Chapter 30: CHAPTER XVIII – Progeny of Conflict: Refrain

“I take it that you have raised livestock before?” Rhystea questioned her companion as they made their way to the their scalekin friend.

“I already toldja, didn’ I?” Sphaere asked, genuinely puzzled.

“You told me your mom raised livestock, but you don’t speak much about yourself. You are a rather guarded individual, and while I am curious, I don’t mean to pry.” Rhystea explained.

“Well, we had a few milk cows. A decent size chicken coop. A whole lot o’ greenhouses, though. Papa an’ mama both wanted ta be farmers. Well, papa wanted, mama was. That was part o’ what drew ‘em together. Papa wanted ta settle down, an’ found farm work ta be relaxin’. Mama was raised ‘round livestock an’ in greenhouses from a tender age. They taught me ever’thang I know. From animals an’ crops, ta the three R’s: readin’, writin’ an’ ‘rithmetic. Don’ pretend ya ain’t taken a keen interest in my existential vocabulary!” Sphaere finished her history lesson with a laugh.

Rhystea trembled as she exhaled heavily to hold herself back from remarking on more than, “Sounds like a happy family, you were truly lucky to have such!”

Sphaere’s voice softened and her pace slowed – possibly because they were nearing their destination, possibly because Rhystea had struck a nerve. “Yea, yea I was.” Sphaere replied.

Cekell felt hear heart waver and chirped up at her as he lifted his probe up to eye her, questioningly concerned. He was ignored as his caretakers strode up to R208, who was peering curiously at the large boulder near to where the rest of the scale squad was preparing the fire.

“It is a fascinatin’ rock, ya worried it might escape?” Sphaere inquired before chuckling.

R208 turned to her, appalled, and clarified, “Why, this is no mere rock! This is the means with which we set aside our differences to decide appropriate recourse for conflict, this is what separates us from simple beasts, this is what allows us to coexist!”

“This ro- or, rather, this… monolith, does all that? Is it your deity or something?” Rhystea fumbled her words in sheer bewilderment.

“Deity? No, this is the Lion’s Court! This is where we take the Stand! Where conflict is resolved between individuals, usually to minimize fighting between the series.” R208 revealed the purpose of the great rock before them.

“Alright, yer gonna hafta explain that one.” Sphaere suggested.

“Well, notice how it’s oddly shaped, with the top coming to an obtuse point? It’s smooth, and difficult to stand on, and requires just as much skill, so as physical strength alone won’t be a deciding factor. Two will take the stand, and only one will remain. Just because you can get up there doesn’t mean you can stay up there. You can climb back up as many times as you want, to demonstrate your resolve if nothing else. Eventually, only one will remain standing.” R208 detailed.

“Sounds like might makes right, ain’t that how the beasts outside yer walls handle things?” Sphaere pointed out.

“Not in all cases. We aim to make the best among us the strongest. Afterall, righteousness cannot be frail. It’s not only our strongest that take the stand, but no one will stand for something they don’t believe in. This has kept many squabbles from escalating further.” R208 spoke with both conviction and pride.

“Isn’t this what the previous Aves Eminent was going to use to silence F120’s claims about Cekell neutralizing A212?” Rhystea pressed.

“Yea, it’s not perfect, the strong will always take advantage of the weak. What system do you use to guarantee justice? Is there no injustice where you come from?” R208 countered.

A moment of silent elapsed, with neither girl appropriating a satisfactory response. Taking a different direction, Sphaere spoke up, “An’ anyone can take the Stand? Fer any conflict?”

“Anyone that’s prepared for the consequences. Whoever loses will have restitution to pay, agreed upon before standing.” R208 replied.

Sphaere’s eyes sharpened as, through grit teeth, she instructed, “Bring me that bird bastard who threw one o’ Rhystea’s etched rocks at that slime monster when Ceke had it pinned down!”

R208’s jaw dropped open as he loaded a question, but couldn’t bring himself to ask, not when he saw the determination writ clean across the girl’s face. “As you wish.” Was all he said as he hurried past her.

Rhystea threw her hands up as her own mouth fell agape. Before she could beg the question, Sphaere beat her to the punch, “Oi, Ceke, can ya put me in a barrier where I can walk ‘round?” Cekell looked up at her, his head leaned sideways as he thought about it. Sphaere was quick to add, “Not a big one I can walk around inside, but a tight barrier that moves with me.”

Cekell raised up and laid his head on her shoulder, wrapped his tendril loosely around her neck, and closed his eyes. Sphaere held her breath and waited for something to happen. Impatient, she opened her mouth to reiterate, when a narrow barrier shot up around her. She waited another short moment, but wasn’t satisfied. Before she could relay this, the barrier started shrinking down to tightly envelope her figure.

Now she was more or less frozen in place, the barrier was rigid and still didn’t meet her standards. Before she could point this out, she felt it soften. She could move, and the barrier moved with her, but it wasn’t easy to move around in, as she had to strain against it’s edge. Giving it a moment, she was quick to realize that she was just moving faster than the barrier could keep up with. Pressing against it to walk around slowly, she was quick to realize it was becoming more limber and able to accommodate nimble and deft movements.

“Wow, perfect! Ya’ve really got this barrier stuff on lockdown, don’tcha?! Alright, I’m gonna setcha-“ Sphaere was cut off when she felt the barrier go rigid as Cekell squawked in protest. “I’m gonna holdja tight, an’ we’re gonna put this beak brain in ‘is place, got it?!”

Cekell gave his chirp of approval as the barrier loosened back up so Sphaere could once again move around, wearing it as a suit of armor. Intending on getting a feel for it, she tried running around the Lion’s Court rock, and was surprised by it’s mobility. She could even jump side to side or forward and backward without issue. Wrenching down on Cekell with one arm, she launched herself into a flip, receiving applause from Rhystea and becoming self conscious about the growing number of eyes that were trained upon her.

Looking around, Sphaere got nervous. The scale squad had piled up a good deal of wood, both prepped to start a fire as well as another stack to keep it fueled. Others were starting to gather around, as fresh meat was being brought out in order to be cooked, even a few pods of nectar were being brought out and passed around in preparation of the festivities to come. Sphaere’s antics had drawn attention, and she wondered if perhaps R208 had announced what she intended to do.

Spying her scaly friend exiting the cave with several featherfolk, she resolutely leaped up on top of the Court of the Lion, and closed her eyes to find her center. She was surprised by the slope of the rock as it came to a point, making it difficult to stand firm, or it had anyway. She started sliding, and attributing it to the barrier, she did not slide far, and could feel herself standing comfortably.

Sphaere’s father’s words echoed through her mind, ‘control your breathing.’ The tension in her shoulders relaxed as she drew air in deeply only to be exhaled purposefully, breath after breath. She stretched before popping her fingers and neck. Feeling herself wake up, her very blood was excited at the prospect of a real bout. She opened her eyes and noticed everyone around had ceased what they were doing as R208, A212 and several other Aves had presented themselves before her.

“You can’t be serious…” A212 blurted out as he made his way to Lion’s Court and stood before Sphaere.

Recognizing which bird brain had done the deed, she stared him down and insisted, “Either ‘e’s gonna ‘pologize, ‘r I’m gonna make ‘im seriously sorry.”

Rhystea shook her head as her mouth curled up into a curious smile, slightly twisted by numerous questions, but lacked any doubt towards her friend. She didn’t say a word, neither did anyone else.

Stepping forward after a moment’s hesitation, the Aves in question squawked, “And you’re going to hold that… child?”

“Well, I’d set ‘im down, but if ‘e weren’ close enough fer me ta stop; if an’ when ya tried ta touch me, ‘e’d kill ya on the spot. I don’ wantcha dead, I jus’ wantcha ta ‘pologize.” Sphaere insisted, and Cekell hissed as he glared down at the Aves for both emphasis and dramatic effect.

A212 and his fellow series member turned and stared at each other for an extended moment before A212 opened his beak and admitted, “You should probably just apologize. It was a really shitty move, and that’s before you consider the fact that Rhystea made those for us to defend ourselves with, not to attack her friends. I won’t stop you from making your own decision, but I don’t have the slightest bit of confidence that you can win. I do think you’ll be lucky not to get turned to ash by the child, just as our previous Eminent did. You remember that, don’t you? She’s doing you a favor by trying to keep him on a short leash. But yea, if you’re too proud to admit your mistake, climb on up there and let her show you.”

The guilty Aves stared back in silence, clearly agitated by the situation at hand. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, R010 made his presence known before exiting the cavern in a hurry, more Aves behind him. “Wait!” He cried out, “Wait! What’s going on?” He repeated himself a few times as he made his way to the Lion’s Court.

Stepping next to A212, R010 looked at him, then at the Aves that was to be put on trial, then up to Sphaere, where his gaze lingered for a moment. His jaw dropped, and there was a rare moment where a scalekin’s mouth was both open and silent. R010 turned to gawk at A212, then back up to Sphaere. “Please don’t kill him!” The large lizardman pleaded.

“I don’t want ‘im dead.” Spheare repeated. “I jus’ want ‘im ta ‘pologize fer wastin’ one o’ Ritsy’s rocks, an’ getting’ in Ceke’s way.”

“Wait, you can get out of this just by saying you’re sorry?” R010 questioned the Aves that was to take the Stand. “Are you stupid? Do you want to die? Do you really believe you have the slightest chance at winning?”

Having been treated like a child by not only his own Eminent, but now the Reptilia Eminent as well, the Aves to be put on trial turned and marched towards Lion’s Court, leaped upon it, almost slipped but quickly caught his balance, and turned to face Sphaere.

Each scalekin in the immediate vicinity took a few steps back. The Aves followed after them, and when everyone else realized what was happening, they stepped back even further. With Cekell wrapped around her like he was, Sphaere released her hold on him to stretch one arm, then the other as she popped her shoulders. She hopped up and down a few times, flicking her wrists as she limbered up. Finally, she adopted a fighting stance, holding her hands up between herself and her opponent, bending her knees with one foot out in front of her, the other back behind her and slightly out to the side. She had a strong foundation, and her center of gravity was ready to bear down upon her opponent.

Inhaling sharply, Sphaere exhaled slowly, spitting out, “Let’s dance, bird boy!”

The Aves stood his ground, feet directly beneath his shoulders, arms down at his sides. Suddenly, he sharply bent forward, bowing low, and loudly proclaiming, “I’m sorry! I panicked and made a foolish mistake, it won’t happen again!”

Puzzled, but only letting that stop her for a faction of a second, Sphaere stood up straight, offered out her hand, and stated, “Thank ya! Let’s work together, an’ together, we’ll go far!”

The Aves didn’t respond, but kept his head bowed low. Not accepting that, Sphaere stepped forward, reached down, grabbed his hand, and pulled it high in the air. Her complete one eighty threw the flabbergasted featherfolk for a loop, who didn’t know how to respond.

With her nerves setting in after breaking the tension, Sphaere glared down at R208 and started chanting, “Fire! Fire!! FIRE!!!” Prompting the scale squad to join in, and R010 to smile and shake his head as he made his way over to the piled up wood, where he crouched down, produced a flint and short blade that he struck against each other a few times to light a spark which he then blew on to produce flames, signaling the start of the celebration.

Having more enjoyable things to focus on, the built up pressure didn’t simply subside, but evaporated altogether. Small flames licked at the wood which it would slowly climb, voices raised and spirits soared. Almost disappointed at not getting to test her mettle, yet relieved at no longer being the target of everyone’s focus, Sphaere released the hand of the Aves she had taken the Stand with, and left him dumbfounded as she jumped down next to Rhystea.

“Well, that was almost… exciting.” Rhystea announced as she smiled wryly at Sphaere.

“All’s well that ends well!” Sphaere insisted as she unwrapped Cekell from around her neck and tied him up in an embrace, not realizing she didn’t receive his patented chirp of approval.

Rhystea opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Cekell, who fired off a round of bombastic banter in her direction. Those nearest to them fell silent, as did the rest when they realized the cheering had grown quieter while they attempted to discover what was amiss.

The warborn that had been contently coiled up in Rhystea’s arms wiggled and turned to face his brother. “You want to what?” Devose asked.

Cekell repeated himself, this time an octave louder, as a smile spread across his face. Devose translated, “You want to take the Stand, with me, and you’re offering not just one, but both the Astral and Umbral points?”

Cekell flung his arm out to his side away from Sphaere, expelling a small white cube from his flesh and into his hand, and offered it up along with a chirp of agreement.

“Wait, Cekell wants to fight you?” Rhystea inquired.

“Well, he says, if he wins, I’m not allowed to climb on his sparks, or rather, either of you two.” Devose explained. Cekell squawked in protest, prompting his brother to reiterate in agitation, “IF!!” Causing Cekell to cackle with something resembling laughter. Devose glared back at him for a moment before announcing, “Alright, you’re on!” And wriggled from Rhystea’s grasp.

Realizing what was about to happen, Sphaere cried out, “Oh no ya don’!” But her eyes went wide as Cekell locked her down within the barrier armor he still projected around her. Lifting himself up into the air, he slowly set himself down on the Lion’s Court, and facing Sphaere, held a hand out.

“Ahh!” Sphaere panicked as she took large irregular steps to stand next to Rhystea as Cekell manipulated the barrier she was contained in to get her to move, then expanded it to encompass them both.

Devose leapt atop the great rock to take the Stand opposite his brother as R010 rushed to their side and declared, “Please don’t break it!”

Standing as tall as their little bodies would allow, with tendrils erect, the warborn silently saluted each other.

“That poor rock.” Sphaere laughed.

“I mean it!” R010 demanded, “If you break it, I will… be very upset!” The lizardman chose his words wisely.

“You should probably step back, the Lion’s Court isn’t the only thing you have to lose in this fight…” Rhystea reminded him.

R010 opened his mouth to say something, but could not find the words. In an almost solemn silence as though he were already mourning the loss of the Lion’s Court, he stepped back beside Rhystea and Sphaere to stare up at the spectacle about to unfold.

Cekell turned his attention to Rhystea and whistled at her before tossing the Umbral point down to her, which she fumbled and failed to catch. Fortunately, Sphaere snatched it out of the air. Handing it to Rhystea, she remarked, “Butter fingers!”

“Well I wasn’t expecting him to throw it at me!” Rhystea responded.

“Pretty sure ‘e defies expectations.” Sphaere specified.

All eyes watched on as Devose raised his arm, and a dense, dark smoke poured from his hand to condense into six cubes about the size of his head that hovered in a circle above him.

Cekell squawked as he locked them in place with a barrier that cross sectioned each of the cubes.

Devose let out an agitated growl as he reared his arm back, balling his hand into a fist, and lunged at Cekell, who crossed his arms and didn’t blink, instead opting to erect a flat barrier between them. Devose hesitated and pulled his punch, but Cekell did not as his barrier expanded forward, shoving his brother from atop the Court of the Lion, and erected another barrier above the surprised warborn that also expanded in a similar fashion, meant to drive his brother into the dirt.

Just before being slammed down, Devose held his hands out and expelled the last of his dark matter, creating something of a plate just large enough for him to stand on that hovered slightly above the ground. He was still pressed hard against his platform, prompting Cekell to again cackle before dispelling his barrier.

“Didn’t touch the ground!” Devose announced.

Cekell plopped down to a sitting position atop the great boulder and chirped back sarcastically, as if to say, ‘And yet, you are still beneath me!’

Devose roared before throwing himself towards the top of the rock where his brother waited, who erected another barrier between them. Expecting this, Devose latched onto it, and launched his platform like a discus at the barrier that retained his cubes, shattering it and freeing his armaments. Cekell was quick to release the barrier his brother was holding himself up with, who fell towards the ground but was narrowly caught by his disk platform.

“Still didn’t touch the ground!” Devose declared.

Cekell cackled yet again, as if asking Devose ‘Is your opponent me or the ground?’

Growing tired of playing ‘the floor is lava,’ Devose elevated the disk he was standing on and simultaneously surrounded Cekell with the cubes he had created. One after another, Devose commanded them to shoot across, just above the rock, directly at Cekell, who easily avoided or deflected them with a quick and fleeting buckler type barrier.

With anger rising, Devose utilized two cubes at a time, pressing Cekell from different directions. After a couple of narrow evasions, Cekell trapped a pair of cubes by cross sectioning them with a barrier, but Devose had countermeasures prepared, slamming mobile cubes into the trapped ones to shatter the barrier and again free his armaments.

With growing aggravation, Devose pressed Cekell with three cubes at a time, who responded by erecting a spherical barrier around himself and stopping the attack. Expecting something like this, Devose hammered his free cubes into the blocked ones, once again shattering the barrier and continuing his assault, but Cekell easily dodged the obstructed cubes, which had not easily circumvented his barrier.

Cekell chirped sharply to chide his brother, as if to ask, ‘Are you not supposed to be up here with me? Or are you unable to stand next to me?’

Enraged, Devose used his platform to fling himself at his brother, holding nothing more than a clenched fist as Cekell used barriers to deflect the cubes. Catching his brother by the arm and using his momentum against him, flung the furious warborn in a different direction, away from Lion’s Court.

Intending to catch himself with his platform, Devose pressed the attack with his cubes, which were easily deflected by Cekell’s barriers – but Cekell had anticipated Devose’s disk, and erected a barrier behind his brother that Devose slammed into – as well as layering four barriers above him. These barriers, one after another, expanded straight downward, slamming Devose straight into the ground before being dispelled to make way for the next, as each pummeled his brother deeper into he dirt.

Cekell’s onslaught effectively laid his brother out flat on the ground, the cubes and disk both falling out of the air. A moment passed before Cekell sat back down and chirped at his brother as if asking, ‘Did you touch the ground that time?’

Trembling from fury, Devose climbed to his feet. Clenching his fists and gritting his teeth, he intended to throw himself back into fray, but was interrupted when Verakry suddenly appeared next to him, asking, “How about we make this interesting?”

Everyone but the twin warborn gasped as the writhing shadow appeared before them. Cekell chirped something sarcastic at the dark figure, causing Devose to flinch away. “Yes, to make it interesting, he does in fact need help, although it need not explicitly be mine. You each should use the Point you are most familiar with. If Only one of you used such, it wouldn’t be a fair match; but if both of you did so, it still wouldn’t be interesting - which is where I come in.” Verakry explained.

“Aww, crap. It cain’t be a good idea, encouragin’ ‘em ta change the landscape ‘round here.” Sphaere stated, looking around at their inhabitants. “I don’ think the natives’d ‘ppreciate it.”

Rhystea fished the black pyramid from her pocket – now holding a point in each hand – and offered them out to Verakry, along with a request, “I won’t get in the way of you administering your ‘test,’ but teaching them a modicum of restraint might serve to focus the subject of the lesson.”

The points levitated out of Rhystea’s possession and floated to their respective wielders. Devose clutched the Umbral Point tightly in his clenched fist and Cekell popped the Astral Point into his mouth with all the hesitation of an excited child receiving a piece of candy.

Verakry replied, “You will be pleased to know that I had already taken that into account. It’s time Devose realized the handicap his brother has been offering him. I do not believe Cekell would listen to me and dispel his barrier around the two of you, but surely it would leave a foul taste in his brother’s mouth, were he to attain victory over someone who had a hand tied behind their back. It is also thanks to the locals that this test is even taking place, so their appeal to preserve their rock must be honored. Destroying their home or possessions would be bad manners.”

Offering out a hand towards Devose, the shadow clad Verakry produced a scythe of suitable size for the small warborn and queried, “Can you wield this? Or is the density to pure? Your father submit your requisitioned weapon to me, and this shape seemed to best fit your order. I don’t believe humanity can produce the density you desire, so I took it upon myself to craft this. If it’s to heavy, it will be unwieldy, but as you grow in capability, I can tune it to fit your needs.”

Devose cringed, but pushed through the shame of needing assistance. Latching onto the dark scythe with his gravity field, having restored complete control upon receiving the Umbral point, and calling it to his waiting hand, he swung it hard and nearly fell off balance. Wide eyed, he grabbed on with both hands and swung again, this time supporting it’s weight with his gravity field. A few more swings and he turned to Verakry and growled, “Can you make it heavier?”

It was Verakry’s turn to smile like an ecstatic child and acquiesced to Devose’s request, slowly increasing its density until the warborn was satisfied; and pointed out, “I see your control has increased, using ranged weaponry truly pushed your potential. You should be aware, this doesn’t put you on par with your brother, even as he holds his sparks within a barrier. His reaction time greatly exceeds your own, and the speed of the energy he wields is vastly superior to that which you can manipulate mass. You will have no trouble overcoming his current barriers, and the small size of your arena benefits you; but when he continues to elude your blows and still beat you down, you should be able to get a clearer view of the gulf that separates you. Still, this is as level a playing field you could hope for, and it will serve to spur you both onward to greater heights.”

“Thank you.” Devose spat out begrudgingly without looking back at Verakry. Holding his new toy with both hands, he leapt back up to stand opposite his brother, who chirped excitedly at him. “Maybe so, but we’ll see if you’re still wearing that grin when this is over!” Devose riposted.

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“Remember,” Verakry reiterated, “No tearing up anything that doesn’t belong to you! I’ll make certain you regret it, if you do! Let’s see if you can get your brother to abandon his sparks and take you seriously!”

Sphaere and Rhystea tensed up, uncomfortably aware that they were holding Cekell back, yet proud of the fact that Cekell clearly was more than a being bent solely on devastation. R010 let out an alleviated sigh, but still wasn’t completely convinced that the Lion’s Court was safe. R208 cheered, along with he rest of the scale squad, and the rest of audience quietly waited with bated breath.

“Ready?” Devose inquired.

Cekell chirped back haughtily, as if commenting that he had, ‘Been waiting for you to pick yourself up out of the dirt.’

Devose yelled in a way that would have made the Reptilia series proud as he swung his scythe with all his might and discontent. Cekell ducked the blow, but used his restored magnetic field to increase the momentum of the swing, pushing Devose off balance as tried to recover, but allowing an opening for Cekell to create a barrier, expand it, and drive Devose back off the awkwardly shaped boulder.

Landing on his face but bouncing to his feet, Devose threw himself into his assault, forming his cubes into numerous flat disks he then spread around the great rock to use as footing to viciously launch great, sweeping swings one after another as he launched himself back and forth between disks.

Cekell easily evaded, but could do little more. He tried altering the flow of the battle with his barriers, but they were cleaved through as mere tissue paper. Devose wasn’t giving him enough time to concentrate on reinforcing his barriers, although he could layer a few on top of each other, they were still simply swept away.

Trying to catch the scythe by cross sectioning it with a barrier did little if anything, as it was to dense for Cekell to hold back. Even layering cross sectional barriers seemed to have no effect as a defiant Devose pressed his relentless assault.

The only thing Cekell could determine was that Devose was getting faster, leaping harder and retaining momentum by springing the disks he was standing on to increase the driving force of each attack. This acceleration was making it difficult for Cekell to accomplish more than mere evasion.

In order to trip up his brother, Cekell targeted the disks with barriers, binding them in place and preventing them from adding to Devose’s momentum. To compensate, Devose leapt higher and folded himself into a flip to add force to his swing, followed by driving the handle of the scythe into his disks to break the barriers that sealed them in place before launching himself into his next attack.

Quickly taking into account how Devose was erasing his barriers, Cekell layered several between them, which were quickly swept away by his brother’s next attack, who was surprised when they were shattered to find Cekell was no longer standing on the Lion’s Court.

Having intended to use them to change the timing of Devose’s attack so that he would swing earlier, Cekell leapt straight up to another barrier he had prepared, which then expanded back down to increase his speed in a similar manner that Devose was using his disks as springs. Driving his outstretched knee into his brother’s back, Cekell slammed Devose hard into the Lion’s Court, who hadn’t managed to hold onto his scythe, which went careening through the air, but was quickly caught by Verakry.

Devose struggled to move, but was laying prone underneath Cekell, who had both hands free to restrain his brother. With quick thinking, Devose attacked with his disks, but only managed to break the barrier Cekell erected to pin him in place, then once again threw himself into an attack. Having expected this, Cekell repeated the tactic he had learned from his brother, catching himself with a barrier he then used to throw himself back at his opponent, slamming hard into him with an outstretched knee.

Receiving the blow, Devose continued his disk assault, this time flipping over as Cekell took to the sky, who quickly shot back down with an attack of his own, but was obstructed when Devose kept a disk in place between them, who then quickly lashed out with his gravity field to retrieve his scythe from Verakry.

 

“Oof!” Sphaere blurted out, “Twice now, Ceke’s delivered a heavy blow ta Deve’s back, that had ta hurt. Still, ya can tell ‘e’s pullin’ ‘e’s punches. No lightnin’, jus’ barriers an’ brawlin’!”

“Yes, it’s quite vexing.” Verakry groused. “In trying to get him to focus on other skills, I had the acid amoeba sent to him, which could surmount his barriers, but you saw how that turned out. Now I’ve provided Devose with a means to break them, and I can’t tell if he’s being arrogant or just trying to push his brother, but Cekell refuses to rely on the Astral point or anything else. Still, I must admit, the way he uses those barriers results in keen adaptability. I am starting to believe he insists on taking every opportunity to either enhance those barriers or otherwise increase their efficiency, effectiveness and overall efficacy. It’s as if he’s desperate to be able to protect something…” The shadow enshrouded figure stated before turning his focus to the two girls he was speaking with.

“He is rather obsessive with us.” Rhystea sighed, “Anything resembling a threat and he will lock us up in one of these. It does make for a handy umbrella.”

“That means I was correct in giving him to you. You have served as both catalyst and fuel for his growth. However, it is concerning, thinking about where such a path will lead.” Verakry discerned.

“Whatcha mean?” Sphaere shot back.

“Well, imagine a passerby stepping on your foot and what would happen if you cried out in pain.” Verakry answered. Both Rhystea and Sphaere were at a loss. They hadn’t thought about the consequences of such small interactions, but were immediately able to see what the dark figure was getting at. Verakry continued, “He’s only going to continue getting stronger. I wouldn’t be surprised if he kept you in a perpetual barrier, once he significantly and sufficiently progresses in their capabilities. Otherwise, he may slay anyone who so much as makes you uncomfortable.”

Both of Cekell’s caretakers swallowed hard, but were unable to dislodge the knot growing in their throats from having this pointed out. They had not given much thought to what their futures would be like with Cekell, but were able to imagine his reactions to anything they found unpleasant. The demis nearest to them edged back, suddenly painfully aware of their existence, widening the berth between them.

“Yer gonna hafta work on yer balance, Ritsy. If ya fall down wrong, Ceke is liable ta break the ground.” Sphaere scoffed, only half jokingly.

The only words Rhystea could find were, “That’s… not funny.”

“On the bright side, the two of you could effectively rule this world with Cekell at your command.” Verakry pointed out. “A fitting reward for the job you have done with him, if there ever was one.”

“Don’t say such things! Why would we even want to do that?” Rhystea yelled, partially surprised but mostly concerned.

“Oh?” Verakry questioned, “Have you been anything but beneficial for everyone here? From taking down a tyrannical leader, to helping them defend themselves, and even aiding them in providing for themselves. Besides, taking on the entire world would be an excellent test of his capabilities.”

Sphaere stayed oddly silent, but Rhystea argued, “We want him to defend the world, not rule over it!”

“A strong leader would be the best way to defend your world. Cekell could end all the conflicts of your people. He could even assist in the rejuvenation of your poisoned planet. Surely you wouldn’t squander such potential, would you?” Verakry retorted.

“First, we hafta teach ‘im ta be a good person.” Sphaere asserted. It was Rhystea’s turn to fall silent.

“I suppose there is no rush. His progress has defied both reason and belief, I did allow myself to get carried away, driving him to reach his potential. I was the last that hadn’t given up on reclaiming Deacon. I don’t know that any of the Astralis still hope to see Legatus again. Every time I blinked, Cekell had blown past any expectations I dared to place on him. I’ll admit, I did find it concerning, the way you had tried steering him away from some obstacles, but there can be no doubt that you both are a big part of him reaching his potential. I must remember that you are only human. In truth, I am nothing but grateful for your contributions, and I’ve done a poor job at showing it.” Verakry disclosed. “I must amend that.”

“We couldn’t possibly have imagined him being capable of any of this. We really just wanted what was best for him, as well as what was best for ourselves, of course. Expecting us to treat him as, or otherwise turn him into a weapon, is just ludicrous. In actuality, he seems more like a lap cat that just wants us to hold him. We’re not much more than kids ourselves, and nothing could have prepared us for any of this. It simply boggles the mind, and yet, here we are. Still, I can’t express my relief at seeing Cekell quarrelling with his brother, and not remotely trying to hurt him.” Rhystea described their predicament in a nutshell.

“You’re absolutely correct. I have placed a heavy burden on all of you. I didn’t exactly have many options, but I think you’ll agree it was in no one’s best interest to hand him over to his father. Had I the chance for a do over, I doubt I would change anything. I’ve been beyond desperation for a… very long time. There is no price I would not pay, no sin I would not bear, to see Deacon freed from his confines.” Verakry conceded.

“Ya do seem rather fond o’ each other. Jus’ how long has ‘e been in that… point, thingamabob?” Sphaere inquired.

“Neither the Umbralim nor the Astralis have concepts such as family. Deacon is something of a friend, a mentor, an idol. Not just to me, but to a great many of my kind. If one of your lifetimes was scaled down to a passing moment, then Deacon has spent eons in that prison. He took it upon himself to do such, knowing he had a slim chance at best to halt the conflict between the Umbralim and the Astralis. Not because he wanted to, not because had to, but because he was one of a very few capable of making it work. Even with his failure, a great many repudiated the conflict, if only to honor his wishes. Legatus did every bit as much for the Astralis. Ever since, we’ve had something of an uneasy peace between our peoples. There are those who would see the conflict reignited, though. Unfortunately, it is the sovereigns of both our peoples. The sacrifices of Deacon and Legatus are starting to fade, and I fear conflict anew is only a matter of course. Maybe I’m cruel for dragging Cekell into our problems, but I would be crueler still, if only to free Deacon. I would gladly trade places with him, were that an option.” Verakry expounded solemnly, but with great conviction.

Sphaere and Rhystea were both at a loss. They could feel the weight behind the dark figures words, and had nothing to answer them with. Before they would have a chance, the battle between warborn would take a turn from Devose pressing the assault and Cekell merely dodging.

 

Cekell had no conceited intentions. His purpose was not aimed at pushing his brother. In truth, he just wanted to develop his barriers, but the majority of instances where such was possible, there were more important things to him on the line than just the Umbral and Astral points. Those are not what he wanted to protect, and he would happily part with them if it meant being better able to defend what he truly cherished. All he really wanted was a warm and comfortable place, and to make sure that none could take it from him.

Devose was an ideal partner for such intentions. Yes, he had threatened Sphaere and Rhystea in the past, but not maliciously, only as a means to an end. There was only one Devose, not a swarm or a pack of him. Cekell didn’t think he would just agree to pursue such an objective, at least not without proper motivation. A fair chance to take his revenge would likely have sufficed, but offering the points certainly made it all the more appealing. Potentially pulling him away from sharing Cekell’s comfortable place only sweetened the deal. Cekell was not very good at sharing.

Their battle had been quick and relentless. Cekell at least harbored no animosity, but did use that of his brother’s for his own cause. The adaptability of his barriers had increased, being able to use them as a springboard enhanced his mobility, but what Cekell really wanted to focus on was their sturdiness. Devose had no intention of affording him the chance to concentrate, but that was exactly the situation he knew he would find himself in and not want to find his barriers to be lacking.

Barrier after barrier fell to his brother’s onslaught. Whether Cekell was using them to slow his brother down as a distraction, or to hold him or his weapons in place, they were brushed aside as a minor nuisance at best. Creating several at a time and layering them on top of each other wasn’t effective against the scythe provided by Verakry. Even if Cekell created them to be concave or angled, they were simply too fragile. Focusing on their strength required precious time that he would not be allotted. Trying time after time only to fail again and again was beginning to frustrate Cekell.

As Cekell’s frustration grew, he subconsciously began to tighten his grip on the Astral point. This was something of a habit he had developed from when he first became aware of the point and how to use it. He wasn’t wanting to rely on the power of the point, but he had grown so accustomed to doing so, it had almost became second nature. Having traded the Astral point for the Umbral – and discovering they were quite different – only to be reunited with the Astral, he did not give it much attention. Even when the point grew warm, even when the point grew hot. Not until the Astral point was searing his insides did he give it much thought.

Becoming keenly aware of something outside of one’s focus could only serve as a distraction. Becoming distracted in the middle of a fight could be detrimental, specifically if your opponent notices the dulling of your focus. When the Astral point made itself known to Cekell, Devose noticed that his mind was drifting from their battle, and moved to capitalize.

Diving at Cekell, Devose manipulated his disks to allow his brother no retreat and no quarter. Swinging his scythe in a great arc, he planned on either cleaving his fellow warborn in two, or storming him with a barrage of disks. Either scenario would inflict grievous wounds, and neither attack would be easily avoided or blocked.

Jarred out of the moment’s distraction, Cekell took a third option. Pressing his brother, Cekell stepped forward and stretched his hands out towards the shaft of the scythe as he was now too close for the blade, and placed one hand over the other, holding them up to block the swing. Erecting a barrier in this manner while keeping it as small and as focused as possible, he reduced the leverage Devose had on the swing.

With his barrier serving as a fulcrum, Cekell latched on to the weapon with his magnetic field. Continuing in the direction the scythe’s momentum would carry it, Cekell wrenched down hard on the end Devose did not have a hold of and pried it from his grasp. Again the scythe was sent sailing through the air to be caught by Verakry.

With a deft movement, Cekell pointed his concentrated and unbroken barrier at Devose’s chest and expanded it forward, again knocking him down from Lion’s Court, defiantly letting out a piercing hawk scream to declare dominance as his brother landed flat on his back.

It began and ended in the same instant, but in that moment, Cekell tensed up fiercely, and the Astral point reacted. Cekell had not intended to activate it, but all the same, energy welled up from within. The point was dormant no more, and from within it, Legatus reached out and touched Cekell’s mind.

(You’re really something, little one. Rousing the point wasn’t even your intention. Why is it that you do not use it’s power to overwhelm and subdue your opponent?) Legatus’ thoughts poured into Cekell’s mind, who would be unable to hide anything from the being now directly connected to his own spark.

(I see, you want to enhance your own capabilities in lieu of relying upon the strength of another. How admirable. It’s only been a few moments since last we’ve spoken, and yet, I can sense how much you’ve grown. Clearly you seek strength, but I wonder, for what reason do you desire power?) Legatus willed his question into Cekell’s thoughts.

Even though Cekell had peeked into the mind of another, he was unaccustomed to sharing his own thoughts, and mere suggestion would carry Legatus to the answers he sought. (Your only desire is to safeguard that which you cherish. Truly exquisite. You’ve no interest in lording yourself over another or taking that which does not belong to you. Warm, is your spark. I do sense the heat of your envy, but for one so young, it is certainly understandable. Trapped as I am, unable am I to determine how my might is brought to bear. I commend your efforts, and would like to show my gratitude for not being reduced to a tool for serving destruction. Would you allow me to illuminate the next step on your path to power?)

Cekell’s eyes went wide as his mind immediately resounded with affirmation. (Very good. I see that you are unopposed to receiving aid or bowing to the wisdom of someone more experienced and knowledgeable than yourself. Yes, such an earnest and humble warmth. Then, let it be so. It appears that you are familiar with the written word, sigils, as you understand them. In the instant you draw upon your mana to form a barrier, we will imbue it with a single, simple word. ‘No’ would be perfect for such a skill. Prepare yourself, I will be able to show you this but once, and it will be up to you to reproduce the feeling.)

The mental conversation shared between the two happened at the pace of Cekell’s perception. It only took a moment for Devose to bounce from his back to his feet, recall his weapon, spit out a curse, and throw himself into an orchestrated attack involving his disks which had already surrounded Cekell, intending to open his brother’s guard to allow for him to strike with his scythe. In that moment, Legatus had made his offer and Cekell had accepted, and both were ready to receive and repel Devose.

Only Verakry was aware of the energy that was surging from within Cekell, who smiled when it was recognized as Legatus. Devose quickly closed the gap as he bore down on his brother, who simply held out an arm with his hand raised perpendicularly, and calmly commanded in an otherworldly voice, “No.”

From within Cekell’s tiny body, a bubble of energy expanded, stretched thinner than the patience of a child, and stopped each disk that came into contact with it, as well as Devose’s scythe mid swing. Devose himself didn’t stop until he slammed into barrier.

To Cekell, it was reminiscent of Rhystea’s rocksplosives, which revectored the laws of physics. The example Legatus had shown him simply dispersed the kinetic energy and left everything hanging in the air for a moment until it was reclaimed by gravity and pulled back down to earth. A stunned Devose fell to his feet and nearly dropped his weapon.

(This is both the simplest and smallest example I am capable of portraying. Do keep in mind that the repelled armaments were rather soft, and that an encroachment from a true Umbral would overwhelm such a barrier. And with that, I’m afraid I am spent. I must bid you farewell.) Legatus explained.

Realizing just what he had been given, gratitude filled his mind, and the last Cekell would hear from Legatus, at least for now, was a simply, (You’re most welcome.) The heat from the Astral point had dissipated, and cold permeated his body.

‘Oohs’ and ‘Ahhs’ were drawn from the crowd. Rhystea and Sphaere’s mouths fell open upon hearing Cekell speak, never mind the voice he had used, even though it was a single, familiar word. Adulation swelled from within Verakry, who knew beyond doubt that Cekell had once again made contact with Legatus. Devose, however, was rife with fury. Leaping up high, he brought down his scythe with all his might, adding the pull of natural gravity to the force of his swing that would not spare the rock he was supposed to be sparring atop.

R010’s mouth opened and he cried out incoherently as he feared for his precious rock. The rest of the crowd, especially his fellow scalekin, were excited for the match to continue. They were closer and had a better vantage point then with the acid amoeba, and their tension was born from thrill. Their cheers drowned out R010’s concerns.

Verakry started to stop Devose, but quickly realized there would be no need. Holding up a hand, Cekell erected a small buckler sized barrier and squeaked out, “No!” Halting Devose’s swing before rapidly expanding his barrier unilaterally forward and throwing both the scythe and it’s wielder through the air, with only the former being caught by Verakry, Devose was caught by the cold hard ground.

Upon witnessing Cekell’s display, R010 quickly composed himself with an, “Ahem.” His rock was safe and he was calm.

Picking himself up once gain, Devose fumed. He could not comprehend how this was possible. He was better armed than during their last match, yet he was even more outclassed. His brother had dodged almost everything he threw at him, and somehow even managed to block a few of his strikes. Devose had not managed to so much as scratch Cekell, who stood alone atop the Court of the King of the Jungle, where Devose was entirely unable to lay claim enough to stand on.

Choking back the urge to lash out, Devose realized he would only manage to embarrass himself. Not only was he unable to reach his brother, but he couldn’t even push Cekell into taking him seriously enough to draw upon the Astral point – at least not in any way Devose would recognize. All he could manage was to meagerly glare up at his brother, who looked down his nose back at Devose.

Appearing next to them, Verakry explained, “It’s a bitter draught, no doubt, but drink deeply and see the mountain you must scale if you want to stand where your brother stands. You should know it’s not your fault. While you were busy learning to talk, Cekell was fighting for his life and the lives of those he holds dear. That experience is more valuable than all the training your father could possibly offer you. Cekell does not fight as a human, and by fighting him thusly, you are handicapped. Pain and defeat led him to unlocking the point, but you never faced down such while you still held yours.”

Devose grimaced, but had no words with which to reply. He found his weakness to be repugnant, but did not know what to do about it.

“You don’t have to fight each other.” Rhystea reminded him.

“Beatin’ ‘r even killin’ ‘im ain’t gonna bring yer mama back.” Sphaere reiterated, something solemn in her voice, as though she were speaking from experience.

“They’re… not wrong.” Verakry added. “But if strength is what you desire, then conflict is your best teacher. Being repulsed by your own weakness is a good start, but you must follow through with action. You’ve learned to utilize your gravity field well. Your brother has a magnetic field he is no less adept with. He can also project barriers – something you are also capable off – and now he’s even reinforcing them with words.”

“Words?” Rhystea repeated, somewhat puzzled but trying not to sound sarcastic.

“Sigils, but in spoken form. Not unlike those you etch into your rock bombs, Cekell imbued his barrier with a word to disperse kinetic energy and negate the force of attacks as opposed to simply blocking them. With more experience and knowledge, he could even turn that force back against his attackers. Imagine hitting a wall that was imbued in a way that made it so, for every action, there is a doubled and opposite reaction. Or tripled, or so on and so forth. Imagine using such a method to maneuver and launch attacks from. Proper application of sigils to rewrite natural laws to enhance your capabilities, or sap those of your opponents, that is true might.” Verakry clarified.

“Spoken sigils… what frightening potential…” Rhystea pointed out, impressed yet concerned.

“Oi. That’s enough o’ that fer now. Ya’ve put on quite the show, an’ ya’ve made yer point, no pun intended. Let us outta here! Ritsy’s gettin’ hot an’ needs ya ta cool ‘er off.” Sphaere insisted.

Rhystea turned and gave her companion ‘the look’ and slowly blinked in exaggerated aggravation to express her annoyance. Without missing a beat, Cekell leapt from atop the boulder, dispelled the barrier containing his sparks, and latched onto Rhystea, who gasped as she received him, prepared for an uncomfortable cold, but was surprised when Cekell was not freezing. She couldn’t have known that the Astral point had supplied him with some warmth, but she was grateful nonetheless. “Hey, he’s not freezing cold this time!” She announced as Cekell wrapped himself around her neck.

“That jus’ means it’s still yer turn the next time ‘e is.” Sphaere stated as she made her way over to a depressed Devose. Rhystea scoffed and rolled her eyes, but said nothing in objection, it’s not like she would refuse Cekell either way.

“Alright, come here ya li’l turd!” Sphere demanded as she bent over and lifted up Devose, much to Cekell’s chagrin, who protested with a sharp chirp.

“I lost. I’m not supposed to climb on you…” Devose grumbled, turning away and not meeting her gaze.

“Ya ain’t climbin’ on me, I’m pickin’ ya up. See how that works?” Sphaere announced, causing Cekell to glare at her. Feeling his eyes burning a hole in her back, she turned and smile innocently at him. It was bad timing, as there was a familiar humming sound. Cekell smiled as he wrapped Rhystea up in a barrier. Just Rhystea.

Sphaere’s eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open in protest, but before she could say anything, a barrier shot around her, but just her, so as to leave Devose out in the cold, who pretended not to notice as a brief shower pelted him and the rest, causing the fire to crackle and the Reptilia series to shout, not that they needed a reason.

Cekell dispelled the barriers with a sarcastic whistle. “Yea, yea. Thank ya, ya li’l turd!” Sphaere growled at him, much to Rhystea’s amusement.

Devose flung his arm, ejecting the Umbral point and holding it out towards Cekell, before snuggling up to Sphaere. Cekell’s eyes sharpened into a glare that served only to amuse his brother, who smiled back in retaliation.

“How about you trade points?” Verakry proposed. “You never got a grasp on the Umbral, and showing generosity to your brother just might serve as a starting point to healing the rift between you.”

“Don’t count on it.” A dejected Devose spat out.

“Do you want to be bitter, or do you want to get stronger?” Verakry inquired in agitation. After waiting a moment and not receiving an answer, the shadow enshrouded figure continued, “That’s right, keep your mouth shut and follow the advice of your betters if you don’t plan on instructing yourself. I’ll hold on to your weapon for now, without the Umbral point, your gravity field will dwindle and you won’t be able to handle such dense dark matter. Not yet anyway, but I have no doubt it won’t be long and you’ll be capable of utilizing it without either point, and focusing on your magnetic field for a time will be greatly beneficial.”

Cekell relinquished the Astral point and, without touching them, Verakry lifted both points and delivered them to the opposite warborn. “A gift, to show my gratitude.” Verakry announced as he created a black orb the size of Cekell’s head and sent it floating towards him. “This isn’t as dense as what I offered Devose, but I don’t think you’re ready for that level, not yet anyways. This will serve as a key to unlocking the Umbral point. Simply carrying it within your gravity field will help you grasp it’s function.”

Cekell reached out and grabbed a hold of the orb of dark matter. Leering at it suspiciously, he used the same method he had for reducing the gravity around Sphaere numerous times already, but found the orb to be much, much heavier. He had to maintain focus, but immediately felt something click between himself and the Umbral point, and decided to heed Verakry’s advice. It didn’t get in the way of listening to Rhystea’s heartbeat, and the thought of needing to use the Umbral point made expanding his capabilities with it a priority.

Verakry turned back to Devose and remarked, “I can’t conjure energy in this manner, but I think I can manage something to help you as well. We’ll worry about that later.”

Devose lifted his head from Sphaere’s heartbeat and whined, “Why not now?!”

“Because now, Cekell’s sparks have generously agreed to hold onto you. They have served as a catalyst for your brother, maybe they could benefit you as well. For now I have… something to check on.” Verakry explained.

“Another test?” Sphaere spat out sarcastically. It made her uncomfortable, the way Verakry smiled back at her before disappearing, even though she found it to be altogether unsurprising, and shuddered before adding, “I really hate that guy!”

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