My name is Amilia Curter Diera. Here is my story of how I became the greatest warrior of all time.

As I emerged from the cave, the crowd cheered. I am the greatest warrior ever to be seen in the history of elves. Many have went into that cave and never returned. They all cheered and cheered until I raised my hand. They all got silent and my friend named Axilya Urinorin, came over and hugged me. Axilya and I walked to the village where my parents were. We got close to the edge of the village and I could see they were at the edge of the village, waiting for me and the others.

“Amilia, my dear. Are you the only one out of your squad to survive?” Mother asked me.

“Yes, ma’am.” I said as bowed to her.

“Come on home and rest, Amilia.” Father said as he held little Tara.

I grabbed Tara and bounced him up and down while he laughed. I hugged him and I felt tears run down my cheeks.

“Private Diera!!” I heard my Major yell.

I looked over and saw him walking over to me. I held Tara, stood up tall and saluted to him. He looked at me from head to toe.

“Where is the rest of your squad?” He asked me.

“They died in the cave and I was the only one who survived, sir.” I said as I put my hand to my side.

“Go home and rest.” He said as he saluted to me.

“Yes, sir, Major Urinorin.” I said as I saluted back to him.

I headed home with mother and father, while holding little Tara. We walked into my parents house and I set Tara down. He ran off and I grabbed an apple from the assortment of fruit. Mother looked at me scornfully. I shrugged and walked to my bedroom. I yawned and sat down in my light blue leather chair. Pretty soon I was asleep. I didn’t know how long I was asleep but when I woke up, it was 3 days later. This was normal for me after a mission. I walked out of the house and people started to glared and scorned me.

“What is this about? Why are you scorning me?” I asked as a rotten tomato hit my arm.

“You cheated!!” A young woman said, angrily.

"How did I cheat?" I asked.

"Show us the Pendant of Unlimited Courage!" An older man said.

"We have it, but I didn't wear it in the cave. It sits in a chest at home." I said.

"Cheaters win then they get caught. When they get caught, they get punished by the Village." The older man said.

"What is my punishment then?" I asked angrily.

"I rip thy family of their bountiful and respectful reputation!!" My Major said as he walked up.

"What? Why?" I asked him as I saluted.

"For cheating, by Genetically Altering your DNA and cheating by Pendant of Unlimited Courage. You no longer have thy reputation ful of respect and honor." Major said as he looked at me.

"Who told you that we the Pendant of Unlimited Courage? Who told you my genes were altered?" I asked.

"Axilya Urinorin. She told me." Major said as he walked away.

"How can I get my family's reputation back?" I asked.

"Work as a single soldier for the next 50 years and I will think about it. If you screw up even one time, I will have to let you go and your family will no longer have a reputation." Major said.

"How could you, Axilya? I thought you were my friend." I said as I looked at her.

"I thought you cheated okay? I read that your family is known for cheating." Axilya said as she looked at me.

"Thanks to you, my family and I have no more respectable reputation!!" I said as I pushed her down to the ground.

"I... I am so sorry!! I didn't mean for that to happen." Axilya said as she cowered beneath me.

I walked away and started my duty to protect the village. For 30 years now, I have protected my family's village and still working on getting my family's reputation back.

My name is Badilia Diera. I have a hidden secret to my magic. The secret to my magic being stronger than what it used to be is the Talisman of the Southern Forest.

It all began when I wasn’t but maybe 10 or 12 years old. I just started my 5th grade year. I walked out of the school and started walking home with my 3 sisters and my brother, Amilia, Celia, Regina and Tara Tarantula. We got home and we all ate a snack. I took a walk next to the beach when some stranger in a cloak bumped into me. I was terrified to figure out what this stranger was when I heard him wheezing as he laid on the ground. I was horrified to figure out this stranger was a giant Snapping Turtle, who lived in a tent in the Southern Forest. He was coughing and wheezing as he tried and tried to catch his breath.

“Are you okay, sir?” I asked as I walked toward him, slowly.

“Come… *coughs* come closer.” He said in a really raspy voice and I stepped closer to him.

I walked up to him and he put one hand on my shoulder. He handed me something that was small and carefully wrapped. He lengthened his neck up to my ear, and took a deep breath in.

“Don’t… let the… Dragon Kin find… it.” He said slowly with his raspy voice.

As he took his final breath, his head fell to the floor. His body turned to dust and the cloak he once wore, laid flat upon the sand. I picked up his cloak and put it over me as I heard footsteps running toward me. I dug a hole big enough for it and covered it up. I laid flat, just as sand hit the cloak.

“Damnaigh sé go hifreann! Cá ndeachaigh sé? Seo a chlóca, ach níl sé anseo! Téigh abhaile. Damn it to hell! Where did he go? This is his cloak, but he isn’t here! Let’s go home.” I heard a male say in Irish.

They left and I stood up with the cloak upon my back. The cloak shrank and it fit my body. I dug up the package up and picked it up. A saw a note flutter to the ground and I picked it up and read it.

“Carissimi Badilia Diera (Dear Badilia Diera),

Hic lapis est verbum hoc in illud. Custodite animas vestras.

This stone has this warning with it. Be careful.

Qui mollibus istud plus poterit.

Those who wear this stone shall gain more power.

Cauti esse invidia, quarum illa sit in flore uvam.

Be wary of those whose jealousy is a sour flower.

Sincerely, Todd the Gigantic, yet gentle Turtle.”

I wiped tears away from my eyes and cleared my throat. I walked home and no one asked me about what was in my hand that was wrapped. I closed my door and set the package on the desk. I unwrapped it and saw a beautiful Sapphire stone. The stone had powers to strengthen my magic, just for me. I put it on a golden bracelet and hid it from my family. They don’t know I have it and they never will know that I have it.

My name is Celia Ora Diera, and this is the back story of the staff I yield. I yield the Staff of Silver Moon. My staff wasn’t exactly a staff when I first got it.

It all started when I was younger and a lot nicer. I was walking along the beach and was thinking about my brother and his staff.

‘How come Tara Tarantula got a staff? Why did he even earn the Staff of Riles? It’s not really all that fair. I am the oldest so I should have gotten that staff.’ I thought to myself.

Before I could react, I tripped over some kind of rock, crab or something that was sticking out of the ground. I landed on my face. I lifted my head and shook out the sand from my hair when I heard laughing. I looked up and saw a few older elves from my class. They walked away as I stood up. I brushed the sand off and looked back at what tripped over. I walked over to it and knelt down. I brushed the sand off of it and picked up a small wooden chest. I opened it and saw something that was wrapped in some leather and a neatly folded note beside it. I read the note and it read:

“Those who find this chest shall either be blessed or shall be cursed. The stone shall choose.

Signed, Thy Moon Protector.”

‘Weird note. Oh, well. I am going to go show mother and father.’ I thought to myself as I put the note back and closed the small chest.

I ran home and opened the door. Mother and father looked at me as I noticed my younger sister, Amilia, was being tended to for wounds that gaped on her arm. I lost my smile and saluted to Amilia. She went to salute back to me, but mother grabbed her arm.

“Go play with Tara, Celia. He is been looking for you.” Mother said as she used herbal medicine to heal Amilia.

“I… no, ma’am. I will not go play with him.” I said as I adjusted my grip on the small chest.

“What’s that chest you got there?” Badilia, Amilia’s twin sister, asked as she walked in with some wet towels.

“I… umm… it’s a… it is something I had found on the beach.” I answered with honesty.

“What’s in it, Ceca?” Amilia asked as she stood up and looked at me.

“It is a stone. I found a note with it.” I said as I opened the chest and gave Amilia the note.

Amilia read it and smiled. She handed it to Badilia, and she read it. She smiled too and handed the note back to me. I took it and looked at them confused.

“Thy Moon Protector is someone from the Warriors of the southern Forest. He is in the same group as me.” Amilia said as he pulled her arm away from their mother.

“Amilia! Badilia! Celia! We need you on the field now!” All three of us heard Major Urinorin yell.

All three of us ran outside and ran up to Major Urinorin. We saluted to him and got into our positions, side by side.

“Amilia! Take troops to the Left! Badilia! Take troops to the right! Celia! Create a gadget that will help us defeat the Draginocous!” Major Urinorin ordered.

We nodded and parted ways. I headed straight for the mechanic shop. Before I got there, a white Draginocous with black horns landed in front of me. He changed into his human form and swung his spear at me. I dodged his swings and knocked him off his feet. I heard a gun shot and saw Amilia fighting another Draginocous with her ear torn/ shot off. I got to the shop, grabbed a spear base with metal tines on the top. I grabbed the stone and put it on the tines. The tines wrapped around the bottom of the moon shaped stone. I ran out of the mechanic shop and to Major Urinorin.

“Is that all you can think of? A stupid staff that you just made?” Major Urinorin asked me angrily.

“Fall back behind me, troops!!” I yelled, ignoring Major.

The troops, including Amilia and Badilia, ran past me. The Draginocous got closer as I held the staff in front of me.

“Keep thy Dragon Kins away from this here forest on the Southern side and protect us from any harm from above!” I said as my eyes turned a silver color and my hair lifted.

The Draginocous left in a hurry and a silvery gleam shown above and around the whole Southern Forest. I fell to my knees while holding onto the staff. My sisters caught me by the arms, and I shook my head lightly. I rubbed my forehead and looked up to see everyone cheering. I could barely hear anyone speaking and everything was blurry.

“I cannot believe that worked. We shall call it, The Mass Protector.” Major Urinorin said.

“I… ugh… I knew it would work. No! No, it shall be called The Staff of Silver Moon.” I said as I stood up with the help of my sisters.

From then on, I have had a little magical boost with the brand-new staff I created.

"NOT SCIENTIFICALLY POSSIBLE!!!" Ragheam said as lights blaired.

"No, no, NO!! How? This isn't correct!! We checked and checked!! We made sure they were the correct all the way through and through!!" L'odannas yelled as he typed onto a computer.

"Empty that container!! Get that kid out of there!!" Ragheam yelled as she typed on the other computer.

The container in the center of the room, filled with a green substance and a kid hooked up to cords, drained. L'odannas opened the glass door and unhooked all of the wires on her. He picked up the elven kid and took her to the chair. The kid started to cough and fell out of the chair, onto her hands and knees. Wings grew from her back and she lifted her head up. She stood up and rubbed her head. She flipped her hair back but she collapsed immediately after that. Then, she died right there on the floor.

"Damn atë në ferr dhe mbrapa! Damn it to hell and back!" Ragheam said in Albanian as she slid the stuff off the desk.

"Failed, failed, failed!! How come we are creating failures now? We ended up fine." L'odannas wondered as he typed on the computer.

L'odannas typed away as Ragheam paced the floor. She started cleaning her mess on the floor. As she finished cleaning the mess, L'odannas cleared his throat.

"Grab the next kid and I will make some more adjustments." L'odannas said as he typed the computer and making adjustments on the wires.

L'odannas and Regheam waited for their father, Heath, to meet them at the park since they kinda ran out of kids. They all died within a few days of being out of the container. At last their father has brought the kids while the others played on the set and his new wife watched the other kids.

"What do you need, L'odannas and Ragheam?" Heath asked as he walked up to them.

"Can we ask you a favor, father?" Ragheam asked as she rubbed her hands together.

"What is the favor?" Heath asked as he crossed his arms upon his chest.

"Can we borrow one of your kids, please?" L'odannas asked as he slightly smiled and rubbed the back of his neck.

"What happened to the ones you had?" Heath asked as he got irritated.

"We... kinda... had an accident with them and they... ummm... died." Ragheam said as she looked down.

"Fine, fine. Which kid do you want?" Heath asked as the smallest kid crawled over to him.

"What about this little one?" L'odannas asked as he watched Heath pick him up.

"You mean, this little Tara? Sure. He has kind of been a pain lately." Heath said as he handed Tara over to Ragheam and she took him with a smile.

"Thank you, father. We shall be careful with him." Ragheam said as the touched Tara's head and he fell asleep.

They all bowed to each other and the two wings elves took to flight. L'odannas and Ragheam flew for a few hours until they got to a gated area. They put their white scientists coats on and walked into the building.

"Where'd you get that kid?" A guy asked as he looked up from his computer.

"Shut it, young man. We won't screw up on him this time." Ragheam said with confidence as they walked through a sliding metal door.

"Hook him up to the wires and monitor. I have made the adjustments needed for his size and weight." L'odannas said as he sat at a computer and started typing away.

The door on the container opened up and Ragheam set Tara down. She hooked up the wires and the monitor to him. She stepped back and the door closed. She watched the monitor to make sure it was working.

"Monitor is working and vitals are strong. Filling the container with a clear liquid so the process for the wing growth will begin." Ragheam said as she typed on the computer.

She hit the enter button and turned around to watch the container. The container filled up and a progress bar showed up on the computer. She watched as Tara floated up with the liquid until he sunk back down to the middle of the container. She walked to the monitor and checked his vitals for any fluctuation.

"No fluctuation in his vitals. Go ahead with the intellectual additive into the liquid." Ragheam said as she looked at L'odannas.

"No, Ragheam. I am doing it the old fashioned way with the Intellectual Module. Insert the module and watch his vitals for any kind of fluctuation." L'odannas said as he tossed Ragheam the Module.

She caught it and plugged it into a slot in front of the container. She pushed the red button and a progress bar showed up on the computer that L'odannas was at. She watched his vitals and his vitals stayed strong.

"Vitals are still strong and wing progress is at 10%." Ragheam said as she sat down in her chair and wrote on a clipboard what the monitor read at precisely 7 pm.

"The Intellectual Module output is set at 5% per hour. Let us check on him every hour and make sure he is alright." L'odannas said as he relaxed.

Every hour, they checked his vitals and the progress on the module and the wings. HE grew from being about 2 foot to 4 foot within a few hours. At hour 12, the module finished and it started to fizz and pop. L'odannas tried to grab it when it popped and started smoking.

"Drain the container and unhook him immediately before he dies too!!" L'odannas yelled as he typed on the computer.

Ragheam typed on the computer and typed in her code to drain the container but it kept saying Access Denied over and over again. The container started to glow a bright white and L'odannas flipped a table over just as the container started to crack.

"Take cover!!" He yelled as he took cover and Ragheam did the same.

The Container shattered into millions of glass shards and the liquid went down the drain. They looked up to see Tara laying there on the ground, still hooked up to the wires. L'odannas and Ragheam stood up and saw Tara had white wings, then they disappeared. Tara sat up and rubbed his head. They walked up to him and he started to slide backwards but cut his hand.

"No need to worry, young one. Heal thy cut that has appeared." Ragheam said as she knelt down and healed his hand.

L'odannas unhooked the wires and helped Tara stand up. They smiled and Tara smiled back at them. He opened his mouth but shut it again.

"No need to speak young one. Let us get you back to your father." Ragheam said with a smile.

Tara nodded as all 3 of them walked away from the room. Ragheam and L'odannas took their lab coats off and Ragheam picked Tara up. They flew him to the park where Heath met them at 10 at night. Heath smiled as he saw Tara.

"He grew a couple of feet and what did you do to him?" Heath asked as they landed.

"We made him smarter is all. His genetic make-up I guess let him grow a little bit within a few hours." Ragheam said as she let Tara walk to Heath.

Heath hugged Tara and they walked home. They high fived each other as they remebered Tara's eyes changed from a hue of green to two different color blues.

Tara snooped through his father’s bag. He found an iPad in the bag. Tara grabbed the iPad and opened the screen. When he open the screen there was a video with two unfamiliar faces on it. He hit the play button and listened to it.

“Hello, dear travelers. My name is L’odannas. No, I am not an angel like creature. I am only a meer elf that has wings now. This is Ragheam, my older sister.” The male elf said as he faced the camera toward the female elf.

“Who the hell are you talking to?” The female elf asked.

“Who ever will listen to this recording. Tell them what we do for a living.” L’odannas said.

“Who the fuck would want to know what we do?” Ragheam asked, irritated.

“Please, Sister. Only father knows what we do.” L’odannas begged.

“Ugh… Fine. Mama knows what we do too. We are Scientific Researchers of the Elven Society, or morely known as the SRES. We try to protect ourselves by combining certain genetic makeups to make ourselves better and stronger. We are only two that has survived the testing.” She said as she opened her bat like wings.

“In other words, we mutate or help certain genes we want and wait for the results to come back.” He said with a smile.

“Hey, you two!! Get your ass back to work! And turn that fucking camera off!” A mysterious male voice snapped at them.

“Tara! If you are watching this in Private, tell no one about this video. Also, we are your brother and sister. Logging off now. Love you, Little brother and see you soon!” L’odannas and Ragheam said together.

The screen went black and Tara wiped away tears that started to roll down his cheeks. Then, he heard his father walking toward the room he was in. He put the iPad back into his father’s bag and hid under the bed. Just as his foot slid under the bed, his father opened the door.

“Tara!! Tara!! Where are you, my son?” His father asked.

Then, Tara let out a small sneeze and his father saw the flash of light from under the bed. His father looked and saw him under the bed. His father smiled and pulled Tara out from under the bed.

“What are you doing under there?” His father asked him as he lifted Tara up and set him on his shoulders.

“I was hiding from my sisters.” Tara halfway lied.

“I will get onto them. Come, my middle one. Shall we go find them?” His father asked with a smile.

“Amilia and Badilia are outside with mama. Regina is on the couch taking a nap.” Tara said as he leaned backwards.

His father walked over to the couch where Regina was. He kicked the couch and Regina woke with a start. He walked to the front door and set Tara down.

He opened the front door and yelled, “Amil, Badil, and Laden with the sixth child of mine! Time for lunch with the Bloodsong family.”

“Do we have to?” Amilia asked as her and Badilia helped their pregnant mother stand up.

“Yes, Amil. My mama and papa are expecting us within about 30 minutes.” Their mother answered with a smile.

“I wish Celia was here with us.” Tara said as he hugged his mother.

“Me too, sweetie. Me too.” His father said as he sighed.

A cloaked figure started walking toward the front door of the house as the Diera family got ready to go. Tara saw the figure and pointed out the window. Amilia walked into the living room and stared out the window to where Tara was pointing.

“There is nothing there, Little Terror.” Amilia said as she looked but didn’t see anything.

“You three ready?” Their mother asked as Badilia walked in.

“They are at the door. Fixing to knock.” Tara said as he got down and walked to the door.

He opened the door and the cloaked figure was standing there. Tara smiled as the wind blew behind the figure. Amilia grabbed Tara and backed away.

“Let go of Tara and let him hug me.” A female voice said as the cloak hood dropped.

“Celia!!” Tara yelled as everyone stared at her surprised.

Tara ran over and hugged her.

“Why are you here and not at EU?” Their father asked at he walked into the room.

“Meh. School was canceled for today since it is La Worship of the Sun Goddess. Also, I wanted to see the Little Terror and check how everyone is doing.” Celia explained as she stepped in the house.

“We are doing great Lia. We were just about to see thy Laden’s parents, to have lunch with. If you would like to join, you are welcome to.” Their father said.

“I would love to join my family to say hello to my grandparents.” Celia said as she took off her cloak showing a light blue dress that she folded back down that reached he ankles.

They all left and and enjoyed lunch with the Bloodsong family. Tara napped on the couch but, kept twitching. He kept seeing Ragheam and L’odannas’ faces as the words brother, sister and we love you swirled around in his head. He woke up screaming and fell off the couch. The family ran to him and circled around him. He sat up and looked around.

“Are you alright, Tarantula?” Grandmother Moonlight asked as she went to touch him.

“DON’T TOUCH ME!! Ahem… don’t touch me.” Tara yelled as he pushed himself against the couch.

“Little Tara, calm down. Tell us what is that made you scream.” Celia said as she knelt down in front of him.

“No… no, no, no, no!! I can’t tell anyone. I… I want to take the Oath.” Tara stammered as he looked at his parents.

“What Oath?” Grandfather Stormy asked.

“No, no, no. He cannot take that Oath yet. He isn’t ready.” Badilia finally spoke up.

“What Oath?!?” Grandfather Stormy asked more aggravated.

“The No Attach and No Cry Oath. He isn’t ready for it.” Badilia said as she looked at Tara.

“Fine. You shall take it tomorrow, my middle son.” His father said.

“No, Father Heath!! He isn’t ready!!” Badilia yelled as she stood in front of Tara.

“He is ready now. Let him do this. It is his decision and not yours, Badilia.” Grandmother Moonlight said with a smile.

Badilia walked away as Tara could still here Ragheam and L’odannas’ voices within his head. Then, the whole Diera family left to their home as Tara walked slowly behind them. His father left while Tara, Amilia and Celia made dinner for the family since their father’s parents were coming over. His father came back with his parents about 2 hours later when the food just finished cooking. They all served themselves and sat in the living room to eat.

“Father, my son has decided to take the Oath.” His father said as he cut the Venison meat.

“Good for Tara. He needs to and when your Laden pops, that little boy will need to think about it.” Grandpa Luck said as he looked at Tara, who picked at the Venison meat.

“What is wrong, my little one?” Tara’s mother said as she walked up behind him.

“N… Nothing, mother. I am just not hungry right now. Can I go to bed early?” Tara said as he picked at the meat.

“Yes, my little Tara. Good Night and I love you.” His mother said as she kissed his forehead.

Tara nodded to his father and grandparents. He told them good night and he went straight to bed. He laid in bed, listening to Amilia, Badilia and Celia laughing in the living room as Grandma Rose Guard told stories about how she got certain scars. About 4 or 5 hours went by, when he heard his Grandparents leave the house and his parents walked into his room. He faked himself sleeping and his parents kissed his forehead. They smiled and tucked him in. They left the room and he fell asleep.

Morning rolled around and Tara was the first one up. Then, Amilia got up and saw Tara in the kitchen. She smiled and started making breakfast. Their father walked in and looked at Tara.

“No time for breakfast, my son. We leave now for the Oath you shall take today.” His father said as he grabbed Tara and started dragging him toward the front door.

“He needs to eat father!” Amilia yelled as Tara pulled away from his father.

“Let me eat and then we can go.” Tara said as he started walking back to the kitchen.

“Tara!! Come with me, NOW!!” His father yelled as he glared after him.

“No, father. I need to eat, or I will have no energy for the journey.” Tara said as he grabbed a bottle of milk out of the fridge.

Tara drank the milk and grabbed a slice of bread and started eating it. Tara walked up to his father and nodded to him. They left out the door and straight to the Oath Taker. They got there and Tara saw a woman with Purple hair and blue eyes.

“Ahhhh. Is this the Little Tara Diera you told me about, Heath?” She asked him as she turned around and looked at Tara.

“Yes, madam of Oaths. I am Tara Diera.” Tara said as he bowed.

“Well, let us begin the Oath taking. Which Oath are you taking, my dear kid?” She asked Tara.

“I wanted to take the No Attach and No Cry Oath.” Tara said as he stood up tall.

She looked at him surprised. He nodded and she grabbed the book with a cross on it.

“Repeat the words I say. Got it?” She said as she flipped the pages in the book until she got to the page she needed.

“Got it.” He said with a smile.

“Put your right hand up and your left hand on your heart.” She said as she looked at Tara.

He did so and looked at her. He nodded and took a deep breath.

“I take thy Oath to not attach myself to anything or anyone. I take thy Oath to not cry when one dies or goes missing.” She said as she held her right hand up.

“I take thy Oath not to attach myself to anything or anyone. I take thy Oath not to cry when one dies or goes missing.” Tara said as he looked straight into her eyes.

His body convulsed and he dropped to the ground. His father looked at her and she held her hand up saying to wait. Tara stood up and there was no emotion left in his face. He looked at his father and walked away from him. His father followed him home and Tara walked in and his mother stopped Tara in the living room. She saw that there was no emotion in his face.

“Tara, sit down now.” His mother said as she pushed him down.

He sat down as his father walked in.

“What happened to him? Why is there no emotions left in him?” His mother asked his father.

“My dear Laden, he decided to take the Oath. That is what happened to him. It will be hard for us to accept that, but he chose this fate, not us.” His father said as he walked up to her.

“No!! He needs emotions to be accepted into the EU.” His mother said as she started to cry.

“No emotions means I am free from burdens that only held me back.” Tara said as he stood up and walked into the kitchen where Amilia and Badilia were.

They all finally accepted Tara’s decision and years went by. He had the same dream with Ragheam and L’odannas running through his head. It made him restless at night, even with Deera right there with him.

Will he tell them or keep it a secret and suffer?

“I didn’t intend for her to find out that I lied, but of course, you can’t always get what you want.” Tara said as he slid down the door in his dorm room.

He sat there and put his head onto his knees. He sighed and heard a knock upon the door.

“Go away.” Tara said as he stood up.

“Oh, okay. I see how it is. Telling your sister to go away when she is here to gather you up for dinner.” Celia said as she knocked on his door again.

He opened the door and he looked at her smiling face.

“I am not hungry. Go eat without me.” Tara said as he closed the door again.

Celia left and he heard something tapping his window in front of his desk. He walked over to the window and opened it. An owl sat there with the letter in his mouth. Tara grabbed it as the owl walked in and stood on desk. He noticed the heir stamp of the Freedom’s. He gulped air as he carefully opened the envelope and took the letter out. He opened the letter and this is what it read:

“Dear Mr. Deira,

How could you lie to me? I thought I we were friends!! Out of all the people I thought would not lie to me, you, YOU LIED TO ME!! Why would you lie to a friend like me?? You put our friendship in jeopardy!! I don’t think I can do this anymore.

Write back to me when you get your life and your ezel* story straight. Just whistle for the owl I sent with this letter. You know what you lied about.

Now Your Enemy,

Deera Freedom”

He sighed and folded the paper back up. He sat down at his desk and he grabbed his quil and ink. He started writing back to her. He got halfway through his letter when someone pounded at his door, scaring him. He stood up as he put his quil down and walked over to the door.

“Who is it?” Tara asked as he straightened his shirt up.

“It is campus security. Open this door.” A guy said.

Tara opened the door and asked, “Why are you here?”

“We heard there is an owl on the loose here and we need to get it off the campus.” The guard said as he walked in and saw the owl on the desk.

“That isn’t real, sir. I whittled it to make it look real, sir.” Tara lied as the guard looked at Tara.

“Alright. Have a good night, Mr. Diera.” He said as he left.

Tara closed the door and breathed deep. He locked the door and walked back over to his desk. He sat back down and picked up his quil again. He dipped the quil and started writing again. He finally got done and signed his letter. He folded it up and stuck it in a fresh envelope. He sealed it with his own seal of a heart and a small set of flowers. He gave it to the owl and the owl took to flight. He wnt to bed as the owl flew for the next few days. The owl flew all the way to Deera’s home and landed on the perch in her room. Deera heard the owl fly in and land. She sat up from her crying and wiped away her tears

“Did he write me back, Bella?” She said as she pet the owl and the owl dropped the letter into Deera’s other hand.

Deera opened the envelope and screamed when she pulled it out. Her sister, Celestial, ran in and looked at Deera confused.

“Where are they, sista? Why’d you scream?” Celestial asked with her spear in hand.

“I... I screamed because Tara wrote back quicker than I thought he would. I am sorry, sister Cece.” Deera said as she looked at Celestial.

Celestial rolled her eyes and walked out of the room. Deera read the letter and this is what it said:

“Dear Ms. Freedom,

I am so sorry for lying to you. Let me explain what happened before what you had walked into with Celestial and I. She was trying on a dress I had bought for YOU to make sure it would fit. She said it was perfect fit but the color wasn’t quite right for it. She went to take it off but it had gotten stuck around her waist and I went to help her take it off so I can take it back the next day. We got it off and you walked in as I went to kiss her on the cheek.

We both yelled for you as you ran out of the room. I set the dress down and ran after you so I could explain what was happening. I finally found you and you ACCUSED ME of having an affair with your sister behind your back. I would never do that to you. Also, to confess, I did date your sister before you. That is why she was there, helping me pick the perfect dress for you. I didn’t want to lie to you but there was no choice in it.

I don’t want us to be enemies at all. Will you please forgive me?

Signed,

Tara L. Diera”

“Hm. I guess I will see him tomorrow after his school day. Father!!” Deera said as she ran down the stairs.

“What, Deera?” Draco said as he sharpened his sword with a stone.

“Are gonna go to the Elven University tomorow to check on things?” Deera asked as she sat on the table.

“Yes. Let me guess, you wanna go also.” Draco said as Death entered the room.

“Well, yeah she does. She is a daddy’s girl after all.” Death said as he opened the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of soda.

“Shut up, Death!! He wasn’t speaking to you!!” Deera snarled as she glared at Death.

“Alright. Family trip tomorrow. EVERYONE is going.” Draco said as he put his sword into it’s sheath.

Deera smiled and walked back up the stairs as she heard everyone else groan. She went to bed and slept until the next morning. She got up and got everyone’s bags ready. She grabbed everyone’s schedule and gave them to each of them. They flew to the school and Deera ran to her first class which was Advanced Magic, AKA same as Tara’s class. She got there and sat down quickly. Tara walked in and saw her. He was there was no teacher as of yet.

“I forgive you, Tara.” Deera said as she smiled at him.

He smiled back and hugged her. They were good from there on out.

*Ezel- ass in Dutch

Hi, my name is Tara Diera. I am shorter than most elves by a few feet, meaning I am only 5 foot tall.

It was the first day of school. I walked up to the big doors of Elf University. I took a deep breath and opened the door to see everyone staring at me.

“He... Hello, everyone! My name is Tara Diera. I am happy to be here.” I said as I walked past them.

“Get lost, kid!!” A tall male said as he pushed me down.

I fell and my books fell everywhere. Everyone started laughing at me as I gathered up my scattered books. I shrugged and stood up.

“What, no retaliation towards me?” The guy that pushed me down asked as he grabbed my ponytail.

“No sir. I won’t retaliate with anyone. It is quite rude to be grabbing my ponytail. Please, let go of my ponytail.” I said as I stood still and faced away from him.

Everyone gasped and I shrugged again. Everyone started backing away.

“What did you say to me, punk?” He asked as he yanked on my ponytail, pulling me down.

“I asked you to let go of my ponytail, nicely. I also, will not retaliate against those who have pushed me and made fun of me.” I said as I sat down and set my books down.

“Why not, punk? You think you are better than us?” He asked as he smirked and kept a hold of my ponytail.

“For one, I am not a punk. Two, I warned you about holding my ponytail. Let go, or I will hurt you!” I snapped at them and glared at them.

He let go of my ponytail and backed away. I grabbed my books and stood up again. I walked to the door to the office and reached for the foor handle that was a few feet from my hand. Everyone started laughing at me again as I reached for the door handle.

“H... Here. Let me help you.” A dark woman asked me as she opened the door and held it open for me to enter.

“Th... Thank you, madam. Are... are you new to this school?” I asked as I stared at her in disbelief.

Her skin was a dark chocolate color and her hair was black as the night could be. Her eyes were a scarlet color. Her voice was silky smooth when she spoke at first. She was a one of a kind gal.

“No. I am not new here. I am only visiting since my father owns this school.” She said with the most beautiful smile.

“Oh! Who is your father?” I asked her as she closed the door behind us.

“My Papa is Drago Freedom.” She said as we could hear a deep voice speak.

“Wow. My name is Tara Diera. What is your name, madam?” I asked as I bowed to her.

“Deera Freedom!! Come, my child! We are now leaving.” A deep voice said as he looked over the counter at us.

“Yes, Papa. I will be out soon. I am helping him find his way to his first class.” Deera said as she grabbed my schedule from the desktop.

The guy nodded and left the office. We both sighed and smiled at each other.

“First class is Advanced Magic? Why do you have that?” Deeta asked as she handed me the paper.

“Well, my parents noticed my ability to manifest any kind of magic that I wanted. So, they sent me here.” I said as we left the office.

“Advanced is down the third hall and at the end of that hallway, turn to your left to that classroom.” Deera said with a smile as we walked across the court yard.

“How do you know this place so well?” I asked her as we got to the third hallway.

“My Papa and Mama built this place. Well, I designed it when I was little. Got to go. See you at lunch?” She said with a smile.

“Yes, madam. See you at lunch.” I said as I bowed to here.

She skipped away and I went to my first class. My second class ended up being Home Exotics. How... exciting. Once that class was over I rushed to my third class which was Healing Magic and Potions. The bell rang for the class to start and in strode the teacher Ms. Freedom. She looked familiar, somehow, she was young and wore slacks and no shoes. This teacher was Deera Freedom!! I met her in the halls earlier this morning.

“Morning, my students.” She said elegantly.

She sounded mature and not that squeaky, annoying and immature voice from earlier. She was wearing a red garb and a golden pin that was in the shape of a Draginucous.

“M... Morning, Ms. Freedom.” My class and I said altogether.

“Now, we will start with simple instructions to make a weak healing potion. Tara, will you grab the sage, lavender and a jar from the back of the classroom, please?” She said with elegance and my response was a nod.

I did what she said and grabbed the glass jar, a bushel of lavendar and a small branch of Sage. Not just any sage, white sage.

“Thank you, Tara. How did you know to get white Sage instead of the other sage?” She asked as I sat back back down.

“Well, my father is a healer and my mother taught me the difference between white sage and the other. White sage is used as a deep laceration cleaner to keep infections at bay. The other sage could kill anyone.” I said with a smile.

She smiled back and continued with the lesson. She demonstrated and then it was time to pick a partner. No one picked me as a partner. I shrugged and grabbed the stuff we needed, but I grabbed more ingredients. Ms. Freedom watched all of us, especially me. She walked up and touched my shoulder.

The bell rang and we put the stuff away. Actually, everyone left and I was stuck with cleaning the classroom. I cleaned everything and put it all away. Ms. Freedom smiled as she swept the messy floor.

“Walk with me, Tara.” She said with a smile and opened the door.

I nodded and followed her to the cafeteria. Everyone stopped talking and the lunch line split. We walked up to the counter and I felt eyes upon me. Not just watching me, but it felt like they were going to rip my flesh from my bones. I grabbed my food after she did and someone tripped me. I fell and face planted into the tray of spaghetti. Everyone started laughing at me. I felt someone pull on my ponytail, lifting my head. I turned my head and saw it was the same guy from this morning.

"How does it feel to have spaghetti all over your face, huh punk?" He asked as he looked at me and stepped onto my lower back.

"You made a big mistake by doing this in front of my teacher." I said as I winced at the pain in my head and my lower back.

"What do you mean by that, punk?" He asked as he started twisting his foot on my lower back and pushing down at the same time.

I couldn't bear the pain anymore, so I screamed. They laughed and laughed at the torture they were giving me. Ms. Freedom turned around and looked at me, then them.

"Let him go, Darius." Ms. Freedom said as she set her food down on a table near her.

"Or what? Is the young teacher going to give us detention? How lame!!" He said as he looked at her while holding onto my ponytail.

"No. Much worse." She growled as the lights started to dim and her body had transformed into a Black Draginucous.

Darius let go of my ponytail and fell backwards. He scooted away from me and opened his mouth to say something but shut it again. She turned into her human form again and held her hand out for me to grab.

Darius and his group ran off as I stood up with the help of Ms. Freedom and said, "Ms. Freedom, why did you help me?"

"Call me Deera, Tara. I am a temporary teacher for now, until Professor Nolann comes back." She said with a smile.

"Well, thank you, Deera. Professor Nolann is back today and you shall now be a student helper. MY student helper." I said as I smiled wide.

Deera smiled back at me and grabbed her food. She handed me her tray of spaghetti and grabbed my books from the ground. No one bothered bullying me when Deera was around me. This ended about a week into school, when she moved away from the Elven Kingdom to the town of Shelldera with her mother and her strict father.

You know what? I actually felt love for her and I knew that there is no way for us to be together. I didn't care about rules and she felt love for me.

It is 3 AM and the grandfather clock downstairs chimes, not once or twice or even three times, but 12 times. Why is this happening at night at 3 AM and only at that time?

“Hey, Madre?” I called from in my bedroom upstairs.

“Yes, my dear Deera?” My mother called from her room tired like.

“Can you tell me the story behind the stupid clock?” I asked as I opened the door to my room.

I walked down the stairs and to the kitchen or dining hall as my family liked to call it. Who do I see but my Padre.

“I can tell you the story of the Grandfather clock.” My father said as he put his sword down on the table.

“Prease, padre?” I said with a smile as I grabbed me fresh rabbit meat from the fridge.

“A long time ago, your Great Grandfather Claw Hieser inheritted this Clock from a friend of his named Blood Scar. He was a Blood Hound and had some interest into that specific clock. This phenomenon has been going on since October 5th of 1604, when Blood Scar went missing at 3 AM, the morning he was supposed to be executed. Clock Makers from then until now have tried to figure out why it has rang 12 times at 3 AM. It is still a mystery to this day. Does that tell you anything?” My father said as he grabbed a napkin and wiped my face that had blood on it.

“Thanks, padre. I want to look into this mystery of the clock.” I said as I pushed his hand away.

He nodded and started sharpening his sword again. Sparks flew as he was running the rock against the blade. I watched him as we heard my siblings walk into the kitchen and sit at the table. I smiled as I named them off in my head.

‘Golden, Hera, Darius Raven, Helldoora Flame, Celestial, Death, and Terrorling. All of us are here.’ I thought with a smile.

“Where mama?” Darius asked as she waddled in.

“I am here, kiddos.” My mother said as she appeared at the bottom of the stairs in her robe made of sheep skin.

She walked up to the counter and started making breakfast. We all heard a knock upon the door. Everyone started to scramble to get it. Father yelled at us and we all stopped. He pointed at me and motioned toward the door. I walked over to the door as the second round of knocking came about. I opened the door and saw a tall figure with ears standing there.

“Hello, young lady. Is your father around?” She asked as she looked at me with Hazel colored eyes.

“I am here, Notre. Come on in and eat breakfast with us.” My father said before I could answer her.

“Thank you, my dear young lady.” Notre, a Fox Hound, said as she walked in and I closed the door.

“Why, hello, Notre Fox. Come to eat with us?” My mother asked as she slid plates across to each of us.

“She can eat my plate of food Madre. I am going to head out to go get some supplies.” I said as I pushed my plate toward Notre.

“Are you feeling alright, Deera Tatiana?” My mother asked me as she walked to me.

“Yes, Madre. I am fine. I had a rabbit earlier this morning. I shall get the supplies I need and be back soon.” I said as I grabbed my backpack from the hanging rack.

“Be... *Swallows* Be careful or the Elves will kill you.” Celestial said as she looked at me.

“Ha, ha, ha, Celestial twat. Dat is niet erg grappig. That is not very funny.” I said sarcastically.

“Deera!! Language, jochie.” My mother snapped at me.

“Stomme zoon van een teef. Dat eten is niet naar mijn smaak bereid. Stupid son of a bitch. That food is not prepared to my taste.” Helldoora Flame snapped at mother.

“Helldoora Flame!! No need for that language.“My mother snapped at him as Darius snickered a little bit.

If you cannot tell, my family is Dutch. We live Belguim. The olden part of the Belguim. I walked out the door and breathed the fresh ocean air. I smiled and put my hood up since I am the only one in all of Belguim to have horns upon my head. I walked into the streets of Belguim and gathered up a rope, tools, and fruit. Someone bumped into me, knocking the fruit out of the backpack as I fell to the ground.

“Bí ag faire amach, fucker!! Watch out, fucker!!” A tall looking human pushed passed me.

A short looking elf stopped and helped me stand up. He smiled as he noticed I had horns and my hood was down. He recognized me, somehow. He looked familiar but somehow not. He grabbed my hood and put it back on my head. He picked up the fruit and put them in my backpack.

“An bhfuil tú ceart go leor, milady? Are you alright, milady?” He asked as we heard his name called.

“Ja meneer. Yes sir.” I answered as I grabbed my backpack from him.

“My name is Tara Diera. I am here on a school trip with the EU. I am at Hotel 5, Room 309. Come see me again, will you?” He said as his name was called again.

“I will see what I can do. What time shall I meet you?” I asked with a smile.

“How about midnight tonight?” He asked as he bowed to me.

“Yes, sir. I will meet you then so we can go on the adventure I am going on at 3 AM tomorrow morning.” I said as I bowed and he ran off.

I ran back home and got to the door. I could hear yelling from within the door. I listened to it.

“I told you no, Celestial. You cannot join the ranks until you are older.” My father yelled.

“Ugh!!! You tell me this every year and I am old enough now that I can!! Let me join!!!” Celestial snapped back at him.

“You can join next year and that is final!!” My father snarled back as I tried to sneak in.

Emphasis on tried. I tried but as usual, Darius and mother spotted me. Mother cleared her throat and I stopped in my tracks. I turned around and dropped my hood.

“Remember, it is your night to cook dinner since Darius is cooking lunch right now. Would you like some?” Mother asked as she smiled at me.

“No thanks. I am gonna skip out on lunch. Also, can I skip out on making dinner tonight?” I said as I put the backpack on the table.

“Who are you going to see now?” My father asked.

“His name is Tara Diera and he’s an elf. He invited me to his room in the Hotel 5 across town. We are meeting at midnight.” I said as I unpacked the fruit I had bought.

“An elf?!?!?” Mother and Father exclaimed as they glared at me.

“He will break your heart just like the humans did.” Father snapped as he pointed the Bone Sharpener at me.

“Why him, though?” Mother asked me.

“Just say his name!! His name is Tara Diera!! He is only a friend of mine.” I snapped back at them.

“Ha!! Maybe this so called friend will be your husband one day!!” Death yelled from the other room.

“Kom dat tegen mijn gezicht zeggen, klootzak! Come say that to my face, motherfucker!” I growled back at him.

“Room!! Now, Deera!!” Father snarled at me and pointed upstairs.

I stormed upstairs as Death walked into the dining room. I slammed my door and Death started laughing. Hours went by until everyone went to bed except for me. When all was quiet and it was 10 at night, I decided to sneak down the stairs. I got down to the bottom of the stairs and gathered up my backpack and put my hood on. I heard someone clear their throat, startling me.

“Where are you going this late at night?” Hera asked as she rubbed her scythe with the blade sharpener.

“I am going to meet a friend. Why are you up?” I snapped at her as I walked to the door.

“I couldn’t sleep. I also thought you would be awake at this time.” Hera said as she looked at me.

“I have to go. I will be back before Madre and Padre are up.” I snarled as I opened the front door.

I ran to Hotel 5 and got to the front desk by 11:30 PM. The lady looked at me confused but she opened her mouth to speak when I cut her off.

“Hello, madam. Is Tara Diera signed in here?” I asked her with a smile and my hood up.

“Can you take your hood off so I can see who you are?” The woman asked as she looked at the log book.

“I do not have time for this. I need to see Tara Diera now. What room is he in?” I snapped at her as I glared at her.

“Fine. He is in Room 309 on the third floor.” The woman said with a sigh.

I nodded and walked to the elevator. I pushed the up button and the doors opened. I walked in, hit the button with 3 on it and up the elevator went. The doors opened and I could hear yelling and screaming. I walked down the the end of the clear hallway to the messy hallway. The kids stopped what they were doing and watched me in silence as I walked to Room 309. I knocked on the door as I heard whispering behind me. I looked behind me and saw a male elf glaring at me in awe.

“Are you Tara’s girlfriend?” He asked me as I heard the door open.

“No, sir. He is only a friend of mine. You should stop this mess and clean up since you are big about your ego.” I said as I turned back toward Tara.

“Bitch, níl a fhios agat cé mise! Tá mé Darius Heralfort!! Bitch, you don’t know who I am!! I am Darius Heralfort!!” Darius snarled in Irish as Tara walked passed me.

“Teanga, Darius !! Sin bean a bhfuil tú ag caint léi !! Fág í!” Tara snapped back at Darius.

Darius mumbled and backed off. He walked back into his room as Tara turned toward me. He motioned for me to walk in and we both walked in. He closed the door and I looked around the living area? It was clean and pristine like in my own home. I kept my hood upon my head.

“Sorry for his intrusion.” Tara apologized as a clock chimed midnight.

“It is quite alright. Why are you so well respected?” I asked him.

“I am the top student at the EU and you can take your hood off.” He said as he walked into the kitchen and started to scrub dishes.

“What are you doing? Isn’t that a woman’s job? Why is your room so clean?” I asked him as I walked to the kitchen and took my hood off.

“Hahahaha. I am cleaning dishes and no. I was raised where men and women shared the chores around thy home. I was taught a clean home makes a healthier you.” He said as he smiled at me.

I watched him clean the dishes and he dried them. Then, he put them away.

“Now, that my chores are done. We can go an that adventure you talked about earlier. Ready, my friend?” Tara asked as he looked at the clock.

I nodded and we walked out of his room as I put my hood up. We saw Darius, a few other male elves and a few female elves cleaning the hallway. They all looked up at us and bowed to us respectfully. We walked by and they started cleaning again as we turned the corner to the elevator. We got into the elevator and he hit the Lobby button. The Elevator went down and it stopped a minute later. The doors opened and the lady at the front desk watched s leave out the door. A couple moments later, she came running out with a clipboard with a paper.

“Mr. Diera, sir. You need to sign this if your are going with that mange.” The lady said as she wrinkled her nose.

“No, I do not. You will find that I did sign a paper saying that I do not have to sign any papers of any sort, including a sign out sheet. Also, this a friend of mine, not a mange.” Tara said bravely.

She backed away and we walked in silence all the way to my home. It was about 2:55 AM when we walked in when I didn’t see or hear anything or anyone. We walked up to the clock that was in my living den and I told him to stand right there. He nodded and I ran to grab my backpack. I grabbed it and started to walk back when I see Padre. 

“What are you doing up a minute until three, dochter?” He asked as I stopped. 

“I am going to figure out why the clock rings at 3 AM twelve times.” I said quickly as I ran off. 

The clock struck 3 AM and we saw a little light behind the clock. I could see it was fascinating to him. 

Ding...

Ding...

Ding...

“Help me move it before it hits the twelfth chime.” I said as it rang 3 more times. 

Ding...

Ding...

Tara and I moved the clock away from the wall. We saw a portal and walked through as the twelfth chime was struck. The portal closed behind Tara and I. We were amazed to see a land full of trees, animals that we didn’t know, and Blood Hounds dressed in robes made of silk.

“Wow.” I said in awe. 

“Welcome, Iris and Tara. Your arrival time is on point. Our Lord would like to speak to you. First, you must change out of the outside worlds clothing into a robe of silk.” A Maroon eared Blood Hound said as he offered us two robes of silk. 

Tara grabbed the green robe and I grabbed the golden robe. They were beautiful. We walked to a couple of boxes near us. 

“Make sure you put those outside worldly clothing in the backpack you carry, young warrior.” The Maroon eared Blood Hound said. 

We changed and Tara gave me his clothing and I put them in my backpack. I cleared my throat and looked at Tara. He wore a robe like what the romans used to wear way back when. My robe was over one shoulder held by a golden pin with a Draginucous etched into it. 

“Follow me, Warrior and Guardian. Follow me to thy Lord of our wonderful land of peace and harmony.” The Maroon eared Blood Hound said as he bowed to me. 

He walked down a dirt path and we followed him. We stayed a few feet behind him as we walked to the edge of the town we saw from higher up the path. He stopped and bowed to a dark brown eared, well one ear was like half. The new Blood Hound looked at us up and down and walked around us. He nodded and we walked forth onto a cart. It levitated a little bit and moved forward toward a magnificent castle. It stopped and lowered to the ground. We stepped off and it zoomed away. 

“Is iontach álainn é. Unbelievably beautiful.” Tara said in Irish, astonished. 

We walked into the castle and down a long hallway. We got to two humongous doors and I heard something sniffing the air. I turned to see my old friend, Blind Hercules. 

“I smell a black Draginucous and an Elf of the Northern woods.” He said as he reached us. 

“Hey, Hercules!!” I said as pet his little Frigle.

“Black Lemon, with a man. What is your name, young man?” Hercules asked as he touched Tara’s chest. 

“Tara, sir.” Tara said with no emotion. 

“Ah. You and her are soulmates from long ago now have joined back together. I am Hercules the Blind. You and her are here to figure out a mystery.” Hercules said with a smile. 

Then, Hercules left us. The Maroon eared Blood Hound rolled his eyes and opened one door. We walked through and saw a throne made of gold and jewels. I stared in awe as the throne chair swiveled it’s way around to face us. It stopped a quarter of the way, facing away from us. 

“What is it, Blood Moon?” A male voice asked irritated. 

“A couple of new comers came through the portal and I thought you should see them.” The Maroon eared Blood Hound said as he bowed. 

“Leave then while you go find me some more food.” The male voice snarled. 

Blood Moon left and we stood there in silence as the chair spun around to face us. The male jumped from the throne and landed in front of Tara and I. He was taller than me by 9-10 inches. 

“A small elf and a petty little girl come to see me? How cute, not!! Get lost or I will hurt you.” He snarled as we stood there unafraid.

“You are really gonna growl at me, Blood Scar?” I asked him as I could see that he was Jet Black with a white tip on one ear.

“Who are you, brave ones?” He asked as he backed down just a little bit.

“My name is Tara Diera, son of Heath Diera and Norma Bloodsong. This is my friend, Deera Freedom.” Tara said boldly but with no emotion.

“Why are you here, Tara and Deera?” He asked as he walked to his throne and sat down.

“We are here to solve the mystery of the Grandfather clock that my family has possession of since you gave it to my Great Grandfather Claw Hieser. They say all the clock makers couldn’t figure out why it keeps chiming at 3 AM twelve times. Do you know why it does that?” I explained as I took a few steps forward.

“Ahh. The BEST Draginocous Warrior that fought well next to me. How is he doing?” He asked as he looked away from us.

“Well... ummm... Great Grandfather Claw Hieser was killed in 1789... by an elf.” I said as I started to cry.

“No, no, no. No need to cry, my dear. I will tell you why this clock chimes twelve times at 3 AM.” He said as he jumped down and wiped away tears from my face as he pushed Tara away.

“Hey, rud mac tíre! Tá mé anseo!! Hey, wolf thing! I am here!!” Tara snapped in Irish.

“It chimes twelve times because each chime represents our pillars of characteristics we live by.” He said with a smile.

“What are these so called pillars?” Tara asked as he push Blood Scar back, away from me and stood in front of me.

“Honesty, Kindness, Respectful, Responsible, Fairness, Trustworthy, Loyalty, Caring, Courage, Citizenship, Bravery and Patience.” Blood Scar said as he pointed to each of the pillars near his throne.

“We need to leave, dear sir.” I said as I heard rustling from outside the castle.

“Sire!! Sire!! The Dark Ones are back and they want... you know who!!” A tall Hound with light blue flame marked tail in armor yelled as he ran into the throne room passed Tara and I.

“I knew that wouldn’t hold them long. Gather everyone you can to fight, while I hide her.” Blood Scar said as he looked at the front door and heard growls.

The Hound nodded and ran off. Blood Scar walked passed us and to the left. He opened the door as we walked toward him. A gray eared and tail female walked out holding a bundle. The bundle sneezed as the female looked at us. He whispered to her as the ground shook. She nodded and handed me the bundle.

“Go through the portal in the room on the right and raise her.” The female said as she started to cry and her gray tail twitch.

“We will.” I said as I looked at the bundle.

She was adorable. She had cute blue eyes and a swirl lock of hair the color of Lavendar. Tara led me to the door on the right and we went in as we heard Blood Scar howl. Tara closed the door and the portal opened. We walked through and we were back in my livivng room. The bundle I carried started to cry which then everyone ran down the stairs to see Tara moving the clock.

“What in the living name of the Goddess happened to you?” My Padre asked as he saw me holding the bundle.

“Th... The clock. P... portal. P... prease understand. Just let m... me explain.” I stammered as I bounced her lightly and she fell asleep. 

“Did you do this to my daughter, young man?” Padre asked angrily as he grabbed his sword. 

“No, Mr. Freedom. I did not do this to her. She is only a friend of mine. I would ne... *inhales suddenly*” Tara tried to explain as Drago’s sword swung right beside him, between him and I. 

“Get rid of that thing, Deera!! It is evil!!” Madre yelled at me as she looked at me. 

“No!! Leave him be!!” I snarled at Padre as I pushed him backwards. 

“Why are you protecting an elf that killed Darius?” Padre asked as he glared at me. 

“When did he kill her? When... when did you kill my sister?” I asked as I turned around to face Tara. 

“I... I didn’t want to kill her. My teacher made me kill her half past one.” Tara said as he looked at me. 

“No... No... no, no, no, NO!! Why did he want you to kill her?” I asked angrily and my muscles tense up. 

“It... it was for a grade. I swear I didn't want to kill her. After she had died, I prayed over her body to send her soul to the Sun Goddess up above." Tara said as he looked at me sadly.

"He... he is telling the truth, Deera." Celestial said as she walked up to me with her left lower arm missing.

I stared at Tara and pointed to the door. I walked to it and Tara followed me. Someone grabbed my free arm and I saw it was Death. He pulled my arm a little bit but I yanked it free and walked out the door. Tara followed me and we sighed.

"Shall we really try to fix it since no one knows about it?" I asked as the rain started to pour on us.

"Nah, Deera. Let us go back to my room so we can dry off and take care of this little bundle." Tara said as he ran beside me.

We ran until we got to Hotel 5 and we took the elevator up to the 3rd floor. It was all silent, too silent for our liking. He opened the door to his hotel room and we saw Elves pop up and yell surprise at us. That caused the bundle to start crying. Everyone shut up and looked at Deera as she bounce the bundle up and down gently. Tara went straight to the fridge and grabbed the milk out. He shooed everyone out and closed the door behind them. he went into the extra bag that his mother packed him, and grabbed a baby bottle. He poured the milk in the bottle and warmed the milk a little bit. We fed and raised this young one until she was an adult and we named her Tracker. One day, a blind purple Blood Hound came for her at 2:55 AM and she left with him to return back to the Land of Blood Hounds.

Well, the clock was never fixed and it still rings 12 times at 3 AM. It still rings like that to this day and it doesn't bother any of my family members.

“How does she have the power to turn into a Draginucous? She is only 5 years old?” A teacher asked as Iris ran around her small black Draginucous form in the classroom.

“I don’t know how but we need her to calm down.” Another teacher said as she got a hold of Iris by her neck.

She pinned her to the ground and put a muzzle on her. She threw her into a cage and left her there for hours. She cried as she tried to take the muzzle off of her head. Then, she heard another kid scream and run past her cage. He stopped and walked back to the front of the cage to see who or what was in there. He saw Iris in there and she backed away into a corner as he opened the door. He was grabbed and thrown into a chair and was calmed down with a talk. That went on until she was about 10 years old, in 3rd grade. She would always go home crying and her mother would comfort her.

“Repeat after me, my dear Daru Daru. You are gifted and you can do anything you want in your life.” Her mother soothed as she hugged Iris.

“I’m not gifted and I can’t do anything I want in my life.” Iris said as she sobbed into her mother’s shoulder.

“No, no. You CAN do anything you want in your life and you ARE gifted.” Her mother soothed the ball of sobs.

A few years later, it continued with a kid named Mac and his little group of bullies. They loved to bully Iris until it made her cry or they had enough. It was very rare that they had enough of bullying Iris.

“Enough!! I... I am done!! Please, stop this... this bullying!! I... I submit!!” Iris growled and cried as elves and other creatures kicked and punched her on the playground until recess was over.

When everyone left to go inside, she always picked herself up from that. She was alone until after her 3rd grade, second semester. Avalar came in and protected her until the last week of school when he was killed by Mac, the Elf Bully Leader. She had enough and stood up for herself from then on.

“Mother was right. I AM gifted and I CAN do anything I want in my life.” Iris said as she smiled down at Mac, who was under her foot.

The other bullies backed away from her and she gained a lot of fans at school. From there, she stayed more and more confident even though Lolo disappeared her 4th grade year.

Is this her full history or is it just a part of the reason she is the way she is?