Author's Note: Characters and concepts are the creative property of Savin Yeatman-Eiffel and Sav! the World Productions.

This is a collaborative work between me and Queenbean3.

Chapter Nine: Sensitive like Spirit by Queenbean3

In the palace of the Holy City, King Aikka was working in his study. Paperwork was his least favorite part of his job because no matter how many forms and documents he signed and sent away there were always more coming back. Today there were even more papers piling up on his desk dealing with the city's defenses and palace security. After so many months of peace the city was unprepared for another visit from the Crogs. Safety had to become a priority again.

Aikka had sent his reply to Kratos earlier that morning before informing his court about their messages. Now everyone was running around even more frantically than before, trying to prepare for their uninvited guests. Thankfully, Ning and Skun had decided to guard him from the shadows instead of adding to his mountainous heap of problems.

A loud clap of thunder shook the palace just then, jolting Aikka out of his concentration. Confused he looked out the window. Just moments ago the sky had been perfectly clear and sunny, but now there were dark clouds and a strong wind was blowing. Suddenly, a beam of golden light shot down from the sky into the center of the courtyard. It was so bright he had to drop his wet ink brush on the parchment to cover his eyes.

When it grew less intense he rushed to the window and stared outside where the beam had struck. The golden light was now gone and the dark clouds were breaking up. A single white diamond shape was floating several feet above the ground with a blue-skinned figure suspended inside. Unable to believe his eyes, Aikka opened the window and leaned out further, just to make sure the figure was who he thought it was. Then he turned around and dashed through his chamber.

Ning and Skun were standing guard outside the doors when they suddenly burst open and the king came running out. They called out to him, but he did not answer as he tore down the hall, down the stairs and out into the courtyard. Several guards were already gathering there and surrounding the stranger, aiming their arrows, spears, and swords. The stranger just looked at them as if they were little ants scurrying around in the dirt.

The Inna caught up to Aikka at the top of the stairs and quickly adopted similar stares of bewilderment. The newcomer looked back at them with three black almond eyes, blue face totally devoid of any expression. The white energy field around his body dissipated, but he continued to levitate high above the ground.

Ning spoke to her sister, not once breaking eye contact with the newcomer. "Skun, is that who I think it is?"

The winged Inna clenched her fists. "No way. It can't be him."

Aikka remained oblivious to their presence and focused on the stranger. He swallowed with some difficulty and tried to address him. "You ... Are you Sul of Gumaria?"

The tall alien nodded his head and replied in an aloof monotone. "I am."

Skun stepped in front of Aikka. "That can't be! Sul was lost during the Great Race of

Oban. He's supposed to be dead!"

"You were mistaken. I am very much alive, thanks to the new Avatar."

Aikka's ears perked up in recognition. "Has he sent you to become one of my Guardians?"

Sul's face remained expressionless, as always. "That is correct. Ironic, isn't it?"

The Inna squirmed uncomfortably, and Aikka lowered his eyes in shame. They all remembered conspiring to eliminate Sul from the race last year. Aikka had called upon Ondai, Ning, and Skun to a private meeting and made a temporary alliance to eliminate Sul from the race. Sul far outranked the other pilots in points, and he would have destroyed any chance of a fair race had he been allowed to continue. Their attempt to eliminate Sul had failed, but the act still weighed heavily on Aikka's conscience. The Inna sisters felt little guilt about their past actions, but they were no happier than the king to see the magician.

Skun growled and folded her arms over her chest. "So Ning and I were just wasting our time coming here. Why'd the Avatar even bother sending us, if you were dropping in?"

"I will explain, if his majesty will kindly call off his soldiers."

Aikka suddenly realized that the guards were still there awaiting his orders. He resumed his authoritative stance and tone. "Guards, this being will not harm me. He is one of my Guardians now. Put up your weapons."

The guards obeyed their king but continued to eye the newcomer with suspicion as he calmly drifted past them. Aikka gestured for him and the Inna to follow him inside where they could speak privately. Sul paid no attention whatsoever to Ning and Skun as they muttered behind his back.

"I don't like this," Skun said to her sister. "Not at all."

Ning laughed dryly. "You're the one who asked for excitement."

"I didn't mean it like this. Looks like we won't be needed much longer with the 'master of time and space' around."

Aikka lead them to a small tea room and ordered some tea and cakes be brought in, along with some fruit. After that was done, he dismissed the guards and gestured for the others to be seated. Sul remained levitating above the ground as sitting was beneath his standards. He surveyed the elegant room, unimpressed by the finery. Ning and Skun seated themselves as far way from him as possible, their glowering going unnoticed.

"Okay, magician," Ning said, her tone dripping with venom. "Time to start talking."

Skun plucked a piece of fruit from the bowl on the table and began peeling it with one long fingernail. Her eyes never moved away from Sul.

Aikka sets his tea cup down carefully before him and clasped his hands on the table top. He was put off by the Inna's lack of decorum but he had a duty to be a good host toward all his guests. "Yes, there is much we need to discuss. We all assumed you were lost in a magnetic storm. Please tell us what actually happened."

Sul focused his three eyes on the king and proceeded in a very matter-of-fact tone of voice. "My ability to alter the course of destiny was a concern for Canaletto. I was interfering with his plans, so he decided to eliminate me from the race. He imprisoned me in his lair to drain away my powers. I had given up all hope of freedom until the new Avatar set me free."

Skun took a bite of her fruit, the peel lying on the floor in one long strip. "So, what does Aikka need us for now that the master of time and space is protecting him?"

Sul's impassive features showed a hint of regret. "I can no longer go by that title. Much of my strength was restored when I was released, but I will never again have as much power as I once did."

Ning grinned like a hyena. "So, not such a high and mighty all-powerful magician anymore, are you?"

The monk quickly resumed his haughty demeanor to give the pigtailed woman a chilly stare. "Do not underestimate me. I may no longer rival the Avatar, but I still have powers you cannot begin to comprehend."

Aikka silently gazed into his teacup. He raised his head and fixed the monk with a firm stare. "Why did you come here, Sul? Has the Avatar forced you to protect me?"

Sul looked back at him, straight-faced as ever. "No. He gave me a choice."

Aikka clenched his fists on the tabletop. "But why you would choose to help me after I tried to eliminate you?"

"I have no interest in revenge, King. I hold no bitterness against you or your accomplices. I am the Avatar's servant now, and my only interest is your protection. If we are to be working together, we must put our past differences aside in favor of our common goal."

Aikka stared at him, almost disbelieving. His tone became contrite. "Then I wish to apologize for my actions during the Great Race. I was desperate to win, by any means necessary, even though it shamed me greatly to stoop to such back-stabbing tactics." His hands relaxed and his head bowed. "I would ask for your forgiveness."

"You are forgiven, your highness." He then turned toward the Inna expectantly.

Ning and Skun looked at each other. Ning shrugged her white shoulders. "Whatever. Just because we're working with him doesn't mean we have to like him."

Skun tossed the apple core aside and glowered at Sul. "Just as long as you stay out of our way, magician, we'll get along just fine."

"Likewise." Sul turned calmly back to Aikka. "Now, as my first act as your Guardian, I would like to point out that there is someone eavesdropping at the door."

The others all jumped from their seats in surprise. Aikka nearly knocked his chair over and laid his hand on his sword hilt while Ning and Skun also stood at the ready, claws extended and pistols drawn.

"Who is it?" the king asked.

Sul flicked his wrist; the doors instantly unlatched themselves and flew open. A very surprised and very familiar Nourasian female was standing in the hallway, green eyes wide open and hands over her mouth. Ning and Skun stowed their weapons away with some disappointment. Aikka's mouth fell open in shock.

"Lady Runa!" Aikka said. "What were you doing, listening at the door?"

Runa stood speechless, not knowing what to say. Embarrassed she bowed so deeply that her long hair touched the floor. "I'm so sorry, your highness!"

Aikka moved his hand away from his sword and approached her with a small frown. "Eavesdropping is not appropriate behavior for a lady of your ranking."

Runa lifted her head with a reddish tint in her copper cheeks. "Y-yes, my lord, I know that … but when I heard the commotion outside and saw your visitor, I was certain something terrible was happening!"

Aikka's face softened. He offered his hand to her and pulled her inside. "You needn't worry about my safety. Ning and Skun were watching out for me. So, I suppose you know now that Sul is my newest Guardian."

He motioned toward the tall luminous alien who had ratted her out. Runa wondered how he could have known she was there and tried to decipher his thoughts. His black almond eyes gave away no information but they seemed to be staring straight through her body and into her soul. Nervous goose bumps tingled on the back of her neck.

She gave a bow in order to break eye contact. "It is an honor to meet you, sir."

Sul regarded her with some scrutiny. "Hmm ... You must be the king's fiancée. The Avatar has mentioned you."

Aikka and Runa were both shocked by this and replied in unison. "He has?"

The magician nodded very seriously and looked back at the king. "Yes, he has observed you both for quite some time now. He has even said you should 'stop dragging your feet and get married already'."

Aikka flinched visibly. Runa turned a bright shade of red. Ning and Skun snickered to each other in the background. If Sul felt any amusement he did a good job of hiding it.

Once Aikka recovered from his initial embarrassment he cleared his throat and resumed his official stance. "The Avatar has no business meddling in my affairs. I have far more urgent matters to attend to, such as preparing for the arrival of Molly and her Guardians. We have only two days left before they arrive and there is still so much to do."

Sul nodded. "Indeed, I am interested to see how you deal with the Crogs, King Aikka. Your people have only recently escaped your alliance with them."

Aikka frowned slightly. "I assure you, history will not repeat itself. Kratos, the leader of the defectors and one of Molly's Guardians, has contacted me yesterday and has informed me of their peaceful intentions."

"So I hear, yet the enmity between your people remains. Clearly, the Avatar is testing you."

"Perhaps that is the case. At any rate, I will do everything in my power to receive them with grace and courtesy. There shall be no bloodshed within the Holy City, not as long as I am king."

"Very well, then. I will now take my leave of you to survey the area. I will see to it that this place is protected from both the Crogs and Canaletto." Sul bowed his head politely and drifted toward the door. Once he was gone everyone became much more relieved.

"Your highness," Runa said worriedly. "Is it really wise to let such a powerful being roam the halls freely?"

Aikka sighed and sat back down in his chair, reaching for his teacup. "We don't have much choice. Besides, Sul is not malicious by nature, though he is rather aloof and indifferent. He will not harm us, I guarantee it."

"Still, he's pretty sharp," Ning said. "How did he know your girlfriend was snooping out in the hall?" She cast a suspicious look at the Nourasian girl.

Aikka sipped some tea before answering. "It seems that his psychic powers are just as strong as they once were. He is able to read minds and move objects with his thoughts. It's no surprise that he was able to sense Runa so easily."

Runa's fingers twisted themselves together in a girlish expression of unease. "I do not feel safe with him around. Mind-readers cannot be trusted to respect the privacy of others."

"Why?" Ning's black lips curled up into a devious grin. "Do you have something to hide, little princess?"

Runa's pointed ears jerked upward in surprise. "N-no! It's nothing like that!" She waved her hands up and down in denial.

Skun grinned evilly and joined her sister in taunting the girl. "By the way your face is turning red, I'd say you've got a guilty conscience. You ought to fess up now and come clean."

Runa was rescued from further humiliation by Aikka. "You two are dismissed now," he said as he set his teacup down and got up from his seat. "Dinner shall be prepared shortly, and there is some work I would like to get done before then."

Ning giggled. "We'll be around, King. And we'll keep an eye on your girlfriend, too, in case she does anymore snooping."

"Yeah, see ya 'round." Skun blew a kiss to them and cackled, following her sister out the door.

Once they were gone Aikka hung his head and sighed. "I apologize for their crude behavior, Lady Runa."

"It's alright, your highness," she replied with a bright smile. "As long as they protect you I do not mind how they treat me."

"No, you are a princess of the court, and you demand just as much respect as myself. I shall speak to them later. But first, there is something I would like to ask you." He looked at her very seriously. "I do not wish for there to be secrets between us. If you have something you wish to tell me then speak now. Are you hiding something from me?"

Runa tensed up, but quickly restored her sanguine expression. "Of course not, my lord! You have known me for years! What could I possibly have to hide that you do not already know?"

Aikka stepped forward and carefully scrutinized her face, as if trying to read the thoughts behind her emerald eyes. Finally, he stepped back and smiled. "Well then, I can see that you are being truthful. Forgive me for doubting you."

"You are forgiven, my lord. If you will excuse me now, I must continue my preparations for Molly's purification ritual."

They exchanged bows and exited the tea room. As they walked off in opposite directions a guilty frown formed on Runa's face, but it vanished almost as quickly as it appeared.

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The rest of the afternoon passed fairly quickly for Eva. She and the Earth Team boys gave themselves a tour of the ship and discovered many new places to spend their time. The mechanics were fascinated by all the alien technology and Rick was particularly interested in the training room. Eva wanted to see the bridge where the pilot seat was, but that area was restricted for crew members only. She made a mental note to ask Kratos's permission the next time she saw him.

Later, Eva decided it was a good time to visit Rakesh. She made her way from the training room back to the corridor where she and the Guardians had their quarters. She found the door to where Rakesh slept and gave a timid knock.

"Hello?" she said. "Rakesh, it's me, Eva. Are you in there?"

She waited for an answer but heard nothing. She knocked again, but still there was no answer. Just as she began wondering if no one was there, the door suddenly slid open with a mechanical whoosh. A thin figure in a long gray coat stood in the doorway, its face completely black and featureless.

Eva jumped back in shock, heart pounding faster. She had forgotten that Spirit was Rakesh's roommate. She had never noticed before, but he was a whole head taller than her. Her brain and mouth started moving at different speeds as she tried to think of something to say. "Oh! Uh, excuse me! I was just, um, I thought that…"

The Fihlz stood there mutely, watching her struggle for a bit. Then he stepped back from the door and moved his arm in a beckoning gesture. Eva's mouth went dry; he was asking her to come in. After a few long seconds of hesitating, she stiffly walked forward. The door slid shut behind her.

Spirit moved past her, his bare feet making no sound against the cold steel floor, and seated himself on the edge of the bed. Then he proceeded to watch the blank wall very intently. Eva glanced around at the room searching for Rakesh, but the white-haired man was nowhere to be seen. The room looked exactly the same as hers with the same drab colors and giant-sized furniture, but it was completely bare since neither Rakesh nor Spirit had brought any belongings on the ship.

Eva twisted her hands behind her back and shuffled her sneakers. The silence was unnerving. She thought about leaving but that would be a rude thing to do after Spirit had invited her in. It seemed her host had forgotten about her, so she decided to make small talk to regain his attention. "So how are things going? Are you and Rakesh getting along?"

Spirit turned his head toward her. A white egg-shaped lump emerged from his inky black flesh. Two glassy, turquoise eyes blinked at her. Then he reached out and patted a space on the mattress.

"You want me to sit with you?" she asked. He nodded.

Eva felt the moisture draining from her mouth again. As if being alone in a room with Spirit weren't awkward enough, now she had to sit with him. Even though she no longer felt any hatred toward the silent alien, Eva still felt quite disturbed by him. Despite his human-shaped body, he was one of the least humanoid aliens she had ever encountered. Nevertheless, if they were going to travel to Oban together, she would have to start getting used to him.

The glassy eyes followed Eva as she crossed the room and pulled herself up onto the mattress. They were only inches apart now, just sitting side by side. Her feet dangled a above the floor and again she was reminded of how tall he really was. She stared at her nail polish to avoid his gaze, wondering if it were safe for her to speak again.

Spirit turned his face away for a moment, as if thinking, then he faced Eva once more. He opened his hand, palm upward, and offered it to her. She stared at it blankly for a moment, holding her breath. Slowly, she lifted a small white hand from her lap and held it above his. His dark fingers were at least twice the length of hers, but not much thicker. When she laid her palm against his skin, it felt warm and soft, like velvet.

I may only speak to you when we are touching. I apologize if you find this inconvenient.


Eva's head snapped up in surprise at the gentle voice sounding in her head. His tone was polite, but his voice was barely above a whisper. She recognized it from the day before when she had dragged the wounded alien out of danger back on Earth. At the time she was too busy trying to stay alive to think about how he had spoken to her.

"Oh ... Th-that's okay ..." she said aloud. "I've seen stranger ways of talking ..."

Rakesh left a few hours ago. I do not know where he went. I'm sorry. I know that you wished to speak with him very much.


"I see ... I guess you must know why, huh?"

No. I merely sensed that you very much wanted to speak with him. I would not pry into your private thoughts without permission.


Eva looked down at her shoes. "That's not really true. I remember there was one time when you did."

He knew exactly what she meant. Spirit cast his eyes downward as he thought about his answer.

It was… necessary… that time. You would not have believed me, even if you had let me speak to you. Your heart was full of hate and anger. I did what I could to reach you, but I fear that my efforts weren't enough to prevent you from damaging your star-racer.

The fingers on Eva's free hand began rubbing the hem of her skirt. Her voice sounded weaker. "Things turned out okay in the end. We built a new star-racer, and we won our next two races. But still, it didn't change the fact that what I tried to do was wrong."

Spirit's long fingers carefully wrapped themselves around her tiny hand. He bowed his head in sadness, and even his long pointed ears seemed to droop. Do not blame yourself, Eva. I did not realize the hatred you felt toward me until we met again on Alwas. I felt such shame, and you feared me so much, that I was unable to communicate my sorrow and guilt to you then.


Pieces of painful memories began drifting up to the surface of Eva's thoughts. She quickly forced them down and locked them away, unwilling to sink into despair. "I don't blame you for anything now, Spirit. It wasn't your fault. There was nothing you could have done back then."

To her surprise Spirit's shoulders began trembling. I ... I wanted to save her! But she refused any assistance. She knew that I would only die with her. When I discovered that her daughter was the pilot for the Earth Team, I vowed that I would not make the same mistake twice. That would be my penance, for failing to save your mother.


Eva looked up at him and saw his eyes glistening with tears. It had never occurred to her that Spirit could cry, or that he might feel guilty about Maya's death. He had shown her it had not been his fault, and yet he blamed himself for it anyway. She placed her other hand over his and gave an encouraging smile. "Thanks a lot, Spirit. I'm glad you're here. I still need to thank you for helping me before ... and I'm sorry for trying to hurt you."

Spirit's watery blue eyes looked at her. If he had possessed a mouth, he would have been smiling back. His tears began to run over, soEva pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and offered it to him. She giggled when he looked at it the same way he looked at the food Koji had made that morning. When she demonstrated its use on herself, he nodded in understanding and tried it out. Once he had finished, he folded it neatly and handed it back.

Thank you, Eva. I am glad that your hate did not destroy you. I have no fear that you will succumb to such terrible feelings ever again.

"I won't, that's a promise." Her smile faded somewhat. "But my dad still doesn't know the truth. I didn't know how to tell him what you showed me, or if he'd even believe it. He still thinks you were involved somehow."

Spirit looked solemnly back at the wall at the mention of Don Wei. His heart is still full of hate, anger, and … sorrow. He has still not quite forgiven himself for his wife's death. Perhaps one day he will learn to let go of his anger. Only then will I be able to reach him.


Eva tucked her handkerchief back into her pocket. "He and Rakesh aren't getting along so well, either. I wonder what he has to do with all of this."

I sense animosity between them, but I do not know where the root of it lies. There is much hatred within Rakesh's heart as well. He is a man with no future and continues to live in the past. I fear for him, as well.


Eva sighed and slumped her shoulders. "What a mess. This adventure is getting a lot more complicated than I thought it would be."

She felt his other hand brush against her hair and pat her head fondly. Do not despair, child. You possess a very special gift. You have the ability to touch the hearts of others. I believe that your Guardians will learn to understand one another through you, Eva.


She smiled a bit and felt warmth flowing into her cheeks. "I sure hope you're right. I don't think I could handle any more mornings like this one."

Spirit smiled at her with his eyes. It was quite exciting, wasn't it?

She grinned. "Yeah, it was pretty funny when that fish landed in Rick's hair."

His voice abruptly took on a fearful tone. That one … I sense a shadow hangs over him.


Surprised, she sat up straighter. "What? There's something wrong with Rick, too? I thought he was doing okay!"

I first sensed something was wrong during our escape to the spaceport. His mind suddenly went blank that time. But even after that, I have felt a dark presence about him. I cannot explain it. He noticed the look on her face and bowed his head. I'm sorry. I am confusing you, aren't I?


Eva brows furrowed in thought. "Hmm ... I'll try asking Jordan about that next time I see him. Maybe he can tell what's going on. For now, I just want everyone to get used to each other and start acting like a team."

Spirit nodded in agreement. Yes. We must all learn to understand one another. Only then can we begin to trust. I feel that given enough time, we shall be as family rather than strangers. That is what I hope for.

"Yeah. Me, too." Eva smiled and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. It was strange how quickly she had become friends with this being. Just a little while ago she had been afraid to go near him, and now she felt like she could trust him completely.

Suddenly, she was snapped out of her thoughts by the sound of the door whooshing open. Rakesh took a few steps inside and stopped, noticing the two figures on the bed.

"Hello, Eva, Spirit." He arched an eyebrow and smirked. "Am I interrupting something?"

Eva looked down and realized that she was still holding hands with Spirit. Thoroughly embarrassed, she pulled away from him and jumped off the bed, waving her hands up and down.

"No, no, no! I swear it's not what it looks like, nothing happened, but please don't tell my dad or he'll freak out!"

Spirit stared at her like she'd gone insane. Rakesh simply chuckled at her hysterics. "Fear not, Eva. Your secret is safe with me. Though next time I would suggest using the lock. It would save you much undue embarrassment."

Heat flared up into her cheeks again. She spun around to face the Fihlz once more, who was standing up next to her. "Sorry, Spirit. I'd better go now." Her tone relaxed slightly. "I'm glad we could finally work things out. Thanks for the talk."

He reached out to touch her shoulder, but she turned and ran off to her room. He did not get the chance to tell her one last thing. You're welcome. And thank you for listening.

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If you would like to see artwork relating to the epic fic, check out my DeviantArt page. Click on the "homepage" link in Queenbean3's profile.

Stay tuned for chapter ten: "Dour Like Don Wei".