...

Without A Resolve

"Grandpa?" Jaufasi waves at the old man.

"Good. At least someone appreciates my presence here. Come give grandpa a hug," Nuisin gestures for the little boy to go over to him.

Juda holds Jaufasi tightly and whispers, "Stay with me, okay?"

Nuisin clicks his tongue multiple times while shaking his head, "If I knew he was such a bad influence on your loyalty, I wouldn't even suggest for you to seduce him."

"Why are you here? When did the Aarthians repealed your exile?" Artemis's blood vessel glows in a bright red color every time he inhales.

"Why don't you try treating your father-in-law with a little respect?" Nuisin laughs away the matter and says to Juda, "I got a new mission for you. You can leave this current mission since your sisters told me you're a disgrace."

"And why should Juda do this new mission for you?"

Nuisin taps his cane on the wooden floor and gives Juda a reminder of what happens when he doesn't comply.

Juda, out of unconscious fear, hands Jaufasi to Artemis and goes to kneel before the old man.

"I understand. Give the details of the mission once were out of here," Juda creates a facade in his midst of agonizing fear.

"Good boy," Nuisin taps Juda's head and begins to walk out after one of his minions reopen the door.

"Mommy! Take me with you," Jaufasi climbs down from Artemis and runs to hug Juda's back.

"Would you like to take him with you?" Nuisin smiles with the flames from the fireplace reflected in his eyes.

Juda frees himself from the child's claws and says to the crying child, "Go to your father. He will love and protect you better than I can. And don't cry because I will always remember you."

"No!" Jaufasi wails as Juda stops his hands from moving.

Artemis steps a foot forward and the crowd display their best fighting stances.

Juda holds the boy's hands clapped together while he wipes the longing tears on the boy's face.

"Because I love you, I can't take you with me," Juda controls his jerking tears with a struggling smile. "Promise me that you will be a good boy. Don't be a loner like me so make lasting friendships. Listens to others but only do what you believe is right."

The boy shakes his head, "No. You don't love me! You're lying! If you love me, you'll take me with you."

The fairy musters all his strength to not embrace his son one last time; but when he looks to Artemis and with a gloomy expression, unable to even apologize, he changes his mind.

"Come here," Juda pulls the crying child into his arms. "I love you, my child, so much so that I can never forgive myself if you end up like me."

"Master, allow me to put him to sleep first," Juda asks with very poor self esteem.

"Suit yourself," Nuisin sits on a chair at the opposite corner of Artemis.

As the boy calms down and grows sleepy, he mumbles angrily, "I'm never going to sleep."

"Aren't you tired?" Juda is tired himself.

"Where's your bracelet?" Nuisin quickly stands up and observes Juda's naked wrist.

Jaufasi snatches Juda's hand away from Nuisin, "Don't touch my mommy!"

"Where's the bracelet?" Nuisin demands violently by slapping Juda's head. "Useless bastard! You can't even secure my keepsake?"