” Lin, what happened? You are… You are injured.
Was it him? ”
His Nana caught him limping towards his room.
” Nana. This is fine. It’s nothing. But yes. It was him. And it’s getting worse. The thing is morphing. Both physical and intangible ways. Moreover it knows where Mia is. It’s just a matter of time before he gets there. ”
Lin held his Nana by the should. His eyes desperate.
” But even if he knows she is there Lin, how will he reach the depths? ”
Nana was a little disoriented. She didn’t seem to grasp the gravity of the case.
“It is now capable of taking over bodies. It can use anybody who has taken a dose of the Water Breather. Even the fake one will be enough to help him reach Mia. ”
Nana stood perplexed.
” What are you two discussing? Lin my boy, are you hurt? ”
It was Lin’s father, who was taking a stroll, the Fox king.
Lin explained the situation to him.
” Hhmmm. This is grave. How much longer is your wife due, my boy? ”
The King’s question hit Lin right at his heart.
He had completely forgotten about the birth of his child in all the commotion. It was soon. It wasn’t very far. Just may be another month till the little baby will be in his hands.
” Umm, I think just another month. ”
” One more month? Will we be able to hold this thing for that long? ”
The king was immersed in a deep thought.
” I think this might work. But it’s as crazy as it gets. I don’t even know if it will work… ”
” Just tell me father. Nothing around us right now is that very logical. ”
Lin was impatient.
” One more thing father. I don’t trust the mer-witches that much as well. ”
” Why so? ”
Both Nana and the King asked astonished.
” Hhhmmmm. That’s grave. Then listen to what I wanted to say boy. I will vo visit the Wolf king personally myself. We might have to abandon the comfort of our homes for the time being and turn the entire plain into a fortress. If what you say is true, we will be responsible for the humans as well. We will need to create a battle formation, ready at all moment in alterations. Along with our joint Protective Shield Barrier. That might be the old way to hinder it’s attacked. Atleast till anybody is able to come up with an alternate. ”
He looked at Nana from the corner of an eye.
” I am working on it. I am hoping we will find proper end to all this very soon. ”
She excused herself and walked inside.
Lin turned towards his father.
” Father, May I? ”
He took his fathers hands and kissed them. Then suddenly rammed himself into him with a big hug.
His father was pleasantly startled.
He picked his hand up and patted his boy’s head.
” Lin my boy. Are you alright? ”
” Thank you father. ”
” Huh? ”
” Thank you for standing beside me like a rock even after I turned the entire empire upside down. I don’t know how we would have survived through this without your support. I never expected you would pardon a criminal. ”
There were tears in his eyes.
Suddenly when they talked about the birth of his child, realisation of his fatherhood struck him deep and hard. Suddenly the bond he shared with his own father, became prominent under a new light.
” What criminal? What nonsense? ”
” The curse… ”
” You idiot. It was fate, destiny. Can you not see yet? There was no way either of you could have known. It was meant to. To give us a chance to rectify our old mistakes. It’s a chance from heavens. ”
He hit Lin hard at the back of his head.
“Don’t you dare go self doubting ever again. There’s an invincible enemy in front. This is no time to slug away. Buckle up and get some sleep.
We will be heading to the Wolf camp, early in the morning. ”
Lin nodded.
He walked towards his empty room. All alone. Reluctant. As of the loneliness stung him. Scared him. Stopped again mid track as the light from the moon fell on him face.
” Lin doesn’t the moon look so lonely? Hung there, all alone in the night sky? ” Mia’s innocent question rang like a sweet music in his memory. Her smile and innocence when they were together in the human world. Oblivious to the rest of the world. Just the two of them and their lovely little life. Her hands on his neck her lips on his neck. Her gentle snuggles and her smell. They way she let her hands through his hair as their lips lost themselves in each other’s essence. The first time she let him know about about her preganancy. Guiding his hands over her stomach.
” Do you have a stomachache? ” Lin laughed like an idiot as he remembered his foolish question. Now regretting every opportunity he missed to be with his wife and unborn child.
” Ahh! I never should have left you alone Mia. I am sorry. Forgive me Mia if you could. I could not protect you. I could not keep you safe. ”
He slammed his fist against the wall. Breathing heavily. Heaving. His eyes wondering here and there.
He was suddenly feeling a deep sense of longing. For Mia, for their child. It was more like they needed him. His presence. He felt restless from within.
” Mia hold on. I will come to you very soon. I promise I will bring you both back home. Just a little longer Mia. ”
He raised his hands towards the moon. His Mia seemed more distant than the celestial object.