Return: a D. Gray-man fanfic

Return: Part 7

Continuation from Kanda's flashback-

2nd week. Iris and Kanda barely ever talked to each other. Kanda was just fine with that in fact, he sorta enjoyed the silence. No Lavi bursting in on him. No sister obsessed Komui. Just peace and quiet. Iris herself was a self reserved but polite person. However, one thing bothered him. He had never seen her before. Not once. Kanda had seen almost every exorcist at least once but not her.

He had considered asking her but changed his mind. Kanda went as far to ask Komui about her but even he did not know her. That made Iris even more suspicious. As the month passed, Kanda watched Iris closely to see if she would let something slip but Iris said nothing about herself. Iris began to notice Kanda's suspicion but didn't even bother to deem herself trustworthy.

One day, Iris finally shut her book and looked at Kanda, who gave her a questioning look. Iris turned her head to the window. "It's a nice day, how about a walk?" she asked. Kanda looked out the window. It was a little cloudy but other than that it truly was a nice day for a walk. He grunted and stood up. Iris put on her boots and walked out of the room. Kanda quickly followed.

The hospital's garden was beautiful for it was full of colorful flowers and lush trees and bushed. Iris walked along the pavement taking in the new change of pace. She bent down at the white roses. A sky blue butterfly sat peacefully on its petals. Iris quietly approached it and held her finger out. It fluttered itself gracefully over to her hand. Much to Kanda's surprise, a tender look came over Iris's face. It was such a shock he took a step back making a crunching sound. The butterfly, now startled, flew away out of sight. Iris didn't seem angry; only a melancholy look came over her.

Iris stood up and continued walking. An unbearable ringing silence settled in Kanda's ears. He cleared his throat. "I assume you like flowers then?" Kanda asked. Iris blinked. "Yes, I suppose. Although I did used to hate them." she answered. Kanda was about to reply but Iris started to talk again. "Flowers were always sad things to me. Because in the end, they always wilt but grow back again like they are persistent to live." She turned to Kanda, her silver eye piercing his cobalt ones. His instincts screamed at him to look away but he didn't.

Kanda had met many strange people before but none were remotely strange as this Iris girl was.

Flashback ends

Allen blinked. "Iris never told me that she met you before" he said. Kanda frowned. "It was just an ordinary mission. There are plenty of reasons why she wouldn't tell you." he answered. Lavi nodded in agreement. "Iris was wearing an eyepatch back then, right? But Iris still has both of her eyes now doesn't she?" Lenalee cut in. They all looked at each other. A creak made them jump. Down came Iris, her hair tied up in an extremely short ponytail with her bangs still covering her left eye. Her silver eye glared down at them.

"Well? Shouldn't we be going?" she asked harshly. Allen stood up. "You should rest a bit more before we move." Iris scowled. "No, he's getting closer. We have to go. Now." she said. Her voice held a little urgency, almost panic even. Allen slowly approached her, like she was an injured animal. His face was calm and careful. "Iris, who is "he"?" he asked slowly. Iris shook her head. "It doesn't matter! We have to go before he finds me!" she snapped. Iris's eye was full of fear, much to everyone's surprise.

She straightened, her face became unnervingly calm. "You already know what will happen to me if he finds me. Do you really want that?" Iris asked. Allen frowned. "What are-" his voice died. Allen's face went slack. "Allen!" Lenalee cried. She surged forward but Kanda motioned for her to stop. Allen's head lifted. His eyes were no longer a silver. They were gold.

Lavi and Lenalee gasped but Allen payed them no attention. "Iris" he said but his voice was not Allen's. Iris opened her mouth but she closed it. With a start, Kanda realized she was nervous. Finally, after a long silence she spoke. "It's been a long time, Neah." Iris whispered. Allen/Neah's eyes shone with a melancholy light. He nodded.

"Who are you and what have you done to Allen?" Lenalee demanded. Neah looked at her. The light in his eyes had vanished only to be replaced by a cold steely look. "I have done nothing to my nephew. I simply just took control. I had to explain something to him anyways." he snapped. The 3 exorcist were taken aback. "N-nephew?" Lenalee stuttered. Neah turned back to Iris. "Yes I do know what will happen and this alone is dangerous. However, this must be explained quickly." Neah turned to them.

"Iris is a Noah"