by J. C. Fiske
“So you’re saying somebody messed with my head, Fao? That doesn’t sit well with me,” Gisbo said.
“You know a Sybil wouldn’t have done this unless it was absolutely necessary,” Fao said. Gisbo interrupted her.
“Let’s just leave here,” Gisbo said, gritting his teeth.
“Yes, let us continue. We must do our best to get it out of our minds for now. We must focus on the training,” Fao said.
“If you say so,” Gisbo said. He took one last look at the dreadful door, walked around it, and continued to follow Fao. They walked a ways until they came to a small clearing in the woods. A shimmering pond lay before them and twinkled in the moonlight. The full moon’s reflection could be seen perfectly in the calm, still water.
“We are here,” Fao said.
“Okay, now tell me what that’s supposed to mean,” Gisbo said.
“This is where your training will take place.” Fao said, cocking a serious glare at Gisbo. “Should you succeed, this will open the door to powerful abilities,” Fao said. Gisbo actually smiled.
“I like the sound of that. I can take anything you throw at me. Shoot,” Gisbo said, cracking his knuckles as he did so.
“This area we are in, this world, is known as the soul world. Everyone’s soul world, determined by his or her Boon, is different. Yours represents the nocturnal habitat of wolves and the traits of your soul. The atmosphere can change, depending on your soul’s status, as well,” Fao said. Gisbo nodded.
“Sure, what you said,” Gisbo said.
“You are a Flarian Renegade, Gisbo, and that means a few things. The average Elekai’ Warrior does not have a Boon and thus cannot learn these unique powers. In a way, your Boon unlocks powers from your soul and thrusts it outward into the physical realm. This power comes from beyond the elements and is known as soul energy. Elekai’ is still required in the physical realm for you to use this soul energy in battle, for it cannot exist on its own. You must learn to merge it here to use it out there. Here is the only place you can use soul energy on its own,” Fao said.
“I’m with ya, keep going,” Gisbo said.
“So, you will now learn how to harness soul energy and use it fluidly with your Flarian powers. Soul energy, however, is limited. Think of it as a quick and powerful burst of power to your Flarian essence. As you grow stronger, so will your soul energy, and you will be able to maintain its power longer. I am your guide, the link between your soul energy and your regular essence in the real world. With soul energy as our base, together we will combine our powers to form something new and unique. I can only guess at the moment what that will be. I just know the way to get it started. Just as I am a reflection of your soul, uniquely, your abilites will be, also,” Fao said.
“Well, that doesn’t sound all that tough. So, I just need to learn how to harness this soul energy? What exactly will it do to me?” Gisbo asked. Fao smiled.
“I cannot be sure, to be honest with you. Let us find out, shall we? Are you ready to begin?” Fao asked.
“Of course, I am,” Gisbo said.
“Walk with me,” Fao said. Gisbo obeyed and followed her to the shore of the small pond where the full moon could be seen glistening from only a few feet away from the shore.
“First, we must awaken your soul energy, and to do that, we need to pump it with something that makes it brighten and sets it at peace. For many people, this is different, but I already know yours. There is a reason you come out to see the moon and stars at nighttime. Seeing such things warms your heart, and you cannot quite explain why. The moon, especially a full one, calls to you. The creator, IAM, uses it to speak to your heart and as the only way for your soul powers to awaken,” Fao explained. Gisbo stared at the reflection, then up at the moon once again.
“You are right about that. I could never explain it, even to you now, but something . . . something stirs in me every time I see that brightness against the dark sky. It fills me with peace and causes me to smile. I wish I could explain it,” Gisbo said.
“To explain the way the heart stirs is to take away its mystery and, in turn, take away its power. Words are limited, thus it cannot be done. You should know that your Grandfather, Vadid, came alive watching a sunrise. The sun is what gave him his power. I find it interesting the moon is what stirs your soul. I think your role as the Man-Phoenix will serve a different purpose than his, like two different sides to a coin. This is why we are going to be doing very similar training,” Fao said. A sudden bang echoed through the woods, along with the rattling of a doorknob.
“I’m more curious to find out what is behind that door right now,” Gisbo said, staring off into the distance.
“Do not fret yourself about it. Stay focused, or you will fail,” Fao said.
“Okay, just get to it, please. What do I have to do?” Gisbo asked impatiently.
“This reflection of the moon in the water is filled with traces of what is known as moon fire. With my help, Gisbo, you are going to absorb this moon fire into your being and harness its power. This moon fire will be the catalyst to awaken your soul energy.
“Wolves have been connected to the moon for centuries. It calls to us just as it calls to you. We can harness its power, its energy. That is why we howl to it. With my help, you can do the same. We will share a common strand of power and, in turn, I will be able to hold onto that strand, and we can combine our strength and use your soul energy. We will be linked like never before. Along with our own abilities, you will be able to use this moon fire in battle while channeling your soul energy,” Fao said. Gisbo laughed.
“That’s all? What the hell is so tough about a little moonlight? Come on, let’s get this thing started, then,” Gisbo said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
“I don’t think you understand, Gisbo. Your body is about to take in a foreign substance. A powerful foreign substance from nature itself. Not only does your body have to withhold this transfer of power to awaken your soul energy, but your elemental essence must absorb it, as well. Since the moon was crafted from the elemental star of Fire, such a transfer is only possible by a Flarian, but not without much focus and much willpower. This, Gisbo, is going to be very difficult and will require concentration, and we both know how good you are at concentrating.” Fao said. Gisbo gulped.
“Ah, damn, well, I have three days. Better not waste any time,” Gisbo said.
“Yes, let us begin,” Fao said. She trotted to the edge of the lake and let out a long, piercing howl. As she did so, the light reflecting from the water began to stir and bubble and formed bright, steam-like ribbons spiralling in the air. As Fao howled, the ribbons began to swirl together and slowly formed into a small, glowing orb about the size of a walnut. White flames danced about the orb as it hovered on its own within the air. Fao took a moment to breathe and let out another loud howl. The orb began to move, very slowly, toward Gisbo’s chest. Fao finished and looked at Gisbo sternly.
“Now, brace yourself, here it comes. Ignite your essence!” Fao ordered. Gisbo gripped his fist, ignited his ring, and felt the powerful surge of Flarian essence run through his body. Gisbo watched the orb float toward him, emitting a low wooing sound, now inches from his chest.
“Brace yourself; it’s about to go in,” Fao said. Gisbo laughed.
“That’s what she said . . .” Gisbo chuckled. Fao stared at him, wide-eyed.
“GISBO!” Fao scolded.
“Sorry, sorry,” Gisbo said. It touched his chest with a bright flash of white. Gisbo felt a backlash so strong it knocked him off his feet and sent him to the ground, hard.
“The hell was that!?” Gisbo shouted. As he picked himself up, he realized his essence had disengaged on its own. Fao shook her head.
“You lost concentration! You must stay focused! If not, your essence and the moon fire short each other out and send you to the ground. Now, on your feet again,” Fao ordered. Gisbo rubbed at his woozy head.
“This is gonna take a while. Okay, go, I’m ready
this time,” Gisbo said, igniting his essence. Fao howled, formed a new orb, and sent it floating back toward Gisbo’s chest. Gisbo braced himself and felt the orb enter into him. He gritted his teeth as it stung a little.
“That’s it, good, good! You’re holding it! Concentrate!” Fao said. Listening to her speak, Gisbo felt an energy jolt and was forced to the ground.
“DAMN IT, FAO! I can’t concentrate with you talking!” Gisbo said as he got up and rubbed his head.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Gisbo, I will be quiet this time. Again,” Fao said. Gisbo rose to his feet and the process continued. This time, Gisbo held the orb within him for about ten seconds before it again jolted and sent him to the ground. Gisbo gave the signal to give it to him again and Fao complied. This process went on for hours on end with few breaks in between. At the most, Gisbo could only hold the orb within him for thirty seconds or so before it kicked him to the ground. Fao ordered a long overdue rest and trotted over to a frustrated Gisbo.
“Why the hell can’t I do this!? This sucks!” Gisbo said.
“I sense a lot of rage from you, Gisbo,” Fao said.
“Ya think!? My nose is broken, my balls throb, and this frustrates me beyond belief! Of course, I’m angry! We’ve been at this for hours now and still no progress,” Gisbo said. Fao shook her head.
“That’s not what I meant. Your anger is blinding you. It’s forcing you away from relaxing and concentrating. It is fury without purpose, wild and blind. You want such powers for a reason. Think of that reason and concentrate on it. Only then can you absorb it. Without reason or purpose, there is nothing to anything. Understand?” Fao asked. Gisbo paused for a moment and finally nodded.
“Good. On your feet, we’re trying again,” Fao said. Gisbo obeyed and ignited his essence. I haven’t felt so angry in some time. What is this? I think being by that damned door is causing this. Focus, huh? On what? Gisbo thought. Malik’s face rose to the front of his mind. Gisbo smiled wickedly. Bingo . . .
The orb entered Gisbo’s body once again and Gisbo focused his rage onto Malik. This time, the orb stayed past thirty seconds and continued on for almost a full minute before Fao howled and disengaged it herself.
“Stop! I know what you are doing, Gisbo,” Fao said. Gisbo was outraged.
“Why the hell did you stop? I was doing it!” Gisbo asked.
“I told you, proper power cannot come from rage and hatred! You can do better! Don’t drop down to Malik’s level. Focus on something else!” Fao said.
“Like what? I have nothing else to go on!” Gisbo said. Fao lowered her head as if he just spoke the words Fao feared hearing.
“And that’s what worries me, Gisbo. Power can be used either for others or for yourself. There is nothing in between. You want this power just to harm another? Is that all you can feel right now? You have lost purpose, Gisbo. What about setting hearts free?” Fao asked, head lowered. Gisbo did not even hear Fao’s last comment.
“The hell do you mean I’ve lost purpose? Do you not know what I’ve had to do to get to where I am today? I’ve pushed and pushed to become an Elekai’ warrior, to make people respect me, to prove I’m not some wild dog, and now I’ve made it and I’m going to keep pushing to get stronger!” Gisbo said.
“That’s just it, Gisbo! For what purpose do you want to get strong? Just to prove your dominance? Fufill your pride? Prove your own insecurities wrong? There is no rhyme or reason behind it! Ever since your graduation day, I have felt your heart changing, Gisbo, and I don’t like what I see,” Fao said. Gisbo cocked a curious glance.
“The hell do you mean?” Gisbo asked.
“Your life, as of right now, is dreamless. You have no ambition, and without it, you cannot receive the power I have for you. You are living an empty life, Gisbo. There was a time where that wasn’t true and, for that reason, you have the strength you do now. Now . . . now you are going back to the way you used to be at Heaven’s Shelter. You are trying to fill that void with rage because you are afraid to let others in. Your father, leaving like that . . . it hurt you, didn’t it?” Fao asked.
Gisbo didn’t say anything.
“Whether you answer me or not, I know it to be true. Love is a funny thing. It can give the most pleasure and the worst pain. You’ve been hurt, so you close yourself up to refrain from feeling pain once again. You are afraid, but you must understand closing yourself up and putting hate and anger in place of love will kill you in the end, but not just you. You will hurt all those who have loved you along the way and you will be alone. Much more important things are in your future! Do not let this anger consume you! Do not close yourself up! To open yourself up is to risk pain, but it is far better than the alternative. It is far better than just feeling fury at all times,” Fao said. “Are you even listening to me, Gisbo?”
“I’M NOT! That’s all people ever do is preach to me! Not you, too, Fao! Not you! And how could I not feel this way? You said it yourself! There is something behind that door that makes me feel this way,” Gisbo said, pointing into the direction of the forest.
“Why are you acting this way all of a sudden? That’s not what I meant. You still have control over your actions. Your actions just need . . . more control than the average person’s, is all,” Fao said.
“It’s so easy for you to say that, especially because you know what is behind that door! Just tell me!” Gisbo said.
“Gisbo! Stop this! I cannot . . . why do you want to see if I already told you it’s going to cause you severe pain?” Fao said. Gisbo collapsed to his knees and tears of rage entered his eyes.
“Because, Fao! Don’t you hear it? Ever since I used the Phoenix’s powers to open the Reath and send Purah and Lokin away, ever since that moment, there has been this voice I can’t get out of my head! It’s terrifying, and sometimes it just won’t stop! It’s like, this thing has been looking for me and it’s finally found me! My head races, sometimes out of control, and I hate it! It won’t stop! Being here, in this place, the voice is louder, more powerful. It’s practically screaming at me to open that door. It says I shouldn’t listen to you, that you’re wrong, and I know what it says isn’t right, but I just can’t stop it!
“Memories of Oak County, of all the times I was shunned by those around me, picked on, outcast. I’ve never wanted to admit it to myself, but I was so alone! It hurt so much and the only way it wouldn’t was when I latched onto something to be angry about. Then the pain went away. I know it isn’t right, but it’s all I’ve got! I hate this! Being here is making me want to go back to the way I used to be. My head didn’t race so much, I didn’t have all these conflicting thoughts . . .” Gisbo said, clutching at his head. Fao’s blue eyes went solemn as she walked toward Gisbo.
“Gisbo, I should have felt this pain from you. This is my fault. If only I knew what would happen if you walked past that door . . . that voice you hear, it’s loud, isn’t it?” Fao asked.
“It’s louder than ever right now, it’s . . . nearly unbearable,” Gisbo said.
“Then we need to do . . .” Fao started
“NO! I’m going to fight this! I’m going to beat this stupid thing! You hear me, Appolyon!? Or Drakearon? Whoever the hell you are? I’m going to beat this! I’m the new Man-Phoenix now! Nobody is telling me what that means because they don’t have to. I know what I’ve got to do, I feel it deep inside. I know my job, and all my life I’ve heard you, so it’s about time you hear something straight from me! I’m going to beat your damned Dragon. I’m going to rip Drakeron’s face off, and then I’m coming for you! You hear me, Appoloyon? No more! You won’t cause pain to me ever again! Give me your best shot!” Gisbo screamed. “Fao, give me the moon fire; I’m going to hold it this time for good.”
“But, Gisbo, you are still using hate to do it! You have just refocused it somewhere else, and you’re still thinking of yourself, your own pain. That’s exactly what Appolyon wants you to do. Don’t you see?” Fao asked.
“I’m about to run out of essence, Fao
. This is our last chance! I’ll need to sleep to get it back, and by then our time will be up. I’ll be able to hold it this time. Just let me do it my way, please, I’ll return to you to do it right, I promise!” Gisbo said. Fao sighed heavily.
“There must be another way. I wish we had more time . . .” Fao said.
“Me too, but this is the only way I can focus. Besides, it’s not like I’m angry at everyone. Just that voice . . . and maybe Malik a little bit. I’ve never wanted to slam somebody so hard in all my life,” Gisbo said.
“That’s what worries me. Nothing good can come from this, but you are also correct in saying we are out of time,” Fao said. She began to pace about. She thought for a long moment, then finally sighed.
“We will do this your way, for now, but, Gisbo, promise me. Do not ignore or forget about me! When this tournament is completed, you must return to me! We must do this correctly. You must find purpose in your life again. You must find a dream, but not just any dream, a dream that can help others and strengthen yourself because of it. That is where your true strength lies. Don’t let your heart grow cold. Promise me you will do some soul-searching, and you will return to me, Gisbo. Only then will you be ready for what is to come.”
“I promise; you have my word. And don’t worry. Once I slam Malik to the floor, I’ll think about a new dream or whatever and come back,” Gisbo said. Fao looked at him, worried. “Hey, don’t look at me like that, I got this,” Gisbo said, smiling and giving a thumbs up. Fao sighed loudly.
“Fine, as long as I have your word . . . let us hurry,” Fao said. She howled, and the process continued. Gisbo held it this time far beyond five minutes, and he swore he felt almost a clicking within him, as if something had finally connected itself. He felt his Flarian essence begin pulsating around him and begin growing exponentially.
“Fao, I’m feeling it . . . this sensation, something’s happening,” Gisbo said. Fao looked at him, worried. Gisbo gripped his fists tightly and gritted his teeth as he felt a bigger burst of power, more than he had ever felt before. It continued to grow. As it did so, Fao turned and heard the rattling of the chained door in the distance. It seemed to rattle faster the more Gisbo’s power fluctuated.