Cloud Shifters
Chapter 21: EPILOGUE Core Headquarters—Central Cloud

Master Sanjen

Master Sanjen marched into the Venture Room with heavy feet and a heavier heart. As always, the four other Headmasters of the Core were seated around the smooth cloud-surface that they used as their strategy table. He remembered the first time he was shown the room as part of his welcome tour as the new leader of the military fraction of the Core. He had been taken in by the initial feeling of power that the room radiated, juxtaposed by the simple interior of grey and white smooth, rounded walls and understated cloud-surfaces that served as tables and seats. He knew this job would entail difficult decisions when he first started, and he had always risen to the occasion. This was no different. As difficult as the task was, it was his job as the Military Leader of the Core.

“I assume you have an update on the mixed Aura situation, Sanjen.” The low raspy voice came from the eldest at the table. The slightly shriveled form did not match the vibrant, sharp eyes that were trained on him.

“Yes, Master Oren.” Sanjen said as he walked around the table and took his customary seat. After decades of battle, he dared not sit with his back to any door. Next to him sat a perpetually empty chair, gathering dust. “I’m pleased to tell you that young Cadin has declared his allegiance to the Core.”

“For now,” Master Oren said slowly. “And his Path choice?”

“Warrior.”

“A powerful choice, but not unexpected. At least we will be able to keep a close watch over him.”

“Agreed.” A tall woman with dark features chimed in. “This is good news; however, we all know that we cannot relax with the word of a fifteen-year-old. He must prove himself many times over before we can even think about letting him take any real part in the war effort.”

“He has already been asking questions about the Cloud-Raiders War, Amelia. He is not someone who will just sit back until we say he is ready.” Master Sanjen needed the counsel to get a true sense of the young warrior. “I feel like we must train him. The sooner, the better.”

“We cannot just give him access to the Core, our strategies, history, strengths, and weaknesses!” Master Amelia said, beginning to stand. Master Sanjen watched as she caught her actions and reeled herself in, sitting down and smoothing over her ruffled feathers.

“It would not be like that, Amelia. We would hurry him through school to get him in the full swing of the Core. He really could make a difference.”

“Of course he will make a difference—mixed Aura angels always do,” Master Marken, the quietest of the counsel, spoke up. “The question remains, for which side will he make the difference? We cannot afford history to repeat itself—and this situation is hauntingly similar to the past. We may not be so lucky this time around.”

Master Sanjen nodded, conceding to Marken’s point. “All the more reason for us to train him and keep him firmly in our sights and under our influence.”

“I still do not think we should be considering making this unknown kid with a mixed Aura stronger. It will make it even more difficult or even impossible to stop him should he choose to turn on us,” Master Amelia said.

“All the signs point to him being the warrior we will need to win this war.”

“The signs were there last time as well,” Master Oren said, shaking his head slowly and looking down to the table. “So many lives were cut short because we lost control of a mixed Aura warrior.”

“That was different. Cadin will not be another Tiberius!”

“We all know you like the child, Sanjen; however, you will not compromise the safety of the citizens because of him.”

“I know that, Master Oren. As a Master of the Core, I will swear here and now, that if Cadin becomes a viable threat, I will personally take him down.” He hoped that would never be the case.

“Then I agree to the first steps of training if he places in the Calvarian Games,” Master Oren said, he voice even scratchier than before.

“He is only a first year. Even if he doesn’t win, he should still be trained by the Core…”

“No, Master Sanjen,” Master Jada cut him off. She was a strong, quiet angel. Master Sanjen was shocked that she was interested enough to say something today. Military issues were not something that she normally weighed in on. “Master Amelia and Master Oren are correct. If he is not able to lead a team to victory in a simple school tournament, it is unlikely that he will amass enough power by the apex of the war to be of use to either side—mixed Aura or not. He will have no access to the Core unless he proves himself worthy. If he turns against us, it will be your job to kill him.”

Sanjen felt the resolve around the room before it came to the official vote.

“So be it.”

The End