The Guardian (Coranite Chronicles) (31 page)

The tower was a treasure-trove of great secrets and wonderful mysteries. One time, while they wandered the tower, they found a door that would lead them anywhere in the building. They didn’t use it very much because it wasn’t reliable for traveling. Every time they went through the door, they’d always end up in a different place. And there didn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. But it was great for quick escapes from patrolling jumons and Coranites.

Then there was a time they discovered a secret passageway beneath the great table of the main hall. This passageway took them into a cramped crawlspace between the floors where they found a tiny library filled with thousands of tiny books. To go with it, there were even little librarians, which were so small they looked like ants. The librarians made sure everything was neat, clean and in proper order. The books, however, were so tiny that Darek was unable to hold them. He feared they’d fall right beneath his fingernails. It wasn’t a big problem though. The librarians were kind enough to sit inside their ear canals and read aloud some of the books. The wealth of information they had was staggering. They even had stories about how their current universe came to be.

According to the history, the universe they lived in only began existence about two thousand years ago. Before that time, the universe didn’t even have galaxies. It only had one giant planet that was so big that three giant suns and moons revolved around it. A great war between the Guardians and the Coranites tore the fabric of the universe apart. And when it all came back together again…nothing was the same. Humans were scattered among the stars, most of the Coranites became trapped inside the cores of planets, and Guardians established a powerful kingdom in the spirit realm in order to maintain order and balance.

While the stories were interesting, Darek couldn’t stand being in such a tiny place for long. It was so hard to move around and it was impossible to stand up and stretch.

Another thing Darek had the chance of visiting was the wall of colorful bricks. Many lesser spirits possessed an entire section of the wall. By changing the colors of the bricks, they were able to form images. This reminded Darek of a television. The lesser spirits liked to entertain them by putting on shows. Of course, since the bricks weren’t very small, the images looked very blocky. But Darek enjoyed the movies nonetheless.

One day, while they were forced to harvest the gorbon fruit in the underground farms nearby, Darek eagerly asked what Freddie was planning to show them next.

“It’s a secret,” said Freddie, grinning widely.

“Oh come on,” said Darek with a frown. “I need something to look forward to.” He plucked a fruit from the root and placed it in a large basket. “Something to keep me going.”

“I’m telling you it’s going to be good.”

“So? Unless I know what it is, I can’t get excited about it. You might think…a nose is good. I wouldn’t want to see a nose.”

“Even a walking nose with foot-long nose hairs sticking out of its nostrils?”

Darek narrowed his eyes. “That’s the big secret?”

“It has nothing to do with a nose.” Freddie chuckled. “Disappointed?”

“Kinda,” said Darek. “Now can you be serious for a second and tell me what it is?”

“You know, it’s not a secret if I tell you.”

“That’s the point! I don’t want a secret,” said Darek. “I want to know!” He sighed and continued working. “I’m so bored. And tired. Just tell me what it is.”

“Are you sure you want to know?” asked Freddie. “Once you find out, you’ll be dying to get back.”

“I don’t see how it could be worse. I’m already dying to find out what the secret is.”

“Okay,” said Freddie. “I’ll tell you—”

Darek’s eyes widened.

Freddie continued, “—when we get back.”

CHAPTER 25

“Wake up.” Sorren tapped Berik on the shoulder.

“Huh?” Berik opened his eyes.

“We’re here,” said Rose, glancing back from the cockpit. “Teraskai.”

Berik jumped to his feet and pressed his face against the side window. While he gazed at the metallic planet, he was breathing so heavily he fogged up the glass.

The whole planet had a distinctive…unnatural look. Covered in solar cells, it shimmered. It was completely powered by the sun.

“WE’RE HERE!” Berik shrieked, throwing his fists in the air. “WE’RE HERE, WE’RE HERE, WE’RE HERE!” He jumped around in circles excitedly, doing a little dance.

“Calm down, Berik,” said Kite. “You’re making a fool of yourself.”

“Okay.” Berik pointed at him. “I’LL CALM DOWN AFTER I…”

Kite mumbled, “And please stop screaming—”

“CELEBRATE BECAUSE WE’RE HEEEEEEEEERE!” Berik said to Rose. “Hurry! Take us down! Come on, come on, come on! What are you waiting for? Hell to freeze over?”

Puzzled, Rose said, “What are you so excited for?”

“It’s been years!” Berik exclaimed. “I’ve been trapped on ships for
years!
I can finally go back home! Do you how sick I’ve been of ships? Day in and day out, all we ever do is just go through corridors! We’ll finally be on solid ground.”

Rose laughed at him. “Teraskai isn’t much different. It’s like a giant spaceship.”

“It’s not the same,” said Berik, grinning like an idiot. “You just wouldn’t understand. Teraskai is special.”

The shuttle flew into a small hole on the planet’s glimmering surface. After flying through a series of winding corridors, Rose took the shuttle into the docking bay. Before Rose could even land the ship, Berik opened the door and jumped out, screaming.

“Yes, yes, yes! Teraskai!” He threw his hands up in the air, fell to his knees and cried. “Oh. It’s beautiful…” He sobbed. “So beautiful…” He laid himself down on the concrete floor and breathed deeply. “Yes. Home at last. Home sweet home. Oh, I missed you…”

Sorren whispered to Kite, “What’s wrong with him?”

Kite sighed. “I don’t know. I think he was born like that.”

Berik embraced the ground. “Oh, oh, yes. I missed you so much.” Then he started kissing the ground. “I love you, Teraskai—” Kite grabbed him by the arm and pulled him up.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Kite growled.

Berik frowned. “What? Never seen someone kiss the ground before?”

“Not that passionately, no,” said Kite. “Now don’t forget, we’re in a hurry. So stop getting nasty with the planet and get going. I’ll take Sorren with me to the military base. Do you remember what you’re supposed to do?”

“Uh…propaganda,” said Berik uncertainly.

“That’s right. Everyone needs to know the truth about this war.”

“About that though,” said Berik. “How exactly do I do this?”

“Go find some hackers to help spread the information.”

“Where do I find hackers? And how am I supposed to convince them to help me?”

Kite shrugged. “Figure it out yourself.”

Berik asked, “Do I at least get to take Vincent along?”

Kite raised a brow. “Why would you want to take him along?”

Berik explained, “He’s a computer. And I’m looking for hackers—people who hack computers. So put the two together and—BAM—logic! Bound to be helpful, I’m sure.”

“I’m not going to let you have him,” said Kite. “You’re going to lose him or step on him. I just know it.”

“Step on him? I’d never!” Berik protested.

“But you’re not going to deny you’d lose him,” said Kite flatly.

“Er…well…That’s not the point. Vincent’s my friend! He’s my buddy! He’s more than just a tool to me—more than something I’d take advantage of, use and throw away at my own convenience, as tempting as that might sound.”

Kite folded his arms. “I could’ve sworn you didn’t like him.”

Berik pretended to be shocked. “What? No! When did I ever say that?”

“You didn’t say it,” said Kite. “Call it intuition.”

Berik laughed. “Everyone knows men have no intuition! You’re crazy. Nuts. Crazy. I love Vincent! He’s awesome!”

“Okay…” Kite sounded doubtful. “You can take him along. Just be sure to bring him back in one piece.”

“Great!” Berik clapped his hands in excitement. “Now where is he?”

Kite shrugged. “Haven’t seen him since we docked.”

Rose leaned against the doorway of the shuttle. “He’s not in the ship.”

Berik turned to Sorren. Sorren simply shook his head.

“No one knows where he is?” Berik glanced around at everyone. “He’s gone…? Just like that?” Berik growled, “Here when you want him gone and gone when you need him.” He pondered. “He would’ve made the job so much easier. Now what am I supposed to do?”

“I’ll leave that for you to figure out,” said Kite. “We’ve got to get going.”

Kite and Sorren didn’t have to go very far to hitch a ride to the military base. Transport stations were quite literally at every corner. On their way there, Sorren studied his surroundings with indifference.

“Hmph.” Sorren had a look of displeasure. “Teraskai. Once it was green and blue, but now the walls are white and the ceilings silver. I don’t understand how anyone could enjoy coming back here. Air, water, light—all artificial. Nothing is real here.”

 
When they reached the transport station, a man was sitting on the bench. It looked like he was waiting for someone.

The man looked up at the two of them. He jumped to his feet.

“Sorren?”

“Someone you know?” Kite asked.

“Never seen him before,” Sorren replied.

The man looked at Sorren and nervously scratched the back of his neck. “S-so you’re Sorren? Here, I have a message for you.” He took out an envelope from his pocket and handed it over.

“From who?” Sorren asked, looking at the man with eyes full of suspicion.

He turned around and pointed. “The person over there—Huh? He’s gone.” He backed up. “W-well, I’ll be going now.” Then he darted away in a hurry.

Kite watched the man disappear from view. “What was that all about?”

Sorren examined the envelope. Nothing was written on it. Then he slowly removed the letter. He read it:

Sorren. We have been watching your movements. Do not continue to meddle in our affairs. This is none of your business. Leave, or you will face severe consequences. You have been marked by the alliance. Failure to comply will result in your…demise.

Thank you. And have a nice day.

Curious, Kite furtively leaned forward to peek at the letter. But Sorren, noticing Kite’s curiosity, quickly folded it up and shoved it into his robe.

Kite asked, “What does it say?”

“Nothing you have to worry about,” said Sorren. “Let’s just get on the transport.”

A life-like female android at the transport station greeted them.

“Good day to you, sirs,” it said in a warm accent. “Where would you like to go today?” Sorren groaned in disgust at its voice. The voice had been programmed to sound much like a human. But Sorren despised at how its inflections and tone was engineered to be pleasing.

“We need a ride to the military base at 998 Chrythen Bridge,” said Kite.

“Please wait while I scan your identity.” The android opened up its hand. A bright red light flashed from its palm. “Captain Kite Ruthers. Welcome back to Teraskai. You are clear to go to 998 Chrythen Bridge.”

“I’m bringing this man along,” said Kite. “Give him clearance under my authority.”

“Understood,” said the android. “Would you like separate pods?”

“One is fine.”

A large hover pod emerged from an opening in the ground. The pod had four seats, all of them facing the center in the shape of a cross. Sorren and Kite took their seats opposite each other. Then a force field formed over the top, keeping them safely inside.

“Please remain seated during your trip.” The android smiled and waved at them as the pod left the station. “Have a nice day.”

The pod soared at incredible speeds. It dove down into a crowded area. Thousands of pods jetted across the sky, darting around each other. It wasn’t orderly at all. Each pod headed straight for its destination, barely dodging other pods in their way. Because the pods were so fast and in frenzy, it was impossible to see anything around them.

Kite crossed his arms and glared at Sorren.

Sounding stern, Kite asked, “Sorren, why are you helping us?”

Sorren replied, “Does one need a reason to do good—to help people?”

“There are people like that, sure,” said Kite. “Some people want to do the right thing. But I doubt you’re in that camp.”

“Do you have a problem with me tagging along?”

“Yeah, I do. I’ll make this clear and simple: I despise you.”

“You mean, you despise assassins.”

“You
are
an assassin. So yes, by that logic I hate assassins and I hate you.”

“And? What of it?”

“You may have rescued us,” said Kite. “But one good favor does not secure my trust. You are doing this for a reason and I—”

“Well,” said Sorren curtly, “at least you’re honest about it.”

Kite leaned forward and grabbed Sorren by his robe. “Tell me why you saved us and why you continue to assist us. You must have some…ulterior motive. And unless I know what it is…I’m not taking you with me.”
Click
. Sorren looked down. Kite was pressing a gun against his chest.

Sorren scowled. “What? You’re going to shoot me?”

“If I need to, yes,” said Kite. “I am taking you into a high-security base filled with the top brass of our military and hundreds of vital military secrets. By bringing you in with me, I am compromising everything. So before I bring you there, I must make sure I am doing the right thing. Why are you helping us?”

Sorren said, “You want a reason? Fine. I’ll tell you. The simple reason is because I was ordered to help you.”

“By who?”

 
“Someone you wouldn’t know,” said Sorren. “But the people who do know him call him the Caretaker. Like his name suggests, he likes to take care of things. And if he cares, I care.” He paused. “But I suppose that’s not a good enough reason for you, is it? You asked me about
my
reason. My reason for helping you is related to my purpose.”

Chuckling, Kite raised an eyebrow. “Your purpose? Turning all philosophical on me?”

Sorren said, “A long time ago when I was young, I sought great power. I gained it…through great sacrifice.” Sorren lifted up his
hand. A black mist rose up from his fingertips. “For what reason did I gain this power? I lived in a dangerous world. People were dying. No—everyone was dying. Famine. Darkness. Sword. Everyday was bloodshed. The sword was my life—and death my companion.”

Sorren shed a tear. Kite blinked, looking startled.

Sorren continued, “My purpose…was to fight. I had power to fight. So I fought. Hundreds. Thousands. Millions. How many have I killed? I do not know. But I only fight because others cannot. People want to live. But others…want to kill. Not just individuals, but nations as well. I want to protect those who want to live but cannot or will not kill. I gained power for this reason…and for this reason I live. I am justice. And my sword will devour the darkness…with darkness.”

“Justice? You are justice? That’s a saying from the tale of the Judges.”

“As it should be. I
was
a Judge,” said Sorren. “I created the first Order.”

Kite’s eyes widened. “
What?
”

Sorren continued, “I learned the greatest techniques of the Black Raven Rogues…then destroyed them all. I searched for allies from every corner of the world and formed the Order to put an end to the suffering.” He paused. “So you see, this is my reason. This situation is not normal. I am helping you because you will not survive without my help. And if you do not survive, you cannot bring peace. I wish to maintain peace for as long as I can. That is why I will protect you.”

“Protect me? Why would I need your protection?”

Sorren said, “I thought I explained it quite clearly.”

“You’re not explaining anything. Are you telling me I’m in danger?”

“Do you really think the commodore was acting on his own?” asked Sorren. “The commodore attacked the Guardian to start this war. Why anyone would want to start this war is something I don’t know. But this is what I noticed: the commodore was willing to die for it. The only reason he’s alive is a coincidence. I’m sure he was not expecting to survive or be saved.”

“I’m still not following,” said Kite. “What does this have to do with me?”

“The commodore was supposed to die. If you wanted to do something big, like start a war, would you really do it yourself? If you die, you wouldn’t get to see the fruits of your labor.”