The trip back to Morgan was a fairly quick one for Maxine and Charles. With some of the money that they had left over, they were able to buy some clothing for her so that she wasn’t walking around completely naked. Since she was so large, all that they could really buy was a large piece of cloth that she wrapped around her body. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to buy any shoes so for the time being, she would have to walk barefoot.

  For Charles, he was glad to see that Maxine was back to her old size again and that her muscles had returned. While she was small, he couldn’t help but feel vulnerable but now she was big again, he thought that she would able to fend off most threats that came their way. Even though she was still without her armour and sword.

  Even so, anyone who walked by them would keep their distance. Beforehand, her armour covered up her muscles, now that she was without it, they were on view for everyone. Most of the people who walked by were quickly intimidated by her even though all she was doing was simply walking.

  There was one stop that the pair did and this was at the inn where they had stayed when they were on their way to Flea Bay. It was partially due to their fatigue but also so that Maxine could exact some revenge. She hadn’t forgotten the patron at this inn who had struck her when she had spurred his advances.

  Maxine was thankful to see that he happened to be there. He was more than shocked to discover that the small woman that he had been able to strike down with one blow. Now she was nine feet tall with muscles bigger than his head. The look on her face was something that he would never forget.

  Only one strike was needed in order for the large woman to be satisfied, but in turn several of the patron’s teeth had been knocked out and he had been flying to the floor. He had feared that she would kill him or if he was lucky, just strike him one more time. Instead she simply sat down and drank an ale while glaring at him. In her mind, her debt to him was repaid and it was unlikely that he would ever strike a woman again. The memory of what happened that day would leave his mind.

  It was around late morning when the town of Morgan could be seen by the two travellers. More importantly, the Martel farm was in full view and Maxine took a deep breath before she stepped towards it. She remembered what happened the last time that she was there and what had happened between herself and her sister Carrie. They had made progress in their relationship but it was quite easy for them to simply go back to what they had been before their last visit.

  For Charles, in a way he was glad to be going back to the Martel farm. There had been times when he had been somewhat fearful while he had been there but he had felt welcomed. He also found it funny that personality wise, Maxine wasn’t very much like the rest of her family. He didn’t mind having a hug from her mother again as she was a warm and loving woman.

  Once they made their final approach to the Martel Farm, both of them prepared for what might happen. There was even a fear from Maxine that her clothing, armour and sword had not arrived. Either the Shepherds at the orphanage had not sent them, or something had happened in transit. Such a thing was a possibility and if her armour and sword in particular was lost, she would be at a loss.

  Something that Charles did have to remember was that he had refer to Maxine’s father as Sir Tucker. He remembered when he had last forgot the Sir part and it led to a strong strike to the back of the head from her. Plus, he would have to remind himself that he hadn’t shrunk and that he was just in a house of giants.

  The first thing that they noticed as they arrived at the farm was the fact that there didn’t seem to be too much activity. This was something that Maxine found to be odd as there was normally one of her brothers or sisters outside doing some kind of activity. Like Adam practicing his sword skills or Jane picking fruit out of the trees. This caused her some concern as she stepped towards the door.

  “Be on your guard,” said Maxine as she stood by the door. Charles was close by and he was more than willing to listen to her. “And whatever you do, don’t tell my family about what has happened since we last came here.” This wasn’t just about her losing her size and their encounter with Gwen. It also included when they were trapped at the inn and almost killed by a family of cultists. This was still a memory that was traumatising for him so he was very reluctant to bring it up in conversation.

  “As you wish ma’am,” replied Charles. He knew that he didn’t really have to call her ma’am anymore but he couldn’t help but say it. It rolled off the tongue and he wanted to be respectful to her.

  With that Maxine knocked on the door and she waited for some kind of response. Suddenly she could hear large, heavy footsteps approaching the door and mere moments later it opened. Standing there was the familiar figure of Maxine’s mother Jessica who recognised them the moment she saw them.

  Almost immediately the large woman leaned forward and hugged her eldest daughter. Maxine had to take a step back as she felt herself being pushed back for a moment. Not just that but Jessica was increasing her own size until she was around twelve feet tall. Thankfully by the time she reached this height, she was outside so there was no danger of her striking the ceiling.

  “Maxine baby!” stated Jessica with some tears rolling down her face. “I was so worried about you!”

  “Hello Mother,” replied Maxine in a monotone voice. It was obvious that she didn’t want to go through with the hug but did so simply for the benefit of her mother. She was very respectful towards her, just like she was to her father.

  Charles couldn’t help but find the situation funny, Maxine was a nine-foot woman with more muscles than most people could dream of. It looked as though she could take down a large group of people without hardly break a sweat. Yet there was someone who worried about her as if she was a small child.

  The hug didn’t finish until Jessica decided to and she even gave Charles a hug as well. Although she had to shrink to her smallest size in order to hug him. Even so, when he was hugged, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth and safety while in her arms. It was a wonderful feeling and a part of him hoped that it would never end.

  Unfortunately, all things must come to an end and so did the hug. As soon as it was over both Maxine and Charles were invited into the house. Maxine did notice that it seemed empty and quiet, this was still unusual since with all her brothers and sisters there was normally some kind of commotion.

  “Where is father and the others?” asked Maxine as she looked around. She couldn’t help but feel a little worried about them, yet if there was some kind of problem, Jessica would have told them.

  “Oh, he’s had to go to Barret to run some errands and most of the kids went with him,” replied Jessica.

  “So, you’re here by yourself?” This was unlike her mother as there was normally at least one of her offspring around.

  “Of course not, Jaime just tired himself out a little earlier so he’s taking a nap and little Rina is just in here.” By now they had reached the main room and they could see the baby lying on the ground with a blanket around her. She was also lying on a soft object so that she wasn’t directly lying on the ground. Jessica quickly picked her up and cradled her in her arms, she then sat down on one of the large chairs while Maxine and Charles sat themselves down on a large sofa like chair. “Come on little baby, it’s time for your feeding.” Without any hesitation Jessica undid her dress top and exposed one of her breasts which both visitors were able to see. Charles did find her breast size impressive while Maxine couldn’t help but blush. With the breast exposed, Jessica brought Rina’s mouth to her nipple and the baby soon began to feed off it. “There you go little Rina, drink up and one day you’re going to grow up into a big strong girl.”

  “Mother!” There was some distress in Maxine’s voice as she spoke. She was very embarrassed about what was happening. “Do you have to do that here and now?”

  “Of course, I make sure that none of my babies ever miss one of their feedings.” She chuckled for a moment. “I still remember when I used to do this for you, you would almost suck me dry most of the time.” Maxine didn’t respond and her face simply turned as red as her hair. Charles couldn’t help but chuckle himself although a glare from Maxine stopped his fun.

  “Anyway, has my clothing and equipment arrived yet?”

  “Y-Yes they did yesterday.” She looked over to Maxine but still carefully held onto Rina as the feeding continued. “I was wondering why you sent them back here. I thought that you might have given up trying to be a knight and settled down with your friend there.” This only caused Maxine to feel even more embarrassed. She wasn’t sure if her mother was doing this on purpose or she was completely unaware.

  “No, I just needed them to be here while I sorted out an issue. I’m here to retrieve them and then continue on.”

  “Oh, I see.” She gave a sigh of disappointment before continuing on. “You haven’t taken the life of anyone else have you.”

  “I promised you that I wouldn’t and I’ve kept to my word. Although there were a few instances where I was very tempted to do so. Do you mind if Charles and I stay for the night and then be on our way tomorrow?”

  “Of course, it’s alright. I’ll never turn my back on any of my children. Especially my sweet widdle Maxine.” Maxine began to feel embarrassed again and she was sure that Jessica was doing it on purpose. “So how is your adventure going? Are you any closer to becoming a knight?”

  “I am closer than when we last visited.” She didn’t want to tell her about what had happened since their previous visit. Not just that but she also felt that she was no closer to becoming a knight than she had before.

  “Oh, that’s great sweetie.” She then felt Rina continuing to suck on her nipple and she couldn’t help but chuckle. “You must be pretty hungry today. Well drink up so that you can become big and strong like your sister.”

  Maxine once again blushed in embarrassment. Charles on the other hand couldn’t help but find the situation sweet. He could see that Jessica was a caring mother who seemed to want the best for her children, this included someone like Maxine. He was just sure to not chuckle at anything that happened as he didn’t want to annoy his friend.

  Eventually the breastfeeding was over and Jessica wiped any additional milk from the mouth of baby Rina. She didn’t react too much as she was just happy being in her mother’s arms and she also seemed to be a little sleepy. This was stopped for the moment however as she was patted on the back to expel any excess gas. When a burp came, she found it adorable and continued to cradle Rina in her arms.

  “You know Maxine,” said Jessica as she looked towards her eldest daughter again. “Maybe I should teach you how to care for a baby. It probably won’t be long before you start having them yourself.”

  “There is no need mother, I don’t plan on settling down any time soon,” replied Maxine in a determined tone. She could hardly imagine herself as a mother as to her, the main goal of her life was to become a knight. Being a mother would likely hamper this goal so it was something that she didn’t want to go through any time soon.

  “Sure, you don’t. Who knows, maybe you’ll be popping out some grandkids for me before long.”

  “Mother!” It seemed that with every passing moment, Maxine’s face continued to become redder. At this point in time her face looked a little like a tomato and Charles watched on. It was taking a lot of willpower for him to not burst out laughing.

  “Maxine!” stated a childlike voice. Almost immediately the trio saw a dash and then Maxine felt something grab onto her. When she looked down, she could see that it was Jaime. He had awoken from his nap and had seen his eldest sister. Any idea of remaining calm was completely out of the window. “You’re back!”

  “Hello little brother.” This seemed to make her embarrassment subside for the time being as she focused on her brother. Carefully she picked him up and sat him on her lap. “Have you been behaving yourself?”

  “Oh yes, Mom says that I’m her little prince. Isn’t that right Mom?” Jessica responded that he had and then he looked at Maxine again. He thought that the clothing that she was wearing was very odd. “Maxine, why are you wearing weird clothes?”

  “Err…” She had to think of something quickly as she still didn’t want to tell the truth to her family. If she did, she knew that her mother would become overprotective of her and worry herself to no end. Keeping them in the dark was a small mercy as far as she was concerned and she wanted it to stay that way. “My clothes were a little damaged during a battle, so I had someone mend them and then send them back here. I’ve just come to take them back and also my armour and sword.”

  “I hope you won.”

  “I most certainly did because you know that no one can beat your big sister.” She smiled at him and when she posed her arm, he cheered for her. This made Charles watch on and he couldn’t help but find the meeting between them cute. On more than one occasion he couldn’t imagine Maxine being a mother. Seeing the interaction between herself and her little brother made him think that motherhood might be something that she was capable of.

  “Hi Chuckie.” He waved at Charles when he said this and his words did catch Maxine’s squire by surprise.

  “W-What?” replied Charles as he was caught off guard. The next thing he heard was Jessica beginning to chuckle.

  “That’s what he’s been calling you since you last came here,” answered Jessica as she continued to cradle baby Rina. “Carrie tried to tell him otherwise but that name seems to have stuck now.”

 “Yep that’s your name alright,” said Jaime as he continued to speak. “And Carrie also said that you were kissing Maxine and making her feel happy.”

  “Jaime!” stated Maxine with a combination of shock and embarrassment. She couldn’t help but feel annoyed, it seemed that although her relationship with her oldest sister had been repaired. There were still a few things she could do to get under her skin. “I told you that Chuckie and I aren’t like that.” Charles too had been taken by surprise with this and now he noticed that Maxine too had called him Chuckie. “He is my good friend and squire.” She didn’t want to admit that she could take things further with Charles, she had definitely been closer to him than any other man she didn’t have a blood relationship with.

  After a few more words Maxine got up from her seat and made her way towards her room. She wanted to get out of this bed sheet as soon as she could and put on something resembling normal clothing. This left Charles alone with her mother and youngest siblings. He couldn’t help but watch as Jessica looked over to Charles and smiled at him. Her warm expression did make him feel easier, even though he was still nervous with being inside of Maxine’s home. It was easy to forget that someone like her had family and a place that she called home.

  “Has there been any problems since you left here?” asked Jessica. There was some determination in her voice. “Maxine might have said that nothing happened but I know otherwise. She wouldn’t have sent her armour and sword back here if something hadn’t of happened. So, would you be so kind as to tell me.”

  “I-I don’t think that I should,” replied Charles with some nervousness. “Maxine wouldn’t really want me to.”

  “Hmm, so something did happen then. I’ll make sure that Maxine doesn’t get angry with you. The best way to calm her is through her stomach. So please, can you let me know what happened so that it can sooth my nerves.”

  Charles felt like he could tell Jessica and over the course of a minute or so, he told her about how she had her size stolen from her and became small. Jessica’s reaction to this was a worried one but she didn’t seem to over react like they had feared. He still didn’t mention Gwen or the inn that they had stayed at. Those were things he thought that she didn’t need to know.

  After hearing what he had said, Jessica definitely thought that Maxine sending the armour and sword back home did make a lot of a sense. Plus, she couldn’t help but imagine seeing her daughter small and weak. It was something that she wouldn’t wish upon her as she remembered when she too lost the magic that gave her the size changing abilities that she had been accustomed to. It had been a very scary situation, especially when the illness that almost killed her as a baby almost took her life once more.

  Mere moments after Charles had finished telling her about what had happened, Maxine stepped back into the room. No longer was she wearing the bed sheet that they had hastily bought but instead the normal clothing that she wore below her armour. This consisted of a sleeveless shirt, trousers and knee-high boots. It was still unusual to see her big and in such normal clothing. He was used to seeing her wearing her armour rather than the clothing that she wore now.

  Jessica looked over to her eldest daughter and was tempted to hug and mother her after hearing what had taken place since her last visit. However, she stopped herself from doing so that she didn’t let on that Charles had told her of her previous misadventure. Instead she simply got up from where she was sitting and stepped over to Maxine. The larger woman wasn’t sure exactly what was going on.

  “Maxine, I just need to do something in the kitchen,” said Jessica with a cheerful tone. “You don’t mind just holding onto your sister for me?”

  “Well…” replied Maxine but before she could answer she felt Rina be placed in her arms. Her mother was smiling at her while the latter was confused.

  “Thanks, I’ll be right back.”

  With that Jessica quickly moved to the kitchen while Maxine remained standing there with Rina in her arms. She looked down with some confusion as she didn’t know how to react to the situation in hand. She was used to swinging a sword and punching her problems, looking after a baby was alien to her.

  Baby Rina seemed to be on the verge of crying and even though Maxine tried her best, she couldn’t stop her sister from bawling. She looked over to Charles with a worried look on her face and some desperation. In this situation she was completely out of her depth and struggling to come up with answers.

  “Charles what am I supposed to do here?” asked Maxine with some confusion. Her voice was had a higher volume so that she could be heard above the crying of her sister.

  “Let me have her for a minute,” replied Charles. He held out his arms and Maxine quickly but carefully placed Rina in his arms. The baby was still crying but gently he began to rock her. This seemed to be doing the trick as Rina began to calm down and eventually stop crying.

  “How did you do that?” She was amazed with what she was seeing.

  “It wasn’t too difficult. You just to make sure that there’s nothing bothering her and rock her gently. Of course, it varies from baby to baby but your sister does seem to be a good-natured baby.” One thing that he noticed was that Rina was quite heavy, it was unusual for a baby of that age to weigh so much but when looking at her family it was understandable. Jessica was right about Rina, when she grew up, she was going to be a big girl.

  Before Maxine could take another step, she felt Jaime run towards her and then grab onto her leg. She looked down and could see him down there, since he was of average size and she was so large, he was barely taller than her knee. It was something that he liked about his big sister, plus the fact that she had muscles bigger than everyone else that she met.

  “Pick me up Maxine!” asked Jaime in an excited tone. “Pick me up, pick me up!” By how he had let go of her leg and was jumping up and down on the spot.  The next thing that he knew he could see big sister leaning down and grab onto him. With no effort she was able to lift him off his feet. He cheered as he was lifted into the air and could see Maxine on an eye to eye level.

  “Is this what you wanted little brother?” replied Maxine.

  “Make me fly like a bird!” He didn’t say please or anything like that as he simply wanted to fly like he had requested. Carrie had done it for him in the past and she had even grown in size while doing this. But she didn’t do it like Maxine did and he held his arms as she began to move him in the air. He cheered while she did this as he was thoroughly enjoying what was taking place.

  Charles watched on and still found it funny. Maxine didn’t know what to do when holding a baby, yet she was able to play with her brother without a problem. He guessed that she was just more capable of looking after older children in comparison to babies. For the moment all he could do was keep a hold of Rina and gently rock her.

  Eventually, much to Jaime’s disappointment Maxine did put him back down to the ground. She was feeling a little dizzy from spinning him around but she was easily able to regain her composure. It was around this time that she looked towards the door where her mother had stepped through. There she could see Jessica standing there with a smile on her face, it was as if she had seen something adorable.

  According to her, she had just seen such a thing. In her mind she always thought that Maxine one day would make a great mother although on more than one occasion she denied it. But seeing Maxine playing with her brother only reinforced Jessica’s notion that one day that she too would become a mother. To Maxine, earning her knighthood was her greatest prize but Jessica knew otherwise.

  There were many accomplishments that one could achieve in their life. Jessica’s husband Sir Tucker was a knight and had earned that honour. However, she knew that if he had to choose a greater accomplishment, becoming a father far outweighed becoming a knight. She was sure that Maxine would feel the same way, but then again Jessica had always wanted to be a mother. People did change over time though, she thought that her eldest daughter would soften up as the years went by but she wasn’t sure.