Herothion

The sun rose, and Okays was excited to reach the hill and meet the bird.

Okays: (mockingly) "Kalira, you sleepyhead, wake up! Morning has arrived."

Kalira: (yawning) "Is it really morning? I feel so exhausted because of what happened yesterday. And who are you calling a sleepyhead?"

Okays: (laughing) "Alright, alright, let's get moving. We have a lot to do today."

Kalira: (stomach growling, embarrassed) "I think we should get something to eat first."

Okays: (smiling) "Alright, that sounds good. I'm getting hungry too."

They continued their way through the trees, finding some edible fruits along the way. After eating, they moved forward and neared the top of the hill. When they reached the summit, the sunlight was blindingly bright, and in front of them lay the entrance to a cave—or perhaps the bird's nest.

Okays: (curious) "Should we go in, Kalira?"

Kalira: "I don't think we have any other choice but to enter."

Okays: "Alright, then let's go."

Okays and Kalira entered the cave. It was pitch black and sent chills down their spines due to the cold air coming from within. As they ventured further, the darkness began to lift slightly, thanks to the glow of crystals. Going deeper, they found themselves facing a massive bird's nest.

Okays: "I think this is where the bird lives."

Kalira: (nervously) "Yes, I've seen the bird enter here several times."

Okays: "Do you know when the bird usually returns?"

Kalira: "It always comes back at sunset."

Okays: "Alright, then let's wait here."

Time passed, and as the sun began to set, they heard the sound of something massive approaching the cave. The two quickly hid behind a large rock as the enormous bird entered. It was golden in color, with crimson feathers on its head that resembled dark blood. The bird moved toward the nest and settled there.

Okays: (whispering) "What do we do now?"

Kalira: (scared, whispering) "I don't know. I thought you had a plan."

Okays: (whispering) "You're the guide. Think of something."

Kalira: (thinking) "Hmm… Well, I heard my grandfather say once that this bird responds to pure blood. That's all I know."

Okays: (mocking) "So, are you the one with the pure blood?"

Kalira: "This isn't the time for jokes! I don't know, but we can try."

Okays: "What do we do then?"

Kalira: "You need to approach it quietly and place your hand on its head."

Okays: (grumbling) "Why do I have to do it? You should go."

Kalira: (angrily) "I won't do it, not even if it's the last day of my life!"

Okays: (laughing quietly) "I was kidding. Fine, I'll go."

Okays began approaching the massive bird quietly, his nerves and fear building up. However, the bird remained calm. He slowly placed his hand on the bird's head.

A voice echoed inside Okays' mind:

"Are you Master Maldis?"

Okays: "Did I just hear a voice in my head?"

The voice continued:

"Are you Master Maldis?"

Okays: (thinking) "I think it's the bird's voice. It's speaking through the blood. But who is Master Maldis?"

The voice replied:

"He was my previous master, Master Maldis. So, you are not him, but you share the same blood that he had—Bloodwatt."

Okays: "Wait, that name—Bloodwatt—it's the same name I heard when I was in danger yesterday. What is this? Who is this?"

The voice explained:

"It's not a person; it's a power called Bloodwatt. It's a dangerous force that drains the humanity of its user. If you're weak, you'll die after using it just once. However, you seem fine, which means you might be the fifth person in history to wield this power."

Okays: "Wait, wait! You're saying that the thing I used yesterday is a dangerous power that drains humanity? And that I'm the fifth person to have it? What do you mean? Also, what is this power exactly?"

The voice responded:

"Calm down. Let me explain. I am the servant of the previous four legends who wielded the Bloodwatt power. The last person to hold this power was my former master, Maldis, but he disappeared a long time ago. I don't know if he's still alive. As for what this power is, let me tell you an ancient story…"

(The story of Morana and the origins of Bloodwatt continues...)

---

After hearing the story, Okays asked:

"So, it's a sad and painful story. This power came from a demon, and the demon's name was Bloodwatt. So, the voice I heard yesterday was its voice?"

The voice confirmed:

"Yes, it was him. But he is very dangerous, and you must learn how to control him properly."

Okays: "But you didn't explain why it drains my humanity."

The voice answered:

"Because this ability was meant for monsters, and you're not a monster. You're a hybrid, but you resemble humans more. That's why this ability is dangerous for you. Also, this is the first time I've seen this power choose a hybrid like you."

Okays: "Oh, thanks for the information. Also, I came here because I need your help. You're the only one who can assist me."

At that moment, Kalira approached, her expression strange.

Kalira: "Okays, are you alright? You've been standing there talking to yourself for a while. Are you okay?"

Okays explained to her about the bird and who it was, but he d

idn't tell her anything about his power or the other details—only about the bird.

To be continued...