Midafternoon at the Ringmasters Society headquarters, Shuto was walking towards the meeting room as the mandatory meeting he told Yashi about earlier was about to commence. He headed inside, seeing Haruka, Imani, and Tatia seated. As he sat down next to Haruka, he looked around at the other faces there. Damien was across, seemingly calm. Shuto couldn’t tell what was on his mind. However, he felt his heart drop as soon as Cadmus opened the door, sitting down at the nearest seat. He had hoped that Cadmus of all people would choose to take a sick day for once, but he knew he shouldn’t be surprised by his presence.
“Well, well, some people just aren’t good at their jobs, are they?” Cadmus said.
“Was that the best you could come up with on your way here?” Imani asked.
Cadmus rolled his eyes, looking out towards the window. Shuto saw Aiden enter, and he raised his hand towards him, catching Aiden’s eye. Aiden went over to Shuto and said, “So, where should I sit this time?”
“Sorry, kid, but I think they would want you to take the corner seat again,” Shuto said.
“Oh, it’s no problem,” Aiden said. Aiden went to his corner, sitting down as he flipped open his spiral notebook to the next blank page. While he recognized how weird it was to sit in the corner of a room like a child, he actually felt relieved to not be dealing with everything the adults would be discussing.
Aiden looked up to see Bastien enter the room with Titus following him. He stood up from his seat along with the other Ringmasters Society members. Once Titus and Bastien were seated, Bastien motioned for everyone to sit back down.
“As you all know, I have gathered everyone to discuss recent events that have occurred,” Titus began. “This is the second incident in which an arrested individual has escaped from our premises. While I would say that this is unacceptable, I want to keep in mind that some matters are beyond our control. I want to ask Shuto, Haruka, and Imani if any of them would like to say anything on this matter.”
Shuto looked at Haruka and Imani, wondering which one of them should speak first. Haruka nodded to Shuto, turning her attention to Titus as she cleared her throat. She said, “Sir, we apologize for our failure to apprehend Fida and her accomplice. I know this is upsetting, but the one thing that we can take away from this is that we now know that Fida’s escape was triggered by a larger group effort. Aside from the fact that we know Fida has an accomplice, we now know that the fugitive in custody’s name was Vara.”
“If I may add, sir, due to the nature of my tech, I was able to capture the location of Vara after the incident,” Imani said. “I don’t know if it’s relevant anymore, but the last location captured was about two hundred miles from here. I have the geocoordinates recorded.”
Cadmus scoffed. The sound of it caught Bastien’s attention. He said, “Something on your mind, Cadmus?”
“Oh, nothing, Sir Adler, I just find it amusing that they are handing us outdated information like it makes this whole ordeal any less pathetic that it happened to begin with,” Cadmus said.
“As Haruka already said, we acknowledge our shortcomings in what happened that night,” Imani said.
“An acknowledgement does absolutely nothing but remind us of how incompetent you three are,” Cadmus said.
“Cadmus, I’m giving you a warning,” Titus said. “One more instigation like that, and I’ll have to ask you to leave.”
Shuto was relieved that Titus said something because he was just about ready to lash out again. He thought it was a good thing that Yashi was not here considering how antagonistic Cadmus behaved towards her in the last meeting. What bothered him was how smug Cadmus looked even after being called out by the Head Ringmaster himself.
“Contrary to what Cadmus believes, I think the last known location of Vara could still prove to be useful to us,” Tatia said. “At the very least, it can provide an idea of where this group is heading.”
“I second that notion,” Damien said. “Though, if I may add, sir, I think we should hold off on this operation for now.”
Shuto was surprised to hear this coming from Damien of all people. He said, “Why would we do that when we have a lead?”
“See, we’ve already had two incidents within a short period of time,” Damien explained. “If we continue the search for them now, it may only invite more trouble our way.”
“So, you suggest that we do absolutely nothing?” Imani asked.
“Like I said, we’re simply pausing the operation,” Damien said. “If we wait a while, it makes them less likely to predict our next move.”
“It also gives them a chance to cause whatever mayhem they want to,” Imani said. “We already know that Fida has at least two accomplices, but how do we know there isn’t a larger group at play?”
“Imani has a valid point,” Haruka said.
“Sir Avalon, I’m aware of the importance of this matter,” Damien said. “But surely, we must consider the safety of everyone who works here.”
Bastien looked over at Titus and could tell he was deep in thought. He himself felt conflicted hearing both sides. The room was awfully silent, and he noticed Aiden in the corner, diligently writing in his notebook. He said, “Excuse me, Aiden?”
Aiden looked up, surprised to hear his name called. He thought he could avoid being called on during this meeting. Aiden stood up from his seat, putting his notebook down on his chair and said, “Yes, sir?”
“Tell me, wasn’t it your brother who encountered Fida in the city?” Bastien asked.
“Uh, that’s what Master Shuto told me,” Aiden said.
“Do you not speak to your own brother?” Cadmus asked.
Aiden was flustered. He certainly didn’t want to air out the issues between him and Neil for everyone in this meeting. Luckily for him, Shuto stepped in and said, “That’s not relevant to this matter, Cadmus.”
“Wow, it seems everyone is touchy about something today,” Cadmus said.
“Let’s focus please,” Bastien said. “I propose a middle ground solution. We will pause the operation for now, but Aiden, I would like you to inquire with your brother about his encounter with Fida. Perhaps the information will assist us.”
“Oh, okay, sure,” Aiden said as he sat down. While the adults continued talking, Aiden was perplexed about what to do. He wished that he could’ve been upfront about not being in the best place to talk to Neil, but he didn’t want to come across as unprofessional.
After another thirty minutes passed, the meeting was adjourned. As the members got ready to leave, Aiden got up from his seat and was pulled aside by Shuto. Shuto said, “So, I know you were put in an awkward position earlier.”
“It’s fine. I kinda figured I shouldn’t say no.”
“You don’t have to talk to Neil if you don’t want to. I can reach out to him after he comes back from break.”
“Is it okay to wait that long?”
“Well, we don’t have a choice. The cell service at Mt. Archer isn’t the greatest anyway, so unless I venture out there myself, it’ll be hard to get a hold of him right now.”
“Oh, that’s true. Can I think it over?”
“About talking to him?”
“Yeah. I mean, if we have to wait anyway, I might as well think about it.”
Shuto was surprised to see such an initiative. He shrugged, understanding that someone had to start the path to reconciliation between the two. He said, “All right. You can think it over. No pressure, okay?”
Aiden nodded. He wondered how Neil was doing, or if he even made it to Mt. Archer. He figured that Heer was there to keep him in check, and he trusted her at least.
***
On the other hand, Sana and Rey woke up early for their next training session. After their morning routine, they followed Yashi to the chamber, ready for another simulation session. Cyrus and Adela were already present. What surprised Sana was seeing Cyrus wearing one of the headbands that she and Rey were made to wear for yesterday’s training.
“Cyrus, are you training with us today?” Sana asked.
“That is correct,” Yashi said. “Cyrus will assist me directly with the simulation. I’ve already instructed Adela on the controls she’ll have to use for today.”
“So, we’re battling him then?!” Rey asked, excited at the idea of doing some real fighting.
“Less questions please. For now, let’s enter the room,” Yashi said.
As unsure as she was about the plan, Sana went along with Rey inside the simulation room. Just like yesterday, they stood in their respective spots while Yashi and Cyrus did the same.
“Adela, you know what to do,” Yashi said.
“Right,” Adela said. She changed gears to four and the level to six as Yashi had instructed her. She looked at both Rey and Sana and could see the determination on their faces. Good luck, you two, Adela thought.
The room shifted, transforming into a new space. Sana watched as they were transported into an open grassy field. They were surrounded by nothing but a vast amount of green land and a blue sky hovering above them. Sana wondered why such a simple space was chosen for today.
“Today, we will focus on controlling your fire and releasing your dark powers as well,” Yashi said. “For this, you two will battle Cyrus.”
“Hell yeah! Bring it on!” Rey exclaimed.
“Don’t get so cocky,” Cyrus said. “I won’t be going easy on you.”
“Now, now, I don’t want either of you to go too hard,” Yashi said. “I will be monitoring and helping you two out throughout the battle. This will be a standard practical match. Use the space provided well.”
I only heard about Cyrus’ abilities from Krystal, Sana thought. She and Prince may have beaten him, but that doesn’t mean we can win so easily.
“Get in your positions, and then we will start,” Yashi said.
Sana and Rey moved beside Yashi while Cyrus went to the opposite side. Rey was excited. He had been eager to get into some actual combat. He stretched his arms out and said, “Oh, yeah, I’m so ready for this!”
“Now, Rey, don’t lose focus,” Sana said. “We don’t know anything about his battle style.”
“So? Krystal and Prince beat him. It can’t be that hard.”
“That doesn’t mean he’ll be easy to beat. Krystal mentioned how formidable he is. Keep your guard up.”
Rey nodded, understanding where Sana was coming from. Cyrus drew out his wand, tapping it and transforming it into his longsword. As Sana transformed her wand into her trishula, Rey was ready to transform. Then, Yashi said, “Rey, a word of advice for you.”
“What’s up?” Rey asked.
“Don’t transform into your beast form just yet. I want you to practice fighting in your human form.”
“Why would I do that? Shouldn’t I be fighting at my best?” Rey asked.
“Rey, she’s guiding us,” Sana said. “Surely she has a reason.”
“But I’ve never fought in my human form before,” Rey said.
“Well, there’s a first for everything,” Yashi said. “Just give it a try.”
Rey looked at Sana, seeing how centered she was. He looked back at Cyrus, ready to fight. Even if it were different, he figured he had to try to see for himself.
“Okay, remember to treat this match like a practical,” Yashi said. “Don’t go too hard. With that…you may begin.”
Immediately, Cyrus made the first move. He charged Sana with his longsword as it began to emit a purple glow. Seeing he was going for a dark energy attack, Sana guarded against the longsword with her trishula. Rey figured this would be the perfect time to attack Cyrus from behind. He jumped, charging his fire energy through his arm. Got a clean shot! Rey thought.
Cyrus quickly plunged his longsword into the ground, shouting, “Scatter: Sound Circle!” The longsword emitted a powerful soundwave that activated in a circular motion, hitting both Sana and Rey at the same time. Rey felt rattled by the vibrations from the soundwaves, and he could see Sana was feeling the same.
“Damn, that really hurt,” Rey said as he got up. “I’ll hand it to you. You’re tougher than I thought you’d be.”
“I wish I could say the same to you both,” Cyrus said.
“Hey, man, that’s pretty low!” Rey exclaimed. “We’ve barely started.”
He’s quite good at short-range attacks. I would try Ring of Fire, but that would be too much for a match like this, Sana thought as she got up.
“You two, come here,” Yashi called out to Sana and Rey.
Sana walked over with Rey to Yashi. She was surprised that she would take them aside when the battle had barely started.
“What are you two doing out there?” Yashi questioned. “Do you really think sneak attacks are the way to go?”
“Actually, that was all Rey’s idea,” Sana said.
“Wow, way to throw me underground, Sana,” Rey said.
“All right, never mind that. Focus on synchronizing,” Yashi said. “You shouldn’t be caring about winning.”
“What’s the point of a battle if we’re not focusing on winning?” Rey asked.
“Winning is not the goal of every battle,” Yashi said. “There are some battles that are necessary to unlock the fight within ourselves.”
Sana immediately understood where Yashi was coming from. She turned to Rey and said, “She’s right, Rey,” Sana said, looking at him. “I know you’re itching for a real fight, but you have to look at the bigger picture here.”
Rey nodded, understanding what was important. As he turned around to head back into the fight with Sana, he asked, “So, what is the plan then?”
“Well, we know he’s good at short-range attacks.”
“Oh, I already see where you’re going with this. Ladies first.”
Sana nodded as she ran towards Cyrus while Rey concentrated his fire energy into his arms. Cyrus plunged his sword into the ground, launching another sound wave attack their way. Sana jumped up and Rey followed her lead. Seeing this, Cyrus lifted his sword up, and the tip of it formed a dark energy ball attack.
Just as I hoped he would, Sana thought, smirking. “Rey, get your fire ready!”
“Sure thing!” Rey exclaimed as his arms suddenly became engulfed in glorious flames.
Sana was amazed at how massive the flames on Rey’s arms were. What was also striking to her was that she could see the formation of tiger stripes across his cheeks.
As the dark energy ball came his way, Rey shielded his face with his arms, crossing them as he allowed the dark energy ball’s power to merge with his flames. Cyrus was stunned at the sight. As Sana gradually got back to the ground, Rey nosedived towards Cyrus as the flames flowed through his arms, turning into fiery purple-red wings. He struck Cyrus in the face with the flames, making him fall back hard to the ground.
He did it. He absorbed the dark energy, Yashi thought. Let’s see what it does to him.
“Ah, damn,” Cyrus said as he sat up.
“Sorry, no hard feelings, bro,” Rey said.
Suddenly, Rey started feeling rattled. He felt like something was shocking his body. He got down on his knees, grunting as the feeling started to overwhelm him.
“Rey, are you okay?!” Sana called out. She was about to go to Rey’s side until Yashi stood in front, putting her arm out and blocking her from moving forward.
“Sana, you need to stay put.”
“Why?! Can’t you see he’s in pain? I need to help him!”
“I know you want to help him, but this is exactly what needs to happen. He must deal with this on his own.”
Sana watched as Rey seemed to be completely still. His body seemed like it was frozen in time. She couldn’t help but worry as she desperately wanted to disobey Yashi’s orders and rush to his side, but she realized there was a reason for all of this. She had no choice but to trust her.
Rey’s mind became trapped in a dark, shadowy place. As he floated around in the abyss, he could feel like the surroundings were familiar. As he looked up, he saw a familiar face. The other Rey appeared.
“It’s you,” Rey said. “You got some personal beef with me or something?”
“That’s a funny thing to say to yourself.”
“You’re not me!”
“Deny it all you want. I’m a part of you now. You alone.”
“But what about Sana?”
“That was just a temporary thing since she entered your mind. I am you. And you are me. That’s how this works.”
Rey immediately made his way towards the other Rey, powering a fiery fist towards him. The other Rey blocked it, holding tightly onto Rey’s fist with just one hand, draining the fire out of it as he smirked.
“You shouldn’t fight me,” the other Rey said. “Remember the last time? You made a deal to trust me.”
Rey could feel the pressure in his hand increase as the other Rey continued to hold onto it. It was a burning sensation that he thought he was never capable of feeling.
“Why exactly would I trust someone like you? Why are you even like this?”
Rey could see the other Rey looked slightly stumped. The grip he had on Rey’s hand was slightly loosened.
“I was created by the darkness that invaded your body,” the other Rey said. “How else do you expect me to be?”
“Surely you can’t be bad just because of Madame Naga. Why do you have to be like her?”
“What are you getting at, kid?”
“No one is born evil. Everyone has the choice to walk the path they choose.”
“Is that so? You’re telling me that lending you my powers won’t corrupt you?”
“It didn’t corrupt me back then!”
“You couldn’t control it either. As soon as you do, it will consume your very being.”
Rey chuckled, and he could see this reaction was surprising to the other Rey. “I don’t care what this does to me,” Rey said. “I’ll fight back as many times as I need to. I have Sana who’s willing to do anything to help me through this, and I have my friends and my family. With them around me, there’s no way I’ll lose my way. Not happening!”
Rey couldn’t tell what the other Rey was thinking. He felt confident in everything he said but didn’t know how it would land. Did he have to fight to gain control again?
“You intrigue me, boy.”
“Uh, thanks?”
The other Rey once again tightened Rey’s hand. Rey could feel something surging through his arm. It felt like an intense electric shock. He was confused and scared at the same time.
“What…what are you doing?!” Rey questioned.
“This is how I strike a deal. I will be setting clear rules for you.”
“Hold on, what is going on?”
“Shut up, boy. I will formally lend you my power now. There are three conditions you must follow to use my power. Number one, my power is yours alone to use. Your partner can only use it when synchronized with you in battle. Number two, you will only be able to use my power for five minutes at a time. Number three, you may only utilize my power by calling my name.”
Rey couldn’t tell what was overwhelming him more; the number of rules the other Rey was giving or the surge of his dark power flowing through his arm. He could see his body was beginning to fade. It seemed like a sign that he was regaining consciousness in the real world. He frantically asked, “Wait…tell me…what name do I call you by?”
Rey could see the other Rey smirking again. He calmly said, “Daman.”
Suddenly, Rey could feel his body coming back. He immediately caught his breath, slowly starting to feel at ease again. As Rey stood up, Yashi, Cyrus, and Sana all went up to him.
“Rey, are you okay?” Sana asked.
“A little rattled, but I think I’m okay,” Rey said.
“Adela, you can stop the simulation now,” Yashi said.
With that, Adela pressed the buttons that were needed to bring everyone back. The group came back to the simulation room, exiting toward the control center. Adela had to admit that she was scared for a second. She thought she’d have to swoop in and help Rey, but he handled everything on his own. He proved to be more formidable than she thought.
“So, did you get clarity?” Yashi asked.
“Clarity?” Sana said, puzzled. “You knew what was happening to him?”
“When he absorbed Cyrus’ dark power, it triggered the entity within him,” Yashi said. “That’s why I needed you to not do anything, Sana. This was something he had to do alone.”
“So, what did you see?” Cyrus asked Rey.
“Well, I saw the other me,” Rey said. “The guy that appeared when Sana and I fought Madame Naga. I almost fought him actually.”
“Really?” Sana asked.
“Yeah, but I ended up talking to him. It’s weird, but I guess this guy isn’t really me. He’s just an entity that looks like me and is now part of me. Man, I’m confusing myself,” Rey said. “Anyway, he struck a deal with me. I’m allowed to use his power under three conditions. I have to be in sync with Sana for her to use them, I can only use it for five minutes at a time, and I have to call his name to use the power.”
“Five minutes at a time?” Sana questioned. “That means you can’t use it freely.”
“It makes sense,” Adela said. “Faereons have the same issue. It takes a while to learn how to maintain our full beast forms for longer periods of time.”
“So, you’re saying I can only use it for five minutes because of how much power is required to use the dark powers?” Rey asked.
“Looks like it,” Adela said.
“Well, at least you found a way to get me to use it with you,” Sana said to Rey. “It must’ve been difficult to make that happen.”
“That Daman is a strange dude,” Rey said.
“So, that’s his name,” Yashi said. “Well then, it seems you have a good start for getting your powers under control.”
Rey felt happy. As hard as it was, he was able to overcome one of the scariest things he had to deal with since the Madame Naga incident.
“So, what now?” Sana asked.
“Since Rey has unlocked the key to using his dark powers, we will work on using them and understanding them,” Yashi said. “At this moment, everyone can take a break, and then we’ll be back in there for another round.”
As Yashi, Adela, and Cyrus walked on ahead to leave the chamber, Sana looked at Rey and said, “How are you feeling?”
“Well, I’m okay,” Rey said. “I honestly feel much better.”
“I can tell,” Sana said. “I was really worried about you back there, but you handled the situation well. I’m so proud of you.”
Rey was surprised to hear those words from Sana. More so because it was the first time in a while that she seemed truly happy.
“Well, well, I’ve never heard you say this to me before.”
“Don’t let it get to your head. We still got a lot of work to do.”
“Yeah, yeah, let’s go before they wonder where we are.”
Copyright © 2026 Meryl T
All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.
The Ringmasters Society 