The reason why Frida's grandmother came by was to watch Frida while her family went to the police and court business trip. Her sisters would be joining them for credit to get into law school. They would be back in a few weeks. It was good thing because Frida and Manny decided to go gather stuff in the forest for T.J to make spells they could use. She tried to sneak out of the house but her grandmother was expecting her.
"And just where do you think you're going nieta?" She asked.
"Oh? Me?" She squeaked. "I'm going to...to...my friend's house...To practice for our band."
"Will you be staying the night?"
"Maybe."
"Well call me if you do and stay out of trouble."
"I'll try."
...
"What are we looking for again?" Manny asked.
"Aura root." T.J said. "It's a crucial ingredient needed for most of my spells."
"And why do we need this?"
"Manny we've talked about this." Frida said. "Living with you poses a threat to my parents, my sisters, my grandmother, and us. We need to protect ourselves."
"According to my father's book the aura root grows one the dark side of the forest. Well that's just peachy."
"What's the problem?" Manny asked.
"Manny how long did you live in the woods?"
"Two years."
"Did you ever go to the dark side?"
"I didn't know there was a dark side. What's the big deal? So it's dark."
"Yeah and infested with demons, monsters, bandits, and people corrupted by demonic power."
"So you're chicken?"
"I wouldn't be so cocky if I were you. People who go into the dark side of the forest never come back unchanged, some don't even come back at all."
"Well they were probably regular humans. Now are we going to get that root or what?"
"Are you sure we should do this Frida?" T.J asked.
"I'm sorry T.J but with Manny being a prime target for a lot of demons we can't take any risks." She said.
"In case you haven't noticed we're walking straight into the domain of all demons."
"Relax pervo-"
"Stop calling me a pervo!"
"We'll be in and out before you know it."
They continued on until they reached the barrier between the dark and light side of the forest. Manny transformed, Frida had her bow and arrow ready, then they entered. It certainly was dark and spooky with weirdly shaped trees that were twisted and crooked. Owls hooted and bats screeched but they didn't lose their courage...well at least Manny and Frida didn't.
"Uh guys I think I left the sink on. I'm gonna go home." T.J said walking away.
"Hold it you cowardly leech." Manny said grabbing him by the shirt. "We need you to indentify what this root looks like so you're not going anywhere."
"T.J?" Frida asked.
"Yes?"
"Do you know where we are?"
"Um...Let me check the book." He began flipping through the pages.
"I don't like this place." Frida admitted. "It's dark and creepy."
"Good news I don't smell anything bad around." Manny reassured.
"Okay it says here we're near the nest of he furies." T.J read.
"The what?" Manny asked.
"Demonic birds who serve a she demon that lives around here. They are extremely loyal to their mistress and feed off of flesh."
"I don't like the sound of that." Frida said.
"Let's just get out of here before they realize we're near." Manny said.
"Um...Manny I think we're a little too late for that." T.J pointed toward a tree with branches that held hundreds of black birds with red eyes. Some were big and some were small, they all glared at them. "Don't make any sudden movements. These birds can tear the skin off of anything and they are very protective of their nest."
"What do we do?" Frida whispered.
"Just back away nice and slow."
They did exactly that until Manny stepped on a stick. It sent the birds into a screeching frenzy as the flock swooped down on them. Manny began clawing at them while Frida fired her arrows but once one was dead another would just fly back in revenge.
"There's too many of them!" Frida cried.
"T.J do they have a weakness?" Manny asked.
"I...I don't know." T.J pulled out a tiny glass disc, threw it up, and it turned into a shield which they hid under. "That won't hold them for long. Eventually they'll break through."
"Got any ideas Frida?" Manny asked.
"You're the cat, don't you eat these for breakfast?" She said.
The birds began pecking on the shield as hard as they could and just when one of them managed to make a crack, the sound of another screech was heard. The birds turned in the direction of where it was coming from. A cloaked figure with a spear stood across from them. The flock flew toward the figure but it stabbed each one that came close with it's spear then threw smoke bombs in their eyes. What finally drove them away was when the figure lit a torch and waved it toward them. Once they were gone Manny, T.J, and Frida took down the shield and went to thank their savior.
"That was amazing. Thanks." Manny said holding out his hand only to have the figure swat it away.
"If you want to thank me." A high feminine voice called from it. "You'll go back to wherever you came from."
"Wait! Are you a girl?"
The figure removed the cloak to reveal a teenage girl with brown hair, tan skin, and hazel eyes. She wore a purple shirt and jeans so she must've lived modernly but she didn't fight like it.
"I got this." T.J said putting on his best smile. "Dear lady we only wish to thank you." He walked toward her. "Especially since our savior is so lovely."
He gave her bottom a little squeeze.
"Filthy dog!" The girl punched him right across his face and kicked him under his feet knocking him down and pinned him with her spear at his chin.
"Ow! Why you-"
"Silence worm! Before I tear you limb from limb and leave your body for the vultures!"
T.J gulped.
"Whoa take it easy lady." Manny said. "Beat him up if you must but don't kill him."
"Hey!"
"Who are you?" Frida asked.
"I am a warrior. Now who are all of you? And why are you here?"
"My name is Frida and this is Manny."
"And the leacherous shaman who's head you're about to have on a stick is T.J." Manny said.
"You're a shaman?" She asked looking at T.J in disbelief. "I always thought shaman were old and wise."
"And I always thought warriors were men." He replied.
She stepped on his gutt.
"Ow!"
"What are you doing here?"
"We're trying to find the aura root." Manny said. "Do you know where it is?"
"Yes but it is a fool's journey to go after that. Turn back at once."
"Look here sister we appreciate the rescue but don't get in my way or I'll-"
But she just grabbed his arm and flipped him over to the ground.
"Watch your tongue fool! Don't make me regret saving your miserable hide."
"Please we need that root." Frida said. "Without who knows how many demons will attack us because Rodolfo is-"
"Rodolfo? Did you say Rodolfo?"
"Yes. You know him?"
"Rodolfo saved my father's life a year ago. Are you all allies of his?"
"Not exactly. None of us have ever met him."
"Then how do you know of him?"
"He's my father." Manny said getting up. "And he has a lot of enemies who wanna kill me and my friends which is why we need that root."
She thought for a moment.
"Come with me."
She led them to a makeshift shelter up in a tree. She climbed up as did T.J since they had been trained to. Manny being half tiger had no trouble climbing but he had to carry Frida on his back.
"My name is Andrea Monterio. I used to live with my family in Brazil but a demon from this place took my brother Carlos. My father was once a warrior who fought against demons and tried to save him but he's crippled. So I had him train me and teach me how to fight against demons, monsters, and their pets."
"That explains why those birds were afraid of you." T.J said.
"Before coming here I consulted an oracle who told me that the son of Rodolfo would help me save my brother. Is that you?" She asked Manny.
"I guess unless my father had other children."
"The oracle said he had only one child and it was half human."
"Yep that's me. But I don't know you or your brother."
"No but you are powerful, yes?"
"Si."
"As powerful you may be you all know nothing of this forest. I have lived here for a year and have learned every inch of every area. If I guide you to this root will you help me save my brother?"
The three of them looked at each other.
"Sure." Manny answered.
"Thank you. It's late, we'll continue on tomorrow."
"I better call my grandmother." Frida said dialing her phone.
"So Andrea." T.J said. "Are you promised?"
"Promised?"
"Engaged?"
"No and I don't plan to be anytime soon. Right now I find boys annoying."
"Oh...Well Andrea looks like we're stuck with you so we might as well get." He put his arm around her. "Comfortable."
SLAP!
"Ow!"
"Keep your slimy self away from me or I'll cut off both of your arms!" She threatened.
"Don't you threaten me woman! I'm a shaman! I can curse you!"
"And I can cut your throat so fast you won't even have time to scream!"
"Geez was this crazy chica raised by the Aztecs?" Manny whispered to Frida.
"I like her, she's not afraid to speak her mind." Frida whispered back.
Andrea pulled out some cots for them to lay on.
"I hope you all sleep well." She said. "And just so you know I'm a light sleeper so if you touch me you'll find my spear in your throat." Andrea said to T.J. "Goodnight."
They all quickly fell a sleep quickly. Watching them was one of the birds, a crow who after observing them, flew to a large palace that resembled a nest. He flew up a stairway and into a room where a girl sat in a chair. She was goth, her hair was black and her eyes were purple. The crow perched himself on top of the fingers of her left hand.
"My pet." She said stroking him with her black talon like nails. "Someone in the forest attacked my poor babies. Did you see who?"
The crow squawked and nodded. She brought him to her ear and he whispered to her what he saw.
"WHO IS HERE?!" She screeched. "HOW DARE HE SHOW HIS FACE HERE AFTER WHAT HE DID TO ME!"
She seethed with rage but then calmed down.
"My he must have some nerve either that or he's forgotten this is where I reside." She said. "Was there anyone else with him?"
The crow whispered in her ear.
"A womanizing shaman, that man hating warrior Andrea, and a girl! What kind of girl? Was she young? Did she appear beautiful?"
The crow nodded.
"Hmm...My pet I want you to keep a close eye on him. Find out why he's here and what relationship he has with this girl." She approached the window of her home. "Now fly my precious and try not to be seen."
The crow flew away as she had ordered.