“Ugh … you three should have thanked me for bringin you three baggages left behind at Taiko’s ol hospital!” I hate to admit my ignorance but it’s bad on my part. “And please you four should give yourselves a bath!” In the end, HE … HIT us in our heads. Lucas and Jireh are lucky ‘cause he’s a guy and he plays soft when it’s about babies. “Just get it done and we’ll ride the train back to Navanis.”

After our preparation, we give our goodbyes to the Wesnu family and hitch ourselves back to Navanis.

________________________________________________________

“Next stop. Simplicity Fields Station. Please pack your things for arrival.” With Zoxi dealing with the farming tools, Lucas and I carry our stuff. But I have to carry some of my sister’s stuff since she cannot do heavy work after giving birth to our child.

“It’s getting close to evening.” I said to them.

“The traveling horsemen are hard to find in stations like these country roads. Seems we can only travel halfway on foot before we sleep from exhaustion.” Lucas’ got a point.

“But with all of these things on our backs, we may as well get some rest for the night we reach halfway to Auvelis.” Zoxi makes logical sense. I just find it a perk for him. Our master really changed him in some ways.

“Are there any other residents closer to us Lucas?” I ask. Who knows? 

“I never explored this part of Navanis before. Just the trip to this station a few days ago.” Well, there goes our quick ticket.

“What should we do now?” Just as I finished that question, a horseman came just in time.

“Whoa there Navanians. What brings your group here at the station?” This guy is your usual horseman with a carriage. As he notice the station and our baggage, he responded, “Returned from a trip huh? So where do you live here?”

“Auvelis Village.” Lucas said.

“Don’t worry. Get in here. I’ll bring you guys back home.” As the horseman said it, we give ourselves a ride and managed to get back home early.

_______________________________________________________

Returning to Auvelis does seem to be refreshing. But the town is beginning to bloom some colors on the approaching night. Upon seeing their house, it has some flashy green designs of leaves and flowers. Stopping at the house, everybody place their stuff near their gate. But of course, where’s the fun without the two?

“Celena! Mien Rin! Lucas! You’re back!” Those nurses give them quite a returning hug. “Have you heard about our upcoming festival?” both girls ask. The family just nodded while Zoxi had to deal with other stuff.

“So how’s our backyard doing?” Celena inspects through the second floor of their house. It still looks fine. But she knows that they don’t farm their food big time. They do it somewhere else in Auvelis.

“It seems fine.” Avea replies before giving her twin the cue. “I bet your family can still work here for our village.”

“But Xianix village needed a helping hand from us. Our farms are already full with tivanian farmers that some of us are just dealing with decors or just living things normally.” Johanna finishes.

Just as the big guy placed the last baggage, he gives one last whistle. “Well. Time for me to leave. I’ll see you guys another time.” Zoxi did his farewell and leaves the scene.

“I think we just need some goodnight sleep for now. Right Celena? It’s already getting late night time.” As Lucas asks, Celena agrees. And after some farewells from Zoxi and the doctor twins, all three of them took the night pill and hit the white sack.

_______________________________________________________

It was another morning and another day dealing with my child.

“Ummm … hello?” is that … a young woman? I hear a voice from our gate. 

“Huh? At sunrise?” I ask myself. As always, I carry along with me my baby. Upon opening the gate, I see a woman with long bright red hair. She keeps in a high ponytail using some kind of Herbardam plant. Her bangs are fairly clipped back. On the short side, she has green eyes that are darker than my husbands. She has somewhat of a ‘childlike’ appearance compared to me. It’s as if she’s like my 14 year old self.

“Good morning … maam.” This little girl sounds like a young girl.

“So … what brings you here my child?” I ask.

“Oh wait I’m sorry miss! I am not a child. I’m nineteen right now.” She kind of needs a bit more of learning about life I guess.

“Why are you here anyway? It’s still too early in the morning.” When I try looking at her though, she seems to be quiet. Too quiet perhaps.

“Well … I … I need some help.” At first she is quite slow before she goes again too fast. I bet she kinda blushes in front of us. My baby was giggling not long before his stomach gurgled.

“It’s still fairly cold this early morning. How about you join with us for breakfast?” I propose to her.

“Ummm … is it okay? I haven’t had a meal when I left early.” At least I know she is quite soft spoken.

I did a nod and let her enter my home. I let her seat in our living room. It is quite a nice view to see the backyard of our home. There are mini tables, candles, and other furniture craftsmanship.

Just as I’m about to cook some breakfast, Lucas give me a morning hug. “Cooking huh? Want me to have some time with our son?”

“Sure.”

Jireh looks happy the way he waves his arms to papa.

Once I did breakfast for everybody, it’s a decent mix of eggs, fruits, veggies, tea and coffee, and some meat. Lucas and I were quite small eaters on meat but it’s Mien Rin who eats them most. I ain’t sure about our guest though. “Everyone! Breakfast’s Ready!”

After all of us gather at our diner, we have ourselves a nice breakfast with an ongoing conversation with our guest.

“Who are you anyway?” I ask our female guest.

“Akiko.” She seems so faint on tone when I’m with my husband and big sister.

“How old are you anyway?” it’s big sis who asks this time. 

“Nineteen…” she blushes when she looks both at Lucas and Mien Rin.

“Can you show us your birthmark?” I request since I haven’t known her origin kingdom yet. Her figure looks weird to all of us. She kind of turn around and lifted her ponytailed hair for a bit. Until her birthmark is clearly seen. It is like Lucas’ birthmark.

“Have you gone through some strange occurrences Akiko?” both of us, without big sister, asked.

“What do you mean?” I gotta admit though, she does remind me of my own naiveté before.

Lucas shows his left hand with the birthmark that he has. “Akiko. I think we kind of shared similar birthmarks. My wife here is a pure Navanian as of now. Both of us somehow began showing traits of Herbarian traits.”

“I … I didn’t know. So … am I still a Navanian?” she seems too curious or is it her naivete again. By this time though, our breakfast is done.

“I ain’t sure as well. But I think you and I are still Navanians.” He rests assured to her. We just hear some horseman caravan near our gate. I wonder what it wants now.

“Miss Akiko? Miss Akiko? You and the Tanabata family are needed right away at Xianix Village.”

“Ahh. Is it okay for you guys to join with me for the day? You guys don’t need to bring anything. Well, maybe some things for your child. I’ll tell everything along the way.” Akiko seems quite slow on things I guess.

After bringing a few things for our baby, all of us ride the caravan and head right over this ‘Xianix (Ce-ya-nix) Village’.

Amidst the midnight winds of Hivanis, the house of the Wesnu family emanates a warm red light within those few moments before it fades to nothingness. Everyone just slept at random spots of the house, amnesiac on what happened before.

———————————————————————————————————————-

“I’m … I’m back. What just … happened? Uhhhnn … Ji … jir …jireh?” waking up from what I guess would be … … a house? Everything else hit me, recalling a moment of survival. “Those … things. They’re after us … and our child. I caught my child alive. Yet … the other. What happened to the other?” It didn’t take me long enough to feel another warm feeling. My child. “Jireh! You’re okay! Mommy’s worried about you!” I whisper to his ear.

Trying to wake up now, the dawning sun is fairly notable, “My baby in my arms, but what a really strange dream.”  Looking at the other sofas, everyone else must be sleeping. As if … they exhausted themselves.

“Waaahhh! Mama! Mama! Waaahh!…” Oh dear. Not again. I notice Lucas and Mien Rin mildly waking up from their sleep.

“Could you keep Jireh down? We’re still tired.” With big sister mumbling, I have no choice but to do it somewhere else. She’s not the morning person type. Peering at the window tells me that it is slowly rising.

Whispering at my baby, I sing to him the song that gave him ease during his recent birth. After that, he falls asleep. I entered their kitchen and begin making some mild tea. But of course, I have to breastfeed my child again. It’ll help him get big like us. I bet he’s happy that I am flustered to feel him nibbling at me. 

“…Mama?” Is Jireh … looking through my eyes? Why do I feel like adoring him? It gives me a feeling of worry that he is worried about something. I don’t’ want him to get too tense in his early days. I want him happy.

“Wanna walk around the place?” I ask him through a whisper. His giggly reply tells me he’s eager. I did one last quick sip of my mild tea and leave the house. As we wonder through the farming fields, I find a nice tree for us to relax ourselves. Within the horizon, I can see a small line of yellow orange. The sun must be coming now

“Look Jireh. It’s the sun. It is such a beauty. Isn’t it nice? The sun gives us warmth when we feel cold. Whenever I feel lonely, I wait for the sun to rise another day.” I hold on to his little hand to ease his pain, just how master accepted me as his young sister. Lucas enlightened me as well despite his difficulty to win my heart during my young days as kids.

“Mornin` there young lady. Last night sure is weird eh.” Keema? Why is she here? 

“What is weird last night?” I ask.

“Nah. Nothin to really mind my girl. I dunno know what I’m even askin. But it surely is weird. Not like I min about it dhough.” She gave both of us a pet in the head. “Are you an early bird Celena?” she asked me.

“Quite much,” I answer. “Keema. Where’s your son?”

Looking at her face is quite a mix, as if she is both happy and lonely altogether, “Oh … ma boy is quite a man if he was here. He left our place five months ago as a traveler. I dunno what he may find … but … I have faith with my son’s choices. He may be back with something for me or not, I’m always welcome to him no matter how much my son may change. Life is like a relationship between crops and farmers. So love your son with all of your heart just as you love your little man.” Both of us are just sitting under the tree. Sometime later, she gets up, “You should head back to our house now. Your husband seems to be born a natural cook. You’re lucky to have him as your husband. The scent of his food is unique.” After she walks away, I head back with my child to their house.

Lucas cooks another set of healthy meals again for us. But this time, he makes a little Taminiz candy for our baby. It has a strange green color on its form. But nonetheless, he nibbles and licks it like a rabbit happy about carrots. I try one out for myself. 

“Wow! How did he learn to cook one so good in one try?”  Oh my baby. He’s really hungry. “Jireh seems to ask for more.” he giggles in excitement when I say that to Lucas.

“I think our kid is hooked to this healthy treat like you do.” Lucas smiles cutely for Jireh as if he is also close to him like me. Then he returns to the kitchen to make more healthy candy for him.

_____________________________________________________________________

After we had our morning breakfast, he can hear some shoveling and plowing outside.

“Oh hey! Look who’s back!” What a surprise for us three. Zoxi comes back with our fellow doctor joining his sister. But we wanted to hang out at the tree I took a rest this morning.

“Aww heck yeah big boy! Seems you’ve grown soft to your little bugger eh?” I bet he gives Lucas quite a hug. While I smile for him, Jireh still cries at his face. “Oh no! Of all the little children that liked me, you only give me a cry when I only do things to make ya happy. I still remember how to deal it with ya.”

It is indeed … another candy. But I think I just pick it up and eat it for myself.

“Good gracious woman… why did you even take away my gift for your little fella?” Oh big guy, my child just giggles at you when you look so disappointed.

“I gave him enough health candies for the morning.” My sweetheart lay down next to me. Both of us relax under the shades of the tree. Zoxi is left to do some chores with Taiko and everyone else about the farm.

“Will the three o ya be able to do some farm harvestin fo us?” Trim just land down some empty baskets next to us.

“What for?” I ask.

“To make it up for your overnight, yo three may as well help us fo today’s harvest. Turnips just gon boomin today.” Before I could reply, my husband silenced me with a hand. As to why he stops me, mien Rin did it herself.

“We’ll help you guys. But on two conditions. My little sister can’t work big time like us. She just gave birth to their baby five days ago. Two, her husband will help us at least thirty minutes later in the field. Family bonding issues. I’ll take their places instead.” It didn’t come to me that she would save us time for our moment together. The older couple took them a bit of time to decide on how we are gonna fare, even by whispering. Looking at their expressions reminds me the way we need to be disciplined to master.

“Your sister’s right about that proposal you two,” Did Trim just … agreed? Never knew that Trim can be just a worker. “Lucas, normally I’d be like a straight kinda guy, especially on important days. I decided to lean a curve this time. C’mon. Even yo child need to luv an know ya a lot too.”

Then Keema went next to our talk, “Since yo two are pretty young, especially you Celena, we decided to give you two a better idea. I’ll let ya two ride our carriage and tour our farm at your own leisure. After twenty five minutes, you two head over there so that we could harvest all of da turnips we raised.” Like a double fair job, we agree.

_____________________________________________________________________

Touring their farm makes our day worth spending. There are lots and lots of plants everywhere like rainbows are sprouting from the ground. My child is gladly admired. With the three of us cradling together, we feel like we’re in a fairy tale now. Lucas married me. I loved him just as he loved me. Jireh, our child, is our great joy and treasure. Of course we have to head to our route twenty five minutes later. What surprises me is that Zoxi joined with big sis as our replacement for the work we should ‘owe’ the Wesnu family. Just as they finish placing the turnips in the cart, Zoxi does what he does best.

“I don’t like disturbing your family moment but I think you two forgot something upcoming.” Zoxi about something upcoming?

“Upcoming?” Both of us asked.

“Did you three just FORGOT everything about Navanis five days later? It’s an important Vitanian event!” When he said five days later, all three of us are hit hard in the head.

“THE VITANDES FLAVOR FESTIVAL!” All three of us are shocked like big time. My baby only cried louder. I guess he kinda whines again to Zoxi in a form of a cry.

As Mien Rin and I want to beat the heck out of him, Lucas is holding us back “Zoxi! How dare you not say it to us from the get go we left our house?! Plus you —” 

———————————————————————————————————————-

“They are indeed … the most childish of families I’ve ever met bro.” I pat him on the head

“True … True. Like good ol times sis.” Taiko, even if both of us change, we enjoy past company too. 

“Looks like those three are gonna have one heck of a misadventure. Like us, cherry blossom.” Trim gave a peck kiss and blushed. Just like how we treated my bro when he helped us become parents.

“Lucas. Good old memories about my days with my married sister and her husband.” Taiko stares at the volcano of Igmaragma.

Last chapter:

“Oh my goodness! I’ve never expected my brother to give us something so beautiful! Here you go little baby. Hold on to it. Lemme get my papers and—“

=============================================================

“Lucas! That’s the stone!” Mien Rin react the quickest while we catch up to see this one orb holding that unknown sickness. I just grabbed that orb and placed it on the table without thinking. It’s just gives me a sense of foreboding. Just when Keema’s husband is about to pick it up, I snatch it away.

“WHOA THERE YOUNG LADY! No hurt but you are getting quite tense on that thing!” Like I should not, Trim. You nearly ended your own life!

“Don’t you know what’s in this one?! Both of you nearly killed my baby!” I am frantic. But, “Oh no! What am I fearing? Why am I feeling like this? What am I seeing?”

“Heyhey! What the hassle goin on here?” that is until Keema faces me. “Miss Celena. Are you okay?! Seems like you are spooked by that present that my bro’ gave me! I just hope that my man didn’t do something to ya. Or the other way around that is.” Oh no, I have to do something. I made quite a mess. “Young man, do something to her. Seems that she just saw a fading spirit that rose from the ground.”

“Sweetheart. Just give some composure to your reaction.” Lucas made it easier said than done.

“It’s easier said than done! This orb holds-“ Just as I stopped, I heard ringing bells. After a few seconds, I was speechless. “I don’t think there are any bells outside. But .. was all of that noise coming from my head? It better not be. I’ve got to convince them that something’s wrong with this orb. Those symbols attached to it are the reasons Avea got seriously ill.”

“I hate repeating it again maam but you are making yourself look insaaaaaaAAHHH!” Just as Keema is talking, the orb that I’m holding shines a very bright red that it enveloped all of us inside screaming with fear, even my own baby. Then I just pass out.

_____________________________________________________________________

In an unknown place, a tune of a heartbeat and the grind of a trillion gears that synchs with the other. On the floor lies the family of Tanabata and Wesnu. But wait … someone is missing. With the heartbeat and grinding they wake up by themselves. 

“Where … are we?” Both couples ask themselves.

Moments later, all sound in the environment is lost. Until a few seconds later, a mysterious music is being played all around them

“Don’t just ask about where we are. What is that?!” Mien Rin looked below the floor as the floor shows unknown symbols. “Ain’t these marks the one Avea had?”

Then the symbols started to float on the sky an arrange themselves. All that they did was staring at the ancient message through silence in awe; all of them asking themselves many questions, but two things kept them asking. ‘What is going on here? What are these symbolic lines represent?’

Two minutes later, Boom! The script blows itself apart.

_____________________________________________________________________

“HELP! SOMEBODY!” a voice has averted me to see a child high on a peak. I don’t know what kind of volcano it was, until I noticed a caravan with horses a bit ahead of us. “Somebody! Help!” the child is crying. I just can’t help but do something about it. I just have to. But looking at my wife, she is just blankly staring at the source of the plea. 

“Celena? Sweetheart? Hello?” That is until I can hear a loud aggressive cry from the distance.

“Would you three get on board and run now?!” Keema, who is riding a carrier of sorts, is pointing at the left and all three of us saw many moving things with WEAPONS ON THEIR HANDS.  There are two groups fighting one another. A large group of white and small men with their own hands are using small sized weapons that looked so sharp on the tip. The other one has few numbers that are black colored and they’re like wearing something sturdy and heavy. Yet they can move fast with the huge and flat weapons that they have! How are we gonna get out? Were in an unknown place as I check the surroundings a while ago! We got nowhere direction to go.

“Everyone, get in!” all that we could do is make a run for it. I just gave one good signal for the horses to run as fast as they can. All of us can hear a lot of agony from the small things fighting the huge guys. But one particular scram gives us dread. I can see those huge black things after us, as if they wanted us killed. 

“What is going on here? And importantly, what did the orb do to us? We just kept running straight wherever we supposed to go.”

“LUCAS! LOOK AT THE PEAK!” As my wife point out, I can see a portal opening. Then all of us saw a woman blinking like a star.

“Should we follow it? We could outrun them!” Mien Rin is making a point. I think that following that bright light, along with that portal of sorts, just might save us.

“Seems we can trust that and rescue the kid- WHOA!” the ground starts shaking and the earth itself is cracking to  not much more than a huge mazes..

“Hey driver, watch it! The ground is getting narrow! One wrong turn and were goners!” Hearing the other couple scream DID NOT HELP! With a limited road and a maze to follow, I am nervous.

Until she held onto my shoulder, “Sweetheart! Let me help you!” 

“Celena! Are you out of your mind? We may end up falling together!” I can’t believe that I had to argue with her. But why? Why now?!

“I can feel it! That kid holds our child! Both of them are trapped!” we went silently for a bit. “Follow my lead! I got a feeling that I know the safest and quickest route.” Our child … is at the peak too? I’ve known her for being quite a misleading girl that I love! But … can I trust her on this case where our demise is coming? After a moment of hard thinking … I’m putting on some faith to her.

“Lead the way sweetheart.” I place a hand on her hand.

With Celena telling me where to go, I focus on the road and run the way. Even if we are running now, we can clearly hear the loud stomping of those … things chasing us. As if those things were like … like…

Boom!

“Lucas! We’ll slow them down for you. Just focus!” Whatever Mien Rin does to slow them down will help.

During our run, we make a right. Then a left. Another Right. Upwards. Going left. Left again. So many directions to follow. Then we came across something shiny on the ground that boosted up our speed. Just being far away from those things gives us relief. Not for long though. They use the path we used as well. So much for confidence. After a bit of ‘running for our child and life’, we are getting close to the portal. We are quite sandwiched between two walls of rock.

“Hey!” Getting my attention from the voice, I saw this stranger clothed in red carrying our baby from the top edge of the cliff. He or she is pointing to the edge of the cliff and a motion of his arm is telling us that both of them will jump on to us. 

“Celena. The way he — she is asking is risky. Should we take the chance? It just too dangerous. Our chld may be killed in the process!” Mien Rin makes a good point.

“ … should we? Hold on.” she is not yet sure?

“Celena! Hurry!” I am hesitant as we are getting close to freedom. But we can’t leave our child behind.

“GO!” Now? Did she just shout now? That stranger just jumps while we haven’t reached his line of range yet. To make it worse, Celena got out of the front as if she was reaching up to Jireh. All of those few moments give me a frightened meaning. 

“Please. Make it with us. Don’t die yet my child. Celena and I can’t bear it if we lose you!”

Then I just close my eyes and make my final whip; hoping for the best as we pass through the mysterious gate.

As both of us leave the hospital, we come across a horse ranch so we can give ourselves a ride to where we are supposed to go. Mien Rin catches up with us at last. I just thought that she’ll be staying with Johanna since all three of them are best friends.

“So where are you two going without me?” even she tries to play grumpy, I’m used to it too.

“We are doing an errand.” Lucas did his turn on raising our baby, who finds him quite comfortable too.

“For who?” my big sis ask. Maybe for once, she’s right that I’m forgetful. I think she doesn’t even know where we are going

“From the doctor that saved Johanna’s twin.” I open the map that Taiko gave us. It was written and marked as ‘Taminiz Village’.

“Where’s your destination abound maam?” the horseman asks as he’s fixing his hat.

“Here.” I show him the map. 

“Taminiz Village then. Here we come! And enjoy the view! Hyah!” thus, we now begin our next return trip to Hivanis. Taminiz Village.

_____________________________________________________________________

Some time later.

Taminiz Village. It’s been a long time since I had fun in here when I was still a kid. I still remember that master told me that many of the residents living here will always have a farm on their backyard farm but of course the soil hey use will overall be the property of Taminiz Village, a rural village home to the popular and classic ‘taminiz candy’. Fairly nice houses that they got since they mixed it a bit of wood but still, it is stone that they always use. Being a ‘Taminiz Candy Making City’ means that you cannot avoid the sweet sugary scent of candy, it’s all over this village.

“Taminiz candy special available today! Mango Float flavor is the flavor of the day! Order one while you can! Four pieces for only five oseps!” Trust me about this place! Its candy shop paradise!

“Mama! Mama! Papa!” And just like me, my baby finds it very tasty just to eat a single piece of that candy. Normally, I’d rather avoid it since he needs sugar control. Too bad I didn’t feed him this morning. I decide to use the discount on that shop. After I said yes, he giggles through my shoulders. Stopping our ride at that one mango candy shop, I buy four pieces of Mango Taminiz Candy for five Oseps and continue our ride while I feed my baby. The candy looks like a chopped piece of wooden pencil. But eating it will make it very jello, being reactive to our wet tongues.  I remember trying one strawberry flavor before that it melted inside my mouth. It is chew-able like sweet jelly. At least they know how to make edible yet healthy candy for babies. “Meema!” such a child that we are raising; meema, he loves both Lucas and I. 

“Is this the reason why couples wanted a child?” I ask myself that this could be the true answer. After going for a bit of riding, we found our place of residence.

“Hello? Anyone living here? We’re looking for Taiko’s sister.” Mien Rin did the work as both of us deal some things with our lovable baby who is sniffing the air around him..

“Coming,” Then we heard a male voice opening the door, “Guests? … Hmmm … I’m not sure what brings you three here. Are you here for my wife?”

“Are you … Taiko’s sister’s wife?” Even if Lucas starts it, I just did a nod

“Yes. Infact, mentioning Taitoko’s nickname tells me everything that I needed to know. All four of you have something that he wants to give to Keema. Right?” that man ask

All of us just nod again.

“She’s at the back of the farm but I think we should just talk more about ourselves some more in our backyard farm. Come.” With ‘Keema’s man’ leading the way, his farm is only about half the size of our master’s farm. By his physique, he is a bit like Lucas but his height and muscle and skin tone is another story. “Oh here’s my birthmark if you need recognition.”

“Hivanian. Right?” Mien Rin assures.

“Today. But I was in all truth a Navanian like you little lady.” I bet he refers it to me. “But to the looks of you young man, yours is still undergoing changes. But I think your dominant element would be some Herbarian traits. Hey Keema! We got some guests sweetiepie!” he calls out. Then we met his wife in a unique way. She’s quite like Lucas but with more feminine traits of Herbardam. It makes me feel so small.

“Guests?” she seems to act like very happy for sure. “Gasp … are you two … also married?” Stars are a good bet on what she sees now. “Oh my goodness! You two are so adorable together! I could have at least prepared something delicate for you two!” Maybe too energetic.

“Uhhhmmm … hello? Who are you two anyway?” I wave my hand over her head.

“I’m Keema Wesnu, Here with me is my husband, Imtrimi Wesnu.” Really weird names if you are asking me.

“Call me Trim if you want.” And our guest ‘Trim said’.

“Sorry for the hassle but could you lend a helping hand?” I bet seeing Keema’s facing tells that big sis is here for another field work. “Don’t worry. We’ll give you something good for the four of you tonight.”

Seeing their farm close to completion of getting every last fruit that they got, I bet that is their special giveaway for all of us. So we lend them a good hand. Minus me since my baby would rather cling on to my chest still and I can’t work at all yet.

_____________________________________________________________________

Later that evening, we have a dinner with our two guests. During our cooking time for some ‘Taminiz candy’ specialty, we added a bit of knowing each other during the bustle. ‘Course it would be boring without a conversation’ for Keema anyways. 

“How old is your baby? Cause he is quite small.” Trim puts up a smile on his face, plus in some way that all of us laugh. Jireh just finds them very funny. I guess he just finds them approachable too.

“Recently born.” Mien Rin does the doctoral filler since ‘me and my love’ are not so fond of it. In the middle of them all, my baby was happily feeding himself some of my breast milk. But looking back at what we did in the kitchen a while ago is something quite disturbing for Mien Rin.

———————————————————————————————————————-

“Celena. Come here for a moment.” Keema peered through the kitchen opening. Once I entered and find myself a seat, “So how is your experience so far for being a mom?”

“Seems very good as far as I felt,” I sheepishly said. “So what’s the call for me here?”

“Have you ever tried giving something that you did yourself for your child?” 

“Not yet.” I replied.

“How about YOU cook some ‘Taminiz Candy’ for baby Jireh?”

———————————————————————————————————————-

In a nutshell, I did quite a mess on my cooking. Cooking Taminiz candy properly takes me six times to finally get it right, just great that my left hand is burned too. During my conversation with Keema and Mien Rin, Lucas and Trim are having a conversation of their own; probably learning about being a dad and also something that I overheard about Keema and Trim having a son of their own going somewhere.

Until, something from Lucas’ bag falls out of his bag. 

“Ohh. Now I remember. We kinda forgot to give this to you.” Lucas hands over the box that Taiko gave us.

“No need to tell. I’m sure that’s from my brother. Giggle … quite happy for a single man.” As she unwrap the gift, she stares at it with stars all over her eyes. All of us (minus Trim) are startled. Ain’t that …

“Oh my goodness! I’ve never expected my brother to give us something so beautiful!” I’m just dumbstruck. “Here you go little baby. Hold on to it. Lemme get my papers and—“

Sometime has passed ever since we’ve met the doctor. Avea seems to be doing just fine but Johanna insists they will both return to Navanis once her sister heals up. I just hope they will be okay.

_____________________________________________________________________

“Will you two be joining with our field trip once Avea’s up again?” my big sister asked. Sometimes, she’d ignore my callings if she had to deal some stuff with her friends.

“… We’d rather … head back home. Just somewhat … homesick. I bet that’s how she feels … even if she’s still sleeping.” Johanna was reading something for a bit before she took a sip of tea.

My baby was looking to both of them with intent. Who knows? Johanna noticed.

“You may not get it much yet little Jireh. Not unless mommy is giving birth to another next year.” As much as Lucas and I are annoyed, she pets him lightly while giving us a faint smile. No way I’M letting myself get pregnant again.

“Johanna, don’t beg us to procreate again. Our child is already more than enough.” Lucas agrees to disagree like me. Just as he finished his phrase … is that? … uh oh…

“Hmmm … more than enough huh? Lucas, try farming your sweetheart a sack-load of interaction tonight and harvest ten more. Better load it up my little girl.” All we did was froze and passed out of that one. Ten more? … I can’t take it anymore.

—— —— —— —— —— ——

“Hi five pal?” Johanna raised her hand. “Hi five!” we ‘appeared’ and Jireh (who somehow still hangs on to mama who just fainted) giggles. Seems I’ll be holding him ‘til both woke up.

_____________________________________________________________________

We are walking the hallway to get some fresh air after holding some medical scents all over us. My baby hates it just as much as I do.

_____________________________________________________________________

“Really Zoxi … you took an awesome idea for us to do! Our plan during the station was a success.” Ahh it’s nice when I get to have a sense of laughter, though we had tendencies to go too far. “That sickness is NOT our fault though! We only just-“ oh Feli,… of all the tivani to enter our private plan

“QUIET GUYS!” all of just stood quiet. Maybe we flinched out for a bit.

“What’s all the talk going around here? Can’t you at least show silence for the patients? Our baby just woke up again.” Lucas the too much loyalist. He really has adapted my pal huh? Should have raised him when I had the—-

“Hello? Vitandes to Zoxi? You’re ignoring us again.” Celena. What really happened to you? Let loose a bit of fun here and there.

“He…heheehehehe … Uhh how about you three just, do an errand for now AND LOOK! HEY TAIKO! GIVE THEM AN ERRAND PLEASE I’M SORRY I CANNOT HELP FOR A WHILE SO THANK YOU ANDGOODBYE!!” I just slam the door shut. Gosh that was too close for comfort.

_____________________________________________________________________

While we are kinda awkward as to what’s going on with Zoxi and his strange pals, our baby is just laughing a lot. Zoxi really is funny.

“Well that’s unexpected.” Both of us felt the sweat drop.

“Well … Sir and Maam Tanabata. Am I Right?” Guess who’s here?

“Yes. Are you by that way … Taitoko?” I ask.

“Yeah. Though call me Taiko instead.” he breaths in and out for a moment. “How about we get to know ourselves first while we head to my room? Just curious.”

We just nodded and followed.

“Tell me. What brings you two here at Ignis? It’s easy to tell your race from your birthmarks that both of you are Navanian.” Taiko is the kind of doctor who wears those crystal clear circle things at his eyes. Some said that it is worn by tivanian who pursued knowledge and curiosity. But we don’t see that a lot on our time.

“We were travelling back all over Vitandes.” I said to him.

“Any relations with Zoximayru Ulirys?”

“We are friends with him.” Lucas takes my lead.

“Then I bet you two should know that he is our hero’s best friend.” We nodded. “But I remember him giving me stories about our hero’s children … or so adopted children they said. I don’t know much.”

Lucas lends me an ear and whispered whether we should tell him more about us. I agree since he’s friendly enough.

“Thanks for that conversation. But can you repeat that part you are saying about our hero’s children?” I asked.

“What for? But … guess it doesn’t hurt much. Something about our hero having children that are adopted.”

“Do you know who you are talking to now?” Lucas implied our doctor. “They could be with you now.” I know he tries being humorous.

This gives him a gasp. “C-could you two be … okay! Apologies for that startlement. Now I get it. We can get to know each now perhaps.” until he looks at our baby. “My oh my. A recently born baby huh mister and miss Tanabata. He is indeed looking healthy.”

“Our friend Johanna checked both of us up.” I bet when I told him her name, he was covering his face for a bit.

“We named Jireh as an honor of our master.” Lucas looks back at the picture of a house.

“Jireh … hmm … not exactly our hero’s name but more of a closely meaningful term.”

As he mentions ‘meaningful term’, it hit my head when I look back.

——— ———- ———

“Check his chest. That’s where his symbol was marked.”

——— ———- ———

“Mr. Taiko. We want to know something that we don’t know about.” I propose.

“Curious couple huh? Well, I’m willing to answer that.”

“It is something about our baby. Something so new for both of us. Like a checkup.” Lucas follow my proposal.

This giggles him for a while, “You two remind me of my sibling and her husband during their early days as a family. I went to the point doing more than just teach them health. I even did parenthood. Lemme see what you little fella holds.”

Taiko did his usual stuff on checking up our patient. But for such a growing old tivani, he’s a kid at heart, which is also what our goddess wanted us to realize. She really was wise. 

“Hmmm … this kid of yours doesn’t have a birthmark? Cause I ain’t seeing one. This tivani seemed … unique.” He says unique when I find it strange.

“I think my friend uses something like a flashlight like those.” I point out to his cabin of medicines and herbs. He tries using a simple flashlight. But nothing’s showing up until he picks up another one.

“Before I forget, please return this to your friend that helped me with your patient. She kinda left this behind. Finding this kind of flashlight is very handy for us doctors; yet it is one of the rarest items to find.” Lucas nod and our doctor continue his check-up using Johanna’s flashlight, until that familiar symbol appears. 

While we all stared at awe, Taiko is more than awes, “This … this is new! You two … must have something very unique on your genetics. This is a completely new symbol that I happened to find on this day. It’s amazing! You two sound be really proud of your child!” I bet he really is happy for all of us. 

“But in all honesty, I don’t specialize in birthmark origins. I’m sorry that I can’t give you the answers that you need. Maybe someone else knows these things.” He sighs, I bet disappointed.

“Thanks for trying sir. We’ll get going.” Lucas thank him. As both of us pick up our baby wrapped in my scarfed clothes, our doctor whistled. 

“One moment please. If you two have some spare time, can you do an errand for me?” An errand?

“See this box at my table?” Taiko pointed a box wrapped in colorful wraps. “My sister’s quite a farmer. I wanted to give this to her myself. But I’m occupied for only one more day of my business before I can go home and rest. Will you deliver this to her?”

“We’re okay with it.” I volunteered after a bit of discussion to Lucas.

As we are about to leave the room, he whistles back at us. “Since you two are guests, I may as well give you the map of Hivanis in case you get lost. Just follow the mark of the map. It’s where our house was.”

Here I am. Feli’s light. Your wish … shall be done.

“Langit Lunggati”

———————————————————————————————————————-

“Mmhh… huuhh? … where … am I?” This place … is so … gray … and dark. 

“Jireh? *gasp* Jireh! Where are you?!” Wait! What happened to my baby?

“Wait – what’s this place? It feel’s … empty.”

Sniffle …… sniffle

“Jireh? Is that you my baby?”

Jireh?

“Huh?” Is that … a voice?

Huh whaat? I have no name. Why are you here?

”Who’s there?”

Who’s … there? I am nothing. Even if there is that something you’re looking for, I’m still nothing. Why are you here?! Don’t dare finding me.

“What makes you think that I am part of you when I don’t even know who you are? I just want to find my baby child.”

… Child … baby … child. What is … a baby … child?

“It’s … something … that a father … and a mother create … to make a new life. But why ask me this?”

… … You hear something over there? Something … faint? Now this one’s … a girl?

[MOMMY!]

“*gasp!* Someone’s in trouble!” immediately, I find myself in an unknown pit sinking not just me. I found a child closer to the deepest part of this sinking thing.

“Gasp! Hold on Child! I’m coming!” try as I might, I felt myself being pulled away.

[CELENA!]

“NNNNOOOOOOOOO!!!”

———————————————————————————————————————-

“Jireh! Sweetheart! Wake up! Wake up!” my heart is pounding out of fear for her and my child. They are having a nightmarish murmur and scream. After a while, they managed to regain their senses. But my baby is shivering despite being wrapped up in a warm towel. I guess that is the aftermath of whatever they experienced. I bet Mien Rin felt it too. Both of us arrive at the scene together. I just can’t bear it.

“Sweet heart. What happened?” even if I ask, she gives me no answer. All I could see is a tearful face of both my child and my wife. A sad one. I did what I could to comfort them with a loving hug. I really felt so much pity.

“It’s okay. Daddy’s here for both of you.” I caringly spoke.

“It’s okay sister. I’m here for both of you too.” Mien Rin joins as well.

“EVERYONE! WE GOT SOME BAD NEWS BEARS! MY SISTER IS SICK!” seeing Johanna so shocked, all of us followed where she’s running.

“Just how sick is Avea? Johanna? Are you listening?” seems that she is lost.

When we saw her in her room …

“What happened to her?” It gasps me to ask.

“Simple! WE DON’T KNOW HOW AT ALL! OR WHAT COSTED IT!” Seeing my uncle figure serious is a once in a blue moon. “Just look at her.”

Poor Avea. It seems she is seriously burning up on skin color. She has quite an orange tone on her skin as she winces in pain. She couldn’t even open her eyes. Plus, she has unusual scars all over her body. The rest of them just stared in horror. The sight of her only made Johanna cry a lot harder.

“I tried what I could. But it ain’t working!” it makes me feel sorry to Johanna. My wife catches up with the inevitable.

“This is not just a fever or any kind of anomaly. Everyone, gather your stuff! We are now leaving to reach the capital.” Then he just immediately ran off to the gate. I guess he’s preparing the horses. As everyone else left, he calls me back. “Lucas! Bring Avea over here!”

I’m a bit hesitated at first. But Celena gave me the nod. Thus she let me carry her to the carriage. Arriving there, I can see that he is feeding his horses a little bit more. I’m sure of what he is talking about. Hivanis keep.

A few minutes later, everyone and everything is set for our emergency run. Just what is going on now?

____________________________________________________________________

About two hours later since our leave in the morning, we arrive at Hivanis Keep. A sign of two ‘volcanic rock made keeps’ resonates on what the legend of their history shows; the first young couple of Hivanis. For a keep, we had a bit of mountain climbing going on (they arrived somewhere mid-afternoon). Gladly, it isn’t very high. That could have been worse for our sick woman. 

“Hello to all of you. What brings you here?” A villager greets us.

“We need to visit your hospital. We got a friend who recently got sick this morning.” Our guest climbed in to check on her.

“Oh dear! Sir, follow my directions.” Then we had now our new tour guide. After a while, we arrive at the hospital built out of polished stone. But I notice another doctor just going to the hospital. I think he must be a professional one just to the look of his mustache. He’s quite old.

“Doctor. We’re here in need of help.” Zoxi spoke to our upcoming helper.

“Calm down now people. I need you two to carry your patient to our emergency room. Hurry up and follow me—.” As he’s about to run, Johanna hold on to his hand.

“I’m a nurse from Navanis. Please allow me to help you on saving my sister.” Johanna … seems to plead for her sister’s life. I can tell. Sisterhood. Then everybody followed inside with Zoxi, along with myself, carrying Avea to the room.

_____________________________________________________________________

“Hello to everybody. I may as well introduce my name before talking about your friend’s condition. I’m Doctor Taitoko Kexiya. Call me Taiko. May I know your names?” He introduces himself with humble posture before he looks bat at Zoximayru. “No need to tell your name Sir Zoximayru. We know that you are the founder of this hospital.”

“I’m Lucas Tanabata. Along with my wife, Celena Tanabata. Here is our recently born child, Jireh Tanabata.” Lucas refers him and his family to Taiko.

“I’m Mien Rin Sanipela, eldest sister of Celena.” She shakes his hand.

“Johanna Lexyria. Twin sister of Avea.” She replied with a sad sigh.

“Hmm … Ahem. On the topic. From my past knowledge, we had no data at all on what her sickness could be. A ‘Navanian’ getting an orange skin tone with fever like a ‘Hivanian’ with mysterious scars is completely new. Normally, when we have a ‘Navanian’ undergoing a conversion, what happens is they undergo a transition of their birthmarks. Where only the white and another color remains intact and the other three colors fade away. Until such time that their physical figure changes to their remaining color. Hers is not normal. But one of our doctors tried to bring an empty orb of water. But this is what happened when it was placed next to her. Nurse, could you bring the orb we used during the operation?” He called at the hall.

Once the orb comes to view, it has a bright ruby red color with mysterious markings similar to what Avea had. Everyone is completely speechless.

“What was surprising are the markings at this watery orb. I dunno what exactly happened but the sickness your friend seems to transfer itself to the orb. Which means good news Ms. Johanna. Your twin is cured but in need of rest for a night.” Just as Taiko finished, Johanna cried and hugged him in relief to know that her sister will be fine.

_____________________________________________________________________

Congratulations. My child.

You did what is necessary for her. Our next goal starts next year.

“Was this … the right way?”

Ask yourself. It’s a necessity to know yourself as well. Now go. 

After leaving the station of Luxentum express, the baby just began enjoying his tasty and healthy dose of Taminiz candy. Yellow was the baby’s favorite flavor.

“Avea just can’t help but picture little Jireh as a yellow Taminiz candy.” Yes it is. Avea just giggles with the baby oblivious to terms of edible food. On the far distance, a loud explosion occurred at the red sky. Followed with a shaking ground, baby Jireh isn’t the only one frightened.

“Whoa girls! Looks like Igmaragma’s goin for the Gem delivery! Brace yourselves for eruption day!!” Zoxi stares at another eruption from the distance. Did he just said-

“An ERUPTION?!” the rest reacted.

_____________________________________________________________________

“GEM DELIVERY? What the heck does that mean?! Are we in trouble?” Johanna panics at this sudden event happening now.

“Not really! And part time yes! It’s just that we can get ourselves some Igmaragma gems soon!” Zoxi began opening a roof hatch made out of wood. “Now close the door on your side while I close mine!”

“I knew I should not have joined you from the beginning! You brought nothing to us but trouble! How could you stay so calm at a time like this!?” Avea, oh please think wisely. I bet she’s going baby face crying now.

“You’re acting like a baby again Avea. I bet we will be fine.” I said to her whinning mouth, even if all of us are panicking.

Next to me, I could hear my sweetheart knock on the roof. Until Zoxi ‘ssh’ed him. “I bet all of you were thinking about the upcoming lava to us. In fact, we are not yet around one of the Volcanic Rivers of Igmaragma.”

“Volcanic …. Rivers?” big sis asked.

“You mean … it follows the path to the ocean?” I said.

“Half time yes — half lack of words,” Zoxi smugs again with a smile. “That means Igmaragma consists of river canals where the lava always travels while the gems are scattered equally all over the Hivanis Kingdom domain. And we’re close to that kingdom. At the end of those rivers is the big ocean. So let’s not worry at all about volcanic rock. We’ll only get rained by gems.”

“Are you really sure!?” my husband just stares at him in suspicion. “Is this related to the legend of your kingdom?”

Until, we hear the crashing of gems. This makes my baby very unhappy with all the noise going on. Avea is thinking about her upcoming demise while Johanna and Mien Rin bashed her on the head. 

“I’m so GONNA POUND YOU IF I LIVE!!!” Avea then smacks Zoxi in the head.

“OWWW! You woman ….” After he said that, one big gem punctures the roof that’s covering us from the gems according to our jokester pal.

My baby is giggling to reach it. But I know it’s still raining gems. After about a few minutes, it settles down. I bet both Zoxi and Lucas are lifting up the roof of our carriage. Upon checking on the horses, it seems Zoxi made a custom roof for them. Guess I shouldn’t worry at all. All of us climbed down (Lucas has to carry me down though bride style) and saw A WHOLE LOT of gems of different sizes EVERYWHERE! I think all of us have gone to a ‘gotta catch ‘em all’ manner. Our jokester pal gives us some nice baskets for gem collecting these shiny minerals and began our first gem harvesting experience. My baby was nudging himself from me but after the punctured roof vanished from my baby’s view, it started to cry. Oh dear. 

“Big sis. Please help me over here! I can’t tell what he wants at all!” I did every way I possibly can. But it seems it only made it worse, even with his favorite candy.

“Sorry … mom.” D..di …did my big sis…ugh!

“Mien Rin! You’re not helping at all!” I face away from her and go for the two doctors. “Any of you two know why my baby’s crying now?” I tried.

And they never respond….

I just lay myself on the side of the carriage while I can hear smacking behind me.

“Waaaahhhh! Waaahhhhhh!” oh Jireh. 

“Of Feli…what am I going to do? I can’t believe my sis and everybody else just ditched me! And my baby just won’t stop crying. Is this what it reaally likes to be a mom?” I thought of the agony and confusion that I’ve been ranting to myself. Until ‘he hit me’ in the head.

“OOOOWWWWWWWCCCHHH! Watch it!” I whine again.

“SORRY THERE CEL!” Sigh, men.

Looking at the ground, I can see a ruby gem. My baby looked at it too. Then he stops crying. 

“Is this … what he wanted? Why would he like a gem?” upon having that thought, he’s giggling as if he really wants it. I mean, it’s obvious that it’s not edible. Is it natural for a child of his age to already choose something like a gem? I remember having to choose only necessities; not something with obsession. That is odd for my baby tivani.

“Hey Cel! What are you staring at?” Johanna snaps me out of trance. “Hmmm … guess you found your first gem. I think you just need someone else to pick it up for you.”

“Thanks A LOT…”

“Got something bad?” even if she asks, I hate giving out some disappointment.

“Nothing. Just Jireh.” I lay my back.

Once Lucas climbs down the carriage, I just passed my baby to him along with his little gem. “Don’t … speak. My turn to get some gems, you already had your fun. Don’t throw that gem though. Our baby likes it somehow.”

After a bucket of collecting for us (it’s one bucket for each of us), we ride our way back on the carriage and continue our journey.

_____________________________________________________________________

“Is … is that…?” did Lucas just act out as something else.

“Honey?” he gives me worries as I cradle a shoulder on him. I think my baby is also wondering to daddy from the look of his eyes.

“Seventeen years ago,” he sighs “me and my best pal found you on the entrance of my first hot spring over there.” Zoxi raised an arm over to the right of the wooden gate, looking like a mini house with wonderful crafting.

“Anyways, let me give you guys a nice hot spring. Oh, bring at least one favorite gem for each. That includes the baby.” Then we entered inside his hot spring building. We began changing and stripping ourselves with only the undergarments left in our corresponding rooms. Once we lay ourselves on the spring, we relax our bodies with our gems behind us.

“Lucas, you never told us … that he …” Johanna is left speechless.

“Nah. I ain’t his dad. I was just about to adopt you as my son out of pity in the cold night way back. Our hero arrived a bit later after bringing ya inside Lucas. I remember him taking you as a father figure. But after ya left, you kinda called me …. Uhhh…” I guess he is flattered. I wonder what he is flattered about?

“Uncle?” What? I know that he is adopted like us. But he’s also adopted by Zoxi?

“Hmmm … I guess so you said. I dunno what he said to you. Even I can’t fathom why he wanted me to be an uncle figure for you. But it sure was a long time. The only thing I clearly remembered was that we debated to whom you will belong to ma boy.”  Zoxi just close his eyes as we viewed the night sky.

____________________________________________________________________

It is getting late. Everyone else is sleeping at their rooms. Me and my baby are still enjoying the hot springs. I guess adding a blue gem regulates the right temperature for my baby. He’s only getting his first hot spring experience now (the baby haven’t springed just yet). My baby is holding his gem and points to the color selector.

“You want to make the spring color red?” ask I ask him, he giggled out loud. It must be a yes from him.

“I’ll help you make it red.” The spring that I’m using is fairly deep that can reach until my lower waist. Giving him an extension, we place it in the center of the spring pillar. Then I remove the blue gem. Once we give ourselves a seat to the hot spring’s edge, I hug my baby gently. But … I’m quite … tired. Weird … is this … overusing … the springs? Oh for….

ZZzzzzzzzzzz…..

And now, his journey to innocence begins. Hivanis will be his first trial. I now give you a portion of its life. My student, this will be more than just a test for you. It will be you destiny.

____________________________________________________________________

The next morning: Inside Luxentum Express: 8 AM.

It’s been a while when we recently woke up. I feed my baby some of my milk while all three of us have our breakfast inside our cabin. Not a bit later, we are close to arriving at the next pit stop of this train.

“It really is lucky for you that you didn’t end up like us Mien Rin.” Oh Avea, quite typical of her to whine about the moment here in the train. Just what happened to them last night?

“End up what?” big sis asks.

“Sigh … later.” Johanna just left. 

“Shall we pack up already?” my sweetheart asks as he was packing his things in advance.

“Sure. But can you lend me a hand?” he just receive a hand of shoulder from my big sister.

“Lucas, she just gave birth two days ago. If she works too much now, she’s gonna have a painful stitching to encounter later.” Did sis just say … stitch?

‘Gulp.’ I’m … just gonna stay and sit still, “How long should I avoid a lot of activity sister?”

“Three months.” that sigh from Lucas the moment Mien Rin answers me telss everything. “You should have listened to us before Celena.”

“Alright alright. I blame myself for giving birth at our master’s funeral.” Looking back at my choice, it is inevitable.

_____________________________________________________________________

“All aboard! All Aboard! We arrived at Hivanis Station! Steam train inspection will start after thirty minutes! So we expect all passengers to leave the train immediately for repairs!” It must be the driver speaking to an “Emanator Crystal Box”, a square wooden box with a unique green colored stone inside covered in circular glass.

“Well, here we are now pals. Welcome to Hivanis Kingdom.” Seeing his homeland for the first time gives me a ‘WOW I like your place’ feeling.

“ I’ve read many tales about Hivanis but to be here … it feels much more … expressive joy.” I can agree with Lucas on this one. I know him that he is always curious on many things.

“I know what ya meant son. Guess that my best pal helped ya on expressing curiosity much more deeply, which is why I always loved my homeland with many reasons.” Zoxi may act like a lesser version of our master. Too jolly, a jokester (oftentimes get pounded by Mien Rin’s best friends), not that very leading, and easy to distract. But still, never underestimate him. I believe that he shares a lot of things from our master that we haven’t known so far.

Following him to a carriage station, I believe he’ll call a horse rider for us. And call he does with two horses.

“Hey there Rui! Hey Riu! Gauuhhh I miss ya two! Say how about we give ourselves a run to the springs?” he owns two horses?

“You own these two horses? I never knew you also raise livestock like him!” I react.

“Just what he said to me, ‘Ya always learn something new every day.’” It’s typical for Zoxi to smile in a smug. “They have been my pals since I was a kid! Thus it makes me quite a field runner back on the days.” He leads us to the nearest stables and tied both of his ‘companions to an empty carriage.

“Enough idle chat! All of ya should place your stuff behind that carriage. Cause I got an old friend to revisit. If you guys are feelin’ too hot on yo day, there are a couple showers for you guys to get yourself wet with. Just don’t take off your clothes though! Bath with your clothes on and that’s an order!” he jumps out of the cart and runs like a mad boss.

“Hey wait! Where are you … going?” I fail that one. Give it to my baby for laughing at me. I’m glad there isn’t a comic like this.

_____________________________________________________________________

“Guess whose back crew?!” Arriving at my hidden hideout, me and the rest of the train crew, who are my friends before, are doing their usual slack off routine. But I’m about to make OUR DAY interesting. “I brought us those twins who just made my day miserable,” Trying to sound manly here please, I just love doing it. “And my friends are here with a baby to boot!”

“Those two? Gosh they make things for you!” one of my engineers just hit the note.

“How should we prank them back?” though I cannot avoid the dumb drivers of our train, hearing different ideas from everyone, good and bad, always GETS MY MUSCLES PUMPIN. A bit later then, I made an anonymous decision.

“Not that I disagree with you or with me getting lazy to know something. Let’s mend those nurses a recipe for disaster.”

“Then what do you really need Zoxi?! Nurse them with fear?!” whoever of my workers said that, it’s a light bulb. 

“Gather here.” I whisper my plans to everyone. Oh those nurses are gonna get it! 

_____________________________________________________________________

Later on.

“Hey ladies! Sorry for being late!” I bet he place himself on the front ride and checks on all of us.

“What happened to them anyways?” as he ask me ‘that’ moment, I recall it for sure and tell him.

———————————————————————————————————————

Sometime Zoxi is wasting. “Whew … this is getting too hot.” I know that Hivanis is very hot. But being here ‘yourself’ is way more than just very hot. “Can’t we give ourselves some bath ti-“

“We’re doing it now! CATCH YA LATER CEL!” 

“H-Hey you two wait for-“as I tried climbing the chairs, I regret hurting my hips and legs badly. It’s like I am torn and on fire. Lucas is the one holding our baby. I trust him our child too.

“Celena! Please be careful!” Lucas is always like that concerned whenever it’s about my hurts.

“Sister! I thought I told you not to get yourself too worked up! Now look at you!” big sister always does things with too much discipline, much like my master’s way of training me. I hated those kinds of days. “Lucas. Turn around. Don’t you dare play perv like Zoxi.” 

My baby giggled a bit. “Paapa. Maama.”

“I won’t. I’ll just … go to the showers.” as he turned around and climbed down the carriage, I blush. He and Jireh are gonna have some fun time bathing. Unlike me …

My sister pulled up my skirt a bit to check on my undergarment. Even if it flusters me, she’s much like the doctor twins. A nurse too. At least Lucas and I find her ok to check-up on us whenever we get wounded or sick.

“Just as I thought. Sigh … sister. You need to stop exerting too much action for another month. It just bled for a little bit. That means you need to avoid exerting too much activity for four months.” After a breather, she’s about to speak again. Just as she opens her mouth, I heard loud screaming at the showers with sparks going random. As the horses neighed, the twins …

“WWWHHAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!” Awww Feli nnnooooo! Not my baby again! As much as Lucas tried, it did really little to my baby.

“Sweetheart! Help me with our child!” As he climbed back, both of us did whatever we could to calm our baby down.

“Avea? Johanna?” big sister tried calling for them both. But the twins got out looking … wet and fried by … something electric.

“D ..-d-d-d-d-dd-dd-d-don’t b-b-bb-a-a-at-t-t-th-h-h t—ththt-ht-hth-ee-r-e-re-rre. AAAGGHH!!” Both of them spoke … rusty. That last screams ONLY MADE IT BETTER!

———————————————————————————————————————-

I sighed as I continued easing my baby’s crying. It’s one of those times that I wanted big sis to help me. Too bad she’s not doing it much this time after she carried the twins back on the carriage.

“Not much I could do to them. Here’s a little something for that cute fella of yours.” He gave me a red jelly of sorts that I easily knew.

“What is that Zoxi?” Lucas asked.

“Taminiz Candy! I used to have this edible jelly when I was a kid.” I smiled.

“Plus, it is edible for newly born babies with health benefits.” Zoxi made his call and we started to travel to our next destination.

… … … … … … … …

“Success is so sweet.”