My Little Fox the Heir

By Frost

Mia always knew she was as ordinary as a girl could be, living a life of bliss with her mother until the day she died. Her mother disclosed on her deathbed that she was the illegitimate daughter of the ruling Wolf Clan king of the East, which was supposed to be good news. Wasn't it? But that was not the case because soon she realised she was the trigger of the curse that had awakened. The curse that was chasing her was because of the baby she was carrying in her womb from her husband, about whom she knew very little except the fact that he worked at the Wolf Embassy in the mortal world. Something was not right. The curse would activate only if the Wolf Clan of the East and the Fox Clan of the West formed any illegal 'blood ties'.. Scared, alone, afraid, and running from inevitable doom, the only logical conclusion her mind could come to was that, if she was a wolf, her wolf husband,was in fact a fox in a wolf's hide.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Frost
• Release date: Oct 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223170426

Book preview

Chapter 2-The foxes and the wolves

Centuries have passed in peace with the Fox Clan domineering over the West and the Wolf Clan ruling the East. The lines have always been strict between the borders. Not even an inch of foot was set on the other side without permission.The rules were set crystal clear. The human world in between was the exchange place for trade and other official affairs. There were some rare ceremonial gatherings between the two Immortal Clans . But they were numbered and happened after ages. There was no regular contact between the members of the two clans unless official or urgent. It was basically due to fear of the Law of the Land that forbade them from forming any sort of 'blood-ties' between the clans. It was no ordinary law. It was the law written on the Seal of Destiny and whoever dared to disobey, would be afflicted with a terrible curse that would haunt them for eternity. Even the people from the human realm were cautious enough to uplift and guard this law as nobody had forgotten the bloody massacre that had happened a few centuries ago. The horror was still fresh in the minds of the immortals and history of the humans.

The immortal hunters had been quick enough to tip the mortal king about the presence of this unforgivable law breaker. Not only that, he was informed that the Mirror of Knowledge has already detected manifestation of the curse in certain places of his kingdom. The situation was desperate. If he was unable to trace the defaulter, there would soon be immortals from both lands filling up his kingdom and the clashes they would engage in would be doom for the humans in the area. That day the scouts were almost able to catch up with the female around whom there was news that the curse was noticed. But at the nick of time she was kidnaped by someone belonging to the Imperial Fox family. This they could identify by the escape technique he used. This was now even more complicated. Was the Fox Clan responsible for this felony? And the question was why had the curse not manifested all at once. There were too many riddles.

News of the offense had reached both the clans as well. There was an atmosphere of rage, uncertainty and suspicion.

The situation was especially tricky at the Fox Clan as they were now being called in league with the offender. The king had called all his nineteen sons in his presence for this purpose. They all came in and paid their respect to their father and then took their respective seats.

I believe you all are well aware of the situation about offense against the Law written in the Seal of Destiny? The king asked.

Yes father replied the princes in unison.

You might also be aware that our imperial family is being accused of being an ally of the offender? He enquired.

Father, it surely is a conspiracy Said first prince enraged

It sounds more like a rumor spread by those wolves Put in the fifth Prince bluntly.

But the escape routine was witnessed by the entire scouting team from the human world. Do you still believe the wolves might be behind it? The king pressed.

There was silence in the room followed by whispers and each glaring at the other.

Precisely, my reason for calling you all here today was to ask you in person if anyone knows or has seen anything unusual. I wanted to be sure that sons were not part of whatever is coming. I hope none of you have forgotten what happened centuries ago. We must work together, if need be, along with the wolves to eradicate this crime. Am I understood? The king asked in a heavy, stern voice.

Yes, father echoed through the Hall of the Royal meeting place.

Chapter3-You are my hope

"Mia! Mia. Are you alright? Lin asked, very concerned as he put on a pile of hay.

Mia opened her eyes. Stared blankly at him for some time and then began hitting him with both her hands. He didn't move. He silently took all her blows. She went on hitting until she broke down in his arms and began to cry pathetically.

Where were you Lin? Where have you gone? Then she suddenly pushed him aside and asked suspiciously tell me honestly. Are you really from the Wolf Clan?

Mia.It shouldn't have mattered which Clan I was from. Neither you nor I knew that you weren't a human. We both thought you were mortal but it did turn out you were from amongst the wolves after all Lin tried to explain.

Mia stared at the tall handsome figure in front of her. His hair flowed like flowers in the spring breeze, his smile danced like the mountain river. He was what perfection would look personified.

But why? Why did you lie to me? You aren't from the wolves. You are not. The curse wouldn't have been evoked otherwise. Why did you lie to Lin? Why? What are we going to do now? There is nowhere to run Mia was beating her hands against his chest once more as she went down in distress on her knee.

I have my reasons Mia. My missions. I had thought we would have a lifetime together where we could discuss all that. I thought it didn't matter whether or not I even was an immortal , for you Lin looked at her with questioning eyes.

It didn't. It still doesn't. But look at what it has got us into. Lin, you have no idea what happened to me in these past few days. These eyes have seen horrors I shake even to mention it to you Mia was dead serious at this point.

I know Mia. I am so sorry you had to go through all these alone because of me. Trust me Mia, if I had even the slightest knowledge about your father, I would never ever have come near you, even though it would have tormented me for eternity. I am really sorry He said as he looked down at Mia's baby bump. Mia instantly caressed it with both her hands and replied

Never.i will never be sorry for my baby. Nor am I sorry for our love She stood up facing him What I am sorry about is the turmoil the baby will have to face because of us. The blood that rushes through our veins. Our forefathers. For no sin of ours, we have been eternally cursed She sighed heavily whatever are we going to do now Lin. ?

I wish I knew that answer Lin replied helplessly but I promise Mia I won't give up that easily. I will fight fate if I have to, but I will fight till my last breath Lin held both her hands in his and kissed For now I will take you to the sacred Sea. There is the ridge between the living and the dead. You will be safe for the time being. I will seal your aura too. Take this He gave her a blue scarf Never take it off. You do have your foxtail ring on, right? He flipped her hands and checked Good. Good. Never take it off. This way I will be able to find you no matter where you are

But Lin, where will you be going? Mia felt lonely once again.

To find an antidote for this curse. I will visit the Ancient Tree of knowledge. We hardly know much about this curse. Everyone is too afraid even to talk about it . But we need to learn more about the enemy we are fighting. Only then can we have a fair chance

But Lin. We might not have much time left. Nobody ever heard about anything that could undo the curse. That is why it is so feared in all the realms. I don't want you to waste our last few days wandering here and there for something that might not exist Mia was clearly disheartened.

"Mia.there are many things which seem different apparently but as you dig deep, something else unearths altogether. Everybody remembers what the curse unplugged centuries ago but why, where or even what is it all about, no one knows, nobody cares. Even I was indifferent to it. But now it's personal. Mia, trust me, you too must not give up. Where there is a will, there surely will come a way. For our family, for our baby, we must not give up. You understand? Lin held up her chin as Mia nodded, agreeing eagerly. Tears of happiness rolling down her cheeks. She had given up all hopes, but this slight flicker in the dark made her smile again.

Chapter 4-At the foxes' headquarters

As Lin came out of the Hall after the meeting his father had held, he let out a deep sigh. He was the seventh Son of the Fox king. After sealing Mia in the ridge, he had come home to pack some essentials for his trip to the Tree of knowledge, but his father had called him and his brothers for this urgent meeting.

Where is brother Lin? asked a sleek young fox as he rolled right at his feet.

"Busho what are you at again. If you so badly want to be a stray fox I can leave you in the human realm. There are plenty of them, '' Lin jokes.

"No.No no. I just like to mimic your elegance and your grace. I am just a humble bird you see, if you had not rescued me back then, those wolves would have torn me to pieces' ' The fox turned into a parrot and then into a handsome young man.

Ah.don't mention Lin tried to drive him away and go off to his destination, but he would not budge.

Why can't I come along? He asked

Because the road is too dangerous, Lin replied.

If only I had been a fox, you would not have said that Boshu blackmailed him . Where is this dangerous place you are going to anyway?

I will be going to the Tree of knowledge to learn more about this curse that has got everyone worrying Lin half lied. Then he half heartedly agreed to take Boshu along ok.come along. But i will not be responsible for you

I will. I will be responsible for myself He clapped and chirped happily.

Before leaving, Lin went to meet a very old lady on her deathbed.

Lin.you have come. What news do you bring? Did you find the pendant? She asked as she stood up eagerly.

Nana. Don't stress. I haven't found it yet. Something big came up. The curse has been evoked. Things have become very complicated. I will not be able to disguise amongst the wolves for the time being. But as I promised, I will bring back that pendant for you. I will He patted the lady's head lovingly as he lowered her down to lie down.

Ah.ok ok. Take your time. Be cautious She patted his hand ahh.tell me about your beautiful wife then. How is she? I haven't seen you much since you got married She urged as she smiled.

Ssshhhh! Nana. Slower. You know you can't tell anybody about my marriage. You are the only one in this palace that even knows about it He looked up to check if anybody was nearby. She is fine now. These last few days have been rough. Pray for us Nana, won't you

Of course I will. Everything will be alright. Why has it been rough Lin? She asked.

Can't tell you now. Even I need some answers. I will tell you the next time I come visit. Alright? He winked at her.

Ok.if you say so She replied and then suddenly her eyes changed. She held Lin's hand in an iron tight grip as she levitated. Her eyes were totally black with just a red spot. Her hair had turned red too. Her body changed into a canine-like shape in silhouette and then her head started twisting at an unusual angle and she started talking in a completely different voice. It was more like a chorus. It said

The clenching of the chest doesn't stop. Neither does the coiling of the blood. The veins seem to be rupturing with force, with no ailment known. The sickness of the being is difficult to fathom, that has left behind its roots in another kingdom. How the song ends, how the story goes, is anybody's guess because nobody knows. The howling might stop, the stars might shine once more, the game of waiting will pass in labor. The question you ask, the truth you seek, might leave you startled, unable to speak. Look carefully, look inside to cope, when home seems like a distant hope.

Then suddenly the colors went away and the lady's limp body fell right on the bed with a thump.

Nana.Nana.are you alright. Nana. What happened? Nana. Somebody help. Help Lin yelled, almost terrified from what he witnessed.

The maids ran in and somebody ran to fetch the doctor. The news spread and other members of the family rushed in too. The doctors checked her up and said she seems to be ok. She is just sleeping. A very deep sleep indeed. What had exactly happened? Who was with her?

I was with her Lin came forward and explained what had happened.

It's the oracle. It hadn't happened to her for ages. What exactly did she say? asked an elderly aunt, very concerned.

I don't remember clearly, but something like And Lin told them a portion of what he had heard. The moment he heard the oracle, he knew there were secrets hidden in the message. He cautiously chooses to hide the majority of it, only revealing a portion to the audience.

People heard with great attention. Lin got assured by the doctor that his Nana would be alright, but she might sleep in for some days or maybe years. That would totally depend on her and that the doctor could do nothing about it. After this he left immediately without wasting any more time. Now he had some verses that might be a sneak peek into the future. And if you knew about the future, you might be able to change it. This increased his hope and courage Hold on Mia. I will get us out of here He murmured as he flew past over the ridge towards his destination, The tree of knowledge, with Busho in tow.

Chapter 5-Cautious Wolf King

At the Wolf camp the situation was very intense. The entire palace had gathered for this important meeting.

"Hail The King '' echoed through the Hallway as the Wolf king made his way to his throne.

The people in his presence included all the ministers, his children and queens.

What do we have here today? he asked the minister sitting to his right.

My Lord, we have gathered here today to discuss about the reemergence of the curse He bowed with a long scroll in his hand with details and particulars of the event.

And what are the developments? He asked.

We have eye witnesses claiming the involvement of the Foxes in this He reported.

Idiot. Of Course both the clans have to be involved for this curse to emerge. Do we have any lead to the offenders' identities? He was furious.

No my Lord. None as of yet He replied sheepishly.

No? Not even the one from our own tribe? We can't even be traced to commit such a heinous crime from our own Clan and we dare to point fingers at others. Do you want us to look like the laughing stock amongst all immortals? The king stood up in anger.

The entire court went down on their knees to ask for forgiveness.

Please forgive us for our incompetence, Lord. They echoed in a chorus.

Stop wasting my time and get to some real work. I want results and quick results. Is that understood? He roared past them.

Understood, They replied in unison.

As the king walked towards his chambers, he whispered to one of his queen

You know very well but the others don't

What do I know, my Lord? The queen stopped in her tracks as she faced her husband.

The fact that somebody from our Royal Family is involved in this. The entire world just knows that any form of blood tie evokes the curse. Nobody, except a few, have the knowledge about the fact that the blood tie that actually evokes the curse must be formed between members of the Royal families belonging to the two clans He said pointing at themselves.

I am well aware of my Lord. But what are you implying? She asked with inquisitive eyes.

I am implying that as the Chief queen you must keep your eyes open. Somebody amongst us is responsible. They might have some ulterior motive in evoking the curse. We must get to the heart of it before others do He gave her a knowing nod.

Yes of course my Lord She agreed as they strolled to their respective chambers.

In the meantime the princes had gathered around to discuss the happenings at the court.

I marvel at the courage of the defector. Whosoever amongst our clan might have had the courage to brave the curse for love Remarked the mischievous twelve th prince.

! Soso, do you think this is a matter to joke about? His elder brother tried disciplining him with a nudge.

But how do we trace the person? Asked my tenth son.

That is the question we all are wondering about. The fifth one replied.

As they were having this discussion, an arrow from afar came rushing towards them. It hit the ground as they dispersed. A beautiful lady swam down behind it, laughing her heart out, quite amused at the princes' reaction.

What are you all having this discussion about Brothers? She poked them.

Roe.you are a young lady now. You must try to behave more in a ladylike manner Her eldest brother tried rectifying her.

Says who? The King of this land, my father has given me full permission to do what my heart desires She retorted rather angrily.

Yeah we know. He is the one spoiling you The second prince nudged.

Enough.stop bullying her all of you The third one, her favorite, Xie, came to her rescue.

Anyway.we were developing strategies as to how we should find the culprit from our tribe The eldest said would the princess have any insight to it He almost mocked her.

Do you really want to know? She teased

Do you have one? They asked together.

I just know one fact.The curse finds the defectors. So if you sit patiently enough, one day or the other the curse will itself follow the defector to our tribe. You can arrest him then She rolled in laughter as she teased them. Their bewildered faces gave her too much satisfaction. She then went away hurriedly.

From there she had gone directly to her room, to pack her stuff before her journey. She had hoped to sneak out alone at the middle of the night. When all the lights went out, she tiptoed out of her room and bounced on top of the terrace. Just as she was about to make her jump outside the boundary walls, a pair of hands held her hands.

"You? She asked, shocked.

"I knew something was up with you. Where are you heading this time? Xie asked, worried.

I will tell you if you promise not to stop me She urged.

I promise He assured

Brother, I thought about the curse situation. No matter what you do it comes back to the dead end, unless She stopped.

Unless what? He was genuinely curious. His sister was one of the wittiest in their clan

Unless we get to know more about it. And there is only one place we can gather such information She looked at him.

The tree of knowledge, He replied.

Precisely.So I am off. Bye bye She tried freeing her hand and making an escape.

Mei mei wait. The road towards the tree of knowledge is very dangerous Xie replied.

I know She was still tugging and pulling.

Let me come along with you He insisted.

She immediately stopped and asked in amazement will you accompany me?

She was very happy.

Since I can't stop you, I better try helping you. It's about the future and safety of our tribe after all He winked.

You are the best Xie She hugged her brother tight before they both jumped ,to embark on their secret journey, in the silence of the night.

Chapter 6-Sacred Island

As Lin and Boshu stepped on sacred land of the Forbidden Woods, they were on their tip toe. This place was quite unique. It was a levitating piece of land. However the gateway to the realm of the Tree of Ages was situated right at the center of it. The most peculiar thing about the place was that it could gauge intentions. Anybody with malice or ill intention would immediately turn to ashes the moment they set foot on this land. So before descending, one had to make a firm resolution with a pure heart and stick to that intention for the rest of their journey forward and back. Any difference of heart would be sensed by the sacred land and the person immediately eliminated from it.

Boshu.why exactly are you here? Lin teased the already tense Boshu as they strolled forward.

I.um ... I'm here to help you with solving the case of the eternal curse. Boshu replied very carefully, choosing his words as he stuttered.

Are you sure? Don't you have any ulterior motive behind it? Lin continued teasing him.

Wha... Wha... What are you talking about Lin? Stop teasing me. He was still stammering to get his words out.

Are you here to get close to me, you dirty little bird? Lin laughed as he tapped hard on Boshu's back.

Lin........ And Lin ran as Boshu ran after him to catch him.

By the time Roe and Xie landed on the place, it was already night. The sky was lit up with beautiful lamps hanging from the heavens. They stopped for a moment to admire the beauty before heading forward towards their destination.

Roe, do you have any set of questions in mind you will be asking the tree of knowledge? Xie asked his sister.

Uhhh.not really. I haven't thought about that yet Roe replied.

You know there will only be three chances He let her know.

No, six. Three for you, three for me She smiled wide pointing with her finger towards herself and her brother.

You He pretended to hit her you little girl. Don't you think you are being too clever. The tree of knowledge asks for a sacrifice in exchange for three answers. I might not be willing to make that sacrifice He gave her a look.

Won't you? Not even for me? She made a puppy face with winking eyes.

You... Her brother pulled her along your tricks won't work on me.

She laughed as they walked forward. Suddenly they heard some rustling sound from behind the bush.

Careful Roe Roe Yelled xie as they stood back to back with their swords drawn in their hands.

From nowhere, a whirlwind appeared and started coming right at them. They ducked and dodged. Then there were whooshing of leaves and the branches started coming at them with force.

Roe, do whatever you can to dodge them but remember not to make a single scratch on them Xie instructed his sister.

I know. I know my brother. These are sacred lands and we are not allowed to cause any harm here. But why are they attacking us? She asked, confused.

I don't know. Maybe they are not satisfied with the reason we have for visiting this land. Or maybe they are testing us. It's difficult to say Xie replied.

Brother, come here. Look there's a pit down here. Let's hide here for awhile Roe said huffing and puffing from all the action.

Good good. Let's go Xie pulled at his sister's hand and both went down the rabbit hole.

They landed on what seemed like a pile of hay. The surrounding was pitch dark and they couldn't see where they were initially.

Then from nowhere a voice started screaming Wolves.Those wolves are here too. Liiiiinnnn what am I going to do? Where will I hide? Help. Please somebody. Wolves help It was Boshu shouting his heart out due to his phobia that he developed because of his previous encounter with the wolves. Boshu had once been brutally attacked and mauled by some rouge wolves. He was almost dead when Lin had saved him. He had been so grateful that he had dedicated his entire existence to serve Lin thereafter. At the moment he was

hanging upside down from a net. So was Lin. They had both fallen in a boobie trap. Lin was very relaxed. He was taking immense pleasure in Boshu's fright.

Who are you? asked Roe.

It's a bird look Brother and a Fox. Whatever on heaven and earth are you doing here. And why are you in this state? Roe answered her own question as she curiously checked them out.

Xie pulled his sister away out of caution what is your purpose here? He asked them to hold his sword out.

As you can see, we got stuck in these traps after suddenly being attacked by whirlwinds and hare out of nowhere, Lin explained.

We too were attacked and fell in this pit Roe said as she cut them loose.

What are you doing? Her brother asked her in sign language

They look reliable She said tell us who you are and where are you headed

Thank you. We are just travelers Boshu tried avoiding the question timidly

Roe immediately held him at her sword's end Don't you dare ignore me. I am the daughter of the wolf king

My apology my lady Lin showed courtesy I am the seventh prince of the Fox clan and this is my bird friend Boshu. We are headed towards the tree of knowledge

I think I have seen you somewhere Xie was particularly suspicious about Lin.

That's great. So are we Roe cut her brother short You might have seen him, he is a prince, you are a prince. But I think the heavens wants us to work together, that is why the turmoil sent us here" She observed.

Work together? "Lin pretended to be lame

We are here to solve the puzzle about the curse, Roe said.

So are we Boshu let out, now quite excited at the sight of the beautiful she-wolf.

I guess we are all stuck with each other for a while now, Lin said.

Guess there isn't much choice Xie agreed quite annoyed. Roe and Boshu were the happiest with the arrangement.

Chapter 7-Strangers meet

Mia , though comfortable in the ridge, felt very very lonely. The days and nights were all alike. She had her little storage of food. Lin had left behind some books and papers to keep herself busy. But she couldn't do much other than overthink and worry. Some time Or the other she would take out a book and flip through, other times she would scribble something and then mash the papers and throw it away disheartened. She wanted to help Lin too. She wanted to figure a way out of the mess too.She was feeling she was losing badly at this game of waiting. She didn't want to be a liability, she wanted to be an aid, an ally.

One such lonely morning, as she paced up and down in her tiny confinement, she heard a noise. She wasn't sure what it was so she followed it to check. It took her to the opening. It was sealed with Lin's power, which was pretty strong. She saw an injured animal whining in the bush in front. She tried calling it but apparently it couldn't hear her. The animal slowly shifted into a very large man. He was in a lot of agony. The day set into night. She could no longer ignore his mourns. She tried pushing the barrier open. There was no luck in the beginning. She tried concentrating. All her life she had only seen immortals practice their magic, but had she ever tried it herself. This was her first time. She tried her best. But she was failing badly. The barrier seemed pretty strong. But she could neither ignore the injured person suffering infront of her. After several attempts she sat down exhausted. Then after a while she thought to herself one last time and barged in with all her might with closed eyes.

She opened her eyes and found herself standing outside the ridge, the barrier behind her.

Yes! She exclaimed in joy.

The man looked up as she composed herself again.

Excuse me.Are you alright sir. You have been in pain all day She asked, going near him.

The man made a grunting sound that clearly showed that he was annoyed. She backed off a few steps and exclaimed calm down sir. I come in peace. I just want to help you if you allow me

Who are you? The man growled.

Umm... I am Mia Mia no longer knew how she should introduce herself May I? She asked as she bent down to examine his wounds.

He seemed rather agitated by her touch but nevertheless allowed her to take a look.

These are some really serious injuries. What sort of a weapon did tear your flesh? She asked as she went on examining the rest of his wounded body sir try to rest a bit . I will go look for something to clean your wound and make an ointment to apply on the affected areas.

She went ahead looking for some water source. There was one inside the barrier but she was afraid she might not be able to break out of it again if she went inside. After looking for her, she found a little pond under some rocks. She tore a portion of her cloth to carry the water to the injured.

Here let me clean the wounds. Please bear with me. It might be unpleasant. She gave him a warning but he seemed to totally ignore her. As she finished her cleaning she went ahead to see if she could find any medicinal herbs to apply on the wounds. It took her some time but she did find a handful.

Here you go. I have been collecting these with my mother for some time now. Lucky that I found them here. Mr...? She was happily mumbling but stopped mid track when she realized her patient was gone.

How rude. He couldn't even wait for a little thanks giving She looked here and there then decided it would be best for her to get back inside the barrier after all.

Are you hungry? I am She asked her baby bump Let's go and eat then .Her mood seemed to have cheered up immensely.

Lin, Boshu, Xie and Roe tied themselves with the ropes they assembled . They had made it with the net on which Line and Boshu had got trapped. As they got ready to climb out a swarm of bats attacked them. Each one fought bravely. Though badly scratched and injured, they made their way out. Each helping the other.

Now what Roe asked, huffing from the excitement.

Lin took out an ancient compass-like device from his pocket.

Wow.what is this? Roe was excited at most new things.

It's a family heirloom. It helps us to identify reality. Lin explained Once we identify the direction where reality goes, we have to travel the other way. The mirror will then take us to the other side .

How does your family have the reality identifier? Xie was looking at Lin with an expression that could burn him.

Aren't we happy that he has that? Otherwise how would we make out the real from the fake in this maze? Roe intervened to diffuse the situation.

The lady is correct. We must co-operate since we share the same goal Boshu tried to help and impress Roe at the same time.

As they started walking the reality identifier began vibrating This way Lin pointed after checking. As they walked ahead, they came face to face with a huge silver mirror that seemed to hold a silvery liquid inside instead of glass. All four marveled with awe.

Chapter 8-Inner self

As they faced the silvery mirror that could transport one to the other side of reality, they each saw a different image. The mirror brought forward their deepest desire and fright. Soon the reality vanished from each of their eyes and they found themselves inside the vision they were witnessing in the mirror, facing their own deepest desires and scariest nightmares. But they were still standing where they stood apparently. None could see the other.

What is going on? Boshu yelled but it only came back as an echo. Some sort of sound barrier was there between each of them.

Lin found himself facing Mia. She was standing with something in her arms. As Lin approached her she started running away from him. He chased behind her calling out her name. But she didn't respond, nor did she respond until they reached the ridge. There Lin pulled her around but stepped several steps back with horror at the sight. Mia is a baby in her arms covered in blood. The blood dripped from Mia's neck where the flesh was ripped off and the bone showed. The baby had a very devilish look and had the flesh in its mouth which it had bit off Mia. Lin yelled in agony. He kept calling Mia's name as he begged her to let the child go, throw it away. But she wouldn't listen. She just sat smiling and caressing the baby as it bit her off piece by piece. Lin just stood there shaking unable to do anything.

Roe had herself in front of the imperial Hall. She was all decked up in a bridal attire, complete with every jewelry possible. But as she walked she found her legs tied in huge chains, golden chains. Her hands felt heavy too. There were similar chains on her wrists too. As she stood struggling, an unknown man with a big mustache approached her. Everyone present there clapped in amazement as Roe yelled for help. The man kept approaching her and touching her inappropriately all over. She kicked and yelled, even tried to bite him off, but her chains kept becoming heavier and heavier till she could no longer stand. It made her bow down in agony and embarrassment.

Xie was standing in the middle of a battlefield in his vision. He was tied in the wrong direction on the horseback. These horses were the treasures of the wolf clan. They could fly but they had no wings. Xie's horse was however not flying. It was taking him in circles. The battle drums roared but the horse wouldn't stop. Xie tried hard to control it but he found himself unable to let go of the grip he had on the animal in fear that he might be dropped. The animal however stopped all of a sudden and started running away from the battleground. Xie tried hard but he couldn't turn its direction. He could hear the loud roar of jeering from across the field.

Boshu found himself standing in the same spot but without his companions. As he went about calling each one by name, he realized he was inside some sort of illusion. While everyone else was engrossed in their own mental troubles, Boshu could figure  things out. Being simple minded had its own perks. He tried following the echo. It always came from a particular direction. As he approached he found something solid but invisible hit him.

It must be some kind of a barrier He thought. As he pondered over ways to break through the barrier, he remembered something. Every barrier was like a shield and specifically trial barriers like these were spherical. Being spherical it ought to have a periphery. If he could gauge that he would be able to generate the exact amount of energy wave to counter it. He immediately got to work. And surprisingly it was working. He kept expanding his field of energy till it met the requirement of that of his sphere. He was exhausting himself in the process. His nose and ear started bleeding