A/N: Hello, just some quick notes!

I would like to say that the changes of POV were kept in here too. Characters and narrative will be displaying incoming POV swaps. It will be as it was before. Hopefully more clear too.

The word had spread. Everyone reunited to witness the miracle of life. The Zephyr's crew chose to wait outside the den to allow the family to have the honors. Especially to allow Ori to see the one that was bestowed upon him. Ori goes in, sighting Naru and Gumo very focused facing away. The egg was cracked, it indeed had hatched! He stepped forward, circling Naru to see the owlet.

Naru was carrying her, the littlest dark owl of the world. Upon noticing Ori's arrival, Naru gave attention to him, bringing the owlet closer.

"Here." Naru offered and Ori brought his arms around her small frame, all tucked and curled. It was weird, he had never held a baby before, she is so delicate and adorable, she needs all the protection of the world until she can spread her wings. Said thoughts flooded his mind as he got used to her weight and as he adjusted her.

Layla: "Aww. She has the same color hue as the mother! What a cutie~!"

Franz: "Impressive that she already has feathers. I am very jealous." He started grumpily.

Ario: "This type of owls doesn't apply to the same nature as normal birds. You know the size they can grow right?"

Daruk: "Oh my!" He said spooked. "Imagine when she grows up!"

Franz: "Now I am scared, but good thing that it won't be hostile!"

Layla: "I agree."

Ario: "True, we don't need to fear. For she is in good hands."

Naru: "Excuse me, would you like to hold her too?" She asked the archer.

Ario: "Don't worry about me. But I know someone who wants to hold her quite badly." He suggests towards Layla.

Ori was quiet, gazing deep to the owlet's orange eyes, holding firmly onto her dark indigo colored feathers to not let her fall. He studies her details carefully: she had a white face and a white spot on her chest, much like her mother. Detailing with two raised feathers on top of her head almost looking like antennaes. Ori brings her close, hugging his now nominated little sister. The Light sending faint sparks through her body as it was doing a check-up, but the baby doesn't react or show any signs of discomfort. In fact, the Light soothes the owlet.

I could not express a single word at that moment. I held the last child of Kuro, right in my arms. I held great responsibility. I felt truly honored and slightly scared at the same time. I don't know how to care for a child, but fortunately, I am not alone in that.

As everyone was talking, I was still hugging her. I then come to a realization, what should we call her?

A part my hug a little and inevitably I stared at her for a good second before turning to my family and friends talking. I nudge my mom to call her attention.

"Mom, what is her name?"

"Oh, she still doesn't have one. Would you like to do the honors?"

I… am to name her? I felt so weird, how do I name someone? I give it a try... overflowing in options but none seem fitting. JIxi? No… Veyd, Tiya, Preit… No, I want a name similar to Kuro. Kuro… Ku-ro. Ku… Ku! I have the answer!

"Ku! What do you think?!"

"I loved it. Short and cute. I say yay." Naru replied approvingly.

"Ku? A homage, I see. I say yay." Layla adds up.

"Yay." The rest follows up.

And it was settled. We named her Ku, the cutest dark owl of Nibel. We celebrated again, and before we knew it, time flew before our eyes. Autumn went by really fast as we learned how to live with Ku. Her diet, for example, was different from ours. She ate no fruits or vegetables or anything we used to eat. She preferred grubs and insects and so we hunt for them regularly. Below rocks and logs, there were always high chances of hitting the spot.

Soon she was doing her first steps, walking by herself energetically as a child should be, chirping and whistling with that little beak of hers. Curiosity moved her. She desired to mess with everything she had range of. Always seeking to learn and sometimes eat whatever she could find. We kept watch, taking out any possible dangers.

Time went on, we arrived at the wonderment of Winter. Her burning passion could not be held back, she was eager to explore and of course, we happily obliged. We played with the snow and ice, built snowmen, and contemplated the snowy landscapes of our home.

We thought Autumn was the season for Daruk, but Winter proved to be much better for all of us. Ku and I loved to play around him. Thanks to the weather Daruk could make ice escultures, make an entire playground for us, make lots of ice-creams and a lot more. We would dive in the chilly snow, spend all our energies and when satisfied, we played around Daruk's wool to warm ourselves and rest. We fell asleep many times in that wool fortress, I confess. We always were carried back home and tucked to our beds. That was the greatest Winter I ever had.

While the months went by really quickly, Ku naturally befriended the Zephyr's crew and Layla was her favorite of the troupe. Layla was quick in winning the little owl with all the treats. Other than that, she liked to watch my training. I once had a difficult duel with the greatest archer himself. Needless to say that I lost… and that Ku were all playfully mocking me for a good time. "I didn't lose that bad!" I used to say. She can be one sassy little thing but in all honesty, how could I get mad if she was happy? That was a victory.

Then came the new Spring, and that marked a few months since her birth. She already had grown and matched my height. I often imagined how big she would get since her mother was huge compared to us. The serpents were huge too, maybe all the shadow kind is commonly massive?

It was no use to waste my time imagining now. She had arrived at an age of her youth where a new desire arose. She yearned for the skies, she wanted to fly.

On a new morning, we awoke with Gumo encouraging Ku to take a chance and leap from the ramp he had built above our den. Naru and I were ready to catch her. We cheered, but she looked much apprehensive, she had no confidence.

We bolster her self-esteem and she builds the courage necessary. She spreads her wings and jumps! We watched very attentively as she struggled to flap her wings and fell quickly. Naru catches her and we support her so she doesn't lose faith. That was just the first attempt, certainly the next ones would be better.

Or so we thought. She tried time and time again, and no improvements were in sight with each try. She was getting so sad, nothing we could do cheered her back up. Much because her wing had a birth defect… After five months after her birth, she grew fast and should be ready to soar. Yet, her right wing had no feathers. We hoped it would grow soon, but it never did. She was stuck on the ground.

We had an idea. Sein should be able to heal her wing. However, that backfired pretty badly. Once Ku saw Sein for the first time, for some reason she felt too scared to allow herself to be healed. Ku would instantly panic while in the presence of the wisp of Nibel, we did not know why, and unfortunately we were unsuccessful. Sein instructed us that maybe, Ku was too young and her radiance is what scared her to such a point. We had to await Ku to grow a little more to give it a new go. Sein and I remembered that the Light is harmful to them at such a young age, even if her wing were to be restored. It couldn't be done right now.

Well, with our hopes shaken for our little owl, we returned home. A few days go by, and Ku is always watching the skies, the birds flying by, feeling the winds beckoning her. We felt sad, but we could not waver. We had to be her faith, and not yet allow her to believe that her destiny was to be a flightless owl.

Firstly, I should try to occupy her mind with something. I approach while she gazes into the skies through the window of our den…

"Hey, Ku, let's drop at the Zephyr?" I invited her.

I receive no answer. She hoots low and directs her sight downwards. She is too despondent, seeing her like that hurts. I move to her side and bump lightly onto her.

"Ku, I know that things are hard. You will be able to fly soon enough. We will find a way."

"Will I?" Ku asked back. "Why can't I fly like all the others up there? Why is my wing different?!"

Even if we could ask for Gumo to build an artificial wing for her, we feared that it would not be the wisest choice. After all, Gumo's creations tend to be a bit volatile; remembering all the spiky traps he had at his home or how the Gumons tend to build with runic stuff doesn't seem fit to that.

"We don't know," I replied. "but we can't give up. We will help you. But for that, you can't keep your face down. Cheer up, come on! Where is the 'so polite' owl that enjoyed my defeat against Ario?"

Ku puffs her feathers to the funny memories of that duel. She had a lot of fun to see me losing but it was so precious. While they're still here, I gotta defeat Ario in a duel. Now, I look like Layla back then, trying to prove my growth through battle. Not that I need to follow this path. Somehow this interest is inescapable, I guess disciples naturally want to surpass their masters. I will do it before the Zephyr is repaired.

"So let's get there! Maybe Layla has some delicacies for you."

"I want it!" Ku feels uplifted and normal.

Gladly it wasn't so hard to take her out of the sorrowful mood. With her content again I had to make it count. We walk to the Thornfelt Swamp, we pass by the Ginso Tree and the many pools of clean waters that we already played in. We arrived at the great flying vessel that was built in Kainar, the Zephyr. Its crew were agitated and working on the ship's reconstruction. Daruk and Ario are the main 'engineers' so they said, but they aren't that optimal for such tasks, but they do what they can.

Franz: "Oi, careful with that calibrator! I worked hard to polish it." He started with Daruk carrying a piece of equipment fit for something for the ship.

Daruk: "Give me a break, Kako."

Franz: "Don't call me Kako!"

Before we approached, Layla had already found us. She leaps out of nowhere and grabs both of us into a hug.

"Hello, you two! What can we do for ya?"

"Hi, Layla, do you have some sweets with you?" Ku Asked.

"Of course I have." She takes a moment. " Hm, we're gonna work out a little after it, okay? It's no good if you get overweight, so I will keep you in shape so you can keep eating more."

Ku was more than eager to do whatever was necessary to have her sweets. She puffs her feathers roused.

"What about you, Ori? Do you want some too?" Layla asked me and I shook my head. I was not hungry or anything, just trying to give Ku some respite.

"Alright then." She released us and directed herself to Ku. "Come on sweetie."

Alright, Ku and Layla went onboard to the kitchen. Now, what could I do… Where would be Ario? I wonder for a millisecond and feel a slight gust of air at the back of my head. My fur all stands up with an intense shiver that forces me to duck low. A swing of a weapon goes above me.

"Nice! Seems like you kept your guard up." Ario complimented me with a smile. I turn around to see him wielding his Arc and standing normally. That would've hurt if it hit me!

"We're not training! What was that all about!?"

"Out there, things may don't play nicely. So keep your senses sharp, the smallest breeze might mean more harm than you can imagine."

"This is scary. Nibel doesn't have so many dangers!"

"In a way, no, it doesn't. Yet I vow to give you a sample, an experience of what is to be in hostile territory."

"I have already been in many of them!"

During my training, Ario served as a "final challenge" and unfortunately I only faced him three times. And in none, I was even close to taking him down. He too had grown stronger as did Layla. I had beaten Layla in some reflex exercises but not in a one on one combat just yet. I was getting there, but in Ario's case, I don't know how to counter his bow shots. An archer should be, as the name suggests, a ranged attacker. Now, if you do get in close range, you'd think he's screwed, but he uses his bow as a hammer or even as an immobilizing tool. He is quick to answer and the second you think you have the advantage, he just shows up something new to turn the tables.

Not even mentioning the powerful arrows he can fire… Sheesh.

"So, how is the ship doing? It seems to be repaired." I asked, changing the subject.

"Not quite." He replied. "You've arrived just in time for us to test the motors. We'll see if everything is right to the ship to hover."

He goes towards the ship and talks to Daruk to ask if preparations were ready. Daruk replied affirmatively and so they started to turn on the engines.

Ario: "Franz, attention to any alarms."

Franz: "Calibrators and balancing plates are fine! The main motor is also going smoothly!"

Ario: "Good. Try out our propulsors, lift the ship."

Daruk: "Let's take some distance, shall we?" They did a few steps back.

Heat gathered under the ship as the propulsors began working.

Ario: "So far so good. Keep it easy."

The Zephyr began hovering, leaving contact with the ground for the first time in two years. Joy was building, their smiles flourishing genuinely to the welcoming sight.

A beeping alarm sang and red lights blinked in the command panel where Franz watched. The joy was cutshort, everyone returned to a more serious mode.

Franz: "Uh-oh. Here we go again."

Ario: "What is."

Franz: "The engine is overheating. It won't be able to stand much longer until meltdown."

Ario: "Use the frost runes that Gumo gave us. Let's see if they are calibrated correctly."

Franz: "Oh, right! How could I forget about these!"

He pressed a lot of buttons and new runic plates on the ship's hull began to glow in a whitish tone. The beeping and lights stop. They had done it.

Franz: "Oooh! Temperature, weight, and jet force all stabilized! We have the power to fly again!" He celebrates.

Ario: "Success." He breathes in relief. "Finally we managed to control the overheat with the runes."

Daruk: "That is really helpful. I feared that only Seil would be able to isolate the overheating problem. Luckily we had a turnaround and managed to get it done in one year less than my predictions."

Ario: "Indeed. Gumon craftsmanship is tricky, but I am glad Gumo and Naru helped us. I honestly don't understand much about these runes, but they work with Light. When we get in the night, I will supply the runes myself so they don't dim out during flights."

Daruk: "That won't be necessary. Remind me that we can borrow Light from the vast power of the wisp of Nibel. She has plenty to grant us."

Ario takes a moment to think.

Ario: "This would be lovely. But I don't think I would bother Sein or Yali for that."

Daruk: "I imagined as much. You can leave that to me if you so wish."

Ario: "Don't worry. I'll visit her again in due time."

The Zephyr lands back smoothly, turning off its systems.

I felt a little demotivated. With their first long-desired positive results, their departure was close at hand. I wonder how I and Ku will be when our friends travel around.

"Yay… Soon you guys will be free to go."

I couldn't contain much of my low, sad voice. My ears also were long drooping and that said much. Ario looked at me and took a moment to say.

It was painful to see him down. I haven't seen him like that in a long time. It's about our departure... Does he think we're already leaving? There are still some things that I need to prioritize before taking off. I notice Ori is holding himself back, should I do a little push? I clear my throat:

"You can say it if you want to, Ori."

"Couldn't you guys stay a little more?" He begs, almost immediately.

I gaze at my ship and wonder how many adventures and places I went with it. I was not simply going on vacations around the world. I am traveling for a new reason. I had a mission. He knew about it, but I wouldn't be taking him with me. I don't want to separate Naru from her child so soon. Not after all they had gone through. I wish Ori to live in peace here in Nibel, safe from any threats of the Decay. Now, more than ever, he too, is becoming a guardian, a protector of the little owl that arrived not long ago.

Still, I felt bad knowing he would be sad. I exercised him through these two years... it can't be helped, can it? It was just natural that our bonds strengthened after all this time. Deep down, all of us here are a family.

"Ori, you better cheer up. I had warned you, hadn't I?"

He doesn't reply. I sigh with my pathetic words. Okay, what could I do… I hear something interesting coming from the kitchen. Maybe that's what I need.

"Hey, come with me." I poke his shoulder and move calmly to the Zephyr's galley. The ship had landed again and cooled off for another test later.

He followed me and when we reached the kitchen. I didn't enter the room, I stopped just before I came into view. Ori's behind me, and we can hear Layla and Ku talking. I signal to Ori to be quiet with a finger in front of my mouth.

"What made Daruk come aboard?" Ku asked curiously.

They were talking for some time. Ku now was interested in knowing my crew's desires, and what their dreams were. Lovely… I remember quite well…

"Daruk, hm?" Layla thinks for a moment. "The Jotuns, these primate yetis are friends of the winds, creatures that live in the high peaks of Altum. I was in a safe and warmed ambiance with the ship when Ario went to their village. I was told that their peak was intensely cold, but he was prepared. Generally, the yetis are friendly but had not much tolerance for outsiders at their mountain.

"Ario's objective there was simply to get a view of one of them to paint on a canvas. He braved the harsh environment and before he was cast out, with the power of speech, Ario negotiated with the Jotuns. He would do a favor for the yeti chieftain and in compensation, Ario would be able to get his painting done. Which I found to be an absurd in my opinion.

"The request was to get an ice crystal from Mount Shiva, a mountain named after an mystical eagle of shiny ice that was told to live in it's apex. Legends said that this 'crystal' could grant the holder glimpses of their own future. A most powerful relic. I found it to be far too suspicious and yet, that stupid complied and would try anyway. If I were with him I would've kicked their faces, but anyways, someone else came to the rescue.

"A Jotun, named as Daruk, prevented Ario from meeting his fate. Daruk explained that the crystal's existence was a myth, a lie. Mount Shiva doomed the lives of thousands of adventurers. It's summit kills anyone, light and dark, nothing survives at the unmerciful glacier. All are like fragile glass before it and those morons requested something Ario could not get done. The chieftain was a vile and corrupted creature with pride and arrogance. They were sadists that had to be overthrown from their power. Daruk begged for help to free his people from the tyrant.

"Daruk proved their intentions with the aid of the winds to transmit a message of the leader laughing in derision, discussing how pathetically the spirit would meet their end with others laughing voices. Ario enraged, he could not believe of how they were willing to send him to his death for racism or other idiotic and sick reasons. Problems started to stir. A fight broke out and Ario caused a lot of ruckus there, punishing those guilty. The chieftain were not dethroned thanks to the aid of the villagers, but a public lesson of discipline for all of them was performed. Soon after, Ario left that place before he would kill someone.

"Consequently, Daruk too, was banned, became an outcast, unable to live with his kind ever again. Honestly, judging how Daruk usually is, he was not bothered in the end, he would live on his own from there, away from the sickened yetis that ruled the village. However, Ario offered him a home, a place within the Zephyr and then he learned Daruk's dream. The name Zephyr interested him. The name was a homage to one of the four winds.

"His dream was to experience all kinds of windy currents. He was tired of the Boreal Wind, the howling winds of the North and sought to feel the Zephyrian Wind, the calmest breezes of the West; The Favonian Wind, the warmest winds of the South; And finally the Euonic Wind from the East, bringers of turbulence, creator of storms."

I did not doubt that Ku was completely fixated on the story, she was so quiet. Eventually doing a quick click with her little beak from time to time.

"And yep, that's how Daruk came aboard, not that he was shunned, but because Ario was kind enough to offer him a home and a chance to bask in different types of gales. In the end, our captain searched for copper and had found gold. A new friend had joined us."

"The winds… " Ku recited. "Winds help us fly, right? He must be happy to be able to fly!"

"Indeed. I bet he is." Layla caringly replied.

"What about Franz? He shares a story like Daruk?"

Layla almost laughs. "Nop, it's simpler. Franz is a Quito of Friol, a species of bird that cannot fly. Think of a chicken, but one bipedal, taller and with a large beak."

"He's silly." Ku comments and somewhere on the ship, Franz sneezes. "But why call him Kako anyway?"

Layla giggles. "Because we like to mess with him. While in Friol, he used to mimic seagulls known as Kakos to fly like one. According to his past, it used to be very funny to the locals, which laughed at his silly behavior to entertain others. Franz was a lonely bird, and seeing how he could get attention, he strived to be even funnier. It felt good at first, he thought he would create many friends…

"However, it didn't play as he expected. His relationship with people quickly became toxic and judgmental. None would take Franz seriously, even if he wasn't trying to be funny. His words were considered merely a joke. His actions, an exhibitionist endeavor. Nobody wanted anything with Franz anymore. That had a grievous impact on the poor bird, Franz would care more for what others thought of him than what he thought of himself. It hurt him deeply. He was a nobody. A mere loser that craved for attention.

"Lucky for him, it all changed. One day, Franz was 'blessed' to see how Ario first arrived on the clear and sunny shores of Friol. He saw that Ario had the means to fly even without wings. It impressed him beyond imagining. Seeing that he immediately begged to come aboard. Franz was simple, he just wanted to escape loneliness and fly. The Errant Archer, after learning more, decided to be generous that day. He allowed Franz to come aboard, giving him a new home. Franz proved to be a good friend nevertheless. He had found a place to belong."

"Oh…" Ku sobs, tears gathering on her soaked eyes. "I'm happy he can fly now…"

Layla knew that their conversation would trigger her melancholic mood, but satisfied her curiosity anyways. She pats her head, pulling her attention back.

"Sweetie, don't be sad. These are stories of the past, ones that had good endings. Yours is just beginning, so don't lose faith." Layla brings her to a hug. "You are yet to get yours."

That settled it, Ori and I needed not to continue listening. We walk outside and we sit on the ship's edge, watching the swamp for a moment as I place my arm over his shoulders.

"You heard that, right?" I asked him.

"Hm… What?" He asks, trying to play a fool.

"Ku needs you, my guy. She will need you in her life to be able to grow strong. I would love to take both of you on, but what about Naru and Gumo? How will they be? Besides that, Ku is far too young to venture with us." I pause. "She has a dream. A dream to dome the skies, to go higher than the clouds. She should do it in a safe space and with you at her side."

He doesn't reply again. It's alright. I feel I am overloading his mind, he already went through this. It's just part of the responsibilities of being the older sibling.

"You'll find a way. I know you will. Don't forget that we can drop some visits from time to time. Also, I think we can declare your training good as done."

Ori raises his head with an uncomfortable look. The training was something he looked forward to day by day. By saying it was over, it probably felt like there was one less string holding us together. Oh, Ori…

"Don't feel shocked, I don't have anything else to teach you. Now you must keep growing by yourself. For the sake of Nibel, for Ku. Remember to pay Sein some visits and all that kind of stuff. Give her some aid to care for the youngsters too."

I leap down to the forest floor and look back up at Ori on the ship's edge. I wonder if I am doing the right thing by being so cautious with him. I… honestly feel bad.

"I'll leave Nibel on your charge. Don't forget you're not alone. Yali will never let you down."

Yeah, he's not very interested in that. He just wants to have us around, he is not ready for departures... Fine, I'll stop disturbing him. Now, how can I make him happier?

"Hey, wanna duel?" I offer.

He finally looks at me and dissolves his melancholy expression, his ears shot back up. He puts a tough look, now that is more like it. I wish I could read his mind, what could be going on in there… Well, if it is about the training, there was still something left for him to overcome. Me.

"You're just like Layla." I tease him. "I'm glad I can serve as a milestone for you too."

He hops down from the ship and prepares himself. Both of us summon our preferred weapons.

"Can you beat me before we set off?" I provoke him further.

"If I win, you'll stay until Ku is able to fly. Do you agree?"

I can't really contain showing a genuine smile. He is trying so hard to keep us around.

"Alright. Have it your way."

"You're not asking for anything back if I lose?" He asked in doubt.

"I don't want anything. Just show me a good time, would you?"

"Hope you don't cry after I mop the floor with your face!"

I find it amusing to hear such rare words coming from him. He is indeed immersed and provoked. But is he attentive?

"As always, watch your step."

Taunted, he holds nothing back and charges in.

...