Red is, in fact, a slave. But this is never really elaborated on since everyone directs most of the blame for Allen's crappy childhood at Cosmos… I am a terrible person.
A blinding light enveloped the performers, catching on the various trinkets, though most of them were fake. Kanda, ten years of age and thoroughly unimpressed only really picked up on details like that; the gold buttons with stars were made from plastic, not solid metal. He 'tsked' and glanced once again towards the shadows, those hardly visible to most, but definitely there. Where there is light there is darkness. He glanced away just as quickly once his eye caught a lotus blossom among the darkness.
"Isn't this great?" Lenalee whispered, clapping gleefully and giggling as the clown before them performed numerous tricks. Despite all attempts to not be enveloped in the act, even Kanda could not resist the dog and the clown. The ruffled collar danced as the dog leaped and caught a golden ball. He smirked when the shiny-furred critter refused to give it back, causing the clown to pout. Lenalee's giggles increased. The rest of the act was just as entertaining and by the end even Kanda had laughed. Lenalee turned to smile at him.
"Wasn't that funny?" Her midnight twin tails bobbed about her face, casting the light from the center of the ring upon her. Kanda only sighed, bowing his head slightly to prevent her from seeing the edges of his lips reaching upwards. His normal glare returned when he thought of why they were truly there. Komui just wants to distract us, the Order hasn't been losing as badly as they were. Lenalee's clapping and cheers drew him back to the present. How can she be so ignorant. She turned, fidgeting to look him in the eye. Did I say that out- Her smile faded as she recognized the look he wore, one of determination, loathing. He wore that same look on their first mission together. Her own face took on a similar expression. No… She isn't ignorant, only pretending to be.
"We're here to have fun Kanda…" the whispered words were not lost on him, despite the roaring of the crowd around them. He opened his mouth to say something when the volume of the other onlookers drastically increased. They rose in unison, cheering and clapping and hollering as the performers came into the ring, bowed and exited. The two remained seated, silently staring. The bright lights of the circus faded as the audience shuffled from the tent, leaving the two with their thoughts of war.
"Hey" both jumped slightly at the voice, Lenalee's eyes widened, her lips softening into a smile while Kanda 'tsked'. Spiky haired Reever approached. They had been separated while looking for seats, having arrived late, the surprisingly popular circus was nearly full. Kanda and Lenalee agreed to share a seat while Reever sat higher up.
"A finder is on their way with a carriage now, but it will still be a bit before they arrive. We're going to spend the night in the city because of the storm." They both nodded slightly. Lenalee's gaze returned to the ground, Kanda's remained obscured. The man sighed before kneeling down. He spent a moment searching for words when Kanda jumped slightly in his seat. He rose quickly, groping for Mugen's handle.
"Kanda wha-" Lenalee's eyes widened at she rose too. Reever's turn to jump arrived a few minutes later when a loud crash echoed from the shadows. He stood scratching his head while the children remained in a pensive stance, eyeing the direction of the noise.
"What was that noise!" A demanding shout followed the crash.
"We should go wait outside" Reever grabbed the shoulders of the pair and guided them outside.
"What was that?" Lenalee asked, loud enough for Reever to hear, but with her head tilted towards Kanda. He, of course, refused to answer. Reever chose to instead.
"One of the performers must have dropped something." Kanda cast him a doubtful glance before speeding up so he was no longer guided.
"I hope everyone's okay…" Lenalee's voice was quiet, wistful as they entered the courtyard. Some of the performers had returned, dancing through the snow. A few were already passing out flyers for their performance tomorrow night. Kanda returned to Lenalee's side when one determined performer began bothering him. Lenalee had snapped at him earlier about yelling at others, so he furiously retreated, using her as a shield. She smiled at him regardless, preferring this to witnessing him commit a murder with Mugen. Reever sighed:
"They are a business after all."
"Tomorrow's Christmas right? Even we get to take a break, why don't they?" Lenalee looked expectantly at Reever. She was going through a phase, she had taken to constantly questioning things. Not to deliberately annoy, however Reever couldn't help but suspect Komui had gone through something similar and decided to blame him for it. Regardless he answered her the best he could.
"Well some people don't have enough money, so they have to work all the time. Even on Christmas" Lenalee's eyes glazed slightly in thought. She asked nothing else so he assumed she was satisfied. The trio waited, snow crunching beneath feet and the distant chatter of the crowd being the only breakers of silence. Until there was another one. A family rapidly approached, heading towards the coaches gathering on the edge of the square.
"Enough out of you, you're causing a scene!" A plump woman in a feathered hat and fluffy coat stormed past, dragging a child along with her. A man carrying a toddler bundled in blankets followed closely.
"Listen to your mum son, lying is wrong."
"But I'm not lying! There really is a monster over there! By the woods! There is a monster pretending to be a kid! I saw it! It was really gross! Ow!" He continued rambling as he was tugged along, then shoved into a carriage. The scolding parents slammed the door behind them and signaled to the driver. To most, the commotion would be a brief source of discussion and perhaps laughter, but Reever knew better. So did the two children he guided to a nearby tent. A few others were already inside, huddling in the lit tarp while awaiting their carriages. Others walked past, beginning to trekk home.
Kneeling to face Kanda, Reever asked, "is that what you sensed earlier? Is it an akuma?" He wouldn't be surprised, given the fact they were in a large city. The two were competent fighters, and combined could probably take down a Level 2. But that was uncertain, and if there was more than one… When no response was given he glanced at Lenalee.
"Maybe… It felt different though" She seemed uncertain now, shuffling her feet and glancing anxiously about the tent. Reever sighed. I should get a finder to investigate…
"Neither of you have to worry okay, it's probably nothing" Reever sounded all around unconvincing, none of them felt reassured.
The finder arrived later than expected. Most of the other attendees had left and the performers had long since vanished to their respective tents. Lenalee had fallen asleep, much to Kanda's protest, leaning against him. Reever suspected if the events from earlier had not transpired, Kanda would have accompanied Lenalee in slumber. Kanda shook her slightly when the finder appeared.
"Sorry I'm late, the storm is getting worse and no one has cleared the streets." He lead them to a black carriage, hardly visible through the darkness save the large cross on the side and the silver snow dancing about in stark contrast. Reever waited for the children to climb in before addressing the finder.
"Someone in the square said there was a monster pretending to kid. He himself was a child so it could be nothing but…" The finder nodded in understanding. His job required him to chase similar claims for months on end. Even though this too sounded like nothing, it was his duty to pursue the possibility of a lead. Whether the result was rumor, akuma, or the greatly desired Innocence.
"Sorry, this probably isn't how you wanted to spend your holiday" Reever sighed and stepped into the carriage.
"No, I'm glad I can help, this war is not going to win itself." The man's heavy coat 'swished' as he shut the door and mounted the carriage. Soon the four-wheeled transport lurched forward. The ride was indeed slow and bouncy as a result of the snow-packed streets. The circus had been on the outskirts of the city in a clearing beside a forest and the road was rather unkept to begin with. Numerous times, the carriage halted for a moment, allowing the horses an opportunity to gain better footing, before pressing onwards. The carriage halted once again, but instead of pressing on, the carriage door opened. The wind cruelly greeted the three passengers with its frigid air rushing in.
"Is something wrong?" Reever asked, stepping partially out.
"I think one of the performers got caught in the storm" was his loud reply. Reever stepped completely outside. The finder tugged him away from the door which he left open.
"It might be the kid you heard about…" Reever nodded and motioned the finder to show him the way. A faint barking was heard by the pair, no doubt what had originally caught the finder's attention. In the distance were two dark shadows, slowly becoming more distinct as they approached. The first was the dog, barking in the direction of the road, then nudging the second figure and whining. The second figure was a child, hunched over in the snow. Some had piled onto his back while he continued to try and stand. He fell again and the dog whimpered, nudging his shoulder. The dog barked at the pair directly and the child glanced up. His silver eyes widened then narrowed in suspicion.
The finder went to gently grabbed the dog's collar, which was made difficult by the ruffles lining it. The dog playfully dodged the man while continuing to bark. Reever knelt down beside the child, who scrambled slightly before falling back into the snow. His legs seemed to be fine, but they had sunken into a large drift and he couldn't get a good foothold to push off of. Reever reached out, grabbed the child's right arm and almost had to let go because of the frigid temperature. He kept his hand there however and pulled the child up. Reever glanced the child, the boy, up and down briefly. His hands were no doubt frozen, possibly too severely to move properly, which was why he was unable to use them to right himself. Other than that, he couldn't see any injuries… But through the thick snowflakes none of them could see much of anything.
"We need to head back and warm him up, quick!" Reever called to the finder. The dog had stilled when Reever pulled the child out of the snow, allowing the finder to latch onto his scruff. They set out on dragging the pair back to the carriage when the boy began struggling in protest.
"You need to get somewhere warm or you'll freeze to death" Reever scolded the child. Regardless, he managed to free himself for Reever's grasp and stumble back to the snow drift. He blew on his hand a few times before brushing it through the snow.
"If you get frostbite you could lose your hand, let's go" his eyes caught what the boy was looking for, a speckled yellow ball. The child looked up at Reever, his look near unreadable. He sighed, grabbed the ball, scooped up the child, slinging him over his shoulder and hurried back to the carriage. The boy made the trip exceedingly difficult with his constant struggles and protests to being carried. He had yet to actually speak, just squirm and yelp.
Reever carried him into the carriage and plopped him on the seat beside Lenalee. The dog hopped in after them, catching the ball Reever discarded so he could grab the blankets the finder handed him from his pack. The finder closed the door and rushed the horses back into action. Reever wrapped the blankets tightly around the shaking child as the carriage lurched forward. The boy flinched away when Reever began to vigorously rub his sides, attempting to force warmth into the small body. Unfortunately for the child, the blankets were wrapped too tightly around him to actually force Reever to stop. This was planned of course. Reever stopped as the redness from the child's cheeks faded slightly.
The boy glared at the floor, leaving Reever to scratch his head, rapidly filling with questions. Lenalee and Kanda both sat, unmoving and wide-eyed, uncertain of how to react to the sudden appearance of the boy. The four sat uncomfortably silent the rest of the ride. The dog sat contently by the strange child's feet, nudging the blankets occasionally in search of a hand to pet him, none was offered.
By the time they reached their destination, an expansive hotel easily swayed by the sign of the Rose Cross, everyone was worn out and baffled by the boy. Throughout the carriage ride, the boy had constantly shifted, anxiously moving the blankets. Apparently that action had been planned, for as soon as the carriage halted at the finder held open the door, the boy leaped, grabbing the ball and practically plowing over the unsuspecting finder. The dog barked, following the boy but in a delayed action, allowing the finder a chance to grab the dog by his scruff halting his retreat. A whimper escaped the mutt but he sat obediently by the man clutching his scruff. Reever jumped out, ahead of the other children, both of which were even more uncertain, as well as suspicious, than before.
"Where are you going?"
"You can't take that dog, it isn't yours" the boy's voice never wavered, his reply to Reever sharp and quick.
"Does he belong to you then?" The boy made a 'che' sound, causing Kanda's eyes to narrow and a faint grin to overcome Lenalee as she glanced at her comrade.
"As if" he mumbled before properly responding.
"He belongs to the circus." Reever paused for a moment.
"Then why were you two out in the woods? And during a snowstorm no less." The boy's fist tightened around the ball before he held it skywards.
"He stole this. I'm not gonna get in trouble cuz' of a random mutt." His voice was cold, but that did not extend to his eyes which appeared conflicted.
"Why would you-" Reever ceased his questioning as realization settled in. Whatever he had realized was lost on the others however, who remained confused and skeptical.
"You won't get in trouble. You can stay here for tonight, have dinner with us. We can go talk to the circus tomorrow." The boy's glare softened as he thought it over. His jaw tightened and he nodded slightly, relaxing his stance, which had previously been his right foot forward, right fist raised and left shoulder tucked behind him, a mockery of a fighting stance but worthy of the streets.
Reever nodded to the finder who released the dog and proceeded to guide the group to their room. The other guests at first drawn to them by the illustrious Rose Cross, soon turned their heads in scorn at the sight of the boy and the dog. They muttered about 'mutts' and 'trash', 'filth'. Reever placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and gently guided him forward at a slightly quicker pace. The child was shaking.
Their room was on the second level. The finder started a fire before rushing to start dinner. Kanda reclined in one of the seats but continued to clutch Mugen. Reever reclined as well sighing, hand running through his hair in contemplation over the events that had just transpired. Lenalee joined the boy dog on the floor before the fire.
The crackling of the fire was deafening in the renewed silence, broken only by the occasional clang in the kitchen. A few moments passed before Reever rose to assist the finder.
"Hey" the boy said in a generalization. Lenalee looked up from the dog she was currently lavishing attention onto. Reever glanced over as well. The boy's right hand was held up, absorbing light from the fire while his left was tucked beneath his knees.
"You said I could lose my hand" Reever raised an eyebrow, turning fully to face the child who remained hunched over facing the fire.
"Ya if you got frostbite… Why is something wrong? If something's wrong just let us know, okay? You may still have frostbite." No response. Reever turned again to aid the finder, only to find himself spinning around once more at the sound of a voice.
"What is frostbite?" Lenalee this time, violet eyes reflecting the fire, voice questioning.
"Frostbite is something bad that happens when you get cold. Your body starts to go numb starting with your nose and fingers, your ears and toes-"
"But then you aren't cold anymore so isn't it a good thing?"
"No, because if you can't feel it that means you're hurt. Like when you broke your arm on your last mission."
"Oh…" Lenalee silenced, considering the response, leaving Reever to offer assistance in peace. Shortly after dinner was finished. It was a simple serving of soup, though large. Unfortunately the finder had run low on supplies and was uncertain about leaving to fetch more in case something went wrong with their guest: he was the only one there with definite medical experience. So the simple meal was served and the five were quick to dine.
The boy winced, placing the spoon down to clutch at his stomach. He grimaced then resumed eating, slower now. Everyone noticed the action but said nothing; Kanda dismissed it as a simple weakness, Lenalee grew worried, however was still uncertain about him and decided to dismiss it as well, the finder followed suit, unsure that anything could be done, and knowing the child would soon return to wherever it was he dwelled: no aid could reach the boy without repercussion, that's simply the way of the Order. Reever however was unwilling to dismiss what he just saw without further thought. Is he hurt, or perhaps sickly? There's always the chance that he is allergic to something in the soup… Such thoughts continued until he finally finished his meal. Kanda finished soon after, staying to eye the child across from him wearily. Lenalee did the same, but with curiosity replacing suspicion. By the time the boy finished, everyone else was done and watching him.
"You still haven't told us your name?" Reever said gently. The boy's silver eyes widened slightly then darted away. The dog whined and came over to sit by the child, whose face contorted slightly by this action; brows furrowing and eyes growing pensive. The room fell silent.
"What's wrong with your hand?" Kanda said abruptly, staring down the child. His head snapped up to match Kanda's glare with his own.
"What do you mean?" Reever raised an eyebrow and Lenalee leaned across the table in concern.
"He hasn't done anything with his left hand-"
"None of your business" For a child, his voice was chillingly stern. The dog whimpered and he looked away, edging his chair slightly farther from the kenine. In the ever-changing light of the fire the dog's fur was revealed to be more gray than in the all consuming light of the circus. Reever noted the change, and took the time to properly examine the pair. The dog's ruffled collar was worn, his fur graying and eyes dull. He was panting slightly. The boy was bruised and dirty. His hair was greasy and his clothes far too large, hanging from his frame. The fabric was thin as well, and damp still from the snow. He was thin but not quite sickly, his bones did jut out more than they should, especially compared to the other two children. Kanda was correct about his hand, it was obscured from view altogether.
"Lenalee, Kanda, why don't you two get some rest" his voice suggested this was more a command then a question. Kanda 'humphed' and Lenalee silently followed. This was more a set-up to see if their guest was an akuma than an actual desire for privacy. The child did not fail to react, but not in the way either the finder or Reever had intended. His eyebrows furrowed and his eyes narrowed. He took turns glaring at the two adults, clearly thinking something over.
Maybe he really is an- He suddenly jumped up, eyes widening. The finder jumped as well reaching for his talisman. The child yelped when the finder leaped from his chair and stumbled back. The finder held the talisman, aimed but unactivated. The boy's breathing increased slightly as he glanced around the room. Reever saw him eye the door across the room before turning to glare at him.
"What'd you want?" His voice was cold, it sent a shiver down Reever's spine, only Kanda had ever spoken to him in a tone that was hopeless, unforgiving, yet still owned by a child.
"Why did you jump up like that?" The boy cast his narrowed eyes on the finder, then returned his fiery silver gaze to Reever.
"Cuz' I knew you'd do sumthin' like this" his tone remained even and cold.
"Like what?" The boy glared at the finder, or more specifically, his talisman. Reever stood and looked at the finder, shaking his head slightly. He eyed Reever wearily, but set the talisman down and returned to his seat. Reever walked over and knelt before the child, who flinched further away. This resulted in him slamming into the wall. His eyes widened slightly as he fought panic. He clenched his right hand into a fist to stop from shaking and hardened his gaze back into a glare.
Reever called Headquarters the next morning to report his findings to Komui, only to discover that the idiot was asleep. One of his deep sleeps in which he would only awaken on his own. Reever was determined to figure out how to awaken the man, so he set out for HQ. Not before he ordered Johnny, who had answered the phone in the Chief's place to come watch over the children. He briefly explained to situation and the need to return the pair to circus upon his arrival. Johnny agreed, dumped his remaining workload on Tapp and rushed into London. The journey was about two hours, but that was reduced to one when the Order's name was thrown about. Whenever the horses tired from their constant sprint, the Order could stop and trade them out with those at a nearby stable, the Rose Cross engraved into the midnight charcoal carriage was undeniable. The children woke just as Reever was leaving. The boy however was anxiously hovering by the extinguished fire. He had been up when Reever awoke, around five, fidgeting and cursing under his breath. The boy continued to pace, stopping only to inhale the breakfast he was offered. Whenever the dog wandered over, he would glare at it, push it away, and return to his vigilant post glaring at the door.
"I'm going back to HQ for a bit, Johnny's coming to watch over you though. Have fun" he waved to the young exorcists. Lenalee waved back smiling, while Kanda turned his head to glare out the window. Reever knelt beside the boy on his way out, causing him to start.
"It's not much but here" Reever handed him some slips of paper. Confusion marred the boy's features as he glanced warily between the man and the money.
"Stay safe, he smiled, turning to all of them and closing the door behind him. The room fell into silence. The finder was in the lobby waiting for Johnny, and none of the kids had been alone or properly introduced. Lenalee sighed mimicking Reever. She slid off the plushy couch and walked over to the boy.
"Hi, I'm Lenalee" she smiled and extended her right hand. The boy turned in surprise before narrowing his eyes, gaze darting between her hand and her grin. A few moments passed and she sighed again.
"If you keep doing that you're going to end up like the geeks in the lab" Kanda commented smirking. She spun, mock-pouting.
"So?"
"Have you seen some of the-" he ceased his snide remarks when she glared, shifting her weight slightly.
"Whatever" he said, though it was rather obvious he held some sort of fear of the girl.
"That's Kanda, don't mind him. He's weird" Kanda growled but remained where he was.
"What's your-"
"Red" the boy finally conceited, returning his gaze expectantly to the door.
"That's a color not a name, stupid."
"You think I don't know that?" Red's voice rose as he turned his glare to Kanda, who glared right back.
"Why don't you tell us your real name?" The comment was spoken softly and out of curiousity by Lanelee. Red's head dipped downward.
"That's the only name I have." A few seconds of tense silence followed before the room was once again boisterous. Johnny opened the door quickly and with a wide smile, face partially obscured by his thick wide-rimmed glasses.
"Hi Lenalee, Kanda" he turned his head to the boy in the corner. The dog had slunk back over to sit beside him while he was distracted by the conversation.
"Ah you must be-"
"This is Red" Lenalee said cheerfully. Before Johnny could speak again, the boy shoved the slips of paper he had been rubbing anxiously into his pockets, then grabbed the golden ball from the corner.
"That other guy said you'd take me back. Let's go. I'm not gonna finish as it is and I don't want to be in trouble." Johnny's expression grew slightly sullen and he nodded.
"Let's go then" he motioned for the door and stood expectantly by it as the children, and dog, shuffled out. They met the finder, who had secured a second carriage, in the lobby and set out. Johnny contemplated the boy during the ride. He had only spoken once, but from what he could tell his English was rather rough. Maybe it's a second language? Or maybe he just isn't educated… Based on his appearance, Johnny guessed the latter was true. Reever had briefly explained what had occurred, along with the boy's refusal to be looked over or given any aid by the finder.
"He didn't even sleep in a bed" Reever had explained. "Just curled up in the corner. He was awake when I got up so who knows if he slept at all…" Reever had seemed rather concerned which Johnny found to be unusual. Then again, he did not know much about the Section Leader, who was ruthless about deadlines and work ethic, but maybe he actually was caring. Johnny smiled at the thought as the carriage jarred to a halt. He figured they were already there, and was rather disappointed. Mainly about the lack of conversing on the children's part. Lenalee had attempted conversation, but neither of the boys replied. After only her second attempt she gave up, preferring to join Red in gazing out the window.
The finder opened the door. Johnny stepped out, followed by the exorcists, their black and white uniforms hidden beneath their long violet and navy coats. The dog hopped out then whimpered. Red had remained seated. He shot Johnny a pleading look then shook his head, expression hardening as he stepped out and began walking to the main tent.
"Reever informed me on something strange he overheard, possibly regarding the boy-" He paused.
"And an akuma. I'm going to ask around while you speak with the ringleader." Johnny nodded, then jogged to catch up with the children that had already head off in suit of Red. Reever had mention what he thought to be the boy's circumstances over the phone. They weren't good. The two decided to join him when he returned to attempt to get a better understanding of the situation. This would allow them to learn more about the potential akuma, but perhaps help the boy as well. Although after meeting the ringleader, neither of those seemed likely.
"You worthless piece of shit!" The ringleader's words were easily heard by those from the Order, who Red had demanded stayed outside. Lenlee waved when he left, and a mix of regret and frustration settled on his face, then he disappeared into the tent. Johnny closed his eyes and Lenalee clutched his hand.
"What are they doing?" she whispered. He swallowed nervously, not daring to answer for a moment.
"I'll go see. Stay together okay?" He was representing the Order, he had to be brave. Besides, how could he help anyone if he didn't understand? The sight that befell him upon entry however drained that courage.
The head of the child was smeared red and bent forwards. His left wrist saw tied to a pole, holding up the high wire in the arena. A man with a star on his face held the boy's right wrist tightly, yanking his arm so that it pulled his body into a 'T' shape. The ringmaster held a whip in his hand, and lashed it again against the boy's back again. His plump belly shook from the force of his swing.
"Stop!" Johnny cried out, drawing the attention of both of the adults. He was only in here for a few minutes, how could they do this? To a child?! The sound of flesh breaking had been masked by the ringmaster's barrage of verbal attacks. He halted both, at Johnny's request, with a sigh.
"Go, I trust you to deal with his incompetence Cosmos. And tell the cook he doesn't get anything for the next three days at least." The other man grinned, vulgar and wide.
"Of coarse ringmaster, you needn't trouble yourself with this mutt. I'll handle everything ringmaster." The ringmaster dropped the whip, picked up his cane, and walked towards Johnny. Behind him the clown, took the rope and bound the boy's hands, before grabbing the whip and shoving out of the tent. Johnny, looking for the bright side, was reassured that Red had not been shoved through the main entrance where Lenalee and Kanda were waiting. Then he caught sight of the end of the Ringmaster's cane, stained the same color as the name of the boy beaten with it.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Johnny Gill, I'm with the Black Order."
"The Black Order huh? Prove it."
"Kanda, Lenalee!" He called. The two scurried in, well Lenalee scurried while dragging Kanda behind her. The ringmaster's eyes widened and he whistled.
"I didn't know the Black Order ran that sort of business. Gotta warn you though, my other kid was a shit investment, so I'm not interested in prices until I know neither of them is deformed." Johnny thought he was going to vomit.
"They are not for sale! They are esteemed Exorcists of the Black Order, if you do anything to either of them the Order will have you executed by assassination immediately." Frail, sickly, nerdy Johnny had never been so furious, or come off as so intimidating in his entire life. At the mention of the Black Order, Lenalee, followed by Kanda, opened their coats to expose the Rose Cross. The ringmaster's eyes widened, then he bowed.
"Of course, of course, my mistake sir. I had no intention to suggest something that would… Please disregard that" he waved his hand.
"Now then, what can I do for you?"
"I was curious about the child…" He said, far more hesitantly than before.
"Why, on Earth?" He mumbled.
"I do not wish to offend your organization again by-"
"Please just tell me about him." Johnny forced his voice to attempt at being menacing once again. It didn't really work but the ringmaster spoke regardless.
"I bought him earlier this year. A friend of mine has a business you see. I'm not involved, but if he sees something he thinks I'll like…" The ringmaster was hasty to deny involvement to save face, but his shrug only made him less convincing.
"He's a great advertiser my friend, so when he told me he had found an angel, I was quite eager to buy. So were others, but I was willing to pay big bucks, do you know how many people would come to see an angel? That's infinite funds right there!" A sigh.
"Good, good advertiser that man. Claimed to have found the kid in a massive glowing crystal. When he tapped the side, the crystal shattered, and marked him with a sigh of God. The kid was unconscious, still was at the auction, but that glowing thing in his hand looked real to me. I spent a small fortune on him, but when I brought him back and he woke up, I realized it was all fake! That damned thing in his hand was jammed in there by some moron, screwed up his whole arm, kid can't even move it! Useless! And he never said anything about God or angels, didn't even understand. And to top it all off when I told him he was a fraud, he flat out refused to perform! Little shit! I can't even make him a sideshow act, tried once, no one wants to see a freak disguised as a kid, 'inhumane' they said… And now he wanders off, tries to steal the best performers partner! Cosmos has been screwing with him for awhile but I hope he really gives him hell for this…" He ended muttering. The children started out wide-eyed, then grew pensive at the mention of 'god crystals'. Throughout the whole conversation however Johnny was horrified beyond words, face pale jaw hanging open.
"Thank you for your time" Johnny desperately spat out the words before turning, grabbing both kids by the hand, and quite nearly running out. Kanda soon freed himself, cursing. Johnny let go, taking in his surroundings which had blurred in his rush to get away from the man, the monster in the tent. He turned away from the tent, before spinning on his heel just as quickly. He walked, forcing himself forward and away from what he had just glimpsed.
The clown with the star was cursing, limping away from the tent. Behind him the child lay unmoving, bruised and bloody nearly beyond recognition. The ruffled collar of the dog swayed slightly as he paced in front of the body, red-stained teeth bared as he growled after the man. Johnny set a brisk pace away from the scene, forcing the children to focus on keeping up, which they did with ease. The distraction part did not quite follow through as a result.
"What does he mean 'bought'?" Lenalee's eyes were bubbling with innocent curiosity and though Kanda's eyes were fixed on the ground, he tried little to hide the fact that he too was interested in the meaning of the phrase. Johnny didn't have the heart to explain it.
"That's something you should ask Komui about…" He gently pushed the pair forward, veering away from the growling mutt, while fighting the urge to look back at the bloody child behind him.
