Berceuse for The Suffering (Complete)

17. {The Akatimbuk}

As Martin and Linda embraced, their bodies intertwined like the roots of two ancient trees that have grown together for centuries. They held each other tightly, their arms wrapping around each other as though they were binding themselves together to form a fortress against the world.

As they held each other, their eyes met the monstrous image of their child standing before them. Lyli's skin was like a shimmering membrane that pulsed with otherworldly energy, her eyes glowing like a Viridian flame. Her hair floated about her face, like a halo of darkness encircling her head. A guttural growl escaped her lips as she raised her right hand and pointed a finger at Linda. "Bad," she accused.

Minerva shook as she saw the deadly aura that started to cackle from Lyli's fingertips. With a swift movement of her arm, she grabbed the young woman's arm and whispered words to her that made no sense to Martin and Linda. But whatever it was, it was enough to have Lyli bringing down her hand and shifting her eyes away from Linda.

The couple stared at Minerva as if asking her what comes next. The old woman understood the unsaid question so she backed away from Lyli and then said, "Now it's up to her. She now remembers her course."

Martin shifted his base from Minerva to Lyli. As he did so, his daughter locked eyes with him. She smiled and her sharp almost sharpened-looking teeth greeted him. Martin gave his daughter a warm smile. Before Martin or Linda understood what was happening their daughter ran toward them, grabbed Linda, pushed her away, and hugged Martin. "Daddy, help me," she said. "Daddy, it hurts.

Martin instantly wrapped his arms around her. She didn't have to say the words, he knew. He understood. As Lyli released him from their high and stepped away, tears instantly escaped Martin's eyes. Before him his daughter shook and blood started to drip between her thighs. "Oh, Lyli," he whimpered and stepped forward attempting to hug his daughter again, but Minerva stopped him.

"Don't," the old woman commanded.

Martin looked at her, puzzled.

"It is this sheltering that you have done which caused the Akatimbuk to lose its course. Do not show her warmth. She just remains the other and not the one you raised.

Martin frowned, clenched his jaw, and then answered, "You said she is still Lyli. She is Lyli."

Minerva bowed her head. "Yes, and it was a mistake. I never should have said those words to you."

"Then she is not my Lyli?" Martin asked.

"She is. But her purpose was different. She was not meant to receive hugs or kisses. She wasn't meant to stay this long. She is the veil. This is the blurry line. She is the in-between," Minerva explained.

"She is Lyli," Martin retorted. "She has Lyli's memories. She is my Lyli, buts something else."

Minerva sighed. "It's not only Linda who tipped the balance, you know. Your love for your daughter played a huge part in it. Let her go, Martin."

Martin shook his head, his heart racing as he tried to evade Minerva's attempt to block him. But with a swift sidestep and a quick circle, he was able to slip past her and embrace his daughter. As he held her close, he could feel his eyes welling up with tears. She was safe, and in his arms, he knew that nothing else mattered. If he needed to guide her and ran her course with her, then so be it.

"Daddy," Lyli whispered to his ear.

Martin smiled, "What do you want, hon? He asked.

"Kill, Lyli answered.

A gasp from Linda had Martin glancing to her and frowning. His wife looked at him with confusion.

"Daddy," Lyli said again. Although her voice was demonic, it was for Martin, the sweetest sound in the world. He no longer fear it. He couldn't tell when the fear subsided but he was okay now. Smiling to his daughter, "Okay, love. Where do we start," he asked.