Welcome back to The Puppet Monsters, I just had to get back into the mood of writing this book. And I did I don't know how long it will last though. Make sure to click the video it goes with the chapter. Anyway Please remember to VOTE and COMMENT, it means a lot to me and I like chatting with you guys. ~XOXO Butterball~
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-Corina-

One thing I've learned ever since I left the asylum is that water is possibly my worst enemy.

I scowled at Opal as I watched him doggy paddle lazily in the pool.

Maybe...he might be able to teach me how to swim.

"Opal!" I called out causing him to swim to the side of the pool.

He stared at me and meowed as though he was waiting for a command.

"Opal, will you please teach me how to swim? You're the only one who won't make a fuss about it," I sighed.

Opal let out a meow and waved one of his paws at me as he smiled. For a second he went still then the water around his body emitted ripples as he began to grow in size.

"I...teach...Mistress. I....teach...Corina," He said slowly his voice coming out deep and rough.

I need to sew him a few things to make his life more convenient. Maybe a pouch on his stomach?

I nibbled my bottom lip as I changed into my bathing suit that was nearby. I slowly approach the edge of the pool, the sight of it left me dizzy and slightly breathless.

I swallowed and let out a huff of air, a moment later Opal reached out and picked me up by my neck as though he was carrying a kitten. Mere seconds later though I was dropped into the water with little warning.

I began failing frantically as I floated in the water, embarrassing squealing noises escaped my mouth until Opal suddenly grabbed me.

I froze as I slowly processed the fact that the water only came up to my shoulders. My face heated up as I glanced at Opal.

"Opal, we shall never speak of what just occurred. Do you understand?" I practically commanded.

He let out a meow which turned into an instant hiss, however, he continued to hold onto me.  I followed his gaze to see Taiga standing beside the pool watching me with great interest in his eyes.

"H-how long have you been standing there?" I whispered.

Taiga smirked at me. "Ever since the giant furball decided to pick you up like you were a toy."

If possible I felt my face grow even warmer.

He saw me panicking like a complete fool!

"You saw nothing, do you understand," I told Taiga as I narrowed my eyes.

He shrugged his lips moving into a bigger smirk. "Mistress Corina, I always think highly of you no matter what."

I feel like slapping myself.

"If you like I can teach you how to swim Mistress. After all, I can assure you that the giant furball is clogging up the drain with his entire body," He pointed out.

For a moment I bit my lip then I looked at Opal. "Opal can you take a break Taiga's going to teach me how to swim, plus I need you to be dry so that I can sew you a pouch," I told him.

Opal let out a huff then licked my cheek seconds later his grip left my arm.

I held back the urge to flail and panic and instead put my concentration into floating the best I could in the water.

Every time I dipped a bit below the water's surface my heart seemed to get stuck in my throat and I held my breath.

I glanced up when I heard a splash and noticed that Taiga was now in the pool with me. He was completely shirtless and I could see every stitch on him. Including a large one that spanned across his stomach.

Has he been gutted before?

I shuddered at the thought of him being brutally gutted like fish.

I couldn't even begin to imagine being a puppet monster.

Taiga grabbed both of my arms with a smile on his face. "Okay Corina, I want you to kick your legs as I hold you."  He instructed.

I scowled but did as I was told and seconds later Taiga began walking backward in the water dragging me along with him.

I let out a small squeal and instantly began grasping toward him. "Mistress you must trust me, I would never let anything happen to you," he reassured me.

I froze for a moment as the image of Millia appeared in my head, then I shuddered trying to cast her away from my mind.

I'm not her! We're different people when it comes down to it, meaning we have different views.

I jumped slightly instantly snapped out of my thoughts when Taiga's lips met mine.

When he pulled back I could only stare at him with wide eyes. "Please pay attention Corina, I'm trying to teach you," he said softly.

Heat rolled over my face as I nodded slowly. Taiga smiled at me and began pulling me along again.

By the time we made a lap around the pool I began to feel a strange warm gathering behind my new eye. Taiga suddenly froze then he turned toward the house his eyes narrowing into a glare.

"Is something wrong Taiga?" I asked softly.

He glanced at me as he bit his lip. Then he spoke his voice barely above a whisper. ¨The Toymaker, Zaveid is here.¨