The Guardian (Coranite Chronicles) (16 page)

Windzer choked and gagged. “Ack! Keh, keh. Euck! Easy there!”

“Tell me the truth!”

“I-I’ll tell you everything! Just let me go! I’m sorry!”

Slade released him. Windzer fell to his knees, coughing.

Slade said, “All right, let’s start from the beginning. What are you doing here? And if you lie again…I’ll make you regret it.”

Gulping air, Windzer said, “Look, I’m not their ally. I’m just an…acquaintance. When they found me in Lacuna, they wanted to use me as a decoy. They threatened to kill me if I didn’t help them.”

“Do you know where they are now?”

“I overheard them say they were going to a planet called Ixius.”

“We’re finally getting somewhere.” Slade turned to Darek. “Quick, use the ITD. We’re going after them.”

Darek raised an eyebrow. “Will it work inside this cave?”

“Don’t you know what teleportation is?”

“Not really, no,” said Darek. “I’ve only used it a couple of times.”

Slade explained, “Teleportation, whether through anti-law or electronic devices, is the act of opening up a passage that goes through Lacuna, passing through halfway between this dimension and the void. We won’t hit anything solid in either dimension. We can teleport straight through anything, including this tree.”

“Wow, that’s convenient. I didn’t know that.”

Slade grinned. “Most people don’t—even those who use teleportation for their spaceships. They have no idea about Lacuna. That’s why ships can disappear mysteriously because of an accidental slip into the void.”

Darek’s eyes widened. “And I did not want to know that…”

“Now go ahead,” said Slade. “Send us over there.”

Darek entered the destination into the ITD on his wrist. “We should be set. We’re on our way to Ixius!”

“Wait,” said Windzer, grabbing hold of Slade’s clothes, “take me with you!”

Slade said, “You’ll just slow us down.”

Windzer knelt and begged. “I don’t intend to join you on your hunt. It won’t change much for you. I just want to get off this world.”

“Well, it’s not really up to me.” Slade looked at Darek. “It’s your decision, Darek. It’s your ITD. And you know this man. I’ll trust your judgment for this one.”

Windzer pleaded, “Please, Darek, let me follow you there! Don’t you remember how I saved your life?”

Slade cocked his head. “He saved your life?”

Darek grunted, “Well, sort of…but I don’t know, it’s really confusing. I still don’t really understand what happened that day. But I guess you can say that.” Darek stared at Windzer doubtfully. “I’ll let you come with us, but only if you leave your scythe here.”

Windzer hesitated. “Why?”

“I don’t trust you. I’ve seen what you can do with that thing.”

“But…this is very important to me. I had it forged specifically for taming monsters.”

“And that’s exactly the reason why,” said Darek. “Leave your weapon—or you’re not coming along.”

“Okay, okay! I will do as you say.” Windzer reluctantly put down the scythe.

“Now then, everyone get close.” Darek started up the ITD. “We’re on our way to Ixius!”

The device hummed briefly before its lights began flashing. A hazy green light radiated all around them. A loud whirring noise came from above. Then…in an instant they were sucked up toward the sky. The green light carried them into space, spiraling into a long tunnel.

The experience of teleporting across the galaxy was just as Darek had remembered it. They didn’t need to do anything. Their bodies just floated in the stream of light as they were sent soaring through space in a shining green tunnel. While zipping along, they could see the stars, planets, and nebulas.

Darek glanced over at Windzer. The immortal seemed to be at ease. Windzer lay on his back, resting his head on his interlocked hands. Darek hissed, “How can he be so relaxed at a time like this?”

Having second thoughts on bringing him along?
Chrovel spoke into Darek’s mind.

Darek whispered, “I kind of brought him along on a whim, but the more I think about it…the more I think something weird is going on. Something doesn’t make sense. Is Windzer really the type to get pushed around? Immortals should be strong…and dangerous.”

Chrovel said
, I do sense great power within him. Also…

“Also what?”

Chrovel mused.
This may be unrelated, but I feel as though…I’ve seen him before.

“That’s impossible,” said Darek. “There can’t be an immortal as old as you, right? Didn’t you say that you died a really, really long time ago—like before this universe came into existence?”

Chrovel said,
Yes, this universe is different from the universe I lived in when I was still alive. Perhaps I am mistaken. All you humans do look pretty similar.

“I find that insulting.”

Moments later the green stream of light landed on the small planet of Ixius. One by one, they emerged from the light.

Darek was surprised to see several people standing around. Layne, the swordswoman, drew her sword. Rex, Darek’s childhood friend, stepped back uneasily. Lyonil, the ex-Judge, raised his scythe. And even Hortmel, an immortal Darek recognized, was there.

“Ah, we’ve found the whole group,” said Slade, grinning. “So this was a trap.” Slade lost his smile when he noticed Rex there as well.

“Rex? What are you doing here?”

Rex stepped back again. “This isn’t what it looks like…”

“I thought you joined the military,” said Slade.

“I did. But then a lot of things happened and…”

“I don’t want to hear excuses. Go back to where you belong.”

Rex shook his head. “You don’t understand, Slade. Give me a chance to explain—”

Layne groaned loudly. “Shut up. All of you.” She pointed her sword at Darek. “You guys talk way too much. Let’s just get this over with.” She leaped up, her sword in hand.

“Hortmel!” Windzer shouted. “We’re doing this now!”

Hortmel ran to intercept Layne. He blocked her sword with his short, thick blade.

Scowling, Layne jumped back. “Okay, what’s the meaning of this? Your job is done here, Windzer. You brought the kid—now you can go. I already told you I’ll fulfill my end of the bargain
after
Darek’s dead.”

“Change of plans,” said Windzer, smiling mischievously.

Layne glared furiously at him. “Oh, you’re going to double-cross me? Trust me, you do not want to make me angry—or my blade will quench its thirst with your blood!”

“Layne, Layne, Layne,” said Windzer, shaking his head. “You just don’t get it, do you? A lot has changed in two thousand years. When we last worked together as Judges, I was the weakest in the group. But that was before I became immortal…”

Layne scoffed, “So you’ve lived a long time. Congratulations. Too bad for you, I can still rip out your heart.”

Windzer laughed. “I guess you don’t know anything about immortals. You see, an immortal’s power grows over time. I have lived in this realm for over two thousand years—while you…you were stuck in that place where time stands still. I know you are still human, and therefore, you are
nothing
before me.”

“Is that so? Let’s see about that!” Layne charged at Windzer. Then, all of a sudden, she was rooted in place and her arms snapped to her sides. It looked like she was being restrained, even though nothing was there. “Is this your doing? You think you can stop me with anti-law?” Layne snarled at Rex, “Do something! Can’t you counter this binding?”

“I…I can’t…” Rex also looked like he was tied up. “This isn’t…anti-law.”

“That’s right,” said Windzer, snickering. “This isn’t anti-law. This is
calling
.” Windzer waved his hand across. Giant frogs suddenly became visible. A giant frog had its powerful tongue wrapped around Layne. Darek looked around. It wasn’t only Layne who was trapped by a giant frog. Rex and Lyonil were restrained as well.

“These frogs are called Gorgs. Quite useful for my purposes. Their camouflage makes them practically invisible.”

“You think this can hold me?” Layne grinned maliciously.

“Long enough for me to do this.” Windzer uttered a few words. The giant frog retracted its tongue, yanking Layne into its mouth. She fell inside its large stomach. “I have no intent of killing any of you. You aren’t much of a threat. And you sure aren’t useful.” Windzer then told the frog, “Be gone.” And just like that…the frog vanished.

“Whoa!” Darek blinked. “What just happened? What did you do?”

“I sent her away,” Windzer explained. “I don’t have the typical form of teleportation. However, I do have something similar. My power to call forth creatures can teleport them to me, or send them back to whatever planet they came from. And for the rest of you, be gone.”

“Wait, don’t—” gasped Rex, as the frog swallowed him.

Lyonil wrestled with the tongue as he was dragged into the other frog’s mouth.

Then both of those frogs disappeared as well.

Darek gawked. “Uh…well…that was…”

Slade looked exasperated. “No! NO!” Slade grabbed Windzer by the neck and lifted him up. “Bring back Lyonil so I can have my revenge!”

Windzer laughed, as he was being choked. It didn’t seem to bother him at all. “Oh, sorry, I don’t have time to play around anymore.” Windzer grabbed Slade by the arm and twisted it. Slade crouched down in agony as Windzer easily brought him to his knees. “Revenge? Really? After all you’ve been through you still think of revenge? Meaningless. All of it is meaningless. Open your eyes, young Judge. There are much more meaningful things to do in this universe!”

“Let him go!” Darek snarled.

Windzer released Slade. “Darek, why are you so angry? I just saved your life.”

Darek drew his daggers. “I knew something was strange. So what is it this time? You want to kill me too? It seems like everyone wants a chance.”

“No, I’m protecting you, Darek. Can’t you see? Those three would’ve killed you if I hadn’t stopped them.”

Darek glared at him. “I don’t buy that. You brought us here in the first place! What’s the point of bringing us into a trap, then setting us free?”

Windzer explained, “I wanted to show you something. This was the easiest way for me to lead you here.”

“You manipulate me and expect me to listen to you?”

Windzer grinned. “Exactly.” He pointed to the sky. “Well, you don’t have to listen to me. Just take a look for yourself….”

Darek saw glimmering metal objects above. Starships. Hundreds of them. There was a huge fleet of starships in space. They were large enough to be seen, even from the surface of the planet. Federation battleships.

“What?” Darek gasped. “Why is there such a huge fleet in the middle of nowhere?”

Windzer chuckled. “A fleet this size only means one thing: war. The Federation is at war. But with whom?” He paused. “Judges. If you are truly upholders of justice, you will overlook meaningless things. There are those that need your help. Should you really be wasting your time with one man?” He pointed. “Go to that moon! That is where the starships are headed.”

“You brought us here for this?” Darek studied him for a moment. “Why?”

“You don’t need to know,” said Windzer, snickering. “You just need to be a good boy—and go play your part. We all have a destiny to fulfill, Darek. This is yours.”

CHAPTER 13

The Guardian

“Admiral Halken.”

Looking grim, the admiral turned to his commander.

Admiral Halken was now in charge of a massive fleet, the greatest fleet to ever be assembled. Hundreds of silver Federation starships showed up on the main monitor, all of them scattered around a small red moon.

The monitor changed view. Bright flashes of green illuminated the space around them. Several more Federation starships dropped out of teleportation. The larger ships were massive floating fortresses.

The commander continued, “Another fleet has arrived.”

Admiral Halken nodded. “Are there more on the way?”

“Yes, sir,” said the commander. “There are still sixteen fleets in mid-teleportation. They should be arriving in a few hours.”

“What is our current number?” asked the admiral.

The commander answered, “Our fleet now contains 31 supreme warships, 97 battleships, 182 destroyers, 257 frigates, and 412 cruisers. They are in formation, awaiting your orders.”

Admiral Halken said, “We have enough. Have all ships prepare for battle. But do not open fire until I say so.”

The commander saluted. “As you wish, Admiral.” Then, putting his hands behind his back, he gave the order with a shout, “Notify the entire fleet immediately! All ships must be ready for battle! Standby for further orders!”

All the officers on the bridge glanced back at their commander, saluted him and answered, “Aye aye, sir!”

A bright green flash of light zipped past the fleet.