There was a pause, long enough that the air itself seemed to still.

Bluebird stood before them, sword resting lightly at his side, the wind tugging gently at his cloak. It looked as though he were about to reveal something grand, something that might change everything. The three of them, still catching their breath from their defeat, lifted their heads. Their ears perked up, attention sharp, waiting.

What is it? Gary asked, curiosity written all over his face.

Bluebird smiled faintly. It would be hard to explain, he said. Lets just say its because I am… me. The other things I talked about earlier, you could probably unlock those eventually. But this? This is something only I have.

Disappointment washed over the group almost immediately. All three of them had been so ready, so eager, to learn something new, to find the next step forward. Their week of training had been an incredible learning curve. In a strange way, it had humbled them. If their powers hadnt been suppressed, they mightve just bulldozed their way through every situation, never learning what they had now.

And yet, despite the bruises and exhaustion, they had grown to enjoy it. They were finally learning to fight differently, to think differently. And now, standing before someone like Bluebird, their curiosity had reached its peak.

Gary sighed, brushing dust from his arm. So much for that, he muttered under his breath.

Bluebird, however, was having his own thoughts as he looked at them.

I cant believe these three, he thought to himself. They didnt even transform, but during the fight they pushed me hard enough that I had to use the White Lines. Its been a long time since Ive had to do that. These kids… theyre really something else. I wonder where they came from.

He smiled quietly to himself. Maybe this is how it always happens. When the world needs saving, a new generation of freaks shows up to fix it.

Bluebirds eyes drifted for a moment as old memories surfaced, days back at the Knight Academy. Things had been so different then. The system had changed since those times, made more open to the public, more inclusive. But the memories of what he and his generation had gone through, the hardships and the battles that shaped them, still lingered.

He couldnt help but worry for the future. One day, he and the other knights of his generation would be gone. What would the world look like then? Would anyone be strong enough to take their place?

As he looked at Kai, Gary, and Lupus, exhausted, covered in dirt, but still standing, he felt a flicker of hope. Maybe the next generation was already here.

Well, Kai said finally, breaking the silence, can you at least try to teach us how to feel what youre feeling? Maybe if we can sense it ourselves, we can work out how to unlock the other Qi projection ability you talked about.

Bluebird chuckled lightly. Although Id love to personally teach you, the truth is, I cant. The kingdom, and the surrounding ones, are all dealing with issues right now. Ill have to leave soon. Thats part of why I wanted to battle you three before I go.

He looked at them sincerely. I suppose you could say I see you as my responsibility, in a way.

That was another thing they had come to learn about the Red Wing Kingdom. Other cities and territories often called upon the Red Wing knights for help. When the matter was serious enough, Bluebird himself was sent out. He wasnt just a teacher or a council member, he was a protector.

I see, Gary said, nodding. He pushed himself up from the ground, wiping the dirt from his hands. Well, thank you for looking after us so far. Speaking of which, didnt you say the meetings supposed to be tomorrow? The one where Jack will be there too? You were going to introduce us, right?

Yeah, Bluebird said. Thats still happening. Ill be leaving shortly after that. He sighed, his tone softening. Honestly, I wish I could do more in this matter. I know a certain someone who wouldve made sure everyone was safe and taken care of.

He looked away for a brief moment, then continued. But my responsibilities are different now. I have to trust that Jack is safe and knows what hes doing. Still… just in case, please do whatever you can to help him.

Kai, Gary, and Lupus exchanged small smiles. Even though they hadnt known Bluebird for long, they respected him deeply. He had treated them kindly, guided them without judgment, and made their time in this world far easier than it couldve been.

They could only hope that when they finally met Jack, things would go just as smoothly.

Kai folded his arms. So, did you not manage to find out anything new about him?

Bluebird shook his head. Not much more than before. Jacks been leaving the city less frequently. Hes still sending members of his pack out on assignments, but he seems to be staying inside the Red Wing Kingdoms main base, the one where the werewolf pack resides.

He sighed. As for why, no one really knows.

Lupus frowned slightly. No one at all? Nothing suspicious?

Bluebird hesitated, then shrugged. There was some other news, he admitted, but I dont think its that important.

What is it? Lupus asked, his curiosity piqued. We might as well explore every angle. Sometimes things arent as obvious as they seem.

Bluebird nodded slowly. Its about his family. His wife and children, they havent been seen out much either. But Ive had confirmation theyre still within the base. Its just that… the whole family hasnt left in quite some time.

Gary raised an eyebrow. So its not just him keeping to himself.

Exactly, Bluebird said. As I said, its more likely to be an issue with Jack himself. But I hope well get closer to the answer tomorrow.

The group exchanged glances, a quiet determination settling over them. Tomorrow, they would finally meet Jack, the leader of the Red Wing Pack, the man who held the answers they needed.

****

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