BDS: Chapter Thirty-Eight

Drasúl's twin has appeared before me, Kesól alerted the warriors. Be on guard for the other one to show. We will have to capture the dominant one, but this one should disappear if I injure him badly enough. I suspect Drasúl will come after you, Master Jalena. If so, Marcile and I will be there as soon as we take care of the duplicate.

Ask him if his name is Morsinad or Dánialeres for me, Sir Kesól, Jarek said.

Kesól chuckled.

I see Ralian in the distance, but not Drasúl, said Hoshi. He's coming from the south with looks like—

—more Avehkal, Gyan finished.

Hoshi sighed. We need to form the Lumfáinne.

Even if we all opened our Reserve to do so, we would chance harming the Maveik and the tribal warriors, said Gyan. He turned to see Valora engaged in hand-to-hand combat with a Vaznaun.

Valora! Gyan and Brogan said together as a beam from an Avehkal's weapon sailed her way.

Brogan's eyes flashed. He disappeared just as an incoming Order ship dropped low into the clearing and fired. The piercing rays from the ship hit the Vaznaun and the Avehkal with two separate shots as Brogan reappeared near Valora.

The twins both looked up to see Sade salute Valora, a wide grin on his face. "We're even now," he radioed. He moved to guide the ship back into the air as an Avehkal pilot appeared above him.

Valora's eyes narrowed. She teleported to the top of Sade's ship, steadied her balance, and shot a thick beam of light from both hands at the incoming enemy ship, knocking it off course. She dropped and crawled to the front of the ship so that Sade could see her through the cockpit window. "Now go," she said. "We're still even…and don't do anything like that again!"

"I think I love you," Sade replied, his eyes wide.

Valora rolled her eyes and disappeared in a flash.

Brogan gave her a strange look as she reappeared nearby. What was that about?

Nothing.

He's as weird as you are.

Valora shoved her brother in the shoulder as more Vaznaun appeared before them. Two beams of red light from Avehkal blasters flew at them from behind. The twins disappeared at the last minute, causing the beams to slam into the chest of the Vaznaun.

"Thanks for the help," Jarek said from behind the two Avehkal. "We don't like the Vaznaun either."

The Avehkal scowled and turned their weapons on Jarek as Brogan and Valora released a beam of light from their palms at the Avehkal from the other side. The Avehkal dropped.

The twins' eyes widened as they saw Jarek snap his fingers. A flaming white light appeared at his fingertips.

Jarek smiled wickedly as his eyes lit up brightly and the flames spread to every finger. That crazy star wizard was wrong! I can make fire… Look out, Avehkal...

Not sure if this is a good thing or bad, Valora said as Jarek let out another high-pitched diabolical laugh and teleported.

Uh, guys, said Hoshi. I think you should focus on what's headed this way—not good.

Ralian halted as his team of Avehkal warriors spread out on either side of him.

Two large Vestianscame into view over the city—one hovered above the temple and the other floated slowly to the middle of Yevani. Around the city, the warriors—dirty, tired and bruised—looked up as the cloaking shields of multiple round discs overhead vanished. The number of discs hovering across the sky seemed endless.

When did they get here? said Hoshi, her eyes wide.

They've probably been here all along, Lorcan replied as he appeared at her side. We just couldn't see them. Ralian must have altered the cloaking vibration on them and I'm guessing Fane just figured out how to counter it.

Ralian smirked as he watched the light warriors' expressions. He motioned for his warriors to move forward again, quickly bringing one of his own guns to his shoulder.

Nearby, Gyasi and his men engaged more Vaznaun appearing from hidden underground tunnels in the forest. Gyasi flew off his feet as Craenal landed a blow from behind him.

"No!" Gyan heard his father shout.

Eamonn shot a green ball of fire at Craenal just as Ralian launched a gold ray directly at Gyan's back.

A blue shield automatically shot up behind Gyan.

Ralian's gun exploded as his ray rebounded off the shield with great speed and directly slammed into the gun. Ralian, looking furious, grabbed his now wounded arm, and turned his gaze to where Eamonn stood. He grunted in effort as he readied his second gun.

Gyan cast a shield in front of his father as Ralian unleashed fire. Nearby Avehkal joined him in turning their guns on Eamonn and the rest of the Maveik.

Blue shields launched around the Maveik as they ignited the bands around their wrists. The Avehkal dropped or dodged to safety as their rays bounced back at them with the same force.

"Thanks, Gyan—" Eamonn started. He suddenly dropped to a knee and looked down at his side where blood was seeping from a wound at his ribs. He put a hand on his ribs to slow the bleeding. "Guess we missed one."

"Dán, no!" Gyan yelled and teleported.

Craenal reached Eamonn and wrapped a long strap around his throat, yanking him off balance. Eamonn grabbed the strap as he dropped back hard.

In a flash, Gyan was behind Craenal. With a furious look in his light-filled eyes, he leaped straight up with a shout and rammed his gladaé down through Craenal's back as far as it would extend beneath his tough hide.

Craenal released Eamonn and straightened.

Gyan's gladaé disappeared and reappeared in the grip of Gyan's hand as Gyan landed to deliver another blow.

"I have him, Gyan." Gyasi stumbled to Gyan's side, bruised and tattered with blood smeared across his face. He glared at Craenal. "You messed up my favorite hat, Vaznaun."

"Oh no," Eamonn said hoarsely as he glimpsed Gyasi's hat on the ground, covered in dirt.

Gyasi staggered forward but held his weapon steady as he repetitively shot balls of light directly into Craenal's chest.

Gyan hurried to his father.

Craenal's tough skin began to wear as Gyasi continued. Craenal stumbled back as the flames repeatedly slammed into him. He turned and bolted into the forest, dodging the swaying branches that reached for him as he ran.

Gyan dropped to his knees beside his father as Eamonn coughed hard. "I was going to use your shield, but was too late," Eamonn said with difficulty. He held up both wrists to reveal Gyan's bands.

"Don't talk, dán," said Gyan. His eyes blurred with tears. He put two blue glowing hands across Eamonn's wound. Danika! he said with a desperate note.

I'm here, she said as she knelt and squeezed Gyan's hands before replacing them with her own. She looked at Eammon. "It may burn some because of my frequency."

He nodded in understanding.

Gyan stood, weary for the first time since the battle started. He looked around at his comrades and at the black discs that hovered in the sky. His senses suddenly spiked as he turned and met Ralian's eye.

Open your Reserve!He and Jalena yelled at the same time.

Ralian smirked. "Light them up," he said.

The black discs immediately showered thick, lightning-like strips of red and gold light all over the city. The discs moved slowly across the morning sky together, creating a barrier around them while shooting at nearby Order ships with additional blasters.

A multitude of drones launched from the back of the discs, their spires spinning rapidly as they slammed into and attached to enemy ships. Alliance ships raced to avoid incoming attacks as they dodged the rays while drones exploded as gold beams of the arriving Mandopa ships hit them from behind.

Gyan felt the warm, re-boosting energy of his Reserve flood through him as he held his gladaé before him. The brown glow of his eyes swirled amid the blue-white light that filled his gaze. Gold light outlined the diamond-encrusted spiral on his forehead and advanced across his body.

Jarek! Danika! He yelled as he saw the rays shower over them. Danika dropped unconscious next to Eamonn, who instantly hit both triggers on his bracelets to form a shield over himself and her.

Each of the Maveik activated their bracelets to protect them from the rays.

Gyan turned as Lorcan and Hoshi—both brushed by a beam—went down nearby. He formed shields of light around the length of each of his unconscious teammates as he ran, shooting a ray of blue light out of the end of his gladaé at a Vaznaun advancing on Danika and his father.

Gyan shield Shamira!Jalena warned. She can't open her Reserve.

He threw up a hand and an umbrella a blue light hovered over Shamira just as the red and gold rays rained over her. He ran to her and snapped two silver bands around her wrists. He removed the shield above her as he ignited the bracelets.

Thanks, Gyan.

He gave her a nod. I don't know how long they will last beneath the frequency of those rays. If you feel their power fade, you let me know. He looked around with relief as he saw Brogan, Valora, Jalena, and Tarak with their Reserves open.

We have to get them to safety, Gyan told the others.

I agree, said Jalena. Tarak, can you move those four closer to me with your charisma?

Tarak nodded and began to move the unconscious warriors, two at a time, near Jalena as Gyan's shield held fast around them.

Can you carry all of them through teleportation with your charisma, Jalena? asked Shamira.

Yes. It will be easier if you two form the Lumfáinne around us as I do. That way, I just have to keep their energy bound to mine rather than carry them. Tarak, you and Brogan can stay to help Gyan until we return.

The two nodded.

I'll be back. Gyan said as he saw Gyasi helping his father stand. He teleported and reappeared in front of his father.

"We are going below ground for now, Gyan," Eamonn said. "We don't have enough power to fight from here with the amount of damage those discs can deliver, so we'll have to leave that to the Order pilots until we strategize from a different angle."

Gyan brought his head to his father's. "Thanks, dán."

Eamonn shook his head. "I should be thanking you. I'm glad you were nearby. Mili would make fun of how you look right now, by the way," he finished as he eyed the glowing markings across Gyan's skin.

Gyan smiled. "Make sure you tell her, so she can be jealous…"

Eamonn's reply was absorbed in Gyan's light as Gyan teleported back to the others.

Gyan watched his father until all the Maveik disappeared into the shelter of the forest trees.

The warriors turned as they heard the familiar vibrating hum the Vestians made before dismantling building structures. The beams from the Alliance ships harmlessly bounced off their shields as the large ships continued to move to the center of the city.

They're about to destroy the city, Valora said as the group looked up.

Gyan's chest tightened as he gazed at the buildings in the distance.

A silver and gold glow suddenly outlined the rooftops and walls of Yevani's buildings and homes. The light sealed and gathered momentum then shot up straight up into the sky. As the light slammed into the Vestians, both ships cracked and broke apart, disappearing within the expanding light until they disintegrated completely.

"Thanks, Sir Malik," Valora said with relief.

New problem, Brogan said.

Gyan turned to see Drasúl, a hooded black cloak pulled low over his face, striding toward them with Ralian at his side.

Kesól, Drasúl is here,Jalena said.

And so are we, Kesól replied as he and Marcile appeared in a flash nearby. His twin disappeared, so he is pulling in his power to attack through one focus. The Inala have also arrived and are helping drive the Avehkal away from the shores. His glowing eyes brightened.

Marcile grasped the hilt of his blue sword, and the two moved forward, placing themselves in between the masters and Drasúl.

Jalena turned to the others. We need some time.

The warriors smiled at each other as the same idea appeared in their minds.

Do it, Brogan, said Gyan.

Should have done it earlier, he replied as the thorn markings reappeared on his face. He dropped to his knees and put both hands flat to the ground. A loud shout erupted from him as beams of blue-silver light shot forward from his hands, splitting the ground wide open into multiple, deep crevices.

Increasing numbers of Avehkal fell into the crevices as the ground shook violently.

Ralian's footsteps slipped as the ground before him sank.

Brogan amplified the vibrations even more, causing Ralian to drop his gun and stumble into a wide crevice. He grabbed the strap of the gun with one hand and leaped to grab the side of the newly formed cliff with the other, groaning as his body slammed against the cliff's side.

Drasúl disappeared in a flash. He reappeared to find Kesól and Marcile teleporting directly before him.

He sneered. "I figured I'd have to go through the two of you first. It will be the same fate for all of you regardless—doesn't matter the order." His eyes lit up as black glittering fog swirled around him, and he moved forward to attack.

The rest of the Avehkal gathered at the edge of the surrounding cliffs, glaring at the warriors from the other side as the ground stopped shaking. They aimed their guns and fired.

That should slow things down a bit, Brogan said as the group teleported further away.

This will too.Valora held out her hands, palms facing down. Seconds later tree roots shot up from the ground. They knotted and twisted into thick vines and branches as they stretched into the air to form an arched barrier around and over the fallen warriors.

Gyan produced a large reflective shield within the vines that stretched into a full circular dome. The group breathed deeply as they steadily closed their Reserve.

We can do the Lumfáinne now that the Maveik are out of harm's way, said Gyan. We'll just warn Kesól and Marcile to teleport out of the way. He turned to Tarak. They may be far enough away, but you can warn Sufina and the others just in case.

Tarak nodded.

Ralian slowly pulled himself up from the cliff. He crept forward cautiously in the direction of the shielded dome, his gun before him.

An explosion sounded overhead as Sade's Xita-8 spun above them to avoid an incoming attack. Sade maneuvered away from the attack but failed to dodge another enemy. Red and gold rays from a black disc slammed into the Xita-8—Sade lost consciousness as the rays penetrated the ship.

"Sade!" Valora yelled in alarm.

I'll get him, said Shamira. Go without me if I don't return.

Shamira, I'll—Jalena started.

Jalena, you don't have time! You're the only one who can take the others a safe distance away. We don't know how long it will take to revive them without Master Asia's help.

Shamira disappeared, teleporting directly into the ship. She moved into the co-pilot seat across from Sade, who was slumped in his chair, his eyes closed. She attempted to steady the ship as it started to spin. Sweat broke out on her forehead as she tried to ignore the triggered memories that resurfaced in her mind—the explosion—fire swallowing the ship—Jalena reaching for her… Shamira shook her head as her mind darkened.

Tarak bolted out from the protection of the dome and teleported near the Xita-8 as it sailed downward. He extended both arms before him, slowing the ship's descent with his charisma.

Ralian's gaze followed him.

Craenal appeared again at the edge of the trees as the ship landed on the ground safely. Large burns marked his chest, accompanying the multiple cuts over his body he had received from the forest trees. He grinned a bloody smile as he aimed an Avehkal gun—one in each hand—at Tarak. "Should have stayed in the dome, Vaznaun warrior."

Tarak began to reopen his Reserve as he glanced at Ralian behind him—Two black discs zoomed low into the area over Tarak, showering red and gold rays—Ralian's gun fired, joining Craenal's.

Light spilled from Tarak's eyes as he stretched out his arms, one palm facing Craenal and the other extended at an Avehkal disc. With a shout, he caused one disc to tilt and slam into the other while he swept his arm across his body and out to the side, causing Craenal to fly off his feet and slam into a nearby tree. A ray of light from one of the ships met him as Ralian's gunfire slammed into him from the other side and he failed to teleport in time.

Jalena appeared in a flash as Tarak slumped to the ground. She pulled Tarak's energy with her and teleported him back to the dome just as Ralian opened fire again.

He didn't have time to open his Reserve completely, said Valora as she checked Tarak's pulse. It seems as if he has just lost consciousness though.

A burst of silver-black light collided with Gyan's shield. The tree roots and vines surrounding the group shook hard but held fast.

Drasúl is getting closer and I need to help Kesól and Marcile, Gyan said as he reopened his Reserve. We can wait no longer. Go now, Jalena. I will stay behind to get Shamira and Sade to safety until you can return for them.

I will still stay with Gyan, said Brogan.

I already warned Kesól,Valora said as she reopened her Reserve and met Brogan's eye. Hurry.

Gyan moved past Brogan and laced Jalena's fingers in his. He brought his forehead to hers.

Jalena stared into his eyes. With all that I am, she whispered.

Gyan exhaled. With all that I am.

He and Brogan teleported outside the barrier just as more Mandopa pilots zoomed overhead. Gold and white beams flew from their silver ships at the Avehkal pilots. More spinning drones dropped from the Avehkal ships and swarmed the Mandopa in droves.

Gyan's eyes widened as he saw another surge of Vaznaun running to Sade's ship. He looked to his right to see Drasúl near the edge of the crevice cliffs.

White-tipped black flames shot up high around Drasúl as his wizard markings turned completely black—Marcile dropped as Drasúl's black fire pierced his leg and shoulder—Kesól's gold light dimmed as Drasúl warded off another of his attacks and teleported closer to Marcile—Ralian bolted toward them from the other side, his gun aimed.

This isn't looking good, Brogan said as he saw another swarm of Vaznaun engage the tribal warriors nearby. More Avehkal ships arriving from the east raced toward the Mandopa.

Time seemingly slowed as Gyan closed his eyes and allowed the voice that he had been pushing aside since he opened his Reserve to surface. You must release her, it said. Only then will you find her.

Gyan reached deeper for the solution within the power of his Reserve. How do I release something I wish to forever hold?

You carry it with you until form meets you once more.

Show me. Gyan yielded to the energy pulsing through him. His head snapped back as a new wave of heightened energy flooded through him. His eyes flew open with a burst of light as he simultaneously saw all possible solutions and paths to what lay before him.

The power of his Reserve amplified within his body as he yielded to the knowing flowing through him. He felt the convergent points of power seal into circles along his skin. He automatically smiled as the knowledge of what was to come filled his mind. An overwhelming sense of love increased in waves as the light in his body spread through him.

A flood of light protruded from Valora and Jalena on the other side of the barrier as they stood over the warriors and ignited the Lumfáinne.

What's happening? Brogan asked in confusion as he stared at the pulsing aura of light around Gyan. Are you okay?... Gyan?

Gyan turned. Never better. He extended his hand to the dome and the shield around it disappeared. A blue beam of light shot from his hand and blasted a hole through Valora's vined barrier.

What are you doing?Brogan shouted as he whipped his gaze from the dome's damaged barrier and back to Gyan.

Sorry, brother, Gyan replied, but this one's on me.

Brogan turned back to Gyan. What do you mean? Are you crazy—

Gyan launched forward and turned. I love you, Brogan. Blue light shot from the bottom of his foot as he kicked Brogan hard in the chest.

Gyan! Brogan screamed; his arms stretched out before him as he flew backward through the barrier hole…

Gyan flashed Jalena a grin as he briefly met her brightly lit gaze through the building light of the Lumfáinne. I'll be waiting for you…just like I always have. Don't take too long…

Jalena's eyes widened just as the three were swallowed completely by the swirling vacuumed light along with the rest of Gyan's team.

Gyan allowed the light of his Reserve to completely fill him. There were no words to describe the power that moved through him. Okay, Affera. I remember now.

A gold aura of light outlined the white around him as he felt the energy of the high priestesses move through him. His hair transformed into shining strands of gold and silver. His pupils swirled with silver, and the whites of his eyes filled completely with gold light. A vortex of silver, blue, and gold swirled around him, increasing in momentum and size.

Below, Kesól did a double take and shouted in protest as he sprinted toward Gyan.

Gyan heard no sound as he spread his arms and was lifted into the air. Light expanded around him and shot outward like rays from a bright star.

A white-tipped black flame pierced through Kesól's back, and Kesól dropped—the glittering light around him faded completely as he was swallowed within Drasúl's black flames. Drasúl teleported directly in front of Kesól and held up his staff, which had transformed into a flaming black sword.

Suddenly, Drasúl's arm froze before he could bring the sword down. He looked up to see Gyan's gladaé pointed at him, from his place in the air.

Drasúl flinched as his sword exploded in his hands—Light poured forth from Gyan's gladaé and swirled around Drasúl, extinguishing his black flames in a snap. The black in Drasúl's gaze and across his markings faded completely as he dropped to his knees. He gasped for breath and then fell face down to the ground as his energy drained.

Gyan flew higher and looked calmly over the city. Images of his family filled his mind and the surge of love he felt for them reflected in the brightness of his light as it spread out further across the sky, like the rays from a blinding day star. Memories of his team and Aderes caused the star surrounding him to expand even more.

A clear image of Jalena appeared in his mind's eye. His heart swelled as he saw a vision of the energy between them sealed together. He knew then that he was correct about the depth of their connection—that it had nothing to do with being her Shanlo. That was only to serve the probable success of her purpose. His light brightened more as passion and love overtook his entire being.

An array of colorful light spewed forth from his sword as he pointed it over the land. It spread in waves and coated the ground beneath him, spreading across the land, outlining the elements of nature and all that Gyan intended to protect with a blue glow.

The Vaznaun swarming Sade's ship disappeared within the light.

He pointed his gladaé at the ships over the city and another wave of light barreled through the sky. A blue glow outlined the Mandopa, Alpherian, and Order ships as light surged over them, while the enemy ships and drones disintegrated. Opponents of the Alliance raced out of the area, chased closely by the Mandopa and Alpherian pilots.

Ralian's eyes widened as Gyan's light raced towards him. He turned and bolted to Drasúl. He readied his blaster with one hand, grabbed Drasúl by his cloak with the other, and jumped. Landing on a nearby ledge at the edge of a crevice, he blasted a large hole into the side of the Brogan's charisma-made cliff. With a shout, he gripped Drasúl's arm and twisted, tossing him forward into the hole, which dropped into an underground cave.

Ralian hit the ground and rolled as Drasúl's body landed nearby.

Gyan's light surged down into the crevice for a short distance and then retracted.

Ralian closed his eyes and sighed.

Above ground, Gyan's wave of light washed over Kesól and Marcile. The blue glow of his charisma outlined their skin. The two stirred as the light seeped into and healed their wounds.

Gyan smiled in relief and satisfaction as he watched his power spread across the entire city. He continued to let it flood through him until he intuitively knew everyone was safe. A blinding bright white light filled his vision until the last of the city faded from his view.

A sonic boom resounded across the sky as Gyan disappeared completely within a burst of light.

Kesól stared at the sky where Gyan hovered just seconds before and allowed his tears to fall freely.

A glittering shower of silver and blue poured down over the cities and forests of Alsar as gathering dark clouds above Yevani intertwined with the light and drops of rain fell gently from the sky.

***