A soft sobbing was heard on a graveyard. The night was dark but lanterns placed on the graves were lighting up the graves, revealing the names. There in front of a grave of one 'Mana Allen' was a boy with white hair crying. His breathing was uneven between sobs. His knees were all muddy from sitting on the ground, his hands were moist from wiping away the tears.
"Good evening little boy," was a eery greeting coming from a weirdly round man with the largest grin the boy had ever seen. The hollow gaze behind the glasses intrigued him, as if something familiar was pulling him towards the man.
''Good evening…'' he replied carefully after consideration.
''May I ask for your name?'' the man asked him.
The boy swallowed and nodded. ''Allen Walker sir.''
Road was walking through the Noah mansion, her step light and playful. Her feet were currently taking her to see her pretend father - Cyril. Even if it was a pretense it was always wonderful to prepare for balls and having a family. A soft hymn was heard in her voice when she opened the study door.
''You wanted to see me father?'' she asked cheerfully before she actually looked inside the room. What met her was the Millenium Earl and Cyril both sitting tensely in the room accompanied by a small boy with white hair.
Examining Cyrils expression Road noticed slight distaste in his face. ''Welcome Road, we have things to discuss,'' he stated simply, his voice serious.
The child seemed slightly unnerved and cautious towards the older Noah. Even as he was standing next to the Earl he seemed to cover behind the chair. ''Who is this? A new doll?!'' Road giggled excitedly and ran towards Allen, who immediately took a step back.
''This boy is not to be harmed my sweet Road,'' Earl said strictly, stopping Road in her excitement. Making her leave Allen alone for now. Earl took the silence as understanding and then continued speaking, ''this here is Allen Walker and he will be living here together with you two as your son Cyril and your brother Road.''
At the mention of Allen's last name Road's eyes shot open for a slight second but she masked it quickly. It was Nea's human last name. Deep in her stomach there was a slight sinking feeling, but it made her understand why the boy was there.
Cyril straightened his back in slight shock. A human living with them? This was unheard of, ''can I intrigue why have you decided to grace us with this humans presence… and the fact that I can sense Innocence on him.''
Road smiled and approached Allen again, this time more cautiously. She kneeled down next to Allen and looked at him in the eyes. ''Millenie… Why is his eyes so empty? What happened?''
With a low toned chuckle the Millenium Earl continued, ''so many questions… First of all, yes he bears innocence with him and I met this boy when I felt a pull like I always do when I am able to create more demons. I was greeted by him at a graveyard.''
A heavy silence fell to the room. Neither of the Noah's didn't know what was appropriate to comment so they let the silence talk for them. Road had gotten up and sat on the handrest on Cyril's chair. ''I of course turned his loved one into a demon, but then he defeated it and so his eye earned the marking you see now. He has the gift to see a demon's soul - tortured.''
There the Earl stopped, his glasses shined in the dimly lit room. Road and Cyril both knew that he was thinking. ''Then I decided to bring him here, there is something about him that made me want to…'' then his sentence stopped abruptly and Road and Cyril both knew not to question further. ''Nonetheless I want you two to care for him like he is family - one of the Noah's.''
''What of his innocence? Will it pose a threat to us?'' Cyril questioned cautiously, feeling onguard with the Earl. It wasn't the first time the man was being vague but this time it was something deeper, something they weren't supposed to know about.
Allen gripped his left hand tightly. ''I won't hurt you, not when you are opening up your home to me.'' It was a quiet sentence, but it made Cyril realise that this child wasn't a threat even if he was carrying a piece of his biggest weakness in him.
Then Road jumped up from sitting and walked to Allen and curled her arms softly around him, ''you are home now.''
At the graveyard was a man with long red hair and an eye patch standing in front of the familiar grave. His cigarette was burning it's last breath as he watched the name on the grave with a slightly irritated gaze. ''I was too late…'' his words got taken by the wind.
With an odd confidence he turned his back to the grave and walked away, lighting a new cigarette. Only thought in his head was where had the kid gone, when he was supposed to be stranded completely alone.
Allen was breathing in the chilly winter wind and gazing upon the town. It had been three years from that fateful night at the graveyard. His heart still cherished the memory of Mana, but he had begun despising the people that had brought Mana all that sadness. All that struggle. He pushed the thoughts away and checked what the time was.
It was six in the evening - he really should head back home, but his gaze lingered on the town and it's soft lights. The town was the closest to the Noah mansion, it wasn't too large or too small. It reminded Allen of his past in the circus, always traveling through towns like this one.
Being the five year anniversary of Mana's death he had decided to come to that hill overlooking the town - to honor his memory. At home the Earl had told him to not to talk about his adoptive father or his last name, which was promptly named to Kamelot for anyone that asked. He ran his hand through his hair, he had tried dyeing it black one day so he would fit in with the others but the color just never stuck. The stark white blended in with the soft snowfall.
''Boy, I was looking for you,'' he heard a call from behind him. Without turning his head he knew who it was.
''Uncle Tyki, have I missed on our training time?'' Allen said back with a slight tease in his voice. Not long after he had joined the Noah mansion the Earl had ordered Tyki to train him in fighting every other day. First it had shocked him as a child - Tyki never really went easy on him.
''Asking me that when you fully well know that we were supposed to meet up an hour ago,'' the older Noah noted. His hand ran through his hair, ''Road was already telling me that I have been going to harsh on you while training.''
Allen laughed a little bit on that. Road had been extremely protective of him since the beginning, apart from the slight wariness he had sensed on the initial meeting. Allen couldn't blame her for that wariness.
Indeed he had heard the story of the fourteenth Noah. His adoptive fathers brother - the one that betrayed the Noah family. During the years he still hadn't made up his mind on the fact that he had never known about it until the Earl told him. From his perspective his meeting with the Earl was meant to happen and he didn't blame him for turning Mana to a demon. He was only acting on what he was made to do.
If the Noah are the true Apostles of God and not exorcists - like Road is saying, Allen doesn't see any fault with only acting on how nature made them. ''I'm sorry, I got lost in my thoughts and seemed to have lost track of time,'' he laughed it away.
''Boy, I know you are easy to get lost but getting lost in your head… Your mind is a piece of work,'' Tyki sighed and sat next to Allen on the ground.
''Does that mean we aren't going to train today?'' Allen questioned as Tyki relaxed a bit more and slightly slouched.
''Indeed, I rather take in the pleasure of watching over this town with you than sweat and beat you up… even though that is amusing as well,'' Tyki said with a slight grin. All he received was a small smile from Allen who then turned his head back towards the town. The wind was picking up and caressed his skin.
Then they sat there for a good while, just basking on the evening lights. It was soon that Allen was sent to missions to help out the family. It had been his decision to take on the responsibility. His gaze turned to his hand and the innocence embed on the back of his hand. He had been warned of the possibility of becoming a Fallen one, but that didn't frighten him at all. It was like there was a certainty inside him that his innocence wouldn't judge him unworthy.
I'm going to keep on walking, he thought decisively and clenched his fist. It was his resolve and his path.
Tyki was watching the boy from the corner of his eye. In the years he had known he had noticed how the boy had grown from the frightened and shattered child to a more stable minded adult. A slight laugh rang in his head, the boy wasn't stable minded. He was a Noah, maybe not physically but fully in his mind.
''Worried?'' was the simple question he posed the boy.
''No, not the least bit,'' he said confidently, his gaze still on his red hand. The symbol of the people of he hated.
Exorcists. He didn't necessarily hate them, but he disliked the fact that they were messing with the order of the world. But maybe it was natural that they were fighting - all eternal, never one side winning. A slight twitch was on the corner of his mouth.
He wanted to changed that, he wanted the world to be renewed. All the filth cleansed. His mind wandered to the circus and how now he knew that the Earl had ordered the attack on them. It felt so freeing but at the same time he felt mad. Wishing it had been him.
There was darkness inside him, that was slowly creeping up and he accepted that.
The next day Allen was dressed up in a black formal shirt and pants, on his collar was a red kravat, causing a stark contrast with his white hair and eye marking. On his left hand was a red glove to hide his red hand.
It was his birthday celebration. First there was a ball within the mansion with politicians and so he was expected to be on his best behaviour. During the years he had taken classes with a hired tutor how he should act around politicians and how to dance accordingly. Everything to proper manners to reading your conversation partner.
It was what Allen excelled in. He may have been clumsy socially when he joined the Noah household but it was soon remedied. Cyril often said he wouldn't have a bumbling person as a son, no matter where he came from. It was all about the public image.
Allen walked out of his room and to the ballroom downstairs. In there he saw the guests gathering around him immediately, revealing in him appearing down the stairs. His eyes travelled the to maids - this time they weren't demons. It was all to secure that Allen's eye didn't activate in the middle of the ball and posing the interest of snoopy politicians.
''Ah Allen, happy birthday my son,'' Cyril greeted him first. Allen nodded courtly, ''thank you father.''
Without any warning Road jumped out of the crowd and hugged Allen, ''you have grown so old Allen. What are you… fifteen? Still as adorable as ever.''
Cyril seemed to be booming from happiness even though he wasn't showing it. Allen was sure if they were in somewhere private the man would be giving him a hug as well. Even though he despised Allen in the beginning the man was loyal to the Earl's wishes and grew to see as Allen as part of the family. ''Now my daughter you need to let Allen go and enjoy his party, there is people that wish to talk to him,'' Cyril stated.
Road pouted, but didn't argue. Even though she seemed childish most times she had a mature brain under the act she put on. Allen then walked to the party with Cyril on his side and started greeting the quests.
The hours passed and Allen had found himself talking to the undersecretary to Cyril. She was an older lady that was almost as interesting as a fly basking in the sun. Even if he wished he could be anywhere other than there he kept up his smiling face towards the woman. From the corner of his eye he saw the familiar raven locks of Tyki and Allen was actually shocked. The man never appeared in these kind of social gatherings. ''Excuse me, I realised I am needed in the kitchen,'' Allen stated to the woman and walked off without hearing her answer.
His step took him closer to Tyki, ''run away before father finds you and tries to set you up with a girl. From what I have seen today - they are all tired housewives with a stick up their ass.''
A slight laugh escaped Tykis lips at the remark. ''I have come to take you away from here actually. To your real birthday party boy.'' While he was saying that his hand swept slightly on Allen's tie.
''Oh thank god, I was already scared that this was all I am getting,'' Allen relaxed his shoulders slightly in relief. His earlier mask almost dropping away, gone was the friendly smile and instead there was a cunning expression. ''Lead the way.''
''Come now boy, it was obvious that this was a special birthday. It's your first taste,'' Tyki said with a deep undertone to his voice. Without further ado the two left the hall and headed towards the back of building where Road's door was waiting for them. They entered the Ark and Allen felt like it was a breath of fresh air.
He had always felt comfortable inside the Ark, his body just felt in tune with it. ''Come, the others are waiting for us.''
Allen followed Tyki to the dining hall where there was a feast waiting for them and the whole Noah family.
''Happy birthday Allen!'' they all cheered at the same time when Allen walked in - well expect Skinn Bolic. But Allen knew he was happy for him in his own way. There was a sense of warmth in his chest that filled him up right then.
''Thank you everyone,'' he said and sat on his seat in the table. Tyki sat right next to him and Cyril. Road was sitting at the other side of Allen. Allen looked at Cyril who seemed like he was tearing up. There was a whispers of how proud he was of his son and daughter. It all turned into a mumble after a while.
The demon maids were standing at the corners of the room and so Allen's eye activated and he saw the souls. After the initial shock of seeing the soul the first time as a child Allen had come to find an eerie beauty in the tortured soul. Ghastly in death.
''Now that we have our dear Allen here, let's start eating shall we!'' the Earl announced and then the whole Noah family started dining. Both of Jasdevi was surprisingly energetic - even more than normal. Allen had grown used to their idiocy and over the top looks.
On the other side of the spectrum was Lulubell eating poised and in silence. Allen had found himself talking to Lulu a few times in the past, it was all business talk and never leisure. She was mostly out on missions so he didn't see her that much.
Allen was pulled out of his musings as his stomach growled and he realised he hadn't eaten in a few hours. Thankfully there was a huge amount of food prepared in front of him. No one dared to interrupt him as he finished his meal. At the end when everyone was finished eating and Skinn Bolic had destroyed at least one Akuma, Millenium Earl got up from his chair and stood up at the end of the table. ''Now, it's been five years since I decided to adopt Allen into our family. From tomorrow onwards you will be taking on your own missions, of course… your innocence has been a concern to us. But I asked our lovely Road to investigate will you really become a Fallen one should you turn on humans.''
At that mention Road shot up from her chair and slammed her hands on the table excitedly. ''I went into Allen's dream one night and I discovered that his innocence has a conscious being. I was quite surprised when I found her. I asked her about how she feels about your involvement with us and she told me she will aid you in the path you have chosen.''
Allen seemed confused, ''my innocence has a conscious form?''
Road nodded, ''yeah! You are our special child so of course you have a special innocence. She didn't really explain it though… But apparently she is really in tune with you.'' Her tone was jumpy and full of energy. This let out a slight weight out from Allen's shoulders he didn't realise existed.
He can act freely.
A soft chuckle escaped his lips. ''This is brilliant Road!'' he cheered and grabbed Road and hugged her. This actually surprised Road that wasn't used to Allen initiating the hugs. At the corner of her eye she saw a weird glint in Tyki's eye at the closeness of the two.
The Earl interrupted the two, ''now that we are sure of Allen's safety we can move on to your birthday gift.''
Allen cocked his head to the side to question the Earl slightly. Wasn't that already enough, the information that he was safe.
''In the next room is a group of humans that you might be extremely interested in my dear Allen,'' the Earl informed and then Road rushed to the door with Allen in tow. Tyki slowly walked behind them and the other Noah joined them later. The Earl joined last.
In the room were five people, all tied down and bags over their heads. Allen didn't say anything and instead waited for the explanation. ''These five people are some of the lowest of humans can be. Tyki and Road have been gathering them up in the last month,'' the Earl explained.
Now then Tyki continued, ''first is Christoff Anders. He is a pastor at a church in a small town in Germany. While he is doing that he is using the pretense of a priest to 'aid' other not so fortunate townspeople by offering money for… not so moral acts.'' He took the bag of the man's head. Revealing his gagged mouth and angry expression.
''Second, Lily Stefan. Rans an orphanage not quite far from here. While she is running that she is selling some of the children to a human trafficking brokers.'' Once more a bag taken out. ''Third, Harry Gold…''
''A politician in Turkey. Supposed to be running for prime minister right now. There were rumors of him funding his campaign through illegal means, most signs lead to illegal brothels and gambling,'' Allen filled out the blanks and Tyki nodded and pulled the bag out of the man's head. Revealing a balding head.
''Surprised you know so much of him boy,'' Tyki stated.
Allen coughed, ''I had some people keeping tabs on him… he was a person of interest to me.''
''Well then… moving on. Fourth, really with this we just couldn't find anyone as despicable but he is a loan shark. Good enough, don't even know his name,'' Tyki admitted and pulled the bag out. ''For the fifth one you is someone you might recognize from the nearby village you enjoy looking at. He enjoys stalking women and men down the street and rape them.''
Tyki ripped the bag out of his head this time more violently. ''Can't blame him for indulging in his pleasures. Most of his victims do die and generate a lot of demon's for us to generate.''
''So… why have you gathered all these people here?'' Allen questioned his eyes not even sparing a hint of pity for the humans.
''They are for you to kill Allen. It's sort of a ritual for you to be prepared for the future and what it holds,'' Road said with a slight giggle. Her eyes were searching for any uncertainty in Allen's expression.
Earl laughed his laugh and walked to the door, ''I hope you enjoy Allen, I am returning back to my work now.'' He exited the room and Lulubell joined him. Skinn Bolic as well exited the room - maybe he was wanting something more sweet or he just didn't enjoy watching the killing if he couldn't join in.
Cyril was standing at the corner of the room, extreme disgust towards the humans but his eyes were inspecting Allen as well as Roads. Jasdevi at some point had already left during the explanation, their attention wasn't enough to stay put. Allen figured Cyril only was there to make sure Allen made it through strong and without hesitation and if he did hesitate Cyril wanted to be the one to steel his resolve.
How fatherly.
Without missing anymore beats Allen took a deep breath and activated his innocence. The cloak draped over him. It had evolved a while ago for him when he was just tired of losing to Tyki, there was a rush of adrenaline that pulled him through.
His left hand raised up high up and he swiped it down on the first person. He could feel his claws ripping the man's flesh and naturally he was reduced to rips. Allen was slightly surprised how easy it was, to just take a life. But shockingly there was no regret, that man was trash of society.
Tyki and Road had stepped back when Allen had activated the innocence. They had been in awe when Allen had almost without care just struct the man down. ''It's… surprising how we humans are only holding on to life by so little and it can be taken away suddenly.''
The other people in the room were in slight shock at the action they had just most of them were expecting a slight moment for Allen to prepare for his first kill, but it was so smooth. Allen decided to revel in the panic he was gaining, but his eyes turned to his innocence. The blood was clashing beautifully against the white.
Ah… Gorgeous, he thought and then proceeded to the next person. The woman. This time he took the womans tied hand to his hand. She tried pulling her hand away but Allen kept his grip firmly on her. With a slight hesitancy Allen grabbed one of the fingers with his right hand and started pulling it backwards. Within a few seconds a loud crack was heard and the woman screamed out.
Allen let go of her hand and examined her reaction. Then he went on and took her arm and pushed his leg on it with a lot of force. New crack.
Slowly he proceeded to break most of her bones until he pushed down her neck. With silence he watched her take her last breath. A slight hmm escaped his throat. Tyki watched with piqued interest of what Allen was doing, it was almost as if an experiment.
''Can I have a knife?'' Allen asked and Road already had one ready for him.
Then he went on to the next victim. Slicing wounds all over his body, testing how long he could last. The room was filled with screams and the air of panic. Road seemed to sway in her legs while waiting for Allen to have his fun. When the third person was finally full of cuts Allen left him to lay on the ground.
Carefully he placed the knife on the ground. His eyes strained on the man. It felt like an eternity before the man's eyes went clear and he stopped breathing. When Allen seemed to be content with the results he moved closer to the fourth person.
Deactivating his innocence he hit the man with his bare fist. After the first blow Allen stared at his fist. It hurt less than hitting Tyki, softer. He hit once, twice more the man in the face. Then he took the knife back to his hand and removed the gag from the man. ''You… arg-'' he didn't manage to finish his sentence before Allen forced his mouth to open and he pulled his tongue out and sliced it out.
The man ended up choking on his own blood. Allen didn't even watch him die this time and quickly followed to the last man. Once more his innocence activated and he lightly lowered his hand on top of the man and pushed him on the ground. His left hand on his chest he started applying pressure.
Very slowly the man started having trouble breathing. His breathing was quick and queasy. Without blinking Allen watched the man's face as the panic was sinking in. All until his chest ripped open and he crushed his heart with it. ''Ah… So that is the amount of pressure you need…''
Tyki coughed at that sentence, ''now that you are finished with your… fun - if you could call it that. You used all of them as test subjects more than victims.''
''I wanted to know for future reference. Human skin is more softer than a Noah's and they need less power on them for them to break. They take long to bleed out completely. Choking seems… boring,'' he explained.
Road skipped over to Allen as he deactivate his innocence, leaving his red hand covered in blood. ''How did it feel Allen, taking away their life,'' Road questioned with a slight glee.
Allen looked down in thought. He knew he should feel remorse, guilty for taking a life before it was due to die. His eyes traveled to Cyril who was intently waiting for his response. ''Empty,'' he replied. ''There was just silence, as if a song ended.''
''Song?'' Cyril questioned from the corner.
Allen nodded, ''yeah. Their heart beat, breathing, screams. They created a song of their own and I was the one to end it. Not that any of them had enjoyable songs.''
Cyril approached Allen and put his hand on the boy's shoulder, ''I'm proud of you son. Know that and know our family will always be there to protect you.''
Allen gripped his father's hand with his own, ''thank you.''