As she fights for her food again, I watch her movements. I look for what I taught her, both as she twists and maneuvers, and uses her stone knife. I am pleased at her progress.

  It will take more time for her to perfect her mastery over the movements I'd given her, but I was eager to watch. Admittedly, I wish I could join in properly, to feel alive in the cuts and maneuvers, but... I do not think I can anymore.

  The days had been slow as I trained her. I didn't need my full attention to train her, so I had been memory/mind delving again, and... Well, if I had a heart, it would have broken.

  See... This body's emotions are emulations. I knew that. But what I didn't know was the extent of it. Admittedly, I still don't. It is so complex that I can't even begin to understand even a portion of what I see. But...

  If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  But I fear that I won't ever feel alive, not anymore. To be truly happy, sad, angry or joyous. I feel happy about Anibeli's progress, and I like her, but... it feels so shallow. Was that what it was like when I was alive?

  Both my past selves had been loners. We had very... introverted personalities. So close relationships were nonexistent. I have no idea if what I'm feeling is normal! What is normal!? I just want to be happy! To feel good about this child's success! To-To-

  I growl audibly, and swipe a tree with my fist. I crush a good portion of the tree, and I hit it again, and again. When I'm done, I feel... Better. A release, even small, can be good. Best not to make a habit of it, but I felt... better.

  Anibeli was looking at me, a small amount of fear on her face, but also concern. I look at her for a time, and begin to talk.

  "My apologies, dear child. My mind had... reached a breaking point, I suppose. There are times, child, where the battles of your mind will be more fierce then any war, and your heart will be in agony from that battle. I... I am simply... tired, I suppose. Of many things. Just tired." I ramble.

  I softly pad over to the child, and, in a fit of... something, I pick her up and softly hug her. I let her down, and I speak again.

  "You are victorious yet again. I will start you a fire this time. Bring your kill." I say.

  Anibeli looks at me as I stalk away, plain confusion and shock on her face as I stalk off to set up a fire.