Renegade Rising (The Renegade Series) (41 page)

“Yes and no. They mostly keep to themselves and do not attack the innocent. When that changes however, we will have to break our peace treaty,” Moordin said.

“So what did Narroway do to stop the fighting between Strifes and Renegades?” Rolce asked. Moordin simply shrugged.

“It is between Narroway and Lamik. Whatever it was was very personal for the two of them. I asked Purah and Sybil Honj the same question years back, only to find that he never shared the answer with them either. The two of them were the closest to Narroway,” Moordin answered.

“That sounds fishy.” Gisbo said to no one in particular.

“Whatever he did, it quelled much violence and if Narroway does not wish to share, then he does not need to,” Foxblade said without even looking up from his plate of food.

“Of course you would agree. One who keeps secrets has no problem with somebody else who keeps secrets, even from their own synergy,” Falcon grumbled, glaring over at Foxblade. Finally, Foxblade looked up.

“Where’s your secret fishing spot?” Foxblade asked. Falcon grimaced and did not answer. “Well then, my secrets stay with me,” Foxblade said as he continued eating.

“Yes. Anyhow, let's get back to the matter at hand. You both now know a little bit about what made it so strange to see the Strifes involved with the kidnappers and now realize they were acting out of desperation. When we rounded them up and discussed the matter, they told us something we were not expecting. Apparently, Lokin and Shax had not only been stealing Renegas, but also Strife children as well. Most of the Strife members involved at Purah’s funeral were the fathers and friends of these children, for Strifes also forbid women from carrying weapons and learning Elekai’. Sure, we can all admit that women lack some physical and emotional advantages to become warriors,” Moordin said. Gisbo laughed at this.

“Hah! I’d love to hear you tell your wife an’ Roarie that!” Gisbo said. Moordin raised a hand.

“Hold on now, let me finish. Not everyone is cut out to be a warrior anyhow, at least physically. What they don’t realize is just how much equal footing woman can have and the hidden advantages they possess when channeling their essential energies. Women can harness their feelings and inner strength in ways that overcome mere brute force when using Elekai’. Believe me, you never want to see my wife upset,” Moordin said. Gisbo shuddered at that.

“We haven’t seen her upset yet?” Gisbo asked.

“Heh, not a chance. Better keep this room clean, I hear she is stopping by to check up on you two tomorrow,” Falcon warned. Gisbo and Rolce gulped.

“These Strife fathers were acting outside of Chief Lamik’s boundaries set in the peace treaty to save their children. They told us Lokin and Shax contacted them, telling them if they helped in the invasion of Heaven’s Shelter, they would receive their children back. This so-called invasion was just too small to have any immediate effect, for the Strifes had no idea how many men they would be joining. Most of them quickly discovered it wouldn’t be enough, which is why they purposely did not ignite their weapons when they made their move, allowing us to rapidly diffuse the situation. Some however, driven to the edge of their desperation, ignited their weapons, forcing Foxblade to react as he did,” Moordin said. Gisbo looked over at Foxblade eating his meal. He remembered how dangerously swift he had been as he decimated the Strifes holding him and Rolce. It was scary, yet one of the most awesome things Gisbo had ever witnessed.

“Now that you know who the capturers were and why the Strifes were involved in the matter, it leaves one more unanswered question. Why are Shax and Lokin stealing children? What is it that they need children like Foxblade’s son Jakobi for? It is here we have only theories and are not totally sure of their motives. We know not where their base of operations is located, either. At this moment, scouts have been sent out to pursue any leads relating to their lair,” Moordin said.

“What’s the best theory you have?” Rolce asked.

“Well, we believe the main aspect of it all is Shax. He is a Sybil and Sybils have very mysterious powers as it is. We are also very shaky when it comes to knowing Drakeness techniques and it is said that Sybils using Drakeness can employ powers never before heard of. We know that the purity of children are needed for some of the Drakeness’s dark rituals and we conclude they need them to somehow do us harm. How such abilities are even being used without the presence of Drakearon in this realm is equally frightening. We are in a dangerous position were the enemy knows much about our abilities and we know only basics of theirs. Rough times are ahead and we believe that we are close to finding the location of Shax and Lokin. Once we do, we can promise that the children will be saved and Shax and Lokin will be eliminated for the murder of Purah and crimes against Renegades, as well as humanity,” Moordin assured them. Rolce was shocked by this sudden realization. Moordin noticed this as he placed his hand on Rolce’s shoulder.

“I know there is much conflict in your soul right now, Rolce. You don’t know what should be done with your father and frankly I don’t know what to do either. He was my best friend. I’ve tried once to bring him back to our side. It helps to see Shax as already gone; there is no helping him. Instead, an evil being resides in your father's body and he must be stopped,” Moordin said. Rolce looked up at him.

“I just don’t know what to do. When I first saw him kill that child, I thought he was the most evil man I have ever seen, but when he arrived at Heaven's Shelter that day and looked at me, called me his son, I swear I saw something there. He looked ashamed,” Rolce said. Every member of Moordin’s synergy looked at each other.

“You can’t allow such thoughts to go through your head, Rolce. The atrocities he has committed. He killed your mother and nearly killed me,” Moordin said.

“I know that,” Rolce said.

“Either way, Rolce ... let's say he did come back to us - we can’t let his actions slide. He will be punished, most likely chained for a life sentence. Nobody can escape punishment,” Moordin said.

“I know that too, but part of me feels that nobody is totally lost forever,” Rolce said, not really sure what else to say.

“You have a great compassionate heart, Rolce. One as young as you doesn’t deserve to have such conflicting thoughts to grapple with. This is why I was trying to hide it from you. Even so, know that I am proud of you. There is no need to fret over things beyond our control. When we toss aside such worry, we are at peace. Now, both of you should get some sleep and don’t ponder too long on this. We wanted to tell you firsthand so someone else wouldn’t misinform you now that the information is out. Focus on your training and do try to have fun,” Moordin said with a smile.

“You guys always say that,” Gisbo noted.

“Your time to fight beside us will come, Gisbo. Enjoy your youth and get some sleep,” Falcon concurred as he rose from his chair.

“You always say that, too!” Gisbo said.

“I know we do, but when you get to my age one day, you will understand. For now, do as we say. Work hard for Perry, especially you, Gisbo. Goodnight, boys!” Falcon said as he winked and the class masters shut the door behind them. Gisbo looked over at Rolce who had hung his head, sulking. Gisbo didn’t blame him this time.

“I hate to admit it, but I think Falcon and Moordin are right. We shouldn’t worry about things beyond our control. What’s the point? We can’t fix it anyway. But we can train extra hard to prepare for the time we can. I mean, as soon as we learn Elekai’, we will be able to put up a fight at least!” Gisbo said. Rolce looked up.

“You know what, I’ve had my mind on so many other things I haven’t really thought about that at all,” Rolce said as he looked at the empty bunk.

“Girlfriends can wait for now. We got work to do. Let’s go rest up earlier than usual so we can work extra hard tomorrow,” Gisbo said as he made his way back to his bunk.

“Right behind you,” Rolce agreed as both boys washed up and were off to bed. Gisbo once again found himself unable to sleep. He hated nights like these when his brain overanalyzed everything. Between what was just laid on him and what had happened with Anakah earlier that day, Gisbo thought he would never get to sleep. He then took his own advice, thrust the thoughts aside, and replaced them with thoughts of rescuing Jackobi. After a few tries, and staring at the empty bunk below him, Gisbo found he could block them out. Within moments, he was fast asleep.

Chapter Nineteen:
The Essence Unleashed

Before the Renegas knew it, they had all shown proficiency in every weapon category and just as Gisbo had suspected, the good ol’ talon sword remained his favorite. In fact, everybody’s initial choice held true, as Perry had said it would. From here, the boys and girls moved on to hand-to-hand combat, sparring with each other for weeks on end. Gisbo felt right at home in this area; he had been fighting with his fists his entire life, after all. Others experienced some difficulties, but after many black eyes and bruises later, everybody showed enough progress for the Renega stage of training.

As long as Gisbo could remember, he had dreamed of being an Elekai’ Warrior for one reason: to learn Elekai’. After so many years, the long-awaited day had finally come for to unleash his essence and begin learning the Elekai’ skills. Perry arrived early that morning, along with many of the class masters who wished to witness their pupil’s special day. Falcon and Moordin gave their trainees encouraging thumbs up as Perry quieted everyone for his lecture.

“This is a big day for each one of us gathered here. You have shown much patience and much dedication. I couldn’t be more proud of your progression from a bunch of bumbling children with sharp objects to novice fighters. All of you standing before me have proven yourselves in a wide variety of combat styles on an impressive number of weapons; you are now deemed worthy to put power behind those swings. Since each of you is a unique individual, some will unleash their essence rather quickly while others might take a few tries. If you don't succeed at first, don’t fret! Relax; when this day is through, all of you will be able to unleash the power that has been churning within you since your birth. Without further ado, I want all of you to split up and get some distance,” Perry instructed. The Renegas did as they were told, everyone spreading out across the Courtyard of Strength. The Flarians stood a few more body lengths apart from their peers, just in case.

“All right, the moment is come. Are all of you ready?” Perry said. Everybody answered with a resounding yes.

“No, no, I said, ARE YOU READY?” Perry yelled with enthusiasm. The class answered again with a louder “yes!” Gisbo thought it was quite neat to see Perry all riled up for a change. His dry tone had finally taken a back seat.

“Excellent! Now, all of you, grip your ring hand into a tight fist. Good. This is where things get interesting. Depending upon your race, you will unleash your essence in different ways. The process is entirely linked to your thoughts, memories and feelings. Use your imagination! Let’s start with the Aquarians. You are to think of a memory that is sorrowful; focus on it! It must be a memory that makes you want to rise up from it and compells you to use your power to wash it away! You are the life givers! A caring, thoughtful bunch, able to fit in with just about anyone and masters of adaptation! Use your hearts! Only then will your essence be called forth to aid you!” Perry said with intensity and the Aquarians closed their eyes and began to focus.

“Soarians! You must think of a great achievement! You are a people of swift action, swept up by the thought of new and curious things. Your great intelligence aids you! You are flyers; one with the air! Use your imagination and think of thrilling times in your life or times you helped solve a problem. Call upon your essence to enhance your natural abilities and take flight!” Perry said, pumping his fist in the air as the Soarians closed their eyes and focused on great experiences.

“Now for you, Naforians! With me now! You are constantly striving for improvement and sharing it with others. Just like the earth sprouts new plants that grow and spread their seeds, you are always ready to offer your great strength and wisdom to all who will listen. You are one with the mighty beasts! You are never satisfied, there is never a limit for you, no final destination, always the journey! You must imagine beautiful things to protect! You must imagine yourselves constantly gaining in strength! Shoot for the moon! Nothing is limited! Call upon the earthly essence within you to help you achieve your growth!” Perry said, and with that, Rolce and the other Naforians began reaching for images that would release their essence.

“And finally, you Flarians! You are a beacon of inspiration to us all! Unleash your fiery spirit to aid your fellow races in battle. Think of painful injustices, moments of righteous fury for a cause! Search inside yourselves and call upon the flames within you to quell evil and ignite us all with a burning battle cry!” Perry finished as Gisbo closed his eyes to concentrate. He held his clenched fist in front of his face and focused hard, as images of Thomson came into his mind, followed by the stupid decisions he had made in his former life, followed close behind by the memories of receiving his very first bands in Heaven’s Shelter and the look of pride on Falcon’s face.

WHOOSH! In a rush of vibrant green energy, Rolce’s ring began to glow. His veins also took on the green glow and pulsated, causing everyone around him to break into applause, especially Moordin, who lost his reserved facade for a moment and exploded into hoots and whistles. Rake was a close second igniting in red energy. Gisbo heard the familiar WHOOSH sound behind him, giving the crowd more reason to clap and cheer.