~Chapter 2- Promised~

A boy and a girl came upon a large tree around Lupine Lake that had been uprooted from the ground from a recent storm. The damage was irreparable. The black haired Aero figured he might as well put it to use.

The 15-year-old squatted next to the tree, dug his hands under it, and with a groan, lifted it over his head. To test and push his own strength, he lifted it several times into the air with his arms before squatting with its weight on his shoulders, carefully balancing, it so it didn't fall.

"Let me try," The wide-eyed and tan-skinned Oopa said.

Aero dropped the tree to the ground with a thud, "It might be too heavy for you."

"Let's see," Oopa walked toward the uprooted log and tried to lift it. She gritted her teeth, digging her moccasin's into the ground as she strained her arms. For a brief moment, the log lifted off the ground before dropping back down.

"How are you so strong?" A breathless Oopa asked as she leaned down against the log.

Aero simply shrugged and sat beside her. When they were certain no adults were around to see them, the teenagers took each other's hands, and she laid her head on his shoulder.

"I was thinking..." Oopa began, "If we have kids, I think I know what I'd want to name him."

Aero eyes widened, "It's a little early to think about that, isn't it?"

"We're just talking about it."

Aero nodded, "Okay, what would you want to name them?"

Oopa eagerly began, "Well, if we have a girl, I'd want to name them Oswana, after my grandmother."

Aero smiled, "I like that! What about a boy?"

"Aero Jr."

Aero frowned, "I don't think I like that."

"Why not?"

"That's my name! They should have their own."

Oopa wrinkled her nose, "Hmm, well do you have any ideas for a name?"

"I haven't really thought about it."

"Mmm, we have plenty of time to think about it."

On the periphery of the tribe was a small cave where a giant canine beast waited - a Chihuahua. A long-legged dog of grey and white hair, with a bulbous head. It stood at 3 meters when upright. Several could ride atop the Chihuahua, if the temperamental dog allowed them. But it would only allow Aero to ride him. The black-haired boy had named him Hopper.

Hopper rested peacefully in the cave. As soon as he saw Aero, the Chihuahua hopped to its feet with excitement. But when it saw Oopa accompanying him, it emitted a high-pitched growl.

Aero released Oopa's hand, "It's okay buddy, she's a friend, remember?" He walked up to Hopper, reaching up to scratch his side. The dog became more docile but was still tense around the girl.

"I'll get you to trust me eventually, Hopper," Oopa said with a smile.

Hopper curled up and promptly went back to sleep. The two returned to the tribal settlement, the hunting wolves wagged their tails excitedly as they drew close. Before entering the tribe, Oopa and Aero looked around to make sure no one saw them. They kissed for just a moment.

"Oopa! Aero!" A deep voice called out, and the two stepped away from each other quickly. It was Borjo, Oopa's father. A muscular and tall man, bronze-skinned with long black hair - the chief of the tribe. A large bow was strewn over his back; he must've just returned from another hunt.

"Hi, Borjo!" Aero answered nervously, hoping he hadn't caught sight of them.

Borjo's eyes darted between the two. He remained stoic. "I'd like to have a word with the two of you."

Borjo had the two sit down on logs as he sat across from them, his gaze firmly on the young boy.

"I'd like to thank you Aero. Ever since you've started living with our tribe, you've been a great help. Hunting has never been so easy with you and Hopper," Borjo began. Not what Aero expected. "I pride myself on my own strength, but you've surpassed even me."

"I'm glad we've been able to help," Aero replied, still nervous. Where could he be going with this?

"You two have grown rather close, haven't you?" Borjo asked.

Aero and Oopa glanced at each other, "Yeah. We're really good friends," Oopa said, trying not to blush.

Borjo shook his head, "No need to hide it. I think it's time we do something about it."

"What do you mean?"

"I think it's time that you two become promised to one another," Borjo said.

Oopa began to smile, "Father, are you serious? You're really okay with it?"

"I am. No other man is worthy of your hand but this boy. I can see a bright future for our tribe with Aero a part of it, one day taking my place as its chief."

Oopa was absolutely giddy at the idea. Nothing could make her happier! But Aero had frozen up. "What exactly do you mean promised to each other? You mean like marriage?"

"Yes, that's what the city folk would call it," Borjo explained.

"We're a little young for that, aren't we?" Aero responded.

"Not at all! I was promised to Ocaha when I was thirteen," Borjo declared, "We can begin preparations as soon as possible."

"Whoa, whoa! I didn't agree to it yet!" Aero stammered.

The ever-present smile on Oopa's face disappeared, "Do you... not want to be together?" She asked.

Aero froze up again, "No, it's not that! It's just... a lot to think about."

Borjo furrowed his brow, "What is there to think about it?"

"I- I don't know!" Aero searched for the right words, but nothing came, "Can you give me time to think?"

Borjo looked offended that he didn't immediately say yes, but Oopa appeared heartbroken, "Alright..."

Borjo stood and left the two teenagers alone. No words were spoken between the two. Oopa left Aero to help her mother with work around the village.

Aero climbed to the top of a tall tree and perched there. Getting married at this age was crazy, wasn't it? They were so young, so much could change in the future. But he really did like Oopa. She was so kind, never showing malice to anyone. Aero wished his dad was here, he'd know what to do.

But Aero wasn't given all that much time to think. Word traveled of a prison break to the north - a prisoner by the name of Cook escaped. Aero fought him over a year ago; he learned firsthand how dangerous he was. With him free, someone was bound to get hurt. Stopping him took priority.

Aero grabbed his warmer clothes and readied Hopper for the trip. When the rest of the tribe heard what he was going to do, they fashioned a coat for Hopper to wear for the cold.

Aero pulled a red orb out of his pockets. He considered leaving it with the tribe, but the Masked One could come for it. He didn't know what he wanted the orb for, but it couldn't be good. Aero slid the orb back into his pocket.

"I'll come back as soon as Cook is taken care of," Aero told the tribe from atop Hopper. He looked down at a dreary Oopa. He felt terrible about leaving, but they'd be able to talk as soon as he returned.

Hopper ran through the green plains of the land north, towards the prison. It would be a few hours before they reached the prison, so Aero decided to get some training in. He jumped from the Chihuahua's back and ran alongside him. The boy managed to keep pace with Hopper for a while; his training had improved his speed greatly. But his stamina gave out before Hopper's did.

Aero jumped meters into the air onto Hopper's back and relaxed the rest of the way. He wanted to be at his best when he came across Cook again. When they fought before, he barely managed to defeat him. Fighting him now would be a good test to see how much he's improved.

As they continued northward, there was a chill in the air. Frost coated the ground until it became snow. Bright white mountains were visible in the distance. They were entering the Ichino region.

The prison holding the world's most powerful criminals was located amidst a snowy tundra. Frost-covered stone walls surrounded the facility, with lookouts manned around its perimeter.

Aero and Hopper were halted by Densius guards at the gate. It made sense to have them serve as guards here. They were unaffected by the cold of the region.

"What business do you have here?" The guards asked.

"I heard there was a prison break."

A Mecarne with a bright white tint to his metal-looking flesh came forward. He wore a thin vest with a badge, indicating his position as Warden. If Aero was wearing as little as the Warden, he would freeze. But Mecarne like him were unaffected by heat or cold.

"I am Warden Celcius," The Mecarne announced, his eyes narrow, "I hear you want to help us?"

"Yeah. I know firsthand how dangerous Cook is."

"Oh, how is that?"

"I'm the one who beat him. My friends and I turned him in last year," Aero said proudly, "Any idea where he went? How did he escape?"

"He had help. None of the guards got a clear look at his accomplice, but it appeared to be a young boy in a mask. Some reported seeing them flying through the air out of the prison to the west."

Of course that Masked Kid was involved.

"I might have a way to track them down. Do you still have Cook's old furnace?" Aero asked.

Aero was allowed into the prison courtyard. They brought out Cook's large furnace, the one he used to rest in to store heat within his body. Aero directed Hopper to sniff at the furnace in hopes of catching Cook's scent. The Chihuahua began to sniff at the air.

"He's got a scent," Aero proclaimed.

Warden Celcius handed Aero a pair of sturdy handcuffs, "Are you sure you can handle them, boy?"

"Of course! I beat him before and I can do it again," Aero said, "I'll bring him back soon."

"Don't risk your life in the process. Any information you can give us on where they're hiding will do. But if you manage to bring either of them in, you'll be paid for it," Celcius responded.

Aero paused for a moment. He hadn't thought about being paid. He was doing it because it was the right thing to do. But more money can't be a bad thing. Aero and Hopper began westward, following Cook's trail.