At the break of dawn where the trees swayed lightly at the morning breeze and the birds chirped its lively song of praise, a weary Were-Hunter awakened from his deep sweet slumber. The red summer's fur rose a bit before relaxing as Lavi stretched his tired muscles, and yawned a fitful yawn that sent smaller animals scurrying back to their safe kennels. Then his mind caught up with the present situation. Where's Allen? The warm white fur that accompanied him all through the biting cold night was nowhere in sight. Since there was neither hide nor fur of the young Allen anywhere, did so Lavi trot back into Black Order's territory in search for his fellow friend to thank him. If it weren't for Allen's companionship last night, Lavi would've gotten a handful of dark nightmares and suffered the agony of the drop-dead ice forest temperature. Not to mention that all through the night, Lavi could hear and appreciate the constant heartbeat from the small chest of Allen. Confused as he was, Lavi's heartbeat jumped a bit when he remembered Allen's touching words.
I know I'm no replacement for a mother's warmth, but this is as close as I can get," Allen whispered into Lavi's ear, his breath smelt of blanketing mint, "I've never thought of you as an Omega. Because to me, you're just Lavi.
For reasons unknown to him, those words melted all hatred and sorrow from him instantly. Maybe it was because he was forever wishing that he would come to hear those words from somebody else? Or was it because that somebody was Allen himself? Mixed feelings came into the confusion, and Lavi deemed it best to put away these foreign thoughts and emotions before they can create a concoction in his head. Jumping through a lone river, he finally stepped into the Black Order's base, where he was quickly greeted by the sight of both Black Order and Noah Were-Hunters gathering. At the edge of their territory was the Asian Wolves pack, all packed up and ready to leave. Bak was saying his last goodbyes and greetings to his elder Alpha Leaders, apologizing once again for the abrupt invasion before setting eye on Lavi. His life-long playmate strode towards him with a sober look, and Lavi thought the expression didn't do well with his hyperactive attitude.
"I'm so sorry about yesterday, Lavi. I didn't mean to hurt you," Bak bowed his head low with his shiny yellow tail tucked underneath his fore legs. Lavi nudged shoulders with him affectionately before giving the Alpha a brotherly lick.
"It's alright. Allen's bound to know about it sooner or later. Heck, I should thank you for doing that job for me instead," Lavi joked, making Bak brightened up at the laughing smile.
"Tsk. Take better care of yourself or I'll come back to hunt you down!" Chucking a hard hit on the head as goodbye, Bak bid his farewell to Lavi before returning to Fou's side. Bak stole a glance behind for what Lavi hoped wouldn't be the last time, and he howled to the blue sky. Breathing in deep and hard, Lavi mirrored Bak's nighty howl, sending the retreating pack a traditional Were-Hunter's greeting. Black Order and Noah packs picked up where Lavi had dropped, and soon the entire forest was submerged into an orchestra of wolves' howling. The birds flew away, afraid of the predator's calling, and the ground trembled in fright. As Bak's last figure faded away into the horizon, Lavi turned his back and walked forward too, with new vigor in his step.
At the center of the new conversation and topic were the Alpha Leaders of the two packs, whilst their faithful Alpha followers stood proudly at the back. Allen was the easiest to pick up through the crowd of dark blackness which was the Noahs, with his snowy fur moving with the air current. Beside the emotionless-looking Alpha was the mighty Tyki who, upon seeing Lavi arriving, threw a playful wink at his direction before returning his attention to the Earl's words. Slinking sneakily towards the large group, his wolf ears managed to pick up most of the conversation. It was about the upcoming marriage between Kanda and Allen. When that said subject came into reality, Lavi could actually see the reluctance in both Allen and Tyki's face. But before he could ponder on why were the two feeling reluctant about the union, the Alphas headed into the large stone den. Lavi followed closely behind with his curiosity taking over, but was suddenly held back by the snapping Kanda who blocked his path.
"Alphas only, Omega! Go scurry somewhere else!" Kanda snap at him threateningly, his hackles rose as a growing warning. Lavi couldn't step aside, nor could he back away from the growling Alpha, who seemed to be Hell-bent on breaking his neck in a fight. Not to mention that Kanda's indirect challenge was attracting everyone's attention, which made escape even harder for the Omega. Stuck in the middle, Lavi was unable to make a move.
Fortunately, the upcoming fight attracted too much of attention. Tyki bit Allen's ear to attract the distracted Alpha's mind. Knowing that Tyki will back him up, Allen came before Kanda with his head held up high and noble.
"Let him enter, Kanda. He's with me," Tyki came closer to Allen, protective mode on the guard against Kanda's soon-to-be-outburst. As expected, Kanda looked from Lavi to Allen and back, his wolf eyes sharpening his knife glare at them.
"Only Alphas can be in this meeting. Lavi's not one,"
"He will enter because I said so. Lavi's my bodyguard (which may I remind you) that you yourself have appointed to. When I say he can enter, he will enter," Allen said with all the patience he had gained from years of practice. He had neither raised his voice nor showed his temper, but one word from this Allen practically demanded submission from other people. He neither appeared angry nor used body language, but Allen's eyes can strip your very core till you're bared naked for all to see. That was how powerful Allen was, and he was not even in his fighting stance yet! Lavi could only imagine the possibilities of watching the Noah heir seriously fighting with another.
"Well, you coming, Lavi?" the same royal voice shook him back from his thoughts. Lavi, seeing that Allen and Tyki was heading inside already, went to join their ranks and left Kanda to eat his vicious words. Tyki bonked heads with the smug Lavi, who also was feeling proud of his little shounen. Both giant males took their seats alongside Allen, one on either side. As the den had only so much of space to accommodate, the Alphas gathered there transformed back into their human forms. Relieved of his heavy fur and the extra pair of legs, Lavi could stretch his body without hitting somebody else's legs. At first, he felt out of place. What with all those disgusted and hateful stares targeted towards him. But an assuring look from Tyki and a warm hand enveloping his own from Allen gave him the courage he had left behind so many years ago. He was here, in support and to support Allen. Not to smite the Alphas (no matter how much he wanted to!) and definitely not to cause any unnecessary trouble for anyone. Filing Allen's priority as the first on his list, Lavi tried his best to concentrate on Komui's droning.
"I want to hunt with Lavi,"
All eyes, ears and mouths gaped wide open at Allen's sudden statement that just came out of the blue. Allen bowed lowly as he continued to ignore the gasping looks on some of the gathered Alphas' faces. Allen's humble voice took a turn, "Lavi's closer to me than Kanda, not to mention that he is still my bodyguard. I don't like troubling people, but I wish for Lavi to be on my side tonight,"
"N-No, Allen!" Lavi stood up, his hands moving from side to side in show of disagreement. To join Allen in the hunt was forbidden in Were-Hunter's tradition, for only the wedding couple could hunt together. It was an ancient belief that on the night before the wedding ceremony, the couple will hunt for the first time together to ensure the security of their long-lasting marriage. No wolf had ever gone up against the customs, for it would only bear bad fruit if they ever did. To say Lavi was shock at Allen's breaking words was an understatement. As much as he would enjoy hunting with him, Lavi knew he would be stepping on delicate boundaries that had been set up by his ancestors eons ago. The last thing Lavi would want to do was to get Allen in trouble!
"You'll be breaking the rituals if you do that, Moyashi. You have to hunt with me," Kanda said calmly, but not hiding the edge from his voice. For once in his life, Lavi came to an agreement with the hot-tempered Alpha.
But Allen only crossed his arms and wore a defiant look, "I'm sorry. But I want Lavi with me, or the wedding's off!"
This brought on more gasps and intake of exclaimed breaths from the audience. Allen's sentence seemed to contradict themselves; strictly speaking, for if he hunts with Lavi, the wedding will be off. But Allen's stand would not be moved by mere words alone, for he stood proudly with solemn eyes on his face. If Lavi hadn't known any better, Allen was actually pouting! Somewhere deep inside Lavi, he felt appreciated by Allen's sudden conclusion, as though Allen felt Lavi's uneasiness in this marriage situation. It was not every day that somebody high and almighty like the Alpha Allen would want to stand up and speak his rights out loud. Lavi drank in every word that Allen spoke out in his defense against the confusing words of both Komui and the Earl. He never once took his eye of the unwavering figure above him, wondering what he had done to deserve such a precious friend like Allen. A soft nudge on the arm told Lavi that Tyki felt the same way, as he too stood up to defend his Omega buddy. I swear, my heart's gonna burst out anytime soon if they don't stop talking for me!
Soon, the Earl was the first to break down his offensive walls and started to chuckle with himself, "If that's what my little Allen wants, then I give you my permission~" This gave way to Komui's mouth-gaping expression.
Allen still kept up his infamous poker face, for he knew the battle was only half-done. But Lavi could practically see Allen doing the 'victory dance' in his silvery eyes. He sweat-dropped as Allen heaved a heavy sigh as his burden was lifted slightly from his shoulders. Komui, knowing that his side of the argument was failing miserably now that the Earl had switched sides, also caved in to Allen's stubborn demands.
"9pm sharp, Noah territory. Be ready, Lavi,"
Allen nearly jumped out of his seat in excitement and accomplishment. Tyki shook his head by his fellow playmate's antiques, but he too was hiding a satisfying smile behind his long bangs. Only Lavi stay rooted in his seat, amazed at the fact that his ever-vigilant Alpha Leader was bowing defect by the hands of a much younger and vibrant man. Reality came banging at his door as he realized the heavy responsibility that was casted onto himself. I'm going to hunt with Allen!
At the break of dusk, when the singing birds sang lullabies for their loved ones to sleep and the skies were painted purple and orange, the quieted forest embraced the darkness and the shadows were starting to come out and have their time of play. The animals that ruled the day lay in slumber as night came into life, casting all serenity around the ground like a heavy blanket. Lavi and Allen were walking side by side in their wolf forms, contented on allowing the silence between them to grow steadily bigger. Lavi felt awkward, to say the least. Although he knew he was not the one who was going to marry Allen –his heart gave a heavy drop when he thought that- hunting with him by his own was a privilege all on its own. Hunting was in the blood of every Were-Hunter, and what more to excite the adrenaline of the predator than a good pack-mate to hunt with? Lavi stole a few glances at Allen, who was highly concentrated on the upcoming hunt. Immediately, Lavi felt inferior. Here was an Alpha –no, the Alpha- who stood up against the council of all Alphas just to be beside him instead of his arranged mate. This was the same Were-Hunter who had brought him out of the darkness that shrouded his hatred all too easily with a single sound of his voice. Complete with the perfect physique, Allen was a feat of remarkable awe and marvel.
"Stop putting yourself down, Lavi. You're not trash," Almost like Allen was reading his mind, Allen calmly put all his doubts to rest.
Lavi kept on walking beside him, their hunting destination almost at the peak. He was surprised that Allen could read him as easily as a book, but was to be expected from Allen himself, "Why'd you want to hunt with me, Allen? You should be hunting with Kanda, your to-be mate!"
"I want to hunt with you because I want to hunt with you, not Kanda. Because I want you feel loved and warmth… Because I also know your pain of being devoid of a mother's love," Allen murmured softly, his mind already away from the present. Lavi felt touched of Allen's reasons, but was feeling a tad bit confused of his last answer. Before he could enquire more of Allen's past, the said Noah heir walked on forward with his pace quickening.
"I need some time alone, Lavi. Please go ahead without me, I'll catch up in a few," Allen said without turning back. Lavi was torn between obeying Allen's word and keeping his side with him. In the end, he kept Allen's word instead. But he compromised by staying put where he was instead, content on waiting for his hunting mate to come back before heading off together. But for now, Lavi understood that Allen needed a clear head to face the last hurdle of his life. For the wedding was tomorrow.
Allen laid down on the stony ground of his home territory, his stomach absorbing the coldness of the wet dirt. He allowed himself to sigh once more, but it was out of exhaustion instead. He didn't bother looking up as a familiar scent came towards him and nuzzled his muzzle affectionately.
"Allen, what's wrong?" the cute and small Rhode enquired, her head quirking to the side in question. Allen giggled at the innocent look and licked his pack mate back.
"Everything and nothing, Rhode. It's nothing to needs your concern, so don't worry about me," Allen assured the little pup.
But Rhode was not one to back down so easily. Like her mother, she was acutely sensitive to other people's change of attitude and body language. Such was a tool for female Were-Hunters to get the edge against stronger male Were-Hunters. She put on her best 'adult' face and stared at Allen with all her guts, "you like Lavi, Lavi likes you. So why don't you two get married already?"
Allen's burst of laughter made Rhode angry, so she bit him hard on the neck. But her bite wasn't fully grown, and Allen was only left with nothing more than a small scratch. Sensing Rhode's impatience, he stopped his joking and smiled heavenly at her. Rhode didn't look at him when she felt the soft and warm tongue licking her all over, the silent message of 'I'm sorry' conveyed all over her. After an efficient amount of affectionate showering, Allen said, "Rhode, I-"
Suddenly, the cock of a gun was heard. Both Rhode and Allen perked up instantly and their eyes widen at the oncoming couple with rifles in their hands. The two muscular humans wore armor that was made to defend their fragile skin from sharp teeth and they bore the golden crest of Central themselves. Allen's heart tightened at the monstrous sight of the Central's mark, his face clouded with nightmares and past horrors. As soon as the hunters aimed their guns at them, Allen went into a quick frenzy. Pushing Rhode clear out of the way, he took the pup's place and growled loudly at the intruders.
"Go! Rhode!" Allen shouted, not taking his eyes off of the advancing duo. Their small laser lights planted straight at Allen's broad chest. Rhode was shivering with fear; her tiny whimpers took her bravery away. But Allen barked angrily at the hunters, making them stop in hesitation.
"RHODE! GET AWAY!" Allen tried once more to veer Rhode away from the humans. He couldn't fight against them and at the same time keep an eye on Rhode. She had to run away before he could attack or do anything to the humans. But Rhode, having found her voice at last, said shakily,
"I won't leave you, Allen!"
Allen growled warningly, his mind in turmoil. He beckoned his pack mates through telepathy, but they were far away from here and would take some time to reach both of them. Casting his eyes quickly, Allen's nimble mind formed an idea when he detected a small river beside him. Knowing that Rhode would not leave him, he pounced on the humans, deliberately separating the duo temporarily. As the hunters ran for shelter in different side, Allen's plan came into formation. With the speed of lightning, Allen took Rhode by the mouth and threw her high into the air. Rhode screamed as she tumbled into the river water, carried safely away by the river current. Allen won't be worried for the swift current, for Rhode already knew how to swim. Now, to-
!
Lavi was waiting patiently while talking to himself when he heard the whimpering of a puppy. He saw Rhode being carried away by the current, and she was trying her best to get to the side before the river turns angry. Jumping into the cold depths, Lavi paddled against the current to reach the drowning Rhode, and gripped her tightly with his teeth while swimming back ashore. Lavi was already drained of energy by the time he shook the water clean out of his fur, for the current was stronger than it initially looked. But Rhode was having none of that, for she was already jumping up and down to get Lavi's attention.
"Oh My Gods! Allen! Shit, why'd he do something dangerous like that! Allen!"
Upon hearing Allen being in trouble, Lavi felt a colder touch in his spine. Slamming his paws down and held Rhode tightly, he said with calmness he never knew he had, "Where is he?"
Rhode shook her head frantically. Her eyes were of blood-shot red with tears, as her words tumbled out without thought, "No, this can't be happening again. Allen won't be able to take it. No, please, Oh Gods, no…"
"Rhode! What's going to happen to Allen?!"
A loud and echoic howl filled the sky as Lavi felt his blood shiver. That was a howl he would never forget, for the howl was speaking of sadness and depression. All too suddenly, the familiar voice of howling stopped. Rhode said emotionlessly as her worst fears had been confirmed,
"Allen's going to die,"
Here comes the suspense ta-da~ Argh, I really miss the days where I can wake up as late as I want and do nothing but write stories all day :( Anyways, I do hope you're enjoying the story, it's gonna be intense from now on haha I wanna thank these lovely friendies~
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