Void Wielder 2 Legacy of Chaos

by Cesar Gonzalez

  She knew that there was danger around her. The Suteckh were launching an attack on Va’siel. And both, Shal-Volcseck and Dokua were searching for her. But tonight, just for one night, she allowed herself to forget her problems as she rested her head on her friend’s chest and moved to the music.

  Chapter 11

  “Once Hyatt left Hiromy stranded at the party, I swooped in like the gentleman I am,” bragged Sheridan as they walked along the dirt path. He dragged his feet, which lifted a storm of dust. “I took her dancing and we spoke all night. She actually sounded interested in me.”

  “That’s great,” said Aya.

  “So what do you think I should do now? Should I play it cool? Or should I just tell Hiromy how I felt about her for the past five years?”

  “I’m not sure.” Aya shrugged. “I really don’t know her well enough to give you any good advice. But I do know one thing: at this rate you’re going to suffocate me with all that dust you’re leaving behind. Please walk properly.”

  He straightened his posture and lifted his feet. “I think I’m going to take it slow. She’s bound to like that.”

  “If you say so,” said Aya, trying to concentrate. The trees and bushes around them were the perfect place for an ambush.

  “Would you relax, Nakatomi? We’ve have been walking for two days and we’ve hardly seen any other people. If someone wanted to ambush us, they would have done so by now.”

  “Sheridan,” said Aya, trying to sound as polite as possible. “Could you please keep it down? I’m trying to listen.”

  “Listen to what?” asked Sheridan. He stopped humming. “There’s nothing to hear. No birds singing, no other travelers, and no sound of any woodland critters.”

  “Exactly. That’s what has me worried.” Aya strained her ears, trying to hear something - anything. But even the sound of the wind was absent.

  Her head suddenly grew hazy, and her body weakened. She tapped her head, trying to regain her senses.

  “My hands and legs feel weak,” said Sheridan, wobbling from side to side.

  “Move back!” cried Aya as she noticed the brown blur coming down on them.

  The net swept up from under Sheridan’s feet and picked him up into the air.

  Dozens of slim dark-clad figures dropped from the trees. Their faces were painted with elaborate patterned designs. They all wore black suits from head to neck.

  The ground trembled as a large figure landed before her. He towered over her small figure. Red lines were etched on his cheeks. Dark lines also ran around his gigantic arms and legs. Save a long leather skirt, he wore no armor.

  “Get away,” said Aya, taking a step back. “I don’t want to hurt any of you. Just let my friend go and we won’t have a problem.”

  The large man remained quiet.

  “And how exactly do you plan to do that?” jeered a high-pitched feminine voice. “There’s two of you and fifteen of us. And your idiot friend over there is hanging from his feet.”

  “Hey!” complained Sheridan. “I may be an idiot, but I more than make up for it with my amazing fighting skills, my witty comments, and my dashing good looks.” He smiled, revealing a set of pearly white teeth.

  A short girl, who looked to be about twelve, emerged from the crowd of men. She had long, dark eyes, tiny lips, and two lines of red paint running vertically on her cheeks. “We’ll see just how funny ya are after Keira is done with you. She loves putting jokers in their place.”

  “Mmmmm,” said Sheridan tantalizingly. “It sounds like me and this Keira could have great fun together. But, alas, I’ll have to pass. For my heart belongs to another. Please relay your message to your frisky leader.”

  Aya rubbed her temple. How could he be jesting at a time like this?

  “Just let me do the talking,” said Aya. She faced the crowd. “I’ll tell you one more time: let me go or else.”

  The large man acted as if she hadn’t even spoken. He walked up to net and cut the rope with a knife he pulled from his scabbard. Sheridan crashed to the ground.

  “That’s it!” cried Sheridan. He waved his arms in grandiose fashion. “Feel the power of space pressure.” Nothing happened.

  “We have to get out of here!” exclaimed Aya, realizing that scaiths were nearby. It was the only explanation for Sheridan’s wielding being nullified. “The creatures that can suppress wielding are close. We’re all in great danger.”

  Except for the large man, the group of attackers burst out in laughter.

  Maybe they don’t understand me. She recalled Faith mentioning that most people knew scaiths by their other name—devourers.

  “The devourers are coming,” said Aya, hoping that the attackers would now understand the urgency of the situation.

  The attackers laughed even harder than before. Some cackled so loudly that they were having a hard time breathing.

  What could possibly be so funny? mused Aya.

  The small girl pointed the sharp end of the spear at Aya’s head. “Shut up and get moving or yar idiot friend here gets it.”

  Aya took a breath and put her hands down in defeat. She would have to play along for now and do as she was told.

  The large man threw Sheridan over his shoulder and began to walk.

  Aya followed close behind. In her mind she analyzed dozens of escape plans, but in none of them was she able to formulate an idea where Sheridan wasn’t left behind. The fact that she had no wielding made this even harder.

  “Ya have ugly hair,” said the girl as she ran circles around her, her short brown hair dancing behind her. She then stopped and stared at her. “Ya also have a stupid face. Not like Keira. She’s much more beautiful than ya.”

  Aya didn’t answer.

  The girl’s brown eyes stared back at her as she continued to throw her insults. “How were ya planning to beat us? Ya don’t even have any weapons.”

  “I don’t only rely on weapons. I’m also a martial artist.”

  “Ha,” snickered the girl. “Keira is also a martial artist. I bet she could destroy ya in a duel. You’ll be no match for her. She’s the best in Sugiko.”

  “Rika!” called the large man without turning around. “Quit fraternizing with the prisoner.”

  “I’m not fraternizing, Raji. I was merely telling this loser the truth.”

  “Quiet,” ordered Raji.

  Rika murmured something under her breath and stomped to the back of the line, but not before sticking her tongue out at Aya.

  They walked for what seemed ages. They went up a mountain and back down to a large valley. The sun was close to setting when they finally arrived at a wooden gate. The gate ran in a circle. Raji knocked three times on the door, whistled twice, and then knocked two more times.

  “Who goes there?” said a voice from the other side of the gate.

  “It is I, Raji of the Minotaur clan.”

  There was the sound of wood blocks being removed. Then the gate opened.

  Dozens of leather tents were spread throughout the camp. Hundreds of people gathered around small campfires. Their clothes were ragged and streaked with dirt.

  A girl, who looked to be around Aya’s age, marched toward them. She wore a brown tunic and pants. Her golden-brown hair was tied in a ponytail and braided with pigtails.

  Judging by the crowd behind her, Aya was certain this had to be the girl Rika had told her about.

  “We found these people roaming close to the camp, Keira,” said Rika.

  “Rohads!” shrieked Keira. “Where exactly did you find ‘em?”

  “Traveling the emperor’s road,” answered Raji, dropping Sheridan to the ground.

  “No doubt Hotaru hired them so they could hunt us down,” added a man from the crowd. The women and men around them nodded to each other.

  “Gut-less Rohads,” fumed Keira, tearing open Sheridan’s net with a knife. “I’m going to kill you here and now.”

  “Are you sure that’s a wise idea?” said Raji. “Perhaps it would be best t
o keep them as prisoners for ransom.”

  Keira stared coldly at Raji. “So they can eat our food? No, we are starving as it is. These two die now.”

  The crowd cheered and clapped.

  “You, get up,” said Keira, kicking Sheridan in the stomach. “Let’s see how tough you are when your opponent fights back.”

  Opponent fights back? What is she talking about?

  Sheridan stood. “I make it a point to not hit girls. Perhaps we could tangle another way.” He lifted his eyebrows and smiled invitingly. A punch to the face quickly wiped it off.

  “Shut up and fight, Rohad.”

  “Sorry, martial arts isn’t really my forte,” answered Sheridan. “I’m more of a swordfighter. And I’d really rather not use it. Trust me. It wouldn’t end well for you.”

  Keira smirked. “Go ahead. Use your weapon.”

  Sheridan shrugged and pulled out his machete looking-sword. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He shot forward.

  Keira dropped and swept her legs across the ground. Sheridan flipped over the attack.

  Keira pressed both hands on the ground and used them as leverage to throw herself through the air. Sheridan’s jaw cracked loudly as her feet slammed under his chin.

  Sheridan staggered back. He rubbed his jaw. After a few seconds, he swung his sword again.

  This time Keira caught it in her hand. At the same time she kicked the side of his head.

  Sheridan crashed to the ground. He immediately flipped back up. But before he could regain his balance, Keira kicked him back down. She brought the blade to Sheridan’s neck.

  The crowd cheered.

  “Keira, Keira, Keira!” Rika cheered louder than anyone else.

  Aya could now see that Rika hadn’t exaggerated. Keira’s moves were flawless. Her attacks were precise and deadly. No move was wasted.

  “Ready to die?” Keira threatened, pressing the blade into Sheridan’s neck.

  “Leave him alone,” ordered Aya. “We are not here to see Hotaru. In fact, we were dispatched to fight against him.”

  “Lies!” Keira sneered. “Rohads are nothing but a lot of deceitful cowards.”

  “She said she’s a better martial artist than ya, Keira,” added Rika. “Mop the floor with her.”

  “I didn’t say such a thing,” said Aya.

  Rika brought her hands to her hips. “Did too.”

  Keira stepped up to Aya so they were face to face. “Just like a Rohad to think they’re better than anyone else.” She spat at Aya’s feet. “I’ll tell you what. If you defeat me, I’ll let you two go.”

  “And if I lose? What then? You’ll kill us?”

  “I was going to kill you either way. But if you lose, your death will be slow and painful.”

  The last thing she wanted to do was fight. Her legs ached from all the walking and she hadn’t had a morsel to eat since the morning.

  Keira eyed her from head to toe. “So?”

  Aya brought up her fists in a readied stance.

  “Hiaaaa!” Keira shot toward her with a punch. Aya ducked under it and delivered an uppercut. Keira adjusted her weight and hopped away. Aya quickly changed formations in mid-attack and kicked into the air. Keira did the same. The girls’ legs slammed into each other.

  Aya brought her feet down on her opponent’s head. Keira grabbed Aya’s leg and drove herself under it. She then pushed up.

  Aya took to the air and crashed onto the floor. Even through her ringing ears, she could hear the roar of the crowd.

  Keira pressed forward.

  Aya waited. At the last second she rolled out of the way. Keira’s kick flew past her.

  Aya grabbed her foe’s leg and twisted it. At the same time she delivered an open palm strike to the forehead.

  Keira screamed as she too fell to the ground.

  The roar of the crowd ceased.

  Keira stood. Her face was a deep red. She brought her hands together and took a deep breath. “Kyyaaa!” She attacked with untamed ferocity.

  Aya did the same.

  For the next few minutes both girls went all out in a series of attacks, blocks, and counters. Neither girl was able to get the upper hand.

  The crowd remained silent.

  Aya ducked under a kick and punched her opponent on the knee. Keira kicked Aya in the ribs as she stumbled back. Both girls fell to the ground at the same time.

  Suddenly a series of loud growls pierced the air. The crowd parted as three bears, running on all fours, broke through. They reached Aya and stood on their hind legs. Drool dripped from their exposed fangs.

  Shocked, Aya crawled back until she smashed into a stack of hollowed barrels.

  They surrounded her. Then, with mouths open, they pounced.

  CHAPTER 12

  Each of the bears was a different color. One was fully black, one pure white, and the last one was a light brown. Despite their differences, all of them seemed equally intent on killing her.

  “Stop this!” an older woman cried.

  She emerged from the crowd. Her face was marred with countless wrinkles, and even her long nose was full of deep lines. A small wooden staff seemed to be the only thing keeping her from falling.

  Keira held her hand up. The bears immediately stepped back and ceased snarling.

  Is she controlling them?

  “What is the meaning of this interruption, Nanake?” asked Keira. There was a layer of respect in her voice. “I am busy at the moment.”

  “These people are not with Hotaru. I summoned them.”

  “You called ‘em?” Keira asked, her voice raising. “Why? What use could we have for Rohads?”

  “You know why. We are severely outnumbered. We need all the help we can get.”

  Keira stomped her feet as she paced in a small circle. “We don’t need the help from ‘em. We can handle this ourselves.”

  The elder lady spoke with determination in her voice. “No we cannot. We have already lost half of our camp. How many more must we lose? The Rohads can help our cause. You must allow them to stay.”

  Keira stared at Nanake for a moment as she bit her lower lip. “Out of respect for you I’ll let this pass this once.” She narrowed her eyes. “But don’t forget that I’m in charge here, not you. Don’t ever pull something like this again.”

  “So does that mean they can stay?”

  “Yes. I suppose we need someone to carry our weapons in the upcoming attack.” Keira turned and stormed off. The trio of bears followed after her.

  “I’m sorry about that,” said Nanake. “My niece is a good person. But she’s been through a lot the last couple of months.”

  “It’s fine,” said Aya. She stood and dusted herself off. “She’s not the first of our clients to not exactly welcome us with open arms.” Images of the late Captain Benoit flashed through her mind.

  “Please come with me.” The old lady trudged to a raging fire at the middle of the camp, taking a seat by it. Aya and Sheridan sat beside her. “You have come at the right time. I was afraid you would not be here when we launched our attack.”

  “So what exactly is going on here?” asked Sheridan. “Our briefing report was very vague. Perhaps you can fill us in.”

  Nanake sighed. “Years ago Sugiko was a prospering capital city. My brother, Emperor Takumi, and his wife ushered us into an era of peace and prosperity.” Her face turned stern. “But ten years ago the royal advisor, Hotaru, killed them in their sleep. He claimed Sugiko’s throne as his own. Keira was just a little girl when it happened.”

  “How did she manage to survive?” asked Aya.

  “I don’t know. She has never spoken about that night to anyone. All I know is that she ran to the woods, where she remained for six years.”

  Sheridan whistled slowly. “Six years. That’s a long time.”

  “Yes. Everyone thought she was dead,” continued Nanake. “I never gave up hope and continued to search. My perseverance was rewarded four years ago. I found her living in a cave with her b
ears.”

  Aya narrowed her eyes and met the woman’s gaze. Her curiosity was now at its peak. “Bears? Tell me, how is it that she can see through them?”

  The woman’s eyes widened. “You noticed then?”

  “Noticed what?” asked Sheridan.

  Aya turned to her companion. “Keira’s eyes are hazy white. She had difficulty blocking low attacks, but had no problems stopping high and mid-level attacks.”

  Sheridan scratched his head. “So her lower defense is weak and she has white eyes, what of it?”

  “She’s blind, Sheridan.”

  “Blind?” Sheridan’s face twisted in confusion. “But how can she fight so well if she can’t see?”

  “Because she sees through her bears.” Aya faced the ancient woman. “Isn’t that right?”

  “Yes. But don’t ask me how. I don’t even know how she does it. All I know is that when we found her she already had the ability.”

  “B…but that makes no sense,” stuttered Sheridan. “No one should be able to do that.”

  “That’s besides the point. What matters is that my niece is the rightful ruler of Sugiko.”

  “She’s right,” said Aya. She had questions about Keira’s mysterious abilities as well. But she forced her curiosity to the back of her head. She’d been tasked with aiding a princess reclaim her throne. And that was what she intended to do.

  “If what you say is true, why wait until now to reclaim the city?” Sheridan asked.

  “Keira was too young. She couldn’t officially lay claim to throne of Sugiko until she came of age, which she did last month, when she turned eighteen. We tried launching an attack but more than half our force was crushed. We only have about one-hundred soldiers left.”

  “So how do you plan to reclaim the city with so few soldiers?” questioned Sheridan.

  “A distraction,” answered Aya instinctively.

  Nanake smiled. “I see you are quite observant. Yes, you are indeed correct. We plan to launch a diversionary attack from the front, but at the same time Keira, along with a few chosen warriors, will sneak into the royal palace. With luck, she’ll end Hotaru’s treachery once and for all. His men rape, terrorize, and murder the people of Sugiko in the name of security. They must all be stopped.” Nanake’s voice lowered to a whisper. “The mission must not fail. That is why I called on you Rohads for aid. We need the best for the upcoming battle.”