Chapter 33
It felt like a storm was building in the air. A soft breeze blew as if it was a warning of the weather that was on its way. The temperature lowered and inside the wind a slight moisture began to manifest itself.
Thaddaeus focused in on the situation in front of him. He hadn't taken notice of the change in the atmosphere. Instead, he anticipated every possible outcome of what was sure to be his finest battle. He kept his eyes locked on his opponent who had positioned herself across from him. The only part of the weather that made an impression on him was the light. Rather, the fading of the current light which allowed him to observe his adversary. It alarmed him.
The young warrior was a stranger to this land so he was unfamiliar with the processes of nature which occurred here. He lifted his gaze to look for the source of his light for the first time since he had been in Vellstone. The very action itself got his attention. It seemed to him that Humans rarely concerned themselves with things they had as opposed to the things they wanted. At the very least, it was true for him. He had often taken things for granted when he was on Atlas, but his recent experiences were beginning to open his eyes. Things he had always expected to work the same way were suddenly changing, and it caused Thaddaeus to consider the possibility that life was not quite as simple as he had thought.
In this instance, he was observing the light that faded from the land. On Atlas, he had learned that there were lights beyond the sky which caused day and night. Things were different here. There seemed to be no source of light in Vellstone, only light itself. The light seemed to have a mind and life of its own, and it moved about in odd ways.
He continued staring into the sky as he wondered aloud, "Why is it that I'm only concerned about things that I don't have?" This was a personal issue for Thaddaeus and one of the main motivators behind his actions. After all, it was the reason he left Silva in the first place. It was such a personal problem to him that he never even talked to Lux about it. This was something within himself that he was too afraid to mention to anyone.
"I understand such feelings," the voice came from in front of him. "I have even fought such battles within myself."
He was horror stricken to find that Fira had been listening to him, and she even heard him vocalize one of his deepest secrets. Too panicked to respond, Thaddaeus just stared at her in terror. What would she do with this sensitive information?
"It seems we are similar in some matters, Theckstrus," she started again. "I am thinking of answers to present to you, and since I like you I will reveal the first part now. Afterward, you must best me in this contest to receive the second part. I like you, but I have not gotten the chance to see your mettle as the others have. Now, I will learn something about you, and you will learn something of yourself. In doing so, you will learn about me as well."
Thaddaeus narrowed his eyes, he was still wary of her. She had yet to get his name right, but for some reason she seemed trustworthy. He was hesitant, but he eventually responded, "Okay, I accept."
She smiled, "Very well, then. Allow your mind to drift briefly across the events of your life. Ask yourself what it is that you value most. During my time on Atlas, I learned that you humans are brought into the world by other humans, and you call them 'parents'." Thaddaeus grew confused at this statement, but he tried to push it to the back of his mind for the moment. "Do you value your parents more than anything? Or are you perhaps in search of treasure? Do you value the comfort and resources you could gain with great wealth? Are you seeking out a woman? Someone with whom you could travel and spend your days? If you look back over your past choices and actions, what is the primary motivation for the paths you have taken?"
The young warrior appeared deep in thought, "Do the Primis not have parents?" Then he put up his hand and waved, signaling for her to ignore the question. "I'm sorry, I got distracted. I've been wondering about this for a long time now. I think...I want to be recognized by my peers, or really by anyone. I want to be respected the way Lux is."
Fira gave him a knowing smile, "Yes, I imagine that is your desire. The first answer to your question is: Would you attempt to eliminate a disease while encouraging its causes?"
By looking at Thaddaeus, you would conclude that someone had just robbed him blind. "What is that supposed to mean? How is that anywhere close to an answer to my question?"
Her eyes burned with fire, "I suppose you will have to defeat me if you want to know." She waved the Judge over to them.
Telu stood with confidence in the middle ground between them. She put her hands up, motioning for silence to the large crowd that had gathered to watch. She lifted her voice almost as if she were singing, "We gather together to test our balance. We gather together to hone our talents. We battle skillfully, restraining twice. We battle skillfully, beginning with spice. Third rush, we must not squander. Third rush, we train to wander."
Solis giggled and leaned over to Luna, whispering, "That is why she is the Judge. The rest of us did not have such flair."
Telu quieted her voice and gained a serious expression, "The rules of Spice and Rush are quite simple, and the rules are three. Firstly, you must obey the Judge's rule. Secondly, you must use no weapons," she paused there and glared at Solis, "This rule, as everyone is well aware, includes energy."
Solis made a hand gesture as if he were still pleading his case of innocence from the last time they played. Luna immediately followed his gesture with a feisty jab to his back which seemed to make her point. Solis responded with a new gesture to concede his obvious guilt on the matter.
"Lastly," Telu said, "The rush is a competition of skill and balance. Therefore, you must not step outside the small circle of spices we have constructed around you at any given time." She turned and walked to the edge of the circle, "Are the warriors prepared?"
The two locked eyes with one another, they both nodded. The Judge raised her hand, holding up a small bag of spices. She threw it to the middle of the circle, took one last step back, and exited the circle. They watched as it fell to the ground. They rushed forward. The contest had begun.