Renegade Rising (The Renegade Series) (45 page)

“Sure can!” Gisbo said as he threw his powered-up weapon into the air and, with one neat tug, returned it, handle first, into his outstretched hand.

“I think I finally got it! Best of all, the cuts stopped bleeding too!” Gisbo displayed his battered forearm, covered in gashes from failed attempts.

“That’s . . . yeah,” Rolce said, grimacing. “Alright, I want to try one last technique now. This one is different though, it’s a Sybil ability,” Rolce said.

“Really? I thought they were too advanced to use, even for you,” Gisbo asked.

“Yeah, it's true, my body needs to be more powerful to handle them. When my essence nears its power limits, my body will be ready. I do want to be fluent in all the Elekai’ abilities available to me first. I just can't help myself from trying this,” Rolce said.

“Always the overachiever. All right, shoot with this Sybil thing, I’m getting hungry,” Gisbo said.

“Ok, it's sort of an introductory technique that doesn’t require much power to use. It’s called ‘Mind-Link.’ Basically, as the name suggests, it allows me to connect with someone’s mind and review their thoughts in addition to transferring my thoughts to them. It’s an exceptional ability that allows for large amounts of information to be shared between two people almost instantaneously,” Rolce said. Gisbo gave him a blank, empty stare of wonder.

“Right, um, for example, I could read you an entire book if I wanted to, if I memorized it, without saying a word. Normally, to read an entire book out loud would take hours, but with mind-link, I skip the process and put that information right into your brain as if you had heard it or read it for yourself. When I use the technique, it puts us both in a quick trance. To us, it will feel like hours have gone by, but in reality only seconds have passed. Pretty awesome, huh?” Rolce said, smiling.

“Ok, so basically you think you can link with my head and share a butt-load of thoughts or information in seconds?” Gisbo asked.

“I guess that’s the rough cut,” Rolce agreed.

“And, you’ll be able to read my thoughts, anybody’s thoughts, when you do this?” Gisbo asked.

“According to the book it says I can,” Rolce said.

“Then NO WAY! That is freaky stuff, Rolce! You digging into my head like that,” Gisbo protested. Rolce shook his head.

“Trust me, it would be no picnic for me either,” Rolce said. Then, a new idea dawned in Gisbo's mind.

“Wait, so you could do this to anyone, right? You could touch people and read their thoughts? Anybody? Just like that?” Gisbo asked.

“Well, yeah, apparently the book says once I’ve mastered this power I wouldn’t even need to touch them, it only helps along the process. I’d be able to read minds from anywhere as long as I was in appropriate distance from the target,” Rolce said.

“Now that is cool! You could, like, scan any girl's mind to see if they like you! Hell, you could know tons of things! You could, wow, the possibilities are crazy!” Gisbo said.

“Yes, they are. Hence, Sybils must be a holy, principled sort. I’d never let myself be drunk with power and I think IAM knew this and it's why he has blessed me with this. It is said Sybils channel their powers directly from IAM himself and the closer we are to him, the more we can learn and do,” Rolce said.

“If that’s true, then why would IAM choose somebody like Shax to have such power?” Gisbo quickly caught himself as he saw Rolce’s head sink. “Sorry! I didn’t mean it like that, only thinking out loud, Rolce,” Gisbo apologized. Rolce shook his head.

“Don’t worry about it. It is a good question. One I don’t know the answer to, but forget it for now. I want to try this thing out and then we can go get some food. Also, please don’t spread around that I can do these things. I’d rather people not know,” Rolce said.

“Secret's safe with me, bud, don’t even worry. So what do I need to do?” Gisbo asked.

“Here. Just stand still, relax, and close your eyes. Try to empty your thoughts. Imagine yourself sinking into absolute blackness. That's it! I will try to reach out, grab your thoughts, and make the connection,” Rolce said. Gisbo did as he was told. He stood still and imagined himself falling slowly into a vast blackness. He felt Rolce touch his forearm and continued to concentrate.

At first nothing happened. He felt Rolce squeeze a little harder on his wrist and his hand began to feel very warm, yet soothing. It was then he felt it, saw it, in his mind. He saw Rolce’s arm break through the blackness in a ray of golden light. It was beautiful how much the light contrasted with the void of darkness and connected with Gisbo. Upon contact, Gisbo shook as a jolt of energy passed through him, but this was different than the feeling of Elekai’. The warmth that spread from Rolce’s touch now filled his entire being. He felt lightheaded and carefree, as all of a sudden moving pictures of Gisbo’s memories appeared before them both.

Gisbo tried to lift his eyelids and found he couldn’t while the moving pictures of his memories began to play rapidly, going backwards in time, all the way back to the day when they arrived at Heaven’s Shelter, and then even further back. Suddenly, the moving picture stopped at the schoolhouse of Oak County. The image immediately fizzled away and a strange feeling passed through Gisbo. He began to feel sick with guilt and embarrassment. His stomach regions felt as if they were doused in acid, the pain of this guilt was nearly overbearing. Gisbo tried to open his eyes once more, but still couldn’t while Rolce gripped his wrist. He felt like a prisoner within his own mind and just when he thought he couldn’t take it anymore, Rolce finally let go.

Gisbo fell to his knees as Rolce dropped beside him, both panting hard.

“Wow, it worked, but what the hell just happened?” Gisbo asked through deep breaths. Rolce took a moment to respond as he too caught his breath.

“I . . . I don’t know,” Rolce said, his face looking like the embodiment of pain. Gisbo knew Rolce was good at a lot of things, but one thing he couldn't do was lie or hide his feelings. Gisbo knew there was something wrong here and he had a feeling that sudden twinge of guilt and embarrassment had come from Rolce's mind, not his own. He couldn’t believe the extreme pain of it. Was this how Rolce felt all the time? How could he even walk and smile? Gisbo figured he would play dumb for now. It was just a theory and at that moment, he didn’t want to know if it was true or not. He figured Rolce didn’t know that he had felt it. Since Rolce always responded well to positive remarks, Gisbo said, “Well, at least you did it, right? And with more practice, you’ll get it down in no time!” Rolce forced a smile and nodded.

“Yeah, yeah, you're right. Still, it takes a lot out of you. Whew, I got to get stronger. At least I know I can do it now,” Rolce panted as he breathed out a big sigh.

“Well, I don’t know about you, but food is calling me from the commons. I told Crass and Knob I’d eat with them in a bit to show them my new sword! Come on, let's go, Sybil in the making!” Gisbo said.

“Thanks a lot for your help, Gisbo. I think I’m going to practice on Harpie and Fao for a while later. I just wanted to see if it would work on you. I don’t want to drain your energy along with mine,” Rolce said.

“Anytime, pal, don’t worry. Now come on, let's get some grub,” Gisbo said as both boys stood up, stretched, and were off once again on the endless cycle of filling their stomachs.

Chapter Twenty One:
A Battle to Fight

Ever since Gisbo had connected with Rolce's mind, he looked upon his friend a little differently. He watched him as he trained, ate and even slept.

There was no way somebody felt that awful ALL the time,
Gisbo thought. Yet somehow his pal trekked on with a smile. When things troubled him, Gisbo liked to stay busy too, even reading, anything to get his mind off it. He now understood why Rolce was constantly training by the picnic table and how one book soon turned to about six or seven at a time. His dedication was . . . inspiring, to say the least, making Gisbo feel quite guilty about his own mediocre training.

Gisbo had to remind himself a few times why they were both putting in so much extra work. It was all for Jackobi. At least, that’s what he was doing it for. He wasn’t so sure Rolce was training specifically for that reason alone, but was he any different? That empty bunk caused Gisbo pangs of guilt every time he looked at it. He knew it wasn’t his fault, or Rolce’s for that matter, but it didn’t make him feel any better. Guilt proved quite the motivating factor for them both and if the feeling Rolce had passed to him was truly his emotion at the time, Gisbo knew his friend was going to become one powerful warrior if he kept his pace.

Along with their daily exercises and personal training after work, their mornings were spent with Perry and the rest of the Renegas where they really learned to hone their skills. Word spread quickly of Gisbo’s “special” weapon and for good reason. There were a lot of people in Heaven’s Shelter who weren’t warriors and loved the idea of learning Elekai’. Word also spread about the reason he had been granted this special privilege from Chieftain Narroway. If anything, this was closest to what Gisbo had originally set out to do, to stand out for his accomplishments and not his weird name. He found it especially ironic that his shortcomings ushered in this newfound popularity. Everyone in Heaven’s Shelter was indeed proud of their Gisbo Falcon. Well, almost everyone.

Ranto hadn’t seen Gisbo since the day he received his second band. Narroway had him training out in the desert wastelands of Flaria and he checked in with him every now and then. Upon Ranto’s return, however, the news of Gisbo's unique method of channeling Elekai’ with a special device, as if he was using a crutch, caused the towering young man's glee to overflow. He waited in ambush for both Gisbo and Rolce one morning on their way to class. When the boys arrived on the scene, Ranto was leaning against an oak tree chomping on an apple casually. Rolce and Gisbo froze in their tracks.

“Remember what I was telling you, Rolce? About looking out for animal crap on the way to class? That’s about the biggest piece of crap I’ve seen,” Gisbo said.

“Gisbo! Rolce! It’s been too long. Enjoying those bands I see?” Ranto said as he tossed his apple core over his shoulder and made his way forward.

“And how can we help you, butt-pipe?” Gisbo asked with a snarl.

“Help? Right now all I need is Elekai’ and my two big fists,” Ranto boasted, flashing a dagger-like smile. It was then Gisbo noticed a huge bruise over Ranto’s left eye. Gisbo couldn’t help but grin.

“Hey, that’s a nice black eye you got there. Were you going down on something and missed?” Gisbo said as he took his sword from its sheath. Ranto rubbed at his black eye and grimaced in anger, cleary embarrassed. Gisbo pushed him on the subject.

“What happened? Someone kick your ass out there in Flaria?” Gisbo asked.

“None of your business,” Ranto said, actually appearing to be at a loss for words. Rolce looked back and forth between them.

“Come on, Gisbo, let's just get to class,” Rolce wheedled.

“Now, now, Rolce. There is so much more to life than class! I’ve heard how hard you both have been working, especially you, Gisbo! Why, my own father was so impressed by you he allowed a special crutch for a special boy. You must be so proud,” Ranto crooned as he was now towering over Gisbo and standing eye to eye with Rolce.

“Come on, let's, let's just ignore him and go . . .” Rolce stammered. Suddenly Ranto’s cool exterior broke. Before Rolce could even hope to counter, he felt Ranto’s spiked knuckles dig into his chest with a powerful uppercut that lifted him off his feet and down to the ground hard. Gisbo ran to his friend's aid as Rolce struggled to take in air between thick coughs. Three puncture wounds could be seen on Rolce’s chest, blood oozing from each small incision. Gisbo looked up from his kneeling position, eyes full of hatred as he ignited his blade in a blast of red fury.

“I’LL KILL YOU!” Gisbo screamed. However, when he locked eyes with Ranto, he shuddered for just a moment, realizing this was not the same boy he had encountered on his first day in the courtyard of strength. No, the eyes of something sinister had replaced the Renegade prince’s haughty glare. He ignored Gisbo, overcome by fits of repressed rage and deep, growling bellows, aimed at Rolce.

“NO! NO YOU'RE NOT! All I hear from you is, 'Ignore him! Ignore him, Gisbo!' Not this time! Look at you! You know what I think? I think you’re pathetic! PATHETIC! You should be up on your feet and attacking me, but no . . . it’s pathetic, a big kid like you and nothing to show for it. I wanted to take you the moment you walked into this place. Finally, a guy of my stature to contend with, but no, your little pussball friend next to you had to interfere each time. You're a Renegade, so PROVE IT! You're the son of the guy who was arguably the greatest Nazarite and Sybil to walk the face of Thera! Come on, Rolce! Prove me wrong! Get up! FIGHT ME, SON OF SHAX!” Ranto screamed in fury, with wide, bloodshot eyes.

Gisbo looked down at his friend wincing in pain. Rolce’s face was fish belly white and his skin was glistening with sweat. His eyes were like white orbs, frozen in fear as he breathed heavily, not from the wind being knocked out of him, but almost like some form of panic attack.

“Come on, Rolce! Get up and hit the kid! What are you doing!?” Gisbo asked. It was then Rolce finally did rise to his feet. Without looking either boy in the eyes, Rolce picked up his pole-arm and, in a flash, ran back to the tree house clutching his chest, tears falling with each retreating step. Gisbo and Ranto both stood on the spot, shocked as they watched Rolce sprint away. Then Gisbo turned to Ranto.