He then lashed them fiercely at Eiris, forcing him to skillfully block the strikes. The intense martial exchange looked like an elaborate dance between the two as Reizen whipped fire waves and Eiris dodged them, countering with water globs. Reizen then bonded an unexpected shadow cloud and blinded Eiris as he landed a flaming kick to Eiris’ chest, downing him.
A point was awarded Reizen as he continued to glare intensely at Eiris. Eiris then unexpectedly bonded burning ice on the floor in front of him, forcing Reizen to hurdle it. Seeing how powerful Eiris had become, Reizen then did something unexpected. He let out a loud war cry as he sent a shadow copy of himself at Eiris and distracted him as he sent a large ball of red fire into Eiris’ chest, downing him again.
Reizen was rewarded another point, prompting the Black Horde side to begin cheering loudly as they eagerly anticipated Reizen ending the match. Eiris realized that Reizen just threw his best move at him as he was forced to reveal his raging, making him confident he could win. Reizen then bonded another shadow copy of himself, knowing Eiris couldn’t return the ability. But suddenly, Eiris’ eyes glowed a fierce purple as he bonded his own shadow copy.
The two shadow copies fought fiercely as Eiris and Reizen manipulated them skillfully. Eiris and Reizen’s shadows then struck each other, making both of them dissipate. Next, Eiris caught Reizen’s whips on his twin pulse blades and ripped them out of his hands, following that with a water kick. As Reizen fell down backwards, the crowd was shocked with awe.
Now tied, Reizen became impressed at the extraordinary growth of Eiris’ bonding abilities. But refusing to lose this match, Reizen bonded a colossal violent red flame and sent it at Eiris, screaming in anger as he did. Anticipating his move, Eiris closed his eyes and focused his mind.
Opening them slowly, they were glowing a bright purple. Eiris then stuck his hand out and absorbed Reizen’s red flames, returning powerfully rare white flames into his chest as he let out a war cry of his own. As Reizen fell backwards in defeat, the crowds roared louder than ever before.
The referee declared Eiris the winner as Kezzy and the others ran over to congratulate him. Reizen got up with a resentful look and silently walked away with a fierce glare. The crowds all stormed the match floor and Eiris was given a hero’s welcome.
“Party at the Blue Storm Guild Zone!!!” shouted Kezzy in joy.
Ecstatic at their hard earned victory, they all returned to the guild zone for the party. In the conclave room, Glover smiled proudly as he pat Eiris on the shoulder. Kezzy, Dex, and Azonei, all jumped around in celebration with students from a variety of guilds. Everyone was overjoyed because the night was won and the Black Horde had finally been defeated.
The Blue Storm Guild was finally coming together. Everyone except Paseo bought into the unity motto and it was really paying off. Preparing for an epic trip, Kezzy, Dex, and Azonei attended the Blue Storm regulation meeting in the conclave room. As the other guild members got settled in, waiting to speak in front were Glover and Eiris.
“Have you ever been there?” asked Dex.
“To Eternite? Nope. You?” replied Azonei.
“No, but I heard there are wolves bigger than us in Midnore.” smiled Kezzy.
“Haha, we’ve all heard the rumors. But now there’s no reason to keep wondering, for our curiosities will be satisfied soon enough.” laughed Dex.
Once the last few members took their seats, Glover began giving everyone the needed reminders.
“It’s good to see you all here. To start, I have to thank and congratulate you all for coming together and bringing honor and hope back into this guild.” said Glover. “Now to give a brief overview of this incredible trek we’re about to take, here’s Captain Eirisidae.”
“Hey everyone, for the next forty-eight hours we’ll be at the moonlight capital of Undaria, also known as the planet of Eternite. There, we’ll be competing in the biggest war sport event of the year, the Lunar Rally. The rules are simple. In teams of ten, each guild will race through three different types of environments as they all compete to cross the finish line first. Like all war sports, this event is simply to gauge our progress and aptitudes, so trying to intentionally harm someone is out of the question. Only various forms of non-lethal bonding are permitted. To win this event, at least three members of a racing team must cross the finish line within two seconds of each other. The use of the various shortcuts throughout the courses is also permitted, but will be strictly monitored. We’ll be taking the moonrail to the capital city of Midnore and staying at the resident’s palace, courtesy of Edixe Demeroth. We are to remain there until further notice. Any unsanctioned trips or infractions of the rules will result in a disciplinary hearing with Authore Masterson.” informed Eiris. “Are there any questions?” he asked.
“Where specifically will the Lunar Rally take place this year?” asked a guild member.
“The first part of the race will start on the Pearl Shore and make its way onto the moonrail above water, and in the Luminous Sea underwater. The atmosphere of the three moons will mark the second part of the race. And the third and final stretch will end in the Forest of Illusions.” replied Eiris.
“What about vehicles? Which ones can we use in the race?” asked another guild member.
“Regulation novaships, superbikes, hoverboards, and multi-terraneous cars are accepted. Also, this year beast guardians are counting as guild members in this race. The list should be on your smartwatch cloud drive. Anything else?” asked Eiris.
No one else raised their hands, so Glover sent the departure times to their smartwatches and everyone went to prepare for the trip. Eiris went to see Marz at the sanctuary before meeting Kezzy and the others in the academy hangar. Once there, he saw Marz training in the rain with his longsword pulse blade so he smirked to himself and silently bonded three white fireballs at his back.
Marz grinned as he felt the energy Eiris released and quickly turned around, knocking two of the fireballs away with his pulse blade and engulfing the last in water as it fizzled out. Marz then spiked the butt of his pulse blade in the ground and made the surrounding puddle splash around him, sending sharp droplets of rain at Eiris. Eiris then drew his twin pulse blades and blocked some of the sharp drops, bonding the rest back into a puddle on the ground.
“Exceptional.” nodded Marz with a smile.
“Thanks. So tell me more about why your former Atlantian frigate is named the Leviathan.”
“I was wondering how long it’d take for you to figure it out. Very well.” laughed Marz. “Yes, it was named after the underwater creature you encountered in the Pluvian Sea. I first encountered it over a hundred years ago in a large ocean on Eternite.”
“Wait, if you saw it on Eternite, how is it in the Pluvian Sea here on Atlantis?” asked Eiris bewildered.
“There are many mysteries about our universe yet to be unlocked. But of those mysteries that we have discovered, is the phenomenon of interstellar arcs. These naturally-occurring portals allow us to travel quickly to other solar systems. But, they are not the only ones. The other kind we have recently discovered is called an interplanetary arc. Located at various natural landmarks on each planet, it seems the animals have also found out how to use them.” replied Marz.
“That’s incredible. Do you think a creature like that could be tamed?” asked Eiris.
“Anything is possible with nature as your ally, but I would not attempt something so recklessly dangerous. The balance of pure power, serenity, and inner darkness it would take to control such a creature would be far beyond any Undarian other than Turanii himself.” informed Marz. “So, it seems you are quickly becoming who you were born to be.” he smiled, gesturing to the captain’s emblem on Eiris’ bioflex suit.
“I’m not sure about that. I’m just trying my best.” smiled Eiris.
“In the end, that is all any one of us can do. Your parents would be immeasurably proud. As am I.” Marz said with a heartfelt smile.
“Thanks. It’s kind
of strange, but it feels like you’re saying goodbye.” Eiris said with a concerned face.
“Yes. Unfortunately, I am. The Engi are besieging more and more worlds as we speak, so Jannis and I have been requested to rejoin the Atlantian Fleet. We leave at noon.” said Marz.
“But I’ve only just got here. I don’t even have a beast guardian yet.” Eiris replied bitterly.
“We’ve taught you all we can, you no longer need our protection. Now you must use what you’ve learned to help others. You are ready to lead.” smiled Marz reassuringly.
“Thanks for everything Marz.”
“You are very welcome.”
They both grasped each other’s forearms in love and respect. Soon after, Eiris left the sanctuary and headed for the academy hangar. He stood inside one of the large frigates as the student’s fleet ascended into the stars. Suddenly, an unexpected face appeared beside him as he looked through the large window on the observation deck.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” murmured Dahlia as Nava rubbed herself against Eiris’ side.
“Yeah, it is.” Eiris smiled. “What are you doing here?”
“I applied to accompany your guild as a security tour guide.”
“Security?”
“Yeah. We both know I’m the muscle around here.” winked Dahlia.
“Haha. Right, I must’ve forgot.” joked Eiris as they both laughed together.
“Seriously though, I’m from Midnore so I can show you all around. Especially where not to go.”
“Good. We’re happy to have you as a guide.”
“Me too.”
Once they reached the planet’s surface, the student’s fleet landed in Midnore. As everyone exited the frigates and got settled in the resident’s palace, Eiris and Dahlia met the others in the palace atrium.
“So, what’s say we check out this Forest of Illusions?” whispered Kezzy conspiratorially.
“I’m in.” smiled Azonei.
“You may be a rebel by nature Kezzy, but I’m a nerd by nature, making analytics very important to me. The probability that something bad will happen is very high, so I say it’s not a good idea.” remarked Dex.
“I agree. From what I’ve read, it can be a very dangerous place. Besides, didn’t you both hear the rules at the conclave? We could get in big trouble.” Eiris reminded them gravely.
“C’mon, don’t be spoilsports. Besides, we’ve got our beast guardians. And most importantly, a gifted tour guide. What do you think Dahlia?” smirked Kezzy as she fixed Dahlia with a calculating stare.
“Hmmm. I do know a safe route.” Dahlia admitted, smiling innocently at Eiris.
Eiris eventually agreed although reluctantly, and they all snuck quietly out of the resident’s palace. Suddenly, Glover appeared behind them!
“Just a few hours after the meeting and you all are already doing something reckless?” Glover asked incredulous.
As they all stood in guilty silence, Eiris spoke up.
“It was my decision. I………” started Eiris.
“I know where you’re going.” Glover snapped. “And I want to know why you would do such a thing……………. without me?” He broke into a huge grin, obviously pleased at his deception.
Humored and relieved, Eiris and the others joined Glover and Dahlia as they all headed to the Forest of Illusions. Unfortunately, Prince Paseo was nearby when they left and secretly followed them until they got to their destination. Riding inside of Eiris’ Hammerhead GT, they drove through the Luminous Sea until Dahlia showed them to an underwater cove.
Followed by their beast guardians, they drove through the cove and surfaced to a small shore. Parking on the pearl-white sand, they got out of the car to see an incredible sight just ahead. Frightening but beautiful, the Forest of Illusions was hallmarked by its enormous onyx black trees.
“Wow!” exclaimed Glover in amazement.
“Ditto.” breathed a wide-eyed Azonei as he gave Eiris a fist pound.
“My stars, what an exquisite sight.” remarked Dex as Kezzy held his hand.
“This is definitely one for the ages.” smiled Eiris.
“I agree. Shall we?” smiled Dahlia as she walked into the dark and beautiful forest.
As they trekked through the exotic forest, they tossed a plasmaball back and forth to each other to help light their way through the darkness of the forest. They passed by many rare transparent and bioluminescent animals on their journey. The three moons were bright in the sky above the forest canopy as they all enjoyed each other’s company.
“So why is this place called the Forest of Illusions?” asked Kezzy. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Because the dark can sometimes play tricks on your mind and this is one of the darkest places on the planet.” replied Dahlia.
“Makes sense.” nodded Kezzy in agreement.
Suddenly, dozens of animals small and large began running past them in a frenzied panic.
“What’s going on?” asked Eiris nervously.
All of a sudden, a heart stopping howl was heard in the distance up ahead, followed by dozens of others. The group of adventurers immediately were flushed with adrenaline and their blood seemed to turn to ice. The hairs on Awesome and Nava’s backs were raised as they bared their teeth, glared into the distance and growled fiercely. Eiris and the others then drew their pulse blades and shock chargers, standing back to back in a defensive position as Einstein circled above.
“That didn’t sound good.” noted Azonei.
“Dire wolves. I shouldn’t have brought you all here!” Dahlia gasped in guilt and panic.
“We all made the decision to come.” Glover reassured her calmly.
“Exactly, now we just have to get back to the car. Azonei, take a look with Einstein.” Eiris instructed. He desperately hoped his voice sounded as calm and collected as Glover’s.
Azonei then bonded with Einstein and saw through his eyes. Looking through Einstein's ultraviolet vision, Azonei could see the dire wolves’ hunting tactics as they ran in calculated patterns.
“What do you see?” prompted Eiris.
“You’re not going to like it.” replied Azonei. “The howl was simply a way to scatter the animals. There’s dozens of them and they’re coming from all sides, including behind us. Oh by the way, they look really hungry.” he added.
“So we fight.” Eiris said firmly.
“Well, this is certainly going to be fun.” joked Dex.
“Speak for yourself.” remarked Kezzy as she looked around nervously.
All of a sudden three dire wolves appeared from behind them, followed by several others that were now surrounding them. Although they had Eiris and the others outnumbered, they didn’t attack immediately.
“What are they waiting for?” asked Eiris.
As a few tense seconds went by, a large and ravenous looking gray wolf with a crescent on its chest, slowly crept from behind one of the trees.
“It’s the alpha!” Dahlia cried out in despair.
The gray alpha then let out a loud growl at Eiris and the surrounding dire wolves began launching in attack. Awesome jumped on the first one and Nava jumped on another while Einstein pecked it fiercely in the head. Eiris and the others then started firing their shock chargers at the other dire wolves as they attacked.
“Dex, we need help! Can you use your neural implant to send out a transmission to the resident’s palace?” asked Eiris.
“I can.” Dex replied as he fought off dire wolves. “Done.” he informed as he sent it quickly.
As they continued to fight, the alpha wolf launched at Eiris and he dodged it, but it whipped its powerful tail and knocked him down. Two other wolves then jumped to pounce on him, but he bonded the water in their bodies and sent them flying backwards. The alpha wolf then prepared to charge again but was hit by a wave of shadow from Dahlia. Soon, more and more wolves came from the darkness as Eiris and the others began to be overwhelmed.
“We won’t last much longer! We have to run!�
�� yelled Glover as he fired his shock charger.
“Then let’s run! Everyone form up on me! Alpha formation! We’ll cut right through them!” yelled Eiris.
As everyone did so, they got in formation and ran directly to where the Hammerhead GT was parked on the shore. Three were in front and two behind as they blasted their way through the voracious wolves with their shock chargers. They got a few meters away before the gray alpha wolf suddenly appeared, ramming into Eiris from the side and throwing him onto the ground face first.
It then pounced on top of him as more dire wolves attacked Glover and the others. Suddenly, Eiris felt a familiar feeling in his stomach caused by something coming from below the water near the shore. All of a sudden, a giant white wolf with a similar crescent shape on its chest shot out of the water like a cannon and tackled the alpha dire wolf.
As the grey wolf scurried to gather itself, the large white wolf stood in front of Eiris and gave a thunderous protective roar, making the other dire wolves immediately stop attacking in fear. The gray alpha then growled and paced as it measured the white one up. The white wolf then dug its feet into the ground and launched itself at the gray alpha and a fierce battle ensued. Eiris hurried back over to his friends who were watching in disbelief.
“Is this what I think it is?” asked Eiris.
“Yes, it’s a challenge. A battle of the alphas.” confirmed Dahlia as they all looked on.
“This is incredible; I’ve read about this species. They’re called Moonwolves.” said Eiris.
“Correct. They’re some of the rarest animals on Eternite. Unlike any other species, they’re innately dominant. Smart, powerful, and fast, they live the majority of their lives solitary until they find a pack to lead. They are literally born leaders. And this one seems to have attached itself to you Eiris.” informed Dex in a tone of hushed awe.
As the white wolf gained the upper hand, it stood over the gray one and let out a fierce dominating roar. The gray wolf grumbled and then whimpered as it lowered its ears in submission. Then it ran off into the woods, followed by the dozens of dire wolves that had come with it. Afterwards, the white one limped over to Eiris and licked him in the face, rubbing its muscular head into his chest.
Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi Page 11