The Ancient’s Son -The life and story of Arkanon Leyan

[sexy_parul]

Chapter 5

While following Jared through the countless halls, Arkanon looked around at everything they passed by. From races that had fur all over their body, to lumbering people that looked like rock-men, to the most common race which was draconic people that looked human and had no wings, Arkanon looked at all of them. He also got a few curious glances from others they passed by, but no one bothered them.

As they continued on, Arkanon asked Jared a question. “So who is this Captain Timmet that we’re meeting?”

“He’s my superior, the one I report to”

Arkanon frowned a little. “I know that, but what about his person?”

Jared tilted his head to the side a little while continuing to walk. “Well, he’s a well-known captain amongst the guardians, and is part of a family branch that came from the Ancients. So his family is not only respected, but powerful as well. He looks similar to the draconic people you see walking around. There’s not much more I can tell you about him, since I myself don’t know him all that well.”

“Aren’t you one of his subordinates?”

“Yeah, but I’m one of many. Captains usually have control over a large amount of forces. The only ones above them are the Generals. Another reason is because I’m part of the scouting regiment that focuses solely on finding people with potential like you. It’s usually viewed with disdain from other guardians because scouts don’t fight on the frontlines.”

Arkanon’s face turned into one of disgust. “What faulty reasoning to discriminate against others.”

Jared had a wry look on his face. “Heh, don’t worry about it. You’ll find out soon enough about everything.”

As soon as they finished their conversation, they arrived at two large double doors.

“Well boy, here we are. Let me do the talking, alright?”

Arkanon nodded and they passed through the doors.

On the other side, there was a large room filled with people training or sparring. Some people were using wooden staves and swords, or blunted axes. Other various weapons could be seen. Some people used just their hands. While they moved through the crowd, some people turned to look at them. To the people there, it was strange seeing a kid go into the training grounds. As they arrived towards the back, Arkanon started to see some people closer to his age, but still older than him. He noticed that the older, more veteran soldiers were towards the front, while the younger, greener guardians were towards the back. Eventually they arrived at a sparring ring where a draconic boy was fighting a young rockman. The rockman was using just his brute strength, while the draconic boy was using a wood shield and short-sword. Even if they were the same age, the rockman would have a large physical advantage, although he was very slow to move. The draconic boy was very agile and avoided every blow, while delivering a hit to his opponent every now and then. The fight was evenly matched, and neither side was able to make his opponent submit.

A deep voice came from the opposite side of the sparring ring where Arkanon and Jared were standing.

“Enough, Telrayn. We have some guests here.”

The rockman and draconic boy stopped fighting, turning to look at Arkanon and Jared. The rockman merely looked at them in curiosity before turning away to the other people around the ring. The draconic boy looked at Arkanon with contempt, like he just saw a piece of trash. Arkanon raised an eyebrow, perplexed at that reaction. The draconic boy turned away and walked to a draconic man right behind him. Arkanon could only guess that the man was Timmet while the boy was Telrayn.

Jared stepped forward and stated himself. “Sir, Scout Jared Winesk reporting in. I’ve brought the boy that you asked me to bring.”

Timmet nodded, his blue eyes roaming over Arkanon. “So, you reported to me that this boy had fought and killed three low-ranked but fully equipped demons?”

Arkanon looked back at Timmet, and studied him. His pupils were slit like a reptilians while the iris was blue. He had short white hair, and he had what looked like blue leathery skin, with some blue scales around his forearms. His hands ended in claws and he was wearing chest armor and leg plates that were a blazing pure white. He was about 1.8 meters tall with a 1.2 meter long tail behind him. Even though he was lithe, Arkanon could tell this man was powerful.

“Yes sir, I witnessed it myself. He punched a hole straight through one, snapped another’s neck and cut the third one in half.”

“Hmm…” Timmet looked back to Jared. “Those are quite some mighty feats for some child. Are you sure you aren’t lying to me, Winesk?” A hint of doubt was in Timmet’s voice.

“I’m being completely honest, sir.” Jared had a stern look on his face.

“Then would it be okay if I were to test his strength?”

Jared was taken aback by that. “If you’re going to test him sir, please let him fully recover first. It hasn’t been a full day since this all happened”

“It’s not your decision to make, Winesk. It’s up to that boy there.” A little bit of anger could be detected from Timmet.

Jared turned to Arkanon. “Arkanon, you don’t have to do this if don’t want to.”

Arkanon gave Jared a little reassuring smile. “It’s alright Jared. I chose this path, and I won’t back down now.”

Jared sighed and turned back to Timmet. “He consented to a test, sir.”

Timmet nodded once more. “Good. Telrayn, you’ll be his opponent.”

Telrayn sneered a little. “Why do I have to fight him?”

Timmet looked at Telrayn. “What, are you scared to fight him?”

Telrayn gave a low growl while he stepped into the arena and readied himself, his face a calm but cold look. Arkanon stepped into the arena, on the opposite side.

Timmet pointed at a spectator outside the ring. “You, toss the boy your sword.”

The spectator quickly took out his wooden sword and handed it to Arkanon. Arkanon felt the weight of the sword, and gave a few practice swings with it. Satisfied with the weight and feel of it, Arkanon took a stance with his right side facing Telrayn, his legs shoulder-width apart and his arms and legs bent. He kept his sword slightly raised.

“Oh?” Timmet was a little surprised by Arkanon’s stance.

Telrayn had a snarl on his face, completely annoyed by the little boy that stood in front of him.

“You think you’re good? I’ll slam you into the ground.”

Arkanon, not phased at all by the comment, kept his gaze focused on Telrayn, waiting for him to make a move.

Telrayn got even angrier seeing that Arkanon wasn’t affected by his words, and he charged forward. Arkanon immediately sidestepped, and attempted to move around Telrayn, but Telrayn anticipated this and swung his shield around. The shield clipped Arkanon’s left shoulder, sending him off balance, with his left facing towards Telrayn. Telrayn took the opening before Arkanon could switch on him and swung his sword towards Arkanon’s head. Telrayn landed a light hit and skin tore above Arkanon’s left eye. Blood started to flow down over his face, forcing him to keep his left eye shut. Arkanon calmly took up his stance again, ignoring the wound.

Telrayn snorted and charged towards Arkanon again, but Arkanon charged forward at the same time. Telrayn didn’t expect this movement, and tried to stop himself, but Arkanon was already there swinging down at his right side. Telrayn lifted his sword in an attempt to block, but the momentum and force behind the swing was too great, and both swords shattered into splinters. Arkanon, not wasting a moment, dropped the remains of the sword and pushed his palm into Telrayn’s chest, lifting him off the ground before slamming him down. Telrayn had all the air knocked out of him and his body wouldn’t respond. Arkanon turned around and started to walk towards Jared before collapsing to his knees. His vision was turning blurry and felt his head become light. His body still wasn’t recovered from before and the strenuous effort he just went through nearly knocked him unconscious. Telrayn recovered and charged towards Arkanon, completely infuriated. He raised his shield and brought it down, aiming for Arkanon’s head. Arkanon couldn’t react and both Jared and Timmet wouldn’t be fast enough to reach him. Right as the shield was about to hit him, Telrayn was lifted up into the air. What Arkanon saw next was a towering figure above him. A fully scaled and winged draconic being, standing easily around 2 meters tall. The figure was holding Telrayn up by his shield arm. Both Timmet and Jared were dumbfounded by the person. Telrayn was looking at the creature in fear, while Arkanon merely looked at it in curiosity.

“Now now, children, we don’t need any deaths here.” A deep, powerful, yet calm voice came from the creature.

Telrayn was released, and he immediately ran to Timmet’s side. The creature then kneeled down next to Arkanon and looked at him. Arkanon stared back. The creature had blue eyes as well, but there was wisdom within them.

Seeing how Arkanon wasn’t scared at all, the creature laughed a little. “You aren’t easily scared boy, are you? I apologize for the sudden intrusion, but I was observing everyone training when I noticed you two dueling. Even though you’re so young, you seem to have some battle prowess. However you need to pace yourself when you fight. Falling to your knees on the battlefield because you used all your strength means almost certain death.” The creature paused a moment before continuing. “Oh, my apologies boy. I got so caught in my little lecture that I didn’t introduce myself. My name is Harei, and I’m an Ancient.”

[sexy_parul]

Chapter 6

Arkanon stared blankly at the person that called himself an Ancient, Harei.

Harei tilted his head to the side. “Well now, that’s not the reaction I was expecting.” He chuckled a little. “You’re a strange child.”

Harei applied some energy to his thumb wiped it across the tear above Arkanon’s eye, stopping the blood flow.

There was a haze fogging Arkanon’s mind, but he still responded to Harei. “Thank you.”

Harei smiled. “No need to thank me. You can’t stand either, right?”

Arkanon shook his head. “No, I can’t.”

“Well, then I guess I’ll just have to do this.” Harei lifted Arkanon up and set him on his shoulders.

Harei motioned to Timmet and Jared. “You two, please come along. I have some things I want to discuss and here isn’t a good place.”

Jared was immediately by Harei’s side, while Timmet motioned for Telrayn to stay put before walking over to Harei.

With the two in tow, Harei started to move towards the exit. It was only now that Arkanon realized that there was a large crowd gathered around them. Most of the people present had their gazes on Arkanon as he rode on Harei’s shoulders. Most of them were questioning while others were just curious. But the one thing they all wanted to know was, ‘Who was this child?’. Everyone moved out of their way and cleared a path for the four of them.

While the four of them continued through the halls after leaving the training room, Arkanon asked Harei a question.

“Mister Harei, why are you being so kind to me?’

Harei smiled slightly. “Hmm? Am I? Well, I’ll just say you have the same aura about you as an old comrade. Heh, you seem like you’d be his kid.” Harei seemed to be reminiscing about his past, but he snapped out of it. “By the way, what is your name, boy?”

“Arkanon Leyan.”

“Leyan you say? Ha, well I’ll be damned. My suspicions may be right.”

Arkanon froze up a little. “Mister Harei, do you know my father?”

Harei laughed. “Well I may. If I guessed correctly, you are indeed a very special child. Also, just call me Harei.”

Timmet spoke up. “Sir, could you be thinking about that ‘Leyan’?”

Harei turned his head back. “Maybe. Once we get to my room, we’ll talk more about it.”

Timmet frowned, then examined Arkanon who was still sitting on Harei’s shoulders. Timmet could only think how powerful this child might turn out to be. After a few minutes of silence, they reached Harei’s room. Inside was a very plain set up, with a bed in the corner and a round table with six empty stools around it.

“Alright boy, the ride ends here.” Harei lifted Arkanon up from his shoulders and set him down on one of the stools. “Okay you two, we have much to discuss. I want to hear everything about what happened.”

Harei took a seat to Arkanon’s right while Jared took the seat to the left, and Timmet sat opposite of him.

Harei looked to Jared. “You’re the one that brought Arkanon here, correct?”

Jared nodded his head because he couldn’t speak. He was shaking from nervousness.

“What is your name?”

“Jared Winesk, sir.” He had barely been able to force out these words.

Harei had a bit of an amused look on his face. “Calm down, Jared. We’re all equals here at this table. Isn’t that what it being round is supposed to represent?”

Jared took a few deep breaths before he felt better.

“Better?”

“Yes sir. I’m feeling better.”

Harei got a little annoyed. “I told you we’re all equals at this table. No using ‘sir’ to refer to me. Call me Harei.”

“Y-yes, Harei.”

“Good. Truthfully, I don’t understand why you’re all so terrified of me. It’s not like I’m going to eat you.”

Arkanon spoke up slightly. “I don’t think many people see a 2 meter tall dragon-person as being friendly.”

Jared and Timmet both looked at Arkanon, completely stunned.

Harei only laughed loudly in response. “Well, I do suppose my appearance is a little intimidating.”

Harei calmed down soon afterwards. “Although I enjoy a good laugh, we need to set aside the jokes for now. After all, what we’re going to decide here is your future, Arkanon. Please do have some degree of seriousness.” Harei turned back towards Jared. “Jared, since you’re the one that brought Arkanon here, that must mean that you personally saw his abilities. Can you recount what you witnessed?”

Jared nodded and told Harei and Timmet about his trip to Earth and how he found Arkanon living in a small town and noticed that he had a small potential. He then said he witnessed three demons in the area and could feel them heading for Arkanon’s house. Jared tried to warn Arkanon not to go home, but he didn’t listen and nearly died in the end. But Arkanon awakened his powers and went on to single-handedly kill the three demons. After that, Arkanon fainted and Jared brought him back to his ship. Jared then asked Arkanon what he planned to do, and Arkanon chose to become a guardian. That’s how they ended up here.

“To kill three demons after his awakening. I can remember only a few that were able to do that after their powers became active.” Harei pondered over what Jared said. He leaned back and looked up at the ceiling thinking. He then looked over at Timmet. “Timmet, since you had Arkanon duel your personal disciple, what would you say after watching them fight?”

Timmet put his hand on his chin while looking back and forth between Arkanon and Harei.

“Although I personally don’t want to say this, that boy there has great potential. Even greater than Telrayn. Given enough time, if he were to train hard enough, I could see Arkanon becoming a general-rank. I could go more into detail what I noticed about him during that fight, but that’s unnecessary.”

Harei looked towards Arkanon. “That’s some mighty praise to receive there from someone well-known.”

Arkanon had a sheepish look on his face. “I don’t think that I’m that strong. I just merely took advantage of an opening there.”

Timmet frowned a little. “Don’t discredit yourself. Although Telrayn was reckless, his defense was still very good. Most others would’ve found it hard to get to him. I hate to say this about my own disciple, but he won’t turn out as strong as you if you train properly.”

Harei smiled slightly. “Timmet, would you like to train Arkanon?”

“Huh?” Timmet was surprised by the sudden offer. He closed his eyes for a moment to think, before opening them again. “I would like to train him, but I wouldn’t be able to bring out his full strength.” Timmet sighed before continuing. “Therefore, I can only think of a couple alternatives.”

“Oh?” Harei seemed interested in what TImmet had to say.

“For one, Arkanon would be your personal disciple Harei. I foresee problems with that though. For one, because of your position, you wouldn’t be able to train him much. You would still do better than me though.” Timmet paused.

“And the second choice?”

“We could send Arkanon to the academy. There, he would have access to countless resources and instructors, however he would be mainly teaching himself.”

Arkanon and Jared both froze at that suggestion. The academy is only for the most promising future guardians. Being able to go there was only a distant dream for him. Right now though, it’s a possibility.

“However, there are problems with that too. One being his background. Most students that enter that academy come from powerful families. We know nothing about his personal history. His father is unknown and his mother is dead. He would be heavily discriminated against there. Even if we try to do something, there’s not much we can do. But I think it’s the best choice of the two. The best trainer you have is yourself, at least that’s what I believe.”

Harei looked towards Arkanon. “So, what do you want to do, Arkanon? I’m more than willing to try and train you, but I also agree with Timmet that you should go to the academy.”

“Would it be alright for me to go?” Arkanon’s face was full of doubt.

“Well considering my position, I doubt they’d be willing to go against it. In fact, if I put you in there, you might be better off. If the main leader of the Guardians puts someone in the academy, no one would be willing to mess with them.”

Arkanon was surprised by this. “You’re the leader of the Guardians?”

Harei was surprised by Arkanon’s reaction. “You didn’t know? I told you I was an Ancient.”

“I didn’t know what that meant. I don’t know who the Ancient’s are.”

Harei immediately looked at Jared. “You didn’t tell him about us Ancients or Corrupted?”

“I didn’t mean to neglect it, but there was other important things to tell him about.”

Harei sighed. “It’s fine. He’ll learn about it when he goes to the academy. I’m assuming that was your answer, right Arkanon?”

Arkanon was still surprised. “Uh, y-yeah. I would like to attend the academy.”

Harei nodded once. “Alright, we’ve come up with our decision. One more thing I’d like to say. Jared, you’ll go with Arkanon. You shall be his chaperone there. Watch over him and you will report directly to me. Communication codes will be sent soon. I trust you know where the academy is located, correct?”

Jared replied with a raised eyebrow. “Yes, I do know. But why do you want me to go with him?”

“Well that’s simple, you two seem to have a bond of trust. Therefore it’s best you go with him.”

“Alright, okay. I’ll watch over him.”

“Hmm, good. You two go back to your ship and rest up. I’ll meet you once more at your ship later to say farewell and a few other things.”

Arkanon and Jared said their thanks and left the room.

Harei stood up and faced Timmet. “You wanted to know if I was referring to ‘him’ earlier, right?”

Timmet stood as well and nodded his head slightly. “Yes. Was it Sylvan Leyan?”

“I believe so. You could sense it as well, correct?”

“Yes. That child will have a rough life ahead of him.”

“Yes he will. But I know that he’ll move through it, no matter what comes at him.”

[sexy_parul]

Chapter 7

Arkanon and Jared walked through the countless halls and corridors of the headquarters, making their way towards Jared’s ship.

“Jared, how do you feel about all that’s happened?” Arkanon asked quietly.

“Why do you ask?” Jared asked back.

“Because so many things have been happening in such a short period of time. I’m sure not even a few days have passed since we met, and yet all this has happened. Now, you’re being tethered to a kid you barely even know.”

Jared smiled and patted Arkanon’s head. “Don’t worry about it. I’m more than happy to watch over you. Besides, if the commander put me up to this task, that means he didn’t deem anyone else appropriate.”

“Yeah, but still…”

“To be a chaperone of such an important person as yourself is quite a high position. So don’t worry about me being forced into this. I’m quite happy with the outcome so far. Also, are you saying we don’t have some kind of friendship between us already?”

Arkanon smiled slightly. “I guess you’re right. Alright then, let’s watch out for each other on our journey to come.”

Jared grinned after hearing that. With that settled, the two continued on their way until they reached Jared’s ship. Arkanon went and fell asleep on the bed while Jared sat in one of the seats up front and slept.

The two slept for a while before they were awoken by a knock on the ship’s door. Arkanon lifted his head up for a few seconds before letting it fall back down on the bed. Jared shook himself awake and went over to the door to see who it was. When he opened the door, he saw Harei outside.

Harei laughed slightly. “Good morning you two. I see you’ve slept quite well.” He then noticed Arkanon was still asleep. He sighed slightly before walking over to him. “Arkanon Leyan! Wake up right this moment!”

Arkanon immediately woke up and tried to scramble off the bed before falling face first to the floor. He groaned in pain and rubbed his forehead while he stood up.

“You said you wanted to go to the academy. If you plan on acting like this over there, you’ll severely disappoint me. I’ve treated you friendly before because you had no relations to the Guardians, but now you’re an enrolled student. Now that you are going to become a guardian in the future, I expect nothing but the best, especially since I’ve given you special treatment.”

Arkanon lowered his head. “I apologize. I was still extremely tired from what’s happened so far.”

Harei nodded his head. “I understand, I just want you to become as strong as you can. You have unlimited potential. I can feel it. Become a guardian that stands above all else.”

After hearing these words, a determined look entered Arkanon’s eyes once more. “I’ll become as strong as possible. I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did.”

There was a prideful look within Harei’s eyes as Arkanon said this. He closed his eyes and thought to himself, ‘He’d be proud of you if he was here, Arkanon’. He opened his eyes and said,

“Alright then, all the major issues are settled. I trust you know where the academy is located, Jared.”

“I do.”

“Good. I’ll say once more that you’re to report to me. Understood?”

“Yes sir.”

“Hm. Alright then. I won’t see you for the next few years, Arkanon. Oh one more thing.” Harei gave Arkanon a box that he had at his side. Arkanon looked questioningly at Harei before opening the box and finding a new set of clothes. “Although the academy doesn’t have a uniform requirement, I figured that those clothes would be more comfortable than the rags you’re wearing now.”

Arkanon looked down at himself and saw the tattered bloodstained clothes he was wearing. He grimaced thinking about how he looked. He thought to himself that must’ve been the reason the people on the ship looked at him oddly. “Thank you, I forgot how poor of a sight I was.”

“Don’t worry about it. Well Arkanon, I wish you the best of luck. I want the both of you to take care of yourselves. Arkanon, make friends, not enemies while there. If that means you need to lower your head a little, then so be it. Remember, the people attending the academy are just as strong as you and possibly even stronger right now. Jared, I want you to watch over Arkanon. Make sure he doesn’t cause any trouble.” With those final words, Harei said his farewell and left.

Jared closed the door to the ship and sighed. “He certainly is long winded. Although I respect him completely for his power and as a leader, he doesn’t know when to stop. I mean, he said that he was done then went onto talking again.”

Arkanon laughed at these words. “What’s the matter, Jared? Not a fan of people that talk a lot?”

Jared had a wry smile on his face. “I guess not. I truthfully find it annoying when people keep going on and on. Usually it’s when they repeat themselves constantly.”

“Oh? Am I really a long winded person? Do I really need to shut up, Winesk?” A cold voice came from the console behind Jared and Arkanon.

A chill ran down Arkanon’s and Jared’s spine as they turned around to see Harei on the console with a wicked smile on his face.

“I decided to test the connection between us, and I come on to hear all those words. I’ll remember those words next time we meet, Winesk.” With a blip, Harei disappeared from the monitor.

“Arkanon, let’s leave now.” Jared’s face was locked up and he was pale.

“Agreed, let’s go.” Arkanon was shaking with fear.

They hurried up to the pilot’s cabin, sat down and buckled in. Jared hurriedly started the ship while Arkanon unintentionally clenched the sides of the seat. Jared carefully guided the ship out of the hangar and once they were a safe distance away and no other ships were in front of them, he flipped a switch, and with a flash they were gone.

Jared leaned back in his chair. “Well, this certainly is a new experience.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure how to feel about everything so far.” Arkanon was sitting in the seat beside

Arkanon’s wearing the new clothes Harei gave him. He wore a grey t-shirt with grey pants. He also had a brown cloak that Harei gave him, but Arkanon chose not to wear it right now. “Harei mentioned this before, but what exactly are the Ancients? He seemed surprised that you didn’t tell me.”

“There are a lot of things I didn’t tell you. I didn’t have the time to.” Jared crossed his arms and his face scrunched up in thought. “Well, to put it bluntly, the Ancients are an ageless race from before the start of the universe. In fact, from what they told us, they were the start of the universe.” Jared turned his head towards Arkanon. “You’ve heard of the big bang theory, right?” Arkanon shook his head. “Really? Well that’s basically what happened. From what the Ancient’s told us, they had a great war against the Corrupted which caused their titanic planet to blow apart. Afterwards energy formed around the planet fragments and created the planets we have today, while stars were created from raw energy. Understand so far?” Arkanon had a confused look on his face as he stared at Jared. Jared sighed and continued. “The Corrupted are Ancients turned evil and are the leaders of the demons. Energy is the name the Ancients have given to a special force that resides within our universe that allows it’s user to bend and twist the fabrics of reality to their will. All guardians are born with this innate ability, but some have greater control over it then others. Energy can be used for a variety of things, from healing to attacking to defense. It’s practically an omnipotent power. From what I’ve seen though, us guardians are weak at using energy, but the highest of us, mainly the generals, have the greatest ability at using energy. They can destroy mountains with ease. Destroying a world would be extremely difficult for them, but possible.” Jared leaned forward. “The scariest are the Ancients and Corrupted. They’re basically the origin of energy as they found how to use it and implement it. Destroying worlds would be easy for them. Both sides are a terrifying existence.” Jared closed his eyes and leaned back. “You’ll learn more about using energy and the Ancients and Corrupted when we get to the academy. Is your curiosity sated for now?”

Arkanon nodded his head. “Yeah, thanks for telling me.” He thought back to when he awakened his powers on earth, when the white lightning crackled around his body. So, that’s what energy is. Although Arkanon still had many questions, he would just have to wait to ask. He still had a lot of other information to digest and sort out in his head.

“Go and rest as much as possible, Arkanon. Once we get to the academy, you won’t get much time to relax.”

Arkanon nodded his head and got out of the seat and headed towards the bed.

As Arkanon walked away, Jared thought to himself. Only a ten year-old kid and he’s dealt with everything so calmly. Any normal brat would’ve broke down and started crying long ago. You really are quite an abnormal existence, Arkanon. Jared closed his eyes and soon fell asleep while their ship continued to it’s destination.