Renegade Reprisal (The Renegade Series)

by J. C. Fiske

“How the hell do you know what a Stone Scythe is?” Gisbo asked. Rolce just looked at Gisbo with a wry look.

  “Oh yeah, you’re Rolce, that’s why,” Gisbo corrected himself.

  “Fine. Now it is Karm’s men to deal with,” Foxblade said.

  “Yes, I have been thinking long and hard on this. So far, what we have are Phil’s men, which total about fifty or so. The Flarian Renegades, as they now call themselves, total at about forty. I have already received word from the other Renegaras; they are getting no help from anyone else. So, in total, we have close to a hundred men,” Rolce said.

  “And fifty of them not at all combat experienced,” Foxblade said.

  “Right, and about forty who are,” Rolce said.

  “Yes, and, according to the report from Lark, The Holy Chosen and Karm’s men total to about two hundred and fifty, they are proteced from all sides by the city walls, and they have that walking monstrocity on their side,” Foxbade said.

  “I hate to say it this way, but Phil cancels that monstrocity out and vice versa. They will be focused on each other,” Douglas said.

  “And what if he loses? What then?” Foxblade asked.

  “Have a little faith, it’s all we have,” Douglas said. “And young Rolce, I detected a sly tone to your voice while you explained our odds, something you are excited about, so please, do share with the rest of the class.”

  Rolce smiled.

  “Well, just a theory, of course, but I couldn’t help but notice that between Karm’s men and the Holy Chosen, there will be no Flarians among them, and we all know the power of a Flarian,” Rolce said. “Fire, in general, people fear, and Karm’s men don’t exactly come into contact with Flarian warriors every day, let alone Renegades. Flarians to them are like boogeymen and, from what I hear, they’ve only captured women, children, and drifters. I don’t usually suggest this sort of strategy, but, should we hit them hard and fast in the middle of the night, I think our surprise, skill, and resolve will topple their numbers. That is all they have going for them,” Rolce said.

  “I like your reasoning,” Douglas said.

  “And that’s not all. To end this battle, all we must do is kill Narsissa. I know I make it sound easier than it probably is, but remember, she will be defenseless with Phil combating that monster. Should we kill her, the barrier of Heaven’s Shelter will come down, and the whole of the city will then be able to rush to our aid,” Foxblade said.

  “That’s just it; I think the battle will be over by the time they get there. I think we can win,” Rolce said.

  “Optimism is valiant, Rolce, but . . .” Douglas started.

  “No, hear me out. I think we are all forgetting something else. The very reason why we have synergies to begin with, all personally balanced, all able to watch each other’s backs. This is where a Renegade’s true skill lies. The Flarians have lost theirs, but, you forget, we have not one, but five complete synergies coming to our aid. Well, three, due to,” Rolce said, then suddenly got quiet, “ . . . Kinny’s absence, as well as Jackobi’s in our group. But me and Gisbo fight like we have three, anyway!”

  “Damn right,” Gisbo said.

  “Still, are they not Renegara status?” Douglas asked.

  “Technically, no, they are done with their Renegara training, Douglas. They have earned the title of Renegade. I will tell them all myself that if they want their bands, they must first save Heaven’s Shelter, and Rolce is correct. These teams are unlike any in the past; you know why?” Foxblade asked.

  “You are going to tell me, anyway,” Douglas said.

  “Because, dear Douglas, they were trained by MY generaration, our generation. That’s saying a lot, don’t you agree?” Foxblade said. Douglas smiled at this.

  “I believe you make a strong argument,” Douglas said.

  “With that being said, I think, using the Flarians might and having the other races bring their own power to the table, I have a plan that will settle this within mere hours, with us on top and the Flarian city back in its rightful hands,” Rolce said.

  “Lay it out for us,” Foxblade said.

  “Gladly,” Rolce said.

  That night, Gisbo tossed and turned, not so much because he was back in his barrier, orders from Foxblade, but because he couldn’t seem to shake the anxiety torturing his soul. He thought of his father again and just what his life might be like if he lost him again. He couldn’t bear the thought. More so, he thought of the possibility of losing not only his home, but everyone else within Heaven’s Shelter. Where would he go? Worst of all was the shakes . . . if only he could hold Nina, he could be at peace and be rid of the twisted panging in his stomach and cease his pounding heart. However, Gisbo knew he must be strong for battle and staying in this barrier would make that happen.

  Even so, sleep still would not come. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw himself and Rolce standing side by side in the midst of other Renegade warriors, storming the city gates. In his mind, he saw the violent deaths of his Renegara friends, whom he had come to love over this past two years. Shaved, Grandfield, and all the rest of the bunch died terribly before his mind’s eyes. Gisbo knew he couldn’t see the future, but did feel a coldness grip at his heart.

  “I will fear no evil. I thought I told you to leave!” Gisbo screamed into the night. Upon saying it, he felt the coldness release and the presence in his heart was gone. Gisbo breathed a sigh of relief and thought at this point, he would never get any rest before he saw all of his friends tomorrow, possibly for the last time. But he did rest, and it was a dreamless one.

  Chapter Twenty Two: Reunion

  Gisbo awoke and, as promised, the barrier had closed down come morning, freeing Gisbo from his room. He quickly got himself ready and stood in the empty McCarley house. Knowing his aunt was gone felt strange. Everywhere he looked, he saw pieces of her colorful personality. Even his stomach growled mournfully as he munched on stale donuts, thinking about her.

  They took her.

  The thought resonated through his mind over and over again. They took her and they took his father Taking Falcon made sense, but there was no reason for taking his aunt away, the closest thing to a mother he had left. The one who dried his tears in the biggest moment of weakness he had since his loss to Thomson and his goons at Heaven’s Shelter. Falcon was there for that moment.

  Narsissa took both people from him, both of the most influential figures in his life. Deep in his heart, he knew there was something bigger going on. Worse than that was the feeling he had missed something somewhere. That he was almost going along into a trap. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the feeling of forgetting something. And every time he tried, there was the door, only the door, slamming and clanging its chains against the hinges. Gisbo reached down and petted Fao for support. Feeling her warm body against his leg at the breakfast table comforted him until Nina stepped in and far surpassed it.

  “Hey, handsome,” Nina said, a big smile upon her face.

  “Hey there,” Gisbo said.

  “So, all your friends are coming today, huh? You haven’t seen them in almost a year?” Nina asked. Gisbo nodded and spoke through a full mouth.

  “Mhmm,” Gisbo muttered.

  “You seem a bit off. Are you okay?” Nina asked.

  “Yeah,” Gisbo said. Nina pushed her chair closer to him.

  “Look, I know how guys deal with things. They bottle it up and then just let it explode one day. But those are lonely guys who do that. You aren’t alone anymore, Gisbo, not as long as I’m here. All I’m saying is, you can talk to me, okay?” Nina said as she grabbed his hand and squeezed it. Gisbo felt a rush of warmness flood him. He was immediately at peace.

  “Thanks. It’s just, this whole thing, us, it happened so fast. I think my head is still trying to wrap everything around it and being open has always been hard for me, even though you, like, probably know everything already. This is all so new to me,” Gisbo said.

  “Gisbo, I won’t lie to you. I’m a
fraid. Today, it’s a big day . . . for you. For us, all of us, I see several possibilities of what could happen, and none . . .” Nina started. Gisbo eyed her.

  “I know you see things about my life, but don’t tell me. I don’t want to know. Whatever happens out there is meant to happen. That’s how I want it,” Gisbo said. He squeezed Nina’s hand tightly and looked her in the eyes.

  “I’m just afraid, Nina. But not in the sense you think. I’m afraid of myself. I’m afraid that . . . that after today, should I survive, the Gisbo that you know may never be the same again. I’m afraid I may lose myself out there in the midst of fighting and I’m afraid of losing you and my friends. I have a lot of power in me, power to keep my friends safe, and, should I fail to save all of them, I don’t know how I’ll live with myself,” Gisbo said. “I know I’m just rambling, but my head’s a mess. These are just some of the things I’m thinking about.”

  “Like, how you need to kill my mother?” Nina asked quietly.

  “I . . .” Gisbo started.

  “I told you, she’s never been a mother to me. There is nothing in my heart indebted to her, let alone care. I understand why she held onto me now, because I’m a sybil. That’s all. I am but a tool to her. I know that now. It has come down to a choice now, her life or everyone within Heaven’s Shelter. That’s a choice that doesn’t require much thought to make. I choose you, and I choose Heaven’s Shelter.” Nina said forcing a dry smile.

  “I’m so sorry, Nina.” Gisbo said.

  “Hey now, you don’t need to apologize. I know you said you don’t want me to tell you what I see of your life, but I will tell you one path, one destination that is possible for you. I see a great hero, Gisbo, not just any hero, but one who understands people, truly does, and he not only saves them physically, but inwardly, as well. You will fight for those left behind, you will save those overlooked, and you will be greatly loved by some and you will be greatly despised by others. This is just the start to that day. I don’t want to use the love word, it is too soon for that, just know that I deeply care about you, Gisbo, and when this is over, I would like to one day be able to truly tell you that I love you and mean it with all my heart,” Nina said.

  Gisbo was quiet.

  “Now, there is one thing a man should know how to do before he dies. You’re stressed; I can at least help you with that. Come on, handsome. You need to follow me,” Nina said, and she took him by the hand, walked him across the family room and into the bedroom, closed and locked the door behind them.

  The next day, everything came together on schedule. The crest of the Flarian desert represented the end of the wasteland and the start of the raging ocean. They had come, races and people from all gatherings of life, to put a stop to a growing evil and to save a civilization of warriors that would stop at nothing to save them in a future which was growing increasingly dark.

  The Soarian warriors arrived first. They could only offer up fifteen men, but the sacrifice of their small civilization in the mountains was tremendous. The Flarian Renegades, as well as the small troup of Phil’s warriors, arrived on the beach next, fully prepared and ready. Gisbo stood among them with Nina and Rolce by his side, waiting, and watching the skies fervently for his friends to arrive.The sky didn’t show the first arrivals; it was a mist rising from the ocean in the distance. The mist soon turned into a spray of water and the Aquarian Renegaras arrived and stepped onto the beach. Gisbo ran out to meet them as Whip Miley stepped upon the shore first, tossed his surfboard aside, and stripped off his wet suit to reveal his blue Renegade uniform beneath it.

  “Not too late for the party, am I?” Whip asked, grinning.

  “Whip!” Gisbo yelled.

  “Hiya, Gizzy, been too long, pal!” Whip said, stretching out a hand. Gisbo grasped it and shook it hard.

  “Youch, been workin’ out a tad, have ya? You’re making me feel like I haven’t prepared enough!” Whip said. “Well, who I am kidding? We both know who’s going to be the one to tear it up out there; me, baby, me.”

  “Oh, Nina, this is…” Gisbo started.

  “Just wait a sec, Kennis and Anaka are right behind me. Let’s do the introductions all at once,” Whip said. They waited no more than a minute and saw more mist appear over the crest of the ocean. Moments later, Kennis and Anaka arrived on shore. Both, however, were less excited about the predicament before them than Whip. It was particulary awkward for Gisbo to be with Kennis and Rolce, who both knew of Kinny’s fate. Both her and her mother and father were trapped within Heaven’s Shelter. After an awkward pause, Rolce spoke up.

  “Kenni, we both know what we have to do. We are going to have to do a lot of things today we never wanted to. But if we don’t, we will never see Kinny again. Let’s do it for her,” Rolce said.

  “Yes, let’s,” Kennis said.

  “Oh, come now, aren’t you girls even a bit excited? I mean, this is what we Renegades do! We save the day! I was getting bored cooped up on that island. Let’s show some excitement, ladies!” Whip said. Even Gisbo could tell it was all a front. Whip was struggling with what lay ahead. Still, he had the right attitude, and such an attitude was contagious. Small smiles stretched across Kennis and Anaka’s mouths at that moment. He didn’t realize it then, but Nina was leaning on his shoulder and holding his hand, right in front of Anaka, who couldn’t help but stare. Gisbo, however, as usual, was oblivious.

  “So, is it true what I heard? Has the white lion been found?” Anaka spoke up.

  “It’s true, Anaka,” Rolce said with a smile. “I saw Arielle myself.”

  “That’s . . . that brings me so much hope. Vadid is still out there somewhere. He wouldn’t let us lose this battle. Too much is on the line. I already feel better,” Anaka said. “That, and I’m back with you, Glinda.”

  “That is sweet of you to say. It has been far too long. If only our renuinion didn’t fall on such a day as this,” Glinda said. Anaka put a hand on her shoulder.

  “Soon as Ashlin gets here, we will be whole once again. If we are going to fight, then I wouldn’t want anyone other than you two beside me. I’m finally feeling whole again,” Anaka said. Gisbo saw that a few Ronigades heard this statement. They shuffled their feet uncomfortably. Gisbo knew just how they felt, due to Jackobi’s year-long absence. It had felt like something was always missing. And now, he was gone, putting his life on the line for the sake of others yet again.

  “Well, looks like the Soarians are here,” Grandfield said. They all turned and looked to the sky to see three silhouetted blots against the sun coming their way.

  “I don’t think those are Soarians,” Rolce said.

  “Who else would come from the sky?” Glinda asked.

  “Naforians would!” Rolce said. Then they noticed the blots take shape. They were large birds, with wings of various degrees of colors. If Gisbo had to guess the size of these birds within the air before they landed, he would have been way off. The huge birds all landed before them, towering over Rolce by a few feet.

  “Glad you didn’t start the party without us!” Crass said as he hopped off the large bird. Niffin and Knob both did the same.

  “What are they?” Anaka asked. “They’re beautiful!”

  “Zookoos, right? I bet one of these big guys could carry even me!” Grandfield said.

  “Hah, keep dreamin’, pal!” Crass said. “Not after one of your breakfasts, anyway.”

  “Hey . . .” Grandfield said.

  “You walked into that one, don’t blame me,” Crass said.

  The zookoo tweeted in reply, uttering a sound Gisbo did not expect for its size. It sounded like a sweet songbird. It stood on legs like an ostrich, had a neck like a vulture, and its head and beak resembled that of a toucan. Their beaks were multicolored like their wings, but Gisbo noticed each zookoo had its own colors.

  Gisbo noticed Rolce was looking at Crass crossly.

  “What?” Crass asked in reply. Rolce shook his head in disbelief.

  “Crass! I can’t be
lieve you! You guys couldn’t find some other way to get here?” Rolce asked, folding his arms. Knob comically raised a thumbs down sign and let out a raspberry with his tongue.

  “Oh, please, you know I never fell into that drippy crap,” Crass said.

  “But those birds are sacred! Endangered! And you . . .” Rolce said.

  “Yup, broke into their cages and rode ‘em here. You can ask them what they like best. Being caged up and watched by those who think they know better or taking a risk at life and flying free! Boy, that’s an allegory for the Oak County government if I ever heard one,” Crass said.

  “Still . . .” Rolce said.

  “Besides, Heaven’s Shelter is at stake. We had to get here, we got here, so hush it with the drippy crap. Now, go, birdies, off ya go,” Crass said as he shuffled them away. The zookoos cooed, almost thankfully, and took to the skies.

  “Jeesh, your uncle is going to be so pissed, Rolce, when he finds them gone,” Knob said. “Too bad I won’t be there to see it.”

  “Ugh, you guys, Niffin? You went along with this, too?” Rolce said. Niffin shuffled her feet nervously.

  “I . . . they’re pretty birds. They deserve to be free, Rolce,” Niffin said. At that moment, Foxblade walked up to the group.

  “Did you meet with her?” Foxblade asked. Niffin stood at attention.

  “Yes, sir,” Niffin said.

  “Good. Then, you are ready for this?” Foxblade asked.

  “Absolutely, you can count on me,” Niffin said.

  “I always have,” Foxblade said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Who are we waiting on?”

  “Just the Soarians now,” Grandfield said.

  “Good. Why do I feel as if a Flarian is missing?” Foxblade asked.

  “Oh, you mean dark and moody? He’s over there sulking in the shade of the cave,” Grandfield said, jerking a thumb over to Rake, who had his feet and arms folded, leaning against the cave wall in the dark.

  “Hmph, glad he was kind enough to get off his ass and give me a hello, jerk,” Whip said.