Ashes And Rain

DGM

Chapter 18

Japan: Travel Cautiously

". . . . ."

Nothing. No sound.

"Psshssspripppss." Only static.

Lenalee didn't like it. She wanted to scream as time went by. A second felt like forever. Her eyes were closed. That meant she had no idea what was going on. Lenalee didn't want to. She even went so far as to cover her ears, hoping some kind of sound would reach her ears, but nothing did.

There may have been tears strolling down a cheek. That would be a question to remain for a long time. Lenalee had felt numb. . . . That's what she thought before a hand taps her shoulder. A soft, clear voice smoothly cuts the silence like a knife. His voice was like silk. "Lenalee." However the voice repeated because of an echo. "Don't worry." And he spoke in a slur way. Like Cross when he was drunk.

"Wh-who's there?" A fear welled within her and she hugged herself, making sure to close her eyes as tight as she could.

"Lenalee, you're scaring me." There it was again. The echo.

Lenalee started crawling away, but the hand which tapped her earlier pulled her in for a warm hug. His body was shaking. Soon her back felt wet and her neck. Not being able to take it no more, her eyes opened wide to witness Allen. He wasn't looking at her anymore if he had been to begin with. He had his head in her shoulder. . . Crying.

Nothing else seemed to be wrong. Out of instinct, she hugged him back, admitting mentally how she liked the feel of this. He was very warm. She could tell this hug was sincere. Everything was perfect in this moment. Everything. Lenalee trust she could hug Allen forever, never letting go. Allen gave off such a wonderful aura and though this wasn't the first time she has hugged a friend-she kinda stopped after Komui tried killing all the boys-it was the best hug ever and she loved it. It was like she was hugging someone important to her for the first time ever or hasn't seen him in a long time. It was hard to really describe what she was feeling. All she knows is that it was perfect and she has never felt anything like it before.

"Is everything alright, Allen?"

He shook his head, but she couldn't tell whether that was a yes or a no. He must've realized this because he lifted his head and stared straight at her. "I'm scared. I feel so alone. Please, Lenalee, let me stay with you."

Lenalee gulped, nevertheless, her head dunk and rose several times. "I'll always be there for you, Allen. We're family."

Maybe, if this was a dream, it was better than the last one. This was consoling and compassionate. Tranquil. Even if he cried, even if she cried, they would be there for the other. It didn't matter they knew each other for a short time. So long as none of them disappears.

Allen grasped her arms, lightly and half-broken, a smile etched on his face. It wasn't his normal smile. This one was different. Enough to make he blush.

OxOxOxOxOxOxOxOxO

Lenalee opened her eyes. Lavi stood over her and with a mischievous grin. There was an odd twinkle in his green eye. "Morning, Lenalee!" Lavi put his hands on his hips, bending over just enough to meet her gaze at eye level once she sat up. "Did you have a nice dream?"

A warm smile widened across her face. "The best I've had in a long time."

Lavi cocked his eyebrow upwards, somehow his grin get bigger. "Really?"

Lenalee hesitated, but nodded. "Yes."

Lavi held back a snicker. "I was wondering because you were talking in your sleep." He was teasing her. Lenalee did not appreciate it. "And I'm absolutely positively sure you said Allen, oh Allen."

Lenalee hid her face behind her blanket. She wasn't even going to compare how red her face was to something in this world. There's nothing that could rival it. "I-I di-did?" He meant to say didn't, but it clearly did not work.

"Oh yeah, big time. You're just lucky it's just me in the bunk room." Lavi said, moving his brow up and down. "It wasn't a dirty dream, was it?"

Lenalee threw her small pillow at him. "NO!"

Lavi snickered this time, throwing the pillow back at her and grabbing her arm, pulling her out of her bed to see her face. "Your face says differently Lenalee." Lavi mocked, pinching her cheeks. "Hell, your face is on fire, too."

Lenalee shoved him away and buried her face in her hands. How long had she been sleep talking? Did Allen hear her? Oh god, she hoped not. "Lavi!"

Lavi laughed one more time and patted her on the back, putting his lips an four centimeters away from her ear. "I saw how friendly you got with, Allen, on the train ride to China, too. Don't forget all those roses on your cheeks and your timidness around the young sprout." He took this a step further and Lenalee wanted to whack him. "You wouldn't happen to-"

Lenalee lifted her hand and set her hands on his chest, pushing him back. He howled in laughter here and threw his head back. Lenalee uselessly started using her fists to pound on his chest and stomach. "Stop it, Lavi, stop it! Don't finish it! Please!" She cried weakly.

Lavi began grimacing as her fists got more power. It was the least of his concern in every way because all he could think about was Allen and Komui. He kinda pitied the boy. Komui was going to kill him when they get back. "Okay, I'll stop. Now you stop hitting me. I'm a one of a kind piece of merchandise. Don't go bruising my pretty face." Lavi complied.

The girl turned around, sighing in relief. Hopefully he won't tell anyone. If so, she will send her brother after him. Somehow. She'll give Komui a reason that will make him chase Lavi for a week. He was a mad man when it came to her. "By the way, we're gathering on deck, we're leaving." Lavi's thumb pointed at the boards above their head to signal the deck on top of them. "We've arrived at our destination unnoticed thus far. I don't know how, but I'm sure it had something to do with the General."

Lenalee pointed at the door behind him. "What?" Lavi asked.

"Out."

"Why?"

"I need to change if you must know."

Lavi saluted, got straight and stiff, and marched out like a soldier preparing for war and flinging a baton or gun around. What a cadet. Lenalee found her clean uniform and took off her PJ's, or just regular sleeping clothes. He made sure to put a shirt underneath her coat before slipping it on. For some reason, she felt she needed to cover up today. So she was in thick clothing with a corset under everything. She put everything back in the suitcase and found she may not see them ever again. She wasn't sure exactly why. Lenalee was still trying to find out how they were getting out of Edo.

Walking through halls and passing doors, Lenalee left her thoughts consume her. Because of Lavi she had Allen and her dream stuck in her head. She had a good idea what he was about to say when she pushed him away, but she didn't want him to say it. Because if he did, then she may not be able to deny it. Allen gave her a different feeling. A feeling she never had before. It was. . . It was just as great as what she felt for Komui and she was afraid. . . . "Does that even make sense?" She asked herself, walking out on the deck.

Lenalee immediately wished she had pants now instead of a skirt. Winter gloves would do nicely on her hands. Now she really wanted earmuffs. Surely the tips of her ears were stinging pink from the cold. When she breathed a puff of smokey fog filled the air in front of her. "Lenalee!"

Allen waved his hand at her with his cheery trademark. It was contagious, it had to be, because Lenalee sent a smile back at him, walking over to them. He examined her. "Aren't you cold? You're the only one wearing a skirt and it's night. It will be icy cold for a long time. Maybe you should change." Allen said.

Lenalee consider that, but her body will warm up after moving around for so long. She shook her head no. "I'll be fine, thank you."

He didn't say anything more about the subject, but eyed her worriedly. His look plainly said he disagreed, but he was respecting her. "Just let me know if you get too cold." Allen told her. It sounded more like a request more than a demand.

"I will."

Cross stepped on a small rowboat and ordered the others to get their butts over there. Cross was nice enough to help Miranda and Lenalee get on the shaky boat, but then the men had to get on by themselves. Allen almost fell in the water because Kanda shoved him forward. So far, Lenalee thought to herself, Kanda and Allen haven't verbally argue, but they keep glaring at each other and often getting physical. I hope they behave.

"Wait, why are we leaving this ship?" Lenalee asked.

"Because we can't take it to the port. They may be attacked. So they're going back home." Allen told her.

"How are we supposed to get home?" Krory asked.

"Either this boat or some other tools there in Japan." Allen explained.

"Whatever. Just get us to the land." Kanda growled.

Allen rolled his eyes, turning away to grab a paddle. "Be safe exorcists!" Anita yelled down at them.

"Have a safe trip back, Anita. Remember I can't have my-" Cross began, but got interrupted.

"I know, General. Take care of your student, too. I'm sure he'll become a great General like you someday." Anita said, winking at Allen.

Allen's mouth formed an O shape from surprise and a loss for words. "Th-thanks, Anita." Allen responded bashfully.

"One more thing, Allen." Anita said softly, smiling. "Use your head. Protect your friends, and Cross. You should know how rash he is sometimes. . . . Also, protect that lovely girl beside. I think Lenalee will be honored to be with you, and you her." Anita's word seemed to have two meanings.

Lenalee wasn't sure, but she caught on to both. Thankfully the fog covered the tint on her cheeks. "I will." Allen's voice responded quickly and a little shyly, but it made Lenalee turn her head towards him. Was he red, too?

As they paddled away in the boat you could hear some people shouting byes and good lucks at them. Lavi furiously waved bye and almost fell off the boat. He was such a child. . . . But without Lavi the team would be too different and far too dull. "Sit down and be quiet!" Cross yelled his orders. It didn't help the case much because he was yelling himself. "Before I toss you in the water and you can swim to shore."

Lavi sat down, fuming. Bookman had to of smacked him because you could hear a slap of some sort and a small ow, but it was hard to see with this fog. She hoped the guys knew where they were going. Not to mention how cold it was. Lenalee's hands met his legs and she lightly rubbed them to make them feel a little warmer.

Allen could see her through the fog ding this and frowned. He gave the paddle to Kanda-yes the grumpy samurai agreed. . . . after he almost fell in the water-and Allen sat beside Lenalee, taking his exorcist coat off and putting in over her body like a blanket, earning him a stare. "Allen-"

"It's fine. I'm covered up whereas you're not. I've been put through worse anyways." Allen told her. He was very soothing and convincing. She hugged his jackets, covering her legs to her ankles and pulling it half way up her face. Allen's scent had already marked his coat. It was wonderful, refreshing. It was a sweet smell, well-nigh to that of candy and more. Cologne? Did Allen use cologne like the General? Lenalee was lost in her thoughts trying to figure out all the smells that fused together. She wanted to know because it was just that good. One question left her yearning for that hug she had in her dream. Would he smell better than his uniform. "Lenalee?"

She lifted her head slightly. Now that she was not too deep in her pools of questions she could tell her body was shaking. She should have covered up like Allen suggested. "Yeah?"

"Are you still cold?"

How could she answer that? No; yes; maybe; a little? Lenalee didn't even answer before she could recognize an arm wrap around her shoulders, a body scooting closer to her, hand lightly pulling her in to somebody's chest, and most importantly, the head on hers and the other arm wrapping around her body again. Good thing she couldn't see, both because of this Allen and the fog, inasmuch that Lavi was grinning boldly.

A warm sensation surrounded Lenalee. A breath hit the back of her neck. Allen's heart beats next to her ear. His breathing she could hear through his chest. HIs arms, his embrace, cozy and warm. Lenalee found it impossible to resist the urge to snuggle closer to him. She was right, Allen smelled a tenfold better than his uniform since he had gotten it just recently. No longer did Lenalee feel cold. How long could this beautiful moment last before she had to let it go?

Allen closed his eyes, letting Lenalee's figure loosen within his hold. She had been tense for a minute, but soon relaxed. He stifled an amusing laugh when she got closer to his body. Surely his body heat helped warmed her. He knows she was helping him once the cold stopped pinching her skin. Her hair is soft. I think. . . I could stay like this forever. It feels nice. Sort of better than Mana's hugs. Allen's notions stopped when the boat hit the dock. The force jerked Allen forwards and backwards until he released Lenalee. In the end, Allen had been the one to fall in the ice cold water.

Cross smirked as he got off the boat and on the dock, walking to the part of the wooden platform where Allen was bobbing. His pale white skin was turning whiter if possible and his breath was more obvious in the air and thicker than the fog. He was shaking as he reached out for the dock, trying to climb back on. Krory hurried over and grabbed Allen's arm, helping him up. "How did I know you were going to fall in?" Cross mockingly asked, scoffing.

"S-s-s-s-s-sh-sh-shut u-u-up-p-p." Allen stammered, ultimately wanting an extra pair of clothes. He couldn't help it. Allen had to take his shirt off. It was too cold and it would just make his uniform wet when he stuck it on.

Cross held out a pair of Allen's pants and a regular black t-shirt. From the looks of it, Allen could tell that shirt was Cross'. It was better than nothing and he only prayed it didn't smell like alcohol. Everything else Cross didn't have he would have to work with. "Hurry up and get dress behind the damn bush. We need to hurry. Everything is there except a new pair of shoes." Cross said.

"T-t-t-tha-thanks, Mas-Master." Allen trembled as he rose to his feet, doing as told. His extremely cold cheeks were starting to heat up as he thought about having to change out here. Near two girls. That's when Lavi popped up in front of him as he tugged the baggy black shirt Cross normally doesn't wear on his body. "L-L-Lavi!" Allen yelped, sounding like a girl who found a peeping tom.

Snickering, Lavi got behind him and combed his hair with his fingers. "You have some guts to hug Lenalee. . . For the second time."

Allen wanted to turn around and swing his fist at him, but he was too cold to move. He could feel frost and ice covering the edge of his skin and creeping up on the hairs sticking up on his body. "Wha-what ar-are you tal-talking ab-about?" Allen stuttered his question, finding a pair of gloves and slipping them on. Now he owed Cross a favor. Again.

Am I that predictable? I mean, I fell overboard by accident. Not because I was messing around or anything. Jeez. Allen paused his thoughts, eyeing Lavi with a raised eyebrow of curiosity. "Well?"

"You were awfully close to Lenalee on the train. Did you talk her into hugging you and sleep close to you or something? I wouldn't doubt you learned some charm tricks from the General, pal. You seem to use this silky and milky voice to entice lovely and innocent girls. Perhaps you're not as innocent as we thought?" Lavi said, putting his arm around Allen's shoulder, getting in his face. He got just the reaction he wanted. THe same he had earlier from Lenalee.

Allen shoved Lavi away and folded his arms, burying his face in his arms. "I would never dare do that to Lenalee! It. . We didn't mean to get in that position. . . It wasn't morally wrong. . . I. . . How did you see that!" Allen spun on his heels, getting in Lavi's face with rage growing.

"You really wanna know?"

"What do you think?"

"Oh, you don't want to know what I think."

"La-vi."

"I was making sure you guys were all awake because we were about to arrive at our destination. I opened to door-I did knock many times-and found you clinging on to Lenalee. It was soooo adorable, Allen."

His friend's head sunk, turning discretely. His eyes tried to find something to look at, anything but Lavi's gaze. Yet, he did not deny the adorable statement. "So why is it so bad I hug a friend? Why do I have to have guts to hug Lenalee? I've hugged so many people before because of where and how I grew up."

Lavi's smile left his face. "Two words." Lavi held up his two index fingers. "Komui." Lavi took a deep breath. "And his overprotective sister complex with big dangerous robots and his obsession to kill any boy who dares to insult her or compliment her in a too friendly manner or tried to take a look at her cleavage or her ass-which is really nice, don't you think?"

"That's more than two words!"

Lavi slapped Allen's head. "Add hyphens and it's a really long combined word."

Allen looked confused. He was looking back through his memories of reading trying to remember what a hyphen was, using his fingers to make punctuations in the air. "Allen." Lavi said flatly. "Lenalee's ass. What do you think?"

Allen froze up. He wasn't sure if he should yell at him or let it go. He really wanted to argue with him about saying things like that aloud and doing that perverted actions. It didn't help his cheeks were on fire. When he tried to say something, nothing came out and he stormed off. "Two to zero. Lavi two, AW and LL zero, or AW zero, LL zero. Lavi one to zero to AW, Lavi one to zero to LL. Hmmm, I should think about how I'm doing this game plan. Both are different individuals, not working together, different tactics used." Lavi snapped his fingers. "Dang! I forgot to mention Lenalee dreaming about him."

Allen and Lavi stumbled out of the bush. Allen was flustered and not meeting any eyes while Lavi walked ahead nonchalantly with his arms folded behind his head. "We all ready to go?" Lavi asked.

Lenalee walked over to Allen and smiled, holding out Allen's uniform. "You're going to need this, Allen. You are an exorcist now and I'm sure Mana would be proud of you, hmm? Just wait, soon you'll meet him again with your smile and he'll see how you've grown over time and what you've accomplished." Lenalee winked. "And that you and Cross didn't kill each other."

Allen's frown twitched back into a smile as he swung his arms into the sleeves, thanking her. He was going to let her have it for awhile, but the recent events proved he needed warming up of his own. "Allen!" Cross said.

"Ye-"

"Your eye, check for akuma."

His left hand moved up to his left eye. It had healed about a week ago, but he hadn't used it much because sometimes the pain will sear through it from the injury. It didn't hurt that much, but still. "Yes, Sir."

His hand dropped and he took a breath of ice-like fresh air. His eye had red glows and where the white usually was black covered. A cogwheel monocle shifted and turned in front of his left eye as he searched the area. Nobody but him and Cross knew his limits with his eye if there was any. They knew the advantage of finding akuma with it and the irking part that gained the label of a curse. "There's three up those stairs. They seem to be level three's."

"A level three? But we've never come across one before." Said Krory.

"That's why Allen is navigating us away from any practical avoidable akuma. This isn't my first time in Japan, meaning I can guide us through the land. . . To the best of my memory. That's why we have you, Timcampy." Cross' golden golem flew out of his sleeve and circled the exorcists before promptly landing on Allen's white hair. To Allen's horror, he took a strand of his hair and began chewing on it.

"Tim, knock it off." He whined.

"Dude, where's that thing been all this time?" Lavi asked, getting a closer look, but keeping distance-Timcampy's teeth were pointy and sharp.

"With Master. Sometimes he comes to me." Allen said, patting Tim's head. "If we get lost Tim can show us what he's seen because of his built-in recorder. If he hasn't been in that area before he can fly ahead and get a look at the surroundings. I guess Master didn't tell anyone else about his plans for Japan, huh?"

"You two had a meeting?" Kanda tersely joined in the conversation.

"No, he told me his ideas on the train. Right, Bookman, Lenalee?" Allen smiled, disregarding Kanda's glares.

"Che, whatever. Just make sure you don't mess anything up, Moyashi." Kanda sneered.

Allen resisted. . . resisted. . . resistance failing. "I am not a bea-"

Krory and Lavi dashed over to Allen, covering his mouth with both of their hands. "Shhh!"

Allen pumped his fists in the air, trying to get near Kanda to beat his stupid girlish head. He'll take his sword and cut off all his hair so he'll look like a freaking guy! Damn him to hell! "Mffmd pffmf geh hemft!"

Cross gave Allen a threatening glare as he took out Judgement. Allen spun around and found all three of those akuma he witness not too long ago right in front of them. Cross used a single bullet to shoot them all to oblivion. His gun was then aimed at Allen. "I don't want to use Grave of Maria until absolutely necessary brat. If you don't keep your mouth shut I will get you an extra hole."

Allen took a step back, getting the picture. "Sorry." He blamed Kanda. Just wait, when this was over, he was going to hurt that guy.

Allen and Cross walked in front of the group as they went up the long stairs. They guided the group through a small abandoned town and often hid behind walls and doors. There was a lot of akuma and when they got out of the town, they decided to take a more subtle course. Sort of. They had to go on a bumpy and curvy pathway. It was hard to stay on your feet.

A few times they had to run on the path to avoid meeting an akuma. It was like a trial of endurance even for the exorcists. Eventually, Krory had to carry Miranda here and there because she was clumsier than usual with her nerves. When something bad happened she squealed. Allen didn't blame her, but Cross was getting irritated. She may be a woman, but Cross has his own limits. Especially when he was serious. "How many?"

"Maybe five. Most are level three's again." Allen said casually, getting used to this.

Bookman stared at their backs. They seemed so adjusted to this, seeing as the many enemies as no threat. Bookman saw no panicked expression or hints of panic on their faces about the akuma or the Noah. Because of this, Bookman sensed a beam of confidence spreading throughout the other exorcists. He hated to admit it, but he himself could feel confidence overthrow his mind. He couldn't wait to witness their capabilities himself. Lavi wasn't too helpful last time about Allen. He didn't see much.

"How much farther is Edo?" Kanda, agitated, questioned.

Something was getting on his nerves. He couldn't place it but there was a bad feeling about this. It was like. . . there were eyes watching them. From where, though? And who? The Moyashi explained he could see any akuma close by and if Kanda could feel their eyes, they were close. That meant-Kanda heard a rock roll and a bush move, causing him to speedily turn around, hand gripping Mugen.

The others stopped, watching Kanda and looked around the area. Kanda was listening carefully, firmly believing he wasn't imagining it. Cautiously, Kanda stalks towards a bush, carefully pushing it away as he unsheathed Mugen. Lavi must have sensed it, too, because he grabbed his Iron Hammer, newly improved might he add? Thanks to the mission the scientists had to fix Mugen and the Hammer quickly. Ha! In you face Daisya.

Pushing these amusements away, Lavi trailed behind Kanda and both disappeared in the trees and bushes. The grass was tall around there and went up to their waists. "Whoever it was, they're gone Kanda." Lavi mumbled.

"Tch, no they're not." Not that far at least, he mentally added.

Mugen was sheathed and both of them walked back out in the open. Kanda got inbetween Allen and Cross, narrowly eyeing everything around them for anything out of place. "We've got more to worry about than akuma." Kanda directed his statement towards Cross. He'd rather deal with an angry Cross and Komui going ballistic and General Tiedol. Not ALLEN WHATSOEVER. "A Noah is trailing us."

General Cross sighed. He thought this was going to happen. The Earl could be very predictable and that's why he knew how to approach the Noah. He-General Cross Marian-was unpredictable. He used to be. Until he picked up his useless student and started coming back to meet Mana over and over again. Well, that'll be okay because he planned this. "If they're watching us like that then they won't attack for the time being. We'll continue." Cross said, walking forwards.

"What!"

"Master!"

Lenalee gently pushed them forward, trusting General Cross. "The Earl will soon have a report that we're here. Hiding won't do us any good and they don't know what we're after. They probably don't even know we went to headquarters." Cross sighed again, slowing his pace. "The point isn't to hide, morons, the objective is to avoid any possible fights to reserve energy for the fight that will be coming. A fight is inevitable."

Allen clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth, crossing his arms. "Do you even know where it is?"

"Of course I do. You should know better than to underestimate you're master, you under-grateful short ass."

Allen slumped in distress. Now Cross was going to continually call Allen short, too. Allen was fifteen and average height. Not a 30-year-old. That would be a different story had he been that age. "I'm not short." He said quietly.

"Sure, and I'm not a man." Kanda retorted.

Allen glared daggers at him. "Who knows, you could be a flat-chested bitch!" After the words left his mouth, Allen covered his mouth on instinct for using such language, but he forgot, Mana wasn't here. Cross didn't care. He wouldn't normally speak like that anyways. Mana may not be here, but he had enough respect not to curse so freely.

Kanda pointed Mugen at Allen's throat and leaned forward with a deathly look. "Repeat that, bastard."

"I said-"

"Knock it off." Cross order, smacking both their heads together. "We need to arrive in Edo. Besides," Cross looked at the sky, "The akuma are going in one direction now. Either they're searching for us or. . . . being ordered back."

Back? Back to where? Their unlikely home? "Stop your bickering. You sound like an unhappy couple. It's aggravating." Cross added, glaring back at them. "For this to be a success you're going to have to listen for now or stay here. I only need Allen here, not you."

Allen gazed at his sensei as he started walking again, following him silently. He was right. Not just about the bickering, but about the akuma. They were gathering, heading in one direction solely. This was not good. Allen didn't want to see the outcome, but wanting is different from needing and having to. He learned that a long time ago. Allen was going to have to keep his guard up.

Allen looked at Timcampy as he circled and then went forward, staying around everyone. The way he wavered in the air told him he sensed something was wrong, too. Master must have known about this problem for a long time. I better watch the akuma's movement. Needless to say, we don't have to worry much about fighting an akuma unless one strays off.

OxOxOxOxOxOxOxOxOxO

Thanks for reading! Please review truthfully and critically.

I hope you guys like it. I want to apologize for not updating at my normal time, so. . . SORRY. I got tired after school and took a nap-the week was exhausting, and then I was reading a story. Pretty nifty. Anyways, have a terrific day and join me next time.

~ ~ ~ Anon Novelist ~ ~ ~