《Spirit Caster: The Lost Dragon》


 Vol 1 Chapter 1.1: Hopeless Beginnings

    Throughout the woods of Arani, the unusual sound of footsteps neared a young man sparring underneath the canopy against one of the larger trees. His hair was scruffy and clothes were tattered, wearing a sleeveless hooded jacket with a pair of baggy shorts. His dark, blue eyes contrasted his dirty brown hair and despite his rough appearance, his body was well toned, as if he were to be found doing this practice often, too often as to have no social life around him, which of course was true.


    He was in the midst of one of these combinations when his ears picked up the panicked footsteps of something charging towards him with great pace. Not wanting to end up inside one of the stomachs of the many beast¡¯s that lived in the woods, he retreated to behind the oddly large tree and kept his eye on the path on which the footsteps seemed to follow. Much to his surprise it wasn''t a beast, nor an animal on the path, in was his younger brother, Koru. The young man couldn¡¯t help but think to himself what he would be doing out there, but the answer soon presented itself as a large rabble of men chased down the young boy. A look of anger etched itself into the hiding man¡¯s face, was he and his brother really hated so much?


    Growing up in that village, most kids around the age of five had their first contact with their spirit, by fifteen had tamed their spirit¡¯s. A spirit is a being that becomes part of a person¡¯s soul, when both the spirit and the soul become one, you gain certain powers attributed to the spirit, your spirit animal. Depending on your spirit animal decided what elements and abilities you would have as a Spirit Caster, a being who had control over the spirit¡¯s that lived within them. This was normal, it was almost a rite of passage for most kids, everyone had access to a spirit of some kind. What was unusual was, if by the time you were fifteen, and even more so if you reached your 18th birthday without any sign of a spirit within you, you¡¯d be considered a soulless person, and from that point onwards your life would become a living hell.


    This was the life of Maddox, soon to be nineteen and still without an ounce of spirit energy within him, even as a child he had never once been able to contact his own spirit, he was classed as soulless by the other kids at a young age. The elders of the village did nothing to help, if anything they were the cause of the constant bullying, deeming him lazy in class, to the point he was banned from attending lessons.


    This was to be the fate of his younger brother too it seemed, truthfully they weren''t related, however they both grew up together, under the same roof by a kindly woman named Sheila.


    Koru was twelve and, like Maddox, had never shown any potential as a Spirit Caster. Maddox knew this route too well and like Koru was shunned by almost all in the village. They had always come under terms like ¡®Lazy¡¯ and ¡®Disruptive¡¯, but this far from the truth, both of them only dreamed of being accepted. Maddox would often come to the woodlands and practice his combat skills, in hope of awakening some kind of power within him. Likewise, Koru¡¯s nose would never leave the book¡¯s at home, he¡¯d study his life away trying to find a way to unlock the key to his powers, both the outcome always remained the same for them and they were always left as outcasts.


    Maddox watched as several much larger boys followed Koru deeper into the woods and tailed them from a distance as to not gain their attention. Finally, Koru had ran out of energy, at the end of the day he was only a small kid, he spent most his time in books, his body was weak and frail, the fact he made it so far into the woods surprised Maddox.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Koru, tears flowing from his eyes, poured his heart out to his assailants. He knew that they wouldn''t listen, but what choice did he have "Don¡¯t you realise all I want to be like is you!'' He screamed ''As each day goes by, I see you all, getting on with your lives, your normal lives, that¡¯s all I ever wanted is a normal life, I didn''t ask to have no powers, I was cursed with this! Yet you all single me out just the same, why can''t we be friends, why can you not put our differences aside, our difference that we have no control over, please, all I want is to be left in peace, just leave me be!" His words resonated with Maddox, but the same feeling was not met by the group.


    Their leader stepped forward, it was a face Maddox knew well. Gin, the village chiefs only son, he was around the same age as Maddox but twice his size, standing like a giant amongst men, his shadow devouring the terrified kid in front of him. His slicked back Silver hair and unhuman size and strength were a sign of his heritage, for many generations the village chiefs Spirit Animal had been that of the Silverback Gorilla. Gin, with his chest puffed up with pride proclaimed "The weakest shall always be pushed aside by the strong, your pathetic existence does nothing but bring shame on my village, it would be better if you and that other freak would just disappear so we can get on with our lives without looking at your disgusting faces".


    As the gang surrounded their trophy, Maddox had had enough, enough of keeping his mouth shut, constantly being belittled and pushed aside by everyone, regardless the punishment that he knew would undoubtedly come his way, he knew he had to protect his friend. As Gin prepared to swing his left boot through Koru''s face, a wild yell came from the background taking everyone by surprise. There was no time to lose as Maddox made his presence known, sprinting towards Koru¡¯s aid and in the confusion a small gap opened which he slammed through, separating the hunters from their prey yet again.


    With his arms stretched wide in defiance, Maddox stood with his head facing down before slowly raising it with a brazen grin "You didn''t think it would be that easy, did you?"


    A fire could be seen building in Gin¡¯s face as the rage overflowed from him "obnoxious bastard!" His form slowly began to deform as his rage built more and more, contorting his muscles, growing at an imposing rate.


    "Hey Gin, if you go all out, you¡¯ll kill them, I¡¯m not sure this is a good idea" one of his lackies suggested in his ear to his displeasure.


    "I know that idiot! I just want them to know who has real power here that¡¯s all!" He grinned with a menacing intent in his eyes as his body slowly returned to a more human form. More human but around his arm¡¯s it was clear he was maintaining his Spirt Power, as they remained doubled their original size.


    With one swing of his ape¡¯s paw connecting to Maddox¡¯s stomach, a splatter of blood left his lips as he crumpled to the floor, clutching Koru underneath him. Mercilessly the gang members circled the two now laying on the floor and repeatedly sent their boot flying into them, Maddox taking the brunt of it while trying to shield Kuro.


    Once the gang had had their fill of violence, they left the boys bodies lifeless on the ground, mocking them as they went about their way home. So, this was the way of the world Maddox thought to himself, I truly give up on it, he turned his eyes to the beaten figure of his brother wrapped in his arms "I can¡¯t be done quite yet though, or else who is gonna look out for you ay?" a wry smile slipped from his blood face as the world turned black, and his face hit the ground once more.

 Vol 1 Chapter 1.2

    A while had passed and the sun that shone overhead had slowly started to set leaving the sky a hazy hint of orange and red. Maddox slowly pushed his bruised body up against a close tree and exhaled a deep breath, with a quick look round he could see Kuro, already conscious with his head sunken between his arms and knees next to him.


    ''''Why?'''' Koru¡¯s words stuttered out through his tear-soaked arms "Why would you do it? Neither of us stood a chance against those guys, yet you came running in straight away, why?"


    Maddox was unstuck for a moment and paused, then, with a grin etched onto his face "Well if I didn''t look after you, who would look after my little bro?" He forced a battered arm above Koru¡¯s head and ruffled his little brothers'' hair "Anyways it¡¯s getting late and I¡¯m sure mothers¡¯ worried, can you walk?"


    With a solemn nod Koru made his way to his feet, wiping away his tears in the process. Maddox followed pursuit, although somewhat awkwardly as he stumbled up, using the tree as support to get himself to his feet, just to nearly stumble back down as Koru caught him.


    "Sorry Koru" his drained words slipped out of his mouth "Do you reckon you can help your big brother walk for a bit"


    "Maddox..." Koru placed his older brothers¡¯ arm along his shoulders as the pair started the long walk home.


    It was dark by the time they had reached their cottage home, it wasn¡¯t anything special, but to them, it was the one place in this corrupt world that felt safe to them. The familiar curved archway above the door, the thatched roof that had always kept the rain off their heads, the warm fire that kept away the cold. Truly if it wasn¡¯t for this place and their mothers¡¯ kindness, they would have long since perished.


    As the duo slowly creaked the door open, a shadow flickering by the fire awaited them, their mother Sheila. In truth she wasn''t there real mother, however she had taken them in when both of their parents left them on her doorstep and they became a family ever since.


    "Pheww..." Maddox let out a sigh of relief "Let¡¯s keep quiet and get to our room without waking her up ok?"


    "Hmm" Koru obediently nodded.


    As Maddox quietly closed the door behind him, the pair crept lightly along the loose floor boards. Both of them knew that she had probably been there all-night waiting for them to get home, she was such a worrier. Just as they were nearly past, a voice arose from in front of them...


    "And what do you two think you¡¯re doing back so late..." an angry voice echoed around the wooden walls.


    "Crap" The word fell out of Maddox¡¯s mouth unintentionally.


    "I¡¯m waiting..." The walls echoed again.


    "Errr... Just a late stroll nothing to worry about..." Maddox bluffed as his eyes wandered the cabin walls.


    "That so..." her head turned around for the first time, and for the first time she could see the state that both boys were in, her face changed from that of murderous intent to Immedient concern instantaneously, nearly falling off her chair as she rushed towards the boys "Wha...What happened to you two!!" her eyes inspecting their wounds thoroughly.


    "It¡¯s nothing...don¡¯t worry about it..." Maddox¡¯s eyes averting her gaze while hiding Koru behind him.


    "Maddox... You tell me what happened NOW!" Her eyes intensely burning now.


    "I told you it¡¯s nothing to worry about alright, I was out training like I always do and I saw something I couldn¡¯t forgive, so I got involved, that¡¯s it..." his eyes still unable to match hers.


    Her eyes switched from Maddox to the trembling boy behind him "Did he have to get involved to..." her tone even more serious now, but as she bent down to Koru¡¯s level her voice and eyes softened "Baby, tell me what happened please".


    Koru slowly moved his head from behind Maddox and looked into his mother''s eyes, just as Maddox couldn¡¯t, and like that the tears swelled up within the little boy as he leapt into his mothers¡¯ arms, wailing uncontrollably as he held onto her tightly. Her arms wrapped around Koru and once again, he felt safe, the tears dried up, and he told her what had happened.


    It was the same story Maddox had heard on the way back home, Koru was walking back home from school when Gin and the other boys decided to make fun of him, when he stood up for himself, they chased him into the woods and from then on, that¡¯s when Maddox came into the picture.


    Sheila sat there, holding back the tears as she listened in detail as he told her what had happened, about the names they called him, how they beat both him and Maddox and left them for dead. Once he had finished, she crumbled back into her chair, her face dejected. "Oh, my dear boys, I¡¯m so sorry..." her voice quivered as she continued to hold back her tears.


    "What are you talking about? This has always been our problem, you¡¯ve always been there for us so you have nothing to apologies for" Maddox moved in front of his mother and wrapped his arms around her, he couldn¡¯t stand to see her like this. For a young woman, only in her mid-twenties, to take on the responsibility of raising two kids as if they were her own. Maddox was only five when he was brought to this house, Koru followed a few years later and the three strangers become as close a family as any.


    "I have half a mind to speak to that so-called chief! It his law that say you can¡¯t use your Spirit Powers outside of official combat"


    "You know that would do no good" Maddox consoled her again as he stood back up before taking a step back.Stolen novel; please report.


    "I know but still... I feel so useless... I can hardly protect you boys anymore" her head looked down as a single tear slide past her nose before dropping onto the floor.


    "I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll find a way to cope, we always have" he shone a cheery smile in hope that it would resolve some of his mothers¡¯ worries, and to his relief she managed a weak smile back to him in return.


    "I guess you¡¯re right" she conceded "You boys haven''t eaten all day have you, shall I cook you a little something before you get some sleep?"


    Those words were music to both of their ears, it was true they both were exhausted after everything, but their stomachs had taken over at the word food, a chorus of growls left their stomachs as if to say ¡®yes please¡¯.


    Sheila placed a more natural smile upon her face at the sound of their hungry bellies "Hmm, Hmm, is that so, I guess I best start cooking then, could you boys set the table up please".


    The boys nodded as they went about getting the cutlery and glassware ready for their meal. Suddenly a loud cracking sound came bounding from the front door! Thoughts rushed through Maddox¡¯s head, surely, they wouldn¡¯t come here as well? However, his fears were soon quashed when an Auburn-Haired girl came rolling into the room before crashing into the dining table, knocking off the cutlery.


    "Ow...Ow...Ow" The clumsy looking girl sat up against the table, tail between her legs, rubbing her head between her droppy, dog ears. That of a Springer Spaniel, her spirit animal.


    "Dammit Daisy, what do you think you¡¯re doing at this time?" Maddox moaned as he offered her a hand to help her up, which she bashfully accepted.


    "Well, I heard Gin and the other guy¡¯s talking about how they beat up some soulless guys earlier and I got worried but I didn¡¯t want to disturb Sheila so..." her voice faded away slowly before finishing her sentence.


    "So, you decided to wait outside the house till we got back?" By the shyly nodding head of Daisy he knew he had guessed right.


    "Jeez... You gave us heart attack back there..." Bemoaned Maddox while scratching his head. She was Maddox¡¯s only friend in the village. He¡¯d always thought she was odd the way she always hung around him, but he never minded it really. She was always clumsy and air-headed, but she was also really caring and fun to be around. Maddox secretly always thought she was kind of cute, not that he¡¯d ever tell her. She was pretty short, but also had such a naturally kind face, it couldn¡¯t help but make him want to be closer to her. But being on the short side also had its advantages, because she was, for wanting of better words, stacked. He¡¯d always tease her about her height amongst over things but he did genuinely care for her.


    "Mmmm..." She looked annoyed, her cheeks puffed up and eyes staring irritated at him.


    "What?"


    "I was worried... and I waited outside for a long time..." She bashfully rocked from side to side, failing terribly at attempting to hide her glowing cheeks.


    From the kitchen a knowing voice appeared "Daisy dear, it appears I¡¯ve made to much food for us, would you like to stay for some?"


    Just like that her bashfully face and shy eyes changed appearance drastically, her eyes flashed as if she had just won a grand prize and drool emitted from the side of her mouth, ah, it all made sense now, she waited out here all this time and forgotten to eat.


    "Seriously! Is it ok?" Her eyes widened as the smell of food wafted through the kitchen, her tail gave away her mood to easily as it wagged to itself joyfully.


    Why should he be surprised by now, when he thought about things, she¡¯d bundled through the door just as his mother mentioned she was going to cook didn¡¯t she... that girl...


    *Yank* "EEEEP!!! M...M...MADDOX...W...WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!" Squealed Daisy as her once gleeful tail was now caught in Maddox''s grip.


    "Evidence One!" He began "Admit you only came in once you heard that mom was cooking food."


    "Maddox pleaseeee..." she squealed "the tails reallyyy.... EEEEP!"


    With a firmer grip Maddox continued "Evidence Two your honour! After breaking and entering you proceeded to attempt theft of my mothers¡¯ cooking!"


    "Plea....se... Maddox I... cant... Mmmhmm" she bit into her thumb as her body squirmed uncomfortably.


    "AND FINALLY! Why are you still in your spirit form? You wouldn''t feel anything if your tail wasn''t there?"


    "Mhmmm DAMMIT ALRIGHT!" Cried Daisy as her tail and ears slowly dispersed, collapsing to her knees "you didn¡¯t have to be so rough!" her eyes welled up with tears and she looked up at Maddox who could only return her gaze with a cheeky grin.


    "so how does the defendant plea?" Moving his hand towards her face in the shape of a microphone.


    "Not Guilty!!" Bemoaned Daisy, her eyes still watery.


    "That so... The jury finds the defendant... GUILTY! The verdict... No food at the table!"


    "NOOOOOO!!!!" Daisy cried out as the waterworks appeared.


    "Maddox if you want to do things like that with your girlfriend please don¡¯t do it where I can hear..." Sheila called out from the kitchen while hovering over the simmering pan.


    "Don¡¯t word things so weirdly, you know we¡¯re not like that" Maddox retorted while Daisy¡¯s face turned the cherry red.


    "Sure, sure, well food¡¯s ready so if you¡¯re done can you sit at the table please"


    "Yeah" He called back out to his mother, then turned his attention to the red, blubbering mess sat up on the floor and released a sigh. He moved towards the chair closest to where Daisy was sat and pulled it from under the table.


    "My lady" He offered his hand to her, which she watched hesitantly.


    "You¡¯re not gonna do anything weird right?" Her eyes continued to watch his hand suspiciously.


    "Just consider this an apology" his eyes held warmth that she struggled to refuse.


    "Jeez, you can be a gentleman when you want to..." she took his hand tightly as he pulled her up, then offering her the chair he moved out, placed it underneath her as she sat at the table.


    As Maddox sat down at the table himself, Sheila came in holding a large pot. Streaks of steam escaped from its rim, filling the room with the strong aroma of cooked Pork, mixed with the smell of mixed herbs and vegetables. Simultaneously the two sat at the table gulped as the pot was placed at the centre of the table.


    As Sheila sat at the head of the table, her head turned searchingly, Maddox and Daisy were there, but where had Koru gotten himself off too? She let out a sigh and mumbled disheartened "He must have been too tired after all..." her attention turned to Maddox "Son could you check on your brother please, he¡¯s probably gone to sleep bless him?"


    It was Maddox¡¯s turn to search the room, he was sure Koru was right behind him "Yeah sure, don¡¯t start without me" his eyes moved to Daisy, but his jibe went completely over her head, her eyes fixated at the pot sat seductively in the middle of the table.


    As Maddox excused himself, he headed towards the room he shared with his brother, walking a short distance in the hallway before reaching his door and lightly pressing it open, as not to wake his little brother. A small gap appeared enough to peek in. Yet Slowly the gap widened, then widened, then widened some more until the door was wide open. His eyes weren''t playing tricks on him, in the room were two single beds with a desk separating them, behind the beds was one large window, however what was not there, that was out of place, was that Kuro wasn¡¯t there. Don¡¯t panic was coursing through Maddox¡¯s mind but how could he not, after everything that had happened, why would Kuro sneak out? Quickly he searched every room of the house but no sign of Kuro anywhere, his heart now almost jumping out of his chest.


    "How¡¯s he slee..." Sheila called to Maddox as he rushed past the dining room, a determined scowl etched into his face.


    "I¡¯m heading out" his voice full of concern as he made his way to the front door.


    "Ma..." Sheila called again, her voice panicked, but it was too late. The door slammed behind him as he headed out into the dead of the night.

 Vol 1 Chapter 1.3

    Where was he! The question raced through Maddox¡¯s mind on loop as he raced through the village. He had already been to the places he knew Koru would normally go to be alone, each one a bust. He continued his search throughout the village to no avail, all hope seemed lost until he came across some boys who he recognised from earlier. Keeping his presence hidden, he crept towards the trio, making as little noise as possible so he could listen to their conversation.


    ¡°See the look on that kids face¡± The first jeered with rosy cheeks, beer in hand.


    ¡°yeah! What a picture!¡± The second agreed while taking a swig.


    ¡°How dumb must these soulless kids be, showing his face again¡± The third added.


    ¡°Well when Gin and the others catch him, I doubt he¡¯ll have a face left to show!¡± The first guy quipped in cheerfully.


    ¡°Damn right, kid¡¯s good as dead this time, Gin knows these woods like the back of his hand, kids got no chance¡± The third confirmed with a smug look.


    Behind them, rustling of bushes took their attention off their drinks, but not for long as they happily drank into the night.


    The time for thinking had gone, the time for being rational had gone, if Gin knew theses'' woods like the back of his hand, Maddox knew it blindfolded and he knew where Gin was most likely to chase Koru to. A place where he would be cornered so he couldn¡¯t escape. One place screamed out to Maddox, if he got it wrong it would be all over, yet in his heart he knew they would be there. By the edge of Lake Tisza, there was a tall cliff face separating the land from the water, the trees narrowed as the lake neared and only parted at the edge, he¡¯d have no-where to run.


    Sprinting past the tree¡¯s, his aches and pains a distant memory as the adrenaline took over his body, forcing it to move on its own ¡®Please God don¡¯t let me be too late!¡¯ The thought raced through his mind as he left the road and cut through the woodland. In the distance he could make out the dim flicker of torches, a twisted sense of relief came over him as he knew he¡¯d picked the right spot, but now what? What could he do different this time? "Ah, FUCK IT!" he shouted aloud as he closed the distance of the ominous flames.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Slowly the dark outlines of shimmering figures became more solid, their features more defined, no doubt was left in his mind, the sheer mass of the person at the centre confirmed to him, it was Gin, and below him a small figure lay motionless on the floor.


    Barging past the members once more, reminiscent of earlier that same day, he presented himself, arm¡¯s hanging defiantly once more, head barely lifted with a dark grimace upon his face, prepared to accept his fate.


    "So, you did decide to show up huh?" Gin drunkenly gazed at Maddox¡¯s battered body with amusement "What are you exactly supposed to be doing, it¡¯s a bit late to protect him isn¡¯t it" he chuckled to himself. Maddox stood his ground, he couldn¡¯t move anymore, his body was drained, it took all he had left to remain standing.


    "Tsk..." Muttered Gin dejectedly "I¡¯d hoped you¡¯d show a little more fight before you died... we were just gonna kill the little one, leave his head on your doorstep as little present, after watching your fun reactions for a bit we were gonna burn down that shithole you call a home with you and that whore in it, it¡¯s a shame, guess we get to bring her two heads instead of one now..."


    Anger swept over Maddox¡¯s body instantaneously, standing before him wasn¡¯t a gang of human¡¯s anymore, no, it was past that, they were nothing but animals, animals that needed to be put down, but what could he do now, in the end he lived a worthless life. He couldn¡¯t protect Koru, the little brother who looked up to him so much. He couldn¡¯t protect his mother, the woman who gave up everything for him, he couldn¡¯t protect her from what was to come. Truly his existence had been nothing but pain and suffering, as Gin revealed a clean, large knife from his back pocket, Maddox couldn¡¯t help but grin to himself as he prepared to welcome death with a clear conscience, in fact death couldn¡¯t come soon enough, he¡¯d waited nearly 19 years to finally feel peace. As the dagger dug deep into his stomach, twisting inside his organs, the world slowly turned dim, his body stumbled back, till the land was no more and he fell into the sharp coldness of the lake below him. As his vision deserted him, the sound of laughter reverberated through the waves, a last thought echoed hazelly across his mind ¡®Sorry mom, I guess I was nothing but trouble to the end huh?'' And with that, his conscious disappeared as his body drifted along the current to the lake bed, resting peacefully for the first time.


    "Are you giving up?" An unfamiliar voice echoed throughout his subconscious, interrupting his minds deep sleep.

 Vol 1 Chapter 1.4

    ¡°Are you giving up?¡± The voice repeated itself, resonating around all corners of his psyche, till once again, Maddox opened his eyes to see once more.


    As he slowly awakened, he found himself in unfamiliar surroundings. It was daylight, a deep forest appeared before him as a river streamed behind him ¡®oh I see¡¯ he thought to himself ¡®I must have washed ashore, well this isn¡¯t a bad place to die¡¯. Slowly he lifted up his once white, blood stained shirt, to inspect his wound. Eyes¡¯ closed, mentally he prepared himself for what he was about to see, his eyes opened ever so slightly... then ¡°Huh?¡±


    There was no wound, not even a scratch. In place of the wound was a patch of dark scales, with a thick red stain surrounding them like an island between a red sea. ¡°What is all this?¡± He questioned aloud as he ran his fingers along the dark scales surrounding the wound *scratch* ¡°Ouch!¡± a small trickle of blood crawled from his finger ¡°Sharp...¡± Just what was going on?


    ¡°Are you giving up?¡± The voice that awoken Maddox from his slumber stirred once more, deep and powerful.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Maddox called out but the ancient voice ignored his question and repeated itself yet again ¡°Are you giving up?¡±


    Maddox spat out his answer resentfully ¡°My life had no meaning to begin with! So why should I continue to fight a world that rejects me?¡±


    ¡°So, you are giving up¡± The voice sounded disappointed at his answer ¡°So those people you supposedly cared for? The people who will weep and will die because you¡¯re not there to protect them, do they not matter?¡±


    ¡°Protect them don¡¯t make me laugh!¡± Maddox scolded ¡°I was born Weak! I lived Weak! And I died Weak!¡±


    The voice remained quiet for a short amount of time, then calculated, purred ¡°After all this time I have been within you, yet now is the time you accept me? you may have been weak before, but now you shall be strong Maddox Laverick, accept me and we shall never be looked down upon again!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re one to make such promises!¡± Maddox forced himself to his feet, full of resentment for this, all-to-knowing, voice from deep within the woods ¡°I will never accept a shadow so show yourself!¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re prepared¡± The voice questioned.


    ¡°You getting cold feet on these empty promises!¡± Mocked Maddox, self-assured that whoever was behind all this surely wouldn¡¯t reveal themselves.


    Another moment passed and then ¡°As you wish¡±.


    Suddenly the ground started to tremble, the dust underneath Maddox¡¯s feet danced disoriented, the tree¡¯s that once stood before him, slowly started to bow respectfully as the being continued its path onward. From the shadows, A shining pair of Ruby¡¯s appeared from the top of the canopies. With each step, the earth shuddered, until before Maddox, a beast he¡¯d never imagined existed stood tall. Before him stood a Dragon! Its Obsidian scales glistened under the light of the on-looking sun, Its Ruby red eyes appeared like jewel¡¯s hidden in the dark shadows of its defined features. From its nostrils a trail of smouldering smoke arose and dispersed into the bright sky and its teeth, a thousand pairs of Ivory Daggers, sharp to the eye.


    An unnerving fear ran swiftly up Maddox¡¯s spine, his eyes couldn¡¯t focus, his once defiant pose all but disappeared as he stumbled back to the ground with a thud.


    ¡°Who are you...¡± The fact he managed to muster words surprised him, however they squeaked out of his mouth, his jaw trembled under the immense pressure being emitted.


    If the beast could smile, Maddox was sure it was as its words left its lips ¡°Who am I?¡± It pondered a moment longer ¡°I am you, I am your rage, your burning desires and deepest fears, I am the one who shook the earth and parted the skies, I am the bringer of change, I am your soul, your spirit, do you know me now Maddox Laverick, we are one in the same as we are the same, now accept me and find the strength you so desperately crave!¡±


    Maddox¡¯s eyes were awestruck, yet his mind raced with a million questions clouding his mind.


    ¡°All will be revealed in time¡± The great beast seemingly sensing his confusion ¡°But first you must accept me as who you truly are¡±


    With a short pause, a moment passed and then, confidently, Maddox responded ¡®I do, if you are my spirit and you know my desires then give me strength so that I can protect them!¡¯


    The Dragon roared with satisfaction ¡°Excellent! Then wake up! wake up and I shall do the rest, Maddox Laverick, prepare to be a god amongst ants!¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    His vision blurred once more, his eyes closed, but when they opened again, a ruby glow emitted from deep inside his retina.


    Only a few moments passed since Maddox¡¯s corpse crashed from the side of the cliff, Koru had seen it all. He laid there motionlessly as he watched his brother fall to his death, for what reason, to spare Koru a few more minutes filled with anguish, well perhaps leaving this world would be easier now, knowing that at least Maddox wouldn¡¯t be worried about him. He felt the gaze of his capturers weighing down on his body, as he closed his eyes he prepared himself to see Maddox again, he¡¯d be sure to thank him for being there for him, even in his dying moments.


    ¡°There¡¯s no god for the likes of you¡± Spat Gin in disgust, his eyes fixated sadistically on the silent boy spread out before him ¡°Pathetic¡±.


    As he played with the blood-stained knife in front of the exhausted Koru, a thunderous crash exploded from beneath the once relaxed waves, a crackle of lightning soon followed making the water bubble as a dark figure emerged from the murky depths.


    The dark figure seemed to hover in the light for a moment, before its tinted wings repelled from its body. The body of this figure appeared human in shape if nothing else, its scaly skin glistened under the moonlight, it¡¯s eyes deep red as if lusting from blood, its ears pointed and hands claws, it was as if a demon had been released from the pits of hell. It smiled psychotically showing off its razor-sharp fangs in delight.


    The being parted its lips and began to speak, it sounded distorted yet familiar somehow to Koru ¡°you, who fear that to which you don¡¯t know and cast out the weak in an attempt to make yourselves feel stronger! I don¡¯t wholeheartedly disagree with your ideals so let me show you what happens to the weak who prey on the weak¡±


    Of the seven gang members present, one had already gotten away as the beast emerged from the waters, the others looked on. The beast scanned the faces of the insects below, their faces frozen, bodies paralysed by fear, only one seemed still able to move, Gin. After the words had left the demons¡¯ lips, his shaking legs turned and ran for their life.


    The demon looked amused at the situation before him ¡°Oh how the mighty squirm and run when faced with odds that don¡¯t favour their own, Pitiful¡±.


    With a majestic beat of its wings it soared into the night sky, not once letting its eyes leave their target. With a sharp inhale, a fiery wave of flames crashed from its lips, engulfing all who stood in its path. No bodies remained, just the ash that spiralled in the wind. Not even Gin had escaped unharmed, despite putting some distance between him and the demon of the lake. The skin on his back fused with his Leather jacket, smouldering above the blistering flesh, spreading the scent of burnt meat throughout the cinders of the woodland.


    With a look of self-accomplishment etched on the demons¡¯ face, it swooped down to the charred, writhing body of Gin. With its mighty claw, it took a firm grip atop his head, skin and hair peeling away under the hold of its scaly hand. It¡¯s stained red eyes stared into the depths of Gin¡¯s soul ¡°those who seek strength by preying on weak are not strong, they are the weakest of all, you survived today by my grace and nothing more, your friends were not so lucky, remember this the next time you feel the need to act out your perverse feeling of self-worth on others, now go, crawl if you must just be out of my sight you worthless being¡±. With those words echoing in his ear, he collapsed to the ground, skin being torn away with each movement as he attempted to escape the beasts gaze.


    With a satisfied grin, he turned to see the quivering body of Koru, hidden behind one of the trees by the cliff. Slowly he walked to his fallen comrade and crouched down beside him ¡°It¡¯s alright now, the bad men are gone¡± he spoke softly to the boy, but Koru¡¯s fear didn¡¯t dispel.


    ¡°Please sir, I don¡¯t want to die!¡± The fear had overtaken him too as he cowered behind the tree.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± The scaly face tilted curiously ¡°It¡¯s me, Maddox¡±


    ¡°Maddox?¡± Koru poked his head out a little further, his eyes washing over every feature of the rugged face, there was no doubt, behind all the scales was the face of his brother. ¡°Maddox, I saw you die!¡± Tears began to well up ¡°What did you do! Make a deal with the devil!¡±


    ¡°No Koru¡± he reassured him with his voice ¡°This is my Spirit Animal, I¡¯m not soulless anymore¡± he said with a warm grin what sent shivers down Koru¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± he whimpered.


    ¡°Whatever do you mean?¡± Maddox look at his brother, confused.


    ¡°Maddox, look around!¡± As his head turned and observed the destruction, the scales slowly began to rescind, his wings folded back into his body as he lost balance and collapsed to the floor. Koru quickly ran to his brothers aid as he came to ¡°Koru?¡± Maddox looked around confused, and then panicked ¡°Koru what happened here!? Are you ok! I was so worried!¡± he gripped Koru in his arms¡¯ tightly.


    ¡°Maddox? Do you... not remember?¡± Koru looked down at his shocked brother, did he really not remember anything.


    ¡°Remember? I remember standing in front of you, Gin stabbed me and everything went black... Everything from then on felt like a dream, I was flying through the air and...¡± His words hung in the air, the taste of ash on his tongue told him, this was all his doing, the flames raged on around them as he slowly sank into a ball and shrieked out his frustrations.


    ¡°DAMMIT!!! Never again!! I will not let you take hold of my soul and use me for your self-riotous bullshit!¡± was this really his spirit animal! his soul! all that pent-up rage that hid in the shadows, was that really his true soul? ¡°I swear! I Will never accept this! I will control you not the other way around! Otherwise what¡¯s the point in power if I''m a danger to everyone around me! FUCK!¡± he called out detested, he lost control, he was a murder, no better than those he looked down on earlier. He looked over to Koru, he protected him sure, but how-long could he do so in that state! Suddenly his mind went blank and walked straight towards Koru ¡°Koru we need to get home now! We need to get mom and run, when we get there take only what you need and then we¡¯re gone ok!¡±


    Koru whistfully nodded his head as Maddox threw his little brother over his shoulder and sprinted towards home, he only prayed it wasn¡¯t too late.

 Vol 1 Chapter 1.5

    The feeling of hopelessness washed over his body cleansing him in self-pity, even with power, he was still useless. As he gently moved Koru from his shoulder to behind a nearby tree, teardrops formed upon the edges of his eyes. He turned to the inferno raging in front of him,he was to late. The fire twisted and contorted as the sun slowly arose in the background. With a determined look in his face, he took a few steps in his stride before heading towards the flames.


    ¡°Maddox!!¡± Daisy¡¯s voice called from behind him ¡°Maddox it is you! We have to go quickly! Come on!¡± she tugged at his tattered jacket hurriedly.


    ¡°Daisy?¡± he turned to his friend, his eyes glazed as he turned back to face the burning building ¡°Let me go Daisy!¡±


    ¡°No! Maddox, we need to run quickly!¡± She tugged at his jacket even more ¡°She¡¯s not there!¡±


    ¡°How do you know that!¡±


    ¡°After you left, I sat with your mom for a while then went out to find you! but I couldn¡¯t find you anywhere!¡± she explained, her voice quickened ¡°When I came back here, the house was surrounded by everyone! I asked what was happening and they said your being banished from the village, they burned down the house and took your mother hostage! Maddox please we need to go!¡±


    A calming wave washed over Maddox¡¯s face, she wasn¡¯t in there after all he thought, he trusted Daisy to tell the truth, relieved. ¡°Ok Daisy, tell me where there keeping her, can you please stay here, keep Koru safe for me¡±


    ¡°...but Maddox¡± she protested.


    ¡°It alright¡± he reassured her ¡°I won¡¯t let anything happen to me, or her, so don¡¯t worry ok?¡± he offered her a false smile, he knew she could read through it but it¡¯s all he could do to calm her fears.


    ¡°Please be safe¡± She begged as she wrapped her arms around him tightly ¡°They were saying such terrible things about you, things I know couldn¡¯t be true!¡±


    He looked sadly down at her face buried deeply in his chest, he hadn¡¯t the heart to tell her the truth, with one arm around her shoulders, he patted her head and once again reassured her half-heartedly.


    ¡°Right, I¡¯m off so please make sure Koru is safe ok?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡± she nodded, wiping away her tears as she looked on.


    As he turned to head towards the hall in the centre of the village, a screech echoed unhuman from behind him, the flames scolded and screamed as realty set in. They hadn¡¯t captured her at all, this wasn¡¯t justice, this was revenge, a dark shadow swayed over his contorted face as he glared back at Daisy, her own face fixated on the burning building.


    ¡°You knew!¡± With each footstep the ground started to shake around him, his once blue eyes, flickering to a deep crimson.


    She didn¡¯t respond, her eyes still focused on the home she had been in, minutes before the inferno started.


    Maddox continued on his war path till standing in front of her, grabbing hold of her shoulders viciously ¡°How could you!¡± Tears slowly streamed from his face ¡°I don¡¯t care what happened to me but what did she do to you!¡± his accusing finger pointed to the flames.


    Her soul was slowly shattering as she slumped to the floor, her voice didn¡¯t work anymore, her eyes traumatised by the engulfing flames, slowly one word slipped out, repeatedly ¡°I...I...I...¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t got time for this!¡± Maddox chided as he turned and sprinted into the flames, not looking back.


    Daisy couldn¡¯t move, that one-word repeated itself until finally ¡°I... I didn¡¯t know...¡±


    As Maddox forced his way through the collapsed doorway, he called out ¡°Mom!! Mom can you hear me!¡±


    No voice responded, the only sound to be heard was the crackling fire, mocking him as he forced himself through the burning flames.


    He called again ¡°mom! Please! Where are you!¡± his tears turning to steam under the intense heat surrounding him.


    Deep within the home, a sound finally broke through the flames, the sound of deep coughing entwined with the roar of the fire, enough to get Maddox¡¯s attention, she was still alive. Further he pushed on, jumping over collapsed pillars and blacked furniture, his mind focused solely on getting to his mother. He arrived at her bedroom door, barely alive, the singed body of his mother lay there, hardly conscious but still breathing. ¡°Thank god you¡¯re still alive¡± he sighed in relief, he gently lifted his diminutive mother over his shoulder and began his way out of the building.


    As he almost reached the entrance, he came across another body, barely able to stand as it stumbled its way forward ¡°Maddox *cough* *cough* Let me help... *cough* *splutter* Daisy was barely conscious as she collapsed right before where he stood.


    Looking down at her, guilt filled his mind, she really was a good friend, and also a massive idiot, how are you gonna help like this his he mused to himself. With his free arm he scooped up Daisy''s spasming body and moved forward, leaving this burning hell behind him.


    He carried their bodies from the debris and placed them by a nearby Birch Tree. As he squated before them, he watched with concern, waiting for them to regain consciousness. With a spluttered cough Daisy¡¯s watery eyes opened once more, unaware she had been rescued from the fire. She looked up at the kind face of rescuer ¡°Maddox?¡± her heart sank as she began to sob uncontrollably, she collapsed into his waist, clutching to the tails of his jacket ¡°I¡¯m so sorry!!¡±


    He placed a warm arm on her back, shocking her at first, the tears sharply deceased as she listened to his words ¡°Dummy, I¡¯m sorry I snapped at you, I believe you ok? Everything¡¯s alright now¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Really¡±


    As she clung tighter to his waist, she noticed something strange ¡°Maddox? Your clothes?¡±Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°Hmm¡± he looked down confused ¡°What the?¡± he examined the material intently, but besides the damages that it withstood earlier, there were no signs of scortch marks anywhere. He continued to look at his skin, looking down at his arms, then legs, no burns. As he took a moment to think about it, how was he able to search within the house for so long? really he should of collapsed like Daisy did. Still, it wasn¡¯t time to be looking too deep into these things right now, a third chorus of coughing had taken both their attention.


    ¡°Mom¡± Maddox sighed with relief.


    ¡°Hello son, glad to see your well, maybe too well¡± his mother glanced over the image of Daisy tightly gripping onto Maddox ¡°I¡¯m happy for you¡±


    ¡°Hey come on now¡± he smiled, embarrassed ¡°you can¡¯t be that bad if your making jokes.¡±


    ¡°That so?¡± she giggled as a splutter of coughing followed, a spatter of blood left her lips as her breathing increased.


    ¡°Hey come on now...¡± Maddox¡¯s voice faltered as he sat in front of his mother.


    ¡°Sorry son¡± she apologised ¡°I think I may have stayed in bed too long¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that!¡± Tears slowly started to form.


    ¡°Sorry baby, but please listen, I¡¯ve something important to tell you, come closer¡±


    ¡°Sure mom, whatever you want¡± he moved closer towards her.


    ¡°No sex until you¡¯re married ok¡± She smiled as she joked in her normal light tone, setting Maddox aback as tears began to fall harder than before.


    ¡°Jeez, I hope those aren¡¯t your last words¡± He wiped away a tear, half smiling.


    ¡°Sorry, just making sure¡± she smiled innocently, but then her expression changed ¡°Maddox, I¡¯m serious now ok? Please take care of Koru, he is your birth brother, I don¡¯t have much time left, but your parent¡¯s left me both of you when they discovered you had inherited their powers, if you go to Naga, over the sea''s, everything you wish to know should be there.¡±


    Maddox stared at his mother, his vision losing focus, why had she kept this from them for so long?


    She continued, her voice slowly weakening with each word ¡°Don¡¯t be mad baby, it was for the best, I truly love you so much, live your life with no regrets, live a fulfilled life for me please¡± Her kind face smiled honestly as the warmth of her grin slowly faded, her eyes lost their shine as she sank back into the tree, motionless, she had gone.


    ¡°Mom? Mom!¡± Maddox rushed to her side and held her tightly, she was cold to the touch ¡°No please! You can¡¯t just leave me like that! Please!¡± He wept and wept until he could weep no more. His tears dried as his face grew dark, his eyes grew crimson once more, the two personalities inside of him were splitting him apart.


    Daisy could only watch as he battled his demons from the inside.


    ¡°They''re dead... They''re all dead! I¡¯ll burn every one of them to cinders!¡± He howled as the sun slowly began to rise.


    ¡°M... Maddox... calm down please... your scaring me...¡± Daisy begged as she watched his features contort.


    Two red beads set their sights on her ¡°They all need to die Daisy can¡¯t you see? The world won¡¯t miss people like that will it? They just all need to burn!¡±


    <strong style="font-weight: bold">*SLAP* The red eyes looked confused at the weeping girl at first, but slowly dispersed to reveal a deep blue once more.


    ¡°Daisy?¡± Maddox looked at his childhood friend, her eyes swollen with tears, her face etched with anger ¡°You¡¯re wrong!¡± She screamed in frustration ¡°No one needs to die! Innocent kids grow up here! My family live here! I don¡¯t want anyone in this village to be hurt by you! I don¡¯t want them to see you as a monster¡±


    He looked deeply at her for a moment, he¡¯d never seen her so angry before, had he said something to upset her? ¡°you¡¯re right¡± he agreed ¡°I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do without you, that hurt!¡± he placed his hand over his reddened cheeks.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go saying things like that again ok?¡±


    ¡°I promise, if I do please feel free to hit me again¡±


    ¡°Ok¡± she nodded quietly.


    Maddox once again turned to the corpse of his mother ¡°I want to bury her, here by this tree¡±


    ¡°I agree¡±


    ¡°I think there are some shovels by the shed, hopefully the fire didn¡¯t reach that far, could you go get them for me? I just want to spend a little time alone with her¡±


    ¡°Yeah that¡¯s fine¡± As she walked away, she turned for a moment to see Maddox holding his mother¡¯s hand and weeping, he really didn¡¯t deserve any of this she thought. As she walked past the burning building, she turned the corner to see the shed, at least 10 metres away, untouched, two shovels resting against the side.


    ¡°Thank goodness¡± she said to her-self as she grabbed hold of the tools. From behind her, a quick hand appeared and held her mouth shut tight, as she struggled to scream, the world became dark as she passed out.

 Vol 1 Chapter 1.6

    ¡°Huh¡± As she slowly came to, she looked around to find familiar surroundings ¡°This is... My room?¡±


    As she removed the covers from on top of her, she slid her body from the mattress and looked around for a moment ¡°A dream?¡± She thought aloud hopefully.


    As she finally made her way out of the bedroom, she walked towards the kitchen. There standing beside the stove, a tall woman wearing an apron merrily whistled to herself while cooking. She was the spitting image of Daisy, although her face was clearly more mature, but equally kind.


    In a chair by the table was a man, glasses on his face and newspaper in hand, his eyes following each line expertly.


    ¡°Mom? Dad?¡± Daisy called out, confused.


    ¡°Oh, pumpkin your up!¡± Her mother gleeful smiled as she looked at her daughter.


    ¡°Yeah...¡± Still dazed by her sudden change of scenery ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Whatever do you mean?¡± Her mother tilted her head innocently.


    ¡°I mean... I was just outside with Maddox, how did I...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention that boys name!¡± Her father roared.


    ¡°Why?¡± She was so confused now! ¡°So, I was just out? Then why am I in here!¡± as she started to panic ¡°I need to get out and find him quickly!¡±


    ¡°You will go nowhere!¡± Her father bellowed again.


    ¡°Why!?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t have my only daughter being connected to that boy! I tolerated it till now, but after all this you really think I¡¯d allow you to see him?¡±


    ¡°... But Dad, he didn¡¯t do anything¡± She begged to her old man.


    ¡°Is that what he told you is it? The nerve...¡± He ruffled his newspaper in irritated.


    ¡°But Dad its true! Mom you know what Maddox is like, he¡¯s harmless¡± She pleaded to her mother, hopeful of some support.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry hunny but your fathers right, it¡¯s too dangerous around him, whether he¡¯s innocent or not¡± Her mother¡¯s expression was more pained than her fathers, as if she understood the pain her daughter was going through.


    ¡°Mom!¡± Daisy pleaded but was interrupted sharply.


    ¡°It¡¯s settled then! Now go back to your room!¡±


    ¡°But!¡± She took a deep pause... ¡°What will happen to him?¡±Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°The chiefs son returned back in a bad state, if it wasn¡¯t for one of the village boys causing so much alarm, I doubt they would have found him alive... If he dies, I doubt your Maddox will see the sunset again...¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ve got to go!¡± A look of determination shot other her face as she headed towards the door.


    ¡°I said!¡± Her father had enough, slamming his newspaper to the table with a bang as he got up, blocking the path to the front door.


    I know Dad! But if his life is in danger, I need to warn him!¡± She couldn¡¯t let things end this way, she knew he had to be innocent!


    ¡°Daisy Kobayashi! If you step outside that door you¡¯re no longer welcome in this home!¡± Her father rattled his final ultimatum, his body shaking with anger as he spat out the words he didn¡¯t want to say.


    ¡°Dear!¡± A loud shattering sound echoed from the kitchen as a plate slipped from her mother¡¯s hands.


    ¡­ ¡°Fine¡± She had decided.


    ¡°Excuse me...¡± Her father looked at her with broken eyes.


    ¡°I said fine! if that¡¯s what you want!¡± She barged past her old man as he showed no signs of resistance, her mother called her back as she slammed the door behind her. A few quick breaths and her footsteps began to quicken as she turned the corner away from the place she used to call home. *Crash* Her body smacked into something solid as she turned, sending her flying onto her backside ¡°Ow...Ow...Ow¡± She muttered as she opened her eyes to see what she hit. Laying opposite her, a boy with tattered clothes sat on the floor clutching his head.


    ¡°M...Maddox!!¡± She cried out in joy as she flew herself onto him.


    ¡°Ow...Ow... Get off would ya!¡± He moaned ¡°So this is where you¡¯ve been all this time, you could have told me...¡±


    Suddenly a sharp realisation emerged ¡°Maddox we need to go now!¡±


    ¡°So first you disappear and now you want to go, what¡¯s up with ya?¡±


    ¡°No time to explain!¡± She took hold of his hand as she threw him up off the ground ¡°Woah! Wait a minute...¡± He complained ¡°First we need to get to my mother¡±


    ¡°I know, I know!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you Daisy?¡± She was dragging him along as this point, as they reached the shed, she took hold of the two shovels and passed one to Maddox. With a somber look on her face, she asked ¡°Shall we?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡± he nodded.


    They returned to the tree, his mother still laid there as he left her, eyes closed as if she was only resting, he couldn¡¯t look much longer.


    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s dig behind the tree yeah? I don¡¯t want to move her till we have to you know?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I got ya¡±


    The pair started digging just behind the old tree. An hour or so had passed without event, finally they were finished. In front of the home she made for the three of them to live, behind the old Birch tree, Sheila¡¯s body was finally laid to rest. As the pair began to fill in the earth, a series of bells chimed from the church.


    ¡°What¡¯s that for?¡± Maddox questioned, a tear still hanging in his eye.


    ¡°I have a bad feeling about this...¡± Daisy¡¯s suspicions raised, if what her parents had said was true, this could be very bad if they were spotted ¡°Maddox, let¡¯s hurry so we can go!¡± she persisted to Maddox¡¯s annoyance, throwing down his shovel in frustration.


    ¡°Daisy! What has gotten into you!¡± he chided ¡°Here! Now! You¡¯re telling me to hurry!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Maddox¡± she didn¡¯t mean to upset him, she decided to tell him what her father told her back at home ¡°... So if those bells are ringing, it can only mean one thing¡± she finished.


    A bead of sweat ran down Maddox¡¯s cheek ¡°Understood, sorry for yelling...¡± he tailed off.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s ok, I was insensitive¡± she looked towards him sadly.


    He turned to look down at the shallow grave they had made together, his mother had been covered for the most part but there was still a lot of work to do.


    ¡°Ok, let¡¯s hurry, as soon as we¡¯re finished, I¡¯ll grab Kuro then we¡¯ll go alright?¡±


    ¡°Ok, sounds like a plan¡± she agreed.


    Eventually the grave was filled in, Maddox bent down to pay his respects before picking up Kuro once more on his back, as the trio headed into the woods.

 Vol 1 Chapter 2.1: Into the Wilderness

    With Kuro placed firmly on his back, the trio head deeper into the woods as the village slowly fading into the horizon.


    ¡°I guess we¡¯re really doing it¡± Daisy stopped for a moment to turn around, one last look at the village she had once called home. Maddox was much less reminiscent, his eyes firmly looking forward, no intention to look back, he calmly remarked ¡°No going back now...¡±


    ¡°Hey Maddox?¡± Something had been bothering Daisy for a while now, and now was the first time she had the chance to ask ¡°Promise you¡¯ll be honest?¡±


    ¡°I promise¡±


    ¡°Did you really do it... What they said?¡± Her gaze fixated on him as he stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°I wish I could say it wasn¡¯t, but yeah it¡¯s all true...¡± He looked down at the floor disheartened, he hadn''t been able to tell her the truth earlier, it was about time he came clean about what happened.


    ¡°Why?¡± A sad look grew on her face as she asked the question, she wasn¡¯t sure if she wanted to know the answer, but it was too late to turn back now.


    ¡°I wish I could tell you but I really don¡¯t know¡± He admitted embarrassed ¡°I only remember that I needed to protect Kuro, when Gin stabbed me, I thought I was a goner...¡±


    ¡°He stabbed you!¡± Her father never mentioned anything about this!


    ¡°Hmm¡± he lifted up his tattered shirt to show the blood scattered scales still protecting the wound ¡°After that it all seemed like a dream, when I finally came to, I was next to Koru, fire raging all around us¡±


    ¡°So, it was in self-defence?¡± She muttered aloud ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think any different to me now do you?¡± After all this time of hiding the truth from her, he felt guilty, he really didn¡¯t want her to stop seeing him as he was now.


    ¡°I trust you, so I had no problems following you, and now I know the truth, I''m happy I''m walking with you¡± She had a reassuring smile on her face, the kind that made Maddox feel even more guilt for doubting her.


    ¡°True, I really am thankful for you Daisy¡±


    ¡°Stop it, I know you¡¯d do the same for me if I was in trouble!¡± And she was right, there was no way he could ever repay her for everything she had done for him, with a smile on his face, for the first time in what seemed a long time, he nodded to her ¡°Right.¡±


    After a few more steps ¡°Hey Maddox...¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tired¡± Daisy moaned, her feet slowly starting to drag along the floor.


    ¡°We have barely left the village and you¡¯re tired now...¡± He looked back at her with sceptical eyes.


    ¡°Just a little Maddox come on....¡± She pleaded with him as her eyes fluttered, threatening to close any minute.


    ¡°I suppose it has been a long day¡± Maddox conceded, really, he wasn''t against getting some sleep himself ¡°fine, you rest over here for a bit and I''ll keep watch ok?¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s fine, then you can do the same for me right?¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡± she nodded cheerfully, until a suspicion thought crossed her mind, distrustfully she looked over to him ¡°Nothing weird ok...¡±


    ¡°Promise¡± He looked at her as if to say, would I ever, although she didn¡¯t trust the look in his eyes, hers¡¯ were too tired to care ¡°Hmmm, goodnight¡± She said, already half asleep as she placed herself against one of the many trees in the woods.


    ¡°Jeez that girl...¡± As he placed Kuro next to her, he sat nearby, but slowly, as time passed by, a yawn escaped his lips, eventually his eyes closed as well as he fell into a deep sleep.


    *Yawn* with his arms stretched out wide, Koru slowly began to move as he woke up from his long slumber, unaware of his surroundings ¡°Huh... How did we get here?¡± He turned to Maddox, then noticed Daisy at the side of him ¡°When did Daisy get here?¡±


    He ruffled his brother¡¯s shoulder as he attempted to wake him up ¡°Bro, bro you need to get up! We need to get home and get mom remember!¡± but it was no use, Maddox was out for the count and Koru knew when his brother was asleep, there wasn¡¯t much that could wake him up. As he moved around, he could see the corner of the village on the horizon ¡°I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t be mad if I went back to get mom¡± he assured himself as he made his journey back to the village.


    Why would Maddox leave without getting mom Koru thought to himself as he neared the village. As he got closer, he could see the remnants of a building, all that was left was the foundations and a collection of blackened beams scattered around. Standing in front of the building was a man, from his clothes Koru could tell he wasn''t from the village. The man wore a stylish evening jacket over a white shirt. His shoes, which Koru could only presume were very expensive, we¡¯re hidden under plastic bags, as he got closer, he could hear the man muttering to himself ¡°Filth Backwards country... To think I came all the way here on a lead, and by the time I''m here these hillbilly locals have burnt it down... not only that they refuse to give me any information... ME!¡±


    Koru may have not known the man as he stood near him, but on closer inspection he knew what those burnt remains used to be, his jaw dropped as he exhaled out the word ¡°...home?¡±


    This grabbed the sharply dressed man''s attention ¡°Home... did you say?¡±


    ¡°yes sir, what happened here?¡±Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be truthfully I¡¯m really unaware, these savages won¡¯t answer my questions, all they keep babbling on about was this demon of the lake, yet when I press the question further, they just flat out refuse, it really is quite inconvenient...¡±


    ¡°Demon... of the lake?¡± No surely not, Koru¡¯s thoughts raced through his head, Maddox couldn¡¯t have done this... right? The look of concern only intrigued the old man further.


    ¡°You seem troubled my boy, what is it?¡±


    ¡°Oh... nothing...¡± Bluffed Koru as he wiped his eyes with his sleeve.


    ¡°That so...¡± The man looked at him suspiciously ¡°Well if you did used to live here, would I be right in suspecting you have a brother?¡±


    ¡°How do you know that!¡± Koru took a step back.


    ¡°Simply put... My organisation has taken an interest in the both of you, we believe you both to have enormous potential, we''d like to bring you in and join us, if you¡¯d like?¡± The words came convincingly and smoothly from the gentleman''s lips.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know...¡± Koru shuffled uncomfortably.


    ¡°Of-course you don¡¯t, I mean it¡¯s understandable, just losing your mother and all¡±


    ¡°What did you just say!¡± Koru took another step back, nearly stumbling to the ground, surely not!


    ¡°The poor woman living in this house, from what little information I got, she perished in the fire¡±


    His heart dropped, colour draining from his face as if an open wound appeared. It couldn¡¯t be true, how could Maddox sleep so contently, how could he sleep! No, it couldn¡¯t be true! But why would this man lie? It all made no sense!


    ¡°It appears you were unaware, my apologies, it¡¯s terrible to deal with the loss of a loved one at such a young age, but you know, there are ways to bring her back¡± A sharp grin appeared on the man''s face, as if he spotted an oppurtunity worth taking.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you!¡± Cried Koru in disbelief, he must of been dreaming, soon he''s wake up from this nightmare.


    ¡°The organisation I work for, we specialize in this kind of thing you see, if you join us, maybe we can bring her back?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lying! All you adults do is lie!¡±


    ¡°I assure you it¡¯s the truth, hear, my card¡± He handed over Koru a small document, with the man''s smiling face plastered over the front of it, Koru read what was written on the card aloud ¡°Miles Takashi... Institute of Magical Affairs... Divinity Division?¡±


    ¡°That would be me, my department work with legendary spirit casters and use their information to learn about the human anatomy, as well as ways to extend and recover life.¡± He waxed lyrically, as if selling a marketing spiel.


    ¡°Really?¡± Koru looked up, wiping the tears away.


    ¡°Really, and with your help, I think we can do special things together¡±


    ¡°But why me? There¡¯s nothing special about me?¡± He was just an orphaned soulless, he''d never been wanted before, what did this man see in him that all the other''s had overlooked and ignored.


    ¡°That¡¯s where your wrong young master, how much do you know of your heritage?¡± Mile''s continues to peak his interest.


    ¡°Nothing¡± Koru admitted, ever since he''d been left her, he never knew anything about his real parents.


    ¡°We have worked together with the Laverick family for many years, would you like to know more about your parents, your real parents?¡±


    ¡°Real parents?¡± A curious look arose from Koru, were his real parents still alive? He had to find out, perhaps he and Maddox could have a normal family again!


    ¡°Yes, I knew them personally in fact¡± Miles was pulling him along a string at this point, he knew Koru was interested now, if he would co-operate, this mission would of been a big success.


    ¡°... I would¡± Koru nodded bravely as he agreed to the term''s layed out to him.


    ¡°Good!¡± This trip wasn¡¯t a waste after all raced through Mile''s head ¡®then how about we go find your brother and we can all go together?¡±


    ¡°I got lost...¡±


    ¡°Excuse me...¡±


    ¡°We got separated... I can¡¯t find him...¡± He didn''t know why, but he decided to lie, he knew exactly where Maddox was, but if he could get stronger, if he could help bring his mother back to life. He didn''t want Maddox to know, for the first time in his life, he wanted to acomplish something without his big brothers help.


    ¡°Is that so...¡± The man sighed ¡°Well we can always come back for him, right? Won¡¯t he be so impressed with you when you see how much you¡¯ve grown¡±


    ¡°Mmm!¡± Koru happily nodded.


    ¡°Ok then, take a hold of my jacket please and we¡¯ll be off¡± Mile''s instructed Koru, handing him a corner of his jacket.


    ¡°Like this¡± Koru inquired.


    ¡°Yes, that should be sufficient, now be sure to hold tight!¡±


    Suddenly the word became dark, the jacket, the man, Koru all sank into the ground as the disappeared from the wreckage of his old home.


    Back in the woods, Daisy slowly was waking up from her long rest ¡°Ahhh! That was so good!¡± she turned to Maddox ¡°ok you¡¯re turn Maddox, I''ll keep watch you get some rest¡± no response ¡°...Maddox?¡± she pressed her hand against his shoulder and gently pushed ¡°Hey... Hey Maddox?¡± He was fast asleep.


    Was there any point in keeping watch if your just gonna fall asleep anyways she thought to herself as she continued to try and wake him ¡°Oi! Oi! Maddox! Get up! Jeez it¡¯s pointless...¡± As she near enough gave up hope, an arm swung from behind and brought her close... to close ¡°Maddox!!¡± she cried out flustered ¡°Not here...¡± He smirked contently in his sleep. He now had a tight grip on her waist, she was trapped ¡°Maddox get off...¡± her voice faltered as his hand slowly climbed up her body, getting dangerous close to her cleavage ¡°I SAID GET OFF!¡± with a short right hook she buried her fist into Maddox¡¯s stomach, waking him up with a splutter.


    ¡°WHAT WAS THAT FOR!¡± He cried out, clutching his stomach in agony.


    ¡°WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHAT WAS THAT FOR!¡±


    ¡°I MEAN WHY DID YOU HIT ME!¡±


    ¡°Well...¡± she faltered again as her face went red ¡°Well...¡±


    ¡°Well...¡± His face slowly growing more irritated.


    ¡°Well... you kinda... grabbed me in your sleep... it kinda surprised me...¡± She bashfully played with her hair while trying to avoid eye-contact, he wasn¡¯t buying it.


    ¡°So, you punched me in the gut...¡± He asserted, just to make sure he understood what had happened.


    ¡°Well you were being so forceful and you wouldn¡¯t let go...¡± She pleaded with him.


    ¡°So, then you punched me in the guts...¡± So, he did understand...


    ¡°Dammit how am I in the wrong here!¡± Cried Daisy out in frustration, how had the tables turned on her so quickly!


    ¡°Hmm... I don¡¯t know... maybe because you fully punched me in the stomach!¡± Reiterated Maddox, again lifting up his shirt to show the red mark that had been left by the punch.


    ¡°But it was you¡¯re...¡± a short pause ¡°where¡¯s Koru...?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try and change the conversation! He¡¯s right there where I left...¡± The space he was pointing to was empty ¡°What? Where is he?¡± He looked around confused.


    ¡°And this is why you were supposed to stay awake for!¡± Bemoaned Daisy.


    ¡°Now¡¯s not the time for that Daisy we need to find him and quickly! What if he went back to the village!¡± Maddox¡¯s mind raced, if Koru had returned to the village, if he found the remains of the home how would he cope? What if the villages find him?


    ¡°That would be a problem, he won¡¯t know what happened will he, and if someone sees him...¡± Daisy verbally confirmed what he already knew.


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Maddox cried out in frustration, till a thought occurred ¡°Daisy, can you use your spirit form to track him, like his scent or something!¡±


    ¡°Do I look like a dog to you...¡± she had a deadpan look on her face, now really wasn¡¯t the time!


    ¡°You really need to pull that joke now...¡± Maddox chided, things could get serious really quickly if Koru was discovered.


    ¡°Sorry, but yeah I can give me a sec...¡± From nowhere her tail sprang from her back as her floppy dog ears fell into place on each side of her head. *Sniff* *Sniff* ¡°That way!¡± She pointed South, the direction they¡¯s just came from.


    ¡°Really that quick?¡± He couldn¡¯t help sound impressed, even if he didn¡¯t want to.


    ¡°Don¡¯t doubt the springers nose¡± she said smugly, too smugly ¡°he¡¯s definitely that way!¡±


    Maddox looked the way she was pointing, just as he thought ¡°That¡¯s...¡±


    ¡°Back home...¡± She finished his sentence for him ¡°Quickly let¡¯s go before I lose his scent!¡±


    ¡°Ok, right behind ya!¡± Maddox followed as Daisy, led by her noseas they began the journey back home, the one place Maddox didn¡¯t want to see again.

 Vol 1 Chapter 2.2

    ¡°Ok we¡¯re nearly there¡± Called Daisy, nose in the air as they approached the village.


    ¡°Got it¡± Confirmed Maddox, a solemn look upon his face, he really didn¡¯t want to be back here ¡°let¡¯s get Koru and get out of here as quick as we can!¡±


    ¡°Ok¡± This place held a lot of bad memories for both of them now, neither of them imagined they¡¯d be back so soon.


    As the duo got closer to the remains of the old home, Daisy¡¯s nose began to twitch ¡°Huh?¡± *Sniff* *Sniff*Sniff* as her inhaling became more erratic, she slowly looked more and more confused.


    ¡°Careful¡± Maddox warned ¡°you¡¯ll pass-out if you carry on like that, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s gone...¡± she admitted, still smelling around the area, trying to find the scent once more.


    ¡°What¡¯s gone?¡±


    ¡°His scent, it¡¯s just disappears here...¡± she pointed to a spot on the ground not too far from where the house was.


    ¡°What do you mean it¡¯s gone?¡± Sceptically Maddox questioned her, how could a scent disappear?


    ¡°I mean it¡¯s gone! Vanished! I had such a good trail to follow to...¡± She looked disappointed, her finger placed on her chin, she tried to figure out what had happened.


    ¡°So much for the famous springer nose...¡± sarcastically quipped Maddox, he knew she was acting too smug, of course she couldn¡¯t back it up.


    Was he really blaming her again? No, she couldn¡¯t let it slide this time, irritated she shouted ¡°You really gonna blame me! Really! If you hadn¡¯t fallen asleep when you were supposed to keep watch!¡±


    ¡°I know alright...¡± His voice trailed off ¡°But how could his scent just vanish? It¡¯s impossible right?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know...¡± She began sniffing around the area once more, desperately trying to catch a scent, until *Sniff* ¡°... There was someone else here...¡± she inhaled a few more wafts of air ¡°There was definitely someone else here, there¡¯s a faint trace left¡±


    Who was this mystery person who Daisy was picking up? Without thinking Maddox blurted out ¡°Can you tell who it is¡±


    ¡°Are you serious...¡± She did not look impressed at his question.


    ¡°Ha... Maybe not, sorry¡± He spoke without thinking, she was right to look at him like that after asking such a dumb question.


    Her nose continued to twitch ¡°Well it¡¯s definitely not someone from the village¡± she concluded ¡°it smells... metallic?¡±


    ¡°How can you tell that?¡± He questioned.


    ¡°Trust me...¡± A disgusted look appeared ¡°my nose is sensitive; the smell here is musky as hell and not very pleasant...¡± A new respect formed for Daisy that day, living in that village even he knew it didn¡¯t smell great, he couldn¡¯t imagine what it would be like a thousand times amplified.


    ¡°Yeah I get that... It still doesn¡¯t explain how they can just disappear though?¡± He asked, still confused.


    ¡°Well...¡± Her eyes set skyward, she delved into her thoughts ¡°If they¡¯re not from here, perhaps they have a power or a mode of transport that mask their presence, even their smell?¡±


    ¡°That sounds way to Sci-Fi...¡± Maddox criticized, to Daisy¡¯s ever-growing irritation ¡°Got a better idea?¡± she bemoaned as she posed the question to him.


    ¡°Fair point¡± he admitted, it may have not been a good idea, but there weren¡¯t many other options available ¡°but what now, we can¡¯t follow what we can¡¯t track right?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t sound good but...¡± she paused for a moment ¡°I think we just have to trust he made this decision himself? I can¡¯t smell any sweat or blood so I don¡¯t think there was a struggle... Maybe he went on his own?¡±


    ¡°It still doesn¡¯t make any sense!¡± Maddox couldn¡¯t accept that his kid brother would just walk out without telling him anything.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s frustrating¡± she placed a hand on his shoulder as she tried to console him ¡°but we have to trust he knew what he was doing... he¡¯s a smart kid, I¡¯m sure he¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Maybe... I hope so¡± He couldn¡¯t accept it, but he knew there wasn¡¯t anything he could do now ¡°we should probably get going before anyone see¡¯s us, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah probably, we shouldn¡¯t overstay are welcome here¡± She agreed, she knew it was hard for him, but knowing Maddox, he would do everything to find him again.


    ¡°right, let¡¯s go¡± They turned their backs to the place they called home once again, this time they were sure that this would be the last time, no turning back now.


    By the time they reached where they left, the sun was blazing in the sky. As the village fell into the background once more, a familiar voice popped up.


    ¡°Hey... hey Maddox¡±


    ¡°What now...¡±


    ¡°Not that I¡¯m hungry but...¡± Her stomach intervened, grumblingly loudly as to voice its concern that it hadn¡¯t ate in a while, the loud roar of her stomach caused Daisy to look down, beet red.


    He looked down at her stomach and then to her face with a smirk, causing her to turn redder still, she was really too cute... ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m pretty peckish too now you mention it.¡±


    ¡°Really!¡± She cried out relieved, but her relief was short lived as he continued ¡°But the village we¡¯re heading towards is still a few days away...¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t say...¡± Her head slumped into her shoulders as her stomach complained once more.


    ¡°Yeah... unless we can catch something and cook it, we¡¯ll just have to grin and bear it¡±


    ¡°How do you expect me to grin and bear it...¡± Her feet were dragging along the floor now, slowly she started to act as if she was shutting down ¡°Maddox, I can¡¯t go on any further, please go on without me...¡±Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Nonchalantly, without even looking back, he said his goodbyes to his suffering comrade ¡°Your memory shall be cherished, goodbye old friend!¡±


    With tears in her eyes she cried out ¡°You¡¯re really gonna leave me!¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that what you wanted?¡± As he tilted his head back.


    ¡°No!¡± She protested ¡°That¡¯s where you say I could never leave you or something like that!¡± She exaggerated her words, putting across how he was in the wrong, all to no effect. Calmly he responded ¡°If you can still talk so much, I¡¯m sure you can make it.¡±


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Frustrated she cried out.


    ¡°If you¡¯re really so hungry, try and find some berries or something for us to eat¡± He suggested, but this was only met with a negative response. ¡°But I need Meattttt!¡± Her eyes were now slowly closing as she continued to complain.


    Maddox was slowly beginning to regret bring her with him. ¡°Well I can¡¯t use my spirit form until I¡¯ve got it under control, and although you¡¯re pretty quick, I¡¯m pretty sure all the animals here are either quicker than you or bigger than you...¡±


    ¡°Well why don¡¯t you practise now?¡± She suggested lightly, getting his attention ¡°Eh?¡± She continued her explanation ¡°Meditation is a great way to communicate with your spirit, right? I¡¯m sure the same works with yours?¡±


    ¡°I suppose so... Good idea Daisy¡± He was impressed that she had come up with such a rational idea.


    ¡°The quicker you get things under control the quicker I can have eat...¡± Drool was now dripping from her open mouth as she salivated, the thought of food had taken full control of her mind.


    Yeah that was more like her... ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re going with this... Well let¡¯s stop here then, now how do I do this?¡±


    ¡°Right, first sit down and cross your legs, hands on your knee¡¯s¡± she instructed him as he followed her orders. ¡°Simple enough... Like this?¡±


    ¡°Yeah that¡¯s fine, oh wait, straighten your back more, chin up¡± she moved his jaw into position as she continued ¡°Ok, first close your eyes, start taking deep breaths through your nose at regular intervals¡±


    ¡°Hmm, you¡¯re pretty good at this¡± he admitted to her.


    ¡°Focus!¡± She chided, the quicker he was done, the quicker she could eat! ¡°Now focus your mind on the image of your spirit, once you¡¯ve got that image firmly in your mind, say Spirit Sphere Open, Asphodel! And it should open the gate to the spirit world.¡±


    Ok he thought, in his mind he imagined the dragon he had previously met, the pitch-black scales and overbearing presence, once this image was burned into his mind, he called out ¡°Spirit Sphere Open... Asphodel!¡±


    His mind exploded into colour, multitudes of lights sped past his body until he finally found himself standing on the edge of a stream, a forest standing before him, he¡¯d been here before...


    ¡°Dragon!¡± He demanded his presence, hoping that the beast was there, soon enough he got an answer as a deep voice echoed from the woods. ¡°There is no need to be so formal... Drake will suffice¡±


    ¡°Drake?¡± He said, puzzled, did dragons have names?


    ¡°Yes¡± As if to affirm his thoughts ¡°it was my name once, it¡¯s been a very long time since anyone has called me by my name¡± A hint of sadness in its old tone, the dragon slowly appeared from the woods, its presence as engulfing as he remembered.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°So¡± Drakes voice echoed around the corners of his mind ¡°tell me what business you have here?¡±


    ¡°I have a question... Why did you choose me as your host?¡± From what he remembered from the short time he spent in school, spirits chose their casters and that¡¯s how contracts were made, yet he had never met ¡®Drake¡¯ until that night.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t...¡± The old voice grumbled ¡°Is that all?¡±


    ¡°Wait! What!?¡±


    ¡°You are right to sound confused¡± The ancient dragon acknowledged ¡°normal spirits form contract with a host of their choosing, however with legendary spirits it can be a little different?¡±


    This was news to him! ¡°How?¡± he blurted out his question.


    Drake explained ¡°Well, as well as the normal ways you know of, another way is through bloodline, some spirits are contracted to follow a certain bloodline until it ends, then they are free to form contracts of their own again, other spirits are passed on to form contracts with others.¡± He never remembered hearing about this, was this possibly covered after he was stopped from going to school? ¡°You can do that?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± He confirmed to Maddox as he continued his explanation ¡°although it¡¯s rare, I¡¯ve only ever herd of one instance, when you pass on your spirit, you become as they say, soulless, there is no soul exchange, the two spirits will battle it out to inhabit a body, whichever one wins, becomes that person¡¯s spirit.¡±


    ¡°I never knew that...¡± Maddox said dumbfounded.


    ¡°Of-course only legendary spirits can transfer and follow bloodlines by contract, other spirits are much too simple to understand such conditions¡± Drake said proudly, much to Maddox¡¯s dismay. ¡°So, I get the complicated spirit...¡± He moaned ¡°Ok, so how do I form a contract with you?¡±


    ¡°Like I said, I didn¡¯t choose you, the contract was already formed¡± The dragon reiterated.


    ¡°So, your saying that you¡¯ve been in my family, my real family as one of their spirits?¡± Maddox questioned, this was all getting too much for him, he knew nothing of his heritage, and now he was learning that they held a legendary spirit as A heirloom to be passed down.


    "That''s correct" confirmed the old dragon "I was originally contracted to your mother, and when you were born I transfered to you."


    "But wait!" A unpleasent thought creeped into his mind "If you were my mothers, does that mean that she became soulless when she had me?" A wave of guilt hit him, what if the reason she had to abandon him, was because she became soulless and couldn''t protect him.


    "Not quite" Stated the old Dragon "In my case, part of the terms of my contract was that, when I transferred, I''d leave remnants of my power with my original host''s until they passed, so they had access to a shadow of my power, an echo if you will."


    "So is my mother..." he tailed off, did he really want to know the answer. The old dragon shook its head sadly, of course, why should he have expected anything else. "What about Koru, does that mean we''re sharing your power then?"


    "No, Koru took your fathers spirit, another legendary spirit, an Elf..." He tailed off again, his voice sounded pained like revisiting bad memories.


    "So, Koru took dad''s..." Maddox thought out loud, relieved that Koru also had a spirit all along, even if he didn''t know it, he was soulless no more!


    "Is that all?" The dragon question dejected.


    ¡°Wait! So, what happened back then in the forest! I don¡¯t remember anything when you took control?¡± If he was Maddox¡¯s spirit, surely, he would have been in control during the events by the lake, but everything from then was cloudy.


    ¡°I said I was at your disposal...¡± The dragon repeated ¡°I didn¡¯t say you could handle my power yet.¡± The words sending chills up Maddox¡¯s spine, this is why he came here, he needed to know how to use his spirit, without losing control, he called out to Drake ¡°So how can I? How can I control your power as my own?¡±


    ¡°Get stronger!¡± Roared the old dragon ¡°Train! I will seep morsels of my power for you to control, as you get stronger I will transfer more until you are ready to handle this by yourself, but a warning, if your life is in danger, if you lose yourself to your emotions, I will take over and I will make sure that no harm comes to you by any means necessary.¡± That last sentence resonated in Maddox, any means necessary, meaning a repeat of the events at the lake, he never wanted to experience guilt like that again, he was sure of that.


    ¡°So, I need to train my mind as well as my body, understood!¡± He knew what he had to do, in truth it had been the same all along, he wanted power and now he had it. He knew it wasn¡¯t going to be easy, he¡¯d have to work harder than ever before to make sure he could fight and protect those dear to him.


    ¡°Well now that is all clear¡± Drake reiterated ¡°I will begin releasing small amounts of energy for you to use, focus on what powers you will need, and I will supply them to you, so if that¡¯s all...¡±


    ¡°Hmm, thank you Dra... Drake!¡±


    ¡°Nothing to thank me for human, I¡¯m contracted to you regardless, make yourself useful¡± The dragon chastised him as it slowly returned back into the woods. The land and the stream around him slowly started to fade as his mind went blank once more. ¡°Right...¡± he thought as he returned from deep within his mind ¡°No more excuses...¡±

 Vol 1 Chapter 2.3

    As he slowly returned to the real world, Daisy was sat impatiently in front of him ¡°Oh, your back.¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡± he nodded ¡°how long was I out?¡±


    ¡°Err... Maybe an hour or so?¡± She guessed, but there was something more important on her mind ¡°Well? How did it go?¡±


    As he gathered his thoughts, he sat disorientated for a while before looking at his hand. Focus, huh? In his mind the word, claw came to mind, in that instant scales sprouted from his elbow and progressed down to his hand, before separating between each finger, finally pointed with sharp talons... so that¡¯s how it was ¡°Success!¡± He gave her a thumbs up with his scaly hand as she looked at it uncomfortably ¡°... That¡¯s good, soooo, food?¡±


    ¡°How did I know that would be the first thing on your mind... Yeah we should be able to do something now!¡± He confirmed confidently.


    ¡°Thank goodness!¡± She cried in relief, her stomach also growled in delight to her embarrassment.


    The pair headed a little deeper into the woods, until they came along a collapsed tree ¡°Hey, this should be good for tonight?¡± Daisy suggested cheerly.


    As he looked around, he couldn''t see what made her sure this would be a good place to stay ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Well we need somewhere to sleep right?¡± She asked rhetorically ¡°We can use that tree for shelter¡± Her face had the expression of ,this was obvious, about it.


    ¡°I mean yeah...¡± He still couldn¡¯t understand ¡°...but that¡¯s just an old tree, why are you so insistent we sleep there?¡±


    ¡°Leave that to me!¡± She said proudly ¡°While I get it set up, how about you go find some food for us?¡± She suggested as she headed towards the tree, a hope in her step.


    ¡°Yeah sure¡± He agreed ¡°I won¡¯t go too far though so if anything happens, shout for me ok?¡±


    ¡°Less talk, more food...¡± she replied on automatic as she collected branches from the grand.


    ¡°Fine...¡± He retorted as he set out into the woods. The sun probably was high in the sky right now, not that he could tell under the shade of the canopy.


    ¡°Well, best practise...¡± He thought aloud, he at least wanted to know the basics of what he could do before trying to catch anything.


    First... claws, with that thought his arms transformed once again to scaled-talons. Hmm... OK, legs. The same occurrence happened to his lower half. Ok, good... How about eyes. The world exploded into cool blues and light greens, infrared, interesting, this should make hunting a lot easier! Last one, the big one, Full body!... Nothing. ¡°Huh, he checked around his body but nothing had changed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get cocky¡± A voice echoed in his head, Drake?


    ¡°Yes... When I said I¡¯d transfer a minimum amount of power I meant it, this is your limit for now...¡± he chided with an irritated tone, as if he¡¯d just been woken up from a deep slumber.


    ¡°No kidding...¡± Sulked Maddox, in doing so only irritating Drake more. ¡°Don¡¯t sound so ungrateful... Your vision, strength and speed have increased to surpass average spirits, your body is reinforced by my scales, you could sound more thankful...¡±


    ¡°I suppose still...¡± his voice still lacking enthusiasm ¡°...I was hoping I could at least fly...¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not ready for that yet!¡± Drakes voice snapped hard and sharp, as if to rt.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°You won¡¯t know that until I try!¡± Begged Maddox, he really wanted to feel the sensation of flight, to be free of the restraints of the land.


    ¡°I assure you, you¡¯re not ready for flight yet...¡± Reiterated Drake.


    ¡°I bet I am!¡± Maddox wasn¡¯t giving up without a fight, finally the old dragon conceded ¡°Sigh... fine, I¡¯ll give you access to the wings, if you can hover off the ground for 10 seconds, I''ll believe you¡¯re ready...¡±


    Finally, Maddox thought to himself ¡°Challenge Accepted!¡± From his back, two dark extensions forced their way out as they flickered into existence, causing him to keel over to his knees on the floor, what was this pain!


    ¡°Your wings are basically an extension of you, you just grew two new appendages, with a new set of muscles, bones and nerves, you see why I said you weren''t ready.¡± Bemoaned the old dragon, he knew this would happen.


    Damn this pain was the real deal Maddox couldn¡¯t think straight, this excruciating pain exerting from his back was too much. ¡°Ok, I get it! I give!¡±


    ¡°Good, at least you¡¯re not foolish enough to attempt it¡±


    ¡°How exactly am I supposed to overcome that!¡± His back still aching.


    ¡°Get stronger¡± Sighed Drake once more, hadn¡¯t he said all this before? ¡°once your mentality and physically prepared, you¡¯ll be able to handle it easily.¡±


    ¡°If you say so...¡± suspiciously Maddox submitted ¡°So tell me, what can I use now?¡±


    ¡°For now, apart from your eyes, arms and legs... you have access to my hearing, also I will grant you a small amount of dragon breath, but be careful, it will burn your throat until your body fully evolves to handle the heat, it will be good practise for when you can use it freely... Do you need anything else?¡±


    ¡°No, I think that¡¯s it, thank you¡±


    ¡°Good¡± With that Drakes voice grew silent as he returned to his slumber in Maddox¡¯s subconscious.


    ¡°Well this should be fine...¡± He continued to walk around the woods, but besides a few small birds high in the tree¡¯s there wasn¡¯t much prey to hunt. ¡°Why is it so quite?¡± He thought aloud as he continued his path, eventually coming across a dark cavern. ¡°There¡¯s going to be something big in there that will be a pain in the ass to fight isn''t there...¡± He commentated to himself as he walked a little closer, peaking inside using his infrared vision. Just as he thought, he could make out the presence of a large red shape around the cool blue walls. <strong style="font-weight: bold">*Sigh* ¡°I knew it... well not like there¡¯s anything else around here...¡± He stood in front of the entrance and called aloud ¡°Oiiiii!!! I¡¯m out here! Easy prey!! Come and get me!!¡±


    As if the beast had just been invited to an all you could eat buffet, it rumbled out of the cave on all fours, a bundle of hair and muscle rose to its feet as it stared at its lunch, a Direbear.


    ¡°Great...¡± bemoaned Maddox, no wonder there wasn¡¯t any wildlife anywhere near, he wouldn¡¯t want a Direbear as a neighbour either. As he got ready to fight, he raised his left arm, protecting his chin, and with his right clenched infront of him, he prepared himself for his first real right. Scales appearing around his arms and legs, his ears becoming pointed and sensitive to their surroundings, he was ready.


    The bear looked bemused, like such an ant could put up a fight, as it returned to all fours, it slowly made its way forward to Maddox.


    ¡°Too slow!¡± With a powerful step forward, he had closed the distance between them in an instant, and with a sharp left, connected to the side of the bears jaw, sending it toppling to its side. It looked seriously pissed now... As it rolled back to its front, it charged for Maddox, this time he took it head on, ducking to one side at the last minute and taking a firm grip on the beast¡¯s mane. ¡°Got ya!¡± he exclaimed proudly, tightening his grip in an attempt to choke it out. However the bear struggled back up to its hindlegs, much to Maddox¡¯s surprised as he now dangled from its neck. With a powerful hit, it crashed it''s paw into Maddox side, sending him flying back-first against a tree. ¡°Ahh! I was to careless...¡± The bear charged in once more, not allowing him to catch his breath, ¡°Damn!¡± he rolled to his right at the last minute as the bear pounded into thin air. Scrambling to his feet, he returned to his fighting stance, the bear once again staring him down. They both charged towards each other, as the bear prepared to pounce, standing on its hindlegs, Maddox delivered another sharp left, his scaled fist digging deep into the bears stomach, sending it collapsing onto the floor. Once again Maddox took a firm grip of its neck and squeezed as the bear attempted to get up once more, this time however it struggled onto its front legs as it collapsed back to the ground. ¡°Come on give me a break!¡± Maddox moaned as he tightened his grip, eventually the bear ran out of energy, its eyes began to glaze over as it lost consciousness. ¡°Pheww!¡± He collapsed into the side of his advisory. ¡°Is it over?¡± His face was dirty and his back bruised, but he did it, just... He lifted up his torn shirt to view a dark patch stung into his abdomen ¡°These dragon scales..." he let out a little chuckle, stinging his side even more "Ahh!... So... I think I''ll take 5 before I take this back...¡± He closed his eyes as he rested his head against the giant''s warm fur.

 Vol 1 Chapter 2.4

    After a short while, Maddox finally gathered enough strength to lift the bear¡¯s enormous paw over his shoulder, as he dragged the beast back to their campsite. Using a combination of newly-aquired sound and sight, he eventually found his way back to the fallen tree. Daisy was weaving frantically large sticks within the branches of the tree, using leaves and foliage to cover as a roof.


    ¡°Impressive¡± Maddox remarked, as the heavy sound of the dragging carcass snapped to Daisy¡¯s attention.


    ¡°There you are!¡± She cried out frustrated ¡°You¡¯ve been gone nearly all day, it¡¯s getting dark for crying out loud!¡± Her eyes shifted to the bear, now lying on the ground as Maddox shifted it off his back, stretching his back half way through her lecture ¡°What is that...¡± she questioned.


    ¡°A bear? Never seen one...¡± Acted Maddox, bemused by Daisy¡¯s stunned reaction.


    ¡°No... No, I''ve seen them before, why do you have one?¡± When she sent him for food, she expected Deer, maybe a wild pig, not a bear...


    ¡°Food?¡±


    ¡°Food...¡± She still cound¡¯nt believe it.


    ¡°I know how you can eat¡± Maddox joked, leaving Daisy red-faced.


    ¡°Rude!¡± She rubbufed those claims wholeheartedly, however this should be ok she thought ¡°Ah well I suppose this works out, we can use its fur for a blanket... But how are we going to skin it...¡±


    Before he had a chance to respond, she pulled a hunting knife from her back pocket.


    He took a step back, suprised at the fact she had been keeping a knife on her this whole time ¡°How long have you had that!¡±


    ¡°I always keep it on me... always¡± That wasn¡¯t an answer, that was definitly a threat.


    ¡°If I ever upset you, I¡¯m sorry...¡±


    ¡°Oh, shut up...¡± She walked up to the bear, dissecting it with her eyes, planning the best way to use it. ¡°Turn it onto it¡¯s back for me¡±


    ¡°Huh? Sure¡± He did what he was told, pushing the bear from it''s side until it flipped onto its back ¡°Now what?¡±


    ¡°Leave it to me" she looked confidently over towards him "there¡¯s a pile of dry sticks and leaves over there, can you cut off some of the large branches for logs then get a fire going?¡±


    ¡°Daisy, why are you so good at this?¡±


    ¡°Never you mind, now hurry up before it gets dark!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± As she commanded, he set about breaking off some of the large branches from trees nearby. Once he was done, he set one of these large logs on the ground, and surrounded it with the dry leaves and sticks to act as kindling. Perhaps this was a good time to practise his dragon breath? He cleared his mind as he thought fire, and with a deep inhale, blew onto the wood below, a small spark of flames trickled from his lips, and as soon as they appeared, they disappeared as he started to cough violently ¡°Hot! *cough*cough* Hot!¡± Drake had mentioned to be careful, but he still wasn¡¯t prepared for the volcanic warmth erupting from his throat. Thankfully, he didn¡¯t have to worry about using it again anytime soon as the wood began to dance with flames ¡°Thank god!¡± he spluttered.


    Once he caught his breath back, he walked over to Daisy, already having removed the skin expertly and now going about cutting the meat ¡°Scary...¡± his words slipped from his mind and out of his mouth.


    ¡°You say something¡± Daisy glared at him, knife in hand.


    ¡°No Ma¡¯am!¡±


    ¡°Good, oh, I see you got the fire going! I shouldn¡¯t be much longer preparing the meat, I¡¯m going to cut off some extras so if you could get them in one of the tree¡¯s when I¡¯m done, it shouldn¡¯t gather any attention¡±


    ¡°Right...¡±


    ¡°Also, once I¡¯m done, can you get rid of the remains for me? We don¡¯t want any visitors in the night.¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Sure¡± seriously, she was the most airheaded, ditzy person he knew, how was she so useful in this situation!


    Once she had finished, he did as she instructed, dragging the much lighter carcass a fair distance, enough that it shouldn¡¯t attract any attention to them anyways. Then climbing one of the nearby tree¡¯s, placed the remaining meat, wrapped delicately within large leaves and tied together with some vines.


    Once he was done, he returned to the fire to see Daisy, her knees covered underneath the bear skin blanket while sat on one of the larger logs. In her hands were two skewers, both with ample amounts of meat as they hovered over the flames. The savoury smell of the burning meat drifted in the wind and to his nose, it smelled delicious.


    ¡°Looks good¡± He complimented as he pearched next to her ¡°Room for one more?¡± As he reached out to grab a skewer out of her hand.


    ¡°Hey!¡± ¡°Get your own!¡± Pointing over to a pile of meat covered skewers, stabbed into the ground.


    ¡°Serious... Hey don¡¯t hog all the blanket¡± as he pulled a corner of the bear skin rug over his legs.


    She didn¡¯t complain, she just pulled her two skewers out of the fire to examine them ¡°Hmmm... They look done¡± She placed the meat into her mouth and pulled off a segment, her face grew radiant with delight ¡°Sooo good!!!¡± she cheered as she turned to Maddox ¡°Here, try some!¡±


    ¡°You sure? Ok¡± As she held the skewer, he took a bit and pulled off another segment of the meat ¡°Mmmm, it is good!¡±


    ¡°I know right! Praise me¡± She tilted her head towards him with proud smile wrapped in accomplishment.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, good job¡± as he patted her on the head, gently ruffling her hair.


    She moved in closer to Maddox, leaning on his shoulder, her face had changed, she looked sadder. ¡°I¡¯ll never see them again, right? My parents?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that.¡± He tried to reassure her to no avail, she continued.


    ¡°Mmm Mmm¡± she shook her head ¡°You know the last thing they said to be before I left, I was no longer welcome there...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they didn¡¯t mean it¡±


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right, but I don¡¯t think I could face them again, not like I am now...¡± she looked solemnly into the fire, but a change occurred, her brows furrowed as a look of determination unfolded.


    ¡°Daisy...¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who needs to get stronger right?¡± she looked up to him, a glint in her eye and smiling once more ¡°I need to prove to them this was the right decision for me, so I¡¯ll be relying on you, Kay?¡± she smiled one more.


    ¡°You got it, I won¡¯t let you down¡± he flashed her a thumbs up and a smile, which she appreciated.


    ¡°Good... Hey Maddox, you want to know why I know all this survival stuff?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be lying if I didn¡¯t say I was a little curious¡± he admitted.


    ¡°My dad Allways''s wanted a son, but when I was born, he didn¡¯t treat me any different, he would take me on hunts and talk me through all this stuff, saying it could save my life someday, I never thought I¡¯d use it but I guess it came in pretty handy huh?¡±


    That was pretty handy he thought to himself ¡°I¡¯d say it probably saved our skins.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to remember to thank him when we go back.¡±


    ¡°Why am I going back with you?¡±


    ¡°You took their daughter away from them, you have to take responsibility.¡± She turned back to him with a serious expression, did she really expect him to stroll up to her family after all this?


    ¡°That just makes me want to go back less...¡± he scratched his head as he thought ¡°Well if it¡¯s your mom I suppose it¡¯s ok¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that...¡± A devil appeared in her eyes.


    Panicked, as she slowly reached for her back pocket, he scrambled for words ¡°Oh, she¡¯s just a lot more... Like you, a lot more understanding¡± he prayed this was true as he watched her next moves carefully.


    ¡°Hmmm¡± She continued to shoot daggers, chilling his soul.


    ¡°What?¡± His eyes wandered the forest, avoiding looking into her gaze.


    ¡°Nothing...¡± As she angrily bit hard into her skewer, pulling off the meat with unreasonable force, almost snapping the stick holding the meat .


    ¡°We¡¯ve hardly left and you¡¯re already talking about going back, you sure you¡¯re ok with this?¡± He asked, trying to take her mind away from her anger towards him.


    ¡°Yeah, I want to see the world, and if I get too see it with you all the better.¡± Good, her anger had seemed to pass, she¡¯d turned sweet again.


    ¡°That so...¡± he whispered to himself happily. The pair sat by the fire, eating their meals and talking idlily until the moon was high in the sky. A large yawn escaped from Daisy¡¯s lips as she collapsed into Maddox¡¯s shoulder once more.


    ¡°Hey there...¡± It was no good, she was already out cold ¡°Such a nightmare¡± he sighed, a warm grin on his face. After he covered the fire with dirt to put it out, he picked her up in his arms and carried her to their make shift room. Wow, he thought to himself as he entered through the little entrance she had made at the trunk of the tree. With just some branches and leaves, she managed to transform this collapsed timber into something homelier. The roof she had made over their heads looked sturdy, same for around the branches that acted as support beams. Laid out on the floor was another large piece of the bear fur, to act as the sheet for them to sleep on.


    ¡°There you go¡± delicately he placed her down as he covered her with the blanket. He removed his dirty shirt and jacket, hanging them off one of the branches protruding from the roof. Slowly he made his way under the covers as well, in his ear he could hear shuffling from beside him, eventually an arm appeared and wrapped itself around his waist ¡°Isn¡¯t someone a hypocrite...¡± As he lightly tapped her in the stomach ¡°Well I guess we¡¯re even now.¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡± she pulled him in tighter ¡°Good...night...¡± her voice slowly faded away as she started to breath heavily behind Maddox¡¯s neck.


    ¡°How am I supposed to sleep like this...¡± he moaned as he closed his eyes, and slowly, drifted, to sleep.

 Vol 1 Chapter 2.5

    The sun seeped steadily through the foliage, scattering light along the ground as Maddox slowly woke up. As he stretched his arm¡¯s behind his head, he turned, there was Daisy¡¯s face right next to his, her arms still wrapped around his waist ¡°Too close...¡± He flicked her forehead to her discomfort.


    ¡°Nrghhh... 5 more minutessssss!¡± She moaned, unconsciously.


    ¡°Come on, it¡¯s time we get going¡± he ruffled her shoulders as he freed himself from her grip.


    ¡°I thought we were on an adventure...¡± she slowly raised herself up, until sitting upright, sleep still in her eye as she continued ¡°...Can¡¯t adventures have a lie in!¡±


    ¡°If they did, I doubt they would be adventures in the first place...¡± He said sarcastically.


    ¡°Dammit! Fine...¡± she rubbed the dust from her eye as she stretched, crawling from underneath the covers.


    ¡°Good¡± Maddox made his way out of the bed as well, reaching for his dirty clothes. As he attempted to smell them by bringing them close to his face, the smell had already travelled with ease to his nostrils. The mixture of smoke from the fire, sweat from numerous fights combined pungently with the tatted material, all cut and stained with blood. He moved it away sharply ¡°I wish there a stream or something nearby, this is lethal...¡±


    Daisy nodded ashamedly ¡°You¡¯re right, it¡¯s been a few days without washing, I''m starting to feel pretty dirty¡± looking down at her tattered shorts and checked shirt, both covered in dirt from her woods craft the day before.


    ¡°So, if we find a stream, anything, we have to stop and wash...¡± Exasperated, he threw his shirt over his head, holding his breath.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine... but...¡± She looked around bashfully.


    ¡°But what?¡±


    ¡°Promise... not to peek...¡± Her face grew redder as she looked away, embarrassed.


    *Sigh* he raised his right hand and swore ¡°I, Maddox Laverick, hear by swear I shall not peak¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± This seemed like it was enough to ease her mind.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going then, we¡¯ve got another long day ahead of us¡± Resentfully placing the sleeveless jacket through each arm and over his tattered shirt.


    The pair exited the trunk of the tree once more, turning around to look at the little home they created.


    ¡°It may have only been short, but imma miss this place¡± Daisy admitted.


    ¡°You put a lot of work into it, it feels a shame just to leave it¡± He looked at the little den fondly.


    ¡°Well yeah but not just that...¡± her voice drifted off slightly.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°It nothing... Should we go?¡± As she began walking away, hiding her face.


    ¡°Sure...¡± Maddox nodded as he followed behind her.


    As she led, Daisy had the remanence of a smile on her reddened face. Fondly caught in the happy memory that she had made, hopeful that there were many more to come.


    As they continued on their path, concern slowly creeped into Daisy¡¯s mind. ¡°Maddox, what¡¯s the name of the village we¡¯re going to?¡± she asked inquisitively.


    ¡°Garda¡± he said confidently ¡°it¡¯s a little market town on the way to Minato.¡±


    ¡°Minato? The port city?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡± he confirmed ¡°Remember what my mom said? Go to Naga and learn about my heritage, so that¡¯s where we¡¯re going!¡±


    ¡°That far...¡± she hesitated a little, on the continent was fine, but away by boat, her nerves kicked in.


    Maddox seemed to notice her uncertainty as she shuffled her hands midstep. ¡°You ok with that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a little scary...¡± She admitted, continuing to play with her hands, but after a moment, she looked up confidently, with a wide grin ¡°But also, exciting!¡±


    ¡°Right!¡± He agreed, he was also nervous, but the thrill of it all took all those nerves away ¡°I get to find out about my past, people there might understand me!¡±


    ¡°I hope so...¡± She began to her original worry ¡°...But this village, Garda, that would be heading south right?¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    ¡°Obviously!¡±


    ¡°So... Are you sure we¡¯re going the right way?¡±


    He looked at her with a blank expression. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Have you ever been there?¡±


    ¡°No, I never left the village remember¡± saying it in a tone of, how could you forget that, a tone Daisy was very dreadul of.


    ¡°So how do you know it¡¯s this way then?¡± She continued her line of questions.


    ¡°Well mom would head there from time to time and she¡¯d always head in this direction¡± He answered confidently.


    ¡°...¡± She was speechless.


    ¡°What?¡± He looked at her, unsure as to why she had such a dejected look come over her.


    ¡°You¡¯re hopeless...¡± She groaned loudly ¡°we¡¯re completely lost aren¡¯t we...¡±


    ¡°How can you say that! It¡¯s definitely this way!¡± He was shocked that she¡¯d question his sense of direction so quickly.


    ¡°Maddox... Did it occur to you that your mother may, I don¡¯t know, have followed the path there! As we have been off the road for quite a while, if not the whole journey...¡±


    ¡°...¡± It was his turn to be speechless, but he could¡¯nt let this get himdown, he was still confident this was the way. ¡°I mean... I¡¯m sure it¡¯s this way... Positive...¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re doomed...¡± her voice creaked exasperated.


    ¡°Come onnnn, don¡¯t be so pessimistic!¡± He turned to her, shining a hopeful smile ¡°When we come across a town we¡¯ll know if we went the right way right?¡±


    ¡°IF!¡± She reiterated ¡°IF we find a town; these woods go on for miles and miles...¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine, don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll come across something.¡± He was sure this was the right way, the pair continued onwards into the woods.


    Hours had passed as they continued their onwards through the woods, the scenery remained consistent the whole time, continuously surrounded by large trees. The silence between them had been equally consistent for some time now. Finally, Daisy broke the tranquillity, releasing out an ominous moan ¡°We¡¯re gonna die here aren¡¯t we...¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fineeee, we¡¯ll find somewhere soon...¡± he reassured her as it fell quite once more.


    A few more hours passed...


    ¡°Maddox... we¡¯re literally going nowhere¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll find something soon...¡±


    And a few more hours...


    ¡°Maddox...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry...¡±


    The sun was gently setting in the sky as they continued to walk.


    ¡°Maybe we should find somewhere for the night?¡± He looked around the area as they continued their never ending journey.


    ¡°You think...¡± Bit Daisy, her patience had been slowly thinning all day.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just keep on going a little further, see if we can find somewhere to set up camp?¡± He suggested, unaware of the sensation of fire in Daisy¡¯s eyes, burning into the back of his head.


    ¡°No...¡± She had lost it.


    ¡°What?¡± He turned around and saw the look in her eyes, fear poured over him as he began to sweat beads.


    ¡°I said no Maddox! This is becoming a joke!¡± She stormed off ahead of him, her rage ever increasing ¡°First we set off without knowing which way we¡¯re going! We have limited food! We stink! And now you want to keep on going forward! Are you dumb! We should cut our losses and head back! It¡¯s clear we¡¯re not getting anywhere going this W...Wayy!!!¡± Suddenly, as she continued her tirade against him, her foot got caught on something, sending her tumbling down a small hill and into a wooden fence. ¡°Ow...Ow...Ow... Wha!?!¡±


    ¡°Looks like a farm¡± Maddox steadied himself down the hill, a smug look on his face ¡°... Won¡¯t find anything hmm...¡±


    ¡°Please... Don¡¯t speak...¡±


    ¡°Well... What do we do now?¡± He looked over the fields, in the distance he could make out the shape of a building. "Be kind of rude to just jump the fence...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we can explain what happened...¡± She hissed ¡°At least we can get directions¡±


    ¡°True¡± he held out a hand to the fuming Daisy ¡°So was I right?¡± The smug face seemed permanent.


    She slapped away his hand ¡°Just... Don¡¯t... Let¡¯s get directions and get out of here...¡±


    ¡°Hold up... Maybe this is convenient?¡± His gears started turning in his head, causing Daisy to be sceptacle.


    ¡°How so?¡± She looked at him doubtfully as she pushed herself off the ground, standing next to him.


    ¡°How much money do you have?¡± He asked while rummaging in his own pockets.


    ¡°Hmm...¡± She reached her hands into her pockets, pulling out a few small coins, she started counting what was in her hand ¡°Let¡¯s see... Few Coppers, One silver piece... That¡¯s it...¡±


    ¡°I have? Literally nothing...How are we supposed to afford travel if that¡¯s all we have... Perhaps we can get some work here, then when we have enough, we can be on our way, aren¡¯t farms always looking for handy work?¡± He suggested to Daisy¡¯s surprise, it wasn¡¯t a completely terrible idea.


    ¡°I mean we could try...¡± She agreed, but there was something else bothering her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t sound keen?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just...¡± She thought aloud ¡°I just thought we were going to be adventurers and go on quests and things; how many adventures begin with a nine-to-five...¡±


    ¡°Well we¡¯re kind of out of options¡± Shrugging his shoulders as he looked at her ¡°it may not be exciting but it¡¯s something...¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I guess¡± she conceded ¡°let¡¯s try at least and if not, they can point us in the direction of the nearest town?¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Maddox nodded precisely as he jumped the fence, Daisy soon followed as the pair made their way towards the house at the centre of the farm.


    As they got closer, they could make out small details of the house, the chimney seemed lit as smoke poured from its stout, the building itself was quite large, with many windows occupying the outside walls. Facing their direction was a large door behind a nice-looking porch area, accompanied with chairs, a table and a few plant plots filled with blooming flowers of multiple colours.


    ¡°Must be a pretty successful farm huh?¡± Daisy observed as they were three quarters the way to the there.


    ¡°Looks it¡± Admitted Maddox ¡°I hope we can work here, looks beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Right!¡± She agreed.


    In the distance, to the right of them, Maddox noticed a small dust cloud heading towards their direction. Hmm, that¡¯s odd? he thought to himself, there wasn¡¯t much wind as he put his finger ever so slightly up in front of him. Suddenly it became clear why it was unusual, it wasn¡¯t just the wind, between the dust a large figure slowly began to appear as it got closer. ¡°Daisy, get behind me, NOW!¡± he instructed her as he faced the on-coming storm head on.


    Finally, the figure pulled to a halt in front of them. A giant of a man with a withered face, horns protruding from his head, muscles rippling around his old body. A shabby beard protuded from his chin, and underneath his furrowed brow, his piercing eyes starred down at them intensely.


    ¡°IF YOU WANT TO LIVE YOU BEST GET OFF MY LAND!!¡±

 Chapter 3.1 A New Life

    ¡°This is your land then?¡± Maddox looked up at the beast of a man towering over him.


    ¡°DID I STUTTER!¡± His voice was ear-splitting from such close range, he could only be thankful both he and Daisy were out of their Spirit forms, or they¡¯d both be on the ground in pain.


    ¡°sorry for the intrusion sir¡± He began ¡°we¡¯re merely travellers in search of work."


    ¡°And what¡¯s that to me!¡± The bullish man spat out his words.


    His approach to them was no suprise, but still, but he couldn¡¯t afford no for an answer, he continued ¡°We were hoping you might need some extra hands around here."


    ¡°Whatever your selling we¡¯re not buying!¡± Echoed the man¡¯s voice as his intensity increased ¡°Now get off my land before I turn you into minced meat!¡±


    ¡°Please sir, we¡¯re desperate!¡± He had to let go of any pride he had, bending close to ninety degree as he pleaded.


    He looked them up and down, eyes scrutinizing their tattered clothes ¡°Your point...¡±


    ¡°I just ask you reconsider¡± Still bent over, hoping that the old man would take kindly to his signs of respect.


    ¡°How much experience do you have in this kind of work boy...¡± The old man threw the question at them.


    ¡°Our experience is lacking...¡± Admitted Maddox, he knew lying wouldn¡¯t help them here, it would become obvious in the long run. ¡°But we would more than make up for it in our willingness to work!"


    ¡°I don¡¯t need willing!¡± he erupted ¡°I need experienced workers if any... Which I don''t! NOW OFF!"


    "How about a wager?¡± Maddox finally made his way back up, now starring into the old man¡¯s eyes, a cheeky grin smeared on his face.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± This seemed to peak the old man¡¯s interest ¡°Why would I listen to a wager from you, pip-squeak?¡±


    ¡°Just a simple arm wrestle¡± Maddox suggested, all the persuasion he could muster in his voice ¡°if you win, we¡¯ll leave and continue on our way, if I win, you¡¯ll hire us and give us a reasonable wage, sound fair?¡±


    ¡°Do you have a wish to leave here with a broken arm?¡± He looked at him as if he were a fool, why would he offer such a wager he was certain to lose.


    ¡°You sure you¡¯re not nervous about losing?¡± His grin unmoving as he continued to look up, lighting a fire in the old man.


    ¡°LIKE HELL I AM! YOU¡¯RE ON KID!¡± His eyes burned with rage, frustrated by the petulance of the kid in front of him. It was just as Maddox had hoped, he¡¯d let his anger get the better of him.


    ¡°Fine, just in interest¡± Maddox added ¡°if it¡¯s a draw after a minute, you¡¯ll give us a little money and directions, and we¡¯ll be on our way...¡±


    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re playing for the draw...¡± The old man suggested ¡°Not that I¡¯d let you! But thats fine..."


    "Glad to see you''re on board" Maddox smiled as they made their way towards the house.


    As the trio got closer to the home, Daisy turned to Maddox suspiciously ¡°You sure this is a good idea?¡±


    ¡°Yeah? Why wouldn¡¯t it be?¡± He responded confidently, eye¡¯s gleaming at the challenge.


    Daisy didn¡¯t seem so sure ¡°He seems... strong...¡±


    ¡°All I have to do is win or draw, both results favour us¡±


    ¡°That means you¡¯d have to last a minute at least!¡± She exclaimed, her muscles burned at the thought of being against those arms for one whole minute. ¡°You sure you¡¯ll be fine?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! It¡¯ll work out!¡± He said with a wide grin as they approached the house, that was the answer she was didn''t want to hear.


    As they made their way up the steps, the bull-like man pulled a chair out from a table on the porch. ¡°Here will do, now let¡¯s get this over with...¡±


    ¡°You say so old man...¡± As he sat down in the chair opposite ¡°I never asked your name?¡±


    ¡°Not that you¡¯ll need it¡± The old man¡¯s voice sounded bored, like he already knew the outcome ¡°you won¡¯t be here long enough to use it¡±


    ¡°Humour me¡± Maddox hummed, leaning in closer across the table.


    ¡°Cheeky shit... Angus... Angus Ridgemont¡±


    ¡°Maddox Laverick, pleasure to work for you sir¡± He stuck out his hand in a handshake, Angus firmly took a grip of his hand as he moved it into position.


    ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck boy...¡± The pair placed their elbows on the table as Daisy looked-on from the side-lines.


    ¡°You mind if I prepare my arm... It seems you¡¯ll be using your spirit form... Bull, right? Only fair I do too¡±


    ¡°Not that it makes a difference...¡± Maddox¡¯s arms slowly became enwrapped with scales as Angus watched on ¡°Some sort of lizardman aye? Here¡¯s me hoping you could back up your words as well.¡±


    Maddox tightened his grip on Angus as they stared at each other ¡°We¡¯ll see, you ready?¡± Maddox started.


    Angus turned to Daisy, making her jump out of her skin ¡°You! Girl!¡±Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Yes Sir!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll start on your signal, count down would you?¡±


    ¡°Ok... sure...¡± She stuttered for a moment before beginning ¡°Hmm...One-hundred... Ninety-nine...Ninety...¡±


    ¡°Daisy...¡± Maddox sighed interrupting her flow ¡°We haven''t got all day, three is fine...¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Oh right!¡± She prepared herself once more ¡°...Three, two... One!¡±


    A sudden rush of power crashed into Maddox¡¯s arm as his hand nearly smashed through the table, only able to hover milimetres from the top of the table. Shit! Screamed through his mind, this power was just a cheat! How was he supposed to deal with this! Beads of sweat dripped down his cheeks as he looked up at the grinning old man. I better get serious too, he tightened his grip as his hand slowly forced its way from the table.


    ¡°Ohhhh, you DO have some fight in you!¡± Remarked Angus, applying more pressure than before, sending his hand back to nearly hitting the table. How long had it been now, fifth-teen seconds? He just had to hold on a little longer and it would be fine, but he didn¡¯t want to hold on... he wanted to win! With a firm grip, a glint of red shaded over his eyes, sending Daisy in a miniature panic, surely, he would¡¯nt go that far! He tensed his grip harder than before as his hand slowly began to raise once more, it was Angus''s time to sweat now, watching his trunk of an arm slowly moving backwards. Thirty more seconds...twenty... with ten seconds left.


    Without any of the participates or Daisy noticing, another presence had appeared on the battlefield clad in a flowered nightgown. They approached behind Angus, innocently whispering in his ear "Having fun?" A momentary lapse appeared as the old man¡¯s attention shifted behind him, checkmate! Maddox crashed the giant hand hard against the table, shattering the legs as it collapsed beneath them.


    ¡°I win!¡± Maddox cried out in suprise.


    A look of confusion and anger washed over Angus¡¯s face ¡°Wha... What!?!¡± He looked around furiously before turning to the girl standing satisfied behind him ¡°What was that for?¡±


    ¡°I was just curious at what you were doing is all papa, it looked like you were having fun¡± She had a look of cunning hidden behind her smile.


    ¡°Do you know what you¡¯ve done...¡± Moaned Angus, his head in his hands ¡°We have to hire these scrawny bums now...¡± Pointing at the scruffy pair in front of them.


    She looked up, eyes set on Maddox ¡°he can¡¯t be that scrawny if he beat you father...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s only because you distracted me dear...¡± He complained.


    ¡°You allowed yourself to be distracted papa¡± she looked back at the scruffy due in front of her ¡°Besides... It could be fun to have new people here¡±


    ¡°As you say so... Still!¡± He looked at Maddox and Daisy ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m not going to work you hard because I will! I¡¯ll pay you both five silver pieces and five copper a week, then when you have enough, I want you off this farm!¡±


    ¡°Seems fair¡± Maddox acknowledged, reaching his arm out to agree to the deal, his hand was firmly met by Angus¡¯s, making a point to squeeze as hard as he could.


    ¡°You start tomorrow! 5AM! Now go inside and get showered, the stench of the both of you is making me gag!¡± He turned to go inside with a disgusted look.


    ¡°Rude...¡± Grumbled Daisy. Angus threw a dangerous look in her direction as a chill ran up her spine again, he turned back and continued his way into the house.


    ¡°He¡¯s just in a bad mood ¡®cause he lost, don¡¯t mind him¡± The young girl informed them.


    ¡°Some temper...¡± Maddox remarked.


    ¡°He¡¯s can be a sore loser¡± The young lady admitted ¡°Oops, I haven¡¯t introduced myself have I, my names Corina, I look forward to working with you both!¡± she offered a polite curtsy to the both of them.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure¡± noted Maddox ¡°I¡¯m Maddox and this here is Daisy, we¡¯ll be in your care.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful!¡± Corina politely smiled as she turned to face the entrance, her navy hair flickered as the wind flowed between each strand. He hadn¡¯t really had a chance to see her up-close till now, but she had all the characteristics of a model, her long legs moved flawlessly along the ground, her slender physique was dainty and delicate, her skin porcelain, like a real doll. ¡°If you¡¯d like to follow me, we have a couple of spare room in the house so you¡¯ll both be able to have your own rooms.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± stretched Maddox as he walked through the doorway, before turning to Daisy ¡°Isn¡¯t it good we get our own rooms again!¡±


    ¡°Hmm...¡± she nodded as she followed him in.


    As they entered, they followed a short corridor that led to a flight of stairs. Following Corina up, they came across a door to their right. She looked across to Daisy. ¡°Sorry it¡¯s not much but this all we can offer for now.¡± She opened the door to quite a plain looking room, average sized. The bed was quite small and uncomfortable looking. Just a small chest of draws added decoration to the desolate room. The mattress looked like it had better days and had been there a while, a stump where a candle once stood, resting upon the draws. ¡°Seriously¡­¡± Daisy sighed aloud ¡°I guess it can¡¯t be helped, this is fine, thank you Corina¡±


    ¡°I apologies if it¡¯s not up to standards¡± Corina pleaded with a glint of a tear in her eye as Maddox looked at daisy unimpressed.


    ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s fine, thank you...¡± She closed the door, leaving Corina and Maddox to find the other room. After that he hadn¡¯t had much hope for his room. They wandered further along the hall until coming to another door. When Maddox pushed it open, he was quite surprised. The bed was quite spacious, enough for two people at least, and practically new. A large chest of draws both sides of the room and a large mirror stood against the wall, a fresh candle awaited him bedside and all in all the room was large and immaculate, the complete opposite of the room given to Daisy.


    ¡°I hope you like it¡± Corina purred, her face appeared next to Maddox, sending him bright red and making him jump.


    ¡°yes!¡± He stuttered ¡°it¡¯s quite amazing really, but I¡¯m curious why give daisy that room and me this one, surely she would have preferred this one?¡± He questioned, but instead his question was met with a sad look in Corina¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°if you don¡¯t like it just say so¡± she seemed really upset.


    ¡°I love it, thank you for giving me this room!¡± He felt guilty for daisy but didn¡¯t want to upset Corina any more, his words seemed to cheer her up. In her night gown, she clutched onto Maddox¡¯s right arm, her petite bosom pressed tightly against his arm, much to his suprise as his face went reddened.


    ¡°I¡¯m so glad you like the room!¡± Her smile was contagious ¡°I¡¯ll come by later with a towel so you can get showered ok." She sent him another pleasant smile as she exited, but quickly turned, poking her head back into the room ¡°By the way, my room¡¯s just across the hall... See you later neighbour!¡±


    "She''s... energetic..." He said to himself as he sat down on the edge of the bed "Comfy!"


    A short while had passed, and just as promised, Corina returned with some fresh smelling towels. ¡°I just had these washed so they should be good!¡± She beamed ¡°I left the shower running so if you wanted to, you can have a shower now.¡±


    ¡°You did that, thank you Corina, I¡¯ll head there now!¡±


    ¡°Good, just go right down the hall and it¡¯s just on the left, the door can stick a little so just use a little force it should open!¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the heads up!¡± He smiled as he made his way to the bathroom. Just as she said he could hear the water running inside, and the door did seem to stick a little, but with a little push, it opened easily. She¡¯s really kind Maddox thought to himself as he removed his jacket, then his shirt, followed by everything else. The curtain was drawn, hiding the shower, slowly he pulled it open... There before him was a familiar, curvaceous figure, humming to herself until the breeze of the curtain being opened took her attention. They both stood there for a moment, red faced, mortified and naked.


    Finally, Daisy was the first to react, pulling the curtain over her voluptuous body. She squatted, hiding behind the sheet, screaming loudly ¡°GET OUT PERVERT!!¡±


    ¡°Huh... sure!¡± Quickly he exited the bathroom, to quickly, he soon realised all he had was the towel Corina gave him. Hoarsely he called back inside ¡°Daisyyyy.... Can I have my clothes backkkk?¡±


    ¡°GO AWAY!¡± The sheer volume sent Maddox onto his backside, maybe it was better to wait till she was out... He sheepishly returned to his room, unaware of the sniggering pair of eyes fixated on him, watching from the room next door.

 Vol 1 Chapter 3.2

    The morning soon came, Maddox¡¯s mind still scarred from the night before. As he went to leave his room, he found his clothes piled on the floor. After the incident he decided it was probably best just to go to sleep, and to avoid seeing Daisy till the next day. He made a point to sleep on top of the bed, not in it, he didn¡¯t want to get the sheets dirty so quickly. He¡¯d hoped he could get up a little early so he could at least freshen up, but that didn¡¯t happen as come 5am he was still asleep, the only thing that could wake him was the booming voice of Angus screaming into the room of GET UP YOU LAZY SON OF A BITCH! YOU¡¯VE GOT WORK SOON!


    As he made his way down the stairs, a gentle waft entered the air, the smell frying meat drifted towards his nose, sending his body on autopilot as he floated towards the kitchen. As he entered, Corina was standing by the cooker, Daisy was already at the table, chewing gleefully upon a sandwich. At the head of the table was the glaring eyes of an old frail man. He looked familiar but Maddox couldn¡¯t put a finger to who it was, lost in thought starring, the old man¡¯s voice roared in a familiar tone ¡°WHAT YOU LOOKING AT ARSEWIPE!¡±


    Wiping the sleep out his eyes, he took another look at the old man ¡°Mr. Ridge...mont?¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Exclaimed the old man, like he was the only one who had noticed this monumental difference.


    ¡°You look... different...¡± He uttered the words out of his mouth, confused.


    ¡°You expect me to remain in spirit form twenty-four seven!¡± Cried out Mr. Ridgemont ¡°You know how exhausting that shit is!¡±


    ¡°No... just...¡± He looked again at the frail old man sat at the head of the table, skin draped over his nearly visible bones, his eyes had sunken into his balding head.


    ¡°Choose your next words wisely kid...¡± A fire developed in the old man''s eyes as his arms began to expand, revealing the muscles Maddox had contended with the day before.


    ¡°Understood...¡± He took a deep gulp as he turned to Corina ¡°Morning!"


    ¡°Morning Maddox¡± she beamed over to him.


    ¡°Wha... What you cooking there?¡± He drooled as the words left his lips.


    ¡°Huh...¡± She acted confused, before playfully looking to the pan in her hand ¡°Oh this? Just a bit of bacon to get the morning started.¡±


    ¡°Ohh...¡± He drifted closer to her as the sound of the frying bacon echoed in his ear ¡°Is there any left?¡±


    ¡°Oh, did you want some?¡± she exclaimed surprised ¡°I¡¯m sorry I used the last of it for Mrs. Daisy¡¯s sandwiches.¡± Upon hearing this, Daisy nearly chocked on her meal at the mention of her name.


    ¡°That so...¡± A tear dropping form his eye as he sadly turned to Daisy. The smell of the bacon now only served as punishment... Wait there was still bacon frying? ¡°What about those?¡± He questioned.


    ¡°These?¡± She looked at the pan in her hand, then back to Maddox innocently ¡°They were mine... But if you want them?¡±


    ¡°No, no, no, no, no, no it¡¯s fine, I didn¡¯t even think sorry!¡± He hadn¡¯t even thought she may have not eaten yet, he felt terrible for asking.


    ¡°Hehe¡± She giggled to herself playfully ¡°Joking, these are yours¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I already ate before you came down¡± She admitted with a playful grin ¡°you just had the most adorable look on your face I couldn¡¯t help but tease, can you forgive me?¡±


    ¡°That was mean Corinaaaa...¡± Wiping a single tear from his eye.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± she moved the bacon from the pan and placed it into an already buttered slices of bread ¡°Here, a sign of my apology¡±


    As he bit into it, the delicious flavours hit his tongue from all directions, since when did bacon taste this good! ¡°So gooddddd¡± he dribbled as he chewed merrily.


    ¡°I take it you forgive me?¡± She looked at him inquisitively.


    ¡°Mmmhmm¡± he nodded as he continued to chew, tears now streaming down his face with delight.


    ¡°Good¡± she smiled to herself.


    ¡°Oi! Shit!¡± Shouted the old man, snapping Maddox from his fantasy. ¡°Get your arse to this table and we can talk about what I need you to do!¡±


    ¡°Yes sirrrr...¡± he said unenthusiastically as he sat opposite Daisy. He looked in her direction but she quickly turned her head away. She was clearly still annoyed about yesterday. Corina went to sit opposite her father, and as all four were finally at the table, Angus began.


    ¡°Right! Lizard boy! You¡¯re with me!¡± He ordered loudly ¡°I¡¯m gonna take you through farming 101 so you best pay attention or you¡¯re out of here!¡±


    ¡°Lizard boy...¡± He was not keen at his new nickname, although it sounded a lot better than the others he was given in the past.


    ¡°Problem!¡± Glared the old man.


    ¡°No sir!¡±


    His attention now shifted to Daisy ¡°You! Young lady!¡±


    ¡°Epp! Yes sir!¡± she squealed as she responded to him.


    ¡°I want you to stay with Corina! She¡¯ll show you around the house and what work you need to do to maintain this house! Understand!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to be the cleaner...¡± She muttered under her breath. At least she wanted to be outside, being of help to Maddox. Unfortunately, it appeared she hadn¡¯t muttered it quite enough as her words reached Angus¡¯s ears.


    ¡°I¡¯ll throw you both out now if this is the gratitude I get!¡± Roared Angus in outrage.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Sorry sir! Ready to clean sir!¡± Saluted Daisy as she stood abruptly at the table, nearly knocking off all the plates and glasses.


    ¡°Better! Right Lizard boy! You¡¯re with me! Let¡¯s go!¡± He indicated to Maddox as they both got up and exited the dining room.


    As they left the house, they made their way towards a plot of flat land. Standing in the corner of this field was a large contraption, red in colour, multiple blades were fixed to its frame, at the front was a bar that appeared to be used as a handle. ¡°A plough?¡± questioned Maddox.


    ¡°You¡¯re not completely brain dead then! Yes and you¡¯ll be pulling this one! So don¡¯t mess it up!¡±


    ¡°How am I supposed to mess up ploughing?¡± Retorted Maddox unimpressed.


    ¡°That¡¯s the kind of attitude I don¡¯t need to see! Get in and start pushing and I¡¯ll tell you if you¡¯re doing a good job or not!¡± Directed Angus, pointing towards the plough.


    ¡°Fine, fine...¡± As Maddox clambered under the frame, he took a hold of the bars in front of him. Slowly he began to push forward, the plough didn¡¯t move at all. ¡°... *Sigh*¡± With a deep exhale, his arms and legs began to scale, and once complete, he began to push the big lump of metal with ease, quickly moving along the ground.


    ¡°STOP!!!¡± Cried out Angus ¡°You¡¯re going to fast!¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Maddox turned unimpressed to a holt.


    ¡°Too fast!¡± Criticized the old man ¡°All you¡¯re doing is throwing ground all over the place and ruining the quality! Now slower!¡±


    ¡°Dammit... Fine! How¡¯s this?¡± He began again pulling the heavy machinery, before starting to pick up the pace a little. Much to Angus¡¯s irritation.


    ¡°Still too quick!¡± He moaned.


    ¡°Course it is...¡± Maddox sighed under his breath. Even though it was early, Angus was sharp as ever as he seemed to catch every word uttered.


    ¡°Say something boy!¡± He scolded.


    ¡°No sir...¡± begrudgingly answered Maddox. He began pulling once more, this time closer to a snail¡¯s pace.


    ¡°Good, now that¡¯s better, keep at that pace!¡±


    ¡°How long is this gonna take old man?¡± He turned to Angus.


    ¡°This area?¡± He looked into the distance in thought for a moment ¡°I¡¯d say around an acre in... eight hours?¡±


    ¡°How many acres is this farm?¡± Continued Maddox.


    ¡°Around forty so I¡¯d like to be done by the end of the month¡±


    ¡°Serious...?¡± Questioned Maddox disheartened.


    ¡°In my youth!¡± Angus began with accompanying hand gestures ¡°I¡¯d have had all this finished in two weeks! Even now in my old age, it takes just over a month, ten hours each day! I told you I¡¯d work you boy! You can leave if you want...¡± His eyes grew smaller as he stared at Maddox hopefully.


    ¡°No, I can do this...¡± He confirmed, continuing to pull the plough at the steady pace set ¡°This ok?¡±


    ¡°Hmm that should be fine¡± Muttered the old man as he watched from the side.


    Meanwhile, in the house, Corina had already taken Daisy through almost all the areas and they had now finally made their way to the last stop, the attic. Karin took hold of a pole standing near the hatch to the roof, revealing a set of ladders as they clumsy fell from the ceiling. ¡°After you¡± she remarked to Daisy as she followed behind upstairs.


    ¡°Wowww, this really is big huh?¡± She looked around at the attic, it was immaculate. Organised up there, sets of boxes laid across the floor, mixed between them were old painting, a guitar, amongst other oddities.


    ¡°We mainly use this for storage so there''s no need to worry about cleaning up here, but it¡¯s a nice place to think, you know?¡± Karin continued toward a window in the corner. By the window sat a comfortable looking chair, Corina beckoned Daisy closer, pointing out of the window. ¡°Come, look!¡± She waved her over as the two girls stood next to each other.


    As Daisy looked out, she could see how large the farm really was, far in the distance she could make out the outline of trees, but the size of the farmland truly was mind boggling ¡°This... is all yours? This farm is nearly as big as my village!¡±


    ¡°That so?¡± Karin chuckled giddily ¡°Look other there¡± she pointed at two small figures, one was thin and standing, watching over the other who seemed to be pulling along some piece of machinery.


    ¡°Is that?¡± She sharpened her eyes to get a better view.


    ¡°Hmm, my father and Maddox¡± Confirmed Corina.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen him like that before...¡± She remarked as she watched him pulling along the machine. Back home, he would of never had the chance at this life.


    ¡°Really?¡± Corina looked at her intrigued.


    ¡°Well back home...¡± She started before stuttering ¡°Back home he didn¡¯t really get on with anyone, he was a real loner but he always worked so hard, I couldn¡¯t help but be inspired by him you know... He was always in a bad situation, but he never let it get him down, he just continued to work hard, it makes me happy I get to see him like this, he deserves it so much¡± She raised her hand to her eyes to wipe away a tear, when did she start crying she wondered as Karin watched.


    ¡°It sounds like you two are really close, you¡¯re not dating are you?¡± She questioned further.


    Daisy¡¯s face became beet red ¡°No, no, no nothing like that! We¡¯re just close friends is all...¡± Her voice faded as her sentenced trailed off.


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s good then¡± Coronas face looked relieved.


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve taken a liking to him, I wanted to talk to you to see what kind of person he was, now I know this how could I not be interested!¡± She had a giddy grin on her face which caused Daisy to panic.


    ¡°Wha... What do you mean a llll...liking?¡± Her words stuttered harshly out of her mouth.


    ¡°Did I not make it clear?¡± Corina looked at her confused before reiterating ¡° I want him to be my lover¡±


    ¡°L... L... Lover!! You can¡¯t!!!¡± Daisy protested.


    ¡°Why? I thought your not dating?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not... not now anyways...¡± her voice trailed off again, she couldn¡¯t admit her feeling for Maddox to this girl, not when she couldn¡¯t even tell him how she feels.


    ¡°So you should have no trouble if I take him then?¡± He burrow began to frown as she became more irritated by these objections.


    ¡°I said you can¡¯t!¡± Cried out Daisy once more.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t speak to you to seek you¡¯re approval...¡± A certain venom carried out in her voice now ¡°I wanted information and now I have it... If you want to stop me then go ahead but I don¡¯t think you will... I mean you¡¯re nothing but a country bumpkin after all...¡±


    ¡°You high-minded farmers whore!¡± Her heart couldn¡¯t take this anymore, she couldn¡¯t forgive this, she couldn¡¯t let this go! She¡¯d never hated anyone before, she¡¯d disliked the others in the village but not this hatred, not this pure anger than was running through her gains for this girl right now.


    ¡°What did you just call me!¡± Spat Corina in disgust ¡°Don¡¯t forget who hired you...¡±


    ¡°...¡± She bit so hard on her tongue it nearly fell off.


    ¡°Exactly¡± she reiterated smugly ¡°I¡¯ll keep you around for now as I wouldn¡¯t want my darling to leave just yet, but once I''ve replaced you, then you¡¯re free to go...¡±


    ¡°So this kind farmers daughter thing... it¡¯s all an act right?¡± Whispered Daisy in despair.


    ¡°Not that he¡¯d believe you... All I have to do is keep on smiling and making him blush, he¡¯ll be putty in my hands.¡± Her wicked smile sent Daisy¡¯s blood boiling, did she really think it was that simple, all she had to do was flirt a little and he¡¯d be hers?


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you...¡± she muttered quietly.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°I said I wont let you!¡± She yelled defiantly ¡°He¡¯s mine! I won¡¯t let you steal our precious memories!¡±


    ¡°Hmm.. You¡¯re welcome to try, but I look forward to you¡¯re face when his arms around me and he doesn¡¯t look at you anymore¡± She brushed past Daisy¡¯s shoulder as she made her way down the ladders. Daisy was holding back the tears, she turned to watch Maddox hard at work, she couldn¡¯t lose him, not too someone like that! ¡°If you¡¯re done looking at my darling, we¡¯re finished here...¡± Corina¡¯s voice echoed from below.


    ¡°I¡¯m coming...¡± she turned away from the window before making her way down the ladder.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to prepare some meals for my darling and papa, perhaps you could clean my darlings room, get it prepared for later?¡± That smug face now etched onto her conniving features. She may have looked the pretty girl next door, but she was cold and calculated on the inside.


    ¡°What do you plan to do later!¡± Retorted Daisy.


    ¡°Does it matter to you?¡±


    She held her tongue once more, as she brushed past heading downstairs, uttering ¡°Clean your darlings room yourself, I¡¯m heading out¡±


    ¡°Did I say you were excused?¡± She chided mockingly.


    ¡°Piss off¡­¡± her parting words as she disappeared from Corina¡¯s sight.


    A look of irritation slowly formed before she let out a soft breath ¡°*Sigh* Ah well this works too...¡± she thought out loud as she headed towards the kitchen.

 Vol 1 Chapter 3.3

    The sun blazed high in the sky, several hours had passed as Maddox continued to push the heavy frame across the farm, Angus¡¯s eyes ever watchful. On the horizon, a hazy figure appeared from the direction of the house. Maddox could make out some details, a flowing blue dress, a large straw summer hat and a white cloth on one arm. The way it moved towards them, almost gliding along the ground. As it got closer, more details became apparent, the long legs and slender body, the delicate skin, it was Corina heading towards them.


    As she got closer, she turned to her father. ¡°How¡¯s work Papa?¡±


    ¡°Not bad¡± Called back the old man, wiping some non-existent sweat off his brow ¡°If only he had a better attitude, this wouldn''t be so draining...¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t hurt for you to help a little old man!¡± Called Maddox from a distance.


    ¡°Would you really have this old man working under this sun!¡± Complained Angus ¡°This is a young man¡¯s game, I realise this now!¡±


    ¡°Only just now!¡± Sarcastically whipped Maddox as he continued his work.


    ¡°Stop your bellyaching!¡± Grumbled Angus before turning to his Corina ¡°What brings you out here daughter? Is it time?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡± She nodded delightfully ¡°dinner¡¯s ready on the table.¡±


    ¡°Hear that whippersnapper!¡± He called over to the exhausted remnants of Maddox ¡°Get those legs moving it¡¯s time for supper!¡±


    ¡°Thank god...¡± Exhaled Maddox ¡°I thought I was gonna die...¡±


    ¡°Stop your moaning!¡± Shouted Angus as walked towards the house, past Corina.


    ¡°Here¡± smiled Corina, towel in hand.


    ¡°Thanks¡± He gratefully took hold of the towel, wiping away the sweat from his forehead ¡°You¡¯re a life saver!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it!¡± She grinned, her eyes shining ¡°You looked so manly pulling that heavy thing around!¡±


    ¡°You were watching?¡± He blushed, turning away so she couldn¡¯t see his red cheeks. ¡°Thanks!¡±


    She beamed a playful smile as they made their way back into the house. Once inside, the table was laid with an arrangement of items. A mixture of cheeses, a loaf of bread, a few selections of ham and some pickled onions.


    ¡°Wow!¡± He said, impressed ¡°Was all this made on the farm?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡± She nodded joyfully ¡°One of the best things about living here is you get to eat what you make!¡±


    ¡°Amazing!¡± As he went to sit at the table, he noticed an empty chair starring towards him. ¡°Where¡¯s Daisy?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I think she went for a walk¡± Answered Corina.


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯ll best go get her then¡± As he went to get off his seat, Corina manoeuvred herself around him.


    ¡°No need¡± She replied quickly as she moved over Maddox, her arms pressed against his shoulders. She moved closer to him, her face more serious as she whispered ¡°I think she¡¯s still a little upset about yesterday, maybe give her some space¡±


    ¡°Still...¡± He knew she could be stubborn at times, but normally she¡¯d be back to her normal self within a few hours, perhaps, even accidently, he took things too far. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right...¡±


    ¡°Right, now eat up!¡± Her face had returned to its smiley default ¡°You¡¯ll need your energy!¡±


    ¡°True!¡± He agreed ¡°Still have a few hours to go till I''m finished right!¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Her infectious smile firmly etched on her face, hiding the real reason of what she planned for later.


    ¡°Thank you, Corina¡± He said gratefully.


    Unaware of the daggers being sent in his direction from in front of him, Angus¡¯s glared intently at the pair, eventually catching Maddox¡¯s eye as he stabbed his fork into a portion of the ham. Once they had finished their meals, Maddox and Angus went back out to the fields, waved off by Corina.


    Along the path that led to the house, Daisy had finally calmed down and was on her way back. Maddox saw her as he was leaving with Angus, raising one hand ever so slightly to wave, but stopped half-way. Corina¡¯s words rang in his ear, perhaps it was best to leave her alone for a little while. He turned away, embarressed, as he followed Angus to the fields. He couldn¡¯t see her facial expressions, but only see her turn her head away from his direction. She was still upset after all he thought. He couldn¡¯t see the tears welling in her eyes as she turned away once again.


    She had only just calmed down, but to see Maddox hesitant around her set her off again. She stormed around heading towards where she had been fuming earlier. She made her way along a path until she came to the outskirts of the farm, jumping the fence until she came across a large fallen tree that had collapsed on the outskirts of the farm. Facing away, she sat down, her arms cradling her knees as she began to delve into deep thought. ¡°Stupid Maddox...¡± She muttered ¡°... Just because she¡¯s so pretty and acts so nice around him... perhaps he is falling for her..." A sad look of realisation crept over her, before quickly snapping out of it "No, no, no I can¡¯t let him! She¡¯s nothing but trouble... I¡¯m doing this for him this isn¡¯t for me at all... he¡¯s just too dumb to see her real intentions! That¡¯s it!... Isn¡¯t it...¡± Her voice trailed off as the conversation continued in her mind, was that really it...You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    What was this strange emotion taking over her, she¡¯d never felt like this before...? Her mind was clouded, why was this girl so hung up on him? She¡¯d only just met them the day before! She was definitely up to something! She had to protect him! But what she said earlier was so embarrassing... She had no right to say that he was hers¡¯... Her chest was tight as the thought of him not being with her anymore tore her apart. She had to tell him, even if he didn¡¯t believe her, she had to at least warn him! The hours passed by as she continued to think of ways to tell him, sat underneath the fallen tree. The sun that shone over head was slowly sinking ¡°Right!¡± She said triumphantly as she rose to her feet ¡°If he sees what she¡¯s actually like... He¡¯ll have no choice but to believe me!¡± She made her journey back to the farm once more, a confident look upon her face.


    As she entered the house, everyone was already there at the table. As she looked towards Maddox, he looked as if he was about to speak, but turned away again, making her heart drop a little. She knew she couldn¡¯t fail her mission, she knew she had to warn him. ¡°Hey... Maddox...¡± She began, causing him to look at her, a worried look on his face.


    ¡°What is it?¡± He looked up, catching her eyes before looking down again.


    ¡°Can we... talk a little bit?¡± She shuffled uncomfortably.


    ¡°Sure...¡± He replied, placing his hands on his chair as he went to get up.


    As he was almost standing, Corina was already over him. A plate of food in her hand, placing it in front of him. The sight of her was enough to make Daisy¡¯s blood boil. ¡°Make sure to eat before it goes cold!¡± She hummed in his ear as he sat down again.


    He looked to Daisy as if to see if it was ok to eat, she knew she had to warn him, but there was no need to drag him away now, she didn¡¯t want to raise suspicion too much ¡°It¡¯s fine¡± she said ¡°We can eat first.¡±


    He nodded as his eyes set on his food, a prime slice of beef from with an assortment of vegetable lined his plate. Daisy watched as Corina went around the table, next to her father before arriving to Daisy. On the plate was a tiny slice of meat with a mix of burnt veg. She went to look at her in disgust but she was already gone, back to the pot to collect her portion. A reasonable slice of meat with nicely cooked veg, so she was playing dirty after all. Daisy begrudgingly placed her fork into the mushy carrots, struggling to swallow them. To her side she could see the wry grin of Corina hidden behind her fake kindness.


    Between this invisable tension, Maddox broke the silence ¡°So how did you two get on today?¡± He questioned, ignorent to the events prior.


    ¡°We had fun, didn¡¯t we?¡± Corinas'' toxic smile aimed at Daisy.


    ¡°Yeah it was a real blast...¡± She sarcastically retorted, taking Maddox by surprise.


    ¡°Ah¡± He took few seconds ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad it seems you two are getting on¡± Maddox smiled hopefully towards them.


    ¡°Hmm, I think we¡¯re going to be best friends, right?¡± That fake smile really pissed her off.


    ¡°If you say so...¡± She said disinterested.


    ¡°... So¡± Maddox started again, worried about what was up with Daisy ¡°... What did you do?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I just showed her around, we talked for a bit is all, then she went for a walk and disappeared for a while... I was worried she got lost...¡± A false look of concern fell across her face as she stared at Daisy.


    ¡°I just needed some air is all...¡± she retorted, struggling to hide her irritation.


    ¡°Still, I¡¯m glad that she made it back safe, I was worried she wouldn¡¯t come back at all!¡± She continued her fa?ade.


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Maddox questioned, did he really upset her that much she said she might leave?


    ¡°I think she¡¯s just got a lot on her mind, right?¡± Her snake eyes peered at Daisy once more.


    ¡°Will you just shut up!¡± Her anger became palpable, she cried out as she slammed her fork into the beef.


    ¡°Daisy!¡± Maddox looked towards her before turning to Corina. her eyes began to budge, full with crocodile tears as she hid her face, quickly running towards upstairs. ¡°What was that for! She¡¯s clearly concerned for you! So am I!¡±


    ¡°If you were that concerned you wouldn¡¯t have avoided me all day!¡± She screamed out.


    ¡°Corina said...¡± As he tried to justify himself, she continued to vent her frustration.


    ¡°Yeah Corina said and you believed every word right!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you!¡± She could tell he was stunned at this outburst but it didn¡¯t matter, this was getting too much for her.


    ¡°Me? What¡¯s wrong with you! Are you blind or just dumb!¡± Her soul rocked with anger, why didn¡¯t he see her for what she was!


    ¡°Tsk... I don¡¯t have time for this! I''m going to check on her¡± He turned away as he ran upstairs.


    Daisy slammed her fist into the table, the presence of Angus seemingly disappeared from all. That is until a subtle cough caught her attention. A look of panic fell over her face, what if she caused them to lose their work here, Maddox would surely hate her if that was the case. ¡°Sir... I¡¯m...¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Kobayashi...¡± He began ¡°What do you make of my daughter?¡±


    She sat back down in her chair, she knew lying to him would probably be the best way to make sure their jobs were safe, but she just couldn¡¯t hide her animosity towards that girl. ¡°I hate her...¡± She admitted ¡°She¡¯s so fake... It¡¯s like she enjoys playing this sweet country girl to hide her real personality...¡±


    ¡°I see...¡± The old man pulled at the whiskers on his chin ¡°So you have seen that side of her I see?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± What did he mean, seen that side of her?


    ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand, she¡¯s not a bad girl it¡¯s just...¡± He faltered for a moment ¡°... It¡¯s just, she¡¯s lived here with me, near enough all her life, somewhere along the way, this solitude, it gave birth to a different personality within her, ever since she¡¯s had these split personalities... Mrs. Kobayashi... may this old man make a selfish request?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± She asked curiously.


    ¡°Could you help her? Please¡± He pleaded to her.


    ¡°What!¡± The shock took over her body, asking her to help... Her.


    Slowly he removed himself from his chair, carefully placing it to the side as he stood before her. Slowly he lowered his upper body until he was bowing almost horizontally. ¡°I know that she is difficult to deal with, but the reason I accepted both of you here is that, maybe, you could help her... She¡¯s been alone all this time with no one to talk to, perhaps with both of you around, perhaps she can be her real self... Maybe not the little girl I remember, but a woman whose ready for the real world, that¡¯s just my wish¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t like the idea...¡± She admitted ¡°But I have my own reasons, so I¡¯ll help...¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± The old man raised his head.


    ¡°I will, but don¡¯t tell Maddox any of this, he wouldn¡¯t believe us if we told him...¡± She sulked silently ¡°If we get Maddox to see how she acts when he''s not around, he might be more willing to help.¡±


    ¡°I really appreciate it¡± he admitted, a small smile appearing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me... I¡¯m not doing this just for you.¡± She thought to herself, Maddox, please realise that this girl is trouble. Slowly she got out of her chair as she headed towards the stairs.

 Vol 1 Chapter 3.4

    As he rushed his way upstairs, he called out to her ¡°Corina! Corina! Where are you?¡± He ran along the corridor until could hear a faint sound of sniffling coming from his bedroom. Gently, he knocked on the door ¡°Corina, you there?¡±


    ¡°Go Away!¡± She cried out through the door.


    ¡°Corina, it¡¯s me¡± He tried again ¡°It¡¯s Maddox, can I come in?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm...¡± She seemed to think about it for a second before calling to him ¡°If it¡¯s you... Ok¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He gently pushed the door open, revealing Corina bundled in a ball at the corner of his bed, clutching hold to his pillow tightly to her chest. ¡°I don¡¯t know wha...¡± As he began, he was quickly cut off by her damp voice.


    ¡°Why does she hate me so much?¡± Corina looked up at him with sad eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she doesn¡¯t hate y...¡±


    ¡°She does!¡± She shouted, frustrated ¡°Why would she yell at me! I was just worried...¡± Her voice faltered as she dug herself deeper into the pillow.


    ¡°I know you were, I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s wrong with her¡± He admitted ¡°but I''m sure she doesn¡¯t hate you¡±


    ¡°I thought, I could finally have some friends¡± her face now buried, hidden behind the cushion. ¡°I thought maybe I wouldn¡¯t be alone anymore...¡±


    Maddox walked calmly towards her, as she peeped up towards him though the tear-soaked pillow. ¡°It must have been tough? Being alone¡±


    She dually nodded ¡°I hate it! All it¡¯s ever been is myself...¡±


    He knew the feeling all too well, if it hadn¡¯t been for Daisy and Koru, he wasn¡¯t sure he would have made it this far. All she had was her father for all this time, no one to talk to, just trapped in her own thoughts, it must have been horrible. ¡°Well, you don¡¯t have to worry about that anymore ok? I¡¯m your friend, and I¡¯m sure Daisy will come around!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Her face slowly rose above the pillow.


    ¡°Hmm¡± He nodded ¡°Really, I¡¯ll just head back down now and speak to her, then all three of us can be friends!¡± As he turned to head down stairs, he could feel a slight tugging of his jacket. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Can you... please... Hold me... Just a little?¡± She shuffled her shoulders awkwardly as she hid behind the pillow once more.


    ¡°You sure?¡± He felt bad for leaving her, but he was sure she¡¯d be ok. He really needed to speak to Daisy.


    However, she nodded shyly, blushing ¡°I just feel safe around you.¡±


    ¡°You hardly know me¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter¡± She shook her head this time, the pillow following her ¡°when you¡¯re around, I feel like all this pain, it just goes away, if just a little¡±


    ¡°Fine¡± He brought himself closer towards her, wrapping his arms tightly around her chest as he placed his hand to the back of her head ¡°It¡¯ll all be ok, just leave things to me, ok?¡±


    ¡°Mmm Hmm¡± He could feel her hair rustling along his neck as she nodded. She may have been this mature beauty on the outside, but inside she was still a kid. As he held onto her, he felt his legs stumble back a little, as if something had added pressure to them. Stumbling back, Corina placed herself on top of him, his arm¡¯ sliding to around her waist. Her eyes reflected in his as she starred into his deep Sapphires.


    ¡°Maddox¡± she stuttered.


    ¡°Corina?¡±


    Slowly she brought her face closer towards him, her hand placed against his head as her lips carefully pursed, time stood still as she gently closed her eyes. Without delay, his arms pulled her in tighter, he really felt a connection with her, as he clumsily closed his eyes...


    *SLAM*


    The door crashed open to the sight of Daisy, standing a few feet away. ¡°So this is w...¡± Her voice hesitated at the sight of a shocked Maddox turning, staring back towards her, Corina ungraciously placed on top of him. ¡°Y... Y... Y...¡± She couldn¡¯t muster the words as she sprinted out of the room, her tears glistening as she disappeared out of sight.


    ¡°Daisy wait!¡± He called to her with no reply, she had already gone. As he went to stumble upwards, he felt a strong grip tighten around his chest. Corina was now clinging to his back where she had been thrown off his chest.


    ¡®Please... Wait...!¡± Corina pleaded as she hung firmly to him.


    ¡°Corina...¡± He turned, staring back into her eyes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to go after her...¡± Her eyes faltered as she stared at the floor, avoiding his gaze.


    ¡°Corina what are you saying? Of course I do! She¡¯s my dear friend... I¡¯d do the same for you!¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°But...¡± she stuttered as she continued to look away.


    ¡°Corina please let go, I need to go before I lose her!¡± He pleaded with her.


    Her eyes began to swell again, her grip strengthened still ¡°But... But...¡±


    ¡°I promise I¡¯ll come back as soon as I find her ok? Then all three of us can be friends like you wanted¡± He hit her with a hopefully smile, but that wasn¡¯t what she wanted at all. ¡°So please, let go...¡± Little by little her grip loosened as her arms fell to the ground. ¡°Promise, I¡¯ll be back soon!¡± Quickly he stumbled to his feet as he attempted to follow Daisy¡¯s tracks, Corina sat hopelessly on the floor, her eyes shaking and filled with tears.


    ¡°I was so close...¡± She slammed her fist against the floorboards. ¡°I swear I will make you mine!¡± Her tears had disappeared, what took their place was seething look of determination.


    As he clambered down the stairs, he rushed past Angus, still sat diligently at the dinner table. ¡°Old man!¡± He called out, grabbing his attention as he slowly looked up from his plate. ¡°Did you see which way Daisy went!¡±


    He nodded solemnly as he pointed towards the door ¡°She went that way, heading towards the gate...¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± He called as he sprinted past and out the door, running down the dirt track as he headed toward the forest once more. As he ran past the fence surrounding the farm he called aloud ¡°Daisy!! Daisy where are you!!¡± no response.


    He delved deeper into the forest, no luck. Even with the added senses of his dragon eyes and ears, he couldn¡¯t find any trace of her. ¡°Dammit!¡± He planted his fist into the closest tree, bruising his knuckles as the tree stood firm. ¡°Fuck!¡± He shuck his hand in pain as he continued to call for her ¡°Daisy!!... Where are you...¡± His voice trailed off as he walked through the dense woods. Guilt weighed on his conscience as he drifted between the trees, he never wanted to see her face like that again... What was worse was that he caused her to look like that, it may have not been intentional, but his actions caused her a lot of pain, he really needed to find her, he needed to explain to her what happened.


    The sun had disappeared from the sky, but he continued to search. His body began to weigh heavy, it had been a long day and his muscles were screaming at this point, not that he could feel them, his mind solely focused on finding Daisy. He headed back towards the farm and went to search the parameter, perhaps she hadn¡¯t run far after all, at least he hoped. Eventually he found his way to the gate he had crossed and turned right, heading around the farm. As he continued along the fence, he noticed a large tree that had fallen amongst the woodland, from beside it he could hear a faint sound. As he walked closer, the sound became more distinct, it was sobbing. He walked closer towards its fallen bark, treading lightly until he was standing almost over it. It was too tall to peer over, but the sound her could hear was definitely crying, as he made his way around, he peaked around the corner. There, crumpled against its rotting wood was a girl, her face red and glistening, no doubt, it was Daisy.


    He went to speak, but the words wouldn¡¯t come out, what could he say to her. As he took a step back to behind the tree, the snap of a branch under his feet caught her attention.


    ¡°Whose there!¡± She called out.


    Shit! Ran through his mind, he wasn¡¯t prepared to speak to her but he had no choice now. He appeared, stiffly, from behind the tree. Waving a single, short wave in her direction ¡°H...Hey¡± he stammered.


    ¡°You...¡± She looked at him as tears welled up, sharply turned away. ¡°Why did you have to come... Go Away!¡±


    Slowly he made his way towards her. ¡°Everyone''s worried Daisy, I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on but...¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± She screamed as she turned towards him ¡°You don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on! Even if I told you, you wouldn¡¯t believe me!¡±


    ¡°Just tell me, please!¡± He begged.


    Hesitantly, she whispered her answer. ¡°Corina...¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Corina!" She said loudly "She¡¯s not who she appears to be...¡± Her voice trailed off, she knew she had to tell him, but would he believe her?


    ¡°What are you talking about?" He said, confused "I don¡¯t know what vendetta you have against her but you need to stop!¡±


    ¡°This is what I was talking about!¡± Her voice was breaking as she continued to yell. ¡°Why would you believe me?! Your childhood-friend! Even Angus knows she has a problem! You¡¯re the only one who doesn¡¯t seem to realise!¡±


    ¡°Daisy, I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on with you, but making all these lies up about her isn¡¯t very you...¡± His voice was condemning, how could she continue to say things like this, even now.


    ¡°I¡¯m not lying!!¡± She pleaded with him as her tears surged. ¡°Please believe me!! She¡¯s nothing but bad news Maddox! Please!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s worried about you as well" He reiterated, annoyed at her accusations. "Please come back so we can sort things out between you two!¡±


    ¡°God! Why are you so dense!¡± Her hands flailing around in frustration. ¡°Why am I surprised! I mean you two were ki...ki...kissing and stuff...¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that got to do with anything?¡±


    ¡°Everything! She¡¯s trying to split us up Maddox! Too keep you to herself! You can¡¯t trust her!¡±


    He let out a deep sigh. ¡°Daisy, let¡¯s go back, we can resolve all this, I¡¯m sure your just misunderstanding things...¡±


    ¡°Why is it I¡¯m the one misunderstanding things! You really don¡¯t believe me! Why? After everything, why are you choosing now to not believe me!¡±


    ¡°Because I think she¡¯s a nice girl that¡¯s why!¡± He roared back, tired of listening to her callous rumours ¡°She reminds me of a me a little, I know what it¡¯s like to be misunderstood and to be left alone! I thought you understood too!¡±


    ¡°Has she really got you that fooled...¡± A sad look of realisation crept over her face.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re the one whose got the wrong idea Daisy¡±


    She was beyond breaking point, she¡¯d had enough, she did everything she could for him, yet he still wouldn¡¯t believe her. ¡°I¡¯m going home... I can¡¯t take this anymore...¡±


    ¡°Wait what?¡± His face contorted in surprise. ¡°Don¡¯t say that! You don¡¯t know what¡¯ll happen if you go back!¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t be more painful than watching you fawn all over her, knowing she''s lying to you... I¡¯m going.¡± Her voice matched her expression as she walked past him, lifeless.


    ¡°Daisy wait!¡± He called after her ¡°IF! And only if I choose to believe you, how could you prove she¡¯s this vicious liar you¡¯re painting her to be?¡±


    ¡°If I showed you, would you really believe me?¡± Her eye''s began to sparkle with life once more, maybe there was still hope.


    ¡°If you could show me how could I not?¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Really.¡±


    She ran the short distance between them, collapsing to her knees and holding him tightly at his midriff. ¡°Thank you!¡± Tears streaming ¡°Thank you for believing me! I¡¯ll show you! I¡¯ll keep you safe!¡±


    He felt bad lying to her, but he knew the quicker she could see the Corina he saw, he hoped they¡¯d be able to patch things up and all three of them would be able to get along. O

 Vol 1. Chapter 3.5

    Walking back, Maddox turned towards Daisy, curiously. ¡°So... What¡¯s the plan?¡±


    ¡°Plan?¡± She looked in deep thought for a moment. ¡°Hmmm.... Welll.....¡±


    ¡°You do have one... right?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, not really¡± She gleefully admitted ¡°I think she¡¯ll slip up on her own eventually... When she does, you¡¯ll see what kind of person she is.¡±


    The gleam in her eye is what worried him the most, this was a side to her he had never seen before. She was normally so considerate and always saw the good in people, so what had happened to bring this out of her. ¡°You say so...¡± He mumbled as walked towards the gate.


    As they got closer to the house, a trembling figure was there waiting to greet them at the door, Corina. Suddenly she ran towards them, taking a hold of Daisy in her arms. ¡°Thank goodness!¡± She cried aloud ¡°Don¡¯t do that again please! I was so worried! Let¡¯s be friends from now on!¡± She leaned in closer to Daisy¡¯s ear so that only she could hear. ¡°You should have just left, it would have been easier that way...¡±


    Daisy, caught in the embrace, held Corina tightly as well, exclaiming loudly ¡°Hmmm, let¡¯s be friends, I¡¯m sorry that we got off on the wrong foot!¡± Moving her face closer to Corina''s ear, she whispered ¡°No, why would I leave and miss you fall apart in front of my eyes, let¡¯s see how long you can keep up this act...¡± With that, Corina let go as Daisy made her way inside. ¡°I¡¯m gonna have a shower then I¡¯m going to bed, kay! Night!¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s fine, goodnight¡± Maddox waved her off as she made her way up the stairs. ¡°I¡¯m glad you two seem to have patched things up!¡± He looked at Corina, expecting her to look happier about them making up, however. She seemed to be pretty irritated. "Corina?"


    Quickly she snapped back to reality, switching to her smiling mask once more. "What is it?"


    ¡°You ok?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine" She bluffed "I was just worried is all! I hope she doesn¡¯t do anything like that again!¡±


    ¡°Right!¡± He nodded confidently as he made his way past her, heading towards the porch before turning back. "Anyways, I think imma head to bed as well, it¡¯s our day off tomorrow so I think imma get some sleep!¡±


    ¡°Hmm, make sure to rest up! I¡¯ll see you tomorrow!¡± She beamed falsely as her eyes followed him upstairs. Once he was out of view, her fists clenched, that happy mask she wore just moments ago vanished, a scornful expression shading over. "Why..." She whispered under her breath "Well, it doesn''t matter, I guess I''ll just have to try a different tactic..." She unballed her hand as her face wore it''s mask once more, before making her way inside.


    As he laid his head against the pillow, his mind was clouded in thought, he really didn¡¯t know what to believe anymore. Daisy had no reason to lie to him, but she was acting way to weird, and Corina... What was that look about? Did Daisy say something to her? Corina was always so bright with him, he felt a strong connection with her. Even if what Daisy said was true, he wanted to stay and help. He knew what loneliness felt like, but not this isolation she had been forced to feel throughout her life. Perhaps if he could show her a life where she knew she wouldn¡¯t be alone anymore, where she could be herself and safe, perhaps then she would open up more and would be comfortable with herself. ¡°Right¡± He whispered to himself as he held his pillow behind his head. He was gonna help Corina, then once she was comfortable, hopefully Daisy would stop resenting her and they could finally get along. As his eyes drifted close, he heard a slight tapping at the door. ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Maddox... It¡¯s me... You awake?¡± Whispering gently against the door was the soft voice of Daisy.


    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m awake!¡±


    ¡°C... Can I come in?¡±


    ¡°Hmm... Sure¡±


    ¡°O... Ok... Excuse me...¡± She lightly pushed the door open as she peeked inside, clad in a white, sequinned dressing gown, clutching hold to her pillow. ¡°Hmm... She looked around, confused then let out a sigh. ¡°Why am I even surprised...¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± He asked as she stood cautiously in front of the door.


    ¡°Oh, I keep on hearing strange sounds from my room, it¡¯s really creeping me out...¡± The look on her face only emphasised her displeasure.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you ignore them?¡±


    She shook her head sadly. ¡°I wish, but no, you know how sensitive my ears are... Once I hear something, it sticks."


    ¡°I guess so, you wanna stay here then, take your mind off it?¡±


    ¡°Well actually...¡± She began to shuffle around a little uncomfortably, toying with her fingers as she looked at the floor. ¡°I was kinda hoping... I could stay here... for tonight?¡±


    ¡°Serious?¡± He sighed loudly.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not too much trouble...¡± Her eyes not leaving the floor as her cheeks reddened, staring at the ground bashfully.


    ¡°Sure, I don¡¯t mind.¡± He knew there was no point arguing.


    ¡°Really?¡± Finally, she looked up, her eyes shining radiantly.


    ¡°Just for tonight, ok?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡± she nodded, before running to his bed side and jumping into the bed next to him.


    ¡°You can at least wait for me to get out first...¡± He moaned as he removed the bedsheets from himself.


    ¡°What?¡± She looked at him, confused.


    Maddox stumbled out of his bed before heading towards the wardrobe across the room, opening the door and rumbling inside before pulling out a large, red sleeping bag and a rolled mat.


    ¡°What you doing?¡± Daisy posed.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting the sleeping bag out... You don¡¯t expect me to sleep in the same bed, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course not!!¡± She cried aloud ¡°I¡¯m glad you understand!¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I...¡± They weren''t sleeping in the woods anymore, it would be weird if Corina or worse, Angus walked in on them and they were laying in the bed together. That was a conversation he would rather avoid if possible.


    As she snuggled into the bed sheets, a comfortable grin melted on to her face. ¡°Mmm, warmmm.¡±


    As he turned to look up at her, snuggly wrapped in his bed, he thought to himself how cosy she looked. He didn''t mind having her stay over for the night, if anything it was reassuring to have her hear with him. His arms remained stretched behind his head as his eyes began to shut once more.


    ¡°Hey... Maddox...¡± A shy voice whispered from his bed.


    ¡°Are you determined to make sure I don¡¯t get any sleep...¡± He complained as his eyes lazily opened once more, staring at the ceiling.


    ¡°Sorry... It¡¯s just... Can I make a selfish request...¡±?


    ¡°After taking my bed?¡±


    ¡°Please... until I prove what she¡¯s like... Don¡¯t get too close to Corina, ok?¡±


    He had a feeling something like that would come up, but he already decided that he was going to help her. How could he turn someone away when all his life he''d been turned away? If she needed to feel wanted, he was going to be the one to do it. With a stern voice he responded. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s your call to make Daisy¡±


    ¡°I know, and I know it selfish" She muttered from within the covers. "but still... Please... Don¡¯t go K...K... Kissing her again and stuff¡±


    ¡°I haven''t kissed her?" Turning his head to face hers, her face hidden underneath the blanket.


    "But you looked like you were going to" She shyly argued ¡°You looked really into it...¡±


    ¡°Well... I...¡± He stammered for a moment, he couldn''t really argue that. In that moment, if Daisy hadn''t of came in, he wasn''t sure what would have happened. ¡°I like her Daisy, even if she¡¯s how you say she is, I want to help, being isolated for so long, I want to show her she doesn¡¯t have to act this way, so she can be herself¡±


    ¡°That''s so you..." Her voice trailed off as she sank further between the sheets.


    Maddox was now sitting up now, his arms firmly placed on the ground. He really needed Daisy onboard if this was going to work. ¡°It is... so please help me¡±


    She had moved her body against the headboard now, her face still hidden behind the blanket as she mumbled. ¡°I''d like to... If it''s for you... But... I don''t think I can...¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because..." She started but she couldn''t tell him how she felt, not right now. If she did, he would think all she was being was jealous, that she just wanted to keep him to herself. Not that that wasn''t completely true, but she knew this girl was just toying with them both. She resigned herself to keep her secret for a little longer, sliding back under the covers. "Mmm... It doesn¡¯t matter...¡±


    ¡°Daisy?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help alright... I¡¯ll help but only if you promise not to kiss or do lovey-dovey stuff with her... Ok!¡±


    ¡°Fine, I promise I won¡¯t do anything like that, I just want to be friends with her, I want you to be friends with her too...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible...¡± She whispered to herself as he could barely hear her.


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    Nothing... Goodnight...¡±


    ¡°Ok... Goodnight¡±


    The night had been and gone as the morning sun peered through the window onto Maddox¡¯s eyelids, waking him. ¡°Morning already?¡± Wiping the sleep from his eyes he turned to his left. Before him, the drooling sight of Daisy wrapped within his blanket like a sushi roll. ¡°Daisy?¡±


    ¡°Meat...¡± Her glistening lips uttered.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Meee...atttt...¡± She was still sound asleep, but her voice sounded agitated as her face squinted.


    ¡°Oi... Wake up already¡± Gently he shook against where her shoulders would be in the mattress.


    ¡°I want the good slice...¡± She complained, still locked in her dream.


    ¡°What are you on a... BOUT!!"


    *NOM*


    She placed her lips firmly as she bit down on his shoulder ¡°Mmm...¡± she mumbled as she chewed contently.


    ¡°Oi! Oi! OFF!¡± He complained, attempting to push her off but it was no good. Like all dogs, once she got her teeth into something, it was impossible to get her off. He placed his free hand next to wear she had bitten and looked at the liquid that had seeped onto his hand, blood. "This can¡¯t be how I go out" he thought to himself. "I could use my scales but I don¡¯t want to break her teeth... Damn what should I do!" He continued to poke, prod and flick at her as he tried to wake her, all to no avail as she wrapped her arms around him, only making it more difficult to get her off. The world was slowly going dark, until a loud noise came from his door.


    ¡°Maddox? You awake? I was just going to start breakfast¡± Corina called from the other side of the door. He was saved.


    He spluttered out his words as best he could ¡°C...Corina... H... Helppp...¡± His voice faded as he called for her help.


    ¡°What? I¡¯m coming in¡± She sounded concerned as she entered, but as she saw Daisy attached to Maddox nape, a look of anger crept into her usual smile. ¡°Oh... Am I disturbing something¡±


    ¡°G... Get her off me... The world... It¡¯s going dark...¡±


    ¡°Is that so... A moment please¡± She exited the room, from the corridor the sound of a tap running caught Maddox¡¯s attention. Soon Corina returned with a rather large bucket, nearly spilling from the brim, full of water. ¡°This should work, shouldn¡¯t it?¡± She grinned at maliciously.


    ¡°Corina... That¡¯ll... get me as well¡±


    ¡°You wanted her off you correct, well, brace yourself, I didn¡¯t have time for the water to warm, I was in such a rush you see...¡±


    ¡°Corina... Wait!!!¡± His arms waved helplessly as he tried to stop her, but suddenly a sharp, cold sensation washed over his body.


    *SPLASH*


    The water scattered across the both of them as they were engulfed in the water.


    ¡°Abababab¡± Daisy spluttered as she was shocked awake, as she stumbled back, the blanket slipped from her body. Angerly she looked around the room till her eyes locked on Corina. ¡°BITCH! What was that for!¡±


    ¡°How rude" She muttered, her head held high "perhaps you shouldn¡¯t try these stunts again if this is the outcome¡±


    ¡°Huh... What outcome? Are you an idiot? what are you talking about?¡± She argued, a disgusted look in her eye.


    ¡°Look for yourself...¡± Pointing towards Maddox newly healed neck, surrounded by glistening, dark scales.


    ¡°That... Was me?¡±  Her eye¡¯s hit the ground, dejected.


    ¡°You did, perhaps its unwise for you to sleep in the same room?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine really, it¡¯s all healed now see...¡± He turned to Daisy to show her the freshly healed scar, but he was quickly distracted, how couldn''t he be. Sat next to his bed was Daisy, his bed sheets had abandoned her. Her white, satin nightgown now clinged tightly to her delicate skin, leaving no part of her body covered. Tentatively, as it held her, her lingerie slowly revealed itself beneath the now, transparent night gown. Firmly it clung to her bosom as it followed her diminutive body past her narrow waist before falling away, caressing her succulent rump. His eyes couldn¡¯t advert there gaze no matter how hard he tried.


    ¡°Maddox, why are you staring so much, it¡¯s weird¡± As she attempted to cover her body with her arms, it only adding to cuteness to this scene.


    ¡°Oh... I...¡± He began to stutter hopelessly as Corina butted in.


    ¡°Are you planning on becoming an exhibitionist or are you going to get changed?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Her eyes slowly looked down. her face grew radiant, embarrassed as she screamed loudly, sliding back against the bed as she grabbed a hold of the soaked blanket and hid behind it.


    ¡°That won¡¯t do...¡± Corina hurried over to her and pulled the blanket quickly around her. ¡°Let¡¯s get you to your room, hurry up¡±


    With her arms around her shoulders, Corina shepherded her out of the room and down the corridor, back towards Daisy¡¯s room. As they entered, she sat her down on the bed, slowly removing the bed sheet and soaked dressing gown from her body. ¡°Jeez, I was hoping for a quite morning...¡± Corina moaned as she quickly disappeared out of the room, only to return with a towel. ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°Thanks... But why are you helping me?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much into it" Corina scolded as she turned towards the door. "if you get ill, it gives me more work to do, that¡¯s all, now get dried up and changed...¡±


    As soon as she entered, she had left the room, leaving Daisy alone clutching hold of the towel. Did Corina really just help her? That was really out of character she thought to herself. wiping the damp from her forehead with the towel. She was pretty sure there were other ways to wake her up, but she couldn''t really complain, she could still taste the iron on her teeth from where they had sunk into Maddox. She wasn''t going to let her guard down so easily, but perhaps she would be less obvious about her worries about her. For now, she would stick with Maddox''s plan although she didn''t like it, and play along with her game.