Dromov stood there like a ghost, trying to process what happened.
"How did you do it Rio?" asked Dromov with a credulous smile.
"Ummm it's hard to explain. I just thought in my head that I am a magnet that pulls in the small lights into the twig and they came. I like playing with magnets when Grandma Marge is busy." said Rio confused.
"What lights?" asked Dromov.
"Oh, when you were training, I saw tiny lights gather around you and your sword. You said to bring all the allergy in the sword right." explained Rio.
"It's Energy. And are you sure you can see lights? Can you see them when I do this?" asked Dromov while he tried to focus energy on his right fist using his blood essence.
"Yeah, tiny green lights Grandpa." answered Rio.
"Well I'll be damned." sighed Dromov.
He sat beside Rio and said to him," You seem to have awakened Phoenix blood along with one other blood in you."
"The small lights you saw are called Ki and only Mage-type blood races can see them. You also were able to apply strengthening to that twig, so you also have either the Dragon or the Lion blood in you."
"Wait,So, I have two? Can someone have two blood-essences in them?" asked Rio.
"Well, it's possible in this era because of so much cross breeding and.... nevermind. I forget you're 5, but yeah, in short, it is possible." replied Dromov.
"Wow, so I can use two types of abilities? Can I become strong like you?" asked Rio with curiosity.
"Well, yes. If you train hard with effort." said Dromov with a smile.
"Now, lets see you do that again. I'll give you a small wooden sword. Here." said Dromov and threw a small wooden sword to Rio.
Dromov took a samurai stance with his sword and asked Rio to do the same.
"Let's find out if the other one is Dragon or Lion." said Dromov.
Dromov again concentrated and focused all his energy to his sword, a special technique only Dragonbloods could use. This time he did a horizontal slash, and the trees in the distance shook with just the wind pressure.
Rio was watching closely with zeal. He copied the same stance, closed his eyes to concentrate and did a weak but passable horizontal slash. The power was minimal but there was no denying it.
"You have Dragon blood too." sighed Dromov with a smile.
A few hours later. Back at Rio's home.
"You guys are finally back huh?" said Phoenia. "Wait, what is with that weird smile on your face Dromov?" she asked.
"Our Rio has more than one blood in him." replied Dromov. "He has a Mage-type blood and Dragon blood."
"What are you talking about? Having two bloods is pretty rare. I mean one in a 100 thousand. You're saying Rio is Bi-blooded?" inquired Phoenia.
"Yes. He said he could see Ki hence the Mage Type, and I witnessed him use an exclusive Dragonblood Slash of Honour just by seeing me do it once." explained Dromov.
"Don't kid with me. People start developing the blood essences after the age of ten and finally awaken their powers when they are 15. How can a five year old have developed his blood essence? This makes no sense." questioned Phoenia.
"I know, but I am saying what I saw with my own two eyes. Rio has already awakened with two bloods." replied Dromov.
"Wait. If that's true then he has potential to become the strongest in his era. With right training and efforts of course." thought Phoenia out loud .
"I know right. I got so excited, I taught him the basics of the Dragon bloods techniques." bragged Dromov.
"You really are a dense one aren't you? What would Marge say about you training him? You should have atleast asked her." commented Dromov.
"I'll convince her. Now don't tell me you don't want to see our Rio become a Bi-blooded Warrior . You want him to hide his potential and waste it on this Island forever? Like us?" said Dromov, partially sweeping into a sad smile.
"I don't want that. But it's still not our decision to make.....so let's talk to Marge first when she returns and try to convince her." said Phoenia.
"Alright." exasperated Dromov.
Rio had already gone back to his room while Phoenia and Dromov were conversing. He was no longer interested in just playing with magnets. Instead, he was busy trying to play around with Ki which he thought of pretty little lights.
Phoenia went to train, leaving Dromov to look after Rio.
A few hours later, Phoenia came back after her training.
"Where is Rio? You didn't train him again did you?" inquired Phoenia.
"Rio was tired so I put him to bed early. I am not that dense."replied Dromov sneerily.
"I have been thinking Dro. Could the reason for Rio's early awakening be the reason why his parents were.... killed?" asked Phoenia.
"Yes. Thats what I was also thinking but there is no way of knowing. Marge has no plan to go back to that hell hole where both her masters were killed. Her only life mission now is to raise Rio and keep him safe from his family's dark and sad past." said Dromov.
"Maybe one day. If it's Rio's destiny, the answer to all the questions will find Rio itself, but until that day comes, I hope Rio will become strong enough to take it all in." said Phoenia with a inverted smile.
"We're back." came a voice from outside the house. Marge and Leonard entered the house.
"Where is Rio? Did he go to bed already?" asked Marge.
"Yeah. He was tired after traini.....playing all day hehe. So he went to bed early." replied Dromov hesitatingly.
"So, did you guys find that?" intervened Phoenia.
"Yeah. Apparently it was sold to a local pawn shop for 250 Inias. We got it back for 300." replied Leonard.
"Otherland is still the same as I remember it from 5 years ago. I wish Rio could also grow up there just like my masters did." said Marge.
"Well, he has you. And us. And this Island. I think you are doing just fine Marge. You just have to be there for him." comforted Phoenia.
Both Marge and Phoenia smiled towards each other.
"By the way, Rio did ask me to watch you train today Dromov. How did it go?" asked Marge.
"Uh yeah about that. Me and Phoenia wanted to talk to you. Umm Phoenia? Why don't you start?" said Dromov with a hesitant smile.
Phoenia sighed.
"Well, the thing is Rio is bi-blooded and awakened." said Phoenia.
"Hahaha I thought I heard he is already awakened. I am getting too old." joked Leonard.
"Its true Leonard. While he was watching me train, he tried to copy my Dragon blood techniques and succeeded. He also said he could see Ki. So he is Bi-blooded and already awakened." explained Dromov.
"Wait, you guys are not kidding." said Leonard while looking at Phoenia and then Dromov.
"Rio has two bloods? But doesn't the blood essence development start after the age of ten. Only then can Blood-globes find out the Blood types of a person. How can Rio be both developed and awakened already at 5? This makes no sense." said Marge hurriedly.
"We do not know the answer to that yet. Although I have a one-time usable Blood-globe with me. If you want we can find his blood-profile and all the blood types he has." said Phoenia.
"What me and Phoenia wanted to ask you was, if we could train Rio? He has the potential to become one of the strongest in the world. If he is Bi-blooded, there are much more combinations that he could learn and push the limits of any singular blood type." said Dromov.
Sadness drooped down on Marge's face.
"I don't want him to become a warrior. What if he catches the eye and falls into the hands of the people who killed his parents? We won't always be there to protect him." worried Marge.
"Exactly. We won't always be there to protect him and that is exactly why we should train him Marge." explained Leonard.
"Yes Marge. Even I agree. We should make Rio capable enough to live his own life freely and without dangers." said Phoenia.
"Even you Phoenia? Hmmm... I don't know what to do. I know Master Eli would have been elated to find that Rio is Bi-blooded and wanted his son to become a great warrior just like he was." said Marge.
"I need to steel myself. You guys are correct. I cannot keep Rio safe here forever. He will need to look after himself at some point and its better to make him capable enough to do that. That is also what masters would definitely want." said Marge with resolve in her voice.
"Yeah. Thats what I am talking about Marge! See Phoenia, I told you Marge would agree.
Let's do the blood profiling tomorrow and confirm that he is indeed Bi-blooded." announced Dromov.
The four of them talk for sometime and then go back to their home. Marge slowly walks up to Rio's bedroom and gently watches Rio sleep, with a smile on her face.