Warning: This is a yaoi. Lavi x Kanda. Written with sex, blood, gore, rape, language etc. If you don't like, please don't read.
Disclaimer: Hoshino. Owns. All. (except the story idea here…that's mine)
AN: Okay, so I know I said I wasn't going to have anything happen between Lavi and Tyki again, but the way the story is going, there is a scene in this chapter with them together. However, it is simply torture and rape, nothing more! I'm warning everyone now. After this, there won't be anything else between them, writer's honor!
Also, how much do you love me right now for cranking out two chapters in one week? Thought so :P
Blood Ties
Hatred
Lulubell, Cheryl, and the rest of the Noah family looked toward the door, their utensils stilling as their meal was interrupted by the anguished scream of a certain prisoner.
"It seems my dear brother has lost his patience with that one," Cheryl sighed.
"I told him to keep things together but I guess it's too much to ask of someone like him," Lulubell said as she resumed her eating, tuning out the screams.
"Yes, but he won't kill him; he's merely toying with him and mad that he went and did what he did."
"Still, he needs to remember that the vampire is still out there and he is hurting the one thing that that filthy creature holds most dear," Lulubell explained.
Cheryl nodded and the family resumed their meal.
BREAK
Lavi panted as his body trembled on the bed. Having the Noah torture him like this was beginning to get unbearable. He lost count of how long he had been a prisoner after about the seventh day and he was starting to wonder if he would ever be free of this demonic bastard that loomed over him.
"Now, now my lovely, we can't have you passing out," Tyki said as he retracted his hand from inside Lavi. For the past few hours, he had been playing with Lavi's internal organs, squeezing here and there to give him a glimpse of death before letting him live. "What would I do if you ran off to that place again? I can't have you telling your little pet about our plans." Tyki had known the moment Lavi's consciousness had left his body and gone to his sanctuary. There is a distinct aura that only the Guardian has when he is in his own realm and Tyki saw and felt it when Lavi left to meet Kanda that time. He was more than irate when the red head returned and made sure not to let him pass out like that again. So Lavi's attempts at meeting Kanda once more were stopped dead in their tracks.
Tyki looked down at his prey. The red head's eyes were glossed over and he was almost completely incoherent. At this point, he wouldn't be able to make any sound decision should he need to. But one thing kept him from losing everything: Kanda. He made a promise with him, and he was going to keep it so that he could see his lover at least once more.
That day in the dark hall, Kanda felt so real; his kiss was so passionate and caring. Lavi craved for those lips, wanted those hands to cling to him, but he couldn't have them. If anything, that was the worst torture of all.
"My little red, it pains me to see you in such a state," Tyki said as he caressed Lavi's bare chest with his hand.
"Whose fault is that?" Lavi said through deep breaths.
"Yours of course. Had you not gone there and seen him then I wouldn't have lost my temper. I tried so hard to separate you two but you went and met him somewhere I can't interfere."
"Serves you right you damned demon," Lavi bit out.
"Such uncouth things you say toward me, Red. Why can't you just give in already? Didn't I tell you this would all end if you said one little word?"
"Fuck you!" Lavi snarled before turning over in the bed. He was still restrained but the bindings had been changed so that he could at least sleep properly. However, as much as he tried, he could not get them undone. He used everything he knew about spells and magic but nothing could break what was woven into those chains.
"If only you would let me," Tyki chuckled as he slid in behind the red head, his hard crotch pressing into Lavi.
"Get the fuck away from me you sick, demented pervert!" Lavi struggled to get away but Tyki's hold on him kept him from moving anywhere.
"I'm just lying with you, red. No need to get so worked up. Besides, there's nothing to worry about. I told you I wouldn't take you forcefully."
"Like I believe anything you say."
Tyki sighed. "Fine, fine. I see that you're in no mood to comply again today," the Noah slowly rose from the bed and began to leave the room. "I'll have dinner brought up to you in a bit. Eat everything and get some sleep; tomorrow's a big day for you Guardian," his devilish smile haunted Lavi even after he was gone from the room.
Closing his eyes, Lavi tried desperately to get back to that place he had met Kanda. It had all felt like a dream or a memory but he knew it was real. Since that time, however, Lavi had tried every day to return there but he couldn't do it. As much as he wanted to and as hard as he tried, he just couldn't get there. He wanted to warn Kanda to stay away but there was nothing he could do. And it pained him to be the one that would bring the vampire to his knees.
Tyki had told him every detail of the plan; told him that he would be used as bait to lure Kanda out so that the Noah could finally have their revenge. And Lavi couldn't stop him. After all, Tyki had invoked the old ways and was using that to get what he wanted. Lavi was a bit surprised that he didn't use that contract for something more intimate, but it made more sense for him to use it to get to Kanda. The red head held back his tears as he thought about what tomorrow would bring. He'd finally be able to see Kanda, but the cost in which he would was something he didn't want to think about.
BREAK
Kanda paced the floor in the Steward's office, his thumbnail resting delicately between his teeth. Something felt off and he wasn't sure what it was. The last time he felt this was right before the end of the Holy War when Lavi gave his life to stop the Earl. Whatever was about to happen, he had a very bad feeling.
"Kanda-sama," Komui called out. "It isn't going to help with you pacing like that. Cross found the barrier and has been working on it. He said everything will be ready in a few hours so there's nothing to worry about."
The vampire lord stopped in his tracks and the look he gave Komui froze him to his core. "Nothing to worry about, you say? Then why don't you explain this feeling then."
"Wh-what feeling would that be?"
"The one that is telling me something's off."
"I'm sure it's just your anxiety of having to wait and, speaking of that, shouldn't you be in the hall? That's where you were asked to stay."
"Like hell I would. I'm here; that's good enough."
Komui sighed. It was true. Kanda never listened to anyone but he was obediently staying at the manor while Cross and the attack team narrowed in on the Noah's location. But something about how Kanda was acting really worried Komui.
To change the subject, Komui asked, "Where is Raeliarn?"
"She's in the hall. I opened the door so she can come and go."
"Isn't that dangerous?"
"Che; only a vampire can enter through the barrier Cross put up so it will be fine."
Komui nodded. "Why don't we have something to eat while we wait?"
"Not hungry. I just-" his voice stopped as did his pacing.
"Kanda-sama?" Komui asked, hesitating in approaching his lord.
The look Kanda gave Komui had the Steward working fast to keep the vampire from doing what he was about to do. However, Komui wasn't powerful enough nor was he quick enough to create a barrier that would keep Kanda inside. In the blink of an eye, Kanda disappeared from the manor.
"This is not good," Komui said as he hurried out of the door. He rounded the corner and came to the main staircase where most of the staff was sitting around, idly waiting for any news.
"Reever! Find Kanda's location at once!"
Dumbfounded, Reever looked at his superior. "Wasn't he with you?"
"He was; but I think something happened outside and he left. It has to be Lavi so please do whatever you have to and find him immediately!" Komui ordered as he scrambled down the stairs. "Everyone else, please make sure the barriers are still in place and that everything is still functioning properly. I have a bad feeling about this," he said. Just as the words left his mouth, a loud explosion rocked the manor. Komui went flying down the stairs but caught himself when his wings extended from his back.
"The hell is that?" Reever questioned.
"Everyone alright?" Komui assessed the damage.
"No one seems hurt but what was that?" the head butler asked.
"I don't know." Before anyone could make heads or tales of the situation, another explosion shook the manor.
"This can't be," Komui said as he raced to the main window. He looked outside and his eyes widened as he stared out and noticed the silhouettes of five golden eyed demons standing in the courtyard.
"Honey! We're home," a malicious voice sarcastically remarked before sending a wave of dark energy toward the mansion.
"Everyone take cover! We're under attack!" Komui ordered.
The staff hurried around, making sure that the safety measures were in place so that no one could infiltrate the mansion. The Noah slowly made their way toward the manor and each one readied themselves for a bloodbath. However, one of them made for the forest.
"Hurry up and do what you need to do; we'll keep them occupied," Lulubell ordered. Wisely nodded and trotted off toward the forest.
Komui noticed this and his heart fell into his stomach. He knew exactly what was going on and there was nothing he could do to stop it.
BREAK
Raeliarn jumped when she felt the manor shake. She was all alone in the hall and was told to stay there no matter what happened. However, she was curious to know what was happening. She looked toward the opening in the wall that Kanda had made but she couldn't see anything except the long hallway. She felt the second explosion and she balled her body up in the corner, covering her ears with her hands and shutting her eyes to try and escape what was happening.
She didn't even notice when he walked in but she felt a very comforting hand on her shoulder. Startled, she pushed herself away from the touch and looked up to see Allen standing over her.
"Allen-sama!" she cried as she clung to him. "I was so scared! What's going on?"
"It's okay; you're safe," he soothed. "It seems that some bad demons have decided to attack the manor."
"Shouldn't you be out there fighting them off?"
"Well, yes, I suppose I should, but why would I go through all the trouble of letting them if I only wanted to kill them?" his kind, wicked smile scared her and she tried to step away from him.
"You're scaring me, Allen-sama."
"Raeliarn, you are a naïve little water dragon, aren't you? Well I suppose it's to be expected considering where you grew up but, let me make this easier for you: I let them in. They will resurrect him and you are going to help or I will destroy everything that you love here within this manor, understand?" the smile on his face was one that Raeliarn had never seen before. It was then that she noticed his skin wasn't so white anymore but grey and that his beautiful eyes had changed to a golden hue.
She trembled. "You-you-you're a Noah."
"Good girl," he said as he scooped her up, knowing that she wouldn't protest since she cared so much for the people in the manor. "Now, shall we go?" Without another word, he disappeared with Raeliarn in his arms.
BREAK
Kanda stood in front of the door of the small apartment. He didn't mean to break his promise but as soon as he felt both Lavi and Tyki's presence, he knew something was wrong. The only thing he could conclude was that the Noah planned everything out: from kidnapping Lavi to Cross leaving the manor with the vampires. All of it was to get Kanda away from the manor and to get him alone without any way of fighting back. He grit his teeth at the thought of having been played by such worthless demons but it wasn't the time to worry about that. He needed to be inside with Lavi. His hand reached for the knob and he turned it, taking his time to step inside the threshold. Nothing had changed since he had been there last. The red head's things still littered the floor and his scent filled the air. However, that wasn't the only scent that Kanda noticed. He snarled as he made for the bedroom. When he turned the corner, every fiber in his being wanted to eradicate the demon in front of him.
Tyki sat on the bed smirking, holding a very naked Lavi in his arms; that sight alone sent the vampire's temper over the edge. However, he couldn't react the way he wanted to for fear of what Tyki would do to Lavi. He looked at his lover and realized that the red head seemed to be sleeping but Kanda felt the pull of a spell shadowing the red head's body. That's when he noticed the wounds and scars all over his lover's naked skin. His crimson vampire eyes flashed at the Noah as he snarled.
"Be a dear and let's keep things quiet or else you'll wake the princess," Tyki said playfully, his hand caressing Lavi's red locks.
Kanda sneered and moved closer. He surveyed the scene in order to think of some sort of plan. He hated that Lavi's body was being exposed like that but he was a bit thankful that the Noah was still dressed. If Tyki had been naked as well, there was no telling how Kanda would have reacted and the vampire lord knew that seeing Tyki clothed was a good sign…at least for now.
Tyki held up his hand. "Oh please, don't come any closer than that. I've prepared a front row seat for you. See that circle?" he said pointing toward the glyph on the floor. "Would you be a dear and stand there?"
Kanda glared at what he saw. It was a binding spell; one that would inhibit him from moving and leave him vulnerable to anything Tyki wanted to do. He didn't want to give in, hated the thought of doing so but he had no other choice. He knew that if he didn't comply, that Tyki would not hesitate to kill Lavi right in front of him.
Having no other choice, Kanda moved over to the circle. As soon as he was in the center, he felt the spell activate. Several invisible bonds tightened over his arms and legs, pulling him to his knees. He glared at the Noah and his white fangs reflected what light was in the room.
"Now, now. I just want to show you something interesting. You see, I've had a claim on this little one since the time he was a child," Tyki explained as he tenderly thumbed over the scar near Lavi's right eye. "I harmed in him the past and was drawn to that delicious blood of his. I made a decision then to wait for him to ripen before completing my own little ritual. But I couldn't do that because you interfered. You've taken not one but two things I hold dear to me and it's time I pay you back," the devilish grin adorning his face told Kanda that he had just made a huge mistake in letting himself get tied down.
Tyki phased through Lavi's body, letting the red head gently fall to the bed. He walked over to Kanda and slowly pulled Mugen from its sheath. He examined it thoroughly and frowned. "This ugly thing killed my master," he stated before tossing it aside, the blade landing with a clang near the bed. His slender fingers pulled Kanda's face up to meet his gaze. "I've waited a long time to make you submit to me, to rip away that pride you cling to and to make you grovel at my feet. I'm going to make you fall from that high pedestal you set yourself on, you filthy, murdering, demon." Tyki reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a knife. He pressed it against Kanda's skin and slit both of his wrists deep enough that the blood would pour at a steady rate.
Kanda smirked, knowing his healing abilities would kick in.
"Oh, don't worry; that knife is laced with a dark poison that keeps your regenerating abilities from working. You'll sit there and bleed until I say otherwise. Ah! Almost forgot!" he said as he took a vile from his other pocket. He let the blood trickle in and fill it to the brim before calling out one of his butterflies. The creature ate the vile and flew out of the window away from the apartment.
Kanda glared at the Noah.
"Don't worry; you're going to love this," the Noah smirked. With that, Tyki left Kanda and went back to the bed. He towered over Lavi's body and his eyes smirked at Kanda. "Let me show you something good," he said before turning his attention on Lavi.
"Lavi," he whispered in the red head's ear. "Time to wake up; your lover is here to rescue you," he chuckled. The spell that had Lavi sleeping quickly wore off and the red head's eyes shot open. He looked up to see Tyki looming over him but then caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. When he glanced over, his eyes widened as he saw Kanda on his knees and unable to move.
"Yuu!" he tried to get up and go to his lover but Tyki's strength kept him pinned to the bed. "Let me go damnit!"
"I don't think so, Red. You see, we're going to play a new game. One that gets me everything I want and destroys him in the process."
The fear behind Lavi's eyes sent shivers of excitement down Tyki's back. "There's a dear. Now, if you don't want your precious vampire to suffer, I suggest being a good boy and saying that one little word right here, right now."
Lavi swallowed hard. He knew what Tyki wanted of him but he couldn't do that; he didn't want to betray Kanda. However, if he didn't comply with Tyki's request, he knew that Kanda would suffer to the point of being killed by the Noah. Looking over at his lover, he apologized with a longing gaze.
Kanda didn't understand at first but when he saw that resigned look in Lavi's eyes for the second time in his life, he realized Lavi had given in again.
Lavi faced Tyki once more and, with a slow, hesitant, and weary nod of his head, he let himself fall. He didn't want to and everything in him fought to say no, but in order to protect Kanda, he let himself agree to Tyki's demand.
Tyki smirked as he slowly pressed his lips against Lavi's. "Finally," he said as he began to get what he wanted. With expert moves, the Noah quickly undid his pants and turned Lavi onto his stomach. And with no preparation, he forced himself inside Lavi. The red head screamed in pain at the intrusion. He felt himself tear and felt the blood trickle down his legs. Tears formed in his eyes as he clutched the sheets of the bed. Tyki disregarded the tightness and the damage he was doing and continued to thrust in and out of the unwilling red head. He panted as he slid in and bent over his prey. "It's better than I ever imagined, Lavi. Thank you for letting me have you."
Kanda grit his teeth and tried to free himself. The bonds, however, would not break and all he could do was sit there and watch as his lover was raped by the demon Noah.
Lavi cried as the pain increased. "You-ungh-don't have me fucker!" he gasped out in hatred.
Tyki stopped what he was doing and pulled the red head up, letting his body be on full display for the vampire bound on the floor. "You say that, but he can clearly see who's inside you right now, making you pant like a fickle woman. You love this, I know. I can feel you tighten around me," Tyki remarked as he rammed himself inside Lavi over and over again in front of Kanda, shivering with pleasure each time Lavi clamped down on him when the red head came.
The vampire lord's dark aura filled the room. I'm going to fucking kill him, his mind only focused on that one thing. He tried again to free himself but the spell holding him down would not budge. It seemed as if it had been made specifically for him so that none of his power or magic could break it. He struggled and glared at the Noah, letting him know that he would die.
Tyki smirked. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he's well taken care of. Oh look, he's coming again," the Noah said as Lavi came once more, his cum pooling over his cock as it spasmed. Tyki changed positions once more, this time, taking Lavi to the floor in front of Kanda. He pushed the red head to his knees and waved his hand toward Kanda.
The vampire found himself being pushed down by an invisible force, his face now directly in Lavi's crotch. Tyki slid back inside the red head and began to fuck him again. He leaned forward and stroked Lavi's cock in front of Kanda. "Be a dear and help out," he ordered, shoving the red head's throbbing member into Kanda's face.
Kanda refused to contribute to this rape so he turned his head, realizing the amount of blood on the floor. He had bled a lot and wasn't sure how much longer he'd be able to keep conscious. However, he refused to just merely give up. He tried thinking of the best way to free himself and save them from this nightmare.
"Now, now," Tyki said, interrupting Kanda's thought pattern. "Your little lover is panting and throbbing and you won't help him out? Seems you need more incentive," the Noah remarked as he pulled the same knife he used before from his coat pocket. Using the tip of the blade, he pressed it against the red head's throat. "Suck him off or I'll slice his throat."
Gritting his teeth, Kanda had no other choice; if Tyki used that knife on Lavi, the red head would surely die and that was something Kanda would not let happen. He turned his face up to look at Lavi and the hurt, defeat and sympathy he saw in those two green eyes hurt him more than anything else ever could.
Lavi could barely tell what was going on anymore but he saw Kanda's face; he saw the longing, the frustration, and the pain in his deep sapphire eyes. The red head couldn't move, he couldn't lift a single finger to help his lover out. All he could do was sit there and take what was happening to him in order to save Kanda's life. As his mind began to cloud over, he felt a wet hotness engulf his throbbing cock as something else pushed deep inside him. He couldn't handle it anymore and his mind went blank. He lost himself to the pleasure he despised having.
Even though he wasn't aware, Lavi came three more times. Twice he came in Kanda's mouth and the third Tyki pulled him back just in time to let his seed splatter all over Kanda's face. The Noah laughed at the sight and pulled away from the vampire, letting him see everything as he finished ramming the red head. With one final push, Tyki came inside Lavi. When he pulled out, Lavi's almost limp body fell to the floor and Tyki stood up, towering over both of them.
He walked over to Kanda, who was still bent over the ground. "Mmm. Delicious," Tyki remarked as he leaned down over the vampire. "Don't tell me you've never taken him before? He felt like a virgin."
"He was, asshole," Kanda snarled as he glared up at the Noah.
"Oh; well then. I really did get a treat didn't I?" he remarked as he slid in behind Kanda, his body wrapping around the vampire.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Kanda bit out.
"Only what I said I would. I'm going to make every ounce of your pride crumble tonight and no one is going to stop me," he said as he began to undo Kanda's pants.
BREAK
Komui scrambled to the infirmary. The assault on the manor was more than he could manage so he had issued a complete evacuation. He knew very well that if the Noah wanted to, they would have already forced their way inside and destroyed them all. But it made him question as to why they hadn't. Then it dawned on him that it was all a set up to get Kanda away and keep them busy so no one would go after him. He hung his head in frustration for not realizing it sooner.
He rushed through the door and found Sokaro towering over Lenalee on the ground. The damage to the infirmary wasn't that bad but the ceiling had collapsed. However, thanks to Sokaro's magic, he was able to shield Lenalee and the nurse that was in there at the time.
Komui sighed in relief as he ran to his sister. "We're leaving. Now. Sokaro, you can either come with us or go your own way for now but we must get out now."
"Like I'd leave two helpless people like you alone. I'm sure they'll come for you first so that means I can play a bit," he said with a sinister smile.
Komui nodded and escorted them out of the infirmary. As they hurried down the hall, Lenalee realized they were going toward the one room that only Kanda could enter.
"Brother, why are we going there?"
"Because it is the only way out. I'm the only one that knows the secret passage there because Kanda told me about it a long time ago. We're going to get Raeliarn and get out of here."
She nodded and followed after her brother. Her legs were still sore but nothing else hurt for the time being. The three pressed on and rounded the corner, coming up fast to the sanctuary's entrance. Komui stopped abruptly and Lenalee came up behind him followed by Sokaro.
"Brother?" she asked.
"I should have expected this," he said as he looked over at the entrance. The open area that Kanda had put up had been completely destroyed and blocked by a pile of rubble, keeping everyone out.
"What about Raeliarn?" Lenalee asked.
"Don't worry about her, she's safe," Allen said as he materialized in front of them. "Once the fighting started, I rushed in here to make sure she was okay. I got her out just before the ceiling collapsed."
Komui looked at the rubble, then at the ceiling and then at Allen. "Tell me, how can that much rubble be there from such a tiny hole in the ceiling, Allen-sama?"
A twisted smirk adorned Allen's face. "You know, I never really liked the way you could see through things, Komui. It takes the fun out of everything," Allen said as his skin started turning grey. "You see, we need that little dragon so, like I said, I took her somewhere safe for the time being. But I wasn't expecting you to come for her. So When I felt you approach, I tried to make it seem like a good excuse. Guess I was wrong," the vampire in front of them stated.
"Allen?" Lenalee asked, a bit frightened and confused at what was happening.
"Oh, sorry about your wings, Lenalee. I told him not to hurt you too much but Tyki sometimes loses it and can't help what he does, especially when he's having fun."
Lenalee's eyes widened in horrific shock.
"What do you want, Allen?" Komui asked.
"Nothing. I have what I need and Wisely is acquiring the last part right now. I'm giving you this one chance to escape Komui, so please take it."
"You deceitful piece of shit," Sokaro said as he started for Allen.
The vampire held his hand up, using magic to halt Sokaro's attack. "I don't want to hurt you further so please just leave for now." With that, he flung Sokaro across the hall, careful to not cause him any further injuries. Lenalee ran to his side and Komui stood his ground.
"You won't get away with this, Allen. You know Kanda will not tolerate this betrayal."
Allen smirked. "Yeah, I know. But that prick is a bit busy at the moment getting paid back for some of his lesser crimes. I'll see him in due time," the Brit said before vanishing.
BREAK
Kanda almost bit through his lip as he felt the Noah penetrate him. He was far from pissed and would have eradicated the Noah and himself if Lavi hadn't been lying helpless on the floor. On top of that, the blood loss was making him crave more than just death: he wanted fresh blood and a lot of it. He tried to resist but being pinned as he was, there was no way to escape from the torture or the rape. Blood seeped from the corners of his mouth where his fangs pierced the skin while the wounds on his wrists continued adding to the pools of blood on the floor.
"Oh don't do that now. You should be enjoying this; I'm quite good," Tyki purred as he pounded into Kanda.
Glaring over his shoulder at the Noah, Kanda let out a small burst of energy to try to kick the Noah off. However, Tyki reveled in the defiance and took the chance to punish Kanda a little more by pressing him all the way down to the ground, raising his hips more before ramming into him even harder.
Lavi stirred on the floor, his consciousness slipping in and out of reality. He saw Kanda pinned to the floor and could tell something was wrong. That's when he focused and noticed that Tyki was raping him now. That wasn't part of the agreement and something inside Lavi stirred. But he couldn't move…not yet. He reached his hand out and, without knowing why, his hand gripped the discarded hilt of Mugen. He gripped it tightly and waited.
Tyki pulled out of Kanda and sat the vampire up before coming around to the front. He raised Kanda's hips again and sheathed himself inside the vampire once more, letting the vampire ride on top of him. He continued his assault until he felt Kanda close to release. He pushed in as hard as he could letting his seed spill inside the vampire; Kanda came mere seconds after the Noah, his cum spilling over the Noah's shirt.
Tyki chuckled in Kanda's ear before licking the vampire's sweat that had produced during their little romp. "Too good," he whispered. "Had I known you would be so delectable, I would have done this sooner and more often."
"I'm going to fucking kill you," Kanda seethed.
"I'd like to see you try. You have nowhere to go and you're bound by my spell."
Kanda smirked. "But he isn't," he remarked just as the tip of Mugen pierced through Tyki's chest. The Noah looked down, frowned, and looked back to see Lavi struggling to stay awake long enough to deliver a finishing blow.
"Go to fucking hell!" the red head yelled as he forced the blade through the Noah.
As soon as the blade ripped through Tyki's body, the Noah's body burst into a multitude of butterflies. Mugen fell to the ground and Lavi fell into Kanda's lap. The spell binding the vampire disappeared and his body slumped on top of the red head, his arms wrapping around his lover the best they could.
"Lavi," he whispered.
"Yuu," was his reply before both men lost consciousness.
BREAK
The door to the apartment was ripped off its hinges and the tall red head stormed inside, pissed beyond anything because he had been tricked and had to deal with stupid brats one more time. Tiedoll inspected the poor remnants of the door as Cross and Marie made their way inside.
As soon as they entered the bedroom, Cross glared down at the scene. Marie held his breath because of the putrid smell in the air. Tiedoll finally came in and his eyes widened. He had never seen such a scene before in his many years as living. Even during battles with other demons, nothing compared to the raunchy scene before him. The stench of sweat, blood and semen caused his eyes to sting and he wished for anything that the blood he smelled didn't belong to the two men on the floor but, sadly, it did and he had to act fast. He quickly knelt down beside Kanda and Lavi. He checked for a pulse on each of them and, thankfully, found one.
"We need to get them help," he said in haste. His hands fumbled around in his pouch for some gauze he kept for small emergencies. He worked on Lavi first, wrapping the wounds on his body before making for Kanda's wrists.
Cross knelt down beside him and started muttering some incantation over the wounds. The bleeding finally stopped and the wounds began a slow healing process.
"It won't work as well as before, but they'll start healing for now. When I get them somewhere safe, I'll work on the rest," he explained. He stood and began another incantation. This time, a beautiful woman in a green dress appeared beside him. He took her hand and talked sweetly to her. "Maria, transport," he ordered and she began to sing a lovely song.
Tiedoll and Marie stood off to the side, letting Cross do what he needed to do. Kanda and Lavi's bodies slowly rose from the floor and hovered in the air next to the woman. She put her hands over their chests and waited for her orders.
"Go find Komui and make sure he's doing okay. I'm sure he's shocked and trying to act all brave about all of this. If my guess is right, he's probably at the second manor making sure everything is fine and everyone is accounted for. He's going to need you there for support. I'll send reinforcements once I get these two taken care of, understand?" Cross ordered.
"Understood, but Cross," Tiedoll started.
"Hmm?"
"What about that kid, Allen? Did you know?"
The red head's eyes didn't change nor did they give anything away. "Who knows," he said with a wave of his hand. In an instant after he said those words, he vanished along with Lavi and Kanda.
BREAK
Komui solemnly walked the halls of the second manor, letting everything settle in his mind. It was the first time since the invasion that he had time to himself and he needed it more than any other person in the manor. Lenalee was helping the nurse tend the wounded and Sokaro was helping keep watch just in case they had been followed.
He pressed his back against the wall in a quiet, dim hallway and slid down to the floor, exhaling as he did. For several minutes, he didn't move and he felt like he wasn't even breathing. It wasn't until he felt the warmth of a hand caress his hair that he looked up.
Reever knelt down in front of him and smiled warmly. Everything in Komui broke and he threw himself into the arms of his assistant. Reever stroked his hair and let him cry openly. "Get it all out, Komui; then we can talk."
After about twenty minutes, Komui finally composed himself and leaned back against the wall. Reever handed him a bottle of water and sidled up beside him, letting his arm rest around the Steward's shoulders.
"You know, there isn't much else we could have done, Komui. We were played hard by their side and we lost this round. But we're all alive and can rebuild and start again."
"I know that, it's just, how can I say it?" he paused. "I never expected Allen to turn on us. It's as if he's a totally different person and we don't know anything about him. And we don't know what's become of Kanda-sama or Lavi. I feel like I've lost all faith in my role as Steward too."
"Don't say that, Komui. You got everyone out safely and we're able to regroup right now. I'm sure Cross knows something so when he comes back, we'll ask him, okay?"
Komui nodded and looked over at Reever. Without hesitating he leaned forward and kissed the man. And, without anything further, the renewed Steward stood abruptly, the negative energy surrounding him disappearing as he donned the loving smile he always wore in front of his subordinates. "Let's get going; there's a lot to do," he ordered as he helped Reever up.
As the two walked back into the bustling lounge of the new manor, everyone stopped what they were doing to listen for their new orders. The Steward stood in front of them and cleared his throat.
"Everyone," he said, "I can't express how sorry I am for not realizing what was happening. We've all lost our home and are facing a dark time right now especially since the Noah have now seized control of the things needed to bring the Earl back from the dead. However, we made it out safely and have the chance to survive at least for a little while longer. I'm encouraging everyone to help at this time. I need you all to focus on the here and now; don't worry about anything outside of this new home. I suspect things will start getting a lot worse with the demon infiltrations within the cities, but we are too few to fight at the moment. We need to recover and wait for word from our leader before we make a move. As acting lord, I hereby am ordering every person under the protection of the Dark Lord to remain on standby in this location until further orders are given. The wounded need to be taken care of first and foremost. Please help in any way you can. This place has an ancient seal protecting it so no one can enter or leave until the Dark Lord says so. Does everyone understand their orders?"
A simultaneous comply echoed through the new manor.
"Good," Komui said. "Now, I will be in the meeting room on the second floor with Reever for the time being. If anyone needs anything, please come find me," he ordered before leaving with his assistant.
As he headed up the stairs, the front door opened and everyone froze. Komui had just stated that no one could enter in but now, before them, stood two men. At first, everyone stopped breathing, thinking that he Noah had found them again. However, Lenalee rushed forward and hugged the older looking man that came inside first.
"You're okay!" she cried.
"We're fine, Lenalee but, I'm afraid that Daisya didn't make it," Tiedoll said solemnly. "That boy couldn't help but pick a fight with one of the Noah and he ended up giving his life so we could get out and find Kanda," he explained.
Komui rushed over to Tiedoll, hearing the last remark he made as he came up beside him and Marie. "Kanda-sama is alive? Where is he? Why didn't you bring him back with you? Where's Lavi?" he questioned relentlessly.
Tiedoll's face fell even more than it had been when he told them about Daisya. Realizing this, Komui pulled himself together and addressed the issue. "Let's talk in the meeting room," he said as he led the way. Tiedoll and Marie followed close behind while the others went about their business.
Four men sat down at the meeting table in the upstairs library. Komui waited for Tiedoll to start speaking before he asked any more questions.
"Cross realized things were amiss as soon as we got inside. They somehow put up an illusion spell to make it look like they were still there and it caught him off guard; which is something that never happens mind you."
Komui nodded.
"Once he broke that spell, we were ambushed by one of the Noah and a horde of its demon followers. The demons were no problem but the Noah was as vicious as ever. Somehow we managed to get the upper hand while Cross relocated the rest of the Noah. Thanks to Daisya's sacrifice, we all made it out alive and began to head back to the manor. However, Cross changed our direction when he got wind of Lavi and that Noah of Pleasure, Tyki Mikk. Soon after that, we felt Kanda's aura radiate through the city. We had no choice but to abandon the manor and go after them."
"I see," Komui said.
Tiedoll continued. When we got to the apartment, a strong force kept us from entering in; even Cross couldn't open it. He said it was some form of ancient magic that he didn't even want to try and touch; something about the evil radiating within the spell was too gruesome and nasty or something like that. I don't know spells so I don't know how to explain," he said.
"It's fine; just continue," Komui said kindly.
The vampire cleared his throat. "After about twenty minutes of trying to see what we could do, the barrier suddenly dropped and we rushed inside. We found Kanda and Lavi both barely alive lying limp on the floor."
Komui's eyes widened. "What did it look like happened?" he asked.
Tiedoll remained quiet and averted his eyes. Komui wanted to pry and was about to when Marie spoke up.
"The room was filled with a very evil aura. On top of that, there was a pungent smell of blood, sweat and semen," he said flatly. Marie had been blind since birth, so his other senses were fine tuned. What he had smelled in that room would stay with him forever, but he was the only one that could describe it as bluntly as that because he hadn't seen it. He knew that drawing it out would just make things worse, so he said what he needed to.
Komui paled and Tiedoll continued the story.
"It seems that Tyki tortured them within the time he had them closed up in there. Cross said that he used a strong time spell that slowed time. He believed that the Noah used it in order to hurt them for far longer than we know right now. Regardless of how long, though, they were in pretty bad shape. Cross said he was taking them somewhere safe and he'd return when they were out of danger. Until then, he told us to not make a move against the Noah."
Komui sat back in his chair, letting things settle in his mind. When he was ready, he asked the question he had been wanting answers for. "Does he know about Allen?"
Tiedoll nodded. "He didn't give a complete answer but I have a feeling he knows something. I was shocked too when I felt his power skyrocket. If we weren't connected through our link as vampires, we would have never known it was him that led this attack. I'm not sure if he let us know on purpose or what, but I know that every vampire felt that trickle of hatred no matter where they were at the time he revealed his true nature."
"I see. Well, there's nothing that can be done about it now; we'll just have to wait things out. Both of you go get some rest for now, okay?" he said warmly. Tiedoll nodded and he and Marie excused themselves.
When they were out of the room, Komui slumped in his chair. "This isn't good," he said.
"What?" Reever asked.
"They have the alter, the dragon, and now they have the blood. The only thing left for them to get is the key."
"But they don't know where it is, right? Only three people in the world know where that is hidden."
Komui sighed. "True, but one of those three people disappeared again and his only apprentice just turned on us."
Reever let that thought sink in before he spoke. "Do you think Allen knows where the key is?"
"It's possible, but I don't think Cross would give up information like that willingly, given his nature and all."
Reever nodded. "That's true."
"I need a drink," Komui said.
"Then let's grab one. Sometimes you need to take your own advice, Komui, and relax."
"Heh, maybe I do."
BREAK
Allen walked briskly through the hall, heading toward the room he had been directed to. He slammed open the doors and made for the bed where Lulubell was just finishing up. She turned to meet him.
"He's resting but he's been hurt very badly; I'm not sure if he'll survive," she said coldly.
Allen's amber eyes flashed as he pushed passed her and went to the bedside. "What the bloody hell were you thinking, Joido? I told you not to do anything reckless!"
The Noah smirked as he looked up at Allen. "Can't help it; it's my nature," he replied, a painful expression on his face.
Allen looked over the wound on Tyki's chest, his fingers gently slid over the bandages wrapped around his chest. He was lucky that he felt the tip of the sword pierce him or else he wouldn't have been able to dodge the finishing blow by phasing out of harms way.
"If you hadn't of used your power, you would have been killed," Allen said.
"I know."
The Brit softly hit Tyki on the head. "Don't do stupid things like that again, Joido! I can't afford to lose you; not now, got it?"
Tyki lifted his arm and ruffled Allen's hair. "My apologies, Neah; it won't happen again."
"Good. Get some rest. We have a lot to do in the next few days and I need you healed for when we bring him back."
Without a word of contest, Tyki complied and let his eyes close. Allen waited until the Noah was asleep before he left. When he exited the room, Cheryl and Lulubell greeted him.
The three began to walk and talk down the manor's corridors. "The water dragon hasn't stopped crying since you brought her here," Cheryl remarked. "It's a bit irritating."
"She will eventually," Allen assured.
"We still need the key," Lulubell reminded.
"We'll get it."
"But do you know where it is?"
Allen stopped and turned to the two Noah beside him. "Why do you think I went to all this trouble? I wouldn't do something so reckless if I didn't know where all the pieces were. I am Neah, the 14th Noah; the one cursed by both God and by Demons. I hold the balance of the world in my hand; of course I know where the key is. It's right here," he said as he pointed to himself. "I'm the last part of this puzzle."
BREAK
"Why did you bring them here, Sage?" a voice from the darkness called out.
"Cause this is where they need to be," Cross said as he continued healing the wounds of the two men he brought with him.
"This is a Holy Sanctuary protected on neutral ground. You're invading," another voice echoed.
"Shut up; I'm not going to be lectured by phantoms," he replied, not really giving much attention to the apparitions.
"Then maybe you will be lectured by me," another voice called out. However, this voice had a body and it was awfully close to where Cross was working.
His eyes darted momentarily from what he was doing to the cloaked figure that now stood beside him.
"I don't have time to argue with you right now. They need to be healed and I would appreciate it if you would at least try to help."
The figure moved from Kanda and then to Lavi, assessing the damage of the two. When he finally stepped back, he realized just what was going on. "The Dark Lord and the Guardian?"
"If you get it, then hurry the hell up and help me."
Without any further hesitation, the figure moved alongside Cross and began to heal Lavi's wounds while Cross focused on Kanda's.
"It's been a while since I've seen him," the figure commented. "He's grown quite a bit."
"Is this really the time for catching up?"
"I suppose not. But we are going to have to see the Tribune once we have them resting."
"I know that."
"Can you tell me what happened?"
"Not now, old man."
"Very well," the figure said as he focused on his task.
Two hours later, Cross was watching as two servants helped tuck Kanda and Lavi into bed together. It had been a grueling process to repair the damage Tyki had caused both mentally and physically but the spells woven into their wounds were too intricate to try and just rip out. They had to be taken down to their very bottom layer and then reworked from there in order to eradicate them. Cross looked on as his healing assistant walked up to him.
"Why the same room? They would heal faster separately."
"I'm telling you now: if you separate those two, you are not going to like the consequences. These two are linked through their Blood, though, it's only recently been finalized."
"I noticed that their bodies were weak but still connected, Cross Marion. And I am aware that the contract between them is too fresh. Were you the one that finished the ritual?"
Cross nodded. "I didn't have a choice. I knew that going back to the hall was a risky thing to do, but without the chalice and the alter, it couldn't be done. In order for them to live, and for the future of the world, I had to complete it without their consent."
"How can you do something without their consent?"
"These idiots started the ritual but never finished the process. Thankfully, there was still enough blood for me to use to finish what they started. Their Blood is now tied."
The figure sighed. "All is as it should be then. If they had only done this the first time around instead of letting people like me and the Tribune interfere then things would be different and the world wouldn't be facing destruction for a second time."
"Whatever; I don't care about that kind of crap," Cross said as he made to leave.
"Where are you going?" the figure asked.
"Nowhere in particular."
The figure's eyes narrowed. "Running away again so you don't have to see 'her'?"
Cross glared at the figure. "I just have to report to Komui on what's happened to his precious master. Besides, I told you what happened already so you go tell them."
"It would be better coming from you."
"Well I have obligations elsewhere. These two are going to have to sleep for a while so I'm going to put a barrier up to keep them confined in here. When the princess wakes up, he's going to be awfully thirsty and we can't have him randomly feeding, can we?"
The figure nodded. "But what of Lavi?"
"Oh he'll manage. With the ritual complete, those two can only count on each other for their sustenance. He's a smart kid; he'll figure it out," Cross said before disappearing.
The figure sighed as he uncovered his head. His bald head looked rather funny with a small tuft of hair protruding from the middle. The dark circles under his eyes made him look like a panda and his sour face showed no signs of friendliness.
"Looks like that idiot finally went and did something stupid," he said as he glanced over at his grandson one more time before sealing the two sleeping men inside for a long slumber.
AN: And that's the end for now. Sorry for the semi-cliffhanger ending but I thought it was the best way to end it. Also, due to a request, there will be an Omake story after chapter 11 involving our two favorite men…but I won't spoil the surprise :P Thanks for reading and please leave your love/hate.