Part III

The night sky over Shar’Caahin was a sea of dark violet speckled with silver clouds as Lyla began her journey. Lightning brimmed in the wispy atmosphere overhead as she shook off a chill and pulled up a light blue hood to obscure her face. With each burning white flash Lyla paused to watch the village behind her wondering if anyone had noticed her departure.

The outer barrier had been reduced to waist high piles of rubble as Lyla looked in disbelief at the damage wrought through the hillside. She carefully climbed over the loose stones and stopped briefly to look back one last time recalling the day’s events.

‘Lyla we need help in here!’ Grace Jiu’han called from the antechamber.

Her head still spun as she tried to shake off the dizziness overwhelming her. Reaching out in the darkness she found a wall to steady her and cautiously moved towards the cries. Gradually her vision became a cloud of stars that gave way to the room around her broken and jostled. Fear washed over her seeing the condition of the antechamber when Grace Jiu’han broke the silence again.

‘We need help now!’ Echoed through the chamber.

Lyla rushed to her side as she knelt over the still form of a young girl.

Drawing her light blue robe around her she pushed the memories to the back of her mind.

‘There will be time for regrets later.’ She thought to herself moving into the forest.

After hours moving through low lying branches and foliage Lyla submitted to her fatigue and looked for a safe clearing to make camp in. She set up a small silver tent that shimmered in the moonlight making it almost undetectable. Outside the tent Lyla set up a small black cube that unfolded into a warming stove and with just a few shining silver drops of liquid it flared into action with bright blue flame. The sweet scent of agavu berries drifted into the tent as they sizzled on the black stove. With a warm full belly she drifted off into what she hoped would be an event less night.

Lyla woke before sunrise and quickly broke down her small camp to begin moving again. Holding the small recording crystal she activated the message still trapped within. ‘Daughter I apologize for not sending for you sooner. Know you are always in my thoughts and I wish only for your safe return. South of Caahin you will find a Tran station with Gyros you can use to retur…’ Lyla stopped the recording abruptly hearing movement through the trees around her.

She waited silently as a massive black feline stalked between the large broken tree trunks looking for easy prey. The moments felt like hours as she waited in the shadows of the forest. Long after the quiet predator had moved away she began her journey again moving cautiously through the dense brush.

Lyla pushed aside the foliage climbing to the top of a small hill. From there she could see in every direction and as she turned towards her village a sigh broke the silence. The dense tree tops broke into a clearing around the edge of Shar’Caahin as massive smoke pillars blackened the sky above it.

Further in the distance she could see more black clouds rising up from the forest as she muttered a curse under her breath. Lyla fumbled through the leather pack she carried and retrieved a green focusing lens. Covering her right eye she scanned the southern horizon for any signs of the Tran station. Through the focused crystal a stark black marker stood out against the green blanket of trees behind it.

‘That must be it.’ She thought measuring the distance in her mind

With her new course plotted Lyla made her way for the marker hoping the inside of the station held up during the traumatic events of the previous day. Ahead of her the forest opened into a large cleared plain of Churba grass smashed to the ground by the escaping Elopha herds. She made a quick pace towards the station watching her flanks for danger.

Below the marker a large group of trees signaled her arrival as she searched for the entrance. She found a black stone octagon plaque carved with wings and text she could not decipher. Inside the grove a slight depression of the earth showed her where to brush away the grass and before long she had uncovered a rectangular panel in the ground.

She placed her hands along etched grooves running the length of the handle as the silver pathways traced along her fingers made connection. A surge of energy flowed between them as the lock clicked open. Inside the hatch Lyla climbed a long way down to the floor of the chamber where she pressed a dusty light switch and found the station appeared without power.

'The quakes must have knocked out the grid. That will make things a bit more difficult.’ She thought fumbling for the Perfonis globe in her satchel.

A small clear crystal worked smooth from use rested dull and lifeless in the center of her palm. Placing her left hand on top of the stone she began to roll it between the silver lines generating the energy it needed to illuminate the passage.

The corridor had doors on either side as Lyla walked towards the Gyro bay pausing briefly to collect supplies. Inside one of the doorways she found tightly sealed Plexo jars of food and dehydrated powders used to purify water. Further down the tunnel she moved into a room marked with the symbol of a clinched fist.

She brushed the silver glinting cobwebs from her face as she walked into the once busy armory. Along the northern facing wall under a thin layer of dust Lyla found what she was looking for. 

The Mishun staff was carved from a solid piece of polished blue alloy with markings that made it appear in motion standing still against the weapon rack. As Lyla slipped her hands around the center of the staff the circuit completed and bright cyan flared down its length. With a few twirls to check the weight and balance she nodded in approval and surveyed the room for anything else useful.

Above Lyla the crystal lighting flickered and went back to darkness leaving her to wonder if someone was trying to power the grid or if this was a very bad time to be underground. The lights flashed again as the power to the station began to flow sending the systems into a reboot. In the distance Lyla heard the low hum of a turbine begin to grow as a slight tingle ran through her toes feeling energy leap up to meet her.

With her pace quickened Lyla absentmindedly strolled down the long corridor towards the Gyro bay while ahead of her the form of a large ebony beast came into view from around a corner.

A massive black paw adorned with vicious white claws sliced harmlessly through the air as Lyla tucked into a roll. Growling roared through the chamber at the beast’s displeasure as it launched another attack. Lurching backwards Lyla pushed off her leather satchel and brought the Mishun staff to defend the beast’s pressing attacks. With both hands she spun the staff in front of her as cyan reflected in the large eyes of the beast.

Retreating as she danced from left to right twisting the staff between her palms it hissed and crackled. She parried attack after attack all the while scanning for an escape. Lyla ducked beneath a near miss as one of the huge paws swung over her head and thrust her staff upward smashing it into the beast.

The feline cried in pain as the blue metal sent a charge reverberating throughout it. Lyla gracefully poured back into the rhythmic motions of her twisting stance.

'All I want is a Gyro and you can have your home back!' Lyla barked as it swiped again.

Backpedaling as she blocked and feigned the feline attacks Lyla devised a plan and quickly ducked into the door of the pantry. As the large black beast tried to push into the door behind her Lyla was already bursting through to the adjoining room and the exit. She knew one false step would be the end of her as she rounded the doorway and ran back into the main corridor. 

Lyla grabbed her satchel in one hand flinging it onto her back as the doors flew past with the energy of the tiles below her catapulting her to breakneck speed. The beast turned to see her flee and flooded the chamber with a growl before charging after her.

‘Come on… Come on…'

As Lyla neared the end of the hallway with the massive cat still pursuing she retrieved the small illumining crystal from her pocket and hurled it into the stones below her.

A multitude of blue, violet and white exploded into the passage before the beast blinding it as Lyla slammed herself through the doorway at the end. As the behemoth crashed into the wall in the corridor behind her the room shook and Lyla quickly slammed down the retaining bar and magnetic locks. Behind the safety of the secured door she collapsed to the floor in a panting heap and rested briefly.

Around Lyla the Gyro bay was a large room of levers, pipes and valves surrounding tanks with different gauges and hoses. Large work benches covered with various tools lined the eastern wall of the shop. In the center of the room two large pedestals were raised above the floor to house the Gyros. Beneath a layer of dust she could still make out the quartz crystal gauges of the Gyro on the left pedestal.

She gathered a rag from one of the tables and began to gently clean away the grime and cobwebs. After perusing the operation manual and a few system checks Lyla turned the small key and smiled as the Gyro purred into motion. She churned the large peddles at her feet as the lights of the Gyro gauges began an amber glow that slowly turned to a deep red as steam hissed from a valve beside her.

Adjusting various knobs and valves the craft began to pressurize and with the click of a lever Lyla sent a large disc spinning below it. The Gyro expelled a massive cloud of smoke before lifting upwards as it grunted and groaned. Satisfied with the demonstration Lyla set the craft back down gently and switched it off with a sputter.

'Now I just need a way out.' She pondered glancing around the room.

Ahead of the dais a large scarab lever split the floor between the two Gyros. Lyla pulled it back sending gears clunking as the wall compacted and pulled away. One by one crystal lights clicked on illuminating the tunnel ahead of the Gyros revealing the fallen debris as she sighed loudly.

'Underground during these quakes Mother. What could possibly go wrong?' Lyla mocked aloud.

She assessed the situation and retrieved a sheer piece of silver film from her satchel. After surveying the large stone Lyla carefully aligned the calibration arrow of the magnosis sheet. As the silver tracks of her palm made contact she could feel the stone shift slightly as energy fluxed between them. With a gentle shove the massive broken granite easily slid against the wall of the corridor sending a resounding thud through the chamber around her.

The Gyro stuttered back to life as Lyla secured a pair of navigation goggles over her eyes.

‘Here goes.’ She said to herself pushing forward on the controls of the craft.

Slowly at first she hovered through the passage dodging the smaller fallen debris headed for topside. Suddenly the cafe shifted sending trails of sand and broken rock crashing to the floor as Lyla accelerated the sputtering Gyro.

'Come on!' She exclaimed pushing hard left to avoid the falling bits of stone.

Lyla grunted loudly and sent the Gyro barreling through the exit as the dramatic change in light left her suddenly blind. Frantically she squinted behind the goggles trying to adjust to the midday sun after being underground for so long. Her vision was still blurry as tree tops were quickly approaching causing the proximity gauges of the Gyro to screech. Drawing back on the controls Lyla sent the Gyro safely above the treetops silencing the dashboard.

‘You sure can be noisy.’

The alternating discs of the Gyro spun rapidly as it sailed above the dense tree cover of the surrounding forest. Lyla surveyed the horizon in all directions and made a grim discovery.

‘I only hope you can forgive me for leaving…’ She muttered caught up in the memories of days before.

Grace Jiu’han brushed wispy gray hair back from her face as her gaze remained focused on Hkali’s motionless form.

‘What is happening?’ Lyla called but the aged woman appeared lost in thought. ‘Great Mother?’

‘Your guess is as good as mine, initiate.’ She turned looking at Lyla as she spoke. ‘Your mother has sent word. Perhaps they have answers my dear.’

Lyla watched as she bent down next to Hkali. Grace Jiu’han slowly moved her hand drawing a protective mark on Hkali’s pale forehead before gently shutting both eyelids and drawing the light blue hood around her.

The loud buzzing of a detection sensor suddenly brought her back to the present. She quickly scanned the dash looking for the culprit and noticed a large red blinking light etched with the symbol of a lightning bolt.

‘What does tha…’ She pondered aloud before white blinding light cascaded through her vision evoking a loud squeak.

The air around the Gyro was charged with crackling energy as she quickly began flipping switches attempting to power down the non-vital systems. Her feet furiously churning the peddles below her to generate a low voltage charge for the critical remaining controls. Lyla could feel the hair on her arms standing on end as she yanked hard on the controls trying to control the Gyro.

The treetops were quickly getting closer as the Gyro bounced between the charged fields surrounding it. A white beam of molten fire struck the shining disc spinning behind Lyla sending the craft into a violent spin as the crystal gauges overcharged and exploded.  The Gyro lurched one last time before deploying a large parachute to slow its fall as Lyla lay collapsed on the broken dash.

Part II Cont.

Shelves covered with dusky tomes and volumes lined the walls of the expansive study as Talin De’Marco paced the length of a beautiful carpet.

Nhari sighed heavily watching her brother. ‘Talin sit down.’

‘Leave him be.’ Shari said tilting her head to rest on Nhari’s shoulder.

Talin watched as Nhari’s ebony hair mixed and mingled with the pale white locks of her twin. Years of seeing them together had not softened him to their eccentricities. Fingers ran subconsciously over the silver pathways cutting through his palm as his mind churned through possible outcomes.

Looking down Talin spoke through the straight black hair obscuring his face. ‘We need answers. Piet is taking too long.’

‘He just needs more time.’ Shari said assuring him as Nhari finished her thoughts. ‘With enough time Piet can make anyone talk.’

Shari grimaced at her sister evoking a giggle from Nhari.

‘How much time can we really have left?’ He absently questioned taking a step towards the large bay window.

Scanning the courtyard below Talin made out the hulking form of Sumas engaged in conversation with a pair of guardsmen. Flowing black robe split open revealing his enormous girth beneath as Sumas pointed to the holding chambers. Talin watched as Morak De’Larus was led through a large doorway by the guards.

‘The old man is here.’ Talin said retrieving a small box from his desk. ‘Walk with me girls.’

The sisters stood in unison watching as Talin walked from the study. Hands still clutched together the pair moved as one down the long corridors trailing their brother. Ahead of them Talin stepped briskly as dual hilts protruded from his shoulders leaving the Khaari blades hidden beneath his cloak. Sumas turned the corner ahead obscuring the passageway behind him.

‘He claims to know noth…’ Sumas answered before Talin could question him.

‘He knows something!’ Talin snapped back silencing his companions. ‘Shari, Nhari, to the Mother’s chambers and see if they have anything new.’

Nhari frowned at him.

‘I mean now girls.’ Talin commanded pushing past Sumas. ‘You come with me Sumas.’

Inside the small interrogation room Morak sat with his arms folded, a look of defiance covering his aged face. ‘You waste your time on an old man.’

‘Tell us what you know and allow us to judge for ourselves.’

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The light around Piet’s slender form bent at strange angles where it touched the shifting gray and silver cloak surrounding him as he moved through the alley. Long black leather gloves covering pale white flesh came up to push back the hood shielding his features. His ebony hair pulled tight into a topknot at the apex of his shaven skull.

A short pudgy man came rushing out of a doorway towards him. ‘Master Piet. We had no word you would be arriving so soon.’

Piet waved a gloved hand to silence his host.

‘I’ll see myself in.’ Piet said pushing past Carab.

‘Master Piet! Wait!’ Carab called after him.

Inside the doorway an expansive greeting room adorned with statues and crests stood protected by two large guards. One of them spoke as Piet flew into action. ‘Has an audience been reques…’

Moving too quickly for the guards he easily subdued the first, disarming his opponent and knocking the wind from his lungs, before moving on to the second. Piet ducked under the massive baton sidestepping the less experienced man and brought both palms to rest against his exposed flank. A small pop signaled the reaction between his dull black gloves and the silver polished armor of the guard sending out a shock wave as the large man was thrown to the floor.

‘It has gentlemen but not by your employer. Carab if you value the coin wasted on treating your guardsmen then call out for them all to let me by.’ Piet strode from the room towards the large crystal spiraling stairs as Carab called out behind him. ‘Everyone stand down.’

Piet appeared emotionless and stoic as he gracefully moved up the beautifully carved stairs but inside his mind raced with questions. Each step he felt as though a huge weight lowered down onto his shoulders slowing his brain waves with docility.

‘They are stronger than I anticipated.’ He thought to himself moving past the final step. ‘No matter, all will come to bare.’

Part II

Inside the room lavishly carved stone tile covered the walls. The floor became a black sea that spilled out beneath them marked off into smaller sections with detailed etchings of men performing feats of legend. Awe passed over Etian as he wondered what this room had been witness to over years of use.

'Tosh, what is this place?'  Etian asked quietly.

'One of the many armories stationed under the city floor. They are used for training and administration by our guardsman.’  Tosh idly answered his friend while gathering objects from one of the tables. ‘I’m going to connect you to the sepulca to establish your link but it might hurt a little at first.’

‘Is this a good idea? What if something goes wrong?’ Etian questioned with concern covering his orange features.

‘This is the only way to tap in. We have to try.’ Tosh fastened a burnished golden band around the wrist of his friend.

‘What lin…’ Etian began a question but lost his train of thought.

The burning sensation grew as a tickle flickering under Etian’s skin. A slight scratch of claw against flesh swam just below the surface. Pushing out to test the infinite void he knew something else was with him. A presence rolled through his mind like a mist blanketing the ground enveloping everything around him.

‘What has Tosh done to me?’’ Etian thought to himself before pain wracked his mind obliterating his consciousness.

Tosh connected a small tube of silver liquid to the sepulca and knelt over his friend subduing Etian as he writhed in pain. ‘I know you cannot hear me but hold on Etian.’

Etian tried to open his mouth and scream but he heard nothing reverberate from the inky black surrounding him. Stomach and intestines burned with acid while his arms churned in fear a howl breaking his lips as the layer of sludge burst free. His body shattered into thousands of burning embers as he climbed higher through the void. He accelerated upwards racing through silver rings of flowing liquid light towards a single bright point. In a rush the darkness gave way to the white ceiling above him as reality phased back into being. Tosh stood above Etian his hand reaching to help his friend stand.

'Come with me. We must get topside.'

Etian's feet still burned as he gingerly put his weight down but a soothing chill trickled into them from the floor below. Shaking his head Etian surveyed his surroundings and began to follow Tosh towards a large doorway. With each step he felt lighter as the tile seemingly pushed back against him propelling his walking steps to the speed of a light jog.

‘The thing you put on my wrist and the… Tosh it feels like something is… What is happening to me?’ Etian scratched at the pale silver lines surfacing like little pathways along his forearm and palm.

‘Things work differently here Etian. When I put the sepulca on your wrist it merged with your core and activated something most of your people hold in slumber. And before you say it, Etian, no it is not magic.'

Around a corner they found chiseled stone markings of the sun adorning another large doorway and inside of it a final staircase spiraling upwards. Splinters of light began to dance around their feet and soon they were running to break free and taste the scorched air.

As Tosh surveyed the streets he looked back at Etian. 'My father's alhova is close. We should begin our search there.'

They moved further into the city past markings and symbols Etian could not understand. Even with the power restored the city felt huge and foreboding as he studied the strange architecture.  Etian stopped abruptly as a strange creature peered out at him from behind a large crystal window.

'Tosh what is that!?' Etian asked pointing to the strange blue furry animal before them. 'We can't just leave it to starve if it's friendly, Tosh.'

Tosh turned looking back at Etian. ‘We can rescue it on the way out. We need to keep moving.’

Etian nodded. ‘Be back soon whatever you are.’

The two boys carefully made their way across the street avoiding fallen debris and a toppled spire from one of the large buildings before ducking into one of the structures. Stretching beneath them a red polished floor met white walls that pulsed and flowed with electricity under a vaulted blue crystal ceiling. Energy rapidly fluxed and crackled in the air around them as Etian felt a gnawing grow from his stomach.

Her hand felt so soft against his. Ever pale white skin mingling with dusted orange flesh. Lost silver eyes reflected back in her crystal blue unwavering gaze. Purpose brings us together. My mind keeps this open to you. Engulfing darkness waits for all.

'Are you okay?' Tosh said looking down at Etian nervously.

Etian sat up with the help of his friend. ‘That one was quick.’

‘It was only you this time Etian. Sit and rest a moment so you can help me with this calibration device. It's quite heavy.'

The two boys lifted a large black box carved with a winding maze and moved it into place where Tosh directed. In a few minutes the two had assembled a small ring of stone and gently seated a turquoise capstone into the largest pillar.

'Step inside Etian.' Tosh said motioning Etian to move into the circle.

Etian stood centered between the stones as Tosh pushed the blue crystal at the center of the capstone and took a step back. The stones surrounding Etian began to slowly rotate as the world behind washed away. Visions of the past raced through his mind as the silver liquid coursed through his veins brought closer to the surface by the spiraling stones. Looking down at his palms he could see the metal bursting through to the surface pooling at the end of pathways. Tosh waited patiently as the stones slowly came to a rest revealing Etian still standing between them.

'Welcome, brother. Do you see as I see?’ Tosh asked palm reaching towards Etian.

Etian studied the silver lines running through his own hand before bringing it up to meet Tosh. A flash of memories and emotion danced between them as Etian let out a gasp and drew back his hand.

‘It can be a lot to handle.’ Tosh assured Etian seeing the fear in his eyes. ‘It will get easier once you learn to listen to the voice. We should hurry. Can you walk?’

Etian nodded still looking over the changes to his dermis. As the boys made their way back into the streets he began to understand how much things had changed. The signs marking buildings started to make themselves out in his mind like something translated the strange symbols for him. A large auroch broken in two marked a butcher’s shop as they strode down the cold streets.

'Quickly we need to find out where my father has gone.’ Tosh said while motioning Etian up closer behind him. 'Wait here a second and I'll go retrieve that Jibrec you were so worried about.’

Etian watched Tosh through the large crystal window as he freed the small blue creature and brought it out to greet him.

'Don’t be afraid.' Etian said as he bent down to pet the soft blue fur. 'What is it? Boy or girl?'

'How should I know I’m not its’ mother. You figure it out.' Tosh quipped back.

'I'm going to respect its’ privacy so for now we should call it Blue. Blue can be either and it suits you.' Etian gently scratched the creature’s chin speaking softly to it.

Blue looked up at him with large red quizzical eyes and emitted a low purring sound before settling at his feet.

'Looks like you made a friend after all. Now to find out what has become of my father.' Tosh commanded striding off at a brisk pace.

'You heard him.’ Etian signaled Blue to follow.

The city street stood untouched by the violence of the previous days as they walked the lonely corridors. Eerily quiet homes waited for inhabitants on either side as Etian scanned the shadows of a dark alleyway. Silhouetted in the darkness he could see the form of a slender humanoid watching them.

‘Hello?’ Etian yelled at the form. ‘Tosh I think I saw someone. Is there someone there?’

‘I think we are the only ones still here Etian. Are you sure you saw someone?’

Etian ran towards the shadows with his companions behind him but they found no one.

‘I know I saw someone there.’ Etian assured himself still checking the alleyway.

‘Come on. Around another corner and we should be there.’ Tosh motioned Etian to follow him.

'We are here. I need you to go and scavenge some supplies. Food and anything else you can find of value. I'm going to gather some clothes and then we will try to make contact. Hurry, Etian.' Tosh commanded before the boys made haste of gathering what they needed.

In the cook room Etian found a small bag and filled it with some crusted breads and cheeses. On a rack lay cured meat he did not recognize but with a couple of nudges from Blue it soon made way into the bag as well. Searching through one of the cabinets revealed wine skins Etian could empty and refill with some of the crystal clear water from the basin in the corner. Confident in his scavenging abilities Etian set out to find Tosh and Blue filed in behind him.

Upstairs Tosh gathered his belongings and an extra cloak for Etian. The cloaks made from the spinning silver link thread felt feather light in his hand but were as strong as anything he had ever seen. A gently pulsing amethyst strung up on a milky chain caught his eye and he muttered a curse at himself for almost forgetting it for the second time. As he strung the stone around his neck it flared up briefly before going back to the rhythmic grind.

We should be prepared for the worst he thought glancing over to the rack holding a pair of lifeless black blades offset by polished steel link shields. Tosh pulled the items down one by one and secured his own sword and shield before pushing back down the stairs and into the greeting room. So much lost time, father. I shouldn't have gone. An amber flash caught his eye then from the greeting pane. Father must have left a message before leaving.

The button depressed with a click as the greeting pane sprung to life. A large crest appeared first on the pane; a shield flanked by a large trident and net with a single star in the left corner.

WELCOME TO HOUSE DE’LARUS - WE GREET YOU WITH THE... The sound of feedback came through then before his father's voice broke free. SON I HOPE YOU'VE MADE IT BACK BEFORE THE EVENTS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE. WE HAVE FAILED IN OUR ATTEMPTS TO STOP THEM. THE VOICE HAS TAKEN STEPS TO REMAIN CLOSE BUT OUR HOLD HERE IS AT AN END. THE CITIES ARE SHUT DOWN AND AS OF THIS MESSAGE THE WORLD HAS DAYS LEFT. PLEASE GET TO THE GENOHA STONES, SON… ASE MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE. YOUR HOST WILL BE WITH YOU DIRECTLY. A final pop and the recording stopped. For the first time in his life Tosh had heard his father use the word failure describing his own actions. Why didn't I come back when it started?

‘I should have come back sooner.’ Tosh whispered as Etian came around the corner with Blue.

'I heard the message. Tosh… De’larus? I think I like you better without the formality. The Genoha stones will not be an easy venture. Blue looks ready to get out of here and so am I.' Etian said to Tosh. 'That blade and guard for me?'

'They are. I know you can fight but do you know how to use these? Is it taking effect already?' Tosh said handing the items to Etian.

Etian slid his arms through the straps and into the hand grip behind the shining silver shield. Quickly thrusting his arm outward while gripping the handle caused tightly woven links to click into place forming a solid barrier and Tosh nodded in understanding.

'So it did work. Show me the blade then.'

Etian gently took the hilt against his palm letting his thumb come to rest on the hidden switch. His finger slid into place locking his grip on the hilt as the circuit roared up his arm burning the blade into his consciousness like an extension of the limb. The dull metal crackled to life as his energy flowed into the blade feeding a violet glow that illuminated the greeting room.

'From the look of things maybe the Genoha protectors should be afraid of us.’ Tosh said and Etian nodded at him. 'We should go.'

Etian and Blue cautiously proceeded into the streets as Tosh secured the doors behind them with a loud thunk. He stood before the family crest momentarily wondering if he would ever see his father again. Tosh brought the dull blade around fastening it at his waist and quickly caught up to Etian. As they journeyed through the city towards the landing pad a deafening cry broke the silence.

'What is that, Tosh?' Etian shouted between the echoing blasts.

'It must be some kind of warning.' Tosh replied as they exchanged a quizzical look.

'We can try going down one of the trash chutes but only as a last resort.’ Tosh pointed at one of the fountains slightly toppled over in the center of on intersection of roads. 'For now make haste above ground.' Tosh said disappearing around a corner.

Etian motioned Blue and hurried after Tosh as the second siren screamed overhead. 'I feel sick, Tosh. I need to stop a second.’ Etian panted leaning against the wall.

'Tosh.', Etian said forcing a hand towards the sky.

Above them the city walls stretched high in all directions framing the pale blue of the sky against glimmering white stone. The red mass blocked out the horizon beginning the slow path through the clear atmosphere overhead.

‘Oh no.’ Tosh whispered seeing Etian blindly stagger ahead of him.

The tiles rippled like water as shock waves rushed through the floor. Etian’s feet were lost beneath him as he felt the ground tremble and spasm before darkness. Tosh clung to the rock wall watching in awe to the forces unraveling before his eyes. Unfastening his cloak he slung it over the three of them and snapped it into action. Like a shining pane of steel the small pieces of stone and crystal shattered off harmlessly as the city swayed around them.

'Etian wake up! I can not hold this shield around us forever. Blue, bite him or something.'

Part I

Waking abruptly his eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness of the small sleeping chamber as he tried to push the nightmares back further in his mind.

‘What have we done?’ Morak mumbled massaging his temples between pale thin fingers.

A loud click signaling a new message began to slowly strobe the dark room. Standing from his luxurious bed he groaned and precariously made his way to the com chair gently bringing old bones to rest in the padded seat. On the desk before him two translucent globs molded around his hands linking to the silver pathways ingrain within his palms and fingers. As the chair synced with his ego Morak could see Gehse sitting in an orange robe his hood thrown back revealing long black hair gathered at the shoulder. His pointed ivory ears went up in excitement seeing his brother after so long.

‘Greetings, long live the Watcher, long live the Order of…’

Morak interrupted his formality. 'Did you find out anything about process seven?’

‘There is nothing here. Most have begun evacuation as the council suggested and the few remaining, well.’ Gehse responded a look of worry passing over him.

‘What are you holding back?’ Morak asked pushing for answers.

‘There was a man here who believed that process seven was a creation of the council. Some kind of vengeance.’ Gehse replied nervously smoothing his robe.

‘Where is he now? We need to know more of this. The Order does not answer to the council.’ Morak demanded.

‘I need no reminding brother but he is dead.’ Gehse said coldly.

‘I need time to think. Get some rest and contact me when you have more news and watch your back.’ Morak saw him nod in response as his hands slipped from the green gel and the screen went dark.

Sitting back in the chair his thoughts drifted to his son and wondered of the dangers he could be facing without knowledge of the critical path he walked.

‘I must send word for his return.’ He thought eying the sword rack above the screen.

A loud bang echoed through the dwelling sending Morak with a start. Gathering a blue robe around his old shoulders he walked down to the large door as fresh knocking still rang through the halls. Morak slid the locking bolt to the side and swung the door open to reveal two large armored guards standing before him.

‘High Chair the council demands an audience with you immediately.’ The larger solider barked.

‘I’m an old man who needs his rest come back for me in the morn…’ Morak retorted but an armored hand came up silencing him.

‘This is not a request High Chair.’

Morak let out a grunt drawing the belt of his robe as he withdrew an etched walking stick from his entryway and hobbled behind the hulking forms.

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The village lay nested in a sleeping valley between massive growth covered mountains as a long shadow still cast over it in the late morning air. The red reflecting pools mirrored the covered peaks of the crystal spires towering above them. Small thatch homes blanketed the valley floor flowing in harmony with the current of nature around them.  Etian pushed the door to his cottage open moving out to greet the morning on his way down a well traveled path.  Shops bustled with preparations as he passed beneath the sign marked with Hept’s Smithy.

Hept was a man many regarded as the strongest in the village and Etian knew his uncle had often held back in his displays of power as not to draw even more attention to himself.

He recalled Hept’s words 'So long as you know the real of it the rest can see as they see.'

Yet reluctant hero Hept had become; fighting in the great southern wars heralding the Umptet's banners for all to see. Observing the shop around him Etian could see the admiration in the men who carried on business with his uncle and he wondered if war really was a fool's errand after all. A large hand clasped down on Etian's shoulder as he paused to hang up his cloak. Hept’s face masked with a large grin he looked down at his nephew giving him a single nod before going back to work on a beautifully etched saddle.

'I'm going out back to tend to the jumps, uncle.' Etian said heading out towards the stalls.

Bushy tails jostled the air as he made his way up beside Tal resting his hand on her flank. Rippling muscles calming beneath the familiar touch of her handler.

'It’s okay girl. I'm just here to make sure you're all set to go.' Tal turned and gently nuzzled him.

With a click of the saddle large polished wings slid out and shuttered into life.  Sheer silver metal flowed like liquid over the outstretched frames as Etian pushed them back into the locked position.

'Don't worry I just don't want you to fall. Again.' She looked at him then as if understanding and gentled nudged. 'I know. I know.'

The clue came through as rhythmic fear Etian could feel pulsing from Tal but he sensed it too late. Running back towards the shop he got first glance of the giant red mass in the sky as the world shook. The cascading waves of light vibrated in the atmosphere overhead and he suddenly realized he was lying face up in the courtyard.

‘Uncle, NO!’  He scampered to his feet as the burning orb crackled loudly sending rushing sound reverberating off the stones around him as he fell once more to his knees. ‘I must find him.’ 

The ground heaved beneath as the darkness washed over him.

Her hand felt so soft against his. Ever pale white skin mingling with dusted orange flesh. Lost silver eyes reflected back in her crystal blue unwavering gaze. Purpose brings us together.

Stumbling to his feet Etian tried again to push towards the shop. The air around him felt charged with static energy as tiny hairs on his arms stood up. He pushed towards the smashed building shaking the dust and debris as he quickly surveyed the courtyard. Another rumble passed through the ground as Etian clutched to the broken doorway for stability.

 'Uncle where are you?' He panted pushing rocks aside as tremors still shook the room.

The noises outside began to grow louder as Etian found his uncle among the rubble. Tosh’s slender frame pushed through the broken door of the shop and rushed to his side.

'I am glad you are alright. We need to move Hept before this comes down on us all.' Tosh said helping Etian pull Hept’s limp form to safety.

'It is good to see you, Tosh. I was wondering if you had gone too. We have not seen many messengers since the... the…’ Etian looked upwards and shivered.

 Tosh grimaced as he finished his thought 'The events began.'

Etian saw something different in Tosh, an understanding he lacked, and was suddenly afraid.

'What is it, Tosh?' He asked quizzically.

 'It is the process, Etian. We cannot sit by and watch this world fall. My father has sent summons for me and I want you to come and try to help.'

 Concern washed over Etian as he surveyed Hept’s motionless form.

'He will be fine, Etian, and if the world is destroyed none of that even matters does it? I need your help to save us all. I can't trust someone else with our secrets, Etian.'  Tosh stoically assured his friend.

After a moment Etian looked at Tosh and nodded.

'I must take Hept to the Gama so she can look after him while we are gone. You gather up what we need and then meet back here. Hopefully the shaking will pass quickly.' Etian said moving into the streets to find help.

With his uncle safe he made his way back to the center of the village where an older tribesman was making his case for the people's migration to the spirit caves.

'We must go back to the safety of the caves. We have pushed the gods to curse us and must return to the old ways. Flee the white city’s power and influence!' Palt held his hands to the sky as the crowd howled with cheers.

Etian stood listening to the cries of the people grow silent between rants.

‘Punctuality would be an improvement.’ Etian whispered aloud.

As if sensing his impatience Tosh came hustling around a corner headed straight for him.

'Hurry, Etian. In this clamor maybe we can use your uncles’ jumps.'

The stalls were broken but held firm protecting the horses from the elements. Tal shuffled nervously as Etian approached trying to calm her. Her Wings jittered as she quickly stepped back and forth driven by nervous energy from earlier trauma. His hand gently brushed against her large muscular neck sending courage through Tal allowing him to climb into the saddle. Tosh moved up beside Etian then on his own silver gelding motioning her towards the back gate and out into the alleyway. Chaos still filled the streets as wails for the dead echoed through them sending his hands in motion on the reins at a quickened pace.

Engaging the large silver wings that moved in motion with the horses kicking legs the pair put the city behind them. A sense of fear slowly crept over Etian as they glided northwest towards the white city.

‘It looks worse from up here.’ He said as concern washed over his face.

‘The plains below look empty. Everything must be looking for a way out.’ Tosh replied.

A new formed rift in the land showed just how perilous the fate of their world had become. Looking down they could see no ending to the hole and no clues where the mass had gone. It was as if chunks of dirt and rock had been erased from existence. 

Ahead of them a single glimmer against the horizon showed them the direction of the city and the boys began their approach fearful of what lay in store. Tosh motioned Etian to follow him down to an exterior platform on the corner of the city and the jumps gently set them down. The huge white walls glimmered in the sun as a quiet chill set over Etian causing him to hold his breath until Tosh touched his shoulder and startled him. He managed to stifle his girlish scream but not before Tosh burst out in laughter.

'Come on, Etian. We have time for fear later.' Tosh joked as they moved into the aqueducts of the city.

The gilded stone pathways of the ducts felt cold and deserted as the boys began their work to restore power to the city.  Etian did as Tosh instructed and quickly the pair had the first and second eye gently humming with energy before proceeding towards the third.

‘Excellent work my friend. Two left and then we go for the central chamber.’ Tosh said reassuringly.

Etian nodded and reluctantly followed his friend into the unknown.

A small clicking signaled their detection among the ducts as alloy began to slide against stone.

'Run Etian back to the second eye!' Tosh barked as he reached down and set a small magnosian trap in the path of this terrible creature.

Etian huddled against a corner as Tosh reached him and quickly the two prepared for what could be their last stand.

'If the magnosian slows it down we have to run for the third eye no matter what.' Tosh whispered.

From ahead of them metal poured into shapes and gears sliding into place with resounding clicks as large blue piercing eyes illuminated a dark intelligence slowly forming.

Shooocccccchhaaaaaaaaahaaaaaawwwwwchaaaaaaaaa.

The sound of air quickly being drawn into vents cut from the flowing liquid metal signaled the creature’s cycle complete.

Protect the secrets - Protect our fate - find the intruders - stop them - click.

The dark blue eyes flared a burning violet as outlined silhouettes of the boys glowed.

Threat - proceed - identify - eliminate.

In a hulking motion the beast lurched forward onto the duct tiles, the most delicate and beautiful granite tiles barely registering this behemoth lumbering across them, it's only audible presence the slight clatter of metal and stone.

Pursue - Pursue - Pursue.

The two boys burst from the corner exactly as the trap sprung to life surrounding the metallic beast.

'The magnosian trap is designed to allow observation of a subject in a controlled environment they are unaware of, son. Before its creation many things we believed on theory alone but with it we can render the subject unaware of the change in conditions for enough time a true observation can be made. Be careful though, son, this item can do great harm to the defenses in our city and must be protected as steadfast as our knowledge. 'Tosh thought to himself. ‘I wish you were here, father. This journey is proving quite difficult and it's only just begun. ‘

The corridor whipping behind the boys as they bound for the third eye with silence only behind them.

'To the third eye and then maybe we’ll get some answers.’ Tosh motioned for Etian to follow.

Before them the ducts opened up into the third large reactor of the island. Beautiful stone work carved with the ideas and dreams of people long since gone glistened under the bright lights of the crystal; the eye of the reactor still bright even with the city slumbering above it.

'Etian, I need you to grab that lever under the eagle and be ready on my command.' Tosh said as he quickly moved to the lever marked by a strange fish. 'Flip it.'

With the completion of the levers arc a low growl began to rumble from the crystal. The gauges lit up one by one as energy cascaded off the glowing stone above while Tosh carefully made his way to the other side of the chamber.

'Tosh are you sure that mag…nose…eon trap will hold it? Is this some pointer magic?' Etian pondered looking at his friend. 'Seriously Tosh I'm afraid of this place.'

Tosh scowled 'Pointer magic? I thought we were past the pointer stuff and it isn't magic. Just because you don't understand it doesn't make it magic.'

A single reflection of steel caught Tosh’s peripheral.

'I was born with these, my people have them and I will no… '

Tosh swept Etian's legs out from under him as a plane of steel no more thick than a wasp wing passed through where they had been.

'That almost had us!' Tosh exclaimed towards Etian's huddled form.

'I want to go home, Tosh.'

‘We have to push on or there may not be a home to go back to.' Tosh replied helping Etian to his feet.

'The reactors power the city but without the aqueduct to carry it to the stations it only provides us with a dangerous surplus of energy. The water ways must flow for balance to be maintained.'

'Tosh I think this is it.' Etian said as they turned a corner into the heart of the ducts. Before the pair sprawled out controls marked by symbols and runes depicting animals and places that Etian had never imagined. A large crystal suspended in midair gave off huge arcs of energy in the direction of each eye.

'We must flip these in the correct order or something very bad will happen.' Tosh set out to the first platform Etian in tow.

The platform was marked with an array of symbols Tosh recognized from his father's books and Etian looked at him curiously as the first lever slid into place next to something that resembled a sunrise bird.

Burning blue light engulfed a small crystal as a shiny silver arm pushed out from behind the control panel barking, 'MEKH SHEMT ZASS SHAZZ', at the boys.

'Tosh what is that!' Etian exclaimed his silver eyes going wide in fear.

'It's a link to the source. Before you ask just help me finish the levers and your questions will answer themselves.'

Ignoring the link Tosh and Etian slowly moved lever to lever sliding them into place as his father had once shown him. As the polished steel clicked into place a crystal displaying each of the four reactors began to fill with light. With the final rod locked the stone above pulsed dimly and pressure began to build in the room.

'This does not seem like a place we want to be.' Etian said cautiously as his eyes darted around the room.

'Hold your ground while the process completes.'  Tosh assured his friend behind a stoic expression.

With the completion of each smaller circuit a corresponding crystal linked to the center began to illuminate.

'The alpha star heart in the center will turn red if we’ve been successful.' Tosh pointed to the large swirling mass above them. ‘With the power restored things won’t seem as frightening.’

'Not frightening? Are you kidding me? The glass tubes you asked me to watch are filling with mercury.' Etian pointed as the silver liquid poured into the dirty glass.

'First switch the scorpion, the turtle and finally the snake. Try to stay on task and keep your mind off the rest of it.' Tosh directed.

The room grew completely still. A large rumble echoed through the chamber and with a lurch the city shook as the air vents of the ducts began to hiss and blow with chilled air.

'We’ve done it!' They both exclaimed heading for the nearest doorway leading upwards.

The pair quicken step for a staircase away from the ducts to the bleached white stone floors above.

'I have never seen the city come out of slumber like this.' Tosh said looking blankly at Etian. 'I find it quite unsettling.'

Etian looked at Tosh wild eyed. 'You find it quite unsettling?  How do I keep my mind on task? This alien place is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been but it feels as if I’ve always been here.'

Ahead of them a single doorway stood lifeless against the white stone hall marked with odd symbols Etian could not decipher. Tosh ran his hand across the strange glyphs and with a spark of life runes began to appear on the surface of the door before it quietly clicked open.