Rise of the Young: Warriors are not made; they are forged (The Ascended Book 2)

by Bygott, Hugo C.

  Carlyle smiled. “Someone is paying me lots of money for that information, and I can’t tell you who.”

  “If you don’t tell me who is paying you for information about Bellum, then I will kill you. If you do tell me, then I’ll forget all this and allow you to leave here alive. The Shadow Government will grant you freedom,” said Luka.

  Carlyle spat on the floor. “The Shadow Government does not offer freedom. There is no freedom in this world, only sides to choose. I chose the Shadow Government in the past because they were going to win, and now I choose the winning side again.”

  “You have chosen poorly,” threatened Luka.

  “We shall see, Blind Blade. You have no idea what is coming,” said Carlyle.

  A helicopter approached. “Kaya is my greatest investment,” said Carlyle. He turned to his daughter. “Meet me in the helicopter after you have finished with him.” He then ran toward the chopper.

  Luka slowly stepped toward Kaya. He never liked fighting a woman, but it seemed he would have to kill her before this night was done.

  Kaya blocked his path and wielded her double-bladed scythe at him. “I admired you for a long time, Blind Blade. Being blind myself, you were the only one I wanted to test my skills on.”

  “You may regret your desire,” said Luka.

  He lunged forward with his blades and struck against her weapon. She moved at lightning speed, darting behind him. He had only a moment to bring his other katana to protect his flank. The clash of steel echoed in the night as they fought one another. Luka was surprised at her speed and ability with her weapon. He circled her and heard the sound of the helicopter wings in the background. Kaya somersaulted above him, but Luka was aware of the move and brought his katanas up into the air. He thought he had her at a disadvantage, but she blinked to his side and kicked him with her steel-plated shoes. Luka stumbled backward and was surprised she had struck him.

  “You underestimate me, Blind Blade,” said Kaya. She suddenly threw her scythe at him.

  Luka used his energy to force the weapon away, but the double-bladed scythe seemed to explode as it made contact, knocking him to the ground. His head was spinning, and then he saw her standing over him with the same weapon pointing at his heart. He would die having done his duty. He closed his eyes ready to depart from this world.

  There was a shout. He opened his eyes, and she was gone. In the distance, the helicopter was rising into the sky, and Kaya and Carlyle could be seen watching him from above. Kaya’s energy was glorious and made her look incredibly beautiful as she disappeared into the night. She was a remarkable woman.

  “Get up.”

  Luka was pulled up. He recognized his partner’s energy. “Makai? You arrived a little late.”

  Makai saw the blood over Luka’s body and the cuts the woman had given him. “It seems like I came just in time. I’ve never seen you beaten like that.”

  Luka stared up at the sky. “Extraordinary woman.”

  Makai inspected the pool. “You never fail to surprise me with your efficient killing,” he said. “What did you find out?”

  “Carlyle is being paid by an unknown third party for information about Bellum. He has chosen to side against the Shadow Government,” said Luka.

  Makai was silent.

  “Makai?”

  “I’m just thinking,” said Makai. “Did you find anything about Kry?”

  “Nothing. He’s a ghost,” said Luka.

  “Maybe not,” said Makai.

  Luka saw the energy around Makai fluctuate. “What is it?”

  “Viktor has informed us of strange rumors regarding the International University of Users. We are to speak with one of the student’s parents,” said Makai.

  “I thought Veron was sent there. Surely, he would have told us something?” suggested Luka.

  “Veron hasn’t contacted anyone for weeks. Viktor appears concerned,” replied Makai.

  “And what do you think?” asked Luka.

  Makai was hard to read. “Let’s go and speak with this parent.”

  Luka wiped his katanas clean with his red handkerchief. He looked around at the dead bodies. “First, I must honor the dead and make my count.” He began to walk around the estate, placing the arms of the dead guards over their chests and closing their eyes. He then cut himself in different places for every man that he had killed.

  He hated the killing.

  Chapter 28 – Lead

  “Is this the place?” Luka climbed the stone steps.

  Makai wrapped a cloak around his shoulders. The winter in Switzerland had arrived early this year. “This is the place.”

  Luka stopped a moment and looked at his partner. He did not need his eyes to see that his partner had been acting strangely since Viktor had ordered them to track down Kry. White energy surrounded his partner in a mystic aura making it difficult to read his true intentions.

  “I see you have something on your mind, Luka. Speak your mind, and let’s move on.”

  It was troubling that Makai had disappeared several times without his knowledge. More troubling still was that he trusted his partner with his life, and yet he could not throw away a tingling doubt that something else was at play.

  “The Blades are merciless, but since I became one, I found a true bond with you, Makai. You’re not like the others,” said Luka.

  A gust of cold winter’s air brushed past them both, and he was certain he heard his partner sigh.

  “We are much alike, Luka. What is it that has you troubled?” asked Makai.

  “This mission that Viktor has sent us on does not sit well with you. I sense it,” said Luka.

  Makai tightened his cloak. “Nothing gets past the Blind Blade, does it, friend?”

  “Since we set off, you’ve disappeared several times without a word and returned just as suddenly,” said Luka. “Where have you been going?”

  “I had to settle some personal business,” said Makai.

  The aura surrounding his partner was still and relaxed. His blindness, who some would say was a curse, was also a weapon in itself. He could detect the lies of another just by reading the aura of energy around them, but Makai was different, and he knew reading his partner was no easy task.

  “I see suspicion in your eyes, but I assure you there is nothing to be concerned about. I’m your loyal partner who has been working to seek the information we need. I’m the one who brought you into this organization, or did you forget?” said Makai.

  It was true. Makai had brought him in after his former partner betrayed the Shadow Government, a topic of discussion that Makai always avoided. There was an emotional history there that was better left unspoken.

  “I haven’t forgotten. I remember when you brought me in. Those times were much more chaotic,” said Luka.

  Makai’s aura glowed brightly. “I think we’re about to enter an even greater chaotic period.” He looked at Luka with respect. “Luka, there was a reason why I chose you to be my partner, and it wasn’t to do with your talents as a User.”

  “Trust,” said Luka.

  “Exactly, friend. I trust you more than any other Blade. You’re like a brother to me, and I hope you can trust me, too,” said Makai.

  The friendship between them was unlike the bonds between the other Blades. Luka trusted Makai more than he did the Shadow Government, but duty to his job and his role was what came first. He hoped one day that he would not have to choose between duty and his friend, for his duty would always triumph.

  “I’ll not push further. My trust in you is enough. Whatever your personal business is, I hope that it won’t hinder our search any longer,” said Luka.

  “I believe our search will come to an end,” said Makai. He gazed past Luka and pointed behind him.

  Luka turned, and a petite woman with soft brown curls, a wrinkled forehead, and squinty eyes peered back at him. A pink scarf curled around her neck, and her blue blouse was fitted tightly around her bosom.

  She stood halfway in the
door entrance, one hand holding the door open. “You must be the Blades,” she said with a quiver in her voice. Her eyes were fixed on Luka’s body and the many scars that covered him.

  Luka sensed her aura and knew she was afraid, but strangely it was not them that she feared; it was something else.

  Makai stepped past Luka. “Mrs. Surbeck, a pleasure.” He bowed to her before entering her home.

  Luka stopped in front of the woman. Underneath her pink scarf were spots of energy around her neck. He stared at her neck for a moment before bowing and entering.

  Mrs. Surbeck quickly closed the door. Luka was grateful for the warmth their house provided. A great fire was roaring in the fireplace in one of the rooms ahead of him. There was a smell of roast beef and gravy coming from the kitchen. Their house was not big, but it was of an adequate size to create a happy life. For Luka, simpler was always better, and unlike Carlyle’s pretentious lifestyle, the Surbecks lived in a much more homely place.

  Mrs. Surbeck led them into the room with the great fireplace. “Please take a seat. My husband will join you in a moment.”

  Makai sat down on one of the seats by the fireplace. “A lovely home. My senses tell me an exquisite dinner is being made. Mrs. Surbeck, it smells like heaven.”

  Mrs. Surbeck brought her hand to her mouth and laughed softly. Her cheeks became pink, just like her scarf. “Please, call me Diana.”

  Luka took a seat beside his partner and made sure his weapons did not cut anything of value. He noticed that she kept touching her scarf and making sure to hold it in place. The spots of energy were curious to him.

  Mrs. Surbeck left the room.

  “I hope this trip won’t be wasted,” said Luka.

  Makai leaned back on his seat and pushed his feet closer to the fire. “Luka, you worry too much. You should be more concerned that a blind woman beat you.”

  Luka moved uncomfortably in his seat. The energy of the fire was a bright white glow as he stared in its direction. “Carlyle is plotting something, and he’s moving against the Shadow Government. Viktor will need to know he has betrayed us.”

  “Yes, yes, but what about the woman who beat you?” asked Makai.

  He knew his partner was enjoying his discomfort. It was not often Makai had the chance to irritate him as he almost never lost, not to a woman, and certainly not to a blind woman. She was a mystery.

  “Being blind is an advantage, and Carlyle obviously gave her training as she was no amateur. I’ll meet her again, I’m sure,” said Luka.

  Makai leaned in and opened his hands to the fire. “And get whipped once more? Or maybe she has whipped you in another way?”

  Luka gripped his seat, pressing his fingers hard on the exterior.

  “You’re too serious,” said Makai, noticing he might have gone too far. “But, she was breathtaking.”

  Luka leaned closer to him. “What did she look like?”

  Makai laughed. “So, you are whipped?”

  Luka sat up straight and stared toward the fire. “No,” he said, fumbling over his chosen word. “I’m just curious to know what she looked like. I mean, should I not? A man should know what a woman looks like, especially one who defeated him.”

  “She had you on your back in the end. Maybe one day fate will reverse the situation,” joked Makai.

  Luka glared at him.

  Makai shivered despite the fire burning next to him. “You really are scary to look at.”

  “What did she look like?” asked Luka, intently.

  His partner whistled. “Her hair was a light golden shade, and her eyes glowed like bright emeralds. Her skin was fair and appeared like soft silk.”

  In his mind, Luka replayed the fight he had with Kaya, but this time he could see her based on Makai’s description. She moved with grace and viciousness, and her eyes glowed green in the night. He stared into the fire, and slowly the sides of his mouth began to rise.

  The door opened up behind them. Mrs. Surbeck held the door open as a burly man with a dark brown beard walked past her. He glanced at his wife once before returning his attention to them. Mrs. Surbeck, appearing afraid, quickly closed the door.

  Makai was about to rise to his feet.

  “Please, remain seated. My wife will bring some drinks and snacks for us. My name is Crane,” said Mr. Surbeck as he took a seat by the fire.

  Luka watched Mr. Surbeck with interest. The aura surrounded the man was large, and his hands were big and callused like a bear. Equally as large was the pot belly around his waist. Faint signs of blood lay underneath Mr. Surbeck’s nails.

  “Thank you for coming,” said Mr. Surbeck. “I know the Shadow Government respects all sources of information, and I appreciate you coming on such short notice.”

  “Mr. Surbeck, the Shadow Government appreciates your valued support to our cause. You will be rewarded generously depending on whether your information is deemed valuable,” said Makai.

  Mr. Surbeck grew excited. “Yes, yes, it’s very valuable, honored Blade. You will—”

  “We shall evaluate whether it’s valuable or not,” interjected Luka.

  Mr. Surbeck trembled as he looked upon Luka’s scars. “Of course, of course. I mean no disrespect.”

  “Luka, don’t scare the man. Please, don’t mind my partner. He had a rather unfortunate incident earlier, you see,” said Makai.

  Luka ignored Makai and continued staring at Mr. Surbeck. The aura around the man was troubling, and he could sense his dishonesty.

  Mr. Surbeck bowed low to them both.

  “Please begin. Tell us what information you have,” said Makai.

  Mr. Surbeck spoke quickly. “Are you familiar with the International University of Users?”

  “A prestigious university which trains some of the finest Users on the planet. I once trained there myself,” said Makai.

  Mr. Surbeck continued. “My son is a student there, and he has told me of a new student who joined months ago. This student has shown incredible gifts.”

  Luka knew of the university as well, but he had never trained or visited before. His training was more practical. He touched the scars on his body.

  “Go on,” said Makai.

  “This student has caused a murmur among the campus, and if what my son says is true, then…” Mr. Surbeck stopped, and his eyes moved left and right.

  “Do not waste our time,” said Luka.

  “Please, Mr. Surbeck, tell us everything,” said Makai, his voice soothing in contrast to Luka’s aggression.

  Mr. Surbeck took a deep breath. “He has the same eyes as the members of the Shadow Government, eyes of white fire. My son told me he saw him change right in front of him.”

  “Impossible,” said Luka, rising to his feet.

  Makai raised his hand. “Hold on, friend. Allow Mr. Surbeck to finish.”

  Luka had never heard of such a thing. Another User being able to become an Ascended was impossible, but as he watched Mr. Surbeck’s aura, he knew the man was not lying. He truly believed what his son had told him, but perhaps the son was exaggerating the story.

  Mr. Surbeck looked fearful. “I thought the same when my son told me, but my son was adamant. This student was in the Cube and fought against the champion. His eyes burned with white fire, and his power was something a student of his caliber should not have.”

  “There is a Blade stationed inside the university of which you speak, but we’ve heard nothing of these stories from him. Why would he not tell us, but your son does?” accused Luka.

  “I don’t know. Please, I just know of what my son told me. The student’s name is Kry, and he joined with two other students. A young woman and a boy,” said Mr. Surbeck.

  The man’s aura did not lie. Luka was disturbed by this information. Kry was exactly the person they were looking for, but no one would believe that Kry would have such a power. Makai was silent, staring into the fire.

  “Makai?” said Luka. “What is your assessment on this?”

  The do
or opened, and Mr. Surbeck’s wife came in with a plate of cheese and biscuits. She placed them on the coffee table and then procured three glasses from the dining cabinet. She poured wine into each of their glasses, her hands trembling.

  Luka sat down again as she poured his wine. “I’m sorry, but I don’t drink.”

  Her hands shook violently and spilled the glass over his lap.

  “Stupid woman!” shouted Mr. Surbeck.

  “I’m so-sssorry,” pleaded Mrs. Surbeck as she pulled a cloth from her pocket and began wiping Luka’s trousers.

  Mr. Surbeck stood up and smacked her face with the back of his palm. She fell backward against the door, her scarf falling to the ground. The spots of energy Luka had seen proved his theory; her neck was covered in scars, marks, and bruises.

  “Get out of my sight!” shouted Mr. Surbeck.

  She ran out of the room in tears. Luka was not concerned with the spillage and picked up the cloth Mrs. Surbeck had dropped. He continued to wipe himself down. “No problem.”

  Makai awoke from his trance and seemed oblivious to what had just happened. “Sit down, Mr. Surbeck. There is still more to discuss,” he said with a tone of anger in his voice.

  Mr. Surbeck looked terrified and quickly returned to his seat.

  Luka placed the fallen glass back on the table. “Accidents happen.”

  Mr. Surbeck was quiet as the Blades looked at him.

  “Makai, his aura shows me he’s not lying which means either this story is true or his son is lying,” said Luka.

  “He’s honest. I swear to it. He’d never dare lie to me. What he saw was real. Kry is an Ascended, and the professors have decided to keep it quiet,” said Mr. Surbeck.

  “The professors have done what?” Luka said with surprise.

  “It’s true. They decided it was better to keep it quiet from the Shadow Government,” said Mr. Surbeck.

  “Makai, why do you think Veron has said nothing?” asked Luka.