(Darkos' P.O.V.)

I feel so lost..this sea of darkness surrounding me...Flashes of color became rare..Clouds of memories bleak and faded..I don't know where I am supposed to go..

"You are in a vision, my little prince.". spoke a soft, strangely familiar voice, and I turned around, blinking in shock as I beheld my mother, Kalista in sight. She gave a warm smile, and I then knew that she is real. I ran forward to hug her, "Mother!". I took in her scent, the honey-mint essence from baking and I was very surprised that there was no smell of illness at all..

She stroked the back of my hair, murmuring, "You have grown well. Taller than me..". I drew back, and I agreed as she was merely a head shorter than me. "Am I dead?". My mother shook her head, her beautiful brown hair moving with the motion, her hazel eyes glinting brightly in contrast with her pale skin.

She is dressed in her favorite outfit, a pink blouse with a pale green skirt. "No, Darkos. You are alive. That bitch Azure nearly killed you, but fortunately, your dear girlfriend's brother saved you, the adopted one, Shade.".

Memories flashed by, and I exhaled in shock, "How can I go back, Mother? I mean..Azure must think she had killed me..and Shade..the others..". Mother chuckled, "That's the thing. You see, you got a second chance, a second life, and perhaps a new power if you want to have it.".

I blinked in confusion, "A new power?". Mother grinned, "You can be like your girlfriend, Shard, and oh, I already love her. She's a brave woman, and you are teaching her to be confident. I am so proud of you, son.".

I smiled bashfully at the compliments about Shard, then gasped as I realized her first words. "Wait, are you saying..that I can be a animal shapeshifter?". Mother nodded, "Yes, Darkos. Do you accept?". I spoke nothing yet, realizing that Shard, and her family had done this thing too, and Shard looked quite beautiful with her fox form, and quite capable of it as well.

I wanted to help her truly, but how much can a sword do? Changing into a animal..It could forever change me.. Could help my love so much more.. The others had accepted Shard as who she is, and heck, Arthur changes into a Minimoy himself! I exhaled, finally making my decision.

"Mother, I accept to be a animal shapeshifter, and I am 100% sure.". I spoke firmly and strongly. Mother gave a wide smile, and spoke, "You are becoming into a wonderful, caring, thoughtful man, my son. Go make your life the best, and I give my blessing for you and Shard. I love you, my little prince.".

I sniffled lightly, wiping my eyes softly, "Okay, Mom. I promise. I will see you again, I know it.". Mother nodded, "Yes.". She then stood straight, cleared her throat, "Man of heart, courage, loyalty, you shall tread the earth with claws, and fight upon the earth with fangs. Live and be one with your chosen animal, Darkos, son of Kalista.".

She then leaned her forehead into my forehead, and everything flashed white for a moment until suddenly I found myself in a meadow where the grass is actually shorter than me, and impossibly emerald green. I heard rustling behind me, and I turned around, and I exhaled in surprise.. People of old times from Africa has told me about the great creatures including the ferocious yet brave lion.

I was equally facing the most majestic lion I had ever seen, a gleaming silver coat, a lush, full dark brown mane/tail tuft, and warm light brown eyes. He slowly padded toward me, staring at me softly yet wisely, and literally inches from me, he stopped immediately, blinking not once, but twice. He then inclined his head into the forehead position, ready for something.

I gulped lightly, then nodded to myself as I remembered my final words of the acceptance, and then walked instantly, and stopped just before the lion, and I then leaned my forehead, moved forward, and I felt warm fur for a second, a resounding voice calling out in my mind. We are one. Then I knew nothing from that moment..until I woke up.