FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

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CHAPTER 23

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Three sharp knocks roused me from my slumber. With an annoyed grunt I rolled over and looked at the source of the noise. I shook off my sleepy daze and opened the door. On the other side of the door there was a Masrur, with an orange pelt standing in a black acolyte robe, smiling cheerfully at me. He looked to be a similar age to myself. But compared to most Masrur I'd seen around his age he was certainly on the smaller side. Perhaps that was why he was an acolyte of the Temple rather than a warrior of Rutan'dokra.

"Can I help you?" I asked.

"Good morning." He bowed his head courteously. "I noticed that your door was still shut. Breakfast will be served shortly."

I remembered that the rooms belonging to the acolytes could only be secured from the inside, and that they were designed to swing open if not secured. Not exactly the most secure way if you had valuables, but then part of training to become a priest was learning to give up all worldly possessions.

"Thank you." I smiled. "I'm Malakye."

"A pleasure to meet you." He smiled. "My name is Guko. If you would like to, perhaps you would like to join me for breakfast?"

"Sure." I nodded. "Give me a second."

I turned and grabbed my mother's necklace which was sitting on the wooden beside table next to the candle. After putting it on I began walking with Guko to get some breakfast. By this point nearly all the acolytes had already finished their meals, but there were still a couple of dozen furs spread out around the room.

"No one seemed to want to talk to us last night. Why are you talking to me today?" I asked bluntly.

"Ah yes, most of the acolytes are a little wary of you. They do not fear you, but you will be spending much of your time training with the Rukan'dokra."

"Is that a problem?"

"Not really. You could say that there is a bit of a rivalry between the two groups. Many of the Rukan'dokra, especially the ones in training, view themselves as superior to an acolyte. Which is not entirely incorrect, as an acolyte has no real authority." He explained. "Although once you become a full-fledged priest..."

"You gain the authority to issue commands to the Rukan'dokra?" I guessed.

"Essentially." He smiled. "Becoming a priest is difficult. There are far fewer priests than there are Rukan'dokra. Those who give up on the path either return home or find a new calling here in the temple."

"There are a lot of acolytes though." I commented.

"Yes. Becoming a priest is a great honour, and so many seek this position. But there are just as many who become acolytes, and yet have no interest in becoming a priest."

"Then why become one?" I asked curiously as we entered the dining hall. There were dozens of furs already sitting and eating.

"There are many reasons. Pressure from their families. Some do it as a way to escape the past lives. The most prominent reason though is the education you receive as an acolyte."

Even back in Zangar being able to read and write opened up many doors for you, and jobs which required those skills were well paid. If becoming an acolyte opened a door like that, then it was little surprise so many would choose to become one for a few years.

Guko and I got our food, a sizeable bowl of warm oatmeal, and went and sat down at one of the tables. The table had four other acolytes sitting there and the moment I sat down I felt the change in the mood.

"Everyone this is Malakye." Guko introduced me.

"Nice to meet you all." I smiled.

"Uh... yes. A pleasure." One of the other occupants of the table, a rabbit, muttered nervously.

"What is he doing here?" I heard the acolyte, a young avian, to Guko's left hiss not so quietly, although it was obvious that I wasn't meant to hear.

"I invited him." He responded with a smile.

"Do I offend you in some way?" I asked. My question caused the eyes of the young avian to bulge in fear and he went quiet, and an awkward silence fell over the table. "Maybe I should leave."

"You do not need to leave." Guko insisted.

"No, you don't." The rabbit agreed. "Forgive us. Many of us worry that you will turn out like..."

"The Rukan'dokra?" I asked. She seemed a little surprised but nodded in confirmation. "Guko has explained to me about the relationship between the Rukan'dokra and many of the acolytes."

"They are just muscle heads." The rabbit snapped. "They think that because they are stronger than us that they are better!"

"I can assure you I don't share that sentiment." I smiled. "I have been trained extensively as a warrior, but I know there is just as much worth to those seek knowledge over strength."

That last statement seemed to put them all at ease with me. And we finished our meal and they told me about life here in the temple. As we were about to leave, I felt a presence behind me and I saw the eyes of the others stare up behind me in shock. I turned to see who it was.

"Garr!" I smiled and stood up to face him.

"Are you finished with your meal?" He asked.

"Yes."

"And making some new friends as well I see."

"Yes. This is Guko, Jasmine, Jrano and Koko." I motioned round the table.

Garr made a grunt of acknowledgement towards them, and a polite, if brief, nod in their direction.

"It is a great honour Champion." Guko exclaimed as he stood up, the others following suit, and bowed their heads.

"If you are finished then come with me." Garr grunted at me, turning towards the exit.

I turned to grab my bowl, but Guko assured me that he would take care of it and that I shouldn't keep Garr waiting. I thanked him and bid farewell to the others, before chasing after Garr. At the entrance to the dining hall Khaine was waiting for us. We followed Garr out through the endless hallways and came to a set of large wooden double doors. Garr threw open the doors and revealed a stone stair case which seemed to go on for ever. Based on how far they seemed to go, it was a logical guess that this was the staircase to the tower I saw that was built at the back of the temple.

We climbed the stairs, a journey which took a good ten minutes for us to reach the top of the tower. At the top there was another set of double doors, and when Garr opened them, I was blinded by the glare of the brilliant sunlight. The top of the tower was a large chamber. A chamber filled with numerous stone tablets laid out over walls and floor. Females clad in white robes moved about tending these tablets, carrying out whatever duties they had. At the far end of the room I saw Jan'Zar and Callen standing with two of the robed females who stood either side of a very attractive looking cougar, wearing colourful see through sashes which did very little to hide her figure.

"Ah, so this is the one." She cooed softly as her gaze fell over me. She casually sauntered over to me, getting a little too close for comfort. Now that she was this close, I realised just how tall she was. She was slightly shorter than Garr, but was slender and had the body that any male couldn't help but desire. She walked around me, casually touching me with her paws as she examined me. "Very nice. Yes, he'll do just nicely."

"Uh..."

"Davina." Callen sighed. "You are making him nervous."

Davina? I recognised that name from somewhere. I'd heard it before but I couldn't remember where from. Just who was this feline? And what was she expecting from me?

"Am I?" She grinned, glancing down at me. "Well that just won't do."

"Malakye, Khaine. This is Davina. She is a Deity, and oracle, who resides here in the temple."

She was a deity? That made some sort of sense, that meant she was using a vessel. Which meant she could make herself look however she wanted. That certainly explained that unnatural beauty that she had.

"A pleasure to meet you." I said.

"Likewise. I've been very curious about you."

"About me?"

"Perhaps I should explain." Callen stepped forwards. "As I mentioned, Davina is an oracle. And she was the reason we were aware of the fact you were a wolfen k'tan."

"Really?!" I exclaimed.

"Why yes!" She purred. "But I saw much more than the fact you were just a wolfen k'tan."

"Really? What did you see?" I asked curiously.

"Are you sure you want to know?" She teased, leaning down and getting too close for comfort once again. Her muzzle mere inches from mine. "You might not like what I have to tell you. What if I told you that one of you were going to die in the next week?"

He words sent a cold shiver down my spine.

"Davina!" Callen scolded her.

"You're always so serious Callen!" She pouted. "Well I suppose it can't be helped. In truth I don't know anything for sure. I have not any visions relating specifically to you. But there is a prophecy that might refer to you. And that is why you have been brought before me today."

She walked past me and Khaine, one of the robed females handed her a goblet. She took the goblet delicately, and took a hearty drink from it; one that did not befit her elegant appearance.

"You two need to understand the potential that you both have." Callen explained. "And that is why we have brought you here."

"And that potential is based on this prophecy?" Khaine asked before I could.

"Oh goodness no!" Davina chuckled, putting the goblet down as she spun back round to face us. "After all predetermined destiny is not a real thing. All living things have the choice to live their lives as they see fit."

"Then how can you predict the future?" I asked.

"No one can predict the future my dear. Not even I can. At least, not accurately." Davina chuckled in amusement. "However, prophecies are quite different from visions."

"How is that?" I asked.

"Now that is a very complicated explanation." She smirked. "But the basic difference is that a prophecy foretells a sequence of events that will come to pass. We do not know who, or when these prophecies apply to. Only that they will be. And all we can do is guess! What would you think if I told you that you little drake might become a Champion one day?"

"A Champion?!" I muttered in surprise. Turning to Callen and Jan'Zar who didn't seem to contradict her statement. "Really?"

"Of course. But as I said, we can't tell who a prophecy actually applies to. But I'm quite confident that this future will come to pass. Not only has it been foretold in the prophecy, but I have had a vision of the future where this could possibly be true. So, the odds are quite good."

Being told that I had the chance of becoming a Champion was a great honour in of itself. But who would I be a Champion for? Maybe Callen? We had been close before, but then he knew about this before he even met me. Perhaps he got closer to me in hopes to claim me as his Champion? Or that I would choose to become his?

No, Callen wasn't like that. I genuinely believe that he liked me for me, not simply for the sake of claiming a new Champion. But did he truly like me? After all he hadn't approached me about rekindling that relationship we had once shared. There was a chance that he didn't want to, and the thought hurt me more than I'd care to admit. But it was also possible that someone or something was stopping him from doing so.

Jan'Zar had expressed much displeasure at how close we had gotten. She had claimed it to be a risk to my safety, as the spirit inside me could use my feelings for Callen against me. And I believed that, when we were initially separated for that reason, is was true. But what if her reasoning to split us up was more than simply that? And that she was still standing between Callen and I? It seemed too far-fetched to be true. But there was a possibility of it. But She did not strike me as the type to be deceptive in that way. She was obviously not telling me everything. After all she had never mentioned a single word about this prophecy till now.

Khaine broke me from my thoughts when he let out and indignant huff. Looking at him I could tell he was annoyed that I was getting all of the attention here. And I'm sure he was annoyed at the fact that I had been told that I was going to become a Champion in the future.

"Don't worry little wolf. I have seen your future as well." Davina winked at Khaine. "Your path is a difficult one. With the potential to become a beacon of change for your people. But as I said before, it is ultimately your choice as to what you choose to do."

"If you can't tell the future for definite, then what do you see?" Khaine asked.

"A very clever question." She grinned. "I see the potential futures. Every choice made by an individual, moves us closer to any given future, and those futures are the easiest to see." She moved over to a table and plucked a grape from the plate of fruit there. "Take this fruit for example. If I was to drop it, the most likely result would be that it would simply fall to the floor."

"Right." I nodded.

"But what I if I decided to throw it out of that window?" She said pointing to one of the windows nearby.

"It would fall to the ground outside." I said.

"Exactly. A similar fate, but one where there can be significant changes in the future." She smiled. "What if I told you that no matter which choice I made, there was a chance that someone would lose their life?"

"Seriously?!" I felt my eyes widen.

"Yes. But not as a direct result of the grape. Someone could slip on the grape and injure themselves. And that could in turn, cause a chain of events that changes that individual's future. Where they could have saved the life of another. On the other paw that same injury could have prevented that same individual from losing their life, as their future had now been changed."

"We use Davina's prophecies to stop any threat of invasion from the Underworld." Garr chimed in.

"So how would you stop the death you just used as an example?" I asked.

"He is a clever one." She smiled. She then ate the grape.

I realised that she was simplifying the process in order for me to understand, and that I likely wouldn't understand the answer to my last question, if they in fact had a definite way of preventing any given future. But it was truly terrifying to think that such a simple action could have such a dramatic outcome.

"Do not worry." She cooed softly at me. "You are not an oracle. You do not have the power to see the future to such an extent, so do not concern yourself with outcomes you cannot possibly predict. It will be your ruin. Live your life the same way you have up until now. Let me worry about the future." She caressed my cheek and then walked past Callen and Jan'Zar and sat down on a couch in the corner.

"Even we Guardian Deities cannot see the future the same way as she does." Callen added. "We all have different perspectives of the outcomes of each other actions. But we all have our own motivations as to what the best outcome should be. Even Davina cannot foresee the future with complete accuracy."

"Sadly, that is quite true." She chuckled. "That is why I focus on the more dangerous futures, and working out how to stop them, or at the very least stall them."

"Stall them?"

"Oh yes. Just because you stop something from happening one time, does not mean it will not ever happen. It might be days, months, years, decades or centuries later, but eventually the possibility of it happening will come around again."

"Such as a Demon War." Garr chimed in.

The last demon war was over two millennia ago. Countless lives were lost, and many species were wiped out as a result. Such as the Elves, the race that Jan'Zar's vessel was based on. How many times since then had they prevented another war?

"In any case there is a reason we brought you here today was to explain the prophecy that connects the two of you." Callen explained. "We need you both to understand just how much potential you have over the future of the mortal realm."

"That is not entirely clear either." Davina commented. "You my sweet little wolf have the potential for great change in the mortal realm. Both good and bad."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?!" Khaine barked angrily.

"Calm yourself." She scowled at him. Obviously not appreciating his tone. "As I explained earlier, prophecies are difficult to predict. We can know the exact events that will transpire, but sometimes the end result is determined by the individual." She smiled sweetly at Khaine. "And you shall be a determining factor as to the kind of future that the wolf shall craft." She said to me.

"So, what is the prophecy exactly?" I asked nervously.

"If you really want to know then I shall show you! Come."

Davina rose from the couch and walked towards the far end of the tower and we followed her. Callen and the others followed behind us. Davina sauntered over to the darkened corner of the tower and then lit a torch, spreading light across the darkened corner, revealing dozens of stone tablets hung on the wall. Each one had symbols I couldn't recognise carved into them. She walked over to one of the tablets and gestured towards it. Just like the others I couldn't make out a single thing on it, except for what looked like a drake's head and a wolf's head carved back to back in the centre.

"This is the prophecy in question."

As I continued to stare at the symbols carved into the stone tablet, I was sure I watched them slowly change. I almost didn't notice it. The way they changed reminded me of the runes that were in the orbs that I saw back in the Hall of Ancestors.

"What language is that?" I asked.

"It is a written form of Gappelspiel, the language of the gods." She explained. "It describes two warriors, one born of two races, who shall cause great change among the world."

"What kind of change?" Khaine asked.

"That is difficult to tell. What kind of change would you want to cause? ." She smirked. "You may not even be the ones who this prophecy applies to. There are still many more events to happen before it comes to pass."

"Like what?" I asked.

"It wouldn't be fun if I told you!" She giggled. "Besides, telling you might be the one thing that stops the prophecy from coming true!"

"But couldn't not telling us also result in the same thing?" I asked. That earned an amused laugh from her.

"Oh, I like you." She smiled. "You are quite right. But we can never know for certain. All we can do is base our decisions on your character. For the true nature of the individual is the greatest indication of their future choices."

"And how do you judge us?" Khaine asked bluntly.

"You wouldn't be here if Callen and Jan'Zar did not judge you as worthy of bearing this future." She smiled. "And so far, I have seen nothing to indicate that they are wrong in that determination. But our judgement is not infallible. After all, anything can happen over the years to change you. Such as falling prey to a hostile spirit!"

Suddenly it made sense. They were worried that I would ultimately fail and fall prey to the spirit. If that happened then would the prophecy not come to pass?! Could the spirit then use my body as a vessel and become a Champion to a dark deity?! That was something I definitely wanted to avoid.

"And what does that have to do with me?" Khaine asked. "I've already conquered my spirit!"

"That does not mean you cannot be seduced by the words of another, little wolf." She smiled sweetly at him. Khaine huffed, obviously disliking the name she had chosen for him.

"And to prevent that we are going to move on to more advanced training, for both of you." Jan'Zar grunted. "Up until now we've been going easy on you! The rest of your training will make your time in Aaru seem like a pleasant dream up till this point!"

They've been going easy on us? Seriously?! If it wasn't for the healing water I would've died or been crippled dozens of time over by now. Just what else were they going to throw at us?

After leaving the tower Garr explained our schedule for over the coming weeks. This would also include studying with a group of acolytes three mornings of a week. Khaine seemed to dislike the thought of studying. Personally, I didn't mind the studying. But the experience would be largely dependent on the teacher.

In addition to the studying with the acolytes, we would also be training with the Rukan'dokra. That training was more general training, our specialised training would be arranged later once our Masters were decided. That had caught me off guard. But as it turned out I would no longer be training directly under Master Jun'lao or Master Kami. In a few days they would be departing the Capital to resume their duties as Champions.

This saddened me. But I could hardly complain. Master Kami and Master Jun'lao had responsibilities beyond simply training some k'tan from the Mortal Realm. But they had been such a large part of my life up until this point, I would be saddened to see them leave. Not just them. Jun'bak, Kao'lar and Hen'zi would also be departing along with Master Jun'lao.

Khaine and I followed Garr back through the temple. He led us down numerous hallways, all of which looked the same to me. I wasn't sure where we were in the temple anymore. But Garr seemed to know where he was going, and eventually he led us to another doorway and turned to face us.

"This is your class. Priest Dunbar shall be instructing you. It should go without saying that we expect you to try your hardest in improving yourselves in these classes. A warrior should always strive to improve themselves, both in body and in mind." He warned. Enough of a warning that we knew we would be punished if we didn't at least attempt to participate. Although it did seem to be directed more towards Khaine than myself. "You will stay with the class until lunch. After lunch someone will come to retrieve you so you can begin your afternoon activities."

We both just nodded in confirmation. He turned and kept walking down the corridor, leaving us there outside the class. Khaine and I looked at one another and with only one thing left to do I stepped up and knocked on the heavy wooden door twice. We waited for a couple of moments before the door swung open and an aging bobcat, who wore a set of black and blue coloured Priests robes stared back at us. He also wore a pair of spectacles on a string around his neck. Their brown fur was starting to go grey around their eyes and muzzle, betraying his advancing years. He smiled warmly at us.

"Do come in." He gestured.

We walked in and were met by the stares of twelve acolytes. As I scanned my eyes across the other students in the room. I recognised two familiar furs. It was the rabbit and the avian, a parrot I believe his species was. His green feathers were certainly unusual, and not like any I'd seen before. But I had heard that parrots could have sort of colours in their feathers. Both of them had looks of surprise as they noticed me. I smiled and nodded my head in their direction as a subtle greeting. The Priest closed the door behind us and walked to the front of the class.

The room was filled with the scent of old paper, ink and wood. Along with the variety of scents of the members of the class. The bobcats' scent was the most prominent scent. He had likely spent some significant amount of time in here over the years for his scent to become as engrained into the room as it had; there was no denying that this room was the Priests domain.

"Class we have some new students." The bobcat began. "They will be joining us for study several times each week. If you would like to introduce yourselves to everyone."

"I am Malakye Anaris. I am a k'tan from the Mortal Realm. Cal..." I caught myself. I may be used to be informal with them but I doubt a class of acolytes or a Priest would appreciate me referring to Callen or Jan'Zar without their proper titles. I should at least attempt to start off on the right paw with everyone. "Lord Callen and Lady Jan'Zar have brought us here to complete our training. I look forward to getting to know you all."

"Very nice Malakye." Priest Dunbar nodded and then looked at Khaine as I stepped back.

Khaine huffed under his breath and took a couple of steps forward.

"My name is Khaine. Just like him I'm from the mortal realm." He said unenthusiastically.

"Thank you Khaine. I am Priest Dunbar, but you may refer to me as Sir while we are in class. I'm sure everyone else shall introduce themselves to you in due time." His last statement was an incredibly subtle order to the rest of the class. I almost missed the tone of authority that he used; it was so well hidden behind his smile. "Please take a seat anywhere you'd like."

We sat down at a table near the back of the room; each table was large enough for two furs to sit next to each other with ample room. There was an ink well built into the surface of the desk and a quill made from a large feather as well. Priest Dunbar waited for us to be seated before continuing his lesson.

"Now, continuing on... where was I?" The bobcat pondered as he had lost his train of thought.

"Sir, you were explaining the differences between spirits and deities. And the temples relationships with them." Someone in the room replied.

"Ah yes. Thank you. To recap, for our new arrivals. Spirits are living consciousness who exist everywhere. There are undoubtedly spirits in this room now as we speak. There are a wide variety of spirits. Some who reside within flora. Others reside within fauna. Using them as vessels to gain strength and sustenance they require to survive. The strength of a spirit determines the size of the vessel that they can inhabit and control."

His talk was immediately striking an uncomfortable chord with me. I listened intently regardless as he may shed some light on my current situation.

"Sir, are deities not also spirits?" Someone asked.

"Quite so." The bobcat nodded. "All deities are spirits by nature, but not all spirits are deities. Does anyone know why this is?" A few acolytes raised their arms. The bobcats' eyes glanced over the room but his gaze fell on me. "Malakye?"

"Uh..." I sat upright. "Because they don't have a rune?" I said uncertainly.

"Yes. Very good." He nodded. "Runes of power, such as the ones that were bequeathed to the k'tan during the demon war, grant deities unique powers based on their nature. These powers are incredibly diverse. Lesser deities' powers can be extremely limited. For example, turning water into wine, like the spirit who resides in the shrine of Acaopacca."

"I don't know where Acaopacca is, but I could really go for a good cup of wine about now." Khaine muttered.

"But Sir, the Shrine of Acaopacca has many loyal followers, even many of the taverns in the city have small shrines to them, praying for deity Hundai to bless their wine. Surely they can't be classed as a lesser deity?"

"A good point. But the number of followers does not determine the classification of a deity. Their classifications are based on many factors, but the most prominent factor is based on the power of their rune." Priest Dunbar replied. "Hundai is a deity with wide spread followers. But they have not displayed a power beyond the power of wine. And so, they remain classed as such. But beyond the power of their rune, how else might they raise their classification from a lesser deity?"

A number of arms raised and the Priest pointed at a fox in the front row.

"If they were able to manifest a vessel or to take a Champion." The fox answered.

"Correct. Exactly so. Both of these acts would raise their standing as it is a display of power and ability beyond that of a lesser deity."

"Sir, what if Hundai had those capabilities but chose not to act upon them?"

"An excellent question!" The bobcat grinned. "What if Hundai wanted to be classed as a lesser deity? What advantages do you think that would give them?"

"Rivalry." Someone called out.

"That is definitely a possibility." The bobcat nodded. "For when a deity can walk among mortals, or have a Champion to spread their message, they often grow in popularity and gain more followers. As a result, they could become targets of other deities who worry that they would steal their followers from them. And as you likely already know deities grow more powerful the more followers they have."

"Sir?"

"Yes Gwen?"

"How do deities and spirits gain power from their followers?"

"A fair question. Does anyone know?" He asked the class only to be met with silence. "It is a very complicated process, and something we shall go into more detail in a later lesson. But an explanation..." He stared into the distance for a moment as he considered his words. "That we mortals produce a type of energy that the deities cannot. Or should I say cannot easily produce. And they can use that power to become stronger, or to produce miracles for their followers. When they take a Champion, in exchange for all the strength and power the deity grants them, the deities have a near limitless supply of this energy. Which is why when a lesser deity takes a Champion, they become a target. Because their new power will disrupt the status quo. And spirits are generally quite jealous beings. We may worship deities and seek their strength and guidance. But do not be fooled my students. The spirit world is as politically charged and as blood thirsty as our own. We simply do not get to see that world. Only Champions, or those blessed with spirit sight have that privilege. Or perhaps you may consider it a curse."

I had never heard about that side of the deities! Was this truly what the Guardian Deities had to deal with? Or were they exempt from that world given that they were the children of the most powerful of deities; Asurmen? Even with Asurmen as their father I doubt they were completely immune from the politics of the spirit world. But they undoubtedly stood at the top, and had the power to repel all but the strongest of challengers. They were the Guardian Deities after all.

"But what other reason could a deity wish to be viewed as a lower ranking than they actually worthy of?" The Priest asked, continuing his previous question.

"Hierarchy." I muttered aloud before I could catch myself.

"Very good Malakye." The bobcat nodded. "There is indeed a hierarchy system in play. Just as you see in our own world, groups of individuals of similar political thinking gather together. This is no different with spirits. Even so called, Dark Deities are the same. Most imagine them to be agents of Maugan Ra, and all of them are generalised by we mortals to be in league with the demonic forces. But that couldn't be farther from the truth. While some are in-fact aligned with Dark Lord, many simply have their own goals. And while their actions may be seen as evil, violent and even cruel, they are simply serving their own agenda."

I hadn't been in this class for long but already I had learned so much about the inner workings of the spirit world. It was fascinating! Although Khaine seemed to be bored. If all the lessons were like this, I would be sure pay attention.

After a couple of hours, we were dismissed for lunch. After class, many of the acolytes stopped to introduce themselves. Khaine acted politely to their introductions but I could tell he had no interest in befriending any of them. I made a point of speaking to as many of them as I could. Not just to stick it to Khaine, but also because we were going to be living with these furs for a while, perhaps years; there was no point in alienating ourselves from the start.

We ate lunch with a number of them. Guko also came and sat down with us. Of course, everyone was curious about Garr escorting us from the dining hall this morning. After explaining we were taken to meet Davina with Callen and Jan'Zar. Everyone else seemed to balk in surprise at that news. It was from their reactions got the impression that we were used to doing things that any of them would consider a great honour.

"Malakye, Khaine?" I recognise Master Kami's voice immediately before I even turned around.

"Master Kami." I turned and bowed my head. Everyone at the table seemed to freeze as they realised who he was. Many of them bowing their heads in respect while others just stared while dumbfounded.

"Have you finished eating?"

"Just." I nodded.

"Excellent. Please clear your dishes. I shall wait in the hall for you."

"At once Master." I said and stood up. "See you all later."

We followed Master Kami out of the temple and into the midday sun. It was swelteringly hot today. I hadn't noticed while inside the cool interior of the temple. We were on the west side of the temple. Heading towards a large stone building which we had not been shown during our tour yesterday.

"What did you learn in class today?" Master Kami asked.

"We learned about spirits, and the political workings of spirits and deities." I explained.

"I'm sure it was quite insightful for you." Master Kami mused.

"It was certainly interesting. I didn't think the spirit world would be anything like that."

"Who cares?" Khaine muttered. "It's not like it affects us all that much right?"

"For the most part, no." Master Kami admitted. "But everything has unforeseen consequences that we cannot predict."

"Yeah, yeah! Just like the grape. I get it!" Khaine snapped.

"Grape?" Master Kami queried. Shooting me a quizzical look. I just shook my head.

"It was an example Davina gave us." I explained.

"Ah so you got to meet her! She is certainly is and interesting character!"

"That's one way to put it." I replied. "What are we doing this afternoon? Training? Sparring?"

"Something like that. I'm not the one teaching you, so I will leave the explanation to you teacher for the day."

We arrived in the courtyard where Jan'Zar, Callen and two of the Rukan'dokra officers; the falcon and one of the Masrur that had greeted us when we arrived at the temple. Master Kami asked us to stop and wait while he continued to walk over and join the others. Khaine and I waited patiently to receive our instructions. The five of them just stood and stared at us. What were they waiting for? I glanced over to Khaine. He seemed to be as confused as I was. That was when I sensed it. Khaine did to.

A presence. Above us!

A moment later four figures descended from above and landed on the ground around us. Khaine and I turned to face them; back to back. Surrounding us were beasts I'd never seen before. Their skin was cracked, and every little motion they made caused chunks of rock to fall from their bodies. They had wings and long thin tails. What the hell were they!?

One of them lunged at me. I stepped forwards, grabbed its arm and turned my body, using its own momentum against it, and slammed it into the ground. It was so heavy I nearly fell with it. It hit the ground with a heavy thud, enough that it the impact would have immobilised a regular opponent. But this thing was not ordinary. It immediately reached up and grabbed my wrist. Its grip was like a vice, I couldn't pull free. I drew on my nen and with a sweeping kick struck its forearm and it shattered.

"Their fucking statues!!" Khaine exclaimed after fending off another one.

"Thanks for stating the obvious!!" I said and the one-armed statue began to stand up. "That just means we don't need to hold back!" Khaine glanced at me for a moment and I saw a smirk slowly curl on his muzzle.

The one-armed statue lunged at me with its one remaining arm. I batted the arm away and struck it in the chest with a punch. A decision I immediately regretted. I succeeded in forcing it back, but my fist almost shattered from that last attack. If it hadn't been for the nen I'd focused into my fist I would have broken something when I'd struck the hard-stone surface of their body. I had caused a sizable chunk of its torso to crack and then begin to crumble for my efforts however.

I ducked under its following strike and stepped to the left and struck it in the side of the side of the knee with a targeted, nen enhanced strike. The thin limb crumbled under the force of the blow and sent it crashing to the ground. There was no cry of pain. No screech of anger. Nothing. Just the sound of stone shattering and hitting the ground.

Before I could think another one of the beasts was upon me. This one unleashed a savage torrent of attacks that forced me to back away lest I be torn to shreds by their stone talons. These things were strong, and one attack could be all it takes for them to take me down. I doubt that my wind bending would have much of an effect on their tough stone hides, and they wouldn't burn from fire. My bending was essentially useless against them. That meant I was just going to have to use my fists to end this fight!

With my resolve made I stepped towards the beast and used my arms to block their attack and then delivered a powerful kick to their torso. It staggered back and I struck them across the muzzle with my forearm. Whatever these things were, despite how strong and tough they were, they had awful balance. It didn't take much to make them stumble. I swept their legs from under them and knocked it on its tail. As it scrambled to get up, I struck it in the side of the head with a powerful round house kick. Its neck cracked and its head went flying across the courtyard.

As I stared down at the headless corpse, I felt something grab my ankle. It was the first statue I'd fought. It had dragged itself over the ground and had grabbed me. As I began to turn to deal with it, I saw the movement out of the corner of my eye, as the headless statue stood up. I whipped my head back to stare in disbelief. Before I could react, it grabbed me by the neck and began choking me. I grabbed the wrists of the beast and tried to pry it off of me, but it was much stronger than I was. Knowing I could not pry its paws off my I let go and then raised my arms up and slammed them down on its arms. Again, and again and again, pouring every ounce of strength I could muster into each blow. Each time I did I heard and felt its arms begin to crack under the force. By the time I raised my arms up for the fourth time my forearms ebbed with pain with each and every heartbeat; right down to the bone.

I cried out in pain, frustration and determination as I brought my arms slamming down the solid stone arms of the beast that was choking me. The beast's arms snapped loudly as they finally gave way. I shoved it way and turned to slammed my foot-paw down atop the wrist of the one that was still grabbing my ankle. Its wrist shattered and I staggered free and tried to catch my breath.

Khaine was busy beating his two opponents with his bare fists. He wasn't showing any signs of discomfort or injury from doing so, unlike my bloodied fist and shins. His armour like pelt was allowing him to fight without any real risk of injury against these opponents. It was only a moment later when he had incapacitated one of them, when the entire torso he'd been beating on literally crumbled to pieces.

With only one opponent left he unleashed a few more punches to stagger them before slipping round behind them, wrapped his arm around their neck and with a significant effort, judging by the grunt he let out, ripped the head clean off. Of course, this wasn't enough to slay the beast, but when he slammed the beasts stone head into their body, several times for good measure, there was not much of a body left.

When he was done, he let the head drop to the ground with a thud and we stared at one another for a few moments, both of us breathing heavily from the exertion. The only opponent left alive, or at least as alive as a statue could be, was the one I'd broken all but one leg off of. It was not a real threat at this point, it could barely move its own body over the ground.

"What is your judgement on their performance?" I heard Jan'Zar ask. Khaine and I turned as one of the two Rukan'dokra responded.

"They did reasonably well." The falcon admitted. "Out-numbered. Ambushed. Unarmed. Facing opponents, they had never fought before, and to come out with only a few minor injuries... acceptable."

"But there is much room for improvement." The Masrur grunted. "Although... the toughness of that wolf impressed me. He must have fists of steel to keep punching them like that."

"Khaine has proven to be... quite resilient to harm when channelling his spirits power." Callen commented. "Most blades can't even cut him when he focuses his power properly."

"Impressive." The Masrur smirked.

"I must admit, the drakes kii is most impressive. And he is quite skilled in unarmed combat. Where the wolf just beat his opponents with brute force, the drake took them out with precise, calculated blows."

Khaine and I just stood there as they evaluated us. We weren't sure about what the hell had just happened, other than the fact that this was a test of some sort.

"Not that we ever doubted your word on the matter, but we are convinced that they have the required skill to be allowed to train with the Rukan'dokra." The falcon conceded. "We understand that their participation will not be as full rank and file warriors, and will have other training sessions with both you and the priests. We shall accommodate them to the best of our ability."

"Thank you. We appreciate your efforts." Callen smiled.

"We live to serve. Unless you have further need of us, we should return to our duties now." The falcon declared. Callen indicated that they could leave and with a bow they both turned in unison and marched away.

"Well done you two." Callen smiled as the three of them approached us.

"What was that?" Khaine asked.

"That was a test!" Jan'Zar declared. "One which you passed. Luckily for you."

"What the hell are these things?" I asked.

"They were statues possessed by spirits." Callen explained. "An awkward opponent to fight, especially while unarmed. You both did well to defeat them as quickly as you did."

"But that was the whole point wasn't it?" I said, to which Callen nodded. I sighed and shook my head. "What happens now?"

"Today, nothing." Callen declared. "Tomorrow you will begin training with the Rukan'dokra. Once we finalize who your mentors shall be, we shall finish organising your training schedule."

"The Rukan'dokra are the most elite fighting force you will find anywhere. Only the best of the best is able to join their ranks." Jan'Zar boasted. "Do not think that your current strength will be enough to rise to the top of the ranks."

"How do we compare to an average warrior of the Rukan'dokra?" I asked curiously.

"Against a mo'kan... you should be able to win most times, so long as you take each fight seriously." She replied with a slight smirk. "Against a du'kan, well... you should be able to win if you give it your all. But against a var'tan or higher rank I'd be impressed if you actually won."

"Those who earn the rank of var'tan or above, are talented individuals. And no amount of family wealth or political pressure can help anyone attain it." Master Kami added.

"They are the finest warriors that this world has to offer. They have dedicated their lives to their training. And it is a fact that the vast majority of Champions in service to the Guardian Deities have attained the rank of var'tan." Callen added.

Most Champions have attained the rank of var'tan? Was that a subtle challenge to me? Davina had said that one day I could become a Champion. Was growing strong enough to gain this rank one of the required steps to that end? It seemed like too much of a coincidence that Callen would mention that now, the same day I'd been told about the prophecy. Whether it was or not, striving to attain those ranks may seem to be a reasonable goal.

"Kami, please see to their wounds. After that you may both spend the rest of the day as you please." Callen smiled. Master Kami gestured for us to follow him back towards the temple. As we walked away Callen called after us. "Malakye. Garr wanted me to inform you that he shall instruct you on playing the viol after dinner. You are to meet him in the great hall."

I turned and nodded my head, acknowledging the instruction and continued to follow Master Kami. Master Kami led us to the infirmary. It was a fairly large room with nearly two dozen beds in it. A Priestess, a middle-aged badger, wearing a white robe saw to my wounds. Khaine had nothing more than a couple of scratches, which didn't need any attention and so was quickly dismissed. I on the other paw had bloodied knuckles and some cuts around my neck from where I'd been grabbed. Not to mention the throbbing pain in my forearms which had now eased to a dull ache.

I had to sit with my arms submerged in water, healing water, which after half an hour had completely healed my knuckles and forearms. While I'd soaked my arms, the Priestess bandaged my neck with bandages soaked in healing water. She said that by morning my wounds should be completely healed and I could remove the bandages then.

I thanked her for her help before leaving the infirmary. There were still a few hours until dinner so I decided to walk the grounds. While I was exploring the grounds, I met Master Jun'lao. I jogged over to join them.

"Malakye. Good day to you." He greeted me.

"You as well Master." I bowed.

"How goes your first day? You appear to be injured." He said as he noticed the bandages around my neck.

"It is fine. Just a few scratches." I assured him. "We had to fight against some spirits possessing statues."

"I see. If you managed to walk away with only a few scratches then I can assume it went well."

"Master?"

"Hmm?"

"I've heard that you will be leaving soon."

"Quite so. I have some other duties I must attend to. Not to mention my wife and family back home." He explained. "I have truly enjoyed being your Master. You are an exemplary student. And I have little doubt that you will excel at whatever you put your mind to. And when I get the opportunity to do so, I will return and check up on you."

"Thank you Master. You have taught me a lot. And I cannot thank you enough for the time you have put into training me."

"But I am not yet gone. And I am still your Master." He stated. A statement which made me look at him quizzically. "I think there is one more thing I can teach you with the time we have left."

************

My lesson with Master Jun'lao passed quicker than I'd imagined. Before I realised it, the sun was starting to set, which meant that the acolytes would be sitting down for dinner shortly. After saying my goodbyes, I began making my way to the dining hall. Our lesson had comprised of him teaching me the basics for a new technique, one which would allow me to fight opponents that were stronger than me. That technique he called chi'jum. It was something I could practise on my own after he left. I had not been successful it executing it yet. But Master assured me that I would know if I ever did. Apparently only one in ten of his students who he had taught this to had ever managed to use it in a fight. And even less than that had mastered it.

It was a technique that was a double edge sword. It could turn the tide of a fight when properly used, but could just as easily backfire. The main reason it could back fire was that when using this technique, the user had to hold their breath. And in a fight breathing was important to avoid becoming fatigued. He explained that when properly executed time would slow, and you would be able to react faster to your opponent's moves. It would take practise to be able to use it in an actual fight, even if I did learn how to activate the technique, as everything, including my on movements, would appear to move in slow motion.

I was determined to practise each day to learn how to use it effectively. If I could master this technique, then I could think of no better way to show him my appreciation for all the time and effort he had put into training me over this time, and for all the advice he had given me up to this point. Even if I could never use it in actual battle, it would be something I could remember him by.

As I walked back towards the temple, I heard a commotion up ahead. Some raised voices caught my attention. I couldn't make what was being said or who was saying them as the sun had set just moments ago, and the moon was obscured by clouds.

As I got closer, I could see the shadowy figures of six furs up ahead. As I got a little closer, I could see that two of them looked to be dressed in acolyte robes. The others wore leather armour but otherwise appeared to be unarmed. I remembered Guko explaining that relationships between acolytes and the Rukan'dokra were strained at times. With some individuals bullying acolytes on occasion. As I got closer, I recognised the two acolytes. It was Guko's friends who were in my class this morning. The rabbit and the parrot; Jasmine and Kero.

The four standing before them were led by a bull it seemed, who was having an aggressive exchange of words with Jasmine. The next thing I saw was the bull deliver a back handed slap to Jasmine that set her spinning to the ground. Kero immediately knelt down to check on her as the bull and two of his group laughed. The only one that didn't was an avian; who appeared to be of the same race as Master Jun'lao. The white feathers made them stand out more clearly than the others in the poor light. As the bull leant over the two acolytes, obviously not finished taunting them I called out.

"Stop that right now!"

The group seemed to freeze in worry for a moment. They must have thought that they'd been caught in the act by someone of authority. Because the moment they saw me they visibly relaxed.

"Malakye!" Jasmine called out.

"Malakye huh? He your fuck buddy or something?" The bull asked crudely.

"Leave them alone or you'll have to deal with me!"

"And who are they to you?" He asked.

"They are my classmates."

"Classmates eh? So, you're an acolyte too?" He asked, looking me over. He probably noticed that I wasn't wearing robes like the others. "We don't take orders from bookworms!" The bull snorted, to which two of his cohorts laughed and cheered him on. The tiger and the fox seemed to agree with him. Although the avian didn't respond. He... no she just stared at me.

"I would leave if I were you."

"Or what? You going to tell on us?" He mocked. The other two laughing.

"Or you will have to deal with me." I threatened. That seemed to get their attention. He stomped over towards me.

"Malakye!" Jasmine cried out with a worried tone.

The bull got right into my muzzle and stared me dead in the eye. He was big. At least half a foot taller than me, and arms that looked like tree trunks. But I didn't waver. I just looked him straight in the eyes. He may be big, but he didn't scare me. When he drew his arm back, I didn't move. I just stood there and let him strike me.

The punch was not well executed. He swung with nothing but his arm, he put very little weight behind it. Perhaps he was holding back since he thought I was nothing more than an acolyte. But in any case, he seemed a little surprised when I didn't so much as move when he struck me in the muzzle. My head snapped to the right from the blow, but even then, I didn't take my eye off of him. He seemed a little shaken by that. So much so that he reared his arm back again to strike me, this time it looked like he was going to put a bit more power behind his attack.

As he threw his punch I acted. I weaved the left, sidestepping his blow, grabbed his arm and kicked his right leg from under him, and tossed him head over heel onto the flat of his back on the hard-stone ground. His comrades stopped cheering, obviously surprised that I'd so easily knocked the large bull on his tail.

To the bull's credit he got up pretty quickly, his fists raised and murderous glint in his eye. He unleashed a flurry of fast punches. I dodged his first five attacks before stepped in around his arm with a single swift motion, his eyes widened as he realised that I'd stepped in past his guard. I unloaded three precise strike to his chest and then an uppercut to the underside of his muzzle. He staggered back and fell to his knees as his legs buckled beneath him.

I sensed one of his comrades nen flare and I whipped my head to glare at them. When my eyes fell on the avian their nen stopped and he visibly flinched. The tiger and fox were ready to attack however. But before they could charge me a voice boomed over the courtyard.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!?"

We all turned to see an armoured Masrur approaching. I wasn't familiar with the ranks of the Rukan'dokra yet, but I would later find out that this individual was an officer, a var'tan no less. The four furs who had been bothering Jasmine and Kero all stood at attention in his presence. Jasmine and Kero seemed nervous, more nervous of this Masrur than their four assailants. Jasmine shot me a pleading look. I decided that I shot take hold of the narrative before these guys do.

"Just some friendly sparring." I replied.

"Sparring huh?" The Masrur's gaze swept over all of us. I hadn't seriously injured the bull in anyway, nor had his punch drawn any blood. There wasn't any evidence to the contrary other than the distressed looking acolytes. "Is that really what happened?"

No one contradicted my statement. The four of these guys knew that saying anything other than what I was saying would end as badly for them as it would for me if they tried to make up another story. Especially when there were two other witnesses that could back mine up. In truth Jasmine and Kero were the only ones here who had any motivation to tell the truth of what had actually happened here. But judging by how timid they were acting in this presence of the Masrur, I doubted that they were going to say anything.

"Very well." He conceded but was obviously not convinced. "Restrain any future sparring to the training grounds. If I catch you 'sparring' like this again, there will be consequences."

"Yes Sir!" The four furs said in unison. I bowed my head in acknowledgement.

"Move on!" He said in a threatening tone.

The bull and his companions turned and left towards the barracks while I headed towards the temple with Jasmine and Kero. The Masrur stood there and watched our two parties leave.

"Are you guys okay?" I asked once I was sure we were out of earshot.

"Yes." Jasmine whimpered, still clutching the side of the muzzle where the bull had struck her.

"Thank you for helping." Kero piped up.

"Think nothing of it. I hate bullies." I said. "If they bother you again let me know."