BDS: Chapter Twenty-Four

As Gyan gathered in the Tritum-Xwith his teammates the next day to make the journey into Gawl Forest, he finally explained what had transpired the night he had gone to training alone. The concerned and questioning glances his teammates repeatedly cast his way were just too much to ignore any longer.

So, you're okay now?asked Hoshi as she peered at Gyan like he had an uncontrollable disease.

Far as I know, Gyan answered with a shrug.

I wish I could have seen it, Jarek stated.

Jarek! Hoshi exclaimed.

I wish I had also,Brogan agreed.

The rest of the team nodded.

Since when did you all become so barbaric? Hoshi asked in surprise.

It isn't that we wanted to see Gyan in a barbaric state, Valora replied. It was that the timing of his moves was in perfect synchronicity without flaw, according to Master Shamira.

No. Jarek shook his head. I wanted to see him in a barbaric state.

Valora rolled her eyes as the rest of the team laughed.

Gyan caught Jalena's gaze as she departed the ship with Shamira, the hood of their black cloaks pulled low over their faces. Kesól trailed closely behind.

Jabari, who had shapeshifted into an elderly black man with stringy gray hair, poked Jarek lightly with the end of his staff as he passed.

"Nice hair, Master Jabari," Hoshi said.

"It itches," Jabari replied in a gruff voice.

Malik's eyes flashed as he shrank before the group to a thin, adolescent boy with white spiky hair and light blue eyes. His staff shrank until it was small enough to fit inside his cloak.

"You look so different non-glowing skin," Jarek said as he eyed Malik. "It's weird."

"That's the point, Master Jarek," Malik replied, his voice like that of an adolescent.

The team laughed.

Malik shoved Jarek in the shoulder as he passed. "Try not to do anything stupid."

Jarek scoffed. "I'll be the one to keep everyone from it."

Malik gave the team a small wave as he and Jabari joined the crew outside the ship. The ship's ramp rose to a close.

"Let's give them time to get to the meeting and then listen from the forest—far enough to remain hidden, but close enough to hear," Valora suggested.

"I will remain here and pilot the ship if necessary," said Gyan. "I'm unsure if my episodes have passed, so I don't want to be around Jalena and go berserk if something happens. It would just create additional problems."

"I'll stay with you," said Hoshi.

"Me too," Brogan added. "You need someone around who could match you in strength to keep you from kidnapping Jalena and killing everyone in Kraundor."

Gyan smiled. "Exactly."

"We have magic to help lock him down," said Danika.

"I could still slow him down some," Brogan said.

"It's not something I want to test, regardless," replied Gyan.

The ship ramp lowered a short time later, and the rest of the team exited to hide in the forest trees.

Further up the trail, Malik and his group blended with the Kraundor citizens approaching the palace grounds. They spread out into the crowd, a short distance away from each other. King Garsaun and Tikana approached with Cahira and met Malik's eye. Malik gave Cahira a short nod and jumped on a ledge for a better view. Nafín stood further back in the crowd, his hood pulled low over his ice-blue eyes. Those in the Order scanned the crowd for any signs of danger, taking note of the number of soldiers standing guard along the palace walls.

Minutes later, Lucian appeared on an upper stone platform at the front of the palace lawn. He shifted uncomfortably and adjusted a black band around his throat, which was designed to expand his voice.

"Good citizens of Kraundor…we have requested your presence here to ease any fear that your leader has died."

"We want to see him!" a man in the crowd shouted.

Several others in the crowd joined him in shouting. "Yeah! Where is he?"

Lucian held up his hand. "I present, Lord Mordán." He stepped away from the platform.

Mordán walked the length of the platform slowly. Rather than wearing his usual dark coat with the Kraundor crest, he wore a hooded cloak that hid his face. He lowered his hood as he reached the edge of the platform. His hair was darker, and his eyes were a light blue rather than hazel. Some in the crowd expressed comments of relief as others narrowed their eyes suspiciously.

Gasps of surprise were heard throughout the crowd when two Dark Sector Vaznaun appeared behind Mordán. As he held up his hand to silence the crowd, the sleeve of his cloak slid down to reveal a black dragon marking across his right forearm.

Malik jumped from the ledge, his eyes wide. He drew his staff from his pocket.

Malik, Kesól said in a rush as he glanced in alarm from Mordán to Malik.

Akila has created a Javen. That is not Mordán.

"Do not be afraid, my people," Mordán announced in a deeper voice than normal. "The Vaznaun are simply here as my protection. While it is true that my life has been repeatedly threatened by the light warriors—"

"Why would the warriors threaten you?" a man in the crowd called out. "I thought the Order kept peace among the kingdoms."

"They simply do not wish us to expand the economy for fear of me gaining too much power. Any questions relating to this will be addressed at a later time." Mordán looked down at the man, his eyes flashing dangerously.

The man cowered in silence, and Mordán continued. "As I was saying…even though my death was rumored, you can see that the claim was false. We will hold another meeting soon to provide you with updates on changes to the kingdom, for there are many to come."

"You may all return to your homes," Lucian announced as he stepped forward again.

Mordán backed away from the front of the platform as the crowd dispersed.

Malik teleported in a fury. Nearby remaining citizens gasped as they witnessed the burst of starlight.

Kesól followed Malik's lead and disappeared in a flash of golden light. The rest of the Order and allies rushed through the sea of people closer to the front platform, easily overcoming any resistance from the Androsan guards.

The commotion caused nearby citizens to scream and hurry away.

Malik appeared before Mordán, having transformed from the adolescent boy back to his normal appearance. He stepped forward to block Mordán's exit off the platform. Kesól immediately showed nearby on a nearby upper ledge, his eyes narrowed. Golden mist floated around him.

"Reveal who you are," Malik demanded to Mordán.

The Black Sector Vaznaun rushed forward, but Mordán held up his hand. They stopped and watched with caution as the rest of Malik's allies gathered closer.

Mordán threw his head back and laughed. His eyes turned from their light blue to blue-silver chrome as the Mysteis tribal markings surfaced on his skin. Multitudes of violet-blue scars representing the Mysteis he had killed appeared across the exposed skin on his arms, face, and neck.

"I am Drasúl. However, you would remember me by a different name. What a lovely place for a reunion, don't you think, cousin?"

Malik narrowed his eyes, but he remained silent.

"Akila couldn't make it because she had to rest. That was a pretty nasty wound you gave her, Malik." Drasúl smirked. "Still fighting your own people, I see. That would explain why you wouldn't recognize your own family. None of us have been around for years due to the hatred you have for your own kind. I know I look a little different," he flipped his dark hair out of his eyes, "but, this vessel will do for now."

"Sinial," Malik said.

"Ah," Drasúl smiled. "So, you do remember."

"Sinial it was not I who killed you, but Nemerus."

"Great leaders will eliminate all threats to power, and I consider it an honor that Nemerus considered me a threat…for I certainly was." He looked around at the rest of the group, who had lowered the hood of their cloaks. "Many things have changed. The inhabitants of the galaxy have evolved very nicely." His eyes came to rest on Tikana. "Indeed."

Kesól immediately jumped down from the edge of the wall but stopped short when Malik gripped his forearm.

Drasúl eyed Kesól closely. "I thought that with all the new knowledge and additional power I have gained with my return, Drasúl would suit better than Sinial, because now I am more than just a Mysteis."

He held up his hand before him to examine it. "Mixing light warrior and star wizard blood should have the most impressive effects." He raised an eyebrow and smiled.

Malik's eyes flashed. A net of blue light shot from his staff directly at Drasúl.

Drasúl whipped out a short red staff housing small blue stones on either end and easily warded off Malik's attack. His eyes flashed silver as he glanced around him. He laughed lightly. "This isn't like you Malik—to put your own desires ahead of the safety of others."

Jabari, whose appearance had also transformed back to normal, joined the other warriors in removing their cloaks and unsheathing their gladaés. He looked around at the crowd of curious people who were now pushing to get a closer view of the commotion. Malik, he warned. The citizens.

Drasúl's brow furrowed as he gazed at Malik with alight eyes. "Oh, I see why now. Your time has come." He smiled. "It all makes sense. This should be even more thrilling than I originally thought."

Malik moved to attack Drasúl again.

"See you soon, Malik," Drasúl said. His eyes brightened and he teleported from sight.

We can't do this here, Malik, Jabari reminded him.

Malik turned on his heel in controlled fury and faded into starlight.

Lucian stepped forward. "You're dismissed," he told the Vaznaun.

The Vaznaun jumped down from the platform and ran into the forest.

"Hurry and leave before the townspeople who saw you create panic among the others," Lucian said to the others gently, his expression full of worry.

"Lucian, Mordán died at the hands of the Order while in combat," Jabari stated. "The vessel you see carries the energy of a Javen, which is a being that possesses a combination of star wizard and black dragon power. I would keep your distance from him as much as you are able."

Lucian gave Jabari a nod. "Thank you, Master Jabari. I will heed your warning."

The rest of Malik's allies made their way back to the ship. Jabari entered hurriedly to find Malik pacing in front of the rest of the warriors and muttering angrily to himself.

"Malik, some of the citizens saw you transform, which will certainly increase fear among them," said Jabari.

"Their response to my power or existence is not my concern. The rumor of what they saw will fade in time."

"If Drasúl would have countered—"

"I do not have time to wait for a plan, Master!"

"What do you mean? You have support. Our allies—"

"Not only do I have to make sure that Akila's power is neutralized, I now have to rid this realm of Drasúl before my time runs out. They cannot be allowed to remain here without my guard!" Malik's expression turned distraught. "There is none other I know who can match their power at this time!"

"Before your time runs out?" Jalena whispered from the corner of the room. "This what you have been hiding—" From me?

Malik closed his eyes and sighed as Jalena rushed from the middle compartment.

"Jalena!" Gyan called.

"Let her go, for now, Master Gyan," Malik said. "I will talk to her when we return."

"I'm so confused," Jarek said as he looked around. "Sir Nafín, I know who you are." He bowed. "But, I don't know you," he pointed to Tikana, "or you," he pointed to Garsaun and gave them a quick bow. "Who is Drasúl and why is Master Jalena upset? She's normally very controlled…and a little scary."

Jabari introduced everyone and the warriors formally bowed in greeting to Tikana and Garsaun.

"We will save the answers to the rest of your questions, Master Jarek, for after we reach headquarters," Kesól said.

Malik dropped into the nearest chair and put his head in his hands as Jabari piloted the ship into the air.

You are not alone in this, Kesól reminded Malik as he took the seat next to him.

I just want to avoid exposing any of them to their level of danger and destruction.

I think it is time, old friend, that you rely on the strength of your companions rather than taking on this battle alone.

Malik nodded. Only because I have no other choice.

Kesól put his hand on Malik's shoulder. We will prepare the warriors for what is to come together. There may be none that knowingly match Drasúl's power in a single form, but with our combined power I am certain we will have more than enough.

Now, if you will excuse me, he looked over to where Garsaun and Tikana were talking with the warriors, I have some words that have needed to be shared for years now. Tikana glanced up at Kesól with a small smile as he approached. Garsaun gave him a nod and the three exited into another chamber.

***

Later that night, Jalena sat with her back against a tree at the top of the cliffs. On her lap, Eclipse rested in his smaller form, purring, his eyes closed.

"So, you found me," she said aloud.

Malik emerged from the trees like a glowing ghost. "You know I have always been able to do so, even when you were a child. Anytime you're upset, your energy expands as tall as the trees rather than the opposite. It acts more like a rescue signal to an old star wizard, utterly betraying your desire for solitude."

Jalena looked away. "I thought you had control over the time that you left this realm," she said softly.

"I have control over the departure date, but not the amount of star power I can carry or utilize for the entirety of that time," he answered as he sat cross-legged down beside her. "I eventually would transform into a weak old man with a fading memory, and I do not wish for that or to live without any memory of you. That is no life."

Eclipse stood and stretched. She moved to the grass between the two, rolled over, and exposed her belly.

Jalena rubbed her soft fur.

"Jalena," Malik continued, "I know it is hard to hear, but I am ready."

Jalena nodded and closed her eyes. "I would be too. It can't be easy being the only of your kind for all those years, and then finally discovering that those that remain wish to kill you." She sniffed. "I understand it. I'm just not ready."

"Kesól's presence has comforted me some, but I can feel the pull of starlight from my core, so I know it is time. You cannot let this interfere with your mission as the torch for the other warriors nor as a reason to push away love."

Jalena remained silent.

"I never told you this, but I was researching alternative ways to leave this realm before you were born. When I learned that you were born with the warrior halo, I changed my mind. I knew I was supposed to stay and guide you as soon as I saw you."

"You were thinking of leaving the Order?"

"Yes. I wanted to travel the star system in search of more knowledge and then attempt to journey into other dimensions. Affera appeared to me and told me about who you were soon after I met you…meaning I deciphered her riddles as best I could.

"Training you and watching your expansion is and has remained the sole reason for my extended existence here. Although other rewards have come about from my time here, it has been a blessing to share and teach you the skills of the Mysteis. For this alone, I would have eagerly remained behind much longer than I ever wished."

Jalena inhaled as silent tears escaped the corner of her eyes.

"You are ready to utilize all the knowledge that has been bound and reserved within you when the time is right. There is nothing more I can give you."

Jalena moved closer to Malik and rested her head against his shoulder. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "I don't want you here because of what you can give me. I'm just going to miss my most treasured grandfather guide and my favorite instructor."

He chuckled. "Don't let Master Jabari hear you say that part." He peered down at her with a raised eyebrow and took her hand in his. "So, you have decided to forgive me, then?"

"Only if there is a way to keep you with me."

"There is always that, I promise you."

***