Lavi was paralyzed by Cross's words. He had just admitted that it was he who led the army against Mage Mana and Allen himself! Then it was Cross who had caused the old mage's death, and also the sealing of Allen. Lavi's face must be thoroughly shocked, for Cross held an agonizing stare at the prince.
"I was young, and naive; too obsessed with the duty of a general. I was so blinded of the honor, that I didn't take Allen and Mana's life in account. Under your father's orders, I was sent to kill Mage Mana and bring back Allen alive,"
"But you failed at that when Maga Mana sacrificed himself into sealing Allen inside his crystal, because he needs a large amount of power to seal a living dragon inside..." Lavi mused. He was wondering why Mage Mana's skeleton was untouched, even after years of decay. Cross only nodded his solemn head in reply.
"And because of that, Allen had never forgiven me for my rash actions... He trusted me with the dragon mark, and I have done nothing but misused its advantages..." Cross mumbled under his cold breath. For once, Lavi actually pitied the old man; imagine all that trust built from the very bonds with hard work, only to be broken by one misdeed filled with greed and power. Lavi could almost feel the staggering amount of regret and guilt that Cross had to bear for those long dreaded years now. It can do only so much to a man like him...
But Lavi remembered something that would bring the lowly man up to his spirits once again,
"It's true that you had lost Allen's trust that time.. But you made up that lost time, Cross. Remember, it was you who had introduced me indirectly to Allen, allowing Allen to be freed for his crystallized prison. It was you who told me of King Earl's orders to capture Allen, which made me come to his rescue. Why else have you been doing that besides trying to make it up to Allen? That past regret you've been carrying? It's all gone as soon as you decided to write the wrong, Cross. So stop making a stupid fool of yourself and be the unstoppable crazy idiotic general Allen had always trusted his life with!"
Cross only smiled back, half proud and half annoyed at Lavi's upbringing speech. Though his words may be motivating, he knew nothing could erase the past now that it was set in solid stone. That faded dragon mark he did not deserve was proof of that ruined trust. The only thing he can do now is to support Allen from the shadows and continue playing the untrustworthy puppeteer; all for the sake of his precious trust he was deprived of. Lavi watched those mental decisions run through Cross's face, his heart turning heavy at Cross's heaving burden. The two men didn't talk at all, only contended to drown in their own thoughts about the dragon mark and how much that was worth to them.
The bright morning sun came about to its almighty throne in the dark blue sky, raining the great warmth and light into the darkened earth below. The early birds sang their songs of praises to the rising glob, the trees coming back into life once again for yet another beautiful day. Everything the light touches was caressed with its fine ray of sunlight, the time for the shadows of the night to retreat to their den and sleep the dawn away. Soon, the Dark Forest entered into another day's usual routine, with the new exception of an added ally in their homey midst.
As the silent sunshine kissed Lavi's closed eyelids, he grumbled lightly on his bed. Hesitatingly, the prince of Black Order got up from his dreary sleep, only to find himself not on his bed in his castle's bedroom. Instead, he was in a much smaller room, but it felt somewhat homier than the one he had always slept in. The bed was appropriate size for him, cozy and comfortable to the head. There was a wooden table near the glass window with no curtains, which explained the large amount of sunlight entering the room without care nor worry. Lavi felt his fingers smoothen over the unfamiliar blanket, relishing on how soft it was underneath his touch. As he got up and changed into a new outfit (because Bookman had insisted him not to sleep in with those revoltingly dirty clothes), who but the old centaur himself came a-knocking in the bedroom?
"Here's your breakfast, Lavi. Eat up, then you can go and entertain yourself outside in the forest. I've got work to do," the centaur's feet went clippaty-clop over the wooden floor, like a horse trudging on human ground. Thanking the magical host (which still crept Lavi out a bit), Lavi tucked into the food presented before him and gratefully complimented the cooking.
"Wow, this stuff's amazing! How'd you get this? I've never tasted something this tasty before!"
"It's made from the forest itself. You'd be surprised of what this magical sanctuary could offer to beings like us," Bookman chuckled, obviously expecting Lavi's reaction beforehand. Lavi realized something and searched round the room for that familiar white hair and torn up black cloak.
"Hey Old Panda, where's Allen?" After getting a hard hit on the head by the 'old panda' himself, Bookman decided to indulge Lavi into his curiosity.
"He's out with the mythical council. There are some important matters to be discussed with him, now that he's back in the realm of the living. Don't worry your egoistic head; he'll come around soon,"
Then Bookman remembered that he had business to attend to and quietly excused himself.
"If anyone is giving you trouble outside, show them the dragon mark. That'll keep them at a good distance, since a being -be it mythical or not- does not have the privilege of obtaining the rare dragon mark… That is, until Cross and you came along,"
Lavi rubbed his aching head while strolling outside, his mind already playing with thoughts about the missing Allen. He didn't see hide nor hair of that white hair dragon mage that these mythical beings called their 'King of Kings'. It was unnerving that Lavi's own friend held that supreme title, since he only knew Allen as Allen, the mage that had saved his life. As he looked at Allen in a different and more calmer point of view, these followers of his certainly looked up to him as their leader and unwavering strength. Come to think of it, where are all those mythical creatures? Lavi finally surveyed his surroundings and found himself all alone. Covered on all corners by the staring eyes of the trees, Lavi felt himself growing smaller at those unlikable gazes. With no living beings around him, Lavi felt himself being cornered like a trapped rat. He knew he was most likely regarded as an intruder to their safe haven, but this heavy silence was more than over the limit, Lavi thought to himself.
Then, just as he was about to turn face and walk back to Bookman's house -which probably is the only unanimated thing in this whole magical forest which doesn't give me the death stare!- when he heard the small giggling of laughter. He turned to see flying fairies dancing on the wind like it was an invisible floor. Lavi wondered as he thought their wings were made out of rays of collected sunlight and sprinkled with glitter and shiny spots. They were small, smaller than Lavi's outstretched palm. Some were dancing, some were giggling about something, but all were centered around Lavi. They wore pretty dresses which only covered to the top of their knees, showing the outside world their smooth and dainty legs that seemed to be glowing along with the rest of their enchanted figure. Then one of the playful fairies brought grapes out of thin air and gave them politely to Lavi, a smile that can only be described as beautiful. Lavi felt strangely hungry, even after gobbling up Bookman's breakfast. Not wanting to look rude in front of his first encounter with the mythical beings, Lavi plucked a small purple grape of perfect size and brought it up to his drooling mouth.
Then a gloved white hand stopped his food's journey. The grip was tight, but smooth at the same time.
"Now now, my little fairies, you know better than to offer your food to strangers," Allen's voice calm and cheerful, as he lightly scolded the mischievous fairies. The childish fairies, who knew they had been found out by their would-be parent, turned their light glow into an ashamed red. Allen laughed casually as he saw the naughty fairies turn their sorry heads towards him like a child seeking for forgiveness. And like the caring parent, Allen took the piece of grape from Lavi's immobile hand and dropped it coolly into his own mouth. Lavi could only stare at Allen –who freaking took my grape and ate it too!- as he laughed again, sending good shivers down Lavi's spine.
"You must not eat the fairies' food at all costs, Lavi. If you eat them, you can never crave human food once more; their taste would seem sandy to you. You would only live through these magical foods, exotic to your mind. I, on the other hand, am not affected by such small magic," Allen explained, snapping Lavi out of the fairies' spell.
"Lavi," Allen continued, his voice now drop dead serious, "Show them my mark,"
Lifting an eyebrow and wondering what was Allen's plan; Lavi numbly followed his orders and lifted his open palm for all to see. The dragon mark glowed bright red, the dragon rearing its mighty head at the forest. The forest in return trembled underneath the powerful mark; the trees who had glared at Lavi rustled its leaves in defeat as the ground below rumbled its acknowledgement to the new outsider. They had forgotten that this new walker of the earth had gained their King of Kings' trust, and therefore, became a loyal and proper subject to the Dark Forest. The forest bowed its great apology to the two humans, as it continued its swaying to the warm wind. Lavi felt the difference in the forest's mood immediately; where he had walked just now was filled with hatred and disgust, now covered by the feeling of being protected and love. The Dark Forest had proclaimed its magic over the accepted prince of Black Order.
"My King, we really need to finish discussing a few other matters urgently," Said a solemn voice behind them.
There were centaurs of great sizes that made Lavi's height seem small in comparison. Standing proudly beside the ancient teachers of the mythical kingdom were the Valkyries, women warriors with ungodly strength. True to their name, the women wore their armor and stood defiantly, their arms either around their broad chests or hovering around their swords' hilts. There were hyperborean behind them; Gentle, civilized people with pale blue skin. All were standing at the edge, waiting humbly for their King of Kings to continue their disrupted discussions. Even though they were of different breeds and types, Lavi clearly saw the admiration and unchanging loyalty they held so deeply for the dragon mage.
Allen looked back to Lavi, then forth to his patient council, obviously trying to decide which party he would rather humor himself in. Taking a small bow towards his council and taking Lavi's arm, he waved his mythical council a cheerful goodbye.
"You go ahead without me for a while, my friends. I'll be spending the rest of the day with my best friend!" Laughed Allen childishly, dragging Lavi away from the confused council. He didn't want to admit it, but Lavi was relief and complimented by Allen's quick decision.
"Come on, Lavi. I'll show you the forest no human has ever laid eyes on. I'll show you my home," Said Allen, with that unmistakable glitter in his eyes that made Lavi's resolve melt under that pretty gaze. Taking his hand into his, Lavi allowed himself to be pulled by the overly-enthusiastic Allen.
Lavi saw the chirpy brownies cleaning the old and sleeping rock golems with magic and soap. He shivered when he remembered his fight against those rock enemies. Now that he knew they were only trying to protect Allen, Lavi had no doubt that they would do no harm to him. The now tame golems were allowing the clean-freak brownies to wash water and bubbles over them, singing their merry songs over their brushing and cleaning. Lavi laughed at such a sight, like watching a tiger falling helplessly over an innocent young baby. The brownies gave a lighted 'hullo' to both Allen and Lavi as they passed by their humble homes before returning back into their working.
Allen brought him to see the mighty chimeras, who resided in the rocky and stubborn mountains that lay far west of the Dark Forest. With the body and head of a lion, the head of a goat rising from its furry back and a slick serpent for a tail, the chimeras were the depiction of dangerous. They breathed hot-red fire through the lion's jaws, their teeth ripe for the killing and their claws aching for the shredding of skin. The chimeras roared their loudest to the echoing sky. He shivered as he saw two chimeras fighting one another, their battle arsenals used to the minimum so as to not inflict grave injury to the other. It was like watching two volcanoes erupting at the same time, as the two kept their competition on who lasted longer. Their might and strength were stuff of legends told in tales back when Lavi was younger, and now here he was taking in the first sights of chimeras. But even these great and feared beasts bowed their allegiance to the more powerful Allen.
Then Allen took Lavi to see the griffins on those high mountains hatching their large eggs in their comfy nests of straws. The griffins with their lions' body and eagles' wings cawed at the sight of Allen and Lavi. They had fur on their body and feathers of wings, making them both land and sky beings. The mothers were at their nests, giving the proper warmth to their sleeping eggs. Lavi felt the soft fur on one of the griffins that came to welcome him and Allen into their territory. Their hard beaks can break even the hardest of gold, and their claws were made to cut through rocks like a knife through butter. Allen had gone and about to praise these majestic creatures, which made the griffins in turn swell at the sound of their great King flattering them.
There, in the quiet soft meadows of the lush greenery, were herds of unicorns and the legendary Pegasus. Unicorns with sharp horns on the top of their white heads were grazing under the clear blue sky, unworried of the humans staring right at them. The Pegasus horses were also eating their breakfast, their giant wings waving with all the dignity that a mythical creature had. Allen came striding forward calmly, and the magical horses were unafraid at their King's presence. Taking a shot, Lavi took an apple given by Allen and walked slowly towards one of the mighty Pegasus. As the mythical being looked at him curiously, Lavi could admire this new being up close. When the Pegasus had taken the courage to eat the offered apple, Lavi's heart leaped for joy at the achievement and ran his hands over the feathery wings of the horse. Allen could only laugh gainfully at his friend's act of kindness.
Before they went for dinner, Allen and Lavi took their bath in the peaceful lake. They began playing with the mermaids and mermen there, their fish tails swiping through the air with the normal trails of glinting water drops. Nixies came to play as well, but Allen warned them in advance to keep their singing voices shut, for their magical singing voices can be deadly to humans such as Lavi. Nymphs joined in the laughter and fun, after they had left their fear of Lavi back. Together, the entire lake family laughed their sorrows and fears away, letting their carefree life float on the clear water surface.
The sun had set on the griffin's homeland, and Lavi felt himself stifle a yawn. But the best had yet to come, for Bookman took the liberty to organize an outdoor dinner open to all who wishes to dine together. Lavi laughed out loud when he saw Allen, in his human form, blow out his blue flames to heat up the dinner prepared. Bookman and Cross took several steps back as the undying flames began to cook the dinner to crisps. The satyrs of male bodies and goat legs came to offer their entertainment for the welcomed new guest of the forest. With an approving nod from their King of Kings, the satyrs played their twinkly flutes of joy. Elves and fauns perked their sharp ears up as the light music began to fill the dark forest. They came to do music with the musicians, and they did just that. Soon, every mythical creature joined in the outdoor dinner, dining and laughing at today's good activities. The elder ones watched from the sidelines as their young ones danced and played with the cheerful music, uplifting their downed spirits like nothing before.
Then all was silent. Lavi stopped his amusement as he saw a winged woman walking her way to the corner of the garden. The mythical creatures trembled in fear, running to the open arms of their comforting parents who were watching this newcomer with guarded eyes. All held their hard gaze on the woman. Lavi saw this woman was a harpy, a mythical being which said to be the incarnation of evil herself. She had her wings broken, the bones jutting out dangerously to those disheveled black feathers that made up her wings. Lavi was about to ask Allen who was this when he saw that Allen was not at his side anymore.
Allen was instead walking towards the harpy lady with all the royalty that he possessed, his every movement kept watched by the mythical beings around them. Then, he did something amazing; The King of Kings gave a polite bow to the mistakenly evil harpy before taking his empty seat next to her, his face devoid of any fear and worry.
As if a bubble had been burst, the atmosphere returned to its once joyful state. The children began to laugh and sing and dance again, the parents watching protectively. But the mythical creatures gave a wide berth from Allen and the harpy, who was by then deep in conversation with the cheerful King.
"That's Lenalee, the last harpy," Explained Bookman, who was taking his seat next to the watchful Lavi.
"You can take your hand off of your hammer, she will do no harm to him," Lavi was unconsciously having his hand around the holstered hammer. Taking his hovering hand of his weapon, Lavi did not take his cautious eyes off Allen.
"Lenalee only has Allen to befriend her, for all the other beings of the forest dare not come near her at all. Our King is truthfully modest to even lowering himself to the harpy…. You should be proud of him, Lavi,"
Lavi was one step ahead of Bookman this time. His admiration for Allen had increased tremendously for Allen's courteous actions. He couldn't take his eye of off Allen even if he wanted to, for that sweet smile and perfect face kept appearing in Lavi's mind. Allen's bright laughter filled the air, giving the aura a much needed boost at the joyful occasion. Lavi could die hearing that absolutely adorable laugh coming from Allen, deciding that the solemn and quiet Allen wasn't the real Allen. No, this here, this laughing and enjoyable Allen in front of him right now, this was the real Allen. And he would do anything to keep that Allen by his side.
"My beautiful swan maidens and selkies, sing for us on this wonderful night!" Chirped Allen, throwing his usually close demeanor to the wind. The swan maidens casted their swan feathers off as the selkies took out their seal skin off their own bodies. Together, they took their place in the center of attention as their voices joined in the forest's soothing voice. They sang of light memories, of battles and victories. They told of stories of ancient past and present, told them of secrets and shadows. They told of their adoration to the mystical forest and the all mythical beings. Most of all, they sang their song of praises of the legendary dragons, and their returned King of Kings. As they chanted their spell of enlightened songs in one melodious voice, they entire forest held their breath as they begun to drown themselves in the beautiful sound. Lavi saw Allen's face in pure serenity, admiring his kingdom's welcoming voice once more. It was an undeniable picture that took Lavi's breath, and heart away. As his heart did giant leaps, Lavi knew this strange light-headed feeling that took over his body with its delicate fingers. Oh, he knew this feeling he held so deeply for the young dragon king.
Lavi was in love with Allen.
Auu, finally Lavi came to his senses! Come on, as if his mind screaming at him that most obvious fact wasn't enough! XD I pity Cross's part, so sad! If only he acted THIS guilty in the anime. But since he really does care about Allen in the manga (VERY subtlely), then I guess it's alright :) By the way, I'm about to bump this story to T-rated, cause it's going to get down to business soon. MUAHAHAHAHA You have been warned! XD I'm going to have the usual, THANK my supporters of this story (which I still hope you're currently enjoying)
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Okay *cracks knuckles* time to get back to work! Go us! Hahaha You are the best people I could ever have, ILY! Please don't forget to review before leaving and have a blessed day! =D