Mugen was the first to wake of the group. She shook herself and paced a bit before nibbling at some grass. Timcanpy noticed the mare's movement and bounded over to her. Mugen snorted as Timcanpy fluttered over her head. At one point she nickers and the noise wakes Kanda.
"Mugen?" He groans upon stirring; though he does relax when he sees that there is no current danger. The mare neighs and gives her owner a headbutt and Kanda responses to her with a pat between the ears.
"You've been such a good girl." Kanda sighs but gives a small smile.
"Oh? Good morning." Allen stands and stretches himself out.
"So we've made it through the night." Kanda makes note as he also decides to stretch out.
"I'm sure the akuma are around. We can't hide from them forever." Allen pouts as he looks around.
"…What exactly are akuma anyway? I know you've called them demons, but I need more details." Kanda questions.
"Creatures mutated by the Noah. Such as the dead-eater butterfly, they usually start out as regular butterflies." Allen replies. Kanda nods in understanding, choosing to think on it in silence for a bit. Allen then moves about, laughing softly as he watches Mugen and Timcanpy interact.
"Say…do you think it's a good idea to bring Mugen along with us? I mean, I know she can take care of herself, but we'll be facing demons and monsters." Allen sighs and turns back to Kanda. "She has no armor, no gear, and I don't want to see her get hurt."
"And just what will happen if we leave her here? That's just as bad." Kanda growls.
"…There's the wisps, they can keep her safe. She can go to Lost Blossom Lake. It's a safe place and a memorable landmark for us both." Allen offers. Kanda just keeps frowning. He did not want to separate from his trusted steed, but he had to think of her safety.
"Could you ask her of her opinion on this?" Kanda figures it should be up to her as it is her life at risk in all this.
"Of course I can." Allen nods and trots up to Mugen. He walks a distance away with her to talk. Meanwhile Timcanpy comes back to stay at Kanda's shoulder. The long-haired man offers a palm to the wisp and it seems happy to jump to it.
"Kanda!" Allen calls out and quickly canters over.
"What?"
"She says she'll wait for us. Are you okay with that?" The centaur cautiously puts a hand on the other's shoulder. Mugen is soon to follow and she is sure to put her head over Kanda's other shoulder. Timcanpy moves over to Allen as Kanda pats Mugen on the neck. Not able to trust his words at the moment he gives a nod as his answer. And like that a blue path of flames erupts across the forrest floor; almost startling man and horse.
"The wisps will watch over her. Just like I said." Allen hums and gives Mugen a comforting nudge along her flank. The mare then slowly makes her way closer to the will-o-wisps. She takes a single look back to her owner and the centaur, making a neigh, then walks off, the wisps disappearing as she passes them.
"Now we can face the Noah with no complications yes?" Kanda asks practically through grit teeth.
"Yes." Allen nods. Timcanpy then whistles and falls to the ground. With even more whistles the wisp appears to be calling to be followed.
"Time for us to follow our own will-o-wisp." Allen hums as he walks to Timcanpy, "Oh, I do have to say something to you first."
"And that would be what Moyashi?" Kanda huffs.
"As a price to pay for splitting you and Mugen up I'm to offer if you'd like to…well , uh, let me carry you through the forrest. If any thing happens will already be together and I can run off without leaving you behind." Allen shies his head away as he makes his statement. Kanda makes a snort, as if holding in a laugh, but eventually let's it out.
"That's not funny!" Allen snaps. With only a shake of his head Kanda get's his laughter back under control.
"It's fine, I'll take you up on the offer. The faster we deal with this Noah problem the better."
"Y-Yeah, right." Allen scratches at his cheek, "So will you just, climb up? Or do I need to lower myself some?"
"You're short enough," Kanda snickers slightly, "I can hop on Mugen just fine and she's taller than you." Before Allen can retort Kanda gets up onto his back, giving hold to the cape.
"Ah!" The centaur squeaks at the new sensation.
"Hey, calm down Moyashi or we'll both get hurt." Kanda grunts as he tries to keep his balance.
"You could warn a guy Jerkanda!"
"What the fuck is did you just call me?"
"Jerkanda, that's what you are! You constantly call me by a nickname, it's time you get the same!"
"Do you want this sword through your throat Moyashi?"
"You forget who's back your currently on. And the name's Allen."
A shrill bird-like sound breaks the two from their argument.
"…Sorry Timcanpy." Allen is the first to give in and bow his head in shame.
"Let's get moving." Kanda grunts as he just keeps his head turned away. From here Allen just follows as Timcanpy weaves about the wooded landscape.
xxx
"Oh! Found them!" Road's voice sing-songs as she twirls in a seat. "I can't believe I'd ever lose sight of such a pretty coat like that."
"Took long enough." Tyki sighs as he stops his niece's chair as the sight was making him dizzy.
"It even seems they are heading right to us, we should totally set something up for them!" Road giggles as she starts to think up a plan.
"Shall I go speak to the Earl of this?" A woman with long blonde hair interrupts Road's thinking process.
"Could you Lulu? Thanks a bunch." Road then hums and turns so that she's in her chair backwards and leaning her chin against the backrest. The woman gives a bow before taking the form of a cat and running off.
"You know they are close to the wolves territory. We could have the twins invite our guests right over." Tyki smiles as he gives his idea out loud.
"Yeah, yeah, and we can go and grab some guests of our own. You know the ones, the redhead and the pigtail girl!" Road can't help but clap her hands together.
"Sounds perfect." Tyki's smile twists into that of a more sinister smirk.