Overworld: The generation of heroes Volume 1

4. Airidans and Talismans

Oliver clutched the brooch in his hand gently, tears forming. "Where was this?" "I guess it stayed here for a while," suggested Parrita. "Hang on," interrupted Fluffy. "If his father was the wearer of the Dragon Talisman and kept the box, does that mean this boy here is our new guardian??" "Guardian?" Oliver repeated, confused. "My father was the guardian of this box??!" "Well, it's confusing," continued Parrita. "The Talismans were created for peace, but they needed someone to protect them as they are very valuable. The first guardian was the creator of the Talismans, we still don't know his name but we called him 'Creator', as he was the one who gave us the ability to give some of our magic to them. He was very special since he could see us, but us Airidans cannot be seen through human eyes, but the guardian can. People from time to time pass down the duty of protecting the Talismans by blessing them with a sacred reading, usually through families, but over the years, others have been gifted it as present or gift." "Wait, you said Airidans can't be seen by anyone except the guardian," Oliver said afterwards. "And since I can see you all, that makes me the guardian... I really am your protector! But what about my father??"

"He protected us before you," responded Spookks. "He barely gave people Talismans, but only to his close friends and loved ones to help regain peace in places. But how are you the guardian??" "Well... um ... he died...." sniffed Oliver, staring at the brooch. The Airidans gasped and some even began to sob. "How awful!!" cried Spookks. "Wait!" said Nibbles. "All isn't lost. We still have a guardian, young Oliver here will protect us!" "You're actually correct!" Parrita agreed. "When a guardian dies, if they have children, it goes to the oldest heir, or the spouse if they're married with no kids, or oldest sibling if they have a sibling, or closet family relative, but anyways, since you're the oldest and only heir, you're now our guardian, we now bow before you, master!" With that, all the Airidans bowed and hummed. "Master?" chuckled Oliver. "You can just call me Oliver, or Ollie for short." "I prefer master," said one at the back. Just then, the door opened. "That must be my mother!" cried Oliver. "Quick, Airidans, hide!" With that, all the Airidans flew back into the box. "Nice meeting you!" said Sadu as she entered back in the box. Oliver closed it and quickly hid it under his bed, letting the duvet down to cover it.

Oliver's mother, Farah, walked in after, holding gifts. "Sorry, darling," she said, sitting on the bed next to her son. "It did take a while to plan out the funeral and choose what coffin to have, but after I decided to get a present and wrapping paper." Oliver noticed the candles, small toy, and heart-shaped ornament with a heart-warming quote on it. "W-why have you got gifts, mum?" Oliver questioned, confused. "Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you," replied Farah awkwardly. "Your Uncle Edmund and Aunt Clarice are coming over from America to attend the funeral, along with your cousins Darla, Sandy, Kane, Oscar and Delilah are coming over too. They really loved your father, you know." Oliver felt more worried than nervous: His uncle was a kind man who was very good at technology, but his American wife was more of the reason why Oliver was nervous; Aunt Clarice was an impatient woman who was also a little controlling, as she was the reason why she and her husband moved to America. However, Oliver's cousins were alright, but his favourite cousin was Sandy, as they had a lot in common, and was said to even be born with 'beyond intelligence'.

"Oh, ok..." he replied. "Look, I know Clarice isn't your favourite person but your father was her brother-in-law, she's probably just as sad as you," said Farah in a comforting voice, even though she had a bit of hatred for Clarice herself. "On the other hand, Sandy will be coming, and you two get on so well together! Now, do you want to help me wrap the presents?" "Yeah, I'm really bored," replied Oliver, laying out the wrapping paper. After wrapping the presents, Farah entered her bedroom for some time to herself, but as she sat on her bed, she noticed her husband's brooch was missing. Alarmed, she searched all over the room: Through draws, under the bed and even in the wardrobe, but that's when she noticed all the messy boxes. She moved them out of the way, then noticed the box containing the Talismans had disappeared...