After my conversation with Lisa, Yumiko guided me to a new room. The corridor seemed to stretch endlessly, each step echoing my growing apprehension. Lysandra's words replayed in my mind, amplifying my anxiety. "No need to fear, it isn't going to hurt," Yumiko said, her voice calm and reassuring. She smiled, but I could see a flicker of concern in her eyes.
Despite her comforting words, my heart raced. The corridor walls felt like they were closing in, and I could feel a cold sweat forming on my brow. "If you say so," I muttered, trying to muster courage.
Finally, we arrived at the room where my brain scan was to take place. The door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a sterile, white room filled with advanced equipment. The hum of machines filled the air, and the sight of the scanning apparatus made my stomach churn. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, as Yumiko gently touched my shoulder. "You'll be fine," she whispered, her smile never wavering.
After that, I was placed in an MRI-like machine. The cold metal surface sent shivers down my spine as I lay down. They administered a sedative, and within moments, I was knocked out.
When I woke up, a slight headache throbbed at my temples. Yumiko stood in front of me, her face serious and unreadable. My heart skipped a beat, fearing my secret was out. But her next words dispelled that fear, at least for the moment.
She handed me a photo. "It was this man, right?" she asked. I looked at the image and felt a chill run down my spine. It was him. The technology they used was terrifyingly precise.
"It looks like we have found what we need to do now, don't we?" Yumiko said her tone firm.
"Yes and no," I replied, confusion creeping into my voice. "What do you mean by that?"
"This person, as you suspected, is a rich man," she explained, "but there is more to his story."
He is one of the most famous people in the world, with mystical connections that make him even more dangerous. "We need proof that he is involved in this," Yumiko said.
"So now we are police who are going to behave like nothing happened, right?" I replied, frustration creeping into my voice.
"There are protocols that even we have to follow. Here, we are not talking about any wraith; otherwise, there wouldn't be anything to talk about at all. But we are dealing with a human who is a holder of a wraith, well-connected, and one wrong move can destroy what we have built over many generations," Yumiko explained.
I was too angry to reason with and stormed out. "Come back, Rudra, we are not done," she called after me.
"I think I have heard enough. What are you going to tell those families whose husbands, brothers, sons, and fathers are under that spell? Only the caster can lift it, and they don't even have the guardians' power like we do," I shouted back before leaving and returning to my room.
Don't think emotionally here, Rudra. What she said is right
"So now you are on her team? What is there to wait for? Let's go after him, make him lift the spell, and bring him here to interrogate him," I retorted.
What I meant by her being right was not about his political powers, which I never understood. I was talking about his capabilities. He is more powerful than you think. He is at least in the position of a knight, a foe we have never encountered. Even if you all attack with your current powers, you are bound to lose that fight. I felt his power while he was just talking. Imagine what he is hiding when he fights with full power. Maybe he is a commander, but that's just a hunch.
After hearing him out, I felt bad about the way I had talked to Yumiko. I had let my anger control me and was disappointed in myself.
There are times when we lose to our emotions, Rudra, but learning from our mistakes is our greatest weapon. So don't be mad about what you said; think about what to do next.
I called home after two months, still afraid to tell them why I hadn't called for so long. When I opened my phone, I saw so many missed calls from Mom and Dad. They must have been worried. I recalled that during our last assignment, Yumiko told me my parents had tried to call me, but my phone was out of reach. I forgot to call them back after that.
I decided to call Dad first. He picked up immediately. "Do you know how much we were worried about you? Your mom here is still scared to death. You have been given a phone to call, that's its main use, and you can't even use that," Dad said. He was pretty mad; I could tell.
"I'm fine, Dad. It's just that my phone got scattered when I fell down the stairs. I told the facility, and they provided me with this phone just now."
"Still, you could have used your friend's phone."
"I just started to make some friends here, and yeah, I'm sorry. I'll try to make sure not to worry you all again."
"You better, otherwise you know you'll get one from me, okay?"
I laughed and said, "Yes, I know, Dad. I'm at work, so I'll call you later and call Mom."
"I can't right now; I have classes after this, so I'll call her later."
"Okay, but make sure to call her. And if you have something to tell me, don't ever hesitate, okay? You are my son, and I love you. Remember that well."
"I will, Dad." And then I ended the call.
After hearing him, I was relieved. I had been tense and scared, but one call with Dad changed all that. It was like my charger had charged me. Fulminor's ethereal form shimmered as he spoke.
Rudra, the bond you share with your family is a powerful source of strength. Just as I guide and protect you, your family does the same in their way. They are your foundation, the ones who have nurtured you and shaped who you are. In the battles you face, both against wraiths and within yourself, the love and support of your family can be a beacon of light. They worry for you because they care deeply. Their concern is not a burden, but a testament to their love. Remember, even when you are far from them, their love remains with you. It is a source of energy, much like the one you draw from me. Do not underestimate the power of this bond. It can give you the courage to face any challenge and the comfort to heal from any wound. Cherish your family, Rudra. They are your greatest allies in this journey.