Sora rushed straight at him. Just as he closed in, Malva raised his hand. But Sora suddenly appeared behind him and slashed. A deep and fatal wound opened on Malva’s back, and he fell. But as his body touched the ground, it disappeared.
“That is quite a fast split step, Sora. I’m impressed.”
Malva was standing a few feet away from him. Sora stared. Malva smirked and said, “That was an illusion. You should have expected that.”
An illusion? Sora could not believe it even though he had just seen it. He had felt his blade cut through the flesh. He had even smelt the blood. And that had been just an illusion?
“I see that you want to fight me. But let me tell you this. You cannot defeat me. You do not have a chance.”
Sora sent a wind smash at the General. But it hardly penetrated the barrier Malva had set up. Sora planned on using it as a diversion, but was suddenly hit by a rock that came flying at him.
He was paralysed in an instant. He could not move an inch. Malva walked out of the smoke with his finger raised. Sora was levitated and flew to an arm’s reach of Malva.
“Do you still hold me responsible for what happened that day, Sora? We did talk about it and I explained everything to you. I thought we had an understanding then.”
“What the hell are you saying? Explain? We had an understanding? The only thing you told me was that you attacked the village because you wanted the Twin Blades of the Wind!”
Malva frowned. “I never said any of that, Sora. How dare you accuse me like that? You know as well as I do that I was not the one who destroyed Vento.”
Sora was dumbstruck. He had seen it with his own eyes… heard it with his own ears. There was no way that he could be mistaken.
“What are you playing at? Who do you think you are fooling? I still remember every detail about that day as clear as day.”
Sora suddenly could not speak. Malva scowled and said, “Mind your tongue. Have you gone mad? Where are all these accusations coming from? Have you… wait…”
Malva brought Sora so close to him that Sora could see his nose hair. Malva placed a hand on Sora’s head.
Sora had a hunch as to what he was going to do. “Wait… NO! You are not going into my head!”
But as much as Sora tried to block him, he knew his efforts were in vain. He could feel Malva’s psychic waves infiltrate his head. All his memories and thoughts were being exposed to the man he hated. The very thought of it was agonizing.
“That is strange.”
Sora opened his eyes. He was still paralysed, but Malva removed his hand. He was scowling.
“There are signs of artificial memories being implanted in your mind. A strong barrier has been cast over it as well.”
Sora gaped, “You mean that wasn’t you?”
Malva shook his head. “No. To place this kind of barrier and such precise modification of memories, one would need a lot of time to perform the process. I guess your friend, Jake, didn’t mention that.”
Sora was about to ask how he knew Jake when Malva answered, “I just read your mind, didn’t I? He’s not half bad a psychic contractor. He even managed to partially dent that barrier. Maybe I should give it a try.”
Sora felt the psychic waves pulsating into him again. A few seconds later, there was a sharp pain inside his head. Before he realized it, he was staring into whiteness. It had come up like a flash. But then, it left as soon as it had arrived.
Sora glanced around.
The ground around him was devastated. He seemed to be lying in a crater himself. He could hardly recognize the terrain.
He slowly staggered to his feet. Malva was standing a few feet in front of him, looking disgruntled.
There was another sharp pain in his head. He was unsteady at his feet. He knew what had happened.
Malva had tried to break the psychic barrier inside Sora’s mind. But the protection inside had made him lose control, just like it had Jake. And by the looks of it, he hadn’t held back at all.
Yet, Malva was unscathed.
“So you’ve come to.”
Sora stared at Malva and asked, “What were you thinking? You obviously knew what would happen if someone tried to break the barrier. Yet you still did it.”
Malva scoffed. “Please. I am the best psychic contractor in the world. If you think that I can be stopped because of a booby trapped psychic barrier, you are badly underestimating me.”
Sora winced. His head was still throbbing. Malva saw him place his hand on his head and said, “That barrier has been very well done. I hate to admit it but it was impossible to break it completely in one go. I managed to put a hole on it though. And I managed to fix a very small portion of modified images. But all that activity has hurt your brain’s functioning. You should be passing out any moment now.”
It was true. Sora found everything around him blurring. But he could make out Malva walking away from him.
“Wait… stop…”
It was no use. The darkness was setting in and Malva’s back was the last thing he saw till he was completely unconsciousness on the floor.
Kai had finished telling Zack and Jake the whole story. Jake was disturbed while Zack appeared completely horrified.
“Well, that’s the sad truth,” Kai said. “I started training Sora right after that. He’s been with me ever since. And his one goal has been to become stronger for the sake of taking revenge.”
Zack covered his face, not knowing what to say. Jake gulped. “That was terrible… I can’t imagine… what he’s been through.”
Kai nodded. “Everything he knew or cared for was taken away from him in one single day. It’s not something one can overcome so easily. But–”
He turned to Zack.
“– He could compose himself in just five days. And he was only eight years old then. He hid his emotions a lot because he felt that it was a sign of weakness.”
Zack was shaking. He shook his head and choked, “I… What have I done? I said all those terrible things to him without understanding him at all. It was…unforgivable!”
Kai said, “There was no way you could’ve known. But Sora really wanted you to get over your mother’s death, Zack. And if Sora could move on despite everything he went through, I’m sure you can as well.”
They were quiet for some time. Jake then said, “Now I can never wish him happy birthday. That sucks.”
Zack looked up and said, “There’s no way I’m going to leave it at that.”
Sora groggily opened his eyes. He glanced at his watch and realized that he had been out for nearly two hours. He recollected everything that had happened. He didn’t need to be told that Malva was different from what he remembered. He had even thought for a moment that Malva might not be a bad person. But that was not the most shocking thing for him.
Malva had broken a small part of the barrier inside Sora’s mind and had said that he had ‘fixed’ a part of the modified memory as well. The memory that was fixed was only a very small one. But it was enough to make Sora tremble.
Riku, who had died in his arms, did not have a big wound caused by an explosion like he had earlier thought.
Instead, the image of a bloody Riku smiling at Sora was imprinted in his mind. And the wound had been unmistakably… a huge bite wound.
Sora jumped from his sky surfer and landed in front of the guild. His mind was still muddled so that he didn’t realize that there was strangely nobody in the lobby, despite it being late in the evening and a time for most of the contractors to return from duty.
His hunger guided him to the elevator and he headed to the third floor.
The door slid opened and he stepped into the cafeteria.
An eruption of shouts nearly blew him back. He jumped and stared in front of him. His jaw dropped in awe on seeing the banner hung up at the centre of the cafeteria.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SORA!
ENJOY YOUR SWEET 16!
WE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU!
From: Everyone in the G
uild
Hands grabbed his shirt and he was pulled into the sea of people waiting for him. When he was brought right beneath the banner, he found a humongous chocolate fudge cake placed in front of him, with his name all over it.
“Surprised?”
Jake and Zack were beside the colossal drool generator, smiling. Sora was dumbstruck, but his expression said it all.
Almost every member of the guild was present there. They all wolf-howled and whistled as Sora was made to cut the cake. Sora forgot all about what had happened in Vento that day.
Mac had brought out all the shots yet again and had produced an unrivalled feast. It was the best food Sora had ever tasted.
Jake then showed Sora his special gift. On one of the tables was an ice sculpture of Sora himself. Kai and Glacio, the bloody yeti, stood next to it. Glacio showed Sora a thumbs-up.
Kai said, “Glacio was pretty adamant on doing it. So I let him.”
Sora said, “Glacio… this is amazing! Thanks!”
Zack said, “Too bad it’ll melt after a while.”
They looked at each other and suddenly felt nervous. Sora wanted to say something but Zack said, “Save it for after the party. Let’s enjoy ourselves now.”
And enjoy they did. Alex changed to Kira and started stripping. Kira actually attempted to stab him but Alex dodged while dancing comically. Zack offered to sing but Sora and Jake were very clear that he shouldn’t.
Sora suddenly said out aloud what had been bothering him for a while, “Hey, how did you guys know that today was my birthday?”
Jake replied, “Kai told us. Zack was the one who planned the whole thing.”
“JAKE!” Zack shouted.
“Hold on… I’ve never told Kai my birthday either.”
The place went silent. Everyone turned to Kai, who calmly said, “Sora, I am an S rank contractor. I can destroy a city within a minute. I think I can find some kid’s birthday without too much of a hassle.”
Sora shrugged and started talking with the rest again. But Jake sensed something strange in Kai’s thought waves… something that happens only when someone lies.
The party came to an end and people wished Sora again and started to leave. Soon, only Zack, Jake, Sora and Kai were left.
Sora wanted to say it, but Zack got ahead of him. “I’m sorry, Sora. I told you all those terrible things without knowing what you had been through. I was self-centered, stupid and egoistic.”
Sora was puzzled. He then looked at Kai and scowled. “You told them… as well?”
Kai said, “They are your friends. They have the right to know. And personally, I think they deserved to know it.”
Jake said, “We pestered him, Sora. We were concerned and wanted to know at all cost. I can understand if you are angry though.”
Sora sighed. “Nah. I would’ve told you guys some day or the other. This actually makes things easier. “
Kai smirked. “See? You better thank me now.”
“Dream on, playboy.”
After a while Zack left, saying there was something he had to do before heading home. Sora said, “Jake, let’s head home as well.”
But Jake said, “I’ve got a few things to take care of. You go on without me.”
Sora said, “Okay. Later, Kai.”
After Sora left, Kai asked, “What was it you had to do so late?”
Jake stared into Kai’s eyes and said, “Just some things I had to confirm. Anyway, Kai, why did you lie when you answered how you found out Sora’s birthday?”
Kai went rigid. He realized what Jake was doing and suddenly held him by the neck and threw him across the room. But he was too late.
The images were already flashing in front of Jake. The truth about Kai and what he had seen shell shocked Jake. He was trembling and breathing fast. It was unbelievable.
The truth is always terrifying, Jake always knew. But nothing he had ever seen made him this unnerved.
“You… How could you not tell him?”
Kai walked to him and said annoyed, “Guess I let my guard down. You saw something nobody should ever see, Jake.”
Jake cried, “Kai! Sora should know! How could you not tell him that he has a brother?”
Kai was silent before he said, “His brother is dead.”
Jake shouted, “His brother is alive! Why would you say such a thing?”
Kai held Jake by his throat and said angrily, “That person does not deserve to be called a brother. He abandoned his baby brother… his only living relative and went off on his own path. Sora does not deserve such a terrible brother.”
Jake gaped in horror. “Kai… do you think Sora would be angry if he found out? You should know better than anyone else that the one thing Sora cherishes is family. And you still kept it from him?”
Kai brought his face close to Jake’s and whispered, “Jake. Be glad that I haven’t killed you yet. But if you breathe even a word of this to Sora or anyone else, this hand of mine might just crush this fragile neck of yours.”
The words sent cold shivers down Jake’s spine. But he did not cower. “I didn’t plan to tell him at all. It is not my place to do so, but yours.”
Kai slackened his grip and pushed Jake away. He started walking away and said, “This has nothing to do with you.”
Jake coughed and replied, “Of course it does. You’re talking about my best friend’s family here. But you know very well that he has to be told someday, Kai.”
Kai stood in front of the door and said without turning back, “I know.”
Meanwhile, in the tenth floor of the guild HQ, the door to the training room opened. Zack smiled and said, “I’m glad you came, Sam.”
Sam Lorenzo said, “It’s pretty late, Zack. What did you want to ask me?”
Zack said, “I’m aware that there is a special technique that only you and Kai know about in the guild. I was wondering if you could teach me, actually.”
“Sora! We’re leaving in five minutes. Get over here ~!”
Sora stared at his G watch. “I thought we were leaving only at nine in the morning.” He glanced at the time shown on the top corner and muttered, “Oh, crap.”
Jake said, “~ You’re the only one not here yet. What have you been doing at home all this time?”
Sora replied, “Just seeking a few last minute favors from Conner. I’ll be there before you know it.” He cut the call.
Conner asked, “Won’t Jake be really annoyed?”
Sora waved his hand casually, “Doesn’t matter. I wanted to ask you this before I leave to Aboyr for the tournament.”
Conner nodded. “No need to worry, Sora. I’ll keep an eye out for anything that might point to activity from the Dark Alliance and let you know as soon as I can, though I’m really interested to know why. You just concentrate on the Holy Dragon tournament.”
Sora said in a concerned tone, “Don’t try anything reckless. Make sure you’re not caught. And you said that you’d come to watch the last few days of the tournament, right?”
Conner grinned. “Yeah. I won’t miss a chance to do that. And the pay from the guild is pretty neat. I already bought the tickets.”
Sora smiled and said, “Well, I’ll be off then.”
He picked up his bag and was about to leave when Conner called out, “Sora.”
He turned to see Conner show a victory sign and say, “Give them hell.”
“I plan to,” was Sora’s reply as he walked out of the room.
Sora’s split step brought him to the guild’s hangar within a minute.
Roy already had the N-2’s engine running. Kai gave Sora a sharp blow on his head and said, “Don’t make others wait for you, you brat.”
Sora rubbed his head and said, “I was on time, wasn’t I? What’s the fuss?”
Kai sighed and said, “The others are waiting inside for you. Get on that N-2. And Sora, whatever you do, don’t use the Black Flame. I want your word.”
Sora nodded and said, “You have my word.”
>
Kai patted his shoulder and said, “I’ll try to drop by to see the tournament. You better not slack off there.”
Sora ran to the N-2 shouting, “I won’t.”
Katie, Sean, Zack and Jake were already settled inside the N-2. Sora looked at his watch and said to Jake, “See? Right on time.”
Jake fumed, “What were you doing?”
Sora replied, “I told you, I had to ask Conner a favour.”
Zack asked, “Which was what?”
Sora hadn’t told anyone about his meeting with Malva in Vento. They would worry greatly. And Malva’s words seemed to ring in his mind. “I was not the one who destroyed Vento.”
Sora had been partially convinced that he was telling the truth. But as he lay in bed the next day, he reminded himself that Malva was the general of the Dark Alliance. And he knew what he had seen. For some reason, Malva wanted to play the good guy with him. Moreover, he had no idea whether Malva really had made a hole inside that barrier. That could’ve been just a bluff.
Malva could’ve knocked him out and destroyed the surroundings to convince Sora that he had lost control again just like he had against Jake. And he might have planted the image of Riku’s bite mark.
Sora knew that he had to tell Zack and Jake this later. Jake should also check the condition of the barrier just to be sure. But this was not the time to tell.
“I wanted Conner to record my favourite show on TV, that’s all.”
That wasn’t entirely a lie. He had asked that of Conner as well.
Jake stared while everyone else laughed. “That was the reason? You are unbelievable!”
Katie said, “That’s just like you, Sora.”
Sean sniggered. “I don’t think you’ll ever change.”
Roy shouted from the cockpit, “Take your seat, Sora. We’re about to take off. We should arrive there at two in the afternoon, Central Continent time.”
The N-2 shot out of Stone Hedge Valley and was soaring through the South Continent skies at top speed.
Jake spotted something sticking out of Sora’s backpack. “Sora, why did you bring your sky surfer? You’re already able to fly pretty well, right?”
Sora shrugged, “I can fly, but aerial combat would be quite tough while concentrating on flying as well. I can’t use my techniques to their fullest. So I keep the sky surfer with me for safety.”
Contractor: The Legendary Contract of Vento Page 28
