Gauntlet Rite of Ascension

by Marcus Abshire

  The next thing I knew I was in the air.

  The picture drifted from my fingers and settled in Abaddon’s bag. I landed hard and realized I was in the kitchen. Abaddon stomped out of the bedroom with anger in his eyes.

  It was scary as hell.

  I didn’t know what to do so I scrambled away from him inadvertently entering the arena.

  “You have no respect for others. You have no right to enter my room and snoop around. I will teach you that respect.” He said, growling.

  I didn’t know what to do. I knew he was right. I shouldn’t have been in his room but the bracelets seemed to call me. It was almost as if I had no choice.

  I tried to explain, but I was too slow. Abaddon closed the distance and grabbed his sword from the rack. He came at me with anger and determination burning in his eyes; he meant to teach me a lesson. I knew he could inflict tons of damage and I would heal. All that meant was I could undergo massive amounts of pain and not die. Joy.

  He came in and thrust the sword at me, intent on stabbing me with it.

  I instinctively raised my hands in a defensive posture hoping to slow him down enough to allow me to explain when I was stunned to hear the sound of metal ringing on metal.

  I opened my eyes to find a wide-eyed Abaddon looking at my arms. They were covered in silver gauntlets. Each one enclosed my hands and forearms in a layer of chitinous metallic armor.

  I saw the two gems, one on each wrist. The green and red shone with brilliance.

  I flexed my hands making fists and the metal flowed with them making the movement smooth. I looked at each fingertip and saw large sharp claws that looked deadly indeed.

  When I made a fist, I noticed that on top of my hand, where my middle knuckle was, a blade extended about three inches. Where I to punch someone, they’d receive a sharp little surprise.

  I only had a second to marvel at them when Abaddon struck again.

  This time I was able to intercept his sword with my gauntlets but Abaddon still bypassed my defense and sliced through my shoulder to the bone.

  I was temporarily dazed as a wave of pain swept through me. I channeled that pain into determination.

  I was not going to be cut again. I dug down deep and drew on the Beast to add speed and strength to me.

  Abaddon came at me again, giving me no time to adjust. I saw his movements with more clarity and understood his intentions.

  When we sparred earlier I had drawn on the Beast as well, trying to use my power to help in my defense, to no avail. Every weapon I used was just too slow or clumsy to stop Abaddons attack.

  This time I felt a confidence and surety that I hadn’t before.

  I saw his attack and quickly moved my gauntlets to intercept.

  Again, there was the ring of metal on metal as I stopped his blow. Abaddon wasted no time and instantly changed his attack. He came in with a side-sweeping cut that somehow changed direction in mid-arc.

  I saw the attack coming but his skill was too much for my speed and my side flared up in pain as his sword cut into my muscles.

  The pain overwhelmed me and Abaddon struck again, hitting my upper arm near my shoulder.

  Pain lanced through me as Abaddon landed blow after blow with is sword. Agony from his cuts and thrusts reduced me to a curled ball.

  After what seemed like an eternity he stopped.

  I lay on the floor as the pain slowly reduced to a dull throb.

  Abaddon stood over me, looking down.

  “When you become a Pack member and violate another’s territory it is seen as a challenge. They then have the right to settle that challenge in a few ways. One is with monetary compensation; another is with allowing them into your territory and losing face. The third, used only in extreme cases, is a fight to the death. You need to understand many Pack laws have severe clauses that can be used by those that hate you, and make no mistake, you are hated.”

  I didn’t know what to think. I was upset at such a brutal response, but on the other hand I had to realize Abaddon was only trying to help me. His methods were not for the weak at heart. My mom trusted him, my dad trusted him. I had to trust him.

  I wanted to fight back and an urge to be petulant rose. I wanted to hide how much I was hurting, but I realized that was the child in me speaking, the spoiled kid that lived a life of ease. I had to let go of that and embrace my new life. My Beast called me to retaliate and attack, my heart and mind told me to listen.

  “I’m sorry.” I said, letting the truth of my feelings fill my words.

  “You are right. I acted without thinking and violated your space. Please accept my apology.” I added, slowly standing up facing him.

  He stared at me for a minute, his intensity unnerving. After a while, he nodded once.

  “Well, what’s done is done.”

  “There is a silver lining to your actions; you have found your weapon.” He said indicating the bracelets that were now in their original non-gauntlet form.

  I looked down and found they had morphed back into bracelet form.

  “How is this possible?” I asked, stunned.

  “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, those were made by your father. He spent weeks on end shaping and working the metal.” Abaddon said, coming closer and kneeling down next to me.

  “But they grew and turned into whatever you call it.” I said.

  “Gauntlets, they are called gauntlets. They are deadly when used by someone who is skilled. They are best for close in combat.” Abaddon commented.

  “How did they grow? I mean when I put them on they were just bracelets, then you attacked and they grew. How is that possible?” I asked.

  “Magic.” Abaddon said, smiling.

  “What?” I asked, unbelieving.

  “You are a werewolf Eric. Is it so hard to believe that magic exists? Your father had complete mastery over his Beast. He was able to channel the same magic that fuels the Beast into creating these bracelets.”

  “I have to admit, however, I wasn’t sure what they could do. I knew your father was making them, but he never told me what, or whom he made them for. I guess now we know.” He finished.

  “My father made these for me?” I asked.

  A wave of emotions washed over me. I felt gratitude for his gift, but also confusion about them. Did he know what would happen to me? Why didn’t he tell me?

  Abaddon saw the emotions play out within me. He seemed to understand what I was going through.

  “Your father never talked much about you or your sister. He never told me why he made those or whom they were for. He just asked me to care for them when we left the Pack and if you or your sister were to show signs of the Beast to help you.”

  “I have my theories however. Your father was a dreamer. He believed in the best in man and hoped to create a world for you that he never had, one devoid of the demands of the Pack.”

  “He was also practical, and understood man’s flaws. He wished for the best, but prepared for the worst. I now believe that he made those for you in the event that this day would come. He wanted to keep you from having to go through this, but knew if you should have to then you would need a good weapon. It seems your father somehow knew what that would be before you were born.” Abaddon said, standing up and walking over to the kitchen.

  He grabbed a couple of water bottles from the refrigerator and tossed me one. I caught it and drank the cold liquid.

  So, my father knew or at least feared this day would come. He knew this journey I was traveling on was dangerous. He understood the punishment for failure and wanted to give me the tools to succeed.

  “I remember something my father used to say. At the time, I really didn’t understand it. I mean, I knew what he was saying, but I didn’t really get it.”

  “The tools a man has are only as strong as the man’s ability to use them.” I recited.

  He had given me my tools, the gauntlets, his legacy, Abaddons knowledge and skill. If I was going to be the man my father wanted, the
man that took lemons and made lemonade, I was going to have to master my tools. I was going to have to take his gifts and use them.

  “I think I finally understand what he meant.” I said.

  I stood up and walked over to where Abaddon was standing in the kitchen.

  “Up until now I have been swept along on this crazy train. I haven’t understood what has been going on and haven’t known what my part is in all of it.”

  “I have been more of a passenger, watching as the world passes me by. That ends now. My father knew this might happen and he gave me the tools I would need. One of them was you, your knowledge, your skill, your mere presence.”

  “I trust in my father’s choice in you. I know there may be some things that you haven’t told me until I am ready or that I just don’t need to know, but I am not going to move along blindfolded.” I said.

  Abaddon stood, waiting.

  “What is the Rite of Ascension?” I asked.

  Abaddon let out a breath through his nose.

  “I see Katrina listened to me as much as she always does. I suppose it was inevitable.”

  Abaddon began to slowly walk around the island and towards the arena, talking.

  “The Rite of Ascension is as old as the Pack. It is a ritual created to weed out the weak. In the early days there were many Descended. They created death and destruction. Many of the ancient stories of folklore were born from this time.”

  “The early leaders of the Pack worried not only about the Descended, but about those that were Ascended. They worried that they would be unable to control themselves, and that their human natures were unsuited to hold the Beast. So they derived a test. A choice, if you will. They took an animal, namely a large predator and enhanced it. They used sorcery to alter the animal, make it more of a threat to one of us. They then took someone the Ascended cared for and put them both in the same arena.”

  “The idea was for the Ascended to be pushed by a battle with the animal. The effort needed to kill such a creature would make it harder to control the urges of the Beast. When you use the power of the Beast, its nature to become more feral becomes stronger and it is the ability for the Ascended to control this that gives us our strength.”

  “They would then have to decide what to do with their trapped loved one. Kill them or free them. If the Ascended killed them they were themselves deemed unworthy and executed. If they controlled their Beast’s impulses they were admitted into the Pack and given full Pack rights.” Abaddon stopped for a moment.

  “That’s horrible.” I said.

  “It was a dark and barbaric age. Over the years the Rite of Ascension has changed depending on who the Pack leader was. Sometimes it was more brutal, other times it was less so.”

  “Until recently the Ascension ritual was more humane. The idea has been to try and find those that have Pack blood and raise them with the knowledge of the Pack and the Beast, thereby allowing them a better chance at becoming Ascended. This has generally been easy due to many Pack members taking the responsibility to raise their children with the understanding of the Pack.”

  “The real threat lies in the Descended. Their uncontrollable rampages leave many in their wake, hurt and bitten. Some of whom have the genetic makeup that allows the Beast to rise.”

  “Under your fathers decree the Rite has become more of a show of mastery of the Beast. The one being tested has to undergo a series of feats that have been designed to show an ability to control the Beast without placing innocents in harm and using magic to create monsters for us to kill.”

  “There are ancient clauses that still govern the Rite and the Pack leader can use them under certain circumstances. Your father did a great job at governing the Pack in a fair and kind manner. That doesn’t mean that a new Pack leader doesn’t have the ability to call for more barbaric methods if they find the proper loophole.” He finished.

  “That’s why there is such seriousness. You’re afraid that I will have to undergo a much more brutal Rite?” I asked.

  “The current Pack leader was no fan of your father. You have the right to challenge and he fears that, he fears you. Yes you are still young and seemingly not a threat, but how many times has the son of a deposed leader rose up to seize power from the one who took it in the first place?” He said.

  “So what am I stuck in some Shakespearean drama?” I asked.

  “In a sense, yes. You will have to out think and out maneuver your enemy. Being Ascended is not all about brute strength. There are many ways those that want you dead can achieve this even after you are a member of the Pack. It is ruthless and cutthroat. This was something your father was trying to change, and successfully, I might add. Now the Pack has fallen into the hands of someone who does not believe like your father, someone who is dangerous.” Abaddon said.

  “That’s why I have to continue with school? So that I’m not an idiot?” I asked.

  “Yes, you need to be as lethal in mind as you are in body. A good education will help hone that. It is essential.” He answered.

  So, not only did I have to learn to physically defend myself to save my life, my grades, literally, depended on it. I also had to learn the ins and outs of how to politically operate within the Pack. Things just kept getting better and better.

  “When do I have to undergo the Rite of Ascension? How much time do I have?” I asked.

  “Normally, when a person is raised within the Pack they undergo the Rite a year after Ascending. You are a rogue and have a sponsor. They allow more time for you.” He said.

  I looked at him, impatience showing on my face.

  “Two years, you have two years to prepare.” He said.

  “That seems like a long time. Will I be able to see my family?” I asked.

  “It would be best if you didn’t. Not until you are a member. In order to keep you from attacking anyone else with the Beast’s blood you are not allowed to see your family.” He answered.

  Damn, two years. I wasn’t going to be able to see my sister or mom for two years. Abaddon watched me, understanding my concern.

  “Do not worry. The time will go by very quickly. You will see. The training will be intense and there will be little time to fret over your family’s absence. Besides, it is for the best. You have to succeed if you want any chance at seeing them again anyway. If you fail you won’t have to worry about not getting home for the holidays. You’ll be dead.”

  “I know it’s a lot to deal with, but I have a duty to prepare you. There will be time to absorb everything that is happening.” Abaddon said as he stood in the arena.

  “For now all you need to focus on is learning to protect yourself. Now that you have your weapons we can really begin your training. I have to admit, I’m curious to see what those gauntlets can do.”

  All of my life I have prepared for the future. I worked hard at school to make sure I would have a chance at getting into college. I saved my money to make my move possible. I stayed out of trouble to ensure nothing tripped me up. Planning for events that would come about years from now wasn’t something that was alien to me. Hell that’s all I had been doing. The thought of training and preparing for two years was actually welcome. I liked having the ability to ensure I was ready. I excelled at making sure that when the time came for my life to take the next step I did everything I could to anticipate it.

  “Let’s get started then.” I said, walking up to Abaddon.

  I may have been thrust into this situation and literally thrown to the wolves, but by god when the time came to make an accounting of myself I wasn’t going to fail.

  Chapter 14

  Abaddon stood apart from me. We watched each other waiting for a clue, a signal, a small tic or movement that would initiate a sparring session. The last few months had indeed gone by very fast, just as Abaddon had said.

  Almost on cue Abaddons hand flexed, slightly, hovering over the handle of his sword that was still in its scabbard on his hip. I moved in fast, taking the offensive.

&n
bsp; I had been learning many different fighting styles and techniques. Abaddons knowledge of different weapons and fighting forms was amazing. He believed that in order for me to be able to truly fight a skilled opponent I not only had to understand the weapon I used but I had to understand the weapon my opponent used. This innate knowledge of others fighting styles, weapons and tactics would allow me to anticipate their moves. If mastered this would give me an edge against any opponent.

  It was hard as hell.

  I had a tough enough time learning how to use my own gauntlets, much less every other weapon and differing style.

  Thankfully, Abaddon was condensing his in depth training into a few groups in order to speed up his usual training schedule. All this meant was that he sliced and diced me with five main weapons instead of fifteen.

  At the moment, I was learning how to fight with the katana. Abaddon felt learning the basic single sword attacks were enough to encompass most sword users and had settled on the katana. It could be used single handed or two handed. It was fast and yet powerful. All in all it was a pretty dangerous blade. If only it were in the hands of someone who was skilled.

  I called on the Beast to fuel my attack, I came in hard, veering towards Abaddon’s right only at the last second I twisted to his left and brought the sword in a low sweep that passed in front of my legs and came up to his shoulder. I hoped the quick change in direction would distract him and make his drawing of his sword slower and more awkward allowing me to land a hit on his unprotected shoulder.

  Abaddon met my blade with his an inch from his shoulder. The metal rang off each other in a familiar sound that had become an anthem in my life.

  I would wake up late at night with the fading echoes of that ringing in my head.

  He quickly parried my attack and with a quick twist of his wrists tried to unarm me. I was prepared for that and allowed the momentum of his swords rotation to flow through mine. I waited until his attempt to spin my blade from my hand was over and used the movement to bring my blade in a quick slash towards his exposed neck.