I can’t help but marvel at how both Mana and Cross shaped Allen’s personality.
At first Allen was simply Red, a boy with no relations who didn’t belong to anyone and no one belonged to him. He was harsh, foul-mouthed and did his best to survive in his cruel environment.
Then came Mana who taught Allen many important things. Be patient. Talk politely. Act kind. Feel compassion for others. Forgive. He taught Allen to love others.
When Allen lost Mana, his only source of happiness Allen took these teaches to the extreme, he was always ready to sacrifice himself for other’s happiness, “love others” spiraled to martyrdom.
But then Cross took him as his Apprentice. He was nowhere near as gentle as Mana but he gave Allen important lessons too in his roundabout way. Stand up for yourself. Strike back when someone wants to take something from you. Fight for what you believe in. He taught Allen to love himself.
Hopefully Allen will take Cross’s teachings to his heart too and reach a balance where he can love himself as others so he can save himself.
