Renegade Rising (The Renegade Series) (35 page)

“It was then IAM awoke and, with his Seraphs, fought his brother to a standstill. In a last ditch effort to protect the creation he loved, IAM put forth all his power to conjure a barrier so powerful it would forever bar his brother from entering Thera again. The barrier indeed worked, but at a price, for IAM’s barrier barred himself from the planet as well. To this day, Serephs and Maras fight the brother’s unseen war for the souls of humankind and the possession of Thera.

“As you all probably have reasoned, this is where we believe the elemental stones have come from. They are nothing more then broken pieces of the elemental stars of IAM. Your race was determined the day your great-great-great-great-great grandfather or grandmother picked up their first and only stone and absorbed it’s power, giving birth to their elemental essence that has been passed down to you generations later. With that said . . . have a nice day!” Perry dismissed the class with a rather friendly smile, but they lingered, grounded for a moment, letting their brains register all that Perry had said before slowly getting up out of their chairs and making their way outside to fresh snowflakes falling from the sky.

“My brain hurts,” Gisbo said, rather puzzled by Perry’s tale.

“Quite enlightening, nonetheless. I live for such dialogue,” Rolce said with a smile.

“You would, but that last story was quite a stretch, don’t you think? Seraphs? Maras? Please. At least we can see science. Not believing in a God can be liberating too. So many people do it and find happiness, you know,” Gisbo said.

“In a way I can understand what you are getting at, but I still stand by my initial argument long ago when I last talked to you of the subject,” Rolce asserted calmly as he and Gisbo walked across the open snowy field.

“Still though, the story is pretty outrageous. It makes life far too simple when it really isn’t. I’ve never been one for reason, ever, but come on, that had to be a total fairy tale and I happen to like them,” Gisbo complained rather bleakly.

“Once again, it's all a matter of opinion. Only closed-minded thinkers choose one side while insulting the other. Plus, they really limit themselves on knowledge in general or, if it isn’t knowledge, a very fascinating story,” Rolce said. Gisbo frowned.

“I knew you’d say something like that. It’s still outrageous,” Gisbo whined.

“You must understand that to understand a subject as broad as the start to life, one must think outrageously. Maybe all these fairy tales are just an echo of one huge, real story. Now that would be something if not a bit outrageous. Just not as outrageous as the concept of Man-Angel is all,” Rolce said with a smile.

“Ok, now you’ve crossed the line, pal. No more talking for you!” Gisbo muttered.

Chapter Sixteen:
The Final Exam

Perry was quite vague about how difficult his class would be…at least Gisbo thought so. If it weren’t for Rolce, Gisbo would have never had made it thus far.

There were a few things Gisbo was fine at of course, such as learning the historical records of the ancient Elekai’ warriors and writing book reports, but this was all right brain work. The left brain work featuring battle formations, physics and all sorts of other technical things made Gisbo’s head spin. He was absolutely hopeless when it came to such things and immensely thankful for Rolce’s help, not to mention the homework he was able to copy. But all in all, Perry’s class was the only class Gisbo had ever even slightly enjoyed, aside from all the boring facts and figures.

As the end of their time with Perry was approaching, the brilliant teacher began to ask the class if there was anything else they would like to know. For the first time in his life, Gisbo found himself raising his hand.

“What can you tell us about Drakearon?” Gisbo asked the stunned Instructor Perry. Whether it was due to the large amount of subject matter that had to be covered or whether it was simply a touchy subject, Perry had glossed over the Great Veil War and focused more on ancient history. Gisbo and Rolce had been wondering about it ever since their conversation with Falcon and Purah.

“Well . . . ” he paused for a moment, choosing his next words carefully. “As I mentioned before, Drakearon started the democratic uprising in Flaria and rose to power. From there, he and his followers continued on to Naforia in the hopes of conquering and uniting the world, but long before he could carry out his plans, Drakearon was defeated by Vadid the Valiant.”

“But didn’t he have some kind of special power?” Rolce interrupted. Perry had not mentioned it to them in class, so he peered cautiously at Rolce, wondering how much he knew, questioning whether he should answer.

“Yes, he did. It is well known that Drakearon massacred many Flarians who stood in the way of his rise to power, but in doing so he somehow absorbed their powers for himself. Many believe that he made a deal with the Dragon, the other immortal entity opposite the Phoenix, that enabled him to do this. During this same period, Drakearon discovered that he could also . . .” Perry hesitated, with a concerned look. “ . . . share his blood with another, giving birth to a new power. Through these transfusions, he created strong, addicted servants and, for the first time on Thera, a new evil, a
true
evil was born. It became known from that day as the Drakeness.”

“But, that sounds awful! Who in their right minds would want to become a slave to Drakearon, let alone anyone? Also, it doesn’t fit. Why would Drakeron want help in his quest to topple Vadid if he could do it himself?” Rolce asked.

“A good question and one that is easily answered. You see, his dreams of becoming warlord weren’t enough to keep him satisfied and if you would allow me to pause for a moment, I believe I have given you an inaccurate mental image of this wicked man. We call what he was evil nowadays and the wise back then saw him as evil too, but evil, in and of itself, is not stupid. Rarely does it take the form of something hideous or disgusting. On the contrary, evil is usually tantalizing, even beautiful,” Perry continued. The class was silent while they pondered this thought.

“You probably visualize Drakearon as some hideously ugly dark king, but your imaginations couldn’t be more wrong. I knew him back then. Visualize to yourself what the most beautiful angelic being would look like and you will have a better picture of Drakearon, only it would be diminished by actually seeing the man in person.

“He was well-liked, passionate, gentle, with flowing blonde hair that cascaded down his back and women seemed to flock to his side from his sheer beauty, so much so that the title of ‘god’ was often dropped about him, and he began to take it to heart. He even began wearing a mask over his face in his later days, not to protect it, no; he was so full of vanity that he felt the mere mortals around him were not privileged enough to gaze upon him. Becoming a god became his obsession and how could one be a god without worshipers? So Drakearon surrounded himself with the weak and easily manipulated. Even I was deceived, until I saw him for what he truly was . . . a tyrant with violence in his heart, using false promises of peace and equality to conquer a foolish world,” Perry finished. He peered at the bewildered looks on the young Renegas' faces, realizing he had gotten caught up in his story, a story they were not meant to hear yet.

“Psh, guy sounds like a fairy ass if you ask me,” Gisbo said, crossing his arms, and breaking the tension as some of the class erupted into laughter while others shot disapproving looks. Perry sighed.

“And this is why nobody is asking you, Renega Gisbo,” Perry said, to which much laughter followed.

Before the Renegas knew it, Perry’s final exam was upon them and Gisbo did not know how on Thera he was going to pass it. However, one morning a small glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon, when Perry made a shocking announcement that there may or may not be a final exam.

“Now don’t get too excited. 'May' is a very open response. All of you may be taking it and none of you may be taking it. Everything depends on your synergies and your ability to apply all that you have learned from this class in a hands-on situation. I understand completely that there are some who relish in the fact of me blabbing and take notes with fervor. I also understand that there are those hands-on learners who’d rather DO what I say. For you, and you know who you are, now will be your chance. I have arranged a sort of . . . physical test. Should you pass, you will have no need to prove yourself to me on the written exam and you will receive your second notch. The rules are actually quite simple and we will begin momentarily,” Perry said with a rare smile.

“As in, right now?” Crass asked.

“Yes, Crass, that is what momentarily means. Now, I wonder if any of you noticed why there were hardly any Renegades attending to their shops this morning on your way here? That is because they too are participating in this little event. Well, to be more honest, they're trying to prevent you from passing!” Perry said, with another smile of anticipation.

“So let's get down to business, shall we? I will give each of your synergies a rolled piece of paper containing a message. Your job will be to escort this message to Cheiftain Narroway himself. Should you deliver it successfully to our chieftain, you will pass,” Perry said.

“Yeah right, there’s got to be a catch to all this,” Knob said to nobody in particular.

“Oh, but of course, Renega Knob. Nearly every Renegade and Renegara have hidden themselves across the grounds of Heaven's Shelter. They will be allowed to use 'full attributes,' meaning they WILL be allowed to use Elekai’ on you, as well as any other tactics, to try and stop you from completing your mission.” The eyes of every Renega expanded upon hearing
full attributes
. As Perry continued, they hung on his every word.

“There is one rule to all of this and that is of course, no lethal force. This is, after all, a training exercise. Other than that, anything else is allowed. I am sure there are many Renegaras out there who would love to inflict as much pain as possible on you lot, so I’d especially try not to run into any of them. Should you and your synergy get caught, you will be bound and escorted away until the game comes to an end,” Perry said. All Gisbo could picture was Ranto. He and Rolce had the smallest synergy after all and Ranto had a funny way of weighing contests in his favor. No doubt the chieftain's son would come looking for them first.

“Wait now, there is one other thing I forgot to mention, although if you were caught it would be evident. Should any Renegade or Renegara read your message, the game is instantly over for you. You must keep that message safe above all else and deliver it into Narroway’s hands; it is destined for his and your eyes only. All the grounds will be open for you to try to transport the message to him and you may use any means necessary to try to make your delivery, whether it be brute force, stealth or pure wit; it is up to you. Narroway will be waiting in his room in the top of the tower behind Vadid’s statue. As soon as I distribute these parchments, the game will begin,” Perry said. The Renegas thoughts raced, pondering the best course of action.

“Remember, when you walk out that door, you will not be entering Heaven’s Shelter. The familiar place you know and love is gone, replaced with an enemy territory. You will work within your synergies only; talking must cease when the parchments are in your hands. Whichever synergies successfully deliver their message will immediately receive their bands and be allowed to skip their finals. Apply ALL that you have learned from me, as well as Roarie. Come and receive your messages and good luck to you all!” Perry exclaimed as one by one, each synergy walked up to receive their scrolls.

Gisbo and Rolce were the last to hold their scroll in their hands, the only synergy left in the room. Gisbo didn’t quite know what to do with himself. He wasn’t one for planning things out ahead of time. He waited to see what course of action Rolce would take as his friend opened their note, read it to himself and winced in concentration.

“So, what is that genius brain of yours cooking up? Rolce, you realize what this means if we get it to the chieftain right? We don’t have to take our stupid exams!” Gisbo yelled, only to cringe as he saw Perry glare at him.

“I was actually looking forward to the exams . . .” Rolce said. Gisbo’s face contorted in exasperation as he grabbed Rolce by the collar and pulled his face into his own, whispering so Perry wouldn’t hear him.

“Don’t say that! Don’t say it again. Please, Rolce. You’re my only hope of getting this band. If we don’t make it to Narroway, I'm a goner. This exam is cumulative! I’d have to remember everything! I’m lucky if I remember to put my pants on in the morning! Damn it, Rolce, how am I supposed to remember everything from an entire term? Do you know what finals stand for, Rolce? Do you?” Gisbo said as he began explaining each letter.

“Freakin A! I Never Actually Learned this Sh…” Gisbo trailed off as he felt Perry’s eyes on him. “But yeah, you get the idea. Please Rolce, we have to win, please! Please! Please!” Gisbo begged. Rolce just smiled.

“Hm ok, what’s the plan then?” Rolce asked, clearly enjoying Gisbo’s torment.

“I say, hmm, oh! I know! We break into a run, as fast as we can, beat up everyone in our path, get to the tower and we win!” Gisbo said with an excited smile.

“That brain of yours is simply amazing, you know that?” Rolce said, shaking his head in disbelief at Gisbo’s doltish answer until his pal burst out in a fresh flood of begging, “Please,
please
,
PLEASE
” rising in volume until Rolce finally stopped him.