Welcome back to Hello Charlotte everyone. I hope that you enjoy this chapter, I worked hard on it. Please remember to VOTE and COMMENT, it means a lot to me plus I love chatting with you guys. Also, please remember to click on the video it goes with the chapter. ~XOXO BUTTERBALL~

The song is Minature Garden byTsukiko Amano

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-Ivo-

I'm used to a lot of things. I'm used to getting my way, I'm used to watching out for a certain little fire spewing teacup dragon, hell I'm used to not being able to taste anything other blood and meat! But, in all these seven years I've been with her one thing I'd never gotten used to was fighting in Charlotte's body.

I dug my teeth deep into one of the Aveon soldiers Charlotte's scales covering her body. Despite how much they tried to jam their weapons into me they couldn't, I'd feel a small prick like I brushed up against a rose bush before the pain instantly disappeared like it never existed.

No wonder Dragon chimera were so valuable during the war. Combined with the right animal they become more dangerous than some creatures can even hope to achieve.

A tree that Delilah was using as she fought alongside Atlas caught my eye, the thick roots bursting up through the ground as though they were living spikes. I lept up onto the tree Delilah was controlling, the dead Aveon soldier still in my mouth by her neck as though I was a cheetah holding a dead rabbit.

At this point, the Aveon soldier seemed less willing and less enthusiastic to try to bring us to their False Prophet. I smirked as I spat the corpse of their friend out at their feet like discarded trash. "Charlotte may not be hungry but they sure as hell need to die for what they did and what they know," I said slowly and calmly to Delilah.

Delilah merely nodded in agreement a deep scowl. Atlas turned to me, "You should get out of Charlotte's body if you want to do this efficiently. I mean I'm not her, but she probably doesn't appreciate having to wash blood out of her clothes." He reminded me.

I closed my eyes a warm sensation spread through me, moments later I slowly opened my eyes I found myself floating bedside Charlotte. She swayed and let out a yawn before stretching, arching her back slightly. She narrowed her eyes taking in the scene before her.

"Atlas is right about the blood Ivo," Charlotte grumbled as she lept down. I followed her a scowl on my face.

I need to eat them so that they don't tell Kessel anything. They've already seen my face not to mention Charlotte's.

My eyes went to my hand and despite fact that the solution to our problem was literally in my grasp when a strange cold chill ran over me I hesitated.

At my appearance from Charlotte, many of the Aveon soldiers practically stumbled back as they gazed upon my actual form. One of the soldiers, however, stepped forward.

They're most likely mages, the magic running through their veins is the only thing allowing them to see me.

"I know you might not believe me but, please listen! Then if you still don't, believe me, I know that we will die. We are all just normal human mages who had to join the Aveon Foundation, not because we believe in Kessel's cause, for that matter we...we hate him. Under his rule, it's fall in line or die, if he doesn't trust you he will send you to fight a creature he knows you can't win against. That way his hands remain clean and he can claim ignorance, we got too close to some classified info belonging to his second in command Eizen. They're trying to create what you are, a Therion but they already have one this little girl!" He explained frantically.

Where in the hell did Kessel get a Therion? A little girl Therion?Was it that man that looks exactly like me Caius? Why does Kessel need Therions is he trying to reverse the damage done to his soul?

He fell to his knees panting in shaking violently tears in his eyes as he began to cry and wail his feet clenching the dirt. A woman walked forward placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "The town of Kiree-Kiree is controlled by the Aveon foundation. Caius is stationed there currently they are looking for Charlotte Marcel, and Ivo Atreas similar to how other Aveon members are searching for you two," she told us then turned to Delilah and Atlas. "However you two are nowhere on the Aveon radar so you're good to walk around town."

Delilah glanced at Charlotte and I, a scowl on her face. "Is there any way for them to go unnoticed?" She asked.

The woman nodded and reached into the pouch at her waist which caused all four of us to tense up, however, after a moment or two she pulled out four strange looking wooden masks and handed them to Delilah.

Each of us took one examining them, she could most likely see our confusion because she spoke, "The Kiree-Kiree village is strange. One of the few laws there is that wearing a mask is a necessity. So this is how you'll avoid the unwanted attention, however well..." she trailed off glancing at me.

I crossed my arms frowning as I just stared at the woman, "What?"

"Nothing! It's just that well, you won't blend in. If you aren't in a private room, I suggest you travel in your contracts body." She said softly practically shrinking in on herself with each word.

Beside me, Charlotte let out a sigh which trailed into another yawn.

Charlotte needs to get out of the cold. I need to...

I scowled as my hand tingled with a familiar warmth, but it was soon met by an unwelcome chil.

I need to but can I? What if I lose control or the burst of power is too much? If that happens then...Charlotte's barrier will break. She'll die before I can even do anything about it.

I let out a shuddering breath as I glared down at the ground. "I don't like it but that sounds like something Kessel has done so honestly I'm not surprised. So run, go, and fast," I grumbled as I made Charlotte turn to face me. As I adjusted her scarf and jacket Charlotte pouted, I began to find tears and rips from the battle we just had. I heard rapid stamping feet in the background as the Aveon soldiers ran, hopefully to start new lives.

"Hm, I'm actually amazed Ivo that was shockingly nice of you," Atlas said as he walked over next to me. I glanced over at him to see Atlas carefully putting the mask on his face. His mask was white with light brown slashes of paint going across it, the eyes were painted on and it took me a moment to see the small eye holes in the black paint surrounding it. The mouth was painted in a slight smile with the same black ink, it had a medium sized slit that tapered off into a short sharp beak.

An owl mask huh, at least it fits.

"Are you ready Charlotte?" I asked her my hands on her shoulders.

"I just want to be warm," she practically whimpered. Her eyes slowly glazed over, the contract mark glowed brightly illuminating the small space between us. I closed my eyes, my thoughts became extremely fuzzy, they flew by like dragons cutting through the wind and sky.

A moment later warmth washed over my body and my thoughts snapped into focused everything becoming precise. I felt something slip between my fingers, I reached down quickly picking up the mask. As I examined it I scowled at the mask that had been given to Charlotte. The mask was reminiscent of a smiling fox face. It was covered with mostly black paint, the bright red paint adorned the mask's cruelly grinning face, contrasted by gleefully squinting eyes. The ears were standing alert, with the same red coloring the inside. Two odd eye like markings were also the same hue.

Golden yellow was the other color on the mask it colored the jagged teeth in the grinning mouth. Three wave like markings flowed across the mask on each side starting above the red of the mouth and stopping just below the eye. I frowned as I ran my hand around the blue ring on the mask's forehead.

Who designed this gaudy, god-awful thing?

"Ivo, how do I look?" Delilah asked letting out a giggle, she was already wearing her mask.

Strangely her mask was the calmest looking out of all of ours. It was white with pinkish purplish markings on it along with two tassels and little bells. Just like Charlotte's mask Delilah's had fox ears except hers had wood coming out of both ears simulating fur. Strangely enough, there was no mouth slit like the other masks had, even though it had the same black painted eyes.

I wonder why the masks are so intricate?

"You look good, like the flower child you aspire to be," I grumbled as I slipped the mask over my face. The moment I did an odd chill ran throughout Charlotte's body causing everything even my lungs to freeze for a moment. "Let's go, everyone, we need to get out of this godforsaken cold!"

We began to trudge toward the village once more. This time there were no obstacles in our paths.

If it wasn't for Eden dropping us off near here getting to this place especially up a snowy mountain would've been practically impossible. So it's probably a blessing that neither Charlotte nor I actually told her that I killed Raevali, not his evil wife.

~~~

"What in the fuck is that?" Atlas asked slowly.

We stood at the entrance to the village, a large sloppily painted red gate stood before us. It appeared to be made out of woven branches, while the legs were made of slim but thick looking tree trunks. A wooden sign hung from the gate that read: Kiree-Kiree.

I shrugged as I rapidly thumped Charlotte's tail on a nearby tree.

"It looks like a nature nymph made Torii gate, however, the nature nymph may not have been in her proper state of mind when she made this," Delilah said softly.

"How can you tell?" Atlas asked sounding skeptical. And I didn't blame him either, those trees looked like the remains of people I eat.

"Sometimes it is a necessity to put our plants to sleep, we nature nymphs understand that. So we remove as much pain as we can from the process. But these branches and tree trunks have frayed edges, splintered skins, if she had been in her right of mind or cared then they would've been woven together," Delilah said softly as she crossed her arms.

"Can we please move this along? I'm freezing my temporary tits off out here!" I growled as I flicked Charlotte's tail out at them. That ugly chill ran over me once again, covering me like a disgusting film. I clenched my right hand as I bit my lip.

Into unknown territory, we go.

The moment we entered the village something about it made me feel odd. A strange, extremely cold, chill almost familiar to the one that I'd had moments ago spread over my body, digging deep into my bones with its icy fangs. Nausea began to settle in my stomach and I frowned wrapping Charlotte's tail around my leg ignoring the way the fur stood on Someone was watching me, I could feel it! A shiny milk white eye looking over my shoulder like a paranoid parent watching my every move like it was the predator and I was the... "Prey," I whispered.

Beside me Atlas jumped when I looked at him I noticed that his wings were extremely ruffled, a few feathers came loose drifting to the ground while more were misplaced and sticking out. He had one hand placed on his stomach slowly rubbing it, his other hand, however, I reached over and grabbed his other hand, to stop him from scratching his neck .

Atlas had already started scratching though, and with claws like his, he'd managed to scratch deep exposing the bright red meat. "Oh my god, Atlas why did you do that?" Delilah asked as she frantically rushed to heal him despite the fact that she was bleeding now too, in fact, she nearly shouted which caused nearby townspeople to look at us.

Each villager within range slowly turned their heads, a loud hollow unified knock echoed from their masks as they moved to stare at us. Each of them were grinning, sneering or laughing at us, their stark, pale mask twisted into wicked expressions that practically taunted us for even being here. Even though silence surrounded us I could hear their loud mocking laughter. Suddenly that disgusting slimy chill came back with vigor, digging its claws into my stomach and its fangs into my chest. I let out a gasp as I doubled over gripping my chest.

Despite the fact that I was nearly on my knees, overcome with dizziness, my stomach rolling with violent nausea I managed to focus my demonic energy to seek out this invisible force. "You won't hurt Charlotte! I won't let you!" I growled as I clenched my teeth.

You've fucked around with the wrong freak, bastard! Wait...uh n-nothing's there?

I stumbled around my eyes wide and briefly if only for a moment I thought I caught sight of a quick spindly, black, blur.

"Caesar."

I whipped around to look at Atlas he was still sitting in the snow, trembling as Delilah finished healing him.

"Atlas what made you do that?" Delilah asked as she took his face in her hands, her voice nearly cracked. She grabbed his hands, causing the markings on his hands to glow slightly.

"I...what are you talking about Delilah?" Atlas asked sounding completely confused.

"Ivo just stopped you from slitting your own throat. I know that the energy was horrific but you didn't need to do this Atlas. You should know that by now." Delilah told him.

Atlas turned to me his head tilted to the side. "Ivo why are you confusing me for my brother? That's really rude you know," he sighed as he climbed to his feet.

I narrowed my eyes, it was my turn to be confused. "What? Has Delilah been eating mushrooms in your body again? I don't have time for this bullshit!" I snapped.

Atlas looked at me and sighed once again before turning to Delilah. "I'm sorry for being rough Delilah but when that energy came over me I..." he took a deep breath in then out, "I saw Caesar, it was terrifying after all he has my face for fuck's sake. He could talk but his skin was so bloated that-t he had to speak slowly and force it out with his saliva bubbling on his tongue. He...he was so close that I could smell him, my brother didn't smell like pinewood like he used to he smelled so poisonous, disgusting and vile that it nearly made me throw up!"

Atlas shuddered almost violently as he wrapped his arms around himself. His claws nearly piercing his coat. "But as he was speaking he dug his claws into my throat and told me 'I'm taking you with me' I tried to look him in the eyes but when I did I saw something that I just can't describe. It was like an ant realizing it's about to be squished," he told her softly as he wrapped his arms and wings around himself.

Delilah and I looked at each other. Whatever this is it's dangerous and shouldn't be played with.

"Excuse me, are you all okay?"

What the fuck? That's my voice!

All three of us froze as we looked at the person who had spoken. Despite the fact that I'd caught glimpses of him seeing him up close sparked a new angry in me somehow, I managed to reign myself in from setting him on fire.

Huh, so this is the infamous Caius that Charlotte met.

I kept my Therion hand clenched and even though it began to warm that vicious, animalistic chill came back ripping it away from me.

He may not be a Therion but what happens if Kessel planted a trap? It may be a trap set to hurt me but Charlotte and I are connected.

Truthfully I had doubted myself before but never my abilities, how I eat, my demonic energy the very thing that makes me, me.

Strangely enough, Caius was the only one that didn't seem to be wearing a mask however the villagers who had stopped watching us didn't react. Delilah stepped forward letting out a giggle as she stood in front of Caius. "Wow such a young handsome contract demon, I'm glad you don't have anything covering up your face. We were arguing over our map and it got a bit out of hand I hope we didn't disturb the villagers." Despite her voice carrying enough sweetness to give a dragon diabetes her hands were trembling by her side as she forced herself not to make a fist.

I rolled my eyes as I turned my attention to where I'd seen the that strange looking shadow. The fur on Charlotte's tail was still fluffy from that discomfort I'd experienced.

I don't know if I should be disgusted or humiliated. I mean she's practically my aunt.

Caius frowned as he stared at her a moment before his eyes gave her a full once over. "Um, ma'am aren't you cold?"

Delilah just shook her head. "No, but we would really appreciate it if you pointed us in the direction of the town inn."

Caius's eyes went wide and for a second he scowled looking a bit confused.

Fucking owl looking asshole.

He shrugged a smile on his face. "Luckily for you, you're headed toward that hill which is where the hot spring and inn are. I'm assuming no one greeted you at the gate but from your appearance, you must be travelers. Even though you are passing through you must remember the rules of this town even at the inn," Caius said as he continued to smile. It was odd for me to see.

Well, now I know what Atlas meant about Caesar...

"But what are the rules? And what happens if we break them?" Atlas asked.

"I was just getting to that. Rule number one: Do not remove your mask unless you're completely alone. Rule number two: Only remove your mask around another person if no one else is in the room besides that person. Rule number three: When putting on your mask or entering the town forgive yourself for everything and regret nothing," Caius told us.

I frowned my eyes narrowing as I heard the rules.

What in the hell does rule number three mean everyone regrets at least one thing in their lives. And the other ones...

"But if you don't mind me asking why aren't you wearing a mask?" Atlas asked.

Caius chuckled and I gritted my teeth. "Now that I'm with the Prophet Kessel and my life is complete I don't have anything to regret or forgive myself for. May the Aveon Foundation's pure light of the gods shine down upon you."

As Caius walked away though I couldn't help but cradle my hand as the chill tried to sink its awful fangs into it. This time, however, I actually thought about giving in.

~~~~~

"Welcome to the Kiree-Kiree inn, how may I help you today?" The receptionist asked as we came up to the counter. The woman behind the counter appeared to be a fire nymph. She had bright red hair that flowed around her like lava, very light pink warm looking skin. While I couldn't really see her eyes behind the mask I knew they'd be red or at least a dark pink.

"Yes, we need two rooms please," I told her however she appeared to be staring at Delilah who in turn was staring at Atlas...

"Excuse me, you're a nature nymph, right? Is your name Delilah and your contract's name is Atlas?"She asked.

I glared at her. "Why are you asking?" I growled under my breath.

The woman looked around quickly before placing a small white envelope and two keys on the counter. "King Vincent sent this here he had Miss Alyssa bring it. He told me to look out for Delilah and Atlas because the Aveon were looking for Charlotte and Prince Ivo, making it harder to travel." She explained quickly.

I snatched up the envelope and one of the keys, quickly I tore the envelope to shreds so that I could get to its contents. Inside was a letter, after a minute or two of reading I turned to Delilah. "My father says that Lawrence is stationed here and that we should meet up with him," I told her before I handed the note back to the fire nymph.

"Burn this until there's nothing but ashes then flush the ashes down the toilet," I instructed her. Then I smiled, "Thank you for risking your life, to give this to me."

As we walked off Delilah spoke. "I think for today at least we should rest up, eat, take baths maybe try out the hot springs. I bet Charlotte wants to soak in that hot water all day."

I nodded but didn't say anything as I walked to the room that belonged to me and Charlotte. Once I opened it and got inside, I began to take the layers of clothes off until I was down to Charlotte's indoor clothing.

While the jacket has rips and tears it can be mended, I hate to think what would happen if she didn't have those scales.

I sat down on the bed and allowed my control over Charlotte to slip somewhat. "Charlotte, are you doing okay?" I asked gently.

Somewhere in the corner of Charlotte's mind, I heard a small whimper. 'No, I'm scared.' She answered her voice shaky.

I frowned. "Why are you scared? Was it Caius?" I asked her.

'No it was that weird energy. It rattled me, for some reason it was like it was clawing at me and trying to bite me. B-but it couldn't get me.' She whispered.

My eyes went wide as the realization hit me like a slap in the face. "Just try to get some rest. Tonight I'll let you take over."

As I took back full control I let out a sigh and stretched.

Whatever it was knew that there was more than one person in this body and it was trying to drag the other one out.

~~~~~

I frowned as I carefully adjusted the bikini top I'd gotten from the inn in preparations for going into the hot springs.

Is it too small? But how, her breast couldn't have grown that much they stopped at a C. Is it because it's winter and she naturally got chubby in preparation for hibernation like most dragons do?

My gaze once again turned to my hand.

What if the barrier just breaks one day or if it breaks because it can't handle the strain of too much energy from me. If I end up being the death of her I-I...

I squeezed my eyes shut and shuddered, suddenly I was pushed from behind and a familiar squeal entered my ear. "Come on Charlotte lets warm you up sweetie!"

I let out a huff and a loud sigh, even though I dragged my feet she dragged me into the hot spring water and removed my mask as well as hers. "What's wrong Charlotte you look upset?" She asked.

I rolled my eyes as I tried to get out but she leapt onto me giggling and I snapped. "Woman what are you doing? Get off of me!"

Delilah let go instantly which caused me to fall back into the water, as I was falling I noticed that strange spindly shadow standing far away cloaked within the mist just watching, with its two hollow black eyes. "Why didn't you say anything?" She snapped.

I surfaced shaking myself and scowling."I thought you were smart enough to take the non-verbal hints, I don't wanna call you an idiot but you're a fucking ah...you're a very special flower child," I sighed but she ignored me.

"Ivo do you want to talk about anything? I'm here for you, lately, it almost seems like you're  afraid of  your therion powers or something." She asked gently. A soft smile was on her face as she ran a hand through her hair. "But I guess for someone like you that'd be strange."

I froze, I had been moving away from her, but  when I heard what she said I froze, because I knew that she was right.

"I'm not scared of my Therion powers I'm scared of what it might do to Charlotte, I'm a young Therion still nowhere near my father's age but I've had longer contracts than him. Now that I know what my power can do to my contracts, I...keep finding myself hesitating and worrying as if every little thing will bring down that barrier around Charlotte's soul and I'll just lose her." I told Delilah unsurprisingly venting to someone didn't help much.

Delilah chuckled as she looked at me. "Ivo sweetie that's called anxiety most people would hesitate before jumping into life-threatening battle. Your family, especially you and King Vincent are the strange ones."

I frowned as I bit my lip. "Huh, I honestly didn't think my family was that weird."

She wrapped an arm around me a warm smile on her face.  "Yeah, your family is one of the weirdest out there. But I'm proud to be apart of it," Delilah told me as she let out giggles.