Deiago and Mira looked at their mother in terrified confusion, then back at the shadowed figure. The strange bird landed firmly in front of Iris. They nuzzeled each other for it had been years since they had last seen each other.

Jamaa looked at his strong son and his beautiful daughter. Tears dwindled in his eyes.

"You two have grown so much. Its hard to believed that after six years I finally get to meet my babies."

Deiago stepped forward, wide eyed.

"Dad?" Mira leaped into her father's arms. Even though many years had passed it was like her dreams where finally coming true. She had a father.

Deiago stood still, he was shocked. Jamaa looked up at his son, he opened his wings and drew Deiago into a big huge. Deiago hugged his father back. He could no longer hold the tears back. He had a father.

Iris joined in and pulled every one into a big warm hug. The family was finally together again. Life had gotten better, for every one!

Jamaa sighed with exhaustion.

"Well, let's go home. I don't mean to be a mood killer but I am really tired." He chuckled softly.

Iris nodded and shooed the young cranes off to the cave. Mira and Deiago fluttered joyfully off to the nest.

Just as Jamaa and Iris where about to leave, an enormous purple creature blocked their path to their children. Its two tentacles stretched off the the sides and flailed a little. A small brood of small phantoms emerged from the grass and stones. The phantom king had found their hiding spot.