Changes in life

"Ahh!!"

The next day had arrived... At this point in time, Mark was lying on bed, asleep, and had his hands over Artemis's waist while doing so. Although Artemis didn't mind him having his hand on her body, it was already morning, and he was supposed to be up and ready for training.

'What better way to wake him up than breaking his hand that dares to touch me without my permission?' Was Artemis's thought before she proceeded to dislocate his thumb.

Such is the reason for his pained scream in such an early and cold morning…

After such a horrible moment, it didn't take too long before Mark had to make his way towards the mountains again, just so he can experience more pain…

"Oh, don't be such a wuss. I've already relocated your finger. There's nothing wrong with it." Artemis commented with a dissatisfied tone in her voice, when she had enough of the sight of Mark continuously staring at his finger that she had dislocated earlier in the morning.

"But… But… It still hurts…" Mark wanted to cry out loud. Artemis was completely ruthless, and he certainly did not expect her to actually put him at harm after something that he didn't even intentionally do.

"You're lucky I didn't just snap your neck instead." Was Artemis's reply to Mark's child-like complaints.

Hearing her words, Mark couldn't help crying out loud again. This time however, he didn't do it outwardly of course, because he didn't want to receive another set of harsh words, or perhaps even harsh violence, from Artemis.

'Are you seriously treating death so lightly?!!' Mark cried out loud inside his mind. He didn't use his mouth anymore, because he didn't dare to say anything that Artemis might find inappropriate.

'Who knows if she might just kill me because of one thing I said wrong…' Is the reason for Mark's cautiousness and decision to remain mute.

'I swear she was like the most angelic person before she decided to train me!!' He cried out loud again, still incapable of accepting the sudden change in Artemis's character. Not only is the change sudden, but it is one that brings his life at stake too. That of course, is just what Mark thinks of her change. Because apparently, up till now, what Artemis does, is for Mark's own good and growth. In fact, she is showing him a rare kind of love that not many people gets to experience. A love that a mother, a master, and perhaps, even a wife displays. A love which builds character and strength in someone…

Unfortunately, just like an inexperienced teenager, Mark wasn't able to see such kind of genuine love. Perhaps if Evan was able to tell him a few things, then he would've understood the reason for Artemis's ruthlessness. Alas, Mark's soul occupied the greatest portion of the mind and body. If he had left at least some space for Evan to talk, then he would've probably become aware of the wise saying that goes like, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but in the end of the day, I only grow stronger…"

"Shh… I hear food coming our way." Artemis stopped Mark from his thoughts. His thoughts didn't remain at hold for too long however, because after hearing her words, he couldn't help but think, 'What do you mean shush?! I'm not even talking!!'

All this while, Mark has always been the kind of person who has a mouth that is big enough to file complaints. However, nowadays, he doesn't show any signs of such a personality, because his life is undergoing a change. He is weak, has lost everything, and has discovered that words are useless in front of power. Hence why, nowadays, he doesn't dare to speak out his thoughts as easily as before. He now knows after all, that words are far weaker than actions…

Such, is the reason why he had decided to move far away from his origin in order to live a life that isn't too different from isolation. The reason why he started training his physical form to grow stronger. The reason why he didn't cry his thoughts out loud in front of Artemis.

Mark's character is developing, and abnormally as well. His personality is changing, along with his knowledge and behavior. What's so abnormal though, is that the process is a fast one. There is a reason for that however…

Many reasons, in fact…

Such reasons being… The trauma that is left behind after he had seen the state that his mother was in before she died. Evan's soul fusing with his. Alissa affecting his life. And now, Artemis who is changing him into a cold blooded and cautious person.

For sure, Mark's life has strayed far from the regular ever since he had to witness the death of his mother.