6 Two Tigers Would Always Be Cubs in Front of Their Father

It has been three days since and the lil' one has been following the training sessions to a T. This would be his last. As I focus my energy to coagulate the remaining blood essence needed for his bath, someone approached from behind.

"Uncle."

"Hmm? Well, isn't it you, Xan? You already came back?"

A man with fulgurant short white hair showed up. His broad back like a tiger's signify his immense strength. His sharp eyebrows along with his composed demeanor made him seem to be a man who wouldn't cower from any challenge.

"Yes, Uncle. I rushed as soon as I heard. Uncle, I-"

"Save it. Let me finish first."

Dejectedly, I looked away from the man. His strong image was nowhere to be seen. What replaced it was a face of worry and helplessness. His head was lowered and he was crunching his fist till blood fell. I couldn't face this once reckless tiger turn into a small kitten in front of me. I turned my attention to the finely formed drops of blood and slowly pushed it towards the bath. Small sounds of dripping were heard as ten ripples appeared on the surface of the medicinal bath. Relief came seeing that preparations were done but soon weakness overwhelmed me. My legs gave in but a helping hand came before I could've knelt down.

"Uncle. You're weak. You should rest for the day."

"Mm. I wouldn't want the lil' one to see me like this."

A large hand held up one side of waist as another held my hand and guided my arm along the back of his neck to his shoulder.

"I'll let Ayra know that the bath's ready. First, let's get you to your room."

"Mm. Thanks."

A weak voice came out of me. It obviously triggered the tiger as his firm hand shook a bit. Dizziness came and my vision blurred but I stayed awake. I wouldn't want to collapse. Especially, not in front of him. Slowly, we walked out of the place and headed into my room. I would sometimes wobble nevertheless I didn't fall as a grip as firm as dragon would hold me steady.

"We're here, Uncle."

He slid my door open and a charming chirp greeted me.

"Oh. Fen'er. You're here as well."

"Chirp, chirp, chirp."

A beautiful parrot with striking prismatic feathers flew towards me as it gave a sorrowful chirp. I reached out my hand and left out a finger from my fist gesturing it to land but the little fellow refused.

"You're worried too, huh? Don't worry. I'll be fine."

Xan helped me out to my bed and slowly put me in.

"I'm not a child. You don't have to nitpick."

"I know, Uncle. I'm just helping you out."

Soon, the little parrot flew down and landed somewhere near my neck and rubbed its soft feathers against my skin.

"That's ticklish Fen'er."

"Chirp, chirp."

It rubbed its feather harder. Seeing that I was being accommodated by the little fellow had put some ease on Xan's face.

"He was worried, you know? He wouldn't stop chirping at me to go faster."

I slowly caress the parrot's small head. Once again, I let out a small sigh. I've been sighing this past few days and it seems everyone has caught it like the plague.

"Uncle, I..."

He looked at me with his steadfast eyes and knelt down on his two knees bowing his head.

"Master. I was orphaned at a young age but you picked me up and raised me as your own. I gave you foolhardiness and selfishness and yet, you gave me your love and compassion. I was wild and became disobedient but you never abandoned me. You were always there for me. I respect you as my master but more importantly... I love you as my father. You told me to call you Uncle and I never questioned you once but please, once more, let me be selfish and call you, Father."

"Xan..."

"Master..."

Ayra's figure appeared from behind. She also knelt down refusing to give in.

"I was once an ice sculpture who knew nothing but revenge. I was tirelessly swinging my sword like a puppet till my hands were worn and my white dress were stained red. I was supposed to die back then in that murky forest but you held out a hand and told me, 'People who are lost can be guided. Just reach out I'll show you the way.' I was a lost lamb and you were my shepherd. You saved me. You taught me a lot of things. You made me feel emotions and allowed me to fall in love with this once overbearing young man. You are my teacher and you'll always will be. But a teacher you may be, you'll be a father first in my heart. So please, let us be selfish and call you, Father."

"...Do as you wish."

I collected my self as I sent my gaze towards the two. They brought their faces up and our eyes met. They were red and tears are already flowing like waterfall on their cheeks. They signaled each other with one look and kowtowed three times.

"Thank you for everything, Father."

"Thank you for everything, Father."

Silence pervaded but was shortly broken as my weak voice rang out.

"...Go. Call Green. The bath has been prepared."

They raised their heads as smiles hanged out from their faces.

"Yes. We'll do as Uncle say. If there's anything you need, just ask Fen'er and we'll immediately come.", Ayra said.

"A maid is fine."

"Uncle."

"Well. Don't let this stubborn old man hold you up. You still need to call the lil' one for a bath."

A waved my hand as a gesture beckoning them to leave me be.

"We'll be leaving Uncle."

Ayra looked towards me one more time before sliding the door close leaving along with Xan.