Ajofia (500 years in the past)
Mmbeke and Chibuzor walked through a path bathed in fire, the air thick with toxic fumes. Chibuzor was swathed head to toe in strange furs not known to this world, his mouth covered to keep from breathing in the poisonous flames.
"We're climbing up the mountains?" Chibuzor asked, mockingly. "That's your great plan?"
"No, human," Mmbeke replied, eyes fixed forward. "Keep your head straight. If you look up properly, you'll see—we're not even on the right mountains."
Chibuzor glanced down, then up, his eyes widening as he realized the truth.
"So where are we going then?" he asked, panting from the exertion.
"Where we're going doesn't need explanation. We're already here," Mmbeke said, pointing toward the horizon.
Chibuzor followed his gaze and saw them—twin peaks rising high into the sky, crowned by a distant community of giant, humanoid birds nesting upon the cliffs.
"Why didn't we just scale those mountains instead?" Chibuzor snapped, irritation in his voice.
Mmbeke smirked. "Oh, and you say you know your folklore? If you knew, you'd know they don't exactly welcome me after our last encounter. Haha—those were the good old times. I still miss my smooth shell. Besides, this mountain carries a mighty nest, guarded by a rather nasty bird."
"Then why are we here?" Chibuzor asked again.
Without answering directly, Mmbeke used his walking stick to prod and raise Chibuzor's arms, examining his frame. "You could pass as a baby bird," he mused.
Before Chibuzor could protest, a loud rawr echoed through the mountains.
"Ohh, how lucky we are!" Mmbeke said. "One's already in labor. You'll slip right in."
"In labor?" Chibuzor echoed, confused.
"Oh yes—strange, abominable creatures. They give birth like mammals. So, I suggest you hurry with your decision. The gods have placed this opportunity in your hands."
"You want me to pretend to be... a bird?" Chibuzor asked in disbelief. "That won't work."
"They haven't seen a human in eons. They'll never know the difference," Mmbeke replied. "All you have to do is steal a few feathers—four, maybe five quills."
Chibuzor frowned, uncertain.
"We need feathers to fly to the sky kingdom. We can't reach it on foot, and you're already too weak to walk another kilometer. But you're clever enough—and strong enough—to pose as a weak, helpless chick."
Chibuzor gave him a long look, then nodded silently.
"But it won't be easy," Mmbeke warned. "They usually lay about four eggs. Fewer, and it's fine. Any more... and they'll know you're an imposter."
"So what do you suggest I do?" Chibuzor asked flatly.
"You kill one. Simple," Mmbeke said grimly. "Take its place. I know you're a sly man, but you must also be ruthless. If they catch you, they won't just kill you for the impersonation—but for the murder of one of their children."
Chibuzor, with no better options, nodded. "If I must, then I'll do it well."
Atop the mountain
As the last of her chicks tumbled into the nest, the massive mother bird collapsed in exhaustion.
Chibuzor seized his moment, rushing forward to find four baby birds—each the size of a full-grown man. Naked and featherless, they lay with eyes shut, chirping softly.
"Four... just like he said," Chibuzor whispered to himself. "Which means—I really do have to kill one."
He stared at their frail bodies, and guilt rose in his chest. Slowly, he pushed one toward the edge of the nest. He paused, reconsidered—then closed his eyes and pushed harder. The chick tumbled down, its blood painting the rocks below.
Chibuzor stripped off his clothes, coated himself in the mother bird's mucus-like birthing fluid, and curled up among the newborns, praying the mother would shed feathers in the morning. Exhausted, he fell asleep.
The next morning
Chibuzor awoke to the grotesque chirps of the mother bird landing before them. One by one, she examined her children.
The first gave a weak chirp—she answered with a confirming squawk. The second, the same. Then it was Chibuzor's turn.
Terrified, he trembled beneath her massive gaze. She leaned in close. Eyes shut, Chibuzor mimicked a chirp and twitched like a newborn.
A tense beat passed.
Then she moved on.
Relief washed over him—but it didn't last.
She reached the fourth chick, paused—then roared.
Chibuzor's heart nearly burst. She's found me out... this is it...
But the fury wasn't for him. The fourth "chick" shifted its skin, revealing itself as a chameleon-like creature—an imposter, ready to devour the rest.
The mother struck without hesitation, snatching the creature in her beak, tearing it apart midair. She flung its pieces before her children as a meal—including Chibuzor.
He nearly fainted with relief.
But their peace didn't last.
A dozen more chameleon creatures—larger and more grotesque—appeared, ambushing the nest. One lashed out with its long, demonic tongue, snatching Chibuzor from the nest.
The mother bird followed, talons outstretched, catching one of the chameleons. Another leapt and bit into her wing, forcing her to release her grip.
A flurry of feathers exploded into the air—hundreds of them.
The pain drove the mother to retreat, returning to guard her remaining chicks.
In the chaos, the creature holding Chibuzor faltered. Chibuzor seized the chance and bit down hard on its tongue.
The grip loosened. He fell—fast.
But as he fell, he grabbed five feathers: two in his hands, three clenched between his teeth.
"So how does this work?" he shouted, flapping violently. "Is this how I'm supposed to fly?!"
The feathers slowed his fall—but not enough.
He hit the ground hard—and everything went black.
The air was cooler now. Calmer. Enchanting.
Chibuzor stirred, eyes fluttering open. He was fully clothed again, cradled in the arms of Mmbeke.
"You've really made a habit of passing out today," Mmbeke said with a smirk.
"H-how... how is the air not toxic anymore? Are we... back in the human world?" Chibuzor asked, dazed.
"The human world?" Mmbeke laughed. "Not even remotely possible, fleshing."
He turned.
Behind his shell, divine wings unfurled—holy, radiant, shimmering with power.
"We're heading to the kingdom in the sky."
Chibuzor stared in awe as he realized: they were already there.