by Luke DeSalvo
The first being, to see if her body could handle the brutal surgery that was needed to alter her genes. Not everyone could take such harshness of pharmaceuticals, brain implementations, and steroid dosages. Hence why, the vast and complex body monitoring system took place, besides it was important, even on mission to keep track of the status of any Guardian member. For the second and final objective, the hardest task she would ever perform in her career as of now, included the apprehension to the mentor Zeno, who she had become quite fond of over the course of many years of training with him. They have spent a lot of years on the warfront together, but all that must be ignored now, for the hardest trial of a Guardian was the sultimate battle between pupil and master.
There was only one way to become a completed member of the elite unit was to take the very place of one of their core members. A hard and almost nigh impossible task, to defeat your master.
Suzette Monroe was not eager to the far-off day where she too would have to train her own replacement. Instead, she had the hopeful ambition of retiring a Guardian and align herself back into the political world. Being noble had its perks, the Emperor was dying and a second time presidential election, in Thyne history, would be taken into place within a projected year. A democracy system for show was already implemented and a senate was taking effect, slowly, yet surely. Her father would ultimately prove the best choice as a candidate, it seemed the whole process was rigged just to get him into office as the new leader of the entire nation of Thyne. Everyone knew that the Emperor's descendants were spoiled rotten children, including himself, he was not a bad man, just tired and that did not crave a superfluous amount of Genie, but a kingdom of peace.
Yet, this was a time of war, where heroes were needed, not snobby nosed and soft royalty. The Emperor Nai'sen was fair in this regard, but rumors were going out that this too was more of farce than democracy itself. It was only a matter of years before the Empire would be restored and one day, possibly making her Empress. Eventually.
She smiled at this, Systralas was theirs, her father and herself, all she had to do was prove worthy for this ordeal and give her father's image a hefty boost in the meanwhile.
Suzette proved innocent throughout the whole process, going with the flow of the wind, knowing that the doors of opportunity were opening, especially the legend of the seventh season also talked in hushed words of their awakening.
For now, she turned her ambition towards determination, admiring the vast chances known to her would have to wait for a more significant time. First the last trial. Suzette edged her way into a battle stance, noticing her two-handed long sword, Bane, on its deadly display in background resting against the wall behind her. She jumped back in a somersault fashion, noticing the lightness of the suit immediately and calling forth more motion in her body. In mid-air, she picked up her gallant weapon and upon landing she whipped around in a spiraling circle slashing the air in one swell motion.
She was ready.
Always the smart strategist in the method of battle tactics, Suzette knew that she could beat the captain Guardian Zeno if she was on the top of her game. She only made silly mistakes, never the detrimental, her fighting form was perfect in every essence from extreme preparation and much combat experience. While training with her mentor abroad for the past five years, she often watched and studied him, even in practice for several hours a day, honing her own abilities in the process soon becoming known as the Queen of the South from the diabolical war that was over three centuries old. From Zeno's own instructions and with her father's ties and reputation she got an invite to the Guardian program as financially and legally as possible where, by now, she knew her master's tricks, his face being as easily read to her as a child in Layeth waiting to sneak a candy from the local store’s shelves.
This was the time to shine, a destiny awaiting her like no other, one that could not easily be ignore and when the thought occurred the lights of the place flickered on an even brighter output going to its highest luminosity. With it, a slow steady hand clap greeted her echoing in the chamber.
She turned to meet Dr. Jonathon Shenadale, a middle-aged scientist of the highest rank in Thyne military. His studies included of the universe, mind, and what he called the inner universe and they were on par with none. A scientist of renown changing the fate of all Systralas one day at a time. Dressed now in the blue royal cloak with the symbol of the lotus, claiming his allegiance, the very same symbol on Suzette's gloves, he was the shining example of sophistry of the state.
“It's fitting, isn't it?” She beamed up at the scientist with all her strength.
Dr. Shenadale, ever the quiet one, unless necessary simply whistled with approval. The young soldier could never fathom the depths of his genius and creativity simply gave him her best smile with a curtsy.
She had grown rather found of him over the years, dealing with him in minor doses as first, but now, as the final stage approached, they worked closer than ever before they spent many weeks working together. Numerous hours have been shared with paperwork, diet advice and many made appointments of psychotherapy. Now that the final stage was at hand, it seemed that it was he that was the most interested in her major “make over” and nothing else but it.
When she looked at him now, discomfort arose. She could only proceed with this man further if she could beat Zeno in a duel. If not, her whole career would turn her back into a regular goon on the battlefield and the relationship would then be over.
For good.
“You'll do fine,” Shenadale assured her with a whisper, gliding over behind her and giving her shoulders a gentle massage. This therapeutic act was not strange to the young Guardian apprentice, He was an expert at stress management and the act did much to calm her.
“Zeno is aging,” He said elegantly, still rubbing her tense muscles. “He ought to pass down the torch, I say. Well into his nineties he is still devilishly good, I must admit,” He paused, carefully musing over his wording before parting. “And I know, tradition is tradition, I shouldn't say anything, however, I've done my calculations. The numbers read a positive seventy percent survival and a forty percent chance for victory,” he said at last.
Suzette stuttered her breaths in terror, before Shenadale turned abroad now to face her.
“It's the greatest odds, I've ever witnessed,” He finished with a smile and Suzette could not help but to follow suit and committed a sigh in relief.
It was all so confusing to her, this ambition was at its highest peak of achievement, however why such cold feet? Deep down, the knowledge of fate would turn her into a world changer, perhaps a general herself in the order. This was secret ops though, an unsung hero entourage where special forces came first and last all together. It suited her fine, she decided, her dreams that she was taught to follow returned to excitement with the acceptance of the ultimate challenge. In this state she acquired a temporary lack of fear, this was a time to conquer and not hesitate by any notion. Indecisiveness in this matter, especially during the test meant defeat.
Shenadale swayed further into her cool gray eyes and whispered:
“I have selfish reasons to proceed with this ritual,” The doctor stated. “You are meant to be Guardian, you’re destined, and I will operate on you, this I swear.”
There was a long pause as Shenadale began walking to the light switch.
“It's time,” it came melodically and what seemed semi-concern.
Suzette simply nodded.
The aging doctor then swooned to the left of her and hit the lighting control unit to bring the luminosity back to its original form. It fell into a fade, bringing the air conditioning vents back into full output mode, spraying the place with the smell of lilacs, to cover up the overly saturated body odor and furthermore bringing out the scent of the pristine mineral water that she had so recently used to bathe after training.
As they began to make their exit, the young Suzette suddenly thought that all of this would be known as a part of headquarter
s. It was a beautiful facility, stocked with the new modernized world, a place to test strength, bathe and refresh both mind and body. A worthy place to call home. The idea of always being able to return here hardened her resolve and she vowed that this would not be the last time that she would enter this resting place. She whispered one more quiet prayer before they entered the hallway hastily, tiny light bulbs on the mechanic floor way guarding the path.
“Before we go in, try so very hard to get your breathing under control,” The doctor said quietly. “It's the most important part of the analyst that is involved in this acting procedure.”
He smiled and with a wink pressed the combination to open the metal framed door, standing between them and the arena awaiting them.
The door clicked in compliance, opening with a swoosh, revealing a small and darkly lit gladiator pit that consisted of wall turrets for machine gun combat training, and a few lingered on the ground mounted with specialized cameras that were Mana infused, with the ability to track movement better than the naked elf eye. Above the rusted brown dirt cavity of the field stood a control module station, surrounded with see-through glass and in it, computers to further analyze the vast data being provided in the motion trailing process.
On the outskirts, up the metallic staircase that led to the control room, stood the General Guardian Mallerd, head of the Guardian organization. He was staring at her with approval, behind his hawkish features and thick black lips. A man of trials that added Suzette to the team with greed, he was both powerful and ambitious, in addition to being possibly the fiercest fighter one could offer in any fight.
She admired him, they had always worked close together and after many years the young tree, known as Suzette, beheld much fruit, ready for the taking. A process as important as this was not to be missed, even by the busy man, although he did look as if he had better objections, yet he looked impatiently in an intimidating fashion, hands crossed in front of his chest.
Sitting crossed legged, in meditative stance lower, with eyes closed, seated in the center of the trial room laid her very own master, Zeno. The ancient Guardian was waiting ever so patiently, and Suzette could not recall a point where the old man looked so sincere. His long scrawny white beard touched the ground, head baled from age, yet he too was a Guardian, a match for no one, save this moment.
“I have been waiting a long time for this,” Zeno exclaimed in shaking manner, eyes still closed, yet noticing her presence.
When he opened his eyelids thereafter, Suzette returned the comment with a bow. Seeking approval, she then looked up to the commanding officer, Mallerd, who too returned her notion with a nod, she gracefully accepted and repeated the act.
Suddenly, in a matter of a moment, the master performed a backflip motion from the ground and was soon placed standing before his student.
Insanely fast, Suzette noted.
Her timing would have to be perfect, no mistakes could be met, and a clutch of doubt rang unto her chest. She swallowed it away in an instant and reminded herself to think back on her rigorous training and battle combat expertise. Be natural, be fluid and deadly. Even if Zeno was four times the elder, he was still genetically altered and modified into the perfect killing machine. She was not. This created a severe difference in skill and a soon to be upcoming advantage for Zeno. In past times, it was a necessity to have the master at his finest during combat, now she hoped that he could be anything but in prime condition, any leverage was gratefully wished for.
“Still spry for your age, eh?” Suzette said gripping her sword.
“You know it, little one,” He responded with a smile, pulling a scimitar from his back.
She hated it when he called her that. He used it every time to catch her off guard, but this time it was different. The act was warm regarded and welcomed.
“I’m not so little anymore,” She decided to retort, nonetheless.
Zeno walked over to the Guardian in training and gave her a swift and brief hug.
“No, not anymore,” He said, catching her off guard, and then parting shortly afterwards. “I still wonder if you truly no what’s in store for you. Your destiny is insurmountable to anything I’ve ever seen before.”
You mean like being empress? Suzette thought out loud.
“Far greater,” Zeno continued, as is reading her mind. “Than an old wretched man such as myself.”
Suzette had never seen her master think so lowly of himself. It was a first, for all her years training with him all she saw was confidence and a strong desire to correct what was wrong into what was right.
“What do you mean?” Suzette asked stunned, curiosity aroused.
“I will tell you if you pass this trial.”
“Just give me everything you got,” Suzette replied as she drew her wicked blade.
“Indeed,” The old man mused. “Just don’t cut my hair,” He grinned.
Suzette giggled at her bald master and then tensed up to gather significance to the matter. This was her big day after all.
“Okay,” She breathed.
At the last display, Shenadale smiled, this kind of work was rarely done and even though he had performed many operations, he still considered that the creation of a Guardian was “a thrill of a lifetime,” And the sense of amusement was indeed shown on his face as he looked over the two soon to be fighters.
“Shall we begin?” Shenadale asked in almost too much excitement for Suzette's liking.
“Yes,” Zeno replied with a short brief grunt while Suzette barely managed a nod.
This is it, she thought.
The doctor slowly began ascending the stairs thereafter that led to the control room, when he abruptly stopped suddenly, right hand still clasping the railing.
“Best to both of you,” He called, before continuing his steps, a brief knowledgeable pause for the two fighters that was necessary to the sacred challenge that would commence shortly.
Suzette then eased her attention to her mentor, Zeno and displayed her best crooked smirk that was more than familiar after the time spent together. They had overcome so much during this period that it was a considered a compliment. It was the smile she always gave in excitement and the operation shown with grace with erratic form. The act pulled at the old master's heart strings with a fatherly leap.
He had always adored her, straight from the start, the girl that remained a girl even while being a lady. A tired old man, recluse, he was sworn to secrecy at a similar early age, but his triumph was nothing like this. This was an event made for history that would not be so. Secretly, Zeno hoped to lose the duel awaiting resignation over a handsome retirement. Too much longevity for his wanting, however he would not be defeated so easily, and the resolution must be made that she must earn this with every inch of her soul.
“Are you ready for this, old man?” She teased with her same crooked smile.
“The question is, are you?” He retorted with a quaking grin of his own.
Dr. Shenadale was now seated upon his computerized throne room, flipping switches with ease, ever gazing at the monitor. He paused for a few brief moments, drinking out of his water cup, to allow the monitor to catch up from the supercomputer sitting before him. Within a few moments, the conditions displayed in perfection and with satisfaction he reached for the microphone device that was installed throughout the chamber room and breathed.
“You may begin when ready.”
Never letting her guard down, Suzette was amazed to find her sword already parrying several blows from her mentor's deadly scimitar before the doctor even had a chance to adjust his seat to its upright sitting position. With the mentor at a huge advantage, her reaction time barely kept up with copying his fighting maneuvers. Within seconds, she had already blocked and dodge, a noted count of twenty blows that aimed for heart, chest cavity and brain. Devastating attacks that would end her life instantaneously if she did not perform with the utmost accuracy. A pattern that would not be easily beaten.
The young Guar
dian apprentice performed a brief counter attack that ended in misery as Zeno practically disarmed her, yet she recovered with a dodging roll to better clutch the big weapon. Then the battle continued again, almost too quick, but this time she found her swings clashing against metal, releasing sparks and even retaining offense for a short while. With this found, there was a brief hesitant pause that brought the girl's smile out again.
She's actually enjoying this? the old man considered carefully before approaching her next.
He then reached out with a double round house kick that she caught in the stomach, stunning her and leaving her breathless momentarily. With much needed grace, she recovered quickly enough to manage to intercept the attack with equaled strength from the deadly sword where they stood together trying to advance footing, but the master could not pursue any further. She was struggling on her left knee, he noted, and the ancient man swung his leg out trip her. With the poker face misread, Suzette took a tumble where she twisted slightly down then switched to a somersault before landing and returning to action.
“Have you ever heard of the legend of the seventh season!?” Zeno shouted over the sword swings. The guardian in training parried the blows and fought the last one off, making her own counter attack.
“Everyone knows about that, old man!” Suzette shouted back, making a swing that was an inch away from Zeno’s face. The old man twirled back into motion.
“Too slow!”
Parries met with counters, fatigue came all too soon for the Guardian apprentice while she still studied Zeno's moves, but it was too late, the mentor reached out for a backhanded strike that hit her square on in the temple, the blunted hilt easily and immediately created swollen flesh at impact.