Canna floated in a warm, dark space, enveloped by the egg's comforting embrace. The agonizing pain from drinking Tonitrum's blood had gradually transformed into a soothing warmth. Time seemed to stand still in this darkness, and he had lost all sense of how long he had been there.
Then, the darkness around him began to shift. It dissolved slowly, revealing a new scene. Instead of the endless black, Canna now faced two figures bathed in a soft, golden light—his parents, looking younger and full of life. The sight was both familiar and strange, filling him with a mixture of curiosity and wonder about what would unfold next.
"I'm telling you, Ruseigner, the hippo enclosure shouldn't be next to the fish tanks. The filtration system will be a nightmare," Mae's voice rang out with a mix of concern and determination.
Ruseigner chuckled, his eyes twinkling with affection. "I understand, Mae. Let's revise the plans and also consider improvements for the pelican and flamingo enclosures."
Mae's smile was radiant as she looked at him. "It's nice to see you still value my input. Let's get to work."
From their conversation, Canna realized that his parents were deeply involved in planning the inner workings of their sanctuary while they were still alive. As he observed, it became clear that he was a passive spectator; he could only watch their lives unfold.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Canna watched his parents with rapt attention, feeling a mixture of admiration and sorrow. Initially, seeing them together again stirred a deep emotional response. But as time went on, he began to focus more on the practical aspects of their work. He absorbed every detail of their planning, learning about the complexities of building a sanctuary.
This rare opportunity to gain insights from his parents was invaluable, and he took careful note of their methods and considerations, understanding how crucial their expertise would be for his future endeavors.
Seeing his parents' overwhelming love and dedication stirred a deep, bittersweet ache within Canna. He observed the full circle of their journey—from their hopeful planning and sacrifices to the joyous arrival of Froja. It was a poignant reminder of the family he had lost and the love that had once enveloped him.
The joy of their new beginning was tinged with the sorrow of his own absence, leaving him with a heart-wrenching sense of what might have been.
In this dreamlike state, Canna could only watch, his heart heavy with the knowledge of how much he missed his parents and the life they had built together. The scene was both a celebration of life and a painful reminder of the emptiness left in his wake.
_______________
As the scene shifted, Canna found himself in a new, vivid moment. The warm, golden light now enveloped a cozy nursery, where his younger self, a tiny bundle of joy, was nestled in a soft blanket. Canna watched as little Froja, no older than a few months, cuddled contentedly with a chinchilla named Milo.
The small, furry creature seemed to be a beloved companion, its tiny paws gently resting on Froja's chest.
Ruseigner and Mae watched from a short distance, their faces softened with love and amusement. Mae's eyes sparkled as she observed the tender bond between his son and the chinchilla, while Ruseigner wore a proud smile, clearly delighted by the sight.
The room was filled with warmth and laughter, the gentle rustle of Milo's fur and Froja's soft giggles creating a peaceful melody. Canna's heart ached as he witnessed this intimate, joyful moment—his younger self's innocent happiness, a sharp contrast to the loss he had experienced.
The scene was a poignant reminder of the simple, pure love that had once surrounded him, intensifying his longing for the family he had lost.