Heaven Saga 1: The Lost Hero Page 19

  “Please wait outside,” she commanded her guards. They left and closed the door behind them. Celestia turned to Myden. “What’s the truth about him?”

  “I’m sorry my Queen, my falsehood was in no way intended to hurt you,” he said with his raspy voice. “But I had to see him up close before confirming my suspicions.”

  “What suspicions are those?” Celestia asked.

  “Unknowingly, my own people brought forth the monster they feared the most. Now, he has begun to gather the Maidens.” Myden went to Seles and pointed at her birthmark. “You’re the Maiden of Passion,” he said. He turned to Celestia, “As are you my Queen. My mission was to protect one of you from assassination. Now I fear he may be killed soon.”

  “You mentioned Raekar,” Celestia said. “What are they planning?”

  “Lady Delne is a master Kaida,” he said. “At this moment she is trying to break him. Her plans are to turn him over to my people. But a more immediate concern is upon you my Queen. Gather your allies and be ready for the enemy to strike.”

  “Take me to him,” Seles said as she ran to Myden.

  “Call for the giant of light and I’ll accompany you.” Myden turned to Celestia. “The civil war you feared has come. Please, give us the time we need to save him.”

  * * *

  Why won’t he break? Delne thought to herself. No Kalaidian’s ever withstood this much pain. She looked up and saw him laughing.

  “Are you mocking me?” she demanded.

  “This thing you call the Kai, I heard horror stories about it from your history books.” Brian spit some blood off to the side. “But this is nothing for one of my kind Kalaidian.”

  She placed a hand on his face. “I’ll make you beg before this night is over.” She closed her eyes and began intruding upon his mind again. Strangely, she found no resistance from him.

  “Delne Raekar, head of the Raekar family and mother to seventeen daughters, a respected member of the old nobility. But, I sense something more, a deep sadness,” he said to her through their mental link. She opened her eyes, angry and saddened at the same time.

  “How?” she gasped, unable to move away.

  He smiled. “Terrans aren’t naturally telepathic, but once someone’s messing around in there we can fight back. You want to know the TRUTH Delne? The real reason why this torture of yours is nothing to me? Let me show you the history of humanity, a history of war, death, terror, and other evils your kind can only find in their nightmares!”

  He closed his eyes and forced the images of human history into her mind. She stood silently and stared as thousands of images of war, torture, and evil filled her mind. Eventually, she broke from the chorus of humanity’s evil and turned away. She held her face inside her hands and cried.

  He laughed. “Now you know. That’s the real reason your Confederation fears my kind. Humans are especially good at killing, torturing, and hating each other. Imagine what we could do to other races, especially with how soft they are.”

  She turned to look him in the eye again. “Why?”

  “Are you passing judgment upon my kind?” he asked. “I wouldn’t blame you. But before you do, tell me the truth about the plague that killed your men. Because that’s an act of genocide on a scale even my people haven’t committed.”

  Delne turned away with tears in her eyes. “It wasn’t supposed to happen like it did.”

  “I know,” he said.

  “What?” she asked. She saw sympathy in his eyes.

  “You loved him. With all your heart and soul, but he wouldn’t have you. You prayed day and night, hoping. But Kali never came. You were filled with despair, a feeling I know all too well. And when you reached out to their God in desperation, it granted you power. But it took away all that was Delne Raekar and left behind the walking corpse standing before me.”

  She slapped him across the face. “He was the enemy! All he believed was heresy, everything. On the day I let it loose he was going to start the rebellion. But the illness stopped the Maigars in their tracks. Their bodies quivered in agony and their songs taken away.”

  “You’ve had a hundred and fifty years to save them.” He spit more blood off to the side. “Can’t you hear their thoughts? Your people are dying out slowly, watching their power and life diminish. You have control for now, but my coming has awakened their conscious.”

  “Silence!” she shoved another needle into his belly. He gritted his teeth and refused to scream. Delne cursed him as she left him bleeding in agony. He was left alone in silence and darkness with his thoughts as his only companion.

  Your feelings betray you Delne. I know the pain of loving, but not being loved in return. I saw his final tomb. It was your last act of kindness.

  Chapter 38 – The Maidens Awaken

  Mira landed the invisible Mjolnir outside the window of Brian’s room. As she opened the hatch, she saw Seles carrying Brian’s armor and rakna blade, with a cloaked figure behind her. Myden stopped and stared at Mira.

  Seles turned to him. “What is it?”

  “Mira Kein? How is this possible?” Myden asked.

  “Who are you?” Mira asked as Seles loaded the armor and sword onboard.

  Myden closed his eyes, trying to scan her telepathically. I see she’s not the original. It looks like Gaelic’s song was completed. My telepathy won’t work with her. “My name is Myden. It’s been a long time since I last heard you sing.”

  Seles turned to them. “Am I missing something, or do you know her Myden?”

  “She’s Mira Kein, daughter of the late Gaelic Kein. One hundred and fifty six years ago the ship she traveled on was destroyed,” he explained.

  “Could you clarify what he’s talking about?” Seles asked.

  Mira narrowed her eyes. “Long ago, I was a noble. But I slept in the darkness of space for many years. When I awoke the world I knew was gone. I’m surprised a strange being like this knows about it.”

  Seles motioned for Myden to get onboard. “Come on, if we don’t get going, Brian’s only going to suffer more.”

  “Of course,” he said. He walked onto the craft and marveled at its beauty.

  Mira took the pilot’s seat. “I know you usually do this Seles, but Brian trusted me with this ship,” she said as she gave Myden a funny look. “Why don’t you show your face?”

  “It’s too disturbing for your kind,” he answered. “And…it’s too bright in here to me. Now set course for the main palace of Delne Raekar. There we will find him.”

  * * *

  Darkness, all I can see is darkness. Brian stayed chained to the wall, motionless. On the floor below was a puddle of blood. I hate this place. If I’d stayed on Earth this would’ve never happened. He tried moving and stopped because of the pain. He sighed and looked around. I should be happy she didn’t take anything downstairs, but this sucks. I’ve never felt pain like this ever in my life. If she hadn’t wounded me I could try forcing my way out of here, but… He fought off the despair and moved his body.

  “Dammit!” his voice echoed throughout the dungeon.

  If she hadn’t left these needles inside me I’d be able to move. I can’t do anything like this. Focus Brian, focus. You have to find a way out of here. Seles is waiting. So is Mira. You have to finish your contract with Valis. Is this the way you want to die? No, this isn’t the place. I’m not going to die like this. He tried to bite one of the needles on this right arm. He could barely reach it in the position he was in and struggled in agony to bite down on the needle. It took him a while to work it loose. He felt blood come out, but at least he could move his elbow now. He spit the needle onto the floor and flexed his arm. The restrain held tight as he growled in frustration. He then moved his left arm and pulled the needle out. Brian blinked and focused his energy inward. When his eyes opened they were glowing light blue. With all his strength he pulled. The wall grated and creaked before giving away. His arms burst forward with chunks of the wall going with them. He hands freed, he quickl
y pulled the needles from his legs. The sound of guards running to him caused him to move faster. Focusing his energy once more, he freed his legs with a burst of strength. Standing in the cell with his hands and legs weighed down by chain and stone while bleeding profusely, he didn’t relent. Rage filled him. He went to the front of the cell and began battering the force shield. Three guards stood in front of him with pulse rifles ready to fire. Their eyes widened when they looked at his eyes, still burning bright blue.

  “Lieutenant, his eyes,” one of the guards in back said.

  “With those wounds, he shouldn’t be moving, right?” the other said with a quiver in her voice.

  The lieutenant lowered her rifle. “Lady Delne is wrong. His eyes burn with the fire of the goddess.”

  “What should we do?” one of them asked.

  The lieutenant sighed. “If it’s the will of Kali, there’s nothing we can do to stop him.” She turned to Brian. “If we aid you, will you spare our lives?”

  His eyes stopped glowing. “Please, I don’t want to kill anyone if I don’t have to.”

  The lieutenant used her pass key to open the cell. The other two backed off as she went and freed his hands and feet from the weights.

  “Thank you. What’s your name?” Brian asked as he caught his breath.

  “My name’s Seni. Are you sure you’re alright?” she asked as she checked his wounds.

  “I’ll be okay after a while,” he said as she helped him stand. “I must go.” He turned to Seni. “Please evacuate everyone. I need to deal with Delne myself.”

  “Are you really the Herald?” she asked.

  “No,” he answered. “I’m just a fool who can’t leave a certain girl alone.” He checked himself.

  Seni looked to her subordinates. “Please begin the evacuation.”

  “Yes Lieutenant,” the pair said before running up the stairs.

  “Please, your rakna blade,” he said as he reached out with his hand.

  Seni removed it from her belt and handed the sword over. He drew the blade and began a blade dance routine. Even slowed by his wounds, Seni was amazed at his movements. Brian stopped and took a deep breath before sheathing the blade.

  “Where’s Delne?” he asked.

  “She’s on the top floor of the palace sleeping.”

  “Thank you,” he said as he headed for the stairs. Seni followed, still holding her pulse rifle. When he came to the stairs he saw blood trickling down. Looking up, he saw the two guards lying on the ground with their throats sliced wide open. An angry Delne stood at the top of the stairs and held a glowing metallic whip. Seni gasped at the sight of her dead friends as Brian drew the rakna blade and stared at Delne. He turned to Seni. “Once I’ve cleared the way, run as fast as you can Seni. Do what I asked before. I’ll handle the Lady upstairs.”

  “Okay,” Seni said.

  “So you plan to escape? I’m surprised, my associates told me those bindings would hold even a Terran. It looks like I’ll have to kill you now,” Delne said threateningly. She turned an evil eye to Seni. “And you Lieutenant, for betraying me you’ll suffer the same fate as these fools.” Delne disappeared with an evil smile.

  “Where’d she go?” Seni asked, looking around.

  He closed his eyes and sniffed the air. “She’s moving towards the roof. Seni, make your way out of here through the lower levels.”

  They made their way up to ground level. Brian was noticeably limping as they moved up stairs.

  “I’m going to leave through here,” Seni said. Before going outside, she looked at him once more. “I hope I see you again.”

  He nodded and made his way up stairs. “Delne, where are you!?”

  “I’m right here my dear Terran,” she said as she flashed into view. “It’s about time I put you down for good.”

  * * *

  As Seles, Myden, and Mira flew over the city of Vaelis, they saw the warzone below them. The streets were in chaos as soldiers of differing noble houses fought each other. Mira avoided any contact with the battles occurring in the air just over the city.

  Seles watched in horror. “This is terrible.”

  “It’s because they’re desperate,” Myden said. “Four of the noble families are the cause of this.” He looked at the monitor. “Raekar, Abrus, Bosar, and the Kentus families are fighting right now. Those houses have opposed your mother for decades. I suspect my people have had influence in those families.”

  “What do you mean by that?” Seles asked.

  He turned to Seles. “You’ll know soon enough my lady.” He closed his eyes and concentrated. I can feel his pain, his suffering. Delne truly is a skilled Kaida.

  “What is it Myden?” Mira asked.

  “I’m sorry. I can sense him. Brian’s in a great deal of pain right now. It seems Lady Delne’s skill at Kai is impressive.”

  Seles and Mira both turned white. “Kai?” both of them asked.

  Myden nodded. “Yes. Seles, would you like to see his status?”

  She hesitated. “Yes, please show me.”

  “As you wish,” he said. Myden reached out with his three fingered hand and touched her on the temple. She immediately stiffened up as her eyes glazed over.

  “What are you doing?” Mira asked.

  “I’m showing her what he feels.” He turned to Mira. I’m sorry, but I can’t do the same for you. My telepathic powers only affect biological life forms.”

  * * *

  What is this? Seles saw herself flying in the air and found she was lying on the ground. My arms, my legs! I can barely move. I can’t breathe! Looking at the body she was in she noticed it was Brian’s. Blood trickled from all the wounds. All she saw was the nasty smile of Delne as she held a sparking whip.

  “You really are a fool. To think the lust for one of my species would drive you to such lengths. If you’d only stayed on the Avoni, you would’ve lived longer,” Delne said as she closed in.

  He gripped the rakna blade with all his remaining strength and started laughing. “Are you mad you’re not the one who got laid Delne?”

  What? Seles thought to herself.

  “Laid?” she growled. “I’ve never had a filthy man touch me is such a manner.”

  He laughed again. “That explains it. Instead of stabbing me with needles, you should have asked me to help you with that problem.”

  “That’s enough!” she shouted angrily. She whipped him until he fell to the ground.

  At least my last words were defiant. Seles, I hoped to see you again. I’m sorry. He thought as he began losing consciousness.

  “Don’t give up Brian! Please don’t give up!” Seles shouted in his mind.

  “Seles,” he uttered before his eyes closed.

  * * *

  The Mjolnir landed in the courtyard of the Raekar palace. With one motion, Mira blasted a hole in the wall. They left the mobile suit and headed into the palace. Seles carried a pulse rifle and had Brian’s rakna blade strapped to her back. Mira carried a pulse pistol and med kit. Myden followed but fell behind quickly. The guards fled through the ground level. It didn’t take the long to find the trail of blood Brian had left. After a short sprint, they came upon the scene of Delne standing over him with an evil smile.

  “He really thought he could escape me,” Delne laughed. “My ideal world is too important for me to let him go.”

  Brian was unconscious and bleeding. His body was covered in rips and tears. In his limp right hand he still held a rakna blade. Seles pointed her pulse rifle and fired. Delne turned about quickly and danced out of the way before running behind a corner and readying her whip. Seles and Mira ran to him. Mira took out her medical scanners and regenerators to begin working on him. Seles looked down and saw his face covered in scratches and blood.

  Mira was panicked as she scanned him. “I’ve never seen anyone in this bad of condition. The fact he’s still alive is a miracle. I don’t know if I can save him Seles.”

  Seles had tears in her eyes as she hugged
Brian. After a moment, she kissed him. “You’re always getting hurt because of me. All I’ve ever brought you was pain and suffering. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you before.” She kissed him. “I love you. I love you so much it hurts. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you before now. You’ve been protecting me from the start, always willing to suffer on my account.” She cried for another moment while Mira quickly worked her regenerators. “It’s time for someone to protect you Brian, to suffer for you.” Seles took the rakna blade from his hand as blood dripped onto the ground and looked Mira in the eye. “Please save him…I know how you feel right now,” Seles said as she stood up.

  “I’ll do my best,” she said. Mira’s eyes began glowing as she healed his wounds.

  Seles slowly walked towards Delne as her eyes started glowing. Delne flashed out with her whip ready. “You’re too late Princess.”

  Seles pointed the rakna blade at Delne, blood dripping from her hand to the stone floor. “For the sake of Brian and my people, you will die Delne Raekar. I promise you that.”

  Chapter 39 – Seles & Mira

  “A bold proclamation princess,” Delne said with a smirk. “But it’s you who will die this eve.”

  Delne cracked her lightning whip at Seles. She deflected it with her blade and made a move forward while Delne fled around the corner. Seles turned back and saw Mira working with the speed of the goddess.

  Save him Mira. Seles thought as she ran after Delne, who was making her way upstairs. As Seles turned the whip came at her. She barely dodged out of the way. Delne grinned.

  “You’re not trained for this kind thing princess. Maybe you should stick to parties,” Delne said as she readied her whip for another attack.

  “Shut up,” Seles said as she held the blade tighter.

  She took a defensive stance and waited for Delne to make the first move. She paced back and forth and teased with her whip. A moment later she attacked with a series of quick strikes, Seles dodged and deflected them with ease. Taking her momentum forward, Seles charged. Delne reacted in time to block the attack and knocked Seles back a few steps. Delne’s arm bleed lightly as Seles stood ready, eyes glowing. Delne narrowed her eyes. She’s not normal. No brat princess like her should be this fast. Her eyes! But how is she doing it? Only men could berserk. Delne grasped her whip and struck at Seles with all her might and speed. Seles easily danced out of the way while moving faster than she ever had before. She pointed her blade and charged. Delne circled herself with the whip and covered herself in a protective shell. Why is she laughing? Delne thought as Seles hacked at her defensive stance. I need to get to better ground. If I wasn’t able to read her thoughts I’d be dead by now. A roll of thunder came from outside. Of course! My Reiga whip is much more effective in the rain than her weapon! Delne fell back and cracked an attack at Seles and drove the mad princess back. She turned and made her way to the roof as Seles followed.