Disclaimer:
The D. Gray-Man characters are under copyright or license by Katsura Hoshino, Shueisha, Madman Entertainment, Viz Media, Kaya Kizaki, TMS Entertainment, Funimation Entertainment and/or Manga Entertainment. The Karneval characters are under copyright or license by Tōya Mikanagi, Ichijinsha, Madman Entertainment, Yen Press, Manglobe, Funimation and/or Manga Entertainment. This is a work of fanfiction, for no monetary gain.
A/N:
This is the final chapter of this story. Thank you so much for all your wonderful support! If you'd like to read more of my work, I'll be posting a new story, hopefully within the next few weeks, whichever one I finish first: Owari no Seraph, Soul Eater, Full Metal Alchemist or Ghost Hunt/Code:Breaker crossover. Those will all be shorter, 5-10 chapters, with chapters still posted once a week on Thursdays. I'm also still posting chapters of my Shingeki no Kyojin sequel story, Hunter and Hunted.
Also, if you like lost kingdoms, valiant and desperate heroes, and epic battles and quests, in a medieval world populated by humans, Elves, Dwarves, Ogres and mythical beasts, battling a god-like insane necromancer and his army of the dead, you can read my published original high fantasy series, Descent of Kings, which includes strong female, multi-ethnic, bisexual and gay characters, and is available on Amazon.
Chapter 33 – Friends and Family
Allen opened the inn room door with his key, trying to enter quietly, in case Kanda and Lavi were sleeping. Kanda was in the chair next to the bed, oiling Mugen, and Lavi was lying on the bed, but on top of the covers. Both of them frowned in concern when they saw him, Kanda immediately surging to his feet and heading for him, and Lavi grabbing for his crutches.
"I'm alright," Allen assured , them, closing the door behind him and locking it.
"What happened?" Kanda demanded.
"Your shirtsleeve is ripped and your eye is uncovered," Lavi observed, sounding nearly as tense.
Allen sighed. "It was an Akuma. It attacked Gareki and Nai, but fortunately I was able to save them. Although Gareki was almost able to defeat it without my aid. They're both unhurt, and Yogi made sure they'll make it safely to the performance," Allen reported.
Kanda's frown deepened. "You were with Gareki and Yogi?"
"No. I was walking by myself, but then my eye activated, and then I heard the gunfire, and saw the energy blasts, just as Nai appeared and ran up asking for help. Yogi came after I'd already defeated it. It wasn't a big fight. It was… Daniel and Marlene. The Earl tricked her into bringing him back. When Daniel saw me, he fought against the Earl's control. It was easy to free his spirit," Allen explained.
"It might not have taken a lot of effort, but it wasn't easy, not if it was Marlene and Daniel. I'm sorry that it was you, that you had to see them like that," Lavi said sympathetically.
"You're sure you're not injured?" Kanda pressed.
"I'm fine. Or I will be, after a hug," Allen said hopefully.
In less than a heartbeat, two strong pairs of arms were wrapped around him, and Allen felt the stress and tension and grief melt away with the warmth of their embrace. "I'm glad you're here," Allen said into Lavi's chest.
"We're glad you're here too, that you're safe," Lavi replied, for both him and Kanda.
"You need to eat," Kanda said unexpectedly.
"I'm not hungry," Allen replied.
"I don't care. That parasitic weapon of yours has been draining you. I can feel your ribs and you're going to need the energy. You need to eat," Kanda reiterated.
Allen frowned. "I said I'm not… wait. What am I going to need energy for?" Allen asked, suddenly more puzzled than annoyed.
Kanda stared at him as if it should be obvious, and Lavi smirked. "And I thought you weren't the brightest candle, Yu. But even you know what the three of us with a night off and a big bed should be doing," Lavi replied.
Allen's face immediately flushed with heat.
"What do you expect from a Bean Sprout?" Kanda scoffed.
"Not a Bean Sprout. A sapling. To be specific, a cherry tree," Lavi argued with a lecherous grin.
Allen felt his blush intensify. "Well then. I guess today is someday," he said in feigned calm, his heart starting to hammer in anticipation, as he sat down and began taking off his boots.
"What do you mean, someday?" Lavi asked, puzzled.
Allen pulled off his boots one by one and then stood. "General Cross always told me I'd understand someday," Allen replied with artificial coolness, as he took off his damaged Exorcist coat and then unbuckled and removed his belt and tossed it onto the chair.
He had both Lavi's and Kanda's undivided attention now.
"I'll eat later. First one on the bed gets to be in the middle," Allen said with a grin that rivaled Lavi's, as he dove onto the bed, and then braced himself for impact as Lavi and Kanda both realized what he'd said.
0 0 0
One look at Gareki and Nai in Yogi's arms as they entered the makeup tent had Hirato at their side, all thoughts of scolding them for their lateness vanished. "What happened?" he demanded.
Nai was pale, clinging to both Gareki and Yogi, and Gareki looked like he'd been in one hell of a fight, his clothes dirty and torn.
"Akuma," Gareki replied, his voice clipped.
Hirato's eyes widened and his gaze snapped to Yogi. "You destroyed it?" he demanded.
"Allen-chan did," Yogi explained.
Allen? Hirato frowned. "Is he alright?"
Yogi nodded. "He went back to his inn, to Kanda-kun and Lavi-kun. He said they'll need to check the City thoroughly before they leave, that there may be other Akuma we missed."
"Wonderful. And I thought the Varuga were elusive," Hirato muttered. "Well, it's too late to postpone the performance. We'd have a riot on our hands. We'll just have to be as discrete as possible tomorrow, when we search, and try not to frighten anyone or cause any further damage to the city.
"Gareki was wonderful! He stayed on the roofs so the Akuma fired at him instead of the buildings, and he blinded it with his bullets," Nai claimed proudly, hero worship in his eyes.
Hirato felt the blood drain from his face. "You did what?" he rasped. Gareki used himself as bait? He drew the Akuma's fire by shooting at it? If just one of those beams had hit him, even a glancing blow… Dust. Gareki could have been a pile of dust. "You idiot! You know bullets can't hurt it, yet you intentionally put yourself at risk to…"
"To save Nai's life!" Gareki yelled back. "It's not like Allen was there at first! And I wounded it, blinded it, kept it chasing after me, so Nai could get away, because I already lost Tsubame and Yotaka, and I'm not losing Nai!"
Hirato could see Gareki was infuriated, but there were also tears in his eyes, and he was shaking. Belatedly, Hirato realized he'd been terrified of losing Nai, ready to sacrifice himself, knowing he was powerless against that monster, but terrified of dying, too. And I belittled him for his bravery, his willingness to sacrifice himself. And Nai looks devastated, for getting Gareki scolded. Damn it.
"You didn't listen to what Nai-chan said, Hirato-san," Yogi chided. "Gareki-kun was amazing. It wasn't his normal gun or bullets. He wounded it, blinded it, nearly killed it without Allen's or my help."
He must have made another new weapon, like the Sheep dung. He keeps surprising me. This is my fault, for underestimating him, for trying to protect him, instead of arming him better. "Forgive me, Gareki. Thank you for protecting Nai, and the City. We'll talk more about this while you both get your makeup on and get dressed. You're both still up to performing?" Hirato wouldn't push Gareki, but he knew coddling him would be worse.
"Of course I'm performing," Gareki replied.
Hirato's relief at his response was short lived.
"I have to do something to earn my keep, so I'm not completely useless," Gareki muttered bitterly, as he turned away, obviously not realizing Hirato could still hear him.
Hirato exhaled loudly in frustration. It was thinking like that that was going to get his little brother killed someday.
0 0 0
Lenalee watched in awe as act after act performed, in a dazzling display of light and color and sound, of acrobatics and animals and mechanical marvels. Her hand was linked with Komui's, both of them needing the physical contact to prove each other was safe, that they were together again.
To her relief, the joy and wonder on Komui's face mirrored what she felt. She hadn't been sure he'd ever smile again, after what he'd been through. "Thank you God, for saving him," she whispered reverently, an intent prayer, in spite of their surroundings.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Komui asked, turning to her.
She smiled up at him. "I'm so happy," she replied, honestly. Because nothing could make her happier than being with the brother she loved.
0 0 0
After a careful, thorough check of the City the day after the performance, supplemented by the cadre of Finders and the Order's Exorcists, Hirato was convinced they'd weeded out the last of the Akuma, and by sunset, both Ships were headed for the Order's European Headquarters, with their special passengers. Hirato had made sure Komui, Bookman and Lenalee were on Ship One, with half their Finders, and Allen, Lavi and Kanda were on Ship Two with the other half. Tsukitachi had instantly approved of his passengers. Hirato was pleased to see that Tsukitachi was just as smitten with Chief Komui sober as he had been drunk, and the attraction was most definitely mutual.
Personally, Hirato looked forward to speaking with Allen during the duration of the flight. He wanted to get to know the boy who had been like a son to his father. Kanda and Lavi reluctantly allowed them to speak in private, only because Allen asked them to, after Hirato had broached the topic of Mana Walker.
"Thank you for agreeing to speak with me. I know this is likely hard for you, that you must have some level of affection for my father," Hirato stated. The look of grief that darkened the boy's sunny face made Hirato uncomfortable. Allen had apparently loved Mana in a way he never had.
All of Hirato's carefully constructed, stilted questions flew out the window. "Tell me about him. I want to see him through your eyes," Hirato urged.
"I… alright," Allen agreed.
"Wait. Gareki should hear this too, but I don't think… And Tokitatsu. Would you mind if I record it? Like your golems do, both audio and video, so they can hear as well," Hirato explained, surprising himself by asking. He could have just stopped the security camera bypass in his quarters to record without asking.
"That's fine," Allen said.
Hirato pulled up the program and stared at it in consternation for a moment, before laughing in frustration and looking up at the camera. "You could have asked to join me, Gareki, instead of hacking the camera. Come in here, so you can hear with me, in case you have any questions. That's an order, by the way. But leave the camera on, so Tokitatsu can hear," he added.
A few moments later Gareki appeared at his doorway, entering after knocking, but without waiting for permission, and without looking at all sheepish for what he'd done.
Hirato stood and waved him and Allen to the sofa. We might as well all be as physically comfortable as possible." He knew this was going to be an awkward conversation at best.
0 0 0
Hirato was impressed by the welcome the prodigal Exorcists and Finders received, when they disembarked from the Ships at the Black Order Headquarters. It was blatantly obvious these men and women were not merely respected, but loved. Although the effusiveness of the greeting Komui received had Tsukitachi looking quietly jealous, especially the attention a man named Reever paid to the Chief, particularly when Komui blushed at something Reever said, until both men looked in Tsukitachi's direction and Komui's blush darkened, and Reever looked approving, instead of jealous.
The crews of both Ships were given the promised tour of the Order's facilities, led by Chief Komui, and then were guests at a quite frankly astonishing banquet. Hours later, after festivities had begun to quiet down, Komui invited both him and Tsukitachi to his office for coffee, though the man must have drunk at least a gallon, from an absurdly ridiculous rabbit mug that had Nai grinning in delight.
Hirato attempted to bow out gracefully, certain that Tsukitachi would welcome some private time with the Chief, until Komui explained he had a letter written by Mana Walker to Marian Cross that he thought both of them would wish to see, as well as stories he wanted to share about the two men who had raised him. He told them Lenalee, Allen and Lavi would both be joining them for the stories, but not the letter.
That had Hirato suitably intrigued enough to agree, but he asked that Gareki be allowed to join them for the stories as well, as he should also get to hear more stories about his absentee father, and Komui agreed.
Once he, Tsukitachi and Komui were all settled in his office, Komui produced a letter from a locked drawer in his desk. "I recommend you both read it silently to yourselves, together. I'd read it aloud to you both, but frankly, I wouldn't be able to get through it without crying," Komui admitted solemnly, his voice sounding unusually rough. "You might question how your fathers felt about you, and I don't condone what they did, but there is no question that they truly loved one another, and I'm sure you might doubt it, but the two of you, as well."
Hirato bit his tongue to keep from arguing the point. His father's lack of affection was brutally clear, and not open for debate.
Komui reverently lifted the flap of the envelope and drew the letter from inside, unfolded it and handed it to him. "I only ask that you do not share what is written here about Allen Walker with anyone in the Order, and preferably, not with anyone in your own organization either. Allen is in quite enough danger already."
That last had Hirato eager to read the letter he'd been reluctant to see. Hirato held it so Tsukitachi could see too, and then began to read.
Dearest Marian,
I'm sorry, Cross. I know how much you always hated your given name, but I had to tease you one final time, my Maid Marian. Perhaps as a vain attempt to bring a smile to those lips I remember so well. I know how much it will hurt, you receiving this, after years of silence from me. You'll think I've forgotten about you, abandoned you…
No, as much as I tried to tell myself you would, I know you'll realize the truth, and it tears my heart that I'm too much of a proud fool, that you'll think I deserved my loneliness, while you didn't… but I'm certain you'll understand. You would have done the same, if it happened to you: if you lost Judgment. I am both thankful and sorrowful that you never did. I miss you more than words can say. Not a single day or night has passed without my thinking of you, without wishing you were where you belong, at my side.
If you've received this letter, then someone will have found it on my body, stamped and addressed to you, and mailed it to you on my behalf. Perhaps even Allen himself, if he is old enough, but I fear he will not be. I feel a pending sense of dread that I cannot shake. I need to tell him soon, about the Earl, about the rest, to warn him, to make sure he is as prepared for my eventual passing as he can be, but he is still so young, so timid, such a gentle, innocent soul.
You'll think it was selfish of me for keeping Allen hidden from The Order for so long, and perhaps you're right. I was protecting him, so he wouldn't become another of their miserable child captives, forced into a life of terror and warrior servitude he'd never wanted, but I know Allen. Gentle and kind as he is, he'd willingly slay monsters, risking his life without a second thought, to save another. I think I was just trying to reclaim my own lost Innocence, in both meanings of the word.
Allen was abandoned by his parents, left entirely alone in the world, to rely only upon the charity of strangers. I know he was attacked, beaten, even stoned, more than once. I've seen the scars, and he cries out from nightmares about it. You know how voracious parasitic type anti-Akuma weapons are. When I found him, I could see every rib. He was literally little more than skin and bones. It took weeks of gradually feeding him more and more, so as not to shock his system and kill him, until the first time I ever heard him answer my question, "Are you full?" with the word, "Yes."
Please don't hate him. He doesn't even know about you. It's not him that's kept me from you. I only hope Tokitatsu and Hirato don't hate him either, if they are ever to meet him. If you ever have occasion to see them again, please tell them I loved them until the end. I would have written them as well, but I doubt they'll ever forgive me for abandoning them or their respective mothers. After all this time, I honestly have no idea what I could possibly say to either of them.
I'm sure there is much more I should say. Perhaps you'll receive an entire bundle of letters from me, but I fear this might be the only one, so I shall be brave one last time. I love you Cross. I should have said so years ago, in person, but I couldn't die without saying it to you at least this once. And I know you love me, too. It does not matter that I never gave you the chance to say it.
Please do your best to love Allen too. If ever a boy needed and deserved to be loved, it is that one.
Stay safe, stay well, and snatch whatever happiness you can, whenever and wherever you find it. Life is far too fleeting.
Your friend, brother-in-arms, and heart,
~ Mana
P.S.
Damn. I would have liked to end it there. But the word heart reminded me what I should have said above. I think Allen may be in possession of The Heart. He certainly has more heart than anyone I have ever met, save for you, my love.
Double damn. I seem to have smudged the ink above. Those are not tears. I left the window open and it is raining and windy. And I have always been, and remain, a terrible liar. I was never cut out for Circus or The Order, was I? But that's alright. After all the innocents I have tried and failed to save in this world, I can finally rest in peace knowing that I have at least saved Allen. Until we meet again, in a far better place, my love.
Hirato hated the look of sympathy and understanding Komui gave him, when he looked up, almost as much as he hated the feeling of unshed tears in his eyes and the lump in his throat for a man he'd spent his life despising. He cleared his throat and soldiered on. "Well, at least he mentioned me and Tokitatsu. He apparently didn't know about Gareki," he commented, trying to sound flippant, hating how rough his voice sounded.
"He's still a soulless, irresponsible bastard, but at least your father knew your name. I doubt General Cross even knows mine," Tsukitachi commented, and then winced and looked guiltily at Komui. "I'm sorry. I know they were your fathers, too, that you loved them, but Hirato and I…" Tsukitachi trailed off, apparently realizing anything he said would only dig a deeper hole.
To Hirato's relief, Komui looked at Tsukitachi with compassion and understanding, instead of censure. "I love Mana Walker and Marian Cross as much as I love my own father. But that doesn't mean I think they were perfect, or condone what they did. I'm only sorry that you never had the opportunity to see them as I did, for the men they were, and the good fathers they could be."
There was a hesitant knock on the door.
"Ah, that must be Lenalee and the others," Komui said, and he headed for the door, thankfully giving Hirato and Tsukitachi a moment to assume their usual masks of indolence and indifference.
Hirato wasn't surprised to see that Yogi, Nai, and Kanda had joined Gareki, Allen, Lavi and Lenalee, though they hadn't been invited, or that Yogi had brought an enormous tray of cookies to share. Lenalee had a tray of mugs which also contained both a coffee pot and teapot.
Hirato sighed. He'd have the entire rest of his life to hate his father. For tonight, he could listen, and hear about the man from someone who loved him.
Tsukitachi sat down beside Komui and Hirato sat beside his oldest friend, as the others sank down onto the sofas, Allen sandwiched between Kanda and Lavi, Lenalee on Komui's other side, and Gareki between Yogi and Nai, as friends and family, old and new settled down for a rare quiet night of storytelling and camaraderie, far from the chaos and danger tomorrow would likely bring.
A/N: As of the posting of this chapter, this story is 241 pages long, 118,751 words (the standard novel is 60,000 words), with 5,622 views, 68 reviews, 27 favorites and 41 follows. To anyone who reads it in the future, I will still respond to reviews, so I'd love to know what you think!
Thanks again to everyone who read, reviewed, followed and favorited this story! I hope you join me for some of my others.