Chapter Twelve: Raakhshas


    “Maybe the most important part of your learning to be a mage is learning to defend yourself,” Master Thul tells me. “With your permission, I want to teach you to defend yourself while you also learn magic.”


    It’s Sixth Day, and I decided to study more today. After yesterday’s drama, I barely got any study. I need to do more. It was announced at dinner that today is test day. I’m sure that the test won’t be hard, but I have to be ready for it. I was practicing both the Flame Finger and levitating my knife when Master Thul asked to teach me defense.


    “What would that entail, Master? What does that even mean?” I ask Master Thul somewhat confused.


    “Your book will have a chapter on this eventually, but I’ll explain the gist here. Some Mages spend their time just researching defense because of how vast the topic is. Have you ever thought about how powerful High Mages are? Why do you think they don’t just kill whoever they want? Why do you think they don’t just stop an enemy mage’s heart?”


    “I don’t know. I guess they don’t have enough Mana or Exp. Or they’re just good people, I guess.”


    “Your second thought is wrong. The first one, though, is part of it. Most mages wouldn’t have the power or strength to stop someone''s heart immediately. But some can. But they don''t. You know why?” I shrug. “It’s because mages learn defense early. You learn to shield yourself from most things that harm you directly. Most mages keep some defenses unconsciously on themselves that will stop any direct magic that kills them at all times. Some even are so experienced and focused on defense that they can stop any magic directed at them, except for some skills.”


    “Wouldn’t always using magic, even for defense, deplete your mana?”


    “No. Defense depletes very little. To a normal mage. It would take years, maybe even decades, for defense to deplete all their mana, unless an attack is directed at their defense. Defense is very important for a mage, and difficult to master. Therefore, we must learn slowly, while you learn other magics.”


    “I’m ready. Teach me.”


    Master Thul smiles. “Calm yourself. We will learn slowly. Today, you shall only learn to put a shield around your core. This will not protect you, but it is the first step to doing so. First, you know what to do.”


    I smile and close my eyes. I breathe slowly in and out. My core appears in the nothingness in my mind. This time it appears as a flame. I guess it’s used to my using it to light things up. I think of it as the marble sphere it usually appears as. I listen to Master Thul’s voice as I concentrate.


    “Imagine your core is in danger. Imagine that if you lose control of it, it will die.” I do just that, and, thankfully, it works. My core starts to pulsate energetically, and I feel a pressure inside of me. It feels like my core is about to explode. I try to calm myself, breathing slowly.


    “Control yourself,” I hear Master Thul tell me. “You must put a shield around your core, as if to protect it from whatever comes. Don’t let the feeling of danger stifle you. You must stifle it.” I focus on his voice and try to obey him. I think of a force field around my core, protecting it from any danger. I persevere, even when it doesn’t appear, because I know patience goes a long way. Eventually, my core starts to calm down, and I see something happening near it. The darkness, the nothingness, starts to bend like light would. I tentatively poke my core, but I can’t get there. I’ve successfully shielded my core. I open my eyes.


    “I did it.”


    “Good job,” Master Thul says. “This won’t do anything, but it is necessary. Learning to defend yourself will be much more difficult, but for now, this is enough. Now, I think it is time for you to break your fast.” I agree, my stomach is rumbling. I dress, and walk out of my room.


    — — —


    The cafeteria is normal. How? Are people just ignoring yesterday? I can see a few glares, some people even finger a knife as if they wish to throw it. Most just act normal, though. Like nothing happened yesterday. Like every mage was a close friend. I feel apprehensive as I eat. It feels like this peace can’t last. I look behind me constantly, expecting someone to attack me.


    “When do the tests start?” I ask Xavier as we eat.


    “The High Mages will test us each one by one any time during the day. It’s supposed to catch you somewhat off guard.”


    “I’m nervous,” Astil tells us. “I’ve never done a test before.”


    “You’ll be fine. They’re not hard, and that’s done on purpose. They just want to make sure you’re learning. As long as you’re doing that, you’ll be fine.”


    Astil nods, but his face is still clearly anxious. “I hope so.”


    To tell the truth, I’m feeling nervous too. The test is supposed to be easy, but what if I fail? What if I choke up? I try to keep calm as I eat my food, but I notice someone coming towards me. High Mage Aegon.


    “Zade Helstorm,” He tells me, “Come with me.” I feel my gut churning as I say goodbye to my friends and walk out with the High Mage.


    Once again, we take a secret passageway after we leave the cafeteria. I wonder how many there are? This is the second time that a High Mage leads me through one of these. This one is full of sunlight, and the walls are transparent. It feels eerie as I see Magefell from up here. High Mage Aegon leads me through another passageway, this one leading to a set of steel doors. He walks to the second one and performs a series of complex hand movements. The door opens and both of us walk in.


    “Sit,” High Mage Aegon says. “The test will start now.”


    I sit down, and now I don’t feel nervous anymore. Maybe High Mage Aegon did something about that? I look up at him, and he smiles.


    “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ve got this. Just show me what you’ve learned.” I nod and close my eyes, relaxing my core. It softens under my touch, and I guide it to transforming into the flame. As I concentrate, I raise my finger, and will my core there. Eventually, I look up, and there it is. The Flame Finger. I want to keep it as long as I’m able to, but I know that if I do, then I won’t have the mana to do the levitation. So I wait just two minutes, and snuff out the candle.


    “Good job,” High Mage Aegon declares apathetically. “Did you learn any more?” I don’t know if I did well or not. I hope so.


    “Yes, I did learn something else,” I respond. Once again, I shut my eyes, and concentrate on my core. Within twenty seconds, I have High Mage Aegon’s quill floating in the air. I still have trouble not losing too much mana when I do the levitation, so I let go of it pretty quickly.


    “Anything else?” High Mage Aegon asks.


    “I can put a shield around my core, but you wouldn’t be able to see that, right?”


    He smiles. “Actually, I can. Close your eyes.” I do so, and look at my core. Then I feel a presence around it. I can’t see this presence, but I can feel it.


    “I can see your core, now.” High Mage Aegon says, and I take that as permission to make the shield. I relax and imagine my core in danger. It pulsates energetically again, but I calm it, and imagine protection around it. Even though I can’t see the shield, I know it’s there. High Mage Aegon seems to feel it too, because his presence leaves as soon as the shield is put up. I look up at him


    “Good job,” The High Mage tells me and smiles. “You have passed the test. I’m proud of your progress. What level are you on now?”


    “Level 2.”


    “Good. You may leave now.”


    I bite my lip. “I have a question.”


    High Mage Aegon folds his hands together. “Go ahead.”


    “I talked to a member of the Vanguard the other day, and she said that mages killed her friend. People in the Cult of Dautha. Do you know anything about that?”


    High Mage Aegon shaked his head. “I don’t know if I can trust you with the burden of knowledge, son.”


    I narrow my eyes. “Try me. My friends almost got killed because of the Cult, and I almost got arrested for it. I know that a war is inevitable eventually. Don’t you think it’s better that I know which side I’m fighting for? Don''t you think it’s better that I know what the enemy is doing?”


    The High Mage smiles grimly. “They’re not our enemy. At least, not yet. But I understand your concern. You want to know what they’re doing. Fine. I’ll tell you what I know. I just hope you’re prepared for the consequences.


    “When the Parliament decided to hold the tournament, which I’m sure you’ve heard about by now, it was obvious that the Cult had a lot to do with bringing it about. They want to show the world their power. Their fearsomeness. The tournament is the perfect outlet for it. They’ll probably distract it or endanger it and then save it to show how Dautha is their savior. But they need the Vanguard to win, because as long as the Vanguard is a Magefell army, it’s under parliamentary law. So technically, the Vanguard is on their side, even if they don’t know it, and them winning would show even more the strength of Dautha


    “That’s why the Vanguard is the most dangerous way the Cult can fail. If the Vanguard turns against them, then they fail, and possibly turn many people against them. If Vanguard members are dying, then they oppose Dautha. Many members of the Vanguard are part of the Cult because they or their family members support the cult. If the person you met opposes Dautha, then she’s in danger.”


    “That’s horrible.”


    “Yes, it is. That’s why I have to ask you not to fraternize with the guards. You’ll just be putting yourself in danger. Promise me.”


    “I can’t.”


    High Mage Aegon sighs. “Okay. I can’t force you. But be careful. If you die, your blood is not on my hands.”


    I gulp. “Thank you, High Mage.”


    He nods, and turns to a piece of paper on his desk.


    I leave the room wanting to throw up. I need to tell Yue what’s going on. I think I owe her that at least.


    — — —


    “I want to go with you.” Xavier''s voice sounds more commanding than asking.


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    “It’s too dangerous. I don’t want you involved in any of this.” I retort.


    I’m with Xavier and Astil in the Gallery, relaxing on the couches. I took more time with High Mage Aegon than most mages-in-training do, so of course they had questions. I told them what happened, which obviously was a mistake.


    “It’s not your choice;” Xavier huffs, crossing his arms. “You already roped us into this. It’s too late. Plus, I want to help. Who knows? Maybe this is a trap, and I should be there to help you.”


    Astil nods. “Yeah. I’m coming too. And you can’t stop me.”


    I laugh. “It wouldn’t be that hard to.” He glares at me.


    Xavier snorts. “I’d like to see you try, though. You’d have to get through me first,” I make a disgusted face.


    “Ew, I don’t want to.”


    “That’s not what I meant, and you know it,” Xavier yells.


    Astil looks questioningly.


    “Be careful with the kid,” Xavier says. “He’s still ignorant.”


    “I’m not that young,” Astil retorts. “And what am I ignorant about?”


    I lock eyes with Xavier. “How does he not know about this at thirteen?” Xavier questions. Astil’s eyes widen.


    “Oh, that’s what you’re talking about!”


    “Oops,” Xavier says, shaking his head at me.


    “Hey, has anyone seen Th’ul today?” I ask, changing the subject subtly.


    “He’s at the medic ward, because of the scratch on his arm.” Astil responds. “Speaking of, I have to go back to the medic ward. Anni’s probably waiting for me anyway.” He turns and leaves. I glare at Xavier.


    “Really? You had to?”


    “You started it,” He replies.


    “I really wish Jade were here. Then I could hit you with a potato.”


    “Huh?”


    “Nothing.” I say. Xavier narrows his eyes, but ignores it.


    “I’m gonna go practice now.” He says. “I still haven’t been called for the test yet.”


    “You go do that.” I respond. “I need some rest.” I lay back on the couch, and my eyes close.


    — — —


    “You are here, because you are prodigies with the sword,” Master Frin tells the twelve people around him, including me. “I’ve been waiting a long time to be able to coach a group like you.


    “I believe that experience is the best master. Most of you have technique down. Therefore, what you need now is real practice. Every Seventh Day, you will be here and face each other. I trust that you will all fight fairly. Six of you, come over here. The other six, stand beside me.”


    It’s Seventh Day now, and I’m at the special sword training class Master Frin asked me to go to.


    I stand next to Master Frin, as do the other eleven students. When I see the person in front of me, my jaw drops. It’s the boy who tried to hurt Astil, bandage around his nose. I growl at him. He smirks.


    “How’s your nose?” I ask aggressively. He glares.


    “I will kill you. I’ll say it was an accident. Nobody will say otherwise.”


    “You really want to fight? If I remember right, last time we did, you got a broken nose. Or worse.” This time, it’s the boy who growls. “Or maybe you want a three versus one. If you catch me undefended, maybe you’ll beat me. If you do, I’m taking you with me.”


    Master Frin coughs. “Please pay attention. I’m glad you are both great friends, but I would prefer you kissed in private.” The boy flushes, and I salute.


    “Yes, sir:”


    He rolls his eyes. “Anyway, since you’ve been listening so clearly, I’d love for you to come up and show us your perfect skills. If you don’t listen to the master, that means you’re a master yourself. Zade, Raakhshas, come here.”


    We step forward, and Master Frin smiles at us. “Next time, listen up. I want a fair fight. If someone surrenders, you will stop. The match ends at first blood. Anything worse than a small cut will be punished. You may start.”


    I’m caught off guard, but Raakhshas isn''t. He attacks me ferociously, face red with rage. I''m forced to stumble back, but I can’t stray too far. Master Frin and the others have formed a circle around us. A small circle. Panic starts to build inside me. Sheer aggressiveness could win Raakhshas this fight. I try to get up, but he forces me down again. I gasp as the butt of his sword hits my wrist. Clearly, he is taking his time with this. He’s strong. I don’t know if I can fight him.


    He strikes again, this time striking my leg, bruising me. It’s just a small bruise, but it already hurts like hell. He attacks again and again, not letting me get up. I can barely defend. I don’t know how much longer I can last. My chest heaves as I breath erratically, and Master Frin steps up.


    “STOP!” He yells. “This match is over.”


    Raakhshas scowls. “But he didn’t surrender.”


    “That doesn’t matter. I—”


    “He’s right,” I say, standing up slowly. “I’m not done yet.” Raakhshas grumbles.


    “Now you let him get up.”


    “Are you sure you want to continue? It won’t be embarrassing to stop the fight,” Master Frin whispers to me.


    “I’m sure,” I nod. I’m tired, but I focus on the fight. Raakhshas attacks again, but this time I’m ready. I’m a little clumsy from all the bruises, but I stand my ground. I even have a chance of winning. My confidence surges as Raakhshas is forced to stumble back. He glowers, and once again attacks, this time even more ferociously. I block, parry, thrust. I’m sure I got this. I attack, aiming for his undefended arm. I’ve got this.


    I double over as I start to cough. My chest feels compressed, and my eyes water. My vision goes blurry, but I’m pretty sure that’s blood coming up my mouth.


    “First blood has been taken. This match is over.” Master Frin rushes at me. Raakhshas is smiling. “I’m going to need to take you to the medic ward. The practice today is over. Congratulations, Raakhshas. Next time, don’t attack a defenseless person.” Raakhshas shrugs, and Master Frin takes me away, and I pass out from the pain.


    — — —


    I wake up in the medic ward. I remember seeing Astil here. I didn’t think I would come here so fast. I always thought that if I came here, it would be to visit Astil. I try to stand up.


    “Hey!” A sweet female voice sounds from my left. “I didn’t allow you to leave.” It’s Mistress Haley, the resident nurse.


    “I need to leave!” I exclaim. “I have something at noon. It takes like an hour to get there and—”


    “You leave when I tell you to,” She responds winking.


    “Ugh, fine.” I groan. “Can I please leave?”


    “Certainly,” She responds. “I just need to give you some orders. First, be very careful. You are a little fragile right now, so take it easy. Second, your hand is a little bruised. Don’t use it a lot for the next week. Lastly, don’t come back here again!” I look quizzically at her and she smiles. “We wouldn’t want you to get hurt again, would we?” I smile and chuckle, but that was a little weird. Maybe I’m just paranoid.


    “Alright, I’ll see you around.” I stand up, and finally notice I’m naked. I scream and locate my clothes. I put them on hurriedly, trying to shield myself from Mistress Haley, who respectfully turns around. I walk out the door, face flushed, and start to head for the city center of Magefell. Hopefully, Xavier and Astil don’t find me.


    — — —


    “Wow, thank God we found you,” Astil says, breathing hurriedly. “I thought we would miss you.”


    “I hoped you would miss me,” I whisper back.


    “What did you say?” Xavier asks, chuckling.


    I sigh. “Nothing. Let’s just find Yue.”


    “Should we split up?” Asti asks.


    “No. She said to meet up where we first met, I think. It shouldn''t be too hard to find her.” Astil nods, and stays next to me warily. Xavier looks forward nonchalantly. I’m a little nervous, but try not to show it. We passed Th’ul on the way here, but he didn’t come. He was probably going to meet that waitress.


    We finally arrive at the scene of the fight two days ago. Yue’s already there, and she brought some friends. The first girl looks small and fragile, yet still strong, like Astil. Her blond hair waves in the wind. The others look tough holding their swords, clearly protective.


    “You brought others,” Yue spits.


    “So did you,” I respond.


    “True enough. You said you would have evidence or information?”


    “Wait,” The petite blond responds. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?”


    Yue sighed. “Fine. That girl,” She says, pointing at the blond one. “Is Neena. That one is Aster and the other is Alyx.” Alyx nods curtly and I respond accordingly.


    “That’s Xavier,” I say nodding my head at Xavier, “And that’s Astil.”


    “Wait, Astil? As in Artemis’ brother?”


    He sighs. “Yup. I haven’t talked to him since he got a girlfriend.”


    Yue smiles for the first time. “Yes, he’s aggravating, all right. Anyway, let’s get down to business. What’s your information?”


    I tell Yue what High Mage Aegon told me. Neena gets increasingly terrified as I continue. Is she in the Vanguard? She seems so tiny! Alyx narrows her eyes when I tell them about the Cult, and Aster tries to act nonchalantly. I don’t know if it’s just me, but she’s clearly angry and scared.


    But Yue, she has a variety of emotions that are hard to process. Most of her emotions are bottled inside, but I think I can see a fire of anger and sadness in her eyes. I notice her right hand is shaking, and she sees that too. She hides her hand, and I finish what I have to say.


    “I’m sorry about your friend. I’m here to help, Yue.”


    She nods. “I believe you.”


    “Thank you.”


    She wipes tears from her eyes. “I think it’s only fair if you get to hear our story. Let me just compose myself.”


    “I’ll do it.” Alyx interrupts Yue. “It was my sister.” Xavier looks questioningly at Alyx, and she smiles grimly. “You’ll see in a minute.”


    Alyx starts to speak, and, as her story progresses,, I feel cold and sad. The story of Diamond and Jos is heartbreaking, and I’m led to tears hearing of Diamond’s last word and Jos’ cut up pieces. I hear of how desperate they are to find answers and how Yue’s been holding them together. I hear of the Wolf’s departure and how that could be horrible. And, finally, I hear about the note Yue got, signaling her impending demise.


    “I’m so sorry,” Astil says, and I can hear how impacted he is.


    “Don’t worry,” Xavier exclaims. “We hate the Cult as much as you do, and we’ll do anything to find the killer.”


    Neena bows. “Thank you. Anything you can do will help us, even support.”


    “We’ll be watching you in the tournament,” I say. “If anyone tries anything in the tournament, we will stop them.”


    “You don’t even know us well,” Yue replies, narrowing her eyes. “How do we know we can trust you?”


    “Isn’t what we said enough? Astil has a scratch on his chest from us fighting the Cult. You saw us, Yue. I don’t really have any other evidence. I hate to ask you for blind faith, but I have to. There’s no other choice. I’m doing the same with you.” I offer my hand to her, and she recoils to discuss with her friends. I’m left holding out my hand awkwardly, as I hear them mumble and gesticulate. Eventually, they come back.. Yue speaks to me.


    “I hope you know what you’re doing. I hope I know what I’m doing too. Let me just warn you: If you’re tricking me in any way, I will cut you up, boil your bones, and throw them to the pigs.” She shakes my hand, and smiles mildly


    I cringe. “Oof. That’s a horrible thought you just put in my head. Ugh.”


    Neena laughs. “So, what happens now? Do we just go our separate ways?”


    I nod. “Yes, but we should meet each other every couple of days to make sure we’re on the same page. Agreed?”


    “Agreed,” Yue says. “Should we meet here in two days’ time then?”


    “Yes. That’s perfect” I respond.


    “We should go back, people will start to miss us,” Alyx warns.


    “You’re right.” Yue says. “We’ll see each other Second Day. See you then.”


    She waves goodbye and leaves, so me and the other guys head back to Zenyth to discuss what just happened.


    — — —


    “What did you think about them?” I ask Xavier in the Gallery.


    “They sounded sincere enough,” He replies. “They’re clearly desperate for answers. I think Aster sees us as villains, though.”


    “Why?”


    “She basically refused to talk to us. Think about it. If you lost your friend to a cult that mages started, do you think you would befriend mages, even if they adamantly proclaimed they weren’t part of the cult?”


    “I guess not,” I say, thinking hard.


    “I’m surprised the others didn’t treat us the same way.”


    “You’re right. Did you see they knew Astil’s brother?” Astil’s off with Anni, so there’s no problem with bringing it up.


    “Yeah, it seems like they all have something against him. Astil told us that he exists, but refuses to tell us anything else. Clearly, they all have hard feelings for him.”


    “You know,” I say somberly, “When I came here, I hoped I would be able to escape the problems I’d been going through. And it’s worked. I still miss Jade a lot, but, except for that, I’ve been able to leave my past behind.”


    “Your point?”


    “By coming here, I’ve somehow made my life even more complicated. In Erenfeld, about one in every three people will hate me for killing my parents. Here, I only need to take one wrong move and this cult will kill me. It feels like everywhere I am, I’m kind of an outcast.”


    “That’s why you have us.” Xavier exclaims. I cock my head at him, and he explains. “We all feel like that. Most of us, at least. I used to live in a place that hates mages. If I go back to Galacia, I’ll be shunned by everyone, including my own family. We’re all going through the same thing. And that’s why we’ve become such good friends. We may not have known it at first, but we connect through shared trauma. It’s one of humanity’s strongest links. And we have it. I know, and I’m sure you do too, that if anything were to happen to you, I’d be there. You’d be there for me too probably. I hope so. And Astil, we’ll be there for him too. I think Zenyth was the greatest place we could’ve come to, even if we’re getting in danger.”


    “You sound like Jay. You would’ve loved her.”


    Xavier smirks. “Not as much as you do.” I groan.


    “It’s getting late. I should be getting some sleep.”


    “You go do that,” Xavier replies. “I’ll wait for Astil to come back.” I nod and walk back to my room. I check the book to make sure nothing has changed, then get into bed. It doesn’t take long for me to fall asleep.