Chapter 2 - CH II: Duty Bound to Die

Poile-la stood up. “Guardian, you are going to be the first to know. Hard time are upon us. The time has come to make emergency plans…” Her voice trailed off. “I need you take my daughter to our capital city, to negotiate with their leader, Ganaga-rel.” She spat the name, as it was no secret the guardians didn’t get along with him. “You must ensure her safety, whatever the cost…Do you understand?” Ekyt bowed. “I understand. You have my word; I will protect her.” Poile-la smiled. “You MUST NOT leave her side. No Matter What. You are duty-bound to her now, your loyalty must come to her rather than Haven and it’s occupants (Haven is the Brotherhood’s meeting quarters). If we fall, you remain guardian to her.”

The words were still ringing in Ekyt’s head as he got into his own clothes again. He was stopped by Knuckles. “The want you to wear the shirt along with this…” Knuckles handed him a black robe. “Knux, what are they talking about? There’s something they aren’t telling me…” Ekyt started. Knuckles stared his friend in the face. “It’s nothing…they’re overreacting…But…all the same…take care man.” Knuckles shook his hand. That was so out of character for Knuckles that Ekyt had trouble accepting the gesture. Almost like…he’s saying goodbye to me…He knows something…

Ekyt was summoned back to Haven. This time, an echidna girl was sitting with them. “My daughter, Linda-Su.” Poile-La said by way of introduction. Ekyt, who never had time for girls, blushed slightly and bowed to her. She inclined her head in return, not looking thrilled with her escort. She was pretty, to be sure. Long, deep pink dreadlocks with light-purple highlights. She had the figure of a martial artist; functioning rather than overly-muscular. She looked as though she could handle herself with ease, while maintaining a feminine air. “We have a gift for you before you leave with her. I hope it serves you well…” Locke handed Ekyt a broadsword, one that mounted with the scabbard on his back. It’s handle was heavy, solid silver, and the blade itself was beautiful as such things go. It’s steel had been folded to remove any imperfections from the blade.

Sliding the sword on his back, Locke explained a…catch. “The sword can not be used to kill, in the hands of a guardian. There is chaos energy stored in it, the type only a guardian can command.” Ekyt nodded in understanding. “Off you go then. May Steppenwolf guide you…” Began Locke. With a small grin, Ekyt returned “And May Dmitri’s shadow never fall on you.” It was a slogan of the guardians, a prayer of sorts. He bowed to the council one more time, before he held the door open for Linda-Su.

He held the hover-car door open for her. It was similar to what humans would call a “limo,” it was obviously high-class, even with a driver. Linda-Su sat down and indicated that Ekyt should sit as well. He sat across from her, bowing his head slightly in respect.

Linda-Su: You can stop with the council’s outdated rules guardian.
Ekyt: … (Surprised)
Linda-Su: Yeah, I know. I seem like I’d be a stuffy prude, right?
Ekyt: (Lying) No, not al all.
Linda-Su: You’re full of it. (laughs) I must say, though, I’m surprised my mother let a “soldier” accompany me…
Ekyt: I had the feeling she didn’t have many warm feelings toward guardians, and even less toward humans.
Linda-Su: Yeah. I can’t blame her. A human killed her parents, and a guardian killed her husband.
Ekyt: I’m sorry…
Linda-Su: Don’t be! I’m glad he’s gone, that evil bastard!
Ekyt: … (shocked)
Linda-Su: He founded the Dark Legion.

She darted forward suddenly, turning head to the side. “I see you’ve met them.” She ran her hand gently down the back of his neck, under his hair. “They left their mark on me.” Ekyt murmured. “Lien-Da had an, ah, romantic interest in me. My answer put a rather large hole in her ego.” Linda-Su sat back down. “You’ve met my evil half-sister then.” She said, leaning back. “I wasn’t aware of that…” “Yes, she’s my half-sister. She’s the black sheep of the family.” Ekyt looked sadly at her. “She caused me a lot of pain. I can tell she’s caused a lot for you too.” Linda looked at him. “You’re alive. They would have killed a guardian…” Ekyt gave rueful grin. “Not if I didn’t cooperate. And I didn’t. I was whipped, beaten, even shot.” Linda gasped. “And you lived…fate maybe? I never believe in that stuff, but I’m starting to wonder…”

Ekyt could relate to that. Linda-Su had dropped her stiff manner, now seeming more like a “girl” than an stuffy aristocrat. She frowned as she contemplated him. “I don’t recall having seen you before.” “I’ve met someone who looks just like you. Julie-Su.” “My sister. My ONLY sister.” She emphasized. “You would, training with Knuckles.” She leaned forward, her hands cupping her chin. “You seem nice…If you don’t mind telling me, why are you here? I mean, we don’t get many humans…”

“Well, I come from earth. I’m…different, however. I didn’t like what I saw on earth. I was bullied, almost killed at least two times. I had enough. I wanted to do something good with myself. So I came here.” He had given her the short version. “You’re a nice boy…humans are unpredictable…but you…I feel I can trust…” she looked slightly uncomfortable, having said that.

“Did they tell you WHY I need an escort?” Linda-Su asked, suddenly nervous. “No, it never came up. I just had my “mastery” ceremony. I felt like they weren’t telling me something…” Linda-Su suddenly looked regretful. “There’s a reason they sent you. I have to show you something…” She rummaged in her bag for a moment, pulling out a gold ring, adorned with a small chaos emerald. “The Ring of Chaos. I’m supposed to deliver it. But I can’t handle it’s power. It gives you power, but at the cost of your life force. They sent you because you can handle the powers it holds. They rushed you to mastery and” “They WHAT! I want no part of something I didn’t earn!” he almost yelled. “I’m sorry you have to hear this Ekyt.” He stopped his rage at her using his name. Gently, her hand found his. “They’ve sent you to…to die.”

Ekyt sat back, his face returning to it’s stoic form. “I’m supposed to die?” he repeated. She nodded, still holding his hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to die.” Sighing, Ekyt exhaled roughly. “I’m duty-bound to you, and I aim to see it through. No matter what the cost…”

Linda had an urge to hug the human and not let go. “It’s amazing you can take death so upright…” she said, instead of the whole “hugging” thing. “Death is a part of life. Accepting it is another matter. I’d rather not die…and when it’s my time, I will sell my life at a high price.”

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