All she wants is to find the reason behind her dad's death. She believes it is not all it seems. Danielle is intuitive and curious. The truth might leave her in regret. Remember, ignorance is bliss.

Danielle is bent on finding the reason behind the death of her father and those around her. With the help of her sworn enemy, Damien, they embark on the journey to find the reason behind his death and those around her. 
 Mysteries unfold and everything is not what it seems.

Danielle finally reached the campus after few hours of travel. Seeing it upclose, from its steel walls and thin EM barrier dome wrapping around it nothing has changed. Well except for the fact that the entire school university was found in the middle of a clearing. 

With the absence of the city, Danielle can appreciate the view of the campus with its perfectly circular ground.

Luckily nothing dangerous has yet made a contact with the university.

She went through the EM field barrier, used an anti field repulsor so that she can pass through it without being detected. She would be in a deep trouble if someone were to catch her.

She landed on the campus grounds and went towards the Dean's faculty.

She did her best to avoid the security cameras because they were teeming all over the place.

After arriving infront of the Dean's office she rung the doorbell with a frantic eyes moving to and fro. She's making the conversation in her head how she will approach the Dean. 

Should she tell him Marcus embarked alone on a perilous journey on some unknown world? She shook her head, sweeping that idea away.

Or Marcus just took a brief vacation around the land?

"Well that could work too." She nodded by herself.

The door slid open, and bloodshot eyes of the Dean were the first thing she saw. His face had even more wrinkle than before, there was a glum tint under his eyes. All this event must have put some stress into the Dean.

Danielle mustered a wide smile, with a little sway of her lifted arm.
"Hello, good morning Dean,"

The Dean rubbed his worn out eyes.
"A student huh? What do you want?"
He said with a kind although hoarse voice.

"Marcus told me that he's going to take a 3 day vacation on the land, and he will be fine on his own."
Danielle said with her arms on her back, she tried her best to keep her eyes from twitching so she could put up a straight face.

The Dean let out a disappointed sigh.
"Just when I had a lot problems on my shoulders, I can't believe he's going to add another one."

The Dean then gazed at her lively face.
"And is there anything else?"

Danielle shook her head quickly while she bit her lip.

"Then you should go back to your dorm, I already issued a lockdown, you could get punished you know." The Dean returned inside the room, and the door automatically shutted by itself.

Danielle then loosened up her straight face, it was her first time lying to the Dean not to mention she already committed a lot of violations. If she were to get caught expulsion wasn't unlikely.

She had the diary on her left pocket, if she were to hand it to the Dean would the school scour these mysterious land? Or would the Dean encage every students here until they can find a way back?

If that's the case then the professors would hunt down Marcus and drag him back to the campus.

Danielle clenched her chest with a sneer.
"I can't do that I made a promise to Marcus."

"Huh? A promise to whom?" A voice said behind her.

Danielle's eyes widened as she got agitated for a moment.

Danielle spun around to check who that was and to her surprise it was Raven.

Raven grinned cheekily as he had an eyes full of thousand questions. Raven turned his head closer to her as if assessing her, Danielle then looked away as if weirded out. Raven bursted out laughing as he clenched his stomach.

"You're Marcus' ex aren't you? Hey last time you really made him cry during your last break up."

He fell on his knees as he struggled to keep his laugh from escaping his lips.

"He said, Raven, I think I can't live anymore, it was--Fffff."

He let a loud laugh.

Danielle sighed as she slapped her face.
"I think I got the wrong Raven, bye."

When she was about to turn away, Raven pulled himself up turning his face serious and siezed her arm. 
"Wait a minute, it is I, the great Raven himself, the friend of Marcus, the great genius software Engineer, the king of---

"Fine, fine." Danielle cutted her off, as she vented out the irritation building up on her face.
"Now listen will ya, Marcus wants you to override the weapon's authorization on his Holomark."

Raven while thinking, adjusted his glasses on his nose bridge.
"As genius as myself, I'm afraid that would be very challenging."

Danielle gave him a dubious look.
"Marcus have mentioned to me that your skills are unparalleled on anything software related. If you can't do something that simple then I'll find someone else."

Raven sighed at her naivety. And spoke with a grandiose voice.
"Young woman, overriding the authorization is not as simple as a touch of the buttons, don't let the movies fool you."

He then pointed his finger with a flashy motion infront of her face.
"More or less, I know what happened and why you're here. Both of you came out of the school grounds haven't you?"

Danielle slapped his arm away from her face, she then gazed at him with a determined eyes.
"Yeah, he's going to need it for something."

"I understand but listen to me..."

Raven explained why it's hard to override the authorizations, unlike the barriers of the school which one can easily bore through using some devices. The authorization however were specialized and were personaly written by the Software Engineering professors. They tightened its security due to the looming threat of a certain fraternity.

Each weapons are secured by something called levels. Better weapons are buried on the higher levels and they were relatively harder to hack. But it was impossible to unlock the higher levels directly, one must start from the lower levels first.

Also there was something called the bounce back effect, in which even if one manages to override its authorization, there's a chance the weapon would still get locked, since there might be hidden softwares planted by the professors as back ups. It can happen if the weapons are used repeatedly.

Danielle sneered with her fists clenched
"Ugh, that fraternity is annoying, anyway Raven can you do it or not?"

Raven chuckled as he adjusted his glasses.
"I said it would be difficult not impossible, anyway."

He stared at her face directly as if she was being confronted.
"You owe me an explanation, what happened to Marcus, where the heck are we, what was out there?"

Danielle gulped before she spoke.
"You won't believe it..."

Danielle explained everything from the beginning when they left the campus until she got here.

Raven smirked as his glasses glinted, his eyes became free spirited while he nodded.
"I see, I see. Mythical beasts, strict cult, demi-humans. That kinda sounds something taken from a video game."

Danielle leaned forward with a persistent face.
"But it's all true."

Raven trembled as excitement filled his soul.
"I know. That's why I can't contain myself."

He then released a villainous laugh.

It caused Danielle to slightly cringe and became self aware as she looked around herself.
"If anyone can see us, just please tell them we're not acquinted."

However oddly enough there was no students anywhere on their field of sight, only a gentle breeze were running through the pavements. The wide garden which was where most students hanged out had no presence, the school park as well. They then moved around the school grounds.

"Raven where are the other students?" Danielle said as they were sitting on a school bench.

"Inside their dorms, the Dean announced earlier that we got transported on an island somewhere in the pacific ocean. Thus we are not allowed to leave this place." He said.

Danielle rested her head on the handle of the bench.
"So he lied, huh?"

"Well it's for the sake of our safety." He replied.

"Anyway you told me there was an opponent out there that only slapped you around?" Raven said.

Danielle nodded as she chuckled.
"Well I guess so."

Raven sighed as he lifted his butt off the bench.
"This won't do, follow me."


They strolled around the campus until they found themselves outside of the school gym. They usually held their physical education subject on this building. It was a single floored building but its interior was vast, it looked like a large storage room from the outside.

Inside, various students especially jocked ones with big muscular arms drenched in sweat. They lifted heavy weights and roared as they go beyond their limits. Danielle rarely visited the gym, her physique was somewhat going out of shape as she could feel her belly going soft. 

It was a spacious room with a blue shiny floor, the entire room were strewn with physical fitness equipments, from treadmills, rowers, excercise bicycles and etc. There were some robots around the place that acted as a spotter.

Most of the students here must have left their dorms just to continue their excercise routines, well the fitness organization have amazing persistence after all.

However for the first time since their last PE, she finally was inside the gym once again. They were totally out of place as the gym was overrun by the members of the organization.

Most women were on treadmill and arm machines, while the men were lifting weights. The boxing rings on the corner however was unoccupied, it was a perfect oppurtunity.

Danielle had a timid expression with the urge to walk away.
"Raven, I'm you know, shy." 

Raven sighed, expressed a disgruntled look and he dragged her arm as they crossed the gym. He then shoved her inside a small boxing ring.

"Danielle, since your suit is suited for physical battles we need to do this."

Raven accompanied her inside the ring. Danielle became self aware of the eyes of the other students who were well built. Most of them had buldging muscles especially on their abdoment, she held an eye of slight envy.

Raven leaned on a punching bag and hugged it tight.

"Throw a punch, let's see how strong you are."


Danielle sighed and were forced to lift her fists. She awkwardly hurled a punch on the bag, its impact caused him to barely move with it.

"That way you couldn't even hurt a bunny." Raven said with a dismayed voice.

Danielle grunted as she furrowed her eyebrows. She strucked it once again with her weight causing the bag to sway a little bit, and Raven staggered slightly from it.

Raven had a satisfied smile. "Remember that strength, and do it again."


They continued until Danielle was drenched in her sweat and collapsed lifelessly on the ring's floor. However it was only thirty minutes and Danielle could feel herself dying any second now.

"I'm done." She said breathlessly.

Raven sighed as he rubbed his forehead, with a frustrated eyes.

"Danielle, you can't rest now. Judging from what you told me, it seems 3 days from now a battle will ensue. And I can't let that bastard hog it all to himself. You need to be stronger, because if the wearer is weaker your Holomark could only do as much."

Danielle narrowed her eyes to him, then she looked away with a worn out grimace.
"I'm tired, anyway why don't you train by yourself.

Danielle shutted her eyelids as she rested. When he opened it wide, she found herself trapped inside a bluish bubble, it gradually rose to the ground and as it shook, her body tumbled around inside it.
"Raven what are you doing?"

Raven held a well designed tech glove, it was glowing and there was a faint screen projected by the object.

3d models->Assets->Basic shapes-> Hollowsphere.obj

Action: Dragging

Raven smirked as he adjusted his glasses.
"I won't delete this if you're not gonna take this seriously. Remember ECE, Mechanical, Electrical and Mining rely on their wearer's base strength."

Danielle sighed with a defeated eyes.
"Okay I got it, just take this thing off."

She said as she gently knocked the surface of the blue ball.

Raven ran his fingers on the screen.
"Delete Shape?"

After a tap, the bubble evaporated, then Danielle found herself in midair, she quickly fell and Raven caught her with his arms.

Raven laughed with a hint of scoff.

Danielle kept throwing punches until the sun shone brightly on its apex. They took a break afterwards and Danielle were out of strength to even lift a finger. Her muscles were strained to their limits and she found herself panting as if on the verge of death.

Raven scratched his head thinking maybe he pushed her too far.

Raven had to carry her with his arms, he was tempted to use digital matter but he figured out it will be a good excercise. He ended up passing across Dex, and he was left with a suspicious look.

Dex raised his eyebrow.
"Where were you Rave, we are supposed to work with the Dean on the teleporter device."

He recognized Danielle after peering close to her worn out face, she was sleeping currently on his arms it seems.
Dex gasped a surprise.
"You bastard are you dating her now, just after Marcus broke up with her?"

Raven sneered and drawed his annoyed face.
"I did not! And we have a certain circumstance."

Dex clenched his fist infront of them.
"What are you gonna say to Jeya if she found out you are like this?"

Raven was urged to toss Danielle to his arms, however he sighed letting it slide away.
"We are just friends."


Dex had a froth of sweat on his face as his lips turned heavy.
"Anyway I have something to tell you, this place isn't earth. Some students are discussing about it, last night they noticed the star formations were somewhat different."

Raven nodded.
"I'm afraid that to be the case."

Dex then gave a dismayed sigh.
"Rave, I'm gonna explain to you what went wrong with our device, according to the findings of the professors..."

The teleportation device works as it creates a spherical spacetime field that covers a specific area, then the object can be teleported on a specified location afterwards once its inside the field.

Only the coin was supposed to be teleported by the device, but the space time field is a sensitive aethereal entity. Energies can easily influence it, thus it can get bent and its shape manipulated.

When they performed the thesis presentation, the teleportation device emmitted a spacetime field and it was expected. Everything went wrong however when the ST field got attracted to the EM barrier that surrounded the campus, thus the whole campus was swallowed by the field. It was the red sphere that swallowed the room during that time.

With that in mind, the school was now the object to be teleported.

The professors have noted that the bigger the space-time field the more unsteady it becomes when it crosses through a distance. Thus which is why they got themselves into this situation. They got lost in a different reality and the immense size of the campus says it all.

That's why other countries have only managed to teleport smaller objects. Large scale traversal tend to be very inaccurate.

Raven chuckled with a dismayed sigh.
"To think a genius such as myself would overlook such a problem."

Dex scratched his head.
"It's a head ache, teleportation is still in its early phase after all."

Danielle gently patted Raven's shoulder giving him a hint she wants to move down.

Raven quickly reacted and guided her legs to the ground.
She let out a heavy exhale.
"I almost died right there."

Dex's face shrunk with a suspicious eyes.
"What the hell did you two do?"

"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm helping her shape up." Raven rose his voice.

Afterwards Danielle gave the uniform of Marcus to Raven. Raven was slightly stunned after seeing bloodstains on it, with some smears of dirt. The stains told him the experience of what he may have went through during his time out there, it was probably not a pleasing one. 

"Are you going to hog all that adventure for yourself Marcus? Quite a selfish one." Raven said as he lifted his head into the sky.

Danielle had a determined grin.
"Okay, I'm gonna train myself all day until that day comes."

***
Omg thank you for the views, likes and especially to that 1 guy who kept sending me power stone, since this is my first novel, Im very happy, u all keep me motivated to write

(/ω＼) (ﾉ*>∀<)ﾉ♡

M A I N  - Danielle Tanner - Interview vibes
Nicknames - Dani, Tanner, Little bee, clumsy, baby girl, Dans
Full name: Danielle Tanner (Yep no middle name)
Age - 21
Style: Cute comfortable
Major: Double major graphic design (for book covers) and creative writing (because she loves to write)
Deepest fear: Her secret
What would break her: You can't break her because she's already broken. But to be honest her loved ones dying could definitely get her there
Flaws: shy, doesn't trust people, scarred
Favourite food: Pizza
Hobbies: Writing, star gazing, making book covers, photography, watching black and white movies, visiting coffee shops and libraries, hanging out with close friends but nothing too wild
Trigger: Rubix cube the person from her secret always used it before he did something
Telltale nervous/uncomfortable signs: Bitting the inside of her cheek, looking down, blushing, digging fingernails into palms
Music taste: Pop
Coffee yay or nay: yay, definitely yay. She needs to stay awake. 
Best characteristics: kind, smart, funny, beautiful inside and out, stands up for what she believes in, fighter, creative
Appearance: Dimples, caramel brown hair, green eyes, pale skin, cute small nose, straight teeth, small, bright smiles
Lies: Sometimes white lies are ok, some things need to remain secrets
Fate, destiny, true or bs: Bs because if it was true, the gods sure hated her because her life is majorly fucked up
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
M A I N  - River Underwood - Interview vibes
Nicknames - Riv, Babe, Underwood, Dork
Full name: River Daniel Underwood
Age: 21
Style: casual and laidback
Major: Baseball and takes his other passion graphic design(he likes art but it was the most appealing major)
Deepest fear: Watching the ones he loves get hurt and break, when he can't do anything to help
What would break him: watching the people he loves get hurt and not being able to do anything about it
Flaws: sometimes makes friends with the wrong person, to trusting at times
Favourite food: Fries
Hobbies: Doodling, going for runs, cute places, baseball, hanging out with friends on Friday nights
Trigger: People who are rude and hurt others
Telltale nervous/uncomfortable signs: Pacing, jiggling knee
Music taste: Pop
Coffee yay or nay: nay it's gross and tastes like shit
Best characteristics: kind, funny, outgoing, understanding, problem solver
Appearance: tall, dark brown hair, blue eyes, big muscles, athletes body, straight white teeth, clumsy million-dollar smiles
Lies: Never
Fate, destiny, true or bs: True, it's nice to think someones looking out for you and that you have a purpose
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Danielle Tanner, a writer by nature, part time coffee addict, full time day dreamer, occupation - broke college student. Who's dressed in oversized hoodies, a messy bun and fluffy socks until further notice. She loves most things about the world, especially the small things like pillow talks and shower thoughts, midnight music and late-night Starbucks runs, shooting stars, crashing waves, warm coffee and rainy days.  

But Dani isn't just that, she has a different side. Hidden by layers of makeup and tears. She's the broken girl, who wakes up twisted in a coil of blankets, crying and screaming from her nightmares. Her body is a map of scars and her face is stained with teardrops and her soul with secrets.  

She leads a life where someone is always watching, always has an ear to the door and one wrong move could land her in hot water. Truth hurts but secrets kill you, and Dani? Well, is was made from secrets, ones she could never tell of course. Ones like the maze. It scares everyone. But our Dans has a different reason to be so scared she feels sick and cries until she's practically drowning. You see the thing is Danielle Tanner fears the maze not because she could go through it because she already has been through it, just not in the way you would expect.  

And then of course I must introduce our second character, River Underwood, boy with a paintbrush fixed to his hand, a baseball flying out of the other (which makes sense since he's the captain of the baseball team), a gaggle of swooning girls (golden boy alert) and a kind heart. Slowly over time, he feels himself falling for Dani, the girl with the hidden scars, talents, secrets. Whose eyes hold so many secrets, so many broken dreams, so many stars.   

He stays awake with her every single night, wipes away her tears, holds her in his arms, he peels away the layers of secrets, breaks down the walls keeping him out. But can he show her love, or does he hurt her one last time? Can he turn her shadows into stars?



“Taurus Style, Defender Art, Guardian Mode – Iron Horns!” 

 The giant Ox spirit of Yolanda grew iron horns additionally to its boulder ones and dashed at the Boulder Gorilla with the two pairs of horns. However, the Boulder Gorilla vanished right when she hit it. 

“Huh? What is it? You already lost?” Yolanda smirked. 

 A roar sounded from Yolanda’s behind – the Boulder Gorilla had reappeared there. 

“Ugh, what is that trick?” 

“Taurus Style, Player Art, Joker Mode – Illusion Mirror!” Danielle grinned from inside her Gorilla spirit. 

“Ugh, you…” 

 Yolanda’s Ox spirit roared in rage and rushed towards the Gorilla once more. However, the Gorilla kept making her more and more confused – it would vanish and reappear in different places, and did it so fast that Yolanda went dizzy. 

“Ugh, my head!” 

 She halted for a minute and touched her forehead, but even that one minute cost her much: she felt a strong hit on her cheek – the Gorilla fist punched her Ox spirit and made her fly to the other side of the ring. The spirit vanished. Yolanda yelled in pain as her jaw bled. She gnashed her teeth in rage and humiliation, stood back up, made her Ox spirit reappear, and dashed at Danielle again: 

“I will smash you!” 

“Woohoo! Ms. Schatzen rocks!” Tiger jumped on her seat, watching the amazing showdown. 

“She is truly something…” Kokuyo was dumbfounded – he expected her to be powerful, but to be this skilled?! 

“She uses good strategy along with tough muscles,” Edmund adjusted his glasses with a proud smile, “She made Yolanda dizzy so she would let her guard down. When the Defender Class lets one’s guard down, they become extremely vulnerable, for they cannot activate their ultimate defences. That is when she landed a hit, and it was successful”. 

“Wow, that’s truly ingenious!” Tamie was impressed. 

“Yeah, that is what only Monkey spirits can think of,” Kokuyo said. 

“Go, maman!” Riza cheered for her mom along with Tiger. 

 The fight continued down on the ring. The Ox spirit was running around, getting more and more tired and losing its energy, while the Monkey spirit still used Danielle’s Illusion Mirror technique to vanish and reappear in various places, and was confusing the opponent. Then, finally, she appeared in the center of the ring, and Yolanda caught a good sight of her. 

“Haha, there you are!” 

 She rushed towards her with her newly-formed three pairs of horns – boulder, iron, and steel ones. Danielle prepared strained her arm muscles, and her Boulder Gorilla took a firm position. 

“Huh? What is she doing? Isn’t she going to evade? She’s going to get hit like that!” Riza got concerned. 

 Edmund and Kokuyo seemed rather excited – what trick would Danielle pull this time? Tamie and Tiger got worried as well and even bent forward to see everything better. The whole crowd impatiently waited for the outcome. 

 When Yolanda finally reached the giant Boulder Gorilla, Danielle raised her arms inside its core. The Monkey spirit followed her movements and grabbed the Ox spirit of Yolanda by its boulder horns. The friends and the whole crowd gasped in wonder – she grabbed the giant Boulder Demon Ox with her spirit’s bare hands?! 

“Goodness!” 

 Yolanda still pushed forward with the intention to knock the stuck-up lady off her feet, but Danielle only smirked, raised the Ox spirit up in the air with her Gorilla’s arms, and threw it off to the other side of the ring. 

“Damn! Danielle is a Joker, but this time she’s clearly not joking!” the anchorman shouted through his microphone. 

 The crowd held their breaths while the Ox spirit flew through the air and got smashed to the ground, leaving a huge crack in which collapsed Yolanda appeared. Then, everyone sprang up and clapped and whooped – such brute force! 

“Damn, such a beast…” sweat poured off Kokuyo’s forehead as he watched Danielle’s performance with widened eyes. 

“She made her opponent lose much energy and then landed the final hit – truly ingenious of her. She’d make a cool Keeper Class too, if she had chosen it,” Edmund grinned with pride and admiration. 

“Amazing…” Tamie was frozen on her seat – to think someone could lift a Taurus Ox and throw it through the air with such ease! 

“Hurray! You rock, Ms. Schatzen!” Tiger jumped at full force. Blizzard barked and Christo and Astra meowed with joy. 

 Danielle grinned with pride and raised her fist – she was the victor! 

“And the Golden Venus Celestial Lady title goes to Danielle Schatzen from Rose Cruce Order! Congratulations!” 

 The whole crowd was celebrating, except for the members of New World Order – Yolanda, the Virgo Celestial Lady, and a suspicious man sitting on the Scorpio Lord throne on the other side of the Stadium. However, no one paid attention to them anymore. Everyone congratulated Danielle on her success. Riza was proudly whooping in French, so elated she had become. Danielle spotted her from down the ring. She grinned at her and showed her a thumb up – it was obvious she would win… for who would ever lose when such a wonderful daughter was watching?

In the realm of Zariel, every person can manipulate one of the four elements their zodiac belongs to - Fire, Earth, Air or Water. 

Tamie Wingfield dreams to become the greatest Zodiac Master of all time. For that, she decides to join the Rose Cruce Order, which her elder brother Nick Wingfield belongs to, as one of the highest ranks - the Sage. But Tamie has a big problem - she is a Libra, and out of all Zodiac, Libra is the only inanimate object, rendering it the most powerless of all (or so it is believed).

How will the girl of the most powerless zodiac sign manage to become the grand Zodiac Master?

Both Derin and Daniel were walked through the backstage, and unto the high table, where the army and the reporters were already waiting to receive them. They both sat down, while Ray and Henry filled into the seats at their sides.

Looking forward, Derin was instantly met with the tens of haunting faces, and intimidating camera lights. Her mind began to grumble as everyone in the room looked like they were preparing to eat her alive, and her stomach flipped at this thought. But, as soon as Daniel's warm hand came over her shuddering hands, she relaxed.

"Daniel Hartley, the public wants to know the truth of your relationship with Ms. Aderinsola Ajayi.  Would you care to explain this to us?" One of the reporters asked.

Derin threw a side glance to Daniel, and gawked at how relaxed he was, as he spoke.

"For one, I am quite disappointed at the rumors I hear of me and my wife."

In a stance, Derin felt her heart stop. He had just publicly accepted that she is his wife. 

This new info jeered the public, and the next question polled in.

"Does this mean you are accepting the claims on your secret wedding?"

Daniel frowned. "I did not have a secret wedding. It was a low key celebration of the union between I," He glanced at Derin, and smiled, "and, my beautiful wife, Derin."

Derin's lips pinched together as she flushed out. In order to hide this, she looked down, averting the lenses and gazes of the media. She had just heard Daniel call her beautiful. Yet, she knew somewhere in her heart that this was all a show off. Even if Daniel seems different, he cannot and will never call her beautiful.

"Don't you think this was an impromptu decision?" Another journalist spoke up.

Without giving Daniel a chance to reply the first, another question came in. 

"Were you forced to marry her?"

Daniel sighed. He knew what they were all getting at, and he knew best not to make the same mistake he made at the last briefing – not to break under pressure. 

Patiently, he waited for their questions, before answering with a cool smile on his lips.

"This marriage was not an impromptu decision," He said, "And, certainly, I was not made to get married to her. This is the twenty-first century after all, everyone's decision counts. In whatever way, or so, I was definitely not coerced into marrying Derin."

This caused a huge lump to grow in Derin's throat as recalled his confession about actually accepting the proposal in his right mind. But, even at this, she still had the feeling that he was a twofaced bloke.

Now, it didn't matter if he was lying or not, cause was already a part in his deceitfulness for as long as forever.

The grills continued for what Derin thought to be hours, but in actual veracity, it had been only fifty-six minutes. The tables took a turn, as the reporters averted their probing eyes to her.

"Ms. Derin, how would you describe your relationship with Daniel L.C. Hartley?" A man from the midst of the reporters asked, and Derin froze up in her seat. 

She had no idea what to say. In fact, she was so close to hyperventilating again.

But, her apprehension disintegrated into the air, when Daniel's palm came on her lap, and she threw her widened eyes her to him. There was the calm air around him, and somehow, she began to get infected with it.

"Sorry, my wife would not be able to answer your questions this time," Daniel announced to them, and she sighed in relief.

Obviously, the reporters were disappointed, not having her words, but they couldn't press it, even though they tried. But, they certainly didn't forget to flash their cameras at the couple, capturing as much footage as they could.

Daniel cocked his head to her, and in a whisper, said, "C'mon let's get out of here."

This was the best news she had received that day, as her lips lighted up with a bright smile. 

They both stood up, and walked out of the conference room. 

Honestly, she was glad to be out of the room, as it felt worse than an interrogation session, and she was eager to get back into the warm, cozy, and shielding vehicle, but Daniel held her back, hesitating at the door.

"What?" She spun back to him.

He smiled. "We don't come out much, do we?"

Derin rolled her eyes. "No, we don't, for the reason that your media friends would always swarm us."

"Alright," Daniel said, as his eyes sparkled with mischief, and she narrowed her eyes at him.

"What ideas are you getting, Mr. Hartley?"

He chuckled. "Well, if you wouldn't mind, Crystal, how about we go out to see a movie or something like that?"

"The movies?" She repeated.

"Yes, the mo-'

But, Derin's squeal cut him from proceeding, as she blurted, "Let's go!"

Though surprised, Daniel laughed. "Then, the movies we go."

The car drove out of the conference premises and down the road heading to the Seaside Theater House. 

Derin's eyes flashed with excitement as they got to the movie theater. Going to a real theater to watch a movie, had been a long-old dream of hers. From the time when she was kid, she had always desired to replicate things that she viewed, and this included the romantic movie watching. Although, this wasn't exactly the case with Daniel but she was satisfied having to watch 'the movie' even though it excluded 'the romance'. 

She had begged and pleaded to her dad back then to let her watch the seasons of 'Young Teen Love' but her dad refused. To fight this, she threw her hysterical tantrums to make her dad agree. But, in spite of this, Bamidele had snubbed her, calling her acts as 'Frantic Melodrama' and the subject was never brought up again.

Had it been that Bamidele knew that his time was short on the face of the earth, maybe, he would have been less stern in his decisions. Nevertheless, Derin was proud having him as her father, and she cherished every single moment she had spent with him and with her mom.

That whole night was spent binge watching movies, after movies, after more movies. 

But, alas, after four movies, Derin fell asleep beside Daniel, and woke up the next day, safely tucked in her bed. 

After that day, Daniel did all he could to bring her out of her secluded choice of home-staying, by taking her to places she had never been to. He hoped that this would make her warm up to him, and completely forgive him.

Weeks later, Derin received a much desired august visitor when she found Danielle at the doorsteps of the house, in the wee hours of the morning with Dolapo behind her.

"Elle?!" Derin exclaimed.

Danielle frowned. "Are you just going to stand there looking like a century-old statue, or come hug your little sister?"

"Of course not, Elle," Derin smiled, as she opened her arms, and caught Danielle in a bear-crushing embrace. 

It had been so long, that Derin had almost forgotten the alluring smile of her sister. 

"Careful guys, I don't want squashed sisters for breakfast," Dolapo warned, but the sisters ignored him, as they held to each other.

"Oh, how I've missed you so much, Sis," Danielle articulated.

"I've missed you more, Elle," Derin said as they disbanded from their hug, but Danielle folded her arms in front of her chest, as her lips pulled down into a stern frown.

"I am to believe that, right?" She scowled.

Derin winced as she recalled how distant she had grown to her own sister, causing their relationship to drift along with the tides of time. 

"I'm so, so sorry," She pleaded.

Danielle's frown disappeared, as she pulled her lips into a thin smile. "But, why did you stay dead for over a year? I mean I heard nothing from you. I was so worried, Derin."

This made Derin's shoulders slouch. She had no idea where to start from, but no matter what reasons she had, they were never going to be enough to cover up for abandoning her little sister. 

She was still considering what to say to Danielle, when Daniel spoke up from behind her. 

"That is absolutely my fault," He said.

The trio turned around to see Daniel, and Danielle gawked, her eyes widening as she did.

"Oh! My! Gosh!" She exclaimed, "You are so huge, so strong, and so, so hot!"

Derin's pupils constricted and she coughed out. "Danielle!" 

But, her sister plainly ignored her, and returned her adoring gaze to Daniel.

Daniel smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you, Elle."

Her already widened eyes glittered as the morning sun shone on her light brown orbs. "Oh, you know me?"

A warm smile flashed in Daniel's face, as he answered, "Yes, I do," He said, and threw Derin a side glance, and their gaze locked. 

Continuing, he added, "She told me about you."

Danielle followed his eyes, and landed on Derin. A lopsided grin sprouted up her lips. "Now, I understand," She said.

Now, Derin's face puckered at what her sister meant. As she knew that whenever Danielle had her impish look on, then she was definitely preparing to initiate her mischief.

"Elle, what do you mean?" Derin questioned, and as she guessed, Danielle ignored her, again, and faced Daniel. 

She looked him down, accessing his physic in a profound consternation, before a bright smile of approval lighted up in her eyes.

"Sis, I approve him," She said, "But, don't worry, I wouldn't steal him from you," Her lips squeezed into a pout, as she pouted, "Even though he's so strikingly attractive."

As she spoke, both Daniel kept smothering his laughter while Dolapo chuckled in amusement. 

Danielle was a free soul, and she definitely didn't know how to keep her lips together. Even though she was free-spirited, Danielle, sometimes, ends up speaking bluntly without actually thinking of the after-effects of her words.

Not wanting to listen to her yaps, Derin slipped her arm with Danielle's, and pulled her into the house, before she ended up saying way too much.

Certainly, if left to speak, Danielle would say more than needed and wanted.

Nevertheless, Derin loved Elle, regardless of her nature.

“Crystal, you challenged me from the very beginning and I tried to resist you, but I knew even then that I wasn’t going to walk away without you by my side.”

~|~

Derin, an ordinary teen, embittered with the loss of her parents, and separated from her sister, is compelled to take up a marriage proposal by her aunt. Without a choice, she accepts and marries the playboy-slash-business mogul, Daniel L.C. Hartley. In a stance, her life is changed as she is faced with his ass/attitude, the media, frenemies, and the untold secrets. With all these pulling her, will she stand to survive, and eventually find the one whom her heart beats for?

°•°

Daniel, the most talked playboy of the season, is made to take in a bride by his parents in order to curb his delinquency, against his wish. Accepting this, he plans to make Derin’s life a living hell and force her to call it quits. But when his heart begins to rule him otherwise, will he be able to learn to love his simple wife, or quiver under the weights of the media, family, enemies, and a skeptical mystical mission?

~|~

But before I could harry wracked him upside the head "hey what was that for lad?" niall chuckled "be quiet " he looked at me and smiled I giggled at his cuteness. We all went to the hotel I unpack all my stuff all of us girls got to know each other they're names are Eleanor, Danielle and Perrie they all are nice but they only got to come because of them dating the boys Ally was upset that Perrie was  dating Zayn so I tried to cheer her up " hey what about niall he's adorable " I said trying to give her hope "I guess I'll give him a try he is adorable and funny" she said smiling  we all talked for about an hour and then the boys came over and "hey girls there's a party tonight wanna come?" we all agreed " I don't have anything to wear though" I said kinda upset at the fact I wouldn't go dressed like this "I'll take to find something babe" Louis said "thanks Louis " I said smiling sweetly "can Eleanor come too?" I asked because I needed a girl to come "sure why not" . When you guys got to the store you pick out a red fitted dress that had no sleeves so you guys went back to the hotel and got ready you did your make dark red lipstick and black eyeshadow. You heard the everyone in the other room when you walked out everyone stopped and looked at you harry's eyes had become full of lust. You walk fast him to go to Ally but then everyone said they wanna goes as pairs Niall and Ally,  Eleanor and Zayn, Danielle and liam, Perrie and Louis and finally me and harry "ok everyone let's go " Louis said harry took me by the arm and led me out to the limo. When we got there there was paparazzi as you got out you saw flashes lights. Harry saw how you were upset about the paparazzi so he grabbed on to you "don't worry just stay with me" I shook my head yes and kept walking when we got inside it was very loud and guys kept staring at you. Harry squeezed your hand tight so he didn't lose you when you guys got to the table you sat down and liam and niall got the drinks harry kept staring at you and it got awkward so you went to the bathroom when you were done you start washing your hands. A girl comes in and slaps you "you bitch" she says voice full of anger "what did I do?" I asked scared and upset "you know damn well that you stole harry from me" she was about to hit me again but harry came in and grabbed her wrist to stop her from hitting me. He throws her out of the bathroom and everyone gathers around after harry tells everyone what happened Eleanor slapped her across her face and then she hugged me tightly and said "are you alright?" I hugged her back "yes I'm fine " we then left and went to the hotel room of course I didn't have anything to wear to bed so harry let me wear his t-shirt it had his scent on it we all watched movies and I fell asleep on harry "night my sleeping beauty " he says kissing your forehead. when you wake up you find yourself sleeping in a bed with harry you get up and go to the kitchen and see Danielle cooking pancakes with oatmeal "goodmorning y/n" she said in a nice and calm tone "goodmorning " you reply she smiles at you and you smile back "are you going to the fan signing later?" she asked "fan signing? I didn't know they had one " I said confused "oh well now you do so you're going?" she said cheekily "I guess " I giggled 
                  AT THE FAN SIGNING 

"hey y/n over here "Perrie says from the VIP area "oh hi Perrie " the security guards let you in as you and Perrie hug and hung out till everyone else got there while you are waiting in line with Ally. Ally remembers about the camera "hey y/n can you go give Perrie hey jacket back?" she says trying to get you get away from there "oh ok sure " you say walking over to Perrie and you and Perrie talk for a bit. While you were doing that Ally was talking to the boys when Ally reached harry she showed harry the video he smiled as how you were so embarrassed you saw Ally with the camera and then you knew that the camera you put up wasn't the camera at that moment you're thoughts were interrupted by harry hugging you "I love you y/n" he says " I love you too "

Narrator
Mrs. Williams just got out of a meeting when she saw Carl's message. Sitting down on her chair she played the video on her laptop.
A smile appears on her face when she saw the female singer. Of course she knew Tracy, for five years now, Tracy's mother has been trying to sign the girl into her agency but that girl is stubborn, wanting to prove herself.
She immediately Called Carl back. I will be expecting to meet the girl in the video tomorrow she said once he picked up.
Sure Carl answered  exaitedly..
Mrs. Williams hang up the call excited,  She did not know that Tracy was with them on the vacation. Now she will be able to save the show, while keeping her promise to her friend of having Tracy sign under her agency.
Nora, Tracy mother was afraid of her only baby getting involved in entertainment madness. Since she work in the media, she understands how crazy it get. But Tracy want to get into it at all cost. So Nora asked her friend to bring her under her wings.
She did not know Tracy was that good. The girl must have inprove over the years, Mrs. Williams concluded.
Back in the vacation house, the group were having a late lunch, when  Mrs. Williams called. So...? Emmanuel asked as soon as Carl dropped the call.
The ladies were yet to be informed about the current situation of cutting their vacation. I have news Carl started speaking. First tonight will be our last night here. The vacation has to be cut short due to the fact that something came up, Carl said.
What came up? Elizabeth asked. Honestly she was surprised that they could have a the vacation without interference, She knew celebrities were always very busy.
Carl did not have any problem telling Elizabeth the truth about work but they were not alone. He considered Danielle an outsider. He was not sure of the excuse the company will be giving to the public, so he could not say anything yet.  He gave Elizabeth a helpless look and she seems to get his delimma.
So when are we leaving? she immediately changed the question. First thing in the morning Carl replied. And Tracy she love it, he said.
Wow that's so exciting Tracy jumped with joy. She was so happy that she finally got attention. It not like her could not easily have signed under prime entertainment but she wanted her talent to pave a way for her. She was unaware that her mother already spoke to Mrs. Williams and that it was only a matter of time before they signed her into prime entertainment.
Since it our last day, let explore the rest of the island Emmanuel suggested. He did not want them to dwell on the news of Tracy, since they did not plan to disclosing the information yet. 
Great ideal Carl supported.
Let go to the beach Emmanuel said and they all nodded in agreement.
They headed to the beach after the meal and stay there till it was time for dinner. After having their dinne, they all went out to the garden to drink the night away.
Let's play a game, Wilfred suggest.
Wonderful idea, they all agreed. What kind of Game? Elizabeth asked.
Truth or Dare Danielle suggested.
Hell No, they all chores, shaking their heads and laughing in between.
Rock papers scissors Bella suggested.
No, Ray rejected.
They all laughed again.
Tell me a lie, Emmanuel said.
What kind of hame is that? Elizabeth asked.
It a game were you get to say two things about yourself. one has to be true and another lie. The person  you have a turn with identity the lie. If the person gets the lie correctly, then you drink. If the person fails, the person drinks. Emmanuel explain.
That's lame, the person could just lie in other to win Bella pointed out.
Yeah. That's why we would have a judge. The person telling the lie will whisper, the answer into the judge's ear, so it fair and square. Emmanuel explains.
I like it, Bella said.
I will be the judge Elizabeth immediately volunteered. She hardly drinks and she knew she couldn't go beyond half a glass.
They all agreed and soon the game began.
I hate romantic movies and I am yet to get my first kiss Tracy started the game. She was playing with Wilfred.
Ah! your two sentences sounds impossible. I mean ladies usually like romantic movie and it strenge for you not to have been kissed before, Wilfred said analyzing her statement.
You hate rom... No you are yet to have your first kiss Wilfred answered.
Are you sure Tracy asked.
Yes, Wilfred answered. Everybody turned their attention to Elizabeth for the answer.
Wilfred drink she said with a grin. She is so happy she is not playing along because she would have failed that question.
Every one opened their eyes in disbelief. But you watch romantic movies with us, Bella commented. She could not stop herself.
Yes I watch them with you but that does not mean I don't hate them. They are overly exaggerated and unrealistic. I rather watch action. Tracy answered.
Wilfred took his glass and empty the cup in one go. My turn he said Turing to Danielle.
I do not know how to ride a bike and I love football he said.
You love football, Danielle answered.
What? How could you guess that Wilfred said in disbelief.
Simply you will not say something that I could easily tell is truth. Most guys love football if you said it then it has to be a lie. So drink Danielle said with a grin handing over a glass to him. Wilfred took the cup and down it in one go.
My turn, I hate shopping but I love the movies Danielle said looking at Emmanuel.
Hmmm Emmanuel thought for half a minute.
You hate shopping he answered.
Too smart Danielle comment and took the drink.
I love to club, my favorite color is red Emmanuel asked Tracy.
You favorite color is red Tracy answered after carefully thinking about it.
Drink girl, Elizabeth said. What you hate clubbing Tracy asked with frown brows. It sounds next to impossible, since she saw Emmanuel like someone who would love clubbing.
No I don't hate clubbing but I don't love it either. I only go when I have to Emmanuel answered.
Hmmm Tracy said still not convinced but she drank up anyway.
My favorite food is fried rice and I hard my first crush at 13.Tracy said this time Carl had to answer.
Your favorite food is fried rice Carl said without putting much thought to it.
Drink Tracy replied with a smile. Carl took the glass and drank. I have kissed a guy before and I have over 15 ex girlfriends Carl said.
You have over fifteen girlfriends Bella replied.
How did you gusse that. He was really counting on her choosing the other option since everyone knows him as a play boy.
Simple you use the words girlfriend, you could have beaded over 15 ladies without dating them, Bella answered.
Drink up baby Elizabeth cheer him up.
Okay it my turn Bella announced happily while facing Ray. My favorite sport is table tennis and my first kiss was stolen, Bella said. She had a feeling that Ray will be able to guess the answer but she could not think of anything else to say.
Your first kiss was stolen Ray answered. Bella was a bit surprised that he missed but she was happy to win.
Drink she said with an ear to ear smiles. Ray picked up the glasses and drank. I am happy to know I stole your fist kiss he whispers in her ears. Bella was shocked. So why would he lose deliberately. Her eyes questioned him.
I don't want you getting drunk he whisper again. When you guys are done acting lover birds, can we get back to the game Tracy tease and they all laugh.
They played the game well into the mid night before they returned back into the house. They were all drank except for Elizabeth who did not participate and Bella who Ray kept losing to deliberately.

.... "Bella" Ray called her name with so much melody. Pulling her hand close to his chest to allow her listen to his heart beat. See. My heart beat for only you, Ray assured his girlfriend 
 Raymond Williams a successful singer and novelist is in a twist between the past that hurt and uncertain present. When an ex girlfriend comes back, knocking with a child.
  Can he trust the woman that hurt and broken his heart three years ago. Or the woman who has never giving him a reason to worry.

"You have no brains, you have no talent, you are useless just like your mother this is what Bella hears from her adopted mother for the past seventeen years of her life. 

   Bella wisdom a nineteen years old lady who trys to survive in a world where she  felt had no place for an orphan like herself. After two years of trying to get into college to become a lawyer Bella find a new part to become a writer but first she will need to get admitted into Mount Wing where only the very talented and wealthy students are welcome.
  The new part opens a new world of opportunities but challenges for her as she trys to find her new happiness. 
  
"Life will always have new challenge but  when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Bella Wisdom Wealth repeated her motto to herself. Blinking back the tears that were about to drop as she looked at her reflection in the full length mirror.

"DANI! You need to come down here, I have something to tell you" Mom called while I was busy reading one of my collection books. I drop my book and run down the stairs before my mom decides to barge inside my room and take away my book. 

"Mom?" 

"Kitchen" She calls out

"Whats wrong?" I asked the moment I saw her fidgeting, she looks to me and then she started tearing up. 

"Your father called" Just like always, this three words means more to our family than  anyone else. My father was never with us, he was never around and the only time he calls us is if he wants something. But my Mom, well lets just say shes too nice that even if the guy has not showed up in years, she would still accept whatever his request is. 

"What is it this time?" I was annoyed 

"His coming back and he wants to see you" And just like that, my whole little normal slash crazy life went downhill.

Who would have thought that a single person can stir my whole life into something else.

Born A Monster
Chapter 66
Greywood Border
"Oh, well just give us the letter, and we'll deliver it." Said Pippin.
"No." I said.
"Why not?"
"There is only the one letter, and while not delivering it might seem like a harmless prank, I assure you this matter is urgent to me."
"The promises of alves are sacred within the Greywood." Danielle said.
"Only to other alves, underneath mistletoe, and only when the moonlight shines upon them.  I am not totally ignorant of your customs."
Danielle cocked her head, twitched an ear.  "Indeed.  Well done."
"Please, escort us to Laralantha, of the the House of Archers."
"Oh." The male who was not Pippin said. "Well, let us take you to a lake, first?  Where you can bathe and make yourselves presentable?"
Katherine scoffed.  "Even I know that to bathe in the mirror spring is death, even if led there by alves."
"All right, we can see there's no tricking you." The unknown male said.  "If you'll just follow us, at a good distance so that none suspects you of holding us at knifepoint.  We'll escort you to her."
"Don't you need to consult with the actual guards keeping vigil on this entry?  So they know we're invited, not just following you?"
"But we are inviting you." Danielle said.
I left the tent, picked up a tent stake, and held it between the two poles, the point resting on the far side of that line.
Within seconds, there was a disruption in the air.  With a loud THWOK, a quivering arrow appeared in the ground, shattering the stake to splinters.
I looked over my shoulder at the alves, watching with anticipation from the door to our tent.
Danielle began clapping.  "Oh, so nice, to find one so clever."
Katherine was still getting dressed, so I decided to stoke and fuel the fire while waiting for my turn.
"What is this oil you have applied to our firewood?" I asked.  I took a sniff; it didn't seem to be the sort of thing to explode in a sulphureous fart smell.
"Oh, it makes the fire turn pretty colors.  Try it out."
I invoked Ignition of my hand, specifically on the oils I had felt there.
First off, don't do that, it really hurts.  As in two points of damage even after Boil, Boil type hurts.  
Second, my hand was wreathed in bright red flames.  "Ah, the flames of war." I said.  "That might have gotten us killed, too."
The vicious pranksters emerged from the tent.  "He's boring." The unnamed male said.  "And I want to see Pippin eat worms."
"Really?  Why would I do that?"
"You lost a bet." Said Danielle.
"That doesn't sound like me at all.  Must have been Pedes."
Sigh.  "You know that is not my name."
"Podos?"
"You know my name."
"Squorlgrim?"  That one started a small scuffle, with Pippin laughing the whole time.
They pranced across the border, carefree as you please.
Okay, there was extra firewood in the saddlebags…  Where was Dempsey?
Dempsey, complete with saddlebags, was just casually sleeping.  On the Greywood side of the border.
#
There was no campfire, so we had a salad for breakfast.  Dempsey nibbled contentedly on foliage inside Greywood.  
"At least they won't kill Dempsey." I said.
"So those visitors last night, those were alvish children?"
"Pech." I said.  Pranksters and illusionists.  "Since there wasn't any magic, I'm going to guess they weren't actually interested in us.
"So I suppose we refill our canteens at that stream we crossed yesterday?"
"There's water on Dempsey, I just don't think the local berries will be enough to persuade him over here."
"Well, if they keep us waiting for long enough, those apples over there will turn ripe."
"No good." I said.  "See that one branch, sticking over the border?"
"So we walk four hours every time we want water?"
"I think we'll actually meet one of the actual border guard today." I said.
"You think?"
"With high confidence." I said.
"Why do you think that?"
"Because there is an alf watching us from right there." I said, gesturing with my fork.
"Where, there's nothing… no, wait.  Sneaky bugger."
"I only just noticed him, myself.  Unless I miss my guess, he's using Air magic to listen to us from where he is.  Please watch potentially offensive language like sneaky bugger."
"Thought you said alves valued honesty."
"In humans, yes."
She snorted.  "So how long until he comes over here and talks to us?"
"He might not know human languages.  Or she, I can't tell at this range."
"I thought elves were sophisticated and multi-cultural."
"I'd imagine some are, some aren't."
"You'd think the ones they choose for border patrol would know how to at least talk to outsiders."
"As I understand it, border guards volunteer for service, they aren't assigned as we understand guard posts."
"That's ridiculous.��� Katherine said.  "How do they keep their borders secure with only volunteers?"
I spread my hands.  "Different race, different culture.  Somehow, they never lack for volunteers."
"That's just bizarre."
"Goblins prepare their food without fire." I said.  "That seems bizarre to me."
"And how do you know that?"
"I lived among goblins, for a few weeks."
"And they didn't eat you?  Must have liked you quite a bit."
I shrugged.  "Maybe they just didn't have enough salt."
Lilting laughter came to us across the wind.
Katherine listened.  "Well, that answers that.  Female, and understands Achean well enough to tell a joke."
"The rest is waiting.  I'll make the first journey for water, if she hasn't contacted us by highsun."
"You mean noon?"
"I mean noon.  Can't rule out that our potential host learned only the archaic term."
"We could just ask her to please get the water from our mule."
"Or please just get the mule." I said.  "But we won't.  Asking for favors before introducing oneself is rude."
"So what, we compose a song in iambic pentameter about who we are and in spite of that we need our water?"
I chuckled.  "That might actually work.  How is your singing voice?"
"Let's not torture the poor woman."
#
"On that subject, you said something last night."
"Perhaps you could be more specific?"
"You said you were a Proteus Shapeshifter?  Like the old man of the sea?"
"Protean Shapeshifter." I said.  "It's more along the lines of werewolf shifting.  It takes a while, is painful, and requires a lot of biomass, which you may know as nutrition."
"Ah, so that's why you don't change forms, then."
"That's pretty much it."
"Wimp."
"I don't have the spare biomass right now."
"We just ate." She said.  "And ate quite well, for breakfast."
"My daily nutritional needs are 54 points, and there's also-"
"Fifty-four points?  That would make you level nine?"
"Level six.  My size modifier is the same as yours."
"Level SIX!  GODS!  Here I am thinking I'm protecting my children, and you aren't even a full adventurer, yet.  What?  How old are you, twelve?"
"One and a season."
"Gods, I must be STUPID!  Here I was thinking you were some kind of warrior, and that we could protect my children together.  But NO!  You're some kind of … of… hyper-baby!"
"That is excessively unkind, if not entirely inaccurate."
"You led me to believe there was a band of heroes."
"I don't know about a band, but Philecto Amor is leading a small group of heroes to Narrow Valley.  I was hoping for support from the alves, possibly the domug and centaur as well."
"What?  You think Steel-Eyed Adara is just going to go out and fight a siege weapon with you?"
"The Spider Queen could be considered a living siege weapon, if on a smaller scale.  But no, I've already asked."
"Oh, then why are we here?"
"I'm hoping to get a bow and a spear of alvan make, to offer to the winners of last Clanmoot's victors with those weapons."
"Clanmoot?  Uruk have clanmoots?"
"Centaurs do." I said.  "They won't be able to sneak around in the town itself, but I was hoping they could help us in the broken foothills after Rakkal is overthrown."
"You mean killed."
"I mean overthrown, dethroned.  I don't see how to do that without killing him, but no, that's not explicit in the quest."
She turned her head and spat.  "You just don't want to kill your fellow monster."
"Kill?  I don't want to OPPOSE Rakkal.  He's big, and scary, and strong enough to turn the tides of battle.  I'm not certain any hero can stand against him one-on-one.  For that matter, I'm not certain a group of heroes is a credible threat to him."
I closed my eyes.  "But I am sworn to do my best to see that happen."
"She's coming." Katherine said.  "Anything I need to know about introductions?"
I swiveled my head.  "They probably expect us to use the human form.  Name, family, titles, holdings."
"What's the elven format?"
"Depends on which grouping of alves she's with."
"Wait, there's not just one type of alf?"
"Is there just the one type of human?"
She shrugged.  "So we follow whatever format she uses?"
"I think we have to introduce ourselves first."
"Oh, bollocks."
#
She was willowy, came up to Katherine's shoulder, and had skin the color of cedar bark.  
She came forward with a small spade, and began digging up her arrow.
"Pardon me," I said.  "I am Rhishisikk, sworn to the service of the Guild of Guardsmen, Porters, Drovers, and Linkboys in Narrow Valley as a Truthspeaker."
Her ears rotated forward on that last word.
"This is my quest-mate, Katherine of Whitehill.  We are here with regards to an invitation from Laralathla of the House of Archers.���
She squinted at me, turned back to digging up her arrow.  "I'll get your water and cooking equipment, but your passage is not my concern.  Get good sleep today, someone will be coming tonight."
"Thank you." I said.
"Your thanks have a weight upon my emotions equal to that of a single rat fart."
"Uh, Okay."
Not the elegance and beauty one hears about in fairy tales, is it?
"Your emotions do not reduce my gratitude."
"If you're composing a poem about, I'm leaving without getting your water."
I really didn't want to walk that far just to fill the canteens, and the thought of stew tonight instead of salad?  I kept my mouth shut.
Her arrowhead was thin and sharp and steel, meant to penetrate armor.  It wasn't quite a bodkin point, but anyone who'd spent hours discussing arrows with an archer could see the similarities.
She brought Dempsey to the border, dumped the saddle bags, tossed the canteen to Katherine and pot after pot to me.  She then led Dempsey back to a bush he'd been eyeing.
And then she crossed into the forest eaves, vanishing soon after.
"That could have gone worse." Katherine said.  "I like her."
"We will eat well tonight.  Extra portion for our guest?"
"They might bring two.  Call it four bowls."
I thought cooking forty servings of stew was excessive, but Katherine was right that there were two of them, male and female, alike enough to be siblings.
They were curious about the ingredients, but eagerly partook.  When only four servings of stew remained, the male said "There should have been a silver token with the letter?  About so big around?"
I groaned, and Katherine burst out laughing.  Both alves look confused.
"That's about the size of a human coin." I explained.  "I've no doubt one was sent, but it never made it to me."
"Ah." Said the male.
His sister shook her head.  "Human greed.  Almost as common as human stupidity."
"Here." He said.  "Take mine.��
"Perhaps another glass of tea, and then we'll guide you to Laralathla."
"Take no food that is not offered, bathe nowhere the water does not flow, and harm no creature in our wood, no matter how that creature treats you." He said.
"Oh, and none of that spitting you humans do." She added.  "That's just disgusting."
#

Born into a world of chaos and violence, young shapeshifter Rhishisikk struggles to survive.  With the assistance of unlikely allies, he must learn to live among the most dangerous of monsters - human beings!

Today is like any other day. My own little routine that plays by the numbers. I keep it simple and once leave anything out of place. Nothing can be out of place.
I wake up. I get ready for the day. Greet my family. Go on my stroll with my brother Leo, whom comes along now and then. I know know deep he doesn't want to. But for his well mind, I let him tag along. Freshen up at home and go to work.
It's all simple and it's enough. Even if others disagree.
Danielle: Come on, girl! Just come out with us just this once. I promise it will be the last.
Ash: You said that last week. And the week befor that. And the week even before-
Kami: Oh god. Don't be a wet blanket about it. It's not even going to be that crazy. Just a night out with the girls.
Ash: That will either be trespassing a college campus or some dinghy nightclub. I know the song and dance. The answer is still no.
Danielle: Ash... come on. It feels wrong going out without you.
Ash: By all means. Have fun. I promise I help around the house anyway. Kind of moot isn't?
Danielle: If you're sure?
Ash: I am. Thanks anyway, maybe this weekend we can go to the movies or something? How about that?
They say that's fine. But I can see their disappointed but not all that shock. These riffs of ours never changed when were young, even after we drifted apart at some point, that hasn't changefor the better. We were like sisters then and these spites are just a reminder. They don't have to keep up the act. But like my brother, they just do it to make things feel normal.
Despite that... I wished they stopped. I can handle myself. I'm hurt. Not stupid.
While the hours go on. I managed the front lines of the store. Just your basic ma and pa hardware general store. The girls and I knew the owners before new management took over. I was wary at first, but the owners said the place was still family owned. So, that kept my nerves in check.
I never met my new boss up close. Just over the phone or whatever messages and such Kami would get. She's very much hooked on him, so whatever I know is just second hand. Which is fine. I didn't want to work here for him, but the Jones's. Family or not, I'm wary of him.
Almost lost in my thoughts, the chimes of the door swung. I'm ready to act business savvy until seeing it's my brother.
Ash: Hey.
Leo: Hey to you too, little mouse. Just here for the usual stuff.
Ash: Paints and to torture me.
Leo: You said it. Not me.
Ash: Right. You know where to go. Hop to it.
I hold back a chuckle when does a small rise in his stance before heading to the back of the store.
I take a sigh. Shaping up the magazines by the glass covered displays. Rolling my eyes when catching the snips of flirting from Leo and Danielle. I wish they get passed the awkward phase, but that's how they been speaking to each other since high school.
I have yet to figure out if that is sadly cute or sadly painful.
A little clatter breaks their chatter. Though only for a moment when I said I had it. Heading by the entrance of the store to see a few roll up floor mats escape their holds. Easy fix.
Having the door chimes echo again for another costumer. Was another issue when a few of the mats blocked the way.
Ash: So sorry. One second, and I'll be with you.
I don't catch anything the person says. I get the gist of a adult male based by the deep voice. And a tall one once I fixed the mats and greet him.
I freeze. Taking in the sight before me. A tall dark man with a buzzed trim in relaxed business clothes, a welcoming smile with deep loss of brown eyes look at me. If this was a romance flick. I would be swoon by the sweetness in me by old memories.
Piecing together Kami's roaming thoughts of our boss. That style of his clothes and his slight features to Mr. Jones told me enough.
Ash: Mr. Moore.
Yet, I find myself trying not to burst into tears by how familiar those eyes are. I brave myself when I hear him speak again.
Carter: No need for formality. Carter is fine. But pleasure to meet you, miss...
I must have looked more of a wreak than I thought. Having Danielle coming to my side in a flash. Having her winning smile and fast talking street smarts be her guide.
Danielle: Mr. Moore! How great to finally meet the man of mystery. You're here for the quotas, right? I know we discuss them over via email last month.
Carter: Yes, Miss. Thomas?
Danielle: Miss Hall actually. Miss. Thomas had to call in sick so I'm her replacement today.
I took that as my cue to leave. Head down when passing my brother and going to the employees restroom. Locking the door in a snap. And all I remember is teying to hold back tears while curling on myself. Breathing in jitters.
Today wasn't so normal anymore.

Just living life as one can day by day. Yet, that doesn't mean that one night is forgotten. A sweet dream then and a bitter haunting now.

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