After seeing the broad smile that showcased on Little Sue face, Taf felt a tug on his arm. When he looked down he saw a small toddler staring in his eyes.

" Uncu...Ta"

She tried to speak but the words came out in partial clumps.

" Hi, baby Tesa..."

"Uncle has neglected you hasn't he...."

" Let's go play big birdie, would you like that?"

Tesa smiled and nobbed with glee as Taf put her on his back an ran with his arms out like wings.

She laughed with excitement as they ran through the restaurant. All looked on with smiles on their faces as they saw the two interact.

The night continued to go on in a splendid fashion as stories were told and jokes made that was followed by laughter. It was really a joyous occasion that was enjoyed by all that were present.

Soon the festivities were over and goodbyes were said to the youth in dread. Some were teary-eyed with others being a firm pat on the shoulder that offered encouragement.

...

In the presence of the moonlit skies, there were two figures on a roof looking up. They were Taf and old man Ming. There they looked in the silence for a while without a word been uttered.

" Kiddo I've taught you almost everything I know. "

Old Man Ming looked over to the youth that had dreads on his head. A proud gaze was given as he observed him.

" Why does the tiger have stripes?"

A random question was heard as he looked away.

" It acts as shadows as it stalks its would be prey"

Taf answered as he laid on his back with his hands behind his head. In his mouth could be seen a toothpick.

" You are given the option to be any creature known to man. What choice would you make?"

Another question came forth once more from Old man Ming.

" The choice is clear for all to see. I would be the reptile known as the chameleon. To be adaptable when the needs deem fit. My body would reflect my moods as I go on my journey filled with changing environments and people"

" Being domineering when the time calls for it. "

" Showing Compassion and love to the ones I care for"

" A leaf on a green tree as I survey my enemies"

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

" It is a creature that most suits my purpose"

"These will act as a means of self-preservation as the road ahead has many curves and turns. To be fixed is to be easily read, which conflicts against my modus."

A smile was seen on old man Ming's face as he heard his reply.

" The devil offers you a deal which states all your enemies will be slaughtered and all that is required is your soul. Would you take it or leave it?"

He withdrew his smile as the third question came forth.

" I would laugh in his face and gaze in his eyes saying..."

" What vengeance can you bestow that can compare to my own wrath. Your flames are but candlelit burns compared to my fury"

" My soul has a weight that no man, god or devil can bear to hold"

" If they were to dare try to hold it, blood would gush forth like oceans as a penance for their insolence."

Taf responded as he looked on the seeming large craters in the glowing moon.

" Are you then a cruel or blood thirty being after wreaking your vengeance"

A fourth question came forth.

" In the eyes of the world It will be viewed as such but I will see it as being absolute in my conviction. Abiding by the rules I set for myself. Bring forth vengeance to those who seek to harm me and the one i love"

"Only the blood of my enemies shall be spilt. If the day comes that i spill the blood of the innocent. Those that played no part, it will be the day I lost the very thing I thought to protect .....my soul"

" That is the day I am truly deemed a fiend"

Hearing his response Old Man Ming once again looked to him.

" I don't know much about that world Kiddo but I have confidence in you. You have grown and matured from that little kid who only knew how to steal and run"

" Haha to well....stealing outright with your taxation scheme"

Old man Ming laughed as he thought of all that this child has done. To his side, Taf could help but also burst out in laughter.

" Well having you as a teacher was the best thing to ever happen to me."

" Who else could tolerate my shenanigans?"

" While taking a piece of the pie.....huh"

He looked from the side of his eyes at the old man that shamefulness seems to know no bounds as a proud smile was on his face.

"Haha.., what you think my lessons were for free, that was my service charge."

Taf could only laugh as he listened to Old Man Ming speak.

" I see you and that young girl May have finally confessed your liking for one another. All this time acting as if you were archenemies. "

" Although I must admit it was always a good show"

Surprise could be seen on Taf's face as he heard the words spoken by Old Man Ming.

"Who told you?"

He asked but knew the answer after taking a second to think.

" I've got my spies in every channel of this city. How could I not know such minor details."

He continued to boast as a big grin showed on his face it.

" So...Senior Grace huh"

Taf stated before the old man could continue on with his boasting.

" You know I hate when you do that. Can't you let this old man feel like he has you in suspense for once."

Seeing that he was seen through so easily Old Man Ming could not help to berate. He then could only sigh.

He remembers when he could tell his grand tales and this child would hang on to his every word. Looking on in awe as he spoke of his illustrious past with a bit of embellishment here and there.

" Sigh...yes I saw her on the street today. She even told me 'eh em' the sweet word a certain person uttered"

He then gave a knowing look that for the first time seemed to garner his desired result from the young lad laying back.

" Who knew you were such a lover boy. Then again this old man charm is contagious. It is only natural that my students are just as such."

Taf could only smile after hearing his words before say

" I can't explain it but knowing she will be by my side makes the road ahead seem more worthwhile. It's like the journey ahead would be exciting but thinking of taking it with her fills me with an eagerness I never felt before"

Seeing him speak this way caught the surprise of Old Man Ming. He was normally not the type to express his feeling so openly.

" If so be the case Kiddo she is worthy to be there."