Together as Half

Prologue

100 years earlier

Viruses should not affect faeries, but this one does. Viruses should not spread this fast, but this one does.

None of Ratnam's research could have ever explained something like this, a virus wiping out entire villages, entire kingdoms, in less than a day. A virus that did not just live in the air but thrived in it. A virus that could embed itself into the plants, into the very soil in which everyone stood.

Across from Ratnam, Ema stands up. "Ratnam, it's spreading too fast. If we don't do something now, everyone in this village will be dead by sunrise." She begs, worry lacing her every word.

Ratnam could only pray with every fiber in his body that she was wrong, that they would live to see another day, another sunrise. But only a fool would hope for that.

Ema had never been wrong about anything, which was why she made such a great research partner and an even better wife. And although Ratnam hated to admit it, he knew deep down that she was right.

"Trust me Ema, I know. But unless you've got a cure, what are you expecting we do." Ratnam grunts.

Ema takes a step towards Ratnam. "We're going to die, aren't we." Not a question.

Ratnam wished that he could tell her the opposite, that they would live to see their son grow up, that they will have more children, and everything will be okay. But that is a false hope, and right now, there is nothing to hope for.

The hut's door abruptly falls open, signifying that someone had been listening. Ratnam takes one look at the small dark-haired boy and his heart shatters.

"Luka-," Ratnam's voice breaks, "What did I say about eavesdropping?" he says, without really meaning it.

What was the point anyway, the virus would be here soon.

"Daddy, am I going to die?" he sobs, a single tear escaping his eye, falling onto his golden tunic.

Ema darts toward him, scooping her son into a bone-gripping hug. "You're not going to die. Not today."

But tomorrow.

Ratnam simply could not fathom the thought of allowing his 5-year-old son to die. There was always Ema and Luka's air-magic, they could solidify the air around themselves, build a dome, and keep themselves safe from the virus. But Ratnam was no fool, he knew that they could not keep that up forever. But they would try, he knew they would. So that they could spend as much time together before the inevitable. And Ratnam would feel useless, with not a drop of magic flowing through his veins.

He thinks hard, trying to come up with a realistic solution. This cannot be the end. Ratnam's a scientist, he is meant to know the solution to things.

He rubs at his temples, urging himself to find a way. Fleeing would not work; the virus would outrun them in a heartbeat. Isolation would not work, not with the virus embedding itself into the air, spreading like mist from village to village.He has the facilities to create a vaccine- wait, that's it. An idea suddenly begins to form in his head. It's perfect. It's the solution they need.

"Ema, the research precinct." He presses, urgency in his tone.

Ema looks at him, puzzled, her blue eyes searching for a hint within his expression. He had always loved the way her faerie eyes contrast her golden skin, and the color they possess compared to the dull brown of human eyes, his eyes.

As if Ema now understands him, her eyes widen to what looks like hope, but also sadness. Sadness for everything they would be leaving behind. Sadness because she knows that a vaccine may not be created in their time.

"Ratnam, it could take years to make a vaccine, we cannot live underground for that long." She states, but she was convincing no one. Not even herself.

"Think about it, that place has supplies to last centuries and it has room to house hundreds of people," Ratnam urges, "and it's protected against outside bacteria, it ought to be."

Ema looks at him now, studying his face as if understanding his intentions. This is the only way.

"Ema, gather everyone you know in the outer villages; I'll gather everyone here. If anyone protests, leave them. We don't have any time to waste. I'll meet you at the precinct in an hour."

Luka looks at them now with confusion lacing his features, so Ratnam kisses his forehead and says "Luka, you're not dying today."

~~~

It's an hour later and people from the outer villages are flooding in from various directions. Many are carrying bags full of what Ratnam presumes are food and clothes, while some children clutch to stuffed animals, thumbs in their mouths. Perhaps Ema will be able to start a school, for Luka and the other scared children. Somewhere for them to feel like they are somewhat close to normality. But he knew better than to wish for normality. Nothing will be normal for a very, very long time.

Ema and Luka are waiting for Ratnam outside of the bunker, clearly distraught. Luka looking somewhat confused. At that age, it would be difficult to comprehend that you might never go outside again. And Ratnam hated that for him. He hated that his son wouldn't be able to grow up with nature as his mother did, as he did. His faerie ancestry will make it difficult for him to adapt to the new conditions. Ratnam can't imagine what it will be like for the full-faerie children.

It pains him to see Ema upset, despite her only being half-faerie, she's still incredibly connected to the Earth through her magic. He knows she'll miss it the most out of the three of them.

"We'll be back in no time," Ratnam lies, wrapping his arms around her reassuringly, "We'll make a vaccine soon, I promise." he says, this time not sure if he is lying or not.

The people from their village are already inside unpacking, getting used to their new life. The bunker may have eleven levels, but many of the rooms are for supplies, which means families are stuck with cramming into research rooms or science labs.

"One last look." Ratnam says, hating the shakiness of his voice.

They take one last look at the sky, the trees, and even the dirt before they head into the bunker, Luka in the middle, gripping his parent's hands. Ratnam makes sure everyone is in, and tightly shuts the door, shutting out their old life with it. This is their home now, and Ratnam has work to do.