Renegade Reprisal (The Renegade Series)

by J. C. Fiske

  “Sorry, but you got me all wrong, Rake,” Gisbo said.

  “Do I? Then why don’t you take that murderous gaze of yours off the Strife Prince? Why don’t you stop fingering your scar? Do this, and maybe I would believe you. I can feel the bloodlust practically radiating from you,” Rake said. Gisbo didn’t even realize he was doing it and was shocked that Rake noticed.

  “It begins . . .” Rake said. They all raised their gazes to the arena and saw Kinny and Malik square up. Frank gave the order to bow and touch fists. The fight was on.

  “I don’t know what you silly boys are talking about. I sense nothing from that Strife Prince. He’s just a fighter like everyone else. Don’t put down Kinny’s skills. Big things come in little packages. She’ll win for sure,” Glinda exclaimed.

  “Kinny will kick his ass. I don’t get what you two are saying, either,” Grandfield said. Rake cocked an eyebrow to Gisbo as if saying, See? Only killers recognize killers. Gisbo gritted his teeth.

  Kinny’s wolverine, Rend, stood close to her side as she took up a fighting stance Kalloway taught her. She began cautiously gliding forward, foot over foot, as she measured up her opponent. Malik stood motionless, with a glossy, empty gaze, not paying any attention as Kinny circled about him. His black wolf, however, stared at her intently with its large, yellow eyes, uttering a low growl.

  What’s this guy’s deal? He’s not paying me any respect at all! He’s just standing there, not readying himself for anything! Maybe Gisbo was right . . . he’s even got a wolf too, ‘cept his is scary lookin’, not like Fao. Kinny thought.

  Kinny raised her fist into the air and shouted her Boon’s name. In an instant, Rend burst into essence and absorbed into her. Her eyes quickly underwent a transformation as they turned dark and her pupils got wider, leaving hardly any white showing in her eyes. Her muscles tightened, as well, and her veins flushed red with power. She was practically shaking with unrestrained fury and her teeth grew a little longer as her fingernails took the form of thick claws. She let out a hiss and charged at Malik with both hands raised and ready.

  Malik’s wolf pounced upon Kinny. With a spinning back knuckle, she cracked the black wolf across the skull effortlessly and thrust it aside, sending the animal flying toward the ground in a dusty bounce. It rolled across the ground several times before stopping, covering its black fur in a thick coat of dirt. The wolf lay still.

  “Genius, Kinny! I don’t know if she planned that, but either way, while Malik’s Boon is unconscious, he won’t be able to revert to his Boon form! Slice him up, Kinny!” Glinda yelled excitedly, cupping both hands over her mouth.

  Kinny raised her right hand and bared her claws, aiming to strike downward. Malik instinctively raised his arms to block the downward shot and ignited his essence, which was Kinny’s intention.

  “It’s a fake! Get that bastard!” Grandfield yelled.

  With both of Malik’s arms raised, Kinny let out with a furious straight kick that hit Malik square in the chest. The Strife prince was knocked off his feet, and he hit the floor hard. Kinny leapt into the air with tremendous speed and landed atop him, digging her clawed hand into the Strife prince’s right shoulder. Kinny, expecting to see a pained face upon Malik, was instantly taken aback. Malik grinned as if pain brought him the utmost of pleasures. In a surprise move, Malik reached up and grabbed Kinny’s other clawed hand and thrust it into his other shoulder, purposely.

  “Push HARDER!” Malik said, a crazed look in his eyes and his smile filled with ecstasy. Kinny gritted her teeth and pushed hard, so hard blood splurted up and splatted across her hands. Malik laughed crazily, loving the sensation.

  “The hell is wrong with you, you freak!?” Kinny yelled as she leapt up and kicked the Strife prince like a sports ball, sending him rolling right into his unconscious wolf. He slowly raised himself to his feet, laughing.

  “Yes! YES! Such fury! Such fight! But not enough, you hesitate! Come on, woman, give me more! There must be more! Let me see it in your eyes!” Malik screamed as he ripped off his shirt, revealing both claw wounds. Blood trickled down in long streams.

  Kinny stared on, disgusted. Even so, she charged again with incredible speed. Malik, however, let both of his arms raise up, welcoming the oncoming attack. Kinny let loose two wild strikes that hit cleanly across Malik’s chest, leaving eight criss-crossed lines across his body that burst open with even more blood. Kinny followed it up with a straight punch to Malik’s chin, which split open. The force of the blow in Kinny’s Boon form sent him spiraling downward into a forced roll.

  Kinny stood, breathing hard, knowing she threw all she had into the strike, and watched Malik roll about the ground, limbs flailing everywhere, looking much like a dead body. Finally, he stopped, and he lay face first in the dirt, dust cloud in his wake. Even so, much to Kinny’s, as well as the crowd’s, surprise, Malik got up, cracked his neck in several places, and rotated his arms, releasing several pops from his shoulders. He turned, and this time was not laughing as a look of utter intensity washed over his features. His eyes were now twitching.

  “Is that it, girl? Is that all your pathetic sex can muster? The Strifes are correct. Women are useless in battle. Even in your Boon form you cannot put me down! IT’S NOT ENOUGH!” Malik said. “I am . . . unfulfilled. You will pay for this.”

  Malik began to move forward, slowly, one foot in front of the other. Kinny, even in her Boon form, took one step back, a look of worry and shock in her wolverine-like eyes.

  “KINNY! He’s bluffing! Give him hell before your Boon form runs out! GO!” Grandfield yelled.

  “Don’t let him talk to you like that! Do it for all of us, Kinny!” Glinda yelled in support. Gisbo looked at Rake, who only stared ahead, arms folded.

  “KINNY! DON’T YOU DARE QUIT! KICK HIS FACE IN!” Gisbo yelled. Kinny cocked her head and smiled.

  Kinny let out a fearsome battle cry and charged at Malik, giving it her all. She thrust her arms in wild swings, catching him across the face twice, and sent up another kick that knocked him to the ground, spraying Malik’s blood all around and leaving spots on the floor. Still, as if they had no effect, Malik raised to his feet and, like a zombie, strutted forward.

  Again, Kinny let him have it, dousing him with scratches that ripped open his skin and slamming his face repeatedly with her fists. Malik went down, but got up once more. At this point, her wolverine eyes began to fade with each strike and, slowly, her wolverine appeared beside her. With one more punch, she used the rest of her power and leaned her entire body weight forward, throwing a punch that struck Malik right above his nose. The force was so great, they both went down upon the ground.

  Kinny was outstretched, all her limbs strung out as she lay there exhausted, covered in Malik’s blood. Kinny looked over at Malik, who dripped blood from every one of his small wounds, laying still.

  Yes! Finally! I finally wasted that bastard! Kinny thought. She let a smile wash across her face as she lay there, catching her breath.

  “YES! Atta girl, Kinny! Just get up and you win!” Glinda said. She turned to face Gisbo and Rake. “See, I told you not to doubt the girl’s skills! I’ve never seen somebody so cut up in all my life! She’s viscious!”

  “Yeah, but he let it happen . . .” Grandfield said. Glinda looked at him.

  “Well, that’s what happens when you undermine a woman. It’s his own damn fault. Just like Gisbo, he underestimated her, although, I’ve got to give it to him, at least he didn’t give up and run away with his tail between his legs,” Glinda said. Normally, Gisbo would have said something about the dog comment, but nothing came.

  “Gisbo? Are you okay?” Glinda asked. “That look of yours worries me.”

  “Kinny is in trouble. I mean, major trouble,” Gisbo said. Instinctively, Gisbo rushed through the crowd, desperately pushing people aside in an attempt to reach his grandfather.

  “The hell you goin’, man?” Grandfield asked.

  “I have to stop the fight!” Gisbo sa
id, panic to his voice.

  “Um, what fight are you watching, idiot!? It’s over! Look!” Glinda said as she turned to point. Malik stirred and, without any effort, was on his feet again.

  “What!? WHAT!?” Glinda said aloud to herself. Malik strutted over, blood dripping, and stood over the downed Kinny.

  “This, this is the best you can do?” Malik said, sticking out his hands, palms up, referring to his battered body. “You are so disappointing.”

  Malik fired up his essence, shot his hand downward, and grabbed Kinny around the throat. Slowly, and without effort, he raised the girl’s small form until her feet were off the floor. She gagged for air and tried kicking and struggling, but to no avail.

  “KINNY!” Grandfield shouted with worry.

  Malik, still holding Kinny by the throat as if she weighed nothing, strutted over to the diamond mass. He threw her against it, so hard her breath was knocked out of her as her back hit the wall.

  “Pathetic how your Boon form is only slightly more powerful than my essence. You never stood a chance. Your strikes had resolve to win, not to kill. Without resolve to kill, there is no victory. There was only fear, fear to kill, fear to lose. NOTHING IS BORN FROM FEAR! NOTHING HAPPENS WITHOUT RESOLVE! But, I suppose it can’t be helped. Your strikes would have put the average fighter out cold. I, however, have a high pain tolerance. I crave it, just to feel something! It takes a lot to truly damage me. I’m sorry, but you were doomed from the start, and now you must fufill my needs,” Malik said as his fury washed away and that wicked smile replaced it. Kinny shuddered, and, for the first time in her fight, eyed her mother through the diamond mass. Her mother’s eyes had tears in them as she was forced to watch. Those tears suddenly ignited a memory in Kinny’s mind.

  They reminded her of rain bubbling across the roaring waves of Aquaria, the place of her childhood. Her best friend, Kennis, and her, only ten years old, were atop a rock by the shoreline as the tide was coming in. The mist felt good as it soaked into their faces with every wave that crashed against the rocks, along with the soft pattering of rain on such a hot day. Even through the raindrops, the sun was clearly visible in the sky. Both girls sighed with delight. Even so, Kennis, like always, knew when something was bothering her friend.

  “Are your foster parents still giving you a hard time, Kinny?” Kennis asked.

  “Yup. Once they realize I’ve escaped from my room, I’m sure I’ll get another black eye from Jim. He keeps saying if I want to act like a boy, he’ll treat me like one, so he hits me every time I step out of line, and all Fillis does is stand there,” Kinny said, gripping her tiny fists tightly before rubbing at her black eye.

  “Don’t do that. It’s only going to make it worse, Kinny!” Kennis said with concern.

  “It’s fine. I just, I can’t believe them. Trying to force stupid dresses on me and make me act all lady-like. Sorry, that just isn’t me. Someday, someday, I’m going to move out of here and show everyone what I’m made of!” Kinny said.

  “Still, you really shouldn’t have attacked those girls, especially for my sake. You got in trouble because you defended me . . .” Kennis said.

  “Those girls deserved more than what they got, heh,” Kinny smiled. “Besides, I kinda like the scared looks they give me now. Girls like that sicken me, Kennis, and they had no right making fun of your weight. You’re too sweet and kind to respond, that’s why they don’t leave you alone, and you should stay like that! That’s why I’m going to fight for you! That’s what best friends are for! Now they will def think twice about it! Besides, now that their pretty little spoiled faces are ruined, what else do they got going for ‘em?”

  “I know, but I wouldn’t want you to get hurt over it . . .” Kennis said.

  “They can’t hurt me; only Jim can, that bastard. He’s a wimp, and he knows it. Makes him feel like a man when he hits me, but I can take it because someday I know I’ll be out of there. I’m gonna be the first girl ever to be accepted into Karm’s military! I’m gonna move to Oak County and prove to everyone just what we girls can do, and then, I’m gonna come back here and kick Jim’s scrawny ass,” Kinny said, slamming her fists together. She paused a moment, suddenly deep in thought, and turned to Kennis.

  “Kennis, do you, do you remember anything about your parents?” Kinny asked. Kennis thought for a moment.

  “No, I really don’t remember anything about them. I wish I did,” Kennis said with sadness. “I mean, my foster parents aren’t bad, they just don’t understand me. They don’t understand my need to see what’s out there beyond this island. I want to see the world, Kinny! I want to help people! And I feel, when I understand the world better, I can understand people that much better and can give my best to help them,” Kennis said with a smile. Kinny smiled, too.

  “Still, you’re gonna need somebody to protect you out there, you know. The world’s a big, scary place!” Kinny said.

  “That’s why I got you,” Kennis said with a grin. “Why did you suddenly ask about our real parents? Do you, do you remember yours?”

  “It’s strange. I don’t remember my mother’s face, but I feel her. When I dream, sometimes I hear her voice. I know she is a strong woman; I can hear it in her voice. She’s powerful, but most of all, she’s gentle, caring, and, and I feel I take after her in a lot of ways. I want to find her one day because I feel she is the only one who will truly understand me. And I want to know . . . why she left me. My parents say she died, but I don’t believe them. I still feel her somehow,” Kinny said.

  “What does she say to you? In your dreams?” Kennis asked.

  “It’s always the same thing. I’m surrounded by darkness, and I hear her voice whisper through, and when I hear it, I feel safe, I feel warm, and the dark doesn’t scare me. I still have the dream; I know she’s out there. So I might as well go with you to travel the world, to find her,” Kinny said, smiling.

  “I’d love that, Kinny. I’d like to find out about my parents, too. But what does she say to you?” Kennis asked. Kinny paused before speaking.

  “All she says is, ‘My dear Kinny, I leave you now, but not for long. You will find me again, but before you do, know you have your mother’s strength, her instinct for justice, and her desire to protect flowing through you. Always remember your pride as a woman and always fight for it,’” Kinny said.

  “Wow, I wish I knew what my parents’ last words to me were. That is truly amazing, Kinny. No wonder you don’t let anyone talk down to you,” Kennis said.

  “Or you. I can’t help it. I want to find her so badly,” Kinny said. Kennis placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “I’d like to meet her, too. We’ll find her together, I promise. Without you, I don’t know how I’d survive here. Let us always be friends, Kinny. I . . . I want you to wear this for me,” Kennis said as she unshackled a bracelet from her wrist.

  “I . . . I can’t take that, Kennis! That belonged to your mom! It’s all you’ve got left from her!” Kinny said.

  “Yes, it is, but while she’s not here, I need somebody to look up to and protect me. I want that person to be you, Kinny,” Kennis said. Kinny smiled and took the bracelet.

  “I won’t let you down, Kennis, ever. We will go after dreams together! We’ll find my mom and I’ll protect you as you travel the world. It’s a promise,” Kinny said.

  The memory faded as quickly as it started. Malik was still before her, like something from a nightmare, a nightmare that sought to end her dream; not only hers, but her best friend’s, as well. Kinny looked down at Kennis’ bracelet still about her wrist and then back to her mother. Kennis stayed with her until they were brought to Heaven’s Shelter, where she was finally reunited with her mother. Who was she to give in now? Who was she to throw it all away in front of her own mother, who now stood, watching her, watching her daughter stand on her own two feet? Suddenly, she was brought back again to the caves of Flaria, where her mother and her trained for months.

  “Kinny, before I train you to
fight, I am going to teach you a technique every woman in our family should know. This technique is extremely powerful, too powerful for even me to use without risk,” Kalloway said. Kinny smiled in excitement.

  “Really!? What? What is it?” Kinny asked.

  “The maneuver is called the Hyacinth. It is named after the flower, and it means ‘pledge of love.’ It requires little to perform, as all a flower needs is soil, water, and sunlight, but it needs immense sacrifice to reach its full potential. It combines Flarian, Soarian, Aquarian, and Naforian abilities,” Kalloway said. Kinny looked confused.

  “But I’m just a Flarian, like you. How can I use the rest of them to do this move?” Kinny asked. Her mother smiled as she retrieved a necklace from under her top, revealing a small glass container.

  “With this. Look closely,” Kalloway said. Inside the small vial was a tiny seed and water, and it was sealed tight.

  “It’s a seed with water . . . why doesn’t it grow? How long have you been carrying that thing around?” Kinny asked.

  “Since you were born. I haven’t yet had any reason to use it,” Kalloway said.

  “So just what does it do?” Kinny asked.

  “Inside this vial is special, altered air made by a Soarian friend of mine, altered water from an Aquarian friend, and an altered Hyacinth seed from a Naforian friend. These friends are also my best friends, Kinny, a group of woman, strong women, who gathered together with me for the sake of developing such an ability. Each of their vials contains different ingredients in place of their own element. What you see before you is the hard work and essence of three of my dear sisters, each of whom I would give my life for. When our daughters come of age, custom requires us to pass this gift onto them. This power is now yours, my dear Kinny; wear this with pride,” Kalloway said. She bent down and put it around her daughter’s neck.

  “I . . . thanks, Mom, but what if you need this?” Kinny asked. Kalloway smiled.

  “I need it not. Your father now takes the place of such protection. He is a wonderful man who protects me and who I protect in return. We walk hand in hand, side by side, not one in front of the other. We have become one in marriage. You, however, are not there yet, and so you must protect your pride as a woman,” Kalloway said.