Torn Family Tree (DISCONTINUED)

X. Cerberus

Even though I had only been in these woods once, I was still able to find my way around with great ease. I noticed a trial of white petals and followed it. When I reached the end of the trail I found a dog bathing itself with the broken rose under one of its paws. I stood a good distance away from it. I unsheathed my dagger and stood in a battle stance. The dog stood up and walked over to me. I stood my ground while it just laid down and rolled over. I sheathed my dagger and crouched down to rub the dog's stomach. Why did this creature steal my rose? I stood up and the dog did the same.

"I guess I'm stuck with you now huh?"

The beast nodded.

"And you stole the rose didn't you?"

Again it nodded.

"Come with me I guess. You're going to need a name too."

It cocked its head to one side.

"You okay with Cerberus?"

It nodded.

"Well lets go tell the others."

I began to walk back to the manor with Cerberus at my side. When I returned, the creature I assumed was Smile.Dog stood his ground. Cerberus seemed to pay no attention. Jeff, who was near by, walked over and stole Smile.Dogs attention. I walked into the manor and noticed only Father was in the parlor.

"Is this the creature?"

"It appears so."

"Did it have the rose?"

"Indeed. But it was torn to shreds."

"Strange. Does it have a name?"

"Yes, I named it, Cerberus."

"And it followed you?"

"Yes."

"This is most peculiar. You may go about your business. If anything new surfaces do tell me or one of your dear cousins."

"Yes, father."

He retreated into Slendermans office. I was extremely confused. What did all of this mean? First the rose and now the dog. I decided to get something to eat. I had been asleep for two weeks and felt hunger pains from the absence of food. I got one of the kidneys E.J had in the fridge. When I finished, I walked outside. The sun was beginning to set. I sat on the porch steps and Cerberus laid beside me. I wanted to craft another rose, but I was unsure of what would happen. I decided to take the risk. I closed my eyes and concentrated on a rose. Cerberus began to bark and snapped my concentration.

"What is it?"

He began to whine.

"Are you telling me not to do the rose thing again?"

He nodded.

I sighed and ruffled his fur. Would I go into another comatose state if I tried to summon a rose again?

"Will I ever be able to craft a rose like father?" I asked myself.

Cerberus pawed at my leg and I looked him. He stood up, shook himself off, walked down the steps, and looked at me.

"What?"

He wined.

I stood up and he began to walk to the forest. He stopped at the edge and looked at me. I walked towards him and he went farther in. I flowed him until we were in a dark clearing. All I could think about was how I needed light. I sat down in the middle of the clearing and Cerberus laid next to me. I closed my eyes and continued to think about light. I held out my hand and felt my skin tearing from my bones. I opened my eyes and there was a golden rose emitting a bright light siting in on my palm. Cerberus barked and began to wag his tail. I was amazed at the spectacle. I stood up and began to walk back to the manor, and Cerberus followed. He seemed proud of himself. 'Was he teaching me my abilities?' I thought to myself.

When I arrived at the mansion, I looked down at my rose. It still glowed as bright as ever. I walked inside, knocked three times on Slender's office door, and Cerberus barked. He opened the door and seemed surprised. I was smiling with glee. He motioned me inside. Trendorman, Splendorman, and father all sat in the chairs. The room was dim, but when I walked in it was lit up. I stopped in front of Slender's desk and stood facing father. They all looked at me amazed.

"Kylie, you did this?"

"Yes, father."

"How?"

"Well I was siting on the back porch with Cerberus when he stood and walked into the forest. I followed him and we stopped at a dark clearing. I sat down, closed my eyes, and concentrated on my need for light. I felt my skin tearing and when I opened my eyes, this was sitting in my hands lighting the clearing."

"Remarkable." said Splendor.

"It seems like the animal, is some kind of mentor." stated Trendorman.

My smile diminished the more they talked. I felt like a science project. Cerberus began to bark and growl, interrupting their conversation. When all was quiet Cerberus laid down and was silent.

"I believe he responds to her moods. Us picking her apart made her upset and the beast interrupted us to make her feel less-"

"Like a science project." I interrupted

"Indeed." they all agreed.

"I wonder how they would react if separated?" Father said.

Cerberus began to growl.

"No! You cannot take him away!"

I had become to attached to Cerberus.

"Oh daughter, I'm not going to take your pet away. I was just wondering aloud."

The light from my rose began to fade until it was no more. Cerberus took the rose from me and tore it apart. Why did he tear my roses apart?

I walked out of Slender's office and up the stairs to my room with Cerberus at my heels. I closed my bedroom door behind him. We sat on the floor, his head resting on my legs.

"Why do you destroy my roses? Is it to protect me? To keep me from the comatose state?"

I looked at him and he nodded.

"I don't understand. Why do the roses do that to me? WHY AM I SUCH A FREAK?!"

I placed my head in my hands and I began to cry. I didn't know what else to do. I wasn't sad, I was extremely aggravated and confused. Cerberus licked at my hands as I cried myself asleep.