The festivities continue throughout the night. More fights happen, mainly between Honor Guards of Premderia prospects and Federation cadets. The group carries on about being together. Dusglar drinks and find female companionship from more than a couple of Premderian girls his age. Traur finds himself sitting alone for just a moment before Marsuna presents him with a drink and sits by his side.
"I am sorry for what happened to you. He gets too jealous of me talking to a boy half your age."
"He should be apologizing, not you," he says showing her his smile. "Besides it was worth it to dance with you. Even though it was out of sympathy."
"Sympathy?" She questions and has a confused expression on her face.
"It wasn't?" He asks already knowing the answer and taps his head on the table a few times. "Stupid," he says a few times before she feels her hand on top of his. He enjoys the moment but pulls it away. "I am sorry. You are aligned with him."
He goes to stand up but she pulls him back down. Immediately she grabs him by his coat and kisses him. Traur is stunned by the expression in his eyes. He doesn't know what to say after but he does smile. Marsuna wipes the lipstick off his lips before she leaves. Traur drinks both drinks and can't get the smile off his face.
For Nima, she sits at a table with Tilain and Melrina. Both of them have several empty mugs and exchange kisses several times. Nima keeps to only the one mug in front of her smiling at the two friends she has keeping her company. Yet her eyes linger to the open beaches a distance from the party. She sees Joran standing alone near the edge of where the tide comes in.
He stares at the horizon and watches as the first moon of the new year of Premderia reflects off the waters. His thoughts are deep and his hands are somewhat shaky. Joran rubs them together until they stop. When they stop he drops them back down to his side. He breathed the air that the beaches provide and find it healing. After doing so, he feels a presence that is strong but not one that worries him. He looks over his shoulder and sees Gormaur standing on a rock with his arms crossed.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough," Mildral replies before hopping down from the rock to stand by Joran's side. He looks at him seeing the black mask covering his entire face while still wearing a blue suit. HIs hands are covered by black gloves. Every step Mildral takes he can hear the mechanics in him moving. "That was an impressive performance you gave."
"Not good enough to match his skill."
"Not yet. You are getting there though." Mildral's words did not get a response from him right away. He sees that Joran is thinking heavily on something. "What trouble's you?"
"I didn't want to stop. Part of me wanted to continue inflicting pain on him. Part of me was hoping his friends get involved so I could spill their blood. More and more this feeling inside me gets stronger. Even after days in the medical pod to calm the disease the beast inside of me continues to grow stronger."
"But it didn't happen because she is with you now," Gormaur tells him with his cold demeanor and Joran smiles. "The bond between you and her is strong. You say that you are not up to par with me in terms of skill. However your spirit is so much stronger since you have met her. A spirit that I watched wither away like that illness has done to so many of our kind. Now I wonder what would happen if you and I clash."
"It is an incredibly odd feeling that it is indescribable. Yet this is only the second night I have been with her."
"And how does your father feel about the connection you have with her?" He asks and Joran didn't answer. "He is uncomfortable with the feeling of you two together.
"He swears to protect her but we both know if I broke any of our kinds law he wouldn't be able to help me. His loyalty is to the people and will protect them from any enemy. Even myself."
"Do you believe he would stand opposite you?" Gormaur asks next and Joran didn't answer. He looks down at his feet before looking back up at the water. "I am not like your father. My loyalty is to our group. I will stand with you if you are in trouble. Remember that."
Joran nods and continue last looking at the waves. He goes to look at Gormaur and find him gone, Joran look around but find his friend is nowhere in sight. He smiles before looking back at the water. As he looks to the water, Nima approaches and the two hold hands for a moment.
"Joran...alright?" She asks and he smiles before touching their foreheads together to make her smile.
"With you I am."
He hears footsteps and sees their friends. Tilain carries his drunk friend over one shoulder. He moans several times with his eyes open, drooling down on his giant friends back. It is no surprise to any of them how drunk Dusglar is. He begins humming the same song as before. Joran comes around and looks at his friend barely having his eyes open. He flicks Dusglar on the forehead and he just moans.
"Fuck your mother," he moans under his lips and they just laugh.
"Where is Traur?" Joran asks.
"Went home before his mother freaked out," Tilain answers finding it disappointing. "More than likely he will get a stern lecture for not arriving at the appointed hour."
"He is just keeping on the right path. That is all," Joran explains to defend him before touch on another matter. "Let us not make it a rare habit in being apart for so long, my friends."
All of them are quiet but try to show support for Joran's statement, despite it being difficult to do. All of them did part ways. They touch their foreheads together before doing so. Joran points to Dusglar and Tilain hands him off, placing the drunken fool over Joran's shoulder. She and Melrina both go back to the mountains leaving Joran and Nima.
He watches all of them do so, standing in the same spot. He finds it sad for a moment and has to rub his eyes with Nima seeing him show his emotion. She takes hold of his hand, and he looks at her, showing a smile. The two go together back the direction from where they come from. They return to the hideout and the mood is quite quiet for the two of them. He places his drunk friend on the couch and grabs a blanket to make him comfortable. Before she can walk away, he takes hold of her hand and Nima smiles as does Joran while they touch foreheads.
"I do have something I wish to show you. Also someone I desire you to meet, if you are willing?"
"Friend of Joran?"
"No...Family."
He grips his left wrist with his right hand and summons the golden trenin like he has done before. She flies around the caves and both watch her leave a golden trail of energy in the sky which make Nima smile. The golden trenin lets out a scream before Joran holds out his arm. As soon as his arm is held out, she lands upon it and is quite calm while looking at Nima. She watches as Joran and the golden Trenin touch heads for a moment.
Before Joran explains who she is, the golden Trenin flies up and starts shining bright with energy. She shapes into his mother. She steps forward tilting her head in curiosity. Nima looks up at her amazed by the expression she gives. Arisa begins smiling down at Nima who did not quiver. Instead she finds the mysterious woman's presence quite comforting.
"This is my mother, Arisa, the golden Trenin of Premderia, and one of the six spiritual guardians that protect our planet."
"Mother?" She asks for not knowing the term too well and not for who Joran refers to.
"It is a long story. When my father was a boy and during the time of the great civil war of Premderia, the guardians turned their back on people, feeling like they have lost all respect for their home world. Not my mother though. She became a Premderian and gave up her immortality to help out kind. With her helping my father, grandfather, and uncles, along with the now King of Premderia they were able to restore balance back to the planet."
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Arisa tells Nima while getting down on one knee and bowing her head then extends out a hand. "It is alright, child." Nima places her hand on top of hers and there is a white energy that surrounds it for a brief moment. "You have endured so much since the first breath you took. Such pain and hardships no child should endure." The thoughts of this make Nima hold her head down only to be lifted by the powerful touch of Arisa's finger. "Fear not, child. You are safe where you are. But that is not why my son summoned me," she says while turning towards her son.
"I only wish to let you know this night we have aligned mother and know this in my heart from what you taught me as a child."
"Yet something troubles you, my son."
"I fear that others will try and take her away from me, for what they perceive her as."
"And what is that?"
"The same thing I am," he tells her and Arisa shows a small smile before placing a hand on each of their shoulders.
"The two of you are strongest together and there will be times, you will be tested in greater ways than you can possibly imagine. However, when it comes to your powers, you must control them, or the beast inside of you both will take it for their own. That is where you must work together the most in order to survive what lies ahead." With her words she stands up and shifts back into a golden Trenin. "Protect one another."
The two watch her fly down one of the many tunnels. She grips his hand for a moment before walking down the hall showing Joran her innocent smile before going into his room. He hears her removing the clothes but his emotions make him walk forward towards his room. Joran watches her undress for a moment, looking at the skin of her backside seeing the scars. He immediately turns away trying to act decent after she reveals her back side completely.
Joran has to take a breath while leaning up against the wall shaking his head. When he heard her finish getting under the blankets Joran turn around and see all of her covered. He comes in and sees Nima resting her head on the pillow. Joran takes a seat on the side of the bed for a moment. He plays with the small braid in the front and it makes them both laugh.
She moves over and gives him space. Joran didn't ask for permission as it is clear. He removes his shirt and boots before getting comfortable under the blankets with her. Nima's eyes are shut but she uses her hand and puts it on the back of his neck. The feeling makes him smile as she taps him several times. Nima has a smile as she continues to do so.
"Fingers, fingers, fingers, which fingers am I using?" She asks with her smile and he gives off a small laugh.
"The left and the middle," he says and they both laugh together.
She slides her hand down Joran's arm and takes hold of his hand. Both of them fold their fingers over the others. She sleeps comfortably while doing so. Joran did not as he sit there with his mind pondering. He holds her hand a bit longer before standing up and resting it gently upon the bed.
Next, he straps his two swords on his back. On each thigh, he straps a dagger. He proceeds out to the main hall and goes into the supply storage room. There is a bow and a full quiver of arrows he grabs, along with a water pack, and a medical kit he buckles to his waist. When finished he goes on to one of the computers and put on a headset before setting up an audio communication line with Mildral that connect.
"Did I wake you?" Joran asks him despite knowing the answer.
"You know I never sleep. What are you doing when light has barely shown on this day?"
"I need you for something. You might need the suit."
"What's the job?" Mildral asks and Joran gives the answer.
"Mount Lerval." Mildral is silent. "Are you going to talk me out of it?"
"That I couldn't do as much as I try. When do you need me?"
"As soon as you can. Meet me at the base of the mountain path."
"You might want to rethink that, Mildral says as he pulls up several monitors. It shows Kalsor, Bodgar, Andor, and Lorphiel all riding on the road towards their house, with Dileos as well. "A complaint was filed on you for threatening a prospect and then assaulting him."
"Damn it," Joran says calmly.
"Do you want me there?"
"I will take care of it. Just meet me at the base of the mountain," he says before ending the transmission.
Joran has to address another matter that he senses. He removes his headset and turns around. Nima stands there in her nightclothes. She still looks extremely tired and barely standing. Joran catches her before she falls. He lifts her in his arms.
"Joran...leaving?"
"Only for a while but promise I will return," he assures her. "I have something special I must do."
"Special?"
"Yes, very special," he tells Nima while tucking her back in. "I promise I will return though," he says before they touch foreheads for a few seconds which comforts her. "Rest." She listens and drifts back to sleep within seconds.
Joran proceeds out of the main entrance. When he comes out to the dawn of a new day, the door shut and conceal any entry point. All the cameras, wires, drones, and sentry units conceal themselves. No traces are visible of any cave. He proceeds out to the main entrance of his house and sits on the deck waiting patiently. All three of them ride up and see Joran sitting there until they arrive. He stands up and did not show any worry.
"Your Majesty, Father, Bodgar, Lorphiel, Captain Dileos," he says giving a slight bow of the head. He sees their concern about him being so armed. "I am not here to start trouble."
"Where are you off to so equipped so early this morning, Joran?" Dileos asks him in a firm but fair tone of voice.
"Just on an adventure with every intention of being back before the sun starts to set, sir."
"What kind of adventure?" Dileos asks next and Joran shows a thinking face for a second before answering.
"Not quite sure. Maybe I will go pick a fight with some more cadets."
"Joran..." Kalsor syaing his name makes Joran smirk.
"Everyone keeps talking about Mount Lerval and the challenges it presents for. So maybe I will give that a try and see for myself, sir," he answers with a smile before Dileos asks him a more important question.
"I have to ask you Joran. Where were you last night?" Joran gives a smirk and answers without hesitation.
"I was at the Ascending Inferno Dance like everyone else my age, celebrating my passage into adulthood, sir," he admits and looks to his father and sees how serious he look but Joran still smiles. "Why do you ask, sir?"
"I received a complaint from Derisior's parents, saying you threatened to take his life," Dileos says and Joran shrug. "Why?"
"He disrespected me and my friends. I taught him a lesson in a one-on-one contest with no weapons as is our custom on such an event. After I beat him, I whispered threatening words into his ear that I would take his life if he did bother me and my friends again. That is not a crime the last time I checked, sir."
"It is still a serious matter, Joran." Dileos' words Joran did not care for. All of them see it. "Joran..."
"You aren't going to arrest me, sir. That is clear. If the upper-class politicians and their spawn have a problem with me, I am not that hard to find."
"Joran..." Kalsor says but his son does not acknowledge him and continues talking.
"They hide behind you but don't have the balls to fight, like we are meant to."
"You live under Federation governance, Joran," Dileos tells him but Joran laughs.
"Federation Governance," he says while continuing to smile. "That is as big of a joke as you are now, Captain," he says before getting close to him showing any fear. "You are as pathetic as them." Dileos didn't flinch and Joran turn his back to him. "If that is all I have a long road to travel and like to get going," he says bowing his head once more to him before taking his leave and Kalsor stopped him by grabbing his son on the arm.
"You disobeyed me, Joran," Kalsor says and Joran stops walking and looks over his shoulder at his father.
"I am no longer a child, father. You can no longer prevent me from carrying out my ambitions."
"And what are those?" He asks and Joran didn't answer and looks straight ahead not making eye contact with his father. "Pledging your heart to a girl you know nothing about? What do you know about such things?" He asks his son and Joran easily comes up with an answer.
"I know coming to you for advice on the subject would be the greatest mistake I can make," he says and Kalsor's eye has a slight twitch. "Did I strike a nerve?"
"Careful where you step, son."
"Enough," Andor says calmly and Kalsor let go of the firm grip he has on his son. "Joran, this girl is dangerous, and you are too blind to see it. Who or what she is, threatens all of us," he tells him and Joran listens but stays silent. "Darkness surrounds her, and camouflages what she is," he adds, and Joran balls his fists.
"She is using you, son."
Joran is quick to strike his father with his fist with a loud yell. Kalsor did not fall but his head turns slightly. His expression didn't change. Bodgar gets ready to dismount but Kalsor holds up his hand to stop her. He drops his hand by his side and looks to Joran not making eye contact with him as he shut his eyes. He's troubled by what is said about Nima.
"You are all wrong about her," he says while walking away but halt to look back at them. "If anybody tries taking her from me, I will kill them."
Nobody has anything else to say when it comes to the discussion. Joran journey back into the woods with his sights set on the mountain. The same mountain Melrina spoke of to Nima. His intentions are clear. Kalsor and Bodgar are silent and did not stop him.
"He has made his decision. We can't change that," Dileos tells them. "Can he handle the cost of that when the worst happens?" He asks while watching Joran disappear. "I fear he won't and a greater problem will arise."
"Rideran rage has always been a common trait among us. For Joran it is so much worse. I can only wonder if keeping him contained has been he right decision by all of us."