Crusade across worlds, p.10
Crusade Across Worlds, page 10
I nod.
“The last piece… you actually saw it?”
“Yeah.”
“Fallon,” Sampson clears his throat, “what you saw in that reflection is meant for you alone. I know you never asked for the responsibility, but you must respect what the Gift means; the power it yields.”
“I know. I want to tell—”
“Don’t,” Sampson stops me with a shake of his head. “You were shown what you were shown for a reason. Whatever it is, it is for your knowledge alone. Take it and make the best of it. It is not for us to know.”
“So,” Blovid laughs, “the Mother, the Lost Princesses and the remaining piece of a sacred artifact?” He turns to Clarence with a smile. “I do believe you were meant to fall in love with Anne for a reason.”
Sadness creeps across my great-great-grandfather’s face, but he dismisses it with a look at me. “I suppose I was.”
“Glad you did,” Reid says.
The room grows quiet again and this time it’s Ariana who restarts the conversation. “Well, Fallon, you certainly never fail to surprise. I am sorry your absence was for so long and so far from your friends and family, but I am happy you learned a great deal.”
“Me too. I just wish it could’ve been more beneficial for Reuzkimpart’s return. We have less than two weeks now.”
“And you are positive on that?” Chancellor Keller asks.
“The Lynzees told us themselves,” Sampson nods. “Fallon would be away for three months and would come back two weeks prior to Reuzkimpart’s return.”
Ariana nibbles on the green tube while Chancellor Keller takes a drink.
“You will understand why we are hoping to speak with her majesty? Time is of the essence—”
The chancellor puts down his cup. “I fear the queen has not swayed her opinion on the matter. As stated, she will offer any and all aide to Nerwolix for the anticipated arrival—”
“Aide will be unnecessary if the Gifts are not in position. Reuzkimpart will only—”
“She fears for the safety and security of our Gift. It is not something—”
“I assure you, on my honor as a Fychu—”
“It is not something that can be assured,” Chancellor Keller’s voice raises, “the Gift is, and will always be, of the utmost importance. Even a Fychu cannot guarantee its wellbeing, especially not one who hails from the World that nearly destroyed theirs.”
Silence stretches again. Sampson’s face hardens, but he keeps the anger contained. Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly. “I will remind you I was not a Fychu at the time the Glass Chamber was destroyed,” his voice is low and calm, but dangerous. “And I have every intention of keeping the Gifts safe before returning them to their rightful places once the Vermix have been defeated.”
“Bad deeds have been done with good intent,” Chancellor Keller matches his tone. “I am afraid the queen stands by her decision. The Shadow Bag will not leave this World.”
“I see,” Sampson sits back. “I was hoping we could come to a mutual understanding over what needs to be done.”
“We understand it needs to be protected. How so… well… that is where we see differently,” the chancellor frowns. “I am sorry to disappoint you, old friend, but the answer is no.”
“Then I guess there is nothing further to discuss,” Sampson stands.
“Please,” Ariana’s frantic eyes flicker from the Fychu to Tucker and back again, “do not leave. You are still guests.”
“There is much to do, Princess. We cannot waste a moment by not preparing for Reuzkimpart’s invasion.”
Ariana jets to a stand. “Please stay for the feast, at least. You would do us great dishonor by leaving now,” she glances to me, then back to Sampson. “Please.”
“I say we depart in the morning,” Blovid suggests with a look at the Fychu. “Let us enjoy the rest of the day, firm up the plans for the Mybyncian aide in two weeks and we can leave tomorrow. It is best.”
It takes Sampson a moment but he finally acquiesces. “Alright,” he nods. “We will leave tomorrow.”
Ariana lets out a breath. “Thank you.”
“Excuse me,” the Fychu heads out of the room and Blovid stands, nearly ready to bolt after him. When he decides not to, he scans the room with an apologetic frown.
“The Fychu is under much stress at the moment.”
“I am aware he wants to keep Dellapalania from being invaded,” Chancellor Keller nods, “but some things cannot be avoided.”
“It would not be in the best interest of our people,” Blovid sits. “We fear a possible genocide.”
“You cannot honestly believe the invasion would wipe out every last Dofinike?”
“No. But the Arizal ones, yes.”
“We could put measures in place that—”
“Blovid is correct,” Ariana interrupts the chancellor. “With an invasion, there is a very real possibility that the Arizals could get lost among the enemy. How are we to know whom we can trust? How are we to know who is on our side?”
“They must make themselves known before then.”
“It won’t be done,” Clarence shakes his head. “Not all of them at least. Reuzkimpart has been terrorizing them into submission for years. And these past few months… any who show opposition are disappearing. It is impossible to remain publically loyal to the Way and still be alive.”
“Can’t they just escape?” Jace asks.
“And go where?” Clarence asks. “No one knows where Blovid and Sampson are. And even if they did, they have families. Lives,” he exhales. “The Fychu is so adamant about avoiding this invasion because he fears for the survival of his race—Dofinikes who believe in the Way. There have always been a limited number of believers and he fears they could disappear altogether with what Reuzkimpart is doing. Add in the invasion and it’s pretty much guaranteed.”
“Then what can we do?” Ariana asks. “How can we protect them?”
Clarence lets out a sigh. With his head in his hands, he glances at Blovid who remains tightlipped. After a moment, my great-great-grandfather looks at the princess again. “Right now, avoid this invasion.”
Ariana nods and turns to the chancellor who has his sage fingers in a steeple against his chin. He’s focused on the table and watches it studiously for a second. Finally, he meets my great-great-grandfather’s eyes. “I hope Reuzkimpart will still invade without having to see the Gifts.”
“So do I.”
“We have a common aspiration then,” he stands abruptly and bows. “I look forward to seeing you all at the feast later.”
Once Chancellor Keller has left the Dining Hall, Ariana scans the room, pausing on Clarence. “I trust the Fychu. If it were up to me, I would disclose the location. I would help you…” she glances at Tucker, then at me, and then back to Clarence and Blovid. “I’m—I’m sorry,” she turns and leaves.
After a moment, Werzo lets out a breath. “Well that went well.”
“Better than I expected,” Blovid sighs.
“Better?”
“I expected a bit more of a fight… I think the Fychu held back because there are so many of us present. I would not be surprised if he tries to speak with the queen this afternoon.”
“If he can even get near her,” Clarence mumbles, eyes still focused on the exit. “The feast should prove interesting indeed.”
Chapter Seven: Reveals
“I forgot how great the food is,” Werzo holds a slimy ball in his hand, eying it with caution. “Really. Glad I brought my appetite.”
“If you’re not hungry, don’t eat it,” Tucker huffs.
“But I am. That’s the problem.”
“I thought the queen knew we liked the Jiji…” Mae glances around the buzzing Great Hall, as if hoping to remind her.
“Don’t think she’s too concerned,” Able laughs. “Pretty sure she’s busy avoiding Sampson and he’s busy avoiding the chancellor.” Able sighs, focused on his own Glippis eyeball. “I think we’re on our own for food.”
“At least there’s Hunnis,” Jace winks.
“Yeah, thank God for that. Hey,” Werzo turns to Walker, “aren’t you supposed to be helping me here?”
The red-headed tribesman swallows his mouthful of the Mybyncian alcohol. “You want to cruise for chicks now?”
“Cruise for chicks?”
“Yeah,” the corner of his mouth spikes as he looks at me. “Cruise for chicks.”
“How far can you ‘cruise’ in a limited space?”
“You’d be surprised,” he glances over my head and does a quick scan of the area. “Looks like a lot of possibility tonight.” His eyes rest on me. “Lot of beautiful girls here.”
“Alright,” Werzo downs the rest of his Hunnis and wipes his mouth loudly. “Let’s do this. Jace—you coming with?”
“Not right now. You two go.”
“Whoa,” Pratt laughs. “Things getting serious with whatever her name is?”
“Zella? Yeah, Zella’s cool. We’re not engaged or anything,” he shrugs. “I’m just taking it slow.”
I glance briefly at Reid, but he’s whispering something into Tucker’s ear. The Rogue Leader nods and the two excuse themselves before disappearing into the crowd.
“Okay,” Walker claps his hands with a final look around our group. “Any last takers? Booker? Able?”
“No thanks,” Booker shakes his head. “I’m good.”
“Able?”
“I…uh… I’m fine.”
Pratt smirks. “You mean you don’t want to go cruising for chicks?”
“No,” Able scowls. “No chick-cruising for me.”
“Why don’t you want to go—?”
“Enjoy picking up girls,” I nod at Walker and Werzo. “Hope you find some fine mermaid tail.”
“Me too,” Werzo rubs his hands, smiling with determination. “Me too.”
Walker and the Rogue meander through the packed room, instantly swallowed by passing Mybyncian bodies. When he thinks no one is watching, Able tosses a quick glance at Mae but she’s focused on the floor, red staining her face. Trying to deflect the attention from them, I turn to Jace.
“So… taking things slow, huh? Maybe this is it? The special someone?”
He shrugs. “Maybe.”
“I don’t like Zella,” Pratt shakes her head. “She gave it up on the first night.”
“Kind of what I like about her.”
“No,” she rolls her eyes, “you need someone more substantial. Someone who will make you stay.”
“I’m still here aren’t I?” he glances around, eyeing the scantily dressed mayans.
Walker and Werzo appear nearby, already striking up a conversation with some pretty natives. I do a double-take when I realize Mallup is among them, pushing up chest and biting her lip. She made the same move on Reid last time, hoping to draw his attention downward. Walker falls for it, getting lost in her ample cleavage while Werzo tries working himself into their conversation.
“Maybe Zella is the one for you. Maybe not. You don’t have to decide tonight.”
Jace nods, focused on the other boys, more lost in thought than I’ve ever seen him. It’s like he’s not even here, like he’s not even hearing us. The blonde Rogue has disappeared completely, working through some internal struggle that plays behind his eyes.
After a minute, I ask. “What is it?”
“I’ve got to settle down at some point.”
“Not necessarily,” I counter. “But if you want to, there’s no deadline. It doesn’t have to be tonight.”
Another silent moment passes with Jace starring off at Walker and Werzo. Booker bumps him in the shoulder. “You alright?”
He doesn’t comment. We all wait and just as Able is about to ask the same question, Jace opens his mouth. “It’s why I’m here.”
“What is?”
“The reason. Why I’m here.” He runs a hand through his blonde hair and then exhales heavily, the weight of his next words in the sigh. “I couldn’t keep it in my pants.”
No one says anything.
Not for a long, quiet moment.
“She was married,” he finally breaks the silence. “I knew she was married. It didn’t matter. Hottest MILF I’d ever seen and holy hell did she want me,” he grins as if picturing it. But then the smugness dies from his face. A lump rolls down his throat. “We were going at it when her husband came home. Must’ve known what we were up to because the fucker walked in with a pistol.” Jace shakes his head.
“Jesus,” Able whispers.
“She was dead. He shot her right in the temple. Right in the fucking temple—his own wife,” Jace looks up. “He shot me in the stomach and then put the pistol in his mouth.”
“Christ,” someone mutters.
A long silent moment passes before Jace speaks again. “I didn’t care that she was married,” he shakes his head. “Didn’t care that she belonged to someone else. I wanted her so I fucked her.”
“Jace…” I start but he cuts me off.
“It didn’t matter that someone else loved her. That she might’ve loved someone else. It was offered to me and I took it. Because I’m greedy. Because I want what I want.”
“You shouldn’t beat—”
“Beat myself up? Of course I should. They’re both dead and if it wasn’t for Clarence, I’d be dead too. All because I didn’t give a fuck,” he glances around the crowded room again, the same heavy weight building behind his eyes. “I need to try harder. Even if Zella and I aren’t…” he rolls his head into a shrug. “I need to make an effort.”
Silence stretches between us until Mae’s gentle voice breaks the tension. “You can’t undo the past,” she touches his arm, “but you can learn from it. Clarence gave you a second chance. I think it’s great you don’t want to squander it.”
Jace looks at her with a smile. “Thanks.”
“Besides,” Able shrugs, “it’s not like dating around is a bad thing. You’re just finding out what you like.”
“I like it all. That’s the problem.”
“You know what I mean.”
The blonde Rogue nods.
“Ah, don’t worry about it, Commander,” Able throws his arm around his neck. “You’ll figure it out. When it’s right, you’ll know.”
“What are we talking about?” Werzo returns. His arms are folded, a permanent scowl in place.
I glance behind him, confused. “What happened to cruising for chicks?”
“Walker’s still cruising. Making out pretty well, actually.” Werzo motions to Jace’s half-empty cup. “Is that Hunnis?”
“Hey man—there you are,” the red-headed tribesman jogs up. “Where’d you go?”
“They only wanted to talk to you.”
“Because you weren’t taking any of the leads I was giving you. You’ve got to talk.”
“Mallup only cared what you had to say.”
“You’re trying to get with Mallup?” Jace laughs just as Werzo takes his cup and downs the rest of it in one long gulp.
“I’m not,” Walker shakes his head. “I’m trying to hook up our buddy. Why? Who is she?”
Jace laughs again and Booker sighs. “Mallup tried going after Boss.”
The tribesman frowns. “She had a thing for Rox?”
“Probably still does. A little intense that one,” Jace glances back into the crowd, locating the rose-haired mayan. His eyes flare. “Wouldn’t blame you, though. She’s got some fine attributes.”
“She’s a bitch.”
“Whoa, Fallon,” Walker’s brows shoot up, a surprised smile spreading across his mouth. He crosses his arms, considering me. “Are you… jealous?”
“No.”
“You sure?” His smirk grows wider.
“I’m not. She doesn’t—”
“I am sorry, Fychu,” the queen’s voice carries over, “but I am done discussing this. Please enjoy the feast.”
“Queen Ravan, I implore you,” Sampson pleads as the two come into view, mere feet from our small circle. “Consider all that could happen if—”
“I have. I have considered this request of yours several times and I continue to reach the same conclusion: it is too risky. I know of no one who completely agrees with your tactic. They are supporting you because of your status, because you are a well-liked and respected Fychu and they believe you can do no wrong. I, however, know that no one soul is infallible. Even you,” she steps closer. “It is wrong, Fychu. The Gifts are not to be sought, let alone moved. Accept this answer because it is the only one you will receive from me.”
Queen Ravan turns, her long emerald skirt swishing behind her as Sampson stands rigid, eyes focused on nothing. He looks defeated. Lost. Clarence is at his side, whispering something into his ear, but the Fychu makes no attempt to move. He continues staring off ahead. Clarence keeps talking, gesturing with his hands, trying to console his friend.
What are we going to do now? If we can’t secure the Gifts, then according to Sampson, the invasion won’t even occur. We’ll have to invade Dellapalania and that means—
A loud thunder booms overhead, rattling the walls. It’s silent for a moment. Someone screams and suddenly, everyone is rushing toward us at once.
“What’s happening?”
“I don’t know,” Able grabs Mae’s hand. “I don’t—”
A young miyon pushes past, knocking into his shoulder. But he doesn’t stop. He jets to the back of the Great Hall with the other fleeing Mybyncians. Another boom rocks the main entrance leading from the Docking Station and a second wave of panicked screams erupt. Drinks spill and food drops as orange blasts zoom through the air, shattering the pictured mosaics.
“Vermix?” Mae goes white. “Here? But I thought—”
“Guess they decided to come early,” Jace snatches Pratt’s hand and jerks her behind him. Able is on his tail along with Mae, Werzo and Booker. Mybyncians rush past, seeking the far end of the Great Hall but I’m glued to the spot. Where is Reid?
Walker clutches my elbow. “Come on!”
“But—”
An orange blast flies overhead, striking the throne and sending crumbles of coral and stone crashing to the ground. Cries of pain fill the place as chunks of the centerpiece fall around us, slamming into the marble and sending a plume of brown smoke through the Great Hall.
