The boy looked at his surroundings. At the golden glow of the sun shine on the trees. At the birds and bees flying around. At the happy circle of friends around him.

  He smiled with enthusiasm. "This is the life."

  Even though he and his friends are shapeshifters....they....are as free as they can be! Right here in this very spot.

  Their new companions can enjoy this as well, if only they weren't so......tensed up.

  Well, you did hear what they said about their friends trapped in that old castle up there.

  Max's smile slowly faded away as he remembered what exactly why that was. He rubbed his hands on his face.

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  He was a MONSTER to Matthew. He didn't deserve such cruelty.

  He looked sadly at the grass, wishing that this life would've been different, wishing that he was never that asshole they met that summer.

  Guilt filled his heart.....he wanted to go for a drink...but there was none.

  Why would he need it? It doesn't do good for him anyway..and he never felt so healthy in his life since he quit.

  He sighed to himself.

  He's been sober for about a couple of years now.

  Besides....he sees his worth.

  He looked back up and smiled at the best friend he made that summer.

  Zack came walking in....appearing to be glum. Max's smile faded away again as he looked at him with concern. "Is everything okay?"

  His depressed friend shrugged his shoulder. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about it."

  Max nodded and decided to change the subject. "So, I've been notified, that Rose and Shadow are going to help summon the Winged spirits."

  Zack perked his head up. "So Shadow's going to use his necromancy?"

  "Nah, Rose doesn't want him to."

  Zack sighed. "Bummer.

  "Yeah." Max agreed.