by J. C. Fiske
“Same,” Crass said.
“He will; he is preparing his mind for what must be done today. He is focused. You all should be envious of him,” Foxblade said. They stared in at the cave. Even though they were talking about him, if Rake knew it, he didn’t show it as he breathed deeply, eyes closed in perfect focus.
“Image training. He is imagining every possible sort of danger and fighting it within his mind, picturing it, and executing it. It’s a way Shininjas prepare for battle. I will join him,” Niffin said.
“Smart girl, she’s ready,” Foxblade said. “And, it seems, we are, too.”
They looked to the sky in the opposite direction of the Naforians’ arrival and saw two golden yellow orbs coming their way at a quickened pace.
“There she is.” Glinda beamed. Anaka and Glinda rushed out to meet the falling yellow orbs, who now looked a lot more like people.
“Shaved! Shaved, buddy!” Grandfield yelled and waved as the other orb changed direction and landed in front of them in a splash of sand.
“Hey there,” Shaved said with a wide grin. Grandfield and Knob greeted him warmly, picking him off the ground in multiple hugs and slaps on the back.
“So, what’s this I hear about you breaking my friggin’ sword, Gisbo?” Shaved asked.
“Hey, who told you that? I didn’t break it! I just . . . can’t use it anymore,” Gisbo said. Shaved reached into his bag.
“Well, I can’t have you going into a fight without my brand name material now, can I? Dave and Ern special, just for you, my friend!” Shaved said as he pulled out two beautifully-crafted Tantos. Gisbo caught them and already felt a huge difference in the balance and weight. It felt more like an extension of himself than what he was using for training. Gisbo smiled broadly and ignited them in a roar.
“Shaved, old buddy, these will do just fine. Get over here, pal,” Gisbo said as he embraced Shaved in a bear hug.
“Too bad you won’t be able to come skeeting with me now,” Shaved said.
“Hey, I can still skeet. I just can’t swing the huge thing, that’s all. Besides, I’ve come to liking these babies more, anyway. I can’t thank you enough, pal,” Gisbo said.
“No, you can’t, I worked my friggen’ ass off on those. Don’t you forget it!” Shaved said. “And we can’t forget it, no matter what happens tonight. I want to be able to see Dave and Ern’s shop again, Gisbo. And I figure you and all of us will be able to make it happen.”
“Well said. Now that we are all here, we can begin. Gisbo, Rolce, Shaved, gather up the Flarians, Soarians, and Phil’s men. It’s time we all get on the same page as to what our plans are,” Foxblade said.
“Whatever it is, if Rolce had a hand in the planning, it’s bound to be good,” Shaved said cheerfully.
“Buddy, you don’t know the half of it. Let’s get ready to do what we were made to do. Let’s save our home,” Rolce said, high fiving Shaved and Gisbo.
“Let’s get ready to kick some ass!” Gisbo said.
It took some time, but after much questioning and second questioning, everyone was on the same page. The plan was set and the warriors were ready. Foxblade then called all the Renegaras to him within the cave for a special meeting. Douglas was present, as well.
“I know your Class Masters are not here. But, in my eyes, you are no longer Renegeras, but Renegades. It’s time to accept your titles. You have earned them, and you will prove to me, and to yourselves, this night, that you are worthy of such a hallowed title. I am proud of you all. Now, if Rolce would join me, we have a special gift for you all before we head off. Rolce, if you would,” Foxblade said. Rolce stepped forward, and Foxblade continued.
“Some of you know, and some of you don’t. Either way, it is time you come to understand that Rolce is, indeed, a Sybil, one of the rarest individuals found on this planet,” Foxblade said. There was some murmuring among the group.
“And no, I don’t read your minds. Let’s get that out right now,” Rolce said. The murmuring stopped.
“Either way, some special people have gathered within Heaven’s Shelter with Sybil Shax. Through Rolce, they have some meaningful, parting words to share with all of you. So, one by one, I would like you to come forward, and hear what these people wish to say to you. Remember their words and find your courage. Everything in the past and future is riding on you now. And frankly, I believe we couldn’t be in better hands,” Foxblade said. Gisbo smiled at that and looked around at his group of friends. They had been plucked only two years ago by a destiny they never thought possible, and now here they were, before their time, defending that destiny from extinction with their very lives. The thought of never seeing his friends again caused his stomach to twist. These were all amazing people, all with hearts the size of the desert, and Gisbo knew he would never have friends like these again. Shaved was called forward first.
Upon Rolce touching Shaved’s mind, he was transported back to Dave and Ern’s workshop. It looked as if he had never left it. Upon arriving, he was greeted with the calming sounds of machines and the smell of sawdust. It brought moisture to his eyes and he felt such a peace overcome him as he sat across his father. Dave’s big blue eyes twinkled and he echoed a deep belly laugh in greeting.
“Ho, ho, ho! Hello, my boy! How the hell are ya?” Dave asked. Shaved smiled.
“I’ve been better, dad, to be honest with you,” Shaved said. Dave put a hand in the air and shoved it forward.
“Oh, my boy, you don’t got a damn thing to worry about. You know why? You’re my son. Knowing my blood is out there running around getting into all sorts of mischief and trying to save us is good enough for me. I’m proud of ya, son. I’m proud of everything about you. Hell, even Ernie’s jealous of the son I have and you know he ain’t jealous of a damned thing on Thera. Mostly because Ernie believes he, in fact, made Thera,” Dave said with a wink. Shaved giggled at this.
“But he didn’t make you, my boy, I did. You will do us all proud. Now give ‘em hell, son, you, Gisbo, Rolce, Grandfield, and Knob. You all come back to work for us again, ya hear? I can’t just give Ernie a hard time on my own now, can I? I need some help! That’s why I can joke with ya. I know it will all work out,” Dave said.
Shaved smiled broadly. He tried to speak, but Dave cut him off.
“Now, now, no more of this mushy stuff. I’ve said my piece. I love you, son. Our time’s up. Give ‘em hell!” Dave said, giving him a thumbs up.
“I will, Dad. I love you, too,” Shaved said.
“Now, I wonder if I can grab a beer around here . . .” Dave said.
Next, Ashlin Nora steppd up to Rolce and was transported to the beautiful flower garden on the side of her mother’s home. She never grew up here, but she instinctively remembered visiting Heaven’s Shelter for the first time coming from the town of Derry, a neighboring city to Oak County. As soon as she saw the garden, deep memories came flooding back to her and a peace like no other swept her. Her mother was sitting under an arch in the garden with a cup of tea in her hand and a huge Talon sword by her side.
“Hi, Mom,” Ashlin said, grinning. Ashlin’s mother, Nora, lept to her feet and embraced her daughter.
“Hi, dear, sit down, sit down. I know it’s only been a little while since I left you in that floating city, but you look even more beautiful! You’ll make a husband proud one day,” Nora said.
“I know, Mom, you tell me all the time! And I want to hear it . . . many more times,” Ashlin said, doing her best to hide a sniffle on her last statement. Her mother touched a hand to her cheek as she leaned forward.
“My dear, you are brave and courageous. You have your father’s heart. You have the same qualities as he does. Why do you think I fell in love with him? But better yet, you have my sword by your side. This very one,” Nora said, patting it. It looked just like Gisbo’s old weapon, except this one had a pink sheen with the yellow Soarian colors. Upon her touch, the sword exploded into flower petals.
“You will use it to protect you
r friends and strike down evil, as is its purpose. And wherever you are, I will be with you. Both me and your father. Your father gave his life for his family to see you grow old. That was his purpose. No way you are dying out there today, dear, no way; IAM has told me so. You will come back to me, Ashlin. I know it to be true. Now go, before I totally lose my composure.”
“I love you, Mom,” Ashlin said. The tears came down now. Upon seeing her daughter’s tears, hers streamed down, as well.
“Come here,” Nora said and she embraced her daughter in a tight hug. She cried in her shoulder, Ashlin cried in her chest.
“This isn’t goodbye. Fight well, and remember what you are fighting for,” Nora said as she rocked her daughter for a few more moments before everything faded around them.
Knob Brawlda opened his eyes to see himself seated at his favorite place to eat in Heaven’s Shelter, the treehouse bar. There, seated at the table overlooking the common grounds of Heaven’s Shelter, sat a man who was nearly his spitting image. There sat, tall, lanky, with the same widows peak, but with softer eyes, Brawlda Tanson, Knob’s father. Brawlda glanced over at his son and smiled.
“Hey, kiddo, have a seat,” Brawlda said.
“Hey, Dad,” Knob said, sitting down across from him.
“I remember sitting right here, my usual spot, and looking out at the people down below. Maybe that’s why I loved this place,” Brawlda said.
“No, you’re just at optimum level to look down chicks’ shirts from up here,” Knob said, grinning.
“Sure I was, and you should be thanking me! If I wasn’t, you wouldn’t be here today! Remember that, pal!” Brawlda said, thrusting a boney finger at him. Knob laughed.
“Hey, I’m not judging. That’s why I sit here, too,” Knob said. Brawlda nodded.
“Either way, it was here, in this spot, that I saw your mother. Walking radiantly as always. She was such a fox. Still is, actually,” Brawlda said.
“Okay, I’d really rather not hear about Mom in that way, jeesh. Why couldn’t she be here? Still sick, I take it?” Knob asked.
“Yes, very, and within this darkness, she can’t receive the proper treatment. If this keeps up, Knob . . . I just, I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost her . . .” Brawlda said.
“So, what you’re saying is, I need to win, for us, for Mom?” Knob said. Brawlda smacked the side of Knob’s head.
“Of course you need to win, you dumbass! What? Was losing an option for you?” Brawlda asked.
“Hey! Of course not! I was just making conversation,” Knob said.
“Fine, fine, but you don’t just win for us. You win for everyone, Knob. But yes, if thinking of your mom helps you, then by all means, focus on it. She won’t last much longer. And this darkness all around is driving me crazy; everyone, actually,” Brawlda said.
“I can only imagine,” Knob said.
“You don’t have to hear it from me; I know you will do well out there. You’ll win for us. But even more, do it for you, Knob. I want to see the joy on your face when you finally stop chasing tail and meet the girl who is right for you. The one you were meant to be with. Seeing that, that grin on your face when it happens, will only remind me even more of the day I met your mother. It’s in our blood, Knobby, we’re just suckers for love, and when we don’t have it, we’re useless. But for now, until you find a love of your own, know that your mother and I love you deeply and are so proud of you. Now, go and kick some ass, kiddo,” Brawlda said, smacking Knob on the shoulder.
Kennis opened her eyes to see a hospital room and there, before her, Kinny was hooked up to a machine. She watched as her chest rose up and down, and Kalloway was leaning over her.
“How is she?” Kennis asked.
“She has had good days and bad days since the incident,” Kalloway said.
“And this darkness, is it affecting her?” Kennis asked.
“Yes, the solar battery which powers this machine is losing juice with every passing hour. The situation is grim, Kenni, I won’t lie to you.”
Kennis was quiet as she looked at her best friend.
“I promised your mother that I would always look after you and your brother, Kenni. I failed with him, and now I am helpless again to prevent anything from happening to you,” Kalloway said, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath to fight the tears.
“As much as it hurts me to know my brother got caught up with the Drakeness, he still made his own choices. It wasn’t your fault. I don’t blame you or anyone else. I blame that horrible darkness, that drug, that evil, that cancer, whatever you want to call it. I am . . . I have never been much for fighting, but I will do all I can to stop this. This is what I’m fighting against, what we are fighting against. Even if I can only give a little, I will give all of it,” Kenni said. Kalloway smiled.
“Your mother was the same way when we were kids. Always doubting herself and her abilities. She looked up to me, but she never knew that I was the one who always looked to her. You and Kinny are no different; seeing you two together brings back memories of your mom,” Kalloway said.
“I . . . you’ve always been my mother, Kalloway, I . . .” Kennis started as tears erupted from her big blue eyes. Kalloway rushed to her.
“Shhhh, enough of that. You’ve got to be tough! Tough like Kinny! She’ll be with you out there, I know she will, somehow. Save her, Kenni, save all of us. I know you can. But most importantly, do something for me, something very important,” Kalloway said.
“Anything . . .” Kennis said.
“Look out for Gisbo. Use your abilities to help him and keep watch over him,” Kalloway said. Kennis gave a grimace at the thought of it.
“Gisbo? What? What are you saying? Why would you say something like that? He’s an idiot. If anything, he’s going to get us all killed out there,” Kennis said. Kalloway smiled.
“Oh, stop saying what you don’t mean. I know you feel it, too, and I’ve seen the way you look at him. There is something very special about that boy beneath the surface. You should know, he risked his life to try and save Kinny from this state,” Kalloway said.
“He . . . he did?” Kennis asked. “But . . . what’s so special about him?”
“Oh, it’s not for me to say, but I know he’ll need you out there. Do what you can for him. Like you, he didn’t have a mother, but had somebody in his life he only met recently, like a mother, like I am to you. He fights to save her. You can relate to that, can’t you?” Kalloway said.
“I certainly can. I’ll do my best, Kalloway. I’ll come back to you,” Kennis said. She rushed forward and gave her an unexpected hug.
“I know you will, dear, and that’s all I ask,” Kalloway said, a single tear dripping down her face.
Niffin opened her eyes to a bright morning day in Heaven’s Shelter. She was standing on the Courtyard of Strength, where she spent countless mornings helping her mother set up the equipment for the students the following day. Being here, with her mom, a mom she hadn’t known for some time, had been wonderful. They talked about everything and anything as they worked, and Niffin never felt closer or more connected to anyone else in all of her days. Except now, there was no work to do here.
“Sending you away, Niffin, was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I knew if you were anything like your dad, you would be shy and keep to yourself. Loneliness is such a hard monster to bear. You can’t fight it, you can only keep it at bay,” Roarie said.
“I know, Mom, but I really didn’t mind it. It was hard at times, not having any friends, but somehow I knew, felt, it was only temporary. That things would get better,” Niffin said. Roarie smiled.
“You and your father are too much alike, my dear. He was the same way, I’m pretty sure even said the same thing you’re saying to me now at one point. He was always so brave, so able. He could rely on himself for everything. Never a doubt in the world. Everything by his own strength. It was what was most attractive about him, I suppose. Plus, I guess I dig the tall, dark, and myst
erious types,” Roarie said.
“That’s funny,” Niffin said.
“Yes, I just have always had a problem with loneliness. That’s why I am the way I am, boisterous and loud, as if saying, ‘Hey, don’t forget about me.’ And now, my dear, I miss you terribly. Your father and I both do. But knowing you got a mix of his skills and mine within you, I actually do not worry for a change. I KNOW you will come back to me safely,” Roarie said.
“I know, Mom, we all will. Crass, Knob, and Rolce are going to be with me. They have all looked out for me and have become my friends over this year. They will protect me and I’ll . . . I’ll protect them,” Niffin said.
“Plus, you learned under . . . her,” Roarie said.
“Yes, I know how you’ve always felt about Grandma, but I’m not a Berserker, Mom. I’m a Shininja. You could only teach me so much and . . .” Niffin started nervously.
“It’s fine, I’m over it, hun. Water under the bridge. I’m sorry we fought before we left. It’s just she never liked me marrying your dad. I was never good enough for her little boy. I just . . . yeah, just . . .” Roarie said.
“It’s fine, Mom. She taught me how to survive this, skills I need. But you, you gave me a heart, something most Shininjas don’t have. I feel, and because of that, I will protect those I love. Especially you; I’ll protect you from your loneliness and come back to you, Mom, I promise!” Niffin said. Roarie stepped up to her daughter and embraced her in a tight hug.
“A Shininja with a heart. You just might be the very first . . .” Roarie said.
Grandfield did not open his eyes, but found himself opening his mouth at the familiar touch of powder and softness as his favorite donut lay in his hands. His father, Groggo, and he were seated at a table in their favorite café within Heaven’s Shelter, a platter of donuts and two steaming cups of coffee before them.
“I know these are fake and somehow my mind’s telling me they’re real, but, wow, I don’t care! These taste amazing!” Grandfield said, gobbling up another one.
“And plus, you know how much we both watch our figures. These are imaginary donuts! No guilt! Best yet!” Groggo said, munching one of his own.