Chapter 8

As soon as Pep-Ri walked in the door he was met with the stares of over a hundred women and children. Each looked at him as if he were bringing the end of the world with him. The looks on the female’s faces ranged from shock, freight, confusion, to outrage. They were all familiar with Father Patrick as he was the temple priest who ran this house of refuge. But this was a place for women and children. No man should enter here.

The children's reactions were different though. Scanning the crowd Pep-Ri could see faces of curiosity, excitement, and joy. For the kids they saw him as someone they could play ball with. As many of them did not have fathers the only father figure they could look up to was Father Patrick. Yet he wasn't someone who would play or tell stories. All he would ever do was preach or talk with their mothers. Then all of a sudden a young man old enough to be a father yet young enough to play came in. To say the least it was not more than ten seconds before both groups rushed forward to see who it was that came.

To most of the mothers’ surprise the young man before them appeared to be a lowly pixie. His angled eyes and pointed ears along with his youthful appearance spoke of his fairy lineage. But only a pixie would be without their wings. Most pixies would hide their heads in shame when they came around decent folk. Yet there he was in what they considered to be their home, looking as if he was just as suspicious of them as they were of him. In his arms he carried what appeared to be an infant. Looking down at the child they realized he must be dropping it off. The nerve of idiotic men and their willingness to just abandon children! All the good men around here have either died off during the constant battles or were celibate like Patrick.

Making her way forward a middle aged woman wearing a priestess uniform held out her hands. "Come on with it filth. We know what your here for, so just hand us the child and leave. You’re just the same as every other man around here. The only decent thing you've done is bring the child where it can get taken care of rather than dumping it in the....."

Reaching past Pep-Ri Father Patrick stepped in front of the woman and shouted, "AGATHA! How dare you just assume that he is here to dump off something unwanted! This man has just been through an experience not much unlike your own! Just because he is a man does not mean he is here for anything other than to rest. This is supposed to be a house of refuge! We have accepted women and children here for years without asking anything from them, yet as soon as a man walks in you want to castrate him and throw him back out! I can deal with your male bashing when it is directed at myself, but this young man was invited here so that he can get help in raising the child on his own!"

Shocked more at Father Patrick yelling, which was out of character for him, Agatha backed off. The rest of the women went back to their bunks and began whispering amongst themselves. While the children ran off to hide and play games. Obviously if Father Patrick was this mad then this was not the time to invite the stranger to join them in their games.

"What do you mean circumstances not unlike my own? What happened to me was beyond anything a man can ever understand! Our village was raided and I was taken as the bounty while I sat and watched my husband and children murdered in front of my eyes! Then what happened afterwards.... oh... To this day I shudder at the weeks and months I was held captive. How can any man know anything like what I was put through? I had to rebuild my life from ashes! I became a priestess at the only church willing to accept me so that I could prevent men like him from coming near a woman again!" With rage coursing through her she held back her tears as the pixie stood before her with his head bowed.

Is this really happening? I finally made it somewhere in the game only to be c#($ blocked by a man hating NPC? Sure her backstory is horrible, and I have to question Unicorn for putting these types of stories in a game, but I just got invited to be taken care of by an undiscovered church! So far there has only been speculation about their being a priest class available. Freya so far refuses the admittance of players, and no other church has really been explored yet. I can’t just let this end!

Slowly, silently Pep-Ri began his story, "I rescued this child when her mother was dying. I was traveling through the woods when I heard a cry for help. Rushing forward I was met with the sight of a band of merchants being slaughtered by Kobolds. I did everything I could to help but I was not enough to save everyone. A young mother was pinned to the ground as she tried to protect her daughter. When it became obvious that she would not be able to survive much longer she begged me to raise her daughter as my own. When I took hold of this child I knew that I would always have to be there for her. She held such innocence in her eyes despite everything that she had been through. I knew I had to protect that innocence that I would always care for her.”

Looking more confidant in what he was saying Pep-Ri now looked the priestess in the eye, “But I did not know how to do that. I did not even know how to feed her let alone raise her. I have two younger sisters, but I was a child myself when Sharon was born. I could not raise her by myself! One of the merchants, a traveling alchemist, promised to help me raise and feed her. As long as I served under him she would be taken care of. During my time traveling with him he kept his word.”

Both Father Patrick and Agatha were listening intently now. Even some of the other women were beginning to make their way into a position where they were within earshot of the conversation.

Pausing so that he could collect himself and his thoughts together Pep-Ri then almost shouted at the sky, “But unbeknownst to me while I slept he molested me! He even tried to rape me! If it wasn't for the soldiers who saved me I am sure he would have gotten away with it to. That is how I may know something about how you feel.” With burning eyes full of both shame and anger he stared Agatha down.

“I will not say we are the same, or that even that my past has been as tragic as yours. All I want here is a chance to raise my little Divine while I get strong enough to protect her and myself on my own. At the very least you should be able to understand that." Searching Agatha, Pep-Ri hoped to see a sign of reconciliation, or understanding. What he found instead was a look of utter disgust. For in Agatha's eyes a man was supposed to protect his own. If he were so weak that even a simple alchemist could overpower him then he probably deserved his fate.

Seeing her look of defiance Father Patrick stepped up again and said, “Look Agatha we are only letting him stay here until he can get up onto his own feet. We will set a bunk aside for him that is separate from the women’s if that makes you more comfortable, but that does not mean that we should reject helping this man. He has a child that needs tending to after all."

Looking yet again at the child she consented that at least the she deserved being taking care of. Especially if the poor thing had such an incompetent father. "Fine he can stay. But only if you put him in the back room so he doesn’t disturb the women in their work or the children in their studies. Plus I doubt we will see him all the time."

Looking disheartened Father Patrick tried to put up a fight but gave up after looking once more at the pure disgust that Agatha was barely holding back. Saying farewell to Agatha, Patrick began to guide Pep-Ri away from the scowling woman. Walking through the aisle of beds became more of a stare down than anything else though as Pep-Ri received all the looks of bewilderment, confusion, disgust, and even freight from every woman he passed.

Quickly opening the door to the back room which was more of a closet Father Patrick apologized for Agatha and the others, “They are just not used to seeing men around anymore. Most the men in this city are typically recruited and sent off to war soon after they have a child or two. Their first duty is to ensure that there will be more strapping lads in the future. While their second duty is to go and die on the fields for the kingdom. The men that stay are typically ruffians and thugs that pillage our town more than any invader ever would. Juno’s sole command to our church has always been to protect and care for all women and children who need it. In order to follow her command we have established this protected house where men are not allowed to enter unless they are a part of the order of Juno. So for you to have come where the men in this town must never enter, while not being a part of our order, must be quite a shock to them. Please do not let what has happened make you question our commitment to helping you raise your child.”

Looking pleadingly at Pep-Ri Patrick rubbed his hands together yet again. It seemed to be a nervous habit of his.

“Just let things settle down and I am sure you will be quite comfortable here. They’re truly exceptional people once you get to know them."

"Thank you, Father Patrick. I will try cause as little trouble as possible. I never wanted to do so in the first place. It’s just as I am now I don’t have the power or the resources to do anything, let alone raise a child. When you offed food and shelter, I just knew that as long as you were not like Detritus then I could not refuse your offer.”

Uncovering Divine from the blanket Pep-Ri played with her as her hands/ paws reached out to grab his hair that was dangling in front of her. Looking at the fur on her hands Pep-Ri looked back up at the Priest.

Thankfully the priest seemed too caught up in watching him play with her to notice the slight blonde peach fuzz that covered her hands.

“I am glad that you have decided to stay then. The only reason I extended you an invitation in the first place was that little one right there. The outside world is no lace for one so young. A child needs stability and a place to lay their heads. ”

“That right there Is why I accepted in the first place. I originally only sought adventure in this world after all. It was only my luck that I was gifted with such a physically weak race as I arrived on this continent. Yet despite the short time in which I have been her guardian now if it is possible I would do anything to keep her safe. I was always an overprotective brother, but I never thought that I would ever truly care for someone so deeply.”

It is only natural son. Most men around here have rejected fatherhood, or have had the privilege striped from their hands. They have either been enlisted or have become part of a gang. They think their strength lies within What they will never get to know is the that true strength only comes to those who are protecting something or someone they care for. In all honesty I can see your being here as beneficial for both you and those who live here. Most of the young boys here have no idea what they are supposed to do when they leave here. Many of them will turn to crime or enlist themselves within weeks of graduating these halls. Maybe you can help remind them what true strength in a man is. Just have patience boy.”

Tring*

You have been given the mission to show the children and women living at Juno’s House what a real man should look like. They have over time forgotten what it was like to have fathers and husbands who performed their duty to their families. Most of the young boys who leave the House of Juno will join gangs or enlist in the military abandoning their responsibilities. Your task is to remind these boys what it means to be faithful, loyal, trustworthy, hardworking, etc. Turn the graduating boys into real men. Then remind the young girls what a real husband and father should look like. How they should be treated and how to find true love and not just fall for the first swindler they meet. Lastly remind the mothers and widows at Juno’s House that not all men are corrupt and can’t be trusted. Break down the barriers that have been raised within this city.

Boys in House of Juno: 437

Girls in house of Juno: 583

Mothers and widows with hatred against men: 712

Boys about to leave in the next month: 64

Girls about to leave in the next month: 76

Children likely to turn to crime in the next few weeks: 49

Difficulty: D

Requirements: Must have a strong conviction about protecting and loving your child or wife.

Rewards: The complete respect of every child and mother in the House of Juno. Increased familiarity with the Father Patrick and Sister Agatha. 50 service points for the order of Juno.

Failure/ refusal: The house of Juno will become a funnel system for gangs and criminals. Even children within the house will no longer be safe from crime or enlistment. All familiarity with the Order of Juno and all who work within its walls will drop to 0. You will be kicked out of the house of Juno.

Do you Accept Yes / No?

Hearing a clanging sound in the hallway Patrick turned around in a hurry and rushed out the door not even waiting for an answer. The door was just about to close when Patrick stuck his head back in.

“Boy I almost forgot, morning meal is at eight o clock. If you miss it you will have to wait till midday meal. We will set aside some milk for your child but some of the older children will eat anything within sight. My suggestion would be to wake up bright and early just in case.” Rushing back out, Patrick left the door to shut itself.

S*^&...... I.... got.... a.....troublesome...... quest.... again........ At least this time I won't have to fight a bunch of kobolds or get stuck with a perv.... It is also something my dad is always talking to me about to so I guess it shouldn't be too hard. I think...

"I accept the quest."

Pep-Ri looked around the room he was going to be staying. There was a small bunk set against one of the walls and a water basin. A couple of brooms were stacked up against the bunk while what appeared to be trash bags piled over it.

"Great it appears we got the master sweet ehh Divine?" Picking up the bags he draged them over to the other side of the room. Annoying things really. They felt like they weighed a ton. cleaning up the room with one of the brooms Pep-Ri finished with sitting down on the matress.

Divine on the other hand was sitting on the ground running her hands through her hair.Her tail was swiinging back and forth as she struggled to keep ahold of the constantly moving strands of hair. As soon as she grabed some of it she saw other bits floating around and tried to grab those. All of a sudden Divine stoped though and started to squirm.

Smelling somthing beginning to make its way around the room Pep-Ri imediately picked up Divine and checked her dipper cloths. "Oh arn't you sweet? Is that for me? Well then I guess I can't reject when you offered so nicely." Giggleing Divine looked at Pep-Ri with eyes purely innocent. As if she were saying I have done nothing wrong here.

http%3a%2f%2fwww.anime-planet.com%2fimages%2fchara..._27725.jpg [http://www.anime-planet.com/images/characters/asahi_27725.jpg]

"This is the part I hate most about this. With both you and Shannon. I was just old enough to change her when she was born. I hated it then, and I hate it now. Although I am probably a little more used to it by now." Laying Divine down, Pep-Ri got out the spare cloths from his pack along with a powder that Detritus said was used to clean babies throughout all of Royal Road. Considering it helped prevent rashes so far it seems to work. using the water from the basin and the powder he cleaned her up and put a new cloth on her.

"Now what do we do with this, little one" Raising his eyebrow at Divine he held up the dirty diaper. Scrunching up her nose Divine started to wine.

"Yeah I know, so far we have thrown these things away since they are so cheep. But from what I have seen most of the people in the game clean and reuse these cloths. So what do you think reuse or throw away?" Divine had started playing with her toes. So fascinated by her little game she didn't seem to realize he was talking to her anymore. "Yeah I wouldn't know how to clean them properly anyways. Its not like Royal Road has detergent and a washing machine right? I can't let you get an infection or something because I didn't clean a reusable diaper properly."

'This quest though isn't going to be as easy to solve. How am I supposed to show over a hundred teens who are about to leave along with every other child what a Father is supposed to look like? I barely know how to be one myself. Uhh

Throwing the diaper in the trash bags Pep-Ri pulled out a bottle of milk. Despite the fact that Divine almost never cried about being hungry. Through a process of elimination Pep-Ri figured out that she was almost always hungry after a diaper change. Placing her in the crook of his arm he held the bottle in front of her.

Divine's P.O.V

Seeing the bottle Divine perked up and reached out for it. She was picky enough that when she wasn't Hungary she never reached for the bottle. But when she was she pulled it towards her mouth as fast as her little arms could pull it.Sucking the milk Divine curled up her tail around her Papa's arm. She knew very little but she knew she loved her papa. He always made weird sounds and at times he would disappear while mama was around. He also slept forever at times. Leaving her with the mean man who put her in the dark small place when Daddy or mommy slept. But maybe thats just how big people sleep? But daddy was funny and smiled at her when she was sad making her giggle and he knew how much she liked to play with her hair and her tail.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

She soon finished the bottle and sighed heavily. She liked this. her and her papa and the milk. Of course she doesn't know what it's called she just likes the taste. hmm... shleepy... someday I wants to be more like papa....Zzz.Zzz.Zzz

Pep-Ri's P.O.V

Looking down at her curled up in his arms he saw that she was about to go to sleep again. "Every

time I see you like this I remember what Shannon was like when she was born. I've told you about Shannon right Divine?" Looking into the child's eyes he continued. "She wasn't always so violent, and she used to tell us I love you without trying to hit you at the same time. She used to be cute and sweet like you. "

"I remember when she first learned to speak. My name was the third word she learnt. I was right after Da and Emy. She never really has grown out of calling me keif despite being eight." Laughing for a bit he placed Divine on his knee as set up a pillow for her. "Boy was mom mad. She cried for days that we had manipulated her into not knowing how to say mom. Emily was the only one who said mom first and so is seen as the perfect child."

As she fell asleep a timer popped up in front of Keith.

Tring*

17:03 RR hours till wake up/ 4:25 RL hours till wake up

Wait did she just fall asleep for seventeen hours? she's never fallen asleep for more than three?!?!?!?! What in the world? Does this mean I can actually get some sleep in real life? I didn't think that would be possible without someone watching her for me!! Sweet i'll log back in afterwards and be totally refreshed!

"System Log Out!"

...................................................................................................................................................

Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep!

Slowly drifting back into consciousness Keith looked around his room for the alarm going off. Typiically if he allowed it to go off for more that a couple seconds, Emily would barge in on him and jump on him and throw pillows at him for waking her up. Especially as it is only o'clock in the morning

Looking around he finally saw the alarm. It was being held in Emily's right hand while her left was prepared with a pillow. Seeing he was awake she shut the alarm off and pulled back the pillow only to bring it crashing down on Keith's head.

"Agh..... Really you jerk! Three o'clock in the morning? This has been going on way too long Keith! I live right next door and for almost a month your alarm will go off at the most random times! This isn't some quest like you claimed it was is it? No where can I even find a time sensitive quest let alone one that lasts over a month! What is it your hiding?"

trying to throw the pillow off him but not succeeding Keith laid on his bed until Emily, who had been holding the pillow over his face, let up. Smiling devilishly Emily was giving him her ' I want to know everything now or I'll tell mom and dad about "THAT"' look.

Great now she'll tell me she wants in on it thinking it a rare quest. Except there is no quest. Just a baby who wakes up inconsistently and randomly.

At times Keith was lucky to get an hours sleep in RL except when he was able to get Detritus to cover for him. But now Detritus was a douche and a dead one at that.

"Sure I'll tell you but you wont believe me when I do. You see right after I left my starter series I ran across a quest asking me to help a group of merchants."

"Okay this sounds pretty normal Keith. Plenty of people get those kinds of quests."

"Yeah well this quest was ranked C and at the end of it I only survived because some bogus potion a perverted alchemist gave me. So right after I complete it an NPC was sitting there dying and asking for help. Thinking it a serial quest I accepted it...."

Flaring up Emily Shouted, "Wait!!! you mean to tell me you completed a level C quest already? Why didn't you tell me this?!? You've got to be the first person to accomplish this! I would know to because I read the forums. So are you going to let me in on the quest or what? Cause I could use the money and fame."

"Unfortunately there is no money or fame connected with this. Cause when the woman asked for help she was asking me to raise her newborn daughter."

................Processing...............

"BwaHahahahaha Keith you are not serious you got stuck babysitting in a game? hahaha!"

"Jeez can't you be quiet? it's like three in the morning Emily! Besides your wrong it isn't baby sitting it is raising her. The game has literally set me as her father."

Wait so your waking up every couple of hours because of a baby? Seriously Keith just restart your character and move on. There is nothing for you in lugging around a baby for the next two years. She'd be only like eight!

"I know I know Emily. But I really need to do this. Divine doesn't have anyone else and I have actually become quite attached to her. "

"Pfht.. Seriously Keith you must be a major M to stick around a kid when you could be out getting rich and famous! Its just a game anyways Keith. All I have to say though is if you are staying in a crummy town or whatever to raise a kid then I doubt we will ever play together. I am in a party that is all about growing and getting the most powerful players together. I had contemplated letting you in if you were strong enough but I doubt Ray would let a low leveled player tugging a child around in the group. Oh well. Try setting you alarm on vibrate from now on would you?"

"Fine just leave me be then. I don't need to work in a party. When Divine grows up we will be the ultimate duo!"

As he watched his sister walk out the door an turn towards her own room Keith just sat on his bed.

What am I doing! Shes right I never wanted to stay a pixie anyways. All I could ever do is run around anyways. Not much need for that without the strength to back up my attacks anyways. Yet here I am stuck raiseing a kid while Emily will be having an adventure.... Ugg Maybe I should just quit.

"Looking once more at the capsule in his room Keith dragged himself over and slayed down. System log in."

...........................................................................................................................................

Waking up on the bed Pep-Ri took one look at the sleeping child before him. Here she is in this orphanage. She'd be taken care of by Patrick and Agatha right? She'd be happy here wouldn't she?

"Menu open" Scrolling through the options Pep-Ri paused his hand over the delete character message poped up.

Do you want to delete the character Pep-Ri and start the character creation process?

Yes/ No?

Looking at the message Pep-Ri saw Divine waking up through the system screen.

I can't do this to her. No I can't even do this to myself! I love her too much

"No"

Picking up Divine Pep-Ri hugged her and petted her hair.

"I love you Divine. I love you and I will always be here for you no matter what. Cause I truely love you my little one."

"I love you to papa"

...................................................................................................................................................................................................

Over the past few days Pep-Ri has had enough trouble dealing with little girl who was becoming more needy. It was shocking enough when she could all of a sudden speak a few sentences and a jumble of words representing feelings such as love, hunger, and grumpiness. Divine had also become even more troublesome when she began to crawl. She was always trying to get away from him now and travel around wherever they were at the time. He had had to apologize more than once has he chased her into the women’s bathing area. Apparently he was encouraging that one on his own despite the fact that she clearly crawled everywhere on her own.

Pile on top of it his constant efforts to show the children’s and women within Juno’s house what a father and what a real man should look like. He had begun to work at fixing loose odds and ends here and there repainting the building and temple, sweeping, cutting the weeds and the grass, etc. He made sure to do everything that was asked of him by Agatha, and Patrick as well as all the other women. He did it all without complaint… The only thing he could do was go for his midnight runs to increase his stamina, speed, and the passive running ability he had. That is than when he logged off for a few hours of rest and work.

‘So far all I have accomplished is showing what a pervert and groundskeeper is like. I even had to stop some of the older boys from going into the washroom afterwards as they apparently thought that it was okay…. As if I was sore for days after the last time I chased Divine in there. The kids are becoming more diligent in their work. But that is only some of them. Most of them avoid me and treat me like a wild animal.’

Getting up from his cot Pep-Ri saw Divine’s eyes immediately snap open. Her pupils dilated briefly becoming more catlike but they then became more rounded and humanlike. Stretching all out to wake up Pep-Ri watched as Divine copied him by putting her arms and legs outwards. The thing about divine is that rather than learning she copied everything. To say the least Pep-Ri would be more careful not to let her ever watch a fight let alone a horror movie like his sister. At that thought Pep-Ri shivered.

‘I just hope she doesn’t turn out like Shannon.’

Picking up Divine Pep-Ri put her in a handmade bag that rested on his side that acted as a baby carrier in Versailles. Walking out the door Pep-Ri walked over to the dining area and waited to received his and Divine’s breakfast. Reaching the window where the food was distributed Pep-ri came face to face with an overly large woman who was to say the least bloated.

“Hello yet again Mrs. Puff isn’t today going to be a great day?”

…………..

“No.”

“Come one Mrs. Puff you’ve got to be ready! As each day can bring great things.”

“Do you want this food or not bub? Cause otherwise I could get you to scrub the latrines with that yellow sponge again.”

“What is it with you and cruelty to sponges?”

“The horrors of boating school Bub. The horrors.”

“So you used to sail boats?”

“Something like that. Then a life changing event occurred and I somehow ended up here.”

“Okay…. So can I get the usual?”

“Barely bread, water and milk coming up.”

“Thanks Mrs. Puff.”

Taking his food Pep-Ri sat and began to feed Divine. Looking around Pep-Ri saw around thirty of the children playing a game similar to tag. In which one person stands in a circle as everyone else tries to tag them. Thinking it fun and a good chance to get to know the kids Pep-Ri decided he would join them.

“Hey guys can I join in on the action?”

………

One of the boys with a cowlick and a missing front tooth was pushed forward and he nervously looked at Pep-Ri before beginning. “Look mister I know we were told to be nice to you cause the baby but why should we let you play? Isn’t it weird for an adult to play Circ anyways?”

‘So they were told to be nice to me ehh?’ “Huh? Why would it be weird? Is it wrong for me to want to have fun with you guys?”

“I guess not... but adults only ever become bums. Then they boss us around or beat us. That’s why we live here. So that we don’t have to be around adults like you.”

“Adults like me? You mean men?”

A young girl perked up and shouted, “Yeah them. They are all evil and we were told to stay away from them.”

“Hmmm. Well I can’t deny that there aren’t too many good men around here. But I think that is because most of them have been run off or are afraid to deal with the local gang. The court I went to should have done something but from what Patrick has told me they have all been bribed to turn a blind eye to any gang activity.”

The boy “We already know that. That is why you can’t play with us. Cause no one not even Mr. Patrix can stand up to the adults. So all adults are cowards or are evil.”

“Then why haven’t I run away?”

“I don’t know maybe it is because your new here or something? Besides you haven’t stopped the bad guys either now have you?”

“No but I want to. Maybe you guys can show me how.”

Collectively all the children looked at each other shocked and shouted “Us???”

“Yeah you guys? Didn’t you know kids can teach adults too… Sure it is our job to teach you but sometimes it is alright to show us adults something you know that we don’t…”

Gathering together the kids began to whisper to one another. “who is he….. what does he want… should we let him play… I gotta go potty…..later Tracy that can wait…. But I gotta go… In a minute…..what do you guys think…. I think you should let your sister go…. No not about that about him… oh... I think we should let him… but we were told to not go around them…. Yeah but your mom told us all to be nice to him…. Besides don’t you want to play… Yeah… Okay he can play.. Tracy lets go real fast… uhh……Sorry…… EEWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!”

Suddenly the kids backed away from a three year old girl faster than when they were playing…

“Eww you peed yourself” “Yeah eww Tracy peed…” “Peeing Tracy Peeing Tracy”

Seeing the little girl in tears Pep-Ri rushed forward and picked her up.. “Enough kids why are you making fun of her?”

“Huh? Cause she peed hersef.”

“Your point? It is just pee. In fact I bet she asked to go earlier but you wouldn’t let her…”

“Uhhh….”

“Don’t bother making an excuse. She looks like she is only a little over three years. If she asked to go and you refused then it is your fault. As older kids you should help the younger kids and take care of them. Now here I need to take her to her mother. Can one of you show me which one she is?”

“Ryan that’d be you as she’s your sister…”

“Your sister huh.. Go on ahead you can show me the way.”

After handing Tracy over to her mother and a little explanation Pep-Ri pulled Ryan to the side as his mother took Tracy to the bath with a new dress.

“If she was your sister why didn’t you help her?”

“Well we was talking and it could wait…”

“Could it really? Cause what I saw was not something that could have waited.”

“How was I supposed to know she’d pee herself?”

“Didn’t I hear her tell you she had to go?”

“Mmmm uhh….. maybe”

Looking at the boy who was desperately trying to look away Pep-Ri bent down to one knee and looked Ryan in the eye.

“I am sorry Ryan even as far as I was I heard her ask you if you would take her.”

“And that is my fault she should have just gone herself!”

“She is three. What would have happened if she got lost. Or if she walked into the kitchen and cut herself on one of the knives? Worst of all if she could have accidently left the building? Then she would been hurt, or lost, and covered in pee. As her brother you are responsible for taking care of her.”

“I have never heard anything like that so why should I?”

“Because rather than becoming a thug or running off like a coward a real man protects those he is close to.”

A light popped into Ryan’s eyes then. “A real man?”

“Yes a real man puts the needs of his family and friends in front of his own. A real man will do anything to keep his family safe and out of trouble. Tracy is your little sister and if you want to grow up to be someone worthy of being say…. A knight… or even a paladin then you need to learn that you have to take care of others and not only worry about having fun or what you want to do. And a real man owns up to his mistakes”

“O..okay…”

Patting Ryan on the head Pep-Ri sent the boy off to meet his mother and apologize to his sister.

Connect to Chapter 9? Yes | No