Adrika and Aadi covered a good distance by the time they saw the big blow out on the ground Jay was fighting. It looked as if a nuclear weapon went off the whole surrounding was covered in red light and Aadi almost ran back. Adrika held him by his arm.

"Mumma... Jay.." he said struggling to get free from his mother.

"He is no more baby.." Adrika replied in a heavy tone. This time she wasn't as hysterical as before. It took her a historical battle and some to come to this realisation that you CAN lose people in a war.

"Mumma.." Aadi was still protesting.

"We can't do anything for him Aadi. We need to leave. Jay is definitely dead but Juro isn't. He will come after us. We can't face him right now." Adrika said holding her son's face. He nodded. "Good. Now let.."

"Not so fast darling." There was a cackling voice. They both looked at a haggered looking witch. "They are coming." She cackled again before throwing a hex at them. Adrika just wave her hand to avoid it.

"It's almost dawn. They are getting weak. Let's go."

Aadi said throwing a power hex at her which killed her. But before they can go two more people joined. Hunters. They faught with them manually because none of them wanted to exhaust themselves using too much energy. After killing one Aadi picked up his rifle. Adrika also sliced the one she was fighting with her sword. There was a group of them approaching.

"Looks like we are stuck here for some more." Adrika said pointing towards the group. Aadi just took position with his rifle.

It took them some time to get rid of the group. They were not very bright people but were brutal. Adrika had some scratches but Aadi looked relatively weak.

"Are you ok hon?" Adrika asked as they started walking.

"Yah..yah.. I'm.. mumma I think I'm poisoned." Aadi replied making Adrika stopped on her track. She turned back to look at Aadi, his fingers were turning blue.

"Oh my God... It's spreading fast." She said holding her son's hand.

"Let's run. I have a feeling we can't find a cure in the middle of the jungle anyways." Aadi said.

"Physical activity will make it spread even faster honey!" Aadi noticed his mother started to panic.

"Mumma... You can't treat me here and Juro is coming. let's get going as long as I can walk."

He said holding Adrika by her shoulder. She nodded urgently and they started running. The hike through the dense forest with Aadi's condition wasn't easy yet they both were familiar with nature so much so that it was fast going. Aadi was falling short at places but he refused to stop until he absolutely had to which made Adrika even more anxious.

"We can't be that far from it now. Just a day I would say. Jay gave us the shortest route. The only time I need to use my power I can't because Juro can trace the magical signals..." Adrika was mumbling while running suddenly she heard a thud. "Aadi..." She yelled running to him. She held him to her heart as if, if she let go her son would leave. Aadi had finally collapsed around noon.

"Aadi.. wake-up. I didn't survive the whole Mahabharata and sacrificed myself to watch you die on me like this. Wake up..." She yelled as if she was in pain.

Aadi didn't even flinch. With all indications showing his death Adrika wasn't ready to accept that. She was sitting with head in her hands, leaning against a tree near Aadi. She was crying then smiling then crying some more. Suddenly she started singing softly, a lullaby of her own. The one she sang often to Aadi.

Close your eyes, little warrior, rest your weary head,
The night is here to keep you safe, let dreams be softly spread.

Sleep, sleep, dream away,
The stars will light your way,
Rest now, brave heart, till the morning breaks,
In your dreams, new strength you'll make.

Lay down your sword and shield, let the calm embrace,
The moonlight's gentle whispers guide you to a peaceful place.

Sleep, sleep, dream away,
The stars will light your way,
Rest now, brave heart, till the morning breaks,
In your dreams, new strength you'll make.

Sleep, sleep, brave and true,
The night will watch over you.

It was a simply worded lullaby that became favourite of all the boys during war. Adrika was totally broke down while singing the song it was soft yet birds of the place were slightly replicating it. She didn't noticed that she herself was changing her body had became green and she was transferring energy to Aadi while singing. The moment she reached the end of the song Aadi suddenly took a big gasp of air. Adrika immediately crawled to her.

"Oh my God! Mera bachha... Aadi can you hear me beta? Say something."

"Did you sing just now? I was with Iravan.. he said I need to go. You were calling." He said in a hoax voice. Adrika holds him tight. "Thank you Iravan!! I wish I could go to you instead."

"He said he is happy.." Aadi whispered. Adrika closed her eyes tightly.

"I'll get you to Island. You heard me?"

She said making both of them stand. Aadi was heavily leaning on her, yet the mother's determination was greater than physics at that time. They started walking again. Adrika carried her son all the way to a swamp. She didn't stopped singing or look down where she was placing her feet. The thrones and rocks that bloodied her feet let her leave a mark of her bloody footprint on that forest floor. Blood of her feet also mixed with the blood from her womb considering she just gave birth some hours ago. Hairs hung over her face, clutching her son's waist as if her life depends on it she reached the swamp. Knowing she didn't had anyway to cross it without using her powers she slowly layed Aadi's body on the soft ground and fell down looking at the other end of the swamp.

"I don't have core energy to use my powers anyways.... " She said while a small bird landed on the rock not so far. A lyrebird. She was humming the tune of her song. Adrika smiled. "Glad you liked it."

She said to the bird. Her still eyes looking at the other end just before it closed she saw a massive Dragon head emerge from the forest on the other side to drink water from the stream.

It has been 3 days since they started their journey. Adrika should have reached by now yet she didn't. Even the most patient ones were losing it by now. Mads was beside himself every passing moment. The day he reached he was welcomed by Krishn and taken to the main manor. Adrika's mannor. He stayed there before once. Although the mannor was still the same it didn't feel like before because of how Adrika wasn't living there anymore. The whole island however was a mix of modernity and nature. The landscape is a striking blend of advanced technology and lush, vibrant nature. Skyscrapers of gleaming glass and metal are intertwined with colossal trees whose branches extend to form natural bridges between buildings. The skyline is a patchwork of bioluminescent flora and holographic advertisements, casting a colorful glow over sprawling urban gardens.

In the heart of the city of season, sprawling parks and green spaces are integrated with advanced infrastructure. High-speed railways snake through towering trees, and transparent domes house exotic flora and fauna, creating a seamless fusion of nature and technology. The air is clean, thanks to advanced environmental controls, but it is also filled with the melodic sounds of mythical creatures.

In the mystical forests surrounding the city, where ancient magic still holds sway, hidden portals connect to realms of legend. Elves with cybernetic enhancements live in harmony with their surroundings, their homes seamlessly integrated into the trees and the landscape. The fae, with their ethereal wings, flit about, their bioluminescence providing a natural light source in the twilight hours.

Technology here is advanced, but it coexists with and enhances the natural world rather than overpowering it. This world thrives on a balance between innovation and tradition, where mythical creatures and futuristic advancements create a harmonious existence. If the world outside was advanced this was out of fairytales even for those who were from this time. For Dean and Sam, well it suffice to say they were still very much in awe of what was happening around them. The head of the mannor was a centaur named kaiselio. Who was as all Centaurs are very serious and wise. He alongside some witches and wizards took care of the Baby. Emma although never left the Advit's side. Sky also would check up on them from time to time. Emma actually found no trouble adjusting to Island like Leo and Sky did. That almost puzzled Leo.

"Are you fed my baby.. who's a good boy.. yes you are.." Emma was playing with Advit when Leo came. "Hi honey! Where have you been?"

"Gate. There is still no sign of Adrika." Leo said plopping down on a sitter.

"Didn't Krishn himself say she should not have taken more than one day than us? I can't imagine why we can't just send someone to search for them." Emma said softly rocking the baby.

"I don't know what's happening... First we had to leave them to fend for themselves. Now we can't even send help.. Dean is right. Krishn has lost his mind." Leo said rubbing his face with his palm.

"Or maybe he knew exactly where Adrika is. You and I don't matter how close we get to her, he is Adrika's brother. The lord himself." Emma said placing the baby down into his cradle.

"Since when you jumped into this God wagen. As far as I remember you were a proud atheist."

"Look around honey? The things you and I have seen, I'm sorry for hoping for something positive to be on our side." She replied with some irritation.

"I'm sorry babe.. I'm just really worried about Adrika." He said pulling her close. Emma hugged him back.

"I'm worried too. But I feel everything will be alright."

The same exact moment Mads came into their room. He looked haggard than usual. His eyes had deep dark circles in them as he hasn't slept in a while.

"Lee, I'm going to find Adrika. Are you coming with me?" He asked. The couple looked dumbfounded.

"What?" Emma managed to ask.

"I can't just sit around waiting any longer. I'm going. Are you coming or not?"

He said before walking out of their room. Emma motioned the witch present in the room to sit with the baby before following Mads and Leo. They both were asking Mads about his plan. With Dean and Sam trying to stop him as well. Along the way they all joined by some more people like a werewolf and Kaiselio. They both were trying to stop him as well. But it was Krishn coming from the opposite end stopped him by placing a hand on his chest.

"Maddie! Brother. Stop."

"I can't. It's been too long. I'm tired of waiting and starting to regret not looking for her sooner. So if you know what's best for you Krishn, get out of my way.." Mads said.

"Mr. Coleman our warriors have been searching for her highness around the radius of Island. If anything bad aught to happen to her we would have known by now." The werewolf said.

"I don't care. I don't trust any of...." He stopped abruptly. They all looked confused at him.

"Mads?" Sam asked. Mads gestures for him to be quiet.

"What's happening?" Sky asked.

"Shhh... Listen.." mads said. They all quiet down to listen. The birds were chippering in a specific tune. "What bird is that?"

"A lyrebird. Why?" Kaiselio said. "They mimic tunes of songs."

"The tune.. Krishn tell me I'm not mistaken." Mads said looking at Krishn. Who gave him a smile before holding his arm.

"She is here." He said as they both hugged each other.

"What tune?" Sky asked.

"The warrior's lullaby. Adrika's song for her sons." Mads said. "Where did this bird came from?"

"I'll find out." Kaiselio said before walking away.

They patiently wait for Kaiselio who didn't take that long. After an hour or two he came back with news.

"There was an incident in the South part of the Island. They found some people 2 days ago. We have reasons to believe they are Her highness and her son. They were injured so the tribe is taking care of them." He informed.

"Why haven't they informed us?" Sky asked.

"The gifted cave kin are the outcast of Island. They have differences with the city of season and the rulers of Island since the age of Prince Consort Nakul. Legend has it, after The death of Queen supreme Adrika idivita, the Prince Consort supposed to go and meet every tribe to show his leadership and thank them for their support. But as he was so broken by losing her highness, he didn't take control at all. It was Lord Prativindhya who took charge. Because he wasn't as familiar with customs he didn't go to them either. His focus was his family and city of seasons. Although all the other clans understood the situation, the gifted cave kin, took it as an insult. Since that day they aren't as proactive in the city's affairs. Their loyalty to Queen supreme Adrika was greater on their pride to leave or publicly fight the island but they do keep to themselves." Kaiselio replied.

"Wow! We never considered how hard everything was for Prativindhya and others to manage everything after Adrika." Emma said.

"Now if we go to them will they be willing to co-operate?" Mads asked.

"We will send some representatives with you. They will navigate the conversation. Alpha Jorang was the closest person to do that, the Wolfpack always been close advisors of the royal family so he is the one who had been with the royal family when they deal with The Gifted cave kin." Kaiselio replied.

"Where is the royal family anyways? We have been here for days, we haven't seen anyone." Dean asked.

"Due to some personal mission, the representative of the royal family isn't on the Island. But be assured, we will do everything possible to help you." He replied curtly.

"Hard head." Dean said under his breath.

             Adrika woke up suddenly crying out Aadi's name. She was held down by a very rugged looking man with dark skin and chopped gray hair. The only soft thing about him was his kind hazel eyes. In her panic Adrika couldn't understand anything he was saying but she felt a needle on her arm and her body fell limp.

"You are safe. The young man too. He is recovering faster than you." He said in a gruff voice. Adrika looked at her arm. "Ah... That was a body paralyzing drug. I can feel your power and this is unknown territory for you. I don't want you to hurt yourself or any of my staff. So lay down for a minute. Look around and calm your nerves. After that I'll give you the  antidote."

       Adrika looked around. The room was unique with its eerie fusion of ancient and contemporary aesthetics. The space felt like a cavernous grotto transformed into a Gothic sanctuary. The walls, raw and jagged like the inside of a cave, were softened by dark velvet drapes that cascaded to the floor in dramatic folds. Dim, flickering candlelight cast long, undulating shadows across the rough stone, giving the room a hauntingly beautiful ambiance.

        The bed was an imposing piece, its ornate, wrought-iron frame featuring intricate, dark motifs reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals. Heavy, embroidered fabrics in gray and blacks adorned the mattress, creating a mirror against the cold, natural stone Overhead, an antique chandelier with twisted wrought-iron arms hung like a spider’s web, its candles burning with a flickering, ghostly light.

       In one corner, a large, arched mirror with a tarnished silver frame reflected the soft glow from the candles, adding to the room's otherworldly atmosphere. Dark wooden furniture, carved with elaborate patterns, seemed to emerge organically from the stone, as if it had been there for centuries.

      She motioned for him that she was ready. He got up from the plush chair in the corner and came to her. She watched hisevery move when he picked up a syringe and gave her the shot.

"Don't make me regret giving you the antidote, woman." He said sternly. Adrika felt the tightness in her muscles to relax a bit.

"Where is my son?" She asked the moment she could talk. The man helped her sit with her back against the bed frame.

"Son? We thought he was your brother. Well he is just next door sleeping." He sat down on the bed facing her. "I'm rain. Can you tell me your name?"

"Is this Island?" She asked already figuring out who this person was. because she knew she had reached Island. She felt whole again will all her elements intact.

"No no.. you give me an answer then I will give you answers. That's how it works." He said with a chuckle. "So what's your name?"

"When I gifted these caved mountains to a rugged rough mountain warrior tribe who lost their homes and came to take refuge under me, I didn't think centuries later The Gifted Cave Kin would still be living in caves." Adrika said with her head down. She then slowly raised her eyes to the man and saw realisation washed over his face. "It's nice to see you, Rain Akahari. I'm Adrika Idivita."

"Your Majesty!" He slid down to the floor and bowed his head.

"Finally...." Adrika took a long breath. "Home!"

An
She is home. So am I.
You can expect faster updates.

Also anyone interested in the song

https://suno.com/song/07e9a01c-a7d2-4341-8533-083b2e54f786

Love
Pragyna