by Blake Vanier
Nero nods. “Easy peasy.”
“Now, there are two parts to an essence: the core and the shell. The core is what channels the Aether and defines the essence’s characteristics. The shell provides an anchor to our world and physical protection. It can take on many forms. For an Aether being, it’s their body. For an Artifact, it’s the vessel. For a free essence, such as we have, it’s an Aether barrier.”
He puts the fixture on the plank and plugs the coiled cable into it. “This cable will energize the base, which will attract the core of the essence while the sphere will attract its Aether shell.” Saraf closes the door to the container. “Sosimo, are you ready?”
Sosimo screws the essence vessel into the side of the container and rotates a door release mechanism. “Alright, it’s free.”
Saraf pulls Nero over to two switches. “This one powers the base and this one powers the sphere.” He flips the switch for the base, and a little green indicator light goes on above it.
“Shouldn't we flip the other one, too?” Nero asks.
“We need to let the core settle on the base. If we don’t give it time, both the shell and the core will get pulled toward the sphere, which doesn’t help us.” Saraf waits for several moments, then he flips the next switch. “They should be separated now.” He opens the door to the large container. Floating over the fixture is a tiny white star.
“Is that the core?” Nero asks.
“It is. The only thing keeping it from dissipating right now, since it no longer has a shell, is the energy from the base.”
“What happens to the shell?”
“It’s mostly Aether. We’ll use it in the next step, along with the Aether Sosimo brought.” Saraf grabs the rod in the metal webbing and slowly connects it to the base. The core brightens as it is forced inside the vessel. “The vessel will provide the protection from the outside world, but it won't fully bond until we turn the power off on the base. Before we let it bond, I'm going to force Aether in a specific manner through it. The core will mimic and take on this same Aether behavior temporarily. Before I stop putting Aether through it, we'll turn off the power, which will permanently bond the core to the object and set its properties to the Aether I was using. The actual design of the vessel determines if it is a continuous or a pulse-type lepisent.” Saraf turns to Sosimo. “So, what behavior did you want?”
“I would like electromagnetic radiation with a spread of frequencies topping out at three hundred gigahertz.”
“Wow, do you want a cherry on top, too?”
“If you can manage, sure, but I think you have your work cut out for you already.”
“That I do. This would certainly be useful to fight an advanced race that relies heavily on machines.”
“That's the point.”
“So that’s why Sosimo needs your help!” Nero says. “Your cast is Moltrik and Pahzan and Sosimo’s is Icor.”
Saraf looks at Sosimo, smiling. “Not bad for a Human, eh?”
“Not bad at all,” Sosimo says.
“There are ways to make Artifacts that aren’t your cast,” Saraf says. “However, it’s tricky, never works as well, and requires special tools. Let’s set the properties and finish the process.”
Saraf removes the base from the large container, putting it on a stand in the middle of the room. Sosimo brings over a crystal sphere that is attached to a cable from the long-term Aether storage.
Saraf palms the sphere and touches the Artifact in making. He closes his eyes. “Here we go.”
Sosimo pulls Nero back. “It's going to be rough at first.” He places his hand on a switch. “I'll cut the power to the base as soon as Saraf stabilizes the Artifact.”
Large sparks begin to arc between the Artifact and the rest of the room. Sosimo steps in front of Nero, shielding him. Saraf grimaces and his breathing grows more and more labored. Waves of energy pour from the end of the lepisent and the stray bolts of energy striking the surroundings lessen.
“Is it there yet?” Nero asks, peeking around Sosimo.
“Not much longer. It's almost settled.”
The sparks disappear, and a continuous wave of energy radiates from the tip of the lepisent.
Sosimo flips the switch. “Alright, Saraf. That should do it.”
The energy cuts out. Saraf opens his eyes, blinking. He grabs the edge of the table for support. Sosimo hurries over to help him to a seat.
Sosimo smiles. “Not bad for an old man.”
“Old man!” Saraf grunts. “I could still run circles around you if I had to…” He puts his hand on his head. “Oy. Maybe I am getting old.”
22
Odoki
Nero
“No, no, no. You need to focus. Strike it like it’s a giant hawk trying to nip your ears off,” Saraf says, sitting next to the fireball generator. “It should come off your styk faster than it started.”
“But shouldn't I be adding to its Aether as well? How am I supposed to do that when my styk is empty?” Natina asks, waving the piece of wood in front of her. She’s wearing a pair of clear safety glasses.
“Yes, but you can’t jump over a pair of donkeys if you don’t clear the first one… first. Odoki is a very delicate skill. Any Aether in your styk can overload it if you aren’t practiced. It takes time to control how much and how fast you transfer Aether through Odoki. Just like deflecting Aether, it’ll take time and practice. Trust me, this is the best way. I've had many of my styks blow up on me because I tried to rush it. We need to start small, adding energy through the physical contact.”
Is that what happened to my broomstick when it exploded? Nero continues to pedal the bike. “Why does the stick explode?”
“Odoki puts a lot of strain on your styk. If you have a lot of Aether built up and you have poor control, all the energy will empty instantly. This can exceed the Aethersotto of your styk, which will cause it to overload and explode. Same goes if you do this with an attack that’s too powerful. Your styk won’t be able to handle the stress. A true master can modulate exactly how much energy releases from their styk.”
“Why would you risk it?” Nero asks.
“It’s the fastest way to drain energy from your styk. So, you would use Odoki if your styk is almost maxed out, or if you simply want to go on the offensive to change up the tempo of the battle. It could potentially give you an edge. It’s also much faster than trying to deflect or block, so if you’re desperate, Odoki will help speed up your defense.”
“If you’re adding Aether to the attack, what happens to the cast?”
Saraf raises his eyebrows and smiles. “That’s a very good question. And to think I used to make fun of your feeble brain. When you deflect an attack, nothing happens to the cast. When you perform Odoki, though, the cast of the attack will change to the same one of your styk. Though your styk doesn’t actually absorb the attacking Aether, the two become one for just a moment.” Saraf turns back to Natina, placing his hand on the fireball generator. “Remember, there are two important aspects to this Odo form. First, you need to swing and make contact, which can be challenging in and of itself. Second, you need to focus on driving your stick through the Aether. For especially powerful attacks, it may feel like you’re hitting something as hard as Grebson’s head. You must keep your styk moving forward. This is a good mental trick for keeping your styk strong. Ready?”
Natina nods weakly. Saraf hits the button. A fireball grows at the tip of the generator. When it reaches the size of an apple, it detaches, wobbling like a droplet of water from the faucet. Its colors swirl, orange and red, twisting in on each other. Natina curls her lip, swinging with her whole body. The blob of fire brightens as she makes contact. It flares yellow before it zips toward Nero. He dives from the bike as it explodes against the wall. The momentum from Natina's swing spins her in a circle before she catches herself. Grebson chuckles.
Saraf looks at the giant scorch mark on his wall, shaking his head. “Nice hit, slugger. You didn't need to murder it. Y
ou nearly took off Nero's head!”
Nero dusts himself off. “That was awesome!”
Natina smiles at him. “Thanks.”
“Could I try, Saraf?” Nero asks.
Saraf frowns. “You’re going to keep asking until I let you, aren't you?” Nero nods. “Well, I suppose we can give it a shot one day. You must earn the right, first. You need to have your basic physical skills down. When you become proficient in Roroon, then we can give it a try. But it's your fault if you get hurt.”
Nero smiles. “Deal!”
“Good.” Saraf turns to Natina. “We’ll have to figure out a better arrangement, so you don't destroy my training room. At this rate, it won’t be long before there’s nothing left. In the meantime, let's move on to Odora. You can’t do much damage by drawing Aether from your styk.” Saraf walks over to a rack to grab a leather strap. He ties it around Natina's waist. Then, he ties her right arm, styk in hand, behind her back. Saraf hops on the bike and starts to pedal. “You two know the drill. We'll warm up before we give Natina any Aether.”
Nero walks over to Natina. They circle one another before Nero attacks. It takes him a few tries before he gets hold of her. They wrestle. Even with one arm tied behind her back, Natina is a close match for Nero. They grapple and strain to get the upper hand, and finally, Nero slips a foot behind Natina, pushing her to the ground.
Nero throws up his hands in triumph. “Got you!”
Saraf claps. “Holy smokes, I didn’t think I’d live to see the day. Looks like those little muscles of yours actually work. Now, Natina, come over here and charge your styk. This time when you fight, I want you to draw the Aether from the stick for extra strength.”
“That hardly seems fair,” Nero says.
“And I’m getting old and my back always hurts. Is that fair? Hardly, but I’m not complaining,” Saraf says.
Natina walks over to the Aether storage container, touching it with her styk. She walks back to Nero, smiling. “Why’d you stop dancing?”
Nero and Natina wrestle again. Again, it is a close match. Nero just barely manages to throw her down. He does a celebratory dance as she gets up, glaring at him.
“Just let the Aether flow into you, Natina, and the rest should happen naturally. Don't try to fight or resist it,” Saraf says.
Natina closes her eyes for a moment, concentrating. A smile spreads across her face. “I think I got it.”
Nero stops dancing. Great…
Natina lunges at Nero with surprising agility. He dodges her hand once, but the second time, she comes around and grabs his arm. She spins him around once then throws him to the ground. Natina starts to dance. “What'cha going to do now, skinny boy?”
Nero jumps up and tries to wrestle with her, but her speed and strength are too much. He lands on his back again.
“Alright, good job, you two. Practice a few more times. I'll be right back.” Saraf hops off the bike, walking into his workshop.
“You know this is so unfair, right?” Nero asks.
“Yeah. It's too bad you can't draw Aether.”
But I can! I just need to grab onto the styk. I think…
When they start again, Nero manages to just slide by one of Natina's lunges. She swipes again. He goes low, throwing her off balance. He grabs the styk in her hand as she tries to regain her balance. It vibrates with Aether and he opens himself up, letting it flow into him. He feels a surge of strength and he tosses Natina. She lands with a thump on her tied arm, yelping.
Oh no!
Nero and Grebson hurry over. Saraf is close behind.
“What happened?” Saraf asks.
“It looked like Nero got a lucky throw. Natina landed on her arm,” Grebson replies.
Saraf gently unties her arm and she immediately cradles it, face stoic but ashen. “Who thought of tying her arm behind her back anyway?” Saraf asks.
“That was you, Saraf,” Grebson says.
Saraf shakes his head. “What a nakok-wit.” He pulls Natina to her feet. “Let's get you upstairs and take a look.”
Saraf and Natina walk upstairs. Grebson stares Nero down. “I saw what you did.” He reaches down to pick up the styk.
Nero looks down. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt her, I promise. Please don’t tell the King.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You drew Aether from the styk, didn’t you?”
Nero nods. “I think so.”
“How?”
“I'm not sure. I just did. I can also block and deflect Aether attacks.”
“I didn't believe her, but there’s something unique about you.”
“Her who?”
“Only a few races other than Borukins can perform those skills. Humans definitely cannot, but you’re different. Meet me before Illi rises tomorrow morning where Natina and I found you in the park. Come prepared. I want you to show me what you can do. I hope for your sake, you don’t disappoint me.”
Nero swallows. “Okay.” What does that mean?
*****
Nero enters Sosimo's shop, which has a steady flow of customers scanning the candy. Two children excitedly run past him as he walks through to the back, and then to the second floor. He finds the other children training with Sosimo. Iona and Ryder are working together. A small pit forms in Nero’s stomach.
Thea runs over to him immediately, grinning. She holds up her arm, a lepisent strapped to it, and points it at Nero. “I just womped Korbin with this!”
Nero ducks.
Sosimo walks over to meet him. “Come on, Thea. Don't point that at people's faces.” She lowers the lepisent, a little embarrassed. “Why are you home early?”
“Saraf made me take the rest of the day off because I was feeling bad. He said: If I’m not going to be here in spirit, then go waste space somewhere else.”
“That sounds like him. Why were you feeling bad?”
“I accidentally hurt this girl he’s been training.”
Sosimo pats him on the back. “Don’t feel too bad. I’m sure it’s nothing serious. He seems pretty happy with your help, so you must be doing a good job in general.”
“Yeah. At least he doesn’t make fun of my brain anymore.”
“We need to get back to training. Stick around afterward, Nero. I have something you might be interested in seeing.” He directs Thea back to training.
Korbin stands up, groaning when he sees her coming.
Nero sits and watches the other children blast each other. Seeing Thea hit Korbin in the middle of his chest with a shot of Aether brings a smile to Nero’s face.
He shifts his perspective and looks at the children’s swirling Aether. Ryder has a yellow glow, Korbin has a brown glow, and Iona has a green glow. Thea, on the other hand, has a bright combination of red, blue, green, and yellow Aether. Each color though, is less vibrant than that of the other children. Nero looks closer, noticing that only her head glows with green Aether. The Aether from the rest of her body mixes around her neck, pushing toward her head, but the green Aether always surges back.
That’s cool! What does it mean?
At the end of the training, the children are blackened. Sosimo sends them to clean up.
He walks over to Nero, shaking his head. “Not the prettiest sight, huh?”
Nero smiles. “It's fun to watch, though.”
“It is. Wait here. I have a curio to show you.” Sosimo hurries upstairs.
Iona sits down next to Nero. “Hey, so how's it going?”
“Alright. You?”
“I'm good. Playing with lepisents is pretty fun.”
“It looks like it.”
“Thea's doing the best. The rest of us are pretty equal. It’s tough, but I enjoy it. What have you been doing? Are you still exploring the city at all? Any adventures?”
Nero shrugs. His eyes focus on nothing. A smile plays at the corners of his mouth. A few.
“What about working for Sosimo's friend? Is that fun?”
“Yeah, it's pretty sweet. Saraf has all sor
ts of cool artifacts and junk. Last month, they let me watch them make a lepisent. It was totally awesome.”
“How did they do it?”
Nero's eyes light up. “So they got this essence and put it into a box and then flipped some switches that pulled the essence apart to separate its core from its shell. Do you know what that is?” Iona's eyes glaze over. “Well the core is the part that―”
Sosimo stomps back down the stairs holding a case. “Here it is, Nero,” he says. He removes a single-sided black metal sword. It has two slots above the guard, carvings and other materials are inlaid in the blade. “Has Saraf ever shown you one of these?”
Nero shakes his head.
“Probably because he doesn't have one.”
“Why's it special?” Iona asks.
“Here, Nero. What do you think?”
Nero shifts his perspective. Most of the blade is blurred by a gentle pulsing glow churning with red, blue, and green Aether. Violet lines fan out from the slots above the guard. The edge glows violet, too. Occasionally, a touch of Aether arcs from the main body and the violet lines flare with the same color. The edge stays incredibly crisp. “Wow, this is interesting. I see that it is mostly Pahzan, Moltrik, and Icor Aether. It has some strange lines from these slots to the edges, like the Katashne’n wood. What does it mean?”
“Saraf wasn’t kidding about you. It’s called a Porlimin sword. They’re very difficult to make. They accept spherical tursent Artifacts that augment the Aether the blade cuts with. The two slots give you an instant choice of which Aether to use. The Aether you sensed in the body of the blade provides extra strength and protection. If you look carefully, you'll notice that the edge of this blade isn't even metal. Although, it'll still slice right through your finger.”
Nero looks at the blade, running his finger on the edge. Sure enough, he sees a wood grain in the edge. His finger starts to bleed. He sticks it in his mouth, handing Sosimo the sword.
“I told you so. It is Katashne’n wood, just like you thought. Anyway, I thought you'd appreciate it.”