章 22: Fear glowup

On a serene and peaceful day, Jamie sat under the shadow of a tree, enjoying a moment of tranquility. The gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds created a soothing atmosphere. However, this peace was soon interrupted as Shadow approached with news.

"We have a new visitor again, my sire," Shadow reported, his tone cautious.

Jamie's ears perked up with interest. "Who is it this time?" he enquired.

Shadow's expression was puzzled as he replied, "A little girl, master, but she smells funny and different. I can't exactly put my finger on what kind of being she is."

Intrigued, Jamie rose to his feet. "Let's go and find out," he said, transforming into his human form. He approached the girl slowly, careful not to frighten her.

As Jamie neared, the girl cowered, her voice trembling with fear. "Don't kill me! I'll do anything you say. Just don't beat me further, please."

Taken aback by her reaction, Jamie asked gently, "Why would I beat you?"

The girl looked up, confusion replacing fear in her eyes. "You won't?" she asked hesitantly.

Jamie's voice was soft but firm as he replied, "What's so hard to believe? You're a kid. Why would I beat you for no reason?"

A small smile flickered across the girl's face. "Thanks," she said, relief evident in her voice. But the moment of respite was short-lived. Suddenly, she collapsed to the ground, coughing up blood. Despite her agony, she remained conscious.

Jamie's attention was drawn to two figures approaching from behind the girl. They were cockroach man tribe soldiers, their appearance so bizarre that it made Jamie feel like he was starring in a B-movie where the props department had run out of budget and resorted to glueing feelers on extras.

The cockroach men, now close enough to be heard, spoke loudly. "We don't want any unnecessary bloodshed. Just hand us the girl and we'll leave."

Jamie glanced at the girl, noting her horrified expression and the way she protectively covered her lower body. The implications were clear, and a surge of anger rose within him. With a concrete demeanour, he replied simply, "Nope!"

The cockroach soldiers' antennae twitched in annoyance. "It's not wise to not heed warnings," one of them chittered.

Jamie's response was quick and biting. "Yeah, squished bugs talk big until the newspaper comes down," he retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

One of the cockroach men bristled. "Insulting is one thing, but messing without good reason is quite troublesome."

Fear, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. "True fear outlives warnings, and I'll prove that to you," he growled, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The other cockroach soldier scoffed. "Try us then."

Fear looked to Jamie for confirmation, receiving a precursory nod to proceed. As Fear prepared to engage, Jamie noticed a floating display suddenly appear before him.

It read: [Defeat the enemies upfront to unlock a secret unique skill] with options to [Accept] or [Decline].

Without hesitation, Jamie chose to accept, keeping this development to himself as a surprise for Fear. The battle that ensued was swift and decisive. Fear, driven by his loyalty and newfound determination, easily bested the two cockroach soldiers without killing them.

As the defeated enemies scurried away in terror, another display appeared before Jamie.

It read: [Unique skill unlocked: Savage Soul], followed by a brief explanation: [If used, this skill rapidly increases in strength the more fear the enemy develops during the fight].

Jamie felt a pang of jealousy at the seemingly rigged benefit granted to Fear, but he pushed the feeling aside. Shadow wore a proud grin, while Fear stood in awe of his newfound power.

Clapping his paws together, Jamie spoke with genuine approval. "Well done, Fear!"

Fear's chest swelled with pride as he replied, "Thanks, my Lord." I shall use this unique power to shatter your enemies into shreds!"

As the excitement of the moment began to subside, Jamie turned his attention back to the injured girl. The encounter with the cockroach men had been dealt with, but many questions remained. Who was this mysterious child? What dangers had she fled from? And how would her presence impact the delicate balance Jamie was trying to maintain in this ever-changing world?

As he moved to tend to her wounds, Jamie knew that this was just the beginning of another chapter in their increasingly complex saga.

The girl looked up at Jamie, her eyes filled with confusion and gratitude. "Why did you save me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jamie's response was gentle yet profound. "Kindness need not be answered for. It's felt through the heart."

At these words, the girl's eyes shone like bright diamonds, admiration for Jamie overtaking her entire being. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thanked him heartily, then proceeded towards him for a hug. Surprisedly, Jamie didn't hesitate. The embrace made him feel more human-like in an all-encompassing way, despite no longer being human himself.

After a moment, the girl pulled back and asked hesitantly, "Can I live with you? I'll do works I'm capable of doing!"

Jamie's response was immediate and warm. "Why not? As long as you are happy!"

The girl's face lit up with joy, and she began stomping her feet in excitement. Watching her, Jamie felt truly fulfilled in this second chance at life.

Shadow, who had been observing silently, stepped forward. "What being are you?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

"I'm a Fregious," the girl replied simply.

Instantly, Shadow and Fear's demeanours changed. They alerted Jamie to stay away from her, their voices urgent and filled with concern. Jamie stood dumbfounded as the girl's form shimmered and changed before his eyes.

"I'm not anyone harmful," she pleaded, her voice trembling. "Is it a fault that I was born a fregious, witchy kind that's badly renowned?"

Jamie's voice was firm as he replied, "No, you're not."

Fear, still wary, interjected, "But my lord, you shouldn't." He was however cut off mid-sentence as Jamie raised a hand to silence him.

"One's race doesn't matter as it's a birth set attribute, but attitude does!" Jamie declared, his tone brooking no argument.

The girl's face brightened once more. "Thanks! And I wish to serve under you from now on."

Turning to Fear, Jamie said, "Why not? Fear! Teach her how things are done here. And be to the point, as she's just a kid."

Shadow, unable to contain his concern, spoke up. "My master, I ask you to reconsider. Keeping her in company will spell bad news."

Fear, surprising everyone, replied, "Shadow, don't! If master believes that she can be trusted, we'll not ask any questions further. If she fails to meet our requirements..."

Shadow grunted reluctantly. "Alright!"

The girl's face brightened even further at this acceptance. Fear then took her away to teach her how things worked in their community, with Shadow following close behind.

Left alone once more, Jamie turned his attention back to the beautiful scenario surrounding him. The forest, with its interplay of light and shadow, seemed to reflect the complex decision he had just made. As he stood there, taking in the peaceful atmosphere, he couldn't help but wonder about the challenges and adventures that lay ahead with this new addition to their unusual family.