Chapter 26

Chapter 26

{ The lost Memories, part1 }

{ Потерянные воспоминания }

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{ Nikolai's POV }

Everything was dark.

.

.

.

Pitch dark.

.

.

.

I floated in this dark empty space for what seemed like hours.

I don't seem to recall what caused me to be in this dark realm. The last thing I remembered was when an arrow made of ice pierced my shoulder then everything turned dark all of a sudden.

I really need to get back, Artom and Igor would get really anxious about me. Over the years, I have taught them whatever they need to survive. But there is one thing I learned about my two sons: they are too dependent on me. There was nothing wrong with that though, I love to help them and I will help them as much even risk my life for them because they are my kids.

But a time will come when I won't be able to be there for them, I pray that that time may never come, but who can predict the future? All I can do is to prepare them for that.

To be really honest, I don't have many plans for my own future. All I have ever done since I woke up in this forest was to survive, protect my children and keep us all fed.

Well, there is also that promise I made with Rosseweisse. Yeah... This is going to be tough, I should really think about how I'm gonna make a living. Unlike her, I'm an illiterate man who can speak only Russian and my only good points are that I can fight and can cook.

Hmm... You know what, being a cook doesn't seem that bad.... I think I'm going to become a cook! like the one Rosseweisse told me, the one who owns those shops called restaurants. I'm going to earn plenty of money and live a comfortable life.

Yeah... That sounds like a good plan.

But first I need to get out of this dark place I have been here for too long. Now how do I leave this place, is there a door or something?

As I thought of that there was a distant white glow that originated from the distance and it seemed that be getting brighter and brighter by the second. Soon it turned into a blinding light that quickly enveloped me and just like that I excited this dark realm.

Or so I thought.

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{ 1988AD February, USSR }

There is only one month left before the winter season comes to an end, and the melting snow will reveal the greenery of the Arkhangelsk Oblast. Situated in Northwestern Russia, this region is primarily known for its timber and fishing industries.

Now in the remote parts of this region, was a small village named " Belyy les " With it being kilometres away from the closest town and surrounded by a thick forest, this was a very close example of a remote village. But despite its remoteness, it did not stop people from living happy lives.

Now the main source of income for the villagers other than farming was fishing and lumber. With the latter two being more important than the previous one. Farming can only be done in warm seasons but when winter sets in, fishing and lumbering are going to feed everyone's families.

In this humble village was a house where the Volkov family lived. The house shielded its occupants from the unforgiving cold of the Russian winter, who were preparing themselves for a day of hard work.

" Aroha, is breakfast ready? " said a man as he parted the curtains to the kitchen. The man was noticeably tall, broad-shouldered and muscular. Although he had an intimidating look because of his beard, his wife smiled at her husband with fondness.

" It's almost done dear. " Aroha was dressed very warmly and with a Ushanka to top everything off. When looking at the two couples one could clearly see the difference just based on their skin tone. The husband was your stereotypical Russian man; Grimm and stoic-looking, with blonde hair and pale skin. The wife however was caramel-skinned and the most prominent feature was the very distinct tattoo on her chin, which showed that she was not from Russian soil.

" Boris, are the children up yet? Nikolai is going to be late for school. " Aroha said in a worried tone as it was already 6:30 and school starts at 8 o'clock.

" Nikolai is up, but Anahera is still in bed. " On mentioning their daughter's name their faces filled with gloom.

it had been a few months since they found out that their lovely daughter was diagnosed with autism and it was a heart-wrenching news to the Volkov family, especially to the mother who blamed herself for bringing such a heavy burden to her daughter.

" Aroha. " Boris pulled his wife from her gloomy thoughts, " It's not your fault you know. This thing can happen to anyone. "

I know that, Boris, but... she looked at her husband's face with her eyes brimming with tears. It's just that I feel as if I may have brought my ancestors' wrath upon our dear daughter.

Boris could see the sadness in her eyes wasted no time and wrapped her in a hug consoling her. " Hey, I have told you already, it's not your fault. "

" B-but what about her future? " she sobbed, " I don't want her to suffer, I just want her to have a happy and normal life. "

" Aroha. " He called again and she cast her teary face to his, who had a very determined look.

" You remember the first thing I said when I met you? " Boris asked. And memories filled her mind of all the fond moments they had experienced. But the very first words that he said to her were deeply engrained in her and she gave a sad smile.

" I will protect you no matter what. "

Boris smiled, " This, I will say again... I will protect you and our family no matter what. "

Filled with overwhelming emotion, Aroha gave a deep kiss to her husband who kept his large hand on her head and rubbed it lovingly.

Once they parted from the affectionate moment, they placed their forehead together.

With a smile, Boris continued, " Also she has the greatest brother she could ever have. "

At that moment, two small children arrived at the kitchen.

Nikolai Borisovich Volkov and

Anahera Borisovna Volkov.

Nikolai had inherited his mother's skin tone and her face, while his physique was inherited from his father as he was bigger compared to most children in their village.

Anahera on the other hand inherited most of her physical features from her father, from her blonde hair to her beautiful blue eyes and beautiful fair skin.

Nikolai held his still-sleepy sister's hand and gently led her inside the kitchen. The young girl cast her beautiful blue eyes on her parents.

She saw that her parent were hugging each other and also wanted to be a part of it too. With a beaming smile, she dragged her brother towards her parents and hugged their legs.

" Mama! Papa! Hugs! " she giggled as she lifted her head to look at their faces. It was then that she saw her mother's teary eyes.

" Mama? You crying? Why? " she asked innocently.

Aroha quickly dried her tears and bent down to pick her daughter up, " Sweety, mama was cutting onions that's why. "

" Oh! Onions bad! "

Aroha chuckled and kissed her daughter on her forehead, the young girl giggled and hugged her mother.

Boris smiled at the sight of his family, at the sight of his beautiful wife and his beautiful children. There was nothing he could not do for them, he would gladly give his life to ensure that his family was safe from any danger that dared to harm them.

He felt someone tugging his pants, who happened to be his son Nikolai.

" Papa, what's for breakfast? "