Chapter 12

The garden was clearly greatly valued, and was in perfect shape. Every plant had its needs met, allowing the flora to flourish.

A tall birch tree lay in the center of the yard, surrounded by a patch of flowers. A fountain pumped out water, causing a small stream to snake its way through the yard.

The sun shone down, reflecting off of the water and shimmering across the picturesque courtyard.

This place was too beautiful, filling whoever gazed upon it with joy.

Alice smiled and looked over at Ash.

*"Well, what do you think? It's pretty awesome rig-... What's wrong?"

A single tear trickled from Ash's eye.

To most, this scene would make them feel joy, but instead made the two consciousnesses inside of Ash weep.

This place was too similar to their old home. This day, with the sun shining on the lazily flowing stream was all too similar to that day, long ago, when the pups lost everything.

But… It wasn't long ago. It had only been a little over a week since their pack was slaughtered, but so much had changed since then that it felt much longer.

From escaping into the woods with Oak and Fern, struggling to find food, then being captured and sold, all of it happened in just a few days' time.

Alice could see the sadness on Ash's face, but she didn't know what to do.

Her new friend was clearly saddened by coming out here, but why?

What could make someone dislike such a garden?

She made a mental note to try and get information out of Karl, perhaps he would know what happened that made the wolf so sad.

*"Come on Ash, let's go back inside. I have an idea on what we should do next, I'll call over one of my friends! I'm sure she will think you are the best!"

On their way back inside, Alice sent a servant to ask her friend to come visit, as well as one to question Karl about the wolf cubs.

While they waited for Alice's friend, Ash and Roth began making plans for the future.

'For now, It is best to stay here and learn as much as possible. This place seems to be pretty safe, and we won't be mistreated by Alice. This kid is too kindhearted for such a cruel world, she doesn't really fit in.'

^I don't think that is the best idea. If it is known that we are with Alice's family, then we go and kill all of those mercenary bastards, trouble could fall on them. We shouldn't involve more people than we need to.^

Roth was more fixated on revenge, but didn't want to harm kind people in getting it. He was quite similar to Alice: cheery, kind, and a bit emotional. He was the type of person to go out of his way to help a stranger in need.

'I agree that we should try to keep this innocent kid out of our revenge, but this is too good of an opportunity to pass up. With her help, learning the language spoken here won't be difficult, and we can grow up safely under her care. In the meantime, we can protect her from any danger, that should be payment enough. Everyone treats her kindly, but her family seems to be public enemy number one. I wouldn't put it past the monsters in this city to use her against her father.'

Roth couldn't argue with Ash's points, but still didn't like the idea of putting an innocent kid in harm's way. Nonetheless, there was nothing he could do about it. Ash had already made up his mind, and he was the one in control.

Roth was just a voice in his mind, with no power of his own. He seemed fated to be a simple observer in this life.

A knock sounded on the door of Alice's room, and without waiting for an answer, a girl burst in.

She was about the same age as Alice, and seemed to be full of youthful energy. She was carrying a small bad, similar to a purse.

*"Alice, what's up? Finally willing to come out hunting with me?"

Her eyes turned to the wolf pup lounging on the floor next to Alice, and her eyes widened a bit.

*"Wow! That really is a dire wolf, I've never seen one before! Dad told me about them once."

She lowered her voice, seemingly trying to imitate her father's voice.

*"Dire wolves are smart beasts, they are good at tricking hunters. Only well organized groups can hope to take a pack of them down, if a single hunter tries, the only thing that awaits them is death. If you ever see one, run."

Switching back to her normal voice, she continued chattering without stop.

*"So how did you get yourself a pet direwolf, and why isn't it constrained? Even if that thing is just a pup, It can easily kill and eat you!"

Smiling at her friend's energy, Alice calmly responded.

*"This is Ash, he joined our family this morning. Don't worry, he is a good wolf, he doesn't bite."

She ran her hand over Ash's head.

Ash thought this was a bit humiliating. He was a proud wolf, not some docile dog!

The only problem with this line of thought was… being pet felt too good.

Who wouldn't want a free massage?

Ash turned his head and smiled convincingly at the newcomer, expressing his peacefulness.

Alice continued on talking, explaining why she had invited the girl over.

*"Out of everyone I know, you know the most about animals, and how to take care of them! Teach me how to care for Ash, please, Su!"

The girl, Su agreed with one condition.

*"Alright, but you have to come on a hunting trip with me. I'm sure your new buddy wants to go out and explore the woods too, right?"

Su smiled triumphantly, then reached into her bag and pulled out a comb.

*"To be honest, I already heard that you found yourself a pet, so I guessed you would call me over to help you out. This poor thing's hair is all matted, it looks like he didn't have such a good time before you got him. It's best to get the tangles out now, before they get any worse."

The two girls began combing through Ash's hair, ripping through the tangles painfully.

Ash tried his best to ignore the two friends' actions, instead closing his eyes and attempting to listen to their conversation. He still couldn't understand hardly anything, just the names of a few people and some basic words that had been used repeatedly.

*"Hey Su, what could have happened to Ash that would make him really sad? Earlier when I took him out to the garden, I thought he would love it. Instead, it was like it brought up bad memories."

Su frowned, looking at the wolf pup.

*"This little guy can't be more than two months old, but he was captured by hunters. It's possible that he misses his pack. He was probably grabbed when he wandered too far away from them. He is lucky to be alive, a little one like him would make an easy meal for most animals in the woods. He has those mercenaries to thank for saving him!"

Alice couldn't help but feel this wasn't right, but didn't voice it. The two pups she had seen in the cage didn't look like they were grateful to the hunters for taking them away.

*'I guess I will only know what happened after I ask Karl or one of his men.'

Alice was determined to find out what happened between Ash and the mercenaries before Ash came to live with her.