Where One Road Ends , Another Begins ( Part 1 )

When the Little Prince Vajrandandaka woke up once again, he was on horseback, the

forceful, jolting movements immediately causing him an unbelievable amount of pain. He was unable to hold back a pitiful moan, though until now, he hardly made a peep despite the number of injuries he suffered. But then again, until now, he never felt safe enough to let out his inner turmoil.

The moment he came to, even without opening his eyes, he already felt the familiar embrace. An unknown amount of joy and a sense of accomplishment flooded his brain that he was unwary of even his grievous injuries.

"Little Cactus! You're awake. Oh, thank god…!"

The familiar strong body behind him belonged to his brother. The familiar masculine scent and the muscular hand that wrapped around his little body firmly holding it in place immediately put the little prince at ease. But the pain he felt still reminded him of the facts. He remembered being gravely injured, to the point of being near death. Even if he recovered somewhat, the fact that they were moving so urgently instead of letting him rest only meant one thing. They were still on the run. He wasn't supposed to be with his brother if they were still on the run.

Anger flared in the little prince's eyes and his voice rose despite the state of his body.

"Big brother, did Shaura betray me?!" he asked, blood boiling. "What was the point of me leading Jeh-shaan's reinforcements away, if Shaura was going to lead you to me instead?!" He inquired about his disloyal captain of guard. Murderous intent flowed out of him despite how weak he was.

"I know. Ssh," his big brother didn't answer him, patting his head instead which was resting against his chest. "When you made that plan, did you anticipate that you would get hurt so badly? You almost died Little Cactus. How would I answer to mother if something happened?"

His big brother had always treated him nicely. Until he proved his wits, his father didn't pay attention to him. Vajradhaara, who was already an adult by the time he was three was the true father figure in Vajradandaka's life. Still, big brother was never this gentle with him…It was almost as if…

"Mother?" he asked, doubtfully.

Vajradhaara sighed softly. His little brother was far too intelligent. He didn't know if it was a blessing or a curse. Just a single wrong choice in one's words would give away the truth to him.

"I mean father…" he replied grimly, "How would I answer to father?" After all, their mother was already dead…

His head resting on his brother's wide chest, listening to his erratic heartbeats, a foreboding feeling rose through Little Cactus. If he had the strength to raise his head and look up, he would see that his brother's face was deathly pale, devoid of any color. And while his body was unscathed in the front, a sharp arrow had pierced him deep in the back, inches close to his heart! Even now, the arrow was penetrated deep, making it hard for him to even breathe as it jolted along with the horse's movements. But they couldn't pause for even a second, not even to cut the arrow shaft. The enemy was right behind their heels!

His voice broke, his mind assaulted with a deep sense of loss and defeat. "Big brother…" his childish voice was forlorn, causing his brother's heart to twinge.

"Don't cry…" Vajradhaara's brave and heroic visage cracked. He leaned forward and kissed his brother's face, ignoring the tumult surrounding him. "Don't cry Little Cactus. Real men don't cry."

"I'm afraid…" he admitted helplessly, tears pouring out of his eyes. Thinking of all that he had been through while in that forest, never once did he feel lost or helpless. Never once did he admit defeat even when his body was close to breaking and his mind was screaming for him to give up. But now, returning to the safest place he had ever known, he felt afraid.

"I know. That's why I'm here," Vajradhaara rubbed his brother's head. "Cactus, didn't I tell you once that I will lay down my life before I let the bad guys get to you? I think the time has come Little Cactus. Look after your sister-in-law and nephew for me."

"Big brother, no!" Vajradandaka used all his strength to clutch his brother so as not to let go. He dissolved into a fit of tears.

"Cactus!" his brother said sternly. The awe-inspiring tone jolted Vajradandaka into silence. "Ready yourself," his brother said holding the boy by the arm pits. He then shouted to the guard captain next to him. "Shaura! Take your prince back to the palace. Father already sent word that the situation is under control on his end. Grandfather also returned. The escort prepared by his secret guard should rendezvous with you near the Solitary Wind Lake."