BDS: Chapter Twenty-One

Hours later, Kesól and Gyan entered the Thesarei in their formal robes for Council. Gyan, feeling exhausted, greeted the other masters as they returned from the mission.

I don't like taking missions without you there, Valora said as the masters gathered around.

Gyan smiled. I feel the same. He was glad that she wasn't upset with him anymore. He knew she would never agree with his commitment to being Jalena's Shanlo, but it was something that he didn't want to come between them.

Are you able to be around Master Jalena again?

Yes. It has subsided for now. Kesól's training is working. I have so much to tell all of you.

I know you have gone to the simulation room late most nights, too.

Gyan nodded. Just for my own peace of mind and to prepare for any unexpected episodes that could happen at night. It feels like I've been training without pause though, so I hope it will pay off.

She sighed. I'm sure it will but your energy is still heavy.

Gyan brought his weary gaze to Valora's eyes. I just want to be able to trust myself again—to control this thing that's going on with me.

You will. Trust in what Kesól shows you.

He gave her a half-hearted nod.

Gyan brought his focus to the meeting as the rest of the available Order members arrived. He scanned the group entering the Thesarei for Jalena, attempting to suppress his disappointment when she did not show.

After the warriors bowed to each other and recited their philosophy, Syam gave an update on Malik and Zareb. "They have not reported any news yet, which most likely means that they have found something in Dremma," Syam announced. "Information should appear in the Libran soon."

He nodded to Valora and the younger masters revealed what had transpired in the Feyla Forest.

"Akila showed, but she did not attack?" Asia asked.

"Yes, but just to retrieve the Vaznaun. She tried to injure Master Danika, but that was it."

"Tried?"

"She scraped my neck with something, and I fell, but the effect was short-lived. While I was unconscious, I think it was Affera I saw after hearing Gyan talk about her. I did what she suggested in the dream and then I woke up."

Syam's brow furrowed in thought. "You may have developed an addition to your charisma, Master Danika. The ability to instantaneously heal from a wound is generally developed over time as Shamira's ability did. However, when attacked by magic, any healing elements that remain incomplete will rapidly develop to seal the ability—much like a defensive trigger. You may be able to do this for others as Master Shamira does."

Jarek shoved Danika lightly on the shoulder. "Make sure you stay by my side in battle so I can use you."

Danika rolled her eyes.

"So, unknowingly, Akila sped up Danika's evolving ability to instantaneously heal?" asked Valora.

"Possibly," replied Syam.

"After Council, I want to check the area where Akila struck you to confirm that everything is well, Master Danika," Asia said.

"Of course," replied Danika.

"There must be something more to the attack on the tribes if Akila just disappeared without attempting to fight the warriors," Faelán said.

"I agree with you, Elder Master," said Syam. "Given how the battle ended, it seems as if Craenal was unaware of Akila's plan. She must have been using him for some other reason."

"It may be to show us a glimpse of what the tribes would be up against. Perhaps she wished to instill fear in them by bringing the Dark Sector Vaznaun to their lands," Valora suggested.

"That's possible, but I feel it is more," Faelán replied.

"You think it was to mask the arrival of the Avehkal?" Tarak asked.

"Perhaps," answered Syam. "Yet, there have been no reports from the Inala. They are already searching the atmosphere for any sign of their arrival."

"It is best to remind all authorities to remain alert for any unusual activity," stated Faelán. "When it comes to Akila, it is wise to consider that some larger plan is being formulated amid her attempted distractions."

After Council, the group gathered in the dining hall to eat together for the first time in several days.

"I want to share the information Sir Kesól has taught," Gyan said as the team ate their dinner. His eyes lit up. "Rather than explain it though, I will just give you the memories, so open your minds for a bit."

"I love this type of learning," Jarek said after Gyan finished. "It's like I never have to study on my own again. You all can just share it."

"You'd still have to retain it," Brogan said, "and well…for you that's…"

Jarek pushed Brogan in the head as everyone laughed.

"I like what Sir Kesól said about altering the properties of the charisma," Valora stated. "I hadn't thought of any of that."

Gyan nodded. "Now that we know, we can get to work on it."

Over the next week, the team practiced expanding their abilities. Spies for the Order had not reported any unusual activity concerning Mordán or Akila, so Gyan used the time to his advantage and demanded the presence of his teammates in the simulation room most of the day, allowing the group minimal rest.

"He said using Relasu to study the shifting in molecules can be better done at night," Gyan explained as the team looked around their simulated moonlit setting.

"Let's work in pairs or threes and then switch," Valora said.

The rest of the team nodded and began practicing ways to alter their charismas.

Hoshi smiled encouragingly as Tarak held her steadily above the ground with his charisma while making her throwing blades dance around her. Lorcan jumped to attack Hoshi while in the air and succeeded in knocking her back. Tarak narrowed his focus even more. He held her in place, but the throwing blades dropped dramatically in height. He directed his energy through an extended palm to stop them from hitting the ground.

"I still have to work on automating my charisma," Tarak said as he lowered Hoshi to the ground. "I want to get the movement more instinctive."

"Still, to be able to split your attention to two different actions even a little is amazing," Lorcan said. "Think if you could hold two ships steady in the air?"

"We could practice doing that in here, but Fane would kill us if we attempted it on the real ones."

The three laughed but stopped shortly as they heard Valora and Brogan arguing near a grove of trees. Both stood facing each other with their arms crossed. The vine markings across their arms and faces glowed brightly.

"They look like two giant, glowing tree people," Lorcan said.

Tarak smiled as Hoshi laughed.

"I know you have accepted it," Valora said, her eyes alight. "I don't care if you dismiss the connection and partnership that is forming within you openly. You can't deny that you're becoming more balanced in energy. As your twin, I can sense your accomplishment, so I know you feel good about it despite the front you put—scowling at your newfound sensitivity. You're not fooling anyone."

Brogan waved his hand in dismissal. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Acting like you're too tough to have a vine marking—acting like you can't fall in love. Those things are reflective of you having more balance in energy because you and I were both dominant in male energy before. You wouldn't have even brought it up if you weren't battling the idea or wanting it. You can't deny that you feel better now, even if it takes your head some time to adjust to the new you.

"Besides, when you allow the feminine and masculine energy to become balanced, you are operating at the peak of your power. So, I know that you have embraced it, even if you have only done so in secret." She pointed to the thorn markings extending down both sides of his face and smiled. "Your connection to the planet, which is dominant in feminine energy, gives you away."

He tossed his arms in the air. "Alright! Fine! I admit it…I—I love nature! Are you happy now?"

Valora raised an eyebrow. "And?"

He scowled. "And I want to fall in love!"

She smirked. "Good boy."

The warriors within earshot burst out laughing as Brogan stomped away and leaped onto a branch of a nearby tree. The tree branches and leaves swayed under his weight. "Hey, buddy," he whispered.

Hours later, Gyan approached his teammates, who were comfortably lounging across the common room. The extreme exertion from the past days' activities was apparent on their faces.

"Not again?" Jarek complained as he eyed Gyan's gladaé, which hung loosely over one shoulder in its sheath.

The few lying around groaned.

"It's after midnight, Gyan," Hoshi said.

Gyan smiled. "What, no takers?"

Valora shook her head and stood. "I'm exhausted, Gyan." She rested a hand on his shoulder as she stood and passed him. "See you tomorrow."

"Brogan?"

He shook his head and stretched his arms overhead as he yawned. "Sorry, brother. I'm all trained out."

Gyan looked at Danika and raised his eyebrows.

"Sorry, Gyan—too sleepy."

"Don't even ask," Hoshi said as she stood. "I will train with you tomorrow if we aren't called to kick some Vaznaun around or take Mordán out."

Gyan gave a defeated nod. "Okay, okay."

"He's like a machine," Jarek said as he watched Gyan walk to the chamber floor exit.

"Sir Malik said he would gain extra stamina and strength because of his Shanlo transformation," Danika said.

"Yeah, but this is crazy," replied Jarek.

Danika laughed. "Good for us though…I think."

Gyan smiled as he took the back pathway to the training room. He had felt a surge of energy over the past several days. Not only was he enjoying the lighter feeling he had as a result of his new stamina, he was putting the additional energy to good use. This was the longest he had gone since a Shanlo episode occurred. Training most of the day seemed to help, or at least it was one possibility as to why the number of incidences might have lessened. Every day seemed like an eternity that he was away from Jalena and getting his abilities under control was all he cared about so he could finally be around her again.

As he reached the entrance to the hallway leading to the simulation room, Gyan's smile quickly disappeared. I should have known it was too good to be true, he thought as his head erupted in pain. He knew he had been due for another episode, but he had never had one this late at night or one so intense.

He dropped to one knee in the middle of the hallway as he saw the flash of violet light. He hurriedly reached for the starlight pendant hanging at his neck. Its light had already ignited, casting a bright silvery glow around him.

Searching telepathically for Kesól, he quickly unlatched the chain. "Kesól…I—" His breath became labored as he narrowed his focus to the pendant in his palm. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes as the pulsing pain took hold of his mind, but his eyes immediately flew open again as he heard voices only a short distance away.

"Master Jabari, what did Sir Malik report?" Jalena asked as she, Shamira, and Jabari opened the door to the simulation room.

Gyan's body went numb. The pulsing pain ceased as a soft ringing noise filled both ears. He stood.

"Sir Malik claims that he injured Akila pretty severely, so he thinks her plans may be delayed until she heals," Jabari replied. "It's best we leave for Sulta as soon as you two can be ready. The spies report that Mordán arrived at his home last night." He put his hand out as a signal for the other two to stop.

It's Gyan, Jalena said.

Gyan walked around the corner and met Jalena's gaze.

"Master Gyan," Jabari said. "You're up late."

"I often train late at night," Gyan replied in a flat tone. "It helps to keep my energy stable."

Jalena narrowed her eyes as she gazed at the glowing light seeping between the fingers of Gyan's closed fist. "Are you okay?"

He lowered his gaze. "Never better." He gave them a quick bow. "If you will excuse me, I need to get to work."

"Good night," Jabari said as the three walked in the opposite direction.

Jalena glanced back at Gyan who had stopped at the door of the simulation room just before they rounded the corner. He gave her a small smile as he caught her glance.

"That was weird," he heard Shamira say.

Gyan? Kesól entered his mind. I heard you calling me and have been reaching out to you. Did you need to train?

Gyan turned back to follow Jalena. I'm fine, Sir Kesól. I have it under control…Going to sleep now.

Okay. Check with me again in the morning.

He shut down his mind to all external communication. "I won't be here," he whispered aloud. His eyes narrowed as he strode back down the hall.

Malik's pendant slid from his grasp and hit the floor.

***