Find him

The crows were flying around as if they were scared by something at night. The forest was dark as black. A little bit of moonlight shone around the forest. Heavy footsteps were heard as she ran with scratches on her arms and legs. Her face was covered with tear stains and some blood. Breathing heavily, she kept running without looking back. She kept trying to find a way out but it was no use. Tripping on a rock, she fell and tried to get up. She looked back with complete horror. A figure came in front of her with a creepy smile and a knife on his hand. She screamed as he raised the knife and stabbed her.

“Allen!” She snapped her silver eyes open with tears in them. She blinked several times before sitting up and looking around. Her little twin brother sat there on her bed, his arms around her and with tears threatening to come out from his grey eyes. She calmed down and hugged him to let him know she’s okay. He released her and stared right into her eyes, with a scared and worried look.

“Sis, are you okay?!” He asked her. “You were tossing, turning and screaming in your sleep!” She smiled gently at him and stroked his hair.

“I’m fine, Alein. Just had another nightmare, nothing big.” She told him.

“You’ve been having the same dream ever since the day Mana disappeared. It’s been two years now.” Alein says, with sadness in his tone. Allen pulled him into a hug again and patted his back, stroking his hair.

“Hey, it’s gonna be okay. We’ll find him, no matter what or how long it takes, okay?”

“I hope so. I miss him so much. And I don’t want to see you suffer like this.”

“I know. I miss him too.” She let him go and pinched his cheeks a bit, making him smile. “Now go and prepare for breakfast and get ready to go to school, alright? I’ll be done in a sec.”

“Okay! Is pancakes okay for you?” He asked getting up from the bed.

“Sure.” After Alein went out, she stood up and went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Allen Walker and Alein Walker are orphan kids who were adopted by a man named Mana Walker when they were 6 years old. Two years ago, when they were 14, he disappeared out of nowhere. The police suspected that he was kidnapped since there were some traces of his stuff being on the ground. They offered to help them find him. It’s been two years and they are still investigating. Now, Allen and Alein are 16 and they go to a school called Black Order High. It’s where students with highest grade go to. Allen wore a black shirt and white jacket around her waist and black jeans. Allen has a massive burn on her hand caused by her previous abusive parents while she was trying to protect her brother. They put them in to adoption because they didn’t want them. She covered it up with her black gloves. Allen kept her short white hair down which reached to her shoulders and wore her silver rain dropped shaped pendant which was a gift from Mana. And two black circle shaped earrings. Taking her red bag she went downstairs and was greeted by a sweet scent of pancakes.

“Wow~ Smells so good~” Allen said, sniffing the sweet smell of pancakes. Alein giggled at her reaction. The two of them always dress the same and since they were twins they have the same white hairs. Alein was a wearing a black shirt with a white jacket and black jeans. He was also wearing the same pendant as her. He also had a scar on his back which was caused by his real parents.

“Alrighty. It’s done.” He said, putting the pancakes on their plates. As soon as he put them on her plate she started to dig on them. He laughed at her behavior. As he was about sit down, he just remembered something and quickly went to the near cupboard and started to search for something.

“Almost forgot.” He took out two identity cards. One was Allen’s and the other was his. “From now on where going to wear these when we go to school today.”

“Why?” Allen asked.

“Turns out some kids from another school tried sneak in to our school and tried to hurt some of the students. The situation was getting serious so, Principal Komui hired bodyguards and identity cards so, it can never happen again.” Alein explained.

“Looks expensive.” Allen said, looking closely at the ID.

“Yeah, I figured you would say that. We were supposed to pay for us to get those but Uncle Cross got them for us.” Alein says, smiling nervously. Allen furrowed her eyebrows, feeling suspicious.

“He didn’t use our money to get these, right? Knowing we don’t have much.”

“Don’t worry, he didn’t. He got it for free. Turns out Principal Komui and Uncle Cross are really close friends. He gave these to us for free as long as we keep it a secret. And he took me with him as a witness since you wouldn’t believe him.”

“Whatever. Still don’t like him. I still don’t get why Mana would be childhood friends with a guy like him.” Cross Marian. Mana’s childhood friend and they’re guardian. And Allen despise him. After Mana disappeared Cross offered to help them by finding Mana and taking care of them, which Allen was thankful for. He also teaches them how to fight and use weapons so they can defend themselves. But he always goes out drinking, flirting and fooling around. He also made Allen and Alein pay off his debts by forcing themselves to work their butts off. Allen groaned at the memory of their first time finding out about Cross’s debts when some club owners barged into their house.

“That pervert, womanizing, stupid old man.” Allen muttered to herself. They finished their breakfast, wore their black shoes and went out to meet their friend.

They were chattering when they reached to the bus station. There stood a girl with dark green long hair which was tied into two pony tails and black eyes. She was wearing a long sleeved white shirt and blue jeans and holding a black backpack.

“Lenalee!” They both called. She turned to them and smiled brightly. They gave her a big hug and walked to school. Lenalee Lee, her name is. She’s their best friend since kindergarten and Komui Lee’s younger sister.

“So, Lenalee. How’s it going with you and Principal Komui? Is he still chasing away the boys who approach you?” Allen asked.

“We’re good and yes, he’s still chasing them away. Those poor boys. I feel sorry for them.” Lenalee says.

“Wait.” Alein said. “If he chases away all the boys from you then why isn’t he coming after me and Kanda.”

“Well, he told me it’s because he trusts Kanda with me and he isn’t bothered with you because you’re like a little girl.”

“What?! Me?! A girl?! What gave him that idea?!” Alein nearly yelled.

“Bro, you get scared of a small caterpillars and spiders.” Allen pointed out, bluntly.

“That’s so not true.”

“Alein, look. There’s a spider.” Allen said. Alein started screaming like a little girl and clung onto Allen, scared out of his wits. He was so close to tears.

“Where?! Where?! Get it away from me!” Alein screamed. Allen laughed a bit and Lenalee was trying so hard not to burst.

“Calm down, little bro. I was just joking.” Allen said patting his back while shivered in fear. He got off of her and pouted at her. Allen cooed at his cuteness and Lenalee was laughing her ass off. They didn’t notice that the other students were smiling and squealing at their cute behavior. The three of them are the most popular kids in the school. Lots of girls and boys are crazy for them.

While they were reaching for their class, they bumped into the one and only AND the last person Allen wanted to see. A tall boy with long dark blue hair which was tied into a pony tail and dark black eyes stood there with a sour face. He was wearing a white shirt and black jeans while holding a black backpack.

“Yuu Kanda. Good to see your stupid face again.” Allen said with a slight bit of annoyance in her voice.

“The one who is a stupid dumbass around here is you, beansprout.” Yuu said.

“I will kindly tell you this a thousandth time, the name is Allen, JerKanda.” And the both of them started sending daggers at each other.

“There they go again.” Lenalee said. Alein sighed and shook his head, disbelieved.

“Umm...did you forget that I’m here too?” They turned to the boy next to Yuu. Allen eyes went wide at the sight of him. He was the same height as Yuu who is 5 cm taller than her. He had a messy red hair and attractive green eyes. He was wearing a red hoodie with a white shirt underneath and black jeans and a blue bag on one hand. Allen felt a slight blush on her face but shook it off. She felt attracted to him.

“Oh yeah, I forgot about you, stupid bunny.” Yuu said, bluntly. “His name is Lavi Bookman. He just transferred here. And he’s also a close friend of mine.”

“Hello. My name is Lavi Bookman. Nice to meet ya.” Lavi said, smiling brightly.

“Hi. My name is Lenalee Lee and these are Allen and Alein.”

“Hey. I’m Allen and this is my twin brother Alein.” Allen said.

“Woah, you’re twins? Which one of you is the eldest?” Lavi asked.

“Allen sis.” Alein says, smiling and hugging his sister.

“That’s nice.” Lavi said. Suddenly, a girl came running at them and tried to punch Allen. But she blocked it and held on to her punch.

“Not bad, Walker. You’re getting better and better every day.” She said, smirking at her. She had a light red hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a white hat and a black t-shirt with short blue jeans.

“Knock it off, Fou. You’re scaring my brother.” She took a peek at Alein and can tell he was scared seeing that her sister was almost punched.

“I’m sorry, Alein. You okay?” Fou said.

“Yeah, you really scared me there, Fou.” He said. “But sis, is your hand okay?”

“It’s fine. Fou’s punch is way too weak for me, anyway.” She said showing her palm to him.

“Hey!” And she spotted Lavi who just smiled at her. “Oh, you must be the new guy. Nice to meet ya. My name is Fou Mark.”

“Hi. My name is Lavi Bookman.”

“Fou. Where’s your boyfriend Bak?” Lenalee asked.

“Oh he had a meeting with the student council and had to leave.” The bell rang and everyone went back to their classes. Allen, Alein and Lenalee are in the same class. Especially Fou. Allen was sitting near the window in the back and Lenalee was sitting behind her. Alein was next to Allen and Fou was sitting behind him.

“Lenalee?” Allen said.

“Yes, Allen?” Lenalee said, still looking at her phone.

“When are you going to tell Kanda that you love him?” Lenalee looked up from her phone and stared at her, shocked.

“H-How did you find out about that? And since when?”

“Hmm, lucky guess? Since we were in middle school.”

“Was I that obvious?” She asked, nervously.

“Yeah. You were pretty obvious and Kanda was just dumb to notice.” Lenalee laughed at her statement. “So, when are you going to tell him?”

“Soon, I guess. Probably, before the end of the year. But I don’t really know if he will like me back.” Allen just sighed at her.

“I take that back. You both are dumb.”

“Eh?” Lenalee asked, confused.

“Girl, it’s obvious that he likes you too.”

“W-what?! How can you be so sure?”

“You’re the only one who he is cool with calling him by his first name other than his family. And I’ve seen how he looks at you and it brings shivers to my spine.”

“So, he really does like me?”

“Yes. So, you should tell him sooner or later.” Their conversation ended when the teacher came in. A guy in his 20s with sandy blond hair and brown eyes came in. He was wearing a white long-sleeved shirt and black jeans. He also had a little beard. All the girls squealing when he came in.

“Hello, students. I’ll be your new class teacher from this day onwards. My name is Reever Western. Nice to meet you all.” He introduced while standing behind the teacher’s desk. “Any questions?” Suddenly, a girl held her hand up. “Yes?”

“Mr. Western, how old are you?” she asked him.

“Well, some of you think I’m old but sorry, I’m 23.” The whole class gasped while the girls kept squealing as if they have a chance with him. The class continued when Reever was able to calm the students down. Fou passed a note to her that said: - He’s so young and handsome. You should totally go for him, you know ;) –Fou

Allen rolled her eyes at this and wrote back: -I know what you’re trying to do here, Fou so stop it. I’m not interested. And FYI he’s too old for me. Also it’s illegal to date a teacher -Allen

And with that, she passed it back to her. They were lucky that they were in the back row or else they would be in so much trouble by now. She got another note from Fou again. It said: - Oh come on, Allen. You’re always like this. You’ve been single you’re whole life. You might even grow old and die alone, you know. -Fou

She sighed and shook her head a bit. It’s true that she never dated anyone before no matter how popular she was. She kept the note under her desk before the teacher noticed. She never really thought about stuff like dating after Mana disappeared. All she could ever think of was finding him and taking care of Alein. After the first period Allen, Lenalee and Alein went their separate ways to different classes. Allen had self-studying so she went to the music room to kill some time. Luckily, nobody was there. There was a piano in the middle of the room.

She took a seat and played with the keys a little. Then she started playing the song that Mana taught her and Alein 7 years ago. She started singing along with a quiet voice.

So, the little boy fell into a deep sleep

Among the grey ashes in the flames shining

First one, then two

What rise and grow are my beloved profiles

What trickles down, to earth are the thousands of

Dreams, dreams

On the night when the silver eyes were trembling

The shining you was born

Across millions of years

The prayers have already, returned back to the earth

I will never cease to pray

Oh please, show this child what love is

Please give a kiss to his hands you hold.

The lyrics Mana wrote were dedicated Allen and Alein. When he first found them, they were like broken to pieces. But he took them in and brought out the light in them. Tears were threatening to fall from her eyes but she managed to hold them in. She was still playing while Lavi was walking around and stopped when he heard someone playing from the music room. He peeked inside and saw Allen playing and singing along.

So, the little infant fell into a deep sleep

Among the gray ashes in the flames shining

First one, then two

Surfaces numerus on their faces

What pours down to earth are the thousands of

Dreams, dreams

On the night when those silver eyes were trembling

The shining you was born

Across millions of years

The prayers have already returned back to the earth

I will never cease to pray

Oh please, show this child what love is

Please give a kiss to his hands you hold

I will never cease to pray

Oh please, show this child what love is

Please give a kiss to his hands you hold

After she finished, little bit of tears were falling from her eyes and she wiped them away. Then she heard someone clapping from beside the room’s door. There stood Lavi, clapping with a big wide smile on his face.

“That was amazing, Allen. You played and sang so beautifully.” Lavi commented. She blushed a bit and turned her gaze from him.

“T-Thanks.” She said. “But what are you doing here, Lavi? Don’t you have class?”

“Nah. We’re having self-study right now so, I got bored and started walking around the corridor. Until I heard a very cute girl, playing a beautiful song.”

“How flattering.” Allen said, smiling a bit.

“Can you play another one?” Lavi asked, sitting beside her. “We still have more time.”

“Ok. This song is called ‘Lily’. It’s about a lonely demon who fell in love with a girl. She’s someone who never had contact with the outside world. She was first afraid of him but she also fell in love and they lived happily for a very long time.”

“That sounds so romantic. Are you gonna sing it?”

“Hehe. Of course.” (The song is Alan Walker ‘Lily’) She started playing and sang along.

Lily was a little girl

Afraid of the big wide world

She grew up with her castle walls

Now and then she tried to run

But then on the night of the setting sun

She went in the woods away

So afraid, all alone

They warned her don’t go there

There’s creatures who are hiding in the dark

Then something came creeping

It told her, don’t you worry just

Follow everywhere I go

Top of the mountains and valley low

Give you everything you’ve been dreaming of

Just let me in, ooh

Everything you’ve wanted gonna be the magic story you’ve been told

And you’ll be safe under my control

Just let me in, ooh

She knew she was hypnotized

A walk on the cold thin ice

Then it broke

And she awoke again

Then she ran faster and start screaming

‘Is there someone out there?’

‘Please help me’

‘Come get me’

Behind her, she can hear it say

Follow everywhere I go

Top over the mountains and valley low

Give you everything you’ve been dreaming of

Just let me in, ooh

Everything you’ve wanted gonna be the magic story you’ve been told

And you’ll be safe under my control

Just let me in, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Everything you’ve wanted gonna be the magic story you’ve been told

And you’ll be safe under my control

Just let me in, ooh

Follow everywhere I go

Top over the mountains and valley low

Give you everything you’ve been dreaming of

Just let me in, ooh

Everything you’ve wanted gonna be the magic story you’ve been told

And you’ll be safe under my control

Just let me in, ooh

Then she ran faster and start screaming

‘Is there someone out there?’

‘Please help me’

Just let me in, ooh

She finished playing the song and stared at Lavi who looked astonished. He couldn’t form any words. All he could say was ‘wow’.

“Lavi?”

“That was amazing, Allen. I don’t even know what to say.” Lavi, regaining himself. “The song was like a story. It sounded scary but romantic at the same time.”

“Hehe. Thanks.” Then she saw him, taking out his phone.

“Good thing I recorded the whole thing so, I can listen to it all over again.” She gasped and chased after to snatch the phone. But Lavi was much faster.

“You recorded it?! Delete it! Delete it now!”

“No way! Your singing is way too good for me to delete. I can listen to it when I feel stressed or bored.”

“But it’s so embarrassing!” Allen stated.

“Come on! Please let me keep it! I promise I won’t show it to anyone! Please~ Pretty please~ with a cherry on top!” He pouted and showed his puppy dog eyes. Allen tried to resist his puppy dog look but failed miserably.

“Fine! But you can’t show it to anyone.”

“Deal!” The bell rang and they both went to their classes.

(Time skip)

It’s lunch time now. Allen and Alein held their treys with their food and started searching for their friends.

“Allen! Alein! Over here!” Lenalee called them over. They were sitting in a round table. Lenalee was sitting next to Yuu and next to him was Lavi. They went there and Allen sat next to Lavi and Alein next to her.

“Psst! Allen.” Lavi whispered.

“What?” Allen whispered back.

“Is it just me or does Yuu have a complete different aura when he’s with Lenalee? Like a happy and sweet one.”

“No. It’s not just you, Lavi. He has a crush on her ever since middle school.”

“What?!” Lavi whispered yelled. “Yuu likes Lenalee. Weird.”

“I know right. He smiles when he’s with her and even let’s her call him by his first name. It’s creepy.”

“Definitely.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Lenalee asked. Three of them turned their heads towards the two whisperers.

“Nothing!” Both of them quickly said. Allen saw her brother doing some work while eating.

“Alein. Don’t do your work while you’re eating. That’s bad for you.” Allen said snatching his book.

“But sis, I have to get it done by tomorrow.”

“You can do it at home and you don’t need to go to work today. The manager and I can take care of it.”

“Are you sure, sis? I mean what if the house is a mess when you come back.”

“If that old man made a mess in the house then be sure to wear the headphones that I bought for you when you go to bed. And you don’t need to clean it up. You just go straight to your room and do your homework, ok?” Alein just sighed, knowing that there is no way he can argue with his sister about it.

“Alright, sis.” Alein said.

“Who’s this old man you’re talking about?” Lavi asked.

“They’re guardian, Cross Marian.” Lenalee said.

“He’s the worst guardian in the whole wide world!” Allen said, angrily.

“A-At least he’s helping us.” Alein stated, nervously. “Without him we would never even make it this far.”

Allen sighed and muttered ‘I guess’ under her breath.

“But he should at least ‘help out’ by not making a mess in the house when we’re out.”

(School time over)

While Allen was heading towards the gate, Lavi called after her.

“Allen!” Lavi called out. Allen turned around to face him.

“Oh? Lavi? What’s up?”

“Do you know where a café called ‘Sweet Dessert’?”

“‘Sweet Dessert’ café? That’s where I work.”

“Really? I should be working there from today onwards.”

“That’s great! That also means I won’t be alone today.” Allen said with excitement. “Come on, let’s go. Or else, we’ll be late.” They both went to the café together. Since, Lavi was new there, Allen had to show him what to do and how to do it.

It was already night and their shift was over. Both Allen and Lavi were heading back home.

“You really don’t have to walk me back home, Lavi. I’ll be fine.” Allen insisted while they were heading to her place.

“No way, I’m letting a cute little girl like you all alone in the middle of the night.”

“This ‘little girl’ has skills you know.”

“Oops?” And they both started laughing together. They reached to Allen’s house.

“Well, here we are. I’ll see you tomorrow, Lavi.” Allen said, walking towards the gate of her house.

“Um, Allen. Just to let you know, it looks like I’m your new neighbor.” Lavi said, scratching the back of his head.

“What? What do you mean?” she asked. Lavi pointed to the house next to her.

“I live next door. With my grandfather.”

“No way.” Allen said, gaping. “But what about your parents?”

“Oh, they passed away when I was a kid. And my grandfather raised me.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

“Nah. It’s fine.” Lavi said, shrugging his shoulders. “Hey, since we live next door. Wanna walk to school together? With Alein too?”

“Sure. That sounds great.”

“Cool. See ya tomorrow, Allen.” Lavi said, walking towards his house and waving.

“See ya, Lavi.” Allen said, waving back. She walked into her house and took her shoes. She walked into the living room and turned on the lights. When she did, the whole living room was a dumb. And by a dump, I mean a dump. There were beer bottles everywhere and pizza boxes with a few slices were scattered all over the place. And chicken boxes with bones were all over the sofa. Allen was fuming with anger. Steams were coming out of her ears. Alein wore his headphones like his sister told her. She finally let out a big roar of anger.

“YOU PERVY, DISGUSTING, BRUTE, WOMANIZING, PIECE OF SHIT OF AN OLD MAN!! WHEN YOU COME BACK HOME, I’LL BEAT YOU TO PULP, CUT YOU TO PIECES AND FEED YOU TO THE LIONS IN THE ZOO!! YOU’RE SO DEAD, YOU OLD GEEZER!!” Allen’s loud screaming alerted the whole neighborhood. But they all knew, it was all because of Cross. Except Lavi and his grandfather. And even though Alein was wearing headphones, he still heard her a little and went to apologize the neighbors.

(Lavi’s house)

“Hey, gramps! I’m back!” Lavi said when he came inside.

“Welcome back, Lavi.” A small old man replied. He was in the sofa and reading a newspaper. When Lavi was about ask if he had dinner yet, a loud roar was heard from Allen’s house which shocked both of them.

“YOU PERVY, DISGUSTING, BRUTE, WOMANIZING, PIECE OF SHIT OF AN OLD MAN!! WHEN YOU COME BACK HOME, I’LL BEAT YOU TO PULP, CUT YOU TO PIECES AND FEED YOU TO THE LIONS IN THE ZOO!! YOU’RE SO DEAD, YOU OLD GEEZER!!”

“What in the world was that?!” Mr. Bookman said, who was on the ground now.

“I think that’s Allen, gramps.” Lavi said, getting up from the floor who also fell and rubbing his head. Then they heard the doorbell ring. Both of them went to see who it was. And there stood a white haired boy wearing his blue pajamas.

“Lavi?” He said, looking surprised.

“Alein?” Lavi said.

“Oh! So, you’re the new neighbor.” Alein said.

“Yeah. I guess.” Lavi said. “So, what’s up with your sister?”

“We heard a loud screaming from there.” Mr. Bookman said, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh yeah. I just want to apologize to you guys on behalf of my twin sister. You see, this happens all the time and the neighbors here are used to it now. Our guardian, Cross Maria always leave the house with a mess and doesn’t bother to clean up. And it makes Allen really angry and let out a big roar. Uncle Cross always escapes when Allen is like that. And trust me, my sister is super scary when she gets angry.” Alein explained. “I’m really sorry, Mr. Bookman.”

“It’s fine. But why doesn’t your sister come out and apologize?” Mr. Bookman asked.

“Let’s just say…she’s not in the best of mood right now.” Suddenly, they heard her hit something really loud just now. “Oh boy.”

“What was that?!” Lavi asked, frightened.

“Allen vending her anger out. I gotta go and calm her down. Again, I’m really sorry about her. She’ll apologize in the morning.” And he ran off to his house with a worried look. Lavi and his grandfather stood there watching Alein go to his house, looking stunned.

“Allen was not kidding when she said she has skills.” Lavi said.

“This girl is a very tough one. You think we’ll be hearing her screaming every night?”

“I hope not.” They both went inside with a worried expression. “And rest in peace Cross Marian if she ever caught him when she’s angry with him.”

“Indeed.”

(With Cross)

Cross was in a bar with one of his friends. He was drinking and flirting with other women. Suddenly, he felt a cold shiver down his spine and a feeling that he will be killed tonight.

“You okay, Cross?” His friend asked.

“Hey. Let me stay the night at your place.” Cross asked not looking at his eyes and sweating with fear.

“Why?”

“Because I had a feeling that if I go home tonight, a demon there will take my soul away and feed me to the lions tonight.”

“Eh?”