a Life like no other

Disclaimer: -man is owned by Hoshino Katsura.

Rated : T until I say so

Once upon a time, there was a lonely orphan boy who lives in this secluded, far away from the city, little town by himself. He lost his parents at the very young age of five and barely had the memories of being with them. The man who is currently taking care of him had convinced him that he was left alone unwanted by his parents because of the scar on his face. That man, Cross Marian is the worst drunkard and womanizer in the town who lived his life by making debts and being an arrogant, violent man. The reason he had picked the boy on the first place is to rake profits by pushing the boy to earn him money and making him to pay his debts.

That poor boy was Allen Walker.

Being a naïve seven years old, he quietly and obediently followed the man, ignorant of the man's real intention. He introduced Allen as his apprentice to all the folks his town while continuing making debts and chaos, no less to worry about the welfare of Allen.

Even so, Allen is loved by everyone, as the little boy was seen as kind and innocent as an angel. Not even bothered how the ugly scar marred the pale and soft skin. Or the abnormality of the white color of his hair. Opposite from the rest, Cross Marian didn't spare a little bit of kindness to the boy. Being abused and insulted by the man was a everyday's life for Allen. Even like that, Allen continue to hope for fatherhood love from the cruel man.

Days of young Allen Walker went with miserable and distress until he met a puppy, one day, in his way home from doing chores for his master. Clearly abandon by his owner, the yellow puppy was almost out cold and the sign of it still alive was a slow heart beating. Even though, the young white-haired man has nothing to offer to the poor animal, he still carried it home to give his some warmth and a small food.

It turns out that Cross wasn't interested whether or not Allen keep the animal as long as the puppy will not get in his way. Having a companion changed Allen, he was no longer a sullen boy and his smile appeared more often as before.

Cross disgusted by the new Allen and continue to abuse him, of course harsher than before. Threatening to send the boy to a slave houses or brothel if the boy refuses his demand or run away.

Years gone by since them and Allen grew into a beautiful boy not ruined by the red scar. The white color of his hair simply enhanced Allen's exotic looks. People are charm by him.

When Allen turns fifteen, Cross mysteriously disappeared…

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

"Hey, Kanda, let's take a break. We still haven't catch any sight of town so what's the point of being hurry. It's almost night by the way. Better rest and have our energy back."

"Tch, suit yourself," the other replied

The man already looks exhausted and could appreciate a nice sleep and food, his small and pathetic eyes pleaded for his partner's consent of taking a break of their traveling. Krory, a messenger sent by the royal family to explored further part of the country to bring news of the new king who was crowned a couple of months ago. Together with him was the royal bodyguard, a 18 years old man with Japanese background, famous for his swordsmanship, rumor as the best on land, Kanda Yu.

They have traveled so far and visit several peaceful towns and villages and was on the way to the last one. Months ago, Krory was horrified when he was assigned together with Kanda, the most feared human in the castle however traveling with him, Krory was thankful and relief for still able to be alive after suffering hundred of beatings, threatening and evil glares from the serious young man

Meanwhile, Kanda Yuu was holding his want from killing the idiot messenger for annoying him with his supreme idiocy talk and act in these past months. Reminding him of the idiot prince, Lavi, his childhood friend who enjoy making him unsheathed Mugen and proceed chasing the prince around the castle. People are envying him to be that close with their charming prince which he treated with nothing like kindness.

He was thinking of getting away from Lavi and applied to escort messengers across the country. No way did he thought he will end up with this moron Krory. He is very tempted to kill the man right there, but as always his mission always come first, there will be no mission to end failure with Kanda. He will make it to the castle and kill Krory if he ever show his pathetic face in front of him again.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

" Tim, look what I have buy for you today," In Cross's absence, Allen's life had been easy and peaceful. Today, with his hard work, he managed to but a lot of food supply for him and Timcampy.

His silver eyes was smiling with the imagination of the feast he will making for dinner. Allen had always been a glutton making Cross's regretting of picking him up. Tonight is a special night, an anniversary of the day he meet Tim, the loveable golden haired dog which he loves so much.

On the other hand, Allen was actually planning to leave this town on his own. Nothing had tied him with this town after he has finish paying all Cross's debts to the town folks. The guardian had gone missing for a year now and he believe it is an opportunity to mark on the adventure he had been waiting for. He had saved a lot and the time has come for him to go. A kind young woman which he Allen had been well acquainted with had offer to take care of Timcampy.

Tim rubs himself against Allen's legs, begging for his attention. Allen smile at the affectionate gesture.

" You remember what today is, Tim?" Allen kneeled down so his eyes in par with Tim's.

The dog made a small sound, nodding to his master's question.

" Yeah, you know already. However, this time is different," a sad smile came across the beautiful face where his arms slowly went around the dog to hug the animal.

Allen was whispering and Tim felt his body was getting a lot warmer, " It's time to say good bye, Timcampy…,"

………………………………………………………………………………………………

It was December and the air was getting colder in the night. White thick mist clouded their vision and the pathway forcing he two man, who unfriendly to each other finally reached their limit. They have run out of food supply days ago and their legs could not keep up with their sense of survival anymore. In Kanda Yuu case, before he managed to lose his consciousness and fall to his knees, his ego didn't falter a bit, instead of silently accept his defeat, he muttered several curses to God and……. Lavi too.

Meanwhile

Pulling away from his beloved friend, Allen finally has the courage to look into Timcampy's. Knowing him long enough to understand that Timcampy was sporting a sad and depressed expression on his face.

It's rather pathetic, but the white-haired boy released his hold and quickly shoved his coat on. He thought he was already enough courage to say goodbye to his friend but his heart still attached to the feeling of guilty of abandoning the only family he ever had

Despite it was snowing pretty hard outside, Allen leave the house, needing a little time alone. His head was too occupied on a particular dog that he didn't watch for his steps.

His left foot suddenly collide with a huge white lump on the ground. Unfortunately landing himself on top of it. The lump was too soft and fleshy to be a rock. Allen struck with horror as imagining that he had stumbled upon a human corpse, perhaps a victim of a brutal murder.

Carefully lifting himself off the assumed white covered corpse, his eyes catching a small movement from his right side. His eyes catched a glimpse of a long weapon which suspiciously looks like a sword. A pale hand was seen one end of the suspicious appendage.

Sighing a bit, he examined both human figures checking the sign of them still alive.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Warmness assaulted Kanda's body as he finally regained his consciousness. Unexpected sight of a few furniture in a small room came to his view. His hand unconsciously tighten his grip, noticed the missing weapon. He naturally aware how unusual surrounding he currently in. By gripping the sheets beneath, he pulled his weak body up.

His concentration turned to the sound of the door being unlocked and revealed a kid with strange white hair and a red mark on his face.

"Good to see you already awake. Do you like to have some soup,' the boy smile kindly at him. Taking a good look at the boy, he personally wondered how this skinny and weak-looking kid managed to save his frozen ass earlier.

"Hey, where's your parents..?" Kanda coldly asked

Already twitching from the rude tone of the stranger, Allen answered " I live alone here. Ah……your partner is in the other room, it seems…."

"Tch…. I don't care about that idiot."

"Eh.. he's not you friend…?"

"What do you care if he is, bean sprout?. Stop minding other people business. I hate busybody people like you."

" It's Allen Walker, dammit…. And it will be a pleasure if you can get well soon and get the hell out of my house." Allen's eyes widened is horror as harsh words that comes out from his mouth. He was usually polite to people except Cross.

"You….never mind. And I will….bean sprout," unbelievably Kanda was hurt but his face didn't show much, still remains arrogant.

" I am sorry….. uh… excuse me for a while, I will bring your food and clothes," the figure of Allen is seen to flew from the room, clearly embarrassed to expressed himself in such away to the stranger.

Leaving a bewildered Kanda to himself.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

It was only a short conversation, he had thought of offering a warm welcome or maybe a hand of friendship with the beautiful stranger initially. However, it had been a disaster once he received only insults and rude remarks from him…somehow the samurai ninja successful in making him snapped. The long haired man has the air of anger and lonely around him which makes Allen squirmed uncomfortablely and lost his words almost immediately.

He shaked his head from the silly thought, "The sooner he got better, the sooner I can get rid of him". He was satisfied and continue to look after another patient in his house. Suddenly, he was almost tripped due to Tim who suddenly yanked the bottom of his trousers with his sharp teeth, " Tim, you almost make me hit my face to the floor!!"

The adorable look of Tim was unbearably cute and Allen hadn't the heart to yell to him. Tim probably bored because Allen was busy treating the uninvited guests. Allen's silver eyes settled into a caring mode," I am sorry, Tim. You must be pretty lonely eh. After this we're going to bed." He hugged the furry animal tightly reminding himself how he will miss the loyal companion once he depart.

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

" Allen-san, allow me to thank you for saving Kanda and me. We didn't know how to repay you but if you ever…"

Krory , a nice guy with a little bit weird attitude made a funny companion to Allen. At first, the guy had scarred him out of his wits with those two long sharps teeth, however his politeness had made the immediately friends.

Allen in his night clothes was helping Krory who revived out of unconsciousness on the third night to sit on the bed. He handed his the soup which supposed to be their supper.

" No. it's my responsibility as a human being to take care of one in needs such yourself….and Kanda-san"

" Tch…"

A response from the samurai from the hear of his name. Kanda was already well and able to walk, apparently have fast healing process. It all thanks to all healthy food and good rest that the white-haired boy ha been providing.

Ever since of their first unsuccessful conversation, Kanda and Allen had only exchanged short words which ending with irritating glare from Kanda. Day after day, the rudeness of Kanda had worsened and Allen just can't get enough of it.

" What the hell is this soup! It's fucking sweet." exclaimed Kanda once he had a sip. He was ordered to move in the same room as Krory as Allen and Timcampy had occupied he another.

" For your information, Mr Kanda. That was you had been eating for these past 3 days. How can you suddenly cannot like it." Allen was a little annoyed to have someone insult his cooking. Cross had never fill a complaint before.

"Fortunately, my tongue was injured that I never realize how shitty the food you made, beansprout," he stopped eating all over." I demanded decent food for me to survive and get your pretty ass on it, girly boy," he smirked at the last remark.

" Why you….! My name is Allen and if you wish not to eat that shitty food, the heck it's your problem.. don't expect me to treat you like a queen. Not that, your hair already long enough to disguise as one."

"Try saying that again, shorty," Kanda was most dangerous when someone associate him with girly features.

Kanda face is burning with anger and strong killing intent making Krory shivered. Trying to save his new friend from being killed, he daring himself to interrupt Kanda, which can lead him into being killed as well.

" Please restrain yourself Kanda. He had saved our life for God sake."

" Shut up, freak. I will deal with you later."

Allen however remained calm if it was possible. He ignored Kanda completely, " You know as well that I do have your weapon, right?"

" Why you! Give it back! Your disgusting hands are not worthy to touch it." Kanda eyes were red with anger. His knuckles were white in grip.

" Don't worry, I will give it back once you are well enough to return from anywhere you are from. I am not worthy of your sword anyway. I am trying to make sure that everyone is away from harm. Who knows what you intend to kill after getting your hands on it," Allen was tired from all the bickering and his eyes were droppy that he couldn't possibly opened them for a sight of angry samurai in front of him.

" I will cut your dog into pieces and feed you as breakfast…..." Kanda silently muttered as he had also realized he couldn't fight Allen without his precious Mugen. His principle is to kill a man with Mugen only.

"Man, I am tired. I hope you guys have a nice rest as well. Let's go Timcampy," after collecting the finished dinner, he dragged his dog out of the room.

The said door however didn't even budged a little. All this while, he was staring murderously at the long-haired man, sensing the aura of disturbance from this man, a threat to his adorable master.

Before parting from his new-found interest, he gave the annoyed samurai a bite on his right leg and retreat towards his master.

Kanda was furious and give an attempt to strangle the rude dog however the pain from his leg prevented him to do so.

Allen shut their guest room's door thus dragging Tim to their bedroom with a satisfaction knowing well Kanda will not sleep with content this night