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CCXIX. Caring
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Retribution of the Roar I. Hearth, the City of Healing
Ryder was late--again. "Geez, that guy. We even adjusted the time for him. We're going to proceed if one more minute passes and he's still not here." Hearing their trainor's irritated voice, Raeya's eyes tore away from the horizon as Leison stood and brushed off his dusty clothes. She clenched her fists, not out of anger, but because she was feeling something heavy in her heart again. No, not this time, she scolded herself. A mission was not the time and place to cry. Raeya sucked in a deep breath before releasing it slowly. She had to keep her cool. She slipped on her black leather vest that she was delaying to wear because she wasn’t really ready. Feeling its weight over her maroon shirt, it helped her shift her focus to the mission. The frown on Leison's face made it obvious that he was tired of waiting. It brought out his wrinkles that were deepening with each mission that they received. Although being in your late forties was already considered pretty old in their line of b
Retribution of the Roar II. War's Wins and Wounds
Ryder dropped by as usual. The old house hadn't changed for the past twelve months that he had been visiting. Still half-broken, still half-burnt. He twisted the door knob but the hinges creaked so loudly it finally gave up. The door just fell to the floor with a sickening thud. Aegis had been insisting the government for repairs but all they got were empty promises. Instead, they were provided a large house and property on the cliffs near the desert. The government said that the place was hard to reach and so it was perfect for a base but Ryder knew better. They just want us to be near them in case they get attacked by the rebels. Their new house wasn't bad. It was spacious and was filled with exotic furniture as their reward from the last war but for Ryder, it felt too empty. There was no longer a garden that sprouted happy memories of their fallen friends. There was already no one to cook Ngooka stew every Monday. Even their training sessions---their only time of bonding with
Retribution of the Roar III. The Early and the Late
At least Raeya’s attacks were cutting through. She thought the fight was in her favor since the Shadows were attacking in clusters. Whenever she fights them in groups, it was easier for her because she could wipe them all at once. It was her own way of conserving energy since unlike the others, she had no limitless stamina. Her own body was her weakness. Despite coming from a renowned warrior clan, Raeya was sickly from the day that she was born. She bled easily, got frequent allergies, couldn’t carry the normal weight of their clan’s sword until just recently, and was always at the last of the line during hiking or training. Still, all these didn’t stop her to become a full-fledged soldier of Aegis which she was proving to herself at the moment. After being hopeless in the last battle, she had this urge to redeem herself that she wasn’t wrong in choosing her path. For five or more minutes, it was going great. She felt like a whirlwind, twirling her bike as she decimated the Shadows
Retribution of the Roar IV. Aegis' Remaining Arms
Ryder had Raeya's left hand. She was not yet awake and neither was Leison in the other room. Their light was the lampshade on top of the bedside table. It was a good thing the second house that the government gave to them included a good infirmary. They could treat themselves here with ease and minimal supervision from the eyes of the people. If they were in a hospital right now, the outside of their room would be full of the media and wary eyes. It was what Ryder hated because no one was there when Aegis is doing their job but when they are in their weak times, all lights are suddenly upon them. It’s part of the glory and honor of being a soldier of Khenealm, Fhae often said. There, he stared at their sigils for a while. The crooked dagger on his and the black flame on hers. It meant they were under a Khenealm Contract, the one thing that always fascinates the outsiders whenever they set their foot into the land. Khenealm people, even those who were not soldiers or didn’t undergo
Retribution of the Roar V. The Dream and the Discerner
As what Raeya expected, Jin was always waiting. They were both standing on the white void, just like earlier when Raeya was about to be eaten. This power of his was something–a true gift of the Shore that only he possessed. There were others who could also open this dimension but that was all they could do. Jin was the only known one who could use it as a different solid space and include other people. "You okay now?" Jin asked. Raeya smiled slightly and nodded. To think that he still worried about her just as a true friend would after all these years, Raeya was feeling unworthy. He had been that way since they were kids. He was her original protector, assigned to her by tradition, the ancients, and the clan. She wasn’t sure how the selection process was, but one factor was because they were close in age. Jin was just a year older than her. His physique might have changed but his attitude never did. Until now, even in her sleep, he always found ways to communicate. Sweet. "Yeah, I
Retribution of the Roar VI. Old Friends; Old Challenges
Breakfast that morning was a good one. Ryder was having his favorite dark brown Khenealm coffee which had the same color of his hair, making him love it more. Seyin was back to his old self. It was like nothing happened last night. He teased, laughed, and forked everyone's food with Keyanne the only exception as she was so cautious. Rhed was pitiful since he just stays quiet no matter how many times Seyin got food from him. Aura and Nique were chit chatting and they growled in unison every time Seyin attempted. Deep within his dull expression, Ryder was smiling. How could he not? He was home. The usual buzz at the breakfast table warmed his heart and he was sure that it was not just because he was drinking coffee. Having something to return despite what the war has done to them was something that he was thankful for the heavens for. Ryder was so focused on the past that he occasionally forgot that he still had a present family. He should treat them with something. They haven’t b
Retribution of the Roar VII. The Winner
Their challenge brought them out to the front yard. "You look surprised," Seyin said in between his rugged breathing. "Were you underestimating me all these years?" It hurts to admit but yes. As far as Ryder knows, Seyin just loved to play. He would do tricks that would embarrass his opponent. He would tickle, strip clothes, put on really scary masks, threaten to spill out funny secrets and many others. But now with Ryder holding on to the fence for support, he couldn't believe that he was having a decent challenge with the same happy-go-lucky guy. His friend's weakness was hand to hand combat but the pain in his gut proved that Seyin was still training. Ryder straightened himself with a silent grunt and flexed his wrists. What would Fhae say to him if he was wincing over a little kick? "Yeah. You've never been this fired up." Ryder clenched his fists, adrenaline rushing in his veins. "But I hope you don't forget–my title is not just for show." Ryder ran towards him and let out
Retribution of the Roar VIII. Ryder's Reason
The way to headquarters was a short one. The government officials made it sure that Aegis was just near them so they could just summon them for convenience. Not that Aegis was complaining because it was what they vowed but the closer they are to the headquarters, the farther they are from the people--their number one client. They passed through the rocky mountain trail that led to around the borders of Veynstown and not a minute passed that the van didn't shudder because of the bumpy road. After exiting the town, finally, they hit the smoothly paved road towards the headquarters. It was the place where the politicians and the leaders from the different Companies met. They hold meetings on the first days of the week. Zed would also be there, in respect of his position and along with the fact that he was just brainwashed by Hearth, as well as the rest of the demanding government officials. ...unlike yours who protects the corrupt officials but can't even save a friend! Ryder clenche
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