Free Star Rising: Heartless by Cesar Gonzalez

emerged, curious as to the source of the commotion.
    Reave clucked his tongue. “Let’s go.”
    Xalen bit his lip. Every fiber of his body wanted to prod into the veteran Alioth’s past with Junia. Despite his natural curiosity, he remained quiet. He had a feeling that Reave would not appreciate any questions about his private life.
    The walk to the door at the end of the hall was a quiet one. When they reached the blue door, the man faced him. Xalen made a conscious effort to not stare at the shriveled, burnt skin that seemed to beckon his eyes.
    “This is where we part,” said Reave, his voice low.
    “Part?”
    “Yes. There’ve been reports of Black Sanction sightings on a moon not far from here. I must look into it.”
    “By yourself?”
    “I always work alone.”
    “But—”
    “But nothing. You have your own tasks to worry about, don’t fret about mine.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Nodding, Reave turned and spoke without looking back. “Don’t let me down. Everything you do reflects on me.”
    Xalen watched him go, not entirely sure what to make of the man’s last words. Before he could ponder too much on them, the door swung open. Sensei Kayos stood there, her shaky figure looking up at him.
    “Come in, my boy.”
    Reave followed the slow woman into a small office. The room was mostly empty, with only a blue carpet on the floor and a few trinkets dangling from the ceiling.
    “Please, take a seat,” said Kayos. She sat on the carpet and crossed her legs.
    Taking this as a cue to do the same, Xalen took a seat on the carpet, which was much softer than it looked.
    Kayos wasted no time. Her beady eyes narrowed as she rested her hands on her lap. She breathed heavily, as if the menial task of talking was too daunting. “Your time in Alioth won’t be easy. You’re coming in late. Very late. Had it not been for the respect I have for Reave, I would have never allowed someone so inexperienced to attend this dojo.”
    “Thanks, er… I guess.” Had Reave not told her about his training? “I’m not totally new. I have taught myself the sword and have read many books on dueling styles, tactics, and strategies.”
    The elderly lady arched an eyebrow. Xalen couldn’t tell if the woman was pleasantly shocked by this revelation or unimpressed. He had a feeling it was the latter. “In a week you’ll attend the trials. You will be expected to keep up with your fellow classmates.”
    “Of course,” said Xalen. He wouldn’t have it any other way. Watching and learning from his classmates in the field was a sure way of helping him quickly improve. At least that’s what he hoped.
    The woman’s face grew stern. “I hope you’re ready. These are turbulent times we’re living in. Deargs are attacking towns throughout the galaxy, and the Black Sanction is poised to make a move, I’m certain of it.
    Xalen couldn’t hold his curiosity any longer. “What is it about the Black Sanction that makes it such a threat? The people back at the market where I came from called its members heroes.”
    “Did you come from a human planet?”
    “A human city,” he answered.
    “Well, I suspect you have your answer. The Black Sanction cares only about human interests; they care nothing of the other races. If it means the survival of humanity, they would gladly sacrifice everyone else in the galaxy. It is because of this that many humans have come to see them as the heroes, but I guarantee you, they are nothing of the sort.”
    “Why do you say that, Sensei?”
    “Isn’t it obvious? They’re terrorists. Furthermore, every member of the Black Sanction possess an energy ability.”
    “Many people have energy abilities,” said Xalen, his lips twisting in confusion. “That’s no crime.”
    “It is a crime when those abilities are stolen.”
    Stolen? Xalen was more confused than ever.
    The woman took a deep, wheezy breath. She fell into a violent fit of coughing before finally getting control of herself. “They murder beings