TCO: Chapter Two

Gyan's excitement mounted as he heard the familiar deep beat of drums signaling the start of ceremony. He hurried along with Aderes into the side room to change into the white tunics and loose pants placed out for them. He and Aderes joined the other light warriors in the hallway leading to the temple platform.

Aderes pushed past the others to peak at the crowd from behind the black temple veil.

"Watch it, Aderes!" said Hoshi, bending to rub her foot where Aderes had stepped on it.

"Sorry." Aderes looked back at her and pushed her lightly in the shoulder, a grin on his face.

"Shhh!" Danika said, giving them an indignant look with her sea-green, red-haloed eyes.

The sound of drums softened as Syam's voice rang through the temple.

"Tonight…" His eyes swept across the temple crowd, "…is a celebration."

He paused as his statement was met with thunderous applause.

Aderes caught Gyan's eye and smiled as the rest of the elder masters, wearing matching blood-red hooded robes, entered the stage from the left side and stood in a line to one side of Syam.

"Tonight," Syam continued, "we celebrate another light warrior team who deserve your respect and honor. The apreidus who wait to be summoned have chosen their path as guardians of the Kingdom of Alsar and beyond.

The audience lifted their hands in front as a gesture of sending gratitude and good energy to the warriors.

"This path is not easy, for not only does it require maintaining the balance of energy within, but also requires one to assist in maintaining the balance of energy across the planet. Although our warriors are equipped with the necessary skills for this journey, this chosen path demands an unnaturally high level of inner resilience.

"We honor the warriors, for they are treasured by this society as they work to ensure the safety and upliftment of the kingdoms across Elsaria," Syam continued. The sacrifice they make in order to maintain peace is to be admired. Therefore, it is with great respect that I welcome our apreidus." Syam swept his hand toward the right side of the platform as Gyan and the others entered single file to gather near the elder masters. Syam swept his hand toward the right side of the platform as Gyan and the others entered single file to gather near the elder masters.

Although Gyan had attended ceremonies at the temple before, he was still awed by the temple decorations. An archway alight with enchanted multicolored flames stood in the middle of the platform, separating the apreidus from the crowd. Tonight, the temple was decorated with candles of every color imaginable, mimicking the archway of fire. Multi-colored strings of lights and jewels drooped from the ceiling, accentuating the candles.

Including Gyan, there were eight light warriors in his team. The number of warriors incarnating as a light family varied throughout generations, depending on the need to rebalance energy across the planets. If the threat of imbalance increased across the star system, then more warriors were born. Some of the warriors on Jalena's team had died several years before, leaving only her and another warrior, Shamira, as the last members of the group ahead of Gyan's.

Although advanced as a civilization, the skills of a light warrior surpassed the abilities of most other races inhabiting the planet of Elsaria. Being stronger, more flexible, and built for endurance and speed, the physical abilities of a warrior assisted each in carrying out the duties required of them. A warrior was also able to heal more quickly than the average Elsarian. Unbeknownst to the younger warriors, they would eventually develop the ability to communicate telepathically and travel by directing thought.

Although the light warrior lineage could often be traced, no one in the kingdom really knew whether their child would become a light warrior until unique physiological signs appeared. The change in a warrior's eyes usually occurred by the age of seven, when the color of each eye became accented by a red halo bordering the eye's iris. There were few children, such as Jalena, who possessed the red halo at birth, as if they were ready for duty right out of the womb. To the people of Alsar, the change in the eyes represented a change in perception that was necessary in understanding and fulfilling the duty of a warrior. A party was often thrown in honor of the child when the changed occurred.

Gyan vividly remembered the day his eyes changed. He was six years old and playing outside his home one morning with Miliani. He was feeling overly tired that day, and as they raced across the monarosia fields that stretched behind their house, his attempts to keep up with his sister faltered.

Miliani had stopped running and waited for Gyan to catch up.

"What's the matter with you?" she demanded. "You usually catch—" she stopped abruptly and stared at Gyan.

"I dunno," he panted—his hands on his knees. "I'm…tired."

"You look weird," Miliani said as she peered at Gyan's bloodshot eyes. "I'm telling nán."

Gyan was too busy catching his breath to protest as Miliani raced to the house. He knelt among the flowers, the world swaying before him. Efforts to keep his eyes open failed as he lost consciousness and fell sideways to the ground.

The next thing Gyan remembered was waking up in his bed and hearing the muffled voices of his parents outside his room. He halted abruptly while stretching, his muscles very sore.

He winced as he slowly pushed himself out of bed. As he approached his bedroom door, he drew a sharp breath and stopped as he caught sight of his face in the mirror next to his study desk. His face was slightly thinner, and he looked taller.

He looked down at his arms and legs and then back up to the mirror, doing a double take as he scrutinized his appearance even more. He gasped as he noticed the red trim surrounding his light brown eyes and the slight point of his ears. He touched his face and turned his head from side to side, studying the changes in his features.

In a panic, Gyan turned to retrieve his parents when he heard an unrecognizable deep voice outside his door.

"It is simply his choice," the voice said. "He can choose to train when he is older, or he can choose to live any life he wishes. I must say, however, that along with the physiological changes the light warriors experience, there seems to be an increased desire to fulfill the duties of a warrior.

"We begin training the new group when they reach the age of nine, so Gyan still has several years before he begins, should he choose to."

Light warrior? He knew they acted as guardians to the kingdom but nothing more.

Gyan stared at the closed door as the voice continued.

"It is not an easy life, and it is not be lived without personal sacrifice to him or any in this family. The amount of responsibility attached to this role is indefinable… He will be physically sore and tired for a while now as more physical and psychological changes occur. In time, and as he begins training, his skill will evolve rapidly."

Gyan learned later that it was Syam who had spoken to his parents outside the door that day, and that the physical changes he experienced were common for all light warriors.

Not long after his transformation, Mili refused to play certain games with him, becoming irritated at his increase in speed, for he soon outmatched her in any game requiring physical strength or endurance. Gyan, who had never beaten his sister in any game before, was overjoyed at his new abilities. He eventually sought other warriors in his group to play the same games he had once played with his sister.

Now, years later, he was officially being recognized as a light warrior san. Gyan smiled to himself as he drew in the excitement of his peers next to him and the enthusiasm of the crowd before him.

It was a warm night, so the temple walls had been opened, or rather sunk into the ground as they were designed to do, leaving only the side and front entrance pillars as borders around the temple. This allowed the crowd to sit comfortably on the small grassy hills if desired, providing a better view of the stage for those at the back of the crowd.

The ceremony proceedings were simple. As each warrior's name was announced, the apreidus passed beneath the archway of flames. The archway symbolized the burning away of anything holding one back from stepping further into the role of a light warrior. After passing through the archway, the warrior was robed for the first time as a light warrior san. Then, the warrior recited an oath of commitment as a guardian of the kingdom to seal the transformation.

Syam invited Elder Master Zareb to call each apreidus forward.

Zareb, giant in stature, turned his intense hazel, red-haloed gaze on the new warriors. His dark skin reflected the dancing flames, making him appear even more fierce than normal.

"Lorcan Elwith," Zareb's deep voice boomed across the temple, "come forth to claim your place in the kingdom."

Lorcan moved forward slowly, looking slightly anxious. As he passed beneath the archway, the crowd cheered loudly. Even though the fire was symbolic and posed no threat, Lorcan looked back at the flames in relief. The crowd laughed as Lorcan ran his hand through his golden hair, his green, red-haloed eyes bright as he faced Syam.

"Lorcan Elwith," stated Syam, "do you accept the honor of living as one who upholds light, and prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of others when required? If so, state your claim."

"I, Light Warrior Elwith, choose to use my given abilities to serve as a universal protector of light from this day forth."

"And so you shall," stated Syam, Zareb, and the rest of the elders in unison. "You honor us with your service, San Lorcan."

As the reply of the elder masters was spoken, black, curvaceous tribal markings, sharply angled at different points, formulated across Lorcan's left shoulder and down his arm, symbolizing the finality of his new status.

A hooded, forest-green robe was then placed across his shoulders. Lorcan pulled the hood of his robe over his head and bowed before the elders. The elders returned his bow and then Lorcan bowed to the crowd. He then took his place in front of the elder masters as Zareb called forth the rest of the light warriors.

"Aderes Bane," called Zareb, "come forth to claim your place in the kingdom."

Without hesitation, Aderes set out across the stage and under the archway with no apprehension on his face. The crowd cheered again as Aderes smiled and raised his arms as if to embrace the crowd.

Valora Amantera was called next, followed by her twin brother Brogan. They both possessed a unique and fierce look with their wild, light blonde hair and silver, red-haloed eyes. Although Gyan was connected to each of his team members in unique ways, he felt especially close with Valora and Brogan, thinking of them both as light warrior prototypes as they radiated a sense of both compassion and fierceness, yet possessed an extremely loyal and reliable energy.

Gyan self-consciously ran a hand through his medium-length, straight hair though his appearance wasn't emaciated by any means. His muscular 6'3" frame had proved overly capable in any training task required but couldn't help but feel small next to the twins. Both Valora and Brogan were taller than most light warriors as both stood just over 6'5". In training, they were his toughest opponents aside from Aderes. He was grateful they would be on his side in any upcoming mission the warriors faced.

Hoshi Satono's nervous navy, red-haloed eyes met Gyan's right before Zareb called her name. Gyan nodded once for reassurance, and Hoshi turned away slowly, flipping her long silver and black hair over her shoulder as she marched boldly across the stage and through the archway.

Out of all the warriors, Hoshi was the quickest in learning new skills, surpassing the other warriors in weapons training. Due to her unique ability, she was often asked to help demonstrate moves when the masters needed assistance.

Zareb's booming voice pierced Gyan's thoughts. "Gyan Mesengic, come forth to claim your place in the kingdom."

Gyan froze momentarily before Jarek Sokara, the last of the light warrior apreidus, nudged him forward. Some of the crowd in the front laughed as they saw Jarek push Gyan. Gyan smiled and willed himself to remain calm as he walked forward to take his place alongside the others.

As instructed, Gyan repeated his oath, surprised at the strength in his tone. He looked down at the black markings that formed on his skin as he felt a warm sensation spread across his shoulder and down his left arm. He could not help but feel proud as he felt the weight of the robe on his shoulders. He pulled the hood of his robe over his head and bowed to elder masters. As he turned to bow to the crowd, he caught Jalena's eye. He took a deep breath and returned her smile, feeling elated.

As Gyan took his place beside the others onstage, he searched the crowd for his parents. Sahdika—his mother, Eamonn—his father, and Miliani were near the front of the temple smiling up at him. They blended in with the sea of diverse faces reflecting pride and joy.

The diverse beauty in the Kingdom of Alsar was apparent from the many different races that embodied the kingdom. Languages spoken throughout the kingdom were as diverse as the colors of skin. To the people of Alsar, diversity represented stability. In accepting differences, the people believed that those inhabiting a planet would be more representative of the natural universal order and, as a result, remain more stable. Therefore, elders representing different cultures were elected to serve as leaders within the kingdom to help manage the affairs.

The views the majority in the Kingdom held concerning balance among diversity is one reason the light warriors were treasured as leaders within the communities. Taking on the role of one who maintains the balance by honoring varied perceptions created more peace than chaos. Some of the elders even believed that if the energetic balance was not maintained, the stars of Elsaria would disappear from the sky, leading to the destruction of many star systems. Although the kingdom was not without societal conflict, their perspective on unity and tolerance for diversity had created one of the most peaceful kingdoms in the galaxy.

Gyan turned to the archway again as Zareb called Jarek forward, followed by Danika Monuae. After Danika had been robed, the warriors followed the elder masters to the middle of the stage, and Syam addressed the audience once more.

"The Kingdom of Alsar is blessed to house such figures of greatness that not only strengthen the core of our own civilization but also serve to uphold stability for civilizations everywhere." He gestured to the new graduates, and the crowd enthusiastically applauded more.

Someone from the back of the temple shouted, "I love you, Gyan!"

Laughter rang throughout the audience. Aderes smirked and nudged Gyan with his elbow. Gyan blushed in response, grateful that his hood hung low enough to shadow most of his face.

"Thankfully, they are already loved by those they strive to serve," Syam replied, to which the crowd laughed even louder.

"Let us remember that there is much to be asked of each of these warriors as they step onto the path that awaits them in their morrows," Syam continued as the crowd quieted. "For now, however, these duties can wait, for tonight your hearts shall join ours in honor as we celebrate this transformation."

Syam and the rest of the warriors bowed to the audience, and the crowd erupted into more cheers and applause as the warriors exited the platform to make room for the night's entertainment.

Gyan, suddenly aware of his growling stomach, made his way alongside the other warriors to a designated outdoor dining area set up during the ceremony. He and Aderes began shoving their mouths full of the variety of favorite foods placed in decorative large platters along several long tables.

The temple stage was rearranged to make room for the ceremonial dance. The Damsé Keauhi, or Dance of Flames, was performed at every Ceremony of Pyhron in honor of the warriors. The drums that Gyan had heard at the beginning of the ceremony began their deep rhythm once more, guiding the dancers into an intense and magical dance with batons of fire. Fireworks of all colors exploded around the entire temple after the dance finale, along with the crowd's magnanimous cheers.

"Congratulations," a voice spoke in Gyan's ear from behind as he took a large swallow of tea. He and Aderes turned to see Jalena smiling at them.

Gyan choked and quickly turned away, coughing hard. Aderes smiled at Jalena while he beat Gyan on the back.

"Thanks, Master Jalena," Aderes said with a short bow. "You okay?" he asked Gyan, a smirk on his face.

"Yeah, thanks," said Gyan, turning back around, his eyes watering.

A dark-skinned girl with curly brown hair came up beside Jalena and whispered in her ear.

"Right away." Jalena gave her a nod and then turned to Aderes and Gyan. "San Aderes, San Gyan…you remember Master Shamira—the other warrior in my group."

Gyan had not learned much about Shamira other than her rumored to be the best pilot the kingdom had ever known. As Aderes and Gyan greeted her, Gyan avoided staring at the left side of Shamira's face. It was not easy, for the burn scars across her face and neck distorted her otherwise beautiful features. He quickly moved his gaze back to her light gray, red-haloed eyes.

"Tell them I am on my way, please," stated Jalena. Shamira gave a small bow to Aderes and Gyan before making her way to the front of the temple.

"If you will excuse me, I must meet with the Council," said Jalena. "However, we will see more of each other from now on because it is common for all teams to train together after the apreidus stage. I look forward to our extended time together."

"As do we," Aderes responded with a nod. Gyan did not answer. He continued to stare at Jalena while attempting to get his brain and mouth to connect.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Jalena asked Gyan, her expression amused.

Aderes looked at Gyan's face and laughed. He slapped an arm around Gyan's shoulder and smiled. "Eh, you'll have to forgive him, Master Jalena. Tonight's events seemed to have done a number on his nerves."

She laughed lightly. "I see."

"Are you going to the falls for the party?" Gyan blurted.

Aderes turned to Gyan in surprise. He cleared his throat. "I'm going to get something to drink," he said, pushing past Gyan and moving out of sight.

She looked away. "I don't normally have time, San Gyan."

"But it's a nice night."

Jalena dropped her gaze and smiled. "Indeed."

Gyan’s breath caught as her eyes returned to his.

"Then perhaps I can persuade Shamira to join me after council ends."

"Okay, good." He smiled and took another gulp of tea, not taking his eyes off her face.

"If luck is in our favor, we will see each other soon then." Jalena gave him a slight bow before turning to go.

"Good," Gyan repeated.

Jalena chuckled and gave him a strange look before walking to the front of the temple.