” We need to move forward towards the Southern Region. Will it be possible with the entire settlement? ”
The wolf king calculated, drinking along with The Fox king, sitting in the seclusion of their tent.
” Of course not. But we need to be ready with back up if needs be to go underwater. ”
They both took a sip. Visibly drunk as their fingers were unable to make the minions move in their game of chess.
Both had sent their best sons to achieve an impossible mission. There was no peace untill in one piece they returned.
” PERMISSION YOUR MAJESTIES! ”
someone yelled their lungs out just outside the tent entrance.
Before they even got the chance to permit them in, the door flung open and Nanako stormed in.
” Nana, what happened! ”
The fox king stumbled up. The way she was looking only happened when she carried the oracle.
Eyes red and hair in a big mess.
” She is here… She is here… She is here along with Him! ”
” Who is here with whom? ”
The Wolf King tried rationalising.
” LIFT THE BARRIER. OPEN THE GATES! ” She proclaimed in the manner of an announcement, then turning towards the entrance, smiled like a lunatic, ” He is finally here.
Now it all makes sense. ”
Then began chanting the prophecy looking up towards the heavens-
“The clenching of the chest doesn’t stop. Neither does the coiling of the blood. The veins seem to be rupturing with force, with no ailment known. The sickness of the being is difficult to fathom, that has left behind it’s roots in another kingdom. How the song ends, how the story goes, is anybody’s guess because nobody knows. The howling might stop, the stars might shine once more, the game of waiting will pass in labour. The question you ask, the truth you seek, might leave you startled, unable to speak. Look carefully, look inside to cope, when home seems like a distant hope. ”
She stopped and looked at the two puzzled emperors.
” Don’t you get it yet. His heart was exiled in another kingdom. He is coming back to make the final move. To stop the heartache once and forever before… ”
” THE PRINCESS MIA ASKS FOR PERMISSION TO ENTER THE PERIMETER! ”
Nanako was not given respite to complete her explanation before the gate keepers announced Mia’s arrival.
The Wolf King forgot his own status. With one glance at the Fox king and Nanako, he sped towards the entrance himself.
It took him seconds to breach the gates and hug Mia in a tight embrace.
” My child. My Mia. Where had you gone missing? We had all been so… ”
” You knew I was missing? How? Where is Lin. Does it mean you know about my son as well? ”
Mia looked more worried than relieved.
It didn’t take long for the Fox king to join them along with Nanako and other wolf and fox princes.
Mia scanned the heads.
” Where is Lin? ”
She asked. Her voice shaking.
” Your Aunt Ruby came in with the news of your sons birth Mia. They suspect the Queen must be scheming something evil. Lin, Xie and Roe went along with her to get back your child. You should come inside the barrier it’s not safe….. ”
The rest of the words trailed off as Mia darted off towards the ocean without wasting another moment.
But her feet froze.
So did the entire number of people who ran after, following her.
The colour of the ocean surface was red. Not the darkest but quite vivid.
Mia started hyper ventilating.
But before she could wrap her head around it, an inhuman scream from the North attacked them with force. It sent everybody flying.
” The Creature is back! Quick. Get Mia back inside the barrier! ”
Somebody yelled.
“No! Nana! It’s upto you from here. I need to do check what’s happening under the water! ”
Mia pulled Nanako’s hand and stripping the pendant from herself, inserted it inside her palm.
Before anybody could suggest otherwise, Mia jumped inside the waves.
” MIAAAAAAAAAAAAA! MY Miaaaaaa! ”
A chilly horse male voice tried following her footsteps. But the waters repelled the creature on shore.
It was a disgusting and hideous as it’s voice was.
A jumble of organs, randomly heaved over each other. The mouth could not be distinguished from the foot. It was a monster in all it’s essence.
” MIAAAA! ”
It started sniffing the air as the immortals surrounding it began to retreat.
Nanako was still working on the pendant. She needed a little more time. The creature must have senses the presence of it’s Nemesis.
It darted towards Nanako but fortunately the wolf and fox princes were able to block it.
” Nana, get inside! “. the Fox king tried pulling Nanako with him but she shook off his grip.
” I am done running. It’s time I faced my destiny. STEP ASIDE! ”
The ones guarding her could not dismiss her authority.
She walked forward, towards the beast as everybody watched, their jaws dropping.
” QUICK. Hurry. Somebody go call for back up! ”
The wolf king announced as one of them darted back to the camp inside.
The Beast was too preoccupied with Nana to follow the messenger.
No sooner had Nana come close, it bared it’s fangs and tried to leap at her but she simply thrust her hand, carrying the pendant forward.
” In the name of the one who created the heavens and earth, show yourself forward. Show your true form forth. ”
Her words made some movements in the pendant and simultaneously made the Beast duck.
Light started emerging from the pendant. Sparking. White and Silvery.
” That’s… That’s brother Jin’s pendant. ” The wolf king exclaimed excitedly.
The silvery light slowly morphed into a handsome man’s imagery.
” Brother Jin! ”
The Infamous Wolf Prince was back in his youthful form and demeanor.
” Jin…. ” Nanako’s voice and fingers trembled as she pointed in his direction. She too was transported centuries back in time as she remembered their find encounters.
” Nanako… ”
Hearing him calling her name made her legs tremble. Before she could reciprocate there was a shower of invisible hammers.
” Everybody take cover! ”
Jin yelled as he covered Nanako himself.
” Don’t worry. I am back. We will end this together. I just need you to hold my hand. Wouldn’t you? ”
Nana felt like they were back in their training ground, travelling among those million stars.