Novel Blood Emperor (Chapter Thirty-Three)

Chapter Nine
​

The Material Palace was located in the central section of the sect. It was the second highest building, but its grandeur was not any less. Kael glanced around, the white walls gave him a feeling of emptiness, but the intricate patterns and designs carved into the walls overwhelmed him.

Two guards watched their group. Their red armor shined under the lighting stones. Their figures were large, muscles built to the extreme. Each held a sword and small knife at their sides. Not beasts. They were fighters.

The Reigned Phoenix Sect was split into two professions. Tamers and fighters. Tamers were the stronger force of the sect, but their numbers were rare. Fighters, however, made up a large part of the sect’s population, but their strength was limited. Usually, the sect would allow everyone to take the tamer test as they wanted to take any talents they could. In the occasion that a trainee did not pass the tamer aptitude test, they were given a second chance as a fighter.

The fighter test was easy. It only needed one to be at a certain level of strength and at least beginner mastery in any weapon. Unfortunately, the sect did not provide any advanced qi gathering manuals, at least not for free. If enough contributions to the sect were made, the sect would gift them a higher manual. Most, however, only ever read the basic qi gathering methods so they tended to remained below the third fracture. Their path differed greatly from tamers which made further advancement almost impossible; yet there were exceptions.

Some had an innate talent to gather qi—allowing them to crack their core further. Others had a higher body constitution that allowed them to push forward. For example, the captain of the Discipline Hall. The most elite fighter of the sect. He was a monster at the eighth fracture and still showed signs of improvement. Two more fractures to his core and he would reach his first mending. The same rank as the Sect leader.

Kael squinted his eyes and made out the writing on their shoulder place that dictated their rank. Unfortunately, he was too far to distinguish anything. He could only sigh and glance around.

The kids huddled close with mouths agape. How many of them will graduate from their green color? Kael thought. How many would end up as tamers, fighters or worse, neither. Only beginner disciples were forced to wear green. Others were allowed to wear any color they pleased—except red, black and purple—as long as they visibly showed their status medallion. Kael sighed, looking down at his muddied blue robes and medallion then back at the stunned kids.

He remembered the way here. Dean had led them towards the central courtyard. They had stayed grouped together—quietly admiring the grandeur of the inner sect. For most of them it was their first time stepping into the inner sect. Some had even cringed back and lowered their heads when an inner disciple passed by. Surely afraid from stories they heard; that if they offended someone their lives would be hell.

It was common to hear about disciples in other sects making someone’s life impossible for petty things like ignoring them or offending them in a stupid way. Kael wondered how organizations as big as those could thrive if any person with enough status could kill as they pleased without repercussions.

The Reigned Phoenix sect, however, was not like the others. They had strict rules in place to prevent any sort of corruption. Disciples and elders alike had to abide to them; if they didn’t they would suffer punishment. There was no instance of an inner disciple or elder stopping the advancement of a disciple. They just didn’t have that amount of power. Yes, their status was higher, but that just meant that they had access to more locations and resources; nothing else. Beginner disciples were only allowed access to two of the five sections. Inner disciples had access to four and Elders had access to all five. At least it had been this way after Dean proposed it.

He noticed Dean standing next to a guard, leisurely waiting for the kids to calm down. It's probably because he is to lazy, Kael thought, and doesn't want to maintain the extra load on the formations the extra people stepping through it would cause.

Dean was the elder in charge of maintaining the formations of the sect. In fact, he was highly revered in the sect. Kael didn’t know why others held so much respect for Dean. He had bad taste in robes and at home, he always complained about his duties around the sect. He did not enjoy monitoring the formations. There were just far too many of them throughout the sect. Dean, however, would just sigh after complaining to him and say they were needed; For protection and to prevent crimes.

Kael shifted his gaze to Nar, expecting him to be as shocked as the other kids, but he was just distant.

"Hey, are you alright? You’ve been weird since we left the spring.” Kael said.

No response. Nar just stayed there in deep thought. Not even worrying about the fox squirming in the net.

Could he be worried about the test? Kael thought, or about his beast?

"Nar.” he said, placing his hand on his shoulder.

He jolted at the sudden touch and gave him a weird look.

"Don't worry about things. Everything will be fine.”

“it’s not that…”

“Once you pass the aptitude test I am sure you'll get promoted. Then we can go even further." Kael said smiling.

Nar seemed to want to say something else, but in the end, he gave a nod.

At that moment, Dean stepped forward and cleared his throat causing the few kids to quiet immediately. "Form a single line and wait to be called." He ordered. Seeing the kids scramble into a line pleased him.

"You will take your beast inside and give it to Elder Roan, he is the man wearing the blue robe. He will inspect your beast and give you the exact materials needed to form a contract with that specific beast. After that, he will give you a key to the room where you will be staying for the next thirty days."

"What!" Brin exclaimed. "No one mentioned that."

Dean looked at Brin, who stood first in line.

"Don't interrupt me." He said, raising his voice.

Brin cringed back and stayed quiet. Seeing that Dean nodded continued. "This is a new rule that the elders decided to place to give everyone the same chance. The beasts must remain within the closed off section for thirty days. If by any reason, you are discovered to have taken your beast beyond the set boundary, you will immediately fail your aptitude test."

Interesting. Kael thought, looking at Dean. He probably wants us all in one place to make it easier for himself.

"One more thing, those who didn't catch a beast will have to wait at the end of the line. Your beasts will be provided for, but they need to find adequate ones first and you will not get to choose." He said, clasping his hands behind his back and walking out of the material palace.

Once Dean left a disciple called Brin to enter. He walked proudly carrying the cage himself with a smug look on his face.

"He is so full of himself." Kael said.

"If he heard that he would send his underlings to end you."

"Who are you calling underling?" A voice sounded behind them.

Turning his head Kael frowned. "What are you doing here Levy?"

"I asked first, who are you calling underling?" he said, lowering his tone.

"We didn't call you anything. You assumed that yourself." Nar said, strongly.

Levy scrunched his face, tightening his arms, steaming with anger.

Damn. Kael thought. He sure has a short temper.

"So, Levy. Why are you back here?" Kael asked.

That seemed to take his mind off Nar for a moment. "I didn't get a beast." He said, smiling proudly.

"I don't think that is something to be happy about." Nar said.

"Well, unlike you little squirt. I don't strive to be a tamer. I will be a fighter. The best one. I will reach the first mending and prove that fighters are better than tamers." He said, standing tall and flexing his arms.

"If I were a brute like you, I would have made the same choice." Kael said. Crap. He thought. Did I just say that out loud?

Before Levy could get angry, a commotion sounded from inside.

"How did you catch this, boy!" a raspy voice said. "Amazing. This beast is not a cub anymore. You shouldn't have been able to catch this..."

A disciple closed the door, blocking the sound off, but it was too late. Everyone had heard it.

"That was to be expected, he is the best of the lot." Levy said loudly.

“Shup up Levy. We all know he got help from you.” Nar said. “That is nothing to be proud of.”

Kael looked at Nar. Why is he confronting him repeatedly? He wondered. This is not like him. Usually, I would be the one causing trouble.

Levy raised his fist, but before he could punch Nar one of the guards appeared and grabbed his fist.

“If anyone fights they will be immediately taken out of the premises. It will also result in a failed exam and expulsion of the sect.” the guard said with a powerful voice.

That made Levy cringe back and return to the front.

Kael stared in shock. The guard had moved fast, too fast. Having him so close, he finally saw his shoulder plate. Five slashes. A man at the fifth fracture.

Why would an elite fighter be a guard here? Kael asked himself. It shouldn’t be like that.

The man paced back confidently, armor clinging and boots resounding through the whole room and took his watchful position once again.

Brin came out shortly after, proud of his achievement and probably expecting the crowd to praise him. However, he was disappointed. The kids stayed quiet, scared to even breathe loudly. Brin looked at Levy for an explanation, but he just lowered his head and tried to hide within the crowd. Angry, Brin stomped his way—cage in tow—through the kids. He stopped in front of Kael and said something, but he was too shocked by the level of the guard to listen to his words. Fuming, Brin left the building.

 

Chapter Ten​

Kael was tired, dirty and his leg throbbed with pain again. It had been hours since they arrived at the material palace but there was still four of them left.

The disciple called out once again. Please call me, he thought, I can’t stand anymore. He would have sat like a few kids did in the beginning, but the disciple would skip anyone sitting and pick the next person. Kael had noticed him smile discreetly at the confused and frowning faces. It seemed he found it fun messing with people. Unfortunately, he picked the short kid without a beast. He approached quietly, but fast. There was a slight displeasure in the disciple’s eye.

Damn it. Kael thought, did he really like making them suffer? The disciple had actually been leisurely doing his job causing those who entered to occasionally get yelled at by the elder for making him wait. I should report him…

He closed his eyes and shifted most weight onto his left leg; that seemed to help ease the pain. The guards moved, their armored boots clanged and echoed through the empty hall, alerting him for a moment. They were leaving. Kael looked around and in the distance, he saw another pair of guards coming.

Changing shifts already. He told himself. Just how long have we been here?

Noticing Levy standing near the door, awaiting his turn, Kael inched towards the thoughtful Nar. "I don't feel good Nar." He whispered.

"We should have told Elder Dean." He snapped.

"Anything but that. Help me to the room on the way back. I don't think I can make it there on my own."

"Fine Kael." He said, sighing. "But promise me that if you still don't feel well by tomorrow, you will tell Elder Dean."

Kael looked at Nar for a long time trying to decide. "I promise." He finally said.

The disciple by the door called and pointed at Levy. "Your turn."

"Finally, I thought I would have to wait here for another day." He said.

This time, however, it didn't take long for him to return holding a small cage. A weak and scared looking brown rodent huddled into a ball—no bigger than a fist. Shifting its eyes at every movement of the cage.

"Damn," he said, "I thought they would at least provide for a better beast, but this is just pathetic. Just like someone." He looked towards them.

"I wouldn't have guessed that you knew yourself that well, Levy." Nar said mockingly.

Levy fumed his face turned a deep red. He approached fast raising his fist towards Nar but stopped as he heard the guards clink their boots to warn him. Levy calmed himself down and just narrowed his eyes.

Damn it Nar. Kael thought. Would it kill you not to tease him? Nar just wasn’t himself today for some reason.

The disciple came out again. This time he stood watching them and finally pointed at Nar. “Your turn.”

Nar quickly clutched his fox—sleeping after spending the afternoon being feisty—and rushed to the disciple.

"Bastard is lucky there are guards here." Levy said, glancing at Kael. "Tell him it's not over. We will see just who’s pathetic tomorrow when I beat him." With that he stomped away.

Kael wobbled losing his balance, but managed to steady himself. He closed his eyes, focusing on his heartbeat and breath; slowly drifting into unconsciousness.

"Your turn." The voice interrupted his drifting.

It was finally his turn. Kael limped forward, passing Nar on the way. He seemed a little disappointed and his eyes blank. Kael wanted to ask him what happened, but the disciple yelled again. "Hurry up. Walk faster."

Oh, now you want to rush. Kael thought, picking up the pace. I'll ask him later.

As he crossed the door the disciple angrily pushed him forward and closed the door. Kael fell hitting the floor hard. He struggled to stand as his right leg couldn't take any weight. Using his hands and tired left leg he finally stood.

Just wait until I meet you again, bastard. Kael cursed. I’ll definitely report you tomorrow.

Pacing forward slowly, Kael made his way along the narrow hallway. A few paintings embellished the hallway. The largest painting—placed on the center of the hall—caught his attention. It was a phoenix, burning bright as it perched atop the sect's central tower. Transfixed, Kael lingered his eyes on the phoenix. His soul felt drawn in to the phoenix’s eyes. They felt alive and filled with intelligence. A stream of warmness started to fill his body. Kael reached with his left hand touching the phoenix's wing.

"Boy. I know that painting is beautiful, but to spend half an hour staring dumbly at it is too much." A voice said.

Turning, Kael noticed an old man—white beard reaching his hip and long bushy eyebrows that merged with his mustache—standing next to him with hands clasped behind his back.

"What? Thirty minutes have gone by?" Kael asked. Had he really spent that long staring at the painting? It seemed like it was only seconds…

"Why would I lie boy." The man said.

"That would mean Elder Roan is still waiting..."

"Oh, he’s not waiting anymore"

"What! Did he get mad and leave?"

"He did get mad, but then he came out and noticed a kid staring at a painting."

Kael eyed the man finally noticing his long blue robe. It was indeed Elder Roan. He bowed. "Sorry Elder." He said softly. "I was just lost in the feeling of the painting."

"Feeling?" Roan asked.

"Yes, the feeling of warmth. The phoenix looking back at me."

"I'd be damned." He said. "You are the only person to feel it after your father. This is good."

Father felt this? Kael thought.

"I remember that day. He came to ask for some herbs from the elder, but ended up sitting in front of the painting for hours." Roan continued. "The next day he returned and sat in the same spot for three hours. He did it a total of five times—each lasted less than the previous one—before he stopped."

"Why did he do it?"

"When the elders asked him, he mentioned that he felt the painting held some secret and that he discovered it. The elders then tried staring at the painting for days, but no one ever felt anything.

"Finally giving up they asked him what he learned. Your father never did say. He only claimed that if he said anything he would lose the knowledge. The elders grew angry and thought he had pranked them. In the end, he was punished for three months." Roan said, laughing. "Maybe it's destiny that you could feel it too. Or you are just pranking an old man. Like your father did."

"Elder, I wouldn't d-"

"Come on now let’s get you those materials for your beast and fix that leg up." He said, turning around and pacing towards the door at the end of the hall.

"How did you know?" kale asked, stunned.

"Boy, Dean cares for you more than you think. He told me to help you once you were called in. Also, it’s stupid to think a master at their first mending wouldn’t notice the wound."

Kael stood dumbfounded. Dean was at his first mending? Impossible, that would make him on par with the sect leader.

“I take it that you didn’t know about his true strength.” Roan said. “He probably doesn’t want to know as he was helped by your father with his dying breath.”

“F-father helped him?”

“it was the last thing your father did. I was there. He did it as a gift for their friendship and for you. He wanted to leave someone to protect and care for you.”

Now that he thought about it. Dean always looked at him with so much care. Even today he glanced at him expectantly. I'm so stupid. Kael told himself, feeling his eyes begin to water. Dean knew about the wound, but waited for him to tell him. To trust him. Kael sighed. I'll tell him what happened and apologize when I see him.

Roan smiled at put his hand on Kael’s shoulder. “come on boy. Let’s tend to those wounds.”

The strong herbal smells burned Kael’s nose every time he breathed. His eyes watered and his throat hurt.

“You’ll get used to it.” Roan said, unaffected. “Now sit and let me take a look at that leg.”

Kael sat. Roan poked at his wounded leg causing a shock of pain. He winced at the sudden pain. Then watched Roan frown as he removed the cloth, uncovering the wound.

“Boy, how in the heavens did you get this wound.” He said, shocked. “This is worse than I thought. How were you even standing and walking?”

Kael stayed silent and looked at the wound. It looked worse than back at the spring. Probably because of all the standing.

Roan rushed to his study and brought out a colorful cluster of herbs and proceeded to crush them.

“So, are you going to tell me how you got this wound?” he asked.

“I-I just fell.”

“Boy,” he sighed. “Don’t lie to me. If you don’t want to tell me just say so.”

“Sorry, Elder.” Kael said, lowering his head.

“I must say, you did a wonderful job applying first aid to the wound.” He said, lifting his eyebrows in praise while cleaning the wounded leg of old herbs. “The choice of herbs, the ratios of the mixture and the application area all perfect. Have you ever considered training to be an Herb master?”

“I didn’t do it. It was my friend Nar. He came in just before me.” Kael said then remembered. “That’s right. What happened? He seemed down after leaving.”

Roan stopped applying the herbs then sighed. “That boy…he wouldn’t listen to me about that fox. He was adamant on taming it. If I knew he had this much talent in herbs I would have offered him more help. Even taking him as my apprentice wouldn’t be so bad.”

“Something was wrong with his beast?” Kael asked.

“Yes, that fox. Something is not right with it. Those black feathers of it aren’t normal and its personality isn’t any better. I think that boy will have a very hard time bonding with it. Could you tell him to reconsider and come see me again? I can bend a few rules if I take him as an apprentice.”

“Sorry. I don’t think he will agree to changing beasts. Plus, I don’t think Elder Norman would allow that. He already has his eyes on making him his apprentice.”

“What? That bastard.” Roan said loudly then sighed. “Can you still try to get him to change beasts? I’d hate to see a talent like him fail.”

Kael stared at Roan, who seemed to give up the apprentice part at the mention of Norman, and nodded. He smiled and continued to apply the herbs. Finishing, he got a clean set of bandages and wrapped them around the wound.

“Try walking.” He said.

Kael got up and walked about slowly. The pain was gone and he could manage a straight gait.

“Thanks.” He said, smiling and bowing.

“Don’t thank me boy.” He said, laughing. “Thank Dean. He was the one who asked me to do this. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have. Now I should warn you to keep off that leg as much as you can. If possible don’t walk on it for a week.”

“Yes. I will be sure to do that.” Kael said.

“Now, let’s look at that beast of yours.”

 

Chapter Eleven​

Kael took out the rabbit from under his robe and handed it to Roan. He was amazed. Immediately, he began to examine its features. Opening the rabbits mouth, he looked inside—counting its teeth—and wrote down notes on a blank sheet. He continued this way for a while, taking samples of its hair and blood.

"Where did you find this beast?" Roan asked, putting down his pen.

"In the forest."

"Boy don't lie. This species is not found within the forest."

"I did find it there." Kael insisted. He didn't mention the portal or the yellow side for it would only be more difficult to explain things.

"Could it be a mutation then?" Roan muttered. "No, there isn't any record suggesting a normal rabbit could mutate in such a drastic way…"

He went back into his study and brought out an old golden book. It was massive. It probably has thousands of pages. Kael thought, trying to peek at the pages as Roan flipped through them. Even at the fast speed which Roan turned the pages, Kael managed to make out several drawings of beasts. Beasts he’d never seen before.

Roan finally stopped on a page and handed the book to Kael. "Look boy, this rabbit is very similar to this species."

The Sepir Rabbit, Kael read, is usually found in the Snow mountains of the Laros Continent. It thrives by gnawing at the ice glaciers hence its typical blue hued hair. There have been reports of a similar breed—its hair tinted red—that feeds on crystals created near lava. They are located deep within the Laros Mountain Range. It is believed these two species have a common ancestor...

The book continued on and on about their similarities. Kael's eyes finally read the last part. The Sepir Rabbit and its cousin, Sepira Rabbit, are very docile and weak creatures; there unusual color made them a commodity and usually, made into pets for kids. There was one recorded case of a tamer obsessed with the sepir species. He even forced a Sepir Rabbit to reach its second fracture. This specimen, however, was selectively bred and fed multitudes of precious herbs over the course of three years; it died shortly after from explosion as its body could not properly maintain the amount of energy. Concluding that this beast is unsuitable for taming or training.

The final words caused Kael to frown. It's not a strong beast? He thought. Then why did it come from a portal? How is it still alive? Kael didn't want to believe that he had placed his life in danger for a useless rabbit. It just couldn't be real.

"It is unfortunate." Roan said. "But I can provide you with a different beast to tame."

It sounded tempting. Kael looked at the sleeping rabbit on the table. He sighed, giving it one last glance. Well, I guess that was that. He told himself.

"Elder I wish t-"

A light flickered from the rabbit's scar. Shocked Kael went closer to it. It flickered again then dimmed. That wasn't normal. He smiled.

"Elder I wish to keep it." He said. "I will tame and train it."

Roan shrugged. "It's your choice boy. However, there won't a reissue of materials or a change in beast provided. So, you only get this one chance to change your mind. Make a wise choice."

Kael shook his head. "No, I want this one."

"Alright.” He sighed. “Give me a moment."

Roan went back into his study a light flashed several times followed by a high pitched rhythmic humming. He then came back out holding a bag and handed it to Kael.

"These are the exact materials needed to create and activate the contract circle. Do you need me to explain which one to use?"

Kael shook his head as he took the bag. It was heavy. He opened it and look inside. A red bottle, a blue stone and several herbs were contained inside. The standard materials for a contract circle.

"Elder, how is this tailored for rabbit species?" Kael asked. He had read that each species needed a special item acting as a catalyst for the species, but in his bag, there was none.

"Oh, that is right. You wouldn't know. The Sepir is one of the few exceptions to that rule. Tamers still don't know exactly why, but only the three basic materials are needed to form a successful pact."

Nodding, kael brought out his journal and made some notes on the last empty space. Roan smiled as he watched him.

"Elder," Kael said, looking at the massive book. “May I come and study from this book."

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that." He said, sighing. "The only reason I let you read part of it was because it was related to the beast you brought. Otherwise, you would have to have the status of an elder to be able to study from it." He said and closed the book.

Kael frown, his gaze lingering on the book like it was a treasure. "Well, can I at least come and look at the painting?"

"That old thing? Sure, knock yourself out boy. Just don't block the hall or try to sneak further in."

"Thanks elder." Kael said happily. "I'll come by tomorrow to study it."

He grabbed the rabbit—placing it inside his robe—and bag. He gave a small bow and turned to head out.

“Wait. I almost forgot.” Roan said, reaching into his robe. “Here is the key for the room you will be staying in for the duration of the binding process.”

Kael took the small iron key. Feeling its cool surface and simple shape. “Thanks elder.” He said, bowing and leaving.

His footsteps echoed in the narrow dimly lit hall. He unconsciously tightened his fists. The hall seemed lifeless. Even the painting didn’t give off any type of feeling. He gave it one last look before promising to come tomorrow and continued on his way.

The disciple was gone from his post. Only the two guards stood—watching over him as he left the building.

It was dark. The moon was high up and only several lamps illuminated the lonely night. Kael stretched himself and looked around for Nar. After a short while, however, he found out that Nar had not waited for him.

It’s not like him. Kael thought. Nar never breaks his word.

He wondered if it had something to do with the disappointed look he had when he passed him or the fact that he had taken well over one hour to get out. He sighed and walked. I’ll ask him tomorrow.

Suddenly, he spotted a figure in the distance. Shining bright red under a faint lamp. Dean.

Taking a deep breath Kael approached.

"Sometimes I wonder if you hate me, Kael." Dean said, looking up at the stars.

Kael trembled. "I don't." He said his voice shivering.

Dean looked at him. "But you don't trust me. If you did you would have told me about your leg."

"It's not that..."

"Than what is it Kael?"

"I thought you would get mad at me."

"Of course, I would." He said as he kneeled down "but only at first. I would have helped you. It hurt me that you didn't tell me you were wounded."

Kael looked down. "I'm sorry, Dean."

"Promise me if something like this ever happens you will tell me." He said. "You are the last thing your father entrusted me with, before he passed. I can't fail him. Not again."

"I promise." Kael said, hugging him. "I promise to tell you whatever happens." Tears ran down his face as he held onto Dean.

A short while later he finally let go. Dean seemed different. He no longer looked stupid in those bright red robes.

“Well, I must be leaving.” Dean said, standing. “I need to rest for tomorrow.”

“Dean, can I have Leggy back now?”

“You can’t.” he sighed. “Not until after the aptitude test. You need to focus on one beast.”

“I can manage two. I ca-“

“Stop Kael. It’s the rules.” He said firmly. “plus even if I give her back to you, you wouldn’t be able to interact with her.”

“What! Did something happen to her?”

“Nothing bad. She just formed a cocoon around herself and is sleeping. I asked Roan and he said she is probably undergoing a maturation process.”

Maturation? Kael wondered. Is that why she had been sleepy and curling into a ball so often?

“I understand. Dean.”

“Don’t worry, you will get her back. It’s only thirty days.” Road said, patting his head. “Now go to your assigned room and rest.”

With that he headed off into the darkness leaving Kael alone.


##


Kael used his key and opened the door to his new room. It was plain. A wooden room large enough for one person. Only a small bed, a cage and a desk furnished the room. He sighed. Compared to his room, this was empty. He set his things aside, placed the rabbit in the small cage in the room and laid on the bed and tried to sleep, but his mind kept returning to the rabbit. His eagerness got the better of him and he read from his journal.

Reading the steps to create the circle and memorizing the actual circle, tracing the lines with his index finger. After many times, he finally opened the bottle with the red paste. It was gooey and viscous, but Kael ignored it and drew the circle on the floor. Next, he carefully placed the herbs in their position, they would provide additional energy and reinforce the bond once it was complete. Stepping back, he looked at his work and smiled as he compared it to his notes. Not a single mistake in sight.

Kael set the rabbit in the center of the contract circle and stepped back. He was nervous. It was the first time he would actually try to bind something. Doubt bubbled in his mind. What if he couldn't do it? What if he had no aptitude for taming?

Get a grip of yourself Kael. He told himself. You can do this. It’s just like you read and practiced a thousand times.

The sect made every beginner train their qi control daily. they would be given a ball with many patterns engraved in it. The task would be to light up the patterns in a certain way, with qi of course. It was hard. One had to have extreme control over his qi to do it. It would have been simpler if they were at their first fracture, but the sect prevented any disciples from cracking and expanding their core before they went through a test. Something to do with discovering which path was the correct one to follow and that it would be more effective to fracture your core once you had great qi control. They even set a rule that if anyone fractured before the elders deemed it time to do it, they would be expelled; it had happened to one kid about six months ago.

Kael shook his head and focused. He grabbed the blue Link stone in his right hand. He took a deep breath and placed it on the edge of the circle. Can I really do it? He asked himself. Maybe I should practice a bit more.

A second voice trailed in his mind. Kael, you can do anything if you try hard enough. His father’s voice. Just believe in yourself. He gave his father’s journal a quick glanced then smiled. Refocusing his mind, he controlled the energy in the stone. It glowed blue.

The binding had begun.

 

Chapter Twelve​

Darkness.

It was all Eztli could see. He drifted for what seemed like an eternity with only his own mind as company. What had happened? Was he inside the body and was just adapting to it? Or worse. Was he dead? The questions kept on repeating themselves over and over until there was only one left. Am I dead? He thought, springing up more questions. Did the experiment fail? It wasn’t possible. He had been sure of that. All the experimental trials had succeeded—after the first few hundred—and his mastery over the soul was near perfect. There was just no way it could have failed.

As he continued in deep thought the world of darkness lit up-faintly, but it lit up. The source was him. To be more exact his soul. Finally, Eztli yelled to himself. Something I can grasp. Having sense his soul meant he was alive. He focused on his Soul Energy—trying to manipulate it. After several tries he had full control over it. He sensed the darkness and to his surprise he was trapped a strange barrier surrounded him and prevented leakage. He examined it for a long time, but found no symbols or runes anywhere on it.

Just what the fuck is this barrier? Eztli wondered. No runes meant nothing supported the barrier. Yet, as he tried to sense past it, he was rejected. This is not possible. It broke everything Eztli knew about formations. It seemed to perfect; too natural.

Shaping his Soul Energy into a drill he tried attacking the barrier again, but only the tiniest sliver passed through the barrier. Not enough to sense the outside world. Increasing the amount of energy, Eztli formed another drill and shot it. This time, a sliver managed to pass through, but as if the barrier was alive and strengthened—rejecting him. Any tries thereafter were utter failures. The barrier had become stronger.

Eztli was now stuck waiting. He sighed. This is not how it was supposed to be. He thought, then started meditating.

A while later a strange blue energy broke through the barrier, disrupting him. Before he could try to examine the outside the barrier closed—forming a perfect tunnel for the blue energy.

What’s going on. He thought, wary of the energy. It was weak, but it managed to break through a barrier that even he couldn’t. The flow of energy intensified and formed a huge sphere in front of Eztli.

Cautiously, Eztli took a strand of his soul and probed it. The soul pierced through the sphere—going inside—but never returned. Fuck. Eztli curse. As if on cue, the energy sphere burst and engulfed him.

Trapped inside the blue energy, Eztli shrank his soul as much as possible. He didn’t want to touch it, lest it swallowed his soul. A few seconds later the energy transformed. Slowly, runes formed and shaped the energy into…shackles. They approached Eztli.

Once the runes formed, Eztli finally knew what the energy was. It was a binding. I can’t believe this. He laughed at himself. I was scared of such a weak binding. He focused, and recalled the energy he probed it with before. Immediately, one shackle shattered. Turning the soul strand around he attacked the other shackles. The strand passed through all of them in an instant, even breaking the main rune.

Who would have the audacity to try and bind me? He thought. And with such a low-class binding at that. Rhett and Wes should be guarding him. Unless it was a prank by them Eztli saw no other explanation for the barrier and the binding.

"What the-" a voice rang through the mending hole in the barrier.

Fuck, he cursed. What was that? It was a voice he never heard before. It worried him. what was going on outside? And with him? Suddenly, a small pulsating light appeared near him. It became brighter the more he focused on it. He concentrated on it until it burst. The particles floated chaotically in dark space then slowly rearranged into a figure. Rhett.

Not the usual happy Rhett, but an oddly bent and withered Rhett. The image even struggled to stand. Its twisted limbs looked barely enough to support his weight—if it had any. Eztli knew what it was; it was a Soul Message. A Soul Message could be placed inside things like weapons, artifacts even people. As they were weightless and ethereal. They could even be made to only open after a set amount of time or until certain conditions were met. But one thing remained certain, the image formed by the message always maintained the appearance person had the moment they recorded it.

What happened to you Rhett? Eztli asked the image, looking at his sunken eyes knowing it was a one-way message and he couldn't truly ask anything. He could only listen.

“Master I have failed you.” Rhett said. “I was unable to complete the transfer in time. Wes...he betrayed you.”

Eztli's eyes went wide, filled with shock. No…that can't be true. This has to be a prank. The twisted image of Rhett clearly refuted that as he couldn’t have hurt himself in such a severe manner for a prank. But Eztli chose to ignore that.

“He tried to lure me to his side with lies. Saying that you were a shell of what you once were. That your reign was over and that it was time for a new Blood Emperor. He wanted the immortal body for himself.”

Eztli struggled to take it in. I changed? He wondered. His soul shook and changed color as uncertainty filled him. No, I’m still the same as I always was. The darkness turned blood red as he thought of the betrayal.

“Master, Wes has surpassed your arts. He took control of the Blood Guards. That is how he managed to break the lab barrier and surround me.”

No, no no. When and how did he do that? Eztli knew was a genius but to even think that he could surpass him and betray him. He laughed at his foolishness. I should have seen it coming. Wes had been acting strange. He showed more interest in the immortal body and asked questions. Eztli was blinded by his pride in him and took it as Wes trying to help him succeed. He looked at Rhett's image and his soul trembled.

“I managed to escape him master. There was a particle wide crack in the void stones. Using my life force, I managed to teleport to safety. That is why I look like this, but I saved you.” Rhett smiled happily.

That smile broke Eztli. Even though all that Rhett still cared for him. He approached the distorted image, rubbing Rhett's hair. You did all that for this old man...

“Unfortunately, I couldn't find another vessel in time so I had to place you inside the Sepir Rabbit.”

That last bit stunned Eztli’s soul, almost shattering. He looked up at the barrier. Being placed in a non-human body would have caused the soul to be rejected. He thought. That would explain the perfect barrier. I would need to change my soul in order to adapt to the body…

“Master.” Rhett said, breaking his thought process. “I'm dying, but at least with my death Wes won't get your immortal body. You are safe from him as I also managed to throw you into a spatial rift.” The image began fading. “Master thanks for all those years of happiness you gave me. They were the best. I don’t know where you will end up master, but I hope you can live a long life and figure a way to escape your current vessel.”

The image dispersed into particles. There was no way Rhett died. Eztli thought, his gaze lingering with care on the fading light. He must have survived. Wes would have saved him. If he wanted the body. He stared at the emptiness. Thanks for this chance Rhett…I will make full use of it.

Changing his state of mind, he focused his soul on examining the barrier. Finally, grasping a bit of information, he molded his soul to fit the configured body. It helped that Rhett had mentioned he placed him in the Sepir Rabbit. It didn’t take long until his soul escaped the barriers hold, entering the body. Carefully, Eztli continued to merge with his new body until he was more or less in control. It was still in an early stage and if he actively focused his mind the speed of merging would increase, but that was far from ideal. He needed to know where he was.

Opening his eyes, he saw the contract circle underneath him. This isn't right. He thought studying it. No. This is definitely not right. The contract circle was formulated for a beast. He was human. Even though Rhett had told him everything; Even, after he adapted his soul to fit a Sepir Rabbit’s body; he still had the slight hope that everything was not real.

He looked down, taking a look at his body and that hope began to shatter. No! He yelled inside. No. This can't be happening. I should be in my immortal body. Be reigning over my empire. Not this.

He closed his eyes convincing himself that it wasn't real. It's just a hallucination, a side effect of the soul transfer. He repeated in his mind. When it's complete I will wake up in my new, young body. He closed his eyes, picturing himself awakening, but it was all for naught. His hope finally shattered and reality sunk in.

He was inside a rabbit.

He was not immortal.

Despair and grief filled him to the core. All those years wasted. He cried to himself. All the struggle. All the plans I had for the future. Everything is gone. No…it was taken. The grief turned to anger. Damn it Wes. You will pay for this. I will get revenge. Just wait. I will rise again and end your little farce at playing emperor. I will show you just how wrong you were. I am the only Blood Emperor. His eyes burned with fury and coldness.

Eztli urged his new body to stand. He needed to start raising his strength for he had much to do. Fumbling forward he stepped out of the contract circle's boundary. A few steps ahead lay an unconscious boy. The voice I heard earlier. Eztli thought. The one who tried to bind me.

The boy wore muddied blue robes. His red hair dulled by mud. He looked like a beggar. Well I should at least be able to extract some information from him. He approached the boy and placed a paw onto his forehead. Closing his eyes, he started his Binding Blood Art.

Nothing happened.

He tried again, but the result was the same. This body never trained in qi. The realization kicked in. I don’t have any of my arts. No strength. He cursed his fate once more. Even if he had been transferred into a beast. It had to be one with no qi. He sighed. Well, looking at it in a positive way. I have a blank slate and knowledge I didn’t have before. Meaning I could increase my strength, until I can find a suitable replacement. The plan began formulating in his head. For now, I could try and use my Soul Energy to sense something from the boy’s soul.

Placing his paw on the boy’s forehead once more he will his Soul energy into him. The boy shot awake and stared at him. Damn it. Eztli cursed. He woke up.


##


Kael rubbed his throbbing head. Something had gone wrong with the binding and he suffered heavy backlash. He staggered to a stand and fixed his eyes on the contract circle. The rabbit was gone.

Quickly, he glanced all around the small room. He finally spotted the rabbit by the door, trying to escape. Kael lunged at it, but the rabbit managed to hop away sluggishly. It struggled to stand and then plumped down on the floor.

Carefully, Kael picked it up and placed it inside the small cage. He went to his journal and went over the notes again.

“What happened?” he mumbled to himself. “Why did it fail?” He retraced the circle—line by line—and checked the position of the herbs. It was perfect, but somehow still failed.

“Did I make a mistake in controlling the energy?” he asked himself, grasping the Link Stone in his hand.

He practiced controlling the energy inside as he was thought. The energy seeped out the stone forming a pattern in the air. A short while later it was complete, but as there was no circle the energy went back into the stone. Kael didn’t make a make a mistake in his practice, so he convinced himself that his eagerness probably caused him to lose control when performing the real binding.

Kael glanced at the cage, the rabbit seemed to stare back at him. “Well, I will just have to try until I get it right.” Kael said, smiling. “No matter how many times I fail.”

 

Chapter Thirteen​

The room was a mess.

The boy sunk once again unconscious. Eztli was getting tired and frustrated of the process, yet somehow still found the situation funny.

He was the ruler of the world and now here he was, sitting in a metal cage screaming at a boy throughout the night. Cursing him. Wishing him dead. At one point in the night Eztli grew tired of all that and started giving the boy pointers. Explaining how to counter his own attack and prevent the binding process from failing—not that the boy understood any of it. After all, he was a rabbit now—an angry one.

He could imagine how nonsensical it would have looked if he waved his fist, or rather paw, in the air. He would have loved to see the kid's confused face. It would at least take his mind away from the betrayal, anger and sadness he currently felt. Unfortunately, that was impossible. His soul was still adapting to his new body structure. He could move, but was limited to simple and slow movements.

Eztli gave up squeaking and shrieking as his throat hurt and he had grown very tired. His body refused to listen to him any longer and his eyelids felt like they weight a ton. Probably caused by his soul changing. However, he forced himself awake and sat in the cage, trying to make his eyes look evil as he stared at the boy.

He's waking up again. Eztli thought, sighing. I hope he stops. The boy had kept this going all night. Every time he failed the backlash caused him to pass out, but as soon as he awoke he tried again. it was getting to him. He barely fought him off last time; he was losing his soul energy too fast. He needed rest. Bah! Who I'm I kidding he will probably do it again. He's persistent. I could give him that.

"Just what am I doing wrong." The boy said, rubbing the back of his neck. He studied a journal for some time and then moved his cage, analyzing the circle. "Everything is perfect. And I almost succeeded this last time. So why isn't the link being established? Why?"

It is perfect and the link is getting stablished. I'm just breaking it before it completes. Eztli mocked, giving a faint squeak, trying to stay awake.

The boy turned his head making eye contact with him. "What are you? The fact that this circle is not working means that you are probably not a rabbit, but something else. Maybe what Roan said about mutation…could that caused the normal contract circle to be unsuccessful?"

Finally! Eztli said. Will you stop trying already kid? I’m not a stupid rabbit. This circle will never bind me.

"Ok. Let's try it one last time. If it doesn't work I'll have to go research in the library. There has to be some sort of records about strange mutations…” the boy said, gabbing the link stone again and pumping himself up. “I can't fail this test. I can’t let dad down."

Heavens kid! Just stop. Eztli bellowed, his throat hurting again.

The kid placed the cage back inside the circle and sat back. Grasping the link stone he pressed it against the outer layer and controlled the energy within the stone through the patterns.

Perfect execution. Eztli couldn’t help but praise. The kid had talent. Seeing him perform the ritual countless perfect times urged Eztli to just let the boy bind him. Then at least they would be able to communicate, but his pride wouldn't let him—the Blood Emperor—be bound to anybody. He ruled over the world and was at the peak of binding, not even needing a link stone or contract circle; just his Blood Arts. Former peak. He reminded himself. Wes has risen beyond you.

He sighed, feeling the shackles around him, he once again broke them. The boy gave a grunt and flopped to the ground like a rag doll, unconscious.


##


Kael's head ached as he swam in the darkness.

Failed once again, he thought. Slowly he regained his senses—one by one—beginning with hearing, ending with touch.

Opening his eyes, Kael glanced at the rabbit. He sat there staring at him as if he was intelligent. Sometimes during the night, he had felt that it was somehow mocking him. At others, he felt that it was sad, angry and annoyed. But that wasn't possible. No one could feel what a beast thought if there was no link. Not without a complete link. He rubbed his temples. Maybe all this fainting, he thought, is causing me to imagine things.

He held the link stone in his palm. It still held energy. Kael had read about how link stones would remain filled until the contract is complete no matter how many times it was used. Something to do with the stones properties that sucked the energy back inside if a strand was left unbound. At least I figured it is really true. He thought, sighing.

Standing up, Kael left the stone on the desk. He opened the door and stopped to look back. I could have sworn I heard a voice right now... He muttered under his breath. He shook his head and closed the door.


##


Damn! I thought he would never leave. Eztli said, watching the boy go towards the door, but awkwardly he stopped and looked back. No don’t come back. Just leave. Fortunately the boy just shook his head and left. Eztli sighed in relieve. Now I can escape.

He closed his eyes focusing on his mind space—an inward world created when one reached a high level in cultivation. It would expand the more you understood about your soul. Eztli’s was the size of a whole world. Now, however, it was reduced to the size of a small house. He sighed at the extreme changes. All because of my soul needing to adapt. He thought and began examining the small glowing light in the center—his soul. It had shifted its form to that of a fuzzy rabbit—giving off dark red light. The merging was almost complete, meaning that he would regain full control and finally be able to gather qi.

A sudden shock passed through him giving him a slight boost of energy. Washing the previous tiredness away. Finally! He thought, opening his eyes. It feels like I am in control again. I wonder how strong this rabbit really is.

He willed his mind to move qi. Nothing happened. He did not feel anything. There really is not a strand of qi inside. He thought. Well, I’ll just have to gather some.

Eztli relaxed his body, steadied his breathing and focus his mind on absorbing some qi from the atmosphere. Particles of light became visible. They danced chaotically in the air, swirling about. Their colors colliding and merging.

Focusing on a few of them, he willed them to merge into a strand. The ribbon of light kept growing as it swallowed the nearby qi particles. Reaching a comfortable size, Eztli finally guided it into his body.

It went inside—passing through his vessels—but his body rejected it and pushed it out. Unbearable pain coursed through Eztli and he convulsed slightly. What the hell was that? He wondered and tried again. This time he used his soul to hold the qi in forcefully. The pain was greater this time. His whole body convulsed and contorted, but Eztli still held on to the strand. It wasn’t until his body expanded to twice its size that Eztli finally released the qi.

Any longer and I would have exploded. He thought, trembling as his body collapsed. He was exhausted. Why can’t I gather qi? Despair stabbed his heart. It was over. No qi meant no Blood Arts. No strong body. No revenge.

Fuck! He cursed. Just when I was thinking I had a chance to return. My body can't handle qi. It’s like those people who change arts. That sparked his muddled mind. Wait. Damn it. Of course! He had been trying to cultivate as if he was in his previous body. As if he was at the peak again. That was his mistake. This body hasn't even refined its blood so of course the Blood Art Cultivation won't work.

Quickly, he recalled the early parts of his Blood Art. He had been too eager and blinded by his lack of power that he almost caused his own death. It would have been a laughable end. He just needed to be patient and refine this body before gathering qi. He smiled.

I will rise again.

 

Chapter Fourteen​

Fog lingered in the shadows hiding from the rising sun as Kael paced through the maze of wooden shacks. His room was located on the far south end of the circular area. Away from the other buildings. It was as even fate tried to separate him from the other kids. He sighed and picked up his pace. The library was located on the north end and the fastest way to get there was to head straight.

Soon, the sound of rhythmic grunting and screaming flowed into his ears. Curious, he followed the sounds into an open area—the training ground.

Kids ran and bellowed out commands to their beasts. Kael was amazed that they were out this early in the morning. He wanted to rush forward and join them. He longed to be part of the group. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the opportunity to do so. Not until he took care of his problem.

Sighing, he forced himself to walk to the library. The faster I get this done, he thought, the faster I get to be out there. His gaze landed on the crowd of sweaty and dirty kids. Suddenly, a chilling laugh resounded through the area causing a shiver to run down Kael’s spine. He knew that laugh too well. It was Elder Sal’s.

Taking a quick glance, Kael noticed Brin standing amid the center his wolf at his side. Unlike yesterday, he wore grey robes—that accentuated his skeletal face and made his hair seem like a shining sun—making him seem evil. Shocked, Kael continued to look for Sal, but he was nowhere. Then Brin laughed.

It was the same eerie dark laugh he heard before. Surprise filled Kael’s face then quickly faded. Brin looked and sounded more like his father. The change was too drastic. In only one day he changed his demeanor completely. It wasn’t normal.

Then Kael noticed Brin’s beast. It looked at least one time larger than yesterday, more vicious too. Its snout snarled and foamed as it stayed in an attacking posture. Unconsciously, Kael tensed his body. His mind merged the image of the wolf that attacked him the day before. How did he get it so big? Kael thought, still stunned.

“Mutt get back here now.” Brin commanded his wolf.

Amazingly, as soon as the wolf heard his voice it shook slightly and immediately took a docile and submissive posture. With its head lowered it went back to his side. What did he do to have him so under control? Kael wondered, but at the same time he felt something was off with the wolf. It changed too much for just one day.

“Hey if you want to stare, why don’t you take a closer look.” A voice said from behind him and grasped his arm. A familiar strong grasp. Levy. “Brin, look what I caught.”

Why now. Kael told himself as he tried to rip free, but it was useless. Soon, Brin stood in front of him and Kael only resign to whatever was to come.

“Why so dirty, Kael?” Brin asked. “I though you would at least have the decency to shower.”

Kael felt his cheeks flush and grew embarrassed as he glanced down. He still wore his muddied robes from yesterday. He had been so focused on binding the beast he had forgotten to change.

“I was training.” He lied, gazing to the side.

“Oh really? I don’t see your beast anywhere.”

“I trained near my room.”

“He’s probably ashamed of his mediocre rabbit.” Levy said, laughing.

“Be quiet, Levy.” Brin said firmly as he looked at Kael. “How about a sparring match Kael? I’m sure it would be fun. Or is what Levy said true?”

“No. My beast is better than yours.” I can’t even bind it yet. “But I need to take care of somethings at the moment.” Kael said.

“don’t cower away. I’ll even give you a chance to attack my beast for three full minutes without fighting back.” Brin said mockingly.

That attracted the crowd of kids to surround them. All stared with eager eyes. Damn. He told himself. Don’t let yourself get dragged into the fight Kael.

“Sorry, but I really do have something important to take care of.” Kael said.

“Brin, he is probably a scared again. It’s not surprising he is just like his father. A coward.”

My father a coward? He thought. It was the first time he openly heard someone insult his father. Anger raged inside him.

“My father was no coward. He was a genius and strong.”

“But he’s dead and his son is a weakling.” Levy said.

Tightening his fist, Kael threw a punch at Levy. The force threw Levy back and even a tooth fell out of his mouth.

“You will not insult my father.”

Brin clapped. “That was beautiful Kael. I was about to punch him myself.” He said, glancing at Levy. “He was stepping out of his place.”

It’s all your fault. He thought staring at Brin. You’re the one always trying to mock me. Not anymore. He’d had it with all this stupid bickering. He was going to end it once and for all.

“I will fight you, but it will be later tonight, but no beasts. I just need to punch you just like I did to your rat.” He said, pointing at Levy then turned towards the crowd of shocked kids. “Also, I invite everyone here to come watch as I beat his face.”

Rage steamed out of Brin’s eyes. He probably didn’t expect this. Hell, even I didn’t expect this from me. Kael thought, smiling. But this is good. Now, hopefully he’ll leave me alone.

“Alright Kael. A fight with no beasts.” he said with a hoarse voice. “But you’ll be the one on the ground not me.”

“We’ll see about that.” Kael said and walked off.



Kael’s fist was burning with pain. He massaged it hoping that nothing was broken. Thinking back at what he did and how he set up a fight shocked him. He also regretted it. He was no fighter. In fact, today was the first time he actually punched someone. At it had been a surprise one. In a real fight, he doubted he would even last through one punch.

He sighed. Well, I’ll just go and try my best. He told himself. It was the only thing left to do. For now, I’ll just distract myself.

In the distance, a familiar welcoming sight appeared and he picked up the pace. The library's door was locked. Kael was confused. It was the first time he saw the door lock. He knocked. Shortly, Dean, off all people, opened the door. Today he wore a bright yellow robe decorated with formation circles. The sleeves were short revealing his toned arms, sometimes Kael forgot that Dean trained every morning. He had even suggested to train him multiple times—something that would have helped him in his current situation—but Kael had refused every time.

"Why are you still wearing that, Kael?" Dean asked, giving him an odd look.

"Some things came up so I didn't have the time to change.” Kael said, sighing. “Can I go inside?"

"I'm inspecting the formation circle on the library," he said. “I’m afraid no one other than me is allowed inside at the moment."

What stupid luck. Kael thought.

First, he was mocked and inadvertently ended up setting a match with Brin; one that would end up with him hurting all over—if he even chose to attend. And now, of all days, the library had to be closed for inspection. The formation monitored the library and prevented any book from being taken out. If someone tried to, a blinding light would push the book back and knock the person out. An alarm would also notify the Elder in charge. It would be lucky if one escaped punishment.

"Is there any way I can still go in, Dean?" he asked, a worried look on his face. "It's really important that I do."

Dean looked at him for a moment then sighed. "What's wrong."

Kael debated internally for a moment. Should he tell him? It was embarrassing. He couldn't complete his contract. Should he lie? No that be right. Just last night he had agreed to trust in him.

"I couldn't contract my beast..." he whispered.

"Really?" he asked shocked.

"I think I memorized the circle wrong. So, I came to check."

Dean stayed silent, hand rubbing his beard. "I can let you in," he continued. "On the condition that you sit in one place and let me bring you the book."

"Thanks Dean." Kael said, smiling.

Shortly after he was sitting in the front of the library with book in front of him. Dean went back to work immediately, but not before warning him.

"Remember, you are not to move from here. I have already inspected this part. Any other place will trigger the alarm and warn the elders. If that happens both you and I will be in trouble." He said, looking at Kael. "I trust you, Kael. Please don't make me regret this."

He shook his head. "Thank you so much. I'll let you know when I am done."

With that Dean nodded and went back to work as did Kael. He flipped through the book stopping on the rabbit species contract circle. He then took out his own journal—to the drawing he had copied—and searched for any flaws.

It was a perfect replica. He searched again, but there was nothing wrong.

That's not possible. Was it the materials that were wrong? He thought. Or is it really a mutation?

He read through the materials, but nothing seemed off. It only required the basic materials. Worry sunk in. Would he be able to find out why? He crazily flipped the book looking for anything on rabbits. Surely there had to be something that explained his failures.

You're just not good at this Kael. A voice ran in his head. You are not a tamer. You can't even contract a beast. You won't live up to you father.

"No!" he screamed, slamming the book on the table. "That's not possible!"

It couldn't be true. Was he really not meant to be a tamer?
You have Leggy. He thought, but the voice retorted. She is not yours. You didn't bind her.

"Shut up!"

"What's wrong Kael?" Dean asked, rushing to him.

Tears streamed down Kael's face and he hugged Dean. "I can't bind it. I did everything right I just can't bind it."

"It's ok tell me what happened." He said, smiling and patting his head.

The smile soothed Kael and he told him what happened last night and all the times he tried forming the contract.

Dean's face was shocked. "Are you sure that is what you felt?"

"Yes, every time I tried to bind it I felt the connection form, but suddenly it would break." Kael said. " Is it a mutation Dean? Or I am useless. Will I never be able to tame?"

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Kael." He said. "Let's do this. We will take this book and I will go with you and oversee your binding. If you make any mistakes I'll be able to tell you what you did wrong. And if you did everything right I might be able to spot if it really is a mutation."

"Really? Is it ok for you to leave while working?"

"I was done and hour ago." He said, a small laugh escaping him. "I was just hanging around here. Taking a nap."

Kael laughed falling to the floor, clutching his stomach. That was the Dean he knew. The Dean that cheered him up. Just like he did when his father died.

"I'm glad you are in a better mood. Now grab the book so we can leave."

Kael approached the table and was about to grab the book, but then it hit him.

"Wait," he said. "I thought books couldn't be taken out of the library?"

"You can't," he said, grinning. "But I have a few tricks to get around that."

Kael was dumbfounded. Dean breaking a rule? That was like the heavens shattering. Impossible.

Those eyes, Kael thought. He isn't lying. He would go this far for me. Now that I think about it the nap thing was probably just him trying to cheer me up.

Kael smiled. Then he got a wicked idea.

"Dean could I also bring out another book?"

"What? No way."

"But we are already taking one book,” He insisted. “One more wouldn't hurt."

Dean sighed. "Alright as long as it's not an important book."

Kael jumped and skipped through the library, his mind searching what book to take.

Shortly after he return with one—the cover was blue littered with black figures of different beasts, cites and a mountain. Anthology of Legends and Myths. The book his father used to read from all the time. The one he used to tell him stories. Kael clutched the book closer as if he was holding a precious treasure.

"Is this one ok?"

Dean said nothing, but Kael swore he saw a smile and his eyes water as he turned and walked out the library.

 

Chapter Fifteen​

The rabbit was sleeping in its cage. Kael sighed in relieve. For some reason, he had felt that it would try to escape when he left, but his worries for naught.

He noticed the mess in the room and glanced at Dean. Kael flushed from embarrassment, but Dean did not make any comments. He just snaked across the sea of objects and sat down elegantly on the bed—fixing his robe and taking out the book. He opened it to the page with the rabbit circle and glanced at him, expecting something.

That's right. Kael realized, looking at the cage covering the circle. He probably wants to check the circle.

He went quietly to the cage and lifted it carefully—he didn't want the rabbit to wake and start its infernal shrieking again—moving it to the side to expose the red circle.

Dean compared the circles for a few minutes, meticulously going over every inch. "Well, the it's not the circle. You drew an exact replica." He said. "Can you try binding it, now? Perhaps your control is a bit off."

Kael nodded placing the cage back on the circle softly and looking for the Link Stone.

Where is it? I thought I left it on the desk. He thought.

Searching for the stone among the mess he grew frustrated. Then, Dean tapped his shoulder and handed him the stone.

“You should me more organized.” He said.

Kael nodded. Grabbing the stone, he felt its coolness against his palm. He breathed in deeply and turned to the rabbit.

The stone made contact with the circle and started giving off its blue glow. Kael noticed Dean looking at him in the edge of his vision. It was awkward performing the ritual in front of him. He felt exposed. Any flaw would stand out like the sun to someone like Dean.

Would it really be like the voice said? I am useless. He thought. Snap out of it Kael. You can do this.

Regaining his focus he controlled the small amount of energy in the stone, guiding it to surround the circle. He watched the energy flow as it traced the patterns—in a set order—and make its way towards the center. Towards the rabbit.

For a moment, he felt the link—like the many times before only this time it was stronger. The imprint was forming, binding the rabbit to him.

Yes! Just a bit more. He thought, smiling.

The rabbit shook awake and Kael felt the link break, faster this time, and he lost consciousness.



A strong smell attacked him—a mix between rotting flesh and burning incense. Kael coughed and gasped for fresh air.

"Good you’re awake." Dean said, holding a small orange leaf. "I'm glad I always carry a Wros leaf."

"Can you put it away now?" kael asked, gagging. "I can still smell it."

"You will for a few minutes, then it will go away." He said, putting the leaf away while laughing.

"You did this on purpose."

"Maybe,” Dean said. “Anyways, what made you lose concentration midway through the binding?"

"Lose concentration?"

"Everything was perfect until the binding was almost complete; then, you lost concentration and woke the rabbit up." He said.

"I didn't lose concentration and the rabbit woke firs-"

Now that he thought about it everything had been fine—the link was forming correctly—until the rabbit woke up. Kael looked at the rabbit and narrowed his eyes.

"I think the rabbit refused my binding." Kael stated.

"What? That's impossible." Dean said.

"I felt it. As soon as it woke up it shattered the binding."

"Well, there are cases were the beast breaks the binding, but it only happens when the beast is far too strong for the tamer." He said, rubbing his beard. “And little fellow hasn’s a sliver of qi.”

"Well, if you don’t believe me. Why don't you try it Dean." Kael said, taking a seat and scrubbing his nose trying to clear the awful lingering smell.

Dean nodded, heading towards the rabbit.

It stared at Kael mockingly then shifted his gaze towards Dean. He could feel the pride, surprise and disdain in the rabbit. If as he said 'you couldn't bind me so now you bring an old man.'

That wouldn't be possible, right? Kael thought, shaking his head. There is no binding between us. There is no way I can understand what its feeling. It was weird, but the more he stared at the rabbit, the more he sensed a connection with him. Is it because of the many failed bindings? There were no records of someone trying to bind a beast as many times as him so maybe it was plausible.

Dean proceeded with the binding—stone in hand—he infused the circle with energy. It was different this time, Dean’s control was unparalleled. The shackles even became visible to the naked eye. So, this is a first mender’s power. Kael thought, enthralled as he watched them form and surround the rabbit. However, once the shackles started binding the rabbit, Dean's face contorted. Sweat trickled down his brow, his muscles tightening. It seemed he was struggling against a huge force.

Squinting, Kael managed to make out a second force—barely visible against the blinding blue light—fighting back. As the light from the stone approached, the rabbit would narrow his eyes and caused it to back off. Dean would grunt and the light would push forward, but the rabbit would narrow his eyes and repel Dean’s binding. It sat leisurely and his eyes showed amusement as he playing with Dean.

The rabbit is enjoying this. Kael thought as he continued watching.

The tug of war lasted for thirty minutes before Dean gave up. "This is impossible." He said, gasping for air. "Utterly impossible."

"Told ya. It was the rabbit.” He said, smiling. "It used some clear energy to fight you off.”

As soon as he said that a chill ran through his back, the rabbit glared at him. Kael could sense him cursing.

"No Kael, this feels different. I have tried taming beasts stronger than me many times, but this...this is beyond that. There is no beast that would consciously fight back the way this rabbit did. We need to go to Roan. He needs to see this."

Kael grinned. "I knew it was special. It was worth going to the yellow section of the forest."

"You did what!"

Damn. Kael thought, covering his mouth. I'm doomed.







Kael sensed the frustration of the rabbit as he dragged the covered cage. He was limping again, not because his leg hurt, but because of Dean’s punishment. The man had been cruel and spanked him for a full hour before spending the next three giving him a scolding. Dean was right to do so. He had put himself in a life and death situation for a silly beast.

Dean strode ahead, almost stomping, giving Kael more reason to stay quiet. Quickly, they reached the Material Palace. The grand hall was empty of disciples, yet two guards still watched carefully. Kael lowered his head.

“I can’t believe you did something so stupid, Kael.” Dean said as they entered the narrow hall. “You could have died.”

But I didn’t. He thought, scared to voice it. Instead, he looked at the phoenix painting. It held the same majestic feeling; it beckoned him to stare. He really wanted to stay and examine it, but he knew Dean would object. Plus, the shrieking rabbit preventing him from focusing correctly.

Dean glared at him then opened the door to Roan’s study and entered. Ironically, the rabbit went quiet as they stepped inside.

“Roan we need to talk.”

“Damn it Dean.” Roan said, moving his arms about. “would it kill you to knock. I could have been working on a dangerous experiment.”

“Oh, be quiet. We both know that if you were just taking notes instead of working.”

“what do you expect with the state the sect in.” he said, sighing. “I can’t even perform the experiments I want due to the lack of re-“ He stopped himself noticing Kael standing behind Dean. “What is the boy doing here?”

“That’s what I need to talk about with you. Well, to be precise, his beast.” Dean said, holding up the cage and uncovering it.

“Why the hell did you bring it here. You of all people should know that I will not look at it. The rules are final. And I am not breaking them for you. In fact, I will go report you right now.” He said, walking to the door.

“You can do that, but you will lose the chance to study a beast that resisted a binding from me.”

That stopped Roan. “You’re bluffing.” He said, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

“You think I would risk breaking the rules by bringing it here if it weren’t.”

“Well, I suppose I could take a quick look.”

Kael stood dumfounded. He couldn’t believe how easily things went along. Just a few words and Roan was willing to break the rules. Well, I guess its natural, Kael thought. A beast that resisted a first mender was something extraordinary. Specially for a researcher like Roan.

“Also, if you could take a look at Kael’s leg again. That’d be great.”

“I already looked at it and as long as he doesn’t put too much weight on it, it will be fine.”

“Did he tell you it was caused by a Greywolf?”

“What?” he said, turning shocked. “What in the hell did you do boy?”

Dean summarized the story and after Roan placed a different concoction of herbs on his leg. Something to do with the Greywolf’s venomous claws and drool.

“Damn boy.” Roan said, wrapping his leg in bandages. “I can’t believe you what possessed you to enter the yellow section through a crack.”

“I did it for the rabbit.” Kael said, his gaze unwavering.

Roan finished bandaging him and sighed. “Boy,” he said, “you have the heart of a researcher. Just like your father did. I’m sure if he was in the same situation he would have done the same thing.”

“Really?” Kael asked, his eyes lighting up. I’m like father was? He thought as a proud feeling ignited inside him.

“Don’t encourage him Roan.” Dean said.

“Well, you more than anyone know it’s true.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t make it less right or stupid.” Dean said, turning to Kael. “You hear me? You do another of these stunts and I’m going to place a formation on you that would prevent you from leaving your room.”

Kael lowered his head and nodded in agreement.

“Now that that’s settled. Could you both leave?” Roan said. “I want to conduct some…tests on the rabbit.”

“How long will it take.?” Dean asked. “Kael needs to have it back as soon as possible. Else, it would affect his aptitude test.”

Roan thought for a moment before replying. “It could take a day or a week. If it’s the latter I’ll provide him with another beast.”

“But I don’t want another beas-“

“No buts Kael. You don’t have the right to choose after your stupid actions.” Dean said, turning to Roan. “Thanks. And sorry for bothering you.”

“Not at all, Dean.” Roan said, waving his hand. “It’s really no big deal. In fact, I’m quite eager to examine it already. So, if you would excuse me.” He said, motioning to the door.

“Let’s go Kael.” Dean said, nodding and dragging Kael out the door.

 

Chapter Sixteen​

Roan locked the door as soon as Dean left. Hurriedly, he made his way to the rabbit, but the remnant herbal smells stopped him.

Clean it. A voice told him. He tried to ignore it, but it grew stronger. Clean it now. You know it bothers you.

Sighing, he grudgingly started to clean. The voice was right. Disorder did bother him greatly. Having something—even the tiniest, unimportant object—unorganized prevented him from being productive. He’d forgotten when the voice first spoke to him. Maybe, it had been during his days as an apprentice to the previous material master; maybe it had been as he settled into his own lab and performed experiments; or maybe it had always been there, since birth.

At first, he had thought himself insane. He searched for help and would sometimes ignore it for extended periods of times. But as time went Roan had become certain of one thing; it was another part of him—his subconscious knowledge perhaps or a second version of himself—and it had always been right. He hated that part of himself. Still, he listened to the voice and learned to live with it. He had even named it Naor.

His other self.

He glanced at the herb dregs with a frown. He had used a fourth of the monthly allowance to cure the kid. It was a stupid reason, but it was necessary—lest he punished for negligence. However, he wished Dean would have taken the problem to the Medicine Hall; not him. That way, they would have used up their designated resources. What he got from the sect lately had been too little. He even had to halt a ten-year experiment due to lack of resources. Though, fortunately, it could be restarted were it was stopped, if he managed to gather the needed materials. Roan sighed.

Enough complaining. Naor said. Hurry up so we can focus on studying the rabbit. We haven’t done an experiment in so long that I’m itching to do it. Plus, it will cheer you up. He grinned as he scrubbed the bowls and tools clean. Finishing, he placed them back in their respective spots. The bowl is an inch too far to the left. Naor pointed out. Quickly fixing the mistake his mind went to the rabbit.

Roan had noticed the rabbit staring intently at him since it arrived. It watched him and even gave a few approving nods here and there. Roan thought he imagined it, but Naor told him otherwise. Naor had kept his focus on him. It was a weird thing he did. Roan himself didn’t fully understand it, but as long as he caught the smallest wisp with the edge of his vision, Naor would be able to focus on it as if he stared directly at it. It was a great advantage for Roan and it proved that the rabbit had some amount of sentience.

Picking up the cage, he strode to the northern wall. It was white, like the rest of the room, yet it was a secret passage. One would be pressed to notice it. Even, Dean never did. It was one of his proudest achievements—a formation that could even fool a First Mender. Smiling, he touched the wall and drew a set of runes. The wall flashed green and revealed a downward staircase.

The rabbit gave admiring shrieks as Roan descended and entered his lab. The culmination of his work and most important research was stored here. And, only he knew of its existence.

Store the stolen herbs. Naor said, reminding him. Roan removed a small metal box from inside his robe and opened the lid to several different glass bottles—each a different color. Carefully, he placed fragments into their corresponding bottle.

Every day, he would enter the vaults and scrape off tiny bits of herbs and materials he needed and store them. It had been his daily routine for the past year. I need to pick up the pace. Roan thought. Currently, it would take him a decade to store the required materials to continue his experiment. If you do, they will notice. Naor said. Just a few more years and we will finally be able to leave this decaying sect.

Roan nodded and sealed the bottles—placing them back perfectly—and took the rabbit out of its cage. Holding it with one hand, he let Naor control his right hand. Another of the benefits Naor’s existence provided and that Raon had discovered recently. Expertly, he removed the cap off an ink bottle and put pen to paper. It still amazed him, it was as if Naor grew more capable the more time passed.

“Rabbit. Possibly of the Sepir descent…” he said as Naor wrote keeping up with the pace of dictation. Roan took a small herb from a near bottle and paralyzed the rabbit. He then, set it down on the wooden desk. With a magnifying tablet, Roan began to inspect the it more thoroughly.

Having finished recording all the basic data, Roan set the rabbit down in its cage and moved to retrieve a Record Crystal. It was an old thing—its glowing silver surface had now dulled to a lifeless gray—but it was filled with his most important work. If Dean had correctly described the rejection, it meant it was worth recording. The first of its kind. A weak beast rejecting a master binder.

Roan traced his finger across the crystal’s surface, turning it on. “Experiment SR one.” He said. “Will try to bind the beast using conventional method.” Not wasting a second, Roan quickly drew the circle and placed the required materials and began the binding.

“Binding started.” Roan narrated. “process is normal, there is no resistance…shackles have forme- No, they have shattered. It is as Dean stated. Rabbit shows unwillingness to be bound. Experiment SR one, failed.”

Roan went back to the crystal and examined the recording in detail. Even if it was of the lowest grade available—its function was amazing—it could still slow down the recording to one tenth speed. Using this feature, Roan noticed several short bursts of energy attacking the shackles. They were so fast that both Naor and him only noticed them until they’d watched it for the seventh time.

It was something unexpected. “Naor, what are these strange energy bursts?” Roan asked. “Clearly the rabbit has on qi in its body. Could he control the qi in the atmosphere? Is it manipulating it?”

Don’t jump to conclusions, Naor said. We will have to conduct a deeper inspection on the rabbit. If possible let’s use that formation to study him.

“But that woul-“

Don’t worry about it. Didn’t you promise to provide a different beast. Just do that. Studying this beast is more important.

Naor was right, like always. However, he wished it didn’t have to come to it. Not because he didn’t want to give out another beast, but because the formation took too many resources and it was…well, gruesome. Roan sighed and turned the Record Crystal to voice record only.

“Experiment SR Two. Will take blood and tissue samples to further examine. Will also confirm what species the beast really is. I have a feeling it is not your normal rabbit.” Roan said, smiling.



##


Eztli currently burned with anger.

The day just wasn’t going well for him. First, he had unfortunately passed out before even trying to refine the rabbit’s blood and was woken abruptly by a binding. Following that, he got into a binding fight with a First Mender; nothing too serious as he had rested enough to fight back. Then, he had to sit through the kid’s wailing and scolding. If that wasn’t enough, the cage was covered and he was taken somewhere.

At first, Eztli had been overjoyed when they removed the cage cover and left. The sight of a lab and what could be called a researcher greeted him; it reminded him of his own work. Admiringly, Roan was an organized man, much like himself. It wasn’t hard to praise him and acknowledged him as a fellow researcher. He even had a proper hidden lab.

Eztli had been amazed at the complexity—not as much as his own—and attention to detail that Roan placed on hiding his lab. The Formation was impeccable. Honestly, he had started to respect the man, that is, until he began talking to himself and touching him all over—stretching his limbs and flipping him like a doll. It was a degrading for Eztli to be handled in such a way. He had protested, but the man didn't mind his shrieking. It fact it only made his smile bigger specially when he pricked him with the needled and took huge amounts of blood.

Insane fuck! Eztli thought, shrieking in anger. Doesn't he know how much blood a rabbit has. I'm actually feeling dizzy.

Still, respect lingered. Eztli could sense the authentic interest Roan held for research. He had smiled as he watched Roan use a Record Crystal and looked through a microscope, studying his blood. The method to inspect it was different—Eztli would have used his Blood Sensing Art—but the scene reminded him of his youth and his own experiments. Ah, I wish I could have seen the bloodline experiment through. He thought. There was finally progress, the rabbi-

The realization hit him hard. The rabbit that survived the bloodline infusion was now his body. He laughed inside. Then immediately closed his eyes and sensed his body using his soul. It felt awkward to use his soul energy but it was all he could manage without Blood Arts. Hopefully, he managed to sense a small difference. A cluster of cells.

At first, they seemed to belong, but the more attention he gave the more they seemed wrong. They were still rabbit cells, yet, deep within they had something akin to a seed. Waiting to be activated.

So that's why there were no outward or internal changes. Eztli thought, smiling. The seed is dormant.

This was the best news he had received since he awoke in this body. The rabbit was too stupid to even realize the change in its body, but if the seed could be activated, it would have caused his bloodline to change. The effects would be immediately. He would transform and even gain abilities he could never have. If he could absorb all sorts of bloodlines, it would allow him to go beyond the limits of a Sepir rabbit. It could even take him beyond the limits of humans.

This is great. He told himself. With this I will be able to rise in strength even faster than anticipated.

He began formulating a plan. He would first need to prime this body—by refining its blood—and attune it to be compatible with Blood Arts. From there he would be able to activate the bloodline. He opened his eyes and let out a shriek of joy causing Roan to break away from his research.

"You’re a lively one, aren't you? Enjoy it while you can. He smiled. A euphoric and creepy smile that seemed to not be his. “Soon you will die."

Fuck! What is this crazy bastard thinking? A sense of urgency flashed through Eztli like lightning through the air. I need to escape this man.

“Naor, we can still back out now.” Roan talked to himself. “The ingredient for this are too much…you are right the benefits would be far too great if we discover the cause of its strength. Should we use the record crystal? That’s right, the feedback from the formation should be enough…”

Great, this fucker went full insane. Eztli thought as he watched Roan continue to talk to himself. He crossed the room several times grabbing several herbs and jars—filled with nasty green, dull blues and blacks. Using the contents of the green jar, Roan drew three triangular patterns—each their points meeting. A blue circle followed soon after bisecting the triangles. Finally, he used the black jar to draw sharp angular runes.

What the fuck is he doing? Eztli asked himself trying to make out the runes. He had never seen such a weird formation, but once Roan finished drawing the runes it began to make sense. Shit! He screamed inside. How the fuck did he come up with such a sadistic formation?

If Eztli’s memory was correct the particular way Roan had set down the runes would cause the formation to have an analyzing effect. It would be extremely effective; however, it was deadly. Not for the user but for the recipient. In this case, Eztli. It would tear him layer by layer—peel his skin, tear his muscles and organs, pulverize his bones and burn his blood—as it inspected every minute details. It would, astonishingly, also transfer the information directly into the user's brain.

"Finally, we will get a chance to use this formation again. It will be so fun, Naor.” Roan said, laughing then turned to Eztli. “Unfortunately, not fun for you. That reminds me, we will have to give Kael a new beast." He said, sighing. "Yes, it’s a small price to see what makes you tick, little one. He placed his hands on the formation and willed energy into it.

No! Eztli shrieked as he felt his skin begin to burn. Fight back. He told himself. You know how the formation and runes work. Use that against him.

He closed his eyes bearing the pain and concentrated. Having no qi made things extremely difficult for Eztli. Usually, he would have used his Blood Art to cause a disruption in the energy flow of the formation, however, he only had his soul at the moment. The foreign qi bombarded him and kept trying to tear him apart. Slowly he managed to stall the energy inside him.

"So, Dean didn't lie. You really did fight him." Roan said, laughing. "Let's see how long you last with this." Roan raised his right hand and sent more energy, throwing Eztli's body into chaos.

If only I had qi, you fucker. He cursed. You'd be the one begging me to stop.

The pain became almost unbearable. Eztli had to do something soon, if not, he would die. Suddenly, an idea popped into his mind. He stopped resisting taking in all the qi Roan had sent. Blood oozed from Eztli, pooling under his legs. Fur fell off in patches along with parts of his skin.

"Well, I guess that's all the fight you had in yo-"

Let’s see if you can handle this. Eztli thought, smiling. He then used his soul to encase the qi. The process was meticulous, but Eztli’s soul control could manage it—even with the immense pain. He spun his soul, guiding the qi as if was his own and caused it to flow back into the formation.

Bombarded by the massive influx of qi and soul force, Roan convulsed and fainted.

 

Chapter Seventeen​

Kael awoke gasping for air. Pain coursed through his body. It felt as if his skin was being peeled off slowly. He tried to scream, but he couldn’t muster the force. The feeling intensified and his body his body refused to listen to him. Kael's eyes flipped back as his body twisted and contorted—blood oozed from his eyes, nose and ears.

Then it simply stopped.

A sudden chill ran through his body, calming him. Slowly he came back to his senses and sat, still gasping for air. What was that? Kael wondered, hugging himself. Trying to stop the trembling. Could it have been dream? No. It was too real to be a dream…something is wrong with me. It scared him. Kael hugged himself tighter and took in his surroundings—trying to forget the tingling sensation lingering on his arms and legs.

That’s right, he thought. I’m at the library. He tried focusing his memory. After they had left the rabbit with Roan, Dean dragged him to the library as he needed to finish examining the formation. Apparently, he had not finished the job when Kael asked for help, but he prioritized Kael over the sect’s orders. When he was done, Dean had even given him another sermon and strict orders that he was to go back to his room.

Kael, however, had asked if he could spend the night at the library and Dean had reluctantly agreed. Kael didn’t want to go back and meet Brin. Not after Dean had warned him that if he did something reckless again, he was placing him under house arrest indefinitely. That meant no library. Plus, Kael wasn’t that confident in winning. At worse, he would just be called a coward. Over time, however, he would prove that wasn’t the case.

He glanced out the window. It was dark, but the moonlight lit the outside faintly. Kael stood, the feeling had past. He thought it was a dream or something, but he would still head to Dean’s and tell him about it. Carefully, he weaved himself of the pile of littered books—thrown around when he convulsed. He sighed as he stared at the mess and started to clean. His mind still telling something was very wrong.


##


Eztli sluggishly stood and looked around. The aftermath of his little stunt had caused more damage than he thought. The cage was crumbling into dust—probably part of the formations effect. His body was in a bad condition. Several patches of skin where missing and he was bleeding out. I got to hurry. Eztli thought. I need to heal…before I really die.

Moving forward, Eztli crawled over the wooden table tops. Guiding himself to a particular red bottle not too far away. He had noticed it when he watched Roan work. It glowed faintly and when he poked at it with his soul, a nourishing effect passed through him. Eztli figured it was a healing herb.

Most herbs in the world could be divided into five ranks: common, rare, semi-precious, precious, and divine. While the majority of herbs around the lab were only common and rare ones, the herb he scanned was at the semi-precious rank.

Eztli finally reached the sealed bottle. He concentrated his soul and launched it, shattering the bottle. The herb shot through the air and landed on the floor. Damn it. Eztli cursed to himself. Too much force. He had planned for the herb to land on the counter, unfortunately, his suffering body had caused him to lack control. He sighed and glanced down at the five feet drop and jumped.

He landed hard, blood splattering and his ribs cracking. Shrieking in pain he paced towards the herb, leaving a trail of blood behind. Reaching the herb, he hastily ate at it.

The effect kicked in almost immediately, his wounds began to heal at astonishingly fast rate. A few moments later, Eztli stood, his fur and body in a perfect state. Wow, he thought, amazed. I didn’t expect it to be this effective. Could it have been an almost precious herb? Or was it more effective because of my small body. Well, I’ll find out later. First, I got to take care of that bastard.

Glancing to his left, he noticed the unconscious Roan. Eztli smiled as he looked at his work. Roan’s left arm was shattered and his right eye had exploded. That’s what you deserve, you fucker. Eztli thought as he neared. I’m going to have my fun now.

Using his soul, Eztli probed Roan and noticed that while he had suffered outward wounds, his mind was intact. How is that possible? Eztli wondered and probed more. Roan’s mind rejected his soul almost as if he was awake. It was actively surrounded by a layer of qi—growing stronger each passing moment. Using more of his soul energy, Eztli pierced the layer. Well, this is intriguing. It seems his soul is split…but how?

Being a master of the soul, Eztli knew how hard it was to even heal a wounded soul. Even the slightest fracture to it would cause the person to go die, at best the person would only go insane. Is that why he talked to himself? Eztli wondered, noticing the smaller part of the soul. No, that’s not it. The second part is independent and has sentience. Not only that, but it wants to swallow the first.

It was unlike anything Eztli had seen. A sort of parasitic relationship. The bigger soul benefitted from having the smaller part, like having two minds in one body. But at the same time, the second soul was unhappy with not being in control. So, it was trying to gain control. This situation just screamed at Eztli to start experimenting on this rare specimen. However, he was far too weak to do so. He sighed. Well, looks like you are in luck, bastard. He thought, looking at Roan. I want to kill you so bad for what you did to me, but it looks like you have more worth alive. Once I gain enough strength I will come back and your torture will begin. For now, I can’t have you die.

Rushing about in the lab, he grabbed hold of several herbs—mixing them as best he could—and healed Roan. Then, he walked to the stairs and looked back at the unconscious body. A bit of regret showed on his face. He wanted to at least bind the guy, but without his Blood Art or someone to help, it was impossible.

Sighing, Eztli left the lab.


##


Brin paced back and forth in his personal training room. It was hours past the duel he set with Kael, but he still didn't show.

"Brin, he probably chickened out." Levy said.

"Don't you think I know that," he said kicking the nearby stool. "But he played me. He made me wait in front of everyone. Now they laugh at me." "Brin, they were laughing at him, not you."

"Shut up! I heard them whisper I was stupid for believing him."

"But he did sa-"

"Just leave." Brin said, throwing a lamp at Levy. "Get out."

Levy left without saying anything else leaving him in silence.

No one understands me. He thought, sitting on the ground. His father kept telling him he was a genius that he was going to be the next sect head. That people would adore him. Worship him. But that was a lie.

They mocked and laughed at him behind his back. He heard them whisper. Kael specially. He always did something to discredit him. Specially today, Brin thought, recalling the stares of everyone when Kael had challenged him. He had cowered back seeing Kael so…so confident. Can I ever be like that? He was insecure. He tried hiding it behind his arrogant act, but deep he knew the truth. He was not the genius his father believed him to be.

You tamed a Greywolf, his father’s voice sounded in his mind. Look at it it’s so big now. You will win the aptitude test. You are a genius.

“Shut up. They’re all lies!” he said, screaming at the wall and letting the tears fall. “I only caught it with help. It’s only big because you took him and gave it drugs, father. I’m not great. I’m not a genius.”

A pressure suddenly built up inside his heart, shooting a large amount of blood through him. For a moment, Brin’s senses exploded; He saw everything in slow motion, noticing the minute details in the wooden wall; he heard the wolfs breathing and heartbeat like powerful drums; he smelled the disgusting aroma of sweat around him; he tasted his own saliva; he sensed the slightest change in the atmosphere; even his mind worked faster.

Everything was so perfect…so clear.

A faint whisper rang inside his mind. It’s all Kael’s fault. It said, spreading rage through his body. He is the one who embarrassed you. Get back at him.

Then everything returned to normal. However, the rage remained inside. Brin tightened his fist and hit the wall "Kael you will pay for this."

His wolf whimpered awake causing his anger to spike further. "Shut up, you stupid beast." He yelled and kicked it a couple of times easing his anger a bit.

Brin only stopped once the wolf started bleeding. Taking a deep breath of the metallic scent, he walked outside. It as desolate. The moon shone up in the sky, shining down its light on him, embracing him. Relaxing him, yet beckoning him to let loose. A sudden noise broke his focus and he turn.

Behind another training room a small creature crawled. Squinting as it entered the moonlight, Brin saw that it was a rabbit. Kael's rabbit.

He grinned and called his wolf. An evil glint slowly filling his eyes.

 

Chapter Eighteen​

It had been surprisingly easy to escape the lab. The formation had no form of defense against attacks on the inside. He made a few modifications to it before leaving though as he was still pissed off at Roan. It was a simple alteration, but Roan should take a couple of days to even understand it—at his current level. To escape, however, that would probably take him a week. Hope you suffer being held captive, bastard. Eztli thought, laughing to himself.

Eztli paced through a narrow hall, noticing a lot of paintings. Intrigued, he leisurely stared at them. As he reached the central painting he stopped cold. How? He asked himself. How can something so complex be here?

The painting only portrayed a phoenix overlooking the sect, but it shocked Eztli. The painting was divided into five layers. Others would have taken a long time to pass each layer, but for Eztli it was not too hard—still he went and examined each layer in detail.

The first layer, would give a sense of life to the phoenix and would only get more realistic the deeper you studied it. The second would fill the person with warmth. The third, would give insights on a breathing technique. The fourth held a map and a legend of some sorts. The last, and most interesting of the layers, held a binding technique. Unlike anything Eztli had seen.

Fascinated by the discovery, he quickly memorized everything. One benefit of his old and strong soul was the large capability for memorization. He no longer needed to record anything with crystals, his soul was a better and safer place to store his research. Having memorized it, he then shot a beam of his soul into the painting—destroying all records of the diagram. He was greedy and wanted to be the only person to hold such information. Hopefully, it didn’t look like the people around here knew the immense knowledge it held, for it was being displayed so openly.

Well, this is an unexpected benefit. Eztli thought, eager to analyze it fully, but stopped himself. Priorities Eztli. You have to get to safety before trying to do any sort of research.

He headed down the hall and carefully peeked. Two guards kept watch. Making his small body even smaller, Eztli made his way forward, avoiding the guards. As he neared, he shot a beam of soul energy and knocked them out.

I can’t believe I had to rely on such means. He thought, sighing. It was degrading. He was Lord Eztli—Blood Emperor and ruler of the world—yet, here he was, crouching and hiding from two Fracturers. He shook his head as he remembered how easily he would have killed them. Enough of that. Don’t think of the past. Focus.

Eztli moved forward and probed the souls of both guards. Unlike Roan’s, theirs were fully unconscious, but he was still unable to read their memories. Fuck. He cursed to himself. Why can’t I do this? They are not even high level. My current strength should be enough for at least this. Sighing he gave up and walked outside.

It was dark and the eerie glow of moon gave only made him feel even more helpless. He was lost. The cage had been covered when he was brought to Roan so now he didn’t know where to go. Glancing around he finally decided on a random direction and headed off.



A short while later, Eztli was standing in a maze of wooden shacks—making his current situation even worse. He weaved through the shacks until a sudden noise to his right disturbed him. He narrowed his eyes and stared trying to make out the shadow in the distance.

It was a wolf cub.

Just my luck. He told himself. He searched for a place to hide, but the wolf fell into a run. Towards him. Eztli hopped faster, wiggling through the small gaps between the shacks.

"Don't let him get away you mutt!" a voice yelled. The wolf ran faster and leaped at him. Eztli crouched barely managing to dodge the hit and scurried forward.

"Stupid beast. Get him." Another yell.

Fuck, what do they want with me. Eztli cursed, once again he tried dodging the wolf. This time, however, it managed to get one of his legs. Pain ran through him as he was pinned on the floor, bleeding.

The kid ran up to where he was and smiled. "Good job, mutt. He inched his hand towards the wolf and it cringed back in fear, but the kid just pet it.

"We will have fun and toy with this rabbit now." He said, laughing.

This is fucking great, Eztli thought as the wolf carried him by biting his leg. First a sadistic old man. Now a sadistic kid.


##


Kael rounded the training ground as he headed to Dean’s house. Even though the chance was slim, he didn't want to meet Brin or anyone else at this hour. Something was going on with him what happened at the library was not normal.

Suddenly, he felt a sense of danger around him. He glanced to his left, towards the center of training ground. For some reason, I get the urge to head there. He thought. Shrugging he decided to head in the direction. As he got closer to the center, the feeling intensified.

Kael frowned. What is going on with me? He wondered. Then, the feeling from the library started to return, albeit it was nothing compared to before.

Something is off. He said, picking up the pace. A sense of urgency crawled to him. He tripped. His leg throbbed in pain. Why now? It hadn’t hurt before. What the hell is happening to me. He fumbled to stand ignoring the pain and rushed forward, the feeling growing stronger.

The smell of blood filled his nose, causing him to gag. Shrieking and laughter followed.

"This is fun. Do it again."

That's Brin's voice. Kael thought as he slowed to a sneak and stayed hidden behind the training rooms. Peeking through the edge he saw the gruesome sight.

The rabbit was strung with a chain, dangling by a leg. Brin stood nearby with bloodied hands in the air laughing maniacally. "It feels so good." Brin said. “More. I need more.” He motioned to his wolf and gave a hard kick. The wolf tumbled away from him, bloodied and what appeared to be a broken leg.

Kael was paralyzed. How can Brin be doing something so...so evil. He was a prick and arrogant to the extreme, but kael didn't take him for what he looked like now. A maniac.

Brin kicked the rabbit with force.

Kael felt the pain strike him as the kick landed. It sent the rabbit flying, only for it to return like a pendulum.

Why? Why do I feel the pain so intensely? Kael wondered, looking at the rabbit. It felt exactly like when Leggy sent him emotions, but he didn't even have a contract with it. So how could he feel what it felt? It wasn’t logical. Now’s not the time to worry about that, Kael. You need to stop Brin.

Kael stepped forward.


##


That was the second kick. Eztli counted in his mind as he looked at the bloody kid. I will get back at you when I get out.

It was highly unlikely though. His whole body hurt, several bones were broken. The kid was crazy. After he trapped him he carried him to the center of the training ground and tied him to a chain. Then he went full blown crazy. It wasn't normal. He did not even spare his wolf. Whenever it cringed back he would kick it multiple times.

The kid readied for another kick and Eztli just gave up. He was too wounded and exhausted to try and dodge. He closed his eyes and braced for the impact.

"Stop!" a voice yelled, followed by the sounds of chains clinging.

Eztli opened his eyes slowly. The voice came from Kael. The boy stood in front of him and removed the chain. Kael stared into his eyes giving Eztli a sense of calmness.

"Don't worry I'm here now. I'll protect you." Kael whispered.

Eztli looked up and for a moment his mind overlapped Rhett over Kael's face. Eztli smiled and then fainted.


##


"Perfect you are finally here." Brin said, grinning. "I was warming up for the fight."

“You call this a warm up?” Kael said. “You nearly killed my beast and yours.” He clutched the rabbit near him and placed him within his robes.

“Everything is so clear now, Kael.” he said, spreading his arms wide. “Everything feels so good. The pain. The suffering. It’s so perfect.” Slowly, Brin's eyes tinted with red until no white could be seen anywhere. Devoid of emotion. No, there was emotion. Hate and happiness. He grinned.

"What's wrong with you Brin?" Kael said, barely a whisper. He was terrified. This was not Brin. It was a monster.

"Like I said, getting ready for our match," he said, turning to the wolf. "Mutt get over here." The wolf, however, didn’t move, it just whimpered.

“I said, get over here.” Brin said as he moved forward and gave it another kick. “Listen to me.”

"Stop Brin. This isn't right. Something is very wrong with you Brin."

Brin stomped his foot and yelled. " I’ll stop once you fight me. I've been waiting all day."

"No, I won't fight you." Kael said, stepping back.

"You will fight me." He said, walking forward.

Crap! He's out of his mind. Kael thought as he turned to run.

Brin lunged forward with inhumane speed and tackled his right leg. Pain shot through him as Kael spun in the air. He hit the ground hard, air escaping him.

“Get up Kael.” Brin said. “We need to fight.”

Taking a good breath, Kael used his good leg to stand. “Brin, stop now.” He said. “Before you do something you regret.”

“I won’t regret anything.” Brin said, lunging at him.

Kael managed to jump to the right—evading Brin—but he lost his balance and fell, landing on his chest.

Quickly, Kael checked the rabbit. The landing caused to give a whimper. It was still breathing, but he needed to get him so herbs.

Brin attacked again. With no time to prepare, Kael stuck out his wounded leg in a kicking motion. It hit Brin square in the face and sent him flying back.

"Good.” Brin said. “Finally, you fight back.”

Kael stood and faced him, but a punch landed on his stomach causing him to kneel on the ground. A kick, sent Kael flying back.

“Fight. Fight. Fight." Brin Chanted as he approached and kicked Kael’s wounded leg repeatedly.

“S-stop.” Kael whispered, feeling intense pain then numbness. Brin continued to stomp, but Kael couldn’t feel his leg any longer.

Brin didn’t listen. He continued to chant and he sat on top of him, raising both hands. Kael saw how his blood vessels bulged and throb causing his arms to slowly expand—doubling in size. Then, Brin grabbed his neck and squeezed with unreal strength.

“S-stop.” Kael managed a whisper. Feeling his lungs pleading for air, he struggled to get free of Brin’s grasp. Fear sunk in. I’m going to die. He thought. I’m going to die. Kael stopped fighting. He no longer had the strength to do so.

Darkness filled him, but suddenly a voice rang inside him. Kael, you’re giving up now? His father’s image lit up the darkness and asked. I thought you promised you were going to surpass me. I’m disappointed in you. Giving up so easily. When you have the strength to fight back.

I don’ have any strength left dad.

You do. I left this in case you were close to dying. He said, pointing at an orb of light. It was a formation so complex the symbols just intertwined with each other. I know I left so suddenly and I wanted to say more. Just tap into it. It will give you strength. It’s the last thing I can do for you. Don’t give up, son. The figure gave a big smile then disappeared, leaving him alone with the orb.

Kael was confused and many question rang in his head. What that even possible? Leaving a formation inside someone? He felt himself fading. He reached towards the orb and pulled it. A cold feeling washed through him; giving him strength.

Kael opened his eyes and tightened his fist and gave a hard punch. Brin let go and fell a few feet to the side. Kael gasped and coughed as he filled his lungs.

He turned and saw Brin stunned. His eyes had turned full black.

“Pain. So wonderful.” Brin said, smiling. “I need more.” He proceeded to claw at himself. His nails cutting deep into his own arms, ripping the skin clean in strips.

"Blood…So nice." He repeated in a whisper. “Blood, more blood. Pain…”

"Stop now, Brin." Kael said, watching in horror.

But it was in vain. Brin continue to tear at his own skin.

I got to stop him. Kael thought.

Taking a deep breath, he tightened his fist and punched him as hard as he could.

Brin fell, laughing and still clawing. Kael got on top of him and tried to hold his arm and yell out for help, but Brin overpowered him.

Kael steeled himself and punched him multiple times on his face trying to knock him out. Blood oozed and splashed with each punch. Kael even felt bone cracking—unsure if it was Brin’s or his—but he continued to punch. Brin never stopped smiling and laughing until he finally fainted.

Exhaustion spread throughout Kael's body—the rush of energy from the orb all gone. He sprawled on ground gasping for air, the pain hitting him, whispering at him to sleep. He willed himself up and walked in Dean's direction. They needed help.

The walk was a long one. Each step took everything he had. He fell several times, but got back up. His screams were just whispers at one point he slowed to a crawl. Gripping and clawing at the loose ground he somehow managed to reach Dean's house. The light was on, which was good news—meant Dean was awake. Using the last bit of force in him he knocked on the door.

Waiting for the door to open seemed like an eternity. Finally, it creaked open and Dean rushed to him as soon as he noticed his wounds.

"Kael!" he screamed. "What happened to you?"

"The training...ground...Brin." He whispered before everything went black.

 

Chapter Nineteen​

Dean paced back and forth outside the healing room. His hand tugged at his beard—several hairs came off landing on his blood-stained robe—as shot glances towards the closed doors. At moments, he had tried to rush in and check on their condition, but several disciples had stopped him. They continuously urged him to sit and calm down. He couldn’t. Not after what he saw.

It had been more than thirty minutes since he brought them, yet the gruesome sight in the training ground still lingered in his mind. Brin swimming in a pool of blood, missing chunks of meat on his arms. His skin peeled back, left cheek sunken in and broken. And…that haunting smile.

Dean shivered. Stop thinking about that. He told himself, but couldn’t help but return to that image. At first, he had thought Brin was dead, but surprisingly his vitals had been strong. A man with the same wounds would have died. Something is wrong with him. Bloodverne. He shook his head clear of that thought.

Some said the Bloodverne was a great blessing; others said it was the worst curse a man could have. The legends stated that long ago there was a great sect that consciously afflicted each of their members with the Bloodverne. For not only did it enhance their senses, but aided them greatly in their cultivation.

Unlike other practitioners, their cultivation path had been unique. They refined their bodies at first like fighters; yet, they never gathered qi until years later in their refinement. The conditions and requirements on how they managed it were obscure, but at one point they would gather qi and their power would soar. Soared into heights only dreamed of by fighters. It was this same power that caused their downfall.

The few records remaining stated that the other sects group together to eradicate them. They preached that they were cursed; maddened by the disease as other who tried using it to enhance themselves would end up in a murdering spree and in the end, take their own lives in the most bloodied of ways. They refused all accusations arguing that the people who ended dead just didn’t know how to control the Rush—as they called it.

Dean tried remembering the rest of the story, but it just slipped his mind. The symptoms of the Bloodverne, however, were fresh in his mind. He knew of the benefits it brought, but no matter what others believed, Dean was sure it was a curse—he had seen it first-hand.

It had consumed and driven Elsa mad to the point that only a dark twisted shadow remained. They had tried to help her, but she had only attempted to kill them. It had grown so bad that she had to be restrained—for her and the baby’s safety. That failed to save her, however, it did save the baby.

Brin.

Dean recalled the symptoms, they had been similar to what he’d seen at the training ground. Self-harm. Unnational emotions. He thought. Black eyes. He didn’t want to believe that Brin was infected, but the symptoms were there. I have to inform the higher ups immediately.

It was his duty, yet his feet refused to leave the Medicine Hall. He needed to know that Kael was safe first. His wounds had been just as severe. From what Dean could tell, Kael’s right leg was damaged so badly that he might lose it. No, he can’t. Dean told himself. He will get better. I haven’t failed my promise Ian. Unconsciously. he approached the wooden door that led to Kael’s room.

"Elder Dean, please wait patiently." A disciple said, begging. "we can't have you do what you did when you arrived."

He glanced to his right. Four disciples, in white robes, were still cleaning the storm he had caused when he brought them. Shattered doors, stone and broken tile floors still littered the room.

How could they still care over such trivial things? He wondered. He pushed the disciple away and continued forward. He needed to see Kael. He was done waiting.

"Elder, if you interrupt the healer it might cause side effects on the patient." The disciple said.

Dean stopped giving a frustrated sigh and returned to his pacing.

The door finally opened and a figure dressed in white--hair trimmed short and kind eyes—walked out.

"Robin is Kael alright?" Dean asked.

"Calm down dean." Robin said in a soothing voice. "Let's sit down and talk about it."

"Is he fine!"

"Yes, Dean. He is not in any danger."

The heavy mountain on his shoulders and constant stabbing in his heart finally released. He faltered almost falling.

Robing caught Dean. "Come on. Let's sit down and talk." He said.

Dean complied and sat.

"I'm already sitting." He said, looking at Robing hesitating. "Out with it."

"Kael…" he said, sighing. "There is an ninety percent chance he will not on his right leg ever again."

The stabbing returned. Dean's heart felt as if his heart was being cut apart piece by piece. His hands trembled.

"A-are you sure." He asked.

"Unfortunately, yes."

No, this isn't happening. Dean told himself. Kael...no it can't be true. He tightened his fist bringing it down on the chair next to him, turning it to dust.

"Dean. Control yourself!" Robin said, slapping him.

The stinging pain brought him back a bit. He nodded walked towards the room.

"Where is my son?" a high-pitched voice broke the silence in the room.

Dean glanced sideways, towards the sound. Sal stood, his grey robe disheveled and hair a mess. His naturally sunken eyes made him look like he hadn’t sleep well in years.

"Elder Sal, your son is fine there’s nothing to worry about." A disciple said.

"Fine? I get called in the middle of the night by a messenger saying that my son is nearly dead. And you say it's nothing to worry about. Get the hell out of here."

A hard slap sent the poor disciple crashing to the wall. Blood and teeth splattered the floor as other disciples moved away.

"Stop this now." Robin commanded, appearing almost instantly next to Sal slapping him.

"Y-you dare slap me. Bastard I wil-"

"You will sit down and wait.” Robin said. “This is my domain and you won’t cause trouble. Now if you excuse me, I will go take care of the disciple you almost killed. Also, I will inform the Council of what you did. Expect retribution for almost killing a sect member."

Sal cringed back, swallowing his anger and stomped towards a chair, but stopped when he saw Dean.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

Dean ignored him. He didn't have the energy to deal with him. You have to let him know of what you saw Dean. A voice rang in his head. Brin is infected with the Bloodverne.

"Don't ignore me." He said, walking to him.

“Sal, we need to talk.” Dean said.

“First you ignore me and now you say we nee-“

“It’s about Brin.” Dean said. Sal’s face filled with rage at being interrupted, but worry filled it as soon as he mentioned Brin. He may be the most hated elder, Dean thought, but he cares for Brin like I care for Kael. “I was the one who found him in the training ground. Everything I saw points that he’s infected with the…Bloodverne.”

Sal trembled as the color of his skin turned whiter than the walls. His eyes went wide with disbelief and he shook his head. “No.” he murmured. “No. Dean you must have seen wrong. My son is not sick.”

“Sal he-“

“He is not sick!” Sal said, raising his voice. “I you mention this again I will kill you.”

Before Dean could utter anything, the door to Brin's room opened, a female walked out, her hands still bloodied.

"Nori, what happened to my son?" Sal yelled, rushing to the woman.

"Not here, Sal." She said. "Follow me."

Dean watched as they headed off into a room. Well, it’s better that she is the one to break it to him. He thought, sighing. Nori was one of the few elders that got along with Sal. When he had gotten here with the boys she immediately headed off with Brin into the room. While he had to wait until Robin arrived to heal Kael. It was understandable though. Brin's wounds were the worst he needed immediate help.

As Dean headed to Kael’s room, the door to Nori's study burst opened and enraged Sal ran to him.

“Lying piece of shit.” Sal said, grabbing towards his neck.

Immediately, Dean shifted, dodging the grad and countered. “What do you mean?” Dean said.

“My son isn’t sick, you bastard. You are making shit up to protect that bastard’s son.”

Sal rushed at him again, throwing several punches. Dean dodged all, but didn’t fight back. “Calm down Sal. I’m not protecting Kael. I know what I saw.”

“Shut up.” Sal said. “Nori told me Brin is fine. He is not sick, but he was almost killed by that twisted kid.”

“Kael only defended himself.” Dean insisted.

“Defend himself?” Sal yelled. “You call tearing chunks off my boy’s arm and skinning him alive self-defense? I’ll show you.”

What is he talking about? Dean thought. The wounds were clearly self-inflicted. He shot a glance at Nori, but she evaded his gaze. No, it can’t be. Why would she lie?

As he was distracted, a punch landed on his jaw and sent him flying back. Dean flipped in the air and landed with a crouch. Sal, glided towards him gathering qi in his arms. Preparing to an Art.

“Fool.” Dean screamed. “You want to destroy the hall?”

Sal continued to gather energy causing symbols to surround his hands. The qi immediately transformed into a ball dark blue flame. Fuck. Dean cursed. Why is he using his most powerful Art?

Dean quickly formed symbols in the air, spelling out the runes for his Defense Art. Dean’s speed in creating the runes was faster, but he only managed to finish his art when the flame ball Sal created had expanded into a mini sun. Dean’s energy covered the sun and encased it. He willed more energy—creating more runes—adding several layers to the shield. Still, the air heated and tore the atmosphere with a loud explosion, the walls and the floor started melting by the intense heat. Sweat fell from Dean’s body like a waterfall as he strained his shield to shrink.

Sal continued to add qi into the sun, fighting against Dean’s shield. He ignored the surrounding wails and destruction staring directly into Dean’s eyes. Suddenly, Robin appeared and poked several parts on Sal’s body—sealing his qi. Sal grunted by the sudden attack and fell to the ground paralyzed.

Dean took a deep breath as he shrank the mini sun into nothingness and nodded towards Robin. The Blue Sun Art caught him so suddenly he had wasted more energy than he would have used if he had expected it. Thankfully, he was at his First Mending and Sal was still a Fracturer. The difference was large enough that he would have won in the end, but Robin’s intervention had prevented more damage.

“Sal, what the hell do you think you are doing?” Robin asked, his voice no longer soothing, but instead booming with power.

“t-that bastard. He lying about my son.” Sal managed to utter, still paralyzed.

“I don’t care what happened between you two.” Robin said. “But do you really think I would stand here doing nothing as you destroy everything and possibly kill someone.”

“I-I wasn’t thinking straight.”

“I don’t care Sal. I will inform the Council immediately. You know the rules apply to everyone. Whether they are thinking straight or not.” Robin said, reaching down and poking him several times. “Now, go and spend time with your son like you should have been doing.”

"This is not the end.” Sal glared at Dean. “I will see to it that that bastard gets expelled from the sect. No, better yet executed for attacking my son. Expect the hear from the Discipline hall and Council soon."

He then, walked into Brin’s room. Nori followed after him. Why would she lie to sal? Dean asked himself. Can’t she see all the trouble she caused? Could this be a ploy to get rid of me and Kael? He knew that Sal hated Kael for what, Ian, Kael’s father, did to him. In a way, he also hated Dean for stepping into the Mending Realm with Ian’s help. I’ll figure and sort this out later. He sighed and turned to Robin.

“Thanks for the assist Robin. Your mastery over the human body has reached greater heights.” Dean said, praising. “Just a few taps and you could seal and paralyze and Eighth Fracturer.”

“No need for thanks.” Robin said, shooting him a glance. “In fact, I think you will be cursing me tomorrow when the Council calls you.”

“Wha-“

“It’s your fault this whole mess started. So you also have to bear responsibility.” He held up his hand. “Save your explanations for the Council. I have to go take care of my patients then write a report about tonight’s events. Now, go check up on Kael, while you have the chance.” With that, Robin turned and went deeper into the Medicine Hall calling out orders and checking rooms.

Dean sighed and walked into Kael’s room.



##


Kael awoke to the sound an explosion and an intense rise in heat. The air burning at him as he tried to make sense of what was going on. Where am I? Kael wondered. And why is it so hot? He panicked, the last thing he recalled was reaching Dean’s place, but now he was tied to a bed, wrapped in bandages and sweating madly.

Soon he could make out two voices—he knew very well—arguing. Sal and Dean. He thought attuning his ears to hear the conversation, but couldn’t make out anything but gnarled mumbling.

The commotion died down and the door to the room opened.

Dean entered with a haggard expression, his robes stained with blood and his beard was missing patches of hair—the tips burnt. Kael had so many question but he pushed them down.

"Are you okay, Kael?" he asked, smiling warmly.

Kael nodded. He felt no pain, in fact, he didn't feel anything besides heat.

"I can't feel my body it’s all numb. Although, I do feel so stuffy from the heat." He said.

"It's the anesthetic effect of the herbs. It will pass after a while. As for the heat that was Sal’s fault. We fell into an argument and he used one of his Art, but it wasn’t that important." Dean said, sitting next to him and ruffling his hair. "You had me worried.”

So that was what all noise was. Kael thought.

"Is Brin alright?”

"He is." Dean said, sighing. "He will get the best healing treatment so there is no worry.”

"That's great I thought I hurt him too much. He seemed…"

"What happened exactly?"

Kael took a deep breath and recounted the events as best he remembered. His hands shivered when he mentioned the way Brin acted. It was painful and terrifying thinking about it. The eyes. The blood. The smile.

"You did what you had to, Kael. You defended yourself and your beast." Dean said, holding his hand tight.

"Is the rabbit okay?" Kael asked, suddenly remembering that it was hurt badly.

"It..." Dean hesitated, “it is stable at the moment, but it might die."

"Can't we use some sort of medicine to heal it."

"Kael. They have used third grade medicine—the highest the sect will allow—in order to heal it. Whether it survives is up to its will."

"Can I go see it?"

"You can," Dean said. "Once you get discharged…but there is a more important thing to discuss.”

Kael looked at Dean. He had a sadness in his eyes and was hesitating to say anything.

“What’s wrong?”

“Kael,” Dean said, sighing and grabbing his hand tightly. “you might lose your right leg.”

 

Chapter Twenty​

Silence filled Kael's mind. He could not comprehend what Dean had just told him. No, he chose not to accept it.

My leg. He thought. My leg will be unusable? He glanced at his bandaged leg, slowly moving his hands towards it. Dean continued to talk, but Kael couldn't hear anything. He clawed at the bandages trying to pry his leg free; he even started punching it hoping to feel at least something.

Nothing.

"Tell me you are lying Dean." Kael said, tears streaming down his face. "Tell me I won't lose it."

"Kael, I wish I was..."

"No!" Kael said, clawing at his leg once more. "Take it off. Let me see."

"Kael. Stop." Dean said, grabbing Kael's flailing arms. "Don't worry. Everything is fine."

"How can it be fine. You just told me I will lose my leg. I'm going to be a cripple."

"I said you might. If we take care of it and use good medicine it will be better." Dean continued. " I will go to the sect and apply for a sixth or seventh grade herb. I will not let you lose your leg."

"You promise?" Kael asked, his voice trembling as he met Dean's eyes.

"I promise. I will not fail your father. Not again."

Kael stared into Dean's eyes for a long time. It filled him with strength and trust. Giving him the reassurance that he would not let him lose his leg. The room constricted him. He needed to get out.

"Dean I want to go back to my room."

"Kael...that is-"

"I need to. These white walls terrify me. I want to be in my room. I want to hold my father's journal." He said.

"Okay, kael. Give me a moment." He said, exiting the room.

A short while later Dean returned with a wheelchair and helped him get on it. The process only made Kael fall deeper into despair. Will this be how I will pass the rest of my days? He thought, clasping his hand against the armrests. Unable to walk or run ever again? Dean talked to him as they headed to the exit, but Kael placed his hands on the wheels—stopping it.

"Let's get the rabbit first."

Dean nodded and turned the chair towards the Medicine Hall’s beast section.

Kael watched as the white walls grew gray. The rooms became smaller and an eerie blue light filtered through the bottom of some doors.

"How come there is no one?" Kael asked, trying to distract himself and not think of his numb leg.

"The rooms here are monitored by formations." Dean said in a calming voice. "It's that way since it's more efficient. The only rooms that have anyone physically checking the beasts are those with severely wounded beasts."

"Like the one we are heading to now."

"Yes," Dean said, sighing. "But that’s a good thing Kael. It means there are doing everything they can to keep the beas- your rabbit alive."




Dean was right. The disciples were everywhere, filling every corner of the large room. Their white robes fluttering as they shifted. Some had blood stains; others had green, blue, and black stains as they hurriedly crushed herbs. As if on cue, Kael was suddenly ambushed by the rush of scents—too strong to breath properly.

A disciple went forward to them. "You aren't supposed to be here." He said, his voice muffled by a white circular cloth.

"We are here to retrieve a beast." Dean said, handing the disciple a piece of paper as he was about to protest. "Robin allowed it."

"All right." The disciple said, reading the paper. "Wait a moment. I’ll get you some breathing masks."

Quickly, the disciple returned with a pair of masks. "Put these on. They will prevent you from fainting."

Nodding, Kael took the mask. It was simple at first glance—a cloth like cover in the shape of a circle with no straps—but as he looked closer he spotted runes on the edges. This thing has a formation? Kael wondered, momentarily transfixed on it.

"Just place it over your nose and mouth," the disciple said. "It will automatically stick to your face."

Kael flushed, realizing that it must have looked like he didn't know how to use it. As soon as he placed the cloth on his face, it was like the world had changed. The disgusting, gag inducing smells were long gone. Replaced with the sweet scent of cleanliness. Even his eyes had been affected. Kael could feel and see everything tined by a shade of blue. Looking at the disciples, he noticed several glowing spots on their bodies.

"The masks," the disciple said, smiling and placing a hand on Kael's head. "Have a function that protect your eyes from any splashes. It also enhances your vision allowing you to distinguish problems easier."

"So that’s what the bright dots are?”

“No. The dots show us just how tired one is. Once we reach ten spots, we are required to take leave to rest. The work we do is very sensitive so if one is too tired he could cause mistakes and the death of a beast. The real function of the masks is to look inside a body.

“You can see inside the body of a beast?" Kael asked eagerly.

"Yes, although it only works within a range." He said, pointing at a red circle drawn on the ground, surrounding a table. "Want to see?"

Kael nodded and pushed his chair forward into the circle. His vision changed the blue tint grew stronger, soon all he could see was silhouettes. Looking down at his hands, Kael was shocked. He could see inside as if his skin was glass, the beating organs, the blood flowing through his vessels—if he squinted he could even see the bones. Amazing. Kael thought, shifting his vision to the center table.

The rabbit.

A glass bubble enclosed the rabbit. It had several runes etched onto its surface. They move continuously in a set pattern. Kael tried to read them, but could only make out one of the simpler ones. Scan.

The only reason Kael knew it was that he had seen his father and Dean use it multiple times. He smiled, but then frowned as he looked at the rabbit. The sight was horrible. And it was only enhanced by his new vision.

Multiple broken bones, torn muscles and ruptured organs filled the small rabbit. Kael winced, imagining the pain it must feel. How can he still be alive? He wondered. And how come I don’t fell his pain anymore?

The weird connection he had when he saw it being beaten by Brin was not there. Kael worried something was wrong with the rabbit. His guess turned more secure as he glanced to the side.

Several disciples stood close—pen and clipboards in hand--taking notes outputted by the strange formation surrounding the room to a small glass display. Kael could see a stream of symbols each passing by so fast that he could hardly make out any of them. One disciple frowned giving Kael a sense of hopelessness. Quickly, the disciple walked and whispered to another.

"Is my rabbit all right?" Kael asked.

"It's stable for the moment," he said, sighing. "But he won't make it past a week or two. The wounds are too severe and we can't administer any higher-grade medicine. We did all we could. Sorry."

The words shook Kael hard. He glanced at the rabbit—focusing on its rapidly beating heart. You can't die. He told himself. If you do...he tried not to think about it, but deep-down Kael knew it was his fault. If he hadn't antagonized Brin this would have never happened.

"Can I take him with me?" Kael asked.

The disciple awkwardly glanced at Dean, who gave him a small nod. Carefully, he stepped into the formation. His hands pierced the bubble like if it was mist and grabbed the rabbit. Slowly, he handed it to Kael. "Try not to move him much. Otherwise, his wounds might open.”

"Thanks." Kael whispered as Dean took his chair and pushed him to the exit.


##


Dean stared at Kael. His eyes looked lost and without hope as he rubbed the rabbit's head and occasionally glanced at his leg.

It pained him to look at Kael. He had tried to talk and cheer him up, but couldn't muster any words. It's my fault he's like this. Dean told himself. I should have taken care of him. I should have paid more attention. He glanced at the lowering moon. Ian, I'm sorry. I let him get hurt. I promise that I will do my best to save his leg. Even if I have to give up my position and life.

He unconsciously glared at the central tower—where the Council was located. He knew it would be hard to acquire any herb higher than common grade, specially with the current state of the sect. It was dying. The resources left were only enough to support a small batch of disciples for a decade or so. Or nurture a genius for five years; just enough for the Century Gathering. I still have to try. Dean told himself as he looked at Kael. He is Ian's son so he must have a bit of his genius. I saw him as he tried to tame the rabbit. His control and knowledge is perfect, even stronger than some elders.

He'd just have to convince the Council that Kael was a genius. If he was groomed he would be the best candidate for the gathering. The hope for the sect. With that they would not let Kael lose his leg. If it comes to the worst, I’ll threatened to leave the sect. They won’t let a First Mender leave so easily. They will bend. He felt bad for even thinking that. He was and elder of the sect that had raised him and helped him become the man he was today. And he was using his own power to bend the laws. Laws which he deemed fair. He sighed and opened the door to Kael's room.

Carefully, he picked him up and set him on the bed, tucking him in. Dean sat on the edge of the bed and made eye contact.

"Kael," he said, "I will get the herbs. There's no need to worry about your leg. You will not lose it."

"Thanks Dean. I believe you." He said, smiling. "If you don't mind can you hand me my father’s journal?"

Dean nodded and searched through the messy room—cleaning as he went.

“You don’t have to clean…” Kael whispered from the bed. “I’ll-“

“You will get rest.” Dean said firmly. “That’s all you will do.”

Finally, he found the journal and picked it up. It was open. Casually he flipped the pages. A surge of emotions ran through him. It was the first time that he had looked inside. He had assumed it blank when Kael took it for himself, but it was filled with symbols far too advanced. “Kael this…”

“Father’s research.” He said.

“Why haven’t you shown this to us?” Dean said.

“So the elders could take it for themselves?” Kael asked.

“Kael, you know how hard we looked for his final work in his other works, but never found it. This could be it.”

“It was my father’s research. I have the right to keep it for myself. To finish his legacy.” Kael screamed. “I was supposed to rise beyond him. Make him proud. But look at me. I’m useless. I couldn’t even tame a rabbit and now I’m a cripple.”

Dean felt his heart sting. He glanced at the journal—its pages beckoning at him to figure out their secrets—and closed it. Kael was right. The sect would have not allowed him to research what his father left.

Sighing, he walked forward and gave Kael the journal. “Kael, you keep it. You are not useless. And I most definitely won’t let you become a cripple. Even if I have to steal the herb. I will get it for you.” He continued, “tomorrow I will head to the Council and sort things out. For now, try to get some rest.”

Kael fell silent for a long time. “Dean,” he whispered, “could a person leave a formation inside another?”

“Why the sudden question?”

Kael looked up with firm eyes. “Is it possible?”

“Well, theoretically it could be possible. In fact, we found several references to such things among your father’s research. Why?”

“So I didn’t imagine it.” Kael said, smiling. “Dean, my father saved me tonight. He left a formation in me. It was set to activate in a death situation. He gave me the strength to beat Brin.”

Shock filled Dean. He rushed forward happily. “Are you sure?”

Kael nodded.

“Kael, this changes things.” Dean said, smiling. “We now have proof that his research is true. If there are remnants inside you…just that alone would allow us to get the herbs we need.

“Really?” Kael asked, his eyes turning bright.

“Yes. The contribution to the sect would be enormous that they can’t refuse it. I need to head back and study your father’s notes. Hopefully, I’ll be able to figure out how to make the remnants visible by tomorrow. No, I’ll make it possible.” Dean turned to Kael and hugged him. “Rest. I need to go now and do some tests.”

Dean headed to the door then glanced back at Kael. He was holding his father’s journal tightly. Ian. Dean thought. I hope I can figure out how the hell you did it. For the sake of your son.

Then left.


##

Sal sat in his study. He was glad that Nori was the one who examined Brin. When she had asked him to step into her office she had explained that Brin had indeed been taken by the Bloodverne. It devastated him. Surprisingly, she had hugged him and told him she would keep it secret. That’s the reason he fought Dean in the hall. It might have gotten him in trouble, but it gave him time to cure his son. Before the Council found out and executed him.

I will have to repay her. He thought. Sal knew the reason why Nori would lie for him. She loved him. He’d known about it for years now; he just chose to ignore it.

Sal glanced down at the black key in his hand. Its clean smooth surface felt disfigured. Its weight immense. Sal had repeatedly thrown it away, buried it or almost melted it, for it pained him to have it; yet, a moment spent away from it felt so wrong he would rush back to find it, unbury it and take it out of the fire with his bare hands.

He looked at the vault in front of him, hesitating. He did not want to see what was inside. Trembling, he managed to insert the and unlock the vault. The door creaked open a musty smell seeped out.

Twelve years. He thought. Twelve years...

Tears welled up in his eyes as he took out crystal ball. A beautiful woman—hair red, eyes green and a kind smile—was pictured inside. It was his late wife, Elsa, before it took her. That damned disease. He looked at the orange bottle in the corner of the small vault. The supposed cure he spent a fortune and years to acquire—still in its pristine state. Unused.

The memories started drifting in. Elsa had grown worse, her mind lost. She had been restrained for a week leading up to that day. He, however, was happy. Not because he enjoyed seeing her suffer but because he had acquired the cure not a week before.

Sal read to her most days as it had seemed to help calm her. That day he had gone up to read to her and found her smiling. She was sane. In the ecstatic moment, he undid her restraints and took her for a walk around the house. They had spent the day conversing happily. She’d even picked the name for their son. As the conversation had gone well, he had chosen not to restrain her again when he left. It had been the worst decision he had ever made.

His biggest regret.

Ironically, he had left to get the cure. When he had returned, he found her dead in a pool of blood—holding onto Brin lovingly. She’d clawed her own stomach and ripped the baby out—two months before it was time. He had rushed to the medicine hall with only Brin in his hands for she’d long been dead. Fortunately, they’d manage to save him.

Screams brought him out of his dream.

Brin! He thought.

Grabbing the cure, he rushed to Brin’s room. He was restrained, like his mother had been. Eyes red, tinting black at the edges, and that smile made Sal's legs go weak. Sal kneeled, despair taking him.

It was the same smile his mother had when he found her dead.

"Why!" he yelled, crying. "Why do the heavens punish me like this? Was it not enough for it to take my wife? Why does it still want to keep haunting me? My son?"

He stood. Determined. “I will refuse you. You are not going to succeed. I have the cure. It will kill the curse.” He said, almost incoherently. Walking to Brin's side, he passed his hand through his hair. "Don't worry son. Your father is here." He whispered. "I will protect you from this curse. I will go against the heavens to save you. Don't worry. Everything will be alright."

He opened the bottle the disgusting herbal smell filtered out, making him gag. Quickly taking the syringe on the bedside he filled it then rammed the needle into Brin’s heart. The contents seep into him and he convulsed violently. The screams got louder and all Sal could do was wait and hope the cure worked. He hummed a song, the one his wife used to sing to him when she was sane.

It was the only thing that kept him from going insane during the longest wait of his life.

 

Chapter Twenty-One​

Darkness surrounded Eztli. He felt himself drifting in and endless void. Slowly, the world around him came into existence. Piece by piece it materialized, becoming clearer.

He found himself back in a human body. His own body. Looking at his hands brimming with strength, he was confused. The last thing he remembered was being almost killed by that wolf and a bastard kid.

What’s going on? he thought.

"Master,” a voice sounded. “there is a strong commotion nearby. Should we check out what is happening?"

Turning, he saw a man—red hair kept short, his face showing hints of fierceness. Wes.

Anger permeated Eztli as he saw him. He tried rushing forward to grab his neck and twist it, but his body did not react. Instead he spoke.

"We will take a look." He said undisturbed, unable to say what he really meant.

So I'm not in control, he told himself.

It felt awkward. He had a body. He could feel the strength and emotions; he, however, could only watch. The moon was high in the sky as they moved closer to the sound of metal hitting metal—a chaotic, but steady rhythm.

The smell of slaughter filled the air and Eztli felt a sudden body rush of blood pass through him. Stimulating him. This strength was mine? Eztli wondered. as he drowned himself in the sensation. It had been about a thousand years since he last felt the Rush. His body had grown far too weak that any amount of bloodlust would had caused him to forfeit life. It was a sweet and warm feeling. The Blood would enhance his mind and body—making his sense, body and Blood control stronger.

He tried to circulate in through his body, however, it didn’t happen. Right, Eztli told himself, sighing. It’s just a memory. I can’t change anything. I can only experience.

Eztli glanced taking in the long brick wall, the rustling of leaves as the wind blew. He didn’t remember this, yet at the moment it was so vivid and familiar.

It finally clicked, once he saw the iconic scene—a boy and a girl holding hands, their clothes splattered with blood, running through a battle ground.

"Hurry we must get out fast." The boy said, urging the girl.

"But father and mother they-"

"They are fighting with everyone else. They are doing it to protect us. We have to run to safety."

The boy turned pulling her closer, but a thrown blade landed on the girls back. They tumbled, the inertia carried them far.

"Nala!" the boy cried.

No. No. Why this scene? Eztli told himself. He tried closing his eyes, but it was all in vain. He just stared.

"Master, should we help?" Wes asked.

Yes, say yes! Eztli screamed inside.

"No. It's not our problem. Let's continue watching it’s fun seeing the boy."

"Yes, it is."

You sick fuck! Why can't you help him? Eztli yelled at himself. It would only take a way of your hand to save them.

The boy sat there clutching the bleeding girl as he was surrounded. Then he stood up and got in a stance to protect the girl. His white hair stained with blood. His eyes filled with fear, but he stood with determination to save the girl.

The boy was Rhett.

This was the memory of the night he met him.

Sadness filled Eztli, yet at the same time he felt—and remembered—the sense of interest and fun. He tried to look away, close his eyes or something but all he could do was stare. Feeling happy.

Is this how I was? Eztli thought as he took in the feeling. Something inside snapped at that moment. Back then he was merciless. He would slaughter wantonly. He was a true emperor.

Wes was right. He laughed at himself. I’ve become but a shell of myself. I was living a delusion. He tuned the feelings of the memory—engraining them back into his soul. This is how I was. No. This is how I will become again.

Yet, he couldn’t feel a bit sad as he viewed the young Rhett. He had seen the boy grow up. Taught him. Learned to love and trust him. Also, Rhett had done so much for him even almost sacrificing himself to save him. And what had he done in return? Just watched. Even for a second time. He only watched. He wanted to help as it caused his heart to ache.

If Rhett knew the truth…he would probably hate me. He thought. I should have told him anyways.

But he couldn't do anything now.

Rhett punched out, but the man dodged and stabbed his blade into his stomach. Rhett kneeled but clenched his fists.

"Master it looks like it’s the end." Wes said.

"Yes, it’s gotten boring. Let's leav-"

A purple aura formed on Rhett’s fist as he looked up at the man with hate.

"I will kill you all."

"Boy, it’s the end for you." He laughed. "You'll meet your family soon."

The man lifted a second blade and swung it.

At that moment, Eztli appeared in front of the man—stopping the blade with one finger.

"What th-"

Eztli waved his hand and all the men within three hundred feet convulsed—blood spraying from their pores. That easily, they were dead.

"Boy are you alright?"

Rhett! Eztli bellowed at him. His name is Rhett! However, at the same time he felt intoxicated by his own display of strength. Something he had lacked for hundreds of years. Something he needed back desperately, so he embraced it. Eztli also felt his older-self beaming with happiness. That’s right. He thought, still looked at Rhett. I offered help in order to use him. This is when I saw his astonishing potential in spatial arts.

Eztli watched Rhett turn to his sister, dead by now, without a care for his own wounds and cried at the top of his lungs.

"I'll help you get revenge against the one who caused the death of your sister. Not just these underlings." He said and turned to Wes. "Heal him, he will be my second disciple."

The memory ended and Eztli found himself swimming in the void.

Ironic. He thought. The one who caused her death was me. Not those men. But I guess ending as a rabbit, being betrayed and losing my strength was my punishment. Eztli laughed at himself.

The void soon became distant and the pain shot through his body. He was back in his broken body. Quickly, he used his soul to inspect his body. Damn. He thought. With these wounds, I won’t make it more than a week. Deepening his scan, he noticed small traces of medicine lingering around one spot. Curious, he honed in on it.

So fucking lucky. He thought, laughing. This is great. I can heal myself.

Surprisingly, particles of the semi-precious herb he ate at Roan’s lab remained inside—its effects compounded by several other herbs inside him. However, he needed to stimulate it. Using his soul energy, he attacked and burned the particles.

The particles expanded and spread through his body like an uncontrolled fire. It healed him at an astonishing pace; his broken bones mended, organs regrew, muscles reattached and skin closed. The process was painful, but it only lasted a few seconds.

Eztli stood, body in near perfect condition, looked around and saw the boy. He sat depressingly on the bed—turning the pages of a journal. Kael’s face, overlapped with Rhett's at that moment. Guilt filled Eztli, but surprisingly, he shook himself out of it. The memory had changed him. He was back. The merciless tyrant, one who cared for no one but himself.

No there is something. He thought. Rhett. I owe him so much… however, he is not Rhett. Eztli told himself, sighing. Still, I have to pay him back. The boy had saved him, put his life on the line for a rabbit. He didn't know if that was stupid or not but he had to repay him.

Spotting the link stone, he got an idea.


##


Kael traced the runes on the page. He was in a better mood after what Dean had said. Still, he couldn’t wash the sadness and worry away. What if Dean can’t figure it out? He thought.

They won’t provide the herbs; And you will become a cripple. A voice rang in his head. Useless like you always were.

Kael pushed the voice away, but it came back stronger.

“No!” He screamed, throwing his father’s journal across the room.

A shriek sounded. Kael looked near the contract circle and saw the rabbit glaring at him. “H-how are you…” he said trailing off as he processed what was happening.

The rabbit was writing on the ground. He was expanding the contract circle. Kael rubbed his eyes, unsure if he was imagining things or not. He made an effort to read the circle, but his sight was block by the bed. Grabbing on to the side of the bed he pulled himself to the edge. He almost fell, but he managed to place his hand on the floor for support. The speed at which the rabbit drew the circle was unreal. In a short two breaths, it had added three layers to it.

Five layers, Kael thought, widening his eyes. This is not happening. I’m dreaming. I must be. A contract circle with five layers with runes so complex that it felt as if it was constructed by the Heavens themselves; yet, it was drawn by a rabbit. Anyone in their right minds would think it a dream. Since the creation of contract circles, there had only been four layered ones passed down.

The rabbit hopped towards him and carved a simple rune on his hand—half a circle with a line through its center at an angle. Kael winced at the slight pain, but if he moved his hand he would fall off the bed. The rabbit looked at him and a strange force suddenly pushed him back onto the bed. Then, the link stone on the ground flew into the palm of his hand.

The rabbit immediately went back to the center of the new circle and nodded towards Kael.

“Y-you want me to bind you?” he asked, confused.

It nodded again.

So many questions entered his mind, but they were ignored as a strange glow took over his hand. The energy within the stone was activating by itself; it only needed a slight push. Unconsciously, Kael controlled the qi in the stone—like his thousands of practice repetitions. This time, however, he was not making contact with the contract circle and the glow was red. Not blue.

A ribbon of energy broke out of the stone. It floated in the air—twisting unto itself—and lengthened. One end spiraled around his arm and shot into his ear. The other shot to the contract circle, passing through and lighting each symbol. Finally, it spiraled around the rabbit and entered its ear.

Pressure built inside Kael’s head. His vision turned blurry. He could feel something form inside his brain; it throbbed and crawled deep. Then everything stopped. His vision returned, the link stone turned to dust. After, the circle on the floor and the rune on his hand burned into mist—as if they never existed.

Strangely, nothing appeared to have changed with him or the rabbit. At least it seemed that way, until a deep voice sounded in his head.

“Boy can you hear me?”

 

Chapter Twenty-Two​

It was weird.

The voice rang inside Kael’s head. It was an eerie whisper, like his own voice when he read to himself. At first, he thought he had imagined the voice, but it rang again. Asking the same thing only louder, more distinct and with a smooth but chilling deepness. Kael knew instinctively that it was the rabbit. His mind, however, refused to process it.

It was impossible.

There were only two methods that would allow one to communicate directly with their beast. The first, and most common, required a creature that could already physically speak. The second, only occurred when the bond between tamer and beast grew so powerful that it transcended into a Divine Link. It was something only found in the legends his father had told him. Supposedly, it required that the two souls to became so familiar with each other that the Heavens decreed their bond sacred and formed the link between them.

However, none of the conditions had been met. The rabbit couldn't physically speak, and the contract had definitely not transcended into the divine. Heavens, they had just formed the link seconds ago so their souls couldn’t be so familiar. Yet, the feeling persisted—becoming stronger. They were connected.

In a way, it felt like his bond with Leggy, but if he were to compare them; Leggy’s bond was like a thread of silk; the rabbit’s was a mountain one that only kept growing.

The influx of information and new connections being created in his mind—only compounded by the arising questions—paralyzed him. Scared him. There was no pain, but he could feel the minute changes. The wiggling inside his brain contracting as the rabbit spoke.

“Are you all right, kid?” It said, almost sounding concerned.

All Kael could do was stare forward—into the rabbit’s beady eyes. No, I’m not okay. He thought. It’s all your fault. You did something with the circle. Something that wasn’t a binding.

Kael’s mind shifted, thinking of the circle. It had five layers. Even renown scholars could only dream of creating or witnessing one in their lifetimes, like he had. He had even been subject to its effect—not that he was very happy about that. Still, his first thought was to draw and study them, yet something pushed him to control the qi in the link stone first. He didn’t know what it was, but it was the same feeling that woke him. The one that caused the convulsions and led him to Brin.

So it was him. Kael thought. He was guiding me there…but how? More questions littered his mind. He wanted to ask what the layers of the circle did. Why the binding light was red. What they had done to him. How he had guided him. However, all those questions shattered replaced by a more important one.

“What are you?” Kael asked, his voice trembling.


##


Eztli sighed in relief as the boy spoke. He had grown worried that he had messed up the runes and caused the boy to lose his mind. It had been so long since he last created a binding circle—he had only used his Blood Art for thousands of years—that it was possible. Though the feeling was washed away by the sudden realization that the boy was only in shock.

He smiled and looked at the boy. His mind momentarily overlapped him with Rhett again. It was too vivid that he lost himself in it. "Rhett, don’t you recognize me? It’s me Eztli, your master?” He said, approaching the boy enthralled by the illusion.

“Stay away.” The boy screamed, sending a command at him. “What did you do to me?”

A binding energy shot at Eztli, causing great pain and the will to obey. Something he had never felt before. It broke him out of his delusion and to another. Wes appeared in front of him, commanding him to bend at his will. Laughing and sitting in his throne. Anger spreading through him.

Immediately, it sent his soul energy into to frenzy, attacking the boy and overriding his command. The boy grabbed his head—pulling at his hair—and bellowed blood curling screams. Then the backlash struck at him, stopping his frenzy shattering the illusion completely.

Eztli shook his head. What the fuck happened? He wondered, glancing around at the boy—fear filled his eyes. His mind tried to merge him with Rhett, but he refused. He is not Rhett. Just some random kid. One that he owed his life to; And almost killed.

Closing his eyes, Eztli inspected his soul. It shone brightly and had taken the shape of a rabbit—no longer fuzzy like before. Focusing, he noticed a thin red ribbon that wrapped around his soul’s leg. Following it, he sensed a small sphere of light attached to the other end. The boy’s soul. Unlike his aged and transformed soul, Kael’s didn’t show the slightest hint of shape. Still a kid. Eztli thought as he looked for inconsistencies in the connection.

Eztli sighed when he noticed the small tear in the ribbon and a distinguishing mark on the boy’s side. Master. Hurriedly, he checked his own ribbon only to find the word “Servant.” He laughed to himself. In his emotional state, he had forgotten to modify the base layer of the circle and entered a master servant relationship with Kael. Although even then, the connection seemed too strong for some reason, like if it was reinforced multiple times. That should have kept anyone else under the “master’s” command, however, Eztli’s soul was too strong and old. When he felt the kid’s command, his soul refused to obey and frenzied. The effect was only increased by the strong pride embedded in him and the weird tear in the ribbon.

Guess I did fuck up on the runes. He thought. Well, it will do for now. Not like I plan to keep it forever. He was only binding with him in order to communicate and help heal him. After he refined his body and activated the bloodline within, Eztli was leaving. By then he would have regained enough strength to break the binding without struggling.

“Sorry about that kid.” Eztli said, inching forward. “I didn’t thing the binding would end so…weirdly.”

The kid cringed back and almost sent another command.

Stop. Eztli sent his own before the kid could; a benefit of his strong soul.

“If you send a command the pain from before will return and I would frenzy again, probably.” Eztli explained. “I don’t mean to harm you, kid. I’m goin-”

“What did you do to me?” Kael asked, still holding fear in his eyes. “How did you guide me to you when Brin attacked you? And how come you can command me? I’m your master. I bound you. So that can’t be possible.”

Eztli burst out laughing. This boy really is amusing. He thought. He thinks he bound me. "First, you are not my master. I allowed you to bind me as a form of repayment for saving me.” He said, hopping towards him.

"Repayment? You bound me and almost killed me. That’s repayment for you?”

“That was an unfortunate side-effect caused by a…miscalculation on my part. As for the other thing you felt, that was probably caused by your persistent attempts at binding me. It created a lingering connection that guided you when I was dying. Even I couldn’t have predicted that. However, you saved me and my true intentions were to help heal your leg.”

Kael’s eyes wend wide and filled with hope. “You can heal me?”

"Yes. I will teach you an art that will heal you instantly. Onc-“

"W-wait heal me instantly? You are trying to trick me. That’s impossible. Only a precious herb could do that."

“Boy, my Blood Art can heal you better than any herb. Even if you were to cut your leg off you could grow another—provided you have enough time and reached a high-level mastery.” Eztli said proudly. “But for the severity of your wound, as long as you master the first level it should be fine. Hell, even a rare grade one herb should be enough to heal you twice over.”

Kael trembled. "Y-you have seen such a precious herb?"

Eztli’s eyes went wide. He’s this surprised over this low-grade herb. He thought. Just what backwater place am I in?

"Boy, where are we?"

"In the Reigned Phoenix Sect."

"No, I mean what continent?"

"Oh, we are in the Loras continent."

Loras continent? Eztli searched his mind, but found nothing. It had been so long since he paid attention to what happened in the world. He had left it all to his loyal puppets as he worked obsessively on his body and the soul transfer process.

"Did it have a different name before?"

"Well, I think about a thousand years ago it was call the Teal continent.”

Eztli shivered as he heard the name.

I find myself once again in this cursed continent, he thought.

The Teal continent. The place of his birth. Where the Blood Legacy sect—his sect—had been located and destroyed. The place where he spent the lowest point of his life. Starved, weak and on the verge of madness. The Cursed Maze. Eztli felt as a clash of emotions ran through him. He felt pain, fear, despair, and—strangely—hope. Even if he did almost die, he overcame death. Rose from certain doom and became the emperor of the world. Now here he was—at an even lower point, stuck in the body of a rabbit, his strength all but gone—in the same continent. But he would rise again, like he had before. He had something he didn’t before. Knowledge. With it, he would become emperor again.

“So, can you really heal me?” Kael asked, bringing him out of his memories.

“Y-yes. Once you train in my Blood art, you will feel the healing start immediately.”

“Can you teach me right now?”

Eztli glanced at Kael. He wanted to just teach him and get over with it so he could clear his debt, but he was too tired. The wounds from the beating, his old memory of Rhett, the binding, and the frenzy all took a heavy toll on him. He just wanted to rest, so he lied. “You are too weak from the attack and binding. If you start training now, you would only kill yourself.” He said, sighing. “Rest, I’ll teach you tomorrow.”

With that he ignored Kael—who still shot him questions—and hopped off to a corner. Slowly, he drifted into a deep sleep.

 

Chapter Twenty-Three​

Two loud knocks brought Kael out of his soothing dream. Kael rubbed his eyes and glanced around for the Rabbit. Eztli. He told himself. That’s what he had called himself when he thought I was Rhett. Then he tried to kill him. Kael sighed. Supposedly, it had been his fault for sending a command; he believed him. It was weird. The night’s events were like a blur to him now. He hardly remembered all the details except for one thing. Eztli’s emotions.

It was hard to explain, but for some reason Kael felt—through their connection—that Eztli was not lying. He had genuinely meant to help heal him. Still, he thought. It’s better t-

The door split open, bringing him out of his thoughts. Three men—tall and dressed in black robes—walked in. Each stood in front of his bed as a fourth made his way inside. Unlike the others, he was older and wore a white cloth over his left shoulder. He searched his robe taking out a parchment and read it.

“By orders of the Council,” he said, “we are to take you and your beast—willing or forcefully—for interrogation.”

Before he could make sense of what the man continued to read, he found himself being tied and dragged out the door by the three men. The fourth picked up the sleeping Eztli and followed.

Heading to the Discipline Hall.


Kael listened to Eztli’s calm breath. His stomach rose steadily and his left paw twitched when he exhaled. How can he still be sleeping after that? Kael wondered. Before, a short man had come in and yelled at the top if his lungs. He asked about Brin. Kael had answered the all the man’s questions, but that had just made the man angrier and louder. To the point that Kael had wondered if his throat would burst. It hadn’t. The man, however, had riddled Kael’s emotions.

Trembling, Kael poked and tried to wake Eztli. He wanted to speak with someone, but feared angering him. However, all of his tries had been unsuccessful. Eztli was in deep sleep. Sighing, Kael closed his eyes and focused on their connection. Darkness and a soothing calmness spread through his body—Eztli’s feelings.

Kael needed that. Then, he glanced around—studying the walls. They were metal and had faint runes etched on them—to prevent anyone from escaping. The hall was one of the newer buildings in the sect. Active for only the last sixty years or so. Its task was to keep the sect in order. Arresting disciples and elders who broke the rules. Most members of the Discipline Hall were a proud bunch. They flashed their badges when they strode around the sect as if the black robes they wore weren't enough to distinguish their status.

Kael had never been involved with them before. He had seen them around when talking walks, but he stayed off their watchful gazes. Dean had mentioned that they were too proud and sometimes too forceful. Kael rubbed his wrists—the pain still lingered from when they dragged him. He sighed again, shifting his weight on the chair. An itch bothered his right leg wiggling about he stretched his hand to scratch it unsuccessfully.

The metal door creaked open.

Hurriedly, he stood straight and watched the man entering. His robes were different than the previous men; they were still black but were lined with a red insignia over his right chest followed by his name. Captain Theo.

It was a name that Kael was familiar with. He was the leader of the Discipline hall and the best fighter in the sect; the only one at the Eighth Fracture. Stories of his heroic battles spread through the sect like rain. One in particular mentioned that he could hold his ground against a First Mender. Kael always thought the story exaggerated, but as he looked at the man he started to believe it.

The man was built like a mountain. Even in the dim light, Kael could notice the man’s muscles. They brimmed with strength and radiated white—ever so slightly. His heavy beard and long unkept hair made him appear threatening and wild. As if he would attack you at any moment. Kael couldn’t see the man losing a fight.

He sat in front of Kael, across the placed a stack of paper on the metal table. "Kael is it? Would you tell me what happened exactly?" he asked.

"Captain Theo, like I have already told the previous man everything."

"I would like to hear it myself." He said, frowning. “Rick tends to…exaggerate.”

"Alright." Kael said, sighing. "That night I walked from the library..."

Kael recited the whole story the same way he had previously.

"So, you are positive that Brin's eyes glowed red then turned black. Then he caused the wounds himself?"

"Yes, that is what happened."

Theo's demeanor changed, his eyes narrowed, killing intent poured out surrounding Kael and jolting the sleeping Eztli awake. "Boy, don't lie to me."

"I'm not lying." Kael said, raising his voice. "Brin went crazy that time."

What’s going on? Eztli asked, why did this bastard wake me up?

Not now Eztli. Kael sent telepathically.

"I have the medical report here." He said, raising his killing intent. "And nowhere here does it say that the wounds were self-inflicted. In fact, it states that Brin had his left cheek sunk in by someone..."

"I-I did punch him...but it was solely to save myself and my beast."

"What about peeling his skin off? Was that also to save yourself?"

"W-what? N-no." Kael said, voice quivering. "He caused those wounds himself. I saw him clawing at his own arms."

"That is not what I have reported here." Theo said, standing and placing both hands on the metal table causing it to bend. "Tell me the truth, boy."

Kael felt intense pressure. He knew the truth, but as Theo stared at him, Kael had the urge to just agree with the reports. No, that’s not the truth. Kael thought. But why is he trying to blame the skin injuries on me?

Boy don't worry about it. Eztli’s voice rang in his head. His emotions are chaotic. It seems that he really cares about what happened. To the point that he doesn’t accept the truth and is trying to bend your will. Just stare back at him and insist on the truth.

Kael did as he was told and looked at Theo in the eyes, inside he was terrified, but he still managed a confident gaze. "I am telling the truth!"

Theo's eyes widened for a short second then returned to their hostile state. "You are telling me the report is wrong. That Elder Nori is lying on her report?"

Fuck. Eztli sent to him. Boy this is a plot against you. That report is false.

What do I do then? Kael asked. They won't believe me...they'll take her word for the truth.

Eztli laughed. Boy just stick to the truth. It's the best thing you can do. Soon it will come out. The man already believed you. His emotions were just replaced by sheer anger. I’m assuming he is looking for a way to justify the report. That's why he insists on intimidating you.

"Yes it's wrong.” Kael said firmly. “I saw Brin. How he went wild. I don't know why the reports say otherwise, but the only wounds I inflicted on him were the punches to his face."

Theo went quiet for a moment then turned. "I believe you boy. I will get to the bottom of this." He said and walked out the room. Before he closed the door, a faint whisper escaped his lips. “Thanks.”

See boy, what did I tell you. Eztli said.

"Thanks..." Kael whispered.


##


Theo frowned. His heart refused to believe it, but his instincts told him the boy was telling the truth. If the boy was lying he would have told the truth under my aura. He told himself as he looked at the report in his hand. Is it really forged? Would Nori really risk lying about something so important? Why would she do it?

The red eyes. Bloodverne disease.

Theo tightened his fist and hit the metal wall—shattering it. He had lost his sister to that disease. Now, his nephew was possibly afflicted with it. But why would they try to hide it? Wouldn't it be better to admit it?

No. He thought. Sal loves Brin. He wants him to succeed. He wants him to become the next sect leader. Yet he knew there was more to it. Sal was just as traumatized by disease as he was. Even now he chose to refuse that Brin was infected. However, he knew it was true. Kael wasn’t lying. Then, there were Robin’s recounting of the events. He opened up the second report and read.

Dean had, supposedly, brought both kids in hurt. Nori had immediately taken Brin into a private healing room. Sal arrived later, slapped a disciple and talked to Dean. Dean had apparently told him that Brin was sick. Then, Nori called Sal and came out angry and attacked Dean.

He could see something wrong. He knew that if he was in Sal’s position he would have tried to keep it hidden. After all, he has the cure. Theo thought. The one meant for sis. What better way to do that than to cause a fight. Only a possibility though. It still doesn’t explain why Nori would choose to hide it.

Theo sighed and shook his head. He would just have to get to the bottom of it. For now, he needed to bring in the new information to the Council.

Quickly, he made his way to the entrance. The doors were made of white marble—runes and intricate patterns carved into it. The outside was adorned with two large phoenix statues standing watch. A scripture under each one. Justice. Fairness.

He pushed the door open and entered.

Three elders sat in a triangle formation as they discussed the events. Their faces covered with a purple scarf hiding their faces, but it was just for appearance. Everyone knew the identities of the three elders. Loki, Tint and Junn.

They held the highest position in the sect; they were even on par with the Sect leader. Every major decision was made by them. However, the three elders had given up so much for their pursuit of justice and fairness. They never took a decision for power or for their own benefit. The Oath prevented that.

The Oath. Theo glanced at Junn’s hand—the one she always had exposed. Starting from the middle finger, a set of patterns and symbols spread. They expanded covering the back of the hand and going under the purple sleeve of her robe. Theo knew it followed and covered their entire bodies. It was a formation. One set to kill the holder if he lied or took a decision without fairness and justice.

Theo didn’t know exactly how they worked, but he knew they were left behind by the sect founder. He also knew the extreme pain the process of engraving them caused. Unconsciously, he rubbed the back of his middle finger, tracing the patterns. It was his first set of runes; the rest would be done yearly, taking over a decade, until his body was covered. It could only be done safely that way. If one tried to rush the process, the pain itself would drive one mad or to their graves.

Theo stepped forward, listening to their conversation.

"So, is that what we will do?" Junn said.

"Yes, it seems that it’s the best outcome in this situation." Tint responded.

Loki was the first to notice Theo, he smiled and called him up. “What is it, Initiate Theo?”

Theo smiled at the title. Initiate. He considers me one of them. He thought. “Elders,” he said as he kneeled. “I wish for you to delay your judgement.”

“Theo,” Tint said. “We have read the reports and the accounts of the witnesses. And we see no fault in them. The judgement has been made. The boy went too far and even lied to the interrogator. He will be expelled and Dean shall be punished.”

Theo winced. No. He thought. They made their judgement too early. And they took the boy’s story as lies? Just what did Rick write in his report? He steeled himself.

“I request a Council Hearing. I have reason to suspect there was tampering done to the reports. I just need time to find the reason why.”

“This is a severe accusation.” Loki said. “Are you sure you wish to follow through with this? If you are wrong you will lose you status as an initiate”

That made him hesitate a bit. However, if he let this play out the way it would. Then, he would have not been fair. Taking a deep breath, Theo raised his head and stared at them. “I do.”

Loki nodded. “I retract my judgement and request a Hearing. Do both of you agree?”

“Agreed.” Junn and Tint said.

 

Chapter Twenty-Four​

The paper burned leaving behind a mound of ashes.

“Another failure.” Dean said, sighing and sitting on his chair. His eyes grew heavy and his body relaxed. No, I can’t sleep now. Dean thought, pushing himself to stand. I need to find the right formation. Lest Kael won’t be healed.

Dean was mentally exhausted. He had spent all night reading through Ian’s research and testing countless formations. Normally, drawing so many formations wouldn’t have been enough to tire him so much, but he had been using Orus paper and ink. And that required immense focus.

One had to draw the formation with the flow of qi in mind and imagine how the flow of qi would travel when activating it—then draw it in reverse. Not only that, but you had to draw from beginning to end, without breaks. It was a mentally exhausting process, but it was the safest and most efficient method to theorize new formations.

Orus paper and ink provided a way to test the stability of a formation without the need to waste ingredients or the danger of qi explosions. If the formation would end up in failure, the paper would just burn. At worst, it would burst, but never cause mortal danger. This was because it was made from the skin and blood of the Orus Bird.

The creature had been known for its strange ability to deflect any qi attacks or formations by guiding them through their bodies. It was so strong that even Mending masters would not harm the bird in the slightest. The beast was not strong, however. One punch by a non-cultivator would kill it. That had baffled scholars for years until one day, a trainee messed up his formation—causing a flock of Orus to burn up—that they turn to study the bird in detail. Years later, they created the paper and ink.

However, it was not perfect. Sometimes the paper would burn even with a perfectly working formation. The chances of it happening were slim, but still significant. Still, Dean couldn’t worry about that now. He was pressed for time. He needed to figure out how to implant a formation inside a person by the end of the day or Kael would really lose his leg.

Focusing, Dean grabbed the last sheet of Orus paper—feeling the rough grain against his skin. One last chance. He thought, uncapping the bottle of Orus ink. It’s thick putrid smell jolted him awake as he began to draw. Soon, he had drawn all but the final line. Dean held his breath and finished.

He stared at the circle—comparing it with a few notes—and nodded. Everything seemed correct, all he needed do was infuse a tiny bit of qi. Taking a deep breath, he collected qi in the tip of his index finger. A small yellow sphere formed and then he pressed it against the starting line. The qi glowed brightly and turned a deep shade of blue as it travelled through the ink; as if he was activating it. stepping back. This has to work. Dean thought, as he watched the light travel through the formation.

The qi reached the end and dissipated. It hadn’t burned.

“Yes!” Dean cheered, rushing forward lifting the paper. “it wor-“

Then, it burst into flames—turning to ash between his fingers.

“Fuck.” Dead cursed, toppling over a stack of books and slamming his fist on the desk. “Why didn’t it work.” He punched the desk again shattering it.

Dean hugged himself, sinking into his own mind. Into his own powerlessness. I’m useless. I can’t find the answer. He thought, turning his mind to Ian. It’s all your fault. You had to write everything in code and not leave any key. You had to die that day. Searching for your stupid fantasy.

No, another voice rang inside him. Not fantasies. He succeeded. He was proof of that. The strange energy he used to help him achieve his First Mend was not normal. He found what he had searched for, but it killed him.

He closed his eyes and focused on his core on the area where the Tenth Fracture had been. It had a faint reddish tint to it—distinguishing it from the rest of his core. He turned to the Ninth Fracture. It was halfway mended, yet, it had the same coloring as the rest of the core. Once he reached his Second Mending, Dean was sure that he wouldn’t be able to tell that there was ever a crack.

Why is it like that? Dean wondered, like he always had. Even now, he still felt Ian’s qi inside him. It was like he was embedded in his core—within his First Mend. As if he left something behind…

Dean’s eyes lit up as a crazy idea—one that could kill him—flashed through his mind.



Securing the rope to a beam on the ceiling, Dean fitted the noose around his neck and closed his eyes. He focused his energy and recalled it back into his core. The sudden loss of energy caused his body to grow weak enough to allow him to choke.

Dean hesitated. He wasn’t sure that Ian had left a formation inside him—like he had with Kael—but he had to try. If he could experience the formation activating firsthand, then he would be able to reverse engineer the process. He just needed to believe that the caring Ian he knew hadn’t forgotten about him.

Please let this be right. Dean thought as he took a deep breath and kicked the chair out from underneath him. He fell. The rope tightened with force around his neck, digging into his skin. His first instinct was to remove the rope, but he repressed it; letting himself die.

His qi became chaotic and strands escaped the core. As if strands had life of their own, they made their way to his neck. Dean concentrated on the qi and tried to deviate it, but it was too strong. Unlike, his usual qi it was astonishingly thick and resistant. Last Will… he thought, It’s real…

He had read about it in biographies and legends, but he could never wrap his mind around the concept. It just didn’t seem possible. Last Will would only occur when a Mending master or above was on the verge of death. Qi would somehow become alive and act on its own in an attempt to save the life. If it was another instance, Dean would have welcomed—even become fascinated—but right now he needed to stop it. Using every last bit of his strength, he fought. The strands halted momentarily then burst through, continuing their path to his neck. No, Dean thought, Please I need this. Surprisingly, the qi strands stopped—as if they had listened to him—and dissipated. Slowly, his strength seeped away and his vision turned dark.

Still, nothing happened.

Dean began to panic. He was long beyond the point of no return. He barely had enough strength to even lift his fingers. If Ian didn’t leave a formation inside him then it would be his end. Everything turned dark. Is this really how I will die? He laughed at himself as he imagined the reactions when they found him hanged.

Suddenly, the darkness lit up. His body trembled as he felt a foreign energy burn. This is it. Dean thought, focusing his tired mind on the patterns. This is the formation. I have to remember the feeling. A figure materialized in front of him. Ian.

“Hello, old friend. If this activated, it means I’m dead and you’re halfway there.” Ian said, his voice sounding sad. Then he smiled—a mischievous one. “Unfortunately, I’m here to tell you to get your ass back to the world of the living and stay there as I don’t want you here.”

Dean could only stare as tears welled up in his eyes.

“I wish I could say more, but if this drags you’ll really be end up here with me. So…” Ian said, forming a sphere of energy on his palm and pressing it into Dean’s chest. “This should save you and do a little more.” He winked. “Take care of my son and yourself, Dean. I know it must have been hard on him. Tell him I love him.”

Dean let his cries out, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Oh, one last thing. I hope you are still wearing bright colored robes and keeping true to our bet. Even if I’m already dead, it doesn’t mean you can stop before the ten years are up.” Ian said, laughing as he faded away.

Strength and energy filled Dean. His muscles bulged and he heard the rope snap. Landing on the floor he gasped for air. His energy exited his body and swirled around him. It gathered qi from the atmosphere—growing larger and tinting red. Then, it all went inside him. Directly into his core. Dean screamed at the pain, but it only lasted a short moment and a coolness spread through him.

Astonished he glanced inward, into his core and let more tears fall. His Ninth Fracture was now tinted like his Tenth. He had reached his Second Mending.

Dean laughed. Remembering the conversation with Ian. Then laughed some more. Laughed like never before.

“That bastard. Even after he died, he still has the audacity to joke.” Dean said. As the moment passed, Dean turned serious and closed his eyes. “Ian, I don’t deserve the help you have given me. I have failed you. I let Kael get hurt. I hope that you can forgive me for that. I’ll make everything right and I promise not to fail again. If I do, let heaven be my judge and punish me. I won’t let your help go unrewarded.”

A small light flickered and for a moment Dean thought he saw Ian’s smiling face again. Shaking his head, he stood and picked up a notebook—writing down the symbols he felt when the formation activated. He looked at his work and smiled. Kael, he thought, with this I’ll be able to get the herb and cure you. You won’t be a cripple. If this is not enough… he tightened his fist. I’ll use the strength Ian gave me and take it by force.

The door flinging open brought him out of his thoughts. A short and bearded man, dressed in black robes, walked in.

“What do you want, Rick?” Dean said, narrowing his eyes. “And why the hell did you just barge into my room?”

“Dean,” Rick said, smiling. “I have the authority to barge in as I’m here on official business. By order of the Council, you are to present yourself immediately to the meeting hall. A Council Hearing has been requested.”

“And you should hurry,” Rick said, smiling wickedly. “The order was issued half an hour ago.”

 

Spoiler: Author's Note

Well, all good things must come to an end. The marathon I put myself through is finally over. In total I wrote 21 chapters in 3 weeks. I really enjoyed every day of it and hope I can return to this one day. Unfortunately, Life gets in the way. My vacation is at its end and I must return to work. (Got to make a living.) However, whenever I get days off I'll update daily.

From now on the release date will be 2 chapters a week, although I'll push for 3, Released on Monday and Friday. (If you see an update on wednesday that means you'll get 3 chapters that week.) There will be no chapters until next monday(July 31.) I need a little rest, plus it's my birthday on Wednesday!

Lastly, hope you enjoy this big chapter(Technically 2, but I wanted the marathon to end in a "grand" way.) Took me longer to write than expected. I tried to hint at certain things, wrong with the sect in this one. Specially with the council. It might be a little weird though. So if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies with story, please let me know. I'll fix them. Any comments and feedback, are welcomed.

Enjoy!!

Chapter Twenty-Five​

"Boy, are you sure his eyes turned black?" Eztli asked, raising his voice.

"Yes." Kael said, shivering. "I can still remember them staring at me…"

If this is really the Bloodverne...Eztli thought. I'll need to rethink my plan of leaving. At least until I can obtain it for myself. Eztli sunk into his memories.

Bloodverne. The true power of the Blood Legacy Sect.

Unlike what many believed, Bloodverne was not a disease, but a genetic disorder. One that began with Verne, The Progenitor, founder of the Blood Legacy Sect and creator of the Blood Arts.

Verne and three friends had been exploring a cave when they discovered four slugs encased in crystal—frozen in what seemed to be an eternal battle. Greedy, they had approached the crystal and shattered it. Releasing the slugs. The slugs had then latched onto them—dissolving into their blood—and had controlled them, turning them into vessels to continue their battle. The fight had lasted days, until only Verne had remained.

This had released him from the slugs control and had given him the power over his blood. The events had changed him—physically and mentally. He had been released from the slug’s control and been granted amazing power—engrained deep in his blood. However, it had been at the cost of his friends lives so Verne vowed to live a normal life. And he had. His sons, however, hadn't.

Unable to control the bloodlust and power that had been passed down genetically, they were driven mad and had killed each other. In his grief, Verne created the Blood Arts—a way to reign the bloodlust. His attempt had succeeded and his new children could control the power and do much more. They had experienced enhancements to their strength, senses and cultivation. They had risen to the peak fast, and others had not liked that. And so, he had lost his sons again—killed by the envy in men.

Maddened, Verne founded his sect and amassed and army; for his Blood Art was not limited to those afflicted with what he had dubbed Bloodverne—everyone could train in it, however, it only showed its true power if paired with Bloodverne. The Blood Legacy Sect had soon reached a powerful status and Verne had seven more children. After, they had gained the strength to protect themselves. Verne—aged and tired after the hundreds of years—disappeared; leaving his children in charge of his sect.

Striving for even more power, his seven children begun a breeding experiment. They impregnated slaves, passing the Bloodverne down. Having created hundreds of third generation members was not enough for them, however; Some of the Thirds didn't have enough talent and failed to reach the full potential of their powers. So, faced with the dilemma, the Seconds had researched a way to extract the Bloodverne from those without talent. It had taken them a hundred years and the process killed the person, but it gave them a way to choose. Choose those who they had deemed worthy of the power. Those who had talent in the Blood Arts. Eztli had been one of them.

He had reached an astonishingly high level in Blood Arts, that a Second had taken him as his adoptive son and gifted him with the power of a Third. The greatest gift he had ever received.

I thought I was the last holder of the Bloodverne. Eztli thought, feeling his mind in chaos. After all, they hunted everyone down. I was only saved because of the Cursed Maze…

“Eztli, are you all right?” Kael asked, suddenly bringing him out of his trance-like state.

Shaking his head, Eztli asked. "When can we get out of here?"

Kael shrugged. "I don't know, it might take a while."

"Damn.” Eztli said, sighing then shifted his weight. “Well, wake me up once we do get out."

"What about the art? You said you were going to teach me today."

"Boy, I would love to do that, but the formation here prevents any sort of qi.” Eztli said, praising looking at the drawings on the wall. They weren’t complex but they had been perfectly engraved in the metal. Even the door had been carefully crafted to seal the room completely once shut. If there had been the slightest crack, the formation wouldn’t have worked.

"You can still tell me about it so I can train once we get out. I mean we have the time right now."

Eztli laughed hard.

"Why are you laughing?"

"At your stupidity boy. You think just by listening you'll be able to cultivate in my art?”

“But isn’t that how you cultivate? You listen or read how to do it and then go try it yourself.”

“Don’t compare my Blood Art to your trash cultivation techniques. One explanation is not enough for you to grasp it. My art i-"

Eztli stopped when the door opened then shivered. Not because of the man that entered, but because of what he pushed. A wheelchair.



Eztli fell silent. He ignored Kael’s attempts at conversation or the fact that they were being taken somewhere. He could only focus on the chair. Fuck. He cursed inwardly. Why do I have to ride a cursed wheelchair again?

He was short of breath. His heart was beating fast and an immense pressure fell on him. He felt powerless. Withered. The old man he was started coming back. Only amplified by Kael’s worrying eyes. Rhett… Eztli thought. No. Snap out of it. He is not Rhett.

Eztli turned to the carvings on the walls to distract himself. They were elegant. Most had elegant curves and only grew more lavish as they approached their destination.

Two twin statues caught Eztli’s eye. Two Phoenix. They seemed alive; if you focused you could see their chest move as if they breathed. Eztli noticed the formation embedded in them. An illusion. He thought. That’s the first I’ve seen on such shitty statues. Underneath, the statues were horrible. Broken. Deformed.

However, they appeared to be intentionally carved that way. Eztli laughed and nodded as he shifted his eyes down, focusing the writing engraved on them. Fairness. Justice. Now that’s something I agree with. He thought, praising the ingenuity of the sculpture. Eztli knew from experience that fairness and justice didn’t exist in the world. Even those righteous people or sects only appeared that way on the outside. But inside, they were like the two statues.

Twisted and rotten in their core.


##


Kael sighed. The way to the Council Hearing had been long and quiet. Especially since Eztli ignored him ever since they placed him on the wheelchair. He stared at the huge doors as they entered.

The Council sat on their raised platform—looking down on the forming crowd of Elders. Kael felt their eyes lock on him immediately after he entered. He gripped the armrest on his chair as he searched for Dean.

He has to be here. Sal is already there with Brin… Kael thought as he got the urge to vomit. I-I d-did that to him.?

Brin had his whole body covered in bandages. Some tinting red. However, his face was the most gruesome. The bandages did a poor job at hiding his deformed left cheek. There was a large depression under his eye. Brin turned towards him. Kael saw his eyes flash black for a moment causing him to gasp for air. He felt Brin’s arm against his throat, choking him.

Calm down. A command rang in his head. The feeling left him, replaced by an eerie calmness. He glanced at Eztli and nodded. “Thanks.”


##


Damn it. Eztli thought, shaking his head. Now I have to deal with a traumatized child. Sighing, Eztli glanced at Brin and searched for any symptoms of the Bloodverne.

There were none.

That’s impossible. He thought. Once a person succumbed to the madness they couldn’t be brought back. Unless they brought someone who trained in Blood Arts, they wouldn’t be saved. Eztli urged to use his soul to examine Brin. He needed to know if he really had it. But he stopped himself.

The presence of the three elders on the platform pressed on him. He focused on the woman’s hand. A strange set of runes—ones Eztli was not familiar with—littered her hand and presumably her body. His eyes shined brightly and his curiosity bubbled.

Hurriedly, he used his soul and covertly wrapped around the woman; feeling and examining every inch of her body—taking in the runes. She only trembled slightly and narrowed her eyes, glancing around confused. Amazing. Eztli thought. These runes…the layers…their function…He got lost in them. Slowly, he managed to decode the outer part of them. It seemed to be an oath of some kind. If broken one would experience the worst pain then death, but that was just the surface. Who could craft such a formation? Eztli wondered, his eyes wide. Even in my prime, I wouldn’t be able to craft such a thing. Eztli pushed his soul deeper into her skin, reading the formation underneath.

“Who dares?” The woman whispered, expelling her qi.

Fuck. Eztli cursed inwardly, retracting his soul as it started to burn. That was stupid. I can’t believe I got carried away. He glanced at the platform. The other two elders turn to her with worry and discussed a few words. Then, they searched the crowd. Not noticing anything weird, they returned to their conversation. Well, at least now I know I can scan the kid without being caught.

Eztli closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Focusing his soul energy. It was harder as he had used up too much energy when he was attacked by the woman. He managed to form a concentrated sphere and sent it inside Brin. Quickly, it enabled him to view every minute detail of Brin’s body.

It was in a horrible state. Skin, muscles, and organs torn. Bones crushed, but what took Eztli’s attention was his blood vessels. They seemed to have expanded and had tears on the inside—going with the blood flow. Traces of the Bloodverne.

Eztli smiled as he turned his focus into Brin’s heart. He searched the walls cautiously—cell by cell. If the Bloodverne had survived on the continent for so long and only showed its effects the previous night, then it must be severely diluted. A sudden cell contracted as his soul pass through it. Weird. Eztli thought. The cell is definitely infected by the Bloodverne, I’m sure of it. But why isn’t its core in the shape of a slug? Then he noticed it. A small orange shell surrounding a ball. Fools. Eztli laughed. They must have used some kind of medicine to try and cure it. If only they knew what they have actually done.

Eztli grinned as he realized that the medicine was trying to crush the source of the Bloodverne. Something that would only make it worse. It would mask the symptoms as the source was crushed. But once it shattered it would only transform into new cells and it would come back stronger. I’ll give it a boost. Eztli thought, guiding his soul to crush the source. It gave no resistance and shattered.

Eztli’s soul energy ran out sending a wave of exhaustion through him. I really hate this body. He sighed, closing his eyes. His current form and lack of qi limited his soul greatly, but that would change once he refined his blood. Plus, now he had a way to increase his rise in strength. He smiled. Still, I guess I’ll have to stay in this place for a time. Hopefully, its only two or three years. I think that should be enough for the Bloodverne to grow back. Then I’ll extract it.

Eztli fell asleep.


##


Theo was beginning to grow worried. He had sent Rick to fetch Dean ten minutes ago, but he still didn’t show up.

“initiate Theo,” Loki said. “Close the door, the Council Hearing will commence.”

“Elder, Dean is stil-“

“The Hearing will commence.” Tint bellowed. “We have waited long enough. Close the door.”

“Yes.” Theo said, locking the large doors and sighing to himself. I hope this ends well. Without Dean’s testimony…I’m afraid Kael won’t be believed.

“This hearing—requested by Theo—is to revise the events that occurred last night and to enact punishment on Sal, Dean, Brin and Kael.” Junn said.

Theo noticed the shock on Sal’s eyes as he stood to speak.

Junn, however, raised her hand to stop him. “Sal, it is not your place to speak, yet.”

With that Sal sat back, grumbling.

The introduction was long. It took turns to allow the parties involved and witnesses to speak their sides. Soon enough, Kael was being questioned.”

“Kael, you state in your interrogation that you inflicted the wounds on Brin out of self-defense? Correct?” Tint asked.

“H-he peeled the skin himself.”

“I didn’t ask you about that.” Tint said, showing a hint of anger. “Did you or not attack Brin?”

“He attacked my rabbit. So.. I stopped him.” Kael said, rubbing his hands together.

“So, you admit to causing the wounds?” Tint asked.

“Only the punches. And to defend my beast.”

“I don’t believe this.” Sal bellowed. “Your rabbit is not even hurt.”

Theo shook at the comment and glanced at Kael’s beast. He hadn’t noticed when he interrogated him. The rabbit was perfectly fine not a scratch on him. In fact, it was peacefully sleeping.

“Sal does bring up a valid point.” Junn said, turning to Kael. “Kael, how did your beast heal? Or was it even hurt?”

The boy seemed shaken he started to stutter and glance around. Not good. Theo thought. Say something. Anything. From the corner of his eye, Theo could see Sal smiling and Nori looking awkwardly. Theo focused on her. She seemed to want to say something, but she would glance at Sal, blush then close her mouth. No way. Theo was struck with the sudden realization. She loves him. I need to get her to speak.

In the end, Kael said nothing.

A bad choice.

“Well, since you don’t refute it.” Junn said. “And there are multiple accounts that confirm you attacking Brin. We will return to our previous judgement. Kael, you are to be expelled from the sect and imprisoned.”

“I call Nori to speak.” Theo said firmly.

“Theo,” Junn said. “The judgement is set. There is nothing more to do.”

Theo walked and placed his hand on Kael’s shoulder. “Don’t worry I won’t let them bring injustice.” Theo whispered at him. Then, he raised his hand. The set of runes of his hand glowed purple and the room shook. “I call forth the Oath. I place my life on the line for this boy I can’t stand for this unfair judgement. He is innocent. I know he is. I call Nori to speak.”

The Council elders nodded as their bodies glowed with purple and in unison they said. “Oath accepted. Nori step forward.”

“N-no I can’t.” Nori said and backed away. “I can’t.”

“Step forward and speak” The council members moved their arms until their fingertips touched. The room lit up and a beam of violet light descended from the ceiling, shrouding Nori.

Immediately, she spoke in a monotone. “I lied in my report. Brin caused the wounds himself.”

The light then faltered and shattered, sending particles of violet across the room.

“T-the judgement was wrong.” Loki said, his voice wavering. “Initiate Theo, you have proved worthy of the Oath. I resign.”

The words shook Theo.

“I resign.” Loki repeated. “Initiate Theo, you are to take my place.”

Why? Theo asked himself, his face confused as he stared at a smiling Loki. No. They were all smiling.

“W-why?” Theo finally managed to utter.

“It was your test.” The Council elders said. “Loki is dying. We didn’t have the time to wait a decade for you to finish engraving your Oath. So, Loki proposed…this unorthodox method. We were to rush a false judgement to test you. And he was right. You are indeed a man of justice.”

“But doesn’t the Oath prevent a false judgement?” Theo asked.

“Only if we really did enact the punishment. The Oath would read us and if we did intend it—knowing it was wrong—it would end us.” Junn said. “We knew from the start something was not wrong. We even started the Hearing without Dean. In fact, we sent Rick to fetch him because we knew he would not go immediately.”

So that’s why…Theo thought. That’s why Loki always called me by Initiate. That’s why they actually allowed the hearing without Dean being present. They waited for me.

It was stupid to think that the Council didn’t notice the inconsistencies of the stories. That they proceeded without Dean.

“Do you accept your Oath. To uphold Justice and Fairness above your own life. To be selfless and to dedicate yourself to the sect?”

Theo took a deep breath. “I accept the Oath.”

“I bear witness.” Junn and Tint said.

Loki then raised his hand and his runes glowed. A light shot and surrounded Theo. Runes began forming around his body. However, there was no pain. It wasn’t an engraving. It was a transfer. The runes on Loki’s body moved and turned into the very light that shot at him. The process soon ended. Theo glanced at Loki—now runeless except for his Right hand. He nodded then retreated out the back entrance, leaving his seat.

“Welcome the Council. Now stand with us. So that time can proceed.”

Theo walked forward unconsciously. Then, he noticed. Everyone was still. Frozen.

“H-how is this possible?” Theo asked.

“There are many things you will have to learn. We are pressed for time right now. We must enact the true judgement. Sit.”

Without a further word, he sat. The world began ticking again and everyone fell back into time.

“You might notice Theo sitting with us. He has passed his test and accepted the Oath. All this happened under the eyes of the very Oath. Only for us—Oathtakers—to witness. The previous judgement was a ruse. A test. So, with our new member, we shall enact the True judgment.”

Gasps filled the room, but quieted once Junn raised her hand. “The Hearing shall commence.”

“Sorry for making you suffer like that child.” She said with a warm soft voice as she turned to look at Kael. “You are not going to be expelled.”

“Really?” Kael said, his eyes lighting up.

“However, you shall still be punished for hurting another sect member so severely. Thirty days confined to your room. No contact with anyone. That will be your punishment.”

“That’s preposterous.” Sal screamed. “The judgement was set and he nearly killed m-“

“Oh Sal.” Tint said. “do you think your little plan would fool us? We could literally see you grinning stupidly when we pressured Kael. You shall be punished for false reports. Colluding against other members and hiding the sickness of your son. Then there is the matter of your outburst with Dean and almost killing Robin’s disciple.

“For that you will lose your position as Elder. You will be confined in the Discipline Hall for a year and must provide the funds for the disciple’s wounds.”

Sal fumed, his face turned blood red and his left eye twitched. “I will not stand for this. I wil-“

“You will do nothing Sal.” Theo found himself saying, his voice strong. “You will comply with our judgement.”

“What about Brin. He was the victim here. He was accused of having the Bloodverne by Dean.”

The word made him wince. For a moment, Theo stared into Sal’s eye he could see the defeat in them. And sadness. Theo’s heart softened even more when he glanced at Brin. He sat there with empty eyes.

“As for Brin...” Tint said. “He will be given the best care. And placed under observation for thirty days. If there is no…Symptoms, he will be set free.”

Junn nodded with his judgement and added. “Nori, will be placed under six months of imprisonment for her false reports. As for De-“

Suddenly, the large doors rang. A crack formed on the lock another bang sent the lock flying and the doors flung opened.

A bloodied, wounded and tired Dean waltzed in. His left foot dragging. Behind him lay a mountain of unconscious Discipline Hall members. His right hand held onto a robe as he dragged someone and threw in the center of the hall. Rick.

“Where is Kael?” Dean asked, rubbing the blood off his eyes.

“Dean,” Kael said, almost crying. Hearing his voice, Dean rushed towards him and embraced him.

“Don’t worry Kael.” Dean said. “I won’t let them hurt you. I won’t let them.” Then he turned and stared viciously at them.

Theo felt chills run down his spine. Those eyes weren’t the usual happy Dean. His robes, yellow and filled with blood, only enhanced it. “I heard from that bastard,” Dean said, pointing at Rick. “That you took Kael without informing me first. You dragged him him. I know the rules and those actions clearly broke them. Explain yourselves.”

“We don’t need to explain ourselves.” Tint said. “What we do is always in the best interest of the sect.”

“So, scaring a kid senseless is just in your eyes? You sicken me. The Oath should take your life.”

Theo felt a sting in his heart as he recalled how he himself had scared the boy as he interrogated him. He began to doubt his position. Did he really uphold fairness in that moment? Was he being just? No. Theo told himself. I was only thinking about myself…

“Watch your mouth Dean.” Junn said. “Words cannot be taken lightly. You will be punished. Punished for breaking into a Council Hearing forcefully and for beating fellow sect members. You will lose your position as eld-“

Dean shot a glare again. His qi rose exposing his strength.

“Second Mending…” Tint and Junn both said, surprised.

“I’ll gladly accept punishment for my actions.” Dean said.” If they were indeed wrong, but I’m sure you know who is just.”

Theo turned and saw both of the other Council members. They wore frowns on their faces. Their expressions, twisted. Conflicted and in pain. What’s going on? Theo thought.

“Everyone dismissed.” Tint finally said. “The hearing is over. Judgement is set. Dean is to go free. It would…be unjust to punish him for our faults.”

Dean nodded and picked up Kael. “I expect compensation for the unfair treatment. In the form of a high-grade healing medicine—delivered to Kael of course.”

With that he walked out of the meeting hall.


##


Kael could only stare at Dean with wide eyes as he sat on the chair next to his bed. Dean hadn’t uttered a word, but he wore a guilty expression.

“Thanks Dean.” Kael said softly.

Dean sighed and turned to him giving a smile. “What punishment did they set for you?”

“Just thirty days in my room.”

Dean let out a laugh. “They really put the benefit of the sect before all.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Well, thirty days in your room, only means that you’ll have time to focus on bonding with your beast. Even in this situation they still hope for a genius.”

“So that’s why they also set Brin under Thirty Days of observation.” Kael said, with a sudden realization. “But how come they let you go without punishment?”

“They can’t lose a Second Mending Master. Too valuable.” Dean said, as he ruffled his hair.

A sudden deep hoarse voice rang by the door.

“Dean. We need to talk.”

Dean gave a sigh and stood. “Kael, I have to go. It’s important.”

Kael looked at him. He wanted to ask who the voice belonged to, but Dean shook his head and left.

I’ll asking later. Kael thought, smiling to himself. Dean was really cool today. I hope I can get that strong soon.

He glanced at the Eztli, a fire of desire burning in his eyes and shook him.

“Wake up.”

 

I really like the Emperor but Kael strucks me as childish ^.^ Well I just hope Emperor steals the blood successfully...

 

Thanks! That's to be expected, after all, Kael is a child. He's only twelve and he grew up a bit sheltered by his father. As for the blood, I won't spoil anything, but I will say that I have that part of the plot outlined already among other interesting things. There will also be a shift in POV and by the end of Book One(about forty or so more chapters) Eztli will become the dominant one. For now I wanted to set the story and give some hints about things wrong in the Reigned Phoenix Sect(the council to be exact) and their mysterious background as it will affect Eztli in the future. Hope I am managing to do that correctly.

 

Chapter Twenty-Six​

Eztli couldn't believe what Kael had told him.

After being woken up, he had asked how they had returned to the room and that's when everything went wrong. Thirty days, he thought as his vision drifted. Thirty days confined to this small room and with the kid.

He had planned to just teach him the first layer of his Blood Arts as repayment then leave him. He would linger in the vicinity—he had to wait for the Bloodverne to incubate—but he never planned to spend it confined. Now, those plans were ruined.

It's only a month, Eztli told himself, sighing. He really didn’t want to spend the time with the kid, but the more he thought about it the more he liked the idea. He could use those days to refine his own blood—making himself stronger before leaving. That sounds like the best possible outcome. Besides, the kid will be busy refining his own blood, increasing the qi flow in this area, which will only benefit me. He thought, nodding to himself while pushing down sudden fear.

Atmospheric qi usually flowed very slowly unless someone actively focused and willed it into their bodies. Even then, most people couldn’t change the flow greatly; only those so called geniuses—with their superior control and absorption rate—managed to sustain and increase the amount of atmospheric qi. That was the reason many cultivators used specially crafted rooms—with formations that enhanced qi flow—to cultivate.

Eztli had been one of those. Now he was a rabbit. The fear rose within him again. Will I be able to gather the change the flow at a fast pace? He asked himself. He wanted to regain his strength as fast as possible, but now that he thought about it, he might not be able to. No. You can do it. You already have the experience and if that doesn’t help, you can will the qi with your soul.

That was the last option. Even if he could use his soul to guide the qi, it wouldn’t be efficient. It would tire him too quickly; there was also the lingering question of whether his soul would suffer from the repeated use. Currently, his soul had shifted to the form of a rabbit and was stable, but as it was not its true form it might be affected if he started to go crazy with its use. And he had been using it too often. I mustn’t use it that often. Eztli thought. I might be worrying for nothing, but it’s safer to restrain myself. At least until I can find a way to regain a suitable level of strength or escape this body. Sighing, he turned to Kael who looked at him with eager eyes—waiting for Eztli to start explaining.

"Kid, what do you know about cultivation?" Eztli asked. It was necessary for him to know before he started to teach him.

The sudden question stunned Kael for a bit, but he responded promptly. "Cultivation is divided into three stages. The first stage, Fracture, requires one to gather qi from the atmosphere and store it in their cores. This will cause the core to fracture and expand. Once a cultivator reaches ten fractures, he will enter the second stage, Mending.

"This stage requires the cultivator to mend their fractures—in reverse—to reform their cores. Each mend will enhance the amount of qi one can store in their cores as there will be one less fracture to allow a leakage. “As for the third stage..." Kael said, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I don't know much about it—since there wasn't many books about it in the library—but it has to do something with nourishing the body with qi."

Eztli nodded as he heard the explanation. He was surprised that Kael knew so much. He had been wrong about there only being three stages—there was actually five—and his description of the third stage was vague, but the other two were spot on.

"All rig-"

"Then there's Fighter cultivation." Kael said.

"Wait. Fighter Cultivation?" Eztli asked as he took in the new term.

"Yeah, they cultivate differently. I guess it's a bit similar to the third stage as they gather qi to enhance their muscles and bones, but they do it while they shatter their core."

Eztli was stunned. What the hell? He thought. Refining their body while still shattering their cores. What stupid art was that? Eztli knew that shattering one's core while nourishing the body was a ticket to failure. He had seen several of his fellow disciples fall to the greed of using qi that they shattered their cores prematurely. They did get stronger, but they forever remained stuck at ten fractures.

"Boy, do you know where this method came from?" Eztli asked.

"Uh, I don't know if this is true, but from what I read I think it came from the Heavenly Sword Sect."

That name paralyzed and enraged Eztli. Heavenly Sword...he thought. It was the same sect that hunted and ended the Blood Legacy Sect. The sect he destroyed once he rose to power.

"You are wrong. That sect was eradicated thousands of years ago." Eztli said. "So there's no way they could they create a cultivation method."

"They were, but some members survived and reformed their sect using the Fighter cultivation as a basis for it. Although they now live in seclusion."

Those greedy bastards, Eztli thought, his eyes narrowing and leaking killing intent. After he had destroyed the Heavenly Sword Sect, he had found several labs deep underground that held dissected members of his sect. He had thought that they were trying to learn more about the Bloodverne, but now the purpose of those labs hit him. They experimented on the members of my sect they captured in order to steal our cultivation art. Fortunately, they failed to fully grasp it—or maybe I attacked before they could—and only managed to come up with a half-assed joke of cultivation manual. Still, I will need to look for them and eradicate them. This time for good.



##


Kael gasped for air as he stared at Eztli. He could see—and feel—an intense pressure shrouded him; filling him with fear and death.

"E-Eztli..." Kael said, his voice trembling and teeth clattering.

The pressure stopped and Kael could breathe normally again. He was still sweating and shaking—the fear still lingered.

"Sorry about that boy," Eztli said. "I sunk into my memories..."

"What memories?" Kael asked.

"None of your business." Eztli snapped.

"Bu-"

"Boy, if you want to learn my Blood Art just stop. I'm not here to get all friendly with. Once I teach you I will leave. If you keep asking about my past you won't even get that."

"Okay." Kael said, looking at Eztli. But deep inside Kael was still curious about Eztli. He wanted to know what he had remembered. What had caused him to be so mad. Heavenly Sword...Kael thought. Could it be related to that sect? After I mentioned it he acted different-

"So back to my Blood Art." Eztli said, breaking Kael's train of thought. "I will only teach you the first layer of the Nourish stage, Blood Refinement. This will be enough to heal you and help you get strong in the future."

Kael grew eager and excited as he listened to Eztli, forgetting what he was thinking about. "Blood Refinement? I’m going to refine my body like fighters?"

"Boy, don't compare my Blood Art to that lowly cultivation method." Eztli said, anger rising in his voice. "Unlike it, you won't be storing qi or shattering your core."

"Then how will I train in it?" Kael asked.

Eztli smiled then hoped towards him. "You will use the qi from the atmosphere—as if you were to store it—and use it to burn and refine your blood."

"Refine Blood? Wouldn't it be stupid as you will lose it once wounded?" Kael asked. The concept of refining blood confused Kael. It was unheard of—at least he had never read of it in the cultivation records. It made more sense to refine parts of your body you wouldn’t lose easily, like muscles and bones.

Eztli laughed hard. "Boy, once your blood has been refined you will have full control over it. So unless you wish to expel it, it won't ever escape your body. Plus, the refinement process alters it so that it enhances your body with each full circulation."

"But how is that possible?"

"How do you control qi, boy?"

"I concentrate and will it though my body…" Kael said as a sudden realization flashed through his mind. "So once it gets altered it becomes like qi."

"You are not as stupid as I thought." Eztli said, nodding. "During the process, qi and blood become one turning into Blood Qi."

"But then how will you shatter your core if your blood becomes your qi? You can only have a certain amount of blood in your body."

"That's the beauty of my cultivation art boy." Eztli said happily. "It doesn't affect your intake of normal qi, it just provides you with a second—more powerful—source of qi. You can still gather qi into your core to shatter it. In fact, that's were my art shines. Once you master all five layers of the Nourish stage, you will only ever need to fracture your core. Never mend."

"What?" Kael asked, yelling. “Never mend? That shouldn't be possible.”

"Shit, I got carried away." Eztli said. "You don't need to know. I will only teach you Blood refinement. After that, you can just train normally."

"Come on." Kael said, grabbing towards Eztli. "You already mentioned it, why can't you explain?"

Eztli back away and narrowed his eyes, shooting a killing intent at him. "Don't test your luck kid. I would have killed you just for knowing this much already, but as a token of gratitude for saving me I let it slide. Now are you going to keep asking me about that or start practicing?"

He's not kidding. He thought, swallowing hard as Eztli stared him down. He really would have killed me.

"I'll start practicing."

“Great. Oh and just to be clear, the pain you will feel in the process will be beyond your imagination.” Eztli said, smiling.