Riaz’s Point Of View
I held her hand tightly in fear of her disappearing again. “Mum…” I called and she smiled at me. Oh how much I’ve missed the warmth of her smile.
“I’ve missed you.” I said tearily and she held my face tenderly. “I’m here, my love. I’m here.”
I sniffled. “What happened? How come you’re here?”
She heaved a heavy sigh and looked ahead. “This was the only way I could survive, Riaz. My body is no more. Only my soul remains.”
“Is… is dad like this too?”
Her hands shook at the mention of my dad. I tightened my grip assuringly and she threw her head back to stop her tears from falling.
“He couldn’t make it. He was killed. Before my eyes. He… he just…”
I embraced her, consoling her as I fought back my tears. Crying would not calm her down.
“It’s okay, mum.”
“They killed everyone, Riaz. They killed mum, dad, your father and even my little flower. She didn’t get to see the world because of those bloody creatures. I wish I could make every one of them feel the pains they put me through.”
I let her go and looked into her eyes. They held pain, agony and sorrow. Enduring all these years on her own, without dad, without me or anybody. It must have been excruciating.
“I’m sorry, mum. I should have showed up earlier.”
“Oh, darling, don’t say that. I put you in that cocoon myself and told it not to let you out until it was sure you were safe. It was not your fault.”
I looked down in guilt. “But I didn’t remember you. I didn’t remember dad either. I should have remembered you and searched for you but… in such a bad son.”
She chuckled and held my face up. “My son.” She said adoringly. “It wasn’t your fault and honestly, I’m glad you lost your memory.”
“Mum…”
“I’m honest. Which mother would wish for such heart wrenching memory for her son? I’m glad you remembered nothing and we’re able to grow up innocently and happy. I’m glad you didn’t grow up broken.”
I smiled and she pinched my cheeks. “Gosh, you’ve lost your adorable cheek fat. I loved pinching those.”
“I can put on weight if you want.” I said and she laughed.
“My little boy is all grown up now as a considerate young man. That alpha must have done a great job.”
“Tch! I’m not that grown up. I’m just nineteen. And alpha didn’t really do anything.”
She tilted her head. “Really?”
I nodded. “He was there but you really have Ace to thank.”
She grinned. “Ace. I don’t think I’ve heard of that name before.”
“Well… I’ll introduce you to him. He was the one that found me. And the first person that showed me kindness. All my life, he has been with me, protecting me, making me happy. He’s just so…” I paused when I saw the expression on my mum’s face. “What?” I questioned and she shrugged.
“Nothing.”
“That high-pitched tone doesn’t sound like nothing.”
“Honestly, it’s nothing. I was just… wondering how this Ace guy looked like. He must be so handsome if he managed to swoon you over.”
I gasped. “Swoon? Mum, you’re getting it all wrong! Ace is like my… my brother.”
She smirked teasingly. “Indeed indeed. You smile so dreamingly when you talk about him and you claim he’s a brother. If he’s a brother then your father is my father.”
“You’re… you’re getting it all wrong.” I said bashfully and she laughed.
“Look, son…” She took my hand. “If you like him more than a brother, there is no problem with that.”
I looked at her doubtfully. Is she really okay with this? I mean, her only son likes men. Shouldn’t she be disappointed?
“Aren’t you… disappointed?”
She gasped. “Why would I be? You’re to be proud of. Do you know what Alexa told me about you? She said you are a selfless ray of sunshine. A type of person who would feed his arm to the hungry. Why would I not be proud of you? Even without those, you are my son. I gave birth to you. You might as well do nothing and I’d still be proud of you.”
“Mum…”
“So don’t say that word again. Why would I be disappointed? Your dad would be proud of you. Your grandpa and grandma would be prouder. We all love you and will support you in whatever you choose to do or be.”
I sniffled and she wiped my tears with her palm. “Don’t cry now. It’s okay.”
“Thank you, mum.”
“No. Thank you for being alive. You don’t know how on top of the world I feel right now.”
I pulled her into an embrace and she laughed happily. Just then, I remembered grandma.
“Mum?”
“Hm?”
“I think I’ve met grandma once.”
She quickly let me go. “huh?”
“On my way to Red Orleans, I ran into her. She provided me shelter for a day before I resumed my journey.”
“Are you… are you sure it was her?”
I nodded. “Now that I’ve regained my memory, I’m sure it was her. I can… take you to her.”
She nodded vigorously. “Yes, please.”
She smiled, “should we go join the others now?”
I shook my head. “No, I don’t wanna leave you.”
She smiled and rested her forehead on mine. A bright light shinned over my eyes and I lost consciousness.
Ace’s Point Of View
“Shouldn’t we go check on them? They’ve been in there for over an hour.” Xena said and I shook my head.
“They are reuniting. The whole day is not enough for them if you ask me so just let them be.” I said.
“But seriously, Riaz’s mother is so young.” Clover said as she came to sit on my shoulder. “She kinda looks like she could be his sister.”
“That is not his mum.” I told her.
“Huh? But you said…”
“She’s borrowing that woman’s body to meet him.”
“Wow. I thought stuff like that weren’t real.”
“A lot of shit are real on this world, Clove.” Dandelion said as she popped her gum. “Just look at Red Orleans. Wouldn’t a human faint if they saw this place?”
“But seriously, are humans real? I’ve never seen one.” Clover said.
“The books say they are real.” Xena said. “But no one has seen one in real life.”
Dandelion stood from her seat and came over to sit beside Xena. “I don’t think we’ve been introduced.”
Xena ignored her as expected and I snorted jestingly. Dandelion threw me a glare and stuck out my tongue at her. She should know that Xena isn’t a fan of flirts. For some reason, Dandelion hasn’t made advances toward Akira.
We all turned our attention to the door when it flew open. Akira didn’t waste time before rushing to Alexa when she emerged.
“Are you okay?” Akira asked worriedly and Alexa nodded. She looked pale.
“I’m fine.”
Where is Riaz? I left the rest and went inside. I met Riaz curled up at the corner of his bed. I sat beside him and made to tap him but I stopped. I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.
“Riaz, are you okay?” I asked. I could hear his shaky breaths. He’s crying. I placed my hand gently on his shoulder and waited for a reaction from him. When I saw he didn’t feel uncomfortable, I turned him to face me. His beautiful eyes were swollen with tears.
I pulled him up and caught him in a warm embrace. “it’s okay,” I assured as I patted his hair. He held me as he cried against my chest.
After some minutes, he calmed down and stopped crying.
“Should I get you water?” I asked and he shook his head.
“But you look pale. Let me get you something to drink.”
I made to stand but he held me back.
“Don’t go.” He begged, his grip around my wrist tightening. I sat back down and held his hand.
“What’s wrong?” I asked and he shook his head. He scooted closer and leaned in.
“Riaz, what are you…”
Faster than I could blink, he kissed me. I was like a stone. Still and unable to move. My head couldn’t process what just happened. He broke the kiss, his eyes not leaving mine.
“Riaz…”
He looked away shyly and in regret. “I’m sorry. I just…”
No. That expression. It was the same as the day he confessed his feelings. He’s blaming himself. I turned his head to face me and I kissed him softly. “I’m not backing up this time,” I said against his lips before claiming them fiercely.
He’s mine now. I’m not letting him go.