The Aspect: The Cessation's Harbinger Read online

Ella uncorked a bottle as she walked up to the head. Its elongated jaw moved up and down as the vertical slits along its mouth flapped like a fish’s gills out of water. She smiled as she looked at the fear in his eyes and drizzled the contents of her bottle. The acid ate through his flesh like deranged locusts through a crop field.

  A fearful shout of retreat from within the portal reminded Tempest and his companions of the remaining combatants that were still in the room.

  “Don’t let them escape!” Ella shouted.

  Tempest and Saïgra used their magic to attempt to grab a hold of the fleeing enemies. Each time Tempest’s force or Saïgra’s vines grabbed them, their bodies exploded into pieces as if they were made of paper filled with hot air. At first, it startled the pair, thinking the disintegration was another form of the toxic gas. However, with Saïgra’s reassurance from her plants, they both continued.

  Riika, on the other hand, had a novel idea. Knowing that the enemies were trying to escape through the portal, she sprinted toward it, hoping to cut off their exit. However, when she approached, the reflective mirror-like surface gave way to a visible opening. She could see a large chamber composed of maroon stone with purple ever-burning torches that lined the walls.

  Two robed adversaries were staring on the other side of the portal. They jerked back as they realized Riika’s gaze locked with their own. Her lips pulled back into a raptorial smile as she recognized their fear. In one swift motion, Riika thrusted Lightning Breath into the foe on her left. The blade plunged in with little effort, and as the body went limp, gravity sliced the body into two like a pair of scissors gliding through paper. Unbeknownst to Riika, half of the enemies that were trying to carry the remaining supplies to the portal all popped at once.

  Tempest called out from behind her. “Riika, we need them alive!”

  She was giddy with glee at the devastation of her new weapon, but sad that she couldn’t continue to test it. While clasping her weapon onto her back, Riika reached in for the robed twin who was currently screaming at the horror it just witnessed. She clasped upon its arm and pulled. When she reached through the portal, she felt terrible sensation of weakness as if the portal was sapping her energy. With her strength giving way, she only managed to pull the foe’s arm through. As Riika reached with her other hand, the masked villain spouted an incantation, zipping up the scar-like opening in the center of the oval portal. Riika crashed to the floor with nothing more than a severed arm. In the same instant, the remaining robed assailants popped like the rest, sounding like a grand celebration.

  But they were far from victory.

  The barrier recessed into the mirror like too much water being poured into a glass vase. The pink energy began sparking throughout the room, each spark causing the start of a new fire. Within seconds, the entire room was aflame. Riika felt herself float backwards to the group as Tempest pulled her with his force magic.

  “We need to get out of here!” Ella shouted. “The energy being fed into that portal is unstable. This whole place is likely to blow.” The group turned and began sprinting down the main foyer as giant bolts of discharged energy ripped through the structure of the building. Fragments of stone, tile, and wood crashed all around them as they raced for their lives.

  As they reached the closet door, Headmistress Krenik stood above the wet remains of her fear. Ella scooped her up in one arm as the group raced to the building exit. A giant crack along the left wall released one of the many support pillars of the building. Tempest reached up with one arm and held the pillar in place with his magic until they reached the exit door. A crushing echo from behind indicated the danger they were truly in. Queen Vatia was waiting with an extended hand at the edge of the main courtyard. Everyone in the group, including Riika, jumped without hesitation.

  With flaps of her wings, the Queen flew high above the sky. They all watched as the surging energy became more violent. The sparks tore through the stone and wood littering the island with debris. A dozen of Halairim’s ships turned sail to make an effort to get out of the blast range. As the last bit of barrier entered the origination point, a large implosion occurred snapping The Academy in half like a piece of stale bread. Out of immediate danger, the group was thankful to be alive, but the hard part was far from over.

  Now they had to say goodbye to their friends.

  5

  All for Nothing

  The day was long and arduous. After the battle at The Academy had concluded, Tempest and his companions, assisted by the soldiers of Halairim’s fourth division, began attempting retrieval efforts for the dead. Everyone used their skills to help speed up the process. Tempest, Riika, and Saïgra used their abilities to help clear the rubble, while Ella used her explosives to break down the chunks of fractured stone wall. This helped clear pathways to allow the soldiers deeper access into the collapsed building. Even Queen Vatia used her massive draconic size and strength to assist in the search, a move that helped bolster confidence in her newfound allies.

  The overcast sky reflected the dreary spirits of the surrounding observers as members of the guard stacked body after body onto a makeshift pyre. With the wreckage cleared and the day turning to night, Queen Vatia held a brief ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Everyone gathered in groups as the Queen, now in her humanoid form, stood on a makeshift ladder and platform near the pyre. Ella, Riika, and Tempest stood holding hands.

  Tempest, recognizing Saïgra standing off to the side, beckoned her over with an outreached hand. She accepted it with a red hue on her cheeks. They all stood at attention as Queen Vatia addressed everyone with a final eulogy.

  “Today is not just a dark day for Halairim, but for Iðna as a whole. We lost not only the hundred most magically and intellectual gifted beings on the planet, we also lost an entire race of people. The blow dealt to us today will never be forgotten. We will remember all those that have lost their lives today in this tragic event. But we will not just remember, we will avenge!”

  Cheerful grumbles from the crowd built as she continued. “Thanks to the heroic efforts of our allies from Meadow’s Crest and The Firegrove, we slew the individual that killed all of our brothers and sisters. However, we do not believe this is the act of a single agent. As such, we are opening an immediate investigation to identify the threat and purge them from our very existence. You have my word that there will be justice!”

  The cheers roared through the crowds of soldiers as they began chanting the Queen’s name. After relishing in her moment, the Queen raised her hand, seeking silence. “Now, we light this pyre in honor of those that have fallen. May you find peace in the afterlife, and may the gods watch over you on your next journey.” Queen Vatia picked up a nearby torch, snapped her fingers creating a flame, and threw it into the tower of stacked bodies. In a matter of seconds, the fire had spread to each level, creating a final homage to the tragedy of the day.

  Tempest heard a soft mumbling toward his right. Saïgra was clutching her right hand to her chest as she prayed.

  “Who are you praying to?” Tempest asked.

  Saïgra’s head jerked, and she stumbled over her words at the unexpected question. “O-oh, um, I am praying to Feura. I pray for their bodies to nourish the planet so that this unforgivable day brings new life to Iðna. I pray that their next life is one of peace and happiness.”

  “Do you believe there is a life after this one?”

  Saïgra nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely! When we die, our bodies still have a purpose. It may not be the same one you had when you were alive, but it’s just as important. According to Queen Maileath, when we die, pieces of us are imprinted on the world. Our bodies are absorbed by the ground beneath our feet. Plants and animals use that for nourishment, and we become part of them. So rather than one being, we become part of many. We are all people of Iðna, connected to each other through our ancestors and those who have come before us.”

  Tempest reflected on her words and smiled. “I love that, Saïgra,” he said, g
ripping her hand stronger. “I think if more people could believe that, there would be more love and friendship in the world.”

  Saïgra smiled as she tried to maintain eye contact, reciprocating Tempest’s squeeze. Queen Vatia and Captain Refero interrupted their moment as they approached. She took a big swig from a drinking horn before passing it to Captain Refero, who finished the rest. They all let go of each other’s hands as the Queen wiped the sweat from her brow.

  “Oh please, don’t let me stop your prayer,” she said, waving her hand back and forth. “I actually found it rather comforting seeing you all so close together. It reminded me of when King Orum, Queen Kasta, and I were younger. We were inseparable and did everything together.” The Queen’s eyes trailed off into the sea as she let out an exasperated sigh. “But those days have long since passed.”

  “I am sorry to hear that, your majesty,” Saïgra said reassuringly.

  Queen Vatia shrugged. “No reason to be sorry, Lady Saïgra. When you’ve lived as long as I have, you find that other things are more important.” Tempest could see the sadness behind her eyes as the Queen spoke those words. “Anyway, I didn’t come over here to reminisce about the past, we’ve got bigger issues. We need to debrief on what occurred inside The Academy. Captain Refero also informed me they’re getting reports of civil unrest. We’re heading back to the castle to sync up with Lead Investigator Windcatcher and begin putting the pieces together. I know the day has been long and you’ve already done much for the people of Halairim, but I would appreciate it if you’d join us, your Eminence.”

  Tempest took a step forward and smiled. “Of course, your majesty. We’d be happy to.”

  The Queen smiled and turned to Captain Refero. “Captain Refero, please make preparations for us to depart. Also, inform the staff to prepare accommodations for his Eminence and his companions in my spire.”

  “Right away, your majesty,” he said, jogging off toward The Academy’s loading docks. Queen Vatia bent down to Headmistress Krenik and placed her hand on her shoulder.

  “Headmistress Krenik, I know you have had a perpetual day, and I cannot imagine what you’ve gone through. However, you’re the only person who has a detailed account of the incident from the very beginning. Because of our pressed time, I am going to ask you to go with the avian soldier right over there who will take you to the castle where you will meet with our lead investigator and answer any questions.”

  “Am I being arrested, your majesty?” Headmistress Krenik asked, visibly shaking.

  “Oh no, not at all. You’d be helping Halairim and its people bring those that hurt us to justice. Now, do you think you can do that for me?”

  Headmistress Krenik nodded as she waddled her way to the nearby soldier.

  “Wait, are we not flying?” Riika asked out of the blue.

  “Lady Treehammer, I thought you hated flying?” the Queen asked with a tilted head.

  Riika looked down at the ground as she kicked the nearby sand. “Well, the last time wasn’t so bad…”

  Queen Vatia laughed as she began stretching her arms. “Well, like you all, I am pretty worn out. I could maintain that form well enough, but I also wanted to see what’s going on in the city, and the best way to do that is to be on the same level as the people.”

  “Wise words, your majesty,” Saïgra said.

  “I’d hope so,” Queen Vatia said, chuckling. She looked past the group and waved to someone behind them. “Well, it looks like our ride is ready. Shall we?”

  Tempest and his companions walked with the Queen to the nearby boat docked along The Academy’s western coast. Their ship, the HNS Dragon Tear, was a crayer transport ship used for quick cargo runs between Halairim’s and The Academy’s docks. As they boarded, Captain Refero gave initial introductions with the ship’s Captain and her crew. However, given the night’s previous events, the cordial greetings were curt because of how exhausted everyone was.

  Everyone seemed to go their separate ways. Queen Vatia and Captain Refero took their place on the aft of the ship near the navigator as the ship set sail. Ella and Riika found a secluded corner on the ship’s port side and dropped asleep in each other’s arms. Tempest found himself alone on the bow of the ship where the wind was strongest. The sea air felt good along his skin and through his hair. He closed his eyes and focused on the soothing feeling, a needed distraction to keep his mind from dwelling on the thing eating at him inside. He cracked his eyes open at the sound of approaching footsteps.

  Saïgra’s eyes glowed red and her voice was completely different. “Mind if I join you?”

  “Queen Maileath, is that you?” Tempest asked.

  “Yes, may I sit with you?” she asked, pointing to the opposite side of the bow. Tempest nodded and gripped on one of the nearby rope anchors as Queen Maileath jumped up on the bow’s edge.

  “Saïgra and I noticed that you were all alone. How are you feeling?”

  Tempest dangled his right leg as he thought about the question. He wasn’t sure if what he was feeling was because of his hesitation to think about it or a lack of his own empathy.

  “Honestly, I am not sure. I feel numb, but I don’t even want to think about it. If I think about it, it’s like I’ll be swallowed whole; eaten alive by my own emotions.” Tempest jumped up from the ship’s edge and began pacing back and forth. “I mean, I know we only spent days with the apians. But in those days, they became my friends. We saved them only for them to end up dead, anyway. Kiri, Z’Korra, none of them deserved this!” Tempest paused as he noticed the crew’s eyes shift to him after his sudden outburst. He let out a vast sigh and slowly slid to the floor. When he began to slip into his despair, Queen Maileath’s soft hand slid along his arm.

  “Come here,” she said, pulling him toward her. Tempest crawled over and let her position him between her legs and arms. His back pressed up against her chest as she began kneading into his sore muscles. Her hands were soft as silk as they glided along his shoulders and chest. Her voice was comforting and passionate, doing her very best to put him at ease.

  “There is no fault on your own, Tempest. You cannot save everyone. I am proud of what you did today. You brought justice to those that were killed by the monster Tarsus. You put yourself on the line to help Queen Vatia, even though you had no need to. You saw someone in need of help and jumped in without question. You did not waver or ask for recompense. You did so because it was the right thing to do.”

  Tempest leaned his head back on her shoulder. He knew she was right but couldn’t help feel guilty. “Then why do I feel this way?”

  Queen Maileath smiled and kissed the side of his head. “It’s because you’re a good person, Tempest. You have every right to grieve. Z’Korra and Queen Kiri were your friends. The apians were beautiful people taken away from us. Take all the time you need. You just need to understand that not everything will be in your control. Tragedy will happen, and we must accept that as part of life. We can’t prevent what we can’t see. Only Septimus can see what the future holds. Don’t blame yourself when none of it was your fault. Promise me you’ll try to work on this.”

  “I promise,” Tempest said as he sunk back into the massage.

  “Good,” Queen Maileath said with a seductive smile. “Now, let’s talk about Saïgra.”

  Tempest heard the Queen’s words, but at this point, he was relishing in the Queen’s hidden talents as she moved from his shoulders to around his neck.

  “Hmm? Oh sure.”

  “What do you think of her?”

  “Like in general or…”

  “Well, do you find her attractive?”

  Tempest’s eyes shot open as he leaned up. He cocked his brow as he stared at Queen Maileath.

  She giggled and shrugged her shoulders. “What?”

  “Can’t she hear what I am saying?”

  Queen Maileath looked up and shook her head side to side.

  “Yes, and no. I can always see and understand what’s going on, however, I can choos
e to or not to reveal what’s happened or been said.”

  Tempest sat there a moment contemplating how to answer. Before he could, Queen Maileath reached out and grabbed the arm he was leaning on and pulled him back toward her chest. His head felt like he was laying in between two clouds filled with the world’s softest cotton. Without a second of hesitation, she began running her fingers through his hair, which immediately put him in a stupor. It was everything he needed to free his mind.

  “She’s very fond of you, you know.”

  “She is?” Tempest asked, squishing his face.

  “Oh yes. She enjoyed how enthusiastic you were on learning everything about The Firegrove. She loved teaching you about the different plants, animals, and species that lived there. Then there were the times she would watch you and Riika train. She loved how passionate you both were fighting, standing up…and on the ground.”

  “Wait, are you implying…”

  Queen Maileath placed a finger over his lips and shushed him.

  “All the creatures in the Firegrove are connected. You were told that the first day you arrived.” The two shared a small grin as the Queen continued her scalp massage. “What you did for her today meant a lot to her.”

  “What do you mean? I don’t remember doing anything.”

  “That’s just because it comes so natural to you,” Queen Maileath said, squeezing his head playfully. “You made her feel inclusive after the events from the night prior. She honestly thought you hated her.”

  “What? I’d never think that of her.”

  “I know, I know, but you know how a mind can jump to conclusions. Remember, Saïgra is a bud experiencing her first bloom. She’s never been out of the Firegrove. This experience is important for her. She wants to grow and establish her own path. So, when you let her join you all today, it meant a lot to her. Then during the eulogy, you extended your hand to her and asked her about her faith, sending her heart over the moons.”

  “Really?” Tempest asked, laughing.