Holding onto each other, the four of them, Lin, Boshu, Roe and Xie, finally appeared on the other side of the portal. The Direction star successfully paved their advancement onto the next phase of their quest. A few brisk walk and some careful steps, brought them out of the mists and upto the Land of the Lakes. It was all azure. Every shades of it. The sky, the different waters. Even the landscape reflected the blue hue of the two. There was never ending water. But it wasn’t a single body. There were infinite shades and hues that marketed the borders. There was a pleasant breeze that blew over them. It swept freshness across their faces.
“Couldn’t believe that eyes could behold such serenity in this life if somebody that said so earlier” Said Roe, marvelling at the out of the world beauty of the landscape ” No wonder people went missing after coming here. Who would want to leave such serenity such splendor. I am having a poetic out burst right now. Don’t mind if I break into a song or two. ” She twirled around like a swan.
“Roe! Roe! ” Xie went after her as she swirled about around with her imaginary symphony.
This was the perfect opportunity Boshu was waiting for. He was finally alone with Lin. He pulled him to the side and demanded “Tell me what I don’t know Lin”.
Lin looked up at him and said ” Some things are better left unsaid. Timing is important in everything we do. ” He tried to brush off his question lightly.
“Lin. Look, I am going to be straight with you. ” His eyes were never as serious as it was today ” I don’t have anybody to call my own, never actually had one. I was born and brought up away from my tribe. No parents. No friends. You are the only family I have ever thought as my own. I was literally tossed between one master after another untill the day you saved me. ” He was getting a little emotional but he quickly regained his composure and continued. ” Look Lin. I might be an idiot but I can clearly make out that the curse has something to do with you. You have been hiding it from everyone and you might have a valid reason for that. But I just want to know that much which allows me to be useful. To help you. ” Boshu was a completely different person this time. Lin could barely understand how someone so casual and carefree could actually become so serious. He trusted Boshu. He was almost like a brother and best friend. After pondering over it for a while, he thought about sharing some tit bits with him. Lin understood that his journey ahead was tedious and an understanding, loving companion could go a long way.
” Boshu, by sharing what I am about to share with you, I will be endangering you brother, I must warn you. ” Lin started.
” I don’t care Lin. Go ahead. ” Boshu replied with instant confidence.
” So as it happenes I fell in love with a girl in the human world a couple of years back. We eventually married but decided to keep it a secret for a while. It eventually turned out that she was from the wolf tribe, but it was already too late. We had consummated our marriage and she was pregnant. ” Lin paused but Boshu had no facial expression whatsoever. So he continued “To make things worse, I was not aware of her pregnancy untill the so called curse was provoked. ” He paused again.
” So basically you are saying that the curse awakened because you violated the law and it’s your child and wife at stake against the whole known world? ” Boshu summarised his understanding of the entire situation. Lin nodded. ” Now what do have in mind? What is your plan of action? How do you want to over come this? It isn’t like a battle or war that you can win against. You are fighting something unseen, unknown. ”
” I know. And that is the exact reason I came here. For answers. We need to know exactly what we are up against. Only then will we be able to devise a plan of action. ” Lin said.
” But while we are busy finding answers here, your wife might as well be chased and devoured by the curse. ” Boshu looked worried.
” I have put her in a barrier and left her with refreshments. But you are right. We are running out of time and need to get to the Tree as soon as possible. Let’s go find the two of them. ” Lin stood up and pulled Boshu along.
“Now where did these two go? As if we have any shortage of problem, now they decide to drift away dancing. ” Boshu complained as they started looking for Xie and Roe.
Now it so happened that the Land of Lakes were in parallel alignment with the tower where Jin was confined in the other realm. As will be later revealed, his mind was cursed to be distorted in such a hideous manner that he was ment to fall in love with his own progeny. To prevent anybody from repeating his mistake, it was so cursed that Jin would develop perverted feelings towards the person from his tribe who would follow in his path. It was such an inhumane punishment that even the most twisted of souls would shudder at the mere thought of it. Mia was technically a grand child of his, but since she had the misfortune of a similar love life like that of Jin’s, the curse was pulling his soul in perverted affection towards her. He didn’t even know about her existence, but the dark force binding his heart was driving him mad with impatience. He was boiling to consummate his lustful desire.