A/N: Merry Christmas Eve everyone! :D I hope you're all having a great Christmas, and if you have the time, here's a little something I decided to whip up for you, my lovely readers! A special thanks to Sakura Hyuga, lizy2000, mellifluousMondegreen, Neah D. Campbell, The Moyashi Beansprout Midget (x2), and Lena-luvs-cats for being so kind as to leave reviews!(: I really appreciate it!^.^ Enjoy~!

Disclaimer: No~.

Chapter 2

Time Frame — Afternoon of December 15th, 1887

—1st Person POV—

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and attempted to remain focused, and before I could change my mind, I hurtled forward. As practiced, my hands planted firmly on the ground for a fraction of second before I continued to fling myself in a series of cartwheels and tumbles, lastly ending on flip mid-air before landing on my feet with a thud. My shoulders heaved as I caught my breath, and I muttered in a disbelieving tone, "I… I did it… I really did it!" I spun around with a cheer, cheeks stretching with a painfully wide grin. "Did you see that Mana?! I did it!"

Mana, for once not in costume, clapped enthusiastically, accompanied by Allen the dog's raucous barking. "Whoo!" he cheered with a grin of his own. "That was absolutely spectacular! Excellent job! You've certainly come a long way!"

I released a breathless laugh. "Y-yeah…"

It had been over a month since I'd agreed to Mana's offer of being taught by him, and he was right, I had come a long way. It had started out with simple juggling tricks, and then balancing tricks (like standing atop a rubber ball), and then we'd moved on to handstands and cartwheels and flips. But now, I had to learn to combine it all together.

Then again, it was no wonder I'd managed to learn so much in a mere month with all the spare time we had. Performances were for a couple hours every night. And it depended on your position in the circus, but because Mana was a performer, and he was training me, it meant we had practically all day to prepare! … And that was another thing; Mana was training me. Not as in training me for the heck of it when he had the time, but officially training me. After Cosimo had found out what was going on, instead of giving me a beating like I'd expected, he'd gone raging to the Ring Master, demanding that Mana be tossed out for trying to steal his slave. But Mana was a coveted performer, and after some heated arguing, it was finalized with Cosimo demanding a high price for me. I have no idea how Mana had scraped up the money with his meager salary, but he'd bought my freedom.

Despite my every doubt and trepidation, seeing Mana fight so furiously for me had endeared him to me. He was the first person who'd looked out for me. The first person to make me feel like I didn't have to be alone. Unlike everyone else in this wretched world, he cared. And part of me didn't want to let go.

I beamed and shrugged modestly. "I still have quite the way to go. Though I am honestly surprised at myself; I never thought I could accomplish such feats!"

Mana chuckled and reached over to ruffle my hair. "The younger you start out, the easier it is to learn this! You'll be joining me in performances in no time! Just you watch!"

"Looking forward to it!" I laughed, feeling carefree.

Hand shielding his eyes, Mana squinted up at the at sun, which stood at its highest point. "It looks to be around lunch time. I'm certainly hungry enough for it!" he chuckled, and I grinned in return. "How about you go down to the river to refill the canteens and I'll meet you back here with something to eat?"

"Got it!" I agreed with a sharp nod, scrambling over to snatch up the canteens, and with a wave in his direction, strolled in the direction of the forest. Softly, I hummed to myself, feeling content and at ease.

I paused.

And then carried on, attempting to act as if I hadn't noticed the gold fluttering from my peripherals, and continued my humming. Once I reach the river, I kneeled beside it and swiftly refilled the canteens. It was as I was returning that I slowly edged my way closer and closer to the golden golem flitting through the leaves and branches. And once I knew I was close enough, I dropped the canteens and shot my hands out, successfully grasping onto the struggling golem. "Aha!"

I stood there for a moment, amazed that I'd finally managed to catch the flighty golem. I'd already spotted Timcanpy multiple times over the past month, but I'd never managed to get this close to him! Now, all there was left was to find a way to make it lead me to Cross… and if I was unable to think something up, I'd have to find a way to keep the golem contained in order to lure the General out.

Use the command mode to switch its master recognition.

I jolted and nearly released the thrashing golem, but managed to tighten my hands around it before it could completely escape.

N-Neah?! I demanded, feeling a mixture of shock and annoyance. I hadn't spoken with the Noah since that first time five months ago! I'd simply assumed he hadn't been able to stay awake for long and had returned to his slumber in order to continue his recovery. And I hadn't expected for him to wake up this early on!

Yes. Why do you sound so surprised? Despite my need to recover, after being awoken by you, it's easier to occasionally awake on my own now. Has it been a long time?

Um, it's been five months… I trailed off, unsure of how to react to his sudden presence. Was this a good or bad thing?

Hmm, longer than I thought… Anyway, sooner or later, Timcanpy will bite your hand off. Why have you not used the command mode?

I frowned, perplexed. What command mode?

I've already taught this to you and Cross, why—right, never mind. Now, say this out loud: Timcanpy, adjust to command mode. Identification of current master will temporarily be modified. Scan and recognize me as: Allen Walker.

Why only temporary? I wondered.

Because I'm his original creator, and that can't be altered. Now hurry; he's already barring his teeth at you.

I shuddered at the sharp canines the golem exposed, and raising him to eyelevel, repeating after Neah, "Timcanpy, adjust to command mode." Instantly, Tim calmed within my hands. "Identification of current master will temporarily be modified. Scan and recognize me as: Allen Walker." Expanding its jaw, Timcanpy shot out a beam of blue light which ran along my features before vanishing. Tentatively, I released the golem, and fortunately, Tim simply fluttered for a second before snuggling on my shoulder.

Wow, I can't believe that worked.

You're welcome, the Noah huffed, slightly amused.

Sheepishly, I replied, Thanks. Um, so if I ask it to lead me to Cross, it will listen to me?

Tim will do anything you ask of him.

I snorted. What? Even self-destruct?

… Yes.

Oh! Um, right… After awkwardly trailing off, I turned back to the golem and commanded, "Timcanpy, hide for now will you?" The golden golem momentarily flew upward before suddenly shooting down and diving into my vest. I muffled a giggle from the ticklish feeling.

Will you not seek out Cross?

Yes! But not now. Mana will worry if I suddenly disappear.

… Mana? Mana's here?! Where?! Wait! Why are you—

Alright! Just give me a chance to explain! I cut in, feeling like a complete moron for bringing him up. I don't know how, but he found me, okay? He doesn't know that I remember anything, and he's been helping me out… I don't understand what his motives are, but I've been desperate enough to accept his help.

Are you out of your mind?! What the hell, Allen?! You of all people should know—

Well I don't, okay?! I don't know, I mentally growled as I leaned down to snatch the canteens back up. In fact, rather than yelling at me for being a moron, why don't you try and be helpful, and jog my memory.

I heard him sigh. Maybe this isn't the best time…

I scoffed. Whatever.

Hearing no reply, I simply shrugged and began to head back, making it back to our meeting spot in no time, where Mana already sat waiting. Hearing me, the older man turned to me with a grin. "Hey! What took you so long?"

"Heh, sorry!" I called out with a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of my head. "I accidentally dropped the canteens before screwing on the caps, so I had to go and refill them again. Have you been waiting for long?"

"Not too long," Mana replied. "In fact, you made it just in time! I was getting ready to eat your lunch!"

"What?! No way!" I shouted indignantly, racing over with a laugh.

Dear Brother, what are you up to now?

That night, I waited for Mana to reach a deep sleep before I silently snuck out of the tent. Once I reached the outskirts of the circus grounds, I dug Timcanpy out from the inside pocket of my vest. "Tim! Please lead me to wherever Cross is!" Fortunately, the golem zipped away at a manageable speed with which I could keep up with.

Once I reached the inn he was staying in, I ordered for Timcanpy to return to hiding within my vest, and cautiously entered.

"Hello there!" the innkeeper greeted me. "How can we help you?"

"Ah, I am seeking out General Cross. He said he would be residing in this particular inn. Could you please tell me his room number?" I tried to appear as innocent as possible. I had the looks for it; unfortunately, I was dirty and my clothes were frayed, so I resembled more a street urchin than anything else.

Thankfully, the kind innkeeper was willing to look past that. "Yes, of course. In fact, he just returned fifteen minutes ago! Go on up, he is in room five."

"Thank you so much!" I smiled gratefully and hurried over and up the stairs. The closer I grew, the more nervous I became. I was going to meet Cross of all people—of all characters. Truthfully, it was quite intimidating. But I'd already made my choice, so with a deep breath, I made my way down the hall until I reached the room at the end marked with a 5.

It was as I was getting ready to barge in that I belatedly recalled that the general was a total womanizer. Immediately backtracking, I instead settled for a knock.

As I waited, I leaned forward, curiously listening to the jumble of grumbles and curses audible through the closed doorway, before suddenly jumping back as it was slammed open. I almost squeaked in fright, craning my neck up as far back as possible, observing the frightening man towering over me. His red hair was so vibrant, mine paled in comparison, and only one side of his face was visible (the right side concealed with a white mask). But even that one visible, maroon eye narrowed in my direction was enough to make me quake in my boots.

"What?!" the general demanded grumpily, and if I weren't so petrified, I would've found it quite comedic how it took him a couple seconds to realize that in order to see me, he'd be forced to bend his head down.

Clearing my throat, I waited for a second to make sure my voice wouldn't shake, before speaking up, "Hello Cross."

For a moment, Cross could only gaze at me, wide-eyed. "… What the hell?!"

I sighed. "Well, I guess I should've expected that reaction."

"So you remember?" was the first thing Cross demanded once we were settled in his room. He stood across from me, arms crossed and leaning against the wall, cigarette balanced between his lips. I was plopped at the edge of his bed, fingers fiddling with his rumpled sheets (fortunately, he hadn't been entertaining company) and feet swinging back and forth.

"Remember is… a faulty term. Let's go with, I know more than I should," I finally replied with a shrug, gazing up at him curiously. "It'd be nice if you could fill in the blanks though…"

Cross narrowed his eyes. Well, there went that hope… Both Neah and Cross had now refused to tell me much of anything. How incredibly helpful… "How did you find me?" Cross asked, sounding vaguely suspicious.

Without a word, I dug my hand into my vest and pulled Timcanpy out. The poor golem appeared slightly ruffled from being awakened. The redheaded General glared at me again, and commanded, "Timcanpy, come here." When the golem failed to comply with the command, Cross huffed. "Don't remember anything my ass. How the hell can you act like you don't remember and then go and modify Timcanpy's master identification?"

I tilted my head to the side, wondering whether I should admit the truth. And, figuring I had nothing to lose, I simply confessed, "I don't remember. Neah told me how."

Cross lost it at that. "Are you fucking shitting me?! What the hell, you moron! Why did you go and wake him up so early?!" Cross raged, and I shrunk into myself, frightened by the demon-like General. "Damn Allen! Out of everything, why couldn't you have at least remembered that he's not supposed wake up for at least another ten years?!"

Fist clenched and features furrowed into a confused scowl, I demanded, "What's the difference?!"

Cross dragged a hand down his face. "Because, he may seem normal and calm now, but once he begins to recover his memory, all the pent up fury and revenge will drive him mad. He'll want to take action now, and it's not time yet! For one, you're not physically ready yet, and second, the Noah have gone into hiding. I don't even know what the hell the Earl is up to now; he's not even making Akuma! … The only upside I see to this is being able to infiltrate the Ark…"

"Right, the Akuma Egg Plant…" I sighed, wondering what I should do. Going along with Cross' plan at this point seemed the most simple. But I felt so conflicted, being thrown into the middle of this war. I may not care about the individuals involved, but I'd always been taught to do the right thing. If given the choice, why shouldn't I make the choice to end this war? Even I wasn't so selfish as to believe walking away was an option…

"And there you go again, spouting out information you shouldn't know!" Cross scowled at me. I shrugged, and with a shake of his head, he continued, "We're going to have to come up with a new plan. At this rate, Neah will be able to take control of your body by the time you're ten. I was originally going to have you join the Order, but infiltrating the Noah Clan might be your only option."

I hummed thoughtfully, and then wondered, "Why don't I just do both?"

Cross turned to me. "Excuse me?"

I shrugged. "If I can get Neah to cooperate, why don't we just do both? Infiltrate both the Noah Clan and the Black Order. It's just an idea; I don't recall the original plan," here, I paused and then figured that the original plan was probably something along the events of the original story line. "Nor do I know what plan you're trying to think up now, but I just thought I'd throw that out there. I don't particularly have any idea as to why I'd want to be involved in this war, but with Neah getting ready to take over, I figure I don't have a choice."

The General rubbed his head in an exhausted manner. "It's hard to believe you don't remember anything, and then you go throwing around shit like that…"

Taking a deep breath, I tentatively suggested, "I'm sorry, but… how long do I have to stay with the circus before I can train for whatever it is that you want me to do?" In other words, help me out and get me out of that place.

"I was originally going to watch and see how far Mana would go before taking you on as an apprentice. But you can't just up and disappear. Mana is interested in you now, and I don't know to what lengths he'll go to if you do run off, so just stick with him for now. He'll ditch the circus sooner or later, and once he does, he'll probably offer for you to come along. Decline him and meet back up with me here, and then maybe we can figure out this whole mess."

I nodded, grateful. I was so lost, a little guidance in this world was all I was looking for. "Okay, I'll see you then, General."

Time Frame — Afternoon of December 25th, 1887

"There! I think you've almost got it!" Mana cheered me on.

I bit my lip in concentration, carefully juggling the series of colorful balls, but one went a little too far out and I reached out to catch it, fortunately not interrupting the cycle. Sadly, I'd momentarily forgotten the fact that I was simultaneously balancing atop an enormous rubber ball and ended up with my feet swept up from underneath me as the ball rolled away and I clumsily hit the ground, landing on my back. "… Ouch."

Mana's jubilant laughter could be heard. "Remember, as a clown, you totally meant to do that!"

"Right!" I grinned with a small wince, as I jumped back on my feet and seized back the smaller balls, instantly tossing them into the air as I once again began to juggle.

Mana clapped enthusiastically in chorus with Allen's barking. "Perfect! Sometimes, the crowds loved to laugh at our mess ups, but it's no fun if we sulk about it. As the saying goes, the show must go on!"

I finally came to a halt, and rubbed the back of my head a bit sheepish. "Heh, right…"

He patted my head with an encouraging smile. "Don't fret too much. You'll eventually get the hang of it."

I nodded with a grin of my own, and noticing that the sun was beginning to set, I set about cleaning up our mess with the help of Allen and Mana. Once we'd gotten everything packed up and into the tent, Mana straightened up and turned to me, and for once, his expression was somber. That made me pause; Mana was always smiling. I don't think I'd ever seen him with any other expression.

"Is something the matter, Mana?" I asked, slightly cautious.

His eyebrows lifted in shock, and he smiled once more, though a little more gentle this time, rather than a large grin. "Oh no, of course not! But you see, the pay is not so great here so I was planning on going off and performing solo, and I was wondering… Would you like to join me?"

Here it was. The moment had come. With a heavy sigh, I gazed up at him and regretfully said, "I'm sorry Mana, but no…" His expression crumbled, and feeling guilty, I reached up and hugged him around his torso. I clung tightly onto him, not wanting to let go, but as I did, I shut my eyes, recalling what awaited me if I were to accept his offer. Images of his "death" and then his "revival"; of creating an Akuma and being forever cursed because of it. It was as I thought of this that I was finally able to step back without remorse.

"Thank you for everything, Mana. I'll never forget you as you are now."

A/N: And there you go everyone! I was going to have this be longer, but I need to get ready for Christmas Eve dinner, and I wanted to update, so I figured this ending was fine! I hope you enjoyed! Please review!^.^