Chapter 3: Deireadh (Conclusion)

Key:

Moyashi – beansprout.

Kanda's stomach dropped, he did not need this. He did not want to deal with this. Emotional and physiological problems relating to the Moyashi were Linali's field not his. Stooping over the bath, he turned the taps off. His stomach churned as he saw pink streams rising from Allen. Blood that had not yet mixed with the water. Plunging his arms into the water, he clenched his jaw closed, the water was freezing. Wrapping his arms around the thin body he pulled it from the water. Allen was so heavy, it felt as if the water was holding onto him. Kanda held Allen's body like a child's trying desperately to find a pulse. For the second time that day he was faced with a stone cold, essential dead Allen. Squeezing the boys cheeks to part his lips, Kanda started CPR. Unable to start compressions Kanda lay Allen down on the cold, water covered tiles. On the third attempt, Allen coughed and began the ritual of clearing his lungs.

"Get me towels!" Kanda ordered looking behind him into the kitchen from his crouched position on the bathroom floor. Rose stood cemented to the spot in fear.

"Now!" Kanda roared, his patience worn thin.

Rose scurried off as if she was scalded and returned momentarily with a bundle of large bath towels. Wrapping Allen in one Kanda scooped him off the bathroom floor. Turning around to make his way to the living room, Rose gasped cover her mouth while the daughter let out a scream. It took Kanda a while to register what they were so horrified at. At first he had thought it was because Allen's dignity was on view for all to see but it was in fact his arm, that disgusted them so. Irritated to the last he snapped at the daughter to move and at Rose to summon a doctor. Rose trembled as Kanda seemed to grow taller and loom over her, his presence so dominating, so defensive. Horrified at herself she rushed to the phone.

Kanda knelt before the fire in the living room holding tightly onto Allen's shivering body. Shivering was at least one good sign. He opened the wrapped towels to inspect Allen's body to make sure he hadn't done anything stupid like cut himself in an attempt to atone for his sins of not saving the souls of those he had seen in the canal. Finding no new wounds, Kanda breathed as sigh of relief. Aware of a presence behind him, Kanda wrapped the towel over to save Allen's dignity. The daughter continued to stare, intrigued by what she deem a freak before her.

Allen moaned, becoming aware of his surroundings. He was cold, freezing cold. Opening his eyes, he made out the blurry image of the roaring fire.

"Oi! Oi!"

The voice was muffled but Allen knew it was Kanda. He knew that tone of voice anywhere but for once he felt relieved to hear it. Looking up he could clearly make out Kanda's face. It wasn't emotionless like usual. It was a strange mixture of anger and fear. Allen tried to speak but the words came out jumbled. It was when Kanda shifted his weight that Allen realized he was in the older mans arms. Worried Allen tried to explain but all Kanda could make out was 'fever'. It was all he needed to ease the qualms he had. While he was out Allen must have had a fever. To get it down, he took a shower. But to why the bath plug was in baffled Kanda. As Allen lost consciousness his head lolled to the side. Place his hand under Allen's matted hair to re-adjust the weight, Kanda felt the familiar texture of blood. Taking his hand away confirmed it. Allen must have fell in the bath and hit his head on the taps, knocking himself out cold, thus leading to the drama that was. Assuming this was right to which Kanda hoped it was, he was relieved the Moyashi had not tried to off himself but was equally as annoyed at the Moyashi's blatant stupidity.

An eternity passed before the plump, elderly, bald doctor arrived. Entering the living room the doctor flinch coming eye to eye with the crouched Japanese exorcist. He eyes burned as fiercely as the fire behind him, noticeably more in the darkened living room. The doctor back away from the threatening force only to be blocked by an equally nervous Rose. There was a clear divide in the room.

"Well what the hell are you standing over there for!" snarled Kanda after the lack of initiative on the doctor's part.

"Oo! Well...I...erm..." the poor doctor bumbled shifting uncomfortably.

Allen moaned in pain as Kanda dug his fingers into his arms in pure frustration at the incompetence of the people standing before him. Unaware he was the one hurting Allen, Kanda rose still cradling the silver haired boy in his arms.

"W-why don't you bring the boy to the bedroom, Dr. Clifford can treat him there?" Rose nervously suggested.

"Ah yes yes that's a very good idea Roisin!" agreed Dr. Clifford as the two of them and the daughter short of dived out of Kanda's way as he head for the stairs.

Kanda's mind already shifted from the glorious idea of inflicting pain upon them to the rather fearful idea of ringing Matron back. I mean, Kanda liked his head...really liked his head, preferably attached of course.

Settling about his business the doctor got to work. At the other end of the bedroom Kanda took great pleasure in slamming the door in the daughters face. For the doctors sake he begrudgingly allowed Rose to stay. Pulling back the towels the doctor gasped and recoiled sharply at the sight of Allen's arm.

"Wh-what is this!" he asked disgusted at the sight.

True even to Kanda's eyes Allen innocence was ugly but not so much as to recoil as if it was a disease, even less so when one knew the power it held.

"Ignore the arm, treat everything else."

"But this, this thing is obviously the source!" the doctor looked at Kanda was if he had multiple heads.

Taking two strides across the bedroom he unsheathed Mugen.

"Listen doc, we are exorcists, the way our bodies look is irrelevant to the likes of yourself. His arm may be many degrees of ugly but it is not an ailment and is not the source of his problems. The source of his problems maybe the fact that he drowned twice today in freezing cold water. Then again I'm not the one with the initials "D.R" before my name, no, just an exorcist."

The doctor swallowed hard feeling the edge of Mugen press against his neck, Kanda's face centimeters away from his own.

"I-I-I can't work in conditions like these!" squeaked Dr. Clifford.

Seeing Kanda tense more Rose stepped in.

"Now son, put the knife down, Dr. Clifford will treat the youngin' right!" Rose glared at the doctor as Kanda glared at her for insulting Mugen. "Doctor, the youngin' there done a great deed for this town and treating him is the least we can do."

Truce met Kanda stepped back, re-sheating Mugen. The doctor rubbing his neck subconsciously turned around to Allen.

"She's a katana not a knife." Kanda mumbled trying to save some of his innocence's honour as he sat down heavily on his bed.

"Knife, sword, katana there all the same and she is a cats mother." Rose mumbled back, blatantly ignoring Kanda from the foot of Allen's bed.

"Humpt, woman."

"Child."

"Hag"

"Immature fool."

"Bad cook."

"Ungrateful youngin!"

"Shut it the two of you or get out!" Dr. Clifford shouted as he tried once again to listen to Allen's chest. Behind him both Kanda and Rose made a face and began to sulk after realizing how childish their little match was.

Allen moaned as the cold instrument was place on his chest. He ached all over and he was so very very cold. He was not sure if he want to lie, sit, stand or curl up into a ball but one thing he did know was this strange man poking and prodding him was irritating. He tried to lash out to be free of his presence but his limbs refused to work as they were intended and flopped heavily onto the bed. Still he tried again with more force.

"Moyashi cut it out!" Kanda snarled, Allen grumbled in response.

"Well, um, he seems to be running a fever. He may have picked up some sort of infection while in the water. I mean the canal water isn't the cleanest, it's stagnant and no fresh water enters it freely, full of bacteria. So I will prescribe a antibiotic and some paracetomol for the temperature and aches. Plenty of um bed rest. Yes that seems best." the doctor ushered backing away from the boy taking position beside Rose trying not to look at the Japanese exorcist looming in the corner. She nodded in compliance.

"That is your professional medical assessment?" Kanda asked in a low but even tone.

"Y-y-yes, it is."

His raven eyes bore into the small sweating man. He had no faith in his ability and was already timetabling their return to headquarters first thing in the morning. Matron would have a field day.

"Very well, procure your medicine, leave a forwarding address and your payment will be made in due course."

"R-right, yes of course!" The doctor was delighted at his release from the dreaded room.

"I will send my daughter with the good doctor to pick it up for you." Rose interjected.

"Very well." Kanda glared at the two. "Leave!"

Kanda sat heavily on the edge of the bed running a hand through his hair. Timcampy fluttered around him viaing for his attention. The young man rested his head in his hands, his elbows on his knees. A sudden wave of tiredness had overcome him and he could feel the start of a migraine.

"Golem, extinguish the light." he asked of Timcampy whom obeyed, delighted he was been of some use.

The room glowed amber from the low fire. He knew he should tend to it but was uncomfortably warm. Reaching forward he pulled the blanket over the slumbering exorcist before returning to his previous position. He let his hair fall around him like a blanket shutting him out from the immediate situation.

Kanda was soon pulled from his peaceful meditation by a knock on the door. It was Rose, the daughter had returned with the medicine and the doctor's payment details, Kanda noted.

"Son are you ok? You look very pale yourself?"

"I am well. We will be retiring for the night. We hope to catch the five-fifty train to make the seven boat. We will required a packed breakfast."
"That is no problem but will the youngin' be well enough to travel? The weather is forecast to take a turn for the worst during the night."

"We will risk it. Goodnight."

"Fair enough, sleep well."

"Che!"

Kanda eyed the brown glass bottle suspiciously. Taking a spoon from the silver tray on the desk he went over to Allen. He went to punch him but hesitated mid air and changed his hand motion to a rough shake. Allen inhaled deeply and groggily opened his eyes. He didn't have a moment when a spoon was shoved into his mouth. The vile liquid caused his eyes to water as he gagged. His nose and mouth were quickly pinched shut so he had no other choice but to swallow. It hit his stomach like acid. Released from his restraints Kanda slammed the bottled on the beside table and started packing way his clothes into his suitcase. He informed Allen of their travel plans, glancing over his shoulder to find the silver haired exorcist was already drifting off. He sat down at the desk and threw more timber on the fire. He waited a few moments for the fire to pick up, using the increase in the light he opened his folder. He read through his report, thinking for a few moments before finishing it off. He allowed the ink to dry before packing it into to his suitcase carefully. As for his partners suitcase he threw everything in, paused, re-opened it, folded everything correctly and re-closed it. He had no patience for mess, he liked everything prim and proper.

Kanda settled down to sleep but found it hard. Timcampy was still fluttering about restlessly. Cracking an eye open he glared at the gold golem.

"Cease your incessant movement" he snapped but it aggravated the golem more.

Sighing loudly he rolled over trying to ignore it but Timcampy flew closer to his ear. Snarling he sat up, scooted to the end of the bed where his coat was airing on the back of the chair, rummaged in the pocket and produced the Cherry drops he had purchased earlier in the chemist. Opening the packet he glared.

"I give you one, you stop, deal?"

Timcampy nodded.

"You fail and I will de-wing you and slice you with Mugen."

Timcampy faltered slightly.

Kanda tossed the sweet into the air to the widening mouth of the gold golem. Satisfied he settled on the pillow beside his sleeping master and Kanda readjusted himself under the covers.

Despite everything Kanda had a restless night's sleep. He was conscious of the time and of the whimpers and moans coming from his younger companion. Movement coming from the other side of the house reassured Kanda is was finally time to get out of this hell hole. He rose and dressed before tackling Allen. Thankfully the younger man was more alert than the night before and their departure was not hindered.

Rose waited for them in the kitchen. She was relieved they looked better but was unnerved as they were wearing the uniforms and both looked equally daunting compared to the previous night. Allen smiled and thanked her warmly for all her help accepting the packed breakfast. Kanda just nodded curtly. She led them to the door where they were greet with strong winds, sleet and sub-zero temperatures. She offered them the option of another night but Kanda cut her short.

They set off towards the train station, Allen pulling his collar up more, Timcampy snuggled into an inner pocket. They past the church with the swaying weeping willow, if anything the place seemed to have become more oppressive. They past the thatched cottages and reached the the train station soaked and cold. The little bit of energy he had this morning was now zapped, delight for the seat to absorb his limbs. Across from him a silent Kanda rubbed his temples.

"Are you ok?"

"..."

"Kanda?"

"Silence!" Kanda growled.

"Geez I'm just concerned."

"Well don't be, focus on yourself for a change." He snapped.

"Are you still mad about yesterday?"

"Mad? You are completely unprofessional. You have no clue in your role as a exorcist, it baffles me why Komui has put you in the field. You bring shame-"

"Whoa there! You are out of line!"

"You were never in line to begin with! You come swanning in just because General Cross trained you you were put on a pedestal, no wit-"

"SHUT up! I have as much right to wear this uniform as you."

"Don't even go there!"

"Oh get over yourself, you just feel hard done by by your own self imposed rules and no-emotion, mission only attitude and it has got you as far on a me that's what you are pissed about!"

Kanda opened his mouth to answer but the should of the train whistle drowned him out leaving the two young men to glare at each other in angry silence.

"My first request when I get back is to never be paired with you again."

"Good, saves me the trouble of doing it." Allen grumbled back.

"Fine."

The weather was bad but the boat still got the all clear to sail and after a few agonizing hours of sea sickness they were sitting on a train bound for headquarters. The rolled into the station after seven and made their was to the boats that would bring them into the inner sanctum without the need to scale a cliff or two.

Allen felt himself relax as he saw Linali waiting at the dock. Kanda had informed Komui of their arrival. Linali waved happily at the two grumpy exorcists. As they alighted from the boat Komui appeared behind his dear Linali with Matron standing stoically in the archway.

"Wonderful, wonderful! A job well done!" Komui sang.

"You!" Kanda pointed.

Koumi let out an 'eep' before taking a safe position behind Linali.

"Now now Kanda!" he cooed over Linali's shoulders.

The tall man marched forward but wavered before reaching Komui. The incessant buzzing in his ears had tripled. Without warning his knees buckled and he tensed waiting for the impact on the cobbles but darkness consumed him quicker.

Allen watched confused but as quickly as Kanda dropped he felt his own energy fail him as he slumped.

"Dear oh dear oh dear!" Komui breathed as Linali rushed to the ailing exorcists.

Matron calmly picked up the phone to summon stretchers and help, before approaching her newest patients.

His brain slowly brought him up through the layers of consciousness but the closer he got to the surface the more he wanted to delve back into the dark abyss, at least there is was peaceful and pain free. He slowly opened his eyes but was glad to find himself in the dim lighting of the ward. He exhaled slowly trying to take stock. From the pain in his head he knew he was at the tail end of a migraine. Thankful he had missed it as they were a most unpleasant ailment. His stomach churned uncomfortably as he got that sour taste in his mouth. He groaned as he forced his tired body to move in search of a sick basin. He held onto the one been offered to him gratefully, his eyes tracing the familiar arm up to Matron's face. He let out a defeated 'oh' followed by the contents of his empty stomach.

"Let it all out young Yu." Matron ordered supporting his back. "Better out than in I always say."

He did not fear much in life but this woman...

"What is my ailment?"

"Yet another migraine, you are over exerting yourself again. I thought we have been through this?"

"Yes well, I had undue stress..."

"You have another mark on your chest."
"Why is the Moya- Allen here?" Kanda asked ignoring Matron's comment.

"Why else? He is ill, very much so."

"The medical practitioner that was acquired was very, how would you say?"

"A fool?"

"Quite."

"Hmm, needless to say, your prompt return was most wise. Doctor's of their level cannot cope with things they do not understand."

"He seemed to be on the mend this morning."

"His innocence is a parasitic type. It feeds off his body, that is why he has such a large appetite, he is technically eating for two. However, what I initially thought as a bacterial infection seems more like a viral. He cannot keep food down and therefore the innocence is attacking the body for nourishment and my treatments do not seem to be working."

Kanda's eye's darted from Matron to Allen and back again.

"It is most serious." she concluded, her mind deep in concentration. "Rest some more, it is early morning."

"Ah." Kanda replied as she adjusted his bed clothes, she lit a candle beside his bed using her own before double checking Allen and making her way back to her small office to pour over her medical books.

The ward was modest size and the windows were near the arched celling, much like an old church, darkness still loomed outside. Uneasy Kanda sat up taking a sip of the cool water available to him. He found himself staring at the still form of Allen. Timcampy stirred and fluttered over to him, Kanda cupped his hands and allowed the golem to rest in them.

"Matron is wise, yet she seems to be at a loss." Kanda said to himself.

Unable to settle Kanda got out of bed slipping his bare feet into the navy slippers and grabbing the matching navy housecoat and putting it over his blue striped pj's. His hair was greasy from all the sweating and he really wanted to wash it. He took the candle, the weak light illuminated a very gaunt and pale looking Allen.

"Moyashi? Moyashi!" Kanda half whispered and growled into the young man's ear. He shook him gently for good measure but he did not stir.

"Remember what I said about paperwork? So don't fucking die on me!" He warned.

The joy of been awake at four a.m was the ability to walk through headquarters in peace, no-one disturbed him. He returned to his room and gathered his towel, wash bucket and headed to the showers. He tried to enjoy a long hot shower but he had a nagging feeling. Feeling fresher he headed back to his room. Matron was right yet another petal had fallen from his lotus flower. Overpowered he collapsed onto his bed, his wet hair dripping down his bare back. What was wrong with him?

Matron had enough on her plate without having to locate her wandering patient. Yu Kanda, such a misjudged soul in her mind as she march to his room. She thought he done this to annoy her everytime he was in her care. She did not knock. She found him slumped over on the bed. Feeling his slow pulse she rubbed her chin worriedly. Kanda was showing the same symptoms as Allen, cool and clammy to touch, slow, thready pulse and she concluded very soon the shut down of his major organs. Time was running out for these young men.

Komui stood beside matron. Pushing his glasses on the bridge of his nose he poured over his data. In front of him lay his two exorcists, both fighting for their lives. It took Kanda a bit longer but he too deteriorated.

"Komui I'm afraid I am out of my depth here. I've exhausted all options. I've had Research, Labs every department I could think of running over the blood work and the data but-"

"They have cleared the innocence?"

"Yes, they retrieved it from Timcampy and had it brought down to Hevlaska."

"I have been pouring over Kanda's field report, I know you've ruled it out as did Research but Allen was in the water with the innocence. Kanda described the area with the Akuma Luke with a lack of gravity, everything was lighter yet he found it difficult to pull Allen out of the water."

"Yes but when he defeated the Akuma, gravity returned to normal. When you factor in battle exhaustion and the sudden extra weight of gravity it makes sense. Allen despite his size is heavy."

"Hevlaska has cleared the innocence?"

"Yes, as did the Lab, why?"

"What if...what if the innocence leaked. Into the water I mean?"

"That would explain Allen, but not Kanda's illness."

"Kanda had to do CPR, could have passed into him during that contact?"

"Yes mouth-to-mouth is highly contagious if he wasn't using a barrier device."

"It only would have needed to be a particle."

"Heavy water. You think particles from the ring mixed with the water...which would have been absorbed into Allen's lungs when he drowned and passed to Kanda..."

"Yes, it's possible, two innocence cannot co-exist in one body-"

"And Allen's is a parasitic that's why it affected him quicker! Komui we have to get them down to Hevlaska now!"

"Why?"

"She can remove even the smallest of particle's!"

"Hevlaska please!" Matron pleaded.

"They are very weak, the process, they might not survive."

"It is a risk we have to take Hevlaska, they are going to die as it is, I beg of you!"

"Place them down." Hevlaska replied after a time.

Her tentacles caressed them with tenderness as they gently wrapped around them and raised them up and closer to her.

"Indeed, there is remnants of the last innocence in both. I will attempt to remove it."

Her whole being surround them as she glowed brighter. Komui felt his jaw tighten as both contorted in pain what felt like forever.

"The one called Yu is fading fast." Hevalska whispered as she place both gracefully down. Matron ran forward, she had to save him before he died, she had to prevent another precious petal from falling, Kanda could not afford it. With her team she rush both back to the ward.

Linali had been pacing for hours, Noise Marie sat patiently believing in his friend. Matron emerged, her feature tired but softened,

"They will be fine."

Linali clapped her hands in joy as Marie nodded in approval.

Hours turned into days and with the passing of time they became healthier and fitter. Of course Matron measured their wellness on the rising noise level of bickering that had gradually increased over the passing days.

"Sooo I have a mission , thought the two of you worked wonderful together on the last one. Who wants the manifest?" Komui asked looking between Allen and Kanda hopefully. Both glared at each other and back at Komui.

"Now children, I am very low on talented, well trained exorcists so can we put this little tiff behind us and move forward yes?" Komui motion with his hands to emphasis the moving forward.

"I refuse." Kanda spoke.

Allen winched internally, Kanda certainly kept his word.

"No?" Komui sighed heavily "Ok Kanda this is your manifest, Noise Marie will accompany you."

"Very well." Kanda rose.

"Allen, Allen, Allen. Tut tut, my dear Linali will have to help you on this one. It's dubbed the Rewinding city, something about a time loop-but more importantly my Linali..."

"Good luck." Kanda smirked as he left, Allen was going to be there a long while been brief about Linali.

Authors Note:

Ha! So it's been two and a bit years O.o Sorry! It annoyed me that this story was unfinished so I had a day off work today and decided to dust the cobwebs off and finish it. Harder than I thought, probably not on par with the first two chapters but it's closure.