A family adventure

Chapter 5.

As time past by, Nicholas had rested his chin against his fist and slowly fell asleep, this time without his painkillers. Making him sigh in relief.

Ali glanced back at Nikolas, seeing him asleep. Smiling at him knowing Nikolas couldn't see him.

Kila noticed this, "Ali, your son isn't a bird. Stop staring at him." She chuckled.

Ali wacked her on the back of her head, "Hey!" She said, laughing.

"I'm just worried. He agreed to do this. There's no way he can change this anymore." Ali spoke after a long moment of silence.

"I know. But he made his choice. And it's right." Kila said.

"Right how?" Ali asked.

"He can defend himself and others. He can stop other people from getting involved in this fight because he may say he doesn't like the world. He will defend it." Kila explained.

"When did you become so good at cheering people up?" Ali asked with a snort.

"Since I met you and Wyan." Kila laughed.

"Oh yes, we are very good teachers." Ali said in a mock teacher accent.

Kila laughed harder and the sun set. One final time before they would make it to the Temple's chopper.

Nicholas mumbled something.

Ali faced Nicholas with a worried look.

"Water... too much water..." Nicholas mumbled. Hands going to push the air away.

"Kila, pull over. Tell the chopper to come to us as well." Ali said and Kila pulled over with a worried look and pulled out her phone.

Ali got out the car and opened the door on Nicholas's side. Reaching over and unbuckling Nikolas's seatbelt and dragged him out of the car as Nicholas started screaming and gasping. Eyes closed tightly.

"Nikolas, son, can you hear me?" Ali asked, gently wrapping his arms around Nicholas and holding him close as he smacked his arms.

"Nikolas, it's me, ab." Ali said and held a squirming Nicholas in place.

Nikolas gasped and clawed at his hand "don't hurt ab. I... can take.... his place...." He gasped out.

Ali shaked Nikolas a little "Nikolas! Wake up!"

Nicholas gasped. Hands slowly going down as he struggled to breath.

"Nikolas." Ali repeated, an idea coming to mind. Slowly he started humming a song that always woke Nikolas up when he was a baby. His humming getting louder.

Nikolas gasped and slowly opened his eyes. Bloodshot and teary.

"Ab? Is that you? Are you safe?" Nikolas heaved out and tried to sit up but Ali held him closer. Refusing to let him go and stand up even as he knew Nikolas would collapse again.

"Yes, Nikolas. I'm safe." Ali gently brushed some of Nikolas's light bangs from his face.

"The man... he's after you... need to prot.. protct you..." Nicholas trailed off, voice getting lower as he slowly fell back asleep.

Ali tapped his cheek "Hey, now, stay awake Nikolas."

"But I'm tired..." Nicholas groaned.

"I don't care." Ali said. Firmly.

Nicholas groaned "ab I'm too tired to stay awake..."

"Stay awake. The chopper will be here in a minute." Ali said.