Chapter 2: Growth

"Grow, Sakura!"

The silver orb chirped and bumped into Coud's nose. He rubbed his nose nonchalantly and declared, "I'll get it soon enough." His amber hair was longer now, and the crying blue eyes that he had as an infant were now burning fiercely with the desire to become a great man. He now wore a dark blue cloak

"You have to put your heart into it. Think of it as something that you have always wished for," said Volxx, and Lucifer gave a reaffirming buzz from his shoulder. Volxx hoped that something would finally happen and work, but at the same time, he knew that his hope was in vain, and nothing would come of it.

Coud twisted his face in thought, and yelled, "GROW, SAKURA!"

Sakura gave a defiant chirp as she zoomed to the nearest tree and landed on a branch, teetering threatening despite the lack of weight.

Volxx gave a sigh of resignation, seeing as this was already the tenth day of Coud's training, and no signs of improvement were even remotely visible. No matter how he rephrased it, Coud still didn't get it. The boy was already seven, and at this age, only knowing his Guardians' names was insufficient if he wanted to survive in society and not be ridiculed. Though Sakura seemed fond of Coud, it wasn't enough to allow her to follow his commands yet.

"We'll try again tomorrow," said Volxx, and he walked away towards the stone cottage. However, he thought, we haven't tried with Ren yet, so maybe she trusts the boy enough. But that would have to wait for tomorrow, he told himself, and kicked up a cloud of dirt as he made his way towards the house.

Coud did not move from his spot, as Sakura departed from her seat and circled him questioningly. Ren rose from his pocket, set herself on his head, and made herself comfortable on the mat of amber hair. Coud reached up and cupped his hands around the now startled Ren, who let off flashes of light from within his palms.

"Don't worry, Ren, I won't hurt you, I just want to try to get you into your release form," quietly said Coud, and he opened his hands. Ren had now quieted down, and had returned to her normal shade of black. Sakura tried to get into the boy's cupped hands, but Coud waved her off. "You've had your chance, Sakura, we'll practice tomorrow."

Sakura gave an angry chirp and dived into his pocket. Ren hovered , and then came right back down into his hands, as if satisfied by an answer to an unknown question.

Coud raised his hands up and gave Ren a gentle push towards the air, and she hovered over his hands. She changed color to a light grey, then back to pitch black, and Coud smiled.

"Grow, Ren!"

The black orb pulsed twice, and suddenly a blinding light enveloped the surroundings.

You who calls me, I answer;

In times of need, I come.

From birth to death I stay

We will not part.

The floating orb was no longer there, and was replaced by a floating girl. Her yellow hair hung down softly and she slowly sat up, still in the air, as if on an invisible platform. She was dressed in an elaborate black dress, and her long hair now draped over her clothes, providing for a stunning contrast. A dark aura surrounded her, but quickly dissipated as she began walking towards Coud. He watched as she came closer to him, and stared at her. Her dark grey eyes mesmerized him as she spoke her first words.

"Master… Coud…"

The poor girl collapsed from exhaustion in his arms as he looked on in wonder.

"Volxx!" cried Coud.

2nd chapter, please R+R.