TBC: Chapter Fifty-One

Gyan opened his senses as he looked up at the starry sky from his position in a large park at the northeastern edge of the city. A short distance from where he stood, he heard a low growl. "I sense it too, Eclipse," he whispered into the dark.

Eclipse, who had transformed to her original size, like that of an enormous panther, trotted to his side. He scratched between her ears. "What a beauty you are," he said. "Even if all I can see right now are your meridians." Eclipse's ears twitched in response to a high-pitched whistle. "She's calling," Gyan said. "You better go."

The cat bounded across the park and into the forest.

Gyan reached and pulled himself up onto a large branch of the tree he stood beneath. He crouched low and surveyed the area. A whiff of monorosias filled his nose as a light breeze fluttered through the park, causing an ache for his hometown to rise within him. He thought of the fields near his home as his gaze moved to a long field of grass growing along the city's edge. He had only been gone from Yevani for a short time since his last visit, but he always missed its comfort. Now that the new Order headquarters had been finished, he supposed he would have to get used to staying away more.

Brogan's deep voice cut through his thoughts. The vibrational patterns of the ground have shifted, he said. The Vaznaun are moving quickly this way through Grey Forest.

He's right, Valora added. The trees have also quietened.

Gyan took a deep breath, savoring the scent of the surrounding exotic flowers as another gust of wind rustled the leaves of the trees and plants around him. He swallowed back a feeling of anger as he thought of how his homeland was now being exposed to the destruction of war.

He sighed and narrowed his focus to the task at hand. His senses immediately heightened as he saw the Vaznaun soldiers enter the outskirts of the city.

They are spreading out along the eastern side, he told the team.

Several small fires suddenly lit up the eastern edge of the grassy field and expanded to the front of the forest trees. A roar echoed within the trees followed closely by cries of pain from nearby Vaznaun, signaling an attack from Eclipse.

Gyan saw the violet flash of Jalena's gladaé in between the tree trunks. He jumped down from his position and unsheathed his own. "That's as far as you go," he called out to a Vaznaun near him as he sprinted across the park. To his surprise, the Vaznaun took off running in the opposite direction, throwing more flamed torches along the eastern side. Immediately, a larger group of Vaznaun came charging through the park straight at Gyan. He readied his stance as he engaged the group.

"All of you just for me?" he stated as his gladaé clashed with the sword of the Vaznaun before him. He delivered a spinning kick to one lunging at him from behind. "I'm flattered."

Two Vaznaun froze and suddenly dropped to the ground on Gyan's right side. Hoshi's face appeared behind the two, the light of her gladaé highlighting her profile.

"Sorry to disappoint, Gyan," she said, "but you'll have to share."

Gyan gave her a small smile. "Thanks. I was beginning to wonder when you'd show."

Another group of Vaznaun immediately charged Gyan as the last of the first group dropped to the ground. Hoshi remained by his side to help defend their attacks.

They seem to like you, tonight, Hoshi said as she raised an eyebrow.

I know—it's strange. They're just attacking from the eastern side of the city, bursting through the fire in groups of four or more, he replied.

Kar's loud voice sounded from the edge of the forest. "Aderes! Where are you, MasterAderes? I have a message for you!"

Hoshi shared a look of confusion with Gyan as they continued to fight side by side.

He's at the south side near Brogan and Valora, Gyan told Hoshi. We have to move to the center of the eastern edge so we can see more. I don't like the feeling I'm getting.

Neither do I.

Gyan reached mentally for Danika. Danika, we're going to the center on the east side, so move your position closer to this side when you're able.

Right, she replied.

Let's run, Gyan said to Hoshi. The Vaznaun can just chase us if they want to fight me so badly.

Hoshi nodded and the two bolted to the center edge of the eastern outskirts.

I'm going into the forest, Jarek told the others. They're just attacking us in spurts or something. Their strategy is annoying me, so I'm going to them. Brogan, you and Valora cover my area.

I'm on the northern side of Aikon in the forest now, Master Jarek, Jalena said. From what I can tell the Vaznaun are stationed in groups at different positions waiting until they are given a signal to fight. We can interfere with their plan if you can make your way through the fire to me without being seen.

Through the fire, eh?Jarek replied. Say no more—I'm on my way.

They aren't even attempting to attack or look for the villagers, Danika stated. Something is off.

Make sure you still watch the northern area, Master Danika, just in case, Shamira replied from her central position. Although I have seen none enter from the west side either, the delay may be part of their plan. What about you, Master Lorcan? Is your area secure?

Yes, Lorcan replied from his position at the southwest side of the city. None have appeared.

Wait a little longer,Shamira said. If the eastern side looks to be overrun, then we will assist the others.

More of the Vaznaun ran to the center where Hoshi and Gyan now stood. Brogan and Valora stood with their gladaés drawn at the south end of the field. To their surprise, none of the Vaznaun moved toward them even though they could be seen clearly from their position.

"They seem to be targeting only Gyan and Tarak," Valora observed as she saw a group of Vaznaun swarm Tarak, who had abandoned his central position on the east side of the city to get closer to Kar. "They're increasing how many of them attack at one time now."

"Then let's help them," Brogan said. "Go to Tarak and I'll go to Gyan."

Valora nodded and the two took off in opposite directions.

Further north at the edge of the forest, shouts from the Vaznaun rang though the trees as Jarek joined Jalena and forced them into combat. Jalena and Eclipse infiltrated the hidden groups scattered within the trees. A blaze of fire spiked high as Jarek walked among the flames, shooting darts of fire at the Vaznaun from the tips of his fingers.

Be careful of overusing your charisma, Master Jarek, Jalena said. You may need it later if something unexpected arises.

Yes, Master Queen,Jarek replied with a smile, the halo in his eyes swirling with colors of the fire. As you wish.

Jalena rolled her eyes and ran to engage another group.

Gyan and Hoshi reached the center of the eastern side when Jabari suddenly appeared by their side, his gladaé glowing brightly. He jumped and swung his sword out wide before him, twisting his body to kick down several Vaznaun at once.

Brogan's eyes flashed as he bouldered into four more Vaznaun advancing on Gyan.

Gyan gave Brogan a look of relief. He looked past Brogan to see Kar's silhouette standing before a large blaze of fire.

Tarak immediately sprinted toward Kar. Before he reached him however, a large number of Vaznaun emerged from the trees and surrounded him. Tarak's eyes lit up brightly as he collided with the group but was immediately overrun by more of the enemy from all sides. A short sword stabbed his shoulder and another blade slammed into his abdomen as he brought his gladaé down on several enemies at once. Tarak gasped and stumbled backward. He took a deep breath, his eyes brightening as he shakily continued to move forward to Kar.

Kar stood at a distance with his arms crossed, watching the scene with a satisfied smirk as a Vaznaun behind Tarak suddenly slammed an electrical rod into his ribs, and Tarak dropped to his knees.

"Die already, traitor," the Vaznaun hissed.

Tarak grabbed his ribs and coughed. Blood seeped from his lip. Another Vaznaun sneered as he gazed down at Tarak and brought his sword up to strike.

"Back up," Kar said as he drew his sword and walked forward. "He's mine."

"You know what I'm tired of?" Valora's angry voice said from behind the Vaznaun that had just delivered the blow to Tarak. "I'm tired of watching you Vaznaun always take cheap shots."

The Vaznaun's eyes widened as Valora's blade pierced through his heart. He dropped to the ground. She turned at the waist and slammed the hilt of her sword into another enemy's jaw.

Danika suddenly appeared by her side. "I concur," she said as she spun with her gladaé, taking several more Vaznaun out.

The two positioned themselves between Tarak and the trees as the next group of Vaznaun emerged to attack.

Kar looked down at Tarak in disdain as he approached him. "Goodbye, son." He lifted an electrical rod in one hand for an immediate strike to Tarak's head and readied his thick sword to deliver the final blow. Kar's expression suddenly transformed to shock as he looked up. He lifted an arm to shield his eyes from the violet light that blinded his sight.

Jalena's eyes shone as she flew at Kar—Her left foot slammed into his right arm, causing him to drop the rod as her right hand slammed against his left wrist—She smashed her right knee into his throat with such force that Kar lost his footing. He gasped as he grabbed his throat and doubled over.

Jalena landed softly in between Tarak and Kar. She glanced back at Tarak with a piercing look as he attempted to stand. Her eyes flashed. We are by your side, Tarak, she said. Do you need energy?

No, Tarak replied forcefully. I can do this.

Then finish it, she said fiercely as she dodged the incoming swing of Kar's sword.

Kar shouted as he lunged at Jalena again, a look of pure hatred in his gaze.

Eclipse instantly appeared at Jalena's side, and Jalena leapt onto the cat's back. They dove out of Kar's reach and bolted toward more Vaznaun approaching from the north.

Kar ran several steps after Jalena and then stopped.

"Kill her!" he shouted with rage. He turned back to Tarak, who was now standing on shaky legs.

Tarak immediately engaged another Vaznaun that stepped between himself and Kar. He used his charisma to deflect the Vaznaun's sword from the right side, but due to his injuries and the electrical shock he had endured, his defense was only successful enough to soften the blow. He brought his gladaé up to block the strike.

The Vaznaun fighting Tarak grinned. "Running out of steam, huh?" He swung his sword again.

Tarak blocked the next attack with great effort.

Kar stopped several yards from Tarak as Aderes appeared at the southern edge of the field.

"He's here," a Vaznaun called out.

Another gang of Vaznaun immediately crossed the field to engage Aderes.

As the group neared him, Aderes's eyes flashed. "Defend me," he said to the Vaznaun nearest him. The Vaznaun, under the effects of Aderes's charisma, immediately turned and raised their swords to engage their own comrades. Aderes advanced forward.

"He has control of their minds!" shouted Kar. "Back off."

The remaining Vaznaun in the group retreated.

"Attack Kar," Aderes told the two who were now walking in front of him as protection. The Vaznaun ran at Kar, their swords raised.

Kar smiled without concern. "Bring her out!" he said loudly.

Aderes stared hard at Kar. "Wait!" he told his protectors.

A Vaznaun suddenly appeared next to Kar with the blindfolded girl at his side. He led her out before the fire by chains hooked to shackles around her wrists. The girl, who was now gagged, followed the Vaznaun hesitantly. He yanked the chains and she stumbled forward toward the center of the field. The Vaznaun dropped the chains and quickly backed away.

The girl turned her head slowly, trying to gain a sense of her surroundings. She attempted to speak through her gag without success.

"Isn't this what you're after, Aderes?" Kar shouted. "What you've wanted for so long? Mordán says you can have her back now."

Aderes's eyes widened as his face paled. "Lesi—Lesiana?"

Jabari's voice entered each warrior's mind. Master Aderes! he said sharply. Stay back! It's a trap. Do not proceed.

Aderes ignored Jabari's words and sprinted across the field toward the girl. "Lesiana!" he screamed.

Kar backed further away from the girl and held one arm up in the air.

Aderes! Gyan yelled as he watched Kar. Concern for Aderes flooded through him. He immediately focused all his concentration on igniting a shield around his friend. Failing to notice more advancing Vaznaun, Gyan suddenly dropped to his knees in piercing pain as an electrical rod slammed into his back. Before he could ignite a shield around himself, another rod slammed into his shoulder. He instinctively closed his eyes as the feeling of a thousand stabbing blades exploded through his body. He fell the remaining way to the ground. "Aderes," he whispered.

The Vaznaun attacking Gyan flew back as Hoshi delivered a flying side kick to his face. Brogan's large sword slammed into the second attacker.

"Lesiana!" Aderes screamed again in desperation. A spark of light brightened his eyes as he increased his speed, his legs stretching out before him as far as they could go.

Kar made a forward gesture with the fingers of his outstretched arm.

Multiple arrows flew at the girl from the forest trees.

"NO!" Aderes shouted shrilly.

Gyan eyes flew open at the sound of Aderes's voice. He lifted his hand with great effort and shouted out as he willed his energy to surround Aderes.

A blue-white shield swallowed Aderes before he reached the girl. The girl gasped as the flight of arrows pierced her skin. Arrows darting past her bounced from Gyan's light shield where it held fast around Aderes.

Gyan's eyes rolled back into his head as he went unconscious, and his shield disappeared.

The girl's thin frame jolted forward as she stumbled. Blood dripped beneath the gag in her mouth and onto her chin. She coughed. Aderes reached out and caught the girl with one arm before her body hit the ground. His gladaé fell beside him as he dropped to his knees.

"Lesiana," he breathed in despair as he cradled the girl's head. His hands shook aggressively as he removed her mouth gag and blindfold.

The girl gasped for breath as she stared up into Aderes's face. "No." She shook her head weakly. Aderes sucked in a sharp breath as he looked into the gray eyes that matched his own. His tears dropped onto her face as his eyes and hands lit up with a blue-white light.

"No," the girl repeated with a ragged breath. "Let me…" she coughed again, "…die."

"What?" Aderes said in confusion. He sniffed and wiped the back of his hand across his eyes, smearing the blood from her wounds across his face. "How can you say that, Lesi? It's me—your brother." His voice rose fiercely. "I won't let you die!"

Light emerged from his hands and began to seep into the girl's skin.

The girl coughed harshly. She gasped for breath. "It's too late," she whispered. "It's okay. I'm just a prison—" Her last shaky breath left her body as her eyes glazed over.

Aderes brought the girl to his chest. His deep gasp turned to a sob as his hands tangled into her bloody curls.

The remaining Vaznaun disengaged from combat and immediately ran into the forest.

Aderes pulled back from the girl, his eyes suddenly widening in shock. The girl physically transformed before his eyes—her blonde hair turned brown—her gray eyes to green. "What?" He whispered in confusion. He stared at the girl for several moments and then laid her gently down.

Only seconds passed before he grabbed his gladaé and stood, his eyes still on the girl. He backed away slowly as his look of confusion and pain deepened.

From his place near the large fire, Kar smiled. He gestured to any remaining Vaznaun to retreat. He looked down to where Tarak had dropped to one knee. The wounds from Tarak's shoulder and abdomen were now bleeding profusely. Kar approached Tarak slowly. When Tarak didn't look up, Kar reared his leg back and brought his foot to Tarak's head.

Tarak's eyes flashed and he dropped back, flat to the ground. Kar lost balance as his leg failed to meet its target, and Tarak kicked Kar's opposite ankle out to the side, causing Kar to stumble forward. In the same instant, Tarak gripped the hilt of his gladaé and jammed his blade straight into the air with a loud cry as Kar's heavy body dropped over him.

Kar gasped sharply as the blade pierced through his chest. He looked at Tarak with a small smile. "Not bad…" he stated hoarsely, "…for a son of mine."

Tarak stared hard into Kar's eyes. "I'm son of the Divakae—nothing more." With a great heave, he drove his gladaé in further.

Kar sharply sucked in his last breath before his body went limp.

In the center of the field, Aderes stood with his head bowed in silence for several seconds, his chest heaving in a struggle for breath as the realization of what had just occurred set in. He lifted his gladaé out in front of him and let out a loud, deep cry of rage with such force that it stopped the light warriors walking toward him in their tracks. Another cry escaped him as his eyes changed—the gray glow of his irises seeped into the blue-white light spilling from his eyes as his Reserve opened. A silver diamond-shaped marking took form on his forehead with the lower lines of the marking crossing in between his eyes and extending to his jaw line. A silver spiral appeared in the middle of the diamond as the light of Aderes's gladaé expanded dramatically out from his sword. The solid silver markings on his face continued from his jaw and down both arms. The lines trailed to Aderes's hands as another line trailed down the bridge of Aderes's nose, across his lips, and down the front of his neck, disappearing beneath his uniform.

Wind violently began to whip through the area.

Aderes, his face twisted in agony, made a dramatic sweeping motion with his sword in front of him. A colossal amount of silver light blasted from his gladaé, extending across the rest of the eastern field and into the forest trees.

"No!" Jabari yelled loudly. "Aderes!" He looked at the forest trees. Jalena, protect Eclipse!

Valora turned in surprise as Aderes's light reached her. She dropped to the ground and covered her head with both arms.

"Valora!" Brogan cried out.

"She is okay, Master Brogan," Shamira said as she rushed to where Gyan lay on the ground, still unconscious. She bent to extend her light to Gyan. "The light of a gladaé will not harm her."

Danika, who stood near Tarak at the bordering fires, widened her eyes. Her eyes flashed just before she disappeared, teleporting to a position far behind Aderes.

Tarak's eyes lit up as he saw the silver light speeding his way. He retrieved his sword from Kar's chest, closed his eyes, and disappeared.

The light completely swallowed Kar's body and spread rapidly throughout the forest, destroying everything in its path. Shouts of fear and cries of pain from the escaping Vaznaun rang out into the night air. A resounding boom followed by a fiery explosion blasted through the trees. The warriors flinched as remnants of the Vestianflew up in a blaze. Aderes's silver light trailed and swallowed the flames completely.

Instantly, the light retracted back to Aderes's sword and swirled around him like thick, waving tentacles.

Danika joined Shamira and Gyan. Lorcan appeared next to them and extended a hand to Gyan.

Revived from Shamira's light, Gyan grasped Lorcan's hand and stood quickly. He looked at Aderes with focused concentration and tried unsuccessfully to reach him mentally. It felt as if Aderes's mind was blocked by impenetrable steel. "I can't get inside his mind," Gyan told the others. "Aderes!" he yelled. What's happening, Master Jabari?

He received no answer from the master, who was bolting as fast as he could to Aderes.

Brogan and Hoshi joined the others. Hoshi put up her arm to cover her head from the leaves and other small debris flying in the wind around them. She squinted at Aderes. "What should we do, Master Shamira?"

Stay back. Asia's soothing voice suddenly entered the warriors' minds. Master Jabari and I will try to manage this first. She moved quickly across the field.

The spiral on Aderes's forehead pulsed with white light as a silver circle formed on each of Aderes's hands and filled with the same light. A larger circle of light formed at Aderes's abdomen, so bright that it was visible through his uniform. The hilt of Aderes's gladaé began to solder itself to his right palm. His eyes filled with a bright white light as the light extending from his gladaé increased in volume and began to swirl aggressively around him.

He tilted his head back and screamed in uncontrolled anguish.

Jabari, his eyes alight, slid to a stop directly in front of Aderes. He held out his own blue-glowing gladaé horizontally and touched it to Aderes's blade. Jabari braced himself as the power of Aderes's sword pushed against his own, as if to fight for dominance.

"Control it, Master Aderes!" Jabari yelled.

Jabari's eyes brightened as the blue of his irises mixed with the blue-white light emerging from his eyes. The formation of the diamond-encrusted spiral appeared in blue on his forehead, and the blue light of his sword expanded. The light from Aderes's blade began to shrink in power as Jabari's blade absorbed the light from Aderes's gladaé.

Asia, her eyes bright, approached Aderes from behind. "Calm your heart, Aderes," she said softly. "We are here."

Aderes's gladaé slowly returned to normal as Jabari held his own sword steady. The light that filled Aderes's eyes and the circular markings on his body dimmed as the glowing lines on his body and face began to fade.

Asia met Jabari's gaze, and Jabari gave her a nod. "Rest now, Aderes," she said. "You are safe." Her hands lit up as she touched Aderes gently on the shoulder near his neck. She supported his unconscious form as he fell back against her.

Aderes's gladaé loosened from his blistered palm and dropped to the ground. The silver light around it vanished.

The masters standing nearby ran to the three as the surrounding winds calmed.

Jabari stepped back from Asia and Aderes. He breathed deeply and steadily until the glow of his gladaé returned to normal and his diamond-spiral marking disappeared. He sheathed his gladaé.

Jalena appeared in a flash of light at the edge of the forest, bent flat over Eclipse's back—a blue-white glow outlining both. She lifted herself up and met his eye. I'm okay, she told him.

Gyan's heart thumped loudly in his ears as he sprinted to her. He did not stop until he reached her. He grabbed her to him in a tight hug and pulled her off Eclipse's back. "I do not care if you reject me. I just have to touch you for a moment," he whispered into her hair.

She relaxed against him. It's okay, she said with a soft chuckle.

"Where's Jarek?" Gyan asked as he released her.

"Here." Jarek stepped out from the northern edge of a group of untouched forest trees. "What was that silver light?" he asked.

"Aderes," Gyan answered.

They all turned to where Aderes lay on the ground, now in a deep sleep.

Tarak pushed himself up with effort from the ground on the west side of the field to where he teleported. He looked across the remains of the field to the blackened ground where he stood just moments before. Kar's body had completely disappeared.

Shamira approached him and place healing hands of blue light on his injuries. "Let me help you, Master Tarak." He gave her a nod as light seeped from her hands, slowly binding the wounds across his body. She pulled back after several moments. "That's the best I can do for now, but I think it's sufficient until your energy is restored enough to heal yourself."

"Thank you, Master Shamira," he stated.

Jalena and Gyan made their way back to the rest of the group surrounding Aderes.

"Let's get Master Aderes to a safe place, and then we all can rest," Asia told them.

Gyan took in the charred land around them. Nothing remained where Aderes's light had reached—not even the fire, the bodies of the Vaznaun, the remains of the Vestian, or even the body of the young girl that Mordán had sacrificed.

"Master Brogan, please carry Master Aderes and follow me," Asia stated.

"Master Jabari, I don't understand what—" Lorcan began.

"I will explain to everyone what happened after we get Master Aderes to a comfortable place and have rested," Jabari interrupted softly. "It is important for all of you to comprehend it, so I want to have enough energy and clarity to explain it in detail."