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Zane ran across the snow, small footprints trailing behind each step. The boy stumbled with his hands cupped. He skidded to a stop in front of a tall and thick birch tree. With a strong kick he managed to wedge his boot under a hidden door and open it, a set of stairs now in front of him. He skipped down them, two at a time, and rushed into the workshop.
“Father, Father!” The android yelled. He opened the study door with his foot again and fell into the room. It was covered in notes and papers, doodles and drawings. Important documents scattered all around a small man, who was writing at the rusty metal desk. The man looked up and put down his pen, kneeling in front of the young boy.
“What is it, my son?” He asked, noticing the cupped hands, and put his hands under the child's.
Zane opened his hands, showing a small baby bird with a broken left wing. It was a beautiful bird, with ink black feathers and scattered light blue ones on his wings. The bird's beak was a bright yellow with tiny black details, and his dark round eyes slowly blinked. The bird tilted their head and gave a confused caw.
“I found him, Father! He needs help!” Zane declared to the old man, carefully stroking the bird to keep it calm. The young boy was certain that his father would help, after all he has a purpose. To protect others who cannot protect themselves!
“Alright, Zane.” Dr. Juilen replied and went towards the bathroom. Zane followed, whispering to the small bird.
“It's okay…I know sometimes everything is really scary, but I'm going to protect you..” Zane muttered to the bird. The bird tilted their head in response.
The boy lifted the bird up to his father and the man took it and placed it in a towel. Then he took a bandage and carefully wrapped up the wing. The boy stared in awe, grinning from ear to ear.
“See!...all better!” he smiled.
When the bird was all wrapped up in the warm towel, Zane held it carefully, still cupping his hands. He gave the bird a full tour of the house, pointing out each room and the different objects inside, telling the bird everything he knew about it. After all the running around, Zane sat with the falcon as his father made dinner.
“Hmmmmm…you need a name…” the boy commented “I think…Falcon?”
“Falcon?” Dr. Juilen asked, stirring soup for the night's dinner, “That's the type of bird it is.”
“Yes, I am aware. I think the name fits though. Falcon.” Zane declared, grinning wildly as he held the small bird
Zane cherished every moment with the bird, grinning and running around with his new companion. However, Zane had made a deal with his father. As soon as Falcon was healed, he had to go back into the wild. The weeks passed much too fast for Zane’s liking, but soon it was time.
“Goodbye Mr. Falcon!” Zane says, watching his beautiful friend fly off into the sky.
“How about I make you a new Falcon? One to watch over you?” Dr. Juilen suggested, seeing how much Zane loved the bird.
As Zane turned around to agree, everything faded out. It-
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The Ice Emperor blinked awake, sitting on the same cold throne as always. He had forgotten what he was dreaming about but he was certain it was pleasant. There was a man- yes, an old man. And he was very kind. And-
“My Emperor, I am sorry to wake you, but there are more rebellions rising up. You must show them your power. You must get them back in their place.” Vex said, his words twisting like snakes,
“You must show them by crushing the doubt they have, my Emperor! You must show them who the worthy ruler is.”
“...send my army….let me sleep…”
The Emperor croaked out, his throat sore from little use.
The ice stabbed at his arms and leg, making it too much effort to move. It was easier to stay here and listen to Vex. And sleep, how the Emperor longed to sleep forever.
“Of course, my Emperor, however-”
“SILENCE! I demand you to deal with this yourself.” The Ice Emperor snarled.
Vex quietly left the room, leaving the Ice Emperor alone once more.
The Emperor felt his eyes grow heavy once more, as he drifted off.
The old man- yes, the kind old man….
—--------------
“Father..!” A small child-like voice whispered, as the Emperor faded and all was left was a small boy named Zane.