“Wait my Lord!” The rogue bellowed and removed his hood. “It is I! Your apprentice.”
“I know.” Mikael retorted unmoved.
Jaival and Alexa ran to the scene of the commotion.
“Danzul?” Jaival noticed his friend.
“On your feet.” Mikael ordered. Danzul quickly obeyed.
He had no idea whether he was about to get his throat cut.
“I see you’ve been following us for some time now,” Mikael sheathed his sword. “Why?”
Danzul gazed at Jaival, then back at Mikael. “Because I have not completed my training, my lord. And if it is so that Jaival must train with you, I think it is only fair I do too,” Danzul looked at Jaival again. “After all, iron sharpens iron. Jaival and I are brothers in arms.”
Mikael looked at Jaival who was smirking at Danzul.
“What do you say to this, Jaival of The Moon?” Mikael asked.
“He’s right, my lord. Besides, there’s no better comrade I can think of from the academy. Danzul has taught me just as much as I’ve taught him.” Jaival said. He was happy Danzul came along, leaving Mikael to think. It made sense, and besides, it would do well for Jaival to have an additional sparring partner. Danzul had potential of his own but for different reasons that had yet to be explored.
“Do you know the reason we are doing what we’re doing?” Mikael asked Danzul.
The Apprentice nodded. “Yes, my lord. You are out to complete the training of The Starlight Blade. I’ve studied its history too and I know that you were once its wielder.”
“Then you are aware that we are the only ones left who can stop Baldr? Not for the faint of heart, young one.”
“I understand. I think that my presence will be worthy.”
“It better be,” Mikael nodded. “You will be given a chance. Act accordingly.”
Danzul saluted. “Thank you, my lord.”
Jaival beamed. He was glad to have his friend on board.
“Now take a moment’s rest. In a few minutes, we press on.” Mikael said.
***
Days went by journeying across Star World’s lush fields. The party rode past the edges of Dream Forest, and later, alongside Heligosa’s Crater, a scarred patch of dead earth that served as a reminder of The Calamity from the Heavens. After venturing deep into Freyr’s Woods, they saw the occasional peeping eye of the Far Ones – elves who were blue in skin, shy, and rare. Legend tells that the elves were once proud folk of an alien race, now secluded to forests and underground rifts, monitoring the rest of the world. The party eventually arrived in a clear spot of forested land. Tall pillars made of stone and diamond surrounded an aged elven fortress, covered in vines and leaves. Mikael stopped the carriage, got off his horse and approached the others.
“We’re here.” he said.
Jaival, Alexa and Danzul exited the carriage while Mikael moved closer to the tall entrance doors. He reached out and touched them, closing his eyes while memory flooded his head. This was a place used as a bastion of protection against all evil. Only one who is a true Dragon Knight could open the doors. Mikael hadn’t forgotten where he came from. He was once a Dragon Knight, and a promising one at that. One who fought numerous battles against corrupted Dragon Shifters under the influence of Nidhogg and Malstrife. One who, despite the doubt of his comrades, had risen to challenge The World Breaker and defeat him in the name of all that is good. Jaival and Danzul waltzed around, both amazed and enticed by the eerie quiet and the scent of the place. It felt unbothered and untouched by the modern trivialities of man. Mikael, however, felt at home. Alexa knew it too.
“This is it,” Danzul peered at the statues among the pillars depicting Dragon Fall’s heroes – some of man, others of dragon. “Can’t believe it still stands.”
Alexa flew over to Mikael.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
Mikael looked at her. Her care seemed strange to him, for a fairy.
“I am fine,” he dismissed her and turned to the two young men. “Unpack the supplies and bring them inside. This will be our new academy for some time. Here, I will teach you the ways of the Dragon Knight and harnessing the Star Blade.”
***
Days went by since the training began under Mikael’s tutelage while Alexa kept watch on the men, acting as an advisor and an encourager whenever their spirits fell. It was a series of brutal sessions. The ancient hero was pressed for time. He had to condense years’ worth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom into a matter of days. He was not confident it would work, but as time went on, and for every blow Jaival or Danzul failed to defend against, he saw potential through their determination.
***
One day, Mikael proposed a challenge to his students. Spar him. Jaival and Danzul were wary to take on the trial, but they were also excited. It was a chance to test the skills they practiced and discover what more they could learn from the ancient hero. There was also another rule – no Starlight Blade. The alien weapon remained sheathed on Mikael’s back.
“Never give in,” Danzul read from Dragon Knight texts while he waited in the courtyards. “Feel the power of Creation flow through you, let it guide you, reason you – lest you become enthralled by the thick of battle and lose your inner man; the ultimate price of war.”
Mikael listened while he looked over the pair of rising suns in the horizon, some distance away from his students with his back turned, proud they were paying attention to not only the physical aspect of the training, but also, its philosophy. Jaival moved to Danzul’s side after hearing his friend recite their homework and unsheathed a trainee’s sword.
“Should it come to a time, when, after all reason, peace and harmony is trampled, disregarded and forgotten, and the threat of one’s life and the life of his loved ones, countrymen and alas, the world, is at stake, then one must defend himself against such evil and act to eliminate the forces whose sole purpose is to destroy life, Creation, and its principles.” Danzul trailed his finger along the lines in the book.
“I see you’ve nurtured the teachings.” Mikael turned to his students with a smile.
Danzul closed the book and smirked. “How could we forget? We had to beat it into our heads.”
Mikael unsheathed a trainee sword from his hip, the Starlight Blade shimmering on his back.
“Ready?” The hero challenged his students.
Jaival angled his weapon while Danzul drew his.
“Don’t take this one lightly.” Danzul whispered to Jaival.
“Understood.” The moon elf replied and led the charge, Danzul close at side.
The young elves slashed at their teacher, covering left and right angles to prevent the ancient hero from evading. Mikael parried their attacks with relative ease, then went on to dodge and counter a series of aerial swipes and ground thrusts from the duo. Jaival leapt for another aerial strike. Mikael swatted the attack away while Danzul charged with a horizontal swipe, only to find his blade slicing thin air. Mikael leapt over the attack and waited for his students to regain their composure.
“If you rely only on your physical senses, then you disregard the Primal Power,” Mikael instructed. “One must feel its energy; the energy that courses through all things – alive or dead.”
Jaival charged again with a thrust. Mikael sidestepped. Danzul went for a low slice. The ancient hero jumped it. Both students leapt airborne with him, remaining on the offensive. Mikael blocked their attacks until all three locked blades. Using a smidgeon of his power, Mikael shoved the elves away and landed atop the roof of the courtyard while Danzul and Jaival landed below.
“Hmph! All hail the Hero of the Lands, huh?” Danzul confessed.
Mikael weighted his sword, waiting.
“What should we do?” Danzul turned to Jaival, who was glowing with a dim light. “Jaival?” Danzul worried. The moon elf concentrated on his master’s teachings with closed eyes, allowing himself to feel this primal power. He reopened his eyes, hawked at Mikael, and lunged f
or the ancient hero. Danzul quickly followed.
Jaival opened with a wide horizontal slash. Mikael parried the attack and retaliated with a thrust of his own. Danzul rushed from the side to parry Mikael’s offense, leading the three to clashing blades while hopping from roof to roof. Mikael would go on to swat away his students, expecting some downtime from them, but Jaival kept coming back, and every time he did – he grew stronger in his offense. It came to the point where Danzul had grown weary of the duel and Jaival was all that was left, fighting the ancient hero on his own.
It piqued Mikael’s curiosity. Instead of wearing down, the battle had intensified Jaival’s resolve. Both ancient hero and moon elf traded even blows until they shoved each other back by the energy bursts of their clashes. Mikael looked at Jaival; Jaival, at Mikael, both elves sharing a hidden respect and love for the exchange of skill. Mikael fastened his grip on his sword, Jaival followed suit, and they charged at one another, locking blades as the earth trembled around them from the resulting shockwave. As they remained locked in a tug of war, Jaival’s eyes glowed and his body became engulfed with an aura. The moon elf pushed with all his might to best his teacher, shattering his weapon in the process and falling to his knees, exhausted. His newfound power quickly dissipated.
Mikael looked on in shock after the exchange.
What in star’s world was that power? The ancient hero wondered.
Jaival struggled to catch his breath while Danzul jumped into the fray.
“Was that it?” The moon elf asked his teacher. “The Primal Power?”
“In a way.” Mikael moved to his student and offered an arm to help him up.
Jaival looked at him cautiously before taking his aid.
“The Primal Power is not limited to only force. It is the aspect of all things. How you choose to utilize it can come in many different forms,” Mikael telekinetically reached for Jaival’s broken sword. “Without proper usage and balance, one can become like this,” he offered the weapon. “Broken.”
Jaival accepted the sword and nodded, thinking over his master’s wisdom.
***
Later that day in the vine-covered courtyards of the fortress, Mikael took time for a break. Nighttime fell and the ancient hero was out in the courtyard alone, sitting and gazing at the moon. Danzul was in a deep sleep – exhausted from the day’s training. Jaival couldn’t sleep. He rolled out of his bed for a night’s stroll.
On his way out, he took in the sights of the fortress. The musky smell did not deter him from appreciating its integrity. There was a sense of wonder – like something great was once here. This was once a place where great technology was used. There were many secrets waiting to be discovered. The whole experience made the moon elf feel honored to be there and honored to be trained by the ancient hero. That’s when Jaival noticed him, sitting a way’s off, gazing into the night’s sky. The moon elf was curious. He did not know if he should disturb his mentor or just pass him by. Then he saw another set of peeping eyes.
“What are you doing?” Jaival whispered to Alexa.
“Aiieee!” The fairy twinkled. “What are you doing up this late hour?” she asked.
“I needed a stroll,” Jaival tilted his head curiously. “What are you doing?”
“Oh, nothing!” Alexa bowed her head.
Jaival looked over at Mikael. He noticed the hero fidgeting with something in his hands. Upon closer inspection, it looked like the same amulet Sorata gave him.
“Oh, I see,” Jaival scratched his chin. “Still haven’t told him, have you?”
“Told him what?” Alexa played coy.
“Who you really are.”
Alexa froze for a moment.
“I can’t.” she said.
“Why not?” Jaival asked.
“Because it’s not time yet.”
Jaival raised an eyebrow. What is she up to?
“I’ve waited hundreds of years for this. I won’t let impatience ruin our chances,” The fairy buzzed in Jaival’s face before flying away. “Go, he’s expecting you.”
Jaival wondered about Sorata’s true intent. Nevertheless, his curiosity drove him to seek out his master. He walked into the stone courtyard, careful not to disturb Mikael.
“Jaival.” Mikael called, his back still turned.
The moon elf halted. “Teacher, I hope I am not disturbing.”
Mikael looked back. “Not at all. Come young one, sit. We have a talk long overdue.”
Jaival moved next to the old hero and sat beside him. Mikael exuded nobility. There was a deep power within him that he kept so well hidden, he could blend into any crowd. It was interesting. For one of such great accomplishments, he was undoubtedly modest.
“How are you faring?” Mikael asked.
“Good.” Jaival said.
“Good.” The Ancient Hero smiled.
“I must thank you. This opportunity has been an honor.”
Mikael looked into the eyes of his new student. For some reason, he thought of Baldr.
“The honor is mine as well,” he said. “Now tell me, what is really on your mind?”
Jaival peered at the bracelet. Mikael immediately noticed.
“Ah, yes, this?” he showed the amulet.
Jaival nodded.
“Do you know what this really is?” Mikael asked.
Jaival shook his head.
The Ancient Hero took a moment to breathe deep, reminiscing on tales of an era long gone.
“It was a wedding gift.” he confessed.
Jaival’s eyes widened. “From whom?”
Mikael took a good look at him, uncertain if he should say.
“Sorata, the same one that sent you.”
A piece of the puzzle connected in Jaival’s head.
“Now listen well, I have something to tell you that started long, long ago.” Mikael continued.
***
Seven centuries ago, Star World was a different place. I was born into a land of chaos where most Dragon Shifters, Star World’s original protectors, betrayed our world for great power. It was the time when The World Breaker reigned supreme, drunk with power that The Dark Lord granted him and his empire. Nidhogg was remorseless. He shattered countries and devoured nations whole under the flames of his wings. Those who opposed him were either slain or seduced to his side. It was a terrible time. Kingdoms fell left and right. I was born to a family always on the run.
I had no particular gifts, no magical intrigue. The only thing I had was a burning desire to save my world – to free it from the oppression of dark forces. I joined the Dragon Knight Academy under draft, which was led by Ragnarok, my old master who was a Dragon Shifter himself – half man, half dragon. He taught us how to fight the corrupted dragons and what our purpose was as descendants of the original Guardians – to protect Star World at all costs.
It was during my training that I met others like me – some Dragon Knights, others; sorcerers and wizards with the same common purpose: save Star World. It was then when I met her, my other half: Sorata. She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen and yet, she was different. The times were strange. Morality and choices were forced into complexities. Sorata was the perfect aspect of this convolution of the times. Unlike me, she was naturally gifted in the arcane arts. She could wield practically any school of magic, especially Void – which at the time, and even today, was frowned upon and outlawed.
There were others with us who formed an alliance; a fellowship, to stop Nidhogg. We knew we needed The Twin Blades of Destiny. It was the only way. Sorata helped me unlock the Pure magics that laid dormant deep within, and so, the two of us became The Equalizers of Forces. This is how I was able to wield The Twin Blades of Destiny. Sorata imbued one with Void while I the other, with Pure, and together we brought forth the key to defeat Nidhogg and his armies.
One day in Iron’s Deep, the combined forces of our alliance, the resistance, and all those who stood against oppression, confronted Nidhogg and his forces in their fortress
. Using the Star Blades, I cut my way through the armies of demons and dragons until I faced The World Breaker one on one, using the energies Sorata and the others empowered me with. That is how we defeated him. It was not just me alone, it was all of us, together as a team. Together as a world united.
***
The Ancient Hero gazed into the night’s sky as the old memories played in his head.
Jaival was irresistibly curious.
“What happened to her?” The moon elf asked. “Sorata.”
Mikael kept his gaze out far.
“During the war, Sorata and I became lovers. We had planned to elope,” Mikael smiled, a hint of regret on his face. “Get away to peace once it was all over. That wasn’t the way it worked out. Nidhogg was defeated but his master left a curse on my beloved. She was afflicted with The Curse of Strife, a bane that turns you into a demon.”
Mikael looked at the bracelet once more, trailing his fingers on its ridges.
“I crafted this for her as our wedding gift and she imbued it with magical power. It was the last gift I gave her before she was exiled – cast away from Star World by the same ones that fought with us. The irony was a great shame because she had warned me that such a time would come and I’d be powerless to stop it.”
“Why couldn’t you do anything? She was there to save the world just like you, and yet legend paints her as an evil witch – and you, as the hero. Why?” Jaival quizzed.
“It’s what she wanted,” Mikael stated. “Sorata never cared to be a hero. She never cared for fame and all its glory. She wanted to do what was right, even if it meant the world hating her. And she wanted-”
Jaival waited for him to continue.
“Nevermind,” Mikael stopped. “It was unfortunate what happened to her, but alas, here we are again. Evil has seen many different incarnations. There was a time it existed with Malstrife himself, then the days of The World Breaker, and now – it is here again with Baldr.”
“He was your student once, wasn’t he?” Jaival asked.
Xenosaber: Fury of the Stars Page 9