ROTU: Chapter Fifty-Nine

"I don't even know where to start," Syam said with a grin as he stood before the crowds of Elsaria several nights later.

His words were met with laughter.

"It is not my wish to appear informal," he paused as his emotions surfaced, "but, I know one thing is certain." He turned to meet Jalena's gaze as tears leaked from the corner of his eye. "My heart has overflowed with the safe return of my daughter and our master warriors to their home planet."

The crowd cheered and stomped their feet as the ceremonial drummers beat their drums.

Syam smiled and gestured to the warriors standing alongside him in their intergalactic robes. Each wore their Lumaña amulets. Jalena wore the browband that Elindrel had presented her. Beneath her amulet rested Shakou's dragon necklace. The bracelet of blue monorosias Gyan had given her long ago adorned her wrist and the dragon's wristband on her other forearm.

"We also welcome the return of Master Gyan, who we believed was lost to us. There are no words to explain how happy we are that he stands before us still," Syam continued.

The crowd cheered louder.

Sufina and Nikan smiled as they held Tarak's gaze from where they stood beside the rest of the tribes of the Feyla Forest. The Inala, Alpherians, and Mandopa cheered from their place alongside the citizens of Alsar.

"Here the masters stand before multiple races from the planets of this star system, serving as a symbol to unite different civilizations as one. This is just the beginning of the unity that can be accomplished not only across the Vejar Star System but that in other galaxies. Our alliance with others who also seek harmony and peace can now be more readily achieved because of the work and sacrifice of our beloved masters."

A soft melody spread through the temple. Holographic images of the Alliance and Order members who lost their lives during the battle on Earth flashed before the crowd.

"We honor those who fought alongside our warriors and cherish their memory. A separate ceremony will be provided to honor each of these warriors properly so all citizens have the time and space to pay their respects. A memorial hall depicting the transformations of Elsaria and our allies, representing both our losses and gains, will be built in Alsar so that we may keep memories of our loved ones alive."

Nyhra's gladaé formed in the middle of the stage and brightened, spreading its rays of light across the crowd. Images representing her life were holographically projected from the sword.

"In light of these times of victory, my heart weighs heavily with sadness as one of our dearest elder masters and my treasured friend, Elder Master Nyhra, returned to her family in the stars. Despite her transition, she will remain in all of our lives as she watches over us now from her position as the fourth High Priestess. May her wisdom and friendship forever remain to guide us."

The crowd cheered loudly as holographic fireworks burst all around. Light drones formed the mark of the High Priestess and danced continually in various formations across the evening sky.

"We have learned through this experience that the unity we so cherish among kingdoms is the same that is treasured even in other dimensions. Although we have lost many that were close to our hearts, we have also gained in a way that cannot be fully captured through words.

"The bond of the light warriors and people of Elsaria now expands beyond our own star system to those of the Earth, the Legion, and the Federation and beyond. We shall honor all who walk alongside us, now and in the future. There is never a more powerful union than one formed through love and alliance within diversity."

Several hours later, Jalena and Gyan joined the other masters in celebration at the Tran Ceiabré. The team laughed together as Valora sent Gyan flying into the Tran Ceiabré's pool with Tarak's charisma. "That's from all of us for making us think you were dead."

Gyan surfaced from the pool with a gasp. "I just followed the suggestions of my Reserve!"

He teleported out of the water and reappeared behind Valora to put her in a headlock. "That's not very nice, Valora. You're lucky I don't have Jalena's charisma, or I would drag you back into the water with me."

Valora elbowed Gyan in the gut. He laughed as he dropped into a sparring stance.

The halo within Valora's gaze swirled with a green glow.

Gyan stepped back and tripped over Eclipse as the cat trotted into the area and stopped behind him in her expanded form.

"No fair, Eclipse!" He shouted as the team laughed more. "Utter betrayal."

Eclipse licked his face and continued over to where Jalena sat.

"That's cheating, Valora," Gyan said.

She smirked as she offered him a hand up.

"Still can't win against her, Gyan?" a voice from the edge of the clearing called out with a chuckle. "I thought you were as fast as Lorcan now that you've combined your powers. There's no excuse, really."

"Aderes." Gyan stepped forward with a searching gaze. "Aderes!"

Aderes pushed through the rest of the shrub, marking the edge of the clearing as if on a casual night's stroll.

Gyan took off running as he spotted his friend. Aderes smiled as the two crashed together and embraced tightly. Gyan grabbed Aderes's head and brought it to his own and closed his eyes in relief as the rest of the warriors hurriedly surrounded the two. Gyan released him as Danika grabbed Aderes's hand and Hoshi squeezed his other arm.

"I demand that none of you start crying," Aderes said Hoshi and Danika wiped their eyes. "I daresay that this team has shed enough tears." They both nodded and slowly released their grip on him.

Aderes laughed as he dodged Jarek's wrestling hold.

"What did the Priestesses say?" Valora asked after she brought Aderes to her for a hug.

"They said because of the work I did to prevent Drasúl from growing in power, I would be allowed to continue my life on Elsaria if I wanted. They gave me the choice. Something about resilience and heart of spirit and all that," his voice faded as he dropped his gaze.

"Your halo, Aderes—it's gone," Hoshi noted as she put a hand under his chin and gently lifted his face.

"You can hardly see your warrior markings either," Lorcan said.

"I know."

"You have to earn them back or something?" asked Danika.

"Nah. I suggested a change of employment. I still have my warrior strength and reflexes, just not my light ability."

"What?" Jarek said. "That's crazy!"

"He can do whatever he wants, Jarek," Hoshi said.

"I know it may seem weird to you all, but I just want to live out the remainder of my life in peace…away from any darkness. I remember what it was like being controlled by Drasúl, and I am pretty exhausted from it, so I don't want to be near anything like that again. The Legion told me it would take some time to recover from it all."

He smiled as his eyes lit with a silver glow and the mark of the dragons appeared on his forehead. "Of course, the dragons didn't agree when I refused their blessing, so I am able to utilize their energy if I need to. Otherwise, I'm okay with how things ended. Besides, with having all of you as guardians, I won't have to worry about being in any danger. It feels right—like it's the best path for me. If I ever get the urge to warrior again, I can join the Maveik." He looked around. "Where is Jalena?"

"I am here," Jalena said as she and Eclipse moved in closer from the back of the group.

Aderes clasped his hands together and gave her the formal light warrior bow. "I want you to know that other than Lesiana and Gyan, you are the main reason I asked to continue my life on Elsaria. I wanted to say something to you directly. I realize the depth of sorrow that I have created. I know what my impatience caused, and I apologize for doubting you and your connection to Gyan.

"I have learned many things through the eyes of the dragons when I intertwined my energy with the black dragon. One being that you cannot always understand the behavior of others based on appearance, especially when they are masters at emotional and energetic balance."

"She's not anymore," Jarek said. "She got all weepy when she turned into an Earthling."

Valora elbowed him in the ribs.

Jarek winced. "What? She did."

Aderes smiled and continued. "I am partially responsible for the years you've suffered," he turned to the rest of the team, "for all of you," his eyes returned to Jalena, "but, mostly you. I heard what you said to Drasúl about my abilities when you fought him in the mountains, and you showed me great respect, which I had failed to return to you." His eyes shone with tears. "If you will forgive me, I believe I will find peace again."

Jalena moved closer to him. "If it also wasn't for you, Aderes, Drasúl's power would have grown and spread even more on Galinia than it did, so you have already rectified your actions in my view. Your behavior was motivated by the love of your sister, and that is something to be admired. You must forgive all of us for our part in making you feel as if you were alone in this. I hope our team and Council will remember and make better decisions in the future if similar events are to occur."

Aderes's eyes spilled over in relief as Jalena hugged him.

"I am happy you have returned," she whispered as he wiped his eyes.

Aderes met Gyan's eye. "I think I will feel even more at home if I can taste some of your nán's cooking again. Besides, I have a sister I need to go see."

Gyan squeezed Jalena's hand. "We will all go. Nán will love it that she has so many people over."

He threw his arm over Aderes's shoulder as the group filed out of the forest. "Welcome back, brother."

"I owe you one, Gyan—more than I could ever repay."

Gyan glanced over his shoulder at Jalena. "I've got everything I ever wanted, so we'll just say this one's on me."