Skye Silver & The Soul of Fire Vol.1
Chapter 16 The Hummingbirds

The next day Kitai & I stood on a balcony overlooking the Royal Caves District. I could see those hummingbirds like at my foster parent’s house and at the Rogue Land border. They would fly near us and then fly into the distance. They made me smile because they always seemed so peaceful and calm.

On this day the Hummingbirds changed their usual fly near then fly away tactic. There was an entire group of them and for a moment they formed two of the letter “S”. I assumed it meant Skye Silver and that Kitai couldn’t see them so I merely observed smiling. After making the two ”S” shapes the birds disbanded and came back together as a sideways 8. I continued glaring at them when finally they all dispersed together like a school of small fish swimming away from an incoming shark.

“They were guiding you.” Loraine’s voice came echoing across the room.

Kitai and I turned to face her.

“Huh?” Kitai responded confused.

“The hummingbirds.” She said, “They were guiding Skye on her journey.”

I smiled because I had realized a sign and actually followed it through without knowing it.

“What hummingbirds? Kitai asked.

“I saw them at my foster parent’s house first, they were flying over the trash can which made me check and replace the mythology book. Then I saw them again at the Border of Rogue Land before we entered.”

“I remember you mentioning them,” Kitai said.

“And now they were just in front of her.”

Kitai turned around to scan the horizon for the hummingbirds to no avail.

“You can’t see her spiritual helper and guide Kitai only she can,” Loraine explained. “The hummingbirds are telling you something, Skye.”

I turned to face the balcony again to see the hummingbirds flying in our direction. When they reached us they started flying around Kitai in circles. I watched and giggled as Kitai couldn’t see the birds around him.

“What, What are you laughing at?” Kitai said smiling but confused.

“Nothing,” I responded with a smile.

I didn’t know what the hummingbirds were trying to tell me but I was sure it had something to do with Kitai now. The birds flew into the sky one by one unraveling the spiral loop around Kitai and fading into the sunlight. It reminded me of the cover of the mythology book. There was a sun at the top and the planets spiraling around who I assumed was a shadow of the Gods of Gods Shakur & Lyte.

“Kitai, did you actually speak with your father yesterday?” I asked.

“Yea I did actually!” He responded with pure excitement.

“Did you tell him we have the mythology book and that the Demi-God who stole it is dead?”

Kitai hesitated with his facial expression showing that he had forgotten about the book.

“I’ll go do that now.” He said walking away from the balcony.

“Skye, Benign is looking for you in the lobby.” Loraine said.

“Oh ok, thanks,” I said blushing as I walked away from the balcony.

“Do you like this boy?” My mom asked as I walked past where she was standing.

“Oh, I’m not sure,” I responded nervously.

“Well, you have my approval if you do.” She said with a smile. “I think you’re old enough for relationships, right?

We both laughed as we began walking out of the room to the lobby. When we reached the huge stairwell I could see Benign standing at the bottom waiting for me with a bright smile. He looked like he couldn’t wait to tell me something as we walked down the stairs. When we finally reached him he could hardly hold it in.

“Skye your mom gave me a home in the Royal Cave!” he said excitedly.

I looked at my mother and she was smiling down at him. I could tell she genuinely liked Benign.

“What, That’s amazing!” I said “Thanks, mom!”

She smiled at me as well.

“Now you to run along and get some breakfast. Ill send Kitai in after you when he’s finished in his room.”

“Ok!” I said as Benign and I made our way to the kitchen where the chefs would make us anything we requested.

The kitchens were just as long as the dining rooms filled with silver stoves, sinks and cooking tables. Every table had every cooking utensil you could think of and they were all silver as well. It was a kitchen made for the Gods. The floors were sky blue with white clouds in the kitchen as if they were walking on top of the clouds. The kitchen ceilings were the only ones that weren’t some form of fire but merely looked smoky. Also mixed in with the scent of all the different foods being cooked was a familiar scent. I remembered it from Camerons living room. The plants Cameron loved and grew so dearly were also used in the kitchens. They used it to make certain foods or in certain peoples food if requested. I knew this because Benign requested an omelet with the plant cooked into it.

“Ill have two waffles with two pieces of chicken please,” I asked the chef.

“Sure thing Princess,” the chef responded smiling at me.

Benign and I were waiting in the kitchen for our food when Kitai burst through the doors.

“Two waffles with two pieces of chicken and a breakfast omelet double sized!” Kitai blurted at the chefs happily.

“Hey, Kitai!” one of the chefs recognized him. “Coming right up for ya!”

“Thanks, Boss!” Kitai replied.

“Guys I found out how we can return the Mythology Book!” Kitai said excitedly “Not only did I speak with my father but I also spoke with his father the God of Gods Shakur. They thanked us for retrieving the book and requested that we bring it to the Cave Region portal at Dusk.”

“Wow, you spoke with Shakur!” Benign responded in shock.

“Yea!” He said, “He even promised to bring my mother back to life because he is aware of her contributions to keeping the book and all its secrets and stories in safe hands.”

“What, That’s amazing!” I said smiling. “I’m so happy for you.” I hugged Kitai in excitement.

“Thanks, I’m pretty ecstatic.” He replied with a smile.

We didn’t have to wait very long to receive our food. We took our golden plates to one of the dining tables to feast with some of the others that were enjoying breakfast at the moment.

After breakfast the three of us took a trip out of the Royal Cave to explore the Royal Caves District. I was curious to know what my new home offered in terms of what Astralians did on the regular. My mother offered a ride around town but I declined in favor of walking the streets. I wanted to see as much as I could up close and personal.

The Royal District, as well as Chic District, were both clear signs that the entire Cave Region would thrive if they simply followed their queen. However, the Cave Region was also notorious for having the most Rogue Demi-Gods which is likely why Assail wanted to take over the Cave Region rather than his own home in the Mountains.

The Royal Cave District inspired me to bring peace to the Cave Region. I had no idea how I would manage to convince an entire region to follow my mother but I knew it had to be done.

“For the sake of Milan and the other Districts perishing I will one day bring peace to the Cave Region,” I vowed.

“I believe you,” Benign said.

“That won’t be an easy quest,” Kitai assured me.

“Oh, I know.” I responded. “But neither was the journey home.”

“You can say that again,” Kitai said smiling.

“Maybe if we take the districts back one by one with the help of Cameron and the Rogue Demi-Gods we can bring peace,” I said. “It will allow for my mom to repopulate the Region and bring those Guerrillas to justice”

“That’s a thought,” Kitai said optimistically.

“And of course ill help,” Benign offered.

I smiled at Benign in approval.

“Guys, don’t tell my mom ok.” I requested. “I don’t think she will approve of the quest.”

“Surely she wouldn’t,” Kitai said.

We continued our walk observing the many amenities the district had to offer. There was a huge park with artificial turf surrounded by a gate where I could see Demi-Gods honing their powers and sparring each other. Kitai explained that the parks were often used by new student Demi-Gods to practice or by Demi-Gods who planned on entering the Annual Games as well as going for the powers individually. Benign and Kitai apparently spent a lot of time training at the parks in the past because they were obviously well known at the park. As we passed by several Demi-Gods waved and spoke to them welcoming them back to the Cave Region. A few of them were just as optimistic about visiting America as Benign was when I first met him. They asked Kitai all kinds of questions pertaining to the country, most of which he sugarcoated so he wouldn’t break their spirits.

I also saw a huge building that looked like it may have been a sort of Coliseum. It was where the Cave Region held their sporting events and known as “The O” for its round shape. Benign explained that more Demi-Gods died in The O annually than the Plains Region entire death count. The Cave Region Demi-Gods were ruthless and merciless in sports. Usually, those who played were willing to put their lives on the line.

We walked down a street that was a strip of restaurants at one point. It made me think of Milan and Steven and how their pizza shop would fit right in with all the other food shops lining the street. There were so many different scents in the air, it was impossible to smell just one of them. They all forced their way into my nose at once.

I saw massive statues of significant beings from the Cave Region. They were set in different places throughout the district with who they were and their legacy engraved on a gold plate that sat in stone at the base of the statues. They were truly works of art and Kitai explained that every statue looked exactly like who they were down to the height and width of the actual beings.

We roamed the district throughout the afternoon with Kitai and Benign giving me a much detailed tour. Together they explained the buildings, beings, and culture of Astral. We also stopped at a botany shop and Benign purchased some of the plants Cameron had introduced him to. They didn’t stock the healing cream he had which was what we initially stopped for. Nonetheless Benign stocked up on the flower knowing it offered the same benefits only slower.

“What are you doing?” Kitai asked, “Stocking up for winter?” He laughed.

“You remember what Cameron said, and he smokes these plants all day long.” Benign responded.

“I know but I didn’t think you’d pick up his habit.”

“Well, he was healthy and happy did you see how much they smiled and laughed.” Benign explained. “I like being like that.”

“That’s true,” I said defending Benign. “Benign was right at home with Cameron and Winnie.”

“Well, you’re old enough to make your own decisions and it’s not like drinking Potion every day so I guess its alright,” Kitai said.

Benign smiled as he stuffed his book bag with the plants he purchased. “This is lit, literally.” He said.

“Lit, Where did you learn that? I asked already knowing in my mind.

“Its some slang from America,” He laughed “I’m going to make it popular here.”

“That’s lit,” I responded.

Benign smiled bright realizing that I was already aware of the slang term.

“You can teach me some more right!” He said excitedly “All the guys at the park will be lit.”

“Oh yea, we gone turn up,” I said smiling.

Benign was confused but still smiling it was a funny face to witness. “Oh ok, yea” He didn’t know how to respond to what I had just said.

“You got some learning to do.” I laughed.

Kitai laughed as well because he had been in America long enough to know the slang term “Lit” came after the “Turn up” phase.

Well, all left the botany shop and noticed the sun was beginning to go down. Kitai then decided it was time to cover distance towards the Cave Region portal. The plan was to deliver the Maverick Mythology book to Jovial The God of Warfare. He was sent to Earth by Shakur to retrieve the book and destroy anyone who held or read it.

We began walking to a cave that the portal was inside. As we passed by one of the training parks I noticed Kitai glare at Benign but Benign was paying him no mind as he gazed forward into the distance. He was awaiting Benign’s challenge from our journey. I wasn’t sure if Benign had no longer wanted to spar or had forgotten but I soon found myself awaiting for his challenge as we passed another park.

We weren’t walking very long before Kitai pointed out to the cave in some distance ahead as we turned on a street that was more like an alley. All of the buildings backs were to the street and across from them was a wall enclosing another District. We could see the Cave but it was still further than it seemed.

Nonetheless, we were a little closer to the cave when I spotted yet another Training park situated in between some of the buildings we were adjacent to. Kitai again looked at Benign as did I. As we were passing the park I was unable to anticipate any longer.

“Ok, Benign this is the last park, are you going to challenge Kitai to take part in the games or are you going to wait the two years?” I blurted. “Sorry I just have to know.” I smiled to show I meant no harm.”

“I can’t battle him now!” Benign responded.

“What, why not?” I asked.

“Yea, what happened tough guy?” Kitai said sarcastically.

“I can’t beat you now. You can fly!” He yelped. “It wouldn’t even be a fair fight.”

“So you agree to wait the two years?” Kitai asked.

“Yea, whatever,” Benign said smiling and rolling his eyes.

“Good, you’ll be ready to win with ease by then.”

“Yea with the help of Skye we’ll be unstoppable!”

Kitai squinted his already naturally squinted eyes at me “With the help of who?” He said gazing in my eyes and into my burning soul.

I nearly slipped my head into my shirt as if it were a shell and I was a turtle. I hadn’t told Kitai that I was considering joining the Annual Games with Benign if he had lost his battle.

“Sorry,” I said with my classic puppy dog face in full effect. “I have to do something while I’m here and I would rather train with you and Benign than enter school here. Plus I want to accomplish things instead of sitting pretty in a Royal Cave for the rest of my days.”

“Yea you’ll train her much better than they will and she’s the Princess of the region so you kind of have to listen to her.” Benign added.

“Ooop! that’s right Kitai” I said. “I am your superior,” I said in my best Darth Vader impression.

We all laughed as we were finally nearing the Cave.

“I guess you two have a point,” Kitai said.

We entered the cave and Kitai picked up a stick with a white cloth around the top of it. Using his fire manipulation he lit the torch-shaped stick and we made our way into the cave. The walls glowed reflecting Kitai’s torch as we made our way through. However, the cave seemed to get darker the further we walked in but Kitai’s torch guided our route and we could still see light from the opening behind us.

When we finally reached what I thought was the back of the cave we could no longer see the light from the opening to the cave and were only supported by Kitai’s torch. When the walls of the cave no longer reflected the fire Kitai held we finally came to a halt.

“This should be far enough,” Kitai said. “I just have to call on my father whom is with Shakur right now and they will send Jovial here.”

Benign took off his book bag and opened it taking out the Mythology book. He gave the book to Kitai and Kitai passed him the torch in exchange.

“Father we have arrived!” Kitai said.

His voice echoed throughout the cave bouncing off the walls. For a moment there was a stiff silence. It was so quiet you could hear a mouse urinate on cotton. We all stood looking at each other confused in the dim lighting that we had.

“Father are you there?” Kitai asked still to no answer.

“Well, maybe you don’t have service in this cave.” Benign joked and we both laughed out loud.

Kitai was thoroughly confused on why his father was not responding. He looked like a kid that came home looking for their father whom had just left for a deployment. I couldn’t stand to see Kitai look so disappointed and I knew we had to return the book so I took my chances.

“Fugaze are you there?” I asked out loud but not as nearly as loud as Kitai.

We all stood for a moment awaiting any type of response when suddenly there was a bright light behind us. We turned to see where the light was coming from and there was a circular portal of flames like the loops at carnivals. The flames were so bright they made it hard to look directly at the portal. We were squinting our eyes and partially covering them with our hands to see who the figure was stepping out of the portal.

He was the tallest man I had ever seen. His skin was dark as coals, hair was a low cut and he wore what seemed to be black robes. He had a white letter W on his forehead but I wasn’t sure if it was an emblem or tattoo. He wielded what looked like a small axe connected to a chain, only the chain seemed to go into the chain tattoo that wrapped around his left arm rather than a physical one. His build was similar to Olympic track star runners in their prime. Full of muscle with probably little to no body fat.

The man walked up to Kitai, held out his hand and Kitai gave him the book with his eyes wide like he had seen a ghost. The man opened the book flipped through the pages then closed it back. He then proceeded to turn around and walk back into the portal without saying a word. Just as Kitai snapped out of his shock and tried to ask him something the portal closed and vanished.

“Wai…” Kitai stopped as the portal closed.

Kitai slowly put his hand down that was reaching up and out to get Jovial’s attention with his face in disbelief.

“They didn’t honor their word,” Kitai said in a soft tone as he was turned away from us.

“They said they would bring her back!” He said holding in a river of tears.

“Why would they say that!” He then punched the wall in anger knocking rocks to the ground.

I approached Kitai with compassion and gave him a hug. He sobbed on my shoulder for a moment while I rubbed his back. I could tell that Benign was also in pain because Ms. Cruise was like a mother to him as well. Every since I explained to Benign how it happened he had been optimistic about her still being alive but with Jovial walking back into the portal and no sign of her even he now had broken hope.

Kitai wiped his tears from his eyes a took the torch from Benign.

“Thanks, Guys.” He said as he turned in the direction of the cave opening. “Let’s get out of here.”

Benign patted his shoulder wiping his own tears away and agreed. Shortly after we began walking back there was the sound of another portal and the bright light behind us as well. We all turned around to see what was happening and again were nearly blinded by the brightness of the flames. We approached the open portal slowly and suddenly someone stepped out.

When the flames of the portal closed and Vanished once again Kitai held his light out to reveal Ms. Cruise standing before us.

“Mom!” He said dropping the torch and running to her arms.

“My sweet boy.” She said hugging him tightly and rubbing his hair.

She kissed him on his forehead with both of her palms on his cheeks. I picked up the torch Kitai had dropped to bring the lighting back to our head level. Ms. Cruise then spotted Benign and reached out to him. Benign blushed and walked over to her giving her a hug as well.

“I missed you so much,” He said with his eyes now full of tears now as well.

“I’m here now,” She responded.

Finally, she released Benign and looked to me as he stood by her side opposite Kitai.

“Skye.” She said holding her arms in front of her inviting me for a hug.

I walked up to her handing Kitai the torch and gave her a hug. By now I had enough tears to fill an empty ocean.

“I’m happy to see you here.” She said.

“You’re happy?” I responded. “No, we’re happy to see you here!”

“The Queen will be pleased to see you mom,” Kitai said.

“Where is old Loraine anyway?” she asked jokingly.

“She’s in the Royal cave awaiting your arrival,” I said smiling.

“Well, that’s great let’s go home.”She said. “I’m starving!” She said rubbing her stomach while looking at Benign smiling.

It was a joke the two shared because they ate more than everyone else around them.

Benign smiled and rubbed his stomach as well. “Me too!” He said dramatically.

We all began walking to the opening of the cave. On our way out we explained our trip to Ms. Cruise. We told her how we had taken the Mountains portal to Astral and had only recently made it to the Cave Region. We described all of our battles and struggles. Benign told her about Cameron and Winnie of course. Kitai expressed how he had learned to fly. I simply bragged about everything they had taught me over time.

Ms. Cruise was thrilled to hear of our exciting journey on the walk back to the Royal Cave. She was impressed with how far we had come in such a short time. Intrigued by how we accomplished such feats and ecstatic that we had all made it.

Later that night as I laid in bed I heard a deep voice in my head. It came as my inner thoughts rather than in my ears.

“Skye My daughter,” The deep voice said. “I have seen you grow!”

I lunged out of my bed in fear and confusion to see no one in the room outside of myself.

“Who’s there?” I said.

“It is I Fugaze your father.” The voice responded. “You are powerful Skye don’t let it go to waste.”

“What does that mean?” I asked as I looked around the room from the walls to the windows and floors to the ceiling.

The voice said no more words afterward. I stood for a moment in silence trying to understand when I realized it was my father. I had forgotten that I could contact him and he had now contacted me.

I wasn’t sure what he meant by not letting my power go to waste but I was sure of one thing. The only way to not let my power go to waste was to put it to use. I made up in my mind that I would attain as much power as I could while bringing peace to the Cave Region.

“I guess winning in those Annual Games wouldn’t hurt the process.” I smiled and laid back in the bed closing my eyes drifting to sleep.