Media: Varis

Music: Fight for Life, Ivan Torrent

Ales hadn't forgotten Cadence's inability to read, for the note was brief.

Tonight. Ten Chimes. My office.

A.

But they had a curfew. Cadence turned the parchment over to find a small, shiny badge that heralded Ales' House. Ales had thought of the curfew, and gave this as her pass.

That evening, Cadence didn't head back to the dormitory. Instead, she hung out at the corridor, staring out of the window and down at the little people wandering about the courtyard. Carts and horses drew into the Hall through the massive Celestium gates. Stable boys and girls ran up and down, carrying papers and other messages to their destinations. Not too long ago, she was one of them, one of those at the bottom who did all the dirty work.

She sighed. Usually when the skies were clear, and the ground wasn't white, cold and hard, she would count the stars. The stars were the eyes of the Orishas, and through them, they could see everything happening on the surface of the earth. Her father told her that winter was caused by Sorokin's pain when he was amputated and left for dead. His cries caused the skies to shake and it blinded the eyes of the Orishas until they could see nothing but white. His pain lasted for three months before the white wolf came to his aid, and then the snow melted.

Cadence wondered if her father had passed the twelve Gates of the Underlands. Had his Soul found peace? Did Orisha Valador open up the final gate and allowed him climb up the smoke rope to the Celestial Gardens? Cadence wished she knew. Van was a man who tried his very best to be a good father. If anyone deserved the Celestial Gardens, it was her him.

The bell tower tolled nine times. Almost curfew time.

A group of Murka recruits hurried down the stairs and passed Cadence. Her spirits rose when she saw Arik, Misha, Feathers and Mara, then remembered what happened between them. They went right by her indifferently, not even glancing at her direction.

Cadence caught the words 'steal', 'traitor', and 'Affinities', and felt her heart sank. Did they really believe she stole another Varya's Affinities? It was physically impossible. Up till now, Healers, Physicians and witch-doctors were still unable to determine the actual, physical source of Affinities. All they came up with was the abstract term "Core", which was located at the solar plexus. Why couldn't they understand her Awakening had nothing to do with betrayal to the Murka?

She decided to head toward Ales' office earlier than she was expected.

Working in the Orelik mansion had given her a good sense of direction. She had learned to memorize certain marks or cracks, or something that would help trigger her memory in order not to get lost in the vast place of marble and gold. She found Ales' office with no problem. The snakes on the door stared back at her as she raised the knocker and let her hand fall.

"Come in." Ales' deep voice echoed.

Cadence obliged. The Patrol had his feet kicked up against his desk with a book propped on his stomach.

"You're early."

"Better than punctual, I'd say."

"Smarty mouth." A small smile tugged at Ales' lips. He sat up and closed his book with a snap.

"You must be wondering why I've summoned you here."

"I haven't done something wrong, have I?"

Ales laughed. "Not yet." He let the word 'yet' fall out in a gentle puff, hanging it in the air by invisible threads.

"Then?"

"I want to train you." He sat back in his upholstered armchair.

"But you're a Naturam."

"I played a big part in raising my sister, Aria. She was a very wild and spirited, that one. Back then, there were no law forcing Varya to draft, and Walkers were not persecuted and hunted like animals. Aria was free to roam and use her powers, but the power of shadows is a volatile one and required extreme care. While she was trained by Walker Patrols, I stayed by her side, watching and learning alongside with her. What the others cannot teach you, I can."

Cadence fidgeted. No one in the world would offer anything for free. He probably wanted to use her in some sick, twisted way to replace his sister.

"Why help me? I can't pay you, or possibly reward you in anyway."

"Because." Ales looked at her. "I can."

He pushed a stack of books toward Cadence. She turned her nose up at them, wondering if Ales was mocking her.

"They are picture books," Ales explained. "Pictures don't move when you look at them right?"

"No."

"Good." Ales indicated his chin toward the topmost book. "We don't have the time to wait for you to catch up with the current syllabus. You need to do your own research and reading. The red leather book will show you everything you need to know about human and Varya anatomy. The blue book narrates the history of Varya through pictures, but what I want you do focus on is the Walker section."

Cadence flipped open the red book. It fell right to an illustration of the human body, but this didn't include bones, muscles and organs. Instead, this showed the several outlines of a human body, each outline done in a different color. The artist had also drawn three circles inside the human diagram.

"It is crucial to know what we are made up of," Ales said. "Every human is made up of Shell, Spirit, and Soul. We call them the three Aspects."

Cadence traced the three outlines with a finger. There were three layers with the red being the main outline, wrapped by a blue before everything was encompassed within a green line.

"The physical Aspect of the human body is called the Shell. It is our first line of defense against anything that wishes us harm. It also enables you to function, enables you to walk, basically anything you can do now. If you lose the Shell, your organs will cease to function, and you will die a slow and painful death as your body deteriorates into nothing, bit by agonizing bit."

Cadence's eyes moved toward the blue line. "That's the Spirit," Ales explained. "The Spirit is the second Aspect of a human body. It is what gives Varya the ability to use their Affinities, and it is what powers a human's ability to think and reason. The Spirit gives you the ability to dream, and what we call 'gut senses'. The Spirit is aware to everything subconscious, things that your Shell is unable to attain. Lose the Spirit, and you lose your Affinities, and you will become this mindless person trapped within their own meat suit."

The last outline was the red one. Cadence didn't need Ales' explanation to know what it was—the Soul. "The Soul is the most important Aspect out of all three," Ales said. "Lose the Shell, you can still think. Lose the Spirit, you can still live. Lose the Soul, and you shall cease to exist. We call the Soul the spark of life, it was what the Orishas gave us when they first made us, the spark of the gods. It is the Soul that will wander through the twelve gates of the Underlands and transcend to the Syurka."

"I don't get it," Cadence said. "You said those are the Aspects that make up a person, how do you lose it exactly?"

"This is why you are here today. Your Walker powers give you the ability to impart a part of you if you are willing."

"Why would I do that?"

"Do you know why Walkers are so few in numbers, and feared by so many?"

"Because they're descended from Kazimir who wanted to eradicate the whole of Moskava?"

Ales shook his head. "Because they have power over death. People fear death, and fear can a double-edged weapon. Walkers have the strongest extent of Sorokin's powers. They are the closest to death, and Walkers have the power to pull back the dead if they have yet to pass through all twelve gates of the Underlands. Imagine your enemies becoming immortal. Kill them, and Walkers can raise them again and again, as long as they are willing to part with an Aspect and find them a new body as a vessel. Imagine the worst case scenario, the event that will shake Moskava to its very Core, there is always the possibility that someone will abuse their Walker powers to bring Kazimir back to life."

Cadence wasn't interested in whatever that came after Ales' words.

"Walkers can raise people back from the dead?"

"If you willingly give up a part of you, and it must begin with the Shell, you can bring back the aspect the other person has lost. Let's say, someone is killed in battle. The wound suffered is a mortal wound, which did no harm to his Spirit and Soul aspects. A Walker is able to transfer his or her own Shell to the dead to bring him back to life."

"Can all Walkers do that?" Steely determination seized Cadence. Cadence would gladly give up her Shell, her Spirit, even her Soul to have her father returned to her. She could then beg for his forgiveness, it was never her intention to strike a deal with a Polong. She thought of Khazaria and the deceased Master Orelik. Ales said every person has three Aspects, if she gave up her Shell for her father, her Spirit for Master Orelik, she would still have her Soul. Cadence would die, but she wouldn't cease to exist. This was her chance for redemption.

"All Walkers have the innate ability to do so," Ales said. "But it needs to be Awakened, just like how Affinities are Awakened. I know what you're thinking, Cadence. It's not worth it. Your father's time was up."

"But, I need to. I owe him everything. His death-"

"Want or need?" Ales interrupted.

"You. Don't. Understand," she ground out.

"What is dead, should stay dead. Do not tamper with nature, for there shall be serious consequences. For every action, there is a reaction, there is no breaking the law of two. The question is, Cadence, is it worth it? Always ask yourself, is a sacrifice worth it? What can you gain from it?"

"Don't condescend me as if you know me," Cadence said quietly. "You have no idea of who I am or what I have done."

"I know enough," Ales replied. "There is no need to dwell in the past. It's gone, it's over. Nothing is going to change even if you spend the rest of your life brooding about it. You have a situation right before your eyes. Focus on the right priority."

She wanted to punch Ales in his silly, pretty face. She could say no and walk out and figure out how to raise the dead by herself, but she couldn't read. Even if she found the right books in the library, the information would be foreign to her. As much as she hated to admit it, she needed Ales. Now, Ales had offered to train her as a Walker, it was as if the Orishas had served her the key to redemption on a golden platter. Cadence could use him, slowly prise information out of him without him ever knowing. When she had amassed the knowledge she needed, she would sneak out of the Hall through the well at the back. No one would find out anything, and she would be alive long enough to see her father for one last time.

Cadence took in a deep breath. "What do I need to know?"

Ales seemed pleased, for he sat up a little straighter. "Everything, but let's start with the basics. What do you know about Walkers?"

"They are shadow weaving Varya, and they can bring back the dead."

"True. All Walkers are able to bend shadows to their will, all Walkers are able to raise the dead granted the dead has yet to pass through the final gate, but not all Walkers are able to find a Consort."

"A do what?"

"A Consort," Ales repeated. "This is what sets Walkers apart from the other Varya. Walkers are able to bind their Souls with Rakasha."

"Why the hell would anyone want to consort with those vile creatures?" The words were already out of Cadence's mouth before she could register them. She remembered the Rakasha in her home, the towering horns jutting from its head and the hatred in its purple eyes.

"Let me clarify this situation." Ales tried to pacify Cadence. "You do know that there are two kinds of Rakasha, right?"

Cadence gritted her teeth. "They're all the same."

"No. There are the common Rakasha, the kind that lives purely on survival instincts. There is another kind of Rakasha, the old, wise, and cunning ones. They are able to shift into humans when interacting with us, but in the time when the grass still run wild, they roamed the lands with their mighty wings, for everywhere was their kingdom. Remember what I told you about dragons?

Cadence tried to recall, but came up empty handed.

"Dragons are Ancients. They are the very first of the Rakasha."

"Why would a Walker bond with an Ancient then? I don't see the appeal."

"To be able to know an Ancient, let alone bond with one, is a great honor. As Ancients are creatures of shadow, it allows its distant cousin, the Walkers to form an eternal bond with them. Through the bond, the thoughts of the Ancient, whom we call a Consort, will be linked permanently with that of the Walker, the Ascendant. The immense power of the Consort would be made available to the Ascendant, and the Ascendant's power to manipulate shadows would be extended to the Consort. Through the Consort-Ascendant bond, both parties will lead a mutualistic relationship. However, Ancients are very rare, for most have fled ever since the Great War where their heads were prized trophies. They're either dead or in hiding."

"I still don't see the appeal," Cadence said. "It's like having someone stuck to you forever, and that's annoying."

Ales laughed. "I wouldn't know, I'm not a Walker, and I have never seen an Ancient."

"Do you kill an Ancient the same way you kill a Rakasha?"

"Why do I feel like you want to kill everything, Cadence?"

"Just a question."

"Yes," Ales said with a little sigh of exasperation, like an adult who had grown tired of answering a kid's endless stream of queries. "Celestium can wound them."

"Will I be able to fight Rakasha with my powers?"

"You will be able to do more than just that, Cadence. Like I said, Walkers are distant cousins of Ancients and their Rakasha offspring. If you truly dedicate yourself to the craft of shadows, you will be able to control Rakasha."

"Can you teach me to control Rakasha?"

"Let's not start to get greedy, Cadence." Ales' tone held a hint of a warning. "Even the greatest Walkers take decades to master their craft before they even touch mind-controlling. A gift when abused, will turn you into something you despise the most."

He placed something on sole empty spot on the table where Cadence had moved the stack of books. Ears burning, Cadence shifted her attention to the little black rock Ales had placed on the desk.

"What's this?"

"Obsidian," he replied. "Touched by a Walker Master."

He pushed the little bead of obsidian toward Cadence, who made no attempt to pick it up. "This will be your starting point. I want you to lift the obsidian with your mind. Your abilities are quite similar to Oracles, but the only thing you will be able to manipulate are shadows. This obsidian contains shadow essence, which is enough for you to work on without destroying your surroundings if your shadow-bending gets out of hand."

Cadence stared at the obsidian bead, feeling silly.

"Focus your mind on it, tune everything out. Let the world fall away around you, there is nothing but you and the stone."

She inhaled deeply. Oxygen helped with concentration.

"You should feel a slight tingle in your solar plexus. That is where the Core is. Feel the warmth that envelops it."

True to his words, Cadence could feel something hot spreading within her Core.

"Feel the rock with your mind. See how it glows when hit by the light? Do you hear the whispers of shadows inside?"

There was something pulsating within the obsidian, like a little heart, pumping life and blood in the little rock. If she strained hard enough, she could hear the heartbeat get louder and louder.

Energy surged up from her Core, rushed through her hands and up to her mind. She could see faint, gleaming silver lines extending from the rock and pointing at her, just like the threads she had seen when her Affinity was awakened. She grasped the lines and pulled.

The obsidian moved toward her by an inch, then stopped.

"Did you see that?" she said excitedly. "It moved!"

"Barely," Ales mused. "Try again. This time push it."

Cadence gathered a huge amount of mental energy, directed it at the obsidian. She had seen Ales blast wind from his palms, and she did just so with her mental energy. To her delight, the obsidian shot right off the table with so much force, Ales had to duck or be skewed by the stone. The obsidian flew into the wall with a loud crack, and embedded itself deep into the brick.

She looked to Ales, hoping for some form of compliment, but all she received was a slight and thoughtful nod. "Improvement," he said.

"What? No 'good job, Cadence'?"

"I've seen better." Ales thrust a hand at the dent in the wall, causing an air pocket to crease the hole further, and the obsidian fell out. He clicked his fingers, and another air pocket brought the obsidian back onto the table. "Take the obsidian. Practice when you can. When I see you tomorrow night, I want to see the obsidian hover."

Cadence slipped the obsidian into her pocket, feeling it bulge gently against her skin.

"One last question," she said.

"Yes?"

"Are nightmares part of becoming a Walker too?"

"Nightmares?" Ales shook his head. "Anyone can have nightmares. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing," Cadence said hurriedly. "Thank you for mentoring me."

Ales waved a dismissive hand. "There's no need to thank me."

He wasn't looking at Cadence. Instead, his eyes were on the painting on his desk—his sister. Cadence decided now would be the best time to leave. She gave Ales a slight bow, the kind she had seen others bow to Patrols as well as Masters and Mistresses, exited the room and let the door fall soundlessly back into place.

****

A/N

If any of you would like to check out more "Hall of Games" pins, I have an entire board dedicated to it with over 1000 pins (and still growing!). You can find the link in my profile.

Also, if you like epic music as much as I do, don't hesitate to click on the external link where I've made a playlist for the Hall of Games. It's on Spotify, though. :D