The sunlight gleams through the darkness of the dungeon. Small drips of clear water were echoing the quiet castle ground; the dank air crowds the once gleaming dungeon. Only prisoners of the highest degree are sentenced to life of imprisonment in these shallow rooms. Once, this mighty strong prison held thousands of convicts, all ready to die for the misdeeds they have brought upon themselves. But now, there were only two. Two of the last people that should be held in confinement by the royal mage.

Prince Lavi groaned to himself as he sat up from the hard seat he laid on. His head was sent turning as he tried to comprehend his current tight situation, the headache coming back to him double-fold. He knew he was in the royal dungeon located underneath the grand castle due to the fact that his father had brought him here once to witness the death sentence on some of the prisoners that once walked these stoned grounds. There was only but a glimmer of sunlight sneaking through the barred windows, telling Lavi that it was due high morning. Lavi remembered yesterday's sudden events with Mage Tyki and his open plan to destroy the magical kingdom, and his mind turned into turmoil at the deceit. He had to warn his father of Mage Tyki's betrayal before it was too late! Speaking of betrayal… Lavi immediately gritted his teeth as he remembered the betrayed look Allen had given to him just before he was knocked out unconscious. That look made Lavi cower down, for he didn't want Allen, of all people, to look at him that way. He didn't mean to betray him, heck, he didn't even know Tyki's plan in the first place! But Allen only saw the surface and assumed the worse. Lavi couldn't blame him for that, but this was no time for lamenting. I have to get out of here and save him!

A loud clanging of chains clashed though the damp prison, making Lavi quick on his feet with the hammer on his hand. From the shadows, a painful groan came about. Lavi readjusted his eyes to see Yu Kanda sitting on the ground with shackles around his ankles. Putting his hammer away, Lavi went to Kanda's side and took out the chains that held his friend in place. He heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Kanda still alive, but was confused as to what he was doing here in the dungeon firstly. Before Lavi could cast a healing spell for the injured samurai, Kanda grabbed hold of his hand and looked at Lavi with an unbelieving face.

"R-Rabbit? Is that you?" Kanda's voice was dry, chocking on dry air. Lavi gave a shot of water to the thirsty man taken from his bag pack, thankful that the soldiers did not relieve him of it. While he was reviving the samurai, Lavi casted the healing spell and the charm did its work on the injury.

"Hey Yu, what's up?" Lavi feebly answered, knowing that he had abandoned Kanda and left him in the dark. Kanda was looking at him with that same death glare of his, but Lavi was too used to its empty threats already. Kanda needs no words to display his message across the dimwit of a prince, but only the straight face was required to get the question in the open. Explain yourself before I rip you to shreds with my sword and feed you to the dogs. With a heavy breath and after a slight shiver from Kanda's silent command, Lavi inhaled a deep breath and began to explain the upcoming situation, never leaving any tin detail out of the story. Kanda deserves that much of an explanation, for what he's been through.

"-If you don't want to be at my side, Yu, I understand. I'm in a shit-load of mess and you're not obligated to help me. I won't take it to heart if you leave me," Ended Lavi with the apologetic look. After a pause or two, Kanda got up and left Lavi sitting on the floor with his back turned. Lavi was expecting the man to break open the dungeon gates and waltz out of here without turning back or giving him pity. Lavi tsked Kanda-style, as he contemplated that miserable thought. That's definitely what Kanda would do. But instead of the breaking of gates, Lavi heard a slap ringing through his ears. He felt his injured cheek turn red with heat as Kanda's wide handprint bean to appear on the clear face. Lavi held a shocked face while Kanda looked down on his stupid prince with that same scowl etched upon his long face.

"Who the heck do you think I am? I'm not a coward, if that's what you think. Baka! My place is by your side, and I'll stay there," Kanda handed an outstretched hand to help the fallen prince up. Smiling secretly, Lavi took that hand and the two shook their years-old friend handshake. Lavi was relieved when Kanda indirectly just proclaimed his loyalty to him again, with the solid shake of his clasp. When Lavi took back his hand, his heart gripped icily at the sight his eyes fell on. He couldn't believe it as he turned his hand over and over, searching for that one sign. Lavi's mind only concluded one thing as he looked for the dragon mark that went missing on his right hand: The bond between Allen and him was gone.

Treasure that dragon mark he gave you, for it only comes once in a lifetime. That's what Cross had warned him about! With sweaty hands and clammy arms, Lavi let out a frustrated roar that sent the mice scurrying into their shelters. He had betrayed Allen's trust, thus breaking the bond between dragon and man. Indirectly, Lavi had repeated history. Now he knew what Cross had felt; all those empty emotions and feelings, the sign of betrayal and the loss of the once-strong bond. Lavi felt his mind tumble down, his will power crippled at the punishment that was forever embedded into his skull. The dragon mark was gone, the bond broken, and Lavi worked for was ripped apart as easily as paper. That gaping hole in his heart yawned its darkness upon Lavi, devoid of any ties of emotions and feelings towards Allen. The only companion that was left in his very soul was regret and disappointment. For once in his whole life, Lavi felt… Incomplete, and very alone.

Kanda punched the incredibly stupid prince in the stomach, sending Lavi back a few steps and bringing him back into the present. Lavi may not say it, but Kanda knew the hint of fondness in the prince's voice when he had spoken about the dragon mage. Without words, he knew Lavi had a unique bond between him and Allen, and he didn't need Lavi to explain himself in that matter. To see the prince giving up right before he started is a lowly thing indeed, and he needed to do something before this rabbit prince rot in this hell-hole.

"If you want to crawl down here and lament all you want, be my guest. But Allen needs you out there, and I'm darn sure you wouldn't allow him to die just like that! Now pick yourself up and help yourself get out of this freaking mess!" Kanda said strictly. Lavi's eyes turned back into normal as he quickly collected himself. Chuckling lightly, he stood up with all the dignity that he held in place and threw Kanda that same carefree look with a wave of his wildish red hair.

"Why, Yu, if I didn't know any better, you're worried about me~~ Don't worry, when I save Allen and the kingdom, I'll be sure to add you in my appreciation speech," Lavi answered cockily, that confidence swelling up his pride. Kanda rolled his eyes in distaste, but was grateful that the confident Lavi was back in action. Since he said when and not if, Kanda knew he was in for a ride of his life. They clapped hands together to seal the deal and was about to formulate a plan when they heard the quick shuffling of feet coming their way. Lavi took out his hammer while Kanda unsheathed his ready sword. But that familiar red hair put the both of them at ease.

"Get out of here, both of you! Quickly, before Tyki comes round!" Cross whispered harshly, clanking open the rusted gates of the dungeon. Without speaking, the three prowled their way through the castle grounds, melting into the shadows and avoiding all contact with the alerted soldiers. Lavi had wanted to warn his father in advance of Tyki's betrayal, but Allen's safety swiftly overtook his train of thought. To once again see Allen's smiling face and bright smile that was all he ever dreamed of. He had to repair the damage he had caused, nothing else takes top priority. As soon as he swore that silent oath, the three had successfully snuck through the creeping palace grounds. Cross took Lavi's right hand, the hand that was supposed to hold the most honorable mark of all. Cross's face etched in worry as he saw the clearness of the palm, his grip on Lavi's hand tighter. With restrain from hitting the idiotic prince, Cross laid out his plan.

"If you want to save Allen, you have to get help from the Dark Forest. They'll-"

"Well, well, well, look who I found sneaking around like tiny mice. You won't go anywhere!" Chirped Mage Tyki, smiling like a cat that has found its meal for the day. Lavi and Kanda hastily brought out their weapons in the ready, but were held back by the strong arm that was Cross. Without taking his eye off of Tyki, who was now strolling towards them with all the time in the world, Cross growled quietly at the young ones.

"Get going, I'll hold him off. This battle belongs to me,"

"But-"

"GO! NOW!" Commanded Cross, taking out his gun to fire. Kanda took Lavi's reluctant hand and dragged the man away from the battle. The young ones left their elders to do battle, as Cross kept watch over Tyki. The mage laughed at Cross's insolence.

"You know you can't win against me, Cross. What do you hope to achieve by doing this?"

"I'd be righting my past, something I should've done a long time ago," Cross's last words whispered through the air, sending its silent message to the one intended to receive it. With a loud cry of defiance, Cross entered his last battle. Tyki continued to smile evilly, the spell casted straightaway at the attacking general.


Somewhere, deep down in the darkness that held untold power, Allen heard the silent message, had felt his regret and disappointment. And within a heartbeat, a thread of life that he held so dearly to his heart was cut off. Until there was nothing left to feel. Silently, Allen broke his brave little mask to nobody but himself. The King of Kings went down on his knees and started to cry his heart out for the one that was lost to him.


Meanwhile, Lavi and Kanda were running as fast as the wind towards the opening forest. They were already panting mid-way; the afternoon sun beat its strong heat against the escaped prisoners. Lavi knew which way to go, while Kanda followed the prince right at his heels and never far behind. Just as they were about to enter the hidden forest, large golems that protected the sanctuary appeared and grabbed hold of the unsuspecting duo. To weary to fight back and was running out of time, Lavi and Kanda allowed the golems to capture them.

They brought the captured humans to the centre of the forest, the heart that stood in all its might and glory. There was the same ancient tree that Lavi had sworn upon, remembering the past he had with Allen. Instead of the legendary King of Kings striding its way towards them, there stood the solemn Bookman in his centaur form with the strictest pokerfaced on. Surrounding them were the magical creatures of the magical kingdom, their noise rising up a storm and never letting go. Without their King to guide them, the mythical beings were in the state of panic, their voices crying out in helplessness and frantic shouts. The trees rustled wildly although there was no wind, the ground rumbling in reply as they shivered fearfully for their lost King. Everyone was in dismay; no longer were the quiet and cheery creatures of the hidden forest. As the two humans walked the path of shame towards the centre of attention, all rose in volume as they threw curses and hatred into the thick air. Bookman shouted above the noise, pulling everyone's attention towards him.

"We have heard what had happened, Lavi. The trees told us about Allen's capture. How could you do this, Lavi? He trusted you… All of us did," The pain evident in his old strained voice. Immediately, the noise began to escalate.

"I'm sorry, Lavi. But your actions leave us no choice; you are sentence to die," Concluded Bookman mournfully.

The mythical beings roared its violence towards the human that was responsible for this. They had advanced to Lavi and Kanda, their weapons raised in vengeance for their lost King. Lavi could do nothing but hang his head silently; the wild bangs covered his solemn face into the dark shadows. But Kanda was not one to take death so openly, and he unsheathed his sword and readied himself in front of the oncoming crowd. With a growl, Kanda was ready to do battle with the mythical beings, while the creatures of the forest thrusted caution to the wind. As they quickly advance to attack, a loud voice cut through the forest's outrage.

"STOP!" The effect was done without delay. Both sides stopped their attack to see Lavi walking towards the standing centaur. Lavi knelt down with his head still hanging in shame as he addressed everyone before him,

"I'm sorry for everything I've done. I have no answer to defend myself on the punishment already placed upon me," Lavi started. He stood up and dared to look at Bookman in the eye with that same defiant look he had given to Kanda earlier on. "But know this: I love Allen with all my heart and I swear that I'll save him from the mage,"

There were gasps passing through from creature to creature as they heard the confession. Bookman continued to stare on, knowing that Lavi had something else to say. He did.

"I know I don't deserve your trust, not what after all the humans have done. But here I am now, on my feet before you as I ask you; Will you do battle with me?"

Before anyone had the chance to answer, Lavi's hand began to glow brightly, putting the fairies' brightness to shame. Bookman covered his eyes at the bright light so near to him, taking a few steps back. Lavi felt a small comforting tingle on his arm as he felt a familiar swirl of magic covering his hand. When the glow lessened, Lavi hesitatingly opened his enclosed palm to see the dragon mark burning its way through his pale skin once again. Although the mark was fainted like Cross's own, but the fact that it came back made Lavi's heart brim a little lighter. This was only the first step into getting Allen back, and Lavi knew he was too early to be rejoicing. Looking around, he saw the whisperings of the mythical creatures and the same awed expression was relatively scrawled around their faces. Bookman smiled slightly, watching as his prince gazed at the magical dragon mark with wide eyes. Puffing his chest, he rumbled through the now-quietened forest,

"I speak for the people when I say this; we will go into battle with you, Prince Lavi, for our King of Kings,"

The forest howled its acceptance towards the returning dragon mage's friend.


Let there be a fight! Haha Well, hopefully Lavi can hold it together until Allen comes back into the picture! BUAWAWA, Cross! :( Stupid Tyki, I shall write you in the most horrible of ways! XD I do hope you're enjoying this story! I wanna thank you to those who helped motivate me yet again:

shadowkiller8888,

Pharaohyamifan,

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Magiko,

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Cylindrical Sea,

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1o1,

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AU Queen,

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Guest,

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ilanitaliaXD,

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bama,

for all your wonderful support, I pass you a digital hug! XD I love you! Please leave a review and have a blessed day! PS-I may be slow for the updates soon, since my finals are in a months time *gasp* ARGH, I'mma die! XD See you in the next chapter, yo! =D