The Fourteenth's Awakening

So far: Allen and Tyki's feelings are beginning to flare to life. Kanda is becoming paranoid worrying over Johnny and sleep disturbing dreams. The Bookman had been warned of Lavi's possible death, and Lavi seems to have caught the eye of Sheryl by revealing his right eye.

Wild: Well, I am glad to see that the Tyki and Allen bath scene was a big hit!

Allen: *blushing and hiding behind a statue from a searching Tyki*

Wild: but apparently Allen isn't so sure. Anyway, enjoy this chapter!

XIV

Hevlaska sat on the elevator going up to the main level of the Black Order Headquarters. She was adjusting the clothing Lenalee had loaned her, slightly uncomfortable. It had been years since she had last been in her human form.

She looked around and ran her hand through her hair again, nervous.

"Don't worry, Hevlaska. You look ravishing," Komui said, smiling at her. She smiled back nervously, looking down to adjust her lavender dress, smoothly out invisible wrinkles. She smoothed down her light blonde hair, running her fingertips gently over her skin.

It had been a really long time since she had been in this form.

"So, where do you want to go? What do you want to do?" Komui asked, looking at her with friendly eyes and a dashing smile. She blushed deeply and looked down at her tiny feet.

"Uh, I don't…really know," she said softly, tripping over her own tongue.

Komui smiled at how helpless she looked and he said, "Then I'll just have to show you everything."

At that, she gave him the most brilliant, shining smile he had ever seen. It brightened his day.

XIV

Lenalee sat in her room, staring outside the window with distant eyes. She had slipped into Komui's office and noticed some of his reports on the desk. Her curiosity got the better of her and she had read them; she quickly regretted it.

She had read about Lavi and the possibilities of him being dead.

I can't lose him…not now, she thought with despair, and tears began streaming down her while she watched rain begin to pour down from the sky, weeping with her.

XIV

Allen was hurriedly getting dressed after the little experience in the bathroom, closing the door to the closet swiftly to avoid Tyki's prowling eyes. She shuddered, halfway done buttoning his shirt. He stood there for a moment, trying to settle down again. He quickly buttoned the rest and just accepted himself in the usual full length black pants and his white shirt.

He didn't need to worry about being dressy in front of these people. He did, however, use his gloves to cover his hand so he didn't have to see the constant reminder of his Innocence and the Dark Matter inside him.

He stepped back outside and stared blankly as Tyki looked up to examine him.

"Not as dressy as usual, are we shounen?" Tyki drawled, leaning down to stare into Allen's face. His eyes narrowed and Allen sidestepped around him, heading for the door. He remembered his way well enough around the place to walk by himself. "Hey!"

Allen opened the door and stepped outside, taking a left to go towards the courtyard. He was curious to see if he could possibly open the Ark since he'd been here a lot. He just needed to summon the words to his mind and he'd be gone in a flash.

That would ruin our chance, nephew, the Fourteenth's voice echoed in Allen's head. He immediately threw up his mental walls.

I will not remain here as a prisoner, Noah.

Back to Noah, are we? And here I thought we were doing so well with calling me uncle, the older Walker drawled.

That was before you killed my friends, bastard, Allen snapped and blocked out the rest of the conversation. He had enough Noah in his head to go around. He was tired and all he wished to do was be left alone.

Apparently, that wasn't possible.

"Where are you going? You can't walk around by yourself," Tyki's voice said from his side. Allen remained silent. "Silent treatment, huh? How childish."

"I am fifteen, idiot," Allen muttered, taking a right to stop and stare at the bright courtyard. He stepped out into the open sunshine, closing his eyes and let himself bask in the warmth on his skin. This was what he wished could go on for the rest of his life. This warmth. He wanted to wrap and drown himself in it.

XIV

Tyki stared at Allen's form, amazed at how peaceful he could seem. It still astonished him that this boy was supposed to be the destroyer of time and housed the Noah of destruction.

It seems almost impossible. He is too kind and gentle, too frail and fragile, Tyki thought, taking a long drawl from his cigarette. He recalled the way the boy had softened beneath his lips, and couldn't help the small smile itching at his lips. The boy was astounding and exotic; there was no better word for it.

He blew out a long stream of smoke into the air and watched as butterflies fluttered all around Allen, landing on his body like bees drawn to honey. He smirked at how natural it looked to him, like he had seen it a million times over. He thought of his own Tease inside Allen's body and another idea sparked inside his wicked, wicked brain.

He took another long drawl from his cigarette and blew out the smoke from his lips. He grinned, predatory. Oh yes, he'd enjoy fulfilling that idea.

XIV

The Bookman and Lavi sat down in their cellar in silence. The Bookman was heavily contemplating Sheryl's words, silently making calculations to try and escape the room. If he could just get out of the headquarters and get to a nearby Black Order unit, he might stand a chance at saving his young apprentice.

He looked over at Lavi and found the boy staring off into space. His right eye was closed tight, hiding the unusually colored iris from view. The Bookman's eyes saddened at the thought of Lavi being put at the mercy of the Noah. The boy had already been beaten physically beaten, and to top it all off, he had parasites sleeping inside him, just waiting for the order to kill him.

"Lavi, I want you to promise me something," the Bookman whispered, breaking the silence of the room.

"I won't say a peep to the Noah, Panda Face. I know, I know. I'll just take whatever they give me," Lavi said, yawning wide in boredom and weariness. He had stayed awake most of the time to ensure no one would try and take him away.

The Bookman chuckled and said, "I was going to say…be careful. If you get any sort of chance to escape, any at all; take it."

Lavi stared at his master then smiled cheekily and said, "Aww, don't worry, Gramps! I know what to do."

"Even without your Hammer?" The Bookman asked, quirking an eyebrow. Lavi let out a nervous laugh and he sighed.

"I'll find a way to manage," Lavi muttered, staring straight ahead at the door. He stared it down, daring it to open and let in a Noah. He hid his anger at the Noah who had removed his eye patch and made him reveal his right eye. He seldom ever had to remove his eye patch and he wasn't fond of revealing the odd colored iris.

"I'm sure you will," the Bookman muttered before the door was flung open and the creepy Noah stepped inside, the one with the creepy tongue, Fiidora. Lavi and the Bookman both stared at him, stiff and prepared for anything.

Fiidora looked between the two of them before his eyes settled on Lavi, eyes narrowing considerably to fox like slits.

"Sheryl wants to see you in his quarters," he said like it was a simple matter and walked over, jerking Lavi up to his feet and pushing him towards the door. "So get moving, Bookman!"

Lavi lurched forward, quickly catching his footing and gliding over the floor, smiling over his shoulder at the Bookman.

"See you later, Panda!" he said, waving before the door was slammed close behind him. The Bookman stared at the door with worry and fear. It was really happening. He could very well lose another apprentice. And he knew he'd take the death of this one harder than the last.

XIV

Lavi walked casually down the hallway between Maashiima and Fiidora, whistling cheerfully, looking around him. The halls were decorated with all sorts of things ranging from suits of armor to newer pieces of art.

He took it all in, memorizing everything with a quick glance. He stored away the valuable information into his mind, taking in every little detail he could observe.

"So, boys, what do you usually do? Other than torturing the heck out of us?" Lavi said, making idle chatter, not really expecting the Noah to respond.

Maashiima grinned back at him and said, "We destroy the exorcists and annihilate the Innocence. Lord Earl sends us on missions."

Fiidora only grunted and continued walking.

Lavi gave a nervous laugh. Okay, its apparent these guys aren't to be messed with. Just one Noah is enough to take on, but two would be suicidal. Crap, what do I do? Meeting with that sadist Noah or taking on these two? Tough decision.

Lavi debated with himself as he walked, making sure to keep his right eye closed until they arrived in front of a large set of black doors with carved white handles. Lavi stared with disdain as Fiidora knocked on the door and awaited an answer until the door swung open.

"Come in," a chipper voice sounded and Lavi was pushed roughly into the room, followed by Fiidora and Maashiima, who nodded in greeting to Sheryl. He relaxed on a couch by the window, reading a novel. "Why, hello, birdie! I was waiting."

"Sorry for the wait, brother," Maashiima said, nudging Lavi forward. "We brought him."

"Good. You may leave now. Thank you very much, brothers," Sheryl said, waving them away, his eyes locked on Lavi. The two Noah nodded and exited the room, closing the door behind them with a soft click. That left Lavi alone with the killer sadistic Noah.

"Come here. Please, have a seat," Sheryl said, waving to the chair across from him. Lavi nodded and silently if hesitantly walked over and sat down comfortably in the chair, reclining. He eyed the Noah cautiously, taking notice to the crosses lining his forehead.

"So, you are the great older brother of famous Tyki Mikk. Must say, you don't look much like him," Lavi said, smirking. Humor, humor, Lavi. It might just get you to a safe position if you use it right.

Sheryl laughed and leaned back against the couch, draping his arm over the back.

"Yes, my little brother got the better looks, I must say," he laughed and eyed Lavi. "I must say, you look to be quite well, birdie…but you went and closed your pretty eye." His voice had a pout to it that made Lavi want to smirk.

"Keeping my eye open is quite…draining," Lavi muttered, watching him carefully as the Noah stood up, abandoning his book to walk closer. He ventured around Lavi, circling him. "You planning to kill me or just stare at me, Noah?"

Sheryl's claws were around Lavi's neck in a flash, tipping back his head. Sheryl tightened his hold to show his power in warning.

"Would you like it if I kill you, birdie? Would you like it if I put you out of your misery?" Sheryl drawled, eyes widening with the adrenaline rushing through his veins. He felt the increasing thumping of Lavi's pulse beneath his skin and he chuckled. "Would you, bookman?"

Lavi remained silent, watching Sheryl from the corner of his eye as he moved around, pushing Lavi's head back against the chair.

"Open your eye, Bookman. I want to see that jewel imbedded into your socket," Sheryl said, eyes narrowing. Lavi stared at him for a long time until he tightened his grip, starting to cut off Lavi's air. He grit his teeth and slowly opened the right eye.

Sheryl smirked as he stared at his reflection in that purple eye.

"How did you come by that eye…unlike any I've ever seen on a human, Noah, or Akuma?"

Lavi smirked and said, "Born with it. Freaked out my parents enough that they threw me out when I was old enough to fend for myself. I eventually covered it up when it was drawing too much negative attention. Not often an abnormality is welcomed."

"And with your Bookman powers, it is increasingly abnormal," Sheryl said, slowly nodding his head. It made enough sense.

"Can I close it now?" Lavi asked in irritation.

"No. leave it open whenever you're in my presence," Sheryl said, letting go of Lavi's neck and walking over to the window to stare past the glass. He then looked at Lavi and said, "You're interesting…you will come here every day and speak with me while I dine."

Lavi arched an eyebrow.

"And what makes you believe I'll just do as you command. I am not some pet you can control," Lavi hissed, his eyes narrowing and sitting up taller in his chair. Something sparked in his right eye, making the purple glow brighter in the light. Sheryl stared at it with fascination before a menacing grin spread over his face, a crazy glint in his eye.

"That's exactly what you are, Lavi…" Sheryl said, watching in satisfaction when the boy flinched at his name. "You are a bird caught in a cage. You yearn for freedom and use every opportunity to peck and scratch at the hand of your captor…I know that beneath that calm façade you have built around yourself is a boiling mass of rage and emotion. And that's why I like you…you are dismissed. Fiidora and Maashiima will see you back to your master."

Fiidora and Maashiima suddenly appeared at Lavi's side, hefting him out of his chair, shock still in his gaze while he watched the Noah grin at him, the light shining down on his like he was a dark god.

"Bye, Bookman."

XIV

Wisely sat on the next level up in the Noah Household, relaxing against a large column holding up the next few levels. He was seated on the railing, staring down as Allen stood there for the longest time. Tyki had eventually called for a table and chairs to be brought out and breakfast and tea to be served.

He searched the mind of the Fourteenth, eyes narrowing at what he found. Hatred…anger…rage…and sadness. Nothing else filled his mind. He saw faint images of the friends he had in the Black Order, but just as he began to see them develop, they were wiped away like a stain from a table.

He will become one of us of his own will. He will destroy his Innocence and give into the Noah hidden deep inside his heart, Wisely thought, a gentle breeze blowing, making his turban tails flutter. Wisely's eyes suddenly widened when he sensed a strong presence.

"Wisely," the voice said and Wisely looked behind him to see the Millennium Earl standing there. "Are you separating yourself from the others again?"

Wisely snorted and looked away. He had that habit; separating himself from everyone else in the Noah family. Everybody seemed to have accepted their Noah powers, but Wisely still struggled with his. He experienced the massive headaches and the nightmares in his sleep.

"That isn't good for your health," The Earl said, standing beside the spot where Wisely was spread out on the railing.

"My health is terrible already, so why should it matter?" Wisely snorted again, his eyes becoming hooded. He crossed his arms over his chest and continued watching the white haired teen below him.

The Earl stepped close and patted his head, making him pout.

"You're family, Wisely. And we all need you to be in the best condition. Now get down there," the Earl said. Wisely's eyes narrowed and he jutted out his chin in defiance. "Wisely, don't make me use force."

Wisely's eyes narrowed considerably before he sighed and stood up, staring down at the courtyard below.

"How annoying," he muttered then jumped, latching onto the railing below and flipping to land gracefully on the ground below, hidden from the view of everyone but the Earl, who watched intently.

XIV

Hevlaska stared outside the carriage window in amazement, smiling brightly at everything. She was filled with tremendous excitement even though it was pouring down rain, thundering and booming.

The town was hustling with life, women shielding themselves from the rain and men trying to get a last minute bargain. She watched it all with interested eyes.

"I'm sorry that on the day when you finally get to go outside, it's pouring down rain, Hevlaska," Komui apologized from the seat opposite her.

"No, no! It is wonderful to see the outside world again…it's changed…so much!" she said in exasperation, gazing at it all. Her caramel brown eyes watched everything with intensity. Komui smiled as he watched her, comparing her to a teenager going on a first date.

I guess it could be considered a "date" Komui thought, looking out the window as well. He had so many places to take her that he didn't know where to even begin.

"Komui," Hevlaska's voice was soft, and he looked at her.

"Yes?"

"…Thank you," she said, smiling with tears of joy in her eyes. He found himself melting on the spot, smiling.

"Save your thank you until I've shown you the town…you're going to love it, Hevlaska."

And so they set out on their little adventure.

XIV

Neah Walker floated in his dream world inside his Ark, playing the piano and humming the song in his heart. Music filled his ears as he played with swaying motions. He stared at the white wall in front of him, images appearing to him.

He saw his older brother, dear Mana, being murdered and leaving behind poor Allen. He saw how they first met, and the day Cross Marian took Allen under his wing, training him to be an Exorcist. Neah's eyes narrowed when he saw how much Allen had gone through up till now.

Just wait, nephew. Soon, our revenge will be carried out, and we will be able to live our lives the way we desire to, he thought and smiled sadly. And I will finally take my place as Millennium Earl. Neah grinned and drummed his fingers along the keyboard, making an eruption of notes fill the quiet room.

XIV

Wild: Well people, here's chapter 14! I'd say it turned out pretty well. I am not sure about my scenes with Sheryl and Lavi. Was it too out of character or was it great? Lavi, what do you think?

Lavi: *snoring while sleeping through one of his afternoon naps*

Wild: You're no help, even though this is all about you…oh all the things I could make Sheryl do. *grins deviously*

Wisely: Please review and tell us what couples you like so far, what you think we are doing right and what needs to be improved. Advice is always welcomed. And now, we bid you a good night.

Allen: Kat-san will be updating very soon! Bye!