Raynin opened her eyes to Riley kneeling beside her. “What happened?” Raynin looked around at all the fluid and broken glass on the floor and groaned. “Did I do that?”
Riley helped Raynin up. “We almost died, that’s what happened. And don’t worry, Joseph and the Twins are okay,” he added pointing to them inside their Bio Pods.
Raynin turned and glare at Dr. Neira. “You almost killed us. You said we had nothing to worry about. What happened?”
“I’m not sure exactly,” the doctor stammered. “If I had to guess, your body rejected the change because you are already able to travel between worlds, realms, etc.”
“How’s that even possible? We haven’t been anywhere,” Riley remarked.
“I don’t know. It must have something to do with the two of you being Anciént Onés.” Dr. Neira stepped closer to Raynin and Riley. “I truly am sorry for what has happened.”
“It’s not your fault,” Riley assured her. Raynin cleared her throat and pursed her lips. “Okay, maybe just a little but it’s okay. We’re okay.”
The Weynar Vas began to shake and tilted backwards. After a five second delay, the arávas jolted forward as it came to a halt. “We have now landed on Hevel,” ERIN alerted the crew and passengers.
“I’ve been out for nearly 30 minutes?” Raynin yelled.
Dr. Neira flinched. “Using your power took a lot of energy so you were out a lot longer than Riley.” She returned to the monitors. “Your friends will be out in less than a minute. The fluid needs to drain from their Bio Pods before we can get them out.,” Dr. Neira explained as the fluid drained from the Bio Pods. “ERIN, teleport the three of them out of the Bio Pods.”
“Are you okay?” Joseph asked as he joined Raynin and Riley.
“We’re fine. Let’s get back to the Command Center. ERIN, teleport all to Command.” Once they arrived, Riley excused himself from the group and headed over to where Captain Nael
stood. Waiting for him to finish giving instruction to the crew, he finally spoke, “Now that we have landed, what do you plan on doing with the Weynar Vas?”
“Nothing. I have been ordered to keep the arávas grounded unless otherwise authorized by you or Princess Raynin,” the captain responded.
“Who gave that order?”
“I did,” Strykes announced as he approached the two of them. “This is your airship so the crew needs to know who’s in charge. We can’t have a power struggle between the captain and the heirs of the six realms. It won’t end well. Now, I believe we have a few people waiting for us.” He nodded at Captain Nael, dismissing him.
“Us?” Riley said arching an eyebrow.
“Yes, us. If I am going to fight alongside you, I’m going to need to train as well.”
The remaining members of the Royal Guard, accompanied by Cairo, rejoined the group. “We good?” Everyone nodded or murmured an affirmative. “Someone will come and get our stuff so you don’t need to worry about that.” Riley teleported everyone out onto the empty field that surrounded the military base.
“Wow.” The military base stretched about five miles and was protected by a clocking barrier.
“Raynin!” A tall dark-haired girl ran and embraced her. “I’m so glad you’re here and in one piece. I heard about what happened.”
“Let her breathe, Cameron,” Dr. Wyler remarked shaking his head in amusement.
Cameron took a step back. “Sorry. I probably just broke a lot of protocols and stuff.” She glanced at the Royal Guard and smiled as she shrugged nonchalantly.
“Probably,” Raynin laughed. “It’s fine though. We’re not in a formal setting.”
Dr. Wyler turned to Riley. “We really are glad to hear you guys made it out of the Guardian Realm alive. Despite everything that’s going on, how have things been?”
“Good. Raynin and I announced our engagement last night before everything happened.”
“Yes, we heard. Congratulations,” Cameron exclaimed in excitement, pulling Riley and Raynin into a hug.
“We also heard Raynin was named as the heir to the throne of Amiriel making her the next owner of the Crown of Amiriel.”
“Wait, how did you hear about that?”
“News travels fast across realms, Raynin. As soon as your grandfather announced his heir, I received word of it within minutes.”
“Have you heard any whispers of war and opposition? Raynin and I need to know what we are up against on all fronts.”
“Come on. Let’s go inside. The little ones look hungry and a bit tired,” Dr. Wyler stated, ignoring Riley’s question.
“Dr. Wyler?” Riley persisted.
“Not here, Riley.” The handsome doctor continued into the hangar. “So, what are your names?”
“I’m Ashley.”
“And I’m Daniel. We’re twins, you know. Simo Twins to be exact.”
Dr. Wyler’s eyebrows quirked up. “Simo Twins? So, you’re Shadow Catchers.” He looked over at Joseph with amusement. “Interesting. I imagine Joseph gets quite annoyed with the two of you since you are able to detect him.”
“You have no idea,” Joseph mumbled.
Dr. Wyler led them into a transport pad outside the hangar. “I’m going to send Ashley and Daniel on ahead of us to my compound once we reach my office.”
“I don’t know,” Raynin objected.
“You’re going to have to learn to trust me,” Dr. Wyler stated as the transport pad opened to his office. “If you must, send one of your guards ahead with them. My staff will assist them once they arrive at the compound.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Riley turned to Raynin. “Let’s give this a chance before we deem it untrustworthy.”
Raynin sighed. “Fine. Listen and stay out of trouble,” she said turning to the Twins who nodded in response.
Dr. Wyler pressed a button on his desk summoning his assistant. “Arrange for the children to be escorted to my compound and see to it that they are properly cared for.”
“Yes sir. Follow me.” The Twins hugged Raynin and Riley before following the assistant out of the room.
The Royal Guard took up their post while the remaining company sat down. “Would you like something to eat or drink?”
“No, thank you. Let us introduce you to the rest of our company,” Riley stated.
Dr. Wyler laughed. “I am well acquainted with Strykes and Cairo. They are old friends of mine.”
“Well then,” Riley cleared his throat. “Now that we are in private, will you answer my question?”
“Ah, yes. The opposition.” Dr. Wyler sat down behind his cluttered desk. “The intel my people have gathered suggests that as of right now, you will be met with very minimal resistance and hostility. Your people love you and are on your side. However, a source has reported that King Shaul has sent Kieran out to secure the allegiance of the remaining six planets in the Guardian Realm.”
“Do we know if any of them have pledged allegiance to us?” Raynin asked.
“No. If you have allies, they are staying silent right now.”
“So basically, we are alone. That’s comforting.” Raynin stood up and walked to the wide window behind Dr. Wyler.
“You also have your grandfather’s army as well as my Notzrim,” Dr. Wyler added turning in his chair.
“But is that enough?”
“I can’t answer that. But why worry? You, Riley and Strykes can each easily take out thousands on your own, and that’s without your gifts. Once I get through teaching you how to use them and fully tap into that power, it’ll be more like tens of thousands.”
“What makes you so sure you can help us, Alex?” Strykes challenged Dr. Wyler, revealing his name to the group. “I don’t know about the Prince and Princess, but I’ve trained with just about everyone and they’ve all failed.”
“That’s just it. I’m not everyone and everyone certainly did not create the very pods you use to train in nor the weapons and technology that’s used throughout the realms. And if that’s not convincing, Kyn-po, look around at the Notzrim. The very people charged with guarding the Anciént Onés in slumber, I’ve trained. And most of them are gifted.”
“We’ll see,” Strykes replied with skepticism.
“Wait, your name is Kyn-po?” Joseph asked, chuckling. Strykes shot him a warning look.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
Raynin glanced between the two of them and smiled before turning back to look out the window. The conversation continued as Joseph questioned Strykes about his first name. Raynin tuned them out and watched a group of students, dressed in the white and blue garbs all Notzrim wore, approach the building. Looking more closely, she froze as she watched, who she thought was Clayton at first, walk into the building. “Colin?”
The room fell silent as Cameron and Dr. Wyler exchanged guilty looks. Raynin turned back to the group. “Raynin.”
Raynin held up her hand, silencing Cameron. “Don’t. The two of you have been lying to me this whole time.”
“It’s not like that, Raynin,” Cameron protested.
“What’s it like then, Cameron?” Riley interjected. Cameron looked at Dr. Wyler and then back at Raynin who was now standing with Riley. “More secrets. Fine.”
“If you won’t explain, I’ll get the answers myself.”
“You won’t like what you find,” Dr. Wyler finally spoke.
“You’re being cryptic.”
“I can assure you, I’m not.”
“How long?”
“Since I’ve moved back here.”
“4 years! You have got to be kidding,” Raynin said, raising her voice.
“Look, when I first saw Colin, I couldn’t believe it. Your mother had just died and I wasn’t exactly myself. I thought I was hallucinating, but sure enough, it was him. Well at least part of him.”
“What do you mean part of him? I saw him with my own eyes. That’s definitely him.”
“Physically, yes, but not mentally. When I found him, he didn’t know who he was or where he belonged. Only thing he knew, was his name.”
“So, he won’t even recognize us?” Riley asked.
“Oh, he’ll know who you are. It’s his job as a Notzrim to know who you and your people are. He just won’t remember anything about his previous life.”
“Maybe he will when we talk to him.” Raynin headed towards the transport pad.
“That can be arranged after you get settled,” Dr. Wyler said. “He’s not going anywhere.” Raynin returned to her seat. “We can even head over to the compound now if you want.”
“Are you sure you have room for all of us?” Riley looked around the room. “Our numbers have increased a bit.”
Cameron laughed. “Trust me, we have plenty of space.” The group entered the transport pad. “Our compound has three buildings and plenty of empty rooms. Some are used for fun but most are used for training and or sleeping.”
The transport pad came to a halt on the ground level. The chaos subsided as they stepped into the room. Dr. Wyler addressed those present. “Notzrim, by now you have probably all heard or seen that Prince Riley and Princess Raynin are here on planet seeking refuge. The time has now come to put all that training to use. Starting effective immediately, the realm is on high alert. Guard and protect the people you’re charged with at all costs. And above all, protect your future High King and Queen. Dismissed.” The people went back to socializing or doing their jobs, stopping only to bow to Riley and Raynin. “Rogues,” Dr. Wyler called out to a group of teens standing next to the stairwell. He excused himself and left to speak with them.
“My dad is most likely going to be awhile so I’ll just take you to the compound.” She started to lead them through the crowd. “Once he gets started, he doesn’t know how to reign it back in.
And that is especially when he is talking to the Rogues.” Cameron looked back at the group while walking and smiled. “He just let’s it all...” Cameron hit the floor before she could finish her sentence.
Looking up at the brick wall she ran in to, Cameron scowled as his strong arms reached down to help her up. “Colin. Of course.” Colin grinned at her words. “Do you have to use your power all the time?” she growled.
“Cameron, always a pleasure.”
“I’m serious, Colin.”
“Oh, I know. Thing is, I don’t particularly like being ran into, especially by you, so when it does happen, I make sure I’m solid. Don’t want to end up on the floor like you.”
Raynin snickered causing Cameron to groan. “Don’t encourage him. He gets worse.”
Colin bowed. “Your Majesties.”
“You don’t have to bow. It’s not necessary. I’m Raynin.”
“Riley.” He extended his hand out.
“Colin.” He shook Riley’s hand and looked expectantly at the rest of the group.
“I’m Joseph, their Shadowwalker.”
“I’ve heard whispers of you but no one knew for certain if you were real. I’m glad to know the truth and actually get to meet you.”
“And I’m glad to finally meet you.” Realizing his mistake, Joseph pointed to Strykes. “This is Strykes, by the way,” he stated, hoping to distract Colin. “I’m sure you’ve heard of him.”
Colin’s eyes widened. “You’re the Strykes? Can I see it?”
“See what?” Joseph asked.
“The Monksram.”
Joseph’s mouth dropped open. “You wield the Monksram? I want to see it too.”
The rest of the company watched in amusement as Joseph and Colin moved closer to Strykes. Strykes took a few steps back and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. He started to draw it but stopped, sliding it back into its sheath. “Sorry, only in battle.”
Colin and Joseph groaned in unison. “You’re cruel, you know.”
Strykes shrugged. “I’ve been called worse.”
Everyone laughed at their exchange. “Colin, this is Cairo.” Cairo nodded but remained quiet. “And the remaining people are a part of our Royal Guard.”
“We’re traveling with two younger ones, Daniel and Ashley, but we sent them ahead of us to Dr. Wyler’s compound. They’re Simo twins,” Raynin added.
“Really? Well, I can’t wait to meet them.”
“We need to get going. You should drop by later, Colin,” Cameron said.
“Colin,” a high-pitched voice called out from behind him. “Here you are. What took you so long? Oh.” The dainty voice came to a halt in front of the group. “Your Majesties.” The girl bowed, letting her long blue tinted hair fall over her shoulder.
“Raynin. Riley. This is my girlfriend, Rose.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Riley said as Raynin tilted her head to the side. She furrowed her eyebrows.
“You look familiar. Have we met before?” Raynin asked, eyeing Rose.
Rose shifted uncomfortably. “Not to my knowledge, Your Majesty. Maybe I have a twin or something,” Rose joked, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
Raynin stared at her with a blank face. “Mm, funny.” Riley squeezed Raynin’s hand so she plastered on a fake smile. “Well, it was nice meeting you but we have to get going.”
“Likewise, Princess Raynin.” Rose bowed and Colin followed suit.
“See you guys later.” Colin grabbed Rose’s hand and took off in the direction she came from.
“Ready?” Cameron turned to Riley and Raynin.
“Go on ahead. We’ll meet you guys outside,” Riley stated.
“Okay.” Riley watched as Cameron led the group out of the room.
“What was that?” Riley asked, pulling Raynin to the side.
“What? She started it.”
“Really? What are we, five?” Riley remarked.
Raynin rolled her eyes. “I couldn’t help myself. She looks so much like Acidria.”
“No one’s seen Acidria Cyanide in like...”
“4 years. The same amount of time Colin’s been missing.”
Riley shook his head. “That’s a coincidence.”
“You don’t believe in coincidences,” Raynin pointed out.
“True, but come on. She can’t possibly be Acidria. The only resemblance is the hair. Nothing else.”
“That we know of.”
“Raynin.”
“What! I don’t trust her. Something is off. I feel it in my gut.”
“You don’t even know her.”
“I know enough,” Raynin said. She pushed past him and walked out of the side door.
“Just make sure this is really about your gut feeling and not about Colin,” Riley whispered to her as he walked ahead of her in the hallway to open the door.
“Be careful. Your green head’s showing. You should probably put it away.” Raynin walked through the door and climbed into the car parked outside.
“Ms. Cameron and the others have already gone ahead, Your Majesties,” the driver informed them as they settled into their seats. “Shall I follow them or am I taking you somewhere else?”
“No, you can follow after them.”
Silence filled the car as they drove away. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. It wasn’t fair.”
“No, it wasn’t. I might not show it the way that you want, but I do love you. I have never given you a reason to doubt that. Colin doesn’t change how I feel. So, next time you have the urge to get jealous and insult me, remember that I chose you above everyone else.”
“Raynin, I...”
“No,” she held her hand up to silence him. “I’m done. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
“Well that’s too bad, because I do. I’m not one of your servants. You don’t get to just wave me off and dismiss me.” Raynin stared at him blankly and then turned to look out her window. “Dammit, Raynin! Stop shutting me out every time things get to serious for you.”
“Then stop pushing and let me do things on my own terms,” Raynin snapped.
“I wouldn’t have to push if you weren’t so prideful.”
“Wow. You self-righteous...”
“Language,” Riley interrupted with a grin.
Raynin’s eyes turned red as she cried out in frustration. Using her power, she unlocked Riley’s door.
“You wouldn’t,” Riley challenged.
Raynin smirked. She quickly opened his door and flung him out as he simultaneously touched her hand and teleported her out of the car. Both landed with a thud on the side of the road as the car came to a halt a few yards from them.
Riley got up slowly to ease the pain. “Raynin?” He approached her cautiously, stopping a few feet behind her. “Take a deep breath, now. Don’t do anything rash.”
Raynin stood up and slowly turned around. Her eyes still burned red and now revealed nothing but anger. She took out her sai and tossed one to Riley. “Too late.”
Raynin ran at Riley and slashed his arm. She attempted another strike, but Riley blocked her and pulled her in to him as he grabbed a hold of her hands.
“I don’t want to fight you. Look at me. You need to calm down, Raynin.”
Raynin started to gain control but her power began to overwhelm her causing her to lose full control. “I can’t.” Eyes still ablaze, she headbutted Riley in the nose and gained her freedom as he stumbled backwards and dropped the sai. Taking advantage of his disorientation, Raynin charged him but missed as he teleported away from her to regain his balance.
“Fine, have it your way.” Riley wiped the blood from his nose. Raynin smirked and threw down her sai next to the other one.
“Now, we’re talking.” They advanced towards each other slowly and then picked up their speed. Riley teleported towards her to close the distance and they traded blows.
As they continued to fight, another car pulled over behind theirs. Dr. Wyler stepped out of the back and took in the scene before him. Having witnessed enough, he called out to them. “What seems to be the problem?”
Raynin turned her attention to Dr. Wyler. Riley took this opportunity to grab her from behind and restrain her hands. “Nothing, Dr. Wyler. Everything is fine. You should go,” Riley said as Raynin struggled to get free.
“Thank you, but I think I’ll stay,” Dr. Wyler insisted, coming towards them.
Raynin freed one of her hands and used her power to throw Riley off her. She returned her gaze to Dr. Wyler. “Raynin, no!” She ignored Riley and ran towards Dr. Wyler.
Acting quickly, Dr. Wyler drew his gun and shot her in the right side of her chest. An electric pulse went through her causing her to drop to the ground unconscious. Dr. Wyler moved to her body and bent down to check her pulse. “Good. It’s slowing down.”
Riley ran to them. “What did you do?”
“I neutralized her. It was either that or be killed.” Dr. Wyler stood up. “Let’s get her into the car.” Riley picked Raynin up and teleported to their car. He secured her inside the car and then turned to speak with Dr. Wyler. “How long has she been like this? Out of control, I mean.”
“This is the first. She’s had other episodes before but I’m always able to talk her down. Today, it was like reason was gone and she wasn’t there anymore.”
“Her powers are trying to manifest themselves and it’s destroying her in the process.”
“Okay, so how do we help her?”
“We can’t. She’s fighting it which is why there is an imbalance and a disconnect. When she finally accepts who she is and truly embraces her destiny and what has been given to her, she will be fine.”
“So, I’m just supposed to sit back and do nothing while she gets worse?”
“I didn’t say that. You guys have a connection that most people wish for. Continue to tap in to it and master it. It will help her in the long run.”
Riley looked inside the car at Raynin. “Let’s just hope that’s enough.”