Prologue

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by SolvegoliN

by SolvegoliN

A five year old Manny walked along the dirty streets --- alone. He couldn't find his dad anywhere, no matter where he looked. Feeling hopeless, he sat down in front of a nearby streetlight and started to cry. Someone tapped his shoulder lightly.

"Umm... Hi.. Why are you here all by yourself?" a high pitched, kind of crackly voice asked.

Manny turned his head to look up at who was talking. A young boy, about the age of twelve, was standing there with a concerned look. The boy was wearing a dull white shirt and a slightly tattered coat.

"I can't find dad," Manny said doubtfully.

"I think I can help you. My name is Robin, by the way. What's yours?"

"My name is Manny."

"Ok, Manny. Let's go find your dad," Robin declared in a cheerful voice.

Manny smiled and followed Robin down the street again. They went to the police department and asked for help there.

"Well, we can't locate your father... Do you have any other family other than your dad, Manny?" the policeman asked.

Manny shook his head, tugging at his overalls nervously.

"Come on, Manny. You can stay with me until they find your father." Robin told him, pitying the child.

Manny nodded. The two walked out on the streets again. Dark clouds foamed up in the sky, and it started to rain.

"Ugh.. Come on. Let's get out of here," Robin stated, starting to walk faster.

Manny followed, but then he stopped. Robin stopped as well, turning around to see what the five year old was staring at. Some redhead --- a fifteen year old --- was trying to carry at least five bags of... something (groceries maybe?) all at once. He was alone, and struggling to balance all the heavy bags at once, especially in the rain!

Cursing, he tripped, dropping all of the bags. Manny quickly ran up to him and picked up one of the bags that fell, held it up to the stranger, and smiled. The redhead looked at him, confused but at the same time kind of relieved. Robin rushed over.

"Sorry about him. Uhh, do you need help?" he asked, picking up another one of the bags.

"Y-yeah, actually. Thanks," he replied, pushing his hat back.

"No problem!"

"I'm Harry, by the way. Who are you?"

"Oh! I'm Robin, and this," he patted Manny's head. "is Manny."

"Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too."