AUTHOR: Hello here's chap 3 I didn't like how it was so short... So I thought that it wouldn't hurt to, you know, fix it :)

CHAPTER 3

Day after day Ren would arrive at the castle, and would leap up into Kyoko's room. The window was always opened for him in the morning. Once he arrived the little princess would still be sleeping, and the large dog would wait for her to wake. He would gently jump onto the bed and snuggle close to her, blocking the curled up girl from the cold that seeped in from the window. And during the time he waited Ren would gave off a sort of dog-ish purr, which consisted of a mixed growl and snarl that rumbled through his chest. On cloudless days, and with the sky shinning bright, Kyoko was allowed to venture into the forest. Being safe during sunny days for the dark creatures of the Black Forest would stay in their caves, or tunnels, staying clear of the harmful light. Allowing Ren to accompany the small girl, and trusting him fully to her safety; the Pure Beings had come to trust the black dog, even though his kind were known to be vicious beasts that preferred be solitary.

Shadow dogs did not play well with others, especially their own kind.

Once done with their breakfast Kyoko and Ren raced outside where, for the first time, the Light Princess stepped into the Black Forest; it was a big deal for the young one. A new area to explore, and to search for possible new friends! It was an exciting event, and she held on to the large dog as he guided her to a spot that was well hidden.

"Ren, it's so beautiful here, the trees are so nice! Oh look, black lilies!" Kyoko exclaimed as she gently tugged on Ren's fur.

Walking with the little girl to the flowers, Ren positioned himself closely to his precious friend, there were many dark beings wondering around this area and the shadow dog didn't like it; not one bit. If there were too many he'd have to change forms, and he hadn't told Kyoko about his abilities yet. Licking Kyoko's face and getting her attention he motioned, with his big dog head, for her to continue walking forward.

"Awe, but Ren these lilies are great for potions! And they'd be lovely décor." She said pleading with her companion.

Ren growled, and showed her that he did not trust the area by scratching a nearby tree that revealed a small tree goblin. Snarling at it, the little thing tried to scurry up the tree. Looking at Kyoko, he saw that she was upset and he didn't know why. Not until she walked up to the scared goblin, who in turned to stare at the little thing approaching. The goblin could see that the thing was radiating a soft, but powerful, light. It tried to hide behind the tree but Kyoko, the light radiating thing, raised her small hand and gave the tree goblin a pat on the head.

"It's not dangerous, see Ren? It's just scared, please stop your growling." She asked the dog kindly as she patted the goblin.

The little goblin had no idea what was going on, but it liked the strange light creature that was patting its head. Mewling at the light being the goblin gave Kyoko a small gift; a rare black ruby and nuzzled her hand.

"Oh it's so pretty, thank you!" she said as she smiled and scratched the goblin behind the ear, and the little thing started mewling more.

Giggling the little girl patted its head once more, and bid it a farewell. The tree goblin returned to its tree and blended in; Kyoko turned to Ren and saw that he was sulking. Walking over to the dog the girl kneeled down next to him, and gave him a nice scratching.

"Come on; let's go to that place you wanted to take me to." Kyoko beamed.

Scuffing at her, Ren stood up and trotted over to the black lilies and plucked three of them. Walking back to Kyoko, he released them in to her small basket where he saw the goblin's gift. He growled at it, and Kyoko laughed.

"Don't be like that Ren, it was being nice and gave me a present." Kyoko said as she thanked him for the lilies.

Ren barked and snarled at the tree then at the basket near her feet.

"You're my best friend, Ren, and I love you very much." The girl confirmed as she rubbed her face on the jealous dog's head.

His growl lessened as she rubbed against him, licking her face, Ren pushed her along. After walking for a few minutes the two finally arrived at a clearing. It was a beautiful place filled with sunlight, and in the middle of the clearing was a lovely deep river. The water sparkled and there were water fairies dancing around, flat stones lead everywhere. Kyoko stared at the area completely entranced.

Once out of her trance Kyoko turned to Ren, but did not see him. As Kyoko first searched in the lighted area she realized her furry friend was nowhere in sight, finally looking to the shadows she spotted him. Ren was sniffing a tree, relieved Kyoko walked up to him. Only to stop short, for what Ren was examining was not the tree, but rather a shadow standing behind it. She watched as Ren licked the figure's hand, and allowed it to pet his head. Ren sensing Kyoko behind him turns and trots to her, and licks her finger tips. She quickly gave him a smile and rubbed his ear lovingly. Then returned her attention to the shadow, that hadn't moved from its spot, waiting they starred at each other for a period of time, finally the small girl spoke.

"Um… it seems Ren here likes you…" Kyoko said gesturing to him as he stood close to her side.

The moment she spoke the shadow looked down as if afraid to reply or rather troubled on how to reply. Looking up from beneath, what Kyoko believed to be, its bangs gazed at her for a moment. And it spoke. The sound was a soft as air, but strong like the crashing waves.

"Yeah… I like him to… his a nice shadow dog… um Miss?" he asked for her name, Kyoko has not meet anyone outside her aunts' home besides Ren.

Looking to Ren she decided that it would be alright to tell this person, if it was a person, her name. "My name… my name's Kyoko… and what is your name?" she replied with a friendly smile, but a small one. The shadow looked at her like it was thinking of answering her honestly or not. It said Corn… and disappeared.

Returning home from her strange encounter, Kyoko walked up stairs with Ren following close after. Getting to her room she flopped herself on her bed, and thought of the strange person thing she meet in the clearing.

"Corn … it is a… nice name… right Ren?" she looked at the black dog getting ready to jump on her bed. Looking up at her, he nodded his head. "I think so to…" and with that she falls asleep hugging her furry pillow, Ren.

Hope you liked this version :D