.

"Oh shite," I cursed the moment I caught sight of a familiar duo I had yet to encounter in this world. Perhaps if the older man had been alone, I wouldn't have given him much thought, but the blonde at his side with the recognizable two dots on his forehead was unmistakable. Their Central Agency uniforms did nothing to dispel my theory.

I hoped against all hopes that they would continue on their way, but as soon as Leverrier's slanted eyes landed on me, he came to a halt. "Child, what business do you have running around here?"

I scowled. "Nothing," I shrugged, "I was just running some errands."

His severe expression settled on me heavily. "Doubtful they would hire someone your age. Tell me the name of your parent. Order operatives should not be bringing their children into this place."

"Inspector, I believe these rooms belong to the Exorcist combatants," Link provided, "And she just exited one such room."

Leverrier's expression softened into what he probably thought to be a kind smile. "Ah, I see. I apologize, Miss Exorcist. I was unaware we had a new addition to our forces. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"So now, you do believe children should be allowed in this place?" I glared up at him but did not bother to wait for a reply. "I have to go," I nearly spat, before running off, heart thundering in my chest and adrenaline pumping through my veins. I hadn't yet encountered an Akuma, but already I was afraid.

Quicker than expected, I was back in the Hospital Wing. Allen and Kanda were nowhere in sight, Chaoji's two friends were chatting with him, and Krory remained unconscious. I slowed my steps and joined Lenalee, Miranda, and Lavi at one of the cots.

"Morning Miranda," I greeted her, hoping my smile didn't appear too off-kilter. "Glad to see you up and about!"

They all turned to me, and when their expressions grew subdued, I knew I'd failed.

"You okay there, Col'?" Lavi asked. "You're looking a little pale."

I laughed nervously. "I think I just encountered my first Akuma," I attempted to joke, but when they grew tense and ready to run off to battle, I frantically shook my hands, "Wait! I'm sorry! That was a lousy joke…"

Lenalee placed a hand delicately against her heart. "That really was, Colette. What happened?"

I scowled. "I met this daft, dodgy-looking bloke and his minion, and he was yelling at me and saying I shouldn't be here. I thought he was going to kill me!"

"Ah, I think you're exaggerating, Col'," Lavi tried to reassure me.

"Yes!" Miranda added, her smile slightly nervous but sweet all the same. "Everyone I've met here has been very kind."

"I agree with you, Miranda," I nodded and frowned, "But I don't think that man was from around here. They were wearing strange uniforms."

Lavi mirrored my frown. "Do you know who this guy was, Colette?"

I hesitated. I technically hadn't gotten a name. Nonetheless, at the sight of their earnest expressions, I admitted, "It was a man named Leverrier…"

Instantly, Lenalee's face paled, pupils and violet irises growing small against the white of her eyes, her hands fisting into her blanket. I immediately felt terrible for mentioning his name at all.

"L-Lenalee…?" I stammered. Hesitantly, I placed a hand against her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"Damn it," Lavi cursed, "Where's Komui when you need him?"

Lenalee shook her head. "No…" she whispered, "There's no need to bother him. I'll be fine…"

Miranda, Lavi, and I exchanged uncertain glances.

"Do you… do you want to tell us about it, Lena?" I asked, though I was doubtful she would reveal much. Thus far, I had managed to integrate myself well with the Exorcists, for having just met them. But only because it was easy for them to lower their guard around a small child like me, and because I naturally had an open personality. Without those two factors, I'd probably be just as isolated as Chaoji. But being a child did come with a disadvantage—no one trusted me to handle any of the serious matters.

Truly, it was worthy of laughter, considering I was expected to fight a war.

"I…" Lenalee closed her eyes for a moment, before finally heaving a sigh and meeting our worried gazes. "I'm okay. What did you bring back with you, Col'?" Her smile was a bit strained when she gazed at me and I momentarily drew a blank.

"Oh!" I realized, glancing down at the comb still clutched in my hands. "Mum packed a lot of useless stuff for me. I don't think she realized I was being sent off to war, but I remembered earlier that I had all this stuff in my room," I explained, emptying the content of my pockets atop the rumpled blankets, depositing an assortment of ribbons and hair clips and hairbands.

Lenalee's eyes appeared a little brighter. "Wow, these are very pretty, Colette. I wish I could have weaved one of these ribbons into your braids!"

I smiled. "We can still do that, but with Miranda's hair!" I suggested.

"I-I wouldn't mind," Miranda agreed, self-consciously patting down her brown tresses.

"And these emerald hair pins are perfect for Lavi's hair!" I laughed.

Lavi peered closely at them, before matching my grin. "Wow, I think you're right, Col'! Then again, everything looks good on me!"

Lenalee giggled and picked out a clip shaped like a flower incased with red stones. "This would be lovely on you, Col'!" She gently nestled the flower into my braids. "There! Now it looks complete!"

"And for you, Lenalee," I grinned, holding up a delicate headband covered in twisting vines, silver flowers, and bejeweled leaves. Carefully, I used my comb to brush down her short tuffs of hair, before settling the dainty band onto the crown of her head.

"Wow, you look cute, Lenalee!"

"Yeah, you're killing it!"

"So pretty!"

Her lavender eyes were shining with tears. "Thanks everyone," she beamed, before twirling a ribbon in her fingers, "Now it's Miranda's turn!"

Happily, we all sat around, joking and laughing as we played with Miranda and Lavi's hair. It was rather nice, and I knew it was one of the few good memories I would have of the Black Order, before I made my escape. For the time being, I enjoyed myself, right up until the Head Nurse burst in with a thunderous slam of the door, dragging Kanda and Allen by the ear on each hand as she violently scolded them for leaving her care.

We all sat there, simply staring, unwilling to become subject to her wrath.

No more daring escapes were attempted that day.

The following morning, the Head Nurse was kind enough to release us for breakfast at the dining hall.

"Hey, Colette," Allen piped up, "I was wondering if you could elaborate on this meal plan you mentioned yesterday."

I gazed up at the silvered eyed boy and grinned. "Okay, so it's like this," I began as I skipped down the hall in an effort to keep up with all the Exorcists and their long strides, "Breakfast is at seven, and we're right on schedule for that! Second breakfast should normally be scheduled for nine in the morning, but if you're feeling a bit piggish, feel free to sneak in a snack."

"Eh?! You're tiny, Col'!" Lavi exclaimed, "Tinier than even that Noah girl. Can you really fit so much in you?"

I rolled my eyes. "Lavi, my mother would never allow me to follow such a diet. I mostly make up for it by stealing cookies and getting free samples from the candy shop a street down from my house."

"Right but continue!" Allen insisted.

"Fine, fine," I turned back to him, "Next is elevensen, which should obviously be eaten at eleven in the morning. And then at one in the afternoon is luncheon. Afternoon tea is at three, and dinner is at six. Finally, supper should be served at nine at night!"

"Wow! I'm going to have to discuss this with Jerry!" Allen whispered, stars shining in his eyes.

"Colette, where on earth did you come up with this?" Lenalee wondered.

"Hm? Oh, I read it in a book about…" I glanced at Allen and paused. "About healthy eating…"

"That's not what you were about to say!" Lavi immediately accused.

"Can't be that humiliating," Kanda rolled his eyes.

I winced. "It's really not a big deal."

"Col', if you don't tell us," Lavi grinned, "Yuu and I will tell Komui you volunteered to help with his paperwork~."

I paled, and Kanda's only reaction was to deck Lavi for using his first name. But other than that, he didn't protest. With a wince, I finally admitted, just as we reached the entrance to the dining hall, "It was a book about hobbits…"

Lavi uproarious laughter echoed through the castle and Kanda simply smirked, saying, "So the beansprout wants to go on the hobbit diet? Why am I not surprised?"

I felt slightly guilty watching everyone mercilessly tease Allen as we ordered our food and took our seats at one of the dining tables. Fortunately, Allen only pouted for a bit, before we all dug into breakfast. It was going fine and dandy, until Link showed up and basically announced to everyone that he would now be Allen's guard dog.

I quieted, setting my fork down, and not glancing up when Lenalee took off in search of her brother. Suddenly this was happening much too fast, and I knew it wouldn't be long before Lulubell and her army of Akuma would come and wreak destruction upon the Order.

I'm not ready for this, I realized with a hopeless cry.

A slipped out of my bench.

"Colette? Are you alright?" In light of Allen's predicament, Miranda was the only one to notice my departure.

"Don't worry about me, Miranda," I whispered, "I'll be in my room."

Before she could protest, I quickly scampered out of the dining hall. But instead of heading for my bedroom, I sought out the elevator platform, praying it would not be in use. With all the scientists running around and running tests on the Akuma Egg Plant, and Leverrier taking an interest in Lenalee's Innocence now that it was considered a candidate for the Heart, the platform would be more consistently in operation. But I had to at least check.

Fortunately, everyone was either at the dining hall, in the labs, or attending meetings, and the elevator was deserted. Swiftly hopping aboard, I ran the dials on the control panels and set it to guide me down to Hevlaska's chambers. Soon, her ethereal glow lit up the gloomy depths of the tower.

"Hevlaska!" I cried.

"Colette…?" she murmured, voice resonating like a song, as she awoke to the sound my voice. "What is it, child?"

"Y-you have to help me," I pleaded, belatedly realizing I was crying. Roughly, I wiped away my tears and straightened my shoulders, wearing my fiercest expression. "There is no other way to say this Hevlaska, but we will soon be under attack."

I couldn't take the words back, and though I didn't realize it now, my forewarning would change everything.

A/N: So, in the following chapters, (if it wasn't already clear) we're going to have a divergence from canon! Isn't that always fun? I have a rough outline of where I want it to go, but it may take me a bit of time to write it out just the way I want it. Anyway, please feel free to drop a review! They're a joy to read!(:

Until next time!