Chapter 10

*Lavi's point of view

I didn't expect her to do that. I actually thought that she was going to hit me instead. She's right though that I won't tell anyone or tease her about it since she just treated me like a child. I would be the one teased instead so I won't do it.

I am eighteen years old almost nineteen in a few months but she is still older so that explains why I'm just like a little brother to her. I really can't expect much and I shouldn't. She is just ink on paper, supposedly.

She suddenly ran off with my bandanna after taking it. Who is older again?

I ran after her for it anyway and it took awhile before the running ended.

After that General Cross suddenly appeared and told her to come into his room. His tone was serious so it has nothing to do with things related to the rumors. She also understood it and went back to her more serious mode.

I wondered what it was about though. What did he mean by that? What was that something that Alyce didn't want known? I followed after her to find out.

*Lilia's point of view

I woke up and changed clothes after a shower. I wore the uniform Lenalee gave me yesterday. I went out of my room while carrying my doll and knocked at Alyce's door. She wasn't there just like yesterday. My stomach grumbled; I was hungry so I went to the cafeteria and ordered my food. I had left Cordelia (my doll) inside my room since I didn't want food to get spilled on her. I went back to my room after eating to get her.

As I was heading out the door to try and look for Alyce, Allen was standing outside.

"Do you need anything?"

"Has Alyce told you yet?"

"Told me what?"

How weird? Alyce isn't one to forget things like that. She probably was in a rush or busy with something. Alyce was also often busy when she had a job. I felt a bit lonely but I can take this. I'll be strong so I can help Alyce.

"I'll be something like a mentor to you. I'll help you train and find ways to activate your innocence."

"She didn't tell me but it's fine. I'm happy that you'll be my teacher. What should I call you?"

"Allen will do just fine."

"So when do we start?"

"We could right now."

"Okay."

We went inside the training room. I placed Cordelia on the seat there and then we started training. He taught me the basics first on how to fight.

*Allen's point of view

Lilia is a fast learner but she still can't activate her innocence. We took a break after hours of training. We don't really know each other that well yet so we took the time to know each other during break.

"We already know each other's name so we can just ask anyone what we want to know."

"I heard that Alyce only had an older brother. What is your relation to her if you don't mind my asking?"

"She took me in when I was four. She is actually like a mother to me since she worries most of the time but she is also like a sister and a friend. I don't really have any family left besides her since my parents are already dead. Do you have any family left, Allen?"

"My new family is the order. I used to have a father named Mana who took me in years ago. We weren't really related but just like you, we were a family. He died more than three years ago and after that, General Cross took me in. He was something like a teacher."

"Alyce told me that he used to be her mentor too."

I guess that could explain why she was so against having Cross as her mentor. She experienced it herself.

"Do you like it here?"

"Yes. Alyce told me that we were going to stay here for a long time so I don't have to worry about leaving again."

"What had your life been like before coming here?"

"We traveled most of the time since Alyce was avoiding the order. She had been looking for her younger brother."

"She has one?"

"Yes, but that's all I know since she rarely talks about her family."

"You really like that doll, don't you? I always see you carrying it around."

"Cordelia is my favorite. I wouldn't dare part with her."

"So that's her name. Who gave it to you?"

"Alyce's friend. He is very nice to me but he and Alyce had a fight before we left."

Her voice seemed sad after saying that. She probably didn't like the fact that they fought.

"What's his name?"

"I can't tell. Why is your hair white?"

Her voice tried to be cheerful and hinted that she doesn't want to talk about him any further.

"I was cursed along with my eye because I did something I shouldn't have."

She continued to ask questions about me instead. She was somehow avoiding the topic about Alyce's friend. Who was he? Why did Lilia try to avoid talking about him? I wanted to ask lots of questions out of curiosity but I know it wasn't my place to ask so I stopped thinking about it.