The Elrods' went all out for Zander's first birthday. They invited plenty of guests, rented out a nice park area in Northern Harmonia with plenty of bouncy houses and toys for the kids to play with. Leo and Luna were the only ones from Solace attending, both in their human disguises, as they had no idea what would happen on the first birthday.
At first, they were taking in all the compliments about how Zander was already running around and talking. Some of them were a bit jealous, but they couldn't complain, because they had healthy children and the Elrods' baby was literally a miracle.
As Zander played with a few of the older kids, Luna couldn't help but stay glued to Zander. In her gut, something was going to happen today. She just wasn't entirely sure what.
The main talk of the guests, aside from Zander, was the two mysterious guests that not many recognized. Savannah and Sebastian told them they were brother and sister and hired nanny's, which didn't make sense to most of them but they went along with it because of how many people Savannah and Sebastian truly helped. It just seemed odd they would have two nanny's when Savannah retired and Sebastian was working from home.
"Well at least they're really good with Zander, he seems to really enjoy them both," one of Sebastian's friends said.
"Yes, Luna and Leo have been an absolute blessing. They're experienced nannies for situations like ours. Parents who have experienced such a gifted child since birth," Sebastian proclaimed.
As Zander was happily bouncing around, it was finally time for cake, and Leo brought out a huge cake, in the shape of a phoenix, with a giant golden candle with the number one on it. It was a Vanilla cake with strawberry frosting, an homage to Tej and Soraya that no one really understood.
Zander and Zintan certainly appreciated the cake, as little Zander was so excited he teleported over to the area with the cake.
Sebastian looked quite worried, but Savannah told the guests, "oh gosh, I never thought he'd be able to actually perform magic."
Savannah had thought of a lie beforehand just in case Zander became overly excited and with Sebastian's worried look, everyone at the party stood in awe and started congratulating them.
"You'll have to get him into the Gold program at SilverCrest! He's sure to get in if he can already manage teleportation at one year old," one of the guests exclaimed.
"You should send him to Nalthis to train with the military in their top tier program, my son just graduated from the 11-14 age group at the top of his class," another guest proclaimed. "The treatment of their students is top notch and we even reap some of the benefits of him being so high. We're anxiously awaiting to see if our youngest will be accepted into the under 10 program on his sixth birthday."
"I think you should just send him to the Harmonia school for the Gifted so he can stay close to home and learn magic through a hired trainer or teacher. That way he can enhance his mind while focusing on his magic and chi," an elderly man stated.
"Yes but the students at SilverCrest, especially at the Gold Program, practically live the life of royalty and are treated to the best magical teachers, some even know how to channel chi. They live in their own private dormitory and all fighting is forbidden between students. It's quite the safe place, I heard Nalthis pits its students against each other to fight for spots in the military or jobs that pay well outside the military," the guest who supported SilverCrest explained.
"Rumors, rumors, rumors all of the terrible Nalthis. They have structured fights, monitored by teachers to get real life experience, rather than just shooting spells at targets and drawing magic from within. Those teachers at SilverCrest might know Chi, but Master Yen is one of the founding Fathers of Chi transformation and can teach what others simply cannot," the man supporting Nalthis stated.
Luna swooped in, for which Savannah and Sebastian were very grateful.
"You all make valid points, but I think ultimately the decision will come down to Zander. I think staying in Harmonia is a great idea. I'm sure with all the lives Sebastian and Savannah have helped and their numerous donors and boosters, they surely have some talented people that would be lining up to train the young boy," Luna calmly stated.
"Mama and Dada please cake time all us kids are waiting," Zander said excitedly.
As Leo went to cut the cake, he saw Zander's eyes shift to gold and Zander said, "Thank you very much for this beautiful cake," which everyone at the party thought was odd as Zander went from talking like a toddler to talking like a wise, young adult.
Thankfully no one else picked up on the eyes changing colors, except for maybe a few kids, but they had no clue and were too fascinated by cake to care.
Leo said to Zintan, although speaking to Zander, "that was very polite Zander, I see you've been working on your manners and speaking, great job,"
Zander looked at Leo confused and it did not go unnoticed by Savannah and Sebastian.
After that, everyone sang Happy Birthday, Zander made a wish, which he decided not to share, to the delight of his parents, and after everyone enjoyed their cake, Zander started opening his piles of presents.
When the friends asked what they should get Zander, Sebastian and Savannah originally said it was no bother, their attendance and having fun with the children was much more important but some of the parents insisted, so they stated, "anything really, books, toys, stuffed animals, he definitely does love animals," the couple told them and laughed.
Leo and Luna were taking in the scenes and talked silently to the side, "did you ever think the two of us would be at a human birthday party," Leo asked while laughing.
Luna, speaking with a slight shiver, "I never thought we'd be on Earth, honestly. Everything's changed so much since Theo betrayed us. I miss the old, kind Theo, but I've heard his experimented souls on his new planets are all kinds of creatures we have never seen, which worries me. What if they can blend in with the humans? Theo would have complete control over each region."
"Father told us not to worry about it and after today we're off to Solace again. I almost forgot we still have to break the news to Savannah, Sebastian and Zander. How on Earth did you get a cell phone to work in Solace," Leo asked.
"That's easy, I cast a simple Earth magic spell on it so the device thinks its' on planet Earth. Speaking of which, have you been taking plenty of pictures on yours like I asked?" Luna questioned.
Leo pulled out his cell phone and showed all the photos, and Luna noticed the one he captured with Zander at the cake with the Golden eyes.
"What are you hiding from me big brother?" Luna said with a glare.
"Well, I planned on telling you once we got back to Eden, but I really didn't want to get anyone worked up. Especially Savannah or Sebastian as they were meant to relax on vacation. I started practicing meditation with Zander and when he was completely exhausted and Tej put his wing on him to let him sleep, Zintan took control and talked to me and let me know how close Zander was to connecting with him. I don't think it has anything to do with the system, do you know how that thing even turns on," Leo explained and asked.
"Oh, so that was why Zander sounded so polite when he talked. It's pretty awesome that Zintan can take control without being forceful, it seems that the two may have bonded like we are with our phoenixes. It would only make sense. No, I honestly have no clue when or how the phoenix system will activate. I just hope it's safe and it doesn't cause Sebastian and Savannah any worry," Luna stated.
As the party was wrapping up, and the guests were saying goodbye, Zander began to act very strange as he hugged his friends and then just stared blankly into the forest.
Once the last guest had left, Zander said, "I'll be by our house Mama and Dada, I'm sorry there's just something I feel I need to do," Zander said with silver, puppy dog eyes.
With that, Zander was off and Leo reassured Sebastian, Savannah and Leo they should just simply drive and give the boy some time to be alone.
"Are you crazy?! He's only a year old, what happens if something were to happen to him?" Savannah screamed.
At that moment, Leo, with a nudge from Luna, explained the meditation and training and that Zintan had politely taken over and met Tej while they were on vacation.
Sebastian, being the calm one, simply stated, "I'm glad you didn't tell us until today, we would have come home, riddled with worry, when really, the best person to be with him was with him at the time to handle the situation anyway. Did he manage to meet Zintan?" Sebastian asked.
"No, but he had a dream one night and woke up very warm and jumped in bed with me and said he had a dream about a Golden Phoenix telling him he was close, so I cast a cooling spell on him and he went right back to sleep. Tej seemed perfectly fine leaving earlier, so it was something I couldn't really worry about," Leo explained.
Meanwhile, Zander had teleported to the lake and said a prayer, "Dear Father of Solace, Tej and the Blessed Four. Thank you for giving me great parents who love me and my nannies. I thank you and my parents and all their friends for giving me a great birthday party, but it feels like I'm missing something. Is that selfish to say? Well, either way, I pray for my safety alone and that my parents aren't upset. In the Father's name we pray for Solace," Zander prayed.
Just then, Tej heard the prayer and noticed that Zander was alone, so he teleported to him.
"Uncle Tej," Zander ran over and gave him a big hug, as he was the size of a human this time, instead of the size of McCaw or other type of bird.
"Happy Birthday little buddy. I've come to tell you that you won't see me for a while. There are some great things going on in Eden and Father has finally finished creating a planet, as well as four more adult phoenixes above Eden, near the sun. The planet's name is "Rebirth," do you like the name?" Tej asked.
"I do but why rebirth uncle Tej? Is that a phoenix thing or something?" Zander asked.
"I guess no one has really ever told you about phoenixes and you're far too young to have learned about scriptures. You see, every time a phoenix dies, they are reborn from their ashes. Most phoenixes' first rebirth is as a baby, but older phoenixes like me, well, I am the first one to ever exist, I actually was reborn on your birthday when I cast a spell to save your Mother's life," Tej went on to explain.
"Really? That's so cool Tej. I want to be like you someday. You're so nice, brave and always so happy," Zander told him.
"Have you been having any dreams lately about a Golden Phoenix or had any weird sensations happen where you feel like someone asked you a question or told you something but you had no idea what they were talking about?" Tej questioned.
Zander thought back to the dream he had with Leo while his parents were on vacation, and back to earlier today when Leo told him he did a great job speaking and ever since he seemed to be able to communicate much better, like a young teenager would be able too.
"Yes, Uncle Tej. It actually happened today too and ever since I feel like words come easier and more naturally, like when my parents talk. Nanny Leo told me, "Great job Zander, it seems like you've been working on your manners and you're speaking, or something like that," and I had no clue what I had just said.
"Ok let me ask you another question, do you feel anything else calling out to you, or maybe dwelling in your heart, soul, or head?" Tej asked.
"Let me try something Nanny Leo was teaching me," Zander said with a determined look on his face.
Zander sat in a meditation pose, focused on himself, focused on his breathing and as he became calmer, he could sense something, and when he was finally calm enough, he was standing in what looked like a plain white room, but he was not alone.
Thankfully Tej paid close attention, as he noticed Zander drift off into a sleep-like state and fall slightly from his meditation position.
He knew he wasn't asleep and thought to himself, "he must have made the connection," with a giant smile.
Just then, Sebastian, Savannah, Leo and Luna pulled up and rushed out of the car, surprised to see Tej, but before they could say or do anything, Tej put his other wing up, signaling for them to be silent. He also bonded with Father, who appeared after seeing through Tej's eyes, and ensured everyone to be quiet and not say a word.
"Zander, I've been waiting for you, my great brother," Zintan said with a gentle smile.
"Brother? I don't have a brother I don't think? Also, you're a phoenix and I'm a human, I know I call Tej Uncle Tej but it's really just because he's always been there for me and I have this strange connection to the Kingdom of Solace," Zander said.
"Think Zander, do you remember the dream you had, where you saw me and I told you that you were close," Zintan asked.
Zander slowly began to recall the memory and did indeed recognize the voice and Phoenix.
"Ok so you're my brother, but where are we and why did I have no idea what Leo was talking about earlier when we were about to have cake," Zander asked.
"Ah, so you do believe I am your brother. That's great. Have you ever wondered where you got your middle name from?" Zintan asked.
Zander thought about it before saying out loud, "Zintan, no…"
Before Zander could finish his sentence Zintan answered, "Yes, that is my name. I am Zintan and we are both inside the conscious part of your soul. There are five parts to your, well, our soul you see. The first, is your subconscious soul. Second, is the part of your soul which is individual to you, just as I have a conscious and subconscious soul that's individual to me. Lastly, there is the conscious portion of your soul, which is a place we can meet, talk and I can teach you things the world otherwise can't teach you. The reason you can't remember what Leo said today is because I took over control of your conscious brain and answered for you. When this happens, your eyes glow golden. I won't forcefully take over unless I feel the need to or your life is at immediate risk," Zintan explained calmly.
"Woah, so I'm talking to Zintan, who is my brother, who exists inside of me and essentially shares a soul with me. That's so cool. I can't wait to tell everyone all about it," Zander said.
"I would not tell anyone about your special existence Zander. You see, I am the son of Tej and Soraya, and I was put in your heart when you were only twenty days old. I see what you see, can switch places with you at any time, and as we learn more about each other, we will be able to do things no human can do. What I'm telling you is you are a human being blessed with the blood, heart and soul from the Father of Solace's bloodline. He's like your Grandpa, and it's kinda like we have four parents. Pretty cool, isn't it?" Zintan explained.
"Ok I won't tell anyone, but I'm only a year old. This is so much to take in," Zander said.
"The fact that you can even speak coherently now, teleport, and clearly have the mind well beyond your years just shows that you truly are something called the Chosen One. None of us are sure what your existence will bring to this Earth, but it's supposed to save the Earth one day. So you have to make a bond and promise with me, that no matter what, you will never succumb to the darkness or join up with Theo," Zintan said.
"Whose Theo? Sure, I'll make that promise and bond, I want to be good, like my parents and your parents," Zander said with a smile.
"Before you actually make that promise, please know that if you break that promise, both of us will cease to exist and our souls will shatter, never able to go to any portion of Solace or exist again. Even as a phoenix, I cannot be reborn nor can you if the soul is shattered," Zintan explained.
"I will still make the bond, after everything my parents have done for the world, and for what Solace has done for us, I'm sure you miss your parents, but like I said, I want us to be good," Zander said with his hand over his heart.
Just then a shining imprint appeared both on Zander and Zintan, a human and a phoenix, shaking hands, and it ingrained into their skin and then became invisible.
"The bond has been made and you can talk to me anytime. It will get easier with practice, and if you ever need help, just simply think, 'switch with me,' and I can switch with you. You will return here, to this white place of your conscious soul and I will be in control. While I'm in control, I can come to you and we can learn together, "Zintan smiled and gave Zander a hug.
"Please tell my Dad I'm glad he came out here by the lake with you, I'm sure everyone is worried. Time flows differently here, so they shouldn't be too worried. Even if it feels like a long time for us, on Earth it will only be a matter of minutes I would guess. Also, let my Dad know I love and miss Mama and I know they won't be able to visit much, but to send some pictures and videos to our parents' cell phones. Most of all, be brave Zander. You will do things no one else could imagine doing, but it is important that you remain humble, loyal, dedicated, and faithful," Zintan said as they both faded away.
Zander woke up and gave Tej a big smile and a big hug, "Thank you Tej, I finally did it!"
Tej, "what do you mean," asking the obvious, as he had put his wing down, signaling for everyone to come down.
"I'm sorry I worried you Mama and Dada. I just had a feeling Nanny Leo's meditation trick might work and Tej came after I prayed. I met my soul brother. He's really nice and he made a bond and promise with me that if I ever join Theo, or become bad, both of our souls will shatter. He told me that if I ever needed help speaking with him, to just think 'switch with me' and at that point, his eyes turned gold, "Hey everyone, wow, the kid explained that quick and learned really quickly, he's in his white conscious space. I miss you all, I love you both, human Mom and Human dad. I will look after Zander and none of you must speak of this," Zintan said with a smile as Zander was back in control, "and he'll switch with me, just like that, woah, I didn't expect it to happen so quick," Zander finished as his eyes returned to their beautiful silver shade.
Leo, "I can't believe it, it's like we're talking to a young teen and the child just turned one years old. Well, Father, should we break the news now," Leo asked.
"Ah, that, yes, we should," the Father began.
"Sebastian and Savannah, we will be leaving young Zander and Zintan to you now. Where you choose to enroll him in school is your choice. We trust your judgement and the protection spell on him will last until he's 18 years old. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee your protection after he turns 11, so please be mindful that Theo will undoubtedly eventually figure out who you are. That doesn't mean he can find out anything about Zander, though," the Father said with a smile.
"Leaving so soon? What would we have ever done without you all?" Savannah questioned, with tears of joy in her eyes.
"I will continue to preach via online videos to ensure the family's safety and I'm sure we'll take some nice vacations," Sebastian said.
"Any advice on how to raise a clearly, well beyond his years gifted son?" Savannah asked with a chuckle.
The Father answered, "Just guide him in the right direction, teach him right from wrong, show him all the great things you and your husband have done. Show him the hospitals, orphanages, apartments, all of it that you've created to help humankind. Don't hold him back, but definitely set boundaries to ensure he doesn't show too much to too many people."
"Make sure he never forgets that he's special, and with being special comes great responsibility and great strength, both mentally and physically. Remind him he's' not alone, as he has you two and Zintan," Leo chimed in.
"Zander, I'm sorry but I have to ask Leo to put you to sleep with this last piece of advice," Luna said with a smile, and in seconds, Zander was happily asleep in Tej's wings.
"Don't let him know about the Phoenix system. Not even I know all the ins and outs of it, nor do the creators, but make sure he learns about it on his own, naturally, and aid him if you can, if he decides to share that with you. I would also encourage him to find someone he can trust so doesn't feel so alone, and the people at the party made great suggestions, but whichever school you choose, I feel he will be fine. I would still hire the best personal teachers you can find, we'll set aside another fund for Zander's schooling and lessons," Luna added, and she gave Leo the go ahead to wake Zander up.
"I'm going to miss those sleeping spells," Zander yawned, as he was already tired from such a busy day.
"Well, everyone, this is goodbye for now. Remember, we're always a cell phone call away and I'm sure Tej and company would love to see photos and videos of the boy as he grows up," Leo stated.
"Oooo, I almost forgot, Zintan asked Tej if he could have Luna or Leo take videos and photos of all the phoenixes on Rebirth and send them to our parents so he can watch his brothers and sisters and friends grow up too," Zander told the Blessed Four.
Sebastian ran up to Zander, picked him up, twirled him around and brought him over to Savannah, as they loaded up the car. Tej flew over and gave Zander his birthday present, while whispering into his ear, "I had Luna make these for me, I heard you liked stuffed animals," and Tej handed over a stuffed animal that looked exactly like him and exactly like Soraya attached with a card, which had a photo of their family. "Never forget who you are, Zander Zintan Elrod, the Chosen One, destined to save mankind." Tej said with a tear falling from his eye.
After all the hugs, thanks, and goodbyes were said, the Blessed Four were off, back to Eden, while Savannah loaded Zander into the car.
On their twenty minute drive home, Zander had fallen fast asleep right away holding onto the two phoenix stuffies tightly.
"I can't believe our one year old son, who neither of us were supposed to have, is the Chosen One of the Universe," Savannah stated.
"In a weird way, I don't want to say I can't believe it, because that would sound rather selfish, but in some way, through all the years of us making it through all the tough times when we started out, getting through it together and through all the prayer, lives saved by you as a surgeon, lives saved by us as a couple and all the sermons preached throughout the lands, it is kind of fitting, isn't it?" Sebastian said with a smile.
"Yes, but we should take this in, if he's already this mature at one, I can't even imagine how quickly he'll pick up magic. I think we should keep him at Harmonia School of the Gifted. We will research and hire the best teachers of magic and chi and have him personally train. We'll have to expand the house a bit, which we should do sooner than later. He's going to grow up more quickly than we know it," Savannah said.
With that, they arrived home, and decided to sleep in Zander's room, in the guest bed for the night.
Back in Eden, the souls were happy to see Luna and Leo, who were happily about making their rounds and catching up. Tej went back to Soraya and told him about the wonderful day and showed him all the pictures and videos from the party.
"It's great to have my family back again," the Father stated. "Please, let's get together over the weekend and make plans for watching over Zander from afar. I'm sure he will be just fine."