Return: a D. Gray-man fanfic

Part 10

Kanda watched Iris run out from the corner of an alleyway. A moment later, he saw Allen stalk out from the alley looking dejected and worried. He rarely saw the boy so worried because Allen hid his emotions well and puts on a brave face for the others. "Oi, Beansprout!" he called.

Allen's look of anxiety disappeared, now replaced with an annoyed look. "It's Allen, BaKanda!" he snapped. Kanda fumed and was about to shoot back an insult but stopped himself. "What did Iris say?" he asked. Allen looked at the direction Iris had run off to and shook his head. "Nothing" the boy simply answered and walked past him.

Kanda knew that Iris didn't simply say 'nothing' and went after her. He caught up with her quickly and grabbed her wrist. "Kanda?" she asked, surprised. His eyes narrowed at the girl. "What happened to you here? And don't even try avoiding my question!" he snapped. Iris's eyes widened then were replaced by a cold steely look.

"Sorry Kanda but I can't tell you. Please try to understand that." she answered, holding his gaze in her own. Kanda noticed a few people staring at them. His hand slid down to Iris's hand and pulled her along back into an alley. He stopped and looked at her for the much wanted explanation.

Iris opened her mouth but closed it and shook her head. "Kanda, you have no idea what your getting yourself into. Let me go, I can't give you an explanation without it happening again. Please, don't make me recount my past." she pleaded. He was somewhat aware that he was still holding Iris's hand and let his own drop back to his side. "What is happening? Iris, the bean sprout is worried about you and your gloomy behavior is really starting to piss me off! Just tell me!" Kanda half shouted. Iris just stared at him then hung her head. "I know how much Allen and Neah must be worried about me, but I have to keep it in before I hurt someone. Don't make me more into a monster than I already am." Her eyes brimmed with tears but she didn't cry.

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No, I can't allow myself to show weakness, Iris thought and quickly blinked the tears away. She lifted her head. "I don't want to hurt you again. You won't remember but I almost killed you." Iris said. Kanda scowled. "I think I would remember you killing me but I don't so-" he said. "No, that's not it!" Iris snapped. She noticed that her hands were shaking and quickly grasped them together.

"Sorry, I just can't tell you." Iris said and dashed off before Kanda could ask more questions.

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Kanda tried to grab her wrist but failed and grasped the air. "Why is she so fast?" he snapped and rushed after her. The only thing he could see was an endless crowd, not a sign of the girl anywhere. He pushed his way through the crowd earning some glares and curses. Maybe she's at the inn, Kanda thought.

Kanda knocked on Lenalee's door. Lenalee opened it and was surprised at who it was. "Have you seen Iris?" he asked. Lenalee's eyes flicked from the room to Kanda. "No, ask Allen" she answered and shut the door. Well, that was weird.

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Lenalee shut the door in Kanda's face and sighed in relief. After hearing footsteps growing distant, Iris popped up from under the bed. "Sorry about that. Kanda wanted to ask me something and... it's something I can't really answer. But thanks for that" she said. Lenalee smiled. "It's not a problem, really. I, uh, wanted to ask you a few questions myself."

Iris stared at her for a second then sat criss-cross on the bed. "I suppose you deserve at least some answers" she replied reluctantly as Lenalee sat across on the other bed.

"I've been getting some weird dreams lately. I saw you and Neah sitting together in a field. You made a promise to be with him till the end and in return Neah promised to stay by Mana and your side. Another dream was when you became a Noah." Lenalee explained. Iris winced visibly at the mention of these things. "Those dreams are true. That's what happened in my past." she stated.

Her eyes suddenly filled with panic. "Oh no" she muttered and stood up abruptly. "Huh? Iris, what's wrong?" Lenalee asked, worried. Iris shook her head vigorously. "It can't be. There were so many things I tried not to recall. It's too early!" she whispered. Lenalee grabbed the older girl's shoulders.

"What's the matter?" she said while shaking Iris's shoulders slightly. Iris's hands shook. "Allen. Get Allen." she said. Lenalee quickly rushed off to fetch the white-haired exorcist.

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Allen squatted down in front of Iris and took her hands. "Do you need to talk to Neah?" he asked. Iris didn't answer. "Iris stop being so secretive. You're worrying me. I hate that you keep things in and stubbornly refuse to tell us. Didn't you call me here?" he said. Iris nodded. "Allen... my Noah side is getting control of me again."

Allen frowned. "Again? Iris, what happened here?" he asked gently. Iris's hands shook. "My Noah's memory... It's dangerous. I have no control over it at all. My sanity simply shuts down and it doesn't return until my energy runs out. I need you to keep my Noah in check so I don't hurt anybody." she said shakily.

"Iris... what are you the Noah of?" Allen asked gently yet firmly. Iris looked up at him with scared eyes.

"Madness"