Shin seemed to change his demeanor quickly as soon Brenden's companion and uncle were around. He went from cold and determined to . . . mischievous . . .

". . . Brenden, what have you been saying about me?" the girl asked, her voice cold and dark; she was not an intimidating child, but anyone her age may have felt a shiver up their spine upon hearing her discontent (and seeing her glare of displeasure, too).

"Our adventures?" Brenden's uncle asked, "I thought I asked you to be scarce with those?"

Brenden looked between the girl and his uncle several times, then back to Shin--who was no doubt the only one to blame for this.

"H-hey!" Brenden stammered, "A-- are you trying to get me in trouble or something?!"