TBC: Chapter Fifty

Jabari piloted the Tritum-X out from the bunkers just moments later with Asia in the seat next to him. He glanced at the blinking lights on his monitor that represented the four Order combat ships tailing them.

"Sir Malik has already left for Tridaun?" Asia asked as she pulled her long red hair back from her face.

"Yes, but he and the crew are turning around," Jabari replied. "The letters in the revolving prophecy written in the Libran are already beginning to change color. He is concerned about the prophecy and what it means for the energy among the new masters. I think that is why Elder Master Syam wanted to make sure that you came along with me, even though you are in the middle of your petition for elder master."

"Well, until I change positions, I am still a master," Asia responded, her blue, red-haloed eyes glinting mischievously. "Besides, I do not mind combat. Avoiding it wasn't the reason I petitioned. I only petitioned to help lighten the responsibilities of the Council. They are overwhelmed, especially with Elder Master Zenobia and Elder Master Nyhra traveling so frequently."

"I understand," he said. "It's good to know that I still have my favorite battle partner at my side, even after she takes on the role of a wise council leader."

Asia smiled. "Just like old times."

Jabari returned her smile and changed the subject. "The Protective Units of Aikon have been notified, but I don't know how quickly the warning will spread through the city."

"We will do what we can to gather the citizens to safety."

"Let's hope they cooperate quickly despite our short notice," Jabari responded.

In the middle compartment of the ship, the air was thick with tension. The warriors sat in their seats wearing sullen expressions. Gyan stared across the compartment at Aderes, who avoided his gaze.

Jalena surveyed the warriors as she petted Eclipse, where she rested in her lap, purring with her eyes closed.

There is discord between them, Shamira said to Jalena.

I feel it, she replied. But it is slight, so it shouldn't override their desire to unite and protect the people of Aikon.

Gyan broke the surrounding silence. "Jarek, how much time do we have?"

"Until tonight," he responded quietly.

The streets of Aikon were busy with shoppers and many families were scattered throughout the parks when Jabari lowered the ship at the western edge of the city a short time later.

The city, which sat east of Yevani on the other side of the Ceiabré Forest, was smaller than Yevani, but similar in structure and style. Although modern buildings and public means of transportation riddled the streets in the center region of the city, most of the city outskirts appeared more like a village with trees and natural greenery dominating the area.

An officer from the city's Protective Unit met the warriors. The officer's uniform was the same as the Protective Units of Yevani—a deep green cloak marked with a spiral. The officer escorted the group into town with a large transport carrier.

A crowd of citizens gathered to watch the warriors as they traveled through the city streets.

"You must notify your people of the upcoming attack immediately," Jabari told the officer.

"We are doing so now, Master," he replied. "It's just that some of the citizens are highly stubborn when it comes to the evacuation. They have lived so long in peace that it is hard to fathom the threat of an attack."

"We can help with that," Jabari said. "They will have to leave, at least for a short time, if they wish to continue their peace."

"Indeed," the officer replied. He parked the transport carrier and led the team into a tall glass building located in the center of town.

After greetings were exchanged with the Protective Unit authorities, the warriors explained their strategy for defending the city. The authorities paired off with different warriors and after great effort, finally succeeded in convincing most of the citizens to evacuate into Yevani or travel to Lonsan for an overnight visit. After a light meal, the warriors took their posts around the city to wait.

***

Kar stood tall in the center compartment of the Vestian, surveying the group of nearly two hundred Vaznaun seated against the walls of the large ship. His face and entire upper body were painted in black. The Vaznaun soldiers he had recruited for the mission shared his camouflaged appearance.

"We will travel east into Grey Forest to the Uthar borders before we turn north into Alsar," he told his crew. "They should not be able to detect the ship, but we will still cross the border where there is the least security at the northern edge of the forest, and then cut through to the city at nightfall. You all know what to do, so do not veer from the plan of attack. They will come to us."

He returned to the front compartment of the ship. His eyes fell onto a thin, blonde-headed girl with long curly hair. She cowered down in silence in a back corner, her wrists bound before her. A blindfold covered her eyes.

Mordán's voice carried through the radio. "Kar, the warriors will arrive in Aikon as soon as you make your presence known if they are not already there. Do just enough damage to draw them out. After the message is delivered, get out fast. They will have reinforcements already on the way by then."

"Understood," replied Kar. He looked down at the girl and smirked. "Ready to meet your brother, Lesiana?"

The girl squirmed in her seat and let out a small whimper.

"Maybe not," he said with a scowl, "but I know I am."

***