Chapter 39: The Guardian Beast Returns
Year 0002, XII Month: The Imperium
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Patrolling the Village Perimeter
The day was unusually bright, with sunlight filtering through scattered clouds and only light snowfall dusting the pristine landscape. The residents of Maya Village had grown vigilant since the tragedy that befell them a few days ago. No visitors were expected during this harsh season, well there was no one who would actually visit them in any regular time, yet they maintained a newly implemented patrol system with diligence.
The lookout tower at the gatehouse was perpetually occupied, with villagers rotating shifts to ensure constant surveillance of the surrounding area. They couldn't afford to be careless—not after what had happened last time. The memory of that day still haunted them, etched into their collective consciousness like a scar that refused to fade. A proper alert system was vital now; they would not allow another catastrophe to befall upon them in any way shape or form, due to a lapse in judgement or thinking on their part. They were once again reminded of the harsh reality that they live in.
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Aetherwings Return to the Village (I)
Aetherwing soared through the cold, crisp air, his massive wings cutting through clouds as he navigated the snow-covered terrain below. He remembered the general direction of the boy's village but needed to pinpoint its exact location in this vast, white expanse.
After nearly an hour of methodical flight, the familiar twin mountain peaks came into view. Between them lay that distinctive patch of raises land—the village where his ward resided. Thin columns of smoke rose from several points, confirming his discovery. He and his mate began their gradual descent, powerful wings creating gentle eddies in the air currents.
As they drew closer, Aetherwing noticed movement near the village walls. His keen eyes narrowed, focusing on the figures trudging through the snow. These silhouettes didn't match his memories—they were too large to be the children he had encountered before.
*Do humans grow that quickly?* he wondered, mentally calculating the time that had passed. *No, it's been only a few months since my departure.*
He was certain that only children had inhabited this settlement during his last visit. The presence of adults was puzzling, but after a moment's consideration, he dismissed his concerns.
*Meh... who cares?* he thought, continuing his deliberate descent alongside his mate, their enormous shadows darkening the snow-covered ground below.
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Aetherwings Return to the Village (II)
Red and Christopher walked laboriously through the deep snow toward the village gate. Despite Theressa's passionate pleas for him to remain in bed to recover from his injuries, Chris had stubbornly volunteered for patrol duty. They were replacing the first watch—Erik and Bren—when a massive shadow suddenly blotted out the sun above them.
The shadow loomed overhead like an angel of death preparing to claim their souls. Primal fear coursed through their bodies, causing every hair to stand on end as an inexplicable chill gripped their hearts.
*Wooosh! Whoosh!*
Powerful gusts of wind nearly knocked them off their feet, disturbing the thick snow beneath them and sending it swirling in all directions. Looking up, they beheld two enormous, and three smaller ones they looked almost ethereal beings descending from the heavens.
*Thud! Thud!*
The ground trembled as the majestic creatures landed before them. Red and Christopher stood frozen, the blood draining from their faces. They dared not move a muscle as the beasts' penetrating gaze fell upon them. At that moment, they were certain their lives were forfeit. What defense could they possibly mount against such towering, magnificent creatures? Silently, they offered prayers and beseeched forgiveness from their fellow villagers, convinced they would never see them again.
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Aetherwings Return to the Village (III)
From the lookout tower, Erik and Bren witnessed the entire scene, their bodies trembling with the same paralyzing fear. However, as Erik studied the larger beast, recognition dawned upon him—this was the same creature that had allowed them to ride upon its back months ago.
Heart pounding, he scrambled down the tower and sprinted through the heavy snow toward the creature, clinging desperately to the hope that his identification was correct. If he was mistaken, they would all perish this day.
"Heyyyy!!! It's me, Erik Rubbard. Do you remember me, sir???" he shouted, his voice cracking with emotion as he silently prayed his assumption would prove correct.
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Aetherwings Return to the Village (IV)
Aetherwing shifted his attention to the figures standing before him. His suspicions were confirmed—these were indeed not the children he had met previously. As he recalled, he had encountered a boy and a girl during his last visit. One of the humans currently cowering beneath his gaze appeared to be nursing a serious injury.
A voice calling out caught his attention, and he turned to see someone running toward them through the snow. Immediately, he recognized the boy with the indomitable spirit he had met before.
"Yes, lad, I remember you," using telepathy to convey his reply Aetherwing's deep, resonant voice echoed within their minds. "You are one of the people who was with my ward. But I do not see the girl who was with you."
His piercing gaze shifted to the figure partially hidden behind Erik. "Hmm... that one behind you also seems familiar... I see. He was one of those hiding in the house during my last visit. But these other two before me, I am not familiar with."
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Aetherwings Return to the Village (V)
Red and Christopher flinched as the voice reverberated through their minds. The beast was communicating telepathically with Erik, who had rushed toward it with apparent recognition. The revelation that Erik knew this creature stunned them.
Their rigid bodies gradually relaxed, but tension returned when the beast's penetrating gaze fell upon them directly.
"I am Aetherwing, and this is my mate, and children" the voice echoed in their consciousness. "May I have the pleasure of knowing your names?"
"I... I am Red Peerce," as he stuttered with fear for his life and for those behind him inside the house, his family.
"And I... I... am Christopher Harti," as he barely managed to say his name.
Both answered honestly and concisely, terrified of offending this sovereign being whose mere presence exuded overwhelming power and authority.
Aetherwing studied them carefully, sensing no deception in their words. "I see," he acknowledged before turning back to Erik with a question of paramount importance.
"Lad, where is my ward? I must speak with him."
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August Observes
In the village longhouse, August received an alert from his SYSTEM about the arrival of his Guardian Beast—an entity he had yet to meet in person.
[DING! YOUR GUARDIAN BEAST IS NEAR THE VICINITY! WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR PRESENCE TO BE KNOWN? {YES/NO}]
August contemplated briefly before selecting {NO}. He wanted to observe his Guardian Beast from a safe distance first, to understand its nature and characteristics before revealing himself.
With practiced skill, he camouflaged himself against the snow and lay prone on the ground, watching the scene unfold from afar. From his vantage point, he could see that his Guardian Beast was an enormous, avian creature of immense power, accompanied by a slightly smaller companion and three more smaller winged creatures.
He observed the beast of what seemed to be communicating telepathically with the villagers, though he could only hear their spoken responses. When his name was mentioned, his interest piqued. The creature appeared to be searching for him specifically.
*I think I understand enough now,* he decided, rising from his position and brushing off the snow that clung to his clothing. Moving deliberately, he approached from behind the group and spoke with confident respect.
"Hello, good sir! I heard you were looking for me. May I know your name and the purpose of your sudden visit?"
Though his system had already identified the creature, August wanted confirmation. He didn't fully trust the SYSTEM's capabilities yet—not out of doubt, but from scientific curiosity. If it had limitations in reading emotions, what other constraints might it have?
[SYSTEM MANAGER DOROTHY: HMMMPFFF!!!]
The SYSTEM took offense at its host's skepticism.
"Geez, I was just curious. I didn't doubt your information, alright? Just curious," August mentally responded, slightly amused by the SYSTEM's apparent indignation.
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The Revelation
Aetherwing sensed the boy's presence materialized behind them, taken aback that he hadn't detected the approach. This child was truly remarkable—perhaps due to the powerful entity residing within him?
He studied the boy carefully, noting the analytical gaze that seemed to be assessing him. Responding to the query with appropriate formality, he projected:
"I am The Empyrean Hunter, the Sky Sovereign 'Aetherwing,' the Guardian Beast of August Finn. Ward, today I came here with my mate and newborn chicks to ask for your permission for us to build a nest in this village and make it our new home—if you would allow it of course."
August started slightly at the telepathic communication resonating in his mind, reminiscent of his SYSTEM's many internal voices. He considered the proposition thoughtfully.
*This is an incredible opportunity,* he realized. Despite the beast's obvious power, August felt no threat from its presence—only a strange sense of familiarity and comfort, as though they were old friends reunited after a long separation. Something deep within him recognized this creature, though his conscious mind had no memory of their previous encounter while he was knocked unconscious.
With barely a moment's hesitation, he reached his decision. "Yes! Most certainly," he exclaimed. "But before all of that, I have a favor to ask of you. Can you also train me in the art of magic?"
Aetherwing regarded him silently before nodding his massive head in affirmation. "Such a small price to pay; I shall be your teacher then. I hope you can keep up with my teachings."
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Building a Nest
The introductions continued as other villagers emerged from their dwellings, each displaying the same mixture of awe, fear, and respect that had overcome Red and Christopher initially. The majestic aura of the beasts commanded deference from all who beheld them.
Aetherwing soon took to the skies again, surveying the area for an appropriate nesting site. The twin mountains flanking the village from behind caught his attention—their natural formation providing both protection and vantage. Satisfied with his selection, he descended to inform his mate of his discovery.
Before departing to construct their nest, Aetherwing entrusted his three chicks to August's care. Despite being considered "young," each stood as tall as Jonathan—approximately seven feet in height.
"I have found a place for us to build our nest; I must temporarily leave my chicks within your care," he communicated, his telepathic voice carrying absolute trust in his ward's ability.
The magnificent pair then ascended toward the cliffside, hundreds of meters above the village. The villagers watched in amazement as the creatures methodically gathered trees from the nearby forest, embedding them deep into the mountain face. They crafted a sturdy foundation reinforced with strong branches, creating an impressive structure that seemed to defy gravity itself.
Upon completing their work, they returned for their offspring. With an elegant display of magical prowess, Aetherwing levitated the chicks from the ground, preparing to transport them to their new home. Before departing, he expressed his gratitude to August and the villagers who had welcomed them.
"Thank you for allowing us to stay here," his voice resonated within their minds. "We must retire to our new nest above for today. For now, this is farewell. I shall return tomorrow."
As the five magnificent creatures ascended toward their mountaintop dwelling, the villagers stood in silent reverence, witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in their lives—one where humans and mythical beings would coexist, learning from one another under the watchful eyes of the nameless twin peaks.