The atmosphere was thick with tension as we took our battle stances, though deep down, we all knew the truth—we were no match for this creature. The aura it emitted screamed danger, making every instinct in my body urge me to run. I'd never encountered anything like it before. The black scales glinted ominously in the dim light, and just looking at them filled me with dread. My mind raced with questions. Was that child its prey? Was the fox leading us here to witness this?
Suddenly, a sharp, breaking sound echoed through the cave, forcing us to our knees.
"RAAAAAWR!"
The fox, quick as lightning, positioned itself in front of the child, ready to defend, but it wasn't eyeing the python. Instead, it was focused on something behind it, in the far corner. I strained my eyes to see, but a shadowy figure remained hidden, elusive, and just out of sight.
The python let out a low, menacing hiss, almost as if it were warning us. Then, it did something unexpected—it gently caressed the child for a few moments before turning to leave. It slithered away, pausing only once to give us a final look that clearly said, Leave this place, before vanishing into the darkness.
A collective sigh of relief washed over my team as they collapsed, drained from the intense encounter. These were the best soldiers I had, brave and strong, but this creature was beyond our capabilities.
As they caught their breath, I found myself drawn to the tree where the child lay. The fox was whining softly, nuzzling the baby, who responded with a bright smile, as if comforting the small creature. When they both noticed me approaching, the fox stepped aside, almost as if granting me permission to come closer.
I gently picked up the child, cradling him in my arms as though he were the most delicate treasure in the world. His angelic smile took me by surprise, and when I turned, I saw the same awe reflected in my team's faces.
"Is that... a fallen angel?" Dean muttered, eyes wide with wonder.
"More like a celestial being," Fill added, clearly enchanted.
"Is it a girl?" John asked, peering closer.
"No," I replied, somehow certain of the answer without really knowing why.
"Let me examine him," Elly, our doctor, said as she stepped forward.
We gathered around as she conducted a quick examination. "He's fine. A boy, about three months old. His bedding... I've never seen material like this before."
"So, what's the plan?" Mac asked, breaking the silence.
"What do you mean?" Fill responded, puzzled.
Mac elaborated, "We followed a strange fox, found a mysterious cave, and now we've discovered a strange child. What do we do next? Are we taking him with us?"
"Are you suggesting we leave him here alone?" John replied, incredulous.
"He looks well-cared for. Those features... if not of noble heritage, then perhaps something more. A higher being, maybe? We already have a complicated relationship with those kinds," Mac said thoughtfully.
"You think he's a mixed breed?" I asked, studying the baby's delicate features.
"I'm not sure. He could be part elf, celestial, or even dragon. But there's definitely something unusual about him," Mac replied.
Elly, holding the baby close, asked, "So, you're suggesting we just leave him here?"
"That's crazy!" Fill said, his anger rising.
"He's right," Dan interjected. "A child left alone like this... it suggests he's been abandoned."
The words hung heavy in the air, silence falling over the group. The fox, seeming to understand the implications, let out a small sound, almost as if it were protesting the idea.
I knelt down beside the fox, gently patting its head. "We know you haven't abandoned him. You're here, taking care of him."
As if understanding my words, the child giggled softly, his laughter breaking the tension. I stood up,while Elly still holding him close, and I made a decision.
"I'll take him with me. I'll be responsible for him."
The team looked at me, shocked.
"Are you sure?" Elly asked, concern lacing her voice.
"I am. If he stays here, he'll die," I said firmly.
"What will you report to the mission? If word gets out, people might become suspicious or worse," Mac pointed out.
"Or they might send him to an orphanage," Dean added. "But with his looks, who knows what might happen to him there."
"Shut up," John snapped, unable to bear the thought.
I took the child from Elly's arms, cradling him protectively. "I'll take him with me."
The team fell silent, understanding the weight of my decision. Elly touched my arm gently, her voice filled with sadness. "Are you sure?"
I knew what she was really asking. After twenty years of marriage, my wife and I had been unable to have children. The idea of bringing this child into our home would be a painful reminder of what we couldn't have. But as I looked down at the boy's smiling face, I knew I couldn't leave him behind.
Before I could voice my doubts, Mac chimed in, "Perfect. Now you're a father. No backing out now, little one. He may look smart, but he's an idiot when it comes to his wife."
Fill chuckled, "Like she's any better."
Elly quickly smacked Fill on the head. "Don't badmouth my friend."
With the decision made, I held the child close. This would be a new chapter for all of us.
Hello, sunshines! 🌞
Here's a new chapter for you! I'll be doing my best to update as quickly as I can. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you for your support!
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My sunshine
FantasíaCertain Clingy ML: "Don't worry, I'll be responsible for you." Edmond: "Actually, I awakened my powers a long time ago..." ML: "Don't be scared, I'll protect you." Edmond: I'm not that weak... ML: "Don't cry, I'll avenge you." Edmond, who just got s...