Adeline stared at the child with pity. She didn't know how to break the news to the child about her mother's passing. Her gentle eyes reminded Adeline of her own childhood. The horrors and hardship this child had to face now that she was alone.
"Is something wrong, Mom?"
The child uttered once more. Adeline, with a frown, didn't know how to proceed from here. It was then a familiar soothing voice came to mind, the voice of Helen.
Don't cry, my sweet Adeline, I am right here.
Helen's face came into view as she stared at the confused child. Her warmth and safety came to mind. No matter how bad things got, Helen's smile always calmed her. Adeline placed her hand on top of the child's and with a sweet smile, she looked down at her.
"Don't cry, my sweet child, I am here."
The child's gloomy face broke into a smile as she closed her eyes and fell asleep once more. She closed her eyes as tears started to fall from Adeline's face as more memories surfaced. Helen, the only light she had. She was everything to her, a beacon that always guided her home. A beacon she had lost so long ago.
Lola interrupted her as she started licking her face. Adeline was forced to open her eyes and calm her.
"I am good, Lola."
Adeline spoke as Lola finally stopped and started to bark at her.
"Thank you, Lola. My mind just slipped, nothing serious."
Lola barked once more as Adeline smiled and started to pet with her free hand. Scales joined them as she slithered inside the room, then up the bed and stared at the child also.
"Master, is the small human alright?"
"Yes, we need to leave this area. Did you secure our home adequately with traps?"
"Yes, Master, we followed your instructions."
"Kill the remaining orcs and goblins."
Scales slithered outside, and after some time, screams and fighting could be heard. It raged on for about thirty minutes as Adeline covered the child, then strapped her around her back. She took a torch, which she lit, then threw it inside. She left the fortress with Lola behind her as the flames burst into an inferno.
Fang could be seen diligently collecting the cores, while Scales made sure no one escaped.
"Throw the bodies into the fire."
Adeline ordered as Fang picked up the pace, then started throwing the bodies into the blaze, stoking it further. The animals emerged from the forest and stared directly at Adeline. She glanced at them, but her attention was elsewhere.
With everything done, she started to hide evidence to the best of her abilities. The animals walked all over the entire area as if aiding her. Hours passed as the fortress collapsed on itself and the smell of burning flesh filled the area. She made the final touches to the area as the flames finally dissipated. Satisfied, she turned to one of the deer which approached her, then mounted it. The animals all moved in unison with Scales and Fang also hitching a ride.
They finally returned to the rundown castle which looked unchanged on the outside. She dismounted and nodded towards the animals which dispersed back into the forest. Inside, she made her way back to the familiar room, which now had a proper bed which she created. She placed the child down and made sure she was comfortable.
The child turned to her side and continued her sleep. Adeline sat beside the bed and stared up to the sky through the broken roof with Lola joining her. She silently fell asleep as the month of stress and half-sleeps finally caught up to her.
Adeline felt something was amiss as she opened her eyes once more. She saw a beautiful night sky which was unfamiliar to her. She got up, then stared down to the ground and saw her own reflection on the water. She moved her leg and saw the ripples spread outwards. This water was weird because she could neither feel it nor did her legs become wet. She looked to the distance but there was nothing else around.
"I am sorry for bringing you like this."
A distorted voice could be heard as the stars rearranged themselves, forming a face. Adeline looked up to the odd face with a frown but remained collected.
"You shouldn't have brought me at all."
Adeline answered with spite. The face got closer and stared her down.
"What happened was a mistake that I can't undo. Your actions have already changed fate with that child at the center."
"I will not give her up."
"I am not asking you to, but the others will not be as thoughtful."
"How did I even end up in this world? I am supposed to be dead."
Adeline complained as she sat and stared at the face which turned away for a moment.
"That is not for me to answer. I doubt you even understand what is happening."
The entire sky changed as a bright horizontal line could be seen. Suddenly it broke down into multiple lines all starting from one point. The lines continued to multiply, forming a large tree with no roots.
"Your actions are fracturing fate itself."
"If I am such a problem, why did you leave me be?"
"I didn't say it was a problem, but it is also not very useful."
"You are a very contradictory character."
Adeline let out a small laugh.
"Trust me, I don't wish to be doing this, but that is the decision she forced on me."
"Who is she?"
"Mother nature. She has been watching you for a very long time."
"I am not interested in neither of you, so send me back."
"If you wish to care for this child, you will need my strength and guidance."
"Who said I was going to care for her?"
"And you call me a contradictory character."
A distorted laugh could be heard as the stars fell and the skies opened like a curtain, turning everything bright white with a figure in black laying on a couch with its back turned.
"You're amusing. If you ever need me, I will appear."
The figure slightly turned as Adeline caught a glimpse of its eyes. She felt a jolt of unexplainable emotions, throwing her into turmoil. She bit down her tongue, then recomposed herself. Another distorted laugh could be heard as the white plane turned black.
"I hope to see you again soon, my little Deathbringer."
The distorted voice echoed in her mind. She opened her eyes once more to the familiar room, her entire body covered in sweat. She turned towards the bed and saw that it was empty. Panic set in as she got up and looked around.
"CHILD, WHERE DID YOU GO?"
Adeline screamed as she ran through every room, searching to no avail. She emerged from the castle filled with worry.
"SCALES! LOLA! FANG! THE CHILD IS MISSING."
Adeline screamed once more. The bushes shook as Lola came running out with the child on top. Fang and Scales followed close behind, chasing after them. The child giggled and laughed as they all ran around the open field as the animals watched from afar.
"Lola, come here now!"
Adeline ordered as she came running, then paused after seeing her annoyed face. Lola whined, then lay flat on the ground as the child dismounted.
"Mommy! The dog is fun."
The child jumped onto Adeline, who reluctantly lifted and embraced her.
"Next time, don't go too far. Now let's go and bathe, then eat."
"Okay, Mommy."
The child answered as she pulled her horns. They made their way to the pond and started to bathe. Adeline carefully cleaned her bright golden hair, as the child kicked her feet happily.
"Can you remind me of your name?"
Adeline asked while paying attention to her body's reaction.
"Name? I forgot, my memory is bad."
The child answered as her enthusiasm decreased. Adeline was not good with children at all and didn't believe she would ever make a good mother or romantic partner.
"I am sorry, Mommy, I don't remember my name."
The child spoke once more; tears started to fall, and she started to cry out loud. Adeline started to panic at the sudden outburst. She started to hit her head, trying to remember, but only a pained cry came out.
"Helen."
Adeline blurted the name of the person she used to hold most dear.
"Your name is Helen."
Helen's eyes widened as a smile followed. She started to jump around the edge of the pond with delight as red light covered her body. Her weak body recovered in an instant and now looked like a proper child. Some of her golden hair turned to a deep red color.
"I am Helen, but…"
Helen stopped as she started to think hard about something.
"What's the problem?"
Adeline watched her intently.
"I forgot Mama's name also. It was…"
Helen sat down as she started to think hard, but nothing came to mind.
"I forgot Mama's name…"
"It's Adeline."
Helen shot up and ran towards her, then hugged her.
"Yes, Mama's name is Adeline, and I am Helen."
Adeline lightly caressed her hair. She had her doubts around this child, but for now, she was all Helen had.
I will just look after her until I find her next of kin.
Adeline settled down Helen as the two started to bathe. Lola appeared out of nowhere and joined in.
"Mommy, why did you name me Helen?"
Adeline paused for a moment. Helen turned towards her and stared with innocent eyes.
"It was the name of someone who raised me a long time ago."
"Do you mean Grandma?"
"Yes, you can call her that."
"Tell me more!"
Helen turned and started to kick her feet in the water with excitement. Adeline continued washing her hair with a smile.
"I used to be very naughty, but she tolerated me. She was very kind and warm to everyone."
"Can I meet her someday?"
"She is no longer in this world."
"Sorry, Mommy."
"No need to apologize. It was a long time ago, and I avenged her."
"Avenged her?"
"Don't think about it. You are still too young."
They finished bathing and the group made their way back to camp. Fang and Scales had already prepared branches and a deer carcass. Adeline got to work as Helen watched closely. She tried to mimic her movements on the ground, making fine lines. Adeline slowed down the process and scooted over so she could get a better look. Helen only winced when she started cleaning its inside but still remained determined to see it through.
"Gather those branches. I will teach you how to make a fire."
"Really! Okay, Mommy."
Helen brought the dried-up branches closer. Adeline started to construct a campfire. She took some grass and leaves, placed them in the middle, then took a stone and rusted iron ore and used it to spark a small flame.
"The trick is to let it foster and add more branches. If you add too much at a time, you will smolder the flame; put in too little, and the fire will die. It is a balancing act."
"Oooh, Mom is so cool."
"Okay, I will let you take control from here."
Helen got closer and put two branches but made a mistake, almost killing the fire. She started to panic and tried to remove the branch, but that ultimately put the fire out. She looked disappointed and started to sulk.
"I am sorry, Mommy. I killed the flame."
"No need to be sad. We can always start over."
Adeline lit up another fire and urged Helen to try again. This time she was able to correctly stoke the flames. She observed the flames slowly gain momentum. Helen jerked backward after feeling the heat, then looked at Adeline who looked unbothered.
"Helen, fire is dangerous. It can provide you warmth in the cold nights, cook your food, and light your way, but always remember, if uncontrolled, it will burn everything."
Adeline's voice was serious and eerie, but Helen was not scared. She cuddled up against Adeline.
"If Mommy can do it, so can I!"
Helen declared with vigor.
"Let's skewer the meat and start cooking. The rest must be hungry."
"Yes, Mom!"
Helen followed Adeline's lead as she tried to properly skewer the meat. She made a lot of errors, but Adeline was surprisingly patient with her. She taught her how to do it properly, and after some more trials, Helen was doing it properly.
The two quietly watched the meat cook as they took in the smell. Adeline glanced at the happy Helen, to think she was on the brink of death not too long ago. She had many questions for the child: where did she come from, why was she held captive by orcs, and most importantly, why did she choose her. Adeline knew this child didn't have answers to those questions.
"Are you okay, Mommy?"
"I am fine, but I need your help with something."
"What can Helen do to help!"
She turned with excitement.
"Can you tell me the last thing you remember?"
Helen paused and started to think hard.
"You taught me to cut meat and start a fire."
"Before that."
"I was sleeping, then you woke me up!"
"Can you go further back?"
Helen fell silent once more as she started to think.
"We were playing in the forest with Lola and the big brother."
Helen pointed at Fang.
"What game did we play?"
"It was, ummm."
Helen fell silent again.
"Hide and seek!"
Helen nodded confidently. Adeline looked at the proud Helen with slight worry.
Does she have some form of repressed memories?
Helen seemed like a newborn baby but in a five-year-old body, but she was able to talk fluently and was very smart for her age. Things didn't quite match up with Helen, but she knew someone would come looking for her.
"Mommy, I think the meat is ready."
Adeline snapped out of her thoughts and turned towards the cooked meat.
"Yes, it is, good job."
"Thank you, Mommy."
Everyone came together to feast on the food. Helen struggled to eat at first, but due to sheer tenacity, she was able to bite through. Adeline scoffed at her and took the large leg and broke it down for her.
After eating, Adeline started her workout; the warnings she received from Kuso did not fall on deaf ears. With that in mind, she started to prepare her body. Helen, as usual, was close to her trying to imitate her.
With this new body, she was able to push her body even further. She used large stone boulders as weights and was able to do a thousand sets of push-ups and pull-ups easily. She continued to push as her body started to ache but did not stop. Helen was already passed out nearby as she used Lola as a pillow.
The sun was already about to set as Adeline finally stopped and carried Helen inside to lay her to bed. She carefully placed her down and stared at her; she was truly a beautiful and innocent child.
Why is she such a threat?
Adeline contemplated for a short time, then returned to her training routine for a few more hours. She returned to Helen's side, then slept until the morning. The next day, she spent most of her time making new clothes for Helen and rebuilding the run-down castle. Fang and Scales were on guarding duty, making sure nothing slipped. She still anticipated unwanted visitors in the future.
"Helen, be careful when you're climbing."
Adeline stared down from the roof as she saw the small child scaling the walls.
"I am fine, Mommy."
Helen answered with confidence as she continued her ascent. She finally made her way up with a bright smile.
"Be careful, it's a long way down."
Adeline anxiously watched Helen walk around the roof. She turned her attention to the large gaping hole. She assessed the damage first and took note of the rotten wood which was left to the elements.
How am I going to fix this?
She didn't have any tools at her disposal. She decided to just cover it up with the leftover clothes. She tied them together, then started covering it, making sure she didn't fall through the roof.
"Mommy!"
Helen screamed as Adeline turned and saw her slipping off the roof. She darted through the roof and dived, catching her. She shielded her as they both crashed into the trees and ground.
"Are you alright?"
Adeline asked with worry as she inspected Helen's body.
"I am fine, Mommy, are you hurt?"
Helen asked with tears in her eyes.
"I am not weak, so don't worry."
Adeline answered with a smile as she got up and checked Helen for any injuries.
"Mommy is so cool!"
"Next time when I tell you to be careful, actually listen to me."
"I promise."
"You're such a troublesome kid."
Adeline carried Helen back towards the castle. Lola could be seen barking frantically towards the camp. She placed Helen down, then crouched, looking at her eyes.
"Can you do me a favor?"
"Anything for Mommy."
"I want you to go with Lola deep into the woods and wait until I call you."
"Is everything okay?"
"Don't worry, I will take care of everything."
Lola came running towards them. Adeline gave Helen a hug, then got up. Helen reluctantly got on top of Lola as she raced into the forest. Adeline turned and made her way back to the camp. A group of men in cloaks could be seen walking around with their weapons clearly visible. She counted seven of them; they all turned towards Adeline, who walked towards them casually.
"I was not expecting guests."
"A lowly demon dares to speak without permission."
One of the men lifted their cloak, revealing a regular Caucasian man with brown hair and freckles on his nose. He unsheathed his sword, which looked ornamental with glowing rubies on its hilt. Adeline did not react to this threat as she walked right in front of the man and sat down on the tree.
"It's rude to point that thing at strangers."
Adeline spoke as Fang and Scales returned and saw what was unfolding. With a wave of her hand, the duo retreated into the forest, but the odd men did not pursue them.
"You, arrogant demon, I will put you in your place."
"That is enough."
A bulky voice could be heard as another man stepped forward and stared at Adeline, who was seated comfortably.
"Where is the child?"
"What child?"
"The one who was on the roof."
"There was a child on the roof? That sounds dangerous."
"Don't play stupid, demon!"
In an instant, the man pointed his golden sword at Adeline. The cloak fluttered off, revealing a knight wearing an all-gold armor set with a black visor. His chest piece had two serpents which coiled around a sword, facing each other. Adeline simply smiled, which infuriated the knight even more.
"If you cared so much about the child, you would have taken care of her and the mother."
"I won't ask again."
The man released a blue energy which covered his sword. Adeline remained silent with her smile; the man was taken aback by her reaction. Normally, lower demons would run or plead for their lives when confronted, but Adeline remained composed.
"I would like to ask all of you to kindly leave my territory."
The men started to laugh at her as they started to tarnish the surrounding area.
"Perhaps I was not clear enough. Fuck off."
"Stupid demon."
The man swung his mana-coated sword with great precision but found himself upside down shortly after. Adeline got up as the rest unsheathed their swords, ready to attack, but Adeline was faster. She landed a devastating punch to his face, destroying part of his visor, then kicked him into the forest, crashing through several trees. One of them advanced and tried stabbing her with a spear, but she effortlessly dodged. She glided forward and hit the knight with a backhand followed by two punches to the gut, leaving two large dents.
The man who was upside down got up and charged, swinging his sword several times, but she was able to dodge with ease. She grabbed the man's chest piece and tore it away, then beat him with it, knocking him out.
The remaining four knights stared at each other with worry as Adeline stepped forward. The one who held the ornamental sword charged, but his attack was pitiful. Adeline disarmed him, then forced the knight to his knees as she twisted his hand. The man screamed as the sound of bones cracking could be heard.
"I did not appreciate your disrespect."
She proceeded to rip his arm, then kick him to the ground. Adeline stared at the screaming knight and mercilessly stomped on his head. His body flinched, then stopped moving. The remaining three swallowed dry saliva and let go of their weapons, surrendering.
"Gather your buddies up and tie them."