by Lyra Shanti
“You sure have a way with men,” said Fola.
“You have no idea,” replied Reese with a smirk. “If only I could keep one.”
“That’s why I’ve gone to the other side,” said Fola, grinning, “and I’m much happier.”
“Maybe I should too,” said Reese. “I tried it with a woman once, though, and it was a disaster. For better or for worse, I like men. They drive me crazy, but I can’t stop myself. Maybe I should just become a priestess when this war is over.”
Fola gave a laugh and said, “You’d never last a day. I remember when you disguised yourself as a Deiusian. You couldn’t even pass as a royal servant, let alone a priestess.”
Reese smirked and said, “I don’t know what you mean. I was a perfect servant.”
“You were a sore thumb,” said Fola.
Reese shook her head with a smile and was about to give a sharp retort when the ship suddenly jolted to the side, causing everyone to grab onto their seat-belts in panic.
“What the hell was that?!” yelled Reese.
Getting up from her chair, Fola looked out the window and saw something she couldn’t quite explain. “General!” she yelled. “Come look at this!”
“What is it?” asked Reese as she ran to Fola’s side.
“I… don’t know, but it’s really big.”
Reese looked and saw it too. “Oh, my Gods…” she muttered. “Is that…”
“It’s The Great Mother,” replied Kiyana, sad, yet stoic, as she came forward. Placing her hand on the window, the Tirleni priestess closed her eyes and prayed.
Please, my Goddess, she pleaded in her mind, have pity on us and pass over our ship. We are not here to harm you or your children. Please, have mercy.
As Kiyana opened her eyes, she saw two giant, dark-purple eyes staring back at her. The eyes were as big as the entire ship, and it stunned anyone who saw them.
Feeling unable to speak or move, Kiyana simply bowed in reverence.
A few moments later and the enormous creature slowly swam away and out of their sight.
“What was that thing?” asked Reese.
“It was Osha… and I am afraid this might be the last day any of us see the light of the world.”
Reese didn’t know what to say. Instead, she immediately called Pei on her wrist-com and hoped he had seen it too.
“Yes, Reese,” he replied. “I saw it… and the things following her too.”
“What things?
“Well,” he said with a shaken voice, “I think they were people... rotting dead people.”
Feeling in over her head, Reese prayed, not to a God, but to Ayn. She could only hope he was coming and would somehow save them all.
Chapter 19: The Call of Destiny
“But… if she’s a monster, how can I stop her?”
Zasaban looked at Ayn with a grin and said, “You stopped Raxas when he had slipped into madness, did you not?”
“That was… different,” replied Ayn sheepishly.
“How so?”
“Well… he… I… it just was!”
Zasaban laughed and said, “That’s a compelling argument, my king, but I know you can do the same for my mother. I believe in you.”
“Thank you, Zas, but… I had Axis with me then. I can’t do it without him.”
“That’s not true. It wasn’t Axis who reached into Raxas’ mind and healed him. It was you. It’s always you who leads us, Ayn. You must believe in your power. Everyone around you senses your true ability. You are the only one who doubts it.”
Ayn shook his head and replied, “But I don’t have any power right now. I really don’t. Why won’t you believe me?”
Zasaban sighed and said, “Because I know you, my king, perhaps better than you know yourself… and I know you will stop my mother from losing her soul. Just as you healed Raxas from becoming a monster, you will do the same for her, and you will save us all in the process.”
Ayn took a deep breath and pushed his long black bangs away from his face. Frustrated and feeling pressured, he said, “Look, I want to help, but what can I do? You make her sound impossible to speak with, and to be honest, I have no recollection of a creature named Osha. Did she and Adin ever speak?”
“No… not that I know of,” replied Zasaban, “but she certainly knew of him. She was once called The Queen of the Deep, and she kept her inner eyes aware of everything and everyone, especially those with the power to affect the plasma of The Un. She realized how important Adin was, though she didn’t get involved when punishing his murderers. I did that on my own, and I payed the price.”
Ayn was curious to know what Zasaban meant by him paying the price, but he didn’t feel it was the right time to push the matter.
“Alright, I’ll talk to her, I guess…” said Ayn, “but I’m not guaranteeing anything.”
“You’ll see, my king,” said Zasaban with a smile, “you’ll reach her. I have faith in you.”
Ayn sighed as he leaned against the large rock in the cave where his Viha rested. Feeling the urge to connect with his sword, he clutched its hilt, then said, “I just wish Axis was here too. I need his energy. He always helps me, even when he’s afraid. I can’t explain it.”
“You don’t have to, Ayn. I understand. But let me assure you, Axis is coming. I feel it. He’ll be here soon.”
Ayn wished he could believe so wholeheartedly in his future the way Zasaban seemed to do. He did, however, feel stronger somehow. The plasma of his Viha was indeed coursing through his veins, and it was pleasurable, albeit a tad overwhelming. He felt the need to close his eyes, and when he did, he saw the red Sarax-dragon flying in the sky over tall mountains and trees. It was Sirin he was remembering when it was in the height of its glory. He could feel Siya’s powerful neck underneath his legs as he rode on top of her through the wind. He sensed their bond; it was almost as intense as his bond with Axis, though quite different.
Remembering the wind in his hair and the freeing feeling of riding on Siya’s back, Ayn took a deep breath. He felt as though his own plasma was returning, and it made him aware of more than just his fears and immediate worries.
“Pei is calling for me,” he said as he opened his eyes. “I can hear his mind.”
“Your power is re-awakening,” Zasaban replied with a proud smile.
Ayn wasn’t sure he was all that powerful just yet, but he could definitely feel Pei’s soul. “I’m not really sure what it is he wants, but I need to contact him. Did you bring your communicator?”
“Don’t worry, Ayn. Pei is headed for the Tirleni shore to almost exactly where I’ve brought you - just down the coast a bit.”
“How… did you know he’d be coming here?”
Zasaban smirked and said, “I’m still Sarax in my soul, my king. I can still travel.”
Ayn shook his head, shrugging off his confusion, then said, “Alright, let’s go down to the beach where you think Pei will be. I need to see him. Something of great urgency is on his mind, and I think he needs our help.”
“He wants your army,” said Zasaban dryly.
“What? The Tah? Why?”
“Because there will be war. Don’t worry, I have already given the message to Minister Baran, and he is sending a mighty force to help General Pei. The Tah are also on their way. I have planned this for quite some time, you see.”
Ayn sighed and rubbed his forehead. “War?” he asked wearily. “Is it Vax?”
“It is both he and my mother. Let us go down to the beach, Your Majesty. I am sure all will be revealed, and soon.”
Ayn nodded as he grabbed his Viha and walked out the mouth of the cave. He was a little scared about the impending war Zasaban spoke of, but at the same time, he was glad to be avoiding his surgery. Is that weak of me, Ona? he asked in his mind. He hoped she wasn’t too worried about him as he walked with Zasaban down a winding path that led down to the beach.
As his feet touched the warm sand, Ayn looked up and saw that the sky was bright and cl
ear-blue. What a beautiful day, he thought to himself. How strange it would be a day for war.
“Are you sure Pei is coming?” he asked his adviser.
“Yes, he’s on his way,” replied Zasaban. He then pointed up at the sky. “However, I think someone else has arrived first unfortunately.”
Ayn looked up and saw several silver-colored ships approaching the shore. “Are those Ohrian fighter ships?” asked Ayn, a little panicked.
“They are indeed,” Zasaban quickly replied. “We must take cover, my king. Follow me!”
Nodding, Ayn followed his adviser as they ran behind a large, craggy rock.
“What are they doing here?” whispered Ayn as they hid, squatting.
“They’re attacking the Tirleni.”
“What Tirleni?” asked Ayn.
Zasaban pointed to the beach as a large, blue-green ship breached the shore at full speed. In a matter of seconds, the ship’s color seemed to meld with the sand of the beach, camouflaging it perfectly.
“Pei’s on that ship?” Ayn asked excitedly.
Zasaban nodded and said, “Now, take your Viha, and join him. I’ll try to distract those Ohrian fighters until The Lirhan and The Tah arrive.”
Ayn had no idea how Zasaban could do such a difficult task, but he felt compelled to find Pei, and did as his adviser said. Grabbing onto his ancient Viha, Ayn spurt across the beach, heading in the direction of Pei’s ship.
Immediately, the Ohrian fighters aimed at Ayn and fired.
Just barely missing him, they aimed once more. Before they could re-fire, however, Zasaban jumped out from behind the rock with his arms extended wide and shouted, “Ahzneesh Varkah Nalaheesoh!” His words shook the sand, and in a matter of seconds, a blinding red light shot up from the beach, flinging upward at the Ohrian ships. Ayn was stunned as he watched his adviser use a kind of magic that Ayn had only read in books. Flashing red and purple lights danced in front of the Ohrian fighters, causing the ships to spin around each other in the sky.
Is it because he’s still Sarax in his soul that he can do such things? Ayn asked himself as he watched in awe. What are those lights? Is it plasma or just an illusion?
Momentarily lost in thought, Ayn didn’t notice Pei, Reese, Maisy, and the rest of his troop approaching from behind.
“Ayn!” shouted Pei. “I knew you’d come!”
Both of them quickly hugged as Ayn replied, “Yeah, I was taken here by Zas. I can’t explain it, but he’s holding off the Ohrians for now. Quickly, tell me what’s happening.”
“I’m sorry, my king, but there’s no time at the moment. Just follow us!”
Ayn nodded and ran with Pei and his troop as they all headed to the East side of the beach.
“Where are we going?” yelled Ayn.
“The Tirleni leader, Lady Kiyana, told me there’s a secret stash of Tirleni weapons in this area,” shouted Pei in reply.
“Basically,” added Reese, “we’re going to stock up and kick Ohrian ass!”
Ayn smirked at Reese’s way of putting things. He found her feisty bluntness both comforting and inspiring. He couldn’t believe it, but he was actually excited to be on the verge of battle with his brethren. Compared to lying on a sick bed, waiting to die, Ayn was almost happy to fight with his Viha in hand. It must be you, Adin, he thought, coming through me once more.
Blasting open the sand-covered hatch, Pei and Reese led the charge into the underground Tirleni base. Ayn followed as the rest of Pei’s team rushed down the stairs.
“Crazy that I didn’t see these stairs the first time I was here,” said Pei.
“You weren’t exactly aware they existed,” said Reese. “Hell, I blasted my way in the first time. This way is much easier. So… where are the guns?”
“They’re not really guns,” replied Pei.
“What are they?”
“According to legend,” said Ayn as he moved forward through the damp hallway, feeling the diamond-encrusted walls with his left hand, “the Ohrian weapons made of Linthil are much like Viha, but with more potency and range.” He gripped his own Viha with his right hand and added, “I have heard that Adin wanted to forge a weapon that equaled the mysterious Ohrian swords, so he made his own version, which is what I hold today.”
Pei nodded and smiled. “So, in theory, what the Tirleni fight with are swords as powerful as your Viha?”
“In theory, I suppose,” said Ayn. “Although… one must be trained in the ways of the Viha. I’m sure the same goes for their Linthil swords.”
“Damn,” said Reese with a cheeky grin. “I was hoping for guns.”
Pei was about to scold her when he saw Ayn walk into the area that led to the decompression room. How did he know it was here in this darkness? he silently asked. Feeling silly for asking himself such a question about The Bodanya, Pei followed after Ayn, and the rest of the troop did the same.
“Your Majesty, this room will fill up with water once it is activated, so we need breathing-fish to go any further. Here, use this. I know it’s disgusting, but… it’s the only way to get through the decompression.”
Pei then showed Ayn how to use the fish by placing it on his own mouth. Ayn was thoroughly horrified and shook his head. “I think I’ll take my chances with holding my breath, thanks,” he said as he let the fish go into the water that was filling up in the room.
Pei’s eyes widened in annoyance.
Why won’t Ayn ever do what I ask? Ayn heard Pei say in his mind. Ayn smirked as he took a deep breath. He wished he could talk to Pei in his mind the way he once could talk to Axis. As the cold water covered the entire team, Ayn felt a pang of sadness about Axis. He missed him terribly and wondered where in the universe his closest friend was at the moment.
Hopefully, he’s somewhere warm and in the stars, thought Ayn as he swam with everyone into the second part of the decompression room. As the water drained away, Ayn took a deep breath and smirked while watching the troop spit out their slimy breathing fish.
“Not a word, Your Majesty,” spit Pei as he wiped his mouth in disgust.
Ayn smiled wide. Oh, Axis, you’d love this… if only you were here.
--
After the third attempt, Axis was beginning to lose hope. He wasn’t sure which time-line he was in, or if he was even in the same dimension anymore. He had seen himself as a child, as an adult, and even as an old Sarax, which was quite surreal. He had seen Ayn too, but never near the point where they had spoken last.
Once again, he used the technique Raxas taught him, focusing his mind on the sound and feel of the plasma around his body. He remembered Ayn’s face, then concentrated on the wavelength that his memory of Ayn’s soul emitted. I’m close, I know it, thought Axis as he lifted himself through time and space.
Flying to yet another unknown destination, he extended his wings wide, balancing between the layers of plasma within The Un. Warm inside his own protective shielding, he followed the beckoning sound deep into space.
As he approached his destination, the sound of Ayn’s soul throbbed in his mind. It’s him! Axis silently exclaimed. And he’s definitely an adult in this time. I can feel it! I just hope it’s when I last left him.
Slowly, he levitated down, flying through the atmosphere of a planet he assumed was Deius. However, as soon as his feet touched the cold surface of a snow-capped mountain, he felt disoriented. “Wait,” he whispered, “this doesn’t feel right.”
Axis had hoped he had landed on the famous Quay-Karah Mountains, but there was something in the air that just didn’t feel the same.
He was about to re-activate his soul’s plasma-shield, preparing for time travel once more, when he saw a large creature flying toward him. It had blue wings and a cat-like face, much like his own, and as it flew closer to where he stood, Axis couldn’t believe what he saw; it was a full-blooded Sarax!
“I… I thought my race had died out!” Axis sputtered as the blue-winged Sarax came within speaking distance. As it stood, hovering over
him with its immense size, Axis realized he was in the presence of a female.
“We are not extinct,” she replied with a gentle smile. “We are flourishing, actually. You, however, seem out of place and time. Who are you?”
“My name is Axis,” he said shyly.
The female Sarax tilted her head, then changed her size and appearance to match his. Standing in front of him, she now appeared like a typical Sirini, albeit with blue hair and wings. “I see,” she said with a nod. “You are from Sirin… from the Un galaxy.”
“Um… yeah, where else would I be from? Where am I now?”
She sighed, then said, “I think it’s best if my grandfather speaks with you. He is the wisest of our sages, and I am sure he’ll be able to help you. Follow me.”
Filled with curiosity, Axis walked behind the mysterious blue-haired woman as they walked down the mountain. “What is your name, might I ask?” he inquired.
She turned back and said, “My name is Moiya.”
In a flash in his mind, he saw her face change to his own daughter’s face. Thali?! he silently exclaimed. How is this possible?
She smiled wide, almost as if she had heard his thoughts. She then walked further down the mountain. Axis quickened his pace to keep up.
“In there,” she said as she stopped and pointed at the mouth of a cave. “My grandfather is probably meditating. He usually does it at the mid-day hour.”
“Thank you, Moiya,” said Axis as he slowly entered the cave.
It was dark, but not desolate since there were candle-lit lamps all throughout the surrounding walls. The air was warm and sweet with incense burning on an altar in the center of the cave.
“Hello?” said Axis as he slowly stepped inside.
“Hello,” a gravelly voice responded from somewhere further ahead.
“I… I’m here to speak with the elder sage who might be able to tell me where I am.”
Out of the darkness of the back of the cave came a hooded man in a long, dark-blue robe. He had long white hair and walked with a tall, black cane. At the tip of the cane was a glistening purple diamond. It was mesmerizing to Axis, and he found it hard not to stare.