BDS: Chapter Fourteen

The warriors decided to enjoy their afternoon break from training by climbing to the top of the falls near the main bunker entrance of Order headquarters.

Brogan was the first to arrive. He made his way slowly to the edge of the Ira Aug cliffs and leaned out to survey the river at the bottom of the canyon before him. The height of the cliffs and the mist surrounding the monstrous falls made it impossible to see the bottom. Loose rocks tumbled over the cliffs and disappeared into the raging water beneath him as he balanced his large frame on the ledge overlooking the water. Numerous waterfalls stretched out on either side of him as far as he could see.

Lorcan and Jarek carefully treaded over the slick stones as they joined Brogan on the ledge.

What do you think is down there? Brogan asked them as he gazed into the mist below.

Loran shrugged. Water…and scary things.

Nothing I want to know about, Jarek added as he held onto Brogan's arm for balance and peered over the edge. Hoshi may be able to see through the mist with her visual powers, but I can't see anything.

Brogan stared out across the canyon, his expression set. There's no easy way to tell you this, mates, but I think I'm done with this journey. I don't foresee a good outcome for this war with Mordán, so I'm taking the path of least resistance. Tell the others bye.

Jarek chuckled. Shut up.

Whatever, said Lorcan.

Lorcan and Jarek both gasped in surprise as Brogan tipped forward with his arms out wide, like a diver about to jump head-first into a pool. The halo in his eyes swirled green as light spilled from his gaze. The back of Brogan's shirt slipped easily from Jarek's grasp as Brogan's weight took him forward.

"Are you crazy?" Lorcan shouted as Brogan closed his eyes and pushed off the ledge.

Jalena! Jalena!Jarek shrieked as he frantically scrambled as far as possible to the edge of the cliff. Brogan's killing himself again! Hurry and get him, Jalena!

What are you shouting about, Jarek? Hoshi responded with an edge of annoyance. You were supposed to help bring the food, so it's your fault that we got here later. Just stop yelling.

Jarek's voice raised an octave. There's no time! He—he—Brogan jumped!

Jumped what? Valora asked as she, Gyan, Hoshi, Danika, and Tarak came into view.

Jarek hurried to the others, sliding clumsily over the rocks. He pointed frantically out over the falls. There!

He jumped off the falls, Lorcan explained, his brow furrowed.

No way, Gyan said as he hurried to the edge.

Lorcan nodded.

Brogan! Valora called. She turned to others. I can't reach him.

The group stood peering over the ledge in disbelief.

We know he isn't dead,Tarak offered, or we would feel it.

He is still stupid!Valora said fiercely.

"What are you all looking for?" Brogan shouted out from behind the group.

Seven pairs of eyes turned, some with expressions of relief and others worried.

Brogan shook out his wet hair over them and laughed loudly. "Suckers. I knew you loved me."

Several voices shouted at once.

"What are you think—?"

"Don't ever scare me—!"

"Wow! Have you lost it?"

"That was insane!"

Brogan doubled over as more laughter escaped him. Valora pushed him fully to the ground.

Jarek stood staring at Brogan with one hand over his chest. That wasn't funny.

Oh, and for the record, Jarek, Brogan said in between laughs, I didn't try to kill myself before. Akila was the one that sent me flying off the mountains the first time.

Jarek shrugged. Same thing.

Seriously, Brogan, what were you doing? Danika asked.

Well, I figured the best way to practice teleporting is to dive directly into danger—since we can only teleport in the midst of it.

Why not just do it in the simulation room? Hoshi asked. It would save you from smashing into a rock at least.

The simulation is just not real enough to practice for us until we get used to it, Brogan replied with a shrug. A part of our mind still knows it is simulated as Master Jabari said. I want the feeling to be similar to what may happen in the wild. I thought since I could feel the vibrations in the ground, I could sense where the rocks were if I used my charisma.

Makes sense. Gyan said.

What's it like?Tarak said as he peered over the cliff.

Brogan smiled and wiped the water from his arms. We but exhilarating. He walked to where Tarak stood. The area below where I jumped is clear, directly in front of this edge. He pointed to the area on his right. Over here are several large spires, so just make sure you do not get blown off course by any high wind.

How long did you drop before you teleported? Valora asked.

I'd say about halfway, so if any other sharp boulders or rocks were closer to the bottom, I didn't see them, but I still did not feel any beneath me.

Jarek and Lorcan hurriedly began to remove their training boots and shirts.

Hoshi turned on them.What are you doing?

Jumping the falls! Jarek said. Brogan says the area is clear so we're gonna practice teleporting.

When Hoshi turned back to the others, Valora, Danika, Gyan, and Tarak were also removing their boots. You can't be serious? Valora? Not you, too?

Actually, I think Brogan is on to something, Valora replied. Since he's proven that the area below us is safe, I don't think there is a better way to practice teleporting, do you? We all could use the practice.

But, if you don't teleport, um…you die! Hoshi finished shrilly.

Jalena and Shamira appeared at the top of the cliffs as the team continued arguing with Hoshi about Brogan's new training method.

What is it? Jalena said. The last I heard was Jarek freaking out about Brogan.

Oh yeah—eh, sorry, Master Jalena, Jarek replied with a look of innocence. I forgot to tell you Brogan was okay.

I would have appeared sooner had I felt any real danger. She glanced at Gyan and spoke privately. Are you okay with me being near you right now?

Yes. The urge was the strongest two days ago and now has subsided to where I can control it better.

So, what's going on? Shamira asked.

Brogan jumped the falls to practice teleporting! Hoshi said, her arms crossed.

Shamira raised her eyebrows. Really?

Brogan grinned and nodded.

Shamira and Jalena returned his smile. They shared an impressed look.

Oh, you have got to be kidding! Hoshi scowled. Everybody is impressed, except me. I just think you're nuts.

Brogan approached Hoshi slowly, his frame towering over her. Well, I don't know about nuts, but brave—that's a given. Except, I don't think your worry about my well-being, he put a hand across his chest, is what's really going on here. I think you're just jealous that you didn't think of it first. He dropped his hand to her shoulder and bent to peer into her eyes. Or maybe you're afraid to jump and you're just mad at yourself for it?

Hoshi's eyes widened. She brushed Brogan's hand away and stepped back. That's something I definitely am not!

Well then? He raised an eyebrow.

Fine! You all want to try and die, then I will too! She bent to unlace her boots.

The warriors nearby laughed.

We're outta here!Jarek said. He and Lorcan bumped fists together and then leaped off the cliff, shouting their thrills into the canyon.

Is it clear, Brogan?Shamira asked.

Brogan explained to Shamira about the landscape beneath them while the rest of the team followed Lorcan and Jarek.

Lorcan and Jarek appeared behind the remaining team, eyes alight and wide with excitement. "That was amazing!" they said at the same time.

Gyan looked at Jalena. Jump the falls with me, he told her.

She smiled.

Come on. It feels like forever since I've seen you. It'll be my reward for not whisking you away to some remote island.

Danika, Tarak, and Valora appeared in a flash of light nearby, one after the other, looking as if they had just got off some wild ride.

Come on, Hoshi. You're with me. Brogan said.

She rolled her eyes. I feel loads better already.

Brogan laughed. You know how to do it. Just focus on the top of the cliffs before you slam into the rocks or river.

Hoshi cast Brogan a look of alarm just before he yanked her off the ledge with him.

Brogan! She screamed, causing him to laugh harder. The roar of the water swallowed his laughter as the two dropped out of sight.

Shamira followed the two to the edge. I'm going next.

Gyan held out his hand to Jalena. She removed her boots and grabbed his hand. The two made their way to the ledge.

Don't let go, he told her.

As Gyan stood with Jalena on the cliff edge overlooking the falls, time seemed to slow. An overwhelming feeling of love and joy flooded through him. He stumbled slightly.

Are you sure you're okay?

He took a deep breath. Yeah, I just felt— He smiled. It's nothing… Ready?

She gave him a nod and the two jumped.

The rush of excitement filled Gyan as he felt gravity pull him downward. He smiled as the cold water hit his face. He glanced over at the joy radiating from Jalena's face. His feeling of love intensified and was followed immediately by a feeling of freedom unlike Gyan had experienced before. He felt no danger, only peace—but there was something more. The love within him expanded, surpassing his care for Jalena. It included his team and everything else around him. He could not attach a word to the emotions that filled the whole of him.

Gyan pulled Jalena closer and opened his heart fully to the emotion he felt. Light flooded his vision.

Gyan. He barely heard her voice. No… Gyan, focus!

He pulled his mind back to the present moment and his vision cleared. To his surprise, he saw himself surrounded by a bright white light that seemed to be drawing Jalena closer to him, like a vacuum.

Her eyes held only surprise.

He instantly released her in confusion and glanced at the raging river beneath him. The blaring light around the two of them dissipated as he instantly focused on the top of the cliff. Blue-white light filled his sight and he disappeared.

Fatigue overwhelmed Gyan as he reappeared at the top of the cliff. He dropped to his knees.

Jalena quickly bent down next to him. You can't open yourself like that, she said in a rush. Not now. I'm surprised you could even do that.

I don't even know what I did, he replied between breaths as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

You opened yourself to merge.

To what?

It happens when—well… she smiled. Sir Malik can explain it better than me. He is the one who teaches the masters about merging, which is next on the list to learn anyway. She stood and pulled him to his feet.

What's the matter, Gyan? Valora asked, watching him and Jalena closely.

I'm good, he said reassuringly as he stood slowly. Just tired.

Can we eat now? Jarek asked. I'm famished.

You better eat it all, Hoshi said, because you are carrying any leftovers down by yourself.

Brogan threw his arm around Hoshi's shoulders. "Told you," he whispered.

Hoshi shoved him away with a smile as the group found a sunny, dry spot near a group of trees to sit and eat.

Midway through the meal, Syam's voice entered their minds. Meet for Council in the Thesarei in one hour. Sir Malik has returned.