The following morning after the Royal Banquet ended. I found myself subconsciously cycling mana throughout my body as I watched Mia meditate comfortably atop my bed. Somehow watching her relax made me relax as well.

"That's good enough for today." I said aloud breaking her concentration.

"Ha." she let out a deep breath as she slowly opened her eyes and stretched her body. "I'll be going now." she said. As she opened the door to leave, Leon was on the other side. "Moring father."

"Good morning, Mia." Leon said patting her head. "Are you going now?" he asked her.

"Yup." Mia said walking past him. "Goodbye."

"Hey, Arata." Leon said turning his attention back to me. "I'm going back to the Royal Castle. I was wondering if you wanted to come with me." He paused. "Since you're close to the princess and all." he joked.

"Why?" I asked ignoring his teasing.

"Since I helped set up the banquet I also need to help with taking it down." he explained. "So, you want to go?"

"Yes." I agreed to go.

"Of course you do." he joked again.

"Ah! Just let me get dressed!" I said removing my clothes. I get why he teases me. I'm a little noble kid and Asia is a beautiful princess. He might think that I have a thing for her but there's no way. Asia is a little girl. Sure I look like a little boy on the outside but I'm in my mid-30s. What kind of sick person would I be if I took advantage of her?

After I finished getting dressed I asked Nina if she could look after Flare and then left to the front door where Leon was waiting. We got on the carriage and left for the castle. As we made our way through the city, Leon mentioned that this was the last time he was going to the castle. So this was the last chance I'd get to spend time with Asia until another celebration like the Royal Banquet happens again. Or if she somehow gets permission to visit the Arumani estate because even though the castle is all big and fancy I wouldn't want to spend time there.

Once we got to the castle I broke away from Leon like usual. While he went off to do his own thing I went around looking for Asia. It might sound weird but even though I'm in my mid-30s I still consider her a friend. Throughout these past few days that I spend time teaching her and telling her stories, we became good friends, in just a short amount of time too.

As I walked through the large garden I couldn't see Asia anywhere. She would usually wait for me at the front gate but yesterday we said our goodbyes thinking we wouldn't see each other for some time. And yet here I am, looking for one person in this huge castle. Maybe she's not outside. I guess I'll just have to go inside the castle.

As I walked through the wide halls of the castle I realized my luck hadn't gotten any better. I couldn't find her anywhere. I could try to ask around, there are guards along with maids and Butlers that I've seen passing by. But they don't know me, what if by asking around for the princess, it makes them wary of me?

After being tired of looking I ended up on a wide terrace that overlooked the entire kingdom. The view was beautiful, truly, I could spend hours just sitting here and staring out there, at all the houses, large buildings, and people who go about their day. As I looked around for a place to sit, I found a young boy doing just that. I looked at him as he stared out at everything the kingdom was made up of and I quickly recognized the boy.

He seemed to have noticed me as he turned his head and looked straight at me. I then walked closer to the boy and bowed.

"Greetings, Prince Hansel." I said. The boy who stared out at the kingdom was none other than Prince Hansel himself. He's about Hanna's age and they're also in the same grade. If I had known it was him who was up here I would've left him alone. I don't know the Prince very well, in fact, I don't know him at all.

"You're Arata, Correct, from the Arumani house?" he asked. At my nod, he continued speaking. "It seems you have made a huge impact on my sister, she never stops talking about you."

"Is that so?" I said my tone one of wander. So Asia talks about me to other people. "What did she say about me?" I asked out of curiosity.

"She mentioned your peculiar magic along with your unbelievable adventures." he spoke out with a hint of doubt. It's only natural he wouldn't believe what I can do and the things I've been through. "If it's all true then show me." he said. "Asia trusts you and enjoys your company but I need to know if you are truly worth trusting."

Oh? I get it. This is some kind of test. Asia is Hansel's little sister. He wants to know what kind of person I am and if his sister is hanging around the wrong crowd. Anyone would do the same. How would I feel if Hanna or Mia came home one day nonstop talking about some shady guy with unusual magic and weird adventures? Especially the ones I told Asia. I only told her funny stories to lighten up the mood.

"Alright, what do you want to see first?" I asked, the confidence in my voice pushing away his doubt.

"Asia said that you were able to fly." he said. "Show me."

"Well, this is a tricky one." I paused. "The answer would be no. I cannot fly." I said pondering how best to explain it. "I just don't fall."

"Huh? That makes no sense." he said as his doubts resurfaced.

"It's difficult to explain and even then it's not easy to understand so it would be better if I showed you." I then looked around. "Ah? That's perfect." I said looking at the railing at the edge of the terrace.

"What are you planning?" Hansel asked a bit frightened as I stood up on the railing. "It better not be what I think it is."

"What do you think would happen if jumped off this ledge?" I asked trying to balance myself on the thin railing.

"Well, obviously you'd fall to your death." he replied.

"What if I told you I wouldn't?"

"Then I'd say you're crazy." he said as I started to lean back off the edge. "Arata!" he yelled out of worry as I started to fall down. "Huh?" he said peeking his head over the railing and looking down at me as I was only a few feet away, suspended in the air, looking back up at him.

"You believe me now." I said as I floated back atop the terrace.

"Heh." he chuckled. "You really are crazy." he said. However, he didn't make it sound like a bad thing, it was more like praise.

After that, he asked to see more of my magic to which I obediently demonstrated. It wasn't like I could refuse him either. I didn't want him to have a bad opinion of me. He asked me questions about my adventures. More specifically, the monsters. For example what kind of monsters I battled and how I was able to take them down. He seemed more interested when I talked in detail about my battles.

"I wish I could be like you." he said. "I'm a prince already entitled to the throne yet I have no talents. To be honest I don't even know if I'll make it far as a king." his expression turned from excitement as I told him my stories, to sadness, as he touched on this subject.

I can't even begin to imagine how much weight that is to carry. No growing child should be burdened with that kind of responsibility.

"You don't have to be like me." I told him. "I'm not that great, I've made a lot of mistakes." I said trying to console him. "You can be better."

"Thank you." he replied with a faint smile. Maybe what I said really did put him at ease. "Based on what Asia said you're not what I thought you'd be like." he said turning to me.

"Where is Asia anyway?" I finally got the opportunity to ask as he mentioned her. "I've been looking for some time now and I can't find her anywhere."

"She's either in her room or with our mother." he said. "I can take you to her if you want."

"Please do." I told him.

"Follow me then." he said getting up to lead the way.

"Do you train your magic or sword skills?" I asked noticing he had a sword on his waist as we walked together through the hallway.

"Yes, I'm a fire mage and I'm currently practicing the Euros style." he explained. "I'm training hard in school to be able to achieve internal mana control. Do you practice any sword styles?" he asked.

"Yes." I nodded. "Like you, I also practice the Euros style."

"Really? I'd like to see your sword skills one of these days." he said.

"I'd be happy to show you anytime." I told him. Then as we walked he pointed to a door that was up ahead. "That's Asia's room. Let's see if she's there."

Before we got close enough to the door, it opened revealing Asia as she walked out. She must have seen us coming from the corner of her eye as she then turned our way. With a loud gasp, her face lit up immediately and she started making her way to us.

"Arata! I didn't know you were here!" Asia said with excitement as she started to fiddle around. "Come on, let's go have fun." she then grabbed my arm and dragged me away.

"Alright! Slow down!" I said trying to keep pace with her as she sprinted away while grabbing onto me.

"H-Hey! Wait for me!" said the prince as he chased after us.

Asia led us back to the terrace where the prince and I were hanging around earlier. "Look! Isn't the view here great?" Asia said looking at the kingdom.

"Yes, I was here earlier with your brother." I said signaling to Hansel who was in back of me.

"Go away, brother! I want to be here with Arata, not you!" Asia told Hansel who seemed a little hurt by what she had said.

"Come now, don't make him leave." I said stopping Hansel from leaving. "I enjoy the prince's company."

"Oh? So you're saying that you'd rather play with him than me." Asia said crossing her arms and turning her head away from me with a pout.

"No, that's not what I. . . Hm?" why does Asia have to make things so difficult? "Listen, since we're all here now, let's just spend our time together."

"Hm! Fine!" Asia said with her head still turned while Hansel gave an awkward smile. "Anyway, finish the story you were telling me yesterday."

"Where did I leave off?" I asked her to see if she actually paid attention and I was also uncertain of where I left off.

"Hm?" Asia said deep in thought with a finger on her chin. "You said you were sneaking up on a pig-looking beast!"

"Oh, right! The pig!" I said also remembering where I had left off. We moved to some benches close to the wall where I started to continue the story. "So there I was out in the middle of the forest. The angry boy, Felix, and I were placed on hunting duties, supervised by my father. We were hunting a pig-looking beast. We were both pretty annoyed because we had been chasing it for a while and made no progress. Then as I snuck up on it I finally got the chance to attack. But before I did the damn pig farted on my face."

Asia began giggling and Hansel seemed taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.

"The smell was so horrendous that it caused me to gag and almost vomit. From the sudden noise that I had made the pig got startled and pooped all over me." I continued.

Asia began to laugh and even Hansel looked amused.

"The smell of the poo was even worse. I started vomiting all over the place. Then the pig ran away leaving a trail of poop behind. The angry boy then started to laugh at me. Even my own father found it funny as he laughed alongside him. But I was very annoyed more than anything. And so I called it a day and left to wash myself at a nearby river. As the small waterfall washed my stinky body I swore that the next time I saw that pig I'd get my revenge. And so, my wish must've been heard because there it was. Next to the river trying to get a sip of water was the same pig that I cursed. 'This is my chance' I thought to myself. And then. . ." I trailed off leaving the words hanging in the air

"What did you do." Asked Hansel a bit intrigued after my long moment of silence.

"I kicked off the ground. As fast as I could, I gave Chase. Butt naked too." I said

Asia began laughing again while Hansel chuckled.

"But I didn't care. Not at that moment. All that mattered was the pig and I. And finally, through sheer willpower, I caught up and was able to tackle it. After its pointless struggle, I came out on top and carried the pig back to camp. As I got there I noticed everyone was looking at me funny. That's when I realized I was dirty, stinky, wet, and completely naked." I explained.

They both laughed.

"As I realized this, I got completely embarrassed and ran away. I made my way back to the river and washed myself again along with my clothes. Afterward, I dried them up with wind magic and made my way back to the camp where I ate the pig. I'll tell ya, never in my life have I ever felt so satisfied to eat my prey." I finished. "The End."

"Hehe." Asia giggled with a hand up to cover her mouth. "That was a very funny story."

"I agree, it was very entertaining to hear." Hansel said nodding his head in agreement.

"That was quite the story." An old croaky voice said from behind me. I quickly recognized that voice. It was the same strong and authoritative-sounding voice that I had heard before.

"Grandpa!" Both Hansel and Asia said at the same time with a bit of surprise in their voice.

Although I panicked and quickly dropped to one knee. "K-King Morgen." I said my voice shaky.

"Come now you don't have to be so formal." he said dismissively with a wave of his hand.

"how long have you been standing there?" I asked turning my head up to look at him. "And Why are you here?"

"From the very beginning ." He said. "I saw you kids come up here and I got curious, so I followed you. I didn't expect to hear such an amusing story though."

"Hm?" close behind him, I noticed the second queen, Mary, I believe her name was. She was the wife of the previous king, King Morgan's son, but he died of an illness two years ago. Morgan took the throne after that and Mary kept her title as queen.

"Mother!" Asia said running up to her as Hansel also did the same.

"Thank you." King Morgen told me with a smile as he watched his grandkids running up to their mother.

"Huh? For what?" I said confused unsure of what I had done for the king to thank me like this. To be honest, I was kind of nervous. I didn't want to be left alone with the king. I'm not the best at making conversations so I'm afraid he'll get a poor opinion of me. Also I have no idea what the king is like or what kind of hobbies he likes and I'm afraid to ask because I might offend him without knowing. Talking to a king sure is difficult.

"For humoring them." He replied. "The death of my son has been hard for all of us, especially them. Having lost their father at an early age they both grew sad and distant. The time that Asia spent with you made her truly happy. Speaking of you was the only way she opened up to us. And I can see why she's taken such a liking to you. I saw it the first time we met too." He raised his hand and patted my head with a warm smile on his face. "The way you act. The way you speak. And the way you present yourself resembles that of my son. In a way, you remind Asia of her father and how things used to be, yet she's not aware. I'm sure Hansel became interested in you when he saw the way Asia talked about you. I'm just glad they can smile and laugh as they used to."

I didn't know they had it that rough, in a way I can also relate. When I came into this world I grew very sad at having lost all my family and friends and the thought of never seeing them again haunted me for years. I didn't suffer the pain of having them die while I was with them. But me having died myself and never being able to see them again, it hurt. But I got better, happier. As my ties with my current family keeps me happy. I can't imagine what I'd do or how I'd feel if Leon or Emma died. It almost happened once and it did not have me in the best of moods.

"Asia and I are friends so I'm glad I was able to help her." I told him. "I also hope to become closer friends with Hansel." I said turning to look at Hansel who was talking with his mother.

"I do so too." He said looking his way too. "Not only for his sake but also for the future of this kingdom. I'm sure you've heard that once he's of age he'll inherit the throne. So not only is he going through a tough time he also has a huge responsibility forced upon his shoulders. I hope that through you, his burden will lessen."

"I will do my best." I bowed down respectfully once more to the king.

"Thanks again, child." He said and with a final smile, he began to walk away. As he did I was able to hear Asia's voice.

"Then he chased the pig while being completely naked- haha." she laughed while telling her mother the story. Well, that's embarrassing. I appreciate that Asia enjoys talking about me to other people but come on that's just embarrassing. As I was lost in my thoughts, Asia's mother turned to look at me and smiled, then she began walking away. I was a bit stunned to do anything so I just stood there.

"Come on tell us another story!" Asia said as both Hansel and her walked back toward me.

"You really want to hear another?" I asked. How does she not grow tired of just listening to me speaking? The stories I tell her aren't even that interesting and I'm running out.

"Uh-huh!" She rapidly nodded her head.

"What about you?" I asked turning to Hansel hoping he'd suggest another thing.

"I don't have anything else to do so why not listen to another." he replied.

Well, I guess I have no choice, I thought. I then began to tell them another story to which they happily listened to. Until I heard Leon calling for me.

"That's my father." I said as I turned my head toward the familiar voice. "Sorry, gotta go." I told both Hansel and Asia.

"Already?!?!" she said sounding a bit annoyed at the way Leon always called for me in the middle of my stories.

"Don't worry, this just means that I'll have to finish the story next time." I told her.

"Bye, Arata." Asia said. Why does she always sound sad when I leave?

"Farewell, Arata. I enjoyed talking to you and listening to your story." Hansel said. "If you happen to be back here for another visit, I also hope to hear the rest of the story."

"Will do." I told him. "Until next time. See ya." I said waving my hand as I began to walk away. I walked out of the castle toward Leon who was waiting in front of the carriage at the front gate.

"Wait! Arata!" As I heard Asia call to me I stopped and turned to look her way. "I forgot to give you this." she said handing me some kind of laminated paper. As I looked at it I noticed that it was the picture that one butler took of me and Asia during the Royal Banquet.

'Wow, I look pretty stupid' I thought as I looked at the picture. "Hehe." I giggled to myself. "Are you sure I can have this?" I asked.

"Don't worry! I have my own copy in my room!" She said with a smile.

"Well, thank you very much." I said with a bow to express my thanks. As I slowly raised my body, Asia quickly wrapped both her arms around me.

"Goodbye, Arata." she said then pulled away from me. And with a final wave of her hand, she took off running back inside the castle.

I didn't expect a hug so I just stood there again, like an idiot. As I walked closer to Leon I could already see him smirking as he leaned on the side of the carriage.

"Did I see that correctly?" he said. I could already hear the mockery in his voice.

"Let's just go." I said getting inside the carriage not even bothering to look at him as I ignored his teasing.

Later at night, back at the house, we sat at the table to eat dinner. As we were enjoying our food there was a loud gagging noise followed by the sound of some kind of liquid splashing onto the floor. That took all of our attention as we all turned to look at the source of the noise and noticed that baby Atticus vomited on the floor. Atticus is the youngest in the family, he's the son of Brian, Leon's little brother.

Gross, I thought as I stared at the puke that was splattered on the floor.

Brian turned to look at the maids, or rather slaves, that were standing by and was about to ask that one of them clean it up. But by the look on their faces, they were hesitant to do so. But we're forced to do it regardless if called upon. And I happen to have finished my food so I'm about to head up to my room.

"Hey, Lize." I called out. "Come with me, there's something I need your help with." I told her. Lize is a slave that serves as a maid in this house. She also happens to be my family's personal assistant.

"Yes, young master." She said with a low bow as she followed behind me. As we got to my room I closed the door behind me and Lize plopped down on my bed.

"Thank you, master. After a long day of work, I didn't want to clean up after young Atticus." Lize said with relief.

"I told you to call me Arata when no one is looking." I told her. Lize sure has gotten comfortable around me.

"If I do that, I might accidentally call you by your name in front of others." She said.

"I guess that's understandable." throughout the time that I've lived in this house Lize opened up to me. I let her come here to my room to slack off sometimes. It's our little secret according to her. It all started last winter.

Flashback to last winter

The capital of Iradale is too far south so it does snow here. But it does get really cold outside. And in this cold weather, Orin had ordered several maids to clean up dried leaves that had fallen off the trees of the garden. Lize was one of them. No one bothered to give them proper clothing for the cold so they were freezing, Lize especially. She looked miserable and tired as she worked nonstop. I kinda felt bad since she served our family specifically.

She'd wash my clothes, clean my room, prepare me baths, and lots of other stuff. So I decided to ask grandpa Orin for permission to borrow her. He said that Lize was bought for the purpose of serving my family and that since I was a part of the family that owned her, I was allowed to call on her anytime I wanted. Even if she was in the middle of something, either she'd finish it later or another slave would pick up her work.

"Hey, Lize." As she was obediently working outside in the freezing cold, I called out to her.

"Y-Yes." she replied turning to me while shaking from the cold.

"There's something I need your help with." I told her. "Come with me."

"W-What about t-this?" she said looking at all the fallen leaves. I wonder if she'd rather stay out here than go inside with me.

"Hm?" I looked down at the leaves and with gravity magic, I swept up all the leaves that she was ordered to clean up and placed them on a cart that they used to take the leaves away. "There." I said turning back to her. "You are a slave that serves my family so when I call on you I expect you to follow. Now, come with me." my words might've sounded cold but If I want for her to get away from this cold weather she needs to come with me.

"I-I understand." she said as she started to follow behind me.

As we walked inside the mansion the cold winds that were hitting us earlier immediately stopped. When we walked past the kitchen I grabbed two cups of hot chocolate that another maid had prepared for us due to the cold weather. I led Lize into my room and closed the door behind us. I placed the cups on a small table that was next to the wall, then reached out for a blanket and gave it to her.

"Here wrap yourself up in this, and please, have a drink." I said signaling at the hot chocolate that was steaming on the table.

When I told her that she didn't move at all and just stood there still shaking from the cold. There wasn't any AC in this world so it was still cold inside the mansion unless you were by a fireplace.

Huh?

Fireplace?

"W-What was it that you needed help with?" She asked instead of doing what I told her.

"We'll get to that. But first, do what I'm telling you to." I told her.

"A-Alright." she seemed uncertain but did as I said.

I didn't have a fireplace in my room. So I just conjured up a flame and refined it to make it hotter, then I moved closer to Lize for her to feel the heat of the fire. "Is this better?" I asked her as she took a sip of the hot chocolate.

"Um? Y-Yeah?" she said still uncertain of my actions. After a few minutes, she finished the hot chocolate and unwrapped the blanket she had around herself. "Now that I'm finished, what did you need help with?" She asked as she was now all warmed up.

I then pulled out a book with all kinds of stories and myths that were written in it. "Will you read me a few stories?" I asked her.

"Huh. . . Um? Of course." she said.

I then got up, sat on my bed, and signaled for her to sit with me. "Take your shoes off before you get on." I told her.

She did as I said, took off her shoes, sat beside me, I handed her the book, and she started reading. "Let's see. . ." she started flipping through the pages.

"The Tale of Myrtle."

"Through the sunny days. Through the foggy nights. Through the rainy days. Through the cold nights. There. Walked a turtle. Through the seemingly endless road that stretched ahead. Slow and steady as turtles are. The path ahead seemed infinite to the small turtle. For as long as the turtle remembered walking on the path was the only thing he has done.

He didn't know why. He didn't know what drove him forward. But the turtle had the desire to reach the end of the road. He knew that at the end of the path lays an ocean. Oh, how long has the turtle yearned to swim in the sea." Lize read.

"One night he heard a voice ahead. 'Myrtle o' Myrtle' the voice called. The Turtle kept walking forward to the voice. Until he came across a blue glowing orb. 'Myrtle o' Myrtle' it repeated. The blue orb expanded as it spoke. 'I see you've found me, I grew tired of waiting' it said. The Turtle unable to speak just stared and listened. 'At this rate, you will not reach the sea' 'And yet you still keep walking' the voice told the turtle. The Turtle knew this but decided it was too late to turn back. 'If you want the power to reach the sea make contact with me' it said. The Turtle with nothing to lose and a newfound hope reached out and touched the blue orb. As he did, the blue orb got absorbed into his body." Lize paused.

"The turtle felt the newfound power and sprinted off at an impossible speed. For three months straight the turtle ran nonstop. Until he reached the end of the path. In front of him laid a huge ocean that stretched out as far as the eye could see. With impatience and happiness overflowing inside of him. The Turtle entered the sea and kept swimming along the now invisible path. Many predators hunted this sea and threatened the Turtle's life. The Turtle used its powers to outrun these dangers. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. The Turtle found that it had not aged a single day since making contact with the blue orb and its size was just getting bigger." Lize continued.

"10 years, 50 years, 100 years, 500 years, 1000 years, no one knows truly how long the turtle has lived for. The now Island sized Turtle with plants, vegetation, large trees, and mountains that grew on its back still walked the path. Even animals called his back a home. To where did he walk? What drove him to keep walking? So is the tale of Myrtle the turtle. Many have claimed to have seen him. Others have said that they have climbed atop his back. The most famous story is that deep inside of him resides the blue orb. Now named Myrtle's Orb. If you find it and say the phrase Myrtle o' Myrtle it will transfer itself to you and grant you the gift of eternal life."

"That's the end of it." by the time Lize finished the story she seemed to be taken away by all her exhaustion from earlier as she struggled to keep herself awake.

"Lay down with me." I told her as I comfortably laid on my bed.

"Hm?" she agreed and laid down beside me because she knew that whatever orders I gave to her she was supposed to follow.

I didn't need to say anything nor did I need to do anything as she was overcome with exhaustion and fell asleep almost immediately. About two hours later she woke up. While she was asleep I kept watch over her to see that no one would see her slacking off.

"Did you have a nice nap?" I joked as I watched her slowly sit up.

"Huh?" She looked around all groggy and confused. "F-Forgive me." She quickly got up and bowed realizing that she had fallen asleep in my room.

"Don't worry about it." I told her dismissively with a wave of my hand. "Anyway, that's all I wanted, so you can leave now."

"Y-Yes." she said quickly putting on her shoes and walking out of my room.

For about two months, I'd called her to my room frequently so that she can take it easy and relax. I didn't do it every day, just when she seemed the most exhausted. Little by little she began to look forward to it. As she talked to me more and told me stories about her past.

According to her, she was born in the City of Bryxton and her father sold her off into slavery for money when she was only six years old. Since she was the youngest of her siblings she was chosen to be sold off, which is pretty messed up. And she's been a slave for over ten years now, Lize is seventeen years old now if I remember correctly. While she was in the market they moved her to the capital. At that time the Arumani house was looking to buy slaves for them to be ready for our arrival.

"Hey, I've been meaning to ask you something." Lize spoke up one day as we were relaxing in my room.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Why is it that you call on me very often just to do nothing?" she said finally questioning my actions.

"You'd rather be out there, working?" I said trying to evade her question and raising my own.

"Well. . . No." she said hesitating a bit. "I'm just curious."

"I enjoy your company and I'd hate to see you collapse one day from exhaustion." she seemed taken aback after I said that. "You're also my family's personal assistant. Think of this as thanks for all your hard work." I added.

"Thank you!" she bowed, lower than normal. "Young master."

"I told you to call me Arata." I told her for who knows how many times now.

Back to the present

"Anyway, I better not stay here too long, or lady Mia might see me slacking off when she arrives." Lize said getting up and ready to leave.

"You were here for just a second and now you want to leave?" I asked her before she walked out the door.

"Yeah, the other maids are getting suspicious. They keep asking me about what you make me do when you call on me" she said.

"Well, that's none of their business." I told her. "Should I tell them off?"

"No! No! No!" she said intensely while making an x shape with her arms. "If you do that then they'll call me names like blabbermouth or something even worse."

"I know, I know. I get it, I was just kidding." I said. "Go now, you can leave." as I said that she walked out my door and left.

"At first she seemed very wary and uncertain but now she speaks her mind freely, don't you think?" Asked Flare, my wolf companion who's been with me for a long time now. Somewhere along the line, I found out she was able to pronounce words so I did my best to teach her different words and phrases that now she's able to understand and communicate to others without my help. She only ever talks to me though.

"Yup, I'm kind of happy we became friends. She's such a wonderful person." I replied to Flare who sat with a tilted head as she listened closely to my words. "I'm just glad that she's able to be herself and feel comfortable here in my room."

"I think Nina is also a wonderful person." Flare said. Flare has taken a liking to Nina more than anyone else. That's why I always ask her if she can watch over Flare when I'm not around. "She pets me, gives me food, plays with me, and what else. . ." she stopped to think.

"So, you're saying that you like her more than me, huh?" I said a bit sad when Flare went silent. "I'm kind of hurt by that." I clenched my chest in an exaggerated manner.

"Hehe, of course I'd choose you over her." she said with a little giggle then walked closer to me. "You're my family and the one person who I feel most comfortable around."

I couldn't form an answer to her words. This is the first time she's referred to me as her family, I never even thought of it that way. Now I feel guilty about not realizing it sooner.

"You know you can always count on me. I'll always be here for you. Whenever you feel sad or alone know that I'm here with you" I reached my hand out and started petting. "Never forget that."

Right when she was about to respond the door to my room opened. "Who are you talking to?" Mia said as she walked inside.

"Who are YOU talking to?!" I told her in a bit of a panic. I know that Flare doesn't feel comfortable to be heard speaking by others.

"What?" Mia said confused with a tilt of her head.

"What?" I repeated unsure of what to say. Mia just stayed silent as she looked at me waiting to give a proper answer. "Anyway, come on." I signaled for her to sit next to me. "It's time for your training to begin."

"Alright?" she said a bit confused, but she didn't question me any further, as she sat in front of me in a meditative posture. Just like that, she began her training.