Pirapancam I was doing what most Eternals do … enjoying the time of silence. Admiring the gardens that I had spent over millennia completing. My one and true passion! I sat in my gazebo listening to the small birds sing. Easing my weary mind from the consistent worry! The anxiety builds in my chest each time I think of Mannel and what he is capable of doing. The dread of him causing another purge was never out of my mind. Five times he was the main cause of such disasters. The last one took eighty five percent of living organisms from the physical world. To top that off, each species from the other realms lost twenty five percent of their populations … some more than I care to think of! I was pulled out of my mind when I could feel Cancer pushing at the back of my head. Steading my emotions … Opening a link up to him, 'Dear Cancer, how are things going?' I said pleasantly. Clearing his throat. 'I am doing well! I thought I would let you know that I spoke with Mirna!' His tone was flat. This told me he had information that I was not going to like. I have known Cancer and his bloodline since the time I made my residence here. The bloodline was a strong one … not one to be trifled with. They had their ways and it was not to be messed with. I remember the first Cancer to show herself to me. Making a bargain that would ensure her future generations and my existence as well. I did not wish for this great creature to bow to me nor would she and the others that followed her. We had an understanding, for both sides to live …. The other must work together. Before the last purge, we plotted together to make sure the other would survive the vile cruelty Parppavar and Mannel inflicted on those they believed to be unworthy to be in existence. Up to this point it had always been … secrecy, hiding and collecting those that required help. 'How is my daughter doing?' I asked, longing for Merna to reconnect with me. 'Your daughter is stronger than you let on! If I were mistaken, I would assume that she had been practising her skills more than you had told me!' I could hear the hint of irritation in his voice. Unlike the previous Cancers, this one did not take kindly to lies! He accepted that I had secrets that I kept to myself. When those secrets turned into a lie, that is when this man would show his displeasure. 'That is interesting! Since Merna hates power and prefers to do things the old-fashioned way. Are you sure that your observation is correct?' I inquired. Sounding sure of himself, 'I felt her energy! She has gone further past the entry level! Your daughter has advanced skills that she should not have!' Cancer was starting to sound more irritated. 'Merna has never been forthcoming with information!' I sighed, 'Of all my children she is the one that does have a strong-spirited manner!' Cancer began to chuckle, 'I would agree with you there. I also wanted to inform you that she has found her mate! You need to be forthcoming with information that belongs to her. If you do not, once I have gained her trust ... I will tell her myself!' "Cancer!' I pleaded, 'It is not the time! My daughter is in a great deal of danger!' I was not ready to disclose the truth to her! ‘Pirapancam … we are all in great danger!’ Cancer was huffing and puffing with anger. 'The longer you keep her in the dark, the more danger she will be in!' I could hear the frustration in his tone. 'Since the beginning of your daughter's creation ... She has always been endangered. It is best she knows what she is facing … faces her etiri! It is more dangerous not knowing … not knowing what she is up against at all will get her killed …. AGAIN!' I understood what he was saying to me! What parent does not want to protect their child, even if it means to protect them from themselves! 'Cancer!' I began, 'I can not do this to …!' He cut me off, 'As a parent to another parent!' I knew I was going to receive a tongue lashing. 'I equipped my son with the skills to serve everything that comes his way. He has become a stronger individual because of everything that I have taught him. MIRNA needs the same respect! I will be teaching her our skills. But I will not lie to her … nor will I shelter from reality! If you do not tell your daughter what the dangers are and who her etirikal are ... I will by the next blood moon.' I could tell that Cancer wanted to say more but refused to say further words to me. I sat there where I was as I felt the connection end. I knew he would do it! The paravai have always found loyalty in their ranks. As long as I have known about them, it did not matter what birth rank one could be, if they were paravai … they would choose them first over any other species. I yelled the name of my seer, the second I spotted her I screamed out, "Cancer is going to tell Merna everything! What should I do?" My seer did not reply to my concern. Getting a teacup she made herself a drink, “It is customary to serve tea or a beverage before you bombarded someone with questions that you already know the answer to!” She took a sip of her tea. “Please Helenius?” I pleaded with her, “Tell me some good news!” “You know just as much as I do! Since the timeline has been messed with … I have not been able to see anything worthy of passing on to you. I do know one thing … Cancer might be onto something … If Merna knows who her mates are, she will soon find out! She always does!” She took a sip of her tea, “You are going to want to prepare yourself! She will want you to tell her the truth … again!”