ROTU: Chapter Twenty-Five
Jalena shoved her bag in the compartment above her seat and got as comfortable as possible on the flight to Ireland. She unlatched the pendant Kaelon had given her from around her neck and let it fall through her fingers.
Thoughts of Gyan freely swam in her mind as she gazed at it. She finally could think of him without a sharp pain shooting through her heart. She allowed memories of him to flow through her mind like she had begun to do in the simulation room the night before.
"That's a lovely crystal pendant," the woman next to her said. "Very magical looking. Was it a holiday gift?"
"Thank you and yes," Jalena replied. She smiled in memory of Kaelon's grinning face when they exited the gallery together earlier that day.
The flight seemed to take too long. Jalena, restless in her seat while the others slept soundly, found herself missing the roomy compartments and speed of Fane's Elsarian ships.
Time is relative. Malik's voice came to her, reflecting his earlier teachings to her as a child. Where you put your focus determines the flow of time. So, where is your focus, San Jalena?
Jalena relaxed her shoulders against the seat and allowed her earliest memories of training to surface within her. She mentally repeated phrases from the Glisayan language that she had learned long ago until sleep finally took her.
Once her flight landed, she checked into a hotel outside of Dublin. Thinking it may take longer than normal to find the Glisayan realm without the use of her power, she booked a room for a week the next day at a hotel closer to her destination. She rented a car and spent time exploring forest maps of Ireland, deciding to start with a tour of the most popular forests. The following morning, she left early to begin her search.
Throughout the next week, many times Jalena came very close to teleporting, especially during the bursts of heavy rain that fell over her like a wet blanket. More than ever, she appreciated her powers as she pondered the difficulty of life without them. A surge of affection for the challenges of being human rose within her.
She took breaks to meditate beneath the trees along her path, making sure to keep her power in check so that it wouldn't set off the alarm Lyons had installed in her wristband. Using only her intuition combined with Lyons's direction, she followed the trails where elemental energy was most concentrated. If not for the additional assistance, she felt her search would take even longer than it did.
On the fourth day, she stared out at the land before her, admiring the view as she stood beneath a tree and waited for the downpour around her to decrease. It was then that she felt it—the pulse in her chest and stomach. Jalena put a hand on her stomach as a jolt occurred within her again. An electric pulse flashed through her, similar to the shock Ryu had given her.
She jiggled a finger in her ears as she heard a soft hum combined with a rhythmic chime. The rest of the afternoon, she based her path on the pitch of the steady sound in her ear. If it became softer, she moved away from the area and if it became louder, she continued in the same direction.
Early the same evening, she dropped to rest beside an unmarked river far from any main trails. The humming stopped. She quickly jumped back up as she saw a waterfall ahead of her that she had not noticed before. The rays of the setting sun revealed a glittering stream that cascaded from a cliff and into a river.
Jalena rubbed her eyes and opened them again, amazed at the sight that seemed to have appeared out of thin air. She evoked Relasu and saw the tree of moons that she had painted above the waterfall, its roots extending across the width of the river. The tree's branches spread out high and wide above the falls, and the moons held within its branches swirled within the pulse of their glowing light.
Jalena's smile of relief fell as the magical scene began to fade. Darkness filled her vision, swallowing her surroundings as a heavy pressure fell around her.
Thinking quickly, Jalena spoke out. "Fae sunda ay vakan a menka."
The pressure stopped, and light returned to the area once more. Her senses heightened as she sharply looked to her left.
"What is it you desire here, warrior?" A barefooted boy said from where he was leaning up against a tree with his arms crossed. The boy, who appeared to be around the age of sixteen, had spikey blonde hair and light hazel eyes bordered by a yellow rim. He wore a green and brown warrior garment that revealed his bare muscular arms. "And how do you know my language?" he finished.
"I am Master Jalena of the Light Warriors," Jalena said as she bowed. "I studied the language of the Glisayas when I trained with the Inala during my time on Elsaria."
The boy's eyes widened. "Elsaria," he whispered. He dropped his gaze. "I had almost forgotten..."
"You were on Elsaria?"
"I was born there. My father was the leader of the Glisayas at the time. I am Elindrel, lead warrior of the Glisayas and protector of the Elemental Realms." He studied her for several moments then grabbed a double-edged, jewel-encrusted spear from inside a nearby hollowed tree and moved deeper into the trees. "Come with me."
Jalena followed Elindrel, fascinated that he looked as young as he did to be the lead warrior of his race. She knew it was an honorable and powerful title to carry. Malik's recent words came to mind.
External appearance never reflects the power within.
"Despite my appearance, I am older than you," Elindrel stated as if to read her mind. "We age much slower than both the humans and light warriors. The Glisayas who migrated from Elsaria will treat you as a lost treasure, so do not be alarmed by their fascination with you. They have not seen a light warrior since we left home."
Jalena's eyes widened as the scene shifted before her as if she was leaving one forest and into another. The green trees faded into those of multiple colors. Many were taller than the trees in the mountains. Their branches spread out wide like those on the moon tree she had seen moments before. The last rays of the setting sun highlighted the glittering gold light that outlined every leaf of the trees. Different colors of light ran the length of their trunks, moving through crystals of all shapes and sizes embedded within the branches.
Elindrel stopped on top of a large hill, which marked the edge of a clearing.
"Welcome to Strenkarlia."
Jalena's mouth opened in awe as she saw the vast valley beneath them.
Hills and valleys layered in every color you could imagine stretched far, laced with vegetation and trees of all sizes. Everywhere she looked, there were flowers and gemstones. The sparkling stones ran the length of the ground and were also implanted in the small homes that stood alongside or rested within the branches of the trees. The colorful décor was intertwined in the hair and clothing of all Elemental species busily moving about.
Gnomes, creatures with big eyes and squished faces, hobbled about the area freely, while fairies of all sizes hurriedly zoomed by Jalena, their wings moving so fast she could barely see them. Unicorns, with horns of silver and gleaming white coats, grazed in grassy areas.
Younger Glisayas rushed up to Jalena, smiling up at her as if she were a frequent guest. They wore similar garments as Elindrel, but many had added their own unique style as some of their garments carried more flare than others. Some had wings whereas others, like Elindrel, did not.
"I will bring you to Council after you rest and eat," Elindrel said. "I will offer you a space to state why you are here, and then you must leave. The magic of the fairies is strong here, meaning the longer you stay, their magic acts as a drug to dull the senses and memory of those from the outside realms."
"I'm not concerned. I've forgotten who I was once, and it won't happen again."
Elindrel glanced behind him as if to say something but gave her a nod instead. "You can release the suppression of your energy here. No one from the surface realms will be able to detect it. Energy is visible externally to those within the realm because Relansé is always in effect here. It is the reason you can see the magic of the realm with just your normal vision."
Jalena removed her bracelet. Her eyes filled with light as her power surfaced. Rays of light projected around her as her energy expanded, highlighting all within the surrounding area.
Nearby fairies, Glisayas, and gnomes shielded their eyes.
Elindrel started to make his way down the hill, but stopped as a fleet of large dragons, varying in color and type, burst from the top of a mountain in the distance and soared toward them. He glanced at Jalena in curiosity.
She stared in surprised delight at the dragons as they reached the mountainside, their scales glittering in the sunlight.
"Open your mind to their energy," instructed Elindrel. "They wish to greet you."
A large silver and gold dragon, similar to the one guarding the Realm of Illuse, flew out of the mountain to join the others.
Elindrel looked surprised. "You must have a strong connection to the dragons if your true form drew the queen from her nest. They must know why you are here."
Jalena moved further away from the trees as the queen flew directly to her. The silver tips of her large wings lit up brightly as she spread them above Jalena.
My brother, the black dragon of the stars, waits for you, she spoke telepathically. He grows weaker as the Javen steals his life force. His body and spirit lie within a prison as the dark spell strengthens. He and the light warrior have merged energy within the Javen to fight against the wizard's control. The heart of the light warrior is strong and of good intent, but the Javen seeks a darker way to gain full control, even at the cost of his own soul.
The dragon stretched her neck high in pride. As she gazed down at Jalena, her gold eyes softened. But his opponent stands in greater power still. You do great deeds for those beyond your kind, warrior, which has been noticed by all realms. Do not despair. No matter the trials and sorrows you have endured while on your journey, there is a force of victory and a web of support for your mission that lies beyond your own realm, including the power of the dragons. Do not forget who you are. Call forth our power when you are in need.
The dragon bent her head down as silver and gold light shone from her eyes. She gently touched Jalena's forehead with her own.
Jalena's eyes lit up in gold as she received the light of the dragon. A burning sensation ran the length of her spine followed by a rush of energy that heightened within her. A silver and gold marking representing the power of the dragon flashed on her forehead.
The blessings of the dragons are with you, light warrior.
The dragons each bowed their head to Jalena and then with a flap of their wings flew off again. Dragons, not much larger than a small bird, flittered around Jalena. She chuckled as one landed on her hand and rubbed its head against her palm before following the others.
Elindrel was quiet as the two walked the rest of the way downhill.
Jalena knew the Elementals were asking him questions about her, but she did not know their language. The Inala taught her the language of the Glisayas, but the fairies and other Elementals of the Earth Realm she had not learned of.
"Jinsy and Lexi will show you where to refresh and eat." He gestured to two smiling female Glisayas, who nodded eagerly at Jalena.
The two chatted to each other in the Glisayan language as Jalena followed them to a colorful bungalow home that reminded her of the ones she vacationed in with Shamira. They showed her where dry, clean clothes were in the closet of the home. They used a spell to alter the size of the clothing to fit Jalena. Their eyes lit up in delight as she thanked them in their own language before the two left her to clean up.
Jalena washed and then changed into the white tunic and dark pants provided for her. When she re-entered the kitchen of the guest home a short time later, food was already prepared. She chose several fruits and some bread then exited the home to explore her nearby surroundings.
A chuckle escaped her as she thought of what Shamira's expression would be when she heard about the unicorns. They were a myth on Elsaria passed down through stories of the Inala just as they were to most of the humans on Earth. As if knowing her thoughts, one with a bright silver horn stepped out from the nearby trees and trotted over to her. The unicorn dipped its head and brought its soft nose up to Jalena's face as she petted it.
Another female Glisaya, taller than the twins and dressed in tribal attire, approached Jalena from behind. "We are ready for you, light warrior." She gestured to the unicorn. "He will take you."
Jalena gave the unicorn one last rub and Jalena climbed on his back.
The Glisaya turned and walked ahead of the unicorn. Green and gold light glittered around her until she faded from view.
The unicorn reached an open space and took off in a run.
Jalena smiled at the rush flowing through her as the two bolted across the prairie.
The unicorn lowered its head so that its horn pointed straight forward. The silver of its horn brightened until it beamed with glowing white light.
Knowing what to do, Jalena readied herself to teleport. She yielded to the unicorn's energy so he could guide the way and the two disappeared.
The unicorn slowed to a trot as the two reappeared in a valley marked by cliffs, waterfalls, and exotic flowers. The large white-barked trees before them wound and twisted in unusual ways. Their yellow, orange, and scarlet leaves fluttered in the breeze.
The unicorn carried her on a dirt trail alighted with crystals through the trees up to an enormous gazebo that overlooked an extensive cliff. The gazebo was made of green vines and white bark that extended into different sections. A variety of green jewels decorated the intricate designs of the structure. Streams of water glittering with gold and green light ran over the cliff's edge near the gazebo.
The unicorn slowed to a stop, and Jalena dismounted. He responded with a nod as she bowed to thank him before trotting away.
The same Glisaya that approached Jalena earlier appeared. "This way."
Jalena followed her into the largest room of the gazebo, which revealed five chairs, each seated with a Glisaya wearing specific clothing and browbands marking their leadership within the society.
Elindrel sat directly in the middle with a fairy, about the length of Jalena's hand, standing on his shoulder. The fairy had a bandana tied around his forehead and was dressed in warrior attire.
Rather than the plain attire he wore when Jalena first saw him, Elindrel's garments were royal blue and green, matching the jewels weaved in the browband that encircled his head.
He gestured to the Glisayas sitting to each side. "Each of the clan leaders has a voice here when it concerns decisions made for the Elementals. They are representatives of the basic Elements of the planet. This," he gestured to his shoulder, "is Silso, watcher and lead warrior of the fairies."
Silso grasped his forearms with each hand and bowed to Jalena.
Jalena returned his bow.
"I am Bolistan, master of water Elements," the Glisaya on Elindrel's far right spoke. Bolistan's blue eyes and shaggy hair glinted with a silver tint. His wise gaze studied Jalena carefully.
The Glisaya directly to Elindrel's right was smaller in size than Bolistan. Her pointed ears stuck out sharply from her short and spikey yellow hair. Her yellow gaze was friendly and inviting. She gave Jalena a soft smile as she announced her name. "Soosian. I am responsible for air Elements."
On Elindrel's left sat Anstar, who studied Jalena with a serious gaze beneath his long red hair and fiery eyes to match but granted no greeting beyond his name.
The Glisaya at the far end of the Council was the master of the earth Elements, Gildan, whose green gaze appeared rather bored. He gave Jalena a small nod and ran his hand through his messy green hair as he announced his name.
"Please state who you are and why you are here," Bolistan stated.
"I am Jalena, a light warrior from the planet Elsaria, sent here to help prevent the planet from being overrun with darkness by the hand of the Javen, Drasúl."
Anstar leaned over and whispered to Elindrel.
"Anstar claims you are more than just a light warrior," Elindrel stated.
"You also carry a light key and are a leader of an elite warrior group," Anstar stated.
"In your energy, I also see that you surpassed the Glisayan test of honor in the Realm of Illuse," Elindrel added.
Gildan leaned forward, eyeing Jalena with sudden interest.
Jalena lowered her gaze. "A title is irrelevant to what I am here for."
"And yet, your status is the only reason besides being gifted the blessing of the dragons, that I will hear your requests," said Anstar.
"It is very honorable for a clan's queen to take on the burden of her people, especially alone on the surface of this planet," Bolistan stated. "Were there no others to accompany you?"
"Two others were on the initial mission with me, but we have been separated. Elder Master Nyhra, who is of Avehkal descent, was sent to Asteria to learn more of her heritage from the Lumaña and to gain information about their position in the threat that looms over Earth."
"There is one more in the south of the Earth," Soosian spoke as her eyes took on a faraway look. "She has forgotten her purpose."
"Master Shamira," Jalena said with a nod. "I am to retrieve her after I leave here."
"What type of master betrays her leader?" Anstar asked. "The bond between the light warriors must not be strong enough to defeat Drasúl and Ralian's armies if such a large responsibility is so easily dismissed."
"It is not easy to live on the surface and maintain the resilience needed to stay true to path," said Soosian. "You know this, Anstar."
Anstar scowled.
Jalena met Anstar's gaze. "You mention Ralian. Then you know of the pending war already?"
"Information concerning surface matters is always available for us here," said Elindrel.
"Then you will help?"
"Why would we help in a war that is the humans' own manifested downfall?" Anstar questioned. "Even they take no responsibility for the chaos they create. We are in a different realm than they. They care for nothing except their own greed that serves only to mask the inadequacies they blame others for."
"Not all of them," Jalena responded softly, thinking of the human friends she had made. "There are some I wish to protect."
"You have grown fond of them," Soosian said knowingly. She nodded. "Some have surprised even us."
"Although I can appreciate your concern with the events on the surface of this planet, there is no place for Elemental participation in this war," Elindrel stated.
"The Elements on the surface will be affected by the increasing darkness if Drasúl and other dark forces were to take over," replied Jalena. "The war still involves you."
"My priority is the safety of this realm and not that of the surface. No matter who rules the surface, this realm remains hidden by those who do not share our frequency and focus."
"And yet, if the surface realm is overtaken, those knowledgeable of the existence of the extended realms could find a way to interfere with your own. As we stand here now, Drasúl searches for a way to allow in more than the darkness of the Cinak."
Silso gestured to Elindrel with his hands without making an audible sound.
Elindrel looked past Silso to Jalena. "Silso says that you are connected to the surface beasts of the planet."
"I have been told I am connected to wolves," Jalena responded politely.
"The surface animals are very dear to Silso, but after speaking with the Elemental masters it is not enough reason for me to promise our assistance in this war as this time."
Silso, looking somewhat defeated, sighed and plopped back down onto Elindrel's shoulder.
"Why not just hunt the Javen down and rid him from the Earth yourself?" asked Anstar.
"I will do so at the right time or else my actions will not serve me in the way of victory. We must be prepared because it is not only the Javen that is a threat. It is why the Federation sent me to ask for your help."
Elindrel's hazel gaze met Jalena's. "Although I value your words and admire a leader who will undertake her team's burden alone to see the accomplishment of a mission, until I have proof that our kind is in need of our help on the surface, I cannot sacrifice the well-being of the Elementals for human protection."
"Elindrel, your people have the probability to be destroyed if you do not use your power to assist—"
"Understand, light warrior," Elindrel's eyes flashed with green light as he stood abruptly, causing Silso to fall over. Silso's wings fluttered rapidly to regain balance. "I may look young to you, but I assure you, I have seen what war can do to an entire society. I need no reminder of that. It is why I work so hard to protect what I have come to love in this realm. But, know this… I would never use my magic to help the human race."
"For even those that carry Glisayan blood?" asked Jalena, unfazed.
Elindrel became quiet as he dropped his gaze.
"Not all humans are alike, Elindrel," Jalena said softly. "I know what happened to your mother has shaped your perception of the surface realm, but there are some within humanity that could lead them to change if given the chance to awaken. That is part of why I am here. I can't make them care, but I can help those who are seeking it and so, I choose to do so for the time I remain. I respect that you must follow your heart, but at least consider my words."
Silso nodded in agreement and patted Elindrel's shoulder.
Jalena bowed as each in the Council stood. She held Elindrel's gaze as the same unicorn from earlier walked up behind her.
"He will take you to the realm's exit," Soosian said kindly. "It has been an honor, Master Jalena, to meet one with such conviction and resilience. You bring hope to many, even in this realm. The power of the Elements will follow you."
After voicing her appreciation for the Council's attention, Jalena mounted the unicorn and together they rode across the colorful plains then teleported out of sight. When the unicorn slowed to a trot Jalena could see the green of the surface forest trees within the mountains once more. After dismounting and thanking the unicorn again, he disappeared from her sight along with the rest of Strenkarlia.
Feeling somewhat defeated, Jalena turned to find herself directly on a path leading back to her hotel. Even still, successfully finding the Glisayan realm was the first large breakthrough she had experienced on this mission, so it granted her hope that her small success would carry over in her attempts to retrieve Shamira. She busied herself that night with arrangements to fly to Costa Rica.
"So, the Elves didn't want to help?" Lyons asked when Jalena spoke briefly of her visit with him that night.
"They aren't Elves, even though they look similar."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. By the way, I cannot find Shamira's energy on the grid, so I'm not sure where you should start your search."
"That makes sense because she believes herself to be human. Try to find Elder Master Nyhra's, which would be similar to mine."
"Okay, standby. There is a faint trace of something that looks like light warrior energy, but it is masked by green fleeting elemental energy."
"If she is under the protection of the Lumaña, it could still be her. If nothing else, it's a start."
"I'll send the coordinates."
Jalena signed off with Lyons. She smiled in relief at the thought of seeing those of her own kind again.
Ready or not, Shamira, here I come.