New Friends

Again everybody was in an state of shock accept for Dante and Kevin.

Dante then said "I'll tell Uncle Noah you're coming over to listen to his piano play."

Kevin then said "sister let's play together tomorrow.''

Marika nodded and said 'see you tomorrow'

After that everybody left the room and Richard and Marika were alone.

"You're a good girl you kept all your promises with me. Can you tell me why you don't like doctors?"

Marika looked at Richard not really understanding what he meant.

"Never mind, now let's go to Uncle Noah he is waiting for us."

As they both walked over to Noah's music room at the 2nd floor Marika looked like a happy 4 or 5 year old girl.

When they arrived at the room Marika rushed in the room 'Uncle Noah!'

Noah was shock; there was a young woman who acted like a child hugging him. Miss Marika!!!

Richard shook his head "her metal state is that of a child at the moment; just treat her like you would a child."

Noah looked at Marika "So my lovely niece want to hear her uncle piano play?"

Marika nodded 'can uncle play Serenity for me?'

"Uncle will play that for you and after that would you like to hear uncle play Ave Maria on the violin?"

Marika eye's grew big of excitement and nodded her hear. Richard took Marika to the sofa in the room and sat down, while Noah was playing the first song Marika was humming along with it.

When the song ended Marika was getting a bit drowsy both man noticed it and they both nodded.

Then Noah picked up the violin and started to play Ave Maria. Halve way through Marika was sound asleep.

When Noah finished playing he said "I used a spell in the music it should keep the instability at bay for a few hour's and she should be having sweet dreams."

"Let's talk tomorrow in my study, I found a few solution but there dangerous but maybe with your help we can minimum the risks."

Noah nodded.

As Richard picked up Marika she was talking in her sleep 'big brother you promised to take a nap with Marika.'

As Richard was carrying Marika in his arms he whispered "let's go to bed and sleep"

Marika was smiling in her sleep as she hugged Richard.

The next morning Richard woke up and saw that Marika was hugging him and still a sleep.

He looked at her and was stroking her head. "You're really a troublesome girl.

Richard slowly got out of bed as to not to wake Marika. After he changes his cloth he left the room quietly.

Richard entered the study; Genus and Noah were already waiting. They started to discuss on how to help Marika's awakening problem. When they suddenly heard a scream.

Something small ran from the bed room all the way to the study room. And barge in to the study.

'What the hell is going on!?'

The three men looked surprised at the small little girl. The little girl looked like a 5 year old. Richard walked up to Marika and knelt down to her level. And just stared at her for a moment.

"You look so cute, so this is what you looked like when you were a child"

'Is it the time to say something like that? How do I turn back? I can't go to the kitchen like this.'

Marika noticed that doctor Niveus slowly walking up to her, she gestured to Richard to pick her up. Richard picked her up and held her firm in his arms. He liked it very much now that Marika was so small and that she had to depend on him like this.

Marika looked at the doctor 'so how do I change back? And don't give me the crap I need to sleep it off.' She said in a firm voice.

"Did you wake up like this?" he asked her.

Mariska rolled her eyes "well duhh… why else would I ask how to turn back.

"When I left the room she still looked like an adult" Richard then said.

Suddenly Marika got a bad feeling 'Master can you put me on the ground' Marika asked Richard.

He did what she asked and then she bolted out of the room.

The three men were confused and fallowed her and found her in the main hall.

But what they saw came as shock and would forever stay in their memories.

'Arthur!!! You little sh*t!!!!!'

Arthur looked down and saw a little girl standing in front of Dante with her arms stretched like a protective wall. He stared at the little girl but then started to laugh at her.

"Ahahaha, look at how small you are now."

"Now let's see how I beat you up"

After he said those words he charged at Marika, but just because she was small she took advantage of her situation. As she tripped Arthur, he lost his balance and took a deep dive to the ground.

After hearing all the commotion even Derick and Kevin came to look on what was going on.

They saw a small little girl beat up an adult. They couldn't believe what they were witnessing.

Afterward Marika then stated 'I maybe small but I'll beat the crap out of you anytime… Stop bullying my brother.'

Kevin and Dante look at Marika with a total shock, and then they rushed over to her.

"Sister what happened to you?" Dante asked her.

'I woke up like this.' She felt a bit embarrassed when she said that.

"Are you alright sister? Did you get hurt any ware?" Kevin asked her.

'Nah I'm fine, that little prick can't hurt or touch me' Marika said proudly.

Derick then walked up to Marika and picked her up and held her in his arms.

"Miss Marika let's get you some clothes to wear, I should have some that you can wear. I hope Miss Marika don't mind there Kevin's old clothes."

'I don't mind but what if I turn to my original size again… Wont they rip apart?'

"There is nothing to worry about, if we put a magic stone on the clothe they will grow with you."

Marika nodded.

Derick then carried Marika to his room.

Derick looked through the closed "is there any particular color you like Miss Marika?"

'Not really, just slap something together that is comfortable and easy to move around in.'

Derick than took black jeans, a navy blue shirt, a black jacked and a pair of gray sneakers and showed it to Marika.

Marika looked at the clothing set 'you have a good eye for fashion 'Marika praised Derick

'Can I take a shower fist? I don't like to put clean cloth on a dirty and sweaty body.'

Derick directed Marika to the shower and gave her towel and took the cloth to the bathroom.

"I'll be out side, call me if you need anything."

After Marika was done taking a shower and had changed in her cloth she came out of the bathroom.

Marika then asked 'does it look good on me?'

Derick nodded and walked up to Marika "little Miss Marika this broach has the magic stone on it what I told you about. With this your clothes should grow with you when you turn to your original size.

When Derick finished attaching the broach he saw that Marika was crying.

"What's wrong Marika?" Derick asked in a warm voice.

Marika then said 'you remind me of my father (sniff, sniff); even though we didn't spent much time together when I was a child, when he was around he was just like you a warm and kind man.'

Marika then hugged Derick and asked 'Do you mind being a father figure for me?'

"Miss Marika that would be a great honor for me, and I don't mind at all."

Marika then wiped her tear's away and smiled 'Thank you father'.

"Then I'll call you Marika from now one. But can I ask you something?"

'Sure.'

"Could you talk a bit about your past with Master? He feel a bit confused why you jumped out of the window that day."

'Ohh, yeh… sure no problem. But how do I do that? I mean I don't know how to start a conversation like that. It's not like I can just start to blurt out my life story.'

"Don't worry about that, I'll make some time in his schedule so you both can have some time to talk over a cup of tea. How does that sound's?

'Oke!' she said with a smile.

Derick picked up Marika and carried her out of his room, everybody was still waiting for her to return. When she entered the hallway everybody looked up and saw her.

Everybody thought the same thing; "She just looks good in anything."

Derick put her down and asked "so what are your plans for today Marika?"

'Well I can't teach Kevin cooking and I can't do Dante's and Kevin's training session ether today.'

"Then why don't you go explore the mansion's surrounding today? Kevin can cook dinner and show you how much he has learned and young Master Dante can practice on Arthur for today."

Marika thought for a little while.

"Yeh sister you go out and relax for today, you have being teaching us for more than a week, and you need to rest also" Kevin said.

Dante nodded and agreed "how can I passé up an opportunity to use Arthur as a practice dummy."

"HEY!!" Arthur yelled.

'Oké, I'll do that then, but I'm still not really used to how to read the time outside.'

"Don't worry, we will get you when it's time for dinner, we can easily find you."

Richard whispered to his familiar to fallow her and watch over her and let him know when she is in danger.

Marika said her goodbye and then went out and explore her surroundings.

"So what's the deal Derick, why did you start to call her by her name?" Noah asked.

"Well she said I reminded of her father and asked me to be a father to her" Derick replayed.

Everybody looked at Derick and they all agreed that his character was like that.

"Master there is something we need to discuss about Marika."

[3rd floor study room]

"Master I asked Marika if she could tell you why she behaved the way she did the day she jumped out of the window. And she wouldn't mind telling you. But she is unsure how to talk about it to you."

Richard looked at Derick "so she opens up to people she is comfortable with."

"Well she is just like I thought she is, she won't hide thing from a person if they ask about it."

"But from what she told me is that she didn't have her father a lot in her life when she was a child and she didn't even mention her mother. The reason she asked me to be father to her is because I remind her of her father."

Richard then thought "she probably felt very lonely when she was so young."

"But from what I observed thus far is that you are more special to her, she doesn't seem all that curious about others accept for you Master."

"How did you come to that conclusion?" Richard asked.

"Well that is because Master doesn't talk about yourself either to her."

Richard thought about these word, and he knew he could not dispute what Derick said.

"Let's plan a day for you and Marika to have some tea and a nice conversation again, I can observe her and maybe find what you are to her… or she will tell you yourself."

[In the forest]

While Marika was exploring she suddenly stopped.

'You can come out! I know you have being following me ever since I left the mansion.'

A boy around the age of 16 years old appeared from behind her.

" How did you notice me? I'm sure I didn't make a sound or was visible."

'I'm pretty sensitive person' Marika answered.

'What is your name?'

" Noir."

'Hi my name is Marika.'

"I already know" Noir pouted.

'Well Noir, that is not your real form, you mind showing me what you really look like?'

Noir was speechless, how did she know.

'Well you give of a different vibe than the others in the mansion.'

"But won't you be scared of me?"

'Huh! Why would I be scared of you? You saw me beat up that trashy vampire!'

'You think you can scare me? Listen I know I'm in a different world than where I came from but that doesn't mean I need to fear it. And one more thing if you had any ill will towards me I would just beat you up.'

Noir mind went blank by her words, he could not comprehend how and what she was thinking.

"Oké I show you then"

As Noir changes his form, Marika was completely aw struck. Before her was a Black Wolf bigger than her. He had red golden eyes.

"See, you're afraid of me! You became quiet."

But what happened next shock Noir totally. Marika ran up to him and Hug him.

'You're so cute and your fur is so soft… and your eyes are so beautiful.'

While Marika was combing Noir fur with her little fingers she asked 'Are you a familiar of Master?'

Noir nodded.

'Then can you help me with something?' Marika asked.

"If there is something I can help you with, I'll try to give it my all."

'As you can see I look like a five year old child, but this is not what I should look like. I want to change back, but nobody is telling or teaching me on how to do that.'

Marika looked dejected and her voice sounded a little frustrated.

Noir who was still in his wolf form could feel her frustration. Although she gets along with everybody accept for Arthur and doctor Niveus. She was a person who would jump n to an abys if they need her help. But when she need it, they just didn't know what to do how to help her since she was a special case.

But Noir thought that whatever the case maybe, they should just try to help her since she is not afraid to ask for help when she know she couldn't do it alone. And it would be better if they just told her honestly if they didn't know how to help her.

"Well as my new friend I'll try, but changing form's is something that comes as natural to us familiars as breathing. So don't give up if it doesn't work right away."

Marika light up and a big smile came to her face.

"Let's try this first, try to visualize what you looked like, and once you have that clear picture try to put it on you like a jacked."

Marika fallow Noir word's, she set down and started to calm her breathing and closed her eyes.

She relaxed herself and took her time.

"Yes that's it keep going."

After a moment Marika started to change, but not to her 23 year old self. Instead she turned from a 5 year old girl to an 16 year old girl. When she opened her eyes she asked 'did it work?'

Noir shook his head "well you did age by 11 years, but it's not bad for your fist try.

'Is there a pond nearby I like to have a look on how I look right now.'

Noir changed his Wolf body bigger and let Marika on his back and ran to a small pond nearby.

Marika looked at her refection. 'Wow I really look like when I was 16 years old, it's not bad to be stuck in this body shape. At least in this body I can teach Kevin and Dante.'

"You're not discoursed that you didn't get back to normal in one go?" Noir asked her.

'Well didn't you say it yourself that I shouldn't give up if I fail the first time? Well off coures I would like to be my 23 year old self again. But as a 16 year old I'm less defenseless and weak looking. Well not that I'm weak in a child's body thought. '

"You're really an optimistic person" Noir smiled.

Marika started to laugh 'Well I'm not an ungrateful person and your teaching were just fine, I know that I'm the one who needs to get the hang of it, nothing in life come's easy so I just need to work on it to get where I want to be.'

But then suddenly Marika heard a cry for help.

"Someone please help me!"

'Did you hear that Noir?'

"Someone help me please!"

Noir looked at Marika "I don't hear anything"

Marika stood up and ran in the diction she thought she heard the voice came from

"Hey where are you going!" Noir yelled.

Marika kept on running and a few minutes later she found the source of the voice it came from a small injured creature that was corner by 2 bigger creatures what the thought was of the same kind.

Noir finally caught up to Marika. " What are you thinking running off like that?"

'Ssst'

Marika was assessing the situation and also planning on how to save the small creature.

"Hey you're not planning on fighting 2 adolescent dire wolfs are you?"

But just as Noir finished his question Marika bolted from the place she was hiding and kicked both wolfs and the flew a few meters back. She then picked up the small creature and bolted in the direction of Noir.

'Run!'

Noir changed his size and put Marika on his back and ran as fast as he could. After a few minutes they stopped, because the 2 dire wolfs were not fallowing them anymore.

"Are you crazy!" Noir yelled at Marika.

' Well how can I ignore a cry for help' she said calmly.

"This is a dire wolf cub, they are wild animals in this world. Even if you raise it, it's very likely it will attack you when it's full grown."

'Well that is then and this is now, she is a small and defenseless little child now'

Marika opened her bag she got from Derick and look through it. She smiled when she found a few bandages and disincentive. 'Father really knows how to plan for everything' she thought.

As she was cleaning the wounds of the cub, it started to growl and even bit her.

"Look at what happens to you now, it bit you."

Noir still in his wolf form looked treating at the cub, and the cub whimpered in fear.

'Noir stop it, it's a total normal reaction on her side!' she said wild a calm but firm voice.

"But…"

'No buts, go to Master and inform him that I'm bringing her home.'

"All right but don't blame me for being scrolled by master!'

'Yeh, yeh! I'm used to that by now' she said with a smile.

Noir left and Marika was still tending to the cub.

'It's oké, the big bad wolf is gone now. Sorry if I hurt you just now but I'm trying to clean and dress your wound's. So please bear with it for a moment.'

After she was done tending the cub's wound, she was starting to only need to disinfect the wound and it was already healing up.

The cub put her nose to Marika's injured hand, 'I'm sorry for biting you, I didn't mean to hurt you'

'It's fine, look I'm already almost fully healed. My body heal fast so don't worry about it' Marika said.

[ At the mansion 3rd floor study]

Richard looked at Noir "what's wrong is she in danger?"

"No she is safe for now Master"

"Hum, for now you say?"

"Well she… kicked 2 adolescence dire wolfs to safe a dire wolf cub…" Noir said nervous.

Richard sighted " This girl really does act fist before she thinks."

"And now she will take it home with her?"

"Yes Master, but I told her that she can't and that is too dangerous!" Noir exclaimed.

"Well things sure have become more lively since she came her, you'll go back to her and make sure she come's home safely. I'll deal with it later."

"Yes Master."

[ In the frost ]

Suddenly Marika heard the sound of two growling wolfs coming towards her. She picked up the cub that was sleeping and closed her jacked. She picked up her bag and started to run.

The wolfs where closing in on her and she knew she could not out run them alone. As she was running when saw a rock formation with a cave entrance. She climbed up ward to the cave.

When she reached the place she looked down and saw the wolfs walk past the rock formation.

She sighted a sigh in relieved. But she knew wolfs would hang around in the area so she could not leave anytime soon.

When Mariska looked around, she saw the mansion. And from what she calculated the distance wasn't very far on a 30 minute walk or a 10 minute sprint at full speed.

She then looked at the cub and saw one of the wound reopened, the cup was shivering and whimpering.

'I'm sorry, because of my carelessness your wound reopened. I will readdress it.'

When she was done she eat the snacks in her bag and drank some water, she also gave the cub water to drink.

As she was thinking how she could make a diversion, Noir show up.

"Why are you up here?"

'Well those wolfs are still down there so I can't really leave this place'

Then Marika thought of something. She put the old bandage from the cup in her bag and hang the flask of water on her hip.

'Now I will make a lot of noise, when those wolfs come they will smell the cup from the bag, you will lure them a way and I can sprint to the mansion. When Master calls for you than drop the bag somewhere and come back.'

Noir looked at the girl.

"Well do you think it will work?"

'It should work, I'll make sure I leave 2 minutes after you leave so I'm sure they both fallow you.'

"Alright then! Let's try it"

Noir was down below with the bag in his mouth, and Marika started to make noise. The two wolfs appeared and as soon as they appeared Noir stared to run.

As planed both wolfs fallowed Noir. Marika climbed down and bolted in the direction of the mansion.

She sprinted as fast as her legs could carry her, without looking back she kept on running. As she was nearing the tree line she heard a growling sound coming from behind.

She knew if she looked back now she could trip and fall and that could make things worse for her so she kept looking ahead of herself.

As she came out of the forest she yelled at the top of her lungs

'MASTER PLEASE HELP!'

As Marika kept running she knew she could not hold on for much longer, every muscle in her legs was screaming for rest.

'MASTER PLEASE HELP!'

Just after the second time she screamed for help her legs gave out, and she fell to the ground.

She turned her body so she fell on her side and not crushing the cub.

She tried desperately to stand up again, but her legs weren't moving an inch.

'No I need to get up, come one leg's work with me!'

Then she heard a howl and the wolf charge and jumped to attack her.

"Marika!!" "Sister!!"

She couldn't even move to dodge the attack that was coming, so she braced herself.

But after a few seconds she notice that nothing happen. She looked up and saw Richard and Dante standing in front of her.

"Marika are you alright?" Derick asked her.

Marika looked back and saw Derick was crouched down. As she was panting heavily trying to assess what happened and what was going on she started to get dizzy.

She yelled in a panic 'Call Noir back now!'

Richard did not hesitate and called for Noir to come back.

After a few minutes Noir returned and saw the state that Marika was in. He also saw the wolf that had chased her.

"Where did this bastard come from?" Noir growled.

"Master do you need me to handle him?"

Richard shook his head. "Me and Dante can handle this, make sure Marika calm's down and get treated."

With the last bit of strength she opened up her jacked and took out the cub.

'Please Noir take care of her and bring her to my room, she… she is not a dire wolf.'

"Yeh, yeh… now get on my back, you can't even walk so I bring you inside" Noir said to her.

'Master I know I broke a promise, so you can scrolled me after I rested… oké.'

Richard walked up to Marika who was lying on Noirs back. He place a kiss on her head and said

"Take a good rest and we talk later."

Marika nodded.

Just before they went inside Marika asked Derick 'Where is Kevin?'

Derick pointed upwards, and Marika saw Kevin standing up on the third floor balcony whit his bow and arrows ready to shoot.

'Did you asked him to go there?'

Derick shook his head. "He went there himself."

'Smart little brother.'

"It's all thanks to the teachings of his big sister" Derick said with a smile.

Marika than closed her eyes and she fell asleep.

[3rd Floor east wing guestroom]

Derick and Noir arrived at the room. As they walked in and placed Marika on the bed they placed the cub next to her.

Derick than asked "where did that wolf come from that chased Marika?"

"I don't know, I was busy distracting two adolescent dire wolfs so she could make a run for it to the mansion."

As Derick was checking on Marika's wounds he saw a few cut's that were already almost healed up. After that he was checking on the big bruise she had on her side she fell on. But that was half way through healing.

"Huh, how is she healing so fast!" Noir asked in surprise.

"Marika has a born in healing ability, she heals up faster than even master can heal himself."

The little wolf cub had woken up and looked at Marika. It whimpered at the sight of her injuries.

"Don't worry little one, she will be fine after a few hours of sleep" Derick said to the little wolf.

As the little wolf looked at Derick and pushed her nose to Derick's hand he could hear the words of this little wolf.

'I'm sorry, this is all my fault.

A bit surprise by how the little cub could communicate, he petted her head and said.

"No it's not, she is a rash person who would charge in head fist to save someone regardless of her own safety."

"Stay with her so she won't panic when she wakes up."

"Noir you'll also stay here as well, because knowing her she will leave this room. But she will have a hard time walking."

The wolf cub laid back down next to Marika and fell asleep again.

[ Study Room 3rd floor west wing ]

"How is she" Richard asked Derick.

"She is exhausted, most of her wound were small cuts from branched and leafs but were almost all gone by the time I checked. Only a bruise too her side she fell on was still visible but that is also healing now. She is sleeping soundly in the room next to yours."

"But knowing her state of mind she was in she'll wake up in a few hours and then she will be completely healed."

"I also let Noir stay with her, because she will try to walk out of the room as soon as she wakes up."

"Then we have to wait till she wakes up." Richard then said.

Derick instructed Kevin to go to the kitchen and start preparing dinner. Dante got the hint from Derick and they both went out.

"Master from what Noir told me both him and Marika had not noticed the Wolf earlier. Noir was leading two adolescent wolves away from her so she could make a run for it."

"And one more thing, when the little wolf cub touched my hand I could hear her words in my mind."

"So this little one is indeed no dire wolf. She is close to the type of wolf Noir is."

"Master please don't be too harsh on Marika."

"I won't she already knows she broke one promise but she also kept one promise."

"You go down stairs and help Kevin in the kitchen. I'll go check on Marika."

[3rd Floor east wing guestroom]

Richard walked in the room quietly, He saw Noir lying at the foot end of the bed and a little cub next to her head. Both of them perked up because they sensed someone had entered the room.

Richard place his index finger to his lip, gesturing to be quiet.

As Richard checked her side that had a big bruise end a scrape wound he saw that it was almost fully healed.

Then Richard set down on the side of the bed and stroke Marika's cheek "your such a reckless girl"

The little wolf walked over to Richard and rested her head on his tight, with a nervous look in her eyes. As if she was saying please punish me because it's my fault.

Richard started to pet her head do reassure her "You're not to blame here, she probably heard your cries for help. And she hates seeing people or animals being bullied. So she will rush in to save the victim."

Than Richard asked Noir "when did she turned in to a 16 year old girl?"

"I taught her that" Noir answered.

"She noticed me fallowing her ever since we left the mansion, but I was not visible or making any sound's so I was surprised she told me she had notice me ever since we left. She said she was very sensitive."

"Master she was also very frustrated."

"Frustrated?" Richard asked.

"Yes she said that nobody would tell her how to change back to her old self and that nobody is telling her what is happening to her."

Richard was in deep thought for a moment. Well he could understand Marika's frustration, not knowing anything while knowing somebody does know something and not telling him would probably make him frustrated as well.

Richard then decided to take a few days off to spend time with Marika.

He was a bit jealous of the others, she had a good bond with them an like to spend her time with them, while he felt a bit left out and only saw her when she was hurt or sick

Suddenly Marika woke up and looked pretty spooked and the three of them all got surprised by her.

Richard gave her a hug and said " It's alright, your save now."

Marika calmed down and started to relax.

'Are you here to scrolled me?'

"Not today, while you did acknowledge you broke one promise you also kept on so…"

'Mommy, mommy!! …I was so scared!.... I'm sorry that you got hurt because of me.' The little cub whimpered.

Marika looked at Richard as she was a bit surprised by the little cub's words ' When did I get a daughter?'

Richard smiled at her, "apparently as of now."

'Well I don't mind, she is so cute. But we will have a bath before dinner.'

Then the little wolf looked at Richard. ' Daddy, that big wolf that cached mommy is the current pack leader of the dire wolfs clan.'

Richard started to blush when the little wolf called him daddy. 'Seems like you turned to be a father as of now' Marika said teasingly and then laughed.

"Well I don't mind to have a cute daughter, lets bath together just the three of us later." Richard said teasingly back at Marika.

An now Marika started to blush.

Noir asked the cub, why where they caching you and trying to kill you?

'The Dire Wolf Clan wants to take over The Moon Wolf Clan. And if they succeed the will start a war with your clan, The Night Wolf Clan.'

"This could become a big problem" Noir said.

Richard then said " Go to the Moon Wolf Clan and if need you can evacuate the entire clan to the North mansion.

'Thank you daddy'

"Who are you calling daddy you little twerp"

The atmosphere became more lively and Derick who was heading to Marika's room heard a commotion and ran to her room.

As he walked up to Marika he asked "how are you feeling?"

'Well I feel fine now after some sleep, but my legs feel heavy'

Then Derick asked " What's going on?"

As where Marika answered ' a little father and daughter quarrel and sibling rivalry'

Derick looked at Marika questionably and she explained everything to him.

"Kevin is almost done with cooking."

'Great, but how do we stop this situation? I already tried but they would not listen to a word I say.'

Derick thought of something and said " just play along with me."

Marika nodded.

Derick made his voice louder so they all could hear him.

"You taught Kevin very well, you're cooking skills are top notch, you make a great wife someday my daughter."

Then the commotion stopped and so they could hear their conversation.

'Father would you allow me to marry Master? He already became the father of my daughter.'

Richard started to turn a little bit red after hearing Marika's word.

"As for now I won't allow it" Derick said and winked at Marika

'Alright father, you know what's best for me, so I trust your judgment.'

"Now I'll get a bath ready for you, Noir go get some clean cloth's for Marika."

Richard walked up to Marika, "do you think you can walk?

Marika stood up and tried to walk but she was very unsteady on her feet. She held on to Richard but after a few steps her legs gave out.

Well then I carry you there, maybe after a nice hot bath your legs will feel better.

The bath was ready and help Marika to get in to the tub. Marika felt her whole body relaxing. And she felt alive again. ' This feels so good.'

At the shower corner Richard took the little cub and start washing it. "Don't fall asleep" he said to Marika.

' I won't!'

Derick looked at the 3 of them he was relieved but at the same time a little worried, how will she react when she finds out the truth about Master's identity.

As Marika was relaxing she started too hum, but it was neither Serenity nor Ave Maria. She was humming a completely new melody. Richard and the cub listen to it quietly.

When Marika was done humming she asked. 'Richard why don't you talk to me? Why are you hiding things that concerned my own body and health?'

Richard was a bit surprised at her question. He felt a bit flustered by her surprise attack.

"Well it's not that I want to hid…."

'It's because I'm a rare case isn't it? Well I found 2 more cases like myself in a book in the library. But in the end they both died, because of the mental stress or their bodies could not handle the change.'

"Marika"

Tears rolled from her eyes, and she had a bitter look on her face.

'As if my fist life wasn't cruel enough. Now that I finally found a place where I belong in my second life, have people around me who care about me, my fate is to part with them non the less within a few months to a year.

Noir and Derick where standing just outside and heard Marika's words, they were utterly bewildered by what they heard. They just couldn't believe this girl who was outgoing and smiling and always looked happy, was suffering so much. And when they were away for more than a week she already found out that her health was deteriorate pretty fast and she sought out the answer to what she was going through.

The little wolf looked at Richard and asked 'daddy? Why is mommy sad, what is going on?'

"Go to the other room, Derick and Noir will help you dry, I will help mommy." Richard whispered to the little wolf.

The little wolf went out and met with both Noir and Derick and they went to the Master's room.

"Marika could you listen to me for a bit?" Richard asked in a calm voice.

Marika looked up to Richard but she couldn't control her emotions any more, she was silently crying.

"Well here is what we know so far, your indeed a rare case, but there is also a possible solution for you. The thing is Dr. Niveus told me you're a special existent to us beings of the night. And he wanted me to protect and guide you. The other thing he told me is your soul is currently unstable."

"So the reason I went out was to find a solution to your soul instability and how to fix that. But the majority of the solution would end up in death. And that is something I can't accept. The only relative safe method is a time consuming one and that is through meditation."

Marika who listened carefully to Richard explanation said 'I know of a way to speed it up but I need your help for that.'

Richard looked at Marika and nodded "sure if there is something I can do to help I'll do as you say."

"Now let's go down stairs and have dinner."

'Good idea, I'm starving.'

"Oh there is one more thing!

'What is it? Marika asked.

"For the next 3 days I'm free, so let's get out of this mansion and go to a few places."

Marika was so happy she jumped out of the bath tub and pounced on Richard. He felt relieved to see her smile and being her outgoing self again. As he was hugging her he already knew he couldn't bear to not have her in his life. Her existent made his life more colorful and brighter again.