We are inside a well-lit impressive room bronze and gold covers the entire room and a few statues litter the room, suddenly the large main doors open and Roselle and Ryan walk through discussing matters and they both share a laugh as they continue to the balcony which is the source of the light. They come to a stop as they both look at the scenery.
Roselle
I did not expect to see this world renewed, in my lifetime…But I am humbled to see her flourish once again, thanks to you.
Ryan Shepard
We all did this, not just me. But I still have a bad feeling, putting Korell away for good and exposing Guraan…. It was way too easy.
Roselle smiles
Roselle
Calm your fears, my friend. There is no longer to be concerned. Guraan and Korell have been dealt with, and I can assure you they will…
A familiar voice is heard laughing. They both turn around to see its Guraan holding a crystal looking orb which pulses with energy.
Guraan
(Ironically) Surprised to see me, my dear friends?
Ryan and Roselle both scowl and stare at him.
Ryan Shepard
How the fuck did you get out, it was quiet without you…while it lasted.
Roselle
I agree with Shepard; how did you manage to escape?
Guraan
(Laughs) Now that would be telling. You've noticed by now what I have in my hand…well… you Shepard, should know. Why don't you…
Suddenly everything slows to a stop. Roselle curiously looks at what has happened
Roselle
What is….
Ryan Shepard
No time to explain, listen I can't do this for long, that orb…. If he uses it then we're both fucked. If he uses it then head straight to the temple, got it?
Roselle nods as things return to normal and he disappears in a white light.
Guraan
COWARD! Well…Shepard looks like it's just you and me now.
Ryan Shepard
Well duh, your being such a derp right now Guraan.
Guraan
(Scowls Angrily)
I would suggest that you keep your sarcastic comments, to yourself.
Ryan thinks of his next move and sighs reluctantly knowing he has no way out.
Ryan Shepard
Fuck it!
He fires a blast of energy at Guraan, and it goes right through him spilling blood everywhere. He falls instantly to the floor and the orb hits the floor and smashes. Suddenly from nowhere a small bright electrical storm starts to build where the orb smashed and Ryan knows he hasn't much time so he stands ready bracing himself as the storm builds rapidly as it hovers off the floor and aims itself at him and hurtles at top speed and hits him hard and he instantly spasms. Then within a heartbeat he flashes away into nothingness. The room begins to morph and change around us into some sort of religious temple and as it settles Ryan appears in a flash of light. He knows instantly and changes his appearance which has tattered clothing and a tattered hood and cowl and all we can see is his glowing orange eyes.
Ryan Shepard (To Himself)
So, the orb has flung me back… not forward. Crafty Guraan, so it would seem I'm in the temple of elders. I'll guess I'll have to keep a low key….
One of the elders who is dressed in a bright blue silk robe starts to enter the room and stops dead in his tracks as he sees Ryan standing there. His eyes go wide in shock as Ryan gestures to him that's he's not a threat.
Ryan Shepard
Take it easy, I won't hurt you.
Elder
Who are you strange one, and such strange attire you wear! I am…
Ryan Shepard
Elder Roselle, I know…. trust me.
Roselle is shocked that Ryan knows his name.
Elder Roselle
How is that you know my name, we have never crossed paths.
Ryan Shepard
I can't tell you, its best you trust me on this.
Roselle reluctantly nods as the other elders enter the room with the high elder. They all stare in bemusement at Ryan and the high elder just glares at him. Ryan instantly recognizes the high elder but doesn't show it.
High Elder
What are you doing in this sacred place stranger? You should not be here.
Ryan Shepard
High Elder Guraan Is it? I go where I please. I thought coming here, would give me… some sort of spiritual peace, and quell my uneasy soul.
High Elder Guraan walks up to Ryan and grips his shoulder hard
High Elder Guraan (Whispers)
I won't ask again… Leave now or I…
Ryan quickly spins around and forces an impressive looking blade into Guraan who falls to the floor to his knees and looks on in shock.
Ryan Shepard
Touch me again, and I'll ram this blade into your very fucking soul.
He withdraws the blade from Guraan and the other elders rush to his aid and carry him off as Roselle is slightly horrified as Ryan makes the blade slide up into his sleeve as he looks on as Guraan his hurried away.
Ryan Shepard
Dick!
Elder Roselle
I have never seen our high elder, been caught off guard… or injured for that matter.
Ryan Shepard
Yeah? Well don't piss me off!
Elder Roselle
Indeed!
End Of Chapter 24