Renegade Rising (The Renegade Series) (29 page)

“It’s no problem,” Gisbo answered tonelessly.

“It’s funny though, all the accomplishments the man had and never once did you hear him talk of himself. It always of his students, always of others. Hell, even last night, the entire walk back he was gibbering away about you and Rolce, talking about the potential you two had, and especially how similar you were to me growing up. I wasn’t always the nicest person back then, ya know. I was always 'found on the wrong side of luck' is what Purah used to say. I . . .” Falcon stopped as if he didn’t want to give away too much, almost ashamed. “ . . . Well, good ol’ Purah never gave up on me, not even when everyone else did. He is the sole reason I am here talking to you today. I’m sorry, Gisbo, I don’t mean to drag on like this, I’m just, I dunno, trying to let it all sink in. It still feels like he is here somehow,” Falcon blurted out his apology.

“No, I enjoy listening, not a problem at all,” Gisbo said with a hearty smile. Falcon patted him on the back and ruffled Fao’s fur.

“Thanks, champ, and you too, Fao, for hearing me out. Giz, I hope that you never see a friend come to death. It is unfortunate with the lifestyle we live that death is just so close, always present, skulking in the background; but at the same time, you receive a blessing. It makes you appreciate life all the more. You’ll come to my age one day, Gisbo, with a little luck, and I pray every day you won’t trod down the same path I did.” Falcon paused and ran his hand down the stripes on his tiger’s back. “The stripes of your iniquities never really leave you . . .”

Gisbo only sat quietly, speechless as Falcon continued.

“ . . . Please, don’t take the route I did. Take the route Purah did. Live a blameless life. It is the one thing I want for you, Gisbo, more than anything. You don’t need a past to haunt you. Live the right way now, there is a right way, and live it without regrets. Will you do as I say, Gisbo?” Falcon asked with utmost concern written all over his face.

Gisbo had never seen Falcon in this state; so open, so honest, sounding so ashamed with himself. Gisbo had never really asked Falcon about his past before and at this point it only added to the list of questions he wished to bring up, but simply couldn’t, not now. Gisbo answered by nodding his assent and Falcon smiled once more as he rose to his feet, stretching.

“Well, let's say we give good ol’ Purah a final send off, eh?” Falcon said, his tone instantly changing. The ashamed, rather odd side of him Gisbo had just witnessed was gone, replaced with Falcon’s usual upbeat tone and glowing face. He thought about a popular term people usually said to themselves when dealing with a bad habit or addiction: “Fake it till ya make it.”

Gisbo didn’t notice it before, but beside Falcon was a fishing pole, Renegade Purah’s fishing pole to be exact. He bent down, pulled the wooden fishing pole from the ground, stabbed it deep into the wet mud by the pond's bank and began piling stones around the base of it to hold it firm. Class master and student stared longingly at it as Falcon thrust out his fist, raised two fingers to his forehead, lowered his forearm to a bow and brought it back up, stamping a fist across his heart, and finished by lowering his head in a short bow. Gisbo did the same.

“There isn’t much I can tell you on the subject, but believe me when I say this. There is a traitor among us and when he is discovered, justice will come swifter then the wind can carry it,” Falcon declared, as he clenched his fist, causing his ring to glow brightly.

Gisbo had to step away. The heat pulsating from the ring stung the surface of his skin. If he thought Falcon looked angry at the sight of Cannon and Scarrr, it was nothing compared to his face now. His anger had seemed controlled back then, but now the control seemed to slip for an instant, just long enough for Gisbo to notice before Falcon quickly regained composure. Today Gisbo had discovered two new sides to his Class Master. Frankly, he didn’t enjoy either of them. They walked back to the common grounds in silence.

By now everything was arranged. The entire population of Heaven’s Shelter came out for Purah. Gisbo and Falcon stood at the back of the enormous crowd, surveying the area. Every one of the Renegades had their blue hoods over their heads, as was customary for a funeral, and Gisbo and Falcon followed in suite. The non-Renegade citizens of Heaven’s Shelter all shifted from foot to foot, mixed feelings of rage, sorrow and shock incarnated in their body language. There was a stone podium set up in front of the golden statue of Vadid right next to where the puddle of blood had been. There, behind the podium, stood Chieftain Narroway, with his head held high to the crowd, his face like stone and his thoughts elsewhere as he surveyed the crowd before him.

Everything was silent, all except for the front row where Purah’s very own pre-school class was sobbing and squealing with anguish. Their parents held them close, trying to cover their cries with shushes of comfort. Gisbo noticed that the spot where Purah’s lifeless body was pinned earlier had now been cleaned and in its place was a plaque that was unreadable from such a distance. Around the plaque lay the multicolored finger paintings that once covered Purah’s office and now covered the very spot where he died.

Staring at the paintings while hearing the small artists crying at the loss of their beloved teacher was just too much for Gisbo. Apparently, he wasn’t the only one. Soft sniffles resonated throughout the crowd and some got up and left altogether. Finally, a band of musicians brandishing stringed instruments and blowpipes began to play and Narroway raised his voice to speak over the somber music. The effect was indescribable.

“Renegades and Renegades-to-be. We come to this place of mourning with heavy hearts. We gather this day to honor a proud warrior’s legacy, as well as the blameless lifestyle he chose to live. Those who knew Purah well knew his life was an inspiration to us all and never once did Purah seek the limelight. Rather, he was comfortable to stay in the background, letting his deeds speak for him. I still remember when he was offered the title of Chieftain after my father’s disappearance. He declined it merely because he didn’t wish to be the center of attention and he wanted the line of Vadid, my father, to be preserved. In many ways he was MY chieftain, staying by my side and offering his wisdom whenever asked.” Narroway paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.

“Death is a journey we must all take; it is unavoidable, Renegade or not, but we must not mourn our friend. A confusing place is the world we reside in; filled with pain, cruelty and wickedness, but Purah showed us all another side, a brighter side that we should all aspire to. I know Purah believed in a place beyond death where all is perfect, all is beautiful and all is right. I believe he is up there right now being received by his creator with open arms and will watch over all of us until it is our turn to join him. If one believes in such things, where is death's sting? Gone! Instead, the gap is filled with hope and the excitement of one day seeing our friend again,” Narroway said with a smile. Gisbo had never thought of it that way and he smiled as well. Narroway continued.

“I could stand here for another week explaining in detail all of Purah’s legacy, but I know he would never allow it. So I will leave you with a few personal recollections from Purah’s closest friends, those who knew him best.” Narroway said, lowering his head for a moment as if in prayer before speaking again.

“Even in death, Purah has victory and so can all of you. Praise his life; be happy for his next journey as you await your very own. My time now comes to a close. I know you are all curious as to the aspects of his death, but sadly I cannot reveal anything without more evidence at this time. I will however tell you this and this alone. The murderer will be brought to justice and all those connected to his death will feel the wrath of generations of Renegades upon them!” Narroway exclaimed with vigor, pumping his fist in the air as the Renegades followed his lead with a loud yell.

Narroway stepped down from the platform and friends of Purah's came up to share a few memories of their time with the fallen hero, as well as a few funny stories to lighten the mood. All of this was going fine until a man with a red ponytail and long bangs came to the stage. Gisbo’s sorrow was quickly flushed away as a deep realization encroached upon him. Lokin surveyed the crowd before speaking.

“Well, it is safe to say Purah’s and my synergy suffered a tragic loss when our member Shax died and now my best friend Purah up and leaves me…” Lokin said. Gisbo had heard enough. He grabbed Falcon’s shoulder with a strength he didn’t know he had.

“Falcon! I need to talk to you right now! In private!” Gisbo ordered. Falcon, registering Gisbo’s frantic expression, nodded. They walked a ways away from the crowd and stopped behind one of the closed shops. Gisbo quickly recounted the full story of his misdemeanor and the conversation Lokin and Purah were having before Gamba and he entered the room. Falcon looked very surprised as he peered over at Lokin speaking and his face tightened in a snarl. He abruptly placed both hands on Gisbo’s shoulders and looked him right in the eyes.

“Listen to me, Gisbo, I believe your story as well as your accusation. Purah was one of the most powerful warriors I have ever known and the only way he could have died is if he was caught by surprise, a Shininja’s specialty. Lokin has been under investigation for quite some time. Your information may be the final key. I want you to go find Moordin, Rolce and Foxblade. Tell them what you just told me. I am going to report this to Narroway immediately. Tell Foxblade and Moordin to head me off while you and Rolce go back to your tree house and stay put! This whole thing is not as it seems; trouble may be about, so take Rolce back to your room and stay there! Now go!” Falcon said as he broke into a fast trot, parting the crowd to get to Narroway. Gisbo spun about as well, pushing through, trying to spot his fellow synergy mate - only to slam into someone rushing in the opposite direction. It was Rolce, followed by both Moordin and Foxblade.

“Rolce! I need to tell you something, I…” Gisbo said, but Rolce quickly cut him off with a wave of his hand.

“I know! I know! I just told Moordin and Foxblade your story, but we need to find Falcon. Where is he?” Rolce asked.

“He just went to tell Narroway!” Gisbo said, pointing. Moordin and Foxblade simultaneously turned to face the boys. Moordin pulled both of them close, staring into their eyes with absolute seriousness.

“I am proud of you boys. Now go back to your dorm this instant, you hear? Much has built up these previous months and it is all about to explode. Don’t come out until we come to get you! Move!” Moordin commanded as he and Foxblade pushed through both of them a bit rudely, rushing to get to Falcon and Narroway. Rolce looked at Gisbo, a hint of rebellion in the normally obedient boy's eye.

“You going back to the tree house?” Rolce asked.

“Not a chance,” Gisbo replied with a grin.

“Just as I thought. Way to go, Gisbo. You should have seen Moordin’s eyes light up when I told him. Apparently, this is just what they needed,” Rolce said, returning his grin. They set off to watch what was about to transpire.

Falcon and Moordin reached Narroway, followed closely by Foxblade. Narroway’s face grimaced in curiosity only to turn to wide-eyed surprise and recognition, as if he had found the last piece to a puzzle lying on the floor. Falcon pointed toward Lokin, who was still speaking at the podium. From that point, everything happened very quickly. Lokin was still deep in his speech when suddenly, in a flash of green and red, Falcon and Moordin appeared at both sides of the Shininja. Falcon pressed the tip of his blade over Lokin’s heart while Moordin threw his pole-arm over the Shininja’s throat from behind, locking him in a chokehold. For a moment Lokin looked surprised, then a smile broke across his face.

“So, I assume there is a reason for this outburst?” Lokin said with an eerie calm. Narroway walked up to look Lokin right in the eye. For a moment, Lokin’s composure was nearly lost at the sight of Narroway’s enraged face.

“You dare to speak of him as a friend, Lokin? You dare stand before us all and spout your lies? I have every reason to slice your tongue off this instant. You best have a good argument prepared, Lokin. You’re going to need it,” Narroway said, power dripping from his every word, conjuring up memories of his father. For a moment Lokin didn’t say anything as he tried to hide from the Chieftain's gaze. After a few long seconds, the Shininja finally mustered enough courage to face his Chieftain.

“I need no argument, not one. I’ll tell you the truth right now, that I, Lokin Razgul,” Lokin paused, enjoying the crowd hanging on his every word. “Killed Renegade Purah!” Lokin finished.

In a flash, Narroway’s Talon Sword was out and had joined Falcon’s, looming dangerously over Lokin’s adam's apple.

“You admit it? Then . . .” Narroway faltered as if he had forgotten something, suddenly turning around to the crowd behind him, with his head darting back and forth in search of something.

“That’s right, you think I’d come alone? Strifes! To action!” Lokin yelled as various people in the crowd threw back their blue hoods to reveal odd green uniforms. The green-clad invaders quickly grabbed whatever Renegade was standing nearest and held them tightly at sword point without releasing their essence. Lokin gawked at Narroway with a snide look.

“You're not as slow as I thought. Slow, sure, but at least you realized it. Unfortunately for you, it’s too late. Now, let's pass the authority to me for a bit. You are going to let me walk away from here before you lose some of your precious Renegades to the Strife’s blades. Understood, Chief?” Lokin asked confidently, until he saw the smile of superiority on Narroway’s face.