TAP.. TAP.. TAP..
The rhythmic sound of anxious footsteps echoed through the temporary base as Leader Mikaela and Miss Phoebe waited outside, their eyes constantly scanning the horizon for any sign of the two groups. The husbands stood nearby, maintaining a patient exterior, but their fidgeting hands betrayed the worry churning inside them.
"Where are they? I heard they killed him but why are they taking so much time to come back!" Miss Phoebe muttered under her breath; her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her foot continued its restless tapping against the ground.
Leader Mikaela said nothing, her jaw clenched hard enough to ache as she kept her gaze fixed on the distance. Her eyes strained, searching desperately for any hint of movement against the landscape.
"AH! MERRUU!!!!"
Suddenly, one of the fathers broke into a full sprint, his voice cracking with relief as he spotted Maren and Fia approaching in the distance. His cry shattered the tense silence. The other father immediately followed, both of them rushing forward to check on their daughters' conditions, their earlier composure completely abandoned. Leader Mikaela's ears picked up scattered chatter from the returning group drifting on the wind, and her tense shoulders finally relaxed, the knots of anxiety beginning to loosen.
"VENY!!"
Miss Phoebe's face transformed entirely, lighting up with pure happiness as she jumped forward and ran toward Mother Veny and Mother Julia. Her worry melted away into joy with each step. Leader Mikaela watched both groups carefully as they drew closer, a happy smile spreading across her face as she confirmed everyone had made it back alive.
"Huh? Julia, what happened to you!" Miss Phoebe's smile faltered immediately, her expression shifting to concern as her eyes caught sight of Mother Julia's palm. The discoloration had worsened dramatically, turning even more blackish than before. Dark veins spread across her skin in branching patterns that looked almost alive.
"It's fine, don't worry," Mother Julia said firmly, standing tall despite the obvious suffering etched in every line of her face. She walked ahead with determined steps, her back straight and proud of her strength, refusing to show even a hint of weakness.
"Huh? Fia and Maren, Miss Eva?" Mother Veny's voice called out as she looked at them approaching, her pace quickening. She carried a small child in her arms, and even from a distance, anyone could see the kid was taking her last breaths. The small body lay limp and fragile against her chest, barely moving.
"We're okay, Mother, don't worry," Fia spoke quickly before Mother Veny could voice her concern, offering a reassuring smile, trying to hide the exhaustion pulling at her features.
"Mommy?" the kid whispered in a barely audible voice, her head turning slightly toward the sound of new voices. The effort seemed to drain what little energy remained. "You have another daughter?"
"Ah! Yes, dear, meet her! Her name is Fia, and she's your big sister," Mother Veny said, her voice warming with affection as she glanced at Fia. The tenderness in her tone was palpable. "She also came to meet you. Aren't you happy? You've got a huge family!"
After confirming that Fia was okay, Mother Veny spoke with genuine warmth to the child, trying to bring some joy to her remaining moments. She wanted to fill these final seconds with happiness instead of pain.
"Huh?" Fia looked at her mother in surprise, confusion flickering across her face. Mother Veny nodded gently, encouraging her to accept the little kid, her eyes pleading silently.
"Ah! Big Sister Fia! I didn't know I had a sister!" The kid's voice grew slightly louder with happiness, a small spark of life returning to their tone. "I heard my friend telling me that there's a brother and sister... I have a sister! Wow! I am so happy, hehe!"
The kid raised her hand weakly, trying to reach out and feel Fia face. Their fingers trembled with the effort, the small arm barely able to lift itself more than a few inches.
Fia's chest tightened painfully as she looked at the fragile arm extended toward her. The bones were so thin they seemed like they could snap if she grabbed them with any force at all. The skin was pale and translucent, blue veins visible beneath the surface. She reached out gently, her movements slow and careful as she cradled the kid's little palm in hers and let her touch her face. She spoke with all the warmth she could muster, forcing the words past the lump forming in her throat.
"Hey there, little one. I missed you a lot. Your big sister is here."
"Ah! Hehe! Mommy, her voice is so gentle, and she smells like you!" the kid said softly, a beautiful smile spreading across her face as she felt her sister face. "I'm happy! Thank you, Mommy!"
Fia felt her heart breaking seeing her condition and her calling her Big sister really hit her sore spot. She gently touched the kid's face with her other hand, her fingers barely grazing the soft skin. "Even your voice is pleasing, my cute little sister. I missed you a lot."
Her eyes grew teary as she spoke, moisture gathering at the corners despite her attempt to hold it back.
"Big sister, your hands are warm," the kid whispered, their smile growing even brighter. "Thank you for coming to see me. I love you, big sister!"
Mother Veny's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she nodded at everyone and began moving swiftly toward the ground above, her quick steps swiftly moved her to the surface. Behind her, the others walked slowly, the weight of the moment pressing down on all of them. No one spoke, the silence heavy with emotions too complex to put into words.
Suddenly…..WWHOOSSSHHHH ….RUFFLE RUUFFLE…. WHOOSSSHHHH….a soft but strong wind swept through, hitting the kid's face and lifting her hoodie. The fabric fell back, uncovering her features fully for the first time.
"Ah!" the kid gasped softly, the sound filled with wonder.
Warm sunlight kissed her face as she opened her senses and felt it!!..... The warm gentle touch of sunlight, the smell the strong wind carries with it, the sound of animals flying above in sky, the chatter of people far away, the laughter, the happiness, she felt everything!!! Even though she don't have eyes she still looked like she was watching everything, it was pitch black but it was filled with wonder and joy. A radiant smile bloomed across her face, transforming her features completely. She raised both arms upward, reaching toward the sky with all the strength left in her small body. Her fingers stretched wide as she felt the wind dance across her skin and the sun's warmth embracing her.
"Ah! Mommy, it feels so good…. and it so warmmmmm!!!! Is this wind? Is this warm feeling Mr. Sun?" the kid asked, her face suddenly gaining a rosy glow. Color returned to her cheeks, making her appear more vibrant and alive than she had in years. She smiled beautifully, stretching her arms as if trying to reach up and hug the sun itself.
"Hehe, yes, my daughter. This is Mr. Wind and Mr. Sun. Do you like it? Are you happy?" Mother Veny asked, her voice barely holding together as tears threatened to spill from her eyes. She looked down at her smiling child, whose face no longer seemed frightening or filthy but revealed itself as a beautiful, precious girl.
"Yes, Mommy! This is good!" the kid exclaimed; her voice filled with pure, unfiltered joy. "Friend, do you also feel it? Isn't it great? We finally reached our dream, heheh! I am so happy, Mommy!"
Mother Julia stepped closer carefully, bringing the remains of the other child wrapped respectfully in soft cloth. She held the bundle closer to the little kid, positioning it so the living child could touch her friend's remains with one hand, as she slowly grabbed her friend hand and raised it…... Together, both hands raised toward the sky. The two kids, one living her final moments and one already passed, lifted their hands to feel the sun's warmth as both mothers struggled desperately to hold back their tears. Everyone watched the children's happiness, trying to memorize this moment of peace.
"Hehe, Mommy, thank you for coming," the little kid said, her arms still raised toward the heavens. But her voice grew weaker and weaker with each word, the strength draining from her small body. "And I'm sorry for what I did. I couldn't help it..."
Her small chest rose and fell with small breaths, each one requiring more effort than the last.
"I hope I was a good daughter, Mommy. I love you, hehe."
The little kid looked at Mother Veny with pure, unconditional love shining in her black eyes. She brought her other hand down from the sky and gently touched Mother Veny's cheek, her tiny fingers barely able to apply any pressure at all, her touch feather light on her Mother skin.
"Mommy also loves you, my cute little daughter," Mother Veny choked out, her voice breaking completely as tears began streaming down her cheeks in heavy tracks. "MY ALICE O'HURLEY, MY CUTE DAUGHTER ALICE. MOMMY WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!!!!!"
"Ah, Alice O'Hurley," the kid repeated softly, testing the name on her tongue. Her smile grew even brighter, radiant with happiness. "Hehe, I like my name. Friend, did you hear? My name is Alice, hehe."
Her fingers still rested on her mother's tear-stained cheek, trying to feel the warmth of those tears.
"Thank you, Mommy. I will now go to my friend, heheh."
The moment Alice's tiny fingers touched Mother Veny's tears…..THUMP….. her hand dropped lifelessly, falling to her side. Her body slumped in her mother's arms, all the tension leaving her small frame in one final release. But that beautiful, peaceful smile never left her face. It remained frozen there as she lay lifeless in Mother Veny's embrace, preserved in her moment of pure happiness.
"AGH!!"
Mother Veny felt her heart just broke to pieces, everything shattered inside her chest, as if her heart itself had started crying. Her tears flowed heavily not trying to stop at all now.
"AAGHH! AAAAHHHHHHHHH! UUUWWWAAAAA! Waahh! WAAAHHHHH! Soobb soobb! COUUGHH COUGH! AAAAA! WAAHHHH! ALLICCCCEEEEE!!! WWAAHHHHHHHHH!!!! WWAAHHHHHH!!!! I AM SORRYYYYY!! UUUWWWAAAAAAA!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!"
Mother Veny started crying with abandon, pulling her daughter closer to her heart as she sobbed uncontrollably. Her whole body shook with the force of her grief, trembling violently as she put her face close to Alice face. The sound of her anguish tore through the air, breaking everyone heart all at the same time.
Mother Julia respectfully covered her friend's remains completely in the cloth, wrapping the small bundle with gentle, reverent hands. She held it close to her chest, cradling it as if it were still alive. With tears streaming down her face, she whispered softly, "Thank you for everything."
Fia and Maren cried as well, tears rolling down their cheeks freely as they witnessed the heartbreaking scene unfolding before them. The others around them wiped their eyes, their own grief mingling with the mothers' pain, creating a shared sorrow that bound them all together in this moment.
.........….
Slowly, they all climbed into different carriages. The vehicles lifted off the ground, flying away toward the Queen's palace. The constant sound of crying echoed from within the first carriage; a mournful song carried on the wind as they flew through the sky.
.
.
Sighhhh.
Leader Mikaela stared at the front carriage in a daze from her carriage window, her mind running elsewhere. Her thoughts wandered through distant memories and what-ifs about her own life.
"What happened, Mikaela?" Miss Phoebe asked casually, glancing over at her.
TWITCH TWITCH.
Leader Mikaela's eye twitched as she processed the question. We're so close now? she thought to herself, surprised by the sudden familiarity.
"I don't know," she said aloud, placing her hand on her cheek and looking out the window thoughtfully. The landscape passed below them in a blur. "I feel jealous of Veny sometimes."
"Hmm….. yeah, me too," Miss Eva spoke up, smiling sadly as she gazed out at the passing clouds.
The ladies then looked at Miss Phoebe with hopeful expressions in their eyes, waiting for her to add something.
"What! What are you looking at me for?!" Miss Phoebe's eyes twitched now, feeling the weight of their combined stares pressing down on her. She said nothing under the constant pressure, and the ladies didn't push her further. Everyone fell into silence, lost in their own thoughts and feelings.
"Um, Leader Mikaela, sorry to ask, but why aren't you planning to have any children of your own?" Miss Eva asked gently as she rubbed her belly, feeling the life she hope it was growing inside. Her hand moved in slow, circular motions.
Mikaela studied her for a moment before speaking thoughtfully. "I've heard about you, Miss Evangeline Wilson. The woman who walked straight into a beast's den for the sake of her husband. He's a good man, doing everything he can to care for his wife, and you're a god wife doing everything for him... And I heard about you….. I'm truly sorry about your condition."
She paused, her expression softening as her tone grew gentler. "From your perspective, I must seem rather ignorant, don't I?"
Miss Eva shook her head immediately, but Miss Phoebe nodded firmly without hesitation. "Yes, you are. I get it that women have a higher say in having a child since it's their body and their pain to bear for such a long time….. but husbands equally crave a child of their own. You're not young anymore. After a few years, you'll probably come to your final phase. Your husband must have also aged. If you have a child too late, then by the time they grow up, you guys will be old….. well if you don't get any Eirnet power, that is. Otherwise, you have to get ready for some things to miss in you kids life if you delay it more."
Miss Phoebe spoke without holding anything back, her tone direct but not unkind. She believed in saying what needed to be said.
TWITCH TWITCH.
"Sighhh, I guess so," Mikaela admitted, her shoulders slumping slightly under the weight of truth. "I know I've been delaying a lot, but you don't have any idea how much I worked hard to reach this position. If I get pregnant now, then all my hard work will get drained. This is an important time for this city. Unlike the 5th Rock, I had to gain a lot of achievements to reach here. I don't even know how much I've sacrificed to get where I am. I just hope my husbands can wait for a bit more."
She sighed deeply, the tired sound escaping her mouth from countless years of disappointing her husband. "I wish I could be like Veny."
Mikaela spoke sadly, her mind wandering through memories of sleepless nights and endless battles to prove herself worthy of her position.
"Don't worry, Leader Mikaela. Your husband has been with you all this while, so I'm sure they love you a lot," Miss Eva said reassuringly, her words trying to console her. "And don't blame yourself for what you want in life. Veny's life is hers….. she chose her path, and you chose yours. One thing I've learned recently is that whatever happens, don't blame yourself and trust the people surrounding you."
Miss Eva's voice grew softer, as she spoke from her heart.
"Sasha's grandpa told me to feel like a mother, to act like a mother. And somehow, I feel good about myself now. When I look at kids, I feel happy rather than sad or jealous. I'm not perfect, but I keep reminding myself that my husband loves me just the way I am. I'm not broken….. I'm just me, just myself."
Miss Eva spoke gently as she looked down at her belly, still feeling the warmth of her husband's hands from when he'd held her earlier that day.
There's still some time left…. Your daddy and mommy are waiting for you, my child. Please come to us.
Miss Eva smiled as she muttered the words slowly, her heart full of hope and anticipation.
Seeing her genuine happiness radiating from her expression, Mikaela smiled warmly. "You can call me just Mikaela, Eva."
"Hehe, sure, Mikaela," Miss Eva smiled widely at her, pleased by the gesture.
"Sure, Mikaela," Miss Phoebe also smiled, immediately jumping on the opportunity.
TWITCH TWITCH.
"Hey, you! I never allowed you to speak to me like that!" Mikaela burst out, her face flushing bright red with embarrassment. "You helped us, so I was patient, but I'm the leader of the 2nd Rock! Why are you acting so friendly with me? We just met, you know! Do you know my reputation will shatter if you keep speaking like that in front of my troops?!"
"Hehe, Mikaela," Miss Eva said with a laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I think your husbands are so patient because there's already a child present… YOUU!!! Watching you try to act all serious, they probably just treat you like one." She chuckled warmly. "Seeing this side of you makes me want to tease you even more."
"Exactly!" Miss Phoebe burst out laughing, clutching her sides. "She looks just like a kid trying her hardest to act tough! Hahaha!"
"Hey, I am tough!!" Mikaela pouted in anger, her cheeks puffing out slightly. The expression only made her look more adorable, completely undermining her words.
Their carriage filled with laughter as it followed Mother Veny's carriage through the sky, the sound a stark contrast to the grief in the vehicle ahead, trying to balance the atmosphere.
.
.
"Why are we here?" the husbands sitting in the last carriage sighed collectively, their faces showing mild confusion. They exchanged glances with each other.
"Are Maren and Fia okay?" one of them asked with concern, his brow furrowing.
"Hmm, yes, they're hurt but not life-threatening," another replied after thinking. "I wonder how the meeting went. Let's go to her and check on her."
"Sighhhhh, yes, she must be worried. Let's go."
The husbands sighed together, their voices harmonizing in shared exhaustion.
"I want to eat food."
"I want to go for a run."
TWITCH TWITCH.
"You two are way too relaxed about all this!" one husband snapped, his frustration bubbling over. His voice rose sharply. "Our daughter was a mess! And God knows what happened with Alice! And our wife is still under pressure from those filthy bastards!"
The two husbands looked at him and smiled knowingly, sharing a silent communication.
WHOOSH.
They moved swiftly, sitting on either side of him and trapping him between them.
"What!!!! AUUMMFFF!!"
One of the husbands suddenly kissed him forcefully, his lips pressing hard on his manly lips. The other husband leaned in from the side, his tongue licking along his neck in slow, sensual strokes while his hands roamed across his chest. His fingers traced the contours of his body, feeling his slim frame beneath the fabric.
"Uummmmm! Mmhhhh! Uuumm! Aauufff! Mpphhh! Ummm!"
The man moaned in pleasure, his body responding despite his earlier frustration. The tension began melting from his shoulders, replaced by warmth that spread through his limbs. The two men worked in perfect synchronization; their movements coordinated through years of spending time together.
"My handsome husband, we have to smile despite everything," one whispered against his ear, his breath hot against his ear. "That's how we move forward. No one is taking anything casually….. we're all worried. So, relax a bit. Don't be too tense, well ….. a little bit is fine since you look cute, hehe."
The husband smiled and released him gently, giving him space to breathe.
"Yeah, way too cute. I'm leaving you for now... Smile, otherwise I'll ravage you, kekke," the other one said with a wicked grin. He stopped his ministrations and sat in the seat in front of him. His eyes were full of playful promise.
"Grr."
The man with a flushed red face just looked to the other side, pressing his legs tightly together. He tried desperately to hide the obvious bulge forming in his pants, his body betraying his arousal.
Slowly, the carriages flew through the sky, making their way toward the Queen's palace. They carried their precious cargo of sadness, laughter, and warmth toward whatever came next.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
The weather is weird at my place, in daytime it gets super hot! then in night it get colder!
But this author is very strong to deal with everything this mother earth throws at me! COUGGH COUGGHH! I am telling the truth!!
COUGH!! Take care of your health everyone! Stay safe and keep smiling!
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