Preparation of Association

After their bold declaration of forming the association, Ark and Delta decided they needed a symbol-a flag that could represent their ideals, their hope, and the future they wished to build.

"Delta," Ark said, spreading out several sheets of parchment on the wooden floor, "we need something that shows strength, courage, and hope. Something every beast human can look at and feel inspired."

Delta nodded, her black tail flicking thoughtfully. "Red and gold, maybe? Red for courage, and gold... for hope."

Ark's eyes lit up. "Yes! And maybe a bird-rising, flying high. That represents freedom.”

For hours, they sketched, erased, and redrew. Their hands coloured with ink, their brows furrowed in concentration.

Delta suggested minor changes to the shape of the wings, the curve of the tail feathers, and even the way the sun reflected off the golden plumage. Ark, meticulous and patient, balanced her creative intuition with his precision.

Finally, after numerous drafts, they stepped back and looked at their creation. A magnificent flag waved in their imagination-a red and golden bird ascending against a backdrop of white light. It was a symbol of hope, courage, and freedom, perfectly embodying the purpose of their new association.

Ark smiled. "Delta, it's perfect. That's our flag. It will guide us."

Delta's eyes shining. "Yes... our flag. Everyone will see this and know there's hope.”

Ark's expression grew serious. "Delta, if you truly wish to fight and protect beast humans, I can give you magic. My strength, the power I gained from those three books the old man gave me two years ago... It's now mine to share. But understand this-it depends on you. Your heart, your will. I can only provide the conduit; you must decide how to use it."

Delta blinked, uncertainty flickering across her face. "Magic...? Are you sure? I've never used magic before…”

Ark knelt to meet her gaze, his voice calm but unwavering. "I've trained for years, Delta. I learned every spell, every technique from those books. Now, it's your turn. You don't have to be perfect. Just trust yourself.”

She stopped to reflect. Then her purple eyes ignited with determination. She gave a nod."Yes... I want your power. I want to protect those who can't protect themselves.”

Ark's hand rose, fingers outstretched, glowing faintly with mana. "Then focus, Delta. Place your hand against mine. Feel the flow of magic.”

Delta hesitated for a heartbeat, then stepped forward and gently placed her palm over his. Immediately, a surge of energy coursed between them. The light from Ark's hand intensified, spilling over like a river of molten gold and silver.

"Oh... it's... amazing!" Delta gasped, feeling the warmth and power flowing into her body. Her hair lifted slightly, charged with energy, and her ears twitched with new awareness.

Ark's voice echoed softly, guiding her, "Control it... feel it... it's yours, but it listens to your mind and heart. Not mine."

The light enveloped them both, swirling and spinning. Dust and sparks floated like fireflies in the radiant glow. The room seemed to stretch, the walls fading into the brilliance of raw magical energy.

When the light finally dimmed, Delta stumbled slightly, but her eyes shone with new power. Her hands flickered with a faint, controlled glow, showing that she could now channel magical energy.

Ark stepped back, smiling proudly. "Delta... you did it. You have magic now. Use it wisely. Your power will grow as you practice, but never forget why you fight."

Delta's lips curved into a confident smile, her tail flicking proudly. "Thank you, Ark. I won't let you down. I'll protect the helpless... I promise.”

Ark nodded, a wave of satisfaction washing over him. Now their association had a co-leader with magic skills in addition to a flag, a symbol of hope. They were stronger as a team and prepared to take on the challenges that lay ahead.

And so, in the small oak house deep within the forest, under the warm glow of the setting sun, the seed of revolution took its first tangible form-through a flag, a bond, and newfound magical power.

After transferring the magic power, Ark leaned back slightly and exhaled, watching Delta's eyes glow faintly with new energy. "Delta," he said gently, "you need to take time to understand this power. Don't rush. The more you practice, the stronger and more precise you'll become."

Delta nodded, her tail flicking with excitement. "I understand, Ark. I'll train hard."

Ark smiled, ruffling her hair softly. "Good. Now... I should go home. My parents will be worried if I stay out too long.”

He then said goodbye and hurried back to the village through the forest. The fields were bathed in golden light as the sun sank low in the sky. He noticed something out of the ordinary as he got closer to his house: the soft glow of lanterns, the aroma of freshly prepared food, and the subtle decorations that adorned the windows and doorway.

"Mom?" Ark called out, entering the house cautiously.

"Ark! You're back!" Rose exclaimed, rushing forward with a bright smile. "I've been preparing your birthday dinner. Sit, eat, and relax for a moment."

Karl appeared behind her, adjusting a few streamers on the ceiling. "I've decorated a bit too, my boy. It's your 12th birthday, after all."

Ark blinked in surprise. "Today... it's my birthday?"

"Yes, it is!" Rose said, laughing. "You're twelve today. We've been planning this for a while. Sit down and enjoy.”

Ark's face flushed with happiness as he looked around the room-the table filled with his favorite foods, candles, and a cake at the center with twelve tiny flames flickering softly. "Wow... thank you, Mom, Dad. I didn't expect this."

Karl chuckled. "You've grown so fast, Ark. I'm twelve years old already. Let's eat first, then we'll celebrate properly."

They ate together, laughing and sharing stories. Ark's heart was full of warmth as he realized how much effort his parents had put into this day. After finishing his meal, Ark helped Rose clear the table and then went outside briefly to stretch. That's when he saw Delta approaching quietly from the trees near the edge of the village.

"Delta?" he said, smiling.

"Ark... happy birthday!" she whispered softly, looking slightly embarrassed. "I... I didn't bring a gift in time. I'll make it for you soon."

Ark shook his head gently. "It's okay, Delta. Just seeing you is enough.”

Delta smiled shyly and ran off, disappearing into the forest before he could protest. Ark returned inside, and the family began the main celebration. They sang, cut the cake, and shared moments filled with laughter and love.

After the dinner and cake were done, Ark remembered his promise to Delta and decided to visit her. He arrived at her small oak-tree house and found her working on something at a small table.

"Ark!" Delta exclaimed, eyes lighting up. "I've made something for you.”

Ark tilted his head curiously. "What is it?"

Delta held up a mask carefully crafted from black leather. Its design was sharp, menacing, yet elegant. The edges were carved to mimic feathers, with subtle red markings along the sides. The eyes of the mask glimmered faintly, giving it a deadly, almost magical aura.

"For me?" Ark asked, eyes widening as he took the mask. He lifted it slowly, placing it over his face. The transformation was incredible-the mask made him look both deadly and mysterious.

Delta smiled enthusiastically. "Yes! I wanted it to match your strength. You're amazing, Ark. I thought it should reflect your skills and presence.”

Ark laughed softly, feeling the weight and balance of the mask. "It's perfect, Delta. Thank you so much. You've made my birthday even more special."

Delta's cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked away shyly. "I'm glad you like it. You... you deserve it."

Ark carefully removed the mask, holding it in his hands. "I'll treasure this. I promise to use it wisely, and one day, I'll become strong enough so I can protect everyone... including you."

Delta's eyes sparkled. "I know you will, Ark. I believe in you.”

For a brief moment, they stood together as the gentle evening light moved through the trees, the surrounding forest serene and tranquil. Ark experienced the warmth of friendship and trust as well as the weight of responsibility. He knew he could handle anything with Delta at his side.

Finally, Ark left Delta's house and returned home, carrying not just a gift, but the renewed determination to grow stronger and protect everyone he cared for. The memory of his 12th birthday, filled with warmth, magic, and friendship, would stay with him forever.