Whiskey-Jack took a week to recover, resting and healing from the blow the skin walker had delivered.
Every day, Vix checked in on him, and Muskrat, while quiet, was always nearby, checking to ensure his brother was okay. As the days passed, Whiskey-Jack felt himself growing stronger, both physically and mentally.
When he finally felt ready, Midok kept his promise. "You're healing well," Midok said, glancing at Whiskey-Jack's head. "From what you've told me, two weeks time is too long. We have methods to speed up the process. We should be able to cut it down to just a few hours."
Whiskey-Jack nodded, relieved that this time, he wouldn't be gone so long. He was eager, but also anxious. The thought of being away from Muskrat for any length of time troubled him.
"What if something happens to him while I'm gone?" But he knew this was important. He had to be strong for his brother, and for the task his father had given him.
"Here, drink this," Midok said, handing him a steaming cup of tea, it appeared to have various herbal medicine in it. "It will help make the process quicker."
Whiskey-Jack took the cup without hesitation, downing the bitter tea in one motion.
Immediately, a warm sensation spread through his chest, and his mind began to grow hazy.
"Ready to begin?" Midok asked, his voice calm, to ease Whiskey-Jack's nerves.
Whiskey-Jack nodded, his eyes heavy with sleep as he placed the mushroom in his mouth. He chewed slowly, nervous of what to come.
The moment it passed his throat, an overwhelming drowsiness swept over him. His body felt heavy, and the world around him began to blur.
"Don't worry," Midok's voice becoming increasingly distant, yet reassuring. "I'll be here...see you when you get back."
Everything went dark.
When Whiskey-Jack opened his eyes again, he noticed longer was in Midok's house. He stood once again by the river where he last spoke with the Creator, the cool wind brushing against his face.
He looked around, confused for a moment, before he saw the man sitting by the water, patiently fishing.
Before he could take a step toward him, he heard a familiar voice in his mind.
"Good to see you again, Whiskey-Jack." The Creator's presence soft but commanding respect,
"Are you ready to learn more?" the Creator asked, his voice calm but filled with purpose.
Whiskey-Jack took a deep breath, "I'm ready".
And with that, he stepped forward, ready to learn more, to grow stronger, and to fulfill his father's wishes for him.