Atreas
Apr 30, 2004, 08:31 PM
Outbreak
-Chapter 1-
"Let's go folks," Kyan Tilak made his final call. He flicked a hand through his black hair growing impatient with the immaturity of the group. Hearing the intensity in his voice, the crowd of pupils gathered around him. He studied members with a sharp eye and took count of their numbers and class. Nine students, he calculated, three of each class. Excellent.
A blue glow filled the metallic gray of the Transporter. Monotone hums buzzed about, surrounding the group on all sides. They were in no way lethal, but they were arguably annoying. Kyan recounted students who thought the constant buzzing comforting.
The chatter of the rambunctious group died away. Their ages varied from eighteen to twenty-three. One student, a young man with intense blue eyes much like his own acted as the leader of the group. The man with walked over to him as the last of the students gathered in the Transporter. His fiery red armor allowed him to stand out among the crowd. Swiftly he slid around other members in the group, streaks of blonde in his brown hair waving and vanishing behind heads and shoulders. Kyan spotted saber and sword hilts hanging loose on his belt. Hunter. The thought came to the Kyan instantly.
Mechanically, Kyan checked his own weapons in order. Running a hand along the lining of his sapphire blue attire, he allowed his fingers to gently strike the hilts of his weapons. He knew their order and their names simply by touching them: Training Saber, Durendal, Gungir, Demolition Comet.
Silently, Kyan whispered a breath of thanks to Dr. Ilandi. The man recently invented the collapsible rods for partisans such as Gungir and double sabers like the Comet. Transforming such a spacious weapons into portable items no larger than a saber hilt was a true discovery. Kyan remembered the years when he was forced to enter battle with the burly Comet or partisan strapped across his back. It slowed his maneuverability on several occasions and the result was almost catastrophic of numerous occasions.
Looking back on those days, he often wondered how he survived half the encounters with the Hildebear herds. But somehow, he stood in the Transporter this day prepared to take another group down to Ragol's forest. Ten years he had been a hunter. Many speculated that he was greatest hunter of his generation. Four years into his career, Kyan held a list of accomplishments no man alive dared to rival. His fame quickly grew, though he did not care for the public spotlight. It was on his fifth year, that the Hunters Guild offered him a permanent job as an Instructor. The job was steady and paid more than all but the greatest missions, and Kyan was allowed first pick of any mission before it was posted for other Hunters to see. Anyone would hire him for a Hunter's job. Anyone. Period.
Finally he reached Kyan after weaving his way through the crowd. Kyan greeted him with a smile.
"Instructor Kyan?" the man asked. Seriousness stung his words. The man was in no way nervous. Kyan respected his confidence and approach.
He answered immediately, "I am he. How are you this fine day?"
"Quite well," the man responded, unsettling. "My master, Randil Adikker, sent me with the group to keep them in order. If you have any trouble, don't hesitate to speak with me. I will be sure to get them out of your way."
Kyan smiled, "They look like they could be a handful." Together they surveyed the group. "What's your name, Hunter?"
"Alkian," the man replied. "I've been looking forward to this day for some time. It's not often I get to work with a hero of your status."
"I am no hero," countered Kyan, drawing from Ring Red Rico's age old quote, "just someone who happened to aid the people in their time of need."
Before either could say another word, a data panel embedded in the wrist of Kyan's armor slid open, revealing a small microphone and a single button. A computerized voice buzzed to life in the Transporter Room.
"Enter Database Analysis Code," commanded the voice. Kyan lifted his wrist to his mouth and whispered the code into the microphone. It took a moment for the computer to analyze his request.
Finally it said, "We register one Instructor, Kyan Tilak, and nine students proceeding to Ragol Forest for instruction. Confirm?"
Kyan nodded his head.
"Confirmed," said the voice. "Have a safe trip."
"Attention everyone," Kyan shouted above the chatter of the group. "We are about to depart for Ragol's surface. I advise all of you to grab a partner and hang on. How many of you are first time travelers to Ragol?"
No hands save for his hand Alkian's rose.
Kyan quickly corrected himself. "Grab two partners. For the first couple of times, the Transporter ride is going to be a little tough on your stomach. I think you'll manage. Is everyone ready?"
Shouts of excitement broke the soft hum of the Transporter.
"Excellent!" Kyan shouted over the group. He raised an open hand and checked once more over the crowd. Kyan patted Alkian on the shoulder. "You gonna be alright?" he asked.
"Of course," Alkian nodded.
Kyan informed his new companion, "I'm going to need your help today, so don't stray to far from the group."
Alkian's eyes grew wide and he turned to face Kyan. He opened his mouth to speak but Kyan raised an open hand and clenched it into a balled fist. The room flashed white and suddenly they were alone in the void between Pioneer 2 and the Forest of Ragol.
* * *
Ragol Forest was quiet and still. No bird chirped; no creature moved. It was in this dead standstill that the Secondary Transporter flickered alive, bristling with the activity of the thousand computer programs running inside of it. And suddenly it was not alone. The silent tranquility was broken as Kyan materialized along with a mass of velvet sparks on the dark landing platform and stepped onto the soft earth, crushing the leaves beneath his feet.
One by one, each member of his training group materialized on the Transporter Pad in the same flash of velvet. Kyan took a breath, savoring the sweet smell of the forestry once again. Many times he had traversed this forest, yet the aroma of budding flowers traveling through the humid air captivated him and never grew old. The sound of crunching leaves behind him reminded Kyan of his task and his responsibility. The students were the Instructor's charge. He must be careful to watch each member carefully.
"Wow!" said a young hunter from the back. "So this is Ragol Forest!"
"It's beautiful," exclaimed a woman dressed in a Force's robes.
A multitude of other comments followed. Kyan discarded them all. Though each statement he heard was true, all in the group overlooked the true adjective to describe this forest. Kyan knew the word all to well. Dangerous, he thought.
"I will now instruct you on how to use your weapons," said Kyan, taking up his role as Instructor. He waited until the crowd grew quiet and began teaching by taking the Training Saber from his belt. The weapon looked like a basic saber but was designed to inflict hardly any damage. With a sharp flick of his wrist, he activated the weapon. A ray of green shot from the hilt of the saber and quickly dimmed to a cool green. "I believe each of you were assigned a saber along with your base weapon, correct?"
"That is correct Instructor," said Alkian, who stood just out of the transporter. "All students are equipped with a model E-770 Training Saber as well as a base weapon."
"Excellent," said Kyan. "Now then, let me see your base weapons. We'll get back to the sabers in a bit. Hunters, show me your blades."
The Hunter Class, including Alkian, reached to their sides in a swift motion and pulled free a hilt. Activating the blade, the white light dulled to a deep emerald green and hummed softly in a tense murmur. The sabers the carried would inflict far more damage than a Training Saber. As he checked each blade to ensure its proficiency, Kyan instructed the hunters to deactivate the weapon and replace it at their side.
He moved to the Ranger Class, who pulled their handgun from a holster at their side and fired a single bullet of olive energy. Replacing the gun in the pouch, they drew their training sabers and waited as Kyan checked the Force Class.
Kyan ordered the Forces to show him their battle canes and cast a low level technique. Most threw a first level Foie through the air. Some cast the Barta spell and allowed the icy blue cloud to ripple a short way across the ground before it fizzled out, leaving a chilled line of grass in its wake.
"Let me explain how techniques work," said Kyan. "Each of us know that techniques are drawn from Technique Disks and added to our abilities when they are activated." He held up his right hand showing the bottom of the wrist. Thirteen small slits in the armor, no wider than a hair's length, glinted sharply in contrast to the armor itself. "All Hunters and Rangers have thirteen incisions in their armor. Forces have more," he explained. "When you acquire a Technique Disk, insert it into the proper slot. As you grow in experience, you will be able to use higher level techniques."
"How does it work?" one hunter asked.
"Your armor is computerized," Kyan continued. "When you insert the disk, the computer in your armor reads the chip. The armor then uses the data in the system to activate a technique when it is called upon."
A Force stepped forward. "But where does the energy for the technique come from?" she inquired.
Kyan smiled, "It comes from you. The suit draws energy from your body and transfers it into condensed energy. You see that energy when you unleash a technique. This is also why you can only use certain techniques as you grow. If you drain your energy, you won't be able to fight. If you can't fight, you can't use a technique. They become easier to activate each time they're used. After a time, you can upgrade your technique level. Then you'll become even stronger."
Alkian smiled. "An excellent explanation, Instructor. How about a demonstration?"
The group cheered and jumped with excitement. "Excellent idea, Alkian!" chuckled a few. "Let's see what the Instructor can do."
"As you wish," Kyan said, "but I will cast only one technique. Make your decision now."
The group huddled together, chattering wildly. The discussion came to order and the quickly decided on a specific technique. Alkian, who directed the conversation from the beginning, looked up at Kyan. "Show us the power of your Rabarta technique," he said.
"As you wish," Kyan nodded. "All of you back away. Give me a bit of space to work."
They backed to the Transporter and waited. Kyan deactivated his Saber and hooked it onto his belt, clenching his fists as he did so. Cold power rippled over his body. The group stared in anticipation. Calling the technique in his mind, Kyan felt the suit of armor draw from his well of strength. His legs locked and his back arched upward. A supernatural uprising wind shot past his icy blue eyes and gently lifted his hair. The grass around his feet flickered blue a moment before the first wave of cold, blue-white ice rippled across the ground. Five more followed, carrying with them the clatter and chill of an arctic tundra. As the last of the icy cloud died away, the grass shimmered in the rays of light that crept through the trees, a glossy ring of fragile ice.
Several members of the crowd gasped at his power. Some shivered at the icy wall of air that washed over them. He looked at them slyly and released the burden of tension in his shoulders. As he shook his head, Kyan heard the audible sound of clapping. He looked up. The students, though awestruck, were appreciative of his demonstration. Matching their generosity, Kyan pulled his training saber free once again and instructed the others to do the same.
"Now," he said, "I will teach you the fundamentals of sword combat. Each of you may wield a saber so it is be best you learn to use one."
A sense of agreement murmured through the group, and for the next two phases, Kyan trained them in the ways of the saber. By this time the Firestar was high in the sky, raining light through the trees upon their battleground. It was at this time he asked them to exchange their weapons for their base weapon and taught everyone, including the Forces, how to fight with their respective equipment. The Hunter and Ranger classes progressed easily and Alkian worked with them as Kyan moved to the Forces.
"Your class is diverse among the Hunters," Kyan taught, "because you have to use techniques much more than the others. Do not let this scare you. I know many a Force who is extremely powerful and all of them are highly respected and valued. You can channel your techniques through larger, more proficient weapons, but it might very well destroy your small Cane. Until you get a Rod or something of the sort, cast your techniques with your hand."
They nodded understanding and he made each Force demonstrate their newfound knowledge by casting a Foie toward him. Kyan dodged easily as the fireballs fluttered past him, then congratulated them on the completion of their basic training. Now all that was left was to dispatch them to attack the monsters. He called the group to him.
"Now for the next step of your instruction," he clasped his hands together. "Just beyond this room are the creatures of Ragol. Be warned, they're not the friendly pets you grew up with. These monsters are dangerous and will attack you. I'm going to split you into groups of three. I need one of each class in each group."
By numbering them off, he split the group, allowing Alkian to stay with a Ranger and Force who needed a bit more work with their talents. Incidentally, they were the youngest and most inexperienced in the group. Those on the other teams teased them for being placed with Alkian. Such childish antics caused Kyan's anger to flare. He chose the Ranger who had started the teasing. With a flick of his wrist, a blast of Foie shot from his hand through the air and slammed into the Ranger. The impact from the collision sent the student flying. He landed in a smoking heap twitching as he rolled onto his back.
Kyan snapped, "Let me tell you a story. When I began my career, I was the weakest student in the crowd. Everyone teased me for my lack of skills in battle. Look where I am now. All those who teased me...all those who showed great promise in their life are dead. I alone with a subtle few remain out of a class of nearly three thousand Hunters. Do not ridicule your teammates. They may be the ones who save your life."
Reaching into a pouch on his belt, Kyan pulled free a Moon Atomizer and threw it to the smoking Ranger. The black spot on his ribs where the fireball had struck stood out against his sky-blue uniform. The small capsule landed inches away from the student. Trembling he rolled over, picked it from the ground, and broke it. Light surged up and down his hand then spread throughout his body. He waited a moment before hoisting himself to his feet and dusting himself off. As he stood, Kyan's gaze met his.
"One more joke about the skills of your teammates and you're out of the field. I will personally escort you off the field and back to your master. Do we have an understanding?"
"Yes, Instructor," the Ranger grumbled.
Kyan swept his hand toward the door and commanded the group, "Go through the doors. I'll be along shortly to check your progress. Alkian will send your teams in different directions when there comes a split in your travel. Listen to him. He will report to me any mishaps along the way including disrespect to others."
______________
-Chapter 2-
The Hunter's saber cut through the Booma with ridged, grim accuracy. Kyan Tilak watched the young Hunter as he turned, dodging a swipe from the forest native and struck again. Just as he landed the second blow, two green bullets slammed into the creature's shoulder. Green blood gushed from the wounds and the Booma roared discontent. It struck again, the Hunter moved to evade.
In the distance, several paces from the heat of the battle, a young female Force whipped her hand in a large circle. "Foie!" she yelled. Instinctively the Hunter dove across the ground, rolling on his shoulder and coming up to face the Booma. Fire flashed through the air and took the beast in its back. It screamed a final time and fell, blood leaking from open gashes, back charred from the Foie blast.
The teams were still together in the second room of the forest. Alkian was yet to split them up. Two more Boomas appeared and were taken down instantly. Then the true test began. A pack of Barbados Wolves leapt from the bushes followed closely by a trio of Boomas. The hum of weapons pulsed through the air and the sharp pecking of bullets against flesh echoed through the forest. Finally the monsters fell.
"Gather," said Alkian, motioning the groups to him. They gathered in the middle of the room and waited. When they were silent, he gave instruction. "Now then," he turned toward the first ivory gate blocking the way to the next room. Pointing, he selected a group, "You three head that way." Selecting the second group, he pointed to the other gate. "You will go that way," he instructed.
"Right!" said a young ranger, and ran off toward the door. His companions followed, yelling for him to wait.
Alkian yelled to the trio, "Remember to work together. If you need help, yell!" He waited until the other group departed before giving instruction to his own unit. "As for us?" he said with a twinkle in his eye, "We're going this way," Alkian said, motioning them forward. Whereas the other students had taken the great ivory doors built by the engineers aboard Pioneer 1, Alkian led them up a small incline and into a forest path.
Kyan started to follow, but decided it best to wait. He trusted Alkian and knew the Hunter would not lead them wrong. In the meantime, he walked through the far door, following the first group Alkian had assigned.
The room was quite large, one of the largest on the first level of the forest. The shallow river to his right, current rushing toward him before bending off into another portion of the woodland held a number of valuable items if one looked closely. He would direct the group to inspect it after they finished off the enemies.
No enemies other than Booma and Wolves had revealed themselves as of yet and they were quickly dispatched. Kyan watched them with an appreciative eye, the Forces blasting away with their Foie techniques and the Rangers blasting the Boomas as the Hunters sliced them with their sabers. The teamwork was flawless and the enemies were quickly dispatched. The group saw him watching and the lead man, a young Hunter, called back to him.
"How did we fair, Instructor?"
"Fine!" Kyan yelled back. "You're coming along nicely, but come here."
The group walked over to him, the Force arriving first and snapping sparks between her fingers playfully. Kyan began his instruction.
"When you clear a room, check the ground for weapons and dropped items. Often times your enemies will have something you might need. Also check your surroundings for unusual items. For instance," he squatted and submerged his hand into the shallow river, turning away the small pebbles and stones in his path. His fingers brushed something hard and with a tug, he pulled out a long rod. The Hunter gasped. Kyan held a full-length Partisan in his hand. Tapping a small button on the side of the weapon, the green blade of energy crackled to life. He smiled at his accomplishment and handed the weapon to the open-mouthed Hunter.
"This weapon was dropped by someone from Pioneer 1," he said. "It's not retractable like our second generation Partisans."
"Wow!" exclaimed the Hunter, swinging the blade in his hand. "It's that old?"
Kyan laughed, "Indeed it is."
Nearby, a cluster of leaves rustled. Kyan noted it but continued talking. He heard a threatening grunt but the other Hunters, captivated in his tale, did not. A maroon foot glimpsed between the trees and the rustling of the trees became slightly louder. The training group discarded it as a passing wind. Kyan, however, glanced up. He knew instantly what it was. Only one maroon-footed beast that tall would walk this forest.
Panic whispered through him as he continued to hold the attention of the group. What is a Hildebear doing here? He asked the question in his mind, camouflaging his alarm behind a smile as the Ranger before him made a joke. It should be deeper in the wood. Kyan suddenly thought of the other groups...especially Alkian's. He had led his group on an uncharted path through the forest.
It was the Force that first noticed the large Hildebear behind them. She screamed and ducked, pointing to the lumbering giant before them. The monster was no fool. Sensing its discovery, it jumped into the room, easily clearing the river and landing near the far wall. It screamed a battle cry and began to trudge toward them. Kyan turned swiftly, the Demolition Comet hooked at his belt suddenly in his hand. The weapon extended, hundreds of tiny shards of light sparking to life at the ends of the gray metal. Suspending themselves in the air, the splinters of velvet light hummed ominously. Kyan stepped forward to meet the foe. As he did so, three additional Hildebears jumped to meet their friend. A cool smiled crossed Kyan's face. His surprise had withered away and the lust of battle took him.
"Get out of here!" he yelled to the three students behind him. "Go find the other group and stick together. If they are attacked in this way, you will need all the support you can get. Remember your training and stick together. I will try to join you in a bit."
"Aye, Instructor," the Hunter said, deactivating the Partisan blade. Together they ran through the great ivory doors and into the previous room. No sooner had they left than Kyan heard a scream echo through the forest. It was distant, and he knew instantly that the second group must have been ambushed as well. Where was Alkian? The question hit him like a brick?and was answered as another Hildebear jumped clear of the forest, Alkian following it with a saber close at hand. The two students with him followed, faces pale as moonlight.
"Find the other group," Kyan ordered. "They are under heavy attack. There are six of them...plus you three with make nine. The entire group should be accounted for."
Alkian said nothing but the doors behind Kyan slid open and he knew the orders were being executed. At the last minute, he added, "Take them to the Transporter and get them out of here! Something's wrong!"
No answer followed his request, but Kyan's mind gained instant focused on the battle as the words left his lips. Nothing mattered now except his survival. Five Hildebears stood before him now, grunting and beating their chest. The first one, finished with his warning, walked forward, preparing to attack. Its companions watched with eager curiosity. Lifting a large fist, the Hildebear drew down upon him and dropped its hand like a hammer. Kyan sidestepped the blow as it crashed into the ground and hammered the beast's ribs with the Comet. Green and red blood spewed through thousands of sudden gashes as he whipped the double-bladed weapon around and struck the beast in another volley. When he finished his combo, the Hildebear, though standing, was momentarily stunned from the barrage of power.
Unwilling to let the beast recover, Kyan slammed his Comet hard into the ground and propelled himself upward, landing a hard blow on the Hildebear's small chin. Its neck snapped up and cracked. Kyan twisted with the impact landing and ready to continue. The Hildebear wavered a moment, teetered to both sides wavering slightly...and topped over with a final grunt. Its companions sensed the loss and banded together. Kyan knew he would be fighting more than one Hildebear in the next round. He also knew the fight must end hastily. His students needed his help.
"Come on!" challenged Kyan as three new Hildebears jumped in. Wasting no time, Kyan spun the Comet and rammed it deep into the muscular stomach of the first Hildebear. The sound ripping flesh met his ears and the beast staggered back before collapsing, its stomach skewered with a hundred small holes.
Before he could turn, a Hildebear jumped behind him, swinging its fist hard against his back. Kyan topped forward with the pain and rolled across the ground, recovering from the blow. Angry now, he spun the Comet and rushed forward, laying the splinters of velvet light into the beast on every part of its body. When at last it fell, the blue of its body was streaked with green trickles and open wounds. Two more remained.
Kyan sheathed the Comet and pulled free the Durendal. The yellow blade flickered to life and he took the hilt in both hands. The first beast rushed him only to be struck with seven deep lashes across its back. It screamed once before Kyan jumped and cleaved a scar from its shoulder blades down to the small of its back. "Blasted fiend! Die!" yelled Kyan. And the beast did, topping over an ally and crashing to the ground.
The final Hildebear came at him. Kyan wasted no time, finishing the beast with a clean stab of his blade in and out of the heart of the beast. When it fell, nothing more than a small puncture in its chest showed signs of injury. Kyan sheathed the blade and ran from the room. As he rushed through the ivory doors, he heard screams and curses and yelling. Six students topped through the other door flowed closely by Alkian. His movements were defensive. Kyan instantly saw why. Another Hildebear was beating its way toward the group and he was the only man standing in the way.
Kyan whipped out the thin rod of the Gungir and activated the blade. He ran toward Alkian ducking low on his approached. As the beast swung a mighty fist, Kyan jumped, the Gungir high over his head and slammed it hard against the Hildebear's arm. It sliced through with a clean cut. Alkian finished the job with a bit of quick hacking.
Without waiting for an explanation, Kyan demanded, "Where are the other two?"
Alkian's answer was hesitant, "They're--They didn't make it."
"Are you saying they're dead?" He did not wait for the answer, "Like hell they're dead!" he yelled. "Get them into that Transporter. I'll bring along the others."
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Atreas on 2004-05-13 11:12 ]</font>
-Chapter 1-
"Let's go folks," Kyan Tilak made his final call. He flicked a hand through his black hair growing impatient with the immaturity of the group. Hearing the intensity in his voice, the crowd of pupils gathered around him. He studied members with a sharp eye and took count of their numbers and class. Nine students, he calculated, three of each class. Excellent.
A blue glow filled the metallic gray of the Transporter. Monotone hums buzzed about, surrounding the group on all sides. They were in no way lethal, but they were arguably annoying. Kyan recounted students who thought the constant buzzing comforting.
The chatter of the rambunctious group died away. Their ages varied from eighteen to twenty-three. One student, a young man with intense blue eyes much like his own acted as the leader of the group. The man with walked over to him as the last of the students gathered in the Transporter. His fiery red armor allowed him to stand out among the crowd. Swiftly he slid around other members in the group, streaks of blonde in his brown hair waving and vanishing behind heads and shoulders. Kyan spotted saber and sword hilts hanging loose on his belt. Hunter. The thought came to the Kyan instantly.
Mechanically, Kyan checked his own weapons in order. Running a hand along the lining of his sapphire blue attire, he allowed his fingers to gently strike the hilts of his weapons. He knew their order and their names simply by touching them: Training Saber, Durendal, Gungir, Demolition Comet.
Silently, Kyan whispered a breath of thanks to Dr. Ilandi. The man recently invented the collapsible rods for partisans such as Gungir and double sabers like the Comet. Transforming such a spacious weapons into portable items no larger than a saber hilt was a true discovery. Kyan remembered the years when he was forced to enter battle with the burly Comet or partisan strapped across his back. It slowed his maneuverability on several occasions and the result was almost catastrophic of numerous occasions.
Looking back on those days, he often wondered how he survived half the encounters with the Hildebear herds. But somehow, he stood in the Transporter this day prepared to take another group down to Ragol's forest. Ten years he had been a hunter. Many speculated that he was greatest hunter of his generation. Four years into his career, Kyan held a list of accomplishments no man alive dared to rival. His fame quickly grew, though he did not care for the public spotlight. It was on his fifth year, that the Hunters Guild offered him a permanent job as an Instructor. The job was steady and paid more than all but the greatest missions, and Kyan was allowed first pick of any mission before it was posted for other Hunters to see. Anyone would hire him for a Hunter's job. Anyone. Period.
Finally he reached Kyan after weaving his way through the crowd. Kyan greeted him with a smile.
"Instructor Kyan?" the man asked. Seriousness stung his words. The man was in no way nervous. Kyan respected his confidence and approach.
He answered immediately, "I am he. How are you this fine day?"
"Quite well," the man responded, unsettling. "My master, Randil Adikker, sent me with the group to keep them in order. If you have any trouble, don't hesitate to speak with me. I will be sure to get them out of your way."
Kyan smiled, "They look like they could be a handful." Together they surveyed the group. "What's your name, Hunter?"
"Alkian," the man replied. "I've been looking forward to this day for some time. It's not often I get to work with a hero of your status."
"I am no hero," countered Kyan, drawing from Ring Red Rico's age old quote, "just someone who happened to aid the people in their time of need."
Before either could say another word, a data panel embedded in the wrist of Kyan's armor slid open, revealing a small microphone and a single button. A computerized voice buzzed to life in the Transporter Room.
"Enter Database Analysis Code," commanded the voice. Kyan lifted his wrist to his mouth and whispered the code into the microphone. It took a moment for the computer to analyze his request.
Finally it said, "We register one Instructor, Kyan Tilak, and nine students proceeding to Ragol Forest for instruction. Confirm?"
Kyan nodded his head.
"Confirmed," said the voice. "Have a safe trip."
"Attention everyone," Kyan shouted above the chatter of the group. "We are about to depart for Ragol's surface. I advise all of you to grab a partner and hang on. How many of you are first time travelers to Ragol?"
No hands save for his hand Alkian's rose.
Kyan quickly corrected himself. "Grab two partners. For the first couple of times, the Transporter ride is going to be a little tough on your stomach. I think you'll manage. Is everyone ready?"
Shouts of excitement broke the soft hum of the Transporter.
"Excellent!" Kyan shouted over the group. He raised an open hand and checked once more over the crowd. Kyan patted Alkian on the shoulder. "You gonna be alright?" he asked.
"Of course," Alkian nodded.
Kyan informed his new companion, "I'm going to need your help today, so don't stray to far from the group."
Alkian's eyes grew wide and he turned to face Kyan. He opened his mouth to speak but Kyan raised an open hand and clenched it into a balled fist. The room flashed white and suddenly they were alone in the void between Pioneer 2 and the Forest of Ragol.
* * *
Ragol Forest was quiet and still. No bird chirped; no creature moved. It was in this dead standstill that the Secondary Transporter flickered alive, bristling with the activity of the thousand computer programs running inside of it. And suddenly it was not alone. The silent tranquility was broken as Kyan materialized along with a mass of velvet sparks on the dark landing platform and stepped onto the soft earth, crushing the leaves beneath his feet.
One by one, each member of his training group materialized on the Transporter Pad in the same flash of velvet. Kyan took a breath, savoring the sweet smell of the forestry once again. Many times he had traversed this forest, yet the aroma of budding flowers traveling through the humid air captivated him and never grew old. The sound of crunching leaves behind him reminded Kyan of his task and his responsibility. The students were the Instructor's charge. He must be careful to watch each member carefully.
"Wow!" said a young hunter from the back. "So this is Ragol Forest!"
"It's beautiful," exclaimed a woman dressed in a Force's robes.
A multitude of other comments followed. Kyan discarded them all. Though each statement he heard was true, all in the group overlooked the true adjective to describe this forest. Kyan knew the word all to well. Dangerous, he thought.
"I will now instruct you on how to use your weapons," said Kyan, taking up his role as Instructor. He waited until the crowd grew quiet and began teaching by taking the Training Saber from his belt. The weapon looked like a basic saber but was designed to inflict hardly any damage. With a sharp flick of his wrist, he activated the weapon. A ray of green shot from the hilt of the saber and quickly dimmed to a cool green. "I believe each of you were assigned a saber along with your base weapon, correct?"
"That is correct Instructor," said Alkian, who stood just out of the transporter. "All students are equipped with a model E-770 Training Saber as well as a base weapon."
"Excellent," said Kyan. "Now then, let me see your base weapons. We'll get back to the sabers in a bit. Hunters, show me your blades."
The Hunter Class, including Alkian, reached to their sides in a swift motion and pulled free a hilt. Activating the blade, the white light dulled to a deep emerald green and hummed softly in a tense murmur. The sabers the carried would inflict far more damage than a Training Saber. As he checked each blade to ensure its proficiency, Kyan instructed the hunters to deactivate the weapon and replace it at their side.
He moved to the Ranger Class, who pulled their handgun from a holster at their side and fired a single bullet of olive energy. Replacing the gun in the pouch, they drew their training sabers and waited as Kyan checked the Force Class.
Kyan ordered the Forces to show him their battle canes and cast a low level technique. Most threw a first level Foie through the air. Some cast the Barta spell and allowed the icy blue cloud to ripple a short way across the ground before it fizzled out, leaving a chilled line of grass in its wake.
"Let me explain how techniques work," said Kyan. "Each of us know that techniques are drawn from Technique Disks and added to our abilities when they are activated." He held up his right hand showing the bottom of the wrist. Thirteen small slits in the armor, no wider than a hair's length, glinted sharply in contrast to the armor itself. "All Hunters and Rangers have thirteen incisions in their armor. Forces have more," he explained. "When you acquire a Technique Disk, insert it into the proper slot. As you grow in experience, you will be able to use higher level techniques."
"How does it work?" one hunter asked.
"Your armor is computerized," Kyan continued. "When you insert the disk, the computer in your armor reads the chip. The armor then uses the data in the system to activate a technique when it is called upon."
A Force stepped forward. "But where does the energy for the technique come from?" she inquired.
Kyan smiled, "It comes from you. The suit draws energy from your body and transfers it into condensed energy. You see that energy when you unleash a technique. This is also why you can only use certain techniques as you grow. If you drain your energy, you won't be able to fight. If you can't fight, you can't use a technique. They become easier to activate each time they're used. After a time, you can upgrade your technique level. Then you'll become even stronger."
Alkian smiled. "An excellent explanation, Instructor. How about a demonstration?"
The group cheered and jumped with excitement. "Excellent idea, Alkian!" chuckled a few. "Let's see what the Instructor can do."
"As you wish," Kyan said, "but I will cast only one technique. Make your decision now."
The group huddled together, chattering wildly. The discussion came to order and the quickly decided on a specific technique. Alkian, who directed the conversation from the beginning, looked up at Kyan. "Show us the power of your Rabarta technique," he said.
"As you wish," Kyan nodded. "All of you back away. Give me a bit of space to work."
They backed to the Transporter and waited. Kyan deactivated his Saber and hooked it onto his belt, clenching his fists as he did so. Cold power rippled over his body. The group stared in anticipation. Calling the technique in his mind, Kyan felt the suit of armor draw from his well of strength. His legs locked and his back arched upward. A supernatural uprising wind shot past his icy blue eyes and gently lifted his hair. The grass around his feet flickered blue a moment before the first wave of cold, blue-white ice rippled across the ground. Five more followed, carrying with them the clatter and chill of an arctic tundra. As the last of the icy cloud died away, the grass shimmered in the rays of light that crept through the trees, a glossy ring of fragile ice.
Several members of the crowd gasped at his power. Some shivered at the icy wall of air that washed over them. He looked at them slyly and released the burden of tension in his shoulders. As he shook his head, Kyan heard the audible sound of clapping. He looked up. The students, though awestruck, were appreciative of his demonstration. Matching their generosity, Kyan pulled his training saber free once again and instructed the others to do the same.
"Now," he said, "I will teach you the fundamentals of sword combat. Each of you may wield a saber so it is be best you learn to use one."
A sense of agreement murmured through the group, and for the next two phases, Kyan trained them in the ways of the saber. By this time the Firestar was high in the sky, raining light through the trees upon their battleground. It was at this time he asked them to exchange their weapons for their base weapon and taught everyone, including the Forces, how to fight with their respective equipment. The Hunter and Ranger classes progressed easily and Alkian worked with them as Kyan moved to the Forces.
"Your class is diverse among the Hunters," Kyan taught, "because you have to use techniques much more than the others. Do not let this scare you. I know many a Force who is extremely powerful and all of them are highly respected and valued. You can channel your techniques through larger, more proficient weapons, but it might very well destroy your small Cane. Until you get a Rod or something of the sort, cast your techniques with your hand."
They nodded understanding and he made each Force demonstrate their newfound knowledge by casting a Foie toward him. Kyan dodged easily as the fireballs fluttered past him, then congratulated them on the completion of their basic training. Now all that was left was to dispatch them to attack the monsters. He called the group to him.
"Now for the next step of your instruction," he clasped his hands together. "Just beyond this room are the creatures of Ragol. Be warned, they're not the friendly pets you grew up with. These monsters are dangerous and will attack you. I'm going to split you into groups of three. I need one of each class in each group."
By numbering them off, he split the group, allowing Alkian to stay with a Ranger and Force who needed a bit more work with their talents. Incidentally, they were the youngest and most inexperienced in the group. Those on the other teams teased them for being placed with Alkian. Such childish antics caused Kyan's anger to flare. He chose the Ranger who had started the teasing. With a flick of his wrist, a blast of Foie shot from his hand through the air and slammed into the Ranger. The impact from the collision sent the student flying. He landed in a smoking heap twitching as he rolled onto his back.
Kyan snapped, "Let me tell you a story. When I began my career, I was the weakest student in the crowd. Everyone teased me for my lack of skills in battle. Look where I am now. All those who teased me...all those who showed great promise in their life are dead. I alone with a subtle few remain out of a class of nearly three thousand Hunters. Do not ridicule your teammates. They may be the ones who save your life."
Reaching into a pouch on his belt, Kyan pulled free a Moon Atomizer and threw it to the smoking Ranger. The black spot on his ribs where the fireball had struck stood out against his sky-blue uniform. The small capsule landed inches away from the student. Trembling he rolled over, picked it from the ground, and broke it. Light surged up and down his hand then spread throughout his body. He waited a moment before hoisting himself to his feet and dusting himself off. As he stood, Kyan's gaze met his.
"One more joke about the skills of your teammates and you're out of the field. I will personally escort you off the field and back to your master. Do we have an understanding?"
"Yes, Instructor," the Ranger grumbled.
Kyan swept his hand toward the door and commanded the group, "Go through the doors. I'll be along shortly to check your progress. Alkian will send your teams in different directions when there comes a split in your travel. Listen to him. He will report to me any mishaps along the way including disrespect to others."
______________
-Chapter 2-
The Hunter's saber cut through the Booma with ridged, grim accuracy. Kyan Tilak watched the young Hunter as he turned, dodging a swipe from the forest native and struck again. Just as he landed the second blow, two green bullets slammed into the creature's shoulder. Green blood gushed from the wounds and the Booma roared discontent. It struck again, the Hunter moved to evade.
In the distance, several paces from the heat of the battle, a young female Force whipped her hand in a large circle. "Foie!" she yelled. Instinctively the Hunter dove across the ground, rolling on his shoulder and coming up to face the Booma. Fire flashed through the air and took the beast in its back. It screamed a final time and fell, blood leaking from open gashes, back charred from the Foie blast.
The teams were still together in the second room of the forest. Alkian was yet to split them up. Two more Boomas appeared and were taken down instantly. Then the true test began. A pack of Barbados Wolves leapt from the bushes followed closely by a trio of Boomas. The hum of weapons pulsed through the air and the sharp pecking of bullets against flesh echoed through the forest. Finally the monsters fell.
"Gather," said Alkian, motioning the groups to him. They gathered in the middle of the room and waited. When they were silent, he gave instruction. "Now then," he turned toward the first ivory gate blocking the way to the next room. Pointing, he selected a group, "You three head that way." Selecting the second group, he pointed to the other gate. "You will go that way," he instructed.
"Right!" said a young ranger, and ran off toward the door. His companions followed, yelling for him to wait.
Alkian yelled to the trio, "Remember to work together. If you need help, yell!" He waited until the other group departed before giving instruction to his own unit. "As for us?" he said with a twinkle in his eye, "We're going this way," Alkian said, motioning them forward. Whereas the other students had taken the great ivory doors built by the engineers aboard Pioneer 1, Alkian led them up a small incline and into a forest path.
Kyan started to follow, but decided it best to wait. He trusted Alkian and knew the Hunter would not lead them wrong. In the meantime, he walked through the far door, following the first group Alkian had assigned.
The room was quite large, one of the largest on the first level of the forest. The shallow river to his right, current rushing toward him before bending off into another portion of the woodland held a number of valuable items if one looked closely. He would direct the group to inspect it after they finished off the enemies.
No enemies other than Booma and Wolves had revealed themselves as of yet and they were quickly dispatched. Kyan watched them with an appreciative eye, the Forces blasting away with their Foie techniques and the Rangers blasting the Boomas as the Hunters sliced them with their sabers. The teamwork was flawless and the enemies were quickly dispatched. The group saw him watching and the lead man, a young Hunter, called back to him.
"How did we fair, Instructor?"
"Fine!" Kyan yelled back. "You're coming along nicely, but come here."
The group walked over to him, the Force arriving first and snapping sparks between her fingers playfully. Kyan began his instruction.
"When you clear a room, check the ground for weapons and dropped items. Often times your enemies will have something you might need. Also check your surroundings for unusual items. For instance," he squatted and submerged his hand into the shallow river, turning away the small pebbles and stones in his path. His fingers brushed something hard and with a tug, he pulled out a long rod. The Hunter gasped. Kyan held a full-length Partisan in his hand. Tapping a small button on the side of the weapon, the green blade of energy crackled to life. He smiled at his accomplishment and handed the weapon to the open-mouthed Hunter.
"This weapon was dropped by someone from Pioneer 1," he said. "It's not retractable like our second generation Partisans."
"Wow!" exclaimed the Hunter, swinging the blade in his hand. "It's that old?"
Kyan laughed, "Indeed it is."
Nearby, a cluster of leaves rustled. Kyan noted it but continued talking. He heard a threatening grunt but the other Hunters, captivated in his tale, did not. A maroon foot glimpsed between the trees and the rustling of the trees became slightly louder. The training group discarded it as a passing wind. Kyan, however, glanced up. He knew instantly what it was. Only one maroon-footed beast that tall would walk this forest.
Panic whispered through him as he continued to hold the attention of the group. What is a Hildebear doing here? He asked the question in his mind, camouflaging his alarm behind a smile as the Ranger before him made a joke. It should be deeper in the wood. Kyan suddenly thought of the other groups...especially Alkian's. He had led his group on an uncharted path through the forest.
It was the Force that first noticed the large Hildebear behind them. She screamed and ducked, pointing to the lumbering giant before them. The monster was no fool. Sensing its discovery, it jumped into the room, easily clearing the river and landing near the far wall. It screamed a battle cry and began to trudge toward them. Kyan turned swiftly, the Demolition Comet hooked at his belt suddenly in his hand. The weapon extended, hundreds of tiny shards of light sparking to life at the ends of the gray metal. Suspending themselves in the air, the splinters of velvet light hummed ominously. Kyan stepped forward to meet the foe. As he did so, three additional Hildebears jumped to meet their friend. A cool smiled crossed Kyan's face. His surprise had withered away and the lust of battle took him.
"Get out of here!" he yelled to the three students behind him. "Go find the other group and stick together. If they are attacked in this way, you will need all the support you can get. Remember your training and stick together. I will try to join you in a bit."
"Aye, Instructor," the Hunter said, deactivating the Partisan blade. Together they ran through the great ivory doors and into the previous room. No sooner had they left than Kyan heard a scream echo through the forest. It was distant, and he knew instantly that the second group must have been ambushed as well. Where was Alkian? The question hit him like a brick?and was answered as another Hildebear jumped clear of the forest, Alkian following it with a saber close at hand. The two students with him followed, faces pale as moonlight.
"Find the other group," Kyan ordered. "They are under heavy attack. There are six of them...plus you three with make nine. The entire group should be accounted for."
Alkian said nothing but the doors behind Kyan slid open and he knew the orders were being executed. At the last minute, he added, "Take them to the Transporter and get them out of here! Something's wrong!"
No answer followed his request, but Kyan's mind gained instant focused on the battle as the words left his lips. Nothing mattered now except his survival. Five Hildebears stood before him now, grunting and beating their chest. The first one, finished with his warning, walked forward, preparing to attack. Its companions watched with eager curiosity. Lifting a large fist, the Hildebear drew down upon him and dropped its hand like a hammer. Kyan sidestepped the blow as it crashed into the ground and hammered the beast's ribs with the Comet. Green and red blood spewed through thousands of sudden gashes as he whipped the double-bladed weapon around and struck the beast in another volley. When he finished his combo, the Hildebear, though standing, was momentarily stunned from the barrage of power.
Unwilling to let the beast recover, Kyan slammed his Comet hard into the ground and propelled himself upward, landing a hard blow on the Hildebear's small chin. Its neck snapped up and cracked. Kyan twisted with the impact landing and ready to continue. The Hildebear wavered a moment, teetered to both sides wavering slightly...and topped over with a final grunt. Its companions sensed the loss and banded together. Kyan knew he would be fighting more than one Hildebear in the next round. He also knew the fight must end hastily. His students needed his help.
"Come on!" challenged Kyan as three new Hildebears jumped in. Wasting no time, Kyan spun the Comet and rammed it deep into the muscular stomach of the first Hildebear. The sound ripping flesh met his ears and the beast staggered back before collapsing, its stomach skewered with a hundred small holes.
Before he could turn, a Hildebear jumped behind him, swinging its fist hard against his back. Kyan topped forward with the pain and rolled across the ground, recovering from the blow. Angry now, he spun the Comet and rushed forward, laying the splinters of velvet light into the beast on every part of its body. When at last it fell, the blue of its body was streaked with green trickles and open wounds. Two more remained.
Kyan sheathed the Comet and pulled free the Durendal. The yellow blade flickered to life and he took the hilt in both hands. The first beast rushed him only to be struck with seven deep lashes across its back. It screamed once before Kyan jumped and cleaved a scar from its shoulder blades down to the small of its back. "Blasted fiend! Die!" yelled Kyan. And the beast did, topping over an ally and crashing to the ground.
The final Hildebear came at him. Kyan wasted no time, finishing the beast with a clean stab of his blade in and out of the heart of the beast. When it fell, nothing more than a small puncture in its chest showed signs of injury. Kyan sheathed the blade and ran from the room. As he rushed through the ivory doors, he heard screams and curses and yelling. Six students topped through the other door flowed closely by Alkian. His movements were defensive. Kyan instantly saw why. Another Hildebear was beating its way toward the group and he was the only man standing in the way.
Kyan whipped out the thin rod of the Gungir and activated the blade. He ran toward Alkian ducking low on his approached. As the beast swung a mighty fist, Kyan jumped, the Gungir high over his head and slammed it hard against the Hildebear's arm. It sliced through with a clean cut. Alkian finished the job with a bit of quick hacking.
Without waiting for an explanation, Kyan demanded, "Where are the other two?"
Alkian's answer was hesitant, "They're--They didn't make it."
"Are you saying they're dead?" He did not wait for the answer, "Like hell they're dead!" he yelled. "Get them into that Transporter. I'll bring along the others."
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Atreas on 2004-05-13 11:12 ]</font>