"Thank you for accepting to come with me" you smiled up at the Heavenly King sitting next to you. "I was a bit unsure since you were doing your fortune telling..."

"To be honest, I was surprised when I read it. Of all people to see the Thunder Festival with, you chose me" Coco replied. "But why, exactly?"

"Since I was little, I often went to the festival with my parents. You can see it as an important event we never missed in our lives. Unfortunately, as they grew older, my parents became less adventurous..." you explained, gazing sadly at your laps. "My father caught a sickness from one of his long journeys, and since then he is terribly weak. This year, he won't be able to attend the festival, and my mother decided to stay with him"

"I'm sorry" Coco stared at you apologetically.

"But it's okay. I'll simply bring the festival to him" you assured with a grin. "In fact, there's something I want to bring back as a souvenir: a Thunder Egg"

Every demi-decade, a festival was held in a small village at the bottom of a mountain range, called the Thunder Festival. Various species of thunderbirds could be found in this region, and made it their main habitat for reproduction each half of a decade. Thunder Mihirungs, Thunder Ostriches, Thunder Moa,...You could easily find them there, and even more when the Thunder Festival comes around.

It was a way to celebrate the benefits of their eggs, the Thunder Eggs, who are considered ingredients high in protein and fat. Not only that, but the shell could also be used as a main source of clean energy. While there isn't really any different between a normal egg or a Thunder Egg, the latter comes from a process apart of when the normal eggs are laid. When a thunderbird reaches its peak of egg incubation, they give birth to a bigger egg with enigmatic designs.

The Thunder Egg doesn't contain any living being, only pure energy of protein and fat. Thunderbirds then offered them to the villagers in exchange of a safe place to stay and where they can easily feed themselves. Once the babies reach adulthood, the various species of thunderbirds return to the Gourmet World.

"My father and I would often paint our own Thunder Egg if we found one, and use it as a giant lantern. I could easily trace the light patterns left by the shell with my fingertips, and I share precious moments with my father..." you smiled, tender.

"Komatsu-kun couldn't come with you?" Coco wondered, and you shook your head.

"He has the restaurant to take care of. Besides, I weirdly feel more comfortable going there with you. Does it bother you?"

"O-Oh, no!" the Heavenly King stammered with an embarrassed blush and you giggled.

"I'm teasing you. Hey! We're here!" you told as you got excited, lifting yourself from your seat to gaze outside through the window.

Bright and green leaves colored the trees of Pespeora Province, a lone region in the northern continent. Due to the high levels of humidity and moisture, it was subjected to various thunderstorms throughout the year. Half a year it would rain, and the rest would be sunny. However, at the conjunction of those two events of the year, was the Thunder Festival that served as a mediator to celebrate the end of a season and the start of another. Beminster was the central village where those celebrations were held, located a few kilometers away from Thunder Peak, a huge mountain that was inhabited by the thunderbirds.

Once you arrived at the gates of the village, you were taken aback by the lack of people and decorations. While it wasn't a worldwide event knew by everyone, you could remember clearly that it at least received a thousand of visitors.

"Did they cancel the festival?..." you wondered in confusion.

"Well, I can see a few festivities still held inside..." Coco pointed to various stands of food and games.

"Hm. I guess you're right..."

Even thought it was different from childhood, a wave of familiarity hit you once you passed the gates of Beminster with the Heavenly King following after you. You drooled at the sight of Berry Clams, clams filled with blueberries. The savor was at its peak once they opened to reveal the fruits. You did window shopping with Coco, looking at the newest displays they could offer in terms of foods or utensils.

You found a bar that offered takoyaki, and decided to stop there for dinner. Taking a seat on one of the stools they offered, you ordered your food with the Gentleman.

"It's weird. There's less activities to do then my last visits..." you mumbled.

"That's because the thunderbirds won't make an appearance this year...Just like the previous times" told the barman behind the counter, eliciting a confused look from your part.

"They won't?" Coco inquired. "And it isn't the first time that happens?"

The villagers had witnessed the signs over a decade. While the Thunder Festival was held each five years, the thunderbirds inhabited the mountain all the time. Few species would even descend to participate in the daily day business of the village once in a while. However, those sights became rarer, until they completely disappeared. It was also impossible to approach Thunder Peak because of the bad weather there. Dangerous thunderstorms that no human should ever think of stepping into.

"You won't find any Thunder Egg here, lass. The birds won't even let us approach without attacking" told the man solemnly. "It's hard for our business that turns around those eggs...Mayor opened a few mines here and there, but they never worked. Yet, he's dead set in opening the new on in two days"

"Like those posters that announced the opening of a new workplace?" you pointed at the various and colored papers that adorned some buildings of the village.

"Yes. The mayor was able to find a company to finance this mine. Everyone will gather at the quarry for its opening, and our workers are stressing over the fact if they will be able to feed their families with those new jobs..."

"You say that the thunderbirds attacked people on sight. Why's that?" demanded Coco.

"Who knows?" the barman shrugged with his shoulders. "But I'm curious about those mines. And why suddenly some company showed interest in opening another one"

This left you with more questions than answer, unfortunately. You could say the same for the Heavenly King, who was pondering about it, deep in his thoughts. After a good meal of takoyaki, the two of you left the bar to continue on your window shopping. You were determined to find a Thunder Egg, even after the barman's words. There must be a way to collect them.

Suddenly, the wind grew colder and stronger. So much that it destroyed some roofs of the village, and uprooted the trees. Screeches filled the air while dark clouds hovered above Beminster, causing its villagers to run inside for safety. You were led inside a hotel with the help of Coco, who held your hand tightly.

"We should be safe here..." he mumbled, staring ahead and seeing the chaos the wind brought.

Your cheeks warmed while you gazed at your joined hands, realizing that Coco didn't release it yet. It would have probably stayed that way if you haven't cleared your throat at that moment. He turned to look at you in confusion, and you signaled with your eyes that he was still holding your hand. Embarrassed, the man quickly detached it a red tint appearing across his face.

However, this moment was soon forgotten when thunder struck the ground, causing the earth to tremble. You never witnessed such a violent storm.

"What's going on...? It's so sudden" you said, breathless.

"The Thunder King is mad once more...The Thunder King is mad once more..." repeated a woman in a corner.

"Thunder King?" you questioned in an echo.

"She must be talking about the Thunder Wren, considered as the King of the Thunderbirds...A bird associated with an old fable of the election of the 'king of birds'. The bird that could fly to the highest altitude would be made king. The eagle outflew all others, but he was beaten by a small bird that had hidden in his plumage" explained Coco.

"But why would it be mad?"

"His eggs stolen, the Thunder King will storm the heavens and earth to find them..." continued to murmur blankly the same woman, who was now walking back and forth in the hallways of the inn. "Mad...Mad again...The Thunder King is mad once more..."

"Don't mind Louise..." told an old man behind the counter. "She has been like that since her family left Beminster. Her husband couldn't tolerate her condition anymore, so he took their two children and disappeared in the dead of the night"

"That's horrible!" you exclaimed as you walked closer to the old man. "Why would he do that?"

"Louise was an employee at the mines five year ago. That girl worked day and night to feed her family, while her husband worked in a butchery" started the old man. "Poor Louise, the job she had was no good for her mental health that was already fragile at the time...When the quarry was closed for an unknown reason, she and lots of people lost their job."

"Some of us left the village for a better life, and others like Louise are still clinging to the hopes of this new mine the mayor will open soon. It was killing her husband to see her like this. They were constantly fighting on the matter, and Louise was too stubborn to leave with them"

"But, to abandon her like that..." you mumbled, staring at the poor woman who looked a bit pale and sick. "Beminster has really changed. What's with those mines anyway?"

"Mayor Hyde closed all the routes that lead to the mountain, where must quarries are situated at. Due to their secret locations, it's impossible to find them without a proper map. Neither the safest route to climb Thunder Peak"

"Is there a way to speak with the mayor in person?" Coco wondered, earning a hum from the old man.

"Ah. I didn't recognize you on the spot, but you are one of the Heavenly Kings, huh? The mayor sure will jump on the opportunity to talk with you. That lad still wants to win the elections this year..."

"The elections? The opening of a new mine would sure boost his chances in winning...And surely he would be interested in my fortune telling" Coco grinned. "We could find out everything about the quarries he opened. And if luck is on our side, we will be allowed in Thunder Peak"

"That way I can get my hands on a Thunder Egg!" you finished, your expression brightening.

"Thunder Eggs..." repeated the old man with a fond look. "It has been a long time since I saw them. The thunderbirds don't trust us anymore, so we cannot approach the mountain. If someone could find out the reason why they are so mad, then it will be possible to bring our old Beminster back and the Thunder Festival. Birds and humans worked so well together, I wonder what changed..."

"Don't worry, Ojiisan" you assured with a smile. "I'm sure the real Thunder Festival will come back"

Once the storm calmed down, you left the inn with Coco to search for the mayor. Following the directions instructed by the old man that went by the name of 'Jiji', you soon found the building where you would be sure to see the mayor. What you didn't expect, was the crowd of medias gathered there with reporters and newscasters. You stood at the back with your comrade, unsure on how to approach without gaining the attention of those paparazzi.

"...Reporting from the lonely village of Beminster in Pespeora Province, Mayor Theodoric Hyde should make an important announcement concerning the opening of a new quarry in Thunder Peak, rumored to be inhabited by the Thunder King and various species of thunderbirds...From this new line of work, the mayor of Beminster hopes the mine will be remunerative enough to replace the huge sums of money you could gain by selling Thunder Eggs"

"T-That's Tina-san and Kruppoh!" you said, surprised to see the female reporter here.

"Oh?" the young woman hummed as she turned around, hearing her name being called. "(y/n)-chan and Coco-san!"

Turning off her camera, the reporter ran to meet with the two of you with her companion. Just as you guessed, she was sent here by Gourmet News to make a reportage of the Thunder Festival. Unfortunately, she was also trapped in a corner by learning the conditions of the festival.

"So you're here for the Thunder Egg, (y/n)-chan?" Tina wondered.

"Yes. I was hopping to have access to Thunder Peak after speaking with the mayor...But all those people gathered here won't make the task easy"

"I need a mountain-sized scoop to get the director off my back..." the young woman sighed, exasperated. "The Thunder Festival was my last hope...But if you're going to Thunder Peak, maybe I could tag along!"

"Even if we refuse, I don't think it'll stop you from following us..." Coco sweated at the girl, who suddenly looked more than determined to find her scoop.

The buzzing noise that came from the crowd gathered at the town all suddenly stopped as a young looking man exited the building with bodyguards at his sides. This caught your attention along with the others as you gazed at the male wearing a fine suit that showed his wealth in general. Mayor Hyde approached the podium confidently, giving a charming smile to his spectators:

"Thank you for coming. I'll now answer to every question concerning the new quarry I will open this weekend..." started the mayor, and already he was bombarded with questions from the medias.

"We should find an opening once the mayor is done with the round of questions..." told Coco, and you nodded.

"He is such a young mayor...I wonder how old he is?"

"They say that he was the first mayor elected at 23 years old...The villagers liked his ambitious projects and found him very charismatic" Tina said.

"All good points to get him elected..." the Heavenly King mumbled, but suddenly went silent.

He narrowed his eyes at the sky, sensing dangerous electromagnetic waves that screamed with hostility. Through the clouds, a dark shadow passed through them and landed behind the crowd of interviewers. Feathers shining brightly and running with electricity, a Thunder Eagle lifted its head and snarled in the direction of the humans.

THUNDER EAGLE (THUNDERBIRD) CAPTURE LEVEL - 35

Your eyes widened like saucers when it opened its golden and long beak, the pure sound of thunder slipping out from its mouth. Both you and Tina were quickly shoved out of the way by Coco, the man throwing you two on the ground as a spark of lightning was emitted from the Thunder Eagle. The mayor escaped the podium at the last moment, shielded by his bodyguards. The crowd quickly scattered out of fear, screaming while lightnings continued to rain upon the town hall.

You covered your ears, wincing as you knelt down in pain. A cacophony of sounds filled your mind, so loud you thought you were going to become deaf. Noticing the look on your face, Coco knelt by your side and covered your whole body with his cloak, muffling the noise of the environment.

"(y/n)-chan? Are you alright?" Coco demanded, his face contorted in a worried expression.

"I'm hearing...! It's the voices!..." you managed to croak out, whining as you hung your head down.

The Thunder Eagle flapped its wings, and took flight again. It disappeared behind the dark clouds, bringing with it the thunderstorm. As if on cue, the sounds in your head completely faded away. That atrocious song was no more in this area, but you were beyond sure that it was still existing somewhere else.

"Coco of the Heavenly Kings! I'm so relieved to see such an important figure here!" smiled broadly the mayor once Coco and you entered his office.

"Thank you for having us. I wasn't sure you would still accept my request after what happened at the town hall" the Gentleman spoke, bowing his head.

"Those damn thunderbirds...I just don't understand what's going on through their heads..." the young man groaned, ruffling his short in a frustrated manner. "They are becoming much more violent"

"Have the village been subjected to other attacks of that kind?"

"Thunderbirds forbid us of approaching the mountain, but to attack Beminster like that in plain day, it's a first" Mayor Hyde shook his head. "In fact, the storms and their apparitions almost became a routine those last days. Since I announced the opening of the mine, that is"

"What do you exactly do in those mines? And why would you open so much of them in the first place?" you inquired.

"Special materials can be harvested there, like Silver Silicate and Pepper Colemanite. All of them are found inside Thunder Peak, and the company that funds our mines sells the minerals. However, they made various reports of thunderbirds attacking the employees, so they changed the spot each time. Until I came out with this new idea, and the quarry I have in mind will break this cycle..."

"Perhaps the thunderbirds are territorial...Maybe they don't want you to work near their habitat" you said, to which the mayor quickly dismissed with a wave of his hand.

"I have lived here most of my life, and never could I describe the thunderbirds 'territorial'. They shared everything with us, with the Thunder Festival and the Thunder Eggs. Still, we needed more money to keep up the village's prosperity and offer jobs to our villagers...For a reason that I have yet to discover, since the day we opened the first mine, the relation between humans and birds became strained"

"Well, I have a preposition for you, Mayor Hyde. If you allow us the access to Thunder Peak, we could find out about what's happening in the mountain" suggested Coco, earning a surprised look from the mayor.

"Y-You would do that for us?! Thunder Peak is pretty dangerous at this time of the year...But then, your reputation as one of the Heavenly Kings could allow you to trespass the thunderbirds' territory without any problem. I'm more worried for that partner of yours, that lady over there. Is she your Combo Partner?"

"C-Combo?!" you squeaked out while Coco remained unfazed by this sudden question.

"She is a friend of mine. We came here personally for the Thunder Festival"

"Ah, you want those Thunder Eggs, huh?" the mayor smirked knowingly at you. "It's not rare to have chefs come here to make dishes out of this special ingredient...I can't promise you that you will find one in that mountain, but I do allow for the two of you to enter Thunder Peak. To be honest, the real guardian will be the thunderbirds. They are the ones who will decide if you can enter or not"

"Thank you, mister!" you smiled, bowing your head multiple times.

"If I were you, I wouldn't approach the old quarries. They are abandoned and not deemed safe anymore...On that, I bid you a safe journey, and find out what's happening with our feathered friends"

The moment you exited the mayor's office and home, you turned to gaze at Coco expectantly. Something has been bothering you to no end since you arrived here, and you were wondering if the Heavenly King felt the same.

"Coco-san...The voices I heard before, they came from the thunderbirds" you told him, and he raised a brow at you. "The Thunder Eagle was trying to protect something from the mayor who is unaware of the situation. If we climb this mountain, it won't be for the Thunder Eggs. I'm legitimately worried about them, and their harmony have been disturbed"

"You can all hear that just from them?" Coco questioned in awe, and you nodded.

"This cacophony of sounds...There's no Thunder Eggs because they are bothered in their habitat. And I need to find out! So please, could you help me, Coco-san?"

"....Your kindness will always surprise me" the man smiled down at you. "I will help you"

"Thank you!"

He froze on the spot when you hugged his waist, and he didn't register anything that was happening until you pushed yourself away from him, embarrassed. You cleared your throat a few times, and turned around so your back was facing him to avoid showing him your red face.

"Shall we go, then?"

Not long after, the two of you were off to Thunder Peak to find out the mystery engulfing the Thunder Festival and the thunderbirds.