-Listen to me! Why are you mad? What do you mean by revenge?
-Don't make me more angrier at you boy! – yelled the keeper as he clapped his wings, forming a strong wind current to intimidate.
Jax cross his arms trying to protect himself, but he's getting pushed back by the wind. He got no choice.
"Dusk Force: Shield"
A forcefield is created surrounding Jax, which dissipates as the wind current ends.
-I knew that it was your power – says an even more enraged Keeper – prepare to die! Don't think that your puny shields can stand my real attacks!
«Dusk Force: Sorrow Fall»
The ground surrounding the keeper collapsed as soon as Jax's technique was cast. The keeper was unaffected by it and just flew.
-You are just as dumb as that blonde brat. Essentia attacks cannot harm me. What was the point of tracking me?
-Tracking you?
-Yeah, tracking me. – said the keeper as he bowed to him, showing the purple ray's ending on his neck. -How did you have the audacity to take away that feather from her? I'll make you regret it.
The keeper was enraged as he throws countless wind slices from his winds and Jax tries to dodge the best he can. He knows that the level of his shield is not enough to stand the keeper's attacks.
-I don't get it. Why are you so mad at me?
-You even ask? How dare you steal that from Trish! What did you do to her, did you harm her?! Answer me! – demands the keeper as he prepares to tackle him at high speed.
"Ice Cover: Glacial Shields"
Before Jax or the Keeper could react to it, Leo built 5 layer shields in front of his brother. The keeper could trample over 3 and crack the fourth one, before flew high in the sky as his momentum ended. Leo showed signs of critical frostbite on both his arms with that last technique, making his arms unusable.
-Oh, I think that it has past 3 years since someone was able to block on of my tackles. I congratulate you for it, but it seems that you past your limits. You seem a good Essentia master prospect, but you are protecting someone who must die. I'll let you live if you stand back.
-What are you talking about? He's my little brother, there's no way I could let you harm him. And why does he even need to die?
-Why?! You tracked me with that feather! That brat has the feather that I left with Trish 10 years ago. She would never give away my feather to the likes of you, so you must have stolen her or even worse!
-No, this is a misunderstanding the feather was given--
-There's nothing you can say to save yourself, that is the feather I gave to her!
-Yeah, but…
-No buts, no excuses, you die with him all together, I don't care! – the keeper flies higher and with a quick flap of his wings he creates a huge cyclone. -be destroyed for all the harm you caused, and let Trish hear your screams!
"Flame Style: Fire Mound"
A column of fire is lifted on the cyclone's center, burning its air and dissipating it. Evelyn is exhausted after saving the 2 brothers, but happily conformed for achieving that.
-You are hopeless without me. You better be thankful for having such a hot beauty saving you.
-That fire is hot all right. You talk like you weren't saved by me just moments ago – responds Leo getting up – but you are right, you are a really nice woman. Thanks. -Leo innocently smiles back at Evelyn.
-Y-y-you smartass. Talking and smiling like that doesn't make me happy one bit. – lies a blushed Evelyn.
-You too little miss? Even though you make part of the Hartman family, I will dispose of you to avenge Trish.
-You know me?
-Ahahaha, of course I do, that emblem is damn bright! Your family always sends their new fledglings here for a little test, in exchange for protecting this place from the Nation's view. – says the Keeper as he landed and grabbed her by the waist with one of his claws – Are you curious? The test is divided in two parts: a test to your intuition, which is cleared for discovering the cave behind the illusion. And a second part, where you are confronted with power much stronger than yours, granting you humbleness that your silver spoon life didn't teach you until now.
-But the task is to take a Cobalt Emperor Swallow offspring. My brothers…
-Ahahaha, your brothers?! One of them even pissed himself as he stood powerless against me. I granted a feather to each one of them so that they could take it to your father, as a proof of passing the test.
-I can't believe it… - mumbles a shocked Evelyn. She reminisces the sorrowful face of her older brothers after their Swallow quest, but she thought it was just a tough battle to them.
-So as I told you that now, stand aside as I make justice for Trish. I will give you the feather after I punish them for you to give to your father.
-Wait! Trish? As in Trish Sullivan? The owner of Dear Nest?
-Yes, and these bastards definitely harm her for the feather, Trish wouldn't just give it to them. They will have to pay for it!
-No, wait! Trish is alive and well! Before I came here, I lunch at her restaurant.
-You are lying! You are trying to protect them! You can die with your frosty boyfriend, I don't care!
Evelyn becomes embarrassed once again and immediately denies it.
-HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND! Trish is alive, I'm sure of it. Look, here.
Evelyn as she takes from her bag the rest of a meal.
– Do you recognize it?
-Oh, yeah! The special meatloaf! Can I have it? – ask in unison Leo and the keeper.
-You idiot! Don't you see I'm trying to save you? Seriously, what's wrong with you? – scolds Evelyn to Leo irritated as she gives the meatloaf to the Keeper.
-But I want a piece of meatloaf too. – mumbles a sad Leo.
The keeper ate the meatloaf always staring at them, always vigilant. After second thoughts, he chose to believe in what Evelyn told, for now. The keeper got close to his intruders and open his wings, revealing a blue feathery chest.
-I acknowledge you, little girl – says the keeper as he pulls out a feather from his chest with his beak and gives to her – this is the evidence of your trial validation. Send my regards to your family.
-Thank you – thanks Evelyn as she bows – your word will be delivered.
-As for you –the keeper looks back to the brothers – I choose to believe you for now.
-For now? – inquires Leo.
Before anyone could move, the Swallow stepped on Jax with his right claw, making him unable to move.
-Yes, for now.
-What are you doing?! Let go of him! – demands Leo.
-What are you going to do? You don't even have Essentia left, I can see right through you, remember?
-Free my brother now! If you don't – as soon as he threats, the keeper slaps Leo with his wings.
-You insolent brat! You dare to threaten me? I'll give you 2 choices: you either bring Trish right here to confirm your truth, or you two die here, and I will start with this one.
-Let go Jax! We will get her here.
-Ahahaha, you think you can fool me? This is my insurance. -says the keeper grabbing Jax -You bring her back; he will keep me company.
-You think I trust you? I will…
-Leo, there's no point in resisting. I'll be fine, get Trish.
-But—
-Leo, we don't stand a chance against him as we are right now, and we will not end our journey here.
-It seems one of you can read the room. Go on, listen to your brother.
Leo reluctantly accepts it, but not before glaring at the keeper.
-Don't you dare to harm him!
-I like those eyes, boy. Full of determination, huh? – provokes the keeper as Leo disappears on the horizon. Then he focuses his eyes on Jax, as he frees him from his claw -Now us, gloomy boy.
-You want to fight? I will not give in. – Jax gather Essentia along his arm.
-Hmmm -the keeper suddenly hits Jax disarming him instantly -you brothers, really don't know when to quit. I don't want to fight you boy; I'm interested in this power of yours.
-My power?
-Yes, your power. The rarest Essentia element abilities users can trace me with applying some of their Essentia on my feathers and turn it into compasses, just like your brother; but you are different boy, I only get a glimpse of similar power once, 20 years ago.
-What do you mean? My ability is nature force, gravity.
-Oh yeah? Then how do you explain that purple color?
-…I don't know, that's why I name my moves Dusk, I thought it fit. -affirms Jax a little embarrassed.
-If I'm not mistaken, your power is much more than that. But I can be wrong too, you are a weakling right now. The user I knew was much more stronger than you, and also had a much better attitude, similar to that blonde kid.
-I don't care about if I'm weak or not. The only thing that matters to me is to help my brother achieve his goals and not being a constant burden to him. Cough cough -Jax expels blood once again -At least until I can withstand. Hehehe
-Oh, I get it now. Your body can't keep up with your Essentia, that's why you are so weak. It was strange that an ability like yours is let loose across the land. So fix it brat, that way you won't be a problem to your brother, right? You humans are so stupid…
-It isn't that easy! I have an abnormal Essentia center and ---
-I only hear excuses, you'll never get anywhere like that. Everyone has their own problems, but some deal with it instead of grieving. -the keeper steps again on Jax, approaching his beak to Jax's face – if you were to say the true, you like to depend on that blonde kid, right? You make me sick.
-Shut up! You don't know anything about us! – yelled Jax.
Unconsciously, Jax gathered a massive amount of Essentia that formed a dark purple cloak around him.
«This can get dangerous, but I must continue. I promised him»
-Oh, you're getting mad? I thought you had some problem with Essentia, but I guess you are lying to your brother for some attention… kids these days… that blonde must be dumb as hell to believe you. I would have dumped you already.
-You can say whatever you want about me, but Leo is off limits. – Jax grabs the keeper's feet and lifts him up, escaping his restraining – I don't care what happens now, I will shut you up now.
"He can reinforce his strength to the point of lifting me up, but that's not what I'm trying to find out" – the keeper retreats a step back, and floats close to the ground -Now what? Even if you use Essentia abilities like gravity, it doesn't work on me. Now what, little Jax? Wha—
*****
It's the end of the evening in Swallow's Nest. Leo runs as fast as he could to get Trish and take her to the Swallow. He arrives at the diner, where Jamie is serving the meals. Leo jumps the tables and grabs Jamie by his collar, to the shock of the Dear Nest restaurant.
-You lied to us! No tricky situation my ass! Where is your wife?
-Kid, easy, easy. What's the matter?
-I need your wife, old man. Is Trish in the kitchen?
-Yes, but she's busy right now. -informs Jamie as he lowers his voice- Is it about my gift to her? You can't tell her anything, it has to be a surprise.
-Jamie, I need Trish right now! My brother is in danger, I don't give a damn about the surprise! - says Leo as he heads to the kitchen.
-I thought you were my buddy. Kid, this is dinner rush hour. I can't have her leave now! – says a grumpy Jamie grabbing Leo's arm – You are not going to bother her with these costumers waiting for their food.
-I don't care, I have to save my brother.
Leo and Jamie raise their fists, with no signs of either one of backing down. As a fight was about to start between them, Evelyn stepped in. Her guards hold both of them.
-You really have no manners, huh? I knew you would be like this. -Evelyn shakes her head in signal of disapproval.
-Let go of me! You know that that monster has my brother, who knows if he keeps his word. – says a defeated Leo, focusing now on Sullivan - I have no choice, I have to take Trish to him, Jamie. Jamie?
Jamie bows down to Evelyn, just as all the costumers on the diner. Evelyn is from the Hartman family, which rules over Swallow's Nest, and just her presence is enough for the people to bow down as a custom.
-You see, that's the proper reaction when seeing me! You got that, you idiot?
-As if I would bow to such a fool mouth like you! You narcissistic wench!
The diner costumers were outraged for how Leo was talking to the city lord's daughter. They surrounded Leo in order to hurt him, but Evelyn immediately stood up for him.
-Wait you guys, I thank you for trying to defend my honor but let him slip just this once, ok? Can you do it for me? -plead Evelyn with an angelical face.
-Of course, for little miss everything!
-I have another favor to ask all of you: can I just take Trish with me for a few moments right now? I know you are hungry and is dinnertime, but it is a really important matter. Can I?
-No problem, my lady – answers Jamie as he takes a bow -I will get her for you.
-Thank you everyone. Drinks on me, Jamie, for everyone!
-YEAAAAAH! – cheered the costumers of Dear Nest.
-You see how you do this? These people know how to respect me, unlike some – Evelyn provokes Leo, while Jamie calls Trish and serves everyone their drinks. For her surprise, Leo suddenly hugs her.
– Thank you, Evelyn.
-You are right to thank me, but don't get so close! – says a very blushed Evelyn, while gently pushing Leo away -It's too hot. And who gave you permission to touch me?
-Look honey, don't they look so lovey-dovey? They are just like us in the past. -utters Trish hugging Jamie.
-In the past? What about now? – asks Jamie kissing her passionately.
-You must be kidding I don't want anything from him! I just knew that this idiot would be like this and try to take Trish by force! -yells Evelyn, trying to evade any misunderstanding.
-Mrs. Sullivan can you come with me right now? I need you -pleads Leo, grabbing Trish's arm to get her attention.
Trish noticed on the unusual interest that Evelyn had on Leo and decided to tease her a little bit more.
-Honey, I think the little miss is jealous of me. Mr. Leo I think you should give miss a chance-joked Trish before approaching Evelyn and whispering: -He's really cute Eve, good choice. Hihihi
-Triiish! Stop teasing me! – Evelyn quickly runs to the door -I did what I came to do! I'm leaving now. Be grateful you blonde blockhead!
-Thanks for everything Evelyn, see ya later– thanks Leo smiling.
Evelyn stormed out as she couldn't take anymore. Trish and Jamie were chuckling, seeing how the Hartman's maiden was growing up and flustered by love.
-I don't get it that girl. – blurt Leo confused- She just got here and left already.
-That's youth alright hehehe – laughs Jamie, before sighing – Trish, I was looking forward to surprise you with that, but it looks like the other boy is in trouble. I'm sorry about it.
-Honey, it's okay. All I need is your love.
-Oh, Trish…
-Oh, Jamie…
Leo doesn't like to interrupt moments like that, but time was essence. His brother needed him.
-I know I'm interrupting, but we have some urgent business to take care. Can we hurry up please?
-Oh dear, the other boy was in danger we were forgetting about it. Let's go.
*****
Leo and Trish ran to the valley as fast as Trish could. Leo was really hurried about Jax, as he didn't know what the keeper would do to him.
-I'm coming Jax. I hope that blue bird bastard doesn't harm him.
-Blue bird?
-Oh right, you don't know yet. Jamie got us some blue feather to help locate these crazy rare swallows' nest, so that we could find some blue bird to give you as a gift. Turns out that feather belong to some super strong swallow, who's the keeper of all the cobalt swallows.
Trish halted.
-Trish, what's the matter? We have to go.
-You found the swallow whom the feather was from?
-Yes, now he wants to see you, or my brother will be dead. He thinks we harmed you to get the feather.
-I don't believe it, I thought something happened to him, I don't see him in almost 10 years.
-I think he couldn't leave the cave as he's the keeper of his flock.
-If I knew, I would have visited him. But I didn't imagine he was here all the time – Trish starts to cry – And he even remembers me…
-Yeah, and he remembers your meatloaf as well. I think I'll remember it forever too, but Trish, now we have to hurry up.
-You're right. Lead the way!
*****
Leo and Trish arrive to the valley when the moon replaced the sun in the sky. Before Leo or Trish could react and search for Jax, something got behind him and grabbed Trish. Turns out it was the keeper.
-Trish, I thought I would never see you again. Knowing that you were so close, yet so far was so painful. – vented the keeper as Trish petted its head.
-I can't believe you are here now! I missed you Thorvin -says Trish while hugging the keeper.
-I missed you too Trish. – responds Thorvin, changing his focus to Leo – you were telling the truth after all.
-Why would I lie? Now where is my brother?
Thorvin lowered its head, revealing an injured Jax on his torso. Leo got enraged on seeing Jax's state.
-You bastard, I met my end of the deal! I knew I couldn't trust you! What have you done to him.
-Hold it, kid. I didn't do that to him, that was done to him by himself.
-What? Again? Damn Jax, it's getting worse…
-You knew?
-Of course I knew, he is my brother, how could I not know? -Leo jumps to the keeper's torso and grabs Jax -Jax, wake up. Are you okay?
-Huh…Leo? – Jax looks disoriented.
-You are a pain in the ass. Get up you rascal – Leo seems relieved when Jax could stand on his own.
-Trish, I really enjoy your visit. The boys told me that they were trying to get a youngling to give it to you.
-I didn't knew Thorvin, but the boys were doing it for my sake. So if you have to punish someone, punish me.
-It's so like you Trish, defend the others. I'm just glad you are safe -Thorvin flew to the cave and disappeared. A few moments later, he returns and lowers his head, revealing a hatchling with white feathers – Trish, this is Thalmo and he's one of my own sons. He is treated as an outcast, due to his different appearance.
-That little guy is a Cobalt emperor? – inquires Leo while pointing it – Are you sure they didn't deceive you? Hehehe
-Kid, I'm trying so hard to not knock you out. Be quiet. -Thorvin grabs Thalmo with his beak and sits him in front of Trish, whose eyes were shining – I can't give him special treatment in the family nest just because he's my son. So I want you to do the same you did for me, Trish. I want you to take care of him and give him the love you can.
-But Thorvin, it's your son. I would love to take care of him, but don't do it just for making me happy. And you would also miss—
-I'm not doing for you. I'm doing for him. You gave me a better life than I could ask, and now I can protect my own flock. And now I ask you to do it for my son. When he's old and strong enough to comeback, he will know.
Trish picks Thalmo up and hugs him preciously with a joyful expression.
-I will take care of him the best to my abilities. And I will return every week to visit you with him, I'll promise you that.
-Thank you, Trish. You can also bring your meatloaf if you want. Hahaha
-I will.
-Now you kids, I can sense on that bag a fierce presence different from our species, but the same level of nobleness. Did you rob that egg from another sovereign creature? You really are greedy creatures, humans.
Thorvin looks into Jax's bag, where he finds Leo's gifted egg. The Cobalt Emperor touch it with his forehead and smiled. Leo didn't like the Keeper's attitude and take back the egg.
-Why do you think we rob it?
-Well, you were trying to kidnap some of my kin not long ago.
-Hmm... I guess you are right about that. Hehehe. But this egg was a present, so don't get funny ideas. I always wanted a cool companion to go on adventures with me, so I am glad I got him. If I didn't have him, maybe I would ask you if you wanted to travel with us, if not for your terrible posture.
-You really are shameless, making me a "cool companion"? Sovereign species like me or the beast inside that egg are too savage. Sure, he can be cute at birth, but its grow is exponential. It's going to be really difficult to tame or even be in good terms with it. You can become his minions instead. – jokes Thorvin.
-I don't want to tame it as a pet, I want him to be my friend. But if he grows out of line, there will be tough love waiting for him. – responds a firm Leo smiling.
-You really are crazy, but funny. -says Thorvin regurgitating a stone – take this. Think of this as a gratitude gift.
-Bleurgh. I don't wanna to take that.
-Don't be an idiot. This is a control rune, so that creatures can't be unrestrained. I use these runes to keep in check the little swallows. An adult creature can't be restrained by it, and a sovereign one maybe even impossible, but there is no problem in trying.
Thorvin throws the stone to Jax, who avoids it in disgust, landing on Leo's face.
-Your egg, your responsibility. Thank you, mister keeper.
The keeper looks to Jax and seems serious.
-You don't remember what happened before, do you?
-The last thing I remember was you giving us no choice but to get Trish if we wanted to live.
-So you don't remember anything past that, huh? You have a very difficult path to walk, and your shoulders will be carrying big responsibilities. Your power can be the key to salvation or destruction of tomorrow. The only thing I can say to you is you will have harsh choices on your future, but I hope you won't regret them.
-What do you mean?
-You'll eventually find out, your journey is going to be a messy one, but you seem quite acquainted with it – jokes Thorvin looking to Leo -your brother seems goofy and reckless, but somewhat reliable.
-You're right, I'm as reliable as it gets.
-Boys, we need to get back, Jamie is waiting for us, who knows if the people at the diner didn't start a riot already for the lack of food on the table.
-Oh, yeah. I totally forgot about that.
-I was also absent from the nest for a very long time already and it's time for their dinner – says Thorvin looking at the cave, flying to it. As he landed, he says farewell-Goodbye kids. I don't have a doubt that we will meet again. And Trish, see you next week. Don't forget the meatloaf please!
-You can count on me! See ya Thorvin, say goodbye to your daddy Thalmo.
Thorvin escape through the illusion, disappearing to the eyes of his friend Trish and her companions. A baby Thalmo peacefully falls asleep on Trish's head and accompanied by Leo and Jax they return to the city.
*****
Trish and the brothers arrive to the diner, where there was no one at sight. As Trish, worried, turn on the light, the costumers and Jamie suddenly appeared:
-SURPRISE!
It was past midnight when they arrived, so their loyal customers and Jamie orchestrated a quick surprise to Trish, to celebrate the Sullivan's 15 years of marriage.
-I'm sorry for not getting you anything, my love. So I arrange this with everyone.
-Oh honey, I don't need anything else but you. – responds Trish crying of joy and hugging Jamie, when Thalmo appeared from the top of her head, yawning – Oh yeah, the boys got me your other present, its name is Thalmo.
-I knew you boys could do it, I never doubt it! Another round for everybody on the house!
-That's how it's done. SU – LLI -VAN! SU – LLI -VAN! SU – LLI -VAN! – echoed on Dear Nest in that summer night. The party didn't end until the morning.
*****
The demon appears in a drunk state, with a tie around his forehead.
-WOOOO! Party! SU – LLI -VAN! SU – LLI -VAN! SU – LLI -VAN! Hick. I think I am a little wasted, so I shouldn't teach you anything right now… well, I think I can leave you with my buddy Thorvin. I'm going to take a nap.
*****
At the valley, the keeper Thorvin is trying to sleep with a smile, recalling all the memories of his childhood with Trish. But he couldn't fall asleep due to an injury on his left side and the recall of its origin overlapped his dear memories; Previously, at the same time that Leo and Evelyn returned to Swallow's Nest city, Jax had gathered a lot of Essentia below Thorvin's grab and got unconscious. In an instant, his eyes open up and with a gentle movement of his hand, the pressure was unbearable for Thorvin remain in that spot, so he flew up.
«Unconceivable, he forced a sovereign with a simple Essentia ability. That kid…it has an identical power to M. Is just as Darkmore told, however I think it's not the right time to tell them anything. They have to grow before knowing it»
As Thorvin was lost in his thoughts, Jax used attraction force to pull Thorvin closer to him. As the keeper resist Jax disappeared from his sight, reappearing behind him and with a violent turn on his hand, a dark purple orb was formed right beneath Thorvin's left wing. Jax closed his fist, making it explode and injure Thorvin. At the same time, Jax coughed up blood and fall on the ground.
«I can't believe he could even injure me; it exceeded our expectations. This kid's power can truly make it happen»
Thorvin wakes up on the cave again, hurt but smiling as he watched over the Cobalt Emperor's offspring.
-Nobody knows how this will end, but the future belongs to those who pursue their beliefs. Good luck kiddo.