Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi (13 page)

“HOW DARE YOU PUT ME IN A GUILD WITH THAT VOID WALKER HALF-BREED!!! MY FATHER…….” Paseo screamed.

“Yes. Dare I did.” said Authore Masterson in a firm tone as he cut Prince Paseo off. “And aside from withdrawing from this academy, there’s nothing that you or Edixe Odius can do. Now your new guild’s co-captain Glover Nhore’ will happily escort you to the guild zone. Anything else?” he asked in a firm, but controlled tone.

Prince Paseo then gave Authore Masterson a hateful glare before storming out with Glover in his wake, but not before purposely bumping into Eiris on the way out. As Eiris walked up to Authore Masterson’s desk, he noticed the Turan markings showing on his exposed forearms as he sat with his shirt sleeves rolled up. Authore Masterson then gave Eiris a friendly nod and motioned for him to sit down.

“Please, have a seat.” smiled Authore Masterson.

“Thank you.” replied Eiris as he sat down in one of the chairs.

“So, co-captain? It suits you.” nodded Authore Masterson.

“Thank you. I’m sorry, but is there something I’ve done?” asked Eiris in bewilderment.

“I sure hope not.” joked Authore Masterson with a smile. “To be straightforward, I’ve watched your progress here with great pride. And although you’re but two years apart, my son Azonei looks up to you greatly. To me, that means more than mere words can express. Especially given the fact that his childhood friend Soran, died so recently in the battle of Areolus.” he said.

“I never thought I’d be someone that anyone would look up to.” murmured Eiris, more to himself than to the Dean.

“I can assure you, you are.” smiled Authore Masterson. “You remind me of your parents, especially your father. Brave, bold, and powerful. Although I can see you don’t realize it yet, like him, you’ll grow to become a great leader.”

“You knew my parents?” asked Eiris eagerly.

“Yes. They were good friends of mine. Which is why I’ve placed my son and young Prince Paseo under your leadership.” he replied.

“I’m not sure I fully understand.” said Eiris.

“I see the greatness of your parents in you. And unfortunately, the traditions of our current society are old and broken. Yourself, Prince Paseo, Princess Keznah, and countless other young royals at this academy are the future of Undaria. And they all will eventually be led by you; Eirisidae, Primary Prince of Atlantis, the Ocean Capital of Undaria. You’re as xeno and divergent as your parents were. So if we are to right the wrongs committed by our ancestors and fix our society, it will all start with you and your generation.” said Authore Masterson.

“I’m not sure I can live up to everything you’re saying.” gloomed Eiris.

“Maybe you aren’t. But there isn’t a shadow of a doubt in my mind that you’ll even exceed my expectations one day.” he responded firmly.

“Thank you for your confidence in me” smiled Eiris.

“You’re quite welcome.” smiled Authore Masterson, shaking hands with Eiris as he stood to leave.

After Eiris drove back to the Blue Storm Guild Zone, he made his way through the underwater shortcut to the Pluvial Mountains. Running up through the mountain pass, he came to the entrance of the sanctuary. Training there by herself was Dahlia, along with her Maltese tiger.

Her moves were graceful in the rain as she bonded fire and shadow. Eiris was mesmerized by the way she wielded her twin black luridium daggers. She effortlessly bonded shadow copies as her Maltese tiger Nava’ pounced on each one in a game of tag.

“That’s incredible!” exclaimed Eiris as he walked over.

“Thanks.” she smiled in return.

Nava’ galloped over and began rubbing herself against Eiris’ side and purring as he began petting her.

“You seem distracted.” Dahlia noted. “Is everything okay?” she asked.

“You don’t miss a thing do you?” replied Eiris laughing.

“Not very often.” Dahlia joked with a smile. “What’s on your mind?” she asked.

“Prince Paseo just got transferred to my guild by Authore Masterson. He seems to think I’m going to grow into this great leader. I’m not too sure I feel the same.”

“Well I do. And that captain emblem on your uniform says I’m not the only one.”

“Thanks, that means a lot. But I’m not even sure how to.” admitted Eiris gloomily.

“Then don’t try to, just be yourself. Everything else will just happen naturally.”

“Thanks. But I’m also worried about having to deal with Prince Paseo. How do you ignore him so well?”

“Just keep forgiving with a smile. That’s what my mom used to tell me. And I never forgot it.” responded Dahlia with a contemplative gaze.

“Where is she?” asked Eiris.

“She died a long time ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Eiris said softly.

“It’s ok. I learned to channel my negative emotions when I was very young. I’ll teach you that ability today.”

“Thanks, I can’t wait!”

“Good. You ready?”

“Sure.” Eiris said in anticipation.

Suddenly, Dahlia’s red eyes began glowing as she bonded a shadow copy of herself and sent it directly into Eiris. He was knocked down and got up with a playful smile.

“Learn by experience. I like it.” he laughed.

“Good. Now that’s obviously a mirrorbond. But the difference is that I used a bonding technique called
raging
to accomplish it.” Dahlia explained.

“Raging? What’s that?”

All of a sudden she hurled two orange flames at him. So he used his martial arts tricking training to evade them.

“Raging is a rare and powerful bonding technique taught exclusively at the Order of Assassins. It’s a darker form, channelled from strong negative emotions like fear, anger, and doubt. Shadows especially are the physical manifestations of negativity. The more pain you have, the more powerful your raging can be. First, I want you to let out a loud war cry as you bond.”

“A war cry?” Eiris asked sarcastically.

“Yes. The raging you see from myself and the three shadows is basically suppressed emotion, something also taught at the order. It’s more of a disguise than anything. The true power in our raging abilities comes from war crying. Try it. Think of something that makes the dark emotions well up inside of you. Like a cauldron, feel the emotions bubbling over as they overflow in an attempt to get out. Hold them back until the last minute and then unleash them through your bonding. Master that, and Reizen himself will be no match for you.” Dahlia explained.

Eiris then did exactly as she said. He thought of the intense bullying and emotional abuse he had endured growing up, making the negative feelings bubble up. He also thought about having to always hide a part of himself, which made him even angrier. Finally, he thought about his parent’s lives being cut short by the evil Lord Mordren and how much that had affected his life for the worst. When he could no longer hold the pain back, his eyes glowed purple and he let out a loud, intense war cry. He then sent two powerful blue flames at the wall of the mountain they were training on, causing a small rockslide.

“Prodigious.” smiled Dahlia.

“Wow. I’ve never felt power like this before. Thanks for showing me this technique. Your instructor must’ve been really good. What’s his name?” asked Eiris.

Dahlia immediately looked downwards, as if he’d struck a nerve. Then she suddenly began preparing to leave the sanctuary.

“That’s all you really need to know about raging for now. You’re a natural so the rest will come with time. See you around.” Dahlia said, forcing a smile as she sped off.

“See ya…….” Eiris trailed off as she hastily left.

Over the next few months, things went by fairly quick. Eiris and the others won a few more gauntlet arena matches and everyone was busy getting ready for the big Electroball competition. Dex and Kezzy were always together as they enjoyed being a couple.

“What’s up xeno?” said Kezzy.

“Hey.” Eiris replied.

“Everything okay? You’ve been a little distant lately.”

“Yeah. Of course. Just busy with my studies. How’s everything going with Dex?”

“It’s been pretty nice actually. Never thought I’d be into dorks like him.” Kezzy joked.

“Yeah. Life is unexpected sometimes.” laughed Eiris.

“Speaking of life, why haven’t I been seeing your mysterious girlfriend around much anymore?”

“Well she’s definitely not that. But I’m not sure, that’s a good question.” said Eiris.

“Yeah. Well anyways, you ready for the game later?” asked Kezzy.

“I guess we’ll see.” smiled Eiris.

“Right. Later gator.” Kezzy waved as she left the library.

Now a captain, Eiris had to get to the team Electroball meeting in the conclave room early. Already waiting there was Glover with his uniform on and helmet in his hand.

“Good evening my friend.” nodded Glover.

“Hey.” nodded Eiris.

“Are you ready to lead this team?”

“I’m not sure about leading anyone, but I promise to give it my best shot.”

“Good, we’ll need it.”

As they began discussing the game plan, more Blue Storm members poured in. Kezzy, Azonei, Dex, and the other players began to take their seats as Glover stood in his black and electric blue uniform and gave them a brief motivational speech.

“It’s good to see you all. You have been handpicked to make up the Blue Storm Electroball team and I have an unusual confidence that this team will be the best one to ever represent this guild. Now I know that’s saying a lot, but all of you are exceptional xenogeeks for different reasons and this team has as much character as it has athletic talent. The Black Horde Guild senses a defeat is nearing and that this time, unity will overcome sheer force. SO, LET’S ALL BE UNITED AND OF ONE ACCORD TODAY!!! NATURE!.................” Glover trailed off.

“........IS OUR ALLY!!!” yelled everyone in unison.

Pumped up and motivated, everyone made their way to the Electroball arena together. As the spectating crowds began filling the arena up, everyone warmed up and went over the formations together in the locker room. All of the starting sixteen were present except for one member, Prince Paseo. Filling in for the injured Lars, he casually strolled into the locker room just a few minutes before the game started. Eiris was incensed and immediately stormed over to him.

“Uh oh, this isn’t good.” said Azonei as he and the others followed Eiris over.

“I know you were late on purpose. Where were you?!” yelled Eiris.

Prince Paseo just looked at him with a spiteful glare and chuckled. Eiris could no longer hold back his contempt for him and his eyes began glowing purple. Paseo stood excitedly ready to retaliate and just before a fierce fight ensued, Glover parted the two and calmed Eiris down.

“You’re still going to be our starting sixth defender Paseo.” Glover reassured him as he slowly put his uniform on.

“This doesn’t make any sense. Why is he still starting? There are dozens of other players that can fill that position easily.” retorted Eiris angrily.

“Because, it’s necessary.” Glover calmly replied as he pat Eiris on the shoulder.

As Glover put his helmet on and led the Blue Storm out to the arena, Eiris followed him while still puzzled by what he said.

“Are you alright?” asked Dex.

“Yeah, sorry about that guys. I should’ve kept my cool.” replied Eiris as they walked out.

“It’s ok. You don’t have to apologize to us Eiris.” said Kezzy.

“Yeah, unfortunately this won’t be the first time a Turan tried to sabotage a Slyph guild.” frowned Azonei.

“Hey, let’s forget about all of that stuff. Try to focus on the game.” said Eiris.

Walking out onto the arena, they caught sight of their opponents. Wearing all black, the Black Horde looked fierce and intimidating as they took their positions and the crowds roared with excitement. As the Blue Storm all got in their positions on the arena field, Glover came over to Eiris and gave him more encouragement.

“We all need you to play with a clear head out there. Your play will dictate the outcome of this game. Lead us to victory.” said Glover as he butted helmets with Eiris and returned to his position.

Eiris then looked at and nodded to his friends in a gesture of reassurance. Speaking through the headset, Kezzy challenged Eiris with a question.

“You ready xeno?” she mocked through her helmet.

Eiris couldn’t hold back a smile as he replied, “Let’s run.”

The announcer began speaking through his microphone as he got the spectators ready for an exciting game.

“Welcome all in all, to the exciting war sport spectacle of Electroball! Today’s match looks to be a good one. Led by star drifter Reizen Demeroth and the rider duo of Reina Voleer and Drozen Eglacia, the perennial powerhouse of the Black Horde Guild faces a revamped Blue Storm Guild. Longtime leader in overall saves, goalie Glover Nhore looks to lead his team in a historic upset. So, without further ado-LET’S PLAY ELECTROBALL!!!” yelled the announcer as fireworks got the crowds up on their feet, cheering in excitement.

The beginning countdown started as the buzzer went off and the plasmaball was randomly shot at the arena ceiling, making its way around the globular arena until someone grabbed it.