Zephyr: The Elemental Clans

124 - A Boy Without Power

Xyder Zephyr - POV;

"Has your training been coming along well, Xyder?" Nero questioned me as he laid down his smoking, mocha cappuccino.

"I'm almost at the point I have to be at if I am to stand a chance. That should be expected though since we're just a little over a week from the Final Event," I answered.

"That's excellent. I can only imagine how much stronger you've become! I can't wait to see it. That being said... shouldn't you be focused on the event and on Blaze instead of this?" he enquired.

"You didn't get what I wanted?" I questioned.

"No I did," he responded, "but why?"

"It's just something that I've been curious about ever since that day. I'd like to get answers to put my mind at ease," I explained.

"If that's what you want, I can't argue. I've gathered all of the information I can surrounding the Atmos Clan and the issue with that man, Ryder Atmos," he confirmed.

"Thanks, Nero. I can always count on you and your connections," I smiled.

"I told you already, I'll be here for you guys as long as it takes. Although I didn't have to dig that deep at all in this case. The situation was semi-public and though there were attempts to keep it hushed, those efforts weren't too serious," he revealed, "As it turns out, Ryder Atmos is the eldest son of Acting Regulus Severin Atmos. At 19 years old he was originally meant to inherit the title but circumstances have led to the present issues with him and the rest of Atmos as well."

"Circumstances?" I pressed.

"Yes. I will explain in time but first, let me set the background to this entire affair. Some thirty years ago, the young Lady Skye Atmos was given the position of Regulus after the untimely passing of her father due to medical complications. At this time she was a mere fifteen years of age and yet she was heralded as one of the most promising of the next generation of Reguluses, alongside the likes of the young and upcoming Grisha Astra and Kristæl Zephyr to name a few. She was adored by her people who she treated with love but she was feared by her enemies for her incomparable prowess over the wind. Under her leadership, Atmos prospered at the clan's influence raised significantly, surpassing that of numerous other Elemental Clans. They had gained a high degree of notoriety and many thought they could become to ones to one day topple Zephyr who had stood uncontested in power above the other clans for decades. At the same time, a young man had been rapidly climbing the ranks of the World Heirarchy. He entered as the lowest of recruits but in a year the 18 year old had to the highest echelons of the Heirarchy's Armies to become the War Commander, a position sometimes thought to be even greater than even the leader of the Elite Enforcers. His brutality, strength, speed and ability on the battlefield was inhuman. None could stand before him and hope to achieve victory against him. His thirst for blood could not be quenched and it was said that he would often tear the enemy leaders apart limb from limb and bathe in their blood, inflicting incurable metal trauma to their underlings. Even if one survived a battlefield he was present on, they would never be the same again. This is what led to him being dubbed the Demon General, Severin Claw. Tabloids and other such media would occasionally report that sources claimed Severin was captured by the beauty and prowess of the young Regulus but when Skye would be asked about her thoughts in interviews she was reportedly appalled by his vicious acts and unflattering brawn. Some time had passed uneventfully but during this period a dark force had been brewing, awaiting the day it would be unleashed. This is what led to that tragedy twenty two years ago: the Battle of Quetzalcoatl, an incident which has yet to be fully solved all this time later and which was intrumental in the introduction of much harsher penalties for those tampering with the Legendary Beasts. As the reports go, some unknown individual moved and unleashed the Legendary Beast, Quetzalcoatl on the outskirts of Atmos City where it was made to launch an attack against the metropolis. This had been carefully carried out such that the strongest forces of Atmos had been absent due to their attendance at a Regulus Summit. Without protection, over half of the city and its population had been eradicated before the World Heirarchy's forces led by Severin Claw and the Atmos Clan's forces led by Skye Atmos could arrive on the scene. It is said that the beast was ultimately stopped by Skye and Severin who, together, managed to slay the creature long said to be on the level of a God. The damage was already done however as with the loss of life and resources, Atmos had fallen further in influence than ever before. Even so, no one seemed to despair, believing that Skye's leadership would propel them to new heights once more. After this terrorist attack, Skye and Severin had become acquainted with each other and over time this evolved into a friendship and love. The two would soon tie the knot and three years after the Battle of Quetzalcoatl, they bore the fruit of their relationship; a son they named Ryder Atmos. Ryder was beloved by his parents, his family and his clan. His birth was celebrated as a gift towards the restoration of the Atmos Clan. As many had hoped, Atmos quickly found themselves flying along the path to recovery and before long another gift was bestowed upon Skye and Severin in the form of their second child... but this joy would not last. Skye was diagnosed with a similar ailment to her father; a severe case of cance. If she were treated immediately her chances of survival were almost absolute, however the unborn fetus would surely meet a fatal fate. Despite the pleading of her people and family, the mother made the ultimate sacrifice in a gesture of unfathomable love. She rejected her treatment after being assured the child within her would see a safe delivery if it were not administered. In so doing, she birthed a young girl Aella Atmos, at the cost of her own life for at this time it was far too late for her to be saved. This is how the four year old Ryder and newborn Aella came to be robbed of their mother. Following this, Severin resigned from his position within the World Heirarchy's Army in order to take on the care of his children and to recover from the loss of his beloved. Atmos entered an era of downfall. They spiralled to the bottom of the order of power amongst the clans and their influence only continued to plummet. In desperation, Severin was approached by his in-laws who pleaded with him to take up the role of Regulus until Ryder came of age. After much thought he eventually accepted. Taking on the name of Severin Atmos, he ruled the Clan with an iron fist. It's said that immediately, everyone came to regret their decision to appoint him as he worked the clan to the bone. He became obsessed with power and strength, not for himself but from everyone around and under him. He would drive them to push harder than they could muster and then some more in order to achieve the greatest heights. Though his actions were barbaric, he certainly saw results. The youngest members of the clan quickly achieved newfound power and mastery over their elements. Their prowess in battle grew tremendously. Though many came to fear him, few could hate him. Although his means were harsh, they did succeed. Under the Severin regime, Ryder and his peers underwent a traditional ceremony that would determine the level of their powers at the age of twelve. This is where his story took a turn for the worst. It was discovered that he, the Regulus Heir, was a mere Partial Vessel with extremely limited potential in Wind Manipulation. This drive Severin into a state of crazed insanity. He berated his son and cast him out of their family, stripping him of his claim as the Regulus Heir. This title was passed to his younger sister by default. Severin planted seeds of distaste towards Ryder in the minds of his sister and many of their clansmen and before long he became alienated by his own people. No matter where he turned, he ment only bitter resentment and vitriol. This drove the boy to push himself to unrealistic lengths of training and discipline in the hopes of achieving greater elemental power, all to appease his father and regain his rightful place but it was all in vain. He could never become what they wanted him to be. That was his curse. He began to grow resentful towards all of those he once loved and when his sister proved to have some of the greatest affinities for wind seen in centuries, this only furthered his detest towards them. Officially, he always remained a part of the Atmos Clan, but he never truly fit in anymore because of their ongoing conflict."

I sat silently, contemplating the story I'd been told. Eventually I mustered a sigh, "I see. I know that story all to well. It's not so much different from mine but unlike me, he has yet to see a happy conclusion to that nightmare. Even so, he almost seems to have it much worse. Through my suffering I still had Evelynn, Satella and Storm to hold me up but it sounds like he never had the same. If it wasn't for those three, I would have never come out of that hell... I can't imagine what it would be like to be alone through that. Do you think there is some way we can reach out to him? He may even prove a great ally."

"Negative. I happened to learn that Ryder departed from this city last week. I don't know where he's headed but there's no way you can chase after him at this point. You have to remain focused on your own battle first. Once all of this reaches its resolution.... once Blaze is defeated and your friends saved... then, I promise you, I will help you find Ryder Atmos and liberate him," Nero assured.

"Yes... of course. You're right Nero. We have to take down Blaze and after our fight is done, I think I'll take a journey around the world. I'll pay a visit to all of the other clans," I muttered.

"And why's that?"

"To see if the dream a man once had is possible. To see if the clans can ever be united for a common victory."