Evolve: Chapter 6 Part 1

Chapter 6

Srel

Wow that’s amazing Venril! When did you learn that?” Srel was immensely impressed with Venril’s magick. So much in so he envied his boyfriend and wished he could do it as well. 

“Thanks, Srel. I found a secret underground base of my great-grandfather’s. He had books on everything from the history and government of our people to the coming of age with Dragons. I read about fifty or more books in less than a few days.” Venril said looking exhausted from not only the spell he just cast in front of Srel but also all the hardwork he did this last week.

“That’s more than you do in regular studies.” Srel teased, knowing very well Venril’s own nerves to hit.

“Hey now. I haven’t said one thing about your height since I got here. Well, except for the picking you up at the gate. But since then, I haven’t.” Venril defended.

  “Yeah, yeah Elf. It doesn’t matter. What matters is the fact that you now have something to one-up your brother on. That cold-hearted bastard doesn’t do nothing but work and show how much better he is than you. It pisses me off.”

“Actually...” Venril started, hesitating to tell Srel the rest

“Oh for goodness sake. You showed him it didn’t you?” Srel said, pausing to wait for an answer from Venril. When Venril looked away and didn’t answer, not denying the fact he showed his twin brother the secret hideaway buried deep beneath their castle surface. “For goodness sake Ven. You know what that bastard would do if he had access to such luxury. He’d use it to his own advantage.” Srel said angry and upset.

“So have I!” Venril said in defense. “I used it to teleport partly the way here so I can get to you as fast as I could. How is that any different from what he would do for his own advantage!?” 

“You didn’t do it for your selfish desires, to better yourself so you can show someone else up like he probably would do. You used it for the sake of learning and to see a friend sooner, not to get out of doing your duties or find a short and quick way out of a messy situation.” Srel said looking disappointed.

“What if I did do that?” Venril asked curiously.

“And how would you use it to get out of a messy situation?” 

“I would...” Venril stopped himself to think about it. “Well, if you were in trouble, I’d use it to protect you and get you out of trouble.” He said, not really validating Srel’s point.

“See, you are using it for the sake of other’s, protecting them and being there for them, not because it would make you look good or because you want to prove to people that you can. You are thinking of others before yourself.” Srel said before sighing. “Tell me something. If you were in trouble, for instance, you were captured and being tortured: Would you use it to untie yourself and free yourself from their grasp or would you do what you could to teach them a lesson, giving them the same treatment as they did to you?” Srel asked.

“I’d free myself. I wouldn’t harm them with it.” He said looking like the latter was upsetting him a little.

“See, my point exactly. You wouldn’t dish out the same shit they are doing to you because you don’t think it is right. Nexyl on the other hand, he would think of that as revenge, an eye for an eye. If they laid a hand on him, he’d do the same. That is his logic. Your logic is that if you were slapped, you’d turn the other cheek. You wouldn’t think that getting even was necessary because that would mean violence and bloodshed. Which is why you are different from him.” Srel explained calmly trying to get Venril to see it his way even though he knew that was impossible considering Venril didn’t even like to talk about people behind their backs especially in a bad way.

“I know. I understand. But I still think Nexyl would contemplate on the scenario and find a way out of it without soiling his hands. He’d do what he can to not have to kill.” Venril retorted.

“He wouldn’t soil his own hands, he’d get someone else to do it for him. I betcha’ the first thing he does is get a bodyguard. Someone who he can have do his dirty work for him rather than exposing himself as a twisted soul.” Srel said knowing very well Nexyl had something up his sleeve with such power in his hands. He didn’t trust that Elf, not like he trusted Venril. 

“I still think Nexyl is a good person. Just raised differently. He had to do all the work being the oldest! I understand he hasn’t always considered the right path as his first option but he is still good. He has a heart, just like everyone else. He deserves some trust.” Venril said knowing that his brother was only doing what was logical to him. That is just how he was.

“Alright, there is no sense arguing it with you. You obviously care a lot about him.” Srel said with a sigh, wishing Venril would forget this already so they could go back to bed. “But remember one thing. While you tried to save the fly trapped in the web, he killed the spider. You saw that every life deserved a chance while he thought saving the fly meant killing the spider. That the food chain was above that of a single life. You hated him for that but he tried to reason with you, saying that if he didn’t kill the spider, the fly would have died. The only logic was that you can’t save both of them if one is to be eaten by the other.” Srel explained, hoping Venril would wake up from that but all it made him do was cry for the spider’s sake. Srel looked grossed out by Venril’s snotty nose but then he put his arms around Venril to comfort him. “I’m sorry. I know that was hard for you.” He said softly, sighing and knowing it was impossible to get through to this Elf and that part of Venril was what he liked most. 

Venril continued to cry until his sobbing eventually broke free of the sadness. He rubbed his eyes and looked up at Srel. He kissed Srel, causing Srel to blush. Venril stopped the kiss, holding Srel’s face in his arms before squishing his cheeks and smiling. Srel looked annoyed but then a thought had occurred to him and he was afraid to ask what was on his mind but Venril pinching his cheeks made him break free of that thought until Venril had asked the question.

“What’s on your mind that is making you so upset?” Venril asked.

Srel looked shocked before realizing there was no way to get anything pass this guy. “I was just thinking. If you had to choose between your brother or me, who would you pick?” Srel asked, his heart aching to know the answer but Venril’s silence was what was really hurting him the most. 

Venril kissed Srel again until Srel was almost out of oxygen. “I know that will never happen but if it did, I would come to you before him. You have always been there for me, so having you here now, makes me think no matter what you will always be there. I’ll even protect you from him if I have to.” Venril said looking serious and almost on the brink of jealousy, that no one will touch his beloved Dwarf, not as long as he was still alive and kicking.

Srel looked at Venril’s serious face, admiring how cool and tough he looked, seeing it in his eyes the devotion Venril had for him and it started to make him tear-up a little until he kissed Venril back, shoving him down on the bed. “Man, you looked so cool just then, I can’t resist now.” He said before he started to kiss Venril’s neck.

Evolve: Chapter 5 Part 1

Chapter 5

Nexyl

Nexyl was busy in the hidden study late at night. His duties were postponed another day considering his mother was worried about him staying up for quite a few days straight. She wanted to make sure he had enough sleep and was well rested.

He was aware he worked better when he was rested and during the day, but given the hour of the night and his obsession to learning as much as Venril had known already, he was determined and had a lot of energy for studying it seemed. However, all that studying didn’t necessarily keep him in his normal beautician state. His long platinum blond hair was messy and his garments were unevenly buttoned. He didn’t care. He was too wrapped up into learning about Dragons and magic. 

He had found a different magic book, one that was able to manipulative minds and ideals to the wielder's bidding. He was also intrigued it worked on anything, object and living creature. He tested it on a lonely ant who followed his finger in the direction it went and obeyed his every command. He then told the ant to kill itself and it obeyed obediently, traveling up the table’s legs and up the wax shaft of the candle before traveling into the flame. He was surprised the spell worked so well but he did realize that the ant was a small creature, anything larger may be more reluctant. He then decided to test the theory on something bigger. 

He saw a Werecat cub traveling in the hallway trying to catch itself a mouse. It seemed that Venril wasn’t the only one who could find this hidden chamber. The Werecats must have known of its existence the more they hunted for mice. A sick habit, to eat another creature for the sake of food. He was an herbivore and never once ate meat. He believed the land was enough to provide for oneself, not the sake of another living being. He understood that it was a necessity in most creatures, but he did not understand why you needed meat to survive. Plants provided enough nutrition and protein to survive so why did some creatures need meat to survive? What was so special about it? Certainly he was not going to try it but he was willing to wager on a creature’s life for the sake of proving who was the strongest. 

He walked out to the hallway and cleared his throat, the echo of his voice spooking the little cub as it hid behind a corner, allowing the mice to live and be set free from its grasp. 

“Werecat. This is a restricted area. Only the royal family shall be allowed entrance into its halls.” He ordered sounding stern with the cub. 

The Werecat, young and possibly resembling a five-year-old child, looked at Nexyl with scared, cautious eyes. He did, however, understand that he was not allowed to speak to the Prince so kindly, especially not this prince. Nexyl was not as kind to his family as Venril was, he could tell that by scent. He feared Nexyl just as he feared getting in trouble for being down there playing with his dinner.

“Well young cub, what do you have to say?” Nexyl asked, trying to be polite even though disgust ran through his veins at the very sight of the cub.

“I-I’m sorry...” He stuttered softly. “It won’t happen again.” He said sadly.

“Very well.” Nexyl said before he decided to try the spell out on the cub. He raised out his hand to the cub who shook in fear, smelling something off from the Elf’s hand. Nexyl chanted the text for the manipulation spell and the cub’s eyes grew hazy and cold. Nexyl’s hand lowered when the cat was under his spell and he smiled. 

“Come here.” Nexyl ordered, the cub obeying obediently. 

The young cub stood in front of Nexyl, straight and tall for its master. His tail wagging behind him.

Nexyl grew annoyed with the tail and decided to test his commands. He pulled out a dagger from his pocket and smiled. “Now, I order you to cut off half of your tail. You all look the same to me and it is difficult to tell you apart.” He said as he handed the dagger to the cub.

The cub took it, shaking reluctantly, fearing for its tail to be cut off. He sat down and grabbed his tail, holding it straight on the floor as his eyes started to cry. “But master...it is my tail...” He said hoping to change his master’s mind. “It is connected to my spine is it not? I don’t think I can.” The cub said, his voice shaking as much as his body was in fear. The dagger in his hand was shaking so much, Nexyl thought that the cub was going to resist and fight back or not have the courage to do it. 

“Reluctant are we? Guess the spell is impervious to freewill even while under control.” Nexyl sighed. “I will be nice and relieve you of the pain. It will be like docking a tail on dogs.” He then used some magic to relieve the pain in the animals tail in the area where the line should be drawn. “Cut there. There will be no pain and I will close the wound up myself.” He said still ordering the cub to do it. 

The cub gulped in fear and kept his tail still as he hastily cut his own tail off in half where the dock line was. Tears fell down his face at the lost of his tail. There was blood but no pain as Nexyl had described. The cat was crying in fear and sadness for the lost of his tail but he was told that with milk it grows back in Werecats. That thought of having his tail again gave him some hope of having it again and Nexyl could see it in his eyes. The cub was hugged his tail to tell it everything was going to be alright and that it will have its friend back. 

“Good. Now do not drink milk unless I tell you so. I know how it works for you creatures. You are now my slave, this marks proof of that, got it?” Nexyl said, hate and anger in his eyes, more from the fact that he actually felt a little bit of guilt in him after seeing the pain in the cub’s face. “Do not disobey me again cub.” He said to the cub who nodded, his tears slowly fading but the blood did not. 

Nexyl closed the wound up with his magic and the blood stopped but the stain remained on the floor. “Do you have a name cub?” He asked, not willing to call the Werecat “cub” anymore and for some reason feeling oddly attached to the little creature despite his hatred for all things that was not of Elven make.

“We aren’t given names.” He said honestly.

“Then how do you tell each other apart?” Nexyl said quite unamused and annoyed at such simple-minded creatures who felt no sense in creating an identity for themselves even with something as simple as a name. 

“By scent. Our mother does not name us, she knows us individually by scent.” 

“Fine then. I shall give you a name. From now on you refer to me as Master or Master Nexyl. You will be named Múldir meaning “Slave”. Do not forget it.” He said, flipping his long hair from the side of his face back behind him before walking back into the chamber to continue his studies. 

The cub’s eyes returned to normal. He had a master, finally. Once named Werecats were forever pets to their masters, leaving the manipulation spell pointless. He was loyal by name alone, and despite his feelings for this horrible man, he still was grateful to Nexyl for even bothering to give him a name rather than forcing him under a spell forever. That meant that Nexyl was willing to own him without the need of a spell. Múldir was free from the spell but now a pet to Nexyl. He didn’t like being this Elf’s pet but he was finally owned which is what any Werecat cub has dreamed of since their parents told them that being loved is as great as giving love. However, this also meant he had to abide by this man’s wishes, probably unable to return home, to his parents or his siblings. He was locked away as a slave, with a name that meant slave. A horrid irony. He wasn’t sure about what he thought of that. He should be grateful regardless of the name and its meaning or his relationship with the owner who named him, but he wasn’t, at least not entirely. He knew if the time needed him to go against his master, he would. He was too strong-willed to be tied down to someone even if the moralities of his owner was twisted. 

He picked up the remaining tip of his tail and went to Nexyl. He was still afraid of Nexyl, worried that he wouldn’t understand his request let alone wish to be disturb but he had to keep his tail. It was a part of him and and he wanted to remember this day and what Nexyl did to him, so he would know who did this to him. He didn’t want to forget cutting off his tail or who made him do it by force. He wanted that memory and he knew that time would not give that to him. Not like this. 

“Umm Master.” He asked softly.

“What is it?” Nexyl said not looking up from his book and surprisingly not sounding quite upset from being disturbed. 

“Could you put a spell on this part of my tail to keep it from deteriorating over time? I would like to keep it as a reminder of my obedience to you as your slave.” He asked worried of Nexyl’s response.

Nexyl looked up and at the tail and then smiled. “Good idea. It shall remind you of where you belong and to never question me, that this is the hold I have on you, much like a collar it would seem.” He said before he looked at a spell to preserve life and limbs. He put the spell on the tail, it not alive but forever in tact as it was in that moment. 

Múldir smiled and wrapped the tail around his waste, it long enough for him to wear it as a belt with enough room to grow into. Nexyl was proud his little pet was so wise to know where he stood in comparison and that his spell would forever remain in check, not realizing that by giving the cub a name broke it as immediately as it was made. 

“Now, go upstairs and fetch me some light food and some water. Be quick and be sneaky about it. I have not made it known to my subjects that you are my pet as of now. There should be some tomato basil soup on a pot, go bring me a bowl. Take that portal there. It leads to the closet of my room. You may not be able to enter into it from the other side so you will have to find your way back outside or however else you got in. Understood?” He ordered.

“Yes sir!” Múldir responded as he went through the portal and went to the kitchen. Using his claws and the ceiling as his means of sneaking around, the shadows close at hand to aid him in his quest. He halted when he saw a guard or a servant passing by or standing by a door of great importance. He wondered about the guards. Elves were naturally gifted in strength and skill, why would they need guards for protection when they could obviously protect themselves. He made it to the kitchen, the staff not at hand so late in the night. He found the pot and jumped down from the ceiling, grabbing a bowl of soup from off the counter and a glass and pitcher of water, the jug was heavy for him but he was able to manage, being stronger than the average child. He placed the pitcher of water on his head and balanced it as he walked sneakily back to the portal in Nexyl’s room. He was almost caught by a guard who noticed the child but simply thought he was a statue as Múldir stood still. He finally left the guards side when the guard looked the other away. Múldir could tell the guard was nervous about a small child staring at him for so long so he obviously turned and looked away only to notice the statue was gone when he checked again, confusing him and wondering if working so late at night was playing tricks on his eyes. 

He finally made it back to Nexyl’s room, eyeing the portal for something, looking at it before he sniffed it, wondering if he could smell Nexyl through it. The tail he had around his waist started to glow, the magic in the portal obviously having an affect on it as it was still under Nexyl’s spell, allowing him to pass through again despite Nexyl’s predictions.

He smiled at his master when he returned through the portal, Nexyl was confused about how the child did such a thing but when he noticed the tail around the cub’s waist glowing he understood that any spell he created was still a part of him which allowed those under his spells to pass through. Interesting, he thought but thankful it was a quicker way to return to him than for the cub to have to find his way around on his own searching for another way in. 

“Thank you Múldir.” He said noticing that the cub smiled even more when his name was called by his master. Nexyl stared at the cub and realized that Venril was right, Werecats were cute but it wasn’t because they were furry or because of their features. He really did not like the cats personally, but for some reason this little cub was different. He couldn’t understand what it was, but this cub was certainly undeniably happy for a slave. Who would be happy about being forced under a spell for the sake of abiding by someone’s wishes? Was it the spell’s fault this child was so pleased to be with him or was it because for the first time in his life, he had someone he could talk to openly about his thoughts without needing to sound proper or polite. He could order this cub around and make it do whatever he wished, and he didn’t have to force his own self to be something he was not. He was honest with the cub, and the cub was obviously being honest with him. His smile was clear of that.

“If you are tired Múldir, you may rest. But wake up when I call in case I need anything.” He said still ordering the cat around but not as harshly as before.

“Yes master.” He said with a smile before he laid down on the floor stretched out and started to sleep. Again he seemed cute to Nexyl but this time more amusingly than pure cuteness. He was a strange cat indeed, a lightly tan colored cat with striking black spots resembling that of a Serval, yet he knew that this cat was more of a domestic cat than a wild one. His ears were striped with thick horizontal, black markings. He looked to be a Savannah. Nexyl knew that the Savannah type of Werecats were friendly and loyal like dogs, affectionate, and grew up to be large creatures with long legs, especially the males. If trained right and exercised daily, this little cub would turn into a bodyguard for Nexyl which was perfect for him. He could not only have the cub do his biding for him but also fight his battles as well as his main protector.  Not to mention he could finally have a guard he could openly discuss his problems and secrets to. How long did Werecats grow? The cub was about five-years-old in form but possibly twenty in years. Which meant that they aged every four years. By the time the cat was twenty-five in form, it would take the cat a hundred years to grow. A century was enough time, especially since Nexyl was not open to starting a war with Reydothe at that moment in time. He needed time and what a better way to do so when his main protector was at his peak in strength.  

Nexyl went back to his studies as he occasionally grazed on his dinner Múldir brought for him. It was cold but with tomato soup, it was fine. He was just happy to have something. Hopefully soon he could go to bed. he questioned where the cub would sleep. He didn’t want the cat in his bed nor on his furniture. He had to make preparations so he wouldn’t seem cold-hearted with the creature around his servants or brother. Venril. He thought of Venril for a bit as he ate, wondering what he would think of when witnessing the sight of the tail. Would he lie to his brother and say the cub had an accident and he did all he could to make sure the cat wasn’t in any pain and with a sense of guilt adopted the poor thing. It was possible but how would it sound. Would Venril see through his lies or was he still too naive to think poorly of his brother, who had many secrets he kept, especially from his own twin. It was obvious he wasn’t able to trust his brother and his brother’s moralities and their judgment against him. He didn’t need that kind of pressure, not even from his brother. He feared that he might one day have to rid his brother from this world if it meant standing against him and his ideals he had against the creatures uprising against him and his kingdom. He would not allow that to happen, not as long as he was alive and still Prince of Reydothe.

Evolve: Chapter 4 Part 1

Chapter 4

"Wait a minute. They are both guys and yet they are kissing?" Petey asked stopping the story. 

"Shhhh! It's romantic!" His sister Sally said looking irritated he interrupted the story.

Uncle Ronen looked shocked and then smiled. "What's wrong with two guys kissing?" 

"Well, for starters. Who is the mommy and who is the daddy? I thought relationships were between two people who could have families, as in kids." He said looking confused and a little annoyed.

"But relationships aren't built on the idea to create families, but two people wishing to be together for the sake of love and romance." Ronen said looking a little weirded out he was having this conversation with a nine-year-old.

"Yeah! Love is not meant to be just between a man and a woman, it can be between two people, regardless of gender, who love and care for one another. And with today's economy and the so many kids out there who are homeless, adoption can be open for all gender couples who wish to have kids. You don't need to have a mommy to create children when you can save the life a child who needs a family." Sally said looking really proud she knew so much.

"And where did you hear that little lady?" Ronen asked.

"Mommy told me. I asked her a year ago where babies came from and she told me when a man and a woman love each other and create love with the usage of their minds, heart, and bodies they create new life from it. She said that only a man and a woman can do it naturally but that I should not think that not having that traditional relationship is the only way to create new love. Love is universal and should be given to everyone regardless of their preference and that there are so many kids up for adoption that it would be wonderful for sterile parents or parents who cannot produce naturally to be given the opportunity at having their own children. She didn't give me details or specifics on where babies come from." 

"Oh well, that's good she told you that at least."

"So, I looked it up." She said cutting her uncle's sentence short.

"You looked it up?" Ronen asked curiously.

"Yup, it's a science, so I don't see why parents are so awkward when kids ask them. A male's genital area mixed with the genital area of a woman and a certain sexual process starts the movement of creating children, that is if done unprotected. And that within nine months from that process, the male's reproductive organ and its functions into the functions of the woman's, fuses together and creates the process within the woman to be able to produce a new life like a baby." She said proudly and informatively. "And that is why women get bigger in the belly when they are about to have a child."

Petey looked disgusted and somewhat sad. "Mommy told me she ate a watermelon before you were born and I totally believed her." 

"Everyone was once a fetus inside their mother's womb. You were one, get over it." She said irritated he was so gullible. 

Petey sighed and then looked up at his uncle. "So, why do they love each other?" 

"Because they grew up close as friends and something happened between them that caused those emotions to bloom and prosper and from then on they have always been together as such." Ronen explained.

"So, what should be explained to us for when we find someone we care about in that way?" Petey asked curiously.

Ronen looked a little shocked, really worried that these two kids were way too smart for him to even handle. He cleared his throat and wondered how he should even begin such a conversation.

"Well, just follow your heart. If you love someone, then nothing else should matter. Not even the color of their skin or the gender that they have. If you truly care about them enough to be with them in the way that Venril and Srel are, then nothing else should matter. Petey, if you happen to find a girl or boy you are into, you are willing to be with, care for, and grow and mature with then by all means go for it. No one is going to stop you from being with who you want to be. It is a matter of preference and inner-workings that no one but you can control. Same goes for Sally. If she happens to like a girl, then that is her business. She is free to do that, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Because it isn't about what other people say or think, but what you say and think. And feel. So, if you love a person, don't ever let them go unless it is better to let them go as in putting their happiness and well-being above your own. Never think that you have to be selfish or spoiled with the one you are with. If you lose one person and your heart breaks, then move on and find new love. It isn't like their loss is going to ruin your life or theirs. Just that it was meant to be and from the experience you have gained, you have become much stronger and more mature in how to handle the next one. So with whomever you want to be with, don't think that because of them, your image changes or that your heart is confused or wrong in how it feels. All that matters is the fact you found someone worthy of your heart, and you are open enough to allow them in." Ronen sighed, hoping that was vague and yet detailed enough for a nine-year-old.

Sally's eyes grew wider and she was stricken with the beauty and passion in her uncle's words. "That was beautiful! I will do my best with whoever I happen to find and hopefully things work out in the end." She said with glee.

"That's the spirit!" Ronen said with a smile and started to pet her head playfully.

Petey seemed a little bit more at ease now and he smiled too. "Same here."

Ronen then cut the merriment short to be strict with them. "And don't go after someone within the family. That's a mistake. So if you guys hit it off, don't even think about it. You hear me!?" He shouted at them trying to make sure they understood where the fine line was between love and lust, that just because a mood swings by, does not mean it should be taken on.

The two kids looked shocked but nodded their heads. "Yes sir!" They said in unison.

"What about Venril and Nexyl. They are brothers and yet they kissed each other on the cheek and forehead?" Petey asked.

"That is a brotherly love. Just because they show affection in that way at times does not mean they are meant to be together let alone fall in love. Love has many forms. There is Family Love, Sibling Love, Brotherly Love, Sisterly Love, the love you have between your friends and pets, and then there is Love and True Love. If you love your family, that is different from actual love between someone you wish to be with and different from a true love which means you are soul mates. So, do not confuse lust and love. It is never wise and it can lead to mistakes and misfortunes." 

"So, just because you care for someone does not mean you love them in that way?" Petey asked.

"Exactly. You can always like a person, and at times there will always be people in your life closer to you like you love them, but it does not mean that you are in love with them. Love is tricky. The love Venril and Srel have is based on an erotic, passionate, friendship as oppose to Venril and Nexyl's which is more of a close to brotherly love. They are twins. They are bound to share some connection but that doesn't mean they are into each other in that way. Remember, they are complete opposites and have different views of the world." Ronen explained.

"Oh okay. So, what did Venril and Srel do afterwards?" Petey asked.

"Yes, yes! Do continue!" Sally shouted, bouncing up and down on her bed with glee before her mother walked in and looked upset. 

"Do you know what time it is. It is passed your bedtime. Ronen put them to be already and finish the story tomorrow." She said before she walked out and went to the bathroom to take a shower.

Ronen looked scared and somewhat sneaky all of a sudden. "Busted." He said to the little ones. "But she is right. It is passed your bedtime and it is a long story. I will continue tomorrow after you guys have had school." He said sadly before he started to tuck them in and kiss their foreheads. 

"Fine. But please remember to tell us!" Sally said looking eager to continue already.

"I will. You can dream whatever you think will happen and tell me tomorrow and maybe you two might figure it out on your own." He teased.

"I dunno if I want to dream about two guys and what they do after kissing." Petey said feeling a little awkward. 

Ronen smiled and laughed. "Don't worry. One day you may be open and okay with it even if you don't partake in it. Everyone grows and matures on their own, some faster than others. So just dream what you want to dream about and everything will be fine." Ronen said before he walked out of their room, turning off the light and closing the door halfway so some of the hall light could seep in through the crack in the doorway. 

Evolve: Chapter 2 Part 3 (End) - Chapter 3 Part 1

Venril

Venril awoke in the middle of night, stirring abruptly and deep in thought. He never did that before. What was eating away at him so important that it woke him up in the middle of night. He was dreaming rather well and it seemed like he had someone on his mind. The name, what was the name in his dream? Srel. Yes, his dear friend in the west among the Dwarves. This Dwarf, quite wise and strong and easy to tease, for Srel's temper was as easy to stir as the ripples in the water from a single touch. Why was Srel on his mind? He knew that magick could affect ones psychic connections to someone close, but was Srel that close to him that he had to tell him about something. Something important it seemed. Did it deal with his brother? Yes, that was it. His brother had become rather annoying it seemed to him, the kind of annoying that bugs you until you tell someone to let it off your chest. He needed to confide in his friend, to understand what should be done about his brother and why he was even questioning his brother in the first place. 

He needed the companionship of his friend, Srel. They had many sleepovers together, some he dare not say in public company, for it was too intimate to really speak aloud but it was common between the two of them. They were close enough to have such a relationship and still stay friends. It was nothing but companionship between friends that appeared to be close to a consort's passion. It was weird to talk bout and a little too private to discuss among someone other than the two who took part in. He enjoyed it all the same because he cared for Srel. He thought about the Dwarf almost every day and wondered when was the next day he would see him and how long he had to be with him. Hopefully he will get the chance to be with him for a good long while.

He sighed, knowing that staying awake thinking about Srel wouldn't bring Srel to him. He did, however, want to create a portal in Srel's closet in his little humble home and connect it to his so he could visit Srel quickly as much as they both liked. That gave him some peace and helped him go to sleep a little easier knowing that he was able to harness such power in order to see his friend more. Hopefully, he remembered to bring the book of spells with him when he went on his little trip to Srel. 

Chapter 3

Srel

Srel woke up, naturally hungry and grumpy. The dwarf was always grumpy, yet not entirely hostile. His temper, usually quick and agile, would rise whenever he felt threatened, tense, pressured or teased usually by a clique of friends who knew they could get a rise out of him and they thought it was humorous. Never did he show violence or hostility towards the people close to him. He dealt with the issue with his own family where his uncle would come over, drunk on ale and usually not very wise when visiting. He'd hit on his mother, who was his uncle's own sister, and his father would control the situation by putting an end to his uncle's behavior quickly and roughly. They would then consider straightening him out the same day but it still did not force his uncle to change his ways. The attitude and character his uncle displayed, always rose in him. He hated to see his mother hurt and distraught. He almost wanted to join his father and punch his uncle's lights out, even at the young age of five. Since then, he has always despised drunks, whether happy or angry, he hated people going nuts on drinking and then lose control with their inhibitions. He drank, but responsibility. The other Dwarves saw him as weak and unwilling to take risk but then they realized who they were dealing with. The Dwarf who could snap them into two if they ever dare mess with him. He trained to defend himself and the ones he cared for, so punching a guy upside the head was no problem. For him, that is. 

Srel was a proud and hardworking dwarf, one that knew a lot about fighting and how to provide an extra hand to his village west of the Elf Kingdom, which he visited often, knowing one of the princes there. Venril visited him often and they had a friendship like no other, one that was close and trusted. Srel respected Venril and they have been friends since childhood. Since they were young, they played together in the Elven Garden of the Kingdom and traveled over the wall into the fields on the southern side, picking flowers and swimming in the nearby lake. 

As they grew up, they started to practice hand-to-hand combat with one another in defensive training. Srel instinctively wanted to in case he dealt with someone like his Uncle. He believed that immoral acts were a sign of weakness in people and could easily be handled if dealt with properly like to put people in their place who need to be knocked down a few pegs from their ego. He even thought that there would be more people like his Uncle and that they should learn for the future how to protect themselves and the people close to them. Venril agreed, also thinking the same way, it was hard enough being a prince and having servants doing everything for you. It would be nice to fight your own battles rather than force someone else to fight for you.

Srel was one of the Dwarves whose height exceeded that of any normal Dwarf. Being taller than the rest, yet not nearly as tall as Venril was, was sometimes a challenge. He was sometimes not even considered a Dwarf at times, and he could feel his anger boiling until he was reminded that his father was also tall and that it probably was the cause of his own giantism for a dwarf . Venril had a good foot on him which was a short distance apart considering a Dwarf and an Elf standing next to each other. A Dwarf was usually half the same or smaller than that of an Elf but for some reason Srel was much taller than the rest of his people. He was sometimes called a Giant in comparison to his friends, which he never mind. He liked to feel taller and stronger than the rest. It showed he was the alpha in the group as well as the one to turn to if someone ever dared to belittle his people. 

Srel got out of bed and started to make breakfast. He knew how to cook thanks to his sister and his mother. He was a mama's boy at heart but never dare admit it to his friends. He started to fix a good deal of food, just for himself. For a Dwarf's size, it was hard to believe they could eat so much. Srel remembered Venril mentioning that all that meat and bread would go straight to Srel's sides and he'd be a good sphere and easy to to roll around. Srel grumbled at the thought of being pushed around like a ball. He didn't want to get fat, so sometimes he usually fixed half of what his stomach had ordered and called it a meal fit for two, two for cat kittens that is. He smiled, knowing quite well he made a joke, but soon turned the smile upside down in order to hide it.

He sat down at the table with his mutton and mushroom soup. The mutton was of course from a sheep, a good source of proteins which he knew he needed to get through the day. He remember giving some to Venril once, Elves being vegetarian and how sick Venril was afterwards. It was a good payback for calling him a midget the day before, but he did feel bad afterwards knowing how much he hurt Venril in the end. 

Venril was his best friend. They were lovers too. They had many intimate nights together and at the same time able to stay friends or hide it from the rest of their friends. He knew Venril's brother, Nexyl, suspected that Venril had a consort and perhaps it being a Dwarf in the West, but Nexyl couldn't say who it was in particular. Nexyl. That Elf was as quick-tempered as he was but was always able to hide it so beautifully for the sake of his image. He despised that Elf. He thought Nexyl belittled Venril half the time and didn't respect thin as a prince, let alone his own brother. He saw a hollow darkness in Nexyl, one that was fueled by pride and politics. He knew Nexyl to be the logical, practical type but that was no reason to shun away your brother with work or to act as if you are better than everyone else. What an asshole. How dare he treat Venril like that when all Venril has been is kind, generous, thoughtful, and caring. Venril was a good soul and Srel knew that he'd do anything for him, let alone protect him from whoever treated Venril unfairly. 

Evolve: Chapter 1 Part 3/End - Chapter 2 Part 1

        "But, he died not too long ago, how do we contact the dead for questions." Nexyl spoke up.

"With his collection of works, handwritten with ink tainted in magick. Old magick, we have long forgotten." Venril spoke almost excited and jumping for joy to show his brother what he has learned. He raised his hand produced a small flame in his hand, it was warm and golden red. He loved his brother's expression when he saw the flame in his brother's hand. 

"How on ever did you learn to do that?" Nexyl questioned, a sense of envy in his voice, growing stronger by the minute. 

"The books tell of spells to recite in order to conjure such magick. I must show you, dear brother. Everything down there is filled with wonder of history and stories we need to tell our own kin today." He told, smiling graciously. 

Nexyl wanted to learn such magick and learn of the history of their ancestors. Maybe finally he will get some answers he has been desperately needing and possibly an opportunity to help him win the upcoming war. 

Chapter 2

Nexyl 

Nexyl followed his brother to the large statue in the garden on the east side of their great-great grandfather. Their great-great grandfather, Muilon, was a powerful man, who saw the first dragon over 1000-years-ago. Muilon, was one of the first kings of their kingdom, said to be smart, agile, and beautiful beyond belief. He was a king, and had many wives and consorts that he chose personally rather than by arrangement. Muilon was said to have done great deals to their kingdom, and kept the peace with Reydothe. Nexyl heard tales of Muilon through his grandfather, Daxon, who talked of Muilon knowing quite a deal of magick. Nexyl never knew of magick in his time because his grandfather had outlawed it, finding it unfair to the creatures of Reydothe who didn't grasp the element the Elves were so accustomed to. Daxon knew some but refused to use it. He seemed hurt as if he had something tragic happen because magick was in his grasp. Nexyl thought magick was a fairytale, just an element his grandfather added to his stories to seem interesting. Nexyl remembered his brother fondly wishing he knew magick and pretended for half a century to harness it. Nexyl was far too practical to believe in such nonsense but after all these years, his brother finally could harness it, and he was determined to do the same. 

Nexyl saw his brother look around, as if the secret should be kept a secret. Nexyl, however, watched his brother intently as to the exact rock on the statue to press. It was weird watching his brother reach for their great-great grandfather's crotch, wondering if his brother was just fooling around, but surely enough the button was there in the area, almost dead center. Nexyl then thought of how clever it was to place the switch on an area no one of high-class within the kingdom would even dare show themselves performing such vulgarity in a public place. He remembered when they were children, he yelled at his brother not to touch that area, saying it was a bad place to touch and that it would shame their great-great grandfather. Who knew that that part of his great-great grandfather was the key to the greatest secret of their people. The very thought made him shudder as well as internally chuckle. 

Venril stepped back and off the statue while the statue slid backwards revealing a small square entry way with a ladder that extended downward. Nexyl watched his brother take flight down the ladder, his brother looking up at him to follow. Once Nexyl was given enough room to follow down, Venril pressed another button inside and the statue above them and it closed slowly above them. Nexyl was almost scared to be in the dark, the darkness never his favorite thing to be in. However, their Elf Light glowed in the darkness giving them some light to see. Nexyl noticed his brother's light was brighter but he knew that was because he was still exhausted from two night's of work figuring out how to deal with the outside forces that dared to go against them. He cringed wishing he could become stronger, more powerful than anyone dare to dream. One day, that dream might come true and he hoped it was in his reach. 

It seemed like forever before they reached the bottom of the stairs. How far down was this hidden temple? Was it really necessary to make it this far down where bats lived? Venril jumped down off of the ladder, his brother calmly waiting till the ladder ended to step off. Venril looked at his brother and smiled, Nexyl curious as to what he was so happy about.

"I'm glad I could show you this dear brother. I have been actually trying to find a moment where I could, yet you were so busy I didn't want to disturb you." Venril said, showing deep admiration for his brother making Nexyl feel a little guilty he ever doubted his brother for not being mature enough, but it seems he was deeply aware of his surroundings and respect of others when the time came for it. However, he was also deeply jealous his brother found this place first before he did simply because he was too busy to find it himself.

"It's alright Ven, now show me this hidden chamber." Nexyl said getting down to the point.

"It is actually more of a library. It talks of the secrets of the Dragons and why magick was banned. Muilon even talks once of an ideal to create a council, where a leader from each creature on Reydothe would hold meetings to discuss the well being of the planet. Can you imagine dear brother? All creatures discussing together over Reydothe and what would be best for it. I'd love to see it."

Nexyl hid his disgust for the other creatures, yet the idea did seem to interest him. It would solve this whole issue about being hypocritical to their own laws. That Elves should not be in power when their law clearly states that all creatures are equal or not above another. To have everyone on equal terms and mutually respecting one another on the same team, was a win-win for everyone. However, he deeply would much rather keep the Elves in full control and teach all the other beasts in Reydothe who was the true leader, the Elves, and namely himself. 

"Yes, it does sound promisingly." He half-lied, treating his brother as the ignorant, younger brother he was. "We should consider it if it will help stop this war." 

"You think it will?" Venril questioned with great enthusiasm.

"Probably so, but first, direct me to this library of ancient knowledge and magick, I feel the scholar in me waking." He said with a smirk. 

Evolve: Chapter 1 Part 1

Chapter 1

Evolution, although fully understood within a world of science and technology, is merely a myth in Reydothe, a planet of magick and mystery. Mankind believes that Evolution is the gradual process where improvement is needed in order to survive. For example, wisdom teeth are losing their functionality within mouths because as technology progresses and the need for sporks and cooking food become popular, there has come a point where there is no need to chew raw or tough meat or to tear it in two with our teeth. Therefore, evolution has taken command by making mouths smaller as time progresses allowing the wisdom teeth no room to join its neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Molar. This is just one example of Evolution, a process Reydothe has yet to see or doesn't dare to believe. It is not until the first Dragon is born that evolution is fully understood to Reydothians. 

Dragons are not born by a mother and a father coming together for the sake of love and producing a child. They are in fact, born from the resolve of any Reydothian who wishes to become stronger than they once were. The first Dragon was originally a Fairy, a small sprite that knew it was helpless to defend the ones he cared for and when the time came to protect his family and friends, he couldn't. He couldn't' save them from the creature ten times their size and prevent the creature from crushing their homes. Feeling helpless and unable to do anything about the situation, his resolve to become bigger and stronger in order to fight for the ones he loved, was enough to allow him to evolve into a new, unheard of creature and no bigger than that of a female black lab. 

He became a Dragon, something that has never been done before. He was unable to control his size nor his actions when defending his parents from the beast near seconds away from crushing them. Instead, because of the battle with the beast, he was unable to save them regardless if he protected them. The fact of the matter was that the rumble from the battle was too powerful for the village to handle and in the end, he wound up killing his own family in the process.

Devastated and confused, he was shunned by the remaining few in the village, believing that this new transformation was nothing more than a curse and that he was in no way fit to live with them anymore even when he can clearly change his size and structure to live alongside them as he has always done as a Fairy. He was the first Dragon, a creature never once born before now, and rather than wallowing in self-pity, he decided to do all he could to handle what he was and protect those in need. He was too big for his own people and yet nearly a pet to a Dwarf or an Elf. He was a Blue Dragon, a color that meant depression, life, and change. However, although the first, this is not where this story begins. In fact, it begins much later on, nearly over a thousand years after the first Dragon came into being. This tale is about the Dark One, however, don't let his name fool you. He is not a Dragon derived from darkness and evil, in fact he is the purest soul there is. 

"How is The Dark One not evil? He is called the Dark One for a reason right?" A small child nearly reaching double digits interrupted. 

"He is not evil because Darkness is still visible to the naked eye. You wouldn't look directly into the sun without shades would you Petey?" A young man asked the young child. 

"I wouldn't!" A small girl said out loud. "Light is bright and hard to look at."

"Exactly, thank you Sally." The man said with a smile.

"So how is he not evil?" Petey asked curiously.

"He is pure because even in darkness you can still see him. His scales glow a hefty lilac in the moonlight and it is the Invisible One you should watch out for."

"Invisible One?" Petey asked.

"Yes, much like the wind, the Invisible One strikes without warning and is hard to know is there unless interacting with another element or the feel of it against your skin. Ghosts are invisible and yet are still unknown to us. We do not know if they are there or when they are going to strike and make themselves known. Therefore, the Invisible Dragon, is the impure one, the one derived from selfish desires and self-interest while the Dark One is the purest soul, protecting the lives of others even at the cost of his own life."

"That's impossible, nobody can do that." Petey doubted.

"Shhh!" Sally shushed him.

"Thank you Sally. And yes it is quite possible Pete. There is good in this world just as there is evil. Everyone is born with good-natured interests for the sake of someone other than themselves, but are very rare to come by. Mankind grows up believing what they hear and live by what they can obtain. Very few understand that you must earn what you can rather than simply getting what you think you deserve."

Sally nodded her head, smiling happily." That is why I do chores to earn allowance in order to buy the things I need, rather than simply begging mommy and daddy for everything I want, like someone I know." She said smirking as she looked over at Petey.

"Yes, very good Sally. But don't believe you do the chores simply to get the gratitude from it. It is much more honorable of you to do it because it is helping your parents out in a few minor things they ask of you."

"Yes, I know. I do it for mommy and daddy because they ask me to. They wouldn't ask it of me if they didn't need the help." She said with a determined nod. "Now get back to the story Uncle Ronen!" She said eagerly. "I really like this story!"

Still upset with what his sister just said he muttered, "Only a kiss-up would." 

"What was that?" Sally asked .

"Nothing." Petey said looking away and trying to cover it up.

"Alright you two, now where was I?" Uncle Ronen asked before he smiled and went back to his story. "Oh yes!" 

Where one being evolves into the next, is rare and highly improbable. However, although rare, still quite possible. Within this world, the art of evolution is simply a transition from one stage to the next, for the creatures among Reydothe live far longer than that of a world dependable on science and technology. Reydothians live centuries far beyond the reach of mankind, believing to be bigger in physical strength and well-being, but really are just as weak as man, impervious to death's will. However, unlike man, are able to evolve into something far more better, bigger, more imaginable in beauty and strength.

This world, is Reydothe, a planet not far from Earth where man resides, yet still quite distant, almost similar to that of a farm side house from its neighbors merely acres away. Reydothe is no further away than that of Mars, and surely not nearly as close as Venus is to that of the Sun. As Earth's twin that does not collide with its brother, yet do not revolve in the same plane Reydothe is a mythical place filled with magick, mystery and creatures man believes only in fairytales. However, it is far from a tale told by Fairies, and are as real as the dirt between our toes and the sand neighboring the sea. In this world, relying on the strength to survive and personal resolve to depend on is the very nature of this world. Among such resolve, Reydothians have been gifted with the opportunity to evolve, into something far more than what  they are now. They are given the chance to evolve into Dragons, the very myth of evolution. Born from the rebirth of another being that evolved through one's own strength through personal resolve. A blessing man has yet to comprehend, let alone obtain and for that, they are not as evolved as Reydothians. 

Dragons, are not born on their own or from the mating of one another. They are born from any creature on Reydothe who has found some sort of enlightenment in their own way whether it be personal or towards the well-being of others. Whether from the heart or the mind, Dragons are born when the soul has evolved into a being far greater than that of any Elf, Ogre, Dwarf, or Troll, from which a Dragon originates from in previous form. Thus, any being can evolve into a Dragon if strong enough to do so, because Evolution is not a choice, it is a resolution of the internal structure that constructs the very connection to the body and the soul. To put it simply, if any being seeks to better themselves whether for he sake of survival their soul follows through with the evolution process, allowing them to become stronger, wiser, and ultimately better. Many will become a Dragon and so very few have become a Unicorn. However, the process is not so easy to come by and thus not every one can for it is only the truly gifted and wise that move upward in the world, and so very few have lived to tell the tale.

The purest of these is the Dark Dragon, a black scaled creature who is visible even at night for its scales glow a hefty lilac within the moonlight, Reydothe consisting of three moons that do not set entirely on the same day nor seen quite as often as another. The Black Dragon is the purest, simply because darkness is always visible. Light is never fully looked upon with the naked eye, for presence is only seen through the contrast between light and darkness, never directly. 

There is no light if there is no dark, and therefore, the most visible of the two is darkness, making it the purest form.

Light, however, is the impure one here, derived from the darkest of souls who have succumb to selfish desires and personal gratitude, never towards the compassion of others. However, light consists of two forms, the visible and the invisible. The invisible being the worst of the two evils, for what we cannot see is the most dangerous form and can attack at any moment. The wind is a great example, for its mystery is what makes it so fearful to those who cannot see it unless it interacts with other elements. While visible light is seen through the naked eye, it should never be gazed upon so highly and should be wary to those who rely too greatly on it. Invisible light, science would call Infrared or Ultraviolet, is a mystery even within a world of mystery, for this could make up the structure of two different colored Dragons in Invisible light, one seeing far more evil than the other yet both completely invisible to those who fear it.

"Does such a place even exist or are you just making this up?" Petey asked. 

"It's completely real!" Sally argued.

"Yeah right, it can't be. Mythical beings don't exist, otherwise they wouldn't be called mythical." He stated, proud of himself for being so clever.

Sally looked distraught, almost as if she was about to cry. The eight-year-old hated to cry but her big brother was being mean and rude for saying such hurtful things. "It is real.." She muttered softly.

"Baby…" Petey pouted, hating to see his sister cry but knew he was right. 

"Actually, she's right. It is a real place. I've been there." Their uncle said with a smile to cheer Sally up.

"Really!?" They both said at the same time.

"Yup. I have a few friends there, ones in this story, in fact."

"Liar." Petey said.

"That's so cool!" Sally said happily and over Petey's comment, forcing him to be muted out by her excitement.

"It is cool and whether it is make believe or not, does not take away from the fact that the morals in the story are true. What stories teach you can alter your very personality and hopefully for the better. They evolve you in a way. So Pete, whatever you watch, read, or hear, don't let it change who you are but make sure you consider it as a possibility. Even religion can teach you morals without needing to follow them. The Bible talks about God and so many people believe in him despite the fact that he has never made his presence known, as far as science says. Does that mean he is not real? Who's to say what, but the fact is that everything he teaches in his book is truth, the morals in the story are real. It is how you perceive them that change the outcome of the story." 

Petey looked sad because he was proven wrong by something he can't argue with and wasn't willing to question anything more about this story because in truth, he really did like it. 

"Now, again, where was I? Oh right!" 

Fear. A word many associate with when speaking of Dragons, for Dragons are seen as ruthless beasts who destroy villages, kill and eat creatures smaller than them, and familiar with the word, destruction. The first creature to evolve into a Dragon knew all too well, this word known as destruction. His mistake was what forced people to see him as a beast and from then on a reputation the Dragons shared as beasts was formed, proving to the villagers of any race that Dragons were gifts given to dark souls who found loopholes in natural truths and followed this strange idea of evolution that the Earthlings knew more about then Reydothians did. It was hard for a Dragon to get any respect from anyone because of a few rumors and from a reputation based on the opinions of others. Even a Fairy, the smallest creature in Reydothe, had a hard time trusting a Dragon, even when the first Dragon use to be one.

Dragons will remain beasts in the eyes of other fellow beings, yet can manipulate their structure through willpower and magick. With magick, a Dragon can change its shape and size and even its appearance to match that of any normal being making it very hard to tell the difference between a Dragon and any creature on Reydothe, like an Elf. A Dragon can mimic the very appearance they once had in previous form and hide in the open just as another ordinary being. The only determination in difference is the tattoo burned in their back. It was a Gaelic tattoo design of a Dragon and determining the color marked the color of the Dragon's appearance. The Dark One, misunderstood for its connections with darkness wore a deep black tattoo that shined in the moonlight while the Invisible One, wears an outlined form of a Dragon that had no unique beauty of its own. The Invisible One with no indication of beauty and transparent half the time, is still seen as a God and believed to be purest form simply from the mindset of "what we cannot see cannot hurt us".  How foolish Reydothians are for believing the trail of secrets not fully told within the light, not aware that the Dark One is in fact the purest soul there is making it the rarest among the rest. The wind does not howl unless aggravated and once aggravated can damage even the strongest of homes. It is invisible but do not think it so lightly, for it is as deadly as the volcano in its wake and as strong as the waves in its youth. It seeks and destroys silently without warning, and yet still considered an element of the Gods to cool down the days in heat and carry the wings of avian creatures home. The Invisible One will not think twice to cool off the day or send a bird home, it instead wishes to cause destruction and lies, a trait the Dark One has never once shared in all of its short existence.

This is the tale that must be told, the unspeakable truth never once known to open ears. It will forever remain hidden within the shadows the Dark One knows all too well, for this is his tale. With our story beginning far before his evolution.

~~~~~