Waking up in the morning, I look around the room. Aside from me, only Rune is awake. The other two seems to have talked until deep in the night, so they are still asleep.

With them snoring in a loud voice, continuing sleeping is near impossible, so with groggy movements I lift my upper body and stretch my arms, releasing a yawn as I do so.

Standing up, I summon forth some of my clothes and change from my pajama into them before the others wake up. Well, this is my first morning as a nine year old, so I kind of feel exited. And so, with renewed determination, I stretch myself once more and silently walk outside of the room. School normally starts only after the sun has risen completely from the horizon, but due to me being so tired after yesterday’s party, I slept early.

To my surprise, Rune left the room just after I wanted to step down to the kitchen, so we both carefully descended the stairs. As only the first few ripples of the sun shone over the mountains, most of the people living here are still asleep, causing us to be super silent. Rune on my side is actually already fourteen years old in about another month, so he will count as an independent member by then, allowing him to marry, own land and even leave the mountains at his own risk, but his appearance still reminds me of a twelve year old.

Uncle Black said that my halved growth rate is abnormal, as even normal foxes only have an about 15 - 20% slower growth rate in comparison to humans. Maybe because I am a mix of High-Human originally and a Mystic-Fox? Well, there was that old guy at my party, and he talked a lot with Uncle Black, saying things about me being abnormal even for a High-Human. I will have to ask Uncle Black what he meant by that later.

Anyway, after descending the stairs and not finding anyone in the kitchen, both of us decided to go to the living-room. There, the table and one of the sofas were actually overloaded with presents. Well, yesterday, me and the other kids had so much fun playing that we completely forgot about the presents.

Well, that doesn’t matter now, so I slowly approach the pile and pick one out. It is a packet the size of my head, yet a lot less heavy than it looks. Well, I really wan t to open the presents now, as keeping my hands from ripping away the wrapping is really hard. But still, Uncle Black told me not to open them unless he and the others were there, so with a slightly disappointed heart, I put the present back onto the pile.

But, just as I want to turn around and ask Rune if he wants to play a round of chess, I spot Uncle Black leaning onto the door-frame while showing a big smile. I know from experience, but this smile has a grin hidden behind it. While watching him, Rune by now noticed my strange gaze, and also turned around, shocked that he couldn't sense him showing up.

Well, Uncle Black is one of the few experts I know who can kill their presence to the point even I barely sense it. Anyway, him showing up with such a smile means that something is up and he is greatly amused by it, a surprise maybe? Uncle Black is very protective of me and Sumi, but he also likes teasing and tricking us in an innocent way. And yes, he loves to have secrets, so I sometimes have the feeling I only know him on the surface. Well, not even a year passed since I started to live with him, so I will just have to be patient.

While staring at Uncle Black as I am thinking, he then moves forward and picks me up. Well, my physique is still as small as yesterday, so he didn't have any trouble actually lifting me up and placing me on his shoulder, the only problem is that the door-frame is low enough to make me duck as he passes through. While practically kidnapping me, with Rune desperately trying to keep up, he then moves me to the kitchen before speaking in a hushed and serious voice.

“Arin, the best surprise has yet to come, so eat something, as we will leave in an hour. Oh, you don't have to worry, as school is suspended for the day for you and Sumi.” (Uncle Black)

Suddenly being given crashing news, I only stare at Uncle Black blankly. What did he mean by 'best surprise'? Is there a present he wants to show me real bad? But please spare me from making public appearances in town, since the accident involving Rune and Feris, I kind of have a fear of it.

Mentioning my fear to him, Uncle Black only laughs and says 'you'll see' over and over again. Actually, even Mama Lumi as awfully quiet, yesterday evening she could barely let me sleep, while nearly smothering me within my own mind with hugs. Though, I am happy that she was there for me, as well as her happy and proud expression on my birthday.

Anyway, soon after we arrived in the kitchen, two of the maids together with the girls come walking down the stairs. All of them seem a bit tired, probably because they kept chatting until deep into the night. Also, the two remaining boys arrived as well, but their complexion wasn't much better then the ones the girls had, maybe even worse.

That aside, everyone drank some fruit juice and had bread for breakfast before Uncle Black pulled us with him. Actually most of the others had to go to school, with only Rune and Feris joining us. And with our team of five, we marched into the city, towards the eastern side. It is on that side that the ship-airport is located, for both flying monsters and ships.

Well, just as we are about to arrive there, suddenly a loud gong resounded from within the port, signaling an incoming ship. Looking up, I actually see a ship I am very familiar with. It is the flying ship we took from the crazy scientist-woman who tried to kill Uncle Black and all the monsters within Abryssal-Canyon. I do remember the fight only hazily, but I did enjoy the flight, especially with all the crazy stuff happening on it.

Anyway, on closer inspection, why is the banner a fox-head with green eyes and ten tails behind it? Did Uncle Black arrange for this? Well, its not like I am against it, but it still feels weird to have a ship with a banner representing yourself.

Entering the port, we are greeted by several dragon- and fox-kin, transporting and working on different loads of cargo for the ships and beasts, mostly secured with various ropes and chains. Passing them are the docks, decorated with small stone statues representing flying dragons while there are several lamp-posts installed should a ship arrive at night. I also see multiple floating balls in the sky, emitting a weak light due to the sun, but I guess those are for navigation at night?

Well, behind one of the more ascended docks, suddenly the ship began to decelerate and land, creating a small air-current while doing so. And with the ship, the giant door for the cargo bay at the bow of the ship opens and several workers step inside, carrying multiple kinds of boxes and barrels.

Meanwhile, a small wooden bridge was placed between the ship and the dock, allowing the passengers to cross it. And with us being beneath the dock, we couldn't exactly see the people leaving, only the silhouettes. But after a short moment, all of a sudden Cyan emerged from the flight of stairs leading up there, revealing a happy, proud and accomplished expression.

I knew that Cyan was missing the last few days due to a mission given to him by Uncle Black, but did he travel outside the mountains for it?

While thinking about the reason and purpose of his trip, Cyan arrived before me and Uncle Black with a proud and nearly ecstatic expression.

“Arin, Sir Aaron, I have accomplished my mission!” (Cyan)

Telling so in a nearly shouting tone, Uncle Black just nods his head, allowing Cyan to return to the flight of stairs, ordering him to get 'them'. Meanwhile, I am still confused, what kind of mission, what did Uncle Black want Cyan to do, and why did Uncle Black keep it hidden from me? Does it have something to do with this surprise?

While asking questions to myself, Cyan disappears in the shadow of the stairway, only to appear several seconds later with the silhouettes of several people behind him.

The moment I see those silhouettes, something inside me rings out, like an alarm-bell, but of the good kind. I don't know why, but I feel an nostalgic aura, how?

…

My questions are soon answered the moment the silhouettes stepped forth from the shadow.

First a middle aged man with strong features and scars over his face appears, wearing a magic-imbued mantel and a mithril sword on his back. His appearance is like someone mixed ruffian with a knight, creating an intimidating guardsmen. Well, the pressure he releases isn't on the level of Uncle Black by far, so it kind of feels like a breeze at most. But Sumi behind me wasn't used to pressure, so she all of a sudden hid behind my back and watched the men step forward. Well, I guess her hiding behind my small build would be more comical than effective, but whatever, I don't mind.

Even so, after the man came another who represented the absolute opposite. With the disposition of a scholar and wearing a white robe, his gives off a calm and gentle feeling, but I can also feel a frosty nature beneath. But one thing is peculiar, even though the man wore a big hat and hid his tails within his robe, I already instinctively know that he is indeed a fox-kin, and a five tails even.

Maybe this is an ability as a superior fox-kin, but honestly, why would he hide it in the Dragon-mountains? Looking at the expression Uncle Black makes while looking back to him, I realize that I am not the only one who noticed.

But that aside, behind the two arrived a small squad of human knights, all wearing a robe with the same symbol. And within their midst stood a pair of elders, donning high quality robes and wearing a friendly smile. Following behind them is a young man with blond hair like the elder before him. He is most probably already an adult, but his face is still childish somehow, yet shows a demeanor worthy of someone rich and mighty.

With him are two girls, both having the same light blue hair color and features, marking them as twins. But that wasn't all... behind them stood two girls, also surveillanced by the guards...

It was Anna and Alice, both from the orphanage. But unlike me, both of them had grown quite a lot, making the distance between our heights even greater.

But even so, does that mean that this is the royal family of the Arcadela Empire? I think I read in the report from Uncle Black that both Anna and Alice ended up there and are taken care off well. But reading about something and seeing the actual result is completely different... I am shocked.

Unable to close my mouth at my sudden meeting with them, I want to run over and greet them, but Uncle Black held me by the shoulder, keeping me in place. He then suddenly conjured a small wind, carrying a message over to me... I really have much more to learn...

(Uncle Black)

Sending me a short questioning gaze, I only nod silently, but it is easier said than done, making me nearly burst with excitement... yet also fear...

It was on this moment that the king stepped forth and greeted Uncle Black.

“Mister Geyser I assume? Thank you very much for inviting us here. I am King Lancio Tervanca the 3rd, nice to meet you.” (King)

Speaking in a dignified voice, the King makes a light bow before Uncle Black. Not putting up any airs, Uncle Black greets him as well, even if in a simple manner.

“Thank you King for actually coming on this short notice. I of course also greet the royal family, and with this, welcome to the Dragon Mountains.” (Uncle Black)

Uncle Black gestured with his hand to follow him, causing the whole group, me included, to move. In reality, I long noticed the quiet stares that Anna has been sending towards me, as well as the reaction of the prince to such behavior. It wasn't on the level of irritation, but dangerous emotions still swirled around. Please don't let this become another Rune incident.

Anyway, after a quick ride on a coach I didn't even notice arriving, we all entered the now clean mansion with even more personal than before.

Aside from the three maids, chef and Butler I would usually see, there is at least five times the number here now. I may have to explain, but the mansion is so large, I never really come around in about fifty percent of it, but for hide and seek with Cyan and Sumi it is the best.

Anyway, after the knights and guards got their quarters assigned, Uncle Black invited the royal family, Anna, Alice, me and Sumi into the lounge which I rarely visit. Cyan also followed, but his previously happy demeanor already changed back to his usual strained atmosphere due to the surrounding pressure.

Within the Room, Uncle Black then smiled and said in a soft voice.

“Your majesty, I think it is inappropriate for the kids to listen to the talk we will have, so could we send them out, let them have some fun and get to know one another?” (Uncle Black)

His voice was soft, but leaked a bit of pressure, causing the King to nod silently.

Afterwards, me, Sumi, Anna and Alice were guided outside the room, together with the twin sisters of the royal family. Arriving in the corridor, I ask myself why we were even being invited inside... a test maybe? Anyway, with only us remaining here, I guide them to the garden, before sitting down in the grass. I begin meditating, because otherwise I can't calm myself down... my heart is racing in anticipation, yet fearing rejection for my changes from the ones I call friends.

I don't know how to handle it, so my smile was stiff for most of the time, keeping me from really interacting with our guests. Meanwhile, the looks Anna and Alice give me become more and more suspicious, making me feel down.

Will they hate me if they find out? Will they still remain my important friends...?

Sumi stayed by my side when she found out I am originally a human, she was shocked, but it didn't really change the way she looks at me, which I am really thankful for.

Still, unable to find a solution within my heart, I suddenly jolt up as a warm hand grabs one of my currently three tails. The next moment, another hand grabs my ears and hair, making me even lose control of my mana for a second.

Those hands belong to Anna, as I already recognize her scent with my nose, but what...?!?

“You know, you remind me of a little brother of mine... though he didn't have such warm and nice fur... I wish I find him soon, I don't even know where he is curr...” (Anna)

“Hic...” (Arin)

Before she could finish her sentence, I begin to cry. I was worried, worried I was abandoned, but even so, she still looked for me. I read the report about her demanding my search, but I didn't know if it was right. I didn't know if I could feel like this anymore, but hearing her say that, I cry once more.

Being suddenly surprised by me tearing up, Anna then kneels in front of me, watching me with worried eyes. Her disposition is still the same; caring, yet wild and unrestrained. While silently tearing up, releasing some of the pain I had within me, she suddenly hugs me, the same way she would when I was still sitting within the wheel-chair back on earth.

She was always hugging me when I got depressed or sad, often allowing me to calm down. Even this time I suddenly feel myself calm down, helping me recover my spirit.

It was then that I decided to change into my human... high-human form, showing her who I truly am.

The moment I changed, Anna reacted at the sudden disappearance of my tails and fox-ears, making her back away a bit in shock.

But then she froze, wide eyed and staring into my own, slightly red, eyes.

“Arin?!?” (Anna)