His thoughts soon drifted to Kara. He remembered the first time he saw her. Walking through the Ishra Academy’s Great Hall, he noticed her across the adjacent courtyard. Surrounded by crystalline columns adorned with the wildflowers of their home world, she looked more like a vision than someone who actually existed. She was just standing there staring at him as though the first glimpse of him had stopped her in her tracks and when his eyes fell upon her, he quickly and completely became taken. She smiled at him and he became overwhelmed with the strangest of feelings. He felt lighter. He felt as though they were the only two beings in the world and had finally just found each other after a lifetime of solitude. He cut through the courtyard, through swaths of students and instructors milling about, in an attempt to speak with her, but when he got to where she had been standing, she was gone.
Over the next few days, his mind and all its thoughts were dominated by the supreme beauty he had witnessed in the courtyard. He looked for her in all the faces he came across but could not find her. He had lost focus on his studies. His reflexes in battle training, while still faster than all others, were beginning to slow. A week after his first encounter with her, he found himself back at the courtyard where he first saw her. Staring across the rows of glistening fountains and towering columns, he wondered if he would ever see her again or if he had just imagined her in the first place. To him, that seemed to make more sense. How could something so infinitely beautiful, so timelessly magnificent, be real?
“Never lose focus. Isn’t that the first rule of battle training? You’ve lost focus Ryaal.”
He heard the softest voice behind him as though it were a whisper on a breeze. He turned to see who had spoken to him and to his great delight, it was her.
“It is you!” Ryaal spoke.
“Hello.” She said.
“I am Kara.” She introduced herself with a smile that could give light to all the stars in the sky.
“I am Ryaal.” He returned.
“I know who you are. I have heard impressive things about you.” She was very forward, a trait unlike most Ishra. She began to move slowly through the courtyard.
“Are you a student here?” Ryaal asked, immediately taking place beside her.
“You could say that.” She answered with a smile so infectious Ryaal instantly returned it.
“There’s something you don’t see every day.” She went on. “A smiling Akirian.”
“My smile is but a small reflection of what I feel when looking at you.” Ryaal replied.
“I’ve been looking for you for days and I could not find you.” He added.
“My studies are conducted in many different places.” She answered.
“Why exactly have you been looking for me?” She asked smiling and already knowing the answer.
Ryaal offered no further response or questions of any kind. He was lost in her eyes, in her face, in her hair. In her entire being, he had vanished.
“Would you like to see something?” She broke the silence.
“What more could there be?” He said smiling.
Her skin turned a light shade of pink as she took his hand and began to walk. They strolled through the courtyard towards the exit of the school. After an hour or so of walking they came upon the edge of a cliff. She sat and motioned for him to sit next to her which he gladly obliged. They gazed upon the large valley below. The waterfalls in the distance seemed to flow golden as the light of the amber sun shone brightly upon them. The trees and fields decorating the landscape were of brilliant blues, greens, and violets in every shade. It was the second most beautiful thing he had ever seen. They sat in silence for hours. Her head resting softly on his shoulder and they knew, even before that moment, there would never be another for either of them, for it was at that time their souls began to bond.
The cliffs overlooking the valley had become their spot. Over the course of weeks they would come here every day and enjoy the illusion that only they existed. She brought peace to his heart. Something he had never felt. He no longer desired battle or combat, for she was the only glory he would ever desire…and she felt it too.
“Hey!” Etria entered the kitchen, interrupting his thoughts.
“Did you tell them?” Ryaal asked, still staring out the kitchen window.
“Yes. They’re processing it now. They had the same reaction as you, but overall I think they took it much better.” She answered
“So they understand I’ll be leaving…and why?” He asked.
“Yes Ryaal. I told them everything.” She answered.
“Ahem!” Connor spoke the word instead of making the sound as he and Alina entered the kitchen.
“Hey big guy! Really…big…guy.” Connor said looking his friend over from head to toe.
Never before had either of them seen someone so big. Sure, Lucian was tall but Ryaal was a stark contrast to his human form. Where Lucian had long hair, Ryaal had none. Where Lucian was in great physical shape, Ryaal’s was impeccable. His whole being implied some sort of impending doom. He would look to anyone else as though he were a destroyer of worlds. But, to his friends, he just looked like a bigger version of the guy they picked on for listening to break up music, though they probably wouldn’t do that anymore. Ryaal turned and stepped towards his friends who, still in a bit of shock at his appearance, stepped back.
“You do not have to fear me. I am still the friend you’ve grown with and will always be. Nothing has changed what we have been through together or how I feel about you.” He assured.
Connor and Alina looked at each other, silently agreeing that Ryaal was right. He was their friend. They knew he would never hurt them, never turn his back on them, and neither would they. The two bolted towards Ryaal and threw their arms around him, a gesture which he returned happily. In their time together, the three had become the truest of friends. Etria folded her arms and let slip a small smile. She was beginning to understand their friendship. Ryaal ended the hug and held the two at arm’s length as he knelt down to look them in the eyes.
“You two have been the best friends any human or Akirian could ask for. I could never thank you enough for that. What Etria has told you is true and I will be leaving very soon. I will miss you both more than I can express.” Ryaal stated with a hint of sadness he had tried to hold back.
“Oh hell no man!” Connor interjected.
“We’re not letting you do this alone. We’re coming with you.” He exclaimed proudly.
Connor and Alina looked at each other and smiled as if they had just solved all the world’s problems.
“Absolutely not!” Ryaal exclaimed standing up and towering over the two.
“Do you know what would happen to you? You probably wouldn’t even make the trip. NO! It’s too dangerous. Absolutely not!” He declared.
“HEY!” Alina stepped towards Ryaal as if she were the giant alien warrior and tilting her head all the way back to look at him, continued.
“We’re family, get it? If you hurt, we hurt. If someone screws with you, they screw with us. If you fight, we fight! Got it!”
Ryaal had no words. Alina’s bravado never ceased to surprise him. After all, he would never let them go through anything alone. He turned to Etria for some kind of support but all she offered was,
“I like the female. She’s feisty.”
“You’re not helping Etria.” Ryaal informed. He looked at his two friends and saw fire in their eyes. They cared a great deal for him and he knew they would not let him go alone.
Chapter 14
“They can’t do anything like this.” Ryaal pointed out his friend’s human shape as he ducked under the archway leading out of the kitchen and into the living room.
“Hey!” They both chimed in, mildly offended.
“You were like this too for a while and you had no problems.” Alina reminded him.
“I think I may be able to help with that.” Etria offered.
“How?” Ryaal asked.
“I can transfer Akirian battle training as well as Ishra strategy into their neural pathways. It would be as though they trained with the Akirians as you did. Their physical beings would stay the same, but combat wise, they could be quite proficient.” She informed.
“My people have fought for centuries, what makes you think they wouldn’t tear right through them?” Ryaal opposed.
“Your people have always fought for honor, conquest, or glory Ryaal. These two fight for you. They fight for family. They fight for the reason you fight…love. That alone is more powerful a weapon than any Akirian possesses.”
Hesitantly, and after much thought, Ryaal gave Etria his permission to transfer the knowledge of battle training to his friends. In his heart, it was something he did not want to do but he knew his friends, he knew they would not let him fight alone. Etria informed the three that the transference process would take at least two days. She told them that if she did it all at once it could be too much for them and they could become catatonic and that even the two days was pushing it. Connor and Alina quickly agreed with the decision regardless of the risk.
The next morning Etria took her new students to the field where she had first approached Ryaal in his human form. She felt it would provide them with the quiet they would need to focus. Ryaal stayed at the house to practice using the final gift his grandfather had given him.
He still felt immense pain in response to what Kara was enduring and he needed to cope with that so when the time came to get her back, he would be ready. He felt it already and knew that when he arrived back home, the pain would only intensify.
He sat in silence recalling the times they had spent together. His mind drifted to the day he completed his strategic training with the Ishra. As he headed for the exit Larak, his primary instructor, stopped him and asked if he would stay for a bit as he wanted to speak with him. Ryaal obliged and sat with his instructor.
“You have been the most gifted Akirian we’ve ever had walk these halls Ryaal. You are very different from your people and I believe you can change the future of your people and mine for the better. There is a…compassion within you that is rare among your people.”
“I am meant only for combat. My people were meant for combat and without that, what would we have?” Ryaal replied.
“There are a great many evils throughout the universe. They come in the form of beings looking to pursue their own interests, satiate their own hungers, and do so at the expense of innocent life forms and irreparable damage to planet systems. They give no thought to the consequence of their action. I pose this question to you, what if a race as powerful as the Akirians were the protectors of life? It would flourish Ryaal. You could help create a universal utopia and your people would serve the most important function within that universe. You would serve as its protectors.” Larak said, with a hopeful excitement.
“I have fought for many years now Larak and my people have been doing it for generations. They know nothing else. Guiding them down a different path, no matter how benevolent, may prove to be impossible.” Ryaal replied.
“Your people follow their leaders completely, as your leaders are chosen from battle. You will lead your people very soon Ryaal, whether you know it or not. They have great admiration for you and I do not doubt that they would follow you wherever you might lead them. I ask yet another question. What kind of leader will you choose to be? Will you continue as so many before you or will you lead your people to something greater than any battle in their history? I understand this may be a lot to consider Ryaal, but the future of your people, and that of my own, will be decided by you. Well, I’ve spoken my piece. Think about what we’ve discussed here on this day Ryaal. I see great and wonderful things for you.” Larak said while turning his glance towards the arched doorway.
Ryaal turned and looked in the same direction and saw Kara waiting patiently in the courtyard. He still could not figure how something as beautiful as her could exist. He approached her in the courtyard and as he did, she turned and greeted him with the most loving smile, a smile that always weakened him while somehow making him feel more strength than he had ever known. They left the school and walked through the burgundy fields, her arms wrapped around his as her head leaned softly on his shoulder.
“What did Larak speak to you about?” She asked.
“He said I should lead my people in a better direction, one of protecting the universe instead of using it as battlegrounds.” He answered, still thinking of what his instructor proposed.
“How do you feel about that?” She asked, stopping and looking into his eyes.
“I am tired of fighting for any reason.” He answered.
“All I’ve done in the names of conquest or battle rest quite heavily on my soul. I find myself constantly questioning the decisions I’ve made in battle. I do not want to raise my weapon again. I want nothing more than to spend my days with you.” He raised his hand to her cheek and stroked softly as he gazed into the serenity of her eyes.
“You take away all those questions…all that weight on my soul. I care not for the universe or anything in it but you.” He told her causing her skin to again flush with a pink hue.
“Ryaal.” She began.
“I could think of nothing I want more in this life than to spend all my days with you. Of all I know and care about throughout the universe, you are most beautiful and you are what I love and long for most.” She told him softly, the look in her eyes conveying an incredible and unwavering love for the warrior.
Upon hearing this, Ryaal’s skin began to turn a shade of red. This caught him by surprise as his people do not possess this ability. However, they both knew what was happening. There bond was becoming stronger. Upon seeing this, a knowing smile filled their faces and they continued walking.
Chapter 15
The front door crashed open as Connor came stumbling through breathing heavily.
“Water! I need water!” He gasped.
He quickly found his way to the sink, turned it on full blast, and put his mouth to the faucet, slurping as fast and as heavily as he could. Etria and Alina came in seconds later.
“What is happening to him!” Ryaal’s tone demanded an answer.
“He is fine.” Etria answered.
“The rush of information caused his brain to function faster which, sort of dehydrated him a bit.”
“What about you, are you alright?” He asked Alina.
“I’m fine. Connor’s just being a giant lady about it. The stuff she’s showing us is awesome. I didn’t know your people were so bad ass.” The young girl answered.
“The female is adapting very quickly. She has the spirit of a warrior Ryaal.” Etria added.
“I asked you not to call me The Female!” Alina interjected.
“You are right. I do apologize…Alina.” Etria offered in an unusually friendly manner.
“Are you going to be alright?” Ryaal asked Connor.
“Yeah man, I’m good, just thirsty… really thirsty.” Connor continued.
“She’s right though, this stuff’s pretty awesome.” He added.
“Keep in mind my friends, this is not for amusement and this is not for fun. I am still very much against the two of you going with us. My people are not bully’s from school. They are among the greatest warriors in the known worlds. They will try, in every way, to kill you as quickly and efficiently as possible. And don’t forget, you are at a great size disadvantage. Your only chance in fighting them is to be smarter and quicker. Tomorrow Etria will conclude the transference of knowledge. When that is done, I will join you in the field and you will attack me. Should you fail to put me down, you will not be coming with us. I can show you no mercy tomorrow as my people certainly won’t. You have to be prepared.”
With that, Ryaal left the room.
“What’s his deal?” Connor asked.
Wi
th the great sadness that often accompanies certain knowledge, Etria watched as the hulking warrior made his way to the back yard.
“When I look at him I find myself in disbelief.” She began her answer.
“I cannot figure how he is still alive or how he has not gone completely mad. Everything he has ever known and loved has been ripped away from him in the most violent way. Sit, I will tell you of his last days on Theros.” She began.
“Ryaal had been told that he could lead his people to a better future. He went to his father, Syrk, and told him of his plan to lead their people in becoming protectors of universal life. His father became enraged. He called Ryaal a misguided fool and said that his ideas were those of a traitor. Syrk told him that they were meant to rule and protect only themselves and their way of life and how all systems of the universe should cower before the might of the Akirian’s.
Ryaal told his father that he knew he would be leader when his grandfather stepped down so it did not matter what he thought, he had made his decision. He told his father that he had already spoken with his grandfather and that he wanted the same for their people. Syrk moved to have Ryaal and his grandfather executed for treason. The war council refused and he went on a rampage. With his two remaining sons, he killed the entire war council. When he realized there were only two other people to stand in their way, they killed them as well. Ryaal’s mother and grandmother fell victim to Syrk’s wrath. He killed his own family!
When Ryaal learned of this he went to stop his father. When he arrived, he saw his brothers holding Kara in chains at their feet as their father sat upon the throne behind them. Ryaal went after them, which is what they wanted as they had set a trap for him. Seven members of the Royal Guard had attempted to capture Ryaal but he killed them all. His grandfather and I arrived as the last guard had fallen. We grabbed Ryaal and dragged him away in order to save him. We could barely contain him. He thrashed and fought, trying desperately to get to her, but his grandfather held tight. He knew that if he let go, Ryaal would be killed.” She paused for moment as the vivid scene replayed in her head.
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