A/n: I would like to thank Zackattack1 for the Character of Zack Calvin

chapter two

Heart of the Red Lion

Zack sighs as he continues to sweep through his empty apartment. His daughter would visit again soon enough, and the place had gathered up a layer of dust.

Though she normally didn't play around in the living room, it was the first place she'd see. And the first place his wife would see.

Or, uh, former wife. She still doesn't like him much.

He gathers the dirt into the dustbin, and drops it into the garbage. No more crumbs on the floor, or anything like that- much more presentable.

He gives his hands a quick wash as his stomach growls. Food, food… No, he doesn't have much in the fridge… Takeout it is.

After wiping his hands, he strolls back into the living room, grabbing his phone and the tv remote. Maybe there was a football game he could catch, he could relive the glory days for a bit. He smiles to himself as he lounges in the couch, and reaches to turn on the TV-

Only to jolt as he heard a noise coming from the side room. It sounded like some kind of animal.

He puts down the devices and heads into his daughter's empty "bedroom". There's no animal, however, only a weird-looking crystal.

He quirks a brow, bending down to pick it up. "Interesting color…" he mutters- but blinks. Suddenly, it explodes in a flash of bright light, and once the light fades, there's a red-maned beast standing proudly in the middle of his daughter's bedroom.

"E-eh?.." Zack can't help but yelp in surprise.

"Zachary. You wish to prove your worth." The lion's voice rings in his mind. "Head to the lake in the center of the city, and test your mettle."

"Wait," he begins, but the beast vanishes, leaving behind a crystal saber.

"Use this blade to call upon me in your time of need." Utters the Red Lion, and the voice vanishes as soon as it arrives.

"Huh…" Zack squats down and picks up the strange-looking dagger. "The lake in the center of the city… I guess my lunch will wait."