Part VII

From high above Genoha Piet could barely make out the stone columns extending from the site towards him but the defined shape was still clear at this altitude.

‘The site is below us, Talin.’ He said pointing towards the mark.

‘Yes, I see it. Sumas lessen the acceleration and prepare to bring us down.’ Talin barked out from the control pod.

Sumas nodded his massive chin before shifting levers that set clicking gears into motion as the large gyros began slowing the descent of the airship.

‘There is something happening down there.’ Shari said lifting her head from Nhari’s shoulder. ‘It looks exciting.’ Nhari finished.

‘If those are protectors we may be too late. Sumas, full power!’ Talin commanded steering hard for the ground below.

‘Hold onto something ladies.’ Sumas boomed from behind them.

From above Piet watched as the six protectors moved in around his quarry and a sneer passed over his pale sunken lips. The shifting cloak engulfing him obscured his features as he brought black gloved hands up to secure his hood in place preparing for the combat waiting on the ground below. Suddenly a bright ring of white-blue light erupted from the center of the clearing sending a shock wave in all directions as the forms crowded onto a large dais collapsed in a heap.

‘By the Order what was that?’ Talin questioned watching in disbelief.

‘Get me down there now!’ Piet demanded stepping up onto the edge of the massive airship ready to leap at any second.

‘We should all go in together just give me…’ Talin began but trailed off as he saw Piet jump over the side and shouted.  ‘Girls follow him!’

Nhari smiled as she watched a frown crease her sister’s perfect alabaster face. Beneath the airship Piet fell with both arms wrapped tightly around him accelerating to max velocity. His stoic expression masked all emotion as the massive column tops whipped past quickly engulfing him inside their circle. Three protectors lay smashed and broken around the dais below him as he watched the remaining easily subdue Lyla and Tosh before moving towards Etian.

‘How is he going to land?’ Shari asked nervously watching Piet plummet towards the ground. ‘You should not ask what you do not want to know, sister.’ Nhari answered her giggling.

Shari squeezed her eyes shut and let the Allon carry her sister’s thoughts through the connection on their palms. Images drifted through her mind as her sister watched the events play out below them. Reaching into the folds of his shifting cloak Piet withdrew a handful of dull gray spheres and began rolling them against the black leather covering his palms before smashing both hands together. From the ship above Nhari could only make out tiny popping sounds at first but they rapidly became a roar as the explosions chained off one another still wrapped firmly between Piet’s gloves. Just meters from the ground his fingers split open as he focused both arms firmly in front of him locking his muscles in place. A liquid hot beam of yellow plasma fired forth directly into the terrain below slowing his fall and searing the black leather covering his pale white hands. Shari gasped opening her eyes to look for herself before covering them in fear.

‘Sumas take the controls!’ Talin shouted throwing his cloak back as he leapt over the side of the ship.

‘No! Wait until we land Nhari!’ Shari shouted as she was unwillingly pulled overboard with her sister.

‘This is not a part of the plan!’ Sumas bellowed frantically taking control of the ship as his companions all bailed overboard.

Piet still felt the burning pain in his hands as he gripped the hilts of his twin Shiarja blades between them. Under his breath he whispered a curse as the tiny spikes along the handles slid easily through his charred leather gloves and into the tender flesh below. The connection flared to life as Piet felt the dense blades bend to his will and begin to draw in the surrounding light displacing his movements to any viewer.

‘Get down!’ Piet commanded as he went to work on the closest protector.

The bent Shiarja blade was thin and short but in his expert hands the diminished reach was not a disadvantage. He easily closed the distance on his opponent and moved into its guard ducking as a massive mallet shaped hand swiped harmlessly overhead. From behind him the sounds of another conflict waged on as he doubled his efforts trying to make a dent in his attacker.

‘Have you lost all intelligence, Piet?’ Talin barked withdrawing his blades to engage the closest opponent.

Landing near the stone dais Nhari and Shari gathered themselves and quickly escorted Etian down the winding path away from danger.

‘Your face…’ Nhari began with Shari finishing her thoughts. ‘What has happened?’

Etian heard the sickly-sweet voices mingling in his ears but all he managed to produce in response was mumbling nonsense.

‘I think he may need a moment.’ Nhari said behind pouting features.

Shari nodded and brought up her left hand holding it parallel to the ground below them as Nhari joined in with her right. All around them the air began to chill as living metal flowed between their palms still intertwined beneath the pale robe.

‘It feels different here…’ Shari began. ‘Very different.’ Nhari continued.

Across from the girls two of the large protectors began circling Talin as he neared the downed form of Lyla to check for her vitals. As he bent closer the ground trembled violently under his attackers sending flecks of silver metal to the surface of the broken landscape. Concentrating on the metal as it pooled the girls focused and watched as it began to climb the protectors like overgrowing vines choking the life from nearby foliage. As they slowly fought against the hardening metal that bound them Talin swept up Lyla and hastily deposited her next to Etian.

‘Nice work ladies.’ He said bowing his head at his sisters.

From above the clearing Sumas brought the airship down between the lumbering columns to hover just meters from the ground as he stood from the controls throwing back his cloak to reveal the enormous girth below. Fingers the size of Shari’s wrist deftly adjusted various gauges and knobs covering a box secured to his thick leather belt as a pink concoction began to flow through the tubes connected at his neck.

‘Let the waters of judgment flow like justice through these veins!’ Sumas shouted leaping from the ship.

Piet watched as the airship buckled beneath the tremendous force and began systematically guiding his prey into the projected path of his falling friend. His Shiarja blades dug into the flowing form of the protector but did little to slow it in any way as he prepared for impact. Above him Sumas outstretched his bulging arms as if to flap them to slow his fall but Piet knew that was not the case and quickly ducked into a roll kicking away from the spot he had been standing in.

Hands the size of small boulders came together in a rush sending out a ringing shock wave of energy in all directions throwing the protector to the ground as Sumas landed atop it. Again and again he brought his hands down crashing into the metal making up his opponent as he sent small chunks of debris cluttering the ground around them. Piet raised an eyebrow as the pieces seemed to melt and reform between each of the devastating blows Sumas landed on the protector.

‘Talin we may have a problem.’ He shouted pointing at Sumas.

Lyla shook her head trying to blink away the dancing stars that clouded her vision as she awoke next to Etian’s huddled form. She watched in awe as the group tried frantically to subdue the massive metallic forms that had defeated her.

‘Etian are you hurt?’ She questioned trying to stand as Blue came rushing from behind the dais to join them.

‘Stay down!’ The twins shouted at her still concentrating on the protectors sluggishly trying to break free of their bonds.

Lyla smiled at Blue before looking over Etian to search for injuries as he mumbled something about Genoha she could not understand.

‘What was that about Genoha? Can you understand any of it Blue?’ She asked with a look of worry passing over her delicate features.

Lyla sighed and gently took both of his hands in her own lining up the silver pathways and evoking the connection between them with a rush. As the images of her life churned the waters connecting them Etian felt something pull him back to the present and out of the daze he had been trapped in. He lurched back away from her severing the flood of thoughts blinking rapidly as the raised terrain slowly came into view around him. Blue watched as he tried to clear the grogginess from his head and let out a low bark before nuzzling against his leg.

‘We need to get inside.’ He said reaching down to scratch against rough blue fur.

‘Get inside of Genoha? Have you lost all sense? What if there are more of these inside?’ Lyla asked watching as her rescuers continued pressing the guardians.

‘That is not the purpose of this place. I can feel something…’ Etian began before Nhari interrupted him.

‘Quickly, both of you gather your friend while we hold off the protectors.’ Nhari commanded them as a single bead of sweat passed over her perfect face.

Talin moved with a grace not many fighters could duplicate as he transitioned through the many different styles he had long studied but his opponent matched him move for move. The massive stone columns surrounding them rang out with the echoes of combat as his Khaari blades slashed against the living metal cleaving away tiny fragments with each swipe. He stepped with deadly precision calculating his every move as he worked a small circle around his attacker striking out with both of his Khaari blades against the dark metal. Talin watched as Piet moved in and took the flank of the second protector as he gracefully continued avoiding their attacks.

‘I am open to suggestion!’ Talin called parrying a large blade shaped appendage.

Tosh woke abruptly searching the ground for his weapon as he watched the melee unfold around him. With his blade in hand he felt the energy passing between them as it synced to his ego and eagerly awaited another chance at the conflict. Tosh waited only a second before joining in on the opposite flank as they all circled the only protectors to remain standing.

‘I have an idea.’ Piet said withdrawing a handful of the dull grey spheres.

Talin knew he had only seconds to react and quickly sprung into action flinging himself towards Tosh. They both slid easily down the hillside as Piet peppered the protectors with grey spheres before joining them as an eruption of tiny explosions echoed throughout the complex. Crouched beside Lyla Etian watched the large metal forms ripple with force before shattering and raining down over the green earthen mound of dirt and grass.

‘Something tells me we have little time.’ Talin said stoically as he watched the metal fragments attempting to reform.

‘Lyla Jan’Dior. Initiate of the Third Sphere.’ Piet began. ‘Tosh De’Larus, Son of the Watchers, it is good to finally meet you both.’

‘Is this the subject?’ Nhari asked looking over Etian.

‘What?’ Etian asked but was ignored entirely.

The runes marking the band at his neck began to grow cold tingling against his dusky orange skin as Lyla and Tosh turned to look at him before they all nodded in understanding.

‘Quickly we must get everyone out of here.’ Talin commanded sending them all into motion.

‘My father sent for me to meet him here. I am going no where.’ Tosh said before Lyla joined in. ‘Yes, My mother as well.’

‘Sumas, bring them all.’ Talin called nonchalantly as the large man moved closer to gather them against their will.

Nhari grimaced as Shari began to speak. ‘I do not feel so well.’

Shari suddenly cried out clutching herself closer to her sister as the massive red ball of energy came into view over the northern horizon.

‘No! Not again!’ Nhari yelled as the pair collapsed into a heap of pale colored robe and flesh.

Talin watched in horror as the red bulb fluxed and rippled against the afternoon sky sending out cascading waves of dark energy in every direction before his eyes rolled back and darkness washed over him. Across the clearing Sumas grunted propping up on his arms but he soon lost the battle and toppled onto the protector below him.

‘We need to try and get inside the hatch now.’ Etian said gingerly moving onto the dais.

Part VI

The night sky above Genoha was full of tiny twinkling lights as massive swarms of glowing insects writhed in vibrant patterns above the large clearing. Thirteen black columns stood in stark contrast against the violet hue of the atmosphere as Morak walked along a path between two of them. Once inside the large ring of stone he could see thirteen smaller pale columns making up the interior and a large mound of earth at the very center. He paused briefly to crouch beside the crushed white stone making up the winding path and allowed his shifting cloak to obscure his slender form. Seconds bleed into minutes as Morak patiently allowed his hearing to become the predominant sense.

‘The stones give off such energy. It is no wonder the council seeks control.’ He thought pushing back his shifting hood.

As Morak surveyed the complex his pointed ears twitched beneath straight ebony hair held clinched tight behind his head. Silently he retrieved a small transceiver from a leather pouch on his belt and aligned the delicate circuits covering the handle with the silver Allon pathways tracing through the pale young flesh of his fingers. He shivered slightly as he felt energy leak out of his fingertips and into the device he held as the Allon made contact on both sides. Squeezing gently he heard a low pricking sound from inside the casing of the transceiver and he began to whisper softly into it.

‘All clear Gehse.’

He patiently waited as Gehse quietly stalked across the open clearing towards him and spoke only when the two were reunited.

‘I have seen nothing but glow bugs up here but the stones, can you feel the power coming off of them?’ Morak asked watching Gehse unroll a sheer piece of translucent.

As Gehse touched the edge of the sheer film a blue glowing ripple formed and washed across the surface revealing an intricately drawn map. The brothers crouched quietly as he manipulated the translucent beneath his fingers pausing to highlight the spot they stood in at present before tracing what he believed to be the best course of action. Morak ran a finger down the length of his jaw watching as Gehse carefully plotted before nodding in agreement.

The pair moved through the open complex as Gehse had suggested and kept their visibility to a minimum. They carefully approached the center of Genoha ascending through the low grass covering the central mound and stood atop the apex. Moving past his brother Morak quickly motioned for him to stop as he walked up the stairs onto a small dais. In the center of the stone platform stood an octagonal base carved with symbols neither of them had ever seen.

‘Morak what is that?’ Gehse asked from the grass below the dais. ‘The council said nothing of this.’

Morak gestured for silence looking nervously at his brother and again the clearing became quiet. As he moved closer to the pedestal the markings covering it began to glow with a dull white luminance highlighting them against the carved stone.

‘There is some kind of door on top of the pedestal Gehse.’ Morak called to his brother.

Between his fingers the hatch easily slid open revealing a short ladder leading to the floor below. Once inside Morak made his way down the ladder hearing his brother protesting quietly from above. Beneath the pedestal he stood in a small room with exits leading in each direction and contemplated where they could lead peering down each he watched as the steps passed down and out of sight. Each passage reverberated with the sound of machinery so Morak did his best to determine which one went north and began quietly stalking through it. As he neared the end of the long passage he wondered how deep in the rock he had traveled.

The walls surrounding him opened into an expansive cavern carved from white stone and Morak found himself standing atop another massive staircase leading down to the floor below. From the top of the towering stairs he could see many machines made from the same shining silver metal that speckled his palms.

‘What is this?’ He pondered aloud breaking the monotonous groan of the pumping levers and values of the machines below. ‘What can all of this be?’

Morak turned from the chamber and made his way back up the passage to the small room beneath Genoha climbing the short ladder to the dais above. As he stepped onto the cold stone floor of the platform he heard a strange metallic sound from the grass below and quickly turned withdrawing dull hilts from his belt. On the hillside below Morak saw five hulking protectors surrounding the collapsed form of his brother.

Etian and Lyla sat quietly in the saddle as Tosh recounted the story his father told him long ago. Above them the wispy gray clouds gave way to the massive triangular form of an airship as it broke through to survey the ground below.

‘It must be the man from the city!’ Lyla shouted interrupting Tosh.

‘How can we outrun that?’ Etian asked his eyes wide with fear.

‘We must get into the trees, hurry!’ Tosh kicked his heels sending the gelding into a run.

Before the airship could descend on top of them they burst into the tree line dodging the dense branches as they quickly slowed both horses.

‘We have to keep moving. Genoha should be this way.’ Tosh called through the foliage.

‘I can see one of the spires north of us through the trees.’ Lyla replied pushing branches away from her face.

‘We should tie the horses and continue on foot.’ Etian said helping Lyla down from the saddle before dismounting himself.

‘I concur.’ Tosh replied joining them on the ground.

With the horses tied to a tree branch the trio began quietly moving through the thick brush towards Genoha. Passing through low hanging branches Etian motioned for Lyla to hold before he and Tosh spread out to check for danger. She waited a few tense moments before they both returned and assured her it was safe to proceed deeper into the forest. Inside the canopy of trees beams of golden light broke through casting shadows across the moist ground beneath their feet as they traveled.

'Where has the red orb been? Could it all be returning to normal?'  Etian absently asked pushing a large branch from his path.

'If I never see it again it will be too soon.' Tosh replied motioning Etian to checkout some noises ahead of them while he waited with Lyla.

The two stood silent as Blue picked at the seed pod of a fallen plant.

‘You must be hungry little one.’ Lyla said reaching into her satchel for a strip of dried meat.

She took a large bite from half of it before playfully tossing it to the furry blue creature dancing excitedly at her feet. Tosh turned a stoic gaze towards them both as the clearing became silent once again. Lyla stifled a gasp as Etian burst from the lush green branches and rushed towards them waving his hands low informing of what lay ahead.

Without hesitation Tosh moved gracefully into a crouching stance sliding the dark blade from his side as the pair motioned symbols in the air between them. Count of two on foot aggressive. Tosh nodded and motioned for Lyla to follow. With the polished alloy staff in hand she quietly brushed aside the hanging leaves and kept step with them both.

The gently swaying leaves burst to tiny pieces as the black metallic shaft of a projectile sliced through the foliage on a path directly aimed for Tosh. With a resounding snap he quickly flexed the shield into solid form and deflected the arrow down into the ground.

‘We must get out of the trees!’ Tosh shouted deflecting another of the bolts into a tree trunk near Lyla as she frantically dodged.

The turf below foot broke and splintered as they ran at full pace through the dense cover of the trees. On his left Tosh saw their pursuers moving like water over the rough terrain rapidly making up the distance to their prey.

'They are too fast!' Lyla called over her pounding heart as they ran through the trees.

Outside of the tree line a large clearing opened up surrounding Genoha as the massive black and white stones towered towards the sky. They quickly spread out with Tosh at the point and Etian and Lyla filed in at his flanks proceeding towards the center of the site. Lyla began slowly twirling her staff between her palms evoking a gentle cyan glow as Etian gripped the hilt of his blade and felt the tiny sparks of power surging between them as it hissed to life. From behind them Blue came rushing out of the thick cover chirping twice before crouching next to Tosh.

‘In your story you left out how they defeated these things.’ Etian said watching the tree line.

‘I left it out because he claimed it was impossible. Where are they?’ He answered nervously posing his own question.

‘We should run for the center.’ Lyla said and without waiting for either of them she did so.

Etian replaced the blade at his side and began following her while Tosh stood still watching the edge of the trees.

‘Come on before they catch us.’ He called back over his shoulder seeing Tosh turn to follow them.

Around them the once polished well kept stones looked worn with age and lack of care since last his father had described them. The power still rung out strong from the chipped and cracked surfaces covering the towering stonework but somehow things felt diminished as they found the white stone path Morak had also walked.

‘I can see the dais ahead.’ Lyla called back to them as she continued pushing forward.

Etian watched as she rushed up the mound over the long unkempt grass covering the hillside making her way up the steps onto the stone platform. As he and Tosh reached the dais they heard a quiet gasp escape her lips and both turned to look in her direction. The forms of dark alloy protectors stood silhouetted against the green horizon of trees behind them as they briskly journeyed over the open field towards the central mound.

‘Can you open it?’ Etian asked watching Tosh fiddle with the hatch at the top of the pedestal.

‘It appears rusted shut.’ He barked back furiously yanking on the metal lid.

‘We have no time for that.’ Lyla assured them both flowing into a liquid stance as the Mishun staff twirled in a cyan arc before her.

They both nodded and withdrew their dull blades sending sparks of color cascading off their hilts as the circuits flared connecting each to his armament. The three brought their weapons together in a flurry of light as energy fluxed off of them hissing and crackling through the silence covering the stone platform.

‘Two here.’ Etian called pointing his direction.

‘I have two here also.’ Lyla said putting her back against Etian as Tosh moved to join them.

‘The same on all sides it appears. Stay together as long as possible.’ Tosh commanded preparing for battle.

Around them the protectors quickly made up the distance to the worked stone platform atop the mound and moved in from every direction. Each protector was made from a dark alloy that shined so deeply it appeared wet as they gracefully flowed like liquid metal through each precise movement. Etian found himself in awe of the creatures as one of them slowly molded its forearms into massive hammers and began swinging wildly at him. His eyes went wide as he dodged each swing from the first protector watching as the second began to replace its hands with bolt launchers.

‘How are we supposed to fight this?’ He shouted at Tosh still dodging the swinging hammers.

Tosh had no time to answer as his own quarry had formed massive shields and were preparing to crush him against the stone platform. The silver metal dotting his face began to burn beneath his skin as Etian let out a scream with the protectors almost on top of him. Something inside called out from the depths as the metal sizzled on his orange cheeks blinding him and leaving him defenseless.

Lyla saw Etian’s blade come up to meet the hammer as it thrust down towards his crumpled form watching as it erupted into a violent cloud of sparks before sending a shock wave hurling through the hillside. The ring of white energy rippled through them as the force of the explosion knocked out their hearing sending them all to the ground and the protectors with them.

Tosh grabbed his head with his ears still ringing as he tried to make sense of the scene around him. Three of the protectors lay motionless on the grass their metal forms broken into pieces like shattered stone littering the green overgrown grass covering the dirt. He coughed up little drops of blood as he felt the bruise from the shock wave forming on his abdomen. Lyla slowly stood helping Etian to his feet as she gathered her staff and prepared for another round.

‘What was that?’ She asked loudly still unable to hear from the explosion.

Before anyone could attempt an answer the remaining protectors began advancing as Blue huddled behind Tosh barking nervously. Still blinded by the burning pain and deafened by the explosion Etian stood still clinging to both of his companions hoping they could pull him through. The clouds above parted as the massive airship came into view once more sending the sound of the three massive gyros echoing against the columns surrounding them.

‘He is persistent.’ Lyla said pointing upwards.

Cyan traced through the air as she spun the staff between her twirling fingers attempting to keep the colossal metal creatures at bay as one of them moved in to flank her.

‘Lyla watch out!’ Tosh exclaimed a second too late.

From behind her a large shield sent Lyla to the ground leaving her in a heap as the Mishun staff fell lifeless at her side crackling against the grass. In his distraction Tosh was easily overtaken by his own protector when it quickly rushed into him its arms made into huge wedges of metal that pinned him to the ground beneath it.

‘Etian run!’ He shouted from below the massive metallic form as he watched his friend blindly stumbling nearby.

Part V

Piet reached beneath his shifting cloak and retrieved a small transceiver as he watched them disappear over the horizon.

‘I was unable to complete the objective.' He said depressing the trigger.

‘Talin will not be pleased Piet.’ Sumas responded.

‘I know where they are going. Extract me at the southeast landing pad.’

Piet turned stalking from the landing pad as the door slammed behind him.

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Away from the city the geldings flew gracefully above the tree line as Lyla watched the forest floor rush along below them.

'Tosh what about the village, what about Hept?’ Etian asked worry clouding his face.

'I think our salvation comes in staying on course.’ Tosh said looking back in the direction of home. ‘The fires must be out Etian. Hept is probably helping out already.’

‘I hope you are right.’

'How did things get to this point?' Tosh pondered aloud.

Caught up in her own thoughts Lyla said. ‘I worry more about whoever the man on the deck was. I barely got away from him before finding the two of you under the shield.’

Both boys turned to look at her as Etian spoke. ‘How did you escape?’

Lyla nodded as her pale features reddened with embarrassment. ‘I got a lucky hit in.’

‘No need to be so modest. Perhaps you can protect us instead of the other way around.’ Tosh said with a grin splitting his face.

As the hours passed the ground below moved at a brisk steady pace and Lyla drifted off to sleep clinging to Etian.

'We should stop and rest.' Etian said to Tosh motioning towards a clearing ahead of them.

Tosh nodded and began slowly descending towards the calf high grass of the plain below. Suddenly steam burst from the harness surrounding Tosh’s horse sending it slamming into Etian as Lyla slid from the saddle with a yelp. Etian dug his legs in hard for support and lunged for Lyla's outstretched arm as she slowly fell away from him. Catching her hand he quickly pulled her up as she grabbed for the saddle.

'We are almost down Lyla. Hold on!’ Etian shouted over the frantic buffeting wings.

As Etian took control of Tal again steam erupted with a roar from the remaining tanks on Tosh’s mount. Ears still rung from the first steam blast as Etian tried to make out Lyla shouting directions at him.

Etian tried to read his lips as Tosh spoke silently. ‘Genoha stones get Lyla find father.’

‘WHAT?’ Etian shouted bringing both hands up to cup his mouth.

The last group of trees before the clearing passed beneath as Lyla clung tightly to the saddle. Tal still frantically kicked at the empty air beneath her hooves. Across from her Tosh fought to keep a steady decent as steam hoses twisted and buckled with pressure. Lyla watched as bright light surrounded Tosh sending a grimace over his face as the sound of an explosion echoed through her. Etian pulled hard on Tal sending her banking away as fragments of silver washed over them burning into their skin. Lyla saw Tosh close his eyes and hammer down on the emergency release as Blue jumped.

'Etian, Blue!’ She shouted before losing her grip and tumbling the short fall back to the surface.

As Lyla landed she tucked into a roll and came up running to catch Blue in her arms.

Blinded by the pressure break in the left high flow chamber Tosh knew his only shot was to cut the tanks. He quickly felt around for the release.

‘Where is it?’ He said pleading.

Tosh locked his thumbs pressing hard on the switch but nothing happened.

'Come on!' He shouted hammering down with both fists.

The release immediately snapped into place sending the tanks hurling into the night air and Tosh found himself in a blind dive for the ground. Lyla watched as he violently crashed into the plain and rolled from the saddle stopping motionless. She hurried to his side checking for injuries.

'Tosh can you hear me?' Lyla asked nervously looking down at him. 'Are you okay?'

Blue nervously paced behind Lyla as she spoke. 'Tosh will be okay. We can fix him up.'

Tal glided down gently coming to a brisk trot as Etian jumped from the saddle. Blinking the sweat and blood from his eyes he brought his hand up to wipe his face. Bits of Allon covered his orange skin and felt warm as it quickly passed beneath the surface leaving a ghostly silver pattern on his face.

'Etian we are over here.' Lyla called out from his left side.

He stumbled through blurred vision towards the sound of her voice as Lyla guided him.

'That looks painful.' She said looking up at Etian.

'Does he seem to be injured?' He asked Lyla.

‘He seems fine for now. Sit down so I can look at you.’ Lyla commanded Etian.

She produced a small cloth from an inside pocket of her robe and carefully cleaned some of the bits of silver covering him.  Lyla watched in wonder as the Allon receded into lines cutting through his orange features.

‘Why are you looking at me like that?’

‘I have never seen it react with anyone like this. The Allon is soaking into you from contact.’ She answered him moving to look over Tosh once more.

'He appears unharmed but we should let him rest.' She said retrieving a wrap from her pack. 'Help me get him into this so we can move him.'

Once wrapped tightly in the isobaric blanket they carefully moved Tosh to the edge of the clearing beneath a large tree and secured Tal to one of the lower branches.

‘Are you okay too girl?’ Etian asked Lovictus as she limped in the clearing.

The harness attaching her wings still hissed with escaping steam as one of the hoses whipped violently through the air.

‘Careful.’ He said to her slowly approaching.

With one hand outstretched Etian quickly grabbed the hose and began twisting the release values as steam rushed from the tanks. With the steam pressure normalized he led her over to the trees and secured her next to Tal.

Lyla shook her head and muttered. 'My training does not include such things. I was instructed in ways to help advance the villages. Clean water and good health for the villagers and things of that nature. What about you, Etian?'

‘I worked with my uncle Hept as a blacksmith making parts for the saddles on the horses. We had to leave him in our village after being injured when the shop collapsed.'

'How serious were the injuries?' Lyla asked propping herself up against a tree trunk.

'The healer only assured me she would do her best and then we left.’ Etian answered before continuing. ‘Are you hungry?'

Lyla opened her mouth to speak but Blue interrupted with a quick bark sending both of them into tired laughter. Etian brought out a small bag of dried meat and divided out a serving for each of them before quickly devouring his own.

'I hope he wakes up soon.' Etian said stretching against the tree trunk. 'We should try to rest before the day begins. You go ahead and...’ Etian was asleep before he finished speaking.

Lyla smiled to herself and assumed a meditative position to watch over the camp as the hours passed. Abruptly jolting from sleep Etian looked over the makeshift camp checking for his friends. Lyla still sat legs folded with palms resting face up on her knees snoring softly as Tosh lay peacefully with Blue curled up against him. Stifling a yawn Etian moved quietly beside Lyla to wake her.

'The sun will be up soon.’ He said gently nudging her. 

'Tosh can you hear me? Lyla do you have any...' Etian asked before Tosh interrupted.

'Not the stink berries. I can hear you. Did the horse fall on me? It feels like the horse fell on me.’

They both laughed as Etian answered him. 'She did not fall on you but you had a close call for sure. Try to stand.'

His first steps came tentatively but soon Tosh was moving at a brisk pace helping them secure the gear to the horses.

'We should reach the Genoha stones in a few hours.' Tosh said looking to the horizon.

Lyla watched as Etian removed the winged harness from Tal before asking. ‘Do you think that man is still following us?’

‘I hope not but if we stay far enough head then let him chase all he wants. Lovictus has been through enough for now. A lightened load will do her good.’ Etian replied setting about collecting the packs.

The two finished securing the remaining gear to Tal and took their places in the saddle. Trotting up along side Tosh he motioned for them to follow as they rode through the open plain heading south towards the tree cover.

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The sound of leather boots rang through the spiraling stairs as Piet stalked back to the surface of the city headed for the inner sanctum. He walked along the empty streets encompassed in his thoughts still wondering how he had been defeated so easily. She fought with such skill and passion as he had not seen in so long of a time that it captivated him.

‘One to be kept in mind I have no doubt.’ He said aloud to the city.

Ahead of Piet the Council dwelling stood enormous flanked on both sides by massive crystal statues. The statues were carved from deep blue gemstone both frozen in the moment of action blades drawn ready to defend the city. Piet suppressed a chuckle thinking of how quickly the Council had given up their defenses and run.

Once inside he quietly ascended a long ornate staircase to the main chamber of the complex. Thirteen chairs covered a large dais that stood slightly elevated in the center of the room. The primary chair was by far the largest and most adorned of them all and Piet walked directly for it. He sat down in the beautifully woven seat and removed his leather gloves exposing pale flesh dissected with silver.

The connection flared to life as Piet brought both hands down to rest on the polished Allon arms of the Council chair. Images rushed by as his ego came into balance with the source as it flowed past his consciousness and gradually slowed.

‘Finally something that is unable to lie to me.’ Piet said flatly.

He thought back to the days before the massive red star had begun tormenting his dreams as the images transitioned. In his mind it felt like files lying on top of each other as he flipped through them while the images changed like headers before his eyes. Council entry – process seven - sparked his curiosity and the images abruptly stopped.

‘Council entry – process seven – queued - accepted.’ The source boomed through his intellect.

‘Record one - An anomaly has been detected in the thirty-third quadrant and all remaining observers are ordered to focus attention there. – end record one.’

‘Record two – Anomaly observed and confirmed by all remaining sources time frame unknown at current for intersection. – end record two.’

‘Record three – Intersection imminent all agents to be recalled as efforts to date prove failures against anomaly. – end record three.’

‘Record four – Anomaly identified as p… - early termination of record four – deleting all records please wait.’

‘No. No.’ Piet frantically tried to sync his ego with the source and take control but the records were already gone.

He slammed his boots into the stone beneath them shouting. ‘No!’

Piet snatched both hands free sending images racing through his mind as the connection was severed. His head bowed as a loud sigh escaped his lips wallowing in failure. The silence broke suddenly as the transceiver squelched to life carrying Talin’s voice over the chamber.

‘How did they escape you, Piet?’

He sat quietly for a moment before Talin spoke again. ‘No matter we will be there shortly head for the landing pad.’

‘I am on my way.’ Piet responded gathering himself as he replaced his gloves.

‘None shall slip through the cracks.’ He said raising his chin beneath the shifting hood.

Above the landing pad a triangular airship came into view as Piet watched patiently. Each point was powered by a large gyro with the command pod making up the center of the craft. As it came to a halt near the pad a small plank slid out to meet Piet and he easily climbed aboard.

‘They go to Genoha, Talin.’ He said above the humming engines. ‘There is more to all of this that much I am sure of.’

Talin nodded. ‘I am forced to agree.’

Part IV

The sunlight playfully danced on gently swaying leaves as they brushed against the still form of the Gyro. Lyla abruptly awoke bringing a hand up to shield her eyes as she surveyed the dense forest around her. After a few moments she gathered up the protective chute and packed it into the deployment canister before removing a small alloy box from beneath the seat.

Looking over the damage to the dashboard Lyla shook her head and opened the small tool box at her feet. With a large wrench she carefully bent the valves back to shape and tested each one for pressure.

‘This dash looks ruined.’ She muttered rummaging through the tool box.

With her eyes closed Lyla turned the key hoping not to overload the remaining gauges. The dash gradually illuminated allowing her to determine which of the crystal indicators still functioned after the surge.

‘I could be here for days fixing all of this. Just the critical read outs will have to do.’

As the afternoon sun passed overhead Lyla lay beneath the dash repairing as much as she could. She cautiously spliced into the mass of wires reconnecting all of the critical gauges needed for flight. With the last pair of wires bonded together she pulled herself back into the seat and pushed the key into place.

'Come on little girl.' She pleaded patting the dash. 'Please work.'

Lyla clicked the key into position and waited with one eye closed.

‘Whhirrrrr…vrrrrrriii….rrrrrrrrrrrrrrpprtttttt…’ The exhaust sputtered and blew out a cloud of white smoke as the disc began to spin at an idle purr.

Lyla danced in her seat praising the fortitude of the little craft before replacing the tool box and securing her safety harness. The Gyro slowly came to full power and she smiled watching as the indicator changed from blue to red.

‘Here goes.’ She said nervously.

With a firm grip on the controls Lyla brought the craft up from the forest floor through the dense foliage that helped to slow her fall. Gingerly she pushed through the tree tops for the open sky above leaving the tightly packed branches behind her. The directional needle hung lifeless as she slowly turned acclimating herself to a southwestern course before gradually accelerating forward.

‘I just need you to hold it together for a little while girl.’

The air around the Gyro still felt charged with energy sending a chill through Lyla as she navigated the skies.

‘It feels like we might be the only ones left.’ She said surveying the ground beneath them.

Lyla retrieved some of the pilfered agavu berries from a plexo jar and fed the nervous rumbling in her stomach. She wasn't quite sure what to expect after the traumatic events of the day prior and her mother’s haunting message. The small recording crystal felt cold as she squeezed it in her palm.

‘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 return home. I fear time is short for this world but you must not invoke fear among the villagers. Wait for the cloak of night and make your escape.’

The message signaled it's end and went silent. Lyla leaned back in the seat pondering the meaning of her mother’s words as she continued course. Ahead of her the towering white walls broke through the horizon shifting her thoughts back to the present.

‘This could get interesting.’

She began climbing higher above the forest to prepare for an approach as the city loomed in the distance. From this height Lyla could make out large columns of black smoke to the south and west of her and sadness crept in. Frowning she thought about the loss of life in Shar’Caahin but quickly pushed it out of her mind.

‘Stay on task or it might be you too.’ She thought steadying the controls beneath her shaking hands.

As she grew closer the walls of the city began to encompass her vision as huge towers stretched upwards away from her. Guiding her in to the landing pad stood two flashing amber crystals that blinked in unison as she approached. Lyla slowed the Gyro and gracefully touched onto the sturdy stone of the landing pad. With the craft locked into place and the key switched to the off position it sputtered and coughed before going silent.

Still tied to the hitching post were two very frightened geldings that had managed to survive the failing rubble and debris that lightly cluttered the pad. Lyla made her way past the anxious mounts and into one of the circular lifts before pressing a large amber crystal. Beneath her feet the floor was decorated lavishly as she waited for the trip upwards. Lyla secured her pack and began to twist the Mishun staff in her palms building a charge in case she found obstacles in her path.

The doors slid open after a low chime and Lyla rolled out into the street ahead of her ready for anything. The danger she found was not opponents but broken crystal shards and shattered stone covering the once beautifully polished street. Amongst the rubble Lyla could feel the Allonic metal inside of her charging with energy from the city below.

'Who could have turned on the grid?' She questioned walking towards the center of the city.

Inside the central keep she found it remarkably untouched as though an invisible barrier held overhead. Finding the massive courtyard of the keep empty of the bustling vendors she recalled from her youth sent a shudder through her. She quickly moved across the yard and into a small passageway between two large buildings. Closing the secret door behind her Lyla called for her mother as she went room to room searching and finding nothing.

'Have I failed then?' Lyla wondered aloud pondering her fate. 'Mother wouldn't have just left me.'

As Lyla sat quietly in her mother's chambers wondering what to do next she began to hear a faint tapping from the Holicron at the bedside. Reaching down she clicked the button and the image of her mother came into view spouting out messages in the coded tongue of the Matsu'Tet.

'The council has sent summons for me and I fear the outcome. Take the remaining Zakir circlet and head for Genoha. May favor hold with us both.'

Lyla held the crystal down to erase the message and proceeded into the chamber adjacent to her mother's room. Around the room were small alcoves marked with symbols and holy rites. Standing in the center of the room was a granite statuette adorned with an etched silver band. Gently she removed one and slipped it over her pointed ears letting the band rest on the back of her neck. A calm focus washed over her as the runes slowly began to glow against the pale of her neck.

Making space in her pack Lyla secured the six remaining bands and began her journey back to the landing pad. The light blue of her robe stood out in harsh contrast against the gleaming white stonework of the city as she pulled it around her. Standing in the center of the yard was a colossal Allon statue of Grace Al’Suan the first High Mother. The silver metal looked wet as light fractured against its surface reflecting back in a multicolored shimmer.

‘At least you managed to hold up.’ She said making a protective gesture across her abdomen.

Underfoot crystal fragments crumbled to dust as Lyla walked through the lifeless city avoiding the larger piles of broken rock. In her peripheral she caught a sudden movement and quickly turned to look that direction but found nothing. A look of confusion passed over her pale features as a single brow came up in a furrow.

‘Is someone there? Hello?’

Pushing the light blue hood back she waited silently for a reply but none came.

Assuring herself it was nothing Lyla continued for the elevator at a quickened pace. Shadows suddenly appeared to vibrate and flux as the light rippled through the air around a stalking form at her flank as panic set in. Without allowing time to surrender to her fears she brought the Mishun staff around in an arc as a cyan glow rolled off the shaft. Black leather gloves covered his hands as he easily parried her furious attacks. His cloak shifted as they struggled creating a blur of cascading light and shadows obscuring his features to her.

‘Lyla Jan’Dior. Initiate of the Third Sphere. Cease before harm finds you.’ He said stepping under the twirling staff.

Worry passed over her face as she wondered how this man knew her and what his true intentions may be. Without allowing him more time to explain she doubled her attacks looking for any weakness in her opponent’s stance but could find none. The two danced together caught up in a whirlwind of tracing cyan attacks and the dull black leather that deflected her blows.

‘By order of the…’ He began and Lyla saw her chance for an opening.

She quickly feigned left bringing the end of her staff upwards to the chin of her attacker. With a resounding thud it crashed into his jawbone sending him backwards in a heap. Lyla took no time to check his condition and began running at full speed for the elevator and the exit out of the city.

As the walls began to shake around her the massive red sphere crested the horizon.

‘No…’ A single word escaped her lips as she recalled the violent trembling of her village.

Towers bent and twisted sending huge stone blocks crashing to the tile floor as the sky darkened around the burning red energy of the orb. The Zakir band between her ears grew cold as it repelled the forces of the sphere and kept her conscious. The eastern tower supports creaked loudly under the strain and gave way sending falling rock and debris hurling down around Lyla as the echos of destruction carried through the empty streets.

Jumping from rock to rock she twirled the staff in her hands sending broken fragments of stone harmlessly to the ground. The motion of Allonic being focused into a snap shield caught her eye.

‘What now?’ She thought seeing the bright flash.

Ahead of her Lyla could make out the forms of two young men in distress and wondered if this was some kind of trap. As the shorter of the two went limp and slumped to the floor she felt something tugging at her to help them. Lyla darted under the protective shield as she secured a circlet onto the one who remained standing as the city tried to come down around them.

With the barrier steadied Lyla reached out her hand towards her new companion and watched as little sparks jumped from the delicate silver lines of his palm towards hers. With a low crackle the energies introduced them and a blur of quick images passed through them both.

'Lyla Jan’Dior. Initiate of the Third Sphere. It is nice to meet you.' Tosh said in a formal tone as he bowed slightly.

'Tosh De’Larus. Son of the Watchers. I also find comfort in our intersection.’ Lyla said with a nod.

'We are normally much more cordial but we've found ourselves in quite the... situation. Why are we not also in a heap?' Tosh asked their new guest.

‘The Zakir circlet holds us in place.’ Lyla answered.

A large statue made from polished blue crystal began to tilt under the pressure of the quaking floor. Tosh watched in wonder as pieces gave way to new shapes in a hail of broken shards. The large red sphere passed out of his vision long before the quakes began to subside and slowly the city calmed.

Etian awoke from his slumber and quickly jumped to his feet ready to bolt.

'Tosh, Blue, are you both all right?' Etian said scanning the area around him.

As Etian looked over his shoulder she came in view for the first time, features delicate and smooth she gracefully moved closer. Etian turned to face her and clumsily caught his left foot on a large piece of debris sending him back to the tile below again. Lyla stood over him watching as his orange features reddened in blush. Seeing the silver tracing along his palm she tilted her head to the side in contemplation and slowly reached to help him up.

As their palms met the Allon roared to life sending crackling blue light between them. A rush of her childhood blew through his mind followed by a quick secession of images of the village she fled and her journey back to the city. With a gasp he pulled free of her wondering what she had seen in the exchange as he panted for breath.

‘Etian of Shar’Bascor and the long plains. It is nice to meet you.’ Lyla said formally.

Blue darted past Lyla barking in her direction as he made way for Etian.

'Blue. Let Lyla check Etian for trauma. He was out for a moment.’ Tosh said motioning Blue to back down. .

'You appear unharmed. Do you feel dizzy at all?’ Etian shook his head at her questioning.

‘I can stand.’ He said pushing himself to his feet. 'This one looks worse than before. Look at all the broken crystal.'

They all stood looking over the damage around them before Lyla broke the silence.

‘I fought someone back there. He knew my name but something felt wrong.’ She said looking in the direction of the skirmish.

‘I knew I saw someone.’ Etian said proudly.

‘He was upon me before I knew it. I think he may be wearing a seeker cloak.’ Lyla told them as she gathered her cloak.

'We should get out of here then. My father instructs we go to the Geno…' Tosh began.

Lyla quickly interrupted him. 'To the Genoha stones? My mother said the same thing.'

'Then we should go together.'  Etian finished.

They all agreed as Blue echoed a chipper bark.

The four moved quietly through the fallen debris littering the street as they continued for the elevator. Etian slipped the Zakir band down over his ears as Lyla instructed feeling the cold runes begin to charge against his skull. The elevator shaft had been destroyed in the rumbling quake so they took the empty stairwell down to the exit and strode out onto the landing pad.

'Is that a Gyro?' Etian asked pointing at the strange craft. 'I thought they were just talk.’

Noticing as Tosh cleared his throat to speak Etian quickly added. 'And do not go off thinking they are magic.'

Tosh chuckled before nodding at Etian.

Lyla studied the two boys as they walked ahead of her. They were both so different in appearance but so similar in spirit. Tosh stood in a tall slender silhouette while Etian’s form was more squat and broad his dusky orange skin appearing more rigid than the soft pale flesh of his friend. She pondered how he came to have the Allonic pathways tracing his palm and opened her mouth to ask before being interrupted.

‘This is it.’ Tosh assured them opening the doorway to the landing pad.

Lyla placed her things down at the base of the gyro and moved into the control seat as the boys methodically began calming the horses. Tosh grimaced as he cleaned pieces of broken stone from the valves connected to his saddle. Behind him Lyla sighed as the Gyro let out a hiss and began shaking violently before returning to stillness.

'She was struck by a charged field on the way up and barely held it together. I think she may be done for. Poor little girl.' Lyla said patting the dash of her downed craft.

Tosh and Etian exchanged a knowing nod before facing off hands drawn. With three fist pumps they opened closed hands to reveal a winner. Tosh stood with his hand flattened palm up as Etian held three fingers outstretched to replicate a trident.

Tosh laughed as Etian spoke. 'You ride with me, Lyla. We will need to make sure you only carry what is needed.’

Lyla paused briefly before gathering her satchel and walked to the gelding. Securing her staff along the wing power base Lyla swung the lightened pack onto her back and slipped into the saddle with Etian.  Blue carelessly played near the edge of the platform as the door to the stairs flew open. 

Piet stalked angrily onto the landing pad as his shifting cloak hid the dual ebon hilts at his waist.

‘By order of the Council of Hands I command you all to stop.’ Piet declared.

‘Come here Blue!’ Tosh exclaimed holding his hands out towards the Jibrec.

‘We need to go now.’ Lyla said behind Etian as he pulled on the reigns.

With a graceful charge the animals pushed forward off the ledge as their hooves churned to find ground pumping the silver wings in flight as they put the city behind them.