Birthday Quest <Final>

Relief, heavy and languid, settled over Zephyr like a warm cloak. The adrenaline that had fueled his escape had ebbed away, leaving behind a pleasant ache in his muscles and a dull throb in his head. He allowed himself a moment to rest, sprawled on the cool cave floor, the pouch of diamonds lying forgotten beside him.

"All that just for a birthday gift," he murmured, a tired smile tugging at his lips. Honestly, he thought, what a great brother he was. The diamonds, once a symbol of greed and desperation, now seemed almost comical. The real treasure, he realized, wasn't the gems, but the memory he'd create for Bell.

Pushing himself to his feet, he winced at the protesting groans from his body. He was battered, bruised, and utterly exhausted. But he was alive. He had faced a monstrous creature and emerged victorious, not through brute strength, but through cunning and a spark of his own unique power.

The journey back to the village was slow and arduous. The setting sun cast long shadows as he limped through the familiar paths, the pouch of diamonds clutched tightly in his hand. Reaching the village gates, he was met with a chorus of concerned shouts from the villagers. Their faces, etched with worry, softened into a collective sigh of relief as they saw him.

"Zephyr! You're back!"

"What happened to you?!"

"Thank goodness you're alright!"

He offered them weak smiles and a mumbled assurance that he was fine, just a bit shaken from his exploration. The truth, the terrifying encounter with the wyvern, would have to wait. There would be time for explanations later. For now, he craved the comfort of his little home and the soothing embrace of a long bath.

Reaching his doorstep, he cast a fleeting glance at the pouch of diamonds. A mischievous glint danced in his eyes. Bell's birthday surprise was going to be epic. With a weary grin, he pushed open the door, the promise of a well-deserved rest and a fantastical tale for his brother urging him forward. He was Zephyr Bladehart, monster slayer and the best big brother a kid could ask for.

Stepping inside his humble home, Zephyr felt a wave of relief wash over him. The familiar creak of the floorboards, the worn but comforting furniture – these were the things that grounded him, a stark contrast to the fantastical and perilous world he'd just emerged from.

His first priority was the pouch of diamonds. He didn't need them displayed, a constant reminder of his near-death experience. With practiced ease, he located a loose floorboard in his room, a secret compartment he'd created for odds and ends. The pouch vanished within, a hidden treasure waiting for the perfect moment.

Only then did he allow himself to sink into the welcoming warmth of a bath. The water, infused with fragrant herbs by Zen, soothed his aching muscles and scraped skin. But even as he relaxed, his mind wouldn't settle. He closed his eyes, focusing on the faint thrumming within him – his aura.

This power, this strange ability to manifest an ethereal blade and manipulate energy, was both a gift and a mystery. It had saved him today, a wellspring of strength when he needed it most. But where did it come from? Was it connected to his clouded past?

A wave of determination washed over him. He wouldn't let the questions consume him. He would learn more about his abilities, about the strange glow that pulsed within him. But for now, there were other things to consider. Bell's birthday loomed large, and Zephyr had a story to tell, a tale of bravery and a hidden cave filled with glittering gems. A small smile played on his lips.

Exhaustion finally caught up with Zephyr as he finished his bath. Briefly, he considered collapsing onto his bed, but the thought of Bell's birthday spurred him on. He needed to transform his near-death experience into something more than a terrifying memory; it needed to be a symbol of his love for his brother.

With newfound purpose, he shuffled back to his room. The pouch of diamonds lay hidden, but a particularly beautiful handful of diamonds seemed to beckon him. He retrieved them, their brilliance a stark contrast to the fading bruises on his arms.

Memories flickered in his mind – trinkets he'd collected during his explorations with Zen, scraps of leather, and a few brightly colored feathers. These, along with the diamonds, would be his tools.

He settled at his makeshift workbench, a jumble of scavenged wood and interesting rocks. Focus replaced his exhaustion as he began to work. His aura, the same energy that had manifested the bow, now served a different purpose. It guided his hands, allowing him to weave the leather into intricate strands, to shape the metal scraps into delicate clasps.

For an hour, the only sounds in the room were the rhythmic tap-tap-tap of his makeshift tools and the soft hum of his focused aura. Slowly, two necklaces began to take shape. Each boasted a central ruby, its brilliance accentuated by smaller diamonds nestled beside it. They were simple yet elegant.

"Maybe I should just create jewelry for a living." A satisfied smile spread across Zephyr's face as he finished the last clasp. Matching necklaces. A symbol of their bond, forged not just in fire (well, maybe a little cave-in fire), but in the unwavering love between two brothers.

As he tucked the necklaces away, a quiet confidence settled over him. He might be battered and bruised, his past a mystery, but he was Zephyr Bladehart. He was a survivor, a storyteller, and he was built different, but most importantly, a big brother. And tonight, he would celebrate Bell's birthday, the weight of his secret adventure adding a thrilling layer to their simple celebration.

The day bled into a vibrant tapestry of celebration. As twilight painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, the villagers gathered in the heart of the village, their joyous shouts echoing through the air. A crackling bonfire cast flickering shadows on their faces, a mesmerizing counterpoint to the brilliant tapestry of stars that adorned the night sky.

It was a double celebration – a joyous birthday for Bell and a triumphant homecoming for Zephyr. News of his "successful hunt" had spread like wildfire, morphing into a fantastical tale of his bravery and prowess. The villagers marveled at the sight of Zephyr, their once scrawny young adventurer, returning with a bounty that could feed the entire village for weeks: a whopping thirteen boars!

The air thrummed with music and laughter. Bell, his face smeared with cake and a wide, gap-toothed grin plastered across it, was the center of attention. Zephyr, watching from the sidelines, felt a warmth bloom in his chest. This, he realized, was what it was all about. The danger, the fear, the near-death experience – it all faded into insignificance compared to the joy radiating from his little brother.

Later that night, as the fire dwindled to embers and the revelers drifted off to sleep, Zephyr found Bell curled up beneath a blanket. He sat beside him, the two necklaces nestled in his hand.

"Hey, sleepyhead," he whispered, his voice gentle. Bell stirred, his eyes fluttering open.

"Zephyr! You're back!" he exclaimed, his voice thick with sleep.

"Of course I am," Zephyr chuckled, pulling him into a hug. "Happy birthday, Bell."

He presented Bell with the necklaces, their beauty catching the moonlight that streamed through the window. Bell's eyes widened in awe. [Image of Necklace]

"Wow! They're beautiful! Did you make them?"

"With a little help, plus one is mine so we match." Zephyr winked. He told Bell a fantastical story, a tale of a hidden cave, a monstrous creature, and a brave adventurer who emerged victorious, his pockets filled with glittering treasures. Bell listened, wide-eyed and captivated, his imagination painting vivid pictures with each word. [

As Bell drifted off to sleep, clutching his necklace, Zephyr knew this was just the beginning. There would be more adventures, more dangers, and more fantastical stories to share. He was Zephyr Bladehart, monster slayer, storyteller, and most importantly, Bell's big brother. And he wouldn't trade this life, with all its danger and wonder, for anything in the world.

The night hummed with the fading embers of the bonfire and the contented snores of sleeping villagers. Zephyr tiptoed out of Bell's room, a secret smile playing on his lips. He knew the fabricated tale of the cave and the monster would become a cherished bedtime story, a shared legend between him and Bell.

As he entered the living area, he saw Zen lounging by the dying embers, a tankard of ale in his hand. "What's up, Old Man?" Zephyr greeted, collapsing into a worn armchair opposite him.

Zen grunted, taking a long swig from his tankard. "Brat," he rumbled, his voice gruff but laced with a hint of amusement, "you don't remember when your birthday is, right?"

Zephyr winced, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. He didn't remember most of his memories. Only snippets, making up most of his knowledge, like knowing how to speak and what common sense is. But seeing Bell's unbridled joy had sparked a forgotten ember within him, birthdays weren't bad.

"Seems like it," he admitted, scratching the back of his neck.

Zen chuckled, a low rumble that danced with the crackling fire. He reached down beside his chair and with a flourish, produced an object wrapped in a worn cloth. Zephyr's breath hitched as Zen unwrapped it, revealing a gleaming sword. The moonlight danced on the polished metal, highlighting the intricate engravings along the hilt. It wasn't a weapon of brute force, but of elegance and precision, a blade worthy of a legend. [Image of Blade]

Zephyr stared at it, speechless. This wasn't a boar spear or a hunting knife – this was a true sword, a symbol of a warrior. He looked up at Zen, his eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and gratitude.

"Happy Birthday, Zephyr." Zen said simply, his voice gruff but his gaze filled with a warmth that rivaled the dying embers.

That night, Zephyr cradled the sword in his arms as he drifted off to sleep. It was a far cry from the glittering diamonds or the fantastical stories he'd shared with Bell. This was real, a connection to the sword that transcended words. He didn't know what the future held, what dangers lurked beyond the horizon, but he knew he wouldn't face them alone, now, he had a sword, a symbol of his burgeoning power and a promise of the adventures yet to come. A slow smile spread across Zephyr's face. Yes, birthdays weren't so bad after all.

———[Chapter End]———

A/N: Triple chapter just to finish off the Birthday Quest.

Timeskip next chapter.