Renegade Rupture (13 page)

“Follow me, quick,” Knob said.

“But . . .” Gisbo started.

“NOW!” Knob yelled as he ran off into the woods.

“Jeesh, how could this night get any worse?” Gisbo asked as he and Kennis followed Knob back to where they had stashed the Zookoos and halted, trying to take the scene in.

“I came to check on them, and I just found it lying here,” Crass said, bending down next to the Zookoo Kennis and Gisbo rode. The creature’s feathers were still sparkling white, but beneath it, a thick blackness was spreading throughout its feathers.

“Is it . . . dead?” Kennis started.

“Yes,” Crass said.

“But that’s, that’s impossible! We just rode it here! It was fine, it . . .” Kennis said.

“Now I know why these things are endangered. They meld with their rider. This bird, it melded with me, my soul, and couldn’t accept what was in there. I . . . I did this,” Gisbo said, his voice trembling.

“Gisbo, stop such crazy talk. There’s nothing here that you did, they just . . .” Crass started. Gisbo removed his bandana, revealing the black Drakeness mark to Knob and Crass. Both of them stared, horrified, at the black, dripping mark that glistened in the moonlight.

“Gisbo . . .” Knob stammered.

“How . . .” Crass said.

“When Rolce and I broke off from the group to fight Narsissa, I ran out of essence. I was desperate, and I used the vial on myself,” Gisbo said.

“Why, why the hell would you do that?” Knob asked.

“To save us. He injected himself to use the power to save us,” Crass said, his head lowered.

“I couldn’t even use it. I lost faith in everyone; I resorted to something desperate,” Gisbo said.

“You had no choice . . .” Kennis said.

“Yes, I did, and because of that choice, well, just look,” Gisbo said.

“What are we going to tell the Naforians?” Knob asked.

“I’ll talk to them,” Crass said.

“You don’t need to do this alone,” Gisbo said. “It was my idea. I’m the one that killed it in the first place,”

“It’d probably be better if I handled this, no offense,” Crass said.

“No, I . . .” Gisbo said.

“Too late, pal,” Crass said as he hopped atop a Zookoo and looked at Knob.

“I never said I’m going by myself. Go get yours; you’re coming with me,” Crass said.

“But, but I . . .” Knob said. “What are you going to tell Chieftain Molder?”

“I’ll think up something on the way,” Crass said. “And Gisbo, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize to me, please,” Gisbo said, but Crass and Knob were already gone, leaving the dead Zookoo behind. Gisbo ignited his ring, set the fallen bird’s body afire and watched it waste away to nothing more than a black smudge upon the earth.

“Forgive me if I don’t feel much like dancing,” Gisbo said as he slumped to the ground. Kennis sat beside him.

“It’s not your fault,” Kennis said.

“Um, yes, it is,” Gisbo snapped. He reached up and rubbed at his jaw and open and closed it, feeling it pop along the sides. “Damn that guy.”

“Come on,” Kennis said, grabbing Gisbo by the hand.

“What? Where are we going?” Gisbo asked.

“You promised me a dance,” Kennis said.

“Kennis . . .” Gisbo said.

“No excuses, get your butt up, you can sulk later,” Kennis said.

“But I’ve never danced before and frankly, I’ve never wanted to,” Gisbo said.

“Too bad,” Kennis said, leading him by the hand through the forest, and before they knew it, they were out on the dance floor. Kennis lead as they slowly paced about, hand in hand, as Kennis leaned against Gisbo and settled her head under his neck.

“See, this isn’t so bad,” Kennis said.

“Just don’t go any faster, please,” Gisbo said. She looked up and the moonlight caught her blue eyes perfectly, making them sparkle, and a huge smile stretched across her face. It was contagious. Gisbo felt himself smile too.

“Shouldn’t we, I dunno . . . I mean, after what just happened . . .” Gisbo started and Kennis raised a finger and put it on his lip, shushing him.

“When something awful happens, you have two choices: sulk about it or forget about it. Either way, you need to move on. No time like the present, am I right?” Kennis said. Gisbo looked at her and found himself smiling again.

“You’re right,” Gisbo said.

“I know,” Kennis said.

“Why me?” Gisbo asked.

“Excuse me?” Kennis asked.

“Why, why ask me? Out of every guy in Heaven’s Shelter, what have I done to deserve a girl like you?” Gisbo asked. Kennis blushed and was quiet for a moment before answering.

“When I first met you, I thought you were just a loud mouthed moron,” Kennis said.

“Fair enough,” Gisbo said.

“And then I got to know you, actually talked with you,” Kennis said.

“Yeah?” Gisbo asked.

“And I still thought you were a loud mouthed moron,” Kennis said.

“Gee, thanks,” Gisbo said.

“But there was so much more behind that. When you hit me with your Boon ability during that war, I . . . I felt you,” Kennis said.

“You did? Well, that’s embarrassing,” Gisbo said.

“No, it’s not. A lot goes on behind your surface, that wall you throw up. I realized you act that way, because inside, you’re deeply emotional, very deep. You truly, utterly care about people, so much so, that you wear that loudmouthed dumbass personality to cope. I understand why you act that way, but around me, Gisbo, you can be yourself. You can talk with me. I went through caring for my brother with the Drakeness. I couldn’t save him, and well . . .” Kennis started.

“So you’re trying to save me because you couldn’t save your brother? Kennis, I . . .” Gisbo started.

“No, not at all. I like you, ok? I’m alone, you’re alone. Why can’t a girl and a guy fix that? Together?” Kennis asked.

“But there are plenty of lonely guys; why me? I just don’t understand you. Do you know what all the guys say? Do you understand how beautiful you are? You are a catch and I, I just . . .” Gisbo started.

And that’s when Kennis leaned in and kissed him deeply. Gisbo saw white sparkles before his eyes closed. When they finally pulled away from each other, Gisbo felt his breath leave him and he didn’t care.

“You really need to stop talking sometimes,” Kennis said.

“Yeah, probably,” Gisbo said, in a dazed state.

“You going to be ok?” Kennis asked.

“I’m a bit weak in the knees right now,” Gisbo said.

“Let me hold you up then,” Kennis said as she held him tighter.

“No, no, I’m fine,” Gisbo said.

“Good, now be quiet, and let’s let the music take us away,” Kennis said as she leaned her head upon Gisbo’s shoulder and danced their troubles away, feeling a rush of peace and a spark of love neither were prepared for.

Later that night, when both Gisbo and Kennis went to bed, they dreamed of each other and a happily ever after.

Chapter Nine:
The Source of Ranto’s Fury

“My damn jaw keeps clicking every time I open it,” Gisbo said, feeling the side of his jaw.

“I got an idea. How ‘bout you don’t open it for a change?” Grandfield said as he crammed half a sugar roll in his mouth.

“I’m not even going to mention the irony here,” Gisbo said.

“Hey! I watch my calories, you know! I work out so I can eat. I have purpose! What? What do all of you do it for? Just work out to look good? Screw that! I look good enough! Anaka asked ME to the dance after all!” Grandfield said.

“Right, that, and so your ring doesn’t start hurting again,” Gisbo said.

“Damn this ring! And don’t worry. You’ll get your chance to punch Malik’s lights out, but I’m hoping I’ll get the chance first. I’ll never forget what he did to Kinny. Just the way her face looked after he kept hitting her, it was like, the top of a pizza or something . . .” Grandfield said, shuddering. He suddenly looked at the other half of his sugar roll and tossed it aside. “Suddenly, I’m not so hungry.”

“Grandfield . . . how long is your dad going to keep us waiting?” Rolce asked.

“Hey! Would you guys can it? He probably just ate some bad bacon this morning or something. He’ll be here,” Grandfield said.

“I don’t even know why we’re here. Not like any of us are going to make the list for Elekai’ sumo,” Rolce said.

“Speak for yourself,” Grandfield said.

“There’s more to sumo than just being . . .” Rolce started.

“Fat? Go ahead, say it, I dare you!” Grandfield said.

“Husky . . . and . . .” Rolce started.

“How about you just tell me what it is? My dad wouldn’t tell me, said don’t worry about it, I won’t be chosen, but screw him! I’m trying out anyway! Then I asked Foxblade and he said it’s a fighting style for hippos and . . .” Gisbo started.

“Foxblade said what!? That . . . that guy! Don’t you guys understand that sumo is an art revered all around the world? It’s about balance, finding leverage, focusing all of your power into a singular point! It’s beautiful!” Grandfield said.

“That explains nothing to me. What is it?” Gisbo asked.

“Ok. Two guys enter a small ring. When the ref starts the match, each combatant throws themselves at one another with all their strength and tries to force the other one out of the ring. Whoever falls out loses,” Grandfield said.

“That’s . . . that’s it?” Gisbo asked.

“It’s exciting! Trust me!” Grandfield said.

“No punching?” Gisbo asked.

“You can do arm thrusts and slaps,” Grandfield said.

“Sounds boring as hell. I’m out,” Gisbo said.

“No, you’re not! You’re staying and you’re going up against me, big shot! Quit your complaining,” Grandfield said. He then turned around and glanced up at Jackobi. “I like your friend here. He’s quiet.”

“Why am I here?” Jackobi asked.

“To learn the fine art of sumo! Jeesh! Oh, here comes my dad!” Grandfield said.

Groggo arrived on the scene hunched over, growling and muttering to himself, then rose and stretched out his back, letting out a huge sigh.

“Sorry I’m late, boys, I think I had some bad bacon or something, woo! Needless to say, I pity those that have to go into the Strifes’ cleansing chambers today. It’s like I left a damned turkey dinner in there!” Groggo said as he burst into laughter, then realized he was the only one who was. “Erherm, down to business. You guys are here to learn some sumo techniques, am I right?”

“No, we were just leaving, and HEY!” Gisbo started as Grandfield punched him in the kidney with a knuckle.

“Oh, come on now, it’ll be good for you boys! Nothing quite gets a man in shape like a few good rounds of sumo,” Groggo said as he smacked his big belly, grunted, then belched.

Gisbo, Rolce, and Jackobi all looked at each other.

“Hold on! We need to wait for Shaved and Knob to get here,” Grandfield said.

“Knob? Kid’s built like a chicken wing. He won’t stand a chance,” Groggo said.

“See! You do need to be fat to do this!” Gisbo said.

“WHAT!? Who told you that?” Groggo bellowed.

“My father,” Jackobi said.

“Foxblade! That, that,” Groggo stammered.

“I’m here,” Shaved said, yawning as he sat down next to Gisbo. “Why am I out here at this ungodly hour?”

“Where’s Knob?” Grandfield asked.

“And I quote, ‘That’s a fat people’s sport, count me out,’ and he rolled over and went back to sleep,” Shaved said.

“Fine, who needs that chicken wing anyway? All righty boys, up and at ‘em, let’s go, Heaven’s Shelter is on the line! Don’t you care? Do you want Chieftain Lamik ruling over us? Do you like the color green? O’ course not! Up, up, up!” Groggo said as he waddled around, throwing his arms about wildly. Gisbo and friends all groaned, except for Grandfield, who stood at attention.

“Here before us, lads, lies a circle; who wants to go inside with me?” Groggo asked.

“Gisbo does,” Shaved volunteered.

“What!? No, I don’t,” Gisbo muttered as Groggo grabbed him by the arm and hoisted him up into the ring.

“Gisbo! Excellent, step right in here and stand on that line. No, not that one, that one, and I’ll stand across from you on the other,” Groggo said. Reluctantly, Gisbo obeyed.

“Good! Now, lean down like this and place both fists upon the ground. Squat down like you’re . . . like you’re . . .” Groggo started.

“Pinching one off?” Gisbo asked, causing everyone except Grandfield to burst into laughter. Groggo pointed at him with a smile.

“I like that metaphor. Exactly! Now, positions!” Groggo said. “We will start with no essence and move our way up. Best to get the kinks out first. I’d hate to flatten you with my trademark Crashing Fire Wave maneuver!” Groggo said.

“Crashing . . . fire wave? Cripes . . .” Gisbo muttered. “Ok, I got my ass in the air, now what?”