No one thought it was funny except her.
She would laugh whenever she was nearby and he had “killed” his next victim, calling him a sneaky little kitty and other cutesy monikers. It was only a matter of time before she became his next target.
But he couldn’t get her.
No matter how hard he tried, she always turned around at the last second and would actually scare him, shouting out BOO! Or worse…surprising him with a hug. He would get embarrassed of course and promptly scurry away like a mouse, sneering and waiting for the next opportunity.
She was just too smart, and alarmingly aware of her surroundings. Even from an early age she had this ability to master anything she set her mind to in record time. Games, sparring, business. It was all so simple for her, and normally, he would admire such dominance, but she did it with such bubbly goodness that it disgusted him to the core. And the dresses she wore! They were so bright and frilly and flowery that anyone could recognize her from a mile away.
While the rest of the village wallowed in mud and dirt, taking a bath in the rivers once a month, she did it daily, and somehow kept dirt at bay like she had won some secret war against it and her constant cleanliness was part of the treaty.
All gloom succumbed to her. Even when the siege occurred, and both she and Kyran had lost their parents in the chaos, she would hang bright banners with quotes of hope and encouragement for each individual family. After coming back from burying his parents, he had looked up at the house he had called home over the years and saw a black banner with pink bubble letters declaring for him and him alone:
IT IS SAD THAT YOU LOST TWO LIVES, BUT REMEMBER THAT A CAT HAS SEVEN MORE.
He had taken down the banner, but he didn’t throw it away. It was humorous, and it actually made him feel. He didn’t laugh, of course. He never laughed. But she had managed to make him feel something he didn’t think possible.
She made him feel human, and that was enough for him to take interest in this upsetting, irritatingly beautiful creature. He followed her around, observing her and trying his best not to look like a creep. She would try talking to him occasionally, but whenever he was discovered, he would run away. Still, she would always try.
And then Arimus came.
Kyran hadn’t met the young, old man in his childhood, but immediately he had felt a kindred soul. The weary traveler said he belonged to Allay, but had been living in Languor for years. Kyran’s home was the first he had come across in the village. Kyran cared little for allegiances and accepted the man into his home, feeding him and caring for him and his strange wounds. What solidified their relationship the most though was that he didn’t talk. Kyran was ever so grateful he didn’t talk. And through their silence, they somehow got to know each other, with nods and stares. Though Arimus would speak with other villagers candidly, he was wise enough not to intrude on the culture of Kyran. When he entered Kyran’s house, he only spoke his language, or lack thereof. He ate his bland and tasteless food. He lived by his rules. And for this, Kyran actually looked up to this man, who had humbled himself before him when so many had tried to change who he was.
So when Arimus said he was going to rebuild the Academy, train to become a Sage like the warriors of old, and rebuild the Kingdom, Kyran shrugged his shoulders and took on his friend’s mission in life. And when Arimus said that Kyran could be his sergeant and assassin, well, that almost made the corner of his mouth curl.
He had no trouble leaving the game of cat and mouse with Chloe. She was so beautiful by human standards that many of the young men had begun calling on her, and because she was so kind and gentle, she never refused their courting. Seeing that it was only a matter of time before she chose a suitable mate, Kyran left without saying good-bye, heading straight for the Academy…
Only a few months passed, and both Arimus and Kyran had become Sages. It wasn’t hard, once they understood where their power stemmed from. And Kyran had actually been on a few private missions of his own already. He had even begun taking a liking to the Princess, which was a surprise. Though she was still naïve and full of dreams, he admired on some small scale, her tenacity and fiery spirit. She hadn’t joined the Academy formally yet, so he and Arimus trained her in private, in order to keep her safe from foreign enemies. And she never complained when he would treat her roughly, as many other soldiers under his watch tended to do. This made him respect her, and this…was very hard to do.
Scarlet said he treated her far too rough, but Catherine disagreed and took on her punishment with odd glee. Kyran was happy to oblige, and Arimus didn’t mind, so when Catherine emerged triumphant and unleashed her eidolon for the first time in a powerful flash of light, he felt a sense of pride.
“Perhaps.” He considered. “This is what a parent feels for their child.”
But it was only a fleeting thought, for he didn’t care much for sentiment. That was, until Chloe showed up at the Academy doors.
He couldn’t believe his eyes. He figured her married with children by now. It had been a couple years since they had last seen each other and yet, there she was. Quickly he had taken to the pillars of the courtyard, watching her as she called out for assistance, someone to acknowledge that she had come to join their ranks. He was invisible, having been well trained in his Sage abilities by now so this day, he felt a great deal of confidence.
This day, he would win the game.
Today, he would be victorious.
His approach was flawless.
His steps, mute.
His body, invisible.
It was impossible for her to detect him.
Yet when he was within inches of her, ready to poke a finger into her spine, she suddenly turned around and leaped into his arms. His eyes bugged out as she squeezed tight, and with a flood of strange emotions flushing through his body, he de-cloaked himself.
“There you are, black cat,” she mused as she hugged him again. “I missed you.”
“My name is Kyran,” he had said. She smiled, hugged him again, and never called him “black cat” from that day on.
Since Arimus was busy with Catherine and a number of new recruits who were far from ready in becoming a Sage, Kyran trained Chloe personally.
It took two hours for her to become a Sage.
It took one second for her to challenge him.
It took three minutes for her to win.
And only two seconds more for him to kiss her.
It was so random, so unlike him. Yet he had done it, and before he could slink away, she had kissed him back. And that was pretty much it. He had fallen for her. He couldn’t say love. Because Kyran didn’t love. But he felt something strong that was like love. It was a Kyran love, whatever that meant, and that was good enough for her.
He didn’t know why she wanted him or why he wanted her, but there was want, and that was good enough for him.
He never met a woman that was so strong, that accepted him for what he was, and asked nothing in return. No one understood their relationship, especially not they, but they had it, and that was good enough for them.
They were married within a year, and Kyran was…content, which was about as happy as he would ever get, and neither wanted children, not in the world they lived in, so that especially pleased him. And he didn’t need them. Not with how Dominic, the brash new Sage acted or how Catherine was always trying to get herself in trouble. Then Achan came, and James…
They were like his children. And on some level, he cared for each of them. He could still kill them if they ever compromised the mission or betrayed his trust, but it would be…difficult. And he didn’t even realize the full extent of his feelings for them until the morning they left Allay.
He had woken up, and Chloe had not been in the bed, having woken up early to prepare breakfast for the two of them. He had wiped the clouds from his eyes, awakened his foggy brain, and stared in surprise at what he saw hanging at the foot of the bed between two strategically placed chairs. It was a banner, and it rea
d:
YOU STILL HAVE SEVEN LIVES.
And it was so true. He had gained seven friends whose friendship could last a lifetime. He cared for them, and more importantly, they accepted him, and valued his companionship and presence. And then something very, very horrible happened.
He loved.
He realized that he loved them all, and Chloe even more so. And he was never more scared in his life. He had never loved before. Not his parents. Not his dog who died when he was four. Not the villagers who died in the siege. No one. And now he was forced to deal with this powerful emotion, on the morning of their departure, when those he loved needed the Kyran that didn’t, the very most. They needed the monster, not the cuddly cat. How could he carry out the missions he was given with such deadly precision if he was afraid of what others thought of him? Of what she…thought of him?
What would his life be now if he lost it all? If Chloe refused the new man he had violently become? Could she accept that man? Could she?
Could he?
Kyran sighed and closed his eyes, now familiar with the rhythmical breathing of the queen. It was best to kill her when she inhaled. It wouldn’t disrupt the white noise as much, and hopefully, the King wouldn’t sense a thing.
Kyran moved closer to the right side of the bed, where the queen lay sound asleep, and waited. He tried not to let Chloe’s words cloud his judgment as he became short of breath, anxiety beginning to grip his heart, unsteady his hands.
He fought the stress the best he could, but it was beginning to overwhelm him. Kyran growled under his breath and decided to throw caution to the wind.
Impatiently, he plunged the invisible blade into her heart.
With the deed now done, his breathing slowed, and his heart steadied…he reached into her bosom and grasped the stone that attached to her heart like a baby in its mother’s womb. With his dagger, he made the proper minor incisions and then placed the stone in his coat’s side pocket. As soon as it entered, the stone also became invisible, shrouded by his aura.
He sighed and walked steadily over to the escape vent when he heard a rustle behind him. He looked over quickly and saw the King sitting up, wide awake and staring directly through him. At first, his eyes widened as he thought his cover was blown, but then he remembered that he was invisible. There was no way he could be seen.
But then he saw the stone, glowing wildly in his pocket.
It was the King…he was activating its power with his will, and though the stone was now invisible, the light was glowing so brightly, tiny rays had seeped out his pocket and shot up toward the ceiling. Kyran grit his teeth as he realized a mini beacon was being sent from it, and he dived for the escape hatch.
But it was too late.
The King unleashed the power of the stone, causing it to let out an electrical surge, sending Kyran flying back into the bedroom, slamming him against the far wall, breaking his concentration, and therefore his invisible cloak.
The King shouted for his guards as Kyran climbed to his feet.
Chapter 9 – Handled
“James! James! Get up!” Dominic shouted in his face as he helped him to his feet. James snapped his eyes open and blinked, stumbling amidst the rubble.
“What hit me?” James groaned as Dominic looked ahead of them.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“I’m just glad you didn’t stab me while I was unconscious.”
“Can’t say it wasn’t tempting. But don’t worry, when that time comes, I’ll want you nice and awake.”
“Good to know,” James groaned, grabbing his pounding forehead. “Was that the Enforcer?”
“Probably. He just slapped you through four structures.”
“Is that all?”
“James, this is serious. He’s coming this way.”
In spite of the sunlight bouncing off of the golden streets and blinding most of their sight, he could still make out the outline of the giant, towering over the shops.
“What do they feed that thing?” James asked as he brushed himself off.
“SAGES!” the Enforcer roared in a gruff voice. “Leave the city now! There we will continue your execution for violation of orderly conduct!”
“He sounds professional enough,” Dominic muttered. “But we better do as he says.”
“Why?” James scoffed. “We did nothing wrong. You saw the crowd cheering us on. They loved it! And besides, we can’t leave Catherine and the others behind.”
“I’m saying we should lead him away from the homes and then cut him down for size.”
“Oh, why didn’t you say so?”
“I thought I was speaking plainly enough, but I forgot how dense you villagers can be.”
“WHAT DO YOU TWO THINK YOU’RE DOING?!!” a voice roared from atop one of the rooftops to their left. Both boys and the Enforcer looked over. It was Arimus, standing vigilant with fists on his hips. James felt his knees buckle.
“Arimus, I know this looks bad,” James called out. “But it’s not what it looks like.”
“It looks like the two of you made the citizens mad enough to call out their Enforcer – the executioner and police of their city, here to escort you out of Languor and then have you killed!”
“Oh,” James chuckled nervously. “Well then I guess it’s exactly what it looks like!”
“The two of you are in big trouble!” Arimus yelled. “But fortunately for you, we have bigger problems. You are to come with me immediately.”
“Yes, sir,” they said as the Enforcer flexed his muscles and motioned to crush Arimus under one of his gigantic fists. Arimus saw it coming long before it hit and jumped to other side of the street as the Enforcer completely destroyed the house Arimus had just been standing on. The Enforcer bellowed.
“ALL SAGES MUST LEAVE NOW!”
“We can’t,” Arimus said. “Not until our work is done.”
James and Dominic took out their eidolons and jumped to where Arimus was standing. Arimus observed Dominic’s eidolon flickering wildly.
“It appears the two of you have already been in battle.”
“Arimus,” James said, trying to change the subject. “Why don’t we just leave the city? At least we’ll be out of the people’s way.”
“Because,” he whispered solemnly. “Their Queen is dead.”
“WHAT?!” the Enforcer and the boys cried out in unison. Arimus raised an eyebrow at the giant.
“Apparently his hearing is phenomenal,” Arimus muttered. “I guess there’s no use hiding it. James, Dominic...we’ve taken her life, for the stone.”
“THE QUEEN IS DEAD?” the Enforcer bellowed. “IF SO, THERE’S NO POINT IN LEAVING! I WILL KILL YOU WHERE YOU STAND!”
“Doubtful,” Arimus said confidently as he reached out towards the giant’s face. An invisible hand seemed to grab his chin and pull his head down with great strength, slamming it into the rooftop right in front of them. The giant roared in pain as Arimus unsheathed his eidolon and walked calmly forward, keeping the giant’s head weighed down with his impressive wind abilities. Before the giant could say another word, Arimus jumped onto his back, and cut down into its neck, taking his life in one fell swoop. The Enforcer’s body dropped to the streets with a crash, sending a shockwave throughout the city.
With the death of the Enforcer and hearing about the execution of their queen, the Langoran people, watching secretly from their homes decided to act. A great uproar sprang up from the streets as Arimus sighed and looked to the boys.
“Prepare yourselves,” Arimus stated calmly. “There is a Kingdom to fight.”
* * * * *
Kyran watched as the stone was suddenly snatched from his pocket by an invisible hand. The King stood up from the bed and welcomed the stone flying back into his possession. The sound of the guards stampeding up the steps were closing in.
“You fool,” the King sneered. “Don’t you remember how these stones work?”
“I know that you can’t use it to harm me,”
Kyran said as he leaped forward. “Only push me away.”
The King stretched his hand forward and another wave of electricity hit Kyran in the chest, sending him back to the wall from where he came. Kyran hit the floor in frustration, thinking of how he was going to get close. He considered going invisible, but he knew that now that the stone was back in the King’s possession, he might be able to sense him. He couldn’t be sure. Each stone was a little different.
“Since you’ve killed my queen,” the King sighed. “I’m the carrier now. It’s true that I can’t use its great power, but I can keep any that try to take it at bay. At least until I find another partner. Seems your Princess has moved up on my list. She will be my queen.”
“After the mission,” Kyran grunted.
“No,” the King said. “Now. She will be my queen while you go on your suicide quest. I think that’s a fair trade for murdering my wife.”
The guards bust open the door and the King pointed to Kyran.
“Kill him,” he ordered, but Kyran just went invincible. Just because the King might be able to see him, didn’t mean they could. There were about fifty men pouring into the chamber but it was child’s play since they were swinging so wildly. Without a target to pinpoint, Kyran executed them easily. All the King could do was cry out and point as he saw his guards dwindling in number by the second.
“Over there!” the King shouted. “No there! No! Over there! Stop! Behind you!”
The King shot out another wave of electricity to throw Kyran off balance but as Kyran sidestepped it, it ended up hitting his men instead. Eventually the King saw it was a lost cause and began creeping back toward the escape route. With so many guards in his way, Kyran wouldn’t be able to get to him in time, so he began pushing them out the way to get toward the King. A guard managed to grab the back of his lapel as he nearly made it past the group, and he grunted in frustration as he realized the King might escape.But then a blur sped past them. Kyran’s eyes widened as he saw the last person he suspected to arrive shimmer into view, grab the King and throw him to the floor.
The Dark Kingdom (Sage Trilogy, Book 2) Page 15