The rabbit was sleeping in its cage. Kael sighed in relief. For some reason, he had felt that it would try to escape when he left, but his worries were for naught.

He noticed the mess in the room and glanced at Dean. Kael flushed from embarrassment, but Dean did not make any comments. He just snaked across the sea of objects and sat down elegantly on the bed—fixing his robe and taking out the book. He opened it to the page with the rabbit circle and glanced at him, expecting something.

That's right. Kael realized, looking at the cage covering the circle. He probably wants to check the circle.

He went quietly to the cage and lifted it carefully—he didn't want the rabbit to wake and start its infernal shrieking again—moving it to the side to expose the red circle.

Dean compared the circles for a few minutes, meticulously going over every inch. "Well, it's not the circle. You drew an exact replica." He said. "Can you try binding it, now? Perhaps your control is a bit off."

Kael nodded placing the cage back on the circle softly and looking for the Link Stone.

Where is it? I thought I left it on the desk. He thought.

Searching for the stone among the mess he grew frustrated. Then, Dean tapped his shoulder and handed him the stone.

“You should be more organized.” He said.

Kael nodded. Grabbing the stone, he felt its coolness against his palm. He breathed in deeply and turned to the rabbit.

The stone made contact with the circle and started giving off its blue glow. Kael noticed Dean looking at him in the edge of his vision. It was awkward performing the ritual in front of him. He felt exposed. Any flaw would stand out like the sun to someone like Dean.

Would it really be like the voice said? I am useless. He thought. Snap out of it Kael. You can do this.

Regaining his focus, he controlled the small amount of energy in the stone, guiding it to surround the circle. He watched the energy flow as it traced the patterns—in a set order—and make its way towards the center. Towards the rabbit.

For a moment, he felt the link—like the many times before only this time it was stronger. The imprint was forming, binding the rabbit to him.

Yes! Just a bit more. He thought, smiling.

The rabbit shook awake and Kael felt the link break, faster this time, and he lost consciousness.

A strong smell attacked him—a mix between rotting flesh and burning incense. Kael coughed and gasped for fresh air.

"Good you’re awake." Dean said, holding a small orange leaf. "I'm glad I always carry a Wros leaf."

"Can you put it away now?" Kael asked, gagging. "I can still smell it."

"You will for a few minutes, then it will go away." He said, putting the leaf away while laughing.

"You did this on purpose."

"Maybe,” Dean said. “Anyways, what made you lose concentration midway through the binding?"

"Lose concentration?"

"Everything was perfect until the binding was almost complete; then, you lost concentration and woke the rabbit up." He said.

"I didn't lose concentration and the rabbit woke firs-"

Now that he thought about it everything had been fine—the link was forming correctly—until the rabbit woke up. Kael looked at the rabbit and narrowed his eyes.

"I think the rabbit refused my binding." Kael stated.

"What? That's impossible." Dean said.

"I felt it. As soon as it woke up it shattered the binding."

"Well, there are cases were the beast breaks the binding, but it only happens when the beast is far too strong for the tamer." He said, rubbing his beard. “And the little fellow hasn’t a sliver of qi.”

"Well, if you don’t believe me. Why don't you try it, Dean." Kael said, taking a seat and scrubbing his nose trying to clear the awful lingering smell.

Dean nodded, heading towards the rabbit.

It stared at Kael mockingly then shifted his gaze towards Dean. He could feel the pride, surprise and disdain in the rabbit. If as he said 'you couldn't bind me so now you bring an old man.'

That wouldn't be possible, right? Kael thought, shaking his head. There is no binding between us. There is no way I can understand what its feeling. It was weird, but the more he stared at the rabbit, the more he sensed a connection with him. Is it because of the many failed bindings? There were no records of someone trying to bind a beast as many times as him so maybe it was plausible.

Dean proceeded with the binding—stone in hand—he infused the circle with energy. It was different this time, Dean’s control was unparalleled. The shackles even became visible to the naked eye. So, this is a first mender’s power. Kael thought, enthralled as he watched them form and surround the rabbit. However, once the shackles started binding the rabbit, Dean's face contorted. Sweat trickled down his brow, his muscles tightening. It seemed he was struggling against a huge force.

Squinting, Kael managed to make out a second force—barely visible against the blinding blue light—fighting back. As the light from the stone approached, the rabbit would narrow his eyes and caused it to back off. Dean would grunt and the light would push forward, but the rabbit would narrow his eyes and repel Dean’s binding. It sat leisurely and his eyes showed amusement as if playing with Dean.

The rabbit is enjoying this. Kael thought as he continued watching.

The tug of war lasted for thirty minutes before Dean gave up. "This is impossible." He said, gasping for air. "Utterly impossible."

"Told ya. It was the rabbit.” He said, smiling. "It used some clear energy to fight you off.”

As soon as he said that a chill ran through his back, the rabbit glared at him. Kael could sense him cursing.

"No Kael, this feels different. I have tried taming beasts stronger than me many times, but this...this is beyond that. There is no beast that would consciously fight back the way this rabbit did. We need to go to Roan. He needs to see this."

Kael grinned. "I knew it was special. It was worth going to the yellow section of the forest."

"You did what?!"

Damn. Kael thought, covering his mouth. I'm doomed.

Kael sensed the frustration of the rabbit as he dragged the covered cage. He was limping again, not because his leg hurt, but because of Dean’s punishment. The man had been cruel and spanked him for a full hour before spending the next three giving him a scolding. Dean was right to do so. He had put himself in a life and death situation for a silly beast.

Dean strode ahead, almost stomping, giving Kael more reason to stay quiet. Quickly, they reached the Material Palace. The grand hall was empty of disciples, yet two guards still watched carefully. Kael lowered his head.

“I can’t believe you did something so stupid, Kael.” Dean said as they entered the narrow hall. “You could have died.”

But I didn’t. He thought, scared to voice it. Instead, he looked at the phoenix painting. It held the same majestic feeling; it beckoned him to stare. He really wanted to stay and examine it, but he knew Dean would object. Plus, the shrieking rabbit preventing him from focusing correctly.

Dean glared at him then opened the door to Roan’s study and entered. Ironically, the rabbit went quiet as they stepped inside.

“Roan, we need to talk.”

“Damn it, Dean.” Roan said, moving his arms about. “would it kill you to knock. I could have been working on a dangerous experiment.”

“Oh, be quiet. We both know that you were just taking notes instead of working.”

“What do you expect with the state the sect is in.” he said, sighing. “I can’t even perform the experiments I want due to the lack of re-“ He stopped himself noticing Kael standing behind Dean. “What is the boy doing here?”

“That’s what I need to talk about with you. Well, to be precise, his beast.” Dean said, holding up the cage and uncovering it.

“Why the hell did you bring it here. You of all people should know that I will not look at it. The rules are final. And I am not breaking them for you. In fact, I will go report you right now.” He said, walking to the door.

“You can do that, but you will lose the chance to study a beast that resisted a binding from me.”

That stopped Roan. “You’re bluffing.” He said, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

“You think I would risk breaking the rules by bringing it here if it weren’t.”

“Well, I suppose I could take a quick look.”

Kael stood dumfounded. He couldn’t believe how easily things went along. Just a few words and Roan was willing to break the rules. Well, I guess its natural, Kael thought. A beast that resisted a first mender was something extraordinary. Specially for a researcher like Roan.

“Also, if you could take a look at Kael’s leg again. That’d be great.”

“I already looked at it and as long as he doesn’t put too much weight on it, it will be fine.”

“Did he tell you it was caused by a Greywolf?”

“What?” he said, turning shocked. “What in the hell did you do boy?”

Dean summarized the story and after Roan placed a different concoction of herbs on his leg. Something to do with the Greywolf’s venomous claws and drool.

“Damn boy.” Roan said, wrapping his leg in bandages. “I can’t believe you. What possessed you to enter the yellow section through a crack?”

“I did it for the rabbit.” Kael said, his gaze unwavering.

Roan finished bandaging him and sighed. “Boy,” he said, “you have the heart of a researcher. Just like your father did. I’m sure if he was in the same situation he would have done the same thing.”

“Really?” Kael asked, his eyes lighting up. I’m like father was? He thought as a proud feeling ignited inside him.

“Don’t encourage him, Roan.” Dean said.

“Well, you more than anyone know it’s true.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t make it less right or stupid.” Dean said, turning to Kael. “You hear me? You do another one of these stunts and I’m going to place a formation on you that would prevent you from leaving your room.”

Kael lowered his head and nodded in agreement.

“Now that that’s settled. Could you both leave?” Roan said. “I want to conduct some…tests on the rabbit.”

“How long will it take.?” Dean asked. “Kael needs to have it back as soon as possible. Else, it would affect his aptitude test.”

Roan thought for a moment before replying. “It could take a day or a week. If it’s the latter I’ll provide him with another beast.”

“But I don’t want another beas-“

“No buts Kael. You don’t have the right to choose after your stupid actions.” Dean said, turning to Roan. “Thanks. And sorry for bothering you.”

“Not at all, Dean.” Roan said, waving his hand. “It’s really no big deal. In fact, I’m quite eager to examine it already. So, if you would excuse me.” He said, motioning to the door.

“Let’s go Kael.” Dean said, nodding and dragging Kael out the door.