Ok, so now the story is going to finally speed up. Everything that's led up to this chapter is sort of like a prologue.
"How can I help you, sir?" the lady asked in a cheery voice. "Do you need a room for the night? Or do you want something to drink?"
"I'll take a room for the night," I said, taking some coins out of my cloak pocket and placing them on the counter.
"Of course," she said. She then kneeled down behind the counter. "Let me find the key for your room."
"Thanks," I said with a smile. This girl was pretty cute.
Lavi, you know I can hear your thoughts, right? Can you please stop checking out every single girl we come across? Deak asked.
I smiled. You know, you get really annoying sometimes, Deak.
It's been a month since I've left the order. I've been traveling from town to town every day, sometimes spending two or three days in a town depending on the weather. Between the towns, Deak would teach me how to use Seals without my hammer. Besides almost starting a forest fire, I have done pretty well.
The bell at the door ringed, signaling someone entering. I didn't bother turning around, but glanced at the innkeeper. She seemed to be having trouble finding the key.
"We can start searching again tomorrow," a man said. I froze at the sound of the voice. No, it couldn't be...
"I know, Kanda... I'm just scared that we won't find him," a female voice replied.
Shit. I quickly pulled my hood up.
Lavi, get out of there, Deak said.
I slowly turned around and walked towards the door, keeping my head low. Out of the corner of my eyes I saw them. Lenalee was crying and Yu was trying to comfort her. Ignoring the guilt I felt, I kept walking. They didn't notice me as I walked past them and I made it to the door. As I walked through the doorway, I bumped into someone. We both took a step back and looked at each other.
Are you kidding me? Deak sounded annoyed. Did you seriously have to run into him?
"I'm sor-" Allen froze when he saw me. We stared at each other for a few moments. "Lavi?"
What are you waiting for, Lavi? Run! Deak shouted.
I shoved Allen away and ran past him. A moment later, I heard his footsteps following mine. "Lavi, wait!" he shouted after me.
We kept running for a long time, down streets and around corners. Finally I came to a dead end and was forced to stop running. I took off my hood and slowly turned around, facing Allen. He was out of breath from running, panting heavily. Tears filled his eyes as he stared at me. I swallowed deeply and looked away from him. "Why, Lavi? Why are you running away from me?"
Unsheathe the blade, Lavi.
What? No, I'm not going to fight him.
You aren't going to, just unsheathe the blade.
If you insist. I slowly reached down to the blade at my belt.
...
Allen watched as Lavi reached for something under his cloak. A moment later, Lavi's body jolted, as if he had been shocked. His eye widened then slammed shut. His knees buckled and his body collapsed onto the ground.
Allen stared at Lavi for a few moments, his eyes wide. "Lavi?"
"What are you doing, Beansprout?" Kanda shouted, turning the corner. Lenalee was by his side. They froze when they saw Allen and Lavi.
Allen turned around and smiled at them. "I found him... I found Lavi!"
"Allen watch out!" Lenalee screamed.
Allen whirled around. Lavi was on his feet, running towards Allen. In his hands, he held a long dagger. Allen quickly sidestepped, the dagger grazing his shoulder. They both turned and faced each other. Allen felt the cold metal of the dagger press against his neck. He looked at Lavi's hand, then at Lavi, his eyes pleading. Lavi's eye, which now was a strange blue color, was cold and uncaring. It was too familiar, causing Allen to shudder.
"Lavi, please..." Lenalee whispered, staring at the two of them.
Lavi glanced at her then back at Allen, making a sound of annoyance. As he lowered his dagger, his other hand grabbed Allen's collar and jerked him forward. Lavi spun and kicked Allen in the ribs, the loud crack echoing through the alley. Allen fell to the ground, the force of the blow causing him to roll several times.
"Allen!" Lenalee ran to Allen's side. Kanda ran towards Lavi, drawing his sword. He swung his sword at Lavi. Lavi took a step back, dodging the blow. Lenalee gasped.
Allen sat up, one hand clutching his ribs. "Kanda, stop! It's Lavi..."
"This isn't Lavi," Kanda said, preparing for another swing. Lavi smirked and raised his dagger up in response.
Kanda swung repeatedly at Lavi, who effortlessly blocked his attacks with his dagger. Lavi swung at Kanda, who lifted his sword the block the attack. As Kanda blocked the attack, Lavi pressed his other hand against Kanda's chest. As Lavi's hand touched his chest some sort of force struck Kanda. Kanda slid about ten feet backwards before falling forward to one knee, the wind knocked out of him.
"Kanda.." Lenalee whispered, standing up.
Allen stood beside Lenalee. "Since when could Lavi..."
Lavi ran past them and around the corner. Allen and Lenalee ran after him, Lenalee stopping quickly to help Kanda up. The three of them turned the corner. Lavi was gone. They looked around for Lavi for a long time. Lavi watched them from above, standing on the roof of a building. As they walked away, Lavi turned in the opposite direction and walked away. Pulling up his hood, he sighed.
"I'm sorry, Lavi, but I'm taking control for awhile."