The Avian: A Songs of War Story

The Fletcher

A/N: So, we have a protagonist established, but not yet a confirmed antagonist. Unlike many of my future stories, this one will have the luxury of the problem and goal being in sight from the beginning. Get ready for mining!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last time on The Avian...

Kahili, an Avian bounty hunter, cleared another bounty, getting decently paid. His best friend and bounty manager Kyoko helped him find another job taking down the Unyielding Legion. He also learned of an upcoming festival meant to celebrate the union between the Overworld and the Nether.

Kahili met Maxwell in a tavern, and he hired him to track down one of Malakai's former supporters: a Magnorite named Obsydian. Kahili cornered Obsydian and killed him, discovering that the Magnorite was planning arson.

Now we see Kahili returning to the residence of Maxwell to recieve his payment and get a night's rest after tracking down such a tough target.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kahili landed on the hard, rocky ground in front of Maxwell's home, slowly ceasing the movement of his wings. He had no idea if Maxwell was awake, but knocked on the door anyway. Soon enough, his human friend opened the door and let him inside.

"I took him down, Maxwell. Just like you asked. He had materials for a flint and steel, so he might have been planning to burn a significant building," Kahili reported. Maxwell thought for a moment. "How peculiar. Why burn something in a place where most structures are made of fireproof materials?"

Kahili looked at the wall again. Crimes related to the Unyielding Legion. Was he helping them somehow? He examined every piece of evidence. "Maxwell, I think Obsydian may have been aiding the Unyielding Legion," the Avian suggested.

Maxwell sat down. "I've had the same suspicions. Many others believe the same thing as well. It's highly unlikely that he would act alone." Kahili sat at the table across from Maxwell. "Anyways, here's your payment. Hopefully it'll be enough for a couple of beacon trips to Meridian and back."

Kahili thanked him and headed off to sleep. Tomorrow would be a busy day, he was sure of it. Might as well get as much rest as possible.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kahili woke up to the smell of burnt food and the sound of Maxwell yelling obscenities. The tone of his voice suggested he had badly burned his creation. "I can never get bacon right!" Kahili stepped into the kitchen. "Need any help?"

Maxwell nodded. "Yes... it does appear that way, doesn't it?" Kahili exhaled. "Remember to not let it burn, and wait five minutes after putting it in the furnace. Then, after those five minutes, check on the bacon every two minutes."

Maxwell processed the information he had just been given. "Well, I will be sure to put that into practice in the future. However..." He glanced down at the failed creations. "That was that last of it... You're better off getting something from a tavern, my friend."

Kahili bid Maxwell farewell and left. He headed to the center of Tartarus, where he would take the beacon to Meridian. Kahili found the stand where he would purchase permission to warp to the Cydonia capital. "Hello sir, I assume you are using the beacon?" Kahili nodded. "Where to?" the worker inquired. "Meridian." The worker nodded.

Kahili gave the worker his 60 gold and stood next to the beacon. The area around him turned into a black void filled with an abundance of blue and yellow streaks of light. Eventually, he appeared in Meridian, then made it his mission to find the fletcher.