Game with unknown Rules

Chapter 9: The Union of Change

     "That's fucking ridiculous." Melissia held Psyche by the neck, who had refused to turn back into a human and was grinning like a maniac. "You're telling me, that you were working on the same project Miriam, Friedrich and I have been working our asses off to achieve, without even consulting us about it? You knew that Miriam was a Corvid Shifter, why wait two whole days to inform us about this?!"

   Psyche had been torn down by Melanie, her Parents and the Darkwood's for not consulting them about the 'Guardians' and withholding further information (all when I was asleep), finally relented and confessed, that they had been in the wrong of wanting to take this burden all on their own and not to endanger the rest. It was ironic. The way, how they tried to protect others, they made the children suffer longer. Finally seeing the errors of their ways, they told us about how Miriam and Melissia, just like their father were also trying to prevent further kidnapping of children. Once I had introduced Miriam and Melissia to the group, explaining what had transpired, the two girls were surprised and Melissia reacted as she did.

   "Melissia, calm down." Miriam stood next to her and put a hand on Melissia's shoulder. "It was only two and we didn't have any missions yet, so nothing bad has happened. It's okay."

   "Well, I'm not." Melissia huffed but let Psyche go.

   "Thanks." The white cat naturally landed on all four paws before climbing up one of the fallen pillars.

   "Why are you pursuing such a dangerous goal all on your own?" Melanie was the first to ask, looking at the two girls.

   "When I was just a hatchling, my siblings and I nearly fell into the same trap." Miriam explained calmly, although there was a tone of melancholy in her voice. "If it hadn't been for my mother and the help of Melissia's parents, I wouldn't be here today."

   "You had siblings?" I was surprised and Miriam nodded, as her gaze wandered to the ground.

   "My mother lost her life in the process while trying to safe me, and both Miss and Mistress Joru did as well, as a fire broke out." She explained. "My siblings died in there as well."

   I was stunned. I had no words, besides a pathetic "I'm sorry" towards Miriam and Melissia, who just shrugged.

   "I barely knew my parents, so it's not like I have any memories with them." She had her arms crossed, though she didn't look at me.

   Melissia tried to act tough, but again, failed miserably. It was clearly not at all how she really felt. Then again, I might have been projecting myself on to her in that moment. Realising that and also feeling that this was not a good time, I said nothing.

   But Miriam, Melissia and their father Friedrich, who hadn't said anything thus far, were not the only ones Psyche had brought along. They also introduced Nore to the club, which I didn't expected to be honest, but considering that the Darkwood's were actually filing to adopt him, and wouldn't let their other two children go on their own, it made sense.

   Although four more beings were present, apparently someone was still missing and so we waited. Calm silence filled the ruin chamber. The ruins that laid dormant and forgotten by the world of science for so long. I remember visiting these ruins on the edge of the Pappelwald with my parents when I was maybe five years old. A memory which now has engraved itself into my mind like so many others. They had gone to this place with their siblings and friends, when they were in their teenage years. It had been a long time since the public last registered these fallen walls.

   My feet started to get heavy, so I sat down next to Kuro and Lenny, who were sitting on one of the many stones that looked like they were used as benches in the old days. Both were reading a Manga that Lenny had brought for Kuro to fight against her arachnophobia. I didn't quite believe that the cute little spider with flip flops on the front cover was to help her with her fear, but she seemed intrigued nonetheless. I smiled a little as I watched them, huddled together and their noses in the book. It was great how quickly they had become friends.