13 A Boys Confidence (1/2)

As the weeks past Franklin continued John's training regiment. The well was finished and the new villagers got used to life under the hill. They had begun to trap small animals near the forest's edge. However, grass and weeds grew at a ridiculous pace here causing much consternation. Much of the day was spent fighting this plant apocalypse. The plants were bound and offered as a tribute to the Demonic Bull that lived on the hill.

Franklin was training, as usual, and was getting quite confident in his strength. Even some of the men had recently complimented him when he helped lug the weeds up the hill. So when Laurel came over he made quite the show of it. Puffing his chest and lifting weights he'd usually avoid.

Laughing at the silly sight Laurel said, ”You look like a tomato!” while pointing at his perspiring red face.

”Shut up you can't lift this big pot.” Embarrassed Franklin looked away. ”I've gotten strong you know?”

”I've seen my mom lift that pot every day,” she smirked teasingly.

”It's not fair to compare to an adult.” he griped at the cute girl. ”Look, I even fought some small demonic beasts last time!” Franklin thumped his chest.

Wide-eyed the girl yelled, ”You're not supposed to go into the forest it's dangerous!”

”So I've gotten strong and I just went in a bit I could still see the houses and everything.” The boy glared defiantly.

”I don't believe you.” Laurel puffed her cheeks with anger. ”There's no way a kid can fight those monsters.”

”I can!” he hollered back as he grabbed his wooden sword. ”I'll show you,” Franklin said as he stomped away.

Laurel's jaw dropped in shock. ”Don't go, okay? I believe you, stop!” her eyes tearing up with fear.

Franklin stubbornly continued into the forest. ”I told you it wasn't a big deal. I can handle myself.” Though he said that he tensed up and squeezed his sword with apprehension.

”NOOO!” She squealed as she ran at the stupid boy grabbing his arm trying to pull him back.

”Why'd you come in too?” He looks worriedly at the small girl.

”Cause you're being stupid!” Laurel looked at the boy angry and aggrieved.

”Okay, I get it. We'll go back.” Franklin gave in with a sigh.

Grrr, roar. Sounds of small fox demonic beasts came from the nearby trees making both the kids jump in fear.

”D, dd, don't worry Laurel I can take care of this while you run.” Franklin was shaking but he still managed to stand over the Laurel protecting the young lady.

”No, you run too.” She cried tears flowing like a river.

He pushed the girl towards the village ”Go!”