Lin and Xie were hard at work. Their brothers had also given them much helping hand. It was way too much work to bring their entire populations in one place. That too within the constant protection of the barrier.
” HEAVE- HO”
They pulled the make shift tents up, one after the other. There was no time to build anything at that point. It was also of no use as concrete and fabric, both stood between the grudge and them, in the same way. Their only protection against it was their barrier. They toiled day and night to keep it up. Strengthen it and make it as inclusive and wide spread as possible .
” Do my brothers need any help! ”
Roe jumped in between Lin and Xie as they were immersed in discussing a structure.
” Gosh! Roe. You scared me to death. “. Xie exclaimed with his hand over his chest.
Roe poked him right at the place.
” Ouch. “. Xie exclaimed.
Lin smiled. It was amusing to see this duo fight. He looked here and there.
” Where is that useless bird? ” He asked.
” Boshu you mean? There. I put him to good work. His lazy ass was getting to comfortable. ”
Roe pointed in the direction from where Boshu waved. He was helping a group with their loads. He too had mud all over his hands and face.
The three laughed at the sight of him. That definitely must have made his annoyed.
He flew towards them in his bird form and landed exactly on top.
“Why were you all laughing at me? Is hard work anything you should laugh at? ”
His words made all three immediately shut their teeth.
” That’s much better. ”
Boshu smiled and sat with a thud beside the trio.
” What were you guys working on? ”
He peeked over the structure they were making.
” This is like a frontline we are making here. There will be too many civilians inside the boundary. We will make layers according to their military strength. ”
Xie explained.
” Are we expecting a break in? Because if that is the case, no amount of military strength will be able to stop the massacre. ”
Roe put in her opinion.
” We are not. The barrier is our only hope. Yet, we will be taking all measures if things ever stop going according to plan. ”
Lin put in.
He suddenly lost eye contact with everyone and started staring at the distant sea. It was barely visible from the hill top they were sitting on.
Boshu placed his hand over Lin’s shoulder.
” Why do I keep feeling that my Mia is not alright over these past days? ”
He asked no one in particular.
” It’s a shame we could not get the message about the Queen across to sister. ”
Roe’s words made all of them turn in her direction.
” What? Wasn’t it time we started calling Mia that? I mean I always wanted to call somebody sister. But I never had one. And when I did… ” Roe sighed, ” I hope she can come back home sooner. So we can have lots and lots of time together. Just like I watched other sisters spend. ”
Roe was counting all the activities she wanted to do on her fingers.
It made Lin even more sad. Mia too had always longed for her family. Without knowing that she had such a big one.
Lin patted Roe on her soulder.
“Don’t worry Roe. As soon as Nana finds a way, we will barge into the Water Kingdom and bring my Mia back. ”
Boshu nodded.
” We might need to do that before the month ends. Is there anything that might help with your Nana’s work? Anything? ”
He asked with concern.
” She has already arrived in the base camp. We can go pay her a visit together after we finish with the works in our hands. ”
Xie suggested.
” Brother Lin, what happens if sister has a premature delivery?
I mean I know we all are calculating her nature cycle but there is no telling when a baby arrives. What happens if something like that was to happen. ”
Not a single soul that given that a thought.
It hits hard like a hammer on Lin’s core. He looked at her with wide eyes. As if asking for help.
” I hope nothing like that will happen. Go make yourself useful without giving us anymore trouble. ”
Xie pushed his sister away. She was protesting but Boshu pulled her along with him.
” Come long. It’s time you got a little dirty too. ”
She kicked him hard. He laughed and tickled her. Then lifted her in his hand as they walked towards their place of work.
Lin was again lost in his thoughts.
Xie called his attention back.
” Let’s get what we were doing done. Worrying would not help anything Lin. We have very little time and a lot needs to be done. ”
” Yes. You are correct. ”
Lin stood up. Dusting his hands.
“Xie, can you tell me something? ”
Lin asked.
” Sure. Go ahead. ”
” Xie, they say a father can feel his child being born. Do you think there is any credibility to this statement? ”
Xie was puzzled at his statement.
” Lin, you are asking the question to the wrong person. I have not become a father yet nor do I have any experience regarding that. May be you should try asking someone who had been in a similar situation. ”
” Yeah. Right. I am sorry. ”
Lin immediately apologized. He shook his head. He could not let emotions run him like that.
” You don’t need to be sorry. I might not understand exactly what you are going through but I can feel how difficult all these have been for the two of you. Its better to talk it out than keep things bottled up.
If you want to talk about anything related to the question you just asked, I would suggest you talk with father. There is nobody else in my eyes, who knows or has faced a more similar situation. He is the closed. ”
Xie smiled at Lin.
” You are right. I will. ”
Lin acknowledged him with a pat on his shoulder and then both got back to what they were doing.