“It’s just that…we do too.” He answered.
Etria looked at him with a warm smile.
“Mother and Father are universal Connor. Everywhere you go you will find this to be true. Different races may have their own way of pronouncing it, but its origin is always The Mother and The Father, The Creator and The Protector.
Connor looked deep into her blissful eyes.
“I would very much like to meet your mother and father.” He said with the most sincere smile.
As she took his hand and led him to meet her parents Alina continued to immerse herself in the crowd. Watching the Ishra in their flowing robes and radiant, flawless skin of varying hues, she began to feel as though she were in the company of angels.
Just then, the sound of two large Akirians approaching quickly stole her attention. As they approached, one bent down and met her gaze only an inch or two from her face.
“Are you…unformed?” He asked with simple curiosity.
He meant no offense with his words, but Alina, remembering the last time she heard that, certainly took offense.
“The last one of you to say that is now a giant rock.” She answered.
The inquisitive warrior stood upright rather quickly, his face showing interested disbelief.
“You do not speak true.” He replied.
“Oh…you want some?” She inquired unafraid.
“Do I want some what?” The Akirian replied with confused frustration.
“Some of me kickin’ your ass!” She replied defiantly.
“Are you challenging me to a fight?” He asked, uncertain.
“No.” Alina said calmly.
“I’m challenging you and your boyfriend.” She clarified.
“Ha! We accept your challenge!” The inquisitive Akirian barked back before motioning to a sparring circle, usually used by students of the strategy school, not far ahead.
Alina headed quickly in the direction he pointed as the two followed behind. The quiet one leaned over to his friend and asked, just loud enough for his friend to hear,
“What is a boyfriend?”
“I do not know.” The other answered angrily.
“However, the way she said it was indicative of insult.” He continued.
Their expressions quickly changed to one of great displeasure as they simultaneously let out a gruff, growl like grunt and continued on to the sparring circle.
Chapter 31
Entering the sparring circle, Alina took her spot as the two Akirians moved to theirs on the opposing side, about thirty feet away. As a large crowd began to gather, Alina continued her verbal attack.
“My name is Alina. I’m from Earth and I’ll be kickin’ your ass today.”
She said it as though she were a server informing them of the day’s specials. The two Akirians looked at each other not fully grasping the trash talk, but getting the gist of it.
They growled loudly and sprinted towards her, an action the young girl quickly returned. Within a few feet of her opponents, Alina dropped and slid through the quiet ones legs as the two Akirians swung viciously at the now vacated space in front of them. Once through, Alina jumped to her feet, turned and threw a ferocious kick, finding its mark between the quiet one’s legs. He dropped to his knees instantly, holding himself and writhing in great pain.
She quickly ran up his back and leapt into the air. Using the technique Etria had taught her, she pooled the energy surrounding her. As the remaining warrior turned to see where she had gone, Alina’s fist came crashing down on his jaw with thunderous force. His body spun two full revolutions before he crashed flat on his back. Alina landed with catlike grace and immediately noticed the awestruck crowd, silent and with mouths agape.
She turned and approached her downed opponents, who were now both on their hands and knees. She crouched down before them and loud enough for only them to hear asked,
“How’s that for unformed?”
The massive warrior’s looked at one another and then back at the young girl. The laughter that soon erupted from them was hearty and loud and of great approval. Alina smiled and extended her hand to help them up. Once on their feet again, they raised the young girl’s hands signifying her as the victor and almost lifting her off the ground in the process. The crowd cheered excitedly at the display of skill and sportsmanlike conduct as the inquisitive Akirian leaned forward toward Alina.
“My name is Maruk. My quiet friend here is Taruk, my brother. I look forward to fighting alongside you.” He told her
“As do I.” Added Taruk, still unable to stand completely upright.
A great sense of pride swelled inside her as the three left the sparring circle and headed back into the crowd.
Chapter 32
“That’s my girl.” Etria exclaimed proudly. The two had stopped their ascent of the long staircase leading to her parent’s home to watch over their friend.
“Why do I feel she just had the easier task?” Connor asked.
Etria turned to him with a smile. “Are you nervous Connor?”
“Whaaat? No…Yes, terrified.” He answered with playful nervousness. “I never met a girl’s parents before.”
“Awww. You must really like me.” She said teasing as she cuddled against him.
He had tried to play it cool, but the truth was he absolutely adored her. He now felt that his sole reason for existence was to protect her, to care for her, to show her every second of every day how much he loved her.
“Are you ready?” She asked before entering the large circular room overlooking the city, where her mother and father would be.
He looked in her eyes and a surge shot through him. It wasn’t nervousness. It wasn’t excitement or fear or doubt. It was something else.
“I’m ready.” He answered with a smile.
Hand in hand they entered through the large circular door and into the great room.
“Mother, Father.” Etria called.
“Yes Etria.” Her mother answered as the unlikely couple entered further into the room.
“I would like you to meet someone. This is Connor.” She informed.
“Connor, this is my mother, Rana and my father, Laros.” She introduced.
“Yes Etria. We know. We met your companions earlier.” Her father replied looking a bit confused at the reintroduction.
“No. Father…Mother. This is Connor.” This time she pulled him close to her as the words took a different form. They no longer sounded introductory. She was presenting him.
“Oh!” Her parents said simultaneously.
“Etria, may I speak with you privately?” Rana asked.
“Of course.” She answered, walking to her mother.
“Come Connor. Let us give them some privacy.” Laros said.
He put his hand on the young man’s shoulder and led him to the far side of the room and through a great archway leading onto a balcony. The view was spectacular. From their vantage point, the view before them consisted of the tremendous body of crystalline water that bordered the outer edges of the Ishra city. When they first entered the city they got a small glimpse, but only of the waves underneath the walkway. Now, the view was enormous. Small shimmering waves gently massaged the blue-green coastline, which stretched as far as the eye could see. It was here Etria’s father would test the young man without his even knowing it.
Laros was a high elder and very respected among the Ishra. His knowledge was that of thought and intent. By merely focusing his attention on someone, Laros could learn their character. He could see their potential, or lack of, and assess whether or not they would be suited for a particular undertaking. Many an Ishra came to Laros to better learn what their field of study should be. He would tell them what they would best be suited for and they would pursue knowledge in that area. This helped all Ishra to become masters of their specific knowledge.
As he looked upon the young man and began reading the content of his heart and mind,
Laros quickly realized that the breathtaking view off the balcony held no interest for Connor, for his attention was directed elsewhere. All of Connor’s focus was transfixed upon a view that held far more significance and beauty to him. His gaze was held steady on Etria. Laros saw within him unparalleled happiness, as thoughts and visions of his daughter swirled about in the young man’s heart and mind.
Then, Laros saw something within Connor that startled him. He saw within the young man the capability for destruction on a most massive scale. It frightened the elder Ishra, until he delved deeper into the young man’s psyche. He soon realized that this incredible and destructive power was not only unknown to Connor, but that it lie dormant. It lay in wait for the poor, unknowing soul that would dare make the mistake of harming Etria in even the slightest of ways. Laros was no longer startled but comforted by the fact that, within this young human, lie the power to destroy world’s if it meant protecting Etria. This ability for destruction was something only seen one other time by Laros. He needed to see no more to know the content of this young man’s character and what lie in his heart.
He again placed his hand on Connor’s shoulder gaining his attention. Connor looked up at Laros who in turn, looked upon the young man with respect and approval. As they turned and looked back into the grand room, they saw Etria and her mother looking upon them. Laros smiled at Rana and nodded his head in approval, a gesture that Rana returned in the same manner. Etria looked at Connor who was of course already staring at her, and motioned her head towards the door. Connor smiled and nodded in agreement and then turned to Laros.
“It was an honor meeting with you sir.” He said.
“I can assure you Connor, the honor was mine.” Laros returned.
Connor smiled and excused himself as he headed to meet Etria at the door. Hand in hand and lost in each other, they headed back towards the city.
“What did you see Laros?” Rana questioned as she made her way across the great room and stood at his side.
“Do you remember when Kara came to us with Ryaal?” He replied.
“I do.” She answered softly, fondly recalling happier times.
“That is what I saw.” Laros answered with a smile.
“And what of our daughter?” He questioned.
As Rana nestled closer to Laros, she gave her answer. “You know our Etria. She has always been defiant. But for him…she would defy death itself.”
Chapter 33
Gryn stood amongst the stone bodies in disbelief as the questions rushed rampantly throughout his mind. Who is foolish enough to attack an Akirian encampment? How many did it take to decimate two hundred warriors? Where were they headed next? As the internal inquiries thrashed about, Gryn searched among the carnage for any clue as to who might be responsible for the attack and why. With his thoughts so consumed by the task at hand, he failed to realize Ryaal standing only a few yards away. With almost no effort, he could end Gryn before he ever knew what hit him.
Instead, he watched his hulking brother kick through stone limbs becoming more and more frustrated at the lack of answers. Suddenly, Gryn snapped to attention and quickly turned around as he realized someone was watching him. At first he didn’t recognize the equally imposing figure staring back at him silently, like the shadow he now resembled. It was a few moments before either of them spoke. Gryn studied the Akirian standing before him, unsure of who he was until it occurred to him who the only one bold enough might be.
“Brother?” Gryn questioned abashedly.
“Hello Gryn.” Ryaal answered.
“What…How is it possible?” Gryn stumbled out.
He no longer acted like the Akirian beast he was known as. Instead, he acted frightened…intimidated.
“How could you do it brother? How could you do those awful things? Mother, Grandmother…Kara. How could you take what mattered most to me?” Ryaal barraged his much bigger sibling, searching for answers, trying to understand why it all happened.
“I was your BROTHER!” Ryaal screamed at him, startling Gryn and causing him to take a step back.
Realizing his sheepish and frightened demeanor, Gryn changed his stance and stood tall and broad, raising his head and perfectly displaying his ominous size. The shame and intimidation left his face immediately as he answered.
“We are Akirian sons. We are loyal to our fathers above all else. You had forgotten that. You were led astray and as such, became a traitor and suffered the consequence. You needed to be punished for your treason.” Gryn growled angrily as his face distorted into pure contempt for his younger brother.
“You think me a traitor because I loved! Of all you know of me, of all you and I have been through together, do you really believe that to be true?” Ryaal shouted back.
“Everything I’ve loved, you helped take from me. You even sent our little brother to kill me….and grandfather.” Ryaal’s voice softened at the memory of his grandfather sacrificing his life to protect him.
Realizing Rek obviously failed his mission, Gryn too spoke softly.
“Ryaal…where is our brother?”
Ryaal’s head rose slowly, his crimson eyes now smoldering like fresh embers. The look on his face was venomous as he answered.
“I killed him.”
“You killed him?” Gryn tried not to show how much that stung, but the snarl in his lip displayed his pain.
It took him a moment to compose himself before asking his next question.
“And what of Grandfather, has he returned as well?” He inquired as he folded his arms behind his back and began slowly pacing.
His demeanor meant to show a lack of concern for what his brother could do to him. The increased heaving of Ryaal’s sculpted chest began to display the explosive tension beginning to build between the two while at the same time answering Gryn’s question. Gryn nodded in understanding and continued his questioning, seemingly unafraid.
“And what of your plans for me brother? You could have killed me before I even heard it coming. Are you going to spare me?” He asked tauntingly, as if Ryaal had no other option but to let him go.
“No Gryn.” Ryaal answered calmly. “I want you to see the death that comes for you. I want you to be present in all its magnificent horror. I want you to suffer as they have, as she has.”
Fear gripped Gryn instantly as though it were a hand grasping tightly around his massive throat.
“Well then…” The beast responded.
“…shall we proceed?”
Chapter 34
Without hesitation, Ryaal sprinted towards his brother. Gryn swung his Arc staff out from behind his back as it changed to a massive war hammer. He threw it forward with incredible force hitting Ryaal squarely in the chest, sending him sailing back through the air. As he crashed to his back, his vision of the sky had become filled with Gryn descending towards him, war hammer cocked high above his head ready to strike the death blow upon landing.
Ryaal rolled left, narrowly avoiding the weapon’s powerful and deadly impact. He threw a forceful kick to the side of Gryn’s knee, snapping it and bringing him crashing down upon it. Gryn screamed in pain as Ryaal leapt to his feet and threw another powerful kick, this time to Gryn’s jaw, his anguished scream silenced as blood shot from his mouth. Ryaal made a move for Gryn’s weapon but was grabbed by his ankle and yanked viciously away. Gryn slammed him into the ground with a violent whip cracking motion. Ryaal was dazed and coughed up a spat of blood as he slowly pushed himself off the ground. Gryn stood slowly with the help of his remaining, useful leg.
As Ryaal stood and turned toward his brother, Gryn threw a vicious punch, knocking him back to the ground and a few feet away. Ryaal again rose to his feet, still a bit disoriented. Gryn hobbled quickly toward his brother, hoping to get his back. Ryaal turned quickly and slammed his hands on each side of Gryn’s head, disorienting him instantly. As Gryn tried to shake it off, Ryaal threw a devastating punch landing in the center of Gryn’s face, splitting his lips, and send
ing him staggering back as the blood began to gush from the giant. Ryaal advanced toward his dazed brother and leapt into the air. He reared back his fist, readying to smash it down on his brother, but Gryn caught him. With his massive arms locked tightly around him, Gryn began to squeeze with all his might. Ryaal attempted to scream in pain but the powerful constriction forbid him the luxury. He knew he had only seconds before the lack of oxygen caused him to black out. Ryaal drew his fist back and started punching Gryn in the side of his neck. The first four blows did nothing, but the fifth blow caused Gryn to loosen his grip just enough for Ryaal to gasp for air. That was all he needed.
Ryaal locked his hands behind Gryn’s enormous head, locking it firmly in place. He leaned back as far as his brother’s grip would allow and then violently thrashed forward, smashing his forehead into the center of Gryn’s face. He staggered back but his grip held firm. Five, ten, fifteen, twenty times more Ryaal smashed his head into his brother’s blood drenched face. Gryn’s grip loosened. This was enough for Ryaal to bring his knees up in front of him. He placed his feet against Gryn’s massive chest and pushed with all his might, every muscle in his legs flexed and burned, straining to break free. Gryn’s grip broke and Ryaal flew back through the air and crashed hard amongst the stone corpses littering the landscape as he gasped for breath. Gryn staggered quickly backward. Stepping against his war hammer was the only thing that kept him from falling. He then stomped forward a few steps in an effort to show his brother he had plenty of fight left in him. Ryaal sprung to his feet to show he was not done either. Beaten and bloody, the brothers stared at each other breathing heavily, each waiting for the other to make their move.
It was then that Ryaal heard it. Not as memory and not as wish, desire, or imagination. He heard her. Kara called out to him with two simple words.
My love.
The soft voice he had not heard for so long had called to him and she knew he would hear. His eyes widened and moved far past his brother to the barely visible tower in the distance.
I’m coming. He promised in his mind, hoping she could hear him too.
Hope and love, hate and rage, fury and ferocity permeated his body as he slowly moved his blazing stare back to his target. He roared as he bolted forward, sprinting toward his brother. Gryn roared back signaling he too was ready to end this. Only one could leave that place. Gryn threw his arms open and out in front of him in an attempt to catch his brother in another death grip. Instead of hitting him head on as Gryn anticipated, Ryaal ducked and rolled right, under his brother’s powerful swing, positioning himself behind Gryn and with his brother’s weapon directly in front of him.
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