Legacy of the Roras

© 2011 Nicholas James. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 7/26/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4634-2889-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-2890-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-2891-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011911668

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

This book is dedicated to my grandmothers.

Your shining examples of perseverance and strength

have always inspired me to dream big,

and follow through with even the lengthiest of projects.

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the following individuals for all their help in completing this trilogy:

To Ian and Joel, my fellow conspirators during the course of this odyssey. Thank you for allowing me to bounce ideas off of you and for putting up with my endless questions. I’m proud to say we can finally put this discussion topic to rest.

Much appreciation goes to all the friends and family who took the time to read my early drafts. Especially Brian, Jordan A., Jasmine, Steve, Aunt Lucy, Thomas, Christina and Scott, my first test readers. Thank you for taking the time to indulge in my fantasy world, and I apologize that you had to wait so long for the finished product.

To my dedicated editors, Pat, Jordan O., Warren and Joel. Your invaluable feedback and insights crafted this book into something I could be proud of, and helped make me a better writer. I will always be grateful for all your hard work.

A very special thanks to the artists who brought my words to life: Devon, Pat, and Alessandro. Through all the crazy deadlines and constant notes, you stuck by the project and created spectacular artwork that left me truly awed. Your belief in this undertaking helped renew my own drive when I was mired in edits and re-writes.

To my brothers, I hope you’re aware that in many ways you motivated me to complete this novel. Know that I will always be your honored and faithful friend.

Finally, to my parents. Thank you for always encouraging me to do what I love, no matter the cost. You took me seriously when I told you I wanted to write a novel, and then three, and I have always appreciated that. None of this would have been possible without your support.

Contents

Book One: Aquaterra

Prologue

Chapter 1 Visions & Vagrants

Chapter 2 Keeper of the Prophecy

Chapter 3 Lights Out

Chapter 4 Theories & Resolutions

Chapter 5 Hidden Allies

Chapter 6 Living the Ri

Chapter 7 Histories & Mysteries

Chapter 8 Spies & Saboteurs

Chapter 9 The Creeping Shadow

Chapter 10 Into the Dark

Chapter 11 Reunions

Chapter 12 The Approaching Storm

Chapter 13 Political Games

Chapter 14 The Shadow Unfolds

Chapter 15 Holding the Line

Chapter 16 Enemy to the Last of the Roras

Chapter 17 Guardians of the Light

Epilogue - The End of an Era

Book Two: The Curse of the Hanas

Prologue

Chapter 1 Breaching the Surface

Chapter 2 The Gardens of Enoterra

Chapter 3 Following a Path

Chapter 4 Dark Revelations

Chapter 5 Past Relations

Chapter 6 The Hidden City

Chapter 7 Family Histories

Chapter 8 Secret Keeping

Chapter 9 Traitors & Allies

Chapter 10 False Perceptions

Chapter 11 Lost and Found

Chapter 12 Out of the Nest

Chapter 13 Misinformation

Chapter 14 Through the Forest

Chapter 15 Splintering Paths

Chapter 16 The Daughter of the Sinreth

Chapter 17 Infiltration

Chapter 18 The Tides of Battle

Chapter 19 Betrayal

Epilogue - The Shadow Unveiled

Book Three: Sacarii

Prologue

Chapter 1 Sacarri and Saboteurs

Chapter 2 Riding the Tide

Chapter 3 Shades of Gray

Chapter 4 The Brotherhood of Peace

Chapter 5 Dangerous Alliances

Chapter 6 The Shadow of Enoterra

Chapter 7 Sacrifices

Chapter 8 The Secret Vial

Chapter 9 Specter of Darkness

Chapter 10 The Ruins of Astropolis

Chapter 11 Final Requests

Chapter 12 Roras and Trilons

Chapter 13 Diplomatic Relations

Chapter 14 Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 15 Insurrection

Chapter 16 Shifting Priorities

Chapter 17 Trilon of Three

Chapter 18 A New Beginning

Epilogue - The Legacy of the Roras

Appendix

Introduction

Glossary

Book One:

Aquaterra

Prologue

A lone figure strode between tall residential buildings. The myriad colors and relatively open space between the massive spires reflected the wealth of those living in that neighborhood. Despite the late hour, there was still enough light for the man walking to find his way, owing to the unnatural lighting within the city. Aquaterra, as its inhabitants knew the city, was a city situated within an enormous dome, hidden so far beneath the ocean that the sun’s light couldn’t possibly reach it. Nestled upon a plateau in a vast ocean canyon, the people of Aquaterra were cut off from the rest of the world, the fish being their only companions. Even they avoided the city due to its unnatural light. For the sectors within the dome were lit from within, shining a light that would imitate the sun during the day, and moonlight in the evening.

It was a quiet walk home for Elegan Pullmen, Councilor in the government of Aquaterra. The silence did not surprise Elegan as he was heading home much later than usual. He was a tall man, around forty-two standard years old, with long brown hair that he kept tucked back in a ponytail. He was often seen wearing a kindly smile upon his face, though his eyes held an old pain that he had not shared with anyone for a number of years.

On this night the Council of Aquaterra had been meeting to discuss evidence of underground tunnels in the Colony region of the city. This worried Elegan, for he knew that at one time a small population of half Rora survivors had occupied those tunnels. They would suffer greatly if the government discovered them.

Yet, while he worried over the consequences of such a meeting, Elegan worried more about himself, and his own connection to those tunnels. His family had once owned a Villa with an entrance to those tunnels. Though the home had long since been occupied by another owner and the doorway hidden, the possibility did exist that someone would connect him to those tunnels if the entrance were found.

So deep were his musings that he almost bumped into a woman being led away by a uniformed man with the letters D-C-T across his back, with the inscription ‘Disaster Control Team’ stitched below them. Elegan stepped aside to let them pass; sighing as they led another suspected half Rora to the prisons.

You would think that the government would have figured it out by now, he mused. If half Roras had a fraction of the power they’re supposed to have, they wouldn’t be caught so easily by the DCT.

He spent the rest of his walk home thinking about that woman, wondering what she had done to reveal herself. Whether it was a slip with some telekinetic power or an unconscious display of agility or strength; or if she even was a half Rora, and wasn’t being led away for some other crime.

He soon found himself at the massive glass doors to his apartment complex with almost no memory of the walk. Shaking his head, he opened the outer door just as he heard a noise that made his head snap around. It was the discharge sound of a Rora weapon: a Fang. He heard running footsteps and looked around to see perhaps it was the woman trying to escape, but he saw nothing.

He heard the weapon again, much closer this time, and then a woman screamed. He ran down the street desperately searching for the source of the commotion, to see if the DCT member had actually attacked that woman.

Suddenly, the lights in the neighborhood went out completely, and the street turned an ominous black. Not even the artificial moonlight was shining. Elegan felt a tingle of fear. He pulled out a small illumination sphere from his pocket as he heard footsteps again, and could then make out a man running toward him. Curious, Elegan saw the man carried what appeared to be a bundle of blankets in one arm while clutching his stomach with the other, a dark substance spilling out between his fingers.

Help me, he gasped. Elegan could see that the man had a deep wound in his abdomen. Blood flowed freely from the wound, while the man used all his strength to hold up the blankets.

You’re hurt, Elegan said, glancing around nervously. We need to get you inside. Was it the DCT? he hurriedly asked, trying to pull the man toward the door to his apartment.

Not the DCT, the man stammered, fear in his voice.

Who-, Elegan began to ask, but then they heard footsteps pounding toward them.

No time the man began. He handed Elegan the bundle, which he now realized contained a child. Please, take him inside. Don’t let anyone see you!

I don’t- Elegan began, but he was silenced as the man pushed him toward his home.

Please! He’s coming!

Now, Elegan was not an easily intimidated man, not with the life he had led, the secrets he kept, but he had a child in his arms at the moment, and had to worry about a life beside his own.

I’m gonna put him down inside, and then I’ll be right back.

Just GO! the man shouted as he doggedly limped to the end of the street to see if his attacker had found him yet.

Elegan hurried inside. He ran up the emergency stairs, navigating by memory due to the limited light of his sphere. He entered his apartment and quickly placed the baby in his own bed; mindful of the voices he now heard yelling outside. He then rushed to the tinted window to see what was going on, wondering if he should just charge outside despite what the man had said. He looked out, and could see nothing, but he could hear their words.

Where’s the child? a strange voice asked, surprising Elegan with his accent, for it seemed very proper for one who was running around the city shooting people.

Gone. You won’t find him, the injured man answered.

I doubt that, the other person sneered. A strange energy pulsed from the stranger that Elegan could feel from his vantage point. What do you think you’re doing, Raith? Did you hide the seer’s child too?

The wounded man paused, struggling to speak. You’ll get nothing more from me. I told you I’m not gonna go along with this any more.

The neighborhood lights begun to turn back on. They were barely bright enough for Elegan to make out the two silhouettes down below, with one holding up the other by the shirt collar in a threatening manner.

You’ve done nothing but slow me down tonight. I will find both children. You cannot stop what is coming.

Leave Jesse alone! He’s not what you wanted, we both know that!

Both you and the Seer have denied me tonight. He took his own life to atone, it is only fitting that you pay a similar price, the other man hissed, his voice now barely audible from Elegan’s window.

In that moment a red light filled the street as the attacker fired his weapon, dropping the other man on the spot. In that second of illumination, Elegan saw Raith, dropping lifeless to the floor. His attacker was masked, covered in black. He fit seamlessly into the shadows of the street. The only thing Elegan could clearly make out was his weapon, something that made Elegan shrink back in terror.

He has a Fang. He’s half Rora.

Somehow, the man must have sensed Elegan’s gaze, for he looked up at the window. Elegan threw himself to the floor, utterly distraught at this turn of events, gazing at the life on the bed that was now his responsibility.

After a few moments, he could hear sirens in the distance and rapid footsteps as the man ran off. Elegan waited a few more minutes, just to be sure, and then got up. The lights on the street were slowly returning, illuminating the body sprawled in the middle of the street. A pool of blood collected beside the man’s head. Even as Elegan watched, a DCT transport arrived; someone else must have heard the shot and called them.

Disheartened, Elegan turned away from the window to the baby on his bed, which had begun to cry.

Kid, you’re lucky you waited till now to cry, Elegan thought, knowing how close he had come to having the dark man investigate the apartment building.

Elegan took the child in his arms. He cradled him, trying to get the child to go back to sleep. He reached behind his bed into a hidden stash and pulled forth his own Fang, feeling comforted by its weight.

There’s nothing wrong with being cautious.

Elegan looked at the child, who continued to wail, utterly at a loss. He had no supplies to care for a baby, he had nothing to feed it if it was hungry, no toys for him to play with. He’d lived a solitary life for almost twenty years, and this child now needed him, strange though it was.

So Elegan used the only aid he currently had, and he sung to the baby. A quiet song about a land of sleep, with soft pillows, warm blankets, and the gentle sound of falling rain, a song his own mother had once sung to him. He poured his unique abilities into the song, willing the baby to fall asleep, fearing that the attacker might hear the child and return.

Luckily the child, Jesse as his father had called him, soon fell asleep. Elegan placed him back on the bed and then quietly sat down in a chair.

He stared at the baby, overwhelmed at the enormous responsibility that had been dropped into his lap. He remembered his own father’s words from almost two decades earlier, speaking of a future in which he saw a son for Elegan, though Elegan would never marry. Elegan realized then and there that he had no choice but to keep the child.

Elegan would never forget that night. He would always remember the look on the man’s face as he gave his own son and child to some stranger he found on the street. He worried about the desperation that would drive a parent to the point of sacrificing his own life for that of his child, a sacrifice that Elegan felt he had to honor.

Elegan would take the child, and with his contacts in the government he would forge papers saying that he had adopted Jesse, giving him his own last name. He vowed to raise Jesse like he would his own son. Elegan would not tell the boy what had happened that night, not until Jesse was old enough to shoulder the burden and accept what had happened to his father.

Little did Elegan know that the child in his keeping was part of a greater plan. The events of that night had been orchestrated by powers beyond the mere mortals involved. There was more to young Jesse than Elegan could ever imagine, and his coming of age would have consequences felt throughout Aquaterra, and the veiled world beyond.

Chapter 1

Visions & Vagrants

The subject at hand today is the ethical implications of imprisoning half Roras in the stasis chambers. Jesse Pullmen, would you like to open our debate?

No, I would not, Jesse replied casually. His eyes flashed to the class for some sign of amusement and instead found only blank stares, his classmates annoyed at his comment.

That’s one point off your group, the teacher, Mr. Colfu said. Jesse’s group mates shook their heads in irritation.

If Helbit had said it there would have been at least a chuckle, Jesse thought defensively. He wondered how his best friend was fairing on his last day of class. The fact that Helbit completed his schooling that afternoon while Jesse still had another two years made him almost sick with envy, despite Helbit’s comments days earlier that he was going to miss it.

Of course he’d miss it, school has always been different for him.

Helbit had always been more popular than Jesse and not just because of his wit. He was more athletic than Jesse, taller and much more social, especially with girls. With all that in mind, Jesse often wondered why they were still friends after all these years.

Their fathers had introduced Jesse and Helbit at a very young age. Both Elegan and Helbit’s father, Tonas Massic, had worked together in the Aquaterran government center, the Enoglesia, for years. Tonas was the head of the Guards that protected the Enoglesia and the Councilors within, including Elegan.

Upon meeting, Helbit and Jesse had immediately hit it off. They were both somewhat adventurous, though Helbit often pushed Jesse to be even more of a daredevil, always having a lot more confidence than Jesse.

Confidence that I wish I had now, Jesse thought, realizing that the debate had begun.

He knew that he was a disappointment to his group. They had only picked him to join their side because his father was a Councilor. They had hoped that the political influence would give Jesse some kind of edge in a debate. Of course, they couldn’t have known that Jesse had only joined the debate club at Elegan’s insistence, saying it might give Jesse valuable experience for the future. Still, he was trying, and he sorely wanted to impress the people in his group.

Jesse gasped as Linos, one of his teammates, nudged him in the arm, and Jesse realized it was his turn to speak.

Can you repeat the question? he asked, cursing himself for not listening to what was going on.

Pay attention Pullmen, his teacher chided. Nabachun was making the argument that with the physical similarities of humans and half Roras, random testing is justified as the only means to identify potential individuals who possess abilities.

After all, with the advancements we’ve made in mapping out the genetic differences between a human and half Rora, we might as well use it to trap the bastards, Nabachun added, ignoring the look from Mr. Colfu about his language.

Despite his performance thus far, Jesse had done the research on this assignment, and he had a rebuttal. The problem with that argument is that with all the mixing of Rora and human blood over the centuries, someone could have trace amounts of Rora DNA and not even know it. Combine that with how many half Roras have been sent to the stasis chambers with no evidence of possessing any abilities, and it just doesn’t make sense to punish someone for their ancestry. We all look human, the only way to positively identify someone as half Rora is to see them use an ability, Jesse concluded, grateful that Elegan had taken the time to study with him. This was a debate of particular interest to Jesse’s father, as it was one that had come up many times in the Council.

The potential for Rora abilities is enough, Nabachun insisted. Especially as so many keep their abilities hidden even after they’re arrested, hoping to dupe naïve people like you into thinking that they’re not dangerous.

Jesse face turned red at the insult.

We do not personally attack people in these debates, Mr. Colfu admonished, docking a point from the pro half Rora imprisonment team.

The potential for error is why we imprison half Roras in stasis chambers, is it not? Linos prompted, hoping to lead into his next point.

We imprison them in the stasis chambers because the people of this city don’t have the stomach to just kill them, Breisch, the leader of the opposing side returned, hoping to block Linos from his point.

That’s your opinion. Council law however, states that we imprison half Roras due to the possibility of a mistake which means that the Council has conceded that even random testing could be wrong, Linos stated.

Yeah, someone could have Rora blood and have no abilities whatsoever, Jesse chimed in.

Feeling like he was on a role, Jesse continued. The prejudice against half Roras runs deep, ever since we were driven here by the Restils all those centuries ago. I mean, they’re not even half Roras anymore, as there are no full Roras left to directly mate with a human. The phrase ‘half Rora’ only stuck around because it was such a hateful term in the beginning. Anyone who was the product of a Rora and human couple was seen as some kind of mutant, a half-breed of two races that should never have gotten together.

Off the topic, Breisch remarked, looking to Mr. Colfu for confirmation.

Reluctantly, Mr. Colfu nodded. We are not discussing racial nomenclature during this session, Mr. Pullmen. Keep your arguments to the ethical implications of half Rora imprisonment.

Jesse stepped back and let his team continue the debate, incensed that his words had made little impact. Once again he thought of the reaction if Helbit had been speaking, and knew things would have been different.

Last day of school for awhile, he reminded himself, grateful that debate club was his last activity for the day and that there was only about thirty minutes left.

Suddenly, the door to the debate chamber opened, and a harried looking faculty member entered. The debate stopped as she rushed over to Mr. Colfu and whispered something into his ear.

Intrigued, Jesse watched her eyes as they surveyed the room. They stopped on one of his classmates in the audience, looking visibly unsettled.

Ms. Limke, it appears you’re needed outside, Mr. Colfu stated, a rather sharp edge to his voice.

A nervous Reyke Limke slowly stood up. She slowly walked to the door before glancing anxiously back at the class.

Go, Mr. Colfu ordered.

She exited as Mr. Colfu sighed, waiting for the faculty member to leave before he spoke.

Sadly enough, it appears Ms. Limke’s father has been seen using abilities, shielding himself from a plummeting steel girder with his mind, Mr. Colfu explained. She will be taken in for questioning.

Questioning? Try imprisonment.

How many times have we seen this? It’s not like we all don’t know what’s going to happen to her, Jesse thought sadly. He felt sorry for Reyke’s family as they had only been exposed because her father’s life had been in danger. He realized this was the third person to be taken from class by the DCT that semester. He hoped he wasn’t beginning to get desensitized to losing the people around him.

We will continue this debate next month when classes resume, Mr. Colfu stated abruptly, gathering his belongings. He knew all too well how hard it would be to get everyone back on track after their classmate had been arrested. Enjoy your break, he said stiffly, heading out the door.

Jesse returned to his seat. He forwarded all his notes to his computer at home before shutting down the system built into the desktop. He felt bad for his group as he listened to them grumble about the waste of time it had been to prepare for the debate. One member discreetly asked if they had time to replace Jesse.

Jesse sighed. He knew he would be getting a message from them soon enough with some lame excuse about why they were kicking him out of the group. He looked forward to being out of school for a month, especially as his vacation was going to kick off tonight with Helbit’s birthday party. And with the debate club session ending early, he had plenty of time to run the errands Elegan had assigned him before he had to return home.

It is weird to think that I’m going to a party while Reyke has to face the DCT, he thought. He decided that he would tell Elegan about what had happened and ask him to put in a good word for the Limkes.

We may not have been friends, but I still don’t think it’s right to punish someone for being who they are.

*   *   *

Jesse walked down the street with his arms full of fancy spices and the random party favors he had been sent out to find. He strode quickly, mindful of his instructions to hurry back and not waste time.

Nothing like being the errand boy, he thought glumly. He turned a corner and slammed into another person. Everything fell to the ground, including Jesse.

Hey, watch where you’re going jerk! Jesse yelled. He looked up to find Helbit Massic smirking down at him.

Helbit shook his head. Not exactly the greeting I would’ve expected on my birthday. Helbit chuckled to himself as he helped Jesse gather what they’d dropped.

I’d take it back if I didn’t suspect you were waiting to ambush me, Jesse returned. He threw one of the bags into Helbit’s arms. But Happy Birthday anyway.

Now that’s what I wanted to hear, Helbit replied as they made their way back to the Massic house. Helbit’s practical jokes seemed to be increasing in occurrence lately, almost as though he wanted to enjoy them while he could.

Helbit’s eighteenth birthday was a somewhat sad occasion for Jesse, as it meant that his friend had reached the age in Aquaterra where he was officially an adult. His learning and training years were complete. Now he had to begin to pursue a career of some sort. Jesse, being only sixteen, could not imagine what kind of pressure that was. Helbit had tried explaining his feelings many times to his younger friend.

It’s kind of like I’m expecting to be freed from my father and his rules, from my dependence on him, but you know what? At the same time it’s like I’m being thrown out of the nest and I’m not entirely sure if I’ve learned how to fly yet. It’s weird, especially since I’ve never really seen a bird… or a nest, Helbit joked.

Jesse dreaded the day that he turned eighteen. He worried that the only positions open for him involved government like his father. That was the last thing he wanted to get involved in, despite Elegan’s admonitions about the honor of public service.

Jesse’s birthday always brought mixed emotions anyway. It was a somewhat strange tradition for Elegan mainly due to the fact that he was not entirely sure of when Jesse had been born. Therefore, Elegan had taught Jesse to celebrate the day that he had been adopted, and mark every year after that as his birthday. As far as Jesse knew, he could turn eighteen and not even know it, a thought that bothered him greatly.

However, Helbit’s birthday was something to celebrate. Elegan, Jesse and Helbit’s father had planned a small, intimate party for Helbit. He knew Helbit’s birthday parties were often used as an excuse for Tonas to invite work friends over, as he wasn’t very social outside of special occasions. Therefore, Jesse mentally braced himself for boredom and a house full of people he barely knew and had never before seen in the Massic house.

They arrived to a party mainly consisting of the Pullmens and Massics, a few Councilors Tonas and Elegan knew, and one or two Guards that worked under Helbit’s dad. Helbit’s aunt Ynuuf also attended, as well as a handful of people Jesse didn’t really know too well from his and Helbit’s school.

As was the custom, no gifts were given at birthdays because of the scarcity of luxuries in Aquaterra. It was a tradition that many wealthy families ignored, buying their friends and family outlandish gifts that symbolized their power and prestige within the city. However, neither Tonas nor Elegan was one of these beings, and Tonas preferred to cook lavish feasts to celebrate the occasion of a birthday, and this party was no exception.

Elegan had brought vegetables grown in his own irrigation vat, the hashed potatoes being a particular favorite of Helbit’s. One guest brought homemade bread made by a neighbor down the street, another a pseudo-chocolate cake purchased from a bakery right outside the Enoglesia.

Helbit’s aunt Ynuuf brought a few extremely expensive steaks of real meat, imported from the Colony. Though some would say that buying fresh steak for a party of over a dozen people was extravagant and prideful in and of itself, the simple fact of the matter was that Ynuuf had come from a wealthy family and could afford such amenities. As she often said, There’s just nothing like sitting down to a meal with a thick, juicy steak on your plate.

The party began smoothly. Everyone enjoyed the feast while a lively conversation began about Helbit’s plans for the future. Guests constantly asked Helbit if he was going to become a Guard like his father. When he responded that he didn’t know, they asked just what exactly he wanted to do with his life. Jesse disappeared when the conversation began. He didn’t want to be bombarded with questions either. Plus, he enjoyed leaving Helbit alone to face the group and watching his friend try to figure out what to say.

Payback for surprising me earlier, Jesse thought impishly.

The truth was, neither Jesse nor Helbit were really sure what their future held. All the normal jobs just seemed so ordinary to them; so boring. They were both waiting for something truly exciting, something they’d love to do and would keep them entertained.

The party went on for another hour, neither Jesse nor Helbit really enjoying themselves. The only high point was watching one of the Councilor’s nearly choke on his meat upon realizing that it was indeed, real steak, and not the artificial substitute they usually ate.

Once the dinner conversation had died down following that outburst, Jesse heard something that caught his attention. Two Guards were talking about a report they had just heard from the DCT about rolling blackouts in one of the poorer sections of town.

They’ve been going on for weeks now, and the poor guys over in the power plants have no idea why, the Guard said as he grabbed another steak.

And the blackout is why they didn’t find the murder scene till yesterday? the other asked.

No, they think it happened yesterday, right before the power came back on. That’s what the daughter was telling the DCT, before she split.

She ran?

Autopsy came back on the mom’s body. Half Rora, which means the girl might be one too, the first guard said. He shook his head in sympathy. If you had a choice between DCT custody and a killer, what would you do? Poor thing probably hadn’t realized that we could tell during the autopsy these days. Otherwise she would’ve disappeared sooner.

The other guard was about to respond, but at that point Jesse’s eyes rolled involuntarily back in their sockets, and he fell. He smacked his head against the wall on the way down, causing the Guards to jump.

Jesse! Elegan yelled as he rushed over.

What happened? Helbit asked. He helped Elegan lift Jesse and take him to a bedroom to lie him down.

Is he having a seizure? Helbit asked worriedly. He had seen a girl at school suffer through a seizure when he was younger.

I don’t know, Elegan replied worriedly as they placed Jesse on the bed. Tonas came in and closed the door behind him. He was a burly man in his mid-forties, a stern father figure, though he had always been kind to the Pullmens. He looked genuinely concerned about Jesse.

What’s going on? Tonas barked.

Jesse passed out, Helbit replied.

Suddenly, Jesse cried out, as though he was in the midst of a nightmare. All of the furniture in the room seemed to jump, landing with a discordant crash before an ominous silence gripped the room.

Helbit’s eyes grew wide as he turned to his father. Being the head of the city Guards who worked alongside the DCT, Tonas had been around enough half Roras to know exactly what was going on. But neither Helbit nor Tonas looked nearly as worried as Elegan.

Oh my, Elegan whispered. He peered over the bed at Jesse. He knew all too well what was happening.

He’s half Rora?! Tonas gasped as he grabbed Elegan’s arm.

His father may have been one, Elegan replied, noting Tonas’s surprise turn into anger. But he’s never shown any abilities.

But you suspected? Tonas accused, gripping harder.

Tonas, please calm down, Elegan pleaded.

Calm down? Tonas snapped. He kept his voice to a whisper so as not to alarm his guests. Before he could continue, Jesse cried out again, and this time the furniture jumped even further. One of the chairs in the room fell over.

Are you kidding me? Tonas hissed. My house is full of Guards and Councilors! What the hell are we suppose to do if one of them finds Jesse like this?

I don’t know, Elegan replied. This is unprecedented. Jesse has never shown any sign of abilities.

Obviously, Helbit said as the older men in the room turned to him. Though now that I think about it, I should’ve figured it out, he commented. It would certainly explain his luck.

Not the time, Helbit, Tonas snapped. Go thank our guests and tell them that we’re taking Jesse to the hospital.

I don’t think he actually needs to go to the hospital right-

We’re not actually taking him to the hospital, Helbit, Tonas replied wearily.

Oh, Helbit returned. He did as instructed and returned to the party.

Angrily, Tonas turned to Elegan who had taken a seat on the foot of the bed.

You knew more than you told me, Tonas accused. He and Elegan had been friends almost as long as their children. They had found a lot of common ground over the years: both single fathers and involved in government work. But even then, Elegan had never told Tonas about where exactly Jesse had come from.

I suppose I’ll have to explain everything once he wakes up, Elegan replied. He looked at Jesse’s unconscious form and hoped that Tonas would understand.

You’re damn right you will, Tonas said as he left the room.

*   *   *

Jesse’s eyes snapped open, and he found himself within a small, shabby looking home in one of the poorer residential sections. He could feel his heart pounding, but he did not know why. He got up from the small couch he had been lying on, and headed to one of the bedrooms in the back. He took care not to step on the discarded trash piles on the floor.

He felt strange, almost as though he was dreaming. His body moved different than normal, and he found that something outside of him compelled his body to move. He had little control over where he was going.

As he walked past a grimy mirror on the wall, he caught a glimpse of himself, or rather, the girl whose body he seemed to have inhabited at the moment.

What the hell?

The girl was filthy. Smears of dirt lined her cheeks while greasy brown hair framed her face. She had a tough but lean build that bespoke years of toil, though she appeared to be no more than a few years older than Jesse. But her eyes caught Jesse’s attention more than anything else. They held a fierceness he did not often see, and a wisdom that belied her young age. The green orbs held depths that he could stare into forever. Within those orbs he could somehow sense that she had an incredible power.

He headed into a small bedroom in back. A dark red spot stained the dirty beige carpet.

Blood, Jesse realized as an ominous feeling began to prickle along his spine.

He entered the room and gasped. He turned away from the sight on the bed and choked back the vomit fighting its way toward his throat. He prayed the girl would leave the room without looking back. But she was far braver than he was.

Or she has more at stake, he realized.

He slowly turned back. A woman lay face up on the bed, her eyes wide and looming. The mattress around her was sopping with dark blood. The woman’s mouth was open in a final shriek. Jesse saw similarities between the woman on the bed and the girl whose body he currently inhabited.

This must be the girl’s mother.

She’s the one the guards were talking about, Jesse thought. Their conversation must have triggered this dream.

But, is it a dream?

He looked back into the living room where Jesse could have sworn something had just moved. He wiped the tears from his eyes and looked again, but saw nothing. With trepidation, he walked back to the living room. He stopped by the front door but found no one. He looked outside and saw a DCT vehicle approaching. Sighing, he went out to meet them.

He glanced one last time back into the house. He saw a figure in the shadows heading back down the hallway. The figure held a gun that looked very similar to the one Elegan had stashed in their apartment.

*   *   *

Jesse awoke to find Helbit, Tonas and Elegan over him. All of them looked concerned, though Tonas seemed to have some anger mixed in with his concern. He got out of bed and hoped that he hadn’t made too much of a scene when he’d passed out.

Jesse noticed that his father was nervous; with each passing moment he seemed to be steeling himself for something. Finally, Elegan turned to Tonas. I have a lot to tell you. But we need to go back to my house. I’d feel a lot more comfortable there.

Good for you, but of the four of us, Helbit and I are the more trustworthy right now. We haven’t been lying and keeping secrets from you, Tonas responded.

What secrets? Jesse asked.

It’s not a matter of trusting you, Elegan explained. More a matter of knowing that my apartment has more security to ensure no one is listening to us.

Of course it would, Tonas retorted.

What secrets?! Jesse repeated as he turned to Helbit.

Jesse, you’re a half Rora, Helbit explained.

Not here! Elegan snapped. I will answer your questions when we get back.

Then let’s get going! Helbit said excitedly.

Tonas turned and grabbed Helbit’s shoulder, hard, while he whispered through clenched teeth to his son. You need to understand what’s going on here. We can be arrested, sent away to the stasis chambers with the rest of the half Roras. This is not a game.

Jeez, sorry, Helbit responded, cowed.

Tonas released Helbit and turned back to Elegan. We’ll go to your place. But I warn you, friend or not, you’ve put my family in danger. Try anything, and I swear you’ll be begging for the DCT to come and get you.

Jesse looked from his father to Tonas and then to Helbit, who wore an extremely confused expression on his face.

Before he could ask, Elegan led them out. Tonas stopped only to grab his satchel, which Jesse knew contained a good deal of his Guard equipment, including a small energy pistol.

*   *   *

Immediately upon arrival at the Pullmen apartment Elegan set out to check on the security that he had told Tonas about. Tonas, who seemed to have lost all trust in his old friend, followed him closely.

Jesse and Helbit sat down in the living room. Jesse took the dark leather armchair and Helbit the couch.

You could have told me, Helbit said quietly.

I had no idea, Jesse replied.

No idea? It explains a lot of your weirdness, Helbit joked half-heartedly.

I promise you, I didn’t know. I can’t even believe it myself.

From what I saw, it’s pretty clear, Helbit told him.

Jesse was about to respond, but at that moment Tonas re-appeared, followed closely by Elegan. He bore a bundle of blankets in his arms, which he then put on the table.

First of all, Jesse, I need to know what you saw, Elegan began.

What do you mean ‘saw’? Jesse asked.

You appeared to be having a vision. I’ve seen it before, Elegan replied.

And how would you have such knowledge? Tonas asked, probing for information.

As you may or may not have already guessed, I too am a half Rora, Elegan explained. And one of my family’s abilities is visions. I have some experience with this.

Perfect, here I thought you only kept the truth about Jesse from me. Now I find out I’ve been consorting with a half Rora, Tonas said disgustedly.

Let’s get this all out and then you can arrest us, Elegan replied. This vision today was a sign, and in order to figure out what it was a sign of, I need to hear what you saw. He turned to Tonas. I know I promised you an explanation, but if what I think is true, then you might as well get the entire story, not just the part about us being half Roras.

Agreed, Tonas said, sitting down next to his son. He turned to Jesse, And for the record, I wouldn’t turn you in.

That’s nice to hear, Elegan responded as he sat down in another armchair.

I was talking to Jesse, Tonas snapped back. He hasn’t been lying to me.

Well, Jesse began before more arguing could start, it happened right after I heard a Guard talking about a DCT murder investigation. They were basically saying no one cared because the family turned out to be half Rora.

A sentiment shared by many at the Enoglesia, Elegan commented. He glanced at Tonas. They were both aware of prejudice within the halls of the Aquaterran government center.

I fell, and when I woke up, I was at the murder house. I could see the woman, and her daughter. It was right around the time the DCT first showed up. And right before I woke up, I saw another man there.

Nervously, Elegan asked, What did he look like?

I don’t know-

Jesse, this is important. You must have seen something.

No, he was in the shadows. Wait- he said, trying to recall his last thought before he had woken up.

What is it? Elegan asked.

He was holding a weapon. A gun that looked like the one you have hidden behind your bed.

Silence descended on the room, though no one but Elegan truly understood the significance of this shadowy figure.

Then it’s worse than I thought. Elegan sighed, Jesse, there’s something I need to tell you, something I’m beginning to see I should have told you a long time ago.

Helbit asked, Elegan, I hate to interrupt you, but are you sure you want us here for this?

Helbit, shut up, Tonas snapped. He was not going anywhere until the Pullmens answered his questions.

Elegan smiled at Helbit’s empathy and said, "Helbit, you and your dad are our closest, well really our only friends. You have my full confidence.

To start, you need to understand why I have kept this secret for so long. That involves the telling of a history not often told in Aquaterra, Elegan said. He turned to Jesse and began slowly.

It begins not long after our exile beneath the sea, and has to do with the half Rora race which began here in our city. The human population of Aquaterra, who believed they were the sole survivors of the Restil invasion, crowded onto a single underwater city. They labored long in finding an adequate place to settle beneath the ocean; a place where they could be secure and hidden from the Restils above.

We’ve all heard the history, Tonas muttered, impatient for the part of the story that concerned Elegan and Jesse.

Not the full history, as I’ve already stated, Elegan replied. "Fortunately, the humans had numerous maps of the ocean floor provided by the Roras, and they settled upon a site that had been marked as a future site of a hidden Rora base. It was out of the way, deep, and with room for expansion, but it was a long journey from where the city had been built. Because of this, the propulsion systems on the city were dying by the time they arrived. The people knew once they settled, they would have difficultly moving the city again.

"Once they were set in their placement, they named the new city Aquaterra, the city of the Sea, and established the Council. In the first few years, the location the people had chosen proved to be quite hazardous. Many doubted whether Aquaterra could long survive beneath the sea, especially since the Roras were no longer around to protect them. Violent shifts in the ocean currents would cause the city itself to shake and would loosen rocks, which would fall and crash against the fragile dome of the city.

"In order to grant the people some feeling of security, the Aquaterran government established the DCT to maintain order in case of emergency, and basically to replace the Roras who had once acted as keepers of the peace. Never again would they entrust their protection to another race. The humans hated the Roras for their failure during the Restil invasion. Furthermore, they feared the Roras might use their abilities to gain control of the city. Therefore, the DCT was granted the authority to bring in citizens they found with any kind of power, even if their entire family was human.

These individuals were then put on trial by the Council, who would decide their fate. But, the human populace worried that half Roras would be capable of escaping any kind of imprisonment due to their abilities. Therefore, if they were found guilty of possessing Rora powers, they were immediately executed. Soon enough, autopsies of the dead proved that many supposed half Roras were nothing of the sort. It did not sit well with the populace how many people died needlessly. The Council then decreed that the suspects, if found guilty, would be imprisoned in stasis chambers. They would spend the rest of their lives in slumber, but they would still be able to be wake up the prisoners if new evidence was found.

I don’t understand, Helbit interrupted. The stasis chambers are like killing prisoners anyways, it just takes a lifetime to do it.

An opinion shared by many half Roras, Elegan stated.

I’ve never heard of these executions, Tonas said skeptically.

It was covered up, official texts changed to ease the fears of the populace. Only the half Roras knew what was going on, which is why they clung ever more tightly to their secrets.

Can we get to the part about me? Jesse asked.

I’m merely explaining why we keep our heritage secret from those around us. It wouldn’t take much to resume the mass killings, especially with the population problem we have. That’s why the Colony was built, to ease the strain on the city proper. It’s unfortunate that since the plague no one wants to live there permanently, Elegan replied.

Jesse knew that Elegan spoke of a strange disease that had swept through the Aquaterran Colony dome decades earlier. The plague had killed all within the Colony dome, including Elegan’s family.

The half Roras that remained concealed their identities, hid their children, and tried to live their lives as normal people. However, they did maintain contact with one another. They met in a secret gathering place in Aquaterra where they could train, record their history, and even hide people should the DCT come looking for them. And their numbers did grow, despite the efforts of the DCT. And so they waited, looking to the ancient words of the last Rora Seer, Orecy, who had been killed during the evacuation of the surface above. Before he died, he passed down the beginnings of a prophecy that stated that one day the last of the Roras would return, and the temporary peace would be shattered. Enoterra, the planet that gave them life, would once again be plunged into war. But they retained hope. They believed that the Higher Power the Roras had always believed in would deliver them and bring peace once more.

Jesse looked to Tonas and Helbit, and wondered whether or not they understood where Elegan was going with all of this.

Though the entirety of the prophecy was lost, it did state that with the emergence of the last of the Roras a new enemy would come. The Prophecy referred to him as a shadow. His coming would mark the beginning of a new war.

Elegan glanced around the room and saw perplexed looks on every face. He turned to Jesse. You first came under my care sixteen years ago. What you do not know is that you were not adopted by traditional means. I took responsibility for you under the darkest of circumstances. I had been walking home when I heard a disturbance on the street, a man ran up to me, wounded, shaken with terror, and pleading for my help. I believe this man was your father.

Finally, Helbit said as he sat back to hear the part of the story that interested him.

Tonas threw an irritated glance at Helbit as Elegan carried on. "He threw you into my arms, and begged me to hide you. Another man was coming who wanted to kill him. Against my better judgment I took you inside before I could help him. As I hurried back down, I heard the other man arrive.

I overheard him tell your father that he had killed your mother and someone called the Seer. He then demanded to know where the Seer’s child was. The significance of this I do not know, but I do know that your father stood his ground and refused to tell him, protecting both you and this other child. The other man shot him and fled the scene. And I was left with you, a child alone in the world, whose father I had been too late to save. That is when I adopted you, out of respect for that man, who sacrificed his life to save the lives of two innocent children. A sacrifice I hope that I’d be brave enough to make were I in that situation.

Elegan looked at Jesse, who had his head in his arms.

Jesse looked up, his eyes glassy, and asked, Did you see the man who killed him?

I did not. He was dressed entirely in black, covering his face as well. The only discernible thing I could see was his weapon. Something that led me to feel both shocked and betrayed for I had never expected to see it in the hands of a murderer. The man carried a weapon very similar to the one in my bedroom. It is a weapon carried only by half Roras; a Fang.

At this Tonas sighed. Silence descended upon the room. Elegan looked guiltily at Tonas, while Helbit continued to look surprised.

Ok, so the guy had a Fang. What’s the connection? Helbit asked.

Elegan thinks the man who killed Jesse’s parents was the one Jesse saw in his dream. And if I’m not mistaken, you think he’s also this Shadow the half Roras speak of?

Yes. And if he’s back, Jesse’s in danger once more, Elegan told them. After that night, I broke off all contact with the half Roras, not knowing whether this murderer was one of them, and not confident enough in my claim to accuse anyone. We are not what people think Tonas. You know that. We are people, just like you and Helbit.

That’s not the point and you know it, Tonas said, getting up from his chair. You possess abilities that normal people don’t, you have a power that could be used to the disadvantage of others, he recited. He did not sound like he fully believed the words and everyone there knew it.

Tonas had long since made his views known about half Roras. Though he followed the laws when turning them in, he took no pleasure from this task. He stopped for a moment, thinking. A Councilor! This is what they’ve feared for years! That the half Roras would infiltrate the government and begin to take over!

Who are they? Those lunatics in the DCT? Those idiotic Councilmen? The half Roras don’t have nearly the abilities the Roras possessed! My family has been on the Council for generations! Most of them were half Roras and we never abused that power. The half Roras just want to live peacefully here, to not be persecuted, and to have the trust of the people once more.

And you plan on gaining that trust by lying and hiding? Tonas shot back.

What choice did we have?

Enough! Helbit shouted, getting up. This is stupid! The entire time the two of you have been friends Elegan has always been a half Rora. Does it make him a different person? He looked at Tonas, who was surprised at his son’s vehemence.

I can tell you right now that I’ll never join the half Roras, not if they’re responsible for the death of my parents, Jesse stated.

Jesse- Elegan began.

Stop, I need to think.

He got up and headed to the entrance. I’m going for a walk.

I don’t think so. That man is back on the streets, I won’t have you go wandering around at a time like this, Elegan admonished.

It’s a risk I’m willing to take, Jesse replied flippantly, heading out.

As he closed the door, Elegan collapsed into a chair, miserable. Tonas looked at Elegan and then motioned to Helbit. Go. Make sure he’s alright.

Helbit hesitated. He glanced from Elegan to his dad, not sure what was going to happen.

Now! his father snapped. Helbit hurriedly left the room, leaving Tonas alone with Elegan.

Talk about a room I’m happy to leave, he thought, walking quickly down the apartment stairs to catch up with Jesse.

*   *   *

Elegan’s recounting of the night Jesse’s parents died had stirred up memories inside Jesse. Not of the night in question, he was much too young to have remembered that. Rather it brought up memories of a dream he had experienced throughout his life. He never thought much of it until now. He wondered if it too had been some kind of vision.

It always began the same, looking at Aquaterra as though from a distance. The city then faded into many massive trees, with dwellings built into the trunks, a burning field, and then ended with some kind of fight. The last part was always the hardest to remember. There were many bright flashes, faces that he did not recognize as well as some that he did, yelling and pain. Then Jesse would see him.

A man dressed all in black that matched the description of the man Elegan had spoke of. He held an odd weapon at his side, which Jesse now realized was a Fang. He had been dreaming of his parent’s murderer for all these years and he had never even known it.

By this time he had walked out of his neighborhood. He moved more on instinct than any sense of direction, turning when he felt like it. He almost hoped to see a hint of a black specter hiding around a corner. Just as he finished that thought a hand fell on his shoulder. He spun around and knocked his attacker to the ground.

Damn, Jesse! Helbit said as he picked himself up.

I already warned you today about sneaking up on people, Jesse replied, Especially now. I’ve gotta be ready for anything. I don’t know who this guy is, or why he came after my family. Until I figure that out, I’ve got to be prepared.

So you think it’d be that easy to take out this man in black, Helbit teased.

Helbit, I’m a half Rora. Who knows what abilities I’ve got.

Seeing as how you already saw something, you might just be a vision guy, Helbit pointed out. Most of the half Roras only possessed one or two of the abilities that were once standard for every Rora.

Well, that would suck, Jesse retorted as he lead Helbit down an alley into an even lower class neighborhood.

As he eyed his surroundings, Helbit responded, Why?

How would that help me take down this guy?

Oh, so you think you’re gonna take him on one on one?

Obviously I’m not just any half Rora Helbit, otherwise he wouldn’t be so interested in me, Jesse explained, his anger overcoming his fear of this man. That may even be why we haven’t seen this guy for so long. He’s worried that he won’t be able to take me now that I’m an adult.

Number one, you’re not an adult. Number two, that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, Helbit commented in an angry voice. This is serious.

I know that, Jesse replied, but it’s better than running around scared like Elegan. Or getting all pissed off over the unfairness of the whole situation.

Helbit finally saw where all the bravado was coming from. He walked beside Jesse and listened, intent on letting his friend vent.

I mean, how would you feel? All my life I’ve never known my real parents because they died protecting someone else’s kid. How fair is that?

Helbit did not reply at first. He let the silence hang between them as they continued to walk.

Jesse, you remember how my mom died, right?

Jesse nodded, for although Helbit did not talk often about his mom, the circumstance of her death was one of the few things he had gotten from his friend.

Died giving birth to me. How do you think I feel? Yeah, your folks may have died protecting that other kid, but from what Elegan said, it sounds like they were also protecting you. Somehow, I don’t think it was an accident that your dad ran into Elegan that night. He knew you’d be well taken care of, and you have been. He paused for a moment, Right?

Yeah, Jesse answered, mulling over Helbit’s words. You ever wonder what your mom would say if she was alive today?

I think she would be proud that you and Elegan aren’t in prison right now. That’s a big step for my dad.

Jesse smiled as he imagined Tonas trying to put binders on Elegan.

Maybe we should go back, Helbit suggested. He stopped as he saw DCT members mulling around a small residential house.

In a minute, Jesse said. He moved closer.

Helbit sighed as realized where they were. Are you serious? Is this that girl’s house?

It might be, Jesse said, amazed at the coincidence.

Helbit grabbed him and pulled him back the other direction. Even if you do have abilities, you haven’t been trained to use ‘em. What the hell would you do if that guy is still hanging around?

Jesse was about to reply when they were suddenly knocked over from behind. Helbit landed facedown on