Heaven Saga 1: The Lost Hero (12 page)

“I‘ve studied Commander Kivi. Not only is her size
unusual, but she carries a
rakna
blade. Is she special in some way?”

“Yes, she is special. She’s been my second for almost
seven years. As for the
rakna
blade, Kivi’s the best onboard in hand to
hand combat situations. Also, Southlanders like herself have different beliefs
when it comes to style and combat,” Valis said as they entered an elevator.

“Why do you call her a Southlander?”

“You’ve studied Kalaidia Prime, haven’t you?” she
asked.

“Yes.”

“Then you know our planet has two major continents,
divided by a small sea. Southlanders like Kivi come from the southern
continent, a harsh desert rather than the forests of the northern continent.
Most Kalaidians would think it wrong for a woman to wear a
rakna
, but
Southlanders don’t,” Valis explained.

“Aren’t you the same race?” he asked.

“Yes. But long ago, the nomads of the southern desert
held very different beliefs than those of the north. It wasn’t until a thousand
years ago the races were unified. But still, old beliefs like the ones Kivi
holds onto don’t die easily. So I let her carry a
rakna
like she wants.
She’s been that way since I met her ten years ago.”

“Valis, don’t you think I’m a bit young to jump to the
third in command on your ship?”

“How old are you?”

“I’m twenty two years old, Earth time of course,” he
answered.

She grinned. “That’s just the right age, if not a bit
older for an officer of that rank. You see, a Kalaidian year is slightly
shorter than Terra Prime’s, and your species is longer lived than mine. You may
not believe it, but I’m only twenty six year’s old, Kalaidian time.”

He looked at her closely. “Are you saying you‘re not
much older than I am?”

Valis waved her hand. “I was a prodigy in military
strategy. I graduated the military academy at the age of fourteen. I earned the
title of captain seven years ago, during the last war. Because of my aptitude
in the star forces I was given command of the Avoni. Before we split with the
main government this ship was to be the flag ship of the Kalaidian fleet.”

The elevator stopped and the door opened into another
hallway. The lighting was darker, and air cooler. Valis led him into a large
empty chamber, with tall ceilings and wide walls.

“This is the HDC. This will be your home for the next
six months. I wish you luck, and hopefully I’ll see you in four months. But
before I leave, I have something to return to you,” she said as she handed him
a data crystal. “This was found in your pocket after the last battle. I was
wondering how you came across such interesting military secrets?”

He stared into the crystal. “I fought their commander.
With his dying breath he told me the Thunder predicted my appearance, and then
he gave me the crystal.”

“He really said that?” Valis asked.

“Yes.”

“I trust you to do the right thing with the schematics
on the crystal Brian. If there’s anything you need help with, call out for me
and I’ll come as soon as I can,” she said. She turned to walk out and glanced
at him once more. “Good luck.”

The door closed behind her and left him alone in the
dark. A silent moment passed before the walls and ceiling disappeared. Looking
around him, he saw the large room he stood inside of changed into a flat plain
surrounded by jungle. The temperature and humidity rose quickly. The sky was
blue, with few clouds blocking the light. He couldn’t see a sun, but it was
brightly lit as if there was one. He glanced down at his feet and saw a
rakna
blade.

“Pick it up,” a voice said. “I want to see what kind
of skill you have.”

He looked up and saw a tall Kalaidian with dark tan
skin, bright crimson eyes, and short black hair. She held a
rakna
blade
and smiled with a wild look in her eyes. He knelt down and picked up the blade.

“I’ve set both our weapons to the blunt level; neither
of us will be injured during this test,” Kivi said. “Ready?”

“Yes,” he responded.

He charged, swinging the blade in a wide arching
slash. Kivi was surprised at his speed, but deflected the blade and sidestepped
to move in with her own attack. He was surprised when he was whacked in the
head. A moment later, Brian found he was lying on his back.

“Ouch,” was all he could say.

She stood over him imposingly, satisfied with the
result. “My assumptions were correct about you.”

Brian put a hand on his chin and felt a nasty bruise.
“And what assumptions are those?”

“You have great speed and strength, but your reaction
time’s lacking. I think you can learn to parry a little better than with your
head,” she said, grinning.

He laughed as he stood up. “You must be Commander
Kivi.”

“Yes, and I’ll be teaching you survival training and
combat skills. I’ve heard Terrans are the most adaptable beings out there, so
you’ll be getting your share of bad environments to live in for the next few
months.”

* * *

The first month of training forced Brian to endure any
climate or terrain the HDC could throw at him, as well as different atmospheres
and gravity levels. The last week was devoted to zero gravity training. The
entire time he only had contact with Kivi, although Valis and the other senior
officers often watched his training through a video feed. The second month was
devoted to learning fighting skills. He tried every weapon known to Kalaidians.
He was given a set of exoskeleton armor. He found the exoskeleton was light and
provided a massive increase in his power and speed when worn. The armor he
trained with was a generic silver color.

“What’s so special about this armor?” he asked. He
sounded like he was inside a tin can.

“The armor of a
Maigar
is much more than a
protective shell. It can generate defensive force shields, and with a little
practice, you’ll be able to use the holographic system installed in the armor,”
Kivi explained.

He flicked his wrist. A force shield surrounded him.
Flicking it again, the shield disappeared.

“I’m actually a little jealous you get to wear such
armor,” she said.

He took the helmet off. “Is there a reason why you
don’t Kivi? If any Kalaidian was to wear this armor, it should be you.”

“Traditionally, only men may wear the sacred armor of
Kali,” she explained.

“Tradition is overrated. Look at me. I’m not
Kalaidian, and yet I’m allowed to wear what you call sacred armor.”

“So, tradition isn’t important to you?” Kivi asked

He nodded. “Tradition tells us where we came from, but
by no means should it constrain us. For example, this armor and
rakna
I’m using. According to your people’s writings, these things are sacred
artifacts. But to me, they’re tools, nothing more.”

Kivi laughed. “I’ve waited a long time to finally meet
someone who understands.”

* * *

Four months passed before Valis began instructing him
on battle tactics, large scale operations, and command training.

“You’re almost as good a tactician as I am,” Valis
said as they played a game similar to chess.

“I always was good at strategy games, but I’m not sure
about actual combat situations Valis,” Brian said. He knew he was about to
lose.

“You’ll do fine.” Valis cornered his Queen. “It’s
never taken me this long to beat an opponent.”

* * *

As the final month of training began, Brian sat in the
HDC with the familiar back drop of an empty Kalaidian city. He heard someone
approaching from behind. Turning, he saw Seles. She looked the same as the
first time he met her, but he noticed she was wearing a golden bracelet and
silver anklet, showing her rank was lieutenant. She smiled.

“It’s been awhile,” he said.

Seles walked up to him. “It feels like I haven’t seen
you in an eternity Brian. I’m happy the captain assigned me as your teacher in
Novaguard scale combat.”

“I am too,” he said.  “I couldn’t help but notice your
new accessories. You must have gotten a promotion while I was in here.”

Seles nodded. “Shortly after your training started the
captain promoted me to lieutenant. I’m now in charge of the Novaguards.”

“That’s great.” He stared at her. “I’m missed you.”

They embraced. “I missed you to,” she said.

* * *

Brian sat crossed legged in the HDC and meditated like
he learned from Kivi. His body had tightened up quite a bit, being much more
toned and muscular. He was surrounded by hills and pine trees. He gazed at the
constellations of Earth with the lights of the cities off in the distance. He
heard footsteps coming from behind. Turning, he saw Kivi walking towards him
with a pair of
rakna
blades.

“I’ve never seen this terrain before Brian, where is
this place?” she asked.

“This is my home. There’s nothing like a cool summer
night and clear sky for stargazing,” he said as he stood.

“It’s beautiful.” Kivi stood for a moment and stared
into the sky.

“I don’t think you came here to admire the view Kivi.
I take it you want to test me again?” he asked.

“Yes, I wanted to see if you worked on what I asked
you to,” she said.

She handed him a
rakna
blade and stepped back.
She watched his stance closely and saw he was waiting for her to make the first
move. She obliged and came in with a light thrust. He deflected her attack and
knocked her blade back. She changed angle and slashed upward. He blocked and pushed
her back with a series of powerful slashes. She could barely hold onto her
blade when he sidestepped and knocked her sword away. He put his sword at under
her chin.

“I think I’ve won this match,” he said, smiling.

Kivi grinned. As fast as she could, she grabbed his
arm and squeezed, disarming him. As she started initiating a hold, he twisted
around to prevent her. When she attempted to hit his weak spot, he locked her
legs using his own.

Straining to breathe, Kivi gave up. “You win. Please
don’t do what you tried a while back.”

Brian released her. “You kicked me in the balls last
time I did that. I wouldn’t think rubbing behind the ears got so personal.”

Both sat down, breathing hard.

“Your training has paid off,” she said.

He looked up at the stars in the sky. “My life is now
devoted to the service of this ship. I can only glimpse Earth through illusions
now. My friends, my family, I’ll never see them again.”

She put a hand on his shoulder. “The Avoni is your new
home.”

The two sat transfixed on the stars above as the
campfire crackled and burned.

Brian came to the door to the main auditorium. He
heard the sound of music coming from inside. He stood silently and enjoyed the
sound of a girl singing a hymn he’d never heard of. He quietly opened the door
and saw an auditorium and stage. Mira danced and sang her song. She didn’t seem
to notice him walk in and continued her song for a few more minutes. She danced
in a sparkling white dress and white gloves. He couldn’t see any instruments,
she was alone. She reached the crescendo as the song ended. She posed as if a
crowd was there with her eyes closed. He walked to the stage and clapped.

“You’re early. I wasn’t expecting to see you for a few
more hours,” Mira said as she stepped off the stage and greeted him.

“That was beautiful,” he said. “I’d like to hear it
again some time.”

Mira smiled. “The song was the Hymn to Gaelic Kein,
the last
Rakna Maigar
of Kalaidia. He was a great man who devoted his
life to songs and stories, someone you’ll learn a lot about during your musical
training.”

He nodded. “I hope to learn a lot from you Mira. I’ve
never danced before, let alone sing in front of people. So let’s get started.”

She showed him the way to area behind the stage.
There, in a small room, he saw a set of exoskeleton armor. It was colored
emerald green, with the motif of a dragon. It sported a cape of a darker shade
of green. Next to it was a pair of
rakna
blades. He touched the armor
and marveled at its perfection.

“Is this for me?”

She stood next to him. “This armor is more than just
protection during battle, it contains the holographic display system for you to
use. These
rakna
blades are programmed to simulate musical instruments,
set by verbal command. We haven’t heard the music of a
Maigar
for a
hundred and fifty years. I pray you can live up to the task.”

“How do you make the background music?” he asked. “I
didn’t get the impression you were using a recorded song.”