Hello!

Look who is updating with a rather long chapter~ I did not want to cut the introductions though, I had an idea more or less where I wanted to end this chapter, but I'm rather happy with the result. Especially as I'm not used to writing a lot of characters in the same scene.

There's a note at the end of the chapter, because I didn't want to spoil said chapter.

Also I was asked about this, so I'm going to clear things up: Allen is intersex, and identify as male. I purposefully left it vague on details, as even his words are vague enough and only hinted that his body is more on the masculine side. I don't even know if it'll become relevant to say more, but to be honest, I myself have not thought about it. He's intersex, that's all. And I feel like I prefer never "specifying".

Also, you will notice that the third person POV shift subtly all through the chapter, as Allen wouldn't know names at first, and to be able to play with what some perceive. And you will notice that Mana makes a point of using he for Allen to subtly show which is preferred.

Finally, I mention "Apprentice" and "Bonded" in this chapter, it will be explained soon enough, just know these are special rank of Akumas, but not to be seen as meaning anything relationship wise. Think of them as General and Grand General (which I only realize now is actually a good comparison).

Enjoy!

Bring me to Life

Chapter 2: The Meeting

When the doors opened, twelve pairs of eyes turned to the two that entered, and while the gazes were mostly curious or neutral, Allen felt… tense. Without noticing, he stepped to the side, slightly behind Mana, feathery ears perked in alertness.

Several things happened at once. A long haired man made a dying sound and quickly dabbed at his nose with a neckerchief that grew suspiciously red, while a young teen looking girl squealed and rushed to hug the newcomer. Another man, alike to the first, held a mix of amusement and exasperation at the two antics, yet his golden gaze was fixed on the new Akuma. The sole white haired Noah stared, expression blank before shifting to confusion for a split second and then he winced, as if bracing himself.

Only Adam noticed all of this. Usually, Mana would, too, but his attention was captured by one specific fact.

Allen's ears had lowered, a quiet whimper leaving him so softly only Mana heard it-and even then barely. That, and Allen's hand found his way to hold Mana's. Instinctively, he knew.

So Mana stepped fully in front of Allen, just as the girl jumped to glomp the newcomer, instead ending up latched on Mana.

Road blinked, then pouted. She opened her mouth, but then, she noticed a look she had rarely seen in Mana, and never directed toward her. One only her could see from the position, and one that told her a lot. It was a look of neutral yet cold protectiveness that bordered on territorial.

And while Noahs could be territorial toward their own Akumas, they were even more so of their Apprentices. If Road did not know better, she would have thought Mana was protecting one; or better yet, protecting his Bonded.

This is going to be interesting, Road mused, covering her discovery by continuing what would be expected by now. That was to say, she let out a whining, "Mana! Nor fair!"

Mana's lips formed a smile, though it was still a bit tense. "Sorry Road, but I can tell he did not want a hug at this moment." He glanced behind him, and Road felt how all tenseness vanished as Mana noticed the now shy but curious look this Allen wore.

Very interesting, she mused again as she pretended to blink again, finally letting go of Mana to stand on her feet.

"Isn't that right, Allen?" Mana asked. He doubted he had misunderstood Allen's reaction, but he wanted to make sure.

Allen's eyes flickered to Road, then behind her, no doubt taking in the rest of the Noahs, all observing if some more subtly, and then his gaze met Mana's, lips forming a little sheepish smile.

"I prefer my personal space." Allen confirmed with a small nod.

The Noah that looked like the long haired one-that still seem to have a nosebled-breathed out a laugh, eyebrow raising as he looked pointedly at how close Allen was standing to Mana. Only for those silver eyes to send a small glare at the Noah, and oh, did Allen just stick his tongue out?

Yes, yes he did, judging by how Road was now snickering.

Mana let out a little laugh, pretending to not feel the way his heart clench at how Allen seemed to have a good reaction toward Tyki, but also Road and Wisely. He could see the white haired Noah have a faint look of appreciation for Allen, no doubt perceiving some of Allen's thoughts; and even if he had been wary of Road's hug, Mana could tell there were good vibes too.

Tyki had both appreciation and good vibes, Mana could see, and so could Tyki in fact. Mana knew Tyki very well, and the look in the man's eyes was one of consideration. But only Allen would be able to confirm who his Noah was.

Mana wished Tyki didn't look at him with those softening eyes, something close to understanding in his gaze; and at the same time, he felt lighter for it. As much as Mana hoped, he knew logic told that Allen would not be his Akuma; and when that came true and Allen would go to his Noah's territory, Mana could not deny that he knew a part of him would hurt.

It was not the first time that Nea or he had quietly hoped for an Akuma to be theirs, but it was the first time the longing felt so strong. And his traitor of a heart hoped even more, because surely, if Mana longed this much, it meant this time was the good one, right?

"So, your name is Allen?" Road wondered, hands linked behind her back as she smiled at the white haired Akuma. "I'm Road, the Noah of Dreams."

Allen showed a polite smile as he nodded, quietly replying, "Nice to meet you, Road," and as if prompted by Road introducing herself, some of the Noahs finally approached to do the same.

Only Tyki ended beside Road though, Wisely slightly behind them both, while Sheryl and two young adult looking Noahs moved as if to go straight at the new Akuma, but stopped beside Sheryl at Mana's glance.

"I'm Tyki, Noah of Pleasure." Tyki felt himself grin at the way Allen looked up at him, almost analysing. Without thinking, he lifted a hand to ruffle those white hairs, curious if they were as soft as they looked.

He froze for a second as his hand touch the top of Allen's head, half surprised he even did considering how Allen had reacted to Road's attempt of a hug. Allen's ears had lowered again, frame tensing lightly, but all the Akuma did was stare up, head tilted lightly, as if a little bit curious.

Tyki chuckled, not just from the sight, but from the sensation of Mana's eyes on his hand. Said hand finally ruffled those white hairs, and Allen squeaked from the sudden sensation, but his body relaxed.

"Don't hog him, Tyki!" Road pouted with arms crossed, moving to the man's side.

However, it was Wisely who poked Tyki's other side, making the man flinch toward Road with a little yelp, and the white haired Noah played innocent, giving his attention to Allen rather than the glaring Tyki.

"You have a calm mind, it's refreshing." Wisely murmured first, then grinned as Allen blinked. "I am the Noah of Wisdom, Wisely. We all have our unique abilities and mine is to read mind-" Wisely suddenly stopped, flinching and wincing. "Ah, please, don't be afraid. I don't hear actual thoughts, only emotions and a faint feeling of what you might be thinking."

Allen blinked again, then smiled sheepishly. Sorry, he projected the thought, without really noticing.

Except Wisely automatically replied, "No worry," with a wave of hand, then laughed at the way Allen's ears twitched in time with his nose. Still, just like the way Allen's mind felt peaceful in a manner that suggested his inner world was deeper within, too deep to be seen with a mere brush; the way Allen instinctively knew how to send a thought to Wisely told the Noah that this one Akuma was very in tune with magic.

Which made Wisely wonder how one who had such instincts toward magic could not have settled. Or had his death been so bad, maybe even his life, that it would disrupt the adaptation to Hell?

Wisely's thoughts were cut as he felt himself pushed to the side, and before anyone knew it, Sheryl was hugging Allen to his chest, claiming that, "Such a cute little Akuma! You're almost as cute as Road!"

Mana facepalmed. Road snickered. Tyki sighed. Wisely started to cackle a split second before Allen threw Sheryl across the room, the Jasdevi twins barely able to duck down to avoid being hit.

Lulubell watched as the man embed into the wall, face neutral but eyes a little brighter in what the maid-dressed Akuma beside her knew to be deep amusement. "Maybe now you will learn to behave yourself, Sheryl." Lulubell commented, deadpan.

Allen's cheeks lit up red, eyes widening as he flailed with his hands. "I'm sorry! I just..." And he shrugged. "Reacted?"

Mana felt a fond smile form. Unlike with Road, Mana had not felt a need to react, and he realized it was because Allen had grown a bit more comfortable. Indeed, it showed as Road went from the floor to hang from Allen's neck, still laughing as she reassured him, "Don't worry, he deserved it~"

Which, of course, made Sheryl make a sad whine. "Road! Why are you so cruel to me!"

Road, and Tyki, threw a look at the man, as if he should know. The Jasdevi twins stared at the man, before breaking into snickers, pointing at Allen with guns. "We like you!"

"I'm Jasdero," The blond twin said, followed by the dark haired one, "And I'm Devit, together," and then at the same time, they exclaimed, "We're Jasdevi, the Noah of Bonds!"

Silence fell after their introduction, a big part from the sudden chill in the air. They blinked, but they soon found out what the problem was. Allen's ears had pulled back fully, eyes were slitted, and he was hiding behind Mana.

Mana, who was glaring at the twins as if he could burn them there and then.

Tension lessened when Lulubell whacked the twins behind their head, muttering in a scolding tone, "No guns at new Akumas, Jasdevi." Then she looked up, bowing her head as she simply introduced herself. "Lulubell, Noah of Lust. This idiot here," Sheryl protested but no one paid him attention, "is Sheryl, Noah of Desire."

Allen's ears perked up and he offered a shy smile at her, then an apologetic one at Sheryl, who squeaked and fainted. Allen blinked before he chuckled, and with this, Mana's body relaxed. No one, but Road who gave a subtle glance, noticed the narrowed look Adam gave his little brother. She smiled internally.

You suspect it too, don't you? And a glance told her that Wisely could pick it too, if the little curious glint in his eyes told her anything.

A big hand full of sweets came in Allen's line of sight, though he barely startled, not seeming to feel threatened. His silver eyes followed up the arm, to the large man. "Do you like sweets?"

Allen's eyes brightened, almost sparkling, ears twitching happily. "Yes!"

The man slowly smiled. "For you, then. I'm Skin, Noah of Wrath." He dropped the sweets in Allen's open hands, then walked off with a happy hum.

Before anyone knew it, two sweets had already vanished in Allen's mouth, and-

And purring sounds started to come from the white haired Akuma.

And Wisely tried not to laugh at the similar thought shared by Mana, Tyki and Road. I'm becoming like Sheryl… He's so cute!

Pretending that he wasn't thinking the same thing.

It took Allen a minute before he realized no one had been speaking, and he also realized he had closed his eyes. When he opened them, he spotted the few looks given, and he blushed in embarrassment. "It's been a while since I had sweet flavours..?"

A squeak and Allen was being hugged again, but by Road. She was rubbing her cheek with his, cooing, "So cute~!"

Until Tyki grabbed her by the collar, prying her off, ignoring her protests. "Let him meet the remaining of us before you try hogging him, Road." And he smirked at the emphasis, because oh hell no, she would not steal Allen away from him. And Mana.

The Noah of Dream just pouted, crossing her arms, but silently accepted the last of the introductions to come.

"Toraido, Noah of Judgement."

"Maitora, Noah of Ability."

"Maashiima, Noah of Pity."

"Fiidora, Noah of Corrosion."

Allen's eyes travelled with curiosity at the four Noahs who seemed more reserved, eyeing the blade that Toraido carried with even more curiousness, just like he eyed Maitora's costume. He shared a smile with Maashiima, who had seen the depth of curiosity, and then, he stared for a second at the tongue that Fiidora possessed.

But just a second, deciding it was better to give a look at the art materials the man carried, softly asking, "You paint?"

Fiidora smiled brightly, nodding. "I do! When you'll have free time, I want to paint you."

Allen blinked, scratching his cheek with a finger before he smiled. "That sounds good."

No one seemed to realize how an air of ease and contentment had fallen in the room, not even Adam who watched all the interactions with a mix of interest and fondness. No one but the one that had arrived after, slipping in without being noticed.

Nea felt his heart constrict, scowling. This Akuma had not settled, which was the reason they had all been called here. Gossiping Akuma servants had mentioned how Mana had looked attached, and for a moment, Nea had hoped.

Oh, he felt the longing himself, but it was nothing new. And he had seen enough, hadn't he? This one had gotten along with all of the Clan. By the fire, Nea had seen the figurative sparks between him and Tyki.

Nea could not handle it, the deception. So he left, just as subtly as he had entered.

He missed the silver eyes that followed his movement. However, all of the Noahs noticed that Allen had stopped paying attention, but when they looked, there was nothing. When they looked back, the Akuma was gazing at Mana, head tilted.

"So… Now I can choose, right?" He smiled sweetly. "You told me I would know-and I do."

Mana felt his heart skip a bit, anticipation and anxiety mixing in his clenched stomach. He forced it hidden behind a smile. "Oh? You can feel a pull, then?"

Allen nodded, then slid his gaze to Adam, who startled slightly Mana. He had not heard his older brother come closer!

"Which one is it, then?" Adam asked, voice soft. He still felt uncertain, but really, Allen had shown some good interactions. The Creator had expected it. He could still Mana was gearing himself for it, too.

Allen fixed his eyes on Adam, flickering them to Mana then glancing around at the Noahs who grew more quiet, waiting. Then Allen smiled, even as his eyes grew steely.

"Mana." The Noah in question startled at his name, eyes wide. "And Nea… He's the one who hasn't shown himself, isn't he? Making the pull feel half missing… And none of the ones present filled the hole."

To say that the Noahs were stunned would be an understatement. Mana, for his part, had his mind blank, heart thumping.

"Little one..." Adam started, conflicted. "That's not possible-"

Allen's eyes grew slitted as they narrowed, ears pulling back as his left hand twitched. His lips pulled back in a faint snarl, revealing that some teeth had elongated to fangs.

This was enough to make Adam break off his words.

But it was the words shouted with possessiveness that they were more used to hear from themselves, the Noahs, that truly shocked Adam.

That made him believe Mana had been right all along, after all.

"They're mine!"

To be continued…

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Note: The order that the Noahs are introduced might or might not have some signification, from the little group with most sparks to group with mid level spark to the group with less sparks, you can say, even if they all have good sparks… And then the lightbulb moment. Basically? Allen felt Mana was his Noah, but he was made uncertain, especially as he did feel something was missing, and he could not know if it was because another Noah was his, or he was a second Noah's Akuma. Until he met them all, and saw Nea.

Note: Also, the heavy reaction of Allen is the show for Adam that Allen is really their Akuma, because he's refusing the idea to not be allowed to be. But also, it's not just the possessiveness that's startling, but Allen declaring they are his. Generally, Noahs are the ones who claim their Akuma, calling them theirs.