Pure Colors

DGM

Chapter 25

Walker Road

General Cross stared blankly at the wall. With Judgement in his grasp, Cross twirled it around as his cigarette hung loosely from his lips-occasionally he would puff out some nasty fumes-but otherwise he didn't move. Many thoughts lingered, many of which consisted of the past and Allen Walker. He would sometimes laugh for the sheer pleasure of it as he reminisced and wonders about the current circumstances. What-if questions kept crossing his mind. Normally Cross wouldn't be one to ask about the second chances and possibilities that could occur, that could have happened, so it could be considered strange behavior on his part. Now, more than ever, he was thinking back to the days before he had joined the Black Order. Now, unlike before, he was thoroughly understanding the warnings he never cared to heed, and now... Well, he didn't know entirely if it were a bad thing he acted as stubborn and naïve as he did then, or a good thing. Even then, when he had been young and ignorant-not that he'd ever admit, of course-Cross had been very sharp, had strong instincts, high intellect, and was mostly understanding. It was always the Walkers that he never understood completely. It was always them that seemed so far out of reach until the last moment. It was the Walkers who stay in the shadows until the highest turn of events.

And it was now that Allen Walker has risen from the shadows completely. So Cross knew all too well what that meant. 'For two sides of this war that is bad, but to third side it is greatness. The third side which the Walkers started and the side that shall end it all. Allen, do you even comprehend your importance to this war? Growing up with the Noah, was it a good thing? Should I have gone to Mana's grave and taken you myself?' Cross exhaled a long, drawn-out sigh.

"This war is already nearing its end, Marian. Whether it be two months longer or twenty years, the end will come soon. We cannot let the Black Order nor the Noah win."

"Ha! And you care to stop both? How are you to do that, I wonder?"

"You don't see the meaning of my words, Marian, do you?"

"What do you propose, Mana? And you, Neah? Do you agree with your delusional brother?"

"Marian, you know of the Noah, because you know of me, and you know of the Black Order, also because of me, then you know of their war, granted I'm at fault for that, too. Who do you think should win?"

"I'm just a magician who could care less about it, Neah. I don't like work and being caught in the crossfire between the two will get me to use much more effort than I can afford to lose."

"Cross, sometimes I think you're a hopeless case... What about you Maria, what side do you think should win?"

"Neah, this argument is pointless. Needless to say, the Black Order has to win or the world will come to an end at the hands of the Noah and their leader. Frankly, I agree with Marian and wish to stay out of the crossfire. You play with fire, you get burned, and I'm not willing to stake my life for it. Victory on either side doesn't matter to me. I have my life to live, my path set before me, and I intend to do what I can, when I can, with the time I'm given. If the Black Order wins, great. If the Noah win the war, then so be it. My death will come when it comes, and I don't intend to become a lost soul in a war because of foolishness. I am no fool."

Cross chuckled lightly as he remembered the faces of the Walker brothers made then. He slammed his feet on the table, leaning back in his chair, as his eyes lit up. He poured himself a cup of expensive red wine. He'd prefer whiskey or beer, but the Black Order's guards that went to town to get some alcohol bought wine. So he was stuck with it. He could care less at the moment. Cross took a small sip, then let his head fall back and he stared at the ceiling.

"I agree with you. No point in getting burned, labeled a fool, and whatnot, but what if we were to control that fire? Burn them, save our asses, and stop the war before either one of the clashing sides can win."

"That's ridiculous!"

"Neah, you've spent too much time with your brother. You've become an idealist"

"Laugh it up you two! But when this war ends humanity will be lost no matter which side wins! That is why I'm suggesting a we create a third side and I trust you three above all others." Neah exclaimed.

"What Neah is trying to say is that there's a whole lot more to this war then what you see and more than what you hear. No one recognizes the dangers lurking on both sides. The Black Order has more than one objective in this war. It's not all about just winning it."

"Sometimes I think I never fully understood them. They were both crazy... But they were right." Cross whispered, closing his eyes. "Calamity will fall upon us all, and only Allen can decide the outcome. Everyone else must aid him on his journey, for not even Neah could help him, and if we don't act fast enough, the Noah will consume him completely and it will be too late and all of what we've done and have lost will have been for nothing. It all depends on Allen... and his decision." Cross rubbed face. "Look at me, I'm ranting to myself."

Komui gazed eerily at the phone as Reever insisted he take the call. It was bizarre, how Reever acted. When he picked up the phone (because Komui wouldn't 'cause he was too depressed over Lenalee being missing still and he indulged himself in his paperwork-high regards to him for actually working, he deserves a pat on the back-so Komui had ignored the consistent ringing. Whoever was calling was trying to get a hold of him for ten minutes before Reever stormed in the office and picked up the lousy phone.) Reever had dropped all the files he had in his hands and they created a huge mess on the-for once-clean floor. That gained Komui's attention and he actually glared at Reever for making the mess. He had been working so hard and finishing all his paperwork had gotten rid of 95 percent of the mess that had been stored in Komui's office-the other five percent were Komui's drills, books, old letters and other junk.

Reever also went through several reactions. First, he was surprised. Once the surprise was gone he looked confused and frustrated, then anger set in. After he got over te anger he turned curious and wary, but spun around and ran through the crowd of scientists and even pushed aside Kanda, Marie, and Miranda who had returned from a recent mission and were waiting to speak to Komui about the assignment. He slammed his hand on the desk and spent five minutes arguing with Komui to get him on the phone.

"God dammit, Komui, take the phone already! It's important!" Reever yelled.

"I'm working." Komui whispered, signing his name at the bottom of the paper before stacking it on top of a pillar of finished paperwork and reaching for another sheet in the need-to-finish-stack. "Tell whoever it is to call later, Section Leader Reever. I'm busy."

"But this is more important!"

"Not important enough. If it were that important someone would have come here in person."

Reever groaned, shocking everyone when he took Komui's sheet of paper and ripped it up, then pushing all stacks of paper on Komui's desk onto the floor. Komui looked up, pointed his pen at Reever, and glared at him, but when he saw the intense concern and urgency in Reever's eyes, he sighed and complied, taking the phone from Reever, mumbling something about Reever being out of control or something along those lines. No one really heard him.

"Hello?" Komui drawled dryly.

"Supervisor Komui?"

"Yes, this is him. And you?"

"I'm a finder-Toma. My group were heading back to Headquarters and were supposed to be there earlier today, but yesterday we... We found Lenalee Lee." Toma said softly, almost hesitantly.

Komui's eyes widened and he dropped his pen. He didn't know what to say at first and for several minutes contemplated on what to say in return. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he asked the question he never wanted to. "Dead... or alive?"

"Alive, sir." With that said, a large amount of pressure was released from his chest and he felt his eyes sting. "She's sleeping right now. We're at the hospital. The doctors say the majority of her injuries are nothing to worry about, but the most substantial damage is with her blood. She's receiving a transfusion because she lost a lot of blood apparently, but that's the main concern with her health. She'll live. However, there's someone else here. I don't know if he'll talk to you, but I think you might want to talk to him. He's going to leave very soon. I think he'll ditch us in the middle of the night tonight so...?"

Komui's eyebrows furrowed and his eyes slanted. Both in confusion and anger. He knew who Toma was referring to without having the finder tell him. Call it a gut feeling. "Is he there with you right now?"

"Yes."

"Please put him on."

"Yes, sir."

Silence, a very brief silence, filled the air. Then Komui could hear a steady breathing through the ear piece and Komui took a deep, calming breath. "This is Allen, right?"

A very soft, slightly unsettling, voice answer. "Yes, Komui. Don't worry, I'm no threat to your sister. I brought her to the hospital and told the finders about her. I assume you'll be here bright and early tomorrow morning to pick her up. The finder hadn't mention this, but we're only a boat ride away from your new HQ. It'll only be a few hours as long as the waters stay calm. And before you ask, no, this is not a trick. Lenalee is alive, there's no akuma here, no Noah, no planned ambush. Only me."

"Today's the second." Komui stated, looking at the very ticked Kanda. Perhaps he shouldn't have said Allen's name? Although Kanda wasn't the only one angry. Ever since Allen took Lenalee no one has been able to bit down their anger when someone mentions his name. By now, Komui has got the hint of what's going on. Half the staff ought to change their minds about Allen after they hear about this. No doubt Lenalee will defend him even more, too. "That means you reached your decision two days ago."

"I have. I chose my third option, Supervisor." Allen said quietly. Komui could hardly hear him.

"You never did explain that. What's your third option?"

For a good minute or so, Allen didn't answer, and when he did, Komui could almost feel the remorse and sadness emitting from his weak tone. He wondered how Allen looked. "I join neither side of the war and stay out of it. So I left the Noah."

Komui couldn't smile nor frown. Allen would be completely alone from now on. He would walk the streets by himself. What about the akuma? Would they leave Allen alone? And the Black Order would chase him down. If Komui doesn't give the orders to, then someone else will. There may not be many people with superiority over Komui, but the people that were would tell him to do so. Or if so many people disagree Komui will have no choice but to comply and order the exorcists to hunt him down and bring him in forcefully.

"Does this mean the Order should still consider you a threat, Allen Walker?" Komui inquired.

"I can't say... I'm looking for my answers. That is one of them. I know... No matter how long I run or hide... I know I'll be brought back into the war. Whether I stand with the Black Order when that time comes has yet to be decided. Until then, I suppose I am a threat. If you do-no-when you do stand in my way, and if I'm given no choice, I will kill any one of the Black Order if I deem it necessary."

"Then it would be your choice and not the Earl's if that happens." Komui whispered, though loud enough for everyone to hear.

"... Yes. I should go now."

"Wait!" Komui bellowed, hoping Allen doesn't hang up. When he heard a sigh he knew Allen chose to listen to whatever Komui had left to say. That still didn't mean he wouldn't hang up if Komi mentions something he doesn't want to hear. "I have to know Allen. Now that you've finally killed, how does it feel? Do you feel better now that you've had your revenge on that village? Do you feel pride? Are you happy with what you've done?"

"How did you know?" Allen demanded.

"Mei Ling had a premonition. Plus you killed a few of our exorcists when you took Lenalee. I have to know, Allen. Please answer my question. How do you feel now that you've taken the lives of humans?"

Again, silence passed. Now for a few short moments, but for a long time. Komui was too focused on listening to Allen's breathing to make sure he was still there to count the minutes. To make his final judgement about Allen he had to hear what Allen had to say about that. And when he finally replied, it was curt, quiet, and strained. "It was blissful... at first."

Allen handed the phone back to Toma and Komui listened to Toma's report on Lenalee and where they were. While he talked he could see the relieved expressions from the Black Order members. The news traveled fast. By time Komui hung the phone up several other exorcists had joined them. Komui then told them all about Lenalee, but left out the part about Allen and what he said for the time being. He would discuss this with the Generals to see what they think. After he received Lenalee. Eventually, though, he Bookman would find out and Lavi would, too. Lenalee is likely to tell everyone that Allen had some played a part in her return, but... The future for Allen and the Black Order was uncertain to say the least."

Allen stared at Lenalee as she slept. He caressed her cheek, his thumb brushing over the small cut. Some part of him found it hard to abandon her right there, but knew it was the right thing to do. He could see she was becoming attached to him. That became crystal clear in the month of December. Allen had also grown attached to Lenalee in some way and he knew that he'd meet her again. He also knew Road would probably reject all the facts and blame Lenalee for him choosing to leave. That sealed Lenalee's fate right there. He was sure Road would eventually find Lenalee. Both of them will end up battling each other until the other is dead or until both die. Road will break Lenalee and she'll die. Unless Lenalee becomes stronger, Road will kill her. Her physical ability won't be needed for Lenalee to fight Road. She needed to become stronger with her mind as well as her physical ability. Then, it also depends on what her Innocence does. It's been a month and she still couldn't activate her Dark Boots. Not since Edo.

As Allen sees it, Lenalee will die. Even if Road doesn't get to her, Lenalee would be broken far too easily. Lenalee was weaker than even Allen when it came to their mental ability. That is not hard to see. Yet, Allen hopes Lenalee lives. At least long enough for her to see his final decision. When that time comes. "I should go now... Before I get too close to you. I cannot accept your friendship, Lenalee, and for that I'm sorry. Our worlds are just too far apart. I thank you for what you've done for me, but it'd be best for us all if you forget about saving me. You probably can't hear me right now, but I'll say it anyways." Allen removed his hand from Lenalee's cheek and Lenalee twitched. "Thank you for all you've done and offered me... I hope one of the other Noah get to you before Road. It'll spare you... just about everything..."

Allen walked away. Far away. He left the hospital and the town that it sat in. He traveled a few towns over, but his mind remain blank, even as he let his eyes wander and observe all the happiness and sorrow around him. He kept to himself and wore a black coat to cover himself up. He pulled the hood up to conceal his eyes, scar, and hair in case he did happen to run into someone. Never once did he stop. That is, not until he reached a specific place. When he stopped it was at an all too familiar road. One that had spent countless nights tormenting Allen in dark nights. As twisted as it was, it was a light in the abyss Allen dwindled in. A fond memory he cherished yet despised. He had spent a week, maybe a month, in the meadows at the beginning of the road, also the entrance to the dinky town. It near the end of this road lie what set his fate five years ago. It was a little less than a quarter mile further back from that eerie place, surrounded by many buildings and houses, that ruined a man already crippled because of insanity and strange, childish quirks and the spot that put a large dent in Allen in multiple way.

That was also the spot Allen stood in the present. Funny, in a sick way to Allen, how his past and present combined and washed together when he stood there, eyeing the middle of the dirt road. The road was empty and the moon illuminated that road as if to mock Allen, to remind him of what happened there and it had all been Allen's fault for being so foolish. He never told anyone about it, this town, how Mana died, any of it, because he knew what his family would say. He could almost each each of the Noah talking to him in his head. Of course they would each tell him the message in a different way with a different choice of words.

You were just a kid Allen. You didn't know better. Don't blame yourself, it wasn't your fault. That would be the most subtle and cliché way to put it. That's how Tyki would put it. The twins, heh, they'd say: You were just a dumb kid. Yeah, dumb. Dumb, dumb, dumb dumb! Yeah, so forget about it. You're not that dumb anymore. They'd also get into a fight about it because Allen would have reacted in a way they didn't want and so they'd try to smooth it over and blame the other twin. Road would be like Tyki and say it sweetly as she hugged Allen, trying to soothe Allen and try her best to distract him. Earl would be like them. Sheryl would be way too overdramatic and add something about letting Sheryl be his father now or something. While Lulubell... she would be blunt. She'd say: It was your fault for not paying attention. However, that is to be expected from a child. They're not observant. Then it would also be Mana's fault for being foolish enough to jump in the way.

Nevertheless, no matter what anyone would say or how they put it, or how Allen tries to see it, Allen will always blame himself. He could never blame Mana for jumping in the way. Allen was old enough to know better than to walk in the road, especially without looking first. It also wasn't the carriage driver's fault. Actually, the driver had jumped out of the carriage, then chased it when the horse went berserk for some unknown reason. In the end, the results were the same.

Walking to the center of the road, feeling nervous and queasy as he approached the spot of his father's death. Image flickered before his vision and as he got on one knee, lowered his hands to the ground, he could see the blood and Mana's dying body. Of course none of that blood had ever reached Allen. He still saw the blood coming out of Mana's mouth and slipping through the cracks of broken wood. That was something a kid should have never seen. But Allen saw it. Then, and before that. More than ever, he saw it now. The blood the Noah and akuma spilled, and the blood Allen spilled. Sometimes, when he looked at his hands he could swear he saw blood sticking to them. Right now, though, he had a hard time standing it. The blood he saw on the ground was from the past and not real. It was just a memory. It was just his mind playing tricks on him.

Shakily, Allen stood up, inhaling a sharp breath. He staggered forward as he felt his stomach churn. He could see the hill from where he was. It was closer to that spot than he thought or he was just a little faster than Allen believed, because it didn't take long for Allen to arrive at the Mana's grave. The tree still looked just as dead and bare like it had before. He wished it had been spring so he could at least see some leaves, some life, on the tree, but this place was going to remain solemn and deathly. Nothing would change that, not even the seasons.

Allen got on both knees this time. His hands shook violently as he wiped the dirt of the words engraved on the tombstone. MANA WALKER-that's what was written and it stood out more than the small words lying beneath his name. Allen didn't read them when he was a child and he didn't want to now. They weren't Allen's words and they weren't Mana's. They were some stranger's and they shouldn't be there. So he refused to read it. To enforce that he kept the dirt and moss on the lower half of the stone. The black sky appeared blood red in Allen's eyes when he looked up. Red like the night fateful night that brought the Earl to young Allen Walker who spent Christmas Eve and Christmas mourning over the loss of his father while others stayed indoors celebrating or having fun. Even on Christmas the Millennium Earl continued his dirty work to offer to bring back the lost souls of loved ones. It was that one soul that Allen had brought back momentarily that forced Allen to leave the Noah, though.

When Allen thinks about it... Allen noticed how much stronger his feelings were for Mana than they were for the Noah. So he set out on to the place that had ended one connection and started another. Here now, at this very moment, it severed another connection and something new formed. From this day forth Allen would see the world in a different perspective and it would be this spot that started the new path Allen walked. This time he'll be walking away with Mana in his shadows and heart. But also with the Noah. During his new journey he would keep in mind what Mana would want for his son. Maybe he could discover something about his father that he hadn't known before. Like Mana's family. Who Neah Walker was. Anything. He hoped in the process this would help Allen find out who he was. Mana was a big part of his life and a big part of Allen, so he saw this as a big part of his journey. This wouldn't be the only thing he searched for. There would be questions he sought the answers to. He knew, though, Mana was centered around it. He knew it in his heart.

Allen stared at the tombstone for the most part of the night. He sat there, in the snow, hugging his knees. He sat there trying to weep, but no tears came. Instead he wallowed in the past and even in self-pity. He also sat there thinking about long lost memories. He sat there thinking about the Noah, especially Road. He kept the war and Black Order out of his mind. Often, he would say something to himself and to Mana's grave. When it started snowing it was morning and Allen didn't get a wink of sleep since he was stuck in his thoughts. His mind didn't even process that it had been many hours and the Black Order would likely be searching for Allen to see if he stuck close to the town Allen left Road in. Which he somewhat did. There was enough distance between him and that hospital. Allen made sure of it.

"Mana, I love you, and I miss you." Allen whispered, blinking, trying to keep his eyes open now that lack of one night's rest was getting to him. "Now more ever, I miss you."

"People will think you're crazy if they hear you talking to yourself." a voice said.

Allen patted the tombstone, standing up, and facing the person who spoke to him. It was an old lady. She was half Allen's size and her hair was a dark brown that was diminishing into a light gray color. She used a cane to help her walk as she came up the hill. Allen took a few steps back, making sure she wasn't an akuma. She wasn't. He noticed the grim look she had when she stood beside him and stared at Mana's grave. While she studied that, Allen studied her. Her dress was black with a purple layer of fabric circling around her neck. It was stitched to the dress. Naturally, the lady also wore a thick coat to keep her warm in this freezing weather. Although it was unbuttoned. Her hair was very long, proving she hadn't cut it in many years and some of it fell around her shoulders while the rest was held up. She wore two or three strings of beads in her hair, too. After so long she noticed his staring and he quickly averted his eyes, stuffing his hands in his pocket.

"This is the first time I've seen someone here at this man's grave. I rarely come to town, but when I do I always walk by this hill. Barba sometimes comes over here to place some flowers in front of it. He says it's too lonely and sad for the man." she said and Allen mentally noted at how her voice was distinctively cracked and hoarse.

"That's nice, but why would uh... Barba?" Allen waited for her confirmation before continuing. When she nodded and looked up at him, he went on. "Why would Barba do that for a person he didn't even know?"

"We've met him a few times in the past."

"You have?" Allen must have looked bewildered because she laughed at him and if the cold wasn't pinching his cheeks enough to make them pink, then they sure were pink now.

"Before his death we hadn't seen Mana for many, many years. He was a good man. I understand he had adopted a young boy as well. I presume that's you."

Allen must look pretty dumb with his mouth slightly open and the surprise freezing into his facial expression. Though his cheeks felt hot. He knew his face was red from embarrassment-although he had no idea why he was embarrassed-without having to look in a mirror. He fixed his composure and eyed her warily yet curiously. The warmth in his cheeks faded away and sadness etched into his eyes as a frown appeared. "Yes." He stared at the grave again and now that all the snow was off it, he could see some dry blood still on there. Amazing. It should have been washed away by now. He had to be imagining it. "Who are you?"

"I thought you'd be more polite being Mana's son and all. That's not how you ask someone their name." she chided.

Again, Allen had to look pretty dumb and hilarious because she laughed again. Even so, he corrected himself. "I'm sorry, ma'am. My name is-"

"Allen."

"How did you know that?"

"Mana loved that name. He often wished his name had been Allen. It's only natural he name his son Allen."

Well, that's new. "Really? Because I thought he named me after his dead dog cause he didn't want to take the effort to think of a better name."

Allen found himself smiling. A true, sincere smile. It was nice to know Mana actually named him Allen not just because his dog Allen had died when he came into Mana's life. Mother even seemed amused at the sarcastic remark. Allen started to like his name even more knowing that Mana thought it was special. Road always said Allen was the only name that would suit the white-haired boy though.

Allen looked at the old lady again and realized she was carrying a bag. Probably food or something for the house. Something small. He had no idea how he missed that before. "Well, you're right. My name is Allen. May I ask yours?"

"Everyone calls me Mother." she said, sighing. "You're still grieving Mana's death, aren't you, Allen?"

Allen was dumbfounded by the question. He didn't really react, but kept looking away from her as she tried to meet his eyes. Eventually he found the bag being placed in his arms and he still ended up looking at Mother. She already had her back turned and was walking away. Allen was confused. She walked away without saying anything and something told Allen he should follow. Maybe it was the paper bag.

"Excuse me, Mother, but where are you going?" Now that was just a dumb question he mentally added.

"Home. It's the next town over. Right down that path. If the snow comes down hard, then it'll take us an hour to get back. If not, we should get arrive no later than twenty minutes after you finally shuffle your feet. Come on now, I don't have all day to wait around for you." Mother said.

"We?" Allen asked. She only continued walking and Allen could already see the impatience she wielded. "We? What do you mean 'we'?"

"Exactly that! And don't drop that bag! I'll have your head if you do!" Mother yelled.

Allen nodded, then realized she wasn't looking at him. By now she was at the bottom of the hill and walking down the path. She was pretty fast for an old lady... Oddly enough, she freaking scared him. "Well? Don't stand there like an idiot, small fry! Get moving!" Mother barked.

Allen jumped, but ran as quickly as he could to catch up to her. His breath kept blocking his vision and he almost fell because of the snow and slush. She stopped and sent his a fiery glare when he managed to fall, but made sure to hold the bag above his head to keep himself from shuishing its contents. He was extremely cold and probably ice now. He could use some warmth to thaw out his body, but that look he sent her was not the heat he wanted. He carefully stood up, mumbled an apology, and walked beside her to her home.

"Mother?" he whispered, gulping nervously and smiling weakly.

"What is it?"

"If you don't mind my asking, why am I carrying you grocery bag?"

"It's only right for you to carry it for me."

"Because you're old?" Allen howled when her cane hit his back and whacked his head. Then she stood in front of him and slammed the bottom of the cane on his toe.

"Because I'm a woman and you're a man. It's only natural for a real man, especially a gentleman, to carry a bag for a young lady. I still got many years left in my life! Don't you dare call me old again, understand?" Mother scolded.

"Yes, ma'am! Sor-sorry! I didn't... I mean... Sorry." Allen whimpered.

For the rest of the trip Allen made sure to not ask another question. In the back of his mind he kept telling himself never to let the word old escape his lips ever again. True enough, he should've known better. When they got to a fairly large town he admired his surroundings. It actually wasn't that big, but the hospital and all other buildings were huge that it seemed big. Mother lived on the far side of the town and when they got to the stone fence a very tall man with rosy cheeks, a straw hat, and goofy smile came outside. Allen's body was numb from the cold and he wondered if Mother felt the same.

"Mother, you're back! I was getting worried you'd get stuck in the storm. Oh, who's this?" the man, Barba-Allen guessed-said with deep concern.

"This is Allen. You do can get acquainted inside, Barba."

Barba practically dragged Allen inside. Allen was so confused as to why he was there, but allowed himself to be brought into their small, comfy, cozy, pleasantly warm home. He could feel the ice covering his skin crack and melt away as the heat embraced his body, but he was still cold because of his clothes. Forgetting about why he had it up, he pushed his hood down and Barba took the bag from his hands. For a while Allen was ordered around about not tracking snow through the house and taking his shoes off and a whole lot more before he actually managed to get ushered to a table. It was in the kitchen and Allen spent a few minutes studying it before he stared at the table blankly, rubbing his arms and hands. By the way, Barba had also ushered his coat off and happily hung it up on a rack.

"Here, you must be hungry." Barba said cheerfully as he placed a plate full of warm breakfast goods. "I sure wasn't expecting any guests today, but I'm glad I made extras. Go ahead, dig in."

"Erm, you sure?" Allen asked.

"Yes, of course! What kind of person would I be if I let you starve! Look at you, you're so thin! Do you eat enough?" Barba asked as he sat down beside Mother.

Allen softly laughed as he picked up a fork and took a small bite of the warm sausage. It was so delicious. "I eat enough... to satisfy a 40 kings and their armies." he said, whispering the last part to himself.

"When he's done eating, please take Allen to the guest room, Barba." Mother said.

"Guest room? Ma'am... uh... Mother, I can't stay. I have to-"

"Sleep. There's no way you slept in that blistering cold. Just by looking at you I can tell you haven't had much sleep in the last week and I know you were outside all night since you were covered in ice when I met you. You eat and sleep first, then we'll talk." Mother ordered.

"Yes... Mother."

Allen bit his tongue, too afraid to say anything else. He didn't want to argue and he didn't want to be whacked again. It wasn't at all what he was expecting, but he'll have to accept it for now. He really did need sleep and he almost did fall asleep eating. No, he definitely had to eat first. So when he finished he actually fell asleep in his chair! Mother and Barba were more amused than angry. How could they be angry?

It's been almost a month since my last update. So sorry. I was trying to figure out how to write this new chapter. Sorry if there's any mistakes. I'll read through it soon and fix them if there any. Also, so sorry if I worried anyone about the status of Pure Colors. I hope this was fulfilling for everyone. Also, just in case, I thought I should mak note of this. My penname changed. It wsa Snow Moon Assailant and is now Snow Shadows. Just thought I'd mention that. Have a wonderful day and I'll update as soon as possible!