“What happens when all of you are gone? The Movement, I mean.” Leah asked as the last of the boys left the cabin for the announcements. Aidan rubbed his eyes.
“I have no clue,” he said. “Some will come back. Others won’t. But I think Bailey’s using the missions as a way for us to become better soldiers. More battle experience. More intel gathering.”
“But then what? You come back to Lowsunn and the cycle continues. It’s nice that all of you are talking and gathering together for a purpose, but nothing changes. The Elders are still in charge. They still get to make any decisions they choose and no one’s going to challenge them openly or they’ll be branded as an enemy.”
“I trust that Bailey knows what she’s doing,” Aidan said, looking under his bed. “Guess it’s just the robe I’m taking,” he muttered.
“That doesn’t sound like you.”
“What?”
“To just put your life in another’s hands like that.”
“She’s my friend.”
“But she didn’t trust you enough to tell you why you were going to Otalli.”
“Guess not.”
“Now I know what Bailey’s talking about,” Leah said, still sitting on the bed. Aidan halted his search and stood up to face her.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re afraid. Of yourself. That’s your problem. It’s not the anger.”
“It’s always been the anger.”
“Everyone’s angry. The difference is that you’re vocal about it.”
“I don’t see how that makes me afraid.”
“You only combat what you know. What’s familiar. You start the same old fights and battle only when you’re sure you can win. When you think you can control the situation.”
“Please don’t use that word,” Aidan sighed, closing his eyes. “Control…I’ve heard a lot about that tonight.”
“But it’s true!” she said. “You can talk big and act big and fight your enemy to the end, but only when you think you’ve got a shot. Anything complicated, anything bigger than you are – you bow out or run. Because you can’t control the situation. You’re afraid to tackle any problem that you don’t completely understand.”
“What are you saying? That I should face Necrosis?”
“No!” she shouted, jabbing a finger into his chest. “I’m saying that you should fight for your right in this village, and you should fight for Lowsunn!”
“Why should I fight for this place? They’re trying to kill me.”
“The Elders are, but they only hold an insignificant percentage of the power we all have if we just came together. We have far more seals than they and they are supposed to be representing our wishes, our desires. And if they’re not going to listen to that, then it is our job and our right to stand up and tell them that they can no longer claim to act in our best interests. Your underground movement might believe differently than the Elders on what is the best way to save Lowsunn, but the desire is still the same. We want to save this place! And you do too…you didn’t just fight for me that night. You fought for them. And none of us would be here if you hadn’t.”
“I have no clue what to do though,” Aidan said, raising his palms to look at them. “Whatever I put my hand to, it melts. It gets destroyed.”
“I need you to make a flame,” she said, taking his palm and facing it toward the ceiling. “Go ahead.”
He obeyed, and in an instant, a small flame emerged, only a couple of inches tall. Leah placed the palm of her right hand just above the flame and rain began to pour. The flame flickered and fought to stay ablaze. Just as it began to die, Leah tightened her grip on Aidan’s hand.
“Don’t let it die!” she shouted and he increased the intensity. Leah furrowed her brow and let a miniature monsoon pour onto the flame. It flickered rapidly, and it wasn’t as strong, but it still remained in Aidan’s hand. “Don’t you see?” she said. “Alone, your fire is too hot and so bright, it offends. But together with something that cools it, it’s stabilized. It’s just enough to comfort. And yet, even in the rain, it never goes out. Your will is strong, Aidan. But if it’s too hot, you’ll push people away. Just right – and you can make them dream again. You make them want a better future. They feel your warmth and it gives them comfort. Don’t let the Elders or this Movement put out your fire. Because you’re the only one that can allow that to happen.”
“Maybe you’re right. But how do I make a difference now? I’ll be leaving soon.”
“You might have to take care of things on a lower level…but that doesn’t mean you give up. Look for a way to save the village. Bring together others of commonality. Know when it’s time to act.”
“I’ll do my best,” Aidan smiled. “When we’re on the outside, we’ll search for a way to save everyone.”
“That’s my man,” she said, giving him a quick kiss. “Now, let’s hurry to the announcements before anyone realizes that we’re missing.”
“You want to know what’s really sad?” Aidan asked. “I finally thought there was another place like Lowsunn out there when I came upon Otalli, but in the end, it was all fake.”
“That’s because they don’t have you around to test the waters,” she said, and then they walked out the door.
They weren’t late, but they were close. As they reached the crowd of concerned villagers, they were forced to wait in the back, trying to extend their necks over the many heads that swayed back and forth in the way of their view. The Elders were sitting in their chairs on the makeshift stage, sitting with their hands folded together and their legs draped over their knees. It was strange seeing only five of them now. Once the crowd had reached an acceptable level of silence and order, Elder Thine stood to her feet and addressed the villagers.
“This is an exciting and solemn time, but necessary nevertheless,” she said. Elder Exil handed her a stack of papers from behind. “I must remind you that, in order to secure Lowsunn forever, please be aware of any information concerning the Choate while you are on your travels. In my hand, there are lists of teams. Each team will receive a parchment on which will be the details of the team’s mission and requirements for completion. It is best if you do not discuss with each other the particulars of your specific mission. The time is now 8 a.m. All teams must be adequately prepared and vacate the premises no later than noon. I will now begin by reading off the names of the first team: Laura Ent, Samantha Childs, Tristan Yen, Elias Quill, and Leah Ainsley. Tristan, please come retrieve this document for your team.”
The crowd formed a path for Tristan by parting into two large groups but Aidan barely moved. He couldn’t take his eyes off Leah.
“Well, who didn’t see that coming?” Leah sighed, rubbing her shoulder as she stared at the grass. Aidan grabbed her shoulders.
“You know you’re not going on that mission,” he whispered.
“I don’t even know what class it is.”
“It doesn’t matter. We’re not going to be separated.”
“This complicates things, but I’ll meet up with you as soon as I can.”
“How? Necrosis will be coming after us. We’ll have to stay on the move. Why can’t you just ditch them?”
“Because they’ll know right away that we’re together. Tristan will report me to the Elders and they’ll send the Discipline Squad or some other warriors your way. That will just make things harder for you. How about this? In one month’s time, meet me in Otalli.”
“Now who’s leaving who behind?” he snapped.
“Remember,” she said, taking his red hands into her blue ones. “Remember.” Aidan shook his head profusely and ripped his hands from hers.
“First chance I get, I’m coming to you.”
“Don’t do that.”
“Stop me.”
“You were going to ask me to stay behind anyways,” she said, giving him a stern face. “Tell me I’m wrong.”
“You’re wrong,” he said through grit teeth, turning to face the Elde
rs while he repeated his promise. “I’m coming.”
“And let your team die? No, you’re not. You would never forgive yourself.”
“Stranger things have happened,” he said, pointing at Tristan in the distance. He was waving for Leah to come with the group so they could strategize. “They need you.”
“I’m not leaving until I know we’re okay,” she said, grabbing his arm. He took a deep breath and tried to turn down the heat on his boil.
“We’ll always be okay,” he said, his face softening and turning to her. “One month,” he said reluctantly. “Nothing more.” Leah nodded.
“I’ll be right back,” she said, going to meet her group.
“- and Aidan Serafino,” Elder Thine finished calling out as Jin went to retrieve the parchment. It was strange seeing him without his armor and in a Lowsunn uniform. Jin strolled over to Aidan with a weary countenance and gave him a corner of the paper to hold. Three others, two girls and one boy came up behind them and glanced over their shoulders.
“B class mission,” Jin scoffed. “What a joke. We’re supposed to investigate the city of Darken – one of the few municipalities inhabited solely by naturals. It’s rumored that Necrosis has been killing naturals there and we’re supposed to confirm whether this is true or not and relay the information back to the Elders.”
“What’s the point of that?” one of the girls asked.
“I figure it’s to know for sure whether they can start sending more groups there. If there was no real threat there, then Darken could become a possible supply source or ally in the future. The real joke is that this is classified as a B because we’re only to investigate, not fight whomever is committing the crime. Like that’s going to happen. Necrosis will probably be the welcoming party.”
“So where are we going instead?” she asked.
“Onyx Major,” he smiled. “A place so populated that we’ll know if Necrosis is coming from miles away. It’s a far trek to the east, but we have more than enough power between us to make it. Allow me to introduce everyone. This is Aidan – Fire Arts –”
“- we all know him,” the extremely long-haired girl laughed. “My name is Grain. Yeah, I know it’s a horrible name. Anyways, my specialty is that I can read deception. I know when someone’s lying right away. And I’m not too bad with a sword either.”
“I’m Teller,” the bored-looking, red-headed boy said. “I can fly.” Aidan stifled a laugh.
“And I’m Jessica,” the last girl with the long black hair and blue eyes replied. “Gravity manipulation.”
“Together we’ll be okay,” Jin commented. “And we might as well get to know each other well. After all, we’re going to be one big family for an undetermined amount of time. Teller can help us see way ahead while in flight. Grain will assist with finding safety zones and the rest of us are the wrecking crew. We’ll deal with the threats that we come across. Now, we’re supposed to be leaving by noon and that’s not a lot of time so please, say your good-byes and gather any supplies that are dear to you. Don’t pack too heavily though or the Elders will know something’s up. We’re going to head out at 11:30 at the south end where the shields will be made weak enough for us to pass through. Any questions?”
They all shook their heads and Jin clapped his hands together.
“Then we’ll see each other later. Take care.” Jin disappeared into the crowd with Teller and Grain but Jessica grabbed Aidan’s arm before he could leave.
“Hey, I just wanted to say that we might not show it, but we’re happy you’re with us. You have a lot of insight into the outside world that we can only dream about.”
“We’ll all be getting plenty of insight soon enough,” he replied as she let go of him. “But don’t worry too much. We have an able team. We’ll be fine, unless we come across Necrosis of course.”
“Yeah,” she said, playing with a strand of her hair. “That would be bad.”
“I have to go,” Aidan replied, leaving her so he could search for Leah. As he looked around for her, he suddenly realized that Isaac hadn’t been there. What had happened?
Come to think of it, he hadn’t shown up at the cabin either. Aidan began tapping people on the shoulder and asking if they had seen Isaac, but not one knew of his location. Jin appeared from the middle of the crowd.
“Hey, Aidan,” Jin said. “Do you know what happened to Isaac? I didn’t want to say anything with the others there.”
“I’m on it,” Aidan waved Jin away. “I’m on it.”
Concerned, he began searching more frantically, looking in all the major spots: the Field, the schoolhouse, the cabins, the infirmary. Isaac was nowhere to be found.
He wouldn’t go back outside without us, would he? Aidan wondered as he stopped by the Western Restaurant to think. Hopefully he was with Bailey.
“Aidan, come quickly!” a cry interrupted his thoughts as someone grabbed his forearm. Aidan faced the source and found Eugene before him, sweating profusely. “It’s Isaac.”
“Take me there,” he demanded, following the professor. They ran through the woods behind the Restaurant as fast as they could, jumping over fallen branches and whole trees.
“He’s over here,” Eugene cried out, jumping through a thicket of leaves and thorns. Aidan opted to burn it down rather than crawl through it as Eugene had done. As he walked through the smoking remains of the thicket he saw that Isaac was indeed there, and he had seen better days.
He was lying on his back with his eyes closed, and a pool of blood was seeping out from underneath him. Looking closer, Aidan saw that he had been stabbed over six times by something big. Every one of the wounds were fatal.
“Isaac, are you there?” Aidan asked, stooping down to examine him. All he could hear was the soft spilling of his friend’s life leaving his body. Aidan grit his teeth and began concentrating.
“What are you doing?” Eugene asked but Aidan shushed him. Aidan took a deep breath and said the words clearly within his mind: I wish that Isaac’s wounds would be healed, and that his body would be back to normal.
The teleportation was instantaneous. Once again he was back in the Judge’s chamber, standing before him as he continued to sit on his tiny stool. Aidan made no move for him this time. Feeling the invisible hands encase him once was more than enough.
“Hello, Aidan,” the Judge replied, still sitting atop the engraved symbol of the Yen in the floor. “I hope you have been well.”
“I’ve been better,” he said, waiting for the Judge to grant his request. Only silence ensued. Finally the Judge spoke up.
“No threats this time?” he asked. His voice almost sounded shocked.
“Not this time,” Aidan said. “I just want my wish granted.”
“You would waste one of your Yen on him?”
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
“It’s just surprising. I thought you were saving your Yen so you could use them to kill me.”
“I can’t bring my dead family back. Not even with a Yen. So I’ve got to save the family I do have.”
“You make me more curious every year, Aidan. Your wish has been granted. Until the next and last time we meet, take care.”
“Even after the Yen are done, I’m sure we’ll meet again.”
“Perhaps,” the Judge replied, and Aidan was back in the woods. Isaac was coughing and Eugene was patting his back as the swordsman sat up to catch his breath.
“What – what happened? Why am I still alive?” he asked. Aidan pulled up on his own sleeve. Two of the three Yen were darkened. Isaac coughed one last time and did the same. Two of his three Yen were black as well.
“Good to have you back,” Aidan replied, helping Isaac to his feet. The swordsman didn’t look happy.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” Isaac replied. “I didn’t want you to waste one of your wishes on a weakling like me.”
“It’s done. Now what happened?”
“I was here in the woods trying to think of how I could best
use my next Yen when someone snuck up behind me and stabbed me in the back. I was paralyzed instantly and as I fell, they kept stabbing me. I didn’t have much time. I used one of my seals to grant myself a telekinetic ability and I threw my sword in the direction I heard someone running but I don’t think I got them.”
“Won’t know until we make sure. Which direction?”
“East,” he said, and they began walking that way. Isaac rubbed his hands over where the wounds used to be. “I can’t believe I’m still alive. Aidan, I’m grateful…but you have no idea how terrible I feel.”
“I said it’s done.”
“No, it’s not,” he said. “I wish I could use my last Yen to give you back yours…you know what? That’s what I’m going to do. My last Yen is yours to use as you wish.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“It would be gone if I had died anyways. I should have been more careful.”
“You can’t blame yourself,” Eugene said from behind them. “It could have happened to anyone. It’s fortunate for you that I frequent these woods for reflection and meditation.”
“Did you see anyone besides Isaac?” Aidan asked.
“No. All was quiet.”
“I don’t care what you say,” Isaac practically shouted. “My last Yen is yours, and in the meantime, I’m going to become the greatest warrior in the world. I’m going to make what you did count. I’m going to fight so hard that you won’t have to. My life is yours to do with what –”
“– geez, just stop,” Aidan chuckled. “I’m just happy you’re still here.”
“That must have hurt to say,” Isaac smiled. “But in all seriousness, I am going to get incredibly strong.”
“I have no doubt,” Aidan chuckled. He stopped and kicked back a few leaves to reveal Isaac’s dagger. He picked it up and inspected it, but there wasn’t a drop of blood. He glanced back to where Isaac had fallen. “Your throw went quite far. The telekinesis might have stopped once you went unconscious.”
“Then whoever it was got away,” Isaac seethed. “And with everyone going on missions today, there’s no way to conduct an investigation. They might already be gone.”
“But who would be bold enough to do this anyways?”
The Works of Julius St. Clair - 2017 Edition (Includes 3 full novels and more) Page 48
