Chapter 10: The Wait is Over

The atmosphere in the room was one of relief and newfound understanding. With the ritual complete, a sense of closure washed over them.

"Now that the ritual is done," Alan began, addressing Ryland, "you can reclaim your true family name, Dragonheart."

Ryland nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the weight of the name he hadn't heard before.

Turning his attention to O'kuyo, Alan said, "And as for you, O'kuyo, the name you bear now is from your mother, Catarina Moukoko. You may use your father's name, Kalitesi, if that's what you want."

O'kuyo paused, suddenly realizing there was much he didn't know about his own past. "Tell me about my mother," he requested.

With a solemn expression, Alan replied, "Your mother, Catarina Moukoko was your father's assistant and also a lover. She's a brilliant scientist with a knack for blade handling, especially with scalpels. I trained you in dagger skills because I saw that same talent in you."

Gratitude welled up in O'kuyo's eyes as he thanked Alan. "Where is she now?" he asked.

Alan hesitated for a moment before answering, "She accompanied your father on that mission with Xavier. So that's also the last time we heard of her along with the others."

Accepting this revelation, O'kuyo replied, "I'll keep using the name Moukoko. It's the name I've always known."

Ryland, curious about his own name change, asked Alan, "Why did you change my surname to Vorheus?"

"Ryland, I did that to protect you from the enemies your father had," Alan explained. "We don't know who's watching. And the Vorheus name is safe. Eventhough I am also a general in Xavier's Army, but I have always operated in the shadows. Most of the army didn't even know of my look or my name. Most of them only know the General of Shadow's name as General Shadowstrike. So, giving you that Vorheus name is the safest way I can think of. "

Hearing this explanation, Ryland replied "I think i will also keep on using this name. The name I grew up with. And Vorheus is the family name of the only family I member I ever known." Tears of gratitude and understanding formed as Alan hugged Ryland and O'kuyo tightly. Lambda, witnessing the emotional reunion, discreetly wiped away a tear.

Suddenly, a soft squeak broke the moment. Ryland's eyes widened in surprise as he understood White Boy's plea for food. Excusing himself, he went inside and returned with a chunk of meat from the freezer, feeding it to the bat.

Lambda, visibly impressed, asked, "How did you understand him?"

"I don't know," Ryland admitted. "When it make a sound just now, it's like I can hear words."

The group was amazed by Ryland's newfound ability.

White Boy squeaks again. "He just said something to you," Ryland said.

"What did he said?" Lambda asked coriously.

"He said, shut up old man," Ryland replied with a laugh.

Mr. Lambda quickly give a slow kick to Ryland's butt and replied, "He could mean your Grandpa, you know".

Suddenly, Lambda's communicator rang. A communicator is a tool similar to smart phone in the Old World. But a communicator is like a small chip that people stick by their ears. He stepped away to take the call and returned with news. "That was Rocco. He's sorted out the monster bodies from the mine. I've given the miners the day off tomorrow. So, i am going to take my leave first."

As Lambda walk away to his truck, he turned his head to look at this weird family. The legend, the stories, and the weird things he has seen today, is all coming from this weird family. He wave at them and leave the house compound.

The evening settled into a comfortable routine after dinner. Ryland found himself at the sink, washing dishes, with White Boy perched nearby, offering a helping wing in drying. It was a simple act, but it filled Ryland with a sense of warmth and companionship.

As Ryland made his way to his room later, he passed by O'kuyo's door and glimpsed his friend engrossed in his nightly reading. Noticing Alan standing outside, lost in thought, Ryland approached him.

"Grandpa?" Ryland called softly.

Alan looked up, his eyes meeting Ryland's. "Come here," he said, motioning for Ryland to join him.

They stood side by side for a moment, looking at the stars twinkling overhead. Alan broke the silence, "What are you planning to do now, after everything you've learned today?"

Ryland hesitated before replying, "What did you do when you first heard about Xavier's disappearance?"

Alan's face darkened with memories. "I sought answers from the Oracle. But instead of guiding me to Xavier, she told me that my path was different. She said I was destined to spend years in Minty Town, raising children, and to forget my life as an assassin and spy. She assured me that one day, something significant would lead us back to Xavier. Until that time, I was to wait."

"And you think that time is now?" Ryland asked, his voice tinged with hope.

Alan nodded, "Finding the staff feels like the end of that wait."

Eagerly, Ryland proposed, "Then let's search for Xavier's party together, as a family. We can do this, Grandpa."

Alan looked taken aback by the suggestion, uncertainty clouding his features. "That's a big decision, Ryland," he said softly. "Let me sleep on it. We'll discuss it with O'kuyo in the morning."

With that, they parted ways for the night, each lost in thought about the future and the possibilities it held.

Ryland went to bed with the staff by his side. Looking at the staff, suddenly he call out White Boy. As White Boy came out and quickly hang himself on the room ceiling, upside down. "You sleep there tonight, White Boy. Don't come sucking my blood while i'm in my sleep," said Ryland.

"I dare not, Master," White Boy responded.

Ryland goes to sleep, hoping that tomorrow gonna show him something better. Unbeknownst to him, something terrible might happen tomorrow.