Faul: The Reincarnation

Chapter 6: Legend In A Baby

In the lonely mountain, which Kaar took as a den for many dangerous animals, this dangerous place has become a safe haven for Maria and the two boys. Hidden among the tall jagged rocks and twisted trees, far from the chaos and the ever-spreading plague, Maria has finished setting up their shelter with care and attention to every small detail, using sticks, large leaves, and anything she could find to make the makeshift place as comfortable and protective as possible. She knew that survival would not be easy, but in this temporary peace, she found the strength to keep going. Billie hunted down two wild rabbits for food, chasing them with precision and skill as if his body moved on its own. The meat from the rabbits would sustain them for the night and maybe the next day if carefully rationed. Faul was still sound asleep, lying on a small nest of warm blankets, his small chest rising and falling slowly as if he were in the deepest dream.

Maria was getting worried about her son. It’s been almost fifteen hours and Faul was still asleep. He had not opened his eyes once, not made a sound or even flinched, and that silence was what terrified her most. Maria was looking at Faul, her eyes filled with a mother’s concern, and the scene where her seven-month-old son was roaring like a young dragon appeared on her head, echoing in her memory like a thunderclap that could not be silenced. She can’t help but be worried. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out to gently stroke her son's hair. She was praying in her heart for the fear of Faul being infected by the red death not to be true but just the prophecy coming to pass, a prophecy she hoped would mean greatness, not tragedy. The weight of her thoughts settled heavily on her shoulders, but she dared not speak of it aloud.

***

After Faul disappeared from the mirror existence, he opened his eyes hoping to see his old self only to find out he was still in the body of a baby. His first instinct was to scream in frustration, to curse the heavens, to ask questions no one could answer. He wanted to cause out loud to Gag for killing him and also to whoever that reincarnated him, but what came out was a sharp baby's cry which alerted Maria and she sprang up immediately, her heart skipping a beat as she rushed to pick up her son with urgency and love only a mother could possess. The sound of that cry was like music and warning at the same time.

Now I will be a legend in a baby's body; Faul lamented, his thoughts swirling like a storm as he tried to comprehend the cruel twist of fate. You must be hungry; Maria said and brought out her breast to feed her son out of motherly love. Her voice was soft, soothing, laced with warmth and care, but in Faul’s mind, confusion and reluctance were raging.

Damn this woman, who does she think I am? Faul kept on lamenting but still won't stop himself from grabbing and sucking the breast milk. He was helpless, bound by the instincts of the small body he now inhabited. Oh, it tastes even better than I thought; Faul lamented while smiling at himself. The taste was rich, warm, comforting, and it betrayed the pride of the warrior soul within him. Faul kept thinking about what the shadow in the mirror dimension said to him and can't help but frown. His tiny brows furrowed, a gesture too serious for a baby, and at the process, two sharp fangs formed in his mouth and he bit Maria without knowing.

Ouch! Maria almost shouted, startled by the sudden pain. But how? How does he possess fangs? Fear gripped Maria as she stared at Faul who doesn't even know what he did. The confusion in her eyes mirrored the panic starting to rise in her chest. Billie bent down and separated Faul's lips. Lo and behold, there are two tiny crystal-like fangs in his mouth. The sight sent chills down Billie’s spine. Billie looked at Maria in fear because he hasn't seen anything like this, neither of them has. Faul noticed the change in the atmosphere and the awkward silence. He looked at his mother and then turned his gaze to Billie who almost fell out of fear. The silence was deafening, the air heavy with unsaid words.

Faul decided to laugh, not knowing that he has fangs. His innocent giggle, meant to lighten the mood, only deepened the shock on the faces of the adults. Maria fell into deep thought. "Is my son really cursed, infected, or the child from the prophecy?" Her mind raced with questions, doubts, fears, and a desperate hope that all of this meant something greater. Faul stretched his hands and held his mother tight. He was growing to love his mother more and more. The warmth of her touch, the softness of her voice, the way she looked at him even in fear—all of it was new and familiar at once.

I will grow up stronger and get rid of the red death for you and Billie, mum; Faul said in his head not knowing what the situation is like. He had no idea how dangerous things were outside, how close death lurked around the corners of their temporary haven. Maria felt safe again after the display of affection by her seven-month-old baby. She held him closer, trying to make sense of the impossible child in her arms. They spent the night in silence, a heavy, thoughtful silence. Maria was holding tight to her baby while Billie was using her lap to support his head and to sleep. The small shelter felt like a world of its own, suspended in time.

***

Somewhere in the red death territory, there's a red flame burning intensely. The ground was cracked and blackened, the air thick with smoke and ash, and the wind howled like it carried a thousand screams. The fire did not flicker—it pulsed, as if breathing. Braf, you got reincarnated again after all these years, I'm afraid I won't allow you to ruin my awakening this time. I have to get rid of you before you get your powers back. The voice echoed through the cursed land like thunder through a haunted valley. Its presence was unseen, but its rage was clear. The flame hissed louder, a symbol of a powerful evil waiting to rise again.

And so, the mountain slept in darkness, the child slept in innocence, the mother clung to hope, and far away, a shadow stirred with vengeance in its heart.