Life is Never Perfect

Both Anna and the assassin were shocked, but neither had enough time to process it, as Anna continued hurtling through the air at surprising speed. Her small body hit the man in the head, causing them both to fall to the ground.

Anna sat on the ground in a daze, still trying to process what had just happened when the King arrived. He punched the assassin who was trying to escape in the back of the head, knocking him back down to the ground. More guards arrived and began to tie him up.

Anna continued to try and process what had happened. 'The sword broke?' She pondered. 'Just how high is my defense stat?' She really wanted a point of reference for her stats. However, she at least knew her defense was high enough to block an sword. However, she figured the weapons might have stats as well, and she didn't know what they were.

As Anna was still pondering it, she was gently scooped up by Rosa. Suddenly snapping to awareness, she started flailing wildly. 'This shitty kid! Who the hell throws a fucking puppy at an assassin?!?' Anna's speech had been becoming more and more profane.

The King walked over to his daughter and patted her head, "I'm glad you're alright," he said, relieved. "But, don't do that again, you were lucky their weapons were weak, and couldn't hurt the dog, otherwise both you and it could've died."

"I only did it because I knew it'd wor-"

"I said don't do it again, am I clear?"

"Yes…"

The atmosphere had become strained. In an attempt to lighten the mood the King asked, "have you decided on a name yet?" pointing to the still flailing and raging Anna in Rosa's arms.

"Not yet."

There was a silence again as he let out another sigh and said, "Listen Rosa, I know I said I'd spend today with you, but I need to deal with this," gesturing his hands at the guards and the assassins being taken away. "I hope you understand."

"Of course, Father," Rosa said with a practiced smile.

Seeing her smile, Anna once again pitied the kid. She could feel through the bond how disappointed Rosa was, even though she wasn't surprised. But she immediately reprimanded herself, 'This kid just threw me into a fucking sword! No way in hell I'm feeling pity for her!'

Again, feeling the pity of the pup, as well as the inner turmoil. She smiled at Anna who was still staring at her face before turning away with a huff when she noticed Rosa's gaze.

"Alright," the King drew her attention, "I'll send you back with Sebas. Also, your first training session with your companion will be tomorrow. Prepare yourself."

"Yes, father."

Rosa and Anna left in the carriage which had been shot, although the arrow had been removed. Sebas sat at the front, driving it with his magic. It was also followed by at least a dozen guards.

Anna had wanted to see the street, and the shops, but after what had just happened she didn't feel like opening the curtains to the outside. Inside the dim carriage, it was just her and Rosa. Rosa was looking in front of her absentmindedly, Anna still in her lap.

Anna used this time to think about the mind-boggling situation she was in. She'd been reborn, though it was as a dog. She supposed that when the god had come back after leaving, it hadn't read her intentions when she said she wanted to be cared for. 'It's such a stupid mistake,' her mood starting to deflate.

When she was reborn she'd had a family, but she didn't feel any attachment to her mother or the other pups. They weren't intelligent, they were just beasts, and they hadn't cared when she'd been taken.

Finally, she was in a completely unfamiliar world. From what she'd seen, it didn't seem like they were in hell, and the Demons didn't seem particularly cruel, (having seen The King's affection for Rosa). But, from how the King reacted to the assassins, they did seem to hold animosity for humans.

All of it was a lot to fathom. Every extra piece of new information seemed to pile up, overwhelming her, dampening her spirits as she started to feel miserable.

Then suddenly, she felt Rosa wrap her arms around her, holding her tightly. The warmth she felt seemed to melt the dark cloud that had been descending in Anna's mind. Through the bond she could feel that Rosa was also downcast. 'Life is never quite perfect, huh?' Anna thought to herself. She began reflecting silently.

They each had their own problems. Through the bond they both felt the other's melancholy, but together they began to feel comforted that they weren't alone.