The House of Saka (3)

Actually, Arken want to ignore Ririn's request for Alvi's sake. Broadly speaking, the letter contained a request to return to Atlan together to save their mom, Luna Endley. With the help of the Dragons and also Indra's knowledge about the ins and outs of Atlan, they should be able to bring out one person easily.

Rihan followed his dad to a little deeper through the bamboo forest of Biika city.

"Daniel, what is your thought?" For the first time in 20 years, Arken had the opportunity to speak privately with his eldest son.

"What dad is worried about; I am also worried. But do you really not intend to save Auntie Luna?" Rihan showed similar anxiety. "It's also possible that Uncle Rei is still alive even though auntie has never met him in person in Atlan." He spoke. His little heart having a little hope.

Arken still found it hard to believe in those two figures whose both came from Atlan. Not denied that Arin Valka Endley is indeed the daughter of Luna Endley. But who could have guessed Marc Horizon's plans? Who can guarantee that the returning to Atlan is purely a desire to save Luna Endley? Or maybe the two of them were merely bait that Marc Horizon set to lure Alvi into a world far more terrifying than Samsara?

"Dad, Veena understands very well about her current state and the Dragons. She also knew that you and mom were the most worried. That's why she can't really express what her true desire." Rihan started crouching and prying the ground with a twig.

"Protecting Veena does not mean taking away her rights to choose. That's not the concept of protecting that I know of. I will guard any path she is taking. Even the roughest and toughest one." Rihan continued.

"So you think we should take the risk and sacrifice Alvi's safety?" Arken asked uncertainly.

Rihan was silent in consideration. "I don't want Veena to regret later. I mean, we haven't even tried it, right? Maybe this plan really can save Auntie Luna and reunite their little family."

Arken thought carefully about his son's words.

"Daniel, can I entrust this task to you?" Arken suddenly asked.

Rihan's facial expression turned stiff instantly. Without looking at Arken, he said with a cold intonation. "There's a Raka who I'm sure can do more than you expect."

"Raka never disappoints me. Then how about you?" Arken asked wanting to know more about his son thought.

Rihan pondered for a moment. "Me in the past probably longed for your acknowledgement. But now I just want to do what I want," He replied some minutes later.

"What's that?" Arken frowned trying to guess.

Rihan stood up. He throws the twig and Lily suddenly shown up to catch the twig. The snow leopard thought Rihan was asking her to play. "You don't understand, and you will never understand, dad." Rihan snorted softly as he left the spot.

"Daniel, you still hate me because I ever gave up on you?" Arken's voice sounded desperate.

Rihan's steps stopped.

"Son, I don't want to do it either. But I have no other choice. After all you can't be raised as a Dragons." It sounded like a defense, but Arken was speaking very honest.

"Yeah, I really don't fit in that place. Their mindset is too old-fashioned and boring. But, what can I do? Mom and Veena stay at there. I have no choice but to return." Rihan's intonation was calmer.

"Even dad not requested, I will always take care of Veena like I promised to Uncle Rei," Rihan said before continued his steps.

"Daniel…" Arken looked speechless and frustrated.

"Dad, can we not discuss about my childhood? Here is still very ache…" Rihan turned around and pointed right at his chest. "Do what you thinks is right. Don't think too much about me or my opinion. I know how to position myself."

"Lily, come on..." Rihan stroked the top of Lily's head. Of course, he didn't forget the sweet creature that started to whine at his feet.

*****

To Alvi Veenessa Endley,

When I wrote this letter I was actually scared and confused. Mom may have explained in her letter who I am and what our relationship is. But I still write personally for you.

Honestly, I don't know if this letter should call you big sis or not. In fact, I don't know how to act as a sibling.

Mom often talks about you. She kept telling me that I had an older sister out there. Alone neither alive or dead. When she said that, mom always cried and blamed herself. She feels like she failed to protect you.

Although we never met, but I ventured to request you. I want us to go and save mom together. Atlan may not be a safe place for Endley descendants like us. But with me escaping, mom must be suffering even more. I don't want that to torture me or mom even more and regret it later on. I'm sure you don't want it too.

Do you want to help me and save mom?

Arin Valka Endley.

Alvi squeezed the end of the letter that Ririn had written to her. In the silence of the living room where only she and Ririn were left, the Deadly Black Flame seemed to burn up the paper into nothing.

Arin Valka Endley was amazed. She had often seen replicas of the Deadly Black Flame, but she had never actually witnessed the real one. "Big sis..."

"I have to get permission from uncle first." Alvi took a deep breath trying to wipe away the tears that almost fell.

"Arken Vaiskyler?" Ririn asked and Alvi nodded yes.

"Uncle has taken care of me for so many years. He's like my own dad. Even though I really want to go to save mom, but I have to ask uncle first." Alvi could not ignore the respect for his uncle.

She then left the house and saw Arken and Raka standing side by side on the left side of the house. Indra was across the path in front of the house. While, Rihan is nowhere to be seen.

"So?" Arken asked when he saw Alvi approaching.

"Uncle, I know uncle will forbid me to go. But I…" Alvi tried to string her words together.

"Go if you already decided. You're not a kid anymore." Arken gently patted the top of Alvi's head.

"I've asked Gina and Andra to come with you. Raka and Daniel will also help. But, sorry I can't come with you," said Arken in gently.

Alvi shook her head slowly. "I'm already very happy that uncle allow me go. I know uncle is very afraid and worried. But I can take a good care of myself." Alvi tries to convince her uncle.

At that moment, Arken gave a huge hug to Alvi. Something he rarely did and made Alvi a little shocked but happy in the same time. "I hope you and your family can really reunite." Arken wished near Alvi's ear.

"Uncle, thank you very much." There are no other words that can better express Alvi's feelings at that time other than thank you.