NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Thanks for the reviews on the last chapter. This one may be a bit choppy, but I want to get to baby Bray's fate as soon as possible, so any unnecessary details will be removed. Suffice it to say that Abigail and the baby made it safely to Sika Reigns' packhouse, and Abigail and Sika are in conversation.
DISCLAIMERS: See Chapter One
Sika pulled up a chair and sat down next to his houseguest, who had her leg propped up on cushions. Abigail was lying on the couch in the living room. "Looks like you didn't break your ankle. It's just a sprain, and a minor one at that. You should be able to put weight on it in a day or so."
"My baby. Is he okay?"
"He's fine. My wife just fed him, bathed him and put him to bed. You're a very lucky young woman, and your child's a very lucky child as well. I shudder to think what would have happened if Corey and Baron hadn't been on patrol."
"I owe them my thanks."
"They'd be awfully petty-souled if they didn't stop to help. Now, you've probably guessed that I'm not here for idle chat. The sudden appearance of a mysterious young blonde woman dressed in a kimono and carrying a newborn child will obviously raise some serious questions. So I have a few serious questions to ask you."
Abigail sighed and glanced down at her lap. Well, I'm from the future, and I kidnapped my own father as an infant, and I'm going to take care of him so that he doesn't become a greedy, evil monster and destroy your home! she wanted to say, but she knew that wouldn't fly. Sika would probably either laugh at her or have her executed. She would have to fabricate a story that would sound somewhat plausible.
"I'm not in any trouble, am I?" she ventured, cautiously.
"Well, all I can say is, be as honest as possible, because the Reigns pack doesn't tolerate liars. What is your name, child?"
Well, here goes. "My name is… Abigail. Abigail Wyatt."
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Wyatt. So where are you from?"
"I'm from the Eastern realms." Not quite a lie. She did come from the Eastern realms, only it was the Eastern realms from the future.
"And what do you do there?"
So far, so good. "I study under Shinsuke Nakamura."
Sika nodded. "I see. Nakamura often takes in young adults so that he can impart his knowledge to them. He likes to educate the next generation. So the next question is, where did you find the child?"
"I… I found him floating in the stream. I was looking for someone to help me, and… I guess you know the rest."
"That's all we need to know right now." Sika gave Abigail a kind smile. "I'd expected some elaborate story, but the fact that you were so straightforward tells me much about your character, Miss Wyatt."
Abigail let out an inward sigh of relief. Keeping her answers simple had been a good strategy. And she wasn't technically lying. She just left out the unnecessary details. "Thank you. What's gonna happen now? With me and the baby, I mean?"
"Well, there's going to be a hearing tomorrow morning with the Council," Sika answered. "The baby that you found, we have to determine what to do with him. Then we'll make arrangements for you to return to the Eastern realms with Shinsuke."
Abigail felt her pulse quicken. "I won't be punished, will I?"
"The Council is fair and just," Sika assured her. "They will make sure that the right thing is done for you and the baby. In the meantime, get some rest. You have a busy day tomorrow..."
~~~AGARTHA~~~
Later, Sika and his wife, Patricia were in quiet discussion after everyone else was asleep. "How could she have possibly come from the Eastern realms?" Patricia asked.
"Nakamura has often selected students from other places besides the Eastern realms, so choosing someone from someplace else isn't uncommon."
"But I see no record of an Abigail Wyatt in any of our books. If she's one of Nakamura's students, then that record would show up here, would it not?"
"Not necessarily. Remember who, or rather what, Nakamura is. Kitsunes such as Nakamura often use trickery to conceal the identities of their students, for their protection, of course. But that's neither here nor there at the moment. What's more important is the child she has with her." Sika paused. "Wait. I think I have a mindlink from Corey."
Alpha Sika, Baron and I found a woman near the edge of our territory. It looks like she's recently given birth.
Is she alright?
No. Her wrists have been slit. It looks like she took her own life. We found a sharpened bone nearby, covered in blood.
What does the woman look like?
Red hair, tattoo on her right arm.
And she recently gave birth, you said?
It looks like it, yes.
Oh ….oh, my!
Something the matter, Alpha Sika?
If that's who I think it is, Corey, then we may have a serious problem.
Do you think …
Yes. I think you just found Lita. And we're in possession of her offspring.
~~~AGARTHA~~~
The next morning ...
Abigail gazed down at the sleeping infant in her arms. How could something so innocent and sweet looking become someone so twisted and evil, she wondered, a lump rising in her throat. Bray's fate was being discussed with, and would be decided by, the magical creatures that made up Agartha's Council.
She was sequestered in a small room while the Council debated her father's fate. A sigh escaped her lips as she leaned back in the chair she sat in and let her mind drift:
~~~AGARTHA~~~
The Council's chambers looked like a courtroom, save for the multiple judges. Abigail recognized different mystical beings seated in the room; Valkyries, Banshees, Faeries, Druids, witches, mermaids, Kitsune and werewolves. They were all here to represent their respective clans at this hearing. She saw Sika and his wife among the judges and felt some comfort.
"Abigail Wyatt," began Trish Stratus, the leader of the witches, "You've been summoned here to help us determine the fate of the child you found on the Reigns territory. After this hearing, we'll make arrangements for you to have safe passage back to the Eastern realms, where you will continue your studies under Nakamura. You are one of his students, am I correct?"
"Yes," she said calmly.
"I would probe you further, but Kitsune magic is strong. I suspect that he's got a ward on you to prevent that. I've been acquainted with Nakamura long enough to know that his intentions and his actions have always been genuine, so your honesty, Miss Wyatt, is not in question today."
"Thank you."
"Now, in order to understand our concern about this child, we'll need to explain the reason why ... " Trish launched into the story of Lita, her deal with Kane, and the subsequent downfall of both her and the Hardy Coven. It wasn't half as tragic as the story that Shinsuke had told, namely because the Council didn't know all of the details.
"Which brings us to news from just a few minutes ago. Miss Wyatt, we were informed by Corey and Baron that they located Lita's body last night, not far from where you found the child. Her wrists were slit, and it's obvious that she took her own life. Also, from all appearances, she recently gave birth. I think it is safe to say that the child you're holding belonged to Lita.
"Now, what makes this a concern is the child's paternity. We are all more than convinced that the child is the result of Lita's ill-conceived attempt to protect herself, her pack and the Hardy coven."
"And," added Natalya, who was one of the Valkyries in attendance. "Kane knew what he was doing when he stalked Lita. He didn't do it for grins and giggles. He was looking to acquire an heir. That story will have to be told another time, because it's a bit involved. Right now, the child is what's more important. He's very dangerous."
"Why is the baby dangerous?"
"The child is a half-demon. He has demon powers that Kane can use to take over Agartha… " there was more to Natalya's explanation, but Abigail didn't need to hear it. A chill began to seep through her body as she guessed the Council's intentions.
It was becoming clear to Abigail as each of the Council's representatives gave their opinion. Even as an infant, the Council considered Bray Wyatt a threat.
~~~AGARTHA~~~
Abigail was horrified when the Council made its decision.
"NO!" she exclaimed. "You can't kill him! He's a baby!"
"A baby who happens to be the spawn of a powerful demon," explained Alexa Bliss, who represented the Faerie vote. "We've had enough trouble with Kane, especially after the Lita fiasco. We can't take the chance of Kane claiming this child and using it for his own gain."
"Kane, you see," pointed out Sasha, another Valkyrie, "Is associated with a powerful group of Basilisks called the Authority. The Authority is obsessed with gaining power and control over everything and everyone in this realm. We have a tenuous peace between them and the rest of Agartha. Kane and this offspring could tip the balance in the wrong direction. If that happens, Agartha is in serious trouble."
"He's not even… I don't know, three days old?!" Abigail wailed. The baby in her arms began to whimper, almost is if he knew what was in store for him. "He's not even aware of what he can do! You're going to kill a child because of who his father is? That's not fair to him!"
"Miss Wyatt," Sasha continued, gently. "We have to put the safety and security of Agartha ahead of our personal feelings. Believe us when we say that this was not an easy decision to make."
"Not an easy decision?!" Abigail looked like she was going to cry. "From the moment I saw this baby, I knew I had to do what I could to give him a chance to live. I didn't know what his origins were, or how he was conceived. Now that I know, I still want to give him a chance! You're all gonna condemn him because of who his father is? How would you feel if you'd found him instead of me? Would you want to kill him then?"
"I'm sorry, Abigail." Sika spoke up, then, his eyes and heart heavy with regret. "I can see how attached you've become to that child. I voted to spare him, but majority rules. We have to put the well-being of Agartha first. If you wish, you can say goodbye to the child and leave with Nakamura before we... do what we need to."
The baby began to cry in distress, and Abigail pressed him closer. She gently smoothed out his curls and kissed his forehead. Her spine became steel, and her eyes became flinty as she turned to face the Council. If her father died, then so would she. But at least she could say she tried to save him.
Maybe I have, in a way, Abigail thought. Agartha would be safer without him… but I hate the thought of my father dying before he even has a chance to live.
"You know what," she whispered. "If you're going to kill him… then you'll have to kill me as well."
Trish stared at Abigail, dumbfounded. "You'd sacrifice your life for a child that you don't own?" she gasped.
"I will if I have to," Abigail answered, unafraid.
The silence that followed was thick enough to slice. Each member of the Council studied Abigail with varying degrees of awe. The young girl's courage and nobility was admirable. Fruitless, perhaps, but admirable.
Abruptly, the silence was shattered by a familiar voice. "Council, I'm sorry I'm late."
Abigail turned, and her heart soared. Shinsuke suddenly appeared in the room, like he'd materialized out of thin air. She schooled her features to hide her joy and relief. Even the baby quieted down.
Sika got up and greeted him warmly. "Shin, you certainly know how to make an entrance. I was about to send for you. Your student, found an infant in our territory."
To Abigail's surprise, Shinsuke chuckled. "She's quite talented. I've been teaching her teleportation, and I'm quite surprised that she made it all the way here. Thank you for looking after her." He approached Abigail. His gestures were kind, and his voice was soft. "Let me see that child, Musume."
Without hesitation, Abigail gave Shinsuke the baby. The Kitsune looked like a natural father as he cradled the baby in his arms. The child babbled in contentment as Shinsuke ran a finger across the tiny face and stroked the soft curls on his head.
Still holding the baby, Shinsuke glanced around at the Council. "This is the child in question?"
"Yes," Sika answered. "That's the offspring of Kane and Lita."
"I sense tremendous power in this child. Power that can go either way. If it's channeled improperly, it could be catastrophic to Agartha."
"Which, unfortunately," sighed Sika, "Is the reason why the Council has chosen to..."
Shinsuke's expression grew from soft and kindly to hard and steely as he finished Sika's sentence. "Condemn him to death, simply because of who his parents are?"
Silence.
"You should be ashamed of yourselves!" Shinsuke spat, fiercely. "Choosing to take the life of a child!"
"Well, what do you suggest?"
Shinsuke handed the baby back to Abigail. "Well, now that I'm here, I suspect that I'm now the deciding vote, as to if this child lives or dies. And I vote to spare him."
"Why would you want to spare this… demon spawn?" Trish demanded.
"Because, Ms. Stratus… I'm this (air quotes) demon spawn's Seer."
A collective gasp went up from the Council members.
Shinsuke continued. "And I see good things in his future if his powers are channeled properly. So, I want to offer a proposition. If one of you is willing to shelter the infant part-time, then I'll train him to use his powers properly when he is of age. He'll spend most of his time in the human world, where my sister, Asuka, owns and runs an alternative medicine clinic. Asuka, as you know, is recovering from a corruption of Phoenix power, and I believe raising the child will be good for her. My student will live with Asuka when she's not studying, and she'll help take care of the child as well. I think it would be a disservice to both of them if they are separated. And if this child causes any type of trouble, then I'll take full responsibility."
"It's obvious that you've put some thought into this. But do you understand what it is you're getting into, Shin?" Sika asked. "If this child's powers put us in danger in one form or another, you could face severe consequences."
Shinsuke smirked. "All the more reason for me to do the right thing." He paused then, and turned a pointed gaze at Sika and his wife. "So, who's willing?"
Sika locked eyes with Shinsuke. It was now clear to the Reigns' Alpha that the Kitsune expected him to shelter the child. After all, he'd voted to spare the baby's life. A sigh escaped Sika's lips. Shinsuke truly had him over a barrel. "I guess my pack will take that responsibility…"
~~~AGARTHA~~~
Later that afternoon...
"I don't know how to thank you, Shinsuke," Abigail was practically dancing as she kept up with the Kitsune's pace. The two of them were heading to Asuka's shop and residence to get everyone settled in. The baby was safely in Abigail's arms, and a bag with diapers, formula, and other baby essentials swung from her shoulders. The three of them had just left the Reigns' packhouse, and they were safely out of earshot of everyone. "You saved me and the baby, and you're a total stranger."
"They don't know that," Shinsuke grinned. "All I know is that I'm the Seer for that child, and I take my responsibilities very seriously. Now that we're away from everyone, I think introductions are in order, at least on your side. You know me already as Shinsuke. But what's your name?"
"Abigail Wyatt."
"Abigail… hmmmm. You seem familiar to me. Perhaps I knew you in a different lifetime. And you look like the type who would do anything for the ones she cares about."
"You could say that," Abigail said, wryly.
"And the baby, have you decided on a name yet? After all, you found him."
Just as Shinsuke uttered those words, the baby sneezed. It was an odd-sounding sneeze, like the tiny whinny of a foal, or the cry of a baby donkey.
Abigail smirked. Some things never changed. "He sounds like a little donkey. I think I'll name him Bray. And I'll give him my last name."
Shinsuke nodded thoughtfully. "Bray Wyatt. I like that. It fits in, and yet it stands out. You better not tell him how he got his name when he gets older, though." He and Abigail chuckled. "Now, if we arrive at our sister's place early enough, maybe I can persuade her to make us some dinner. She makes a rice bowl with purple rice and tempura peppers that is to die for…"
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Hopefully, the chapter wasn't too choppy, but like I said at the beginning, I wanted to get Baby Bray's fate decided quickly. I'm not one for courtroom drama. And if you're wondering, "Why did everyone believe Abigail's story so quickly?" there's a reason, which will be explained in later chapters.
I'll be doing a time jump in the next chapter, which is when the story will pick up. Bear with me, I'm still kinda rusty with my writing, and getting back into a good flow will take some time.
REVIEWS = LOVE