Author's note-

This story will have my D. Gray-Man OCs in it. I know some people don't like OCs, but I hope you all give this a try. Characters take time to develop and this story takes the readers on the same journey as everyone in the story. Little by little, you will learn about the new characters and how they behave and think. I did NOT write this like one of those "copy-and-paste-your-character" fanfics. This is an alternate DGM world where Allen is not the main character anymore. Now, you take a look into the mind of someone new.

...

"Lavi-kun! Over here!"
"No, over HERE! Play with me, Lavi-kun!"
"My turn, Lavi!"

There he was, the bookman's successor, showered in women calling his name as far as the eye could see…

"Lavi-kun!"
"Lavi, come here!"
"Lavi!"
"LAVI!"
"Wake up, Damnit!"
"DEKE!"

Suddenly all the women disappeared and were replaced by a single old man with a grumpy expression as Lavi opened his eyes.

"You red-haired fool! How could you over sleep on a day as important as this!" the Bookman nagged.

Lavi rubbed his eyes and pouted. "What's so important that you stole me away from such paradise?! Dreams like that should never have to end…Not that YOU'D understand…Ol' panda…"

Bookman wacked Lavi on the back of the head and yelled, "How many times must I tell you not to call me that?! Hmph. Shame on you for prioritizing worthless dreams over a meeting with the Sage of Life."

"What's so special about this 'Sage' guy anyway? I don't remember anyone like that showing up in history before…" Lavi said with a yawn.

"That's because the sages like to remain hidden, particularly from the Bookman Clan," Stated the panda. "They're job isn't to change history in any way, but to 'hold the universe together' so to speak. This is a great honor to have an audience requested by one. This is our chance to learn more about the great sages. We will depart at 12 pm. DO NOT be late."

-12:13 pm…-

"He's late…"

"You're one to talk, beansprout!"

"I was hungry still! I had 5 less helpings of food just so I would make it here at a decent time!"

Bookman sat in the back of the boat listening to the two young men argue while he checked the time. "Where could that brat possibly-"

Suddenly a familiar voice came from the shadows.

"…wwwaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAIIIIT! Don't leave! I'm here!" Lavi hollered. Allen and Kanda both turned their attention away from eachother and watched as Lavi ran towards them panting like a dog.

"WHAT took you so long, you eye-patched fool!? You should have been here 13 minutes ago! We can't afford to keep the sage waiting!" said Bookman.

Lavi stopped and put his hands on his knees while catching his breath. "Sorry…I just had to…what are Yu and Allen doing here…?"

Before anyone could answer, Kanda pointed Mugen to Lavi's throat. "Do not call me that, damnit! I will slice you apart next time I hear you say my name!"

"It seems the Sage may be concerned about Hevlaska's prophecy for Allen Walker," the panda stated. "In the message we received, he claims his apprentice is curious as well for the rapid development of innocence within Mr. Walker. However, I do not know why Kanda will be joining us today…"

Kanda grunted. "It was an order from General Tiedoll that I go to meet the Sage and his apprentice. He didn't give me the reason."

Despite his curiosity, Bookman trusted Tiedoll's decision. "Very well then. Get in the boat, Lavi. We're leaving now."

Lavi did as he was told and hopped in the boat between Kanda and Allen, keeping them separated.

"So…who exactly is this Sage person?" Allen asked Bookman as the boat floated down the canal.

"Supposedly, the Sages are responsible for keeping balance in the universe. They are of the few humans who are blessed with the ability to harness and manipulate the world's elements, then again, these are just rumors. There has never been any actual proof that anyone has such an ability." Bookman explained, trying to ignore that Lavi wasn't listening. "The person we are meeting with claims to be the Sage of Life, therefore possessing the power to harness and manipulate life itself."

Kanda punched Lavi in the gut as he realized he had been braiding his hair the whole time Bookman was talking. "You said the sages controlled the elements. How is life itself an element?"

"The elements the sages deal with are supposed to include more than just the typical fire, wind, water, and earth." Lavi said, rubbing his stomache. "They deal with four other elements besides just those. Ain't that right, Gramps?"

Bookman scoffed at him. "I see you did pay some attention to the briefing yesterday. The four remaining elements are light, darkness, life and death. Life and death being the most powerful of the elements that are controlled by sages. What powers they possess are still a bit of a mystery, however."

"That's why it's so important that members of the bookman clan confirm this with their own eyes. But still…"

"Still…what, Lavi?" Allen asked.

Lavi scratched his head. "Ah, it's nothing…" Lavi then began thinking to himself, *"What was the real reason we were called to meet this guy..? It doesn't make sense why a sage would avoid contact with the bookman for so long and then suddenly request to meet us…why is he concerned about Allen..? Why did General Tiedoll order Yu to meet this guy..? It seems like there's something more going on here than just the bookmen and the sages…but I can't figure what."*