User blog:JeielYozama/The House of Gaunts-- Stay With Me (BOOK 1 Finale)

''Hi lo,minna. Jeiel Yozama here, coming back with a long-time story I broke off in the past. In normal schemes, this wouldn't have been impossible if it weren't for my sister, who read the story and was furious on where it cutt off. I certainly didn't want to keep her hanging in the wind, and also, I know there are those who read House of Gaunts series and want to know how it turns up in the end. So, my hands cracked and keyboards were pressed for this moment. Prepare for a long ride (and read.. dang it's gonna be long), because it's here....''

The BOOK 1 - ERI Finale.

(To the readers of MamonoQuest,please stay put.. I'm on to it, too.)

LET IT BEGIN.....







WHY?

WHY?!

WHY does HE CHOOSE TO SHOW THIS TO ME NOW?!!

Just when… just when… I… I…



The scene turned hazy. The background dissolved into vapor, and the faces of Ma, Pa, Leila, Caballan, and Septius faded away, meaning it was on to the next excruciating fragment of my father’s memory.

Just how long is he planning to make me watch? Any more and I might just lose my freaking mind here. Just by the mental torture he’s putting me through… What is he planning to make me realize?!

As if to answer my prayers, the new memory came into focus. And this time, it was set in vivid motion.



* * * * *

Pa was running. Bounding from rock to rock, tree to tree, tree to rock. The sound of his heaving groan was a sign he was growing weary with every step he made, yet he pushed on, his heart about to burst in a influx of emotion. Closely tailing him from behind was Caballan, a maddened expression smeared across his face. His hands were heftily latched on to his cruel-looking blade Bivalve.

“Where is SHE, RONALD?! I demand an ANSWER!” He screamed in mid-air.

“NO! GET AWAY FROM ME, YOU TRAITOR!”

Pa somersaulted, eyes locked towards his pursuer. From his outstretched hand, a silver magic circle hummed into existence and fired silver bolts of pure energy.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caballan responded at once, swinging Bivalve in an arc as a counter. The attacks deflected away, hitting the landscape behind him with a destructive wave.

<p class="MsoNormal">“THIS IS STUPID! I have never thought in the slightest to betray you! I am merely helping her!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Caballan struck Bivalve towards the ground. There was a resounding roar from down below as light erupted and tore the land open. Pa was knocked off his feet as he attempted to alight, but he found footing at a tree.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I need your cooperation, Ronald! PLEASE!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“SHE DOESN’T NEED ANY HELP! All she needs is to be away from the ORDER. AWAY FROM YOU!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa was being defiant. To top it all off, he was fearful. Not for his life, but for the lives he swore to protect: Leila and Eri.

<p class="MsoNormal">Without a moment’s pause, Pa bellowed a spell, forming an X-sign with his fingers. “SHADIS MALEFICIA!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Funnels of smoke glistening with ashen-colored sparks streamed directly towards Caballan and overwhelmed him. A dense cloud formed around the Order Paladin and dissipated, leaving strands of mist shackling his hands and feet.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I AM TELLING YOU!” Caballan pleaded earnestly, trying to keep a straight face. He could only go as to make an angry frown. The mist-formed restraints held him fast, preventing his attempts to escape. “The Order is now made aware of the predicament and is willing to safeguard her and the rest of the escapee Mamonos from them. Don’t you get it? We have a strong ally by our side, one that can definitely keep them safe!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“NO! You DON’T GET IT AT ALL!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa landed on his feet and unsheathed his talwar. “Selene found out.. those analysts were an exclusive branch from the Order’s scientific division. An underground laboratory unit tailored to creating new weapons against the Demon Lord. “

<p class="MsoNormal">“We told you that fact several weeks ago, and still you refuse to believe your precious Order is behind this. Now you go and tell us our location TO KEEP US SAFE?! YOU SOLD US OUT!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa didn’t hesitate to charge, hands angled on his blade while diving straight towards the enemy like an assassin. Caballan wrestled one of his hands free and grabbed hold of Bivalve. One swing was all it took to slice in half everything standing within a few feet: trees, boulders, and even structures. Pa managed to block the blow intended for him and crashed on his back against a mountain face, coughing up blood.

<p class="MsoNormal"> OW!

<p class="MsoNormal">(Even though this is a semi-hazy illusion, the pain Pa feels is starting to get to me. I am in his body, after all.)

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Caballan landed on his feet and prepared to strike. Pa on the other hand, pulled himself out of the rubble he fell upon, dirt cascading from his armor plates. The only emotion swirling in his head was a maddening rage to smack the idiot in front of him to end his yammering.

<p class="MsoNormal">“STOP.” Caballan pleaded once more. “You’re hurt.”

<p class="MsoNormal">For a while, the only sounds that filled the night were the heaving of two emotionally-stricken souls.

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa lumbered forward, then grabbed his old friend by the collar. He was gritting his teeth. Frustration had worn his defiance down the drain. Tears ran fresh and unopposed down his injured cheeks.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You… YOU….. YOU STOP… TALKING…”

<p class="MsoNormal">At last, Pa sank to his knees and cried a river.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caballan slung Bivalve on his back. Patted Pa past the shoulders.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I know, Ronald.“ He himself, was holding back an urge to shed a tear. “You’re desperate. Your magical energy is completely spent trying to hide her from her pursuers. My scryers had seen it. This is a solution I’ve prepared to offer to safeguard her and the baby. I have everything ready. I know the Order will not fail me, or anyone believing in its cause. ALL I NEED… is a yes.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Caballan’s reason wasn’t wrong. Everything in Pa’s fiber was in agreement. And yet… there was the matter of pride. He wanted all along to be the one protecting his family, not leaving it to the hands of someone else.

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa was momentarily silent. Then, he stood and, with his emotion unchanged, grabbed his talwar to sheath it. Caballan is still untrustworthy.

<p class="MsoNormal">Still, he had to make a choice. He was not about to let this man chase him to the ends of the realm for another chance to reconsider.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“If anything….. happens to her, I SWEAR to ARES, I will NOT forgive you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“I understand… old friend.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Follow.” He ordered.

<p class="MsoNormal">The talwar entered its scabbard with a clink. The two of them strode away, Pa purposely walking slower.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">And the background dimmed. A new scene was about to make its entrance.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">A gruesome one.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:131.25pt;mso-add-space:auto">*       *     *      *     *

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">It was Hell. Hell on Earth.

<p class="MsoNormal">The memory was set on a vacant field. I recognized it as the empty field that separated Aiam from the rims of the capital cities, lined with a fair amount of trees and shrubbery. Normally, this was empty, except the occasional passing vendors dragging their huge carts of outside wares, on the road that snaked in the middle of the prairie.

<p class="MsoNormal">At that time, it was strewn with bodies of the dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">Corpses were all over the bloodied battlefield. They weren’t just warriors. Some had the lab coats of scientists, others the communal wear of peasants, and others still, knights with the sign of the Order emblazoned on their shoulder mail. Weapons were poking out of the ground, from spears, swords to shields, perhaps dropped by their holders in the midst of the early struggle. Crows came about and pecked on some of the remains. There was no warmth here. The ominous aura of despair lingered.

<p class="MsoNormal">That wasn’t the only thing I saw.

<p class="MsoNormal">Being my father, I found myself on top of a mountain of carcasses. The buzzing of flies didn’t bother him He was more at attention at the corpse lying on his arms. He was on one knee, screaming at the heavens, begging for this happening to be a mistake. That he was dreaming. That the corpse in his arms wasn’t what I saw with horror and confusion.

<p class="MsoNormal">The lifeless body of Leila.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">A cloud of dust burst in the middle of the clearing, revealing Uncle Septius and Ma who was holding his waist. They were horrified at the sheer amount of the dead, scattered in the same way my tower pieces would when I accidentally topple its structure. Ma immediately spotted Pa and rushed to his side.

<p class="MsoNormal">“RONALD!” Ma shook Pa’s quivering shoulders. Uncle was on the opposite side doing the same.

<p class="MsoNormal">“RONALD!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You IDIOT! SNAP OUT OF IT!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Cam’on MAN! Luke at US!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa stared at them without blinking. He had that air around him that made me think he was about to lose his sanity.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Please.. Selene…. Septius… tell me…. This isn’t real. Leila is alive, serving tea, doing laundry and  complaining about Septius’ underwear again….”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Ma was the first to react. She withdrew into tears hugging Pa’s shoulder blade. “I’m sorry….. Ronald. We were… too late.” She said, voice drowned by her incessant sobbing.

<p class="MsoNormal">“The Phase 2 I mentioned on the Polove experiment… was to sample blood taken from the age of the previous Demon Lord on Mamono subjects.. and Leila was… the surviving result…

<p class="MsoNormal">Ma tightened her grasp at the mere utterance of her revelation.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I was lucky enough to sneak back into the lab, only to find this out… How could they be so… heartless?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“GODS DAMN THA’ CABALLAN!” Uncle kicked away a nearby shield in frustration. He unslung his pistol and blasted the object into a mess of wood and metal. “I KNEW THE ORDA’ CAN’T BE TRUSTED, and yet.. he let ‘dem have ‘ER! They unleashed the Demon-blood locked WITH’N, and every’un else who was watching the happenin’ were KILLED!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“They… did it… in front of a live audience… thinking it could be contained….. BUT THEY WERE WRONG.” Ma’s hands shook in anger. “They made her a killing machine… and Ronald… had to…”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “AAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa’s shouts of indignant fury seemed to reach the heavens. His sobs stained the pure face of his now-dead wife. She looked so much in peace.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why…. WHY DID YOU HAVE TO LEAVE ME…”

<p class="MsoNormal">The onrush of pain from Pa’s words stabbed me in the heart. I wanted to cry. I wanted to hug him and tell him, everything will turn out fine. Yet here I am, powerless and unable to. Because I am merely an observer.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">WAIT. If Leila’s gone… then where is  -

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">There was a sudden crunch of dried leaves. The three figures turned to the source of the sound in alarm, fearing it would be an enemy.

<p class="MsoNormal">Someone was approaching. No. Lumbering.

<p class="MsoNormal">The fourth person soon emerged from the trees, irradiated by moonlight. He wasn’t just a someone.

<p class="MsoNormal">Limping in one leg, dragging his completely-torn armor around while Bivalve formed trenches on the earth, was Caballan. His arms were cradling a load covered by a piece of cloth.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Pangs of rage hit me. Even though this was a memory, there was a definite urge to protest rising within my veins.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">What is he DOING HERE?

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Ma and Uncle were enraged. The way their eyebrows arched and fists balled were a dead giveaway. Anger climbed into Pa’s head and clouded his sense of propriety the moment he saw the man’s bloody hide. It was quicker than what I expected. A fist sailed on Caballan’s jaw and broke it. The paladin crashed hard against the muddied terrain, spewing blood on his chest plate.

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa brought Leila’s body on a bed of cloth, before rushing towards the fallen warrior.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “How dare you RETURN TO THE SCENE OF THE CRIME… YOU TRAITOR!” He struck his foot on Caballan’s outlying shoulder repeatedly. “MAY THE GODS SMITE ME IF I WOULDN’T KILL YOU RIGHT NOW!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Caballan said nothing. He crouched, trying to shield the object in his arms from the attack.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa wasn’t amused. He pulled his weapon out into the open air. Ma was in time to stop his hand from moving to make a hit.

<p class="MsoNormal">“STOP IT! Ronald, don’t make everything worse than it already is!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“IT HAS GONE WORSE, SELENE!” He directed the talwar at the knight, coughing up blood. “I LOST EVERYTHING BECAUSE OF HIM!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa shoved Ma away. He aimed the blade again, insistent he would drive it in the person’s femur for sure. The weapon suddenly flew out of his hands and clattered far from reach. Uncle calmly walked towards the three with pistols smoking.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Listen to the lady, Ron, befo’ I hurt ya.” He warned in a tone devoid of patience.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">For once, Pa listened to the surly gunslinger. He knelt and allowed his tears to pour down the blood-tainted field. Uncle followed suit, rubbing his grieving friend’s back as best as he could.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Ma heaved Caballan up by the rim of his armor plate, her hands cringing.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What is it you want, Caballan?”

<p class="MsoNormal">She asked a question as if she was having a normal conversation, but her sentiments were obvious. She had the same longing to kill the man with her bare hands and was holding it in for Uncle and Pa’s sake. Honestly, I don’t know if my mother can do precisely that. I’m not about to test it the minute I get out of here.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caballan straightened himself up as Ma loosened her hold. His steely expression was no longer there. He was wearing a face riddled in guilt.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m here…. To give Leila’s last memory.” In front of the two, he unfolded the cover of the item he was cradling.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">It wasn’t an item.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was a baby Kobold.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Eri.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">As the cold wind blew towards her face, she whimpered and howled, rearing for the caress of a loved one. Pa heard the voice of what he remembered, was like Leila’s. He spotted the frail figure in Caballan’s arms and pulled it close. He hummed a very faint tune. It was the song he’d sing to me as a lullaby. Eri cooed in delight and fell fast asleep, holding her father’s finger close to her mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Uncle felt numbed. He didn’t know what to say.

<p class="MsoNormal">“How?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Caballan held his shoulder, trying to hold in an expression of pain. He had a laceration that made his arm run red in blood. “Leila… saw me in her rampage… and attacked. Then, her demonic expression slacked and she was normal for a while. She was in torment. She was in labor… and I… helped her give birth.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Before the Demon in her took over once more, she asked me to find you, Ronald. She wanted me to tell you.. she’s sorry for being a burden. And the last several years you and her spent together… were the best years of her life. Now, she has to leave and atone for her mistakes. But, she’s never gone. She lives on… in Eri.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Caballan wound the blanket around his arm to hinder the bleeding. He slung Bivalve behind him and lowered his head in an apologetic way.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You might never forgive me, Ronald. You too, Septius, Selene. I do not want you to. I have sinned. All my beliefs have been a pointless lie. A sham I must forever regret. In a way, I have righted my wrong. Yet the loss that came to pass due to my mistake, and the friendship I ruined in that recourse… is something I can never repair. “

<p class="MsoNormal">The three stood there, unresponsive. Caballan bowed forward and still limping, started down the path alone, past the inherent mass of the dead and into the unknown. His form shrunk little by little until it finally disappeared from view.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was gone.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Uncle and Ma were left, waiting for a response at the silenced ex-Hero. “Ronald?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa was all eyes at the child he treaded with care.

<p class="MsoNormal">“This child.. must be protected…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ma held his hand. She mustered the courage to smile, even though it was faint. “I know a priest who can care for her. He’ll give her the home she needs, until she’s ready to be bought to your care. No one should know she’s your daughter right away. ”

<p class="MsoNormal">“ I agree. But then ag’hen, the’r must’ve bin peo’pl who saw. Shall we erase their mem’ries?” Uncle suggested.

<p class="MsoNormal">“If can, yes. DO you know a magic that can?” Pa asked. Uncle gave him a grin.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Leave it tu’ me. I’ll be back.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Uncle fired a round above his head. A magic circle surrounded him, and with a poof, he was gone.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">That left two persons standing in the forlorn field.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Will you tell her the truth?” Ma gazed at the sleeping baby.

<p class="MsoNormal">“In time.” Pa kept his guilt-ridden frown. He held Eri’s head with ease. “For now.. she needs the care of someone else besides me. I’ll find the traces of this experiment for a while… and destroy them. Then, everything will follow suit. Make the arrangements as soon as I leave. ”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes. I’m on it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Before he could react, Ma had slung her arms around Pa’s waist. Her face hugged against his back.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Selene?”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Just for the record, Septius and I.. will never abandon you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt a new feeling: a sincere, tender love in a single embrace. And Pa reciprocated.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you… Selene.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:20.25pt;mso-add-space:auto">*     *     *     *    *

<p class="MsoNormal">TIME TO GO.

<p class="MsoNormal">At once, the memory came to a pause, as if heeding the words spoken from out of the blue. The whole imagery turned black-and-white. The surface peeled away, and I was vaulted into a dark tunnel, deeper and deeper until…

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I woke up.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I sat bolt upright. Pa was kneeling by my side, anxious to see my reaction. I rubbed my eyes twice. A horrible taste of carbon was in my mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal">Not a dream anymore.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Questions were raving in my head, wanting to be answered. Where Uncle Septius is. How it went with him and Ma. What happened to Eri while growing up.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">But all I said was “WHY?”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">That single word was enough to show his fear. He grabbed my shoulders and stared straight into my eyes. I was reminded of our man-to-man talk earlier.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Because you of all people… I was afraid of getting involved.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Involved? She’s my sister. My involvement matters!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Jared…. Out of the four of us, you are the only one… normal. The only one not blessed with Hero power and not knowledgeable with the secret files of the Order. You had the chance to live normal.. and yet, this happens. The past repeats itself. The sins of the father.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">He held my shoulders firmly, biting his lip. I could tell he was scared. He was putting on a mantle of bravery to preserve what pride he had left in him.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I had my mistakes in the past. But you shouldn’t do the same. All men go through pain, and suffering and failure. Yet they arise from tragedy and live on, as better people. Jared…..I know you can do what’s right… and save her.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I know Pa. I have to.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa patted my head and muttered a faint command. A blue glow emerged from the palm of his hand and enveloped my body from head to toe. My senses jerked back to life. The wounds I sustained from the villagers closed, giving me enough strength to stand without my entire body going on an ache-storm.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s a protection charm. It will only hold against a few strikes. After that, you’ll be left defenseless from any more attacks.” He explained, forcing a smile while his lips grew pale. He was tired. Using spells in swift succession had taken a toll on his magical reserves.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Even though I’ve healed you quite enough, make it count within that time frame. Do me proud, boy...”

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa’s voice trailed off as he fainted. Ma caught his slumping body in a heartbeat, shaking her head. I have a feeling this wasn’t the first time she came to his aid.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Go. He’s safe. He’s just drained, is all. ”

<p class="MsoNormal">She beamed me a smile of assurance. It was a life-saver. And I’m not going to waste their efforts to cheer me on.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“I won’t let you down, Ma. Both of you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I know you won’t.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I ran off, following Eri’s path of ruin, preparing myself for the speech of my life.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoListParagraph">*       *     *      *      *

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri’s mess record was clearly systematic. It wasn’t just a random display of ability, or an aim to flush out her prey. Wrecking establishments. Spilling grain and other rations. Leaving blood marks on the walls and throughout the village area. She was inciting fear. If there truly was a Demon controlling her, an Ancient monster, then this must be a sign of her resisting its serial yearning for bloodshed.

<p class="MsoNormal"> That’s my girl.

<p class="MsoNormal">I took my time to check from door to door. Empty. There were no people in sight no matter where I looked. The village elder must’ve evacuated them before the rampaging Kobold could enter the human settlements. Basically, all Eri could do here is throw a tantrum and cause tons of damage. That isn’t a welcome idea.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">A few more minutes passed before I saw the signs. Paw prints. They were somewhat winding, going around twice or thrice. It seemed like she was chasing something. Something incredibly skittish and stupid.

<p class="MsoNormal">I shadowed the trail. Despite the number of dead ends it led me, her tracks all pointed on heading towards the edge of a steep cliff overlooking the sea.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri was there.

<p class="MsoNormal">She was still in her diabolical form, a spasm of nearly-invisible, yet deadly miasma growing inconspicuously against the night sky. Pa’s magic charm lent me a hand to see it. The mist was gradually contorting to the shape of a monstrous shadow-slash-puppeteer. Her midnight-blue-black fur ruffled against the night air. Her eyes, awash in a bluish tinge, intimidated me into a standstill. She snarled and narrowed her pupils straight at me.

<p class="MsoNormal">I raised my hands on the side. An effort not to let her perceive me as a threat. She snarled again, and it hid a whimper.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">She was begging me to stay away.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri growled in frustration. Her tail elevated as an expression of anger along with her wolfish ears. She had that look that said ‘What are you doing here?’ and ‘Do you want to die, human?’ on both angles.

<p class="MsoNormal">I kept my toes planted on the ground. My hands remained raised. I wasn’t going anywhere, and I wanted her to know that. Especially the one ‘manipulating’ her.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Another thing baffled me. One of her hands was raised carelessly, as if carrying a certain object she was to release at the mercy of gravity. Surely, it isn’t…

<p class="MsoNormal">I had my answer.

<p class="MsoNormal">The object suddenly wiggled frantically, trying to free itself. A thin, squeamish voice shrieked rubbish about ‘Mamono’ and ‘filthy breed’ amidst his callous ramblings and nonsense.

<p class="MsoNormal">I knew it. It was the village elder.

<p class="MsoNormal">“UNHAND MEH, FILTHH! YOU HAVE NO RIYTHH TO TOUTSH MEEH!!!” He hollered, air blowing out of the holes between his teeth as if he were whistling. He wasn’t swinging any of his limbs. My guess was, Eri broke them for extra measure. All he did was squirm, but of course I doubt he would keep doing that knowing below him is a one-way ticket to meeting Death.

<p class="MsoNormal">“YOU!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">He finally saw me after all his finagling. He was pointing a shaky finger at me. His lips trembled. “H-HELP MEH, WOULDYU? YU WOULDENT ABANDOHN A FELLOW HUEMAN BEEING, RIIYTH?? OY!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">I gave him a stern glare. One that bewildered him on sight. “You don’t deserve anything, wretch.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“EHH?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“After trying to lay a hand on Eri.. after trying to kill me and my parents… you think it’s that easy for me to FORGIVE? YOU THINK I CAN BURY WHAT HAPPENED HERE IN A HEARTBEAT??!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No… NO…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You people… you don’t deserve love and compassion in your lives….”

<p class="MsoNormal">“NO…… DON’T LET HERR KILL MEEHH!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I was right…” I felt my enclosed fists were practically steaming as word after word came out of my mouth. “YOU’RE WORST THAN SCUM!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal"> “NOOOOOO!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">And it spoke. That ill-omened voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">'' Well said….. Jared Heraklin… ''

<p class="MsoNormal">'' Vengeance will be sought. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">   

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri’s grip went slack. The village elder slipped out of her hands.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">He’s a goner.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The elder fell. His ragged body, destined to plummet towards the limestone rocks poking out of the waves….his life, destined to end at that moment…

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">..before I jumped after him and saved his hide.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The bone-chilling voice was taken aback in astonishment.

<p class="MsoNormal">'' WHAT?!! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri failed to notice me running past her. In a single bound, I soared from the edge of the cliff and wrapped my arms around the idiotic old man (no matter how much I protested why I had to do it).

<p class="MsoNormal">I swerved back towards the precipice, cursing and closing my eyes shut. Either I’m being stupid, or I’m betting on my lineage.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Oh well.

<p class="MsoNormal">Hope this works.

<p class="MsoNormal">I summoned my will, my earnest desire to live, and directed it towards my feet. A massive network of energy pulsated underneath my skin and snaked its way to the tip of my toes. The soles of my feet felt on fire. Whatever happened next was purely unexpected.

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt something like a huge push jolt my entire body forward, yet I wasn’t in control. I rocketed into motion with the intent to crash. And crash, I did, on a patch of dirt behind Eri, smoke billowing in my wake. My legs skidded a few feet more before arriving to a stop.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Made it…” I coughed out a pile of leaves. In the midst of his complete shock, the elder had fainted. Not a hair in his body was harmed, thank goodness.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri growled angrily. Her claws clicked against each other.

<p class="MsoNormal">The shadow was making her do it.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">'' YOU BUFFOON! HOW DID YOU – WHY?? ''

<p class="MsoNormal">“You said it didn’t you? You’re acting in accordance with Eri’s desires. And since Eri wants those people to pay, I intentionally got to your good side, demon.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The demon fumed in rage. Eri’s eyes flashed a violent indigo, as if to illustrate her ire.

<p class="MsoNormal"> YOU LITTLE… 

<p class="MsoNormal"> “ Speaking of which, I must consider my self lucky. “ I harped on without a care on how the demon reacted, laying the elder against a nearby tree. “At the very least, I have an inkling of my father’s ability in using magic in my blood. If it hadn’t welled out in that exact moment, me and this old man could’ve died.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">'' You… relied on your luck as to whether you possess magic?! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">“I didn’t rely on it. I believed in my own blood. It followed me. That’s how magic works.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I stared at the shadow-form, jaws clenched and fists balled. “It was never my intention to let this person die. Revenge is never a solution to anything… and I learned that the hard way.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I extended a finger at Eri. No. At the shadow holding her captive.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You, DEMON, are not supposed to exist in this age anymore. Eri…. would never dare to harm a hide nor hair of anyone in this place… even though she would want the villagers to answer to their faults! ”

<p class="MsoNormal">“YOU KNOW THAT, DON’T YOU? ANSWER ME!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The shadow cackled in utter delight.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">'' You can see right through me, Jared Heraklin. You have your mother’s wisdom. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">“Let her GO.” I implored, insistent in my plea.

<p class="MsoNormal">'' Make me. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"> “I said LET HER GO!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The winds rocked softly as my voice stirred the empty stillness of the night.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The voice sniggered.

<p class="MsoNormal">'' I must rephrase. You’d have to make my host submit, not I. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">   

<p class="MsoNormal">The winds died. Eri spared no chance to charge, saliva flying in all directions like a maddened dog.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Sh*t.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri’s greatest foe wasn’t the demon.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was herself.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:20.25pt;mso-add-space:auto">*     *     *     *     *

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The first thing that passed me were the words ‘What is HAPPENING?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The next thing was my feet sidestepping voluntarily against Eri’s clear aim to sever my throat.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Oh right. Eri’s in a mode where she’s dying to kill anything on the move.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri swung a claw on my shin. I ducked, hands in a cross to cover my face. Her attack immediately bounced off my skin due to Pa’s charm. A tree to my right went sideways and toppled down in a crash.

<p class="MsoNormal">More blows were showered on me, and instead of coming in direct contact, they hacked away at the surrounding area like a full-blown deforestation was underway. I kicked her by the shoulder, but she was quick to make a turnabout. I dashed past the cover of greenery and headed to the village. Eri was close behind, howling from the top of her lungs.

<p class="MsoNormal">I can distinctively feel the force-field Pa ingrained on me losing its power. A few strokes, and that’s it. She can carve a hole in the middle of my stomach.

<p class="MsoNormal">No way is that going to happen.

<p class="MsoNormal">I made it to the village entrance, and as it were, Eri smashed through a chicken coop and was closing in fast. I had to make contact now.

<p class="MsoNormal">“ERI, I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME!” I yelled, tossing a couple of wicker baskets on her direction. She diced them with ease and bounded in all fours. Her powerful muscles pistoned her motion in an abnormal pace. She intercepted me at last and tried to take a bite out of my arm.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sorry!”

<p class="MsoNormal">'' YAOOOOOW! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">The demon’s voice came clear as rain as she staggered back. She made Eri sink her teeth on a potted cactus plant.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Stop taking over her and let her speak, darn it!!” I complained.

<p class="MsoNormal">The demon’s angry snarl told me she wasn’t interested. I went on with my run, hastening my steps.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri spat a couple of cactus spikes out and jumped above. The rooftops boomed in a series of thundering steps. She was using the roofs to gain on me. I rolled beneath a cemented table, in time for her to annihilate Aiam’s prized ten-foot rice granary into rubble.

<p class="MsoNormal">“ERI!! STOP THIS!!! THIS ISN’T YOU!” I hurdled out of my hiding place and stopped on my tracks at the far edge of town.

<p class="MsoNormal">“IF YOU KEEP LETTING HER USE YOU, SHE’LL EAT AWAY AT YOUR LIFE UNTIL….”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I bit my lip, trying to hold my emotions from pouring. It was no use. Eri, in all her menacing glory, strode out of the smoke from the collapsing granary, bearing the crazed bloodlust of the demon within.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “..UNTIL YOU DIE!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri’s irises shone. She momentarily halted in her approach. She was deep in thought, until the demon snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">'' Fool, why are you stopping?? Is this not what you want? ''

<p class="MsoNormal">“No… this isn’t what you promised…” Eri’s hands clutched her hair, as if trying to wrestle with her own thoughts. “I want to live…  I want to live with Jared!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri…

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">'' You have forgotten… what you have done to those people, Eri Cayna. Hurting them to such a degree. Certainly a normal Kobold is not capable of such hurt. Do you really insist on living, knowing you are fairly capable in ending that man’s LIFE? ''

<p class="MsoNormal">“I… know.. That’s why I…. I… I’m making him…. leave…..”

<p class="MsoNormal">'' You can never live normal, Eri Cayna. The boy must know better. The boy must stay AWAY! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“SHUT UP, HAG!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">My anger had never felt this extreme. It was driving me insane. Every last strand of my entire being, screaming in recompense. Never have I wanted to cream a wretched shadow and forcibly pull it out of someone so earnestly.

<p class="MsoNormal">No.

<p class="MsoNormal">I settle this, the non-violent way. MY way.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“If you truly say it’s Eri’s choice…. then… “

<p class="MsoNormal">I bared my hands and made a stride.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “TAKE ME! ERI!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The demon made a sudden wince. It was seconds before her haunting laughter came next, amused at my pathetic show. The shadow wound itself around Eri and forced her to make a smile.

<p class="MsoNormal">“SO be it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri crouched on all fours and, claws gleaming, leapt towards me.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I closed my eyes shut. Felt the brush of Eri’s fur past my cheek. Her arms seizing me by the neck. Her entire weight, bearing on mine. My feet, leaving the ground -

<p class="MsoNormal">– and into the air.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Our figures flew off grid. We rapidly descended, down the slopes of the town edge, accelerating under the tensions of gravity. Moments passed and I realized Pa’s charm had dissipated. Rock after rock penetrated my shirt and gashed my back as we rolled past them. I bit my lip severely, bearing with the pain. It was the same feeling as rolling on a bed of nails.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri howled repeatedly. A feminine cry of agony surfaced in between her whelps. The goddamn demon wasn’t even protecting her.

<p class="MsoNormal">I hugged my Kobold quarry tight, shielding her from any more impact. Arms and legs rendered useless, the demonized Eri drove her teeth on my shoulder-blade. I clenched my teeth, holding in an urge to shout. Pain lashed throughout my thin body frame.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Please, let there be something to stop us…

<p class="MsoNormal">ANYTHING!

<p class="MsoNormal">……

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">As if to answer my prayers, my back slammed on a huge boulder jutting from out of nowhere. I nearly fainted. Black circles danced around my field of vision.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri broke herself free and pinned my arms against the boulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">“YOU DIE, JARED HERAKLIN….”

<p class="MsoNormal"> 

<p class="MsoNormal">  “Eri, YOU IDIOT!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri’s demon face slackened. Her darkened color flushed to a tinge close to the real her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“M-Master… J-Jared…”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Eri, you stop listening to this thing and listen to me. Only me. YOU UNDERSTAND??”

<p class="MsoNormal">“B-BUT I..”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I placed a finger on her moving lips.

<p class="MsoNormal">“ NO IFS. NO BUTS.” I smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">(Truth is, her bite hurt like a pack of needles, and this was my only excuse to ignore it.)

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri nodded. “Yes… Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I took a deep breath. My free hand clasped on to hers.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ever since you came to my household Eri… it was.. the best days of my life. I finally had a friend. Someone who’d be my ally and stick with me through thick and thin. And… I never wanted it to end. But… dumb things happened between us, and now we’re stuck in all this.

<p class="MsoNormal">I know that deep inside, you’re hurt, Eri. Hurt because the truth had been hidden from you.. that the people beyond our own family want is to rebuke us for who we are and what we believe in. I want you to know…. That you won’t have to bear on it alone. I want… to shoulder it with you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“……………. HAH??”

<p class="MsoNormal">Steam exploded from both Eri’s ears as if she were a teapot. “WH-WHY are you--?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Eri… you know it, don’t you? That we’re siblings.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri’s saddened eyes were clear enough to tell I was right.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Up until Pa showed me his memories, I was a complete ignoramus. I never knew you were carrying so much in your chest. I always thought of me without you… but I never considered what your feelings. Please don’t leave me in the dark. That, and your confessions matter, okay? Don’t harass me on it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri giggled slightly.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You might blame yourself for all this, Eri.. but I don’t. Pa and Ma sure don’t. That thing.. acted in response to what you felt. She’s a part of you that you have to come in terms with. That’s for you to decide.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Lastly… don’t ever think that because of everything you’ve done, you’d distance yourself away from the rest of us. Nothing is ever solved alone. Our parents will be there for you. And I.. will always be with you, no matter what happens. No matter how much my bone breaks or body aches, I will protect my family, so please…. “

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">My hands treaded across Eri’s cheek. “…. Stay with me…. Eri-nee….”

<p class="MsoNormal">I smiled, then planted a kiss on her forehead.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Right before I staggered and slumped my back on the boulder in exhaustion.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Jared? Master Jared!” She yelled in a worrisome tone.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sakes alive, it’s just Jared. Keep it down.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri’s uncondemned laughter echoed across the steep slopes of Aiam.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">My eyes barely lifted up, I saw Eri on her feet, confidence exuding. The dark shadow of the demon reappeared just above her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re there, right?” She said firmly. The talking miasma seemed to swell at her recognition,

<p class="MsoNormal">   

<p class="MsoNormal">'' Of course, mistress. What is it? ''

<p class="MsoNormal">“Let’s make a deal, you and I.”

<p class="MsoNormal">'' A… DEAL? ''

<p class="MsoNormal">Somehow, the shadow looked like it jumped. Figured deals would spark its interest.

<p class="MsoNormal">   

<p class="MsoNormal">'' What is it then, mistress? What is it that you wish? ''

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri grinned from ear to ear.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You can have one half of me, and in return, give me the strength to protect those I love. Won’t you please make it so?”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The miasma shrank a bit. Was it offended by her poor choice of a deal?

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri’s determined orange-tinged aura gave the impression she wasn’t joking. It was the deal she wanted.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Hold on. How come I can see auras now?

<p class="MsoNormal">I stared at my digits, which for some reason, were glimmering in purple rings. The attempt I did when I saved the elder must’ve awakened my magic potential.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dang. Pa’s not gonna hear the end of it once he finds out I’m Hero-potential.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, the demon began to fidget, unconvinced of Eri’s selection.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">'' M-Mistress.. I am a Demon… my powers are sorely beyond the imaginable! I can move mountains and part oceans under your will! I can grant you all that you wish! I AM A MONSTER OF PURE HORROR THAT YOU AND ONLY YOU CONTROL.. BUT WHY? Why such a petty wish??! ''

<p class="MsoNormal"> 

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Huh?” Eri puffed her cheeks. “Isn’t it obvious, Demon-chan? I won’t stand around as to let Jared protect me on his own. At least, I can protect him too. Isn’t that a fairly efficient arrangement?”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">D-Demon-CHAN? Is it right to label something that bloodthirsty with a cutesy name?

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">To my utter surprise, the cloud appeared to nod.

<p class="MsoNormal">'' I understand, Mistress. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> I think I threw a fit at what I witnessed.

<p class="MsoNormal">“YOU AGREE WITHOUT BATTING AN EYELASH??!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">'' What, Jared Shale? My mistress has made her arrangements. As her servant, I shall not argue with her, and how she treats me so. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">“Even though you tried to kill me.. you’re actually a softie.”

<p class="MsoNormal">'' OH… DO YOU WISH TO SEE ME IN MY KILLER APPROACH? ''

<p class="MsoNormal">“No THANK YOU!! AAAH!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">In all the excitement, I forgot my shoulder was still bleeding. Eri’s keen nose sniffed the blood oozing from my wound and she spotted it quick. She hurriedly wrapped a piece of cloth firmly around the area.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sorry… I did that to you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You kidding me? Your fangs barely sank.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri smiled and went back to the demon. “Do we have a deal then?”

<p class="MsoNormal">'' Yes, mistress. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">A spell circle emerged from beneath Eri’s feet. Chants from an ominous feminine voice floated in the air.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> I AM IN YOU 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> AS YOU SHELTER ME WE SHARE A BODY 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">'' YET I AM BENEATH I GIVE YOU POWER MY STRENGTH, I BEQUEATH ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> BUT YOUR LIFE I SHARE 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> TILL PEACE YOU SEEK… 

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The spell circle hummed and glowed brighter. It phased through Eri, then disappeared in a blink. The shadow faded with the sunrise. Everything else with Eri: her eyes, her ears and tail, the color of her fur, reverted back to the way it was. Except, there were now black streaks left all over her.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “The deal is sealed, mistress.”  The voice resounds from the recesses of my mind.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you.” Eri returned her gaze to me. “I’m glad that’s settled and done with.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I smiled nervously. “Can’t wait for tomorrow.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Can’t wait to see what that demon’ll do to our lives. Woo-pee.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">To my left, the sun had begun its ascent into the horizon, darkness shrinking as it did so.

<p class="MsoNormal">“OH wow…. That’s pretty.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I immediately felt my head shift position. I was lying on Eri’s lap now. The feel of her fur on my cheek was utter bliss. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

<p class="MsoNormal">“How nice.” I smugly drowned my face in a sea of fur. Eri chuckled softly. Her paw ran down my touseled hair.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Let’s rest first, shall we? Advance happy birthday.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes.. Eri-nee….”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoListParagraph">*    *     *    *    *   *

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">A week and a half had gone since then. Everything wasn’t a dream. They were as real as I had experienced them. The night of horror. The battle of wills. The promise between me and Eri-nee. All alive in my canvass of memories.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">(Oh yeah. I’d taken the liberty of calling Eri my one-san. She is my older sister. Why not?)

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">We fled the village that day. Last thing we heard, the elder was already in a wheelchair while being questioned by Order authorities. He sputtered nonsense after nonsense, saying we were hosting a demonic presence from some insane ritual and whatnot (but the ‘destroying the village’ subject he said was very real, so I’m leaving it to that). Aiam was rebuilt and hopefully, they’d respect Mamonos better.

<p class="MsoNormal">I broke the truth out to my parents in regards to me manifesting magic potential. He and Ma were a bit shocked at first, until he laughed a good deal. Turns out he had unwittingly passed some of his magic potential into me during the charm activation, awakening my dormant power right from the start. He repeatedly planned to teach me Hero basics and I promptly told him no. Being a Hero seems a tad bit barbaric.

<p class="MsoNormal">Subsequently, after a careful deliberation of what went on between me and Eri, we all exchanged pleasantries and hugged, tears included. Short birthday party, in my honor. Aww.. aren’t we a family?

<p class="MsoNormal">That wasn’t the bad part, though.

<p class="MsoNormal">The demon became a permanent entity besides Eri, much to my chagrin. Worse, they’ve turned into the  best of pals. Whenever Eri finds herself in a bind, Demon-chan (or as I would promptly call her, Delilah) emerges and bestows her freakish strength equal to a Minotaur and Wurm combined. Now, I’m more than afraid to get to her nerves at any given date.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Given everything’s been said and done, we still had one dilemma up our sleeve: our family is on the run from the Order.

<p class="MsoNormal">There was only one option to consider.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoListParagraph">*     *     *    *     *

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hi… Mama.”

<p class="MsoNormal">On a single piece of land pocketed in the middle of vast plains of grass and greenery, Eri and I paid our respects to a slab of obsidian half-buried on the fertile earth. Ancient hieroglyphics were etched on its visible surface as a sort of direction-pointer for travelers. I knew otherwise.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a bit of magic decoding I taught myself, the true meaning manifested.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">   

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">   

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">   

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> HERE LIES LEILA CAYNA 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> AGE: XXX 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> MAY HER SOUL BE LAID TO REST 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">   

<p class="MsoNormal">I dusted the gravestone as best as I could, setting it up for Eri-nee. She placed a neat bouquet of flowers in front of it and held her hands together in prayer. Silenced lingered.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Your mother was amazing, Eri-nee. “ I told her as she concluded her praying rites in a clap. “Well, she was soft spoken, and she cleans a lot.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Much like you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Much like me. Wipe that grin off your face. It’s a habit “

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri giggled and rubbed her head against my hand, tail wagging in suit. “You’re cute when flustered, Jared.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Much as I do appreciate you not calling me Master anymore, I hope you’d stop with the teasing. You’re killing me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">'' “SHE IS? WELL DONE, ERI. YOUR SKILLS ARE IMPROVING.” ''

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t butt in, Delilah.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> “SUIT YOURSELF, boy .  I will still not acknowledge you.” 

<p class="MsoNormal">“Big deal.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Now, now, calm down you two.” Eri frantically said, waving her arms. No. Mending fences with an ageless demon wouldn’t work in my standards. I still partially hate her for no particular reason.

<p class="MsoNormal">My pocket buzzed faintly, interrupting our little quarrel. From a mirror-like implement I fished out of my pocket, a miniature hologram of Pa and Ma materialized and gazed back at us.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Pa, Ma! How have you been?” I said in glee. Eri yipped seeing their digitalized figures and waved hello.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Jared, Eri, good to see you two. How are you faring?” Pa asked in a normal tone. He waved a hand back at Eri.

<p class="MsoNormal">“JARED!! Are you eating well? HAVE YOU INGESTED SOMETHING STRANGE?” Ma yelled, jumping the gun.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ma, cool it. I’m fine. Eri-nee is with me. Plus, Delilah cooks a lot of good dishes.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“She does? And I thought you hate her…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“MA!!! SHUSH!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa laughed heartily. He was complacent as always. “You heard him Selene. He’s a big boy. He’ll be fine.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa turned towards me. “Everything set, son?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I made a mock salute. “Sir!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Name change?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Jared Heraklin, now Jared Shale, sir!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Base of operations?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Raviol, sir! A monster-friendly capital city, away from Order scouts.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Weapon?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I unslung a blade tucked behind my back and pulled it slightly out of its scabbard. Pa’s prized talwar gleamed against the sun. “Here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Take care of Leila for me, okay? That baby’s been with me for ages.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ma grunted unsightly from Pa’s right, causing him to gulp. “I mean… she’s less important than your mother, but you get the drill!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, Pa.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Learn a bit more magic, boy. You’ll need it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I will, Pa. Don’t force me, please.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Eri?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri motioned herself closer to the hologram. Her ears were on alert. “Yes, Pa?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re in charge. Don’t let this boy do something idiotic.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Uhhh.. even my father stands against me…..” I muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes Pa!  I promise!” Eri nodded truthfully. Pa bobbed his head in agreement.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Good girl. Can Jared and I talk for a bit, Eri?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sure, Pa. See you soon!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">As Eri busied herself with talking to her mother’s grave, we moved our conversation behind a nearby rock.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What is it Pa? Something else you haven’t advised me on?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Actually, it’s something I have to tell you…”

<p class="MsoNormal">I set the holo-projecter in earshot range. “Okay. Lay it on me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Eri isn’t your real sister.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">My jaw hung open in shock.

<p class="MsoNormal">“HAAAAH??? Wait – that’s impossible right? I mean, Leila and you had – “

<p class="MsoNormal">“That was also a lie.” Pa admitted while scratching his tiny bluish head. Ma immediately took over.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Truth is, your father and I discovered her already pregnant in that lab. Eri’s an artificially-inseminated child. We don’t know her father. To not raise any more suspicion, we had everyone else around us assume that she’s your father’s daughter. “

<p class="MsoNormal">“I… see…..”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa shook the holo-projector on their end, making their image blur. “What? Are you let down by that small fact alone? She’s still your sister. Get it in your brain!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah…. “ I was momentarily stunned. I recovered and nodded at once.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes Pa. I know. Should I - ”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t tell her that yet. It’d be best if we told her, not you. Got it?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Got it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">There was something weird with how Pa smiled next. Like he read me perfectly.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Come clean with whatever you’d feel the next time, bozo.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I know, Pa. “

<p class="MsoNormal">Yep. He knows. Might as well follow his earnest plea.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Bye, son. Take care. “

<p class="MsoNormal">“Bye my dear..” Ma’s sniffs left my ears to twinge in guilt.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Bye Ma, Pa. Tell me when you find a nice place to settle in.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Of course. Keep the Magitech. We’ll keep in touch.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The holo-projector glowed off. I tucked it back into my pocket and went to Eri snugly laying on her back against the grass.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “Isn’t this embarrassing, Mistress?” Delilah’s ungodly voice asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No, Demon-chan. It feels great! ” Eri answered, rolling along the grass some more.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “As you say..” 

<p class="MsoNormal">“ JARED! Come on!” Eri raised a hand in the air, beckoning me to join her.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Everything is alright. For now.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Come clean with whatever you feel the next time, bozo.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Yes, Pa.

<p class="MsoNormal">I definitely will.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I joined Eri in her frolicking, my mind finally at ease. The winds picked up as they blew past the fields of green, signaling the end of my eventful summer.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoListParagraph">*     *     *     *     *

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END OF BOOK 1 (Book 2, COMING SOON.... Expect a bloody competition!) <p class="MsoNormal">