"If you had to pick any last name, what would it be?" Neah looks over to his brother. "Well?"
"That's a dumb question." Mana responds.
"Just answer it."
"Hmm…If I had to pick…Walker."
"Walker? Why?"
"It's what mum used to say, right?"
"Keep walking. Didn't dad tell her that?"
"Well, I've never met dad, let alone hear him say that. So it's mum's."
"…I like it."
"Of course, I thought of it after all."
"Mana…"
"What!?"
"Heh, nothing."
..
LATER.
"Neah? Come on, come out!" Road calls into the silent mansion. "Where are you!?"
"Road? Why're you shouting?" A hungover Tyki shuffles over, one hand against his head.
"Tyki! Have you seen Neah anywhere?" Road asks, grabbing the man's shirt.
"The kid? Nah." Tyki shakes his head. "Why?"
"I haven't seen him all day." Road pouts. "No one has. and Mana's worrying."
"You think something's wrong?" Tyki mutters.
"I don't know!" Road exclaims. "I hope nothing's happened…"
..
EARLIER…
Neah stares at the bustling marketplace in awe. He's finally here. He doubted anyone would notice, they never paid him much mind anyways.
"Oi, what're you doing out by yourself, little boy?" A kind man looks down at Neah curiously.
"I-I'm just looking around." The ten year old answers.
"Alright." The man smiles kindly. "Take care."
Neah watches the man go, letting out a breath. He didn't want to be caught. The Noah would be mad if the knew he'd sneaked out. It wasn't like the Akuma could watch him, they do whatever he says…
..
Neah wanders through the street, staring at the colourful wares and foods being sold. Neah regrets not having any money to buy anything with.
Neah feels his stomach grumble. He's been out for a few hours now.
People shuffle through the warm streets as a bright sun blankets the city. Vibrant green trees bloom above Neah, a hint of colour in their sprouting buds. The flowers will bloom soon.
Neah wanders deeper into the city, watching people hurry by. Stopping in front of a large building, Neah stares at the metal statues shining above him.
He almost doesn't notice the swarm of people leaving the building.
..
Sheryl Kamelot chats happily with his fellow politician as they leave the building. A black car waits outside, ready to take him back to Kamelot mansion. As Sheryl moves to enter, he spots a familiar boy staring up at the statues.
"Neah?" Sheryl heads over, watching the boy. "What's he doing?"
As Sheryl reaches Neah, he crouches down, catching the boy by surprise. "You shouldn't be out here."
"Ah!" Neah jumps spinning around. "Sheryl!"
"Come now." Sheryl smiles, taking Neah's hand. "Let's go home."
..
HALF AN HOUR LATER.
"Neah!" Road tackles the boy as he and Sheryl enter.
"R-Road!" Neah tries not to fall backwards as he steadies himself.
"Where did you go!?" Road demands, pulling back. "I was so worried!"
"Oh, uh, sorry."
"You found him." Tyki notes, walking over.
"He was outside the government building." Sheryl explains.
"How'd you get out?" Tyki asks, looking down at Neah.
"Just told 'em to look away." Neah shrugs, referring to the Akuma.
"Well, don't do it again!" Road reprimands. "At least let one of us take you out."
"…You never take me out." Neah pouts. "I'm always stuck here."
"It's dangerous outside." Tyki sighs. "You know that."
"Whatever."
"Go find your brother." Tyki steps back. "He's worried sick."
..
A FEW MINUTES LATER.
"Mana?" Neah pushes his brother's door open, stepping into his room. "Are you-"
"Neah!" Mana tackles the younger twin. "What happened!?"
"I just went outside…" Neah says. "Nothing happened."
"Neah…" Mana sighs.
"Y-You never let me go anywhere!" Neah adds. "I can never leave this stupid house!"
"It's dangerous!" Mana replies angrily.
"What is!?" Neah demands. "What's so bad about-"
"Just don't!"
Neah stares at his brother as his grey skin flares. His eyes flash gold as he squeezes Neah's arm painfully.
"M-Mana…let go."
"No. You're not going anywhere."
"Mana!" Neah pulls away, tripping backwards.
"Neah!" Mana grabs Neah again, but gentler as he steadies the boy.
"I-I gotta go."
Neah runs out of Mana's room, heading for his own down the corridor.
"S-Sorry!" Neah calls as he slams the door in Mana's face.
"Neah!"
Neah ignores his brother's cries as he opens his closet, revealing a shining gate.
"Leave me alone!"
..
TWO HOURS LATER.
"I thought you'd be here." Maitora sits next to Neah. "You're brother's tearing the mansion up."
"Don't care." Neah mutters, head in his knees.
"He's family." Maitora adds. "Family's all the matters. You know that."
"Hmph."
Maitora sighs as he stands.
"You can't keep coming here. How you even get in here is beyond me."
Neah doesn't reply, making Maitora sigh again.
"Come back when you're ready."
..
ONE HOUR LATER.
"Damn." Neah mutters, standing from his spot against a wall.
Neah wanders throughout the Ark, it's stark whiteness refreshing him.
"Damn Mana. Damn Tyki. Damn Road. Damn Sheryl. Damn Maitor-"
Neah stops, spotting a door opposite him. It's glowing slightly, almost invitingly.
"Ark?" Neah calls, looking up at the blue sky above him. "What do you want-"
The door swings open, revealing a white interior, like his gate.
Neah resolve hardens as he heads forward, stopping just short of the exit.
"…Alright."
..
Neah lands in an old building, the floorboards creaking underneath him.
"Where am I?" Neah murmurs, looking around.
The room is small and dusty. Mould grows across the grey wallpaper and across the frosted windows. A crooked door stands in front of him as a cool breeze blows through.
Neah shivers as he moves forward, pushing the old door open with a loud creak.
Outside is a corridor, lined with identical doors.
"A hotel?" Neah mutters, closing the door behind him.
..
Neah wanders through, heading down a flight of winding stairs. Eventually he reaches another door, marked with a silver skull.
Pushing the door open, Neah spots a man in the middle of the room, crying over an open coffin. A beautiful woman lies inside, flowers laid around her.
The man sobs loudly, holding the dead woman's hand.
"Estelle…"
..
Neah stares from the door, not daring to interfere, but too preoccupied to move.
Suddenly, a dark figure emerges from the shadows, dressed in a long coat. The figure is mostly round and has a silly looking face. A large top hat sits upon his head and a familiar umbrella hangs from his hand.
"Lero?" Neah mutters, staring as the figure moves closer, catching the man's attention.
"Who-"
"Would you like to bring her back?" The figure asks, a wide grin on his face.
"Y-You could do that?"
"Of course!" The figure grins happily as a metal skeleton appears beside him.
"An Akuma?"
Neah had met Akuma before, but no one had ever told him what they were. He only knew that they do whatever he says. And they're usually annoying.
"Just call her name." The figure finally speaks. "Bring her here."
"Estelle?" The man murmurs. "Estelle!"
The skeleton shifts, a red star glowing across it's forehead.
"J-Jackson?" A soft voice comes from the Akuma as it shudders violently.
"Estelle!"
"Wh-What's happened to me!?" The Akuma cries in anger. "What have you done!?"
"What? I-I don't-"
"Akuma." The figure orders, it's clownish costume fading into a familiar face.
"Mana!?" Neah watches his twin step closer.
"Kill this man and wear his skin." Mana grins cruelly.
"No…" Neah's eyes widen as the man's beaten to death, his screams echoing off the walls. The Akuma eventually tears him open, spraying blood across the floor as it slips it's skin over it's skeleton.
"Good." Mana nods. "Let's go."
..
Neah steps backwards, letting go of the door. The door lets out a creak as it slides closed.
"Who's there!?" Mana calls, his footsteps growing louder.
Neah panics and runs back up the stairs, a rush of adrenaline pushing him forward. He sprints down the corridor, slamming into the door he came in through.
The Ark pulses anxiously as Neah rushes forward, moving to step inside when…
"Stop!" The door slams open and Neah turns to see him brother.
Mana's skin is dark grey and his gold eyes blaze with a fury that quickly dissipates.
"…Neah?" Mana stares at his younger brother.
"M-Mana." Neah mumbles.
"What did you see?" Mana asks quietly, stepping forward.
"I…" Neah takes a step back. "You killed that man."
"He…" Mana scowls. "Look, Neah…"
"No!" Neah cries, stepping closer to the Ark. "Don't give me another excuse! Tell me what's going on!"
"I can't!" Mana shouts. "I just-"
"Then don't talk to me at all." Neah jumps through the gate, aware of it crumbling behind him.
..
Neah lands in a heap on the white paved street.
"A-Ark…" Neah looks up at the town. "What do I do now?"
..
"Neah!" Mana rushes forward, hand outstretched to the gate. As it shatters, Mana's hand passes through, breaking it into dust.
"Shit!" Mana swears.
Taking a deep breath, Mana summons a new gate and steps inside.
He emerges atop a wide staircase. Mana looks around, but he doesn't see anyone in the streets below.
"Dammit Neah…"
..
Neah's breathing becomes ragged as he runs through the streets, not sure of where he's going.
He can feel the Ark vibrating and breathing with him, almost directing him.
"Where are we going?" Neah asks, still running.
The Ark makes no change, still pushing the boy forward.
They eventually reach a tall building, standing out against the smaller ones.
"Is this it?" Neah leans against the wall, out of breath.
The door swings open and Neah sighs. "That's a yes, then."
Inside, a pure white room welcomes Neah. A white piano sits in the middle and a couch lies not far away.
Mirrors line the walls, giving the illusion of a larger space.
"What is this place?" Neah wonders, stepping closer.
"Neah!?" Mana's voice echoes through the street, causing Neah to panic.
The door slams shut, but Mana's voice still breaks through.
"Neah!"
"What do I do!?" Neah cries, stepping back from the door. "Please, Ark, help me!"
"Play…"
A voice speaks in Neah's head, causing him to tense.
"Who's there!?"
"You can do it, Neah."
"Who are you!?"
"I am a part of you."
"What?"
"The piano. It will help you. You can escape. Find your own path."
"I…I can leave?"
"Yes."
"B-But how?" Neah demands. "I don't even know if that's what I want…"
"Then let me help."
"Remember, Neah."
"See my memories."
"See the truth of the Noah."
..
"Neah!?" Mana stops in front of a door as a sick feeling rises in his gut. "Are you in here!?"
A faint piano melody sounds from behind the door.
"Neah?" Mana presses his ear against the door, listening.
"I…don't know what to do." Neah's faint voice speaks. "Everyone…they lied to me."
"Then leave."
Mana tenses at the familiar voice. It was the same that echoed in his own mind. Why was it talking to Neah?
"I…I don't…"
"If you stay here, you will perish."
"H-How do you know!?"
"It is your destiny. The destiny of you and your brother."
"Why!?"
"You are two halves. You are complete without that which lies within the other. That which can only by freed by death."
"I-I don't want this!"
"Soon I will fall. I will turn to the same which lies in your brother. A murderous spirit. The 'Earl'. If you remain here, I would consume you."
"H-How do I stop that!?"
"Stay away. Far from any Noah or Akuma. Dark Matter is your enemy."
"I…have to go."
"Once you have made that decision. I will disappear until this 'me' has vanished."
"I still don't understand. Who are you?"
"I am Adam. The last Earl. Well, what's left of my mind."
"And you'll die soon?"
"I am already dead."
"Adam…Mom used to call-"
"Can you guess?"
"D-Dad!?"
"Not quite. Katerina is not your mother. You have no mother, yet you are my children."
"That doesn't make sense."
"Perhaps it will, in due time. You two are me. You'll understand."
"S-So, if I do this-"
..
"Neah!" Mana smashed into the room, an orb of Dark Matter bursting the door to pieces.
"M-Mana!?" Neah cries, hands on the piano.
"Don't do it!" Mana calls. "You don't have to leave!"
"I have to!" Neah cries. "I won't die here!"
"That thing lied to you!" Mana tries. "We don't have to fight!"
"And who told you that!?" Neah growls. "Look, I'm leaving anyway! You can't stop me!"
"Can't I?" Mana grimaces. "Don't make me do this."
"Mana…" Neah stares at his brother. "I'm sorry."
Mana rushes forward and Neah moves to meet him.
"Take this!"
A large sword materialises in Neah's hands, black and with a silver cross over the blade.
"What-" Mana stares as Neah wobbles under the large blade.
Mana shakes his head as he lunges at Neah again. "Don't think you can win!"
..
Mana stands over Neah, his brother's sword how in his hand. Blood trickles down Neah's face as he stares up at his twin.
"M-Mana."
"Neah."
Neah looks away, flinching at the tone.
"Come." Mana orders. "I'm taking you home."
"Sorry." Neah mutters, turning to the piano behind him. "But I'm not going anywhere!"
As a final key is pressed, the Ark shudders, toppling Mana over.
"Neah!?" Mana cries, trying to balance himself.
"Sorry!" Neah says again.
The piano glows and the music stand pulses. The stand melts in front of Neah's eyes, forming a small, white ball.
Wings and a tail sprout and the thing flies blindly.
"What's this?" Neah catches it in his hand.
"Neah!" Mana's furious cry shifts Neah back to reality.
"Ark!" Neah calls. "Get me out of here!"
The white ball flutters, glowing with a white light.
"You-"
Neah is consumed by the light that blinds Mana.
Lowering his arm, Mana glares at the now empty room, a dark pit opening in his gut.
"NEAH!"
..
"This one?" Neah stares as the white ball rams its head into a door.
"Alright then." Neah pushes it open and the ball flies through.
"Hey! Wait for me!" Neah follows after, letting himself be absorbed by the whiteness.
..
"Goodbye, Neah."
..
ONE MONTH LATER.
"Wait up Cross!" Neah wails as he runs after the General.
"You need to get faster, brat." Cross says, continuing down the path.
"Whatever." Neah pouts.
Neah feels a wriggle in his pocket.
"Tim?" Timcanpy flies out, his golden body gleaming in the light.
"You like it?" Neah asks as the golem grins at his new body. "Cross put that new casing together. Pretty nice, huh?"
Tim bumps his head against Neah, causing the boy to laugh. "You should go thank him."
Tim lands on Cross' hat, immediately starting to whew it.
"Damn thing." Cross swears, but doesn't make a move to remove the golem.
"You like it." Neah grins up at Cross.
"I do not, brat."
"Sure."
"Keep walking, it's not much further."
"What isn't?"
"Wherever we're going."
"…That's not an answer."
"I never said you'd be getting one.
"Meanie!"
..
"Good luck, Neah Walker."
..
ok that's it i swear...maybe.
I'm totally in love with this story and want to WRITE MORE!
I love writing Neah and Allen... Mostly Neah.
I'm also open to story suggestions!
Crossovers or general plots are welcome!
The main reason for writing more of this is because I've run out of things I want to write.
I have a few stories that are ongoing but I'm not motivated to write them
I think I just need something new.
So, anyway, thanks for reading!
- Cheese Wizzard