Someone in the crowd called out. “What makes you think you’re qualified to lead a Yasta monastery?”
Another voice pipped up from the back of the crowd. “I think I can answer that.” The crowd parted to reveal Grandmother Yasta. “The man you see before you is Hulaki. I admit, I was a little slow to believe as well, but after seeing him at the monastery as an acolyte, and witnessing what he has done for this solar system, I have no doubt. He won’t be able to do it alone, but he will be able to do it. He has my full confidence, and support.” She climbed to stand beside him.
Theo smiled at her. “Thank you. That really means a lot to me.”
Grandmother Yasta reached out to pat his hand. “You’ve earned it.”
Turning back to the crowd, Theo raised his voice once more. “Together, we can bring light back to the universe. What do you say? Are you with me?”
A cheer went up from the gathered people. Some rushed up immediately, wanting to know what they could do to help. Cherish and Grandmother Yasta set about giving everyone jobs. Hojae and Jiyeon divided up those who wanted to learn to fight by skill levels. Hubard, along with some very adoring concubines, set up a communication system to spread the word to the farther planets that Pollus had been overthrown. Cierra and Arden showed off their gifts to those who had never witnessed a Yasta gift firsthand before. Theo was surrounded by people who wanted to ask questions, or who needed something healed. He obliged at first, but he soon saw a figure leaning against a toppled pillar in the shadows. He excused himself from the crowd, promising to give all of them time with him later.
Theo slipped away from the group of excited, celebrating refugees. He approached the cloaked figure slowly, trying not to draw attention from anyone else. As he got closer, the figure stepped into the light. Irane smiled at Theo. He gestured out at everything that Theo had accomplished.
Theo felt a sadness he couldn’t explain in his heart. “This is the last time I’m going to see you, isn’t it?”
Irane tilted his head to the side. “That depends on how you think about it. This form is no longer needed. The man you came to know as Irane will disappear, but my light will still be evident in every sunrise, every smile of a newborn child, every laugh that is born out of happiness. In that way, you will still see me.”
Theo swallowed the emotions that were threatening to overwhelm him. “I don’t want you to go. There’s still so much to do here.”
Irane looked out at the people that were gathered around the others. “You have all the help you need. You’ve grown into the man I knew you could become. You still have much to offer the universe. I have chosen my Hulaki well.”
Theo felt a tear fall down his cheek. “How? How could you have seen a simple farmer, and known I was capable of this? I would have never dreamed I’d be able to give my family what they needed, much less be able to save the universe.”
Irane pointed at Titan. “How did you look at a man on a skeleton crew, and know he could be so much more? His story isn’t over, because you took the time to talk to him. Because of that small gesture on your part, many lives will be touched by him. Because of my belief in you, many lives, many futures were changed for the better.”
Theo reached out a hand. “I owe you more than I could ever say. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”
Irane reached out, and clasped Theo’s hand. “Just live your life with others in mind. Be kind when you can, and tough when you must. Teach others about Batumah, and raise your children with the same love that you want them to show others when they grow up.”
Theo looked up in surprise. “My children?”
Irane laughed. “Cierra is quite a woman. She’ll put you through the ringer for a little bit, but don’t worry. You two have quite a future lined up for you. I can see children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. Before you do all of that though, you’ll need to take care of the children you see in front of you.”
Theo looked at him, a little confused. “Do you mean the baby that was born on the way over here?”
Irane chuckled. “Her too, but that’s not all that I meant. All of those men and women in front of you are my children, Theo. I’m putting them in your care.”
Theo let out a deep breath. “Are you sure I’m ready for that?”
Irane smiled at him, and patted him on the back. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. No parent ever feels that they are ready at first.”
Theo looked over the growing crowd. More ships were landing as Hubard’s communications were received by local ships and planets. “I hope I can live up to your expectations.” Theo turned back to Irane, but he had disappeared.
Looking back at the crowd he caught Cierra’s eye. She smiled at him, and suddenly the overwhelming sensation he’d felt disappeared a little. He motioned for her to come over. A perplexed look wrinkled her brow, but she slipped away from the crowd and jogged over to him.
Cierra placed her hands on her hips. “What is it?”
Theo gestured to the crowd. “Do you really think I can do this?”
“No.” Her response made him turn back to her with a hurt look in his eyes. Cierra smiled, and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I don’t think you can do it. I know you can do it.”
Theo softened. He stroked her cheek softly. “What do I do if I can’t live up to being Hulaki all the time? Will you still love me even if I’m just Theo?”
She pressed her forehead to his. “You’ve always been ‘just Theo’ to me.”
“Oh, yeah?”
Cierra laughed softly. “Yeah, and if you ask me, ‘just Theo’ will always be enough.”
Cierra pressed her lips to his, and Theo felt the same rush as the first time they had truly kissed. The sun rose higher, spreading light not only over them, but also over the once destroyed monasteries and the gathered remnants of the rebellion who were all ready for the dawn of a new beginning.
Author’s Note
I really, sincerely hope you enjoyed the Relissarium Wars series.
You’d also love The Enigma Series, the one I wrote before this one.
Over three hundred years ago, unbeknownst to the human race, a plan was set in motion for the arrival of visitors.
That day has come.
As a mysterious object silently hurtles into the Solar System, the discovery has two brothers battling to claim ownership for very different reasons.
Drew Kovacs, a NASA Senior scientist, desperate to prove himself, mounts a manned mission to explore the Enigma.
His brother, Storm Kovacs, wants the prized phenomenon to save his family. Both are willing to do whatever it takes to possess it, until the Russians make an appearance and want the Enigma for themselves.
Will the brothers bow to the Russians, or will they battle it out in a fight to the death? And will anyone win, once the Enigma awakens?
Click here to begin a new adventure now!
May I please ask…
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The Relissarium Wars Omnibus Page 70