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Chapter 21

"Welcome back Tyki!" shouted the party guests.  Tyki smiled.  Yes, it was good to be out of the hospital.

Earlier that day the head nurse had finally released her patient from the hospital wind.  Tyki's stitches would need to stay in for another week or two, so his left arm would have to remain in a sling.  His head however was fine, though he still had a large bump to remind him of the Akuma encounter.

"I'm happy to finally see you out of the hospital wing." Lenalee said smiling.

"I'm glad too.  I was getting tired of looking at the same surroundings for the past four days."

"So were we." muttered Lavi, who was promptly scolded by the girl.

"I'm just glad you are ok." stated Eaze as he dug into the last piece of cake.  "I was so scared when you didn't wake up."

Tyki  pulled the boy into his lap with his good arm.  "Hey, I'm here right now aren't I?"  Eaze nodded.  "Then you can see I'm fine.  An injury like that wouldn't kill me."

"It would kill a normal human." Lavi mused.  "You need to remember you're not a Noah anymore so you aren't as 'durable' as you once were."  Tyki just laughed.

"Yeah." agreed Allen softly, a small smile set on his face.  Catching Allen's eye, Tyki moved to place his hand on the boy's, but Allen moved it at the last second.

"So, I heard you two are going out," announced Tyki, turning to look at his friends.  "Am I right?" Lenalee blushed and looked the other way.

"Yeah we're going out." answered Lavi, placing an arm around the girl.  "Though
I'm under the impression that while Komui said he approves of us, he's still stalking me in the hallways.  I feel like I'm constantly being watched!"

"That's because you probably are.  I wouldn't be surprised if you woke up one night with Komui leaning over you." said Eaze smugly.  Lavi seemed to shutter at the idea.

"Don't give Komui any ideas." Tyki laughed, enjoying Lavi's reaction.

"Well did you know you aren't the only two going out in the-"

"Does anyone want more food?" Allen interrupted, cutting Tyki off mid-sentence.  "I think I'll go ask Jerry to make us another pie or two.  Tyki you want to come?"  The tone in Allen's voice told Tyki it wasn't an option.

"Sure."

"Hey Allen while you're at it can you have Jerry make some cookies?  I love his chocolate chip cookies!"  Allen nodded.

"Oi Allen, where exactly are we going?" asked Tyki as soon as they were out of the room. Allen didn't turn around.

"I...I just need to talk to you alone for a few minutes."  Tyki blinked, then smiled.

"I know just the place."

*******************************************************************************************

There were flowers everywhere.  Roses, Larkspurs, Pansies, Begonias, Chrysanthemum's, there was no place the flowers hadn't been.  Flower petals were scattered across the ground, giving off a multitude of sweet smells.  A small path cut through the garden, leading to a small courtyard.  At the center was a fountain protected by angels.  A few sitting benches were provided for visitors, along with a few stone statures.  A large hedge hid the whole garden.

"They're beautiful, aren't they?  The flowers?" spoke Tyki softly, looking over the garden.  "I've only been here once, but I'm glad I managed to find my way back here."  He heard Allen smile.

" I haven't been back here in a long time.  I almost forgot it existed."

"So, what did you want to talk about in private?"  Allen stopped, turning to look at a grove of Anemones.

"Well, I wanted to talk about your…behavior at the party."  Tyki blinked, looking confused.

"What?  I'm not allowed to hold your hand?  Or tell them we're going out?"  Allen paused to pick at the plant.

"I would just prefer to keep it a secret for now."  Tyki smiled and reached into a bush, pushing past leave to reveal a Lilac.

"I don't think we should have to hide it.  Love is never wrong."  Allen seemed to blush at the word "love."  "Besides, wouldn't it be easier for us if everyone knew?"  Allen stared at the flower for a moment, his eyes taking in is beauty.  Sighing, Allen pushed the flower aside to reveal a grove of Lavender.

"No.  If our friends knew about us, things might get…complicated."  Tyki sighed.  He knew it would be useless to argue.

"All right." said Tyki, moving close to the boy.  "If you want to keep it a secret for now, we can."  Allen noticed how close Tyki's face was getting.  Before the boy had time to react, Tyki placed a soft kiss on his lips.  Allen's blush rivaled the red roses in the garden.

Tyki pulled away and looked up.  "But we have to tell them sooner or later.  Or do you want them to find out on their own?"

"We'll tell them eventually, but I'm still trying to get used to it." said Allen nervously looking away.  Tyki just laughed and pulled the boy into a one-armed hug.

"Oh you'll get used to-" Suddenly Tyki caught movement out of the corner of his eye.  Turning, Tyki's face paled.  Staring at him from behind a bush of Rhododendrons, was an Akuma's grinning face.  Catching Tyki's gaze, the Akuma slowly raised a claw to its mouth.

"Tyki?" Allen asked, trying to follow the man's gaze.  "What's wrong?"  Tyki's head snapped back to look at the boy.

"Nothing.  I just thought I saw something.  Anyway, you'd better get back to the party.  Everyone probably wondering where you've gone."  Allen blinked.

"Aren't you coming with me?"

"Yeah, I'll follow in a minute.  I just want to check something out."  The white-haired teen seemed a little startled at the man's change of attitude, but dismissed it.

"Alright, I'll see you in the cafeteria."

*******************************************************************************************

"What are you doing here Akuma." mumbled Tyki as soon as Allen was gone.  The Akuma was certainly different from what Tyki was used to seeing.  All over it's body were flowers and small plants.  The creature looked to be composed of only vines and roots.  Its skin really helped it bend in with the surroundings.  The Akuma grinned.

"I've come with a message from Road-sama."

"I already told her, I don't want any more to do with the Noah or the Earl."

"Road-sama has already told the Earl about you losing your powers and becoming an Exorcist.  Earl-sama was not too pleased, and wants you to return immediately."

"So, how is this any different from what I have heard so far?"  yawned Tyki, a bored expression evident on his face.

"Road-sama wants to offer you one last chance to come back to the Noah hideout without consequence.  She said that the Earl was very interested to hear that you have become compatible with Innocence and wishes to study you."

"Well, would you tell Road that I once again, politely decline her offer." replied Tyki, walking over to examine another grove of Rhododendrons.  The Akuma grinned.

"Oh I will tell her, along with details of what I have seen here tonight."  Tyki froze, his face paling for the second time that night.

"What?"

The sneer in the Akuma's voice was thick.  "I saw you and that Exorcist brat.  I know-"

"Innocence Activate!" yelled the man, pulling his bad arm from its sling.  A sharp pain ran through his limb at the sudden movement.  Damn why did my left arm have to get hurt?

"Are you really going to fight me Tyki-sama?" teased the Akuma, seeming to raise an eyebrow.  But already the creature was getting ready for battle.  Slowly all of the plants on its body seemed to change.  Tyki watched as the flowers were replaced by deadly looking mushrooms and other poisonous plants.  "I don't think you could even fight a child at this state."

"Shut up!" shouted Tyki.  "Judgment!"  A thousand black needles descended from the sky, filling the ground with holes.  A few hit the Akuma, causing the machine to cry out in pain.  Got you!  Suddenly the air was filled with a sickly stench.  Coughing, Tyki looked to see the air had a green tint to it.  The man's eyes widened as he realized they were coming from the mushrooms he had hit with his attack.  The Akuma grinned.

"It seems you've realized your mistake.  The more you hurt me, the more poisonous gas is released into the air."  Damn!

"Deny!" A black ball seemed to envelop the man, sealing in pure air.  For the time being, Tyki could breathe, but he wasn't sure how long he could keep it up.

"Ha, a shield isn't going to keep you safe.  My poison can seep through anything."

"Judgment!" Tyki cried, pointing his finders at the Akuma.  His left arm screamed in pain as he released his attack.  The energy beams hit their mark, making the Level 2 howl in pain.

"You will pay fir that, Tyki-sama!" The creature shouted, pointing his own arm at the black sphere.  Release!"  A wave of gas collided with the shield, almost knocking Tyki off his feet.  "Decay!" screeched the Akuma.  At first nothing happened, but as time passed Tyki could see the gas was eating away at his shield.  It wouldn't be long until they reached him.

Use Cleanse! Shouted his mind.  This could be over in seconds if you do!

No, I can't use that.  I don't have enough power.

But if you don't you'll die!

But I can't!  My right arm will be fine, but my left won't be able to handle it!

Is your arm really that important?  It'll just take longer to heal!

But what if it doesn't?  I already took a risk using Judgment.  I can't take another chance.

But what will happen to Allen?

"Oh damn this!" shouted the man, raising his arm once more.

"CLEANSE!"  he shouted with all his might.  A white ball appeared within the Akuma, consuming the creature in pure light.  The machine let out one more screech before finally letting go, a ball of flame erupting where it once stood.  Suddenly the air was cleared, and Tyki finally came out of hiding.  The pain in his left arm was almost unbearable.  Blood was running down the limb from where the stitching had come undone.

"Tyki!" came a voice from outside the garden.  Crap! If she sees the mess… Running out of the garden Tyki saw Lenalee coming towards him.  "Why are you still down here?  Allen thought- what happened to your arm?!?" she shouted, running over to examine it.

"Nothing." said Tyki , trying to look normal.  "I just scraped it against one of the sharp plants."

"Sharp plant?"

"Yeah, I was trying to get something for Allen and I fell into the bush.  It's nothing you should worry about." replied Tyki smiling.  Lenalee seemed unsure.

"I had better get going.  It's getting late."  Before Lenalee could reply Tyki was off, his injured arm hanging limp by his side.

What happened to him?  Thought Lenalee, waking into the garden.  What plant did he- Lenalee gasped.  The garden was in ruins.  Flowers once strong and healthy now lay limp in their beds.  Several looked as if they had been trampled on, and many no longer had any petals.  A small fire was burning in one of the bushed, having already burnt several more to the ground.

"What happened here?" she cried, surveying the damage.  "Tyki!"  she shouted, running after the man.  "Tyki what-?"

"Don't tell anyone." Muttered Tyki, cutting off the girl's sentence.  "Please, don't tell anyone."  Lenalee was silent, a thousand thoughts flying in her head.

"Fine." She muttered at last, turning away from the man.  "I won't ask any questions, but if something else happens, you have to let us know immediately."  Tyki said nothing, only continued on to the building.

Lenalee watched in silence as the man faded from her view.  Walking back to the garden, she put out the fire with a bucket of water.  It was going to take a long time to explain the mess to her brother, or rather come up with an explanation.  A purple object caught her gaze as she was cleaning up.  Looking at the ground, Lenalee saw a Crocus flower lying flattened and charred on the ground.

Description
Chapter 21

"Welcome back Tyki!" shouted the party guests.  Tyki smiled.  Yes, it was good to be out of the hospital.

Earlier that day the head nurse had finally released her patient from the hospital wind.  Tyki's stitches would need to stay in for another week or two, so his left arm would have to remain in a sling.  His head however was fine, though he still had a large bump to remind him of the Akuma encounter.

"I'm happy to finally see you out of the hospital wing." Lenalee said smiling.

"I'm glad too.  I was getting tired of looking at the same surroundings for the past four days."

"So were we." muttered Lavi, who was promptly scolded by the girl.

"I'm just glad you are ok." stated Eaze as he dug into the last piece of cake.  "I was so scared when you didn't wake up."

Tyki  pulled the boy into his lap with his good arm.  "Hey, I'm here right now aren't I?"  Eaze nodded.  "Then you can see I'm fine.  An injury like that wouldn't kill me."

"It would kill a normal human." Lavi mused.  "You need to remember you're not a Noah anymore so you aren't as 'durable' as you once were."  Tyki just laughed.

"Yeah." agreed Allen softly, a small smile set on his face.  Catching Allen's eye, Tyki moved to place his hand on the boy's, but Allen moved it at the last second.

"So, I heard you two are going out," announced Tyki, turning to look at his friends.  "Am I right?" Lenalee blushed and looked the other way.

"Yeah we're going out." answered Lavi, placing an arm around the girl.  "Though
I'm under the impression that while Komui said he approves of us, he's still stalking me in the hallways.  I feel like I'm constantly being watched!"

"That's because you probably are.  I wouldn't be surprised if you woke up one night with Komui leaning over you." said Eaze smugly.  Lavi seemed to shutter at the idea.

"Don't give Komui any ideas." Tyki laughed, enjoying Lavi's reaction.

"Well did you know you aren't the only two going out in the-"

"Does anyone want more food?" Allen interrupted, cutting Tyki off mid-sentence.  "I think I'll go ask Jerry to make us another pie or two.  Tyki you want to come?"  The tone in Allen's voice told Tyki it wasn't an option.

"Sure."

"Hey Allen while you're at it can you have Jerry make some cookies?  I love his chocolate chip cookies!"  Allen nodded.

"Oi Allen, where exactly are we going?" asked Tyki as soon as they were out of the room. Allen didn't turn around.

"I...I just need to talk to you alone for a few minutes."  Tyki blinked, then smiled.

"I know just the place."

*******************************************************************************************

There were flowers everywhere.  Roses, Larkspurs, Pansies, Begonias, Chrysanthemum's, there was no place the flowers hadn't been.  Flower petals were scattered across the ground, giving off a multitude of sweet smells.  A small path cut through the garden, leading to a small courtyard.  At the center was a fountain protected by angels.  A few sitting benches were provided for visitors, along with a few stone statures.  A large hedge hid the whole garden.

"They're beautiful, aren't they?  The flowers?" spoke Tyki softly, looking over the garden.  "I've only been here once, but I'm glad I managed to find my way back here."  He heard Allen smile.

" I haven't been back here in a long time.  I almost forgot it existed."

"So, what did you want to talk about in private?"  Allen stopped, turning to look at a grove of Anemones.

"Well, I wanted to talk about your…behavior at the party."  Tyki blinked, looking confused.

"What?  I'm not allowed to hold your hand?  Or tell them we're going out?"  Allen paused to pick at the plant.

"I would just prefer to keep it a secret for now."  Tyki smiled and reached into a bush, pushing past leave to reveal a Lilac.

"I don't think we should have to hide it.  Love is never wrong."  Allen seemed to blush at the word "love."  "Besides, wouldn't it be easier for us if everyone knew?"  Allen stared at the flower for a moment, his eyes taking in is beauty.  Sighing, Allen pushed the flower aside to reveal a grove of Lavender.

"No.  If our friends knew about us, things might get…complicated."  Tyki sighed.  He knew it would be useless to argue.

"All right." said Tyki, moving close to the boy.  "If you want to keep it a secret for now, we can."  Allen noticed how close Tyki's face was getting.  Before the boy had time to react, Tyki placed a soft kiss on his lips.  Allen's blush rivaled the red roses in the garden.

Tyki pulled away and looked up.  "But we have to tell them sooner or later.  Or do you want them to find out on their own?"

"We'll tell them eventually, but I'm still trying to get used to it." said Allen nervously looking away.  Tyki just laughed and pulled the boy into a one-armed hug.

"Oh you'll get used to-" Suddenly Tyki caught movement out of the corner of his eye.  Turning, Tyki's face paled.  Staring at him from behind a bush of Rhododendrons, was an Akuma's grinning face.  Catching Tyki's gaze, the Akuma slowly raised a claw to its mouth.

"Tyki?" Allen asked, trying to follow the man's gaze.  "What's wrong?"  Tyki's head snapped back to look at the boy.

"Nothing.  I just thought I saw something.  Anyway, you'd better get back to the party.  Everyone probably wondering where you've gone."  Allen blinked.

"Aren't you coming with me?"

"Yeah, I'll follow in a minute.  I just want to check something out."  The white-haired teen seemed a little startled at the man's change of attitude, but dismissed it.

"Alright, I'll see you in the cafeteria."

*******************************************************************************************

"What are you doing here Akuma." mumbled Tyki as soon as Allen was gone.  The Akuma was certainly different from what Tyki was used to seeing.  All over it's body were flowers and small plants.  The creature looked to be composed of only vines and roots.  Its skin really helped it bend in with the surroundings.  The Akuma grinned.

"I've come with a message from Road-sama."

"I already told her, I don't want any more to do with the Noah or the Earl."

"Road-sama has already told the Earl about you losing your powers and becoming an Exorcist.  Earl-sama was not too pleased, and wants you to return immediately."

"So, how is this any different from what I have heard so far?"  yawned Tyki, a bored expression evident on his face.

"Road-sama wants to offer you one last chance to come back to the Noah hideout without consequence.  She said that the Earl was very interested to hear that you have become compatible with Innocence and wishes to study you."

"Well, would you tell Road that I once again, politely decline her offer." replied Tyki, walking over to examine another grove of Rhododendrons.  The Akuma grinned.

"Oh I will tell her, along with details of what I have seen here tonight."  Tyki froze, his face paling for the second time that night.

"What?"

The sneer in the Akuma's voice was thick.  "I saw you and that Exorcist brat.  I know-"

"Innocence Activate!" yelled the man, pulling his bad arm from its sling.  A sharp pain ran through his limb at the sudden movement.  Damn why did my left arm have to get hurt?

"Are you really going to fight me Tyki-sama?" teased the Akuma, seeming to raise an eyebrow.  But already the creature was getting ready for battle.  Slowly all of the plants on its body seemed to change.  Tyki watched as the flowers were replaced by deadly looking mushrooms and other poisonous plants.  "I don't think you could even fight a child at this state."

"Shut up!" shouted Tyki.  "Judgment!"  A thousand black needles descended from the sky, filling the ground with holes.  A few hit the Akuma, causing the machine to cry out in pain.  Got you!  Suddenly the air was filled with a sickly stench.  Coughing, Tyki looked to see the air had a green tint to it.  The man's eyes widened as he realized they were coming from the mushrooms he had hit with his attack.  The Akuma grinned.

"It seems you've realized your mistake.  The more you hurt me, the more poisonous gas is released into the air."  Damn!

"Deny!" A black ball seemed to envelop the man, sealing in pure air.  For the time being, Tyki could breathe, but he wasn't sure how long he could keep it up.

"Ha, a shield isn't going to keep you safe.  My poison can seep through anything."

"Judgment!" Tyki cried, pointing his finders at the Akuma.  His left arm screamed in pain as he released his attack.  The energy beams hit their mark, making the Level 2 howl in pain.

"You will pay fir that, Tyki-sama!" The creature shouted, pointing his own arm at the black sphere.  Release!"  A wave of gas collided with the shield, almost knocking Tyki off his feet.  "Decay!" screeched the Akuma.  At first nothing happened, but as time passed Tyki could see the gas was eating away at his shield.  It wouldn't be long until they reached him.

Use Cleanse! Shouted his mind.  This could be over in seconds if you do!

No, I can't use that.  I don't have enough power.

But if you don't you'll die!

But I can't!  My right arm will be fine, but my left won't be able to handle it!

Is your arm really that important?  It'll just take longer to heal!

But what if it doesn't?  I already took a risk using Judgment.  I can't take another chance.

But what will happen to Allen?

"Oh damn this!" shouted the man, raising his arm once more.

"CLEANSE!"  he shouted with all his might.  A white ball appeared within the Akuma, consuming the creature in pure light.  The machine let out one more screech before finally letting go, a ball of flame erupting where it once stood.  Suddenly the air was cleared, and Tyki finally came out of hiding.  The pain in his left arm was almost unbearable.  Blood was running down the limb from where the stitching had come undone.

"Tyki!" came a voice from outside the garden.  Crap! If she sees the mess… Running out of the garden Tyki saw Lenalee coming towards him.  "Why are you still down here?  Allen thought- what happened to your arm?!?" she shouted, running over to examine it.

"Nothing." said Tyki , trying to look normal.  "I just scraped it against one of the sharp plants."

"Sharp plant?"

"Yeah, I was trying to get something for Allen and I fell into the bush.  It's nothing you should worry about." replied Tyki smiling.  Lenalee seemed unsure.

"I had better get going.  It's getting late."  Before Lenalee could reply Tyki was off, his injured arm hanging limp by his side.

What happened to him?  Thought Lenalee, waking into the garden.  What plant did he- Lenalee gasped.  The garden was in ruins.  Flowers once strong and healthy now lay limp in their beds.  Several looked as if they had been trampled on, and many no longer had any petals.  A small fire was burning in one of the bushed, having already burnt several more to the ground.

"What happened here?" she cried, surveying the damage.  "Tyki!"  she shouted, running after the man.  "Tyki what-?"

"Don't tell anyone." Muttered Tyki, cutting off the girl's sentence.  "Please, don't tell anyone."  Lenalee was silent, a thousand thoughts flying in her head.

"Fine." She muttered at last, turning away from the man.  "I won't ask any questions, but if something else happens, you have to let us know immediately."  Tyki said nothing, only continued on to the building.

Lenalee watched in silence as the man faded from her view.  Walking back to the garden, she put out the fire with a bucket of water.  It was going to take a long time to explain the mess to her brother, or rather come up with an explanation.  A purple object caught her gaze as she was cleaning up.  Looking at the ground, Lenalee saw a Crocus flower lying flattened and charred on the ground.