The Riddle of the Gods

by Lyra Shanti

  “This isn’t you, Ayn… my student… my boy! This is Adin’s rage, but you can control it. I know you can. I believe in you, Ayn. You must remember your heart.” Placing Ayn’s still burning hands onto the medallion around his neck, Meddhi added, “That is the true meaning of this treasure, Ayn. It was passed to you from your mother and I for we knew your heart was pure enough to conquer Adin’s anger. Now, please, my son… remember your mother’s love and faith, and let go of the rage. If you do not, it will consume you. Let it go, Ayn… just let it go.”

  Hearing his father’s wisdom, Ayn felt the cool water within his medallion. It had been there all along and was able to balance the trident’s blue heat of death.

  “Father... I’m so sorry!” Ayn wailed as he collapsed in Meddhi’s arms. “I failed! Axis is dead! Our bond is gone, and The Un will never be at peace!”

  “No, my son, you haven’t failed,” Meddhi hushed as he held him. “You’ve saved us… and I am so very proud of you. Axis would be as well.”

  Bawling on his father’s shoulder, Ayn did not see Thotwa still holding onto the trident.

  Everyone else saw what happened. In a sadomasochistic moment, Thotwa continued holding onto the burning trident. He wickedly smiled, then began to melt - his flesh first, then his bones and guts. In a matter of seconds, Thotwa was nothing more than a puddle of plasma on the ground.

  Disgusted, yet somewhat fascinated, Reese whispered to Pei, “Remind me never to touch that thing.”

  Pei had no response.

  No one could speak or even move for at least a few minutes. It was as if there was a silent thickness in the air, and they could only break it when Ayn did.

  “Father…” Ayn sniffed as he spoke.

  “Yes?”

  “I don’t think I can be The Bodanya… not without Axis. Our bond is gone… and I am lost.”

  “No, Ayn, you are not lost. But I understand. You need to rest now. Let us bring Axis to the palace, and we will mourn him together… as a family.”

  Ayn nodded, though on the verge of tears again. He turned and walked with his father to Axis’ body, which still seemed so full of light. Ayn cocked his head and said, “My beautiful, glorious friend, even in death, your light is eternal.”

  As Meddhi and Ayn were readying to pick Axis’ body up from the ground, they heard a surprising, nearly melodic vibration. It was close by, as if it was coming from Ayn’s pocket. Looking down, Ayn saw his Viha was quivering and glowing with a shiny, silvery light.

  “Ayn!” said Meddhi. “I remember something about Adin’s Viha. It was said, just as Sri Unda brought back Adin, her mystical knowledge had been infused into Adin’s sword as well. The legend went, if someone could master Adin’s Viha, they could not only wield incredible plasma, but could bring back the dead! Ayn… I don’t know if it is true or not, but it’s worth a try!”

  Looking down as Axis, who looked as if he were merely sleeping, Ayn took a gulp and nodded. “I will try… for Axis!”

  Closing his eyes, he unsheathed his Viha and listened to its beautiful song. He began to sing its melody aloud, which caused those nearby to instinctively hum along. It was a haunting, sweet melody full of love, remorse, truth, and peace.

  Axis heard the song from the heavenly fields where he rested, making him want to follow its source. Oh, Ayn… you just couldn’t let me sleep a little longer, he teased in his mind. Seeing his body from above, Axis grinned and said, “You’re right, though. Now is definitely not my time to leave the physical world. I have too much to do!”

  As Ayn led the people to the end of the song, Axis opened his eyes with wonder and sang the ending along with them. When Ayn heard and saw Axis alive and singing, he wanted to fly with joy!

  “My beloved friend, you’re back!”

  “I told you I’d never leave you,” Axis said with a smile.

  Ayn nearly crushed Axis as he hugged him in frenzied relief.

  “Ayn! I love you too, but… get off! You’re making me dizzy!” Laughing, Axis pushed Ayn away and coughed.

  “Are you alright?” asked Ayn, followed by a nervous giggle.

  “I’m fine… but I feel different somehow.”

  “Yeah… I do too,” said Ayn, “though I’m not sure how exactly. It is almost as if I’m lighter, yet heavier. That doesn’t make sense, I know, but… I don’t care. I’m just happy you’re alive! When I couldn’t bring you back with my own power, I lost hope. But my Viha brought you back!”

  “Pretty handy sword,” said Axis. “Can I have it?”

  Ayn laughed and said, “Sure. It’s all yours. That trident has to go, however. Once we figure out how to do it, I want it destroyed. Thotwa was a sick man, but he was right about one thing; the power that Vortex Rod holds is far too dangerous… even for me.” Turning to Meddhi while simultaneously helping Axis to stand, Ayn said, “Meddhi, take that… thing... and put it back inside the tomb under lock and key. Until we know how to vanquish its power, I want it kept safe.”

  “Yes, my king,” replied Meddhi with a proud smile and half-bow.

  “Ayn…” said Axis,” I think I know what feels different, and you’re not gonna’ like it.”

  “What is it?” asked Ayn.

  “I can say no to you now.”

  “Huh?”

  “I can feel a sense of wild independence that wasn’t in me before! Or, if it was, I couldn’t feel it.”

  “Is that a bad thing?” asked Ayn.

  “No… but it’s different. I feel less of a connection to your thoughts too. Can you hear my thoughts?!”

  Ayn tried his best, but Axis was right. He couldn’t hear him like before.

  “What happened to us - to our bond?!” added Axis, a bit panicked.

  “I don’t know,” Ayn replied, “but at least you’re alive, and that’s all that matters to me.”

  Looking around at the soldiers who were hugging and talking with joy in their hearts, Ayn felt Deius was truly their home again.

  “You are The Bodanya now, Ayn,” said Axis. “And I may not be your bonded Sarax like before, but I will always be your friend. That much can never be destroyed, I promise.”

  Ayn nodded and hugged Axis, feeling as though nothing, yet everything, had changed… for them, and all of Deius.

  Chapter 24: Union

  In the days following the battle on Deius, Baran informed Ayn that Kri had officially broken all ties with Ohr, blocking trade with Xen as well, at least until Ohr withdrew its governors and political control.

  Baran wanted Ayn to follow his lead since Deius was now under Ayn’s control, but without direct evidence that Ohr was involved in Atlar’s death, and without Sirin fully back on its feet, Ayn was hesitant to make Ohr their enemy.

  It didn’t help that Prime Minister Vax made an official statement saying he supported The Bodanya’s reclaiming of Deius, as well as vehemently denying he had any intention of invading anyone. He claimed the “Black-Hole” drone that had descended upon Deius, almost killing everyone in its radius with its smashing tentacles and colossal mouth of anti-plasma, was ordered by Yol and had only been released due to Ohr’s allied contract with Deius. Vax pushed the idea Ohr had been allied with Deius for many years and that Ohr’s government wished to further their alliance with The Bodanya.

  Truthfully, Ayn didn’t believe anything Vax said, but he also wasn’t as eager as Baran for war. Ayn was quite aware of Ohr’s massive, technologically advanced military, and he didn’t want to risk his still delicate, newly reformed Deiusian army led by Meddhi and Pei.

  Despite Baran assuming Ayn could conquer any army he chose with the plasma inside him, the truth was he and Axis were still reeling from the effects of The Vortex Rod, which had rendered both of them disoriented and vulnerable. Their bond was forever altered, and Ayn felt changed. He didn’t feel the plasma within him like before, making him unable to fight, though he kept his vulnerability hidden to the public.

  Over the coming months, Ayn and Baran argued heatedly over
the matter. Ayn ended up the victor, however, asking Baran to wait some time before waging war. Ayn even convinced Baran to join him and Srah in meeting with Vax at a scheduled summit on Xen in hopes they would come to an agreement about many things, including ending slavery for good.

  Baran had no hope for such a summit, and was certain Vax had been the true culprit behind Atlar’s poisoning, but he agreed to attend for Ayn and Ona’s sake.

  Their wedding was about to take place on Deius since the temple was newly restored, and Baran didn’t want to do anything to ruin it. For the time being, he kept his building desire for vengeance quiet as he focused, like everyone else, on the wedding of the year.

  Kri had been buzzing about the wedding ever since it was announced. After the immense sadness of losing Atlar and burying heroes like Hynfir soon afterward, Kri needed the majesty and excitement of their beloved princess, well on her way to becoming Ayn’s queen. Everyone on Kri was absolutely fascinated by The Bodanya and his soon-to-be bride. It was on the news daily, and everywhere a person looked, the image of the golden couple loomed larger than life.

  Baran hated it, though he was outwardly supportive. Reese knew Baran still had a crush on their princess, but she was also certain Ona was Ayn’s woman, forever and always.

  “You never had a chance,” she jabbed at Baran with a smirk.

  “The same could be said of you and your Deiusian protector,” he quipped back at her. “You know,” he added, “you could have tried harder to convince him to come here to Kri with you. We lost a good warrior when Pei chose to stay behind on Deius.”

  Reese rolled her eyes and said, “He made his choice… as did I.”

  “Was your choice made because of him or because of me?”

  “Neither,” she said coolly. “It was made because I am Lirhan, and I am Kri’s Commanding General. This is my home… and Deius is Pei’s home. It makes sense he would want to stay there.”

  Baran wished he could feel as if he had won her heart fair and square, but he knew he hadn’t.

  “In times of war, decisions are made, sometimes hastily,” he said softly. “Are you sure both of you don’t regret your choices?”

  “Baran… the only thing I regret is Hynfir’s death. All else was out of my control. Now stop yabbering at me. The princess will be here soon… and we’ll have to deal with the press. I don’t know about you, but I’m not looking forward to it.”

  It was the day before the wedding, and Baran and Reese were to escort Ona to Deius, both as her guests and as her personal security. They watched her wave goodbye to her people as she climbed into the transport ship, setting sail into the sky with tears in her eyes. Baran and Reese knew it was a hard decision for her to leave her home, but she told them both of her great love for Ayn, and how nothing could stop her from marrying him. As Reese recalled, Ona had said, “Not even if the Gods came down from the heavens and willed it so.”

  The Gods, however, seemed to be on her side; the wedding took place as planned with as much glamour and festivity as Deius could muster. There were white ona flowers all over the floor and around the arch where they stood. Ona’s dress was white with lavender and gold trimmings, and Ayn was suited in an old, traditional style robe with white and gold to match.

  Srah and Axis were standing next to them as ring bearers while Meddhi, Pei, Doctor Hessen, Kren, Baran, and Reese all sat in the front of the temple, watching in adoration. Iliya and Inda were there as well, holding Ona’s long white train, keeping it off the floor. Emelanthia officiated and bonded their hands with a golden rope while speaking about the eternity of love. Many in the temple felt lumps in their throats as Ayn and Ona looked into each other’s eyes, vowing to be together as one, always.

  It was a very private wedding, though Sterek was asked to take pictures and a few media clips, which he would make public only when Ayn and Ona approved them. They both felt it was right for their planets to see them joined together, and they wanted all their people to be inspired by their love.

  It certainly inspired those who witnessed it up close. Srah couldn’t stop herself from crying on Axis’ shoulder while Meddhi sniffled repeatedly. Joyous and warm, the wedding celebration filled the temple, helping to erase Meddhi’s bad memories of the past, replacing it with happiness and hope.

  As the sun set, the bride and bridegroom led everyone to the reception area which was held in the throne room of the palace. Ayn smiled wide and loudly announced Ona as his beloved “Queen of Deius,” which made all applaud - some out of pride, some out of politeness.

  The nobles, who had survived their newly held elections - a law passed immediately by Ayn - were invited as guests to the reception, and they clapped with glee. No longer were they able to run Deius with money and land alone. Since Ayn’s declaration of an equal and free-thinking government, the nobles were subject to the votes of their people and the mercy of their very popular Bodanya. Not one of them wanted to anger him, and so they played into Ayn’s hands. It was a new game for them, but one they were willing to play to keep their material wealth and position.

  Another momentous change Ayn put into place when re-crowned king was how religion should be viewed. The Tah became part of his army, but they were instructed to follow Ayn’s code of equality, whether in matters of religion, race, gender, or species. Ayn even wrote it into law, declaring, “All people, on Deius or any planet within The Un, deserve to be free and treated fairly, without prejudice or oppression. Whether science believers or followers of religion of any kind, the people of Deius will be brothers and sisters under one sky, together as a family and strong as a planet of truth.”

  Ayn also planned to speed up work on Yol’s unfinished roads, schools, and hospitals, along with new libraries and temple revisions. For these laws and declarations, Ayn had turned from a mythical Bodanya to the people’s king, and he was loved for it. Adding to his popularity was Ona, his gorgeous bride from Kri. It seemed to Deiusians as if Ayn had become Adin once again, but this time, he was invincible, or so they wanted to believe.

  Ayn and Axis knew better, but they thought it best to let the people have their fantasy. After so much war and poverty, Ayn wanted nothing for his planet but happiness.

  The wedding represented that joy, and while Ayn and Ona danced their first dance together to the music of the Dryndi musicians, all who watched them sighed, caught in the romance of their love.

  Completely lost in Ona’s green eyes, Ayn wasn’t expecting Pei to tap him on the shoulder. “Sorry, Pei,” said Ayn with a grin, “your sister is all mine now. You can have the next dance.”

  “No, Ayn… it’s not that,” blushed Pei with a serious, yet confused face. “I’m sorry to disturb you both, but there is strange news coming to me from Sterek. He says there is an urgent message from the king of Ohr… something about requesting your aid.”

  “What?” said Ayn, perplexed. “What king of Ohr? Since when does Ohr have a king? I thought he died a few years ago.”

  Holding his earpiece close to his ear, Pei listened for a moment, then said, “Ayn… I don’t want you to panic, but this supposed king has found a way in through the palace walls. I’m not sure how as of yet. According to Sterek, he was told repeatedly that this is a closed, private function, but he demanded to come inside. I’m going to alert the Royal Army that there is a threat, and until we have secured and isolated the intruder, I ask that you and Ona stay in the throne room. Do not leave.”

  Ayn and Ona nodded, hugging each other. “It’ll be fine, honey,” said Ayn, “I’m sure they have it under control.”

  “Would it be alright if I said something awful?” she asked with pleading eyes.

  “What is it?” he replied, half-smiling.

  “I hate Ohrians.”

  Ayn laughed and said, “I’m beginning to feel that way as well. Don’t worry… it’ll be alright. I’m sure this is just a case of mistaken-”

  In a crash of thunderous lightning, Ayn’s words were cut short as he and Ona, and all their
guests, saw nothing around them other than smoke and fire.

  “Ayn!” yelled Ona. “Ayn! Where are you?! What’s happening?!”

  He couldn’t see her, but he could hear her, so he grabbed her waist. “I’ve got you, my love. You’re safe.”

  Ayn squinted his eyes, and as the smoke cleared, he saw a tall, thin, Ohrian man standing in the center of the room. The man was wearing a black robe with white trim, and his hair was pure silver.

  As the guards rushed to contain the uninvited Ohrian, a burst of fire blew up in front of them - as if by magic. Ayn looked closer and saw from behind the Ohrian stood a red-skinned man with flaming red hair, even taller than the Ohrian.

  The red-skinned man held a wooden staff and seemed to be wielding a great source of plasma. Ayn didn’t know exactly what he felt, but there was a strong familiarity about them both.

  The red-skinned man’s power was palpable to all who saw him, and because of it, he was able to keep the guards at bay. Even Meddhi and Pei couldn’t come near him with their Viha ready.

  Ayn held his hand up as the smoke cleared, showing his guards he was not frightened, and they should lower their weapons. Ayn had no idea what these intruders wanted, but he had a feeling if they had wanted to kill them, they would have done so already.

  “Who are you?” Ayn questioned forcefully. “Why have you interrupted my wife and I like this? What do you want?”

  “Ayn…” said the tall Ohrian, “I’m sorry, but I need your help!”

  The man's voice was all too familiar. Ayn couldn’t let himself believe his ears, but he knew it had to be true.

  “Zin?!” he yelped. “Is that you?!”

  Walking forward toward the silver-haired Ohrian, Ayn saw the man’s face; it looked just like his old friend’s soft, but slanted, aqua eyes and his angular jaw. It was indeed Zin!

  “Do my eyes deceive me?!” asked Ayn, shocked, as he stood directly in front of his long lost friend. “Is it really you?”

  Zin smiled and nodded. “Yes, Ayn, it’s me. I’m so sorry to come to you like this, but I had no choice. Your army wouldn’t let an Ohrian king come to your wedding, and I had to see you. It’s a matter of life and death!”