Kept on Walking

~Two~

~

Two men dressed in black and white coats were just beyond the thresh-hold, waiting silently for the owners. It set off many alarms in Mana's head. It made him nervous. While unsure as to why. He would trust his instinct before all else. And his intuition is telling him not to trust them. To take Allen and run as far as their legs could take them.

Too bad that the men block the only exit.

~

"Ah, yes... We had received word from a finder that there was something odd about the two new arrivals in town. Specifically, the marking on the younger's left hand." One of the men states.

Mana steps in front of Allen, hiding him, "Well, isn't it too bad that it's false? I ask kindly that you le-"

"Tch. Look, old man. We're here to see the brat." A Japanese man snaps at Mana.

"Well, that is very rude." Mana huffs silently, gaining a tired giggle of amusement from his son. "You must excuse us. It is early, and there's far too much to do today. And don't claim my son is a brat. You aren't even acquaintances."

The Japanese man growls at the reprimanding. It's clear that Mana is testing his patience.

"I apologize for Kanda. He has always been that way. We need to know if any innocence is involved in a few Akuma sightings nearby. If not, we will part ways. All right?" A man with graying hair and a pair of glasses apologized.

"I will have to decline. If you'll excuse us." Mana declares angrily, slamming the door, although lighter than someone angry might.

Allen yawns, "What was that about?"

Mana smiles at his son, "Nothing, Allen. Go back to bed."

Allen yawns again and shuffles back to the room to get more sleep. Mana sighs and combs through their belongings to ensure it is all present. Once satisfied, he packs away what they'll need for the day.

Mana had since discovered Allen's adoration for music. More specifically, the piano, just as Nea had. So now Mana is determined to store some of the profits in secret. He wasn't sure how they would get it inside the living room, but he'd figured it all out.

After packing their things for the performance, Mana retreats into the kitchen to prepare their breakfast. While cooking, Mana sees Allen sitting at the table.

"When did you get here, Allen?" Mana questions with a warm smile.

"Not long. It smells delicious, Dad." Allen comments, returning the smile with a more crooked one.

Mana piles a plate with everything he had made before setting it in front of Allen before returning to his meal on the stove. The teen quickly begins to eat, shoving whole pancakes into his mouth. Mana joins Allen and eats more reasonable bites. Neither said a word, not needing to.

Finishing their food, the two set out for work as usual. The pair conversed on the way to the town's square*. They perform as per usual, with A young woman named Miranda speaking to the duo. Mana, being the ever kind and patient man he is, accepted the woman's help, regardless of how clumsy she was at times.

He noticed how well she got along with Allen and asked if she wanted to join them. She refused, stating she'd need to think about it. So Mana and Allen walk with her to see that she safely makes it. Before parting, Allen leaves her with some sage advice he'd gotten from Mana.

Mana takes Allen's left hand and leads him home. Mana will put the men aside for the time being.