You're Ready!

Whiskey-Jack slowly stirred awake, his head throbbing in pain, a sharp sensation originating from the top of his skull where the skin walker had struck him.

His hand instinctively moved up to feel his head, but ultimately met bandages wrapped around his head, a reminder of the battle from the night before. At least I got a good hit in, he thought to himself with a faint smile.

His hand brushed against the smooth fabric of the bandages, and despite the pain, he felt proud for standing his ground.

As he propped himself up, trying to make sense of where he was, Whiskey-Jack noticed the otherside of the bed was empty. Muskrat was gone. But before his worried mind could wander further, the sound of the door creaking open caught his attention.

Vix entered, holding a tray of steaming soup. The sight of her brought a warmth to his chest, and for a moment, he forgot about the pain in his head. Her gentle smile was as comforting as it had been the day before.

"Oh, you're awake," Vix said softly, placing the tray on his lap. "I heard what you did last night. Thank you for helping my dad. Who knows what could have happened if you hadn't been there."

Whiskey-Jack felt his face flush, She's thanking me... It felt strange to receive praise, but it warmed him. "Thanks," he mumbled, trying to hide the grin threatening to stretch across his face.

When Vix smiled back at him, the expression was full of kindness, and he couldn't help but feel a pleasant sensation.

"When you're done eating, my dad wants to talk to you in the kitchen," she said before turning to leave, her smile lingering.

Whiskey-Jack quickly finished the soup, his stomach rumbling desperately. The warm broth soothed his body and, more importantly, his empty stomach.

"I haven't eaten in two days..." he realized, suddenly aware of how much his body needed the nourishment. As he slurped down the last of it, he made a mental note, "I need to keep my strength up, especially if the rolling head comes for us again".

With his hunger satisfied, feeling a little stronger. He changed into fresh clothes, trying to ignore the throbbing in his head.

Heading to the kitchen, he found Midok sitting at the table, deep in thought. In front of him was something strange, the mushroom his father had given to him. The sight of it immediately caught Whiskey-Jack's attention.

Midok looked up as he entered, his contemplating face turning into a smile. "Well, there's our hero" he said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

"Come, take a seat. We need to talk."

Whiskey-Jack sat down, still eyeing the mushroom curiously. Midok noticed his gaze and began explaining. "We didn't have any bandages, and Muskrat mentioned you might have some in your bag," he began. "When I went looking, I found this as well."

Whiskey-Jack's heart skipped. He was angry at first, but the feeling quickly dissipated when he remembered the kindness Midok had shown them.

"My Dad gifted me that," Whiskey-Jack replied. "He told me to keep it... to use it when he thought I was ready."

"I see," Midok murmured. "And did your father know when you would be ready?"

Whiskey-Jack hesitated. He had already told Midok a lot, but this felt different. "Can I trust him with everything?" he wondered. Yet, the warmth of the house and the kindness from Midok and Vix made him feel safe.

He finally spoke, feeling his father's wisdom speak through him. "My father said the Creator had a plan for me after my first visit. I'm supposed to learn...to become stronger. He told me to visit the Creator after I was fully trained."

Midok listened intently, his hand combing through his hair as he processed the information.

"That's very interesting," he said "Your father has always been a wise man."

Whiskey-Jack nodded, "He always said I was destined for something bigger," he added softly.

Midok leaned back, twiddling his thumbs as he considered the boy's words. "I believe you're ready to visit again," he finally said. "You've shown true strength already, killing that skin walker. We can prepare for your next visit while you heal, I'll be here, watching over you, so don't worry."

Whiskey-Jack couldn't help but feel gratitude towards Midok. A gentle smile appeared on his face. "Thanks," he said. "Thanks for everything Midok."