Chapter 8
Er Shua stormed into the office of his mansion, slamming the blaster onto the table he dropped himself down in the chair. His mind was clouded with a million thoughts, his head pulsating with such pain that even the soft hum of the bubble wall seemed amplified and screaming.
Taking a moment to breathe he rubbed the sides of his head. The images of the girl from the station now drilled into his brain, constantly surfacing so that every time he closed his eyes he saw her.
There was simply no doubt in his mind, this truly was the lost child. Adia Yah. She might as well have been the most important figure of the time and yet she was able to so easily slip through his fingers.
From his pocket Er Shua produced the Sphere as a cold shiver ran down his spine. For in his very hand lay the most powerful weapon ever given to the Gungans.
Controlled though the mind, the sphere held great power. Given a strong mentality, it was capable of destroying entire cities. Though, only its true possessor was capable of accomplishing that. The Shul. Sent by a highly powerful people called the Orban once every ten decades to be as a Guardian over all people. To fight an enemy greater than darkness itself, the Shadow people.
Only one kind of Gungan knew of this, a people vastly different to the water Gungans. They called themselves the Mesulan, or in ancient Gungan 'People of the Sky'. For they lived in the highest place, where land and sky met. They were the chosen people of the Orban, true sires of the Shul.
For many years their enemy, the Shadows attempted to track down the sphere, use its power for their own dark purposes. Once, they took hold of the stone and killed its holder, the Shul of that time. The Shadows abused its powers, destroyed many civilizations. So another Shul was born to the Nations, this one was not like the last. He regained possession of the sphere, condemning the Shadow's to a place, lower than the ground its self. It was never again allowed to fall into their hands again.
Years later, the Shadow's escaped from their prison, once again trying to take possession, for they now truly knew of the Sphere's immense power. Another Shul was born, Adia Yah. But for some unknown reason, only hours after her birth there was a Shadow attack on the city. More specifically, the place where the child was being held. Adia and her mother had to flee. Taking hiding amongst the water people they went by undetected for years until history repeated itself.
For a moment Er Shua wondered if Alishka was too still alive, but he quickly came to the conclusion that she was not. For she'd have sought him out long ago. Though she had no desire to go back he knew that she was not one to let down her duty. Leaving Er Shua to wonder, what did happen that night ten years ago?
Nevertheless, it was now up to him to retrieve the girl, finish the journey that Alishka started so long ago.
Adia silently sat next to Aquria around a small table, gingerly glancing around the room. The bubble home was small, but exotically decorated. Many, red decorated curtains hung from the ceiling and on small mantles sat strange looking ornaments and statues of what seemed fantasy creatures, each with their own funny postures.
From her view point Adia could see the cooking area where Aquria's just as exotically dressed sister stood in front of a cooking pot. Giant earrings hung from her heavy hung ears and bracelets trailed down her arms. She wore what looked like a trooper's vest and pants.
"So you say you are from the bandit band, yes?"
Adia nodded.
"The very one your brother was a part of."
The woman snorted, stepping into the sitting area she found herself a place to perch. Earrings and bracelets jingling with her every movement.
"The group that gave my brother up for dead?"
"Gave up for dead?" Adia frowned, "I assure you, Jerich is not dead. He is alive."
"Alive?!" Aquria jumped up screeching. "Jerich is alive? Is dat true?"
Adia smiled at the child.
"Yes it is true. That's why I am interested in him. I need information. I want to find him." She looked back to Rubee. "I just need you to trust me."
Rubee's scepticism look did not change.
"Trust you? A stranger to my home? I trust no one of the other society."
Adia tensed, unsure as to where this was leading.
"I assure you, I mean you no harm. I merely want to know…"
"Did you not hear me?" The woman stood up, shouting. "I trust no one! Besides I know my brother is dead for I saw him. He was pounded years ago, on show to all in the street. I'll give you noting. Aquria was foolish to bring you here!"
Adia swayed, taken aback by the woman's sudden outburst. There was a moment of lingering silence and it seemed that anything further said, Rubee would snap again. She stared down at the table, tapping her nails on its surface. It was now that she truly wanted her blaster. See how she would cooperate then.
Taking a slow breath she looked back at her silent audience.
"Well then if you will excuse me. I have things that I need to attend to." Pulling herself away from the table she let herself out.
"Wait! Wait!'
It wasn't until Adia was down the street that from behind she heard Aquria's small cry. Adia considered not turning around but the child grabbed her sleeve.
"Shouldn't you stay with your sister?" Adia snapped, harsher than she'd intended.
Aquria huffed, staring at the ground.
"Mesa sorre 'bout dat. Rebee, shesa a bit angry. Shesa doesn't like people much."
"I noticed." Adia moaned sarcastically. Knowing that making the move of following the child in the first place was a mistake. Yet again she was wasting time 'puttering'.
"Mesa believe you." Aquria's voice was almost that of a whisper. "What yousa sayin 'bout Jerich. Mesa believe hesa still alive. Mesa can help yousa."
Adia smirked, "The business that I'm in is very dangerous, Aquria. I think you'd be better off staying with your sister where it's safe."
"But mesa wanten to help. Mesa wanten to see mesa brother again." Aquria whined.
Adia sighed, kneeling down to Aquria's height she placed an arm around her shoulder. "You will see him again, you just need to wait okay."
She rose, leaving Aquria to stand alone in the street.
Contemplating her next move, Adia wasn't sure about the exact location of Jerich but she did now know of someone who held knowledge of his whereabouts. Er Shua. After all, it was in his office that she found the file.
Adia paused, thinking for a moment. It was not safe to go back to the station. They'd been on a keen lookout for her or any other bandit now. But as her memory served her, back in the office she found an invitation addressed to the General. The banquet held by the Nasses was tonight. It needed to be important.
"Aquria." She called the child over.
Aquria responded instantly, bounding over to her side. Adia looked back down at the girl.
"Perhaps you can help. I don't suppose you know where the General Er Shua lives."