Chapter 33

Lavi went to work as usual but the grumpy Japanese wasn't there reprimanding him for being late. It didn't feel right. It felt wrong and heavy as if something bad really happened. He hope nothing did. He didn't like it when at times like this he turns out right.

"What happened? Where's Yuu-chan?" he asked still with a smile despite the nagging feeling.

The Chinese girl and British boy were quiet ever since he arrived. They didn't even greet him like the usual. It was as if they didn't notice his arrival until he asked the question. Both were startled hearing him and it took awhile before anyone answered.

"He's at home with his family," said Allen as if hesitating then finally said the words that kept them all silent for awhile. "Daisya died."

He was right and those words just dropped a bomb making silence. He wasn't exactly close with the guy but someone's death isn't exactly something you'll be noisy about and especially when that person is the brother despite not blood related to a friend. He did admit his friendship to the Japanese openly but before there never was such a bond. It was only a mere acquaintance with his persona faking the bond but now it was real and the news isn't really nice at all, not one bit.

It took another while before someone spoke again and the red head himself took initiative. His curiousness was getting to him besides concern. The British boy just said that he died and didn't say how and why.

"What happened?" asked Lavi trying to sound careful or rather trying to ease the heavy atmosphere. He was feeling confused as to how he should react as well besides the conflict of what happened. He doesn't actually hate the guy or anything despite what happened. His persona as he tries to claim used to but doesn't feel that now. He kind of just tried forgetting what happened to avoid the bad air.

"I don't really know. We want to go to and find out but Kanda forbid us," said Allen with worry despite not exactly in terms most of the times with the Japanese. They were still friends and their friend is not feeling well despite trying to act strong. Kanda and Daisya were still brothers and family despite the threats among them.

"Even if they weren't exactly close, they were still brothers," said Lenalee as if knowing what Allen thought.

"Can we go after work?" asked Lavi unexpectedly.

"Kanda-" Lenalee attempted to say somethign but was cut off by Lavi.

"Yuu-chan needs some company. It'd be best to have nothing left behind. I'll pay my respects," Lavi actually sounded serious this time like the time when they didn't agree at first in their unexpected reunion. There was concern in that seriousness which his friends understood.

"Besides Yuu-chan tends to say the opposite of what he feels," he added.

"Okay, Lavi," said Lenalee trying to muster a smile.

"We'll go there later," said Allen.

Arriving at the house, Tiedoll let them inside and accompany Kanda. Tiedoll was crying but did his best not to make others worry. Marie went with his father back to the room where the corpse was traditionally before being buried. In another room there there was a red haired man and a lady talking whom Lavi by chance overheard talking when passing by after paying his respects to the dead. He went to the kitchen thinking. It was more like junior took over back again and lead him to focus on what he should after seeing that inverted pentacle on the corpse and 'hearing' the conversation.

He was supposedly getting the drinks as he volunteered to but didn't for a short while. He pondered about what just happened. Based on what he had heard or rather the , it was thought and reported to be just a case of accidental poisoning due to the mistake of what was placed inside his food, a horrible mistake. The man and lady he heard talking seem to have mentioned the inverted pentacle he had seen but the others disregarded it just as a tattoo or marked be something else.

He wondered as to who they were and if they would react to the code.

"Magdala Curtain," he whispered to himself thinking he was alone but the lady he didn't see heard him. She seemed surprised then suddenly started asking him questions.

"What's your name, lad? I'm Maria."

"Lavi."

"Do you have a surname? And where did you hear that?"

"Bookman. I don't know what you are talking about."

"Bookman? I didn't think you'd be here and I know I heard right. Where's the old man? Only he could have told you about that," she said while her tone of voice change. She simply held a kind tone at first but now it sounded as if she were interrogating him.

"He's dead. You know him?" Lavi asked still playing naive. He can't just let his guard down and take chances.

"Yes. Why don't you come with me later after Cross finishes with his job? I have things I'd like to ask you," she reverting back to her sweet tone as if tempting a little boy with candy to come with her.

"Cross? Cross Marian?" he asked in surprise and confusion.

Why did things suddenly turn this way? Cross Marian is involved in this?

This is just weird and unexpected. How did things actually suddenly go according as planned? There never was even a plan except for Bookman's and while he is wondering about it out loud, the right person just hears it.

He can't act rashly. He'll wait for everything she says.

"Yes. I'm his secretary."

"What do you want to talk about?" he asked trying to be cautious.

She caught up with this and smiled.

"Don't worry. You won't get into trouble. The old man didn't tell you that for nothing. I should have said this earlier. I think it's slightly childish but oh well. Heavenly Compass."

She said what Bookman told him that the reply would be. Maybe he could talk with her but not now. He has to plan the right date and time that won't conflict with anything.

"Okay, but I have somewhere else to go. Can it be another day?"

He is still suspicious despite the introductions and codes. She also still works for Cross Marian, the man his brother is also working for. A lot of things wouldn't turn out well if Tyki finds out what Lavi is doing. He is going to take everything with great caution.

"I guess it's fine. You really are his grandson with the way your acting. Here's my card. Contact me when you've made your decision. See you around," she said not leaving before taking a glass with her.

Before leaving with the drinks, the red head looked around to make sure that no one listened in their conversation. No one was there so he sighed with relief. He scolded himself for not observing that before spacing out.

No one else must know. He needs to be discreet with his works. He will set up a date he knew Tyki wouldn't be around and prepared himself for a lot of things.

Leaving the kitchen, he made sure to turn of the lights then went to the room where everyone was. Minutes after he left, a shadow moved.

`littlebunny1412: I hope this chapter didn't bore you. The chapters lately are having more details. I'm trying to make it exciting and full with intrigue and not boring but I'm not really sure if I'm successful with that. Do tell me your opinions about it and a lot of thanks if you did.

Thanks to 'PINKhairedBADASS' for reviewing. I'm glad that you like it.

Thanks to everyone reading this ^_^

Your opinions are very much requested for. It's fine if you don't. Thanks still.

04/17/2012