The Phantom Riser

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX - THE LURKING DANGER

The center of the universe is thought to be a black hole. A desolate, cold, dark vortex that. But in truth, it’s a power pool that sucks in anything that comes its way. The center of the universe is the abode of the Eight; the most powerful beings in our universe. At the very center was a tiny planet; a sage temple that houses all eight statues; the only one that is thought to exist. This sage temple is the meeting place of the Eight. It looks nothing like a temple, however. More like a temple for the richest, most extravagant of kings. And it was only befitting for their grand status. Hinged to the sides of this grand temple were eight grand abodes. They stuck to it like handles to a mug. Like eight little moons that shone on their own, they stood out around the temple. Each one was a palace for a member of the Eight, although they owned different parts of the universe as well, and possessed many palaces and temples. But this one was different, special. It was a get-away haven for them. It was the one place they didn’t need to restrain their abilities or tone down on their aura. Very few individuals could survive being close to that area, much less within it. Those individuals were usually the strongest and the most trusted disciples of the Eight.

Remi paced back and forth in the aisle. One of her disciples, a freakishly tall beast watched her hopelessly. He was of beast origins but had sworn fealty to Remi. Such was the case with a lot of people, especially since they weren’t forced to be loyal to those from whom they had derived powers from. They all had the chance to pick in time, although this decision was usually greatly influenced by the position of their sponsors. Most Risers chose to affiliate with whichever member their sponsor was sworn to.

He wasn’t too sure when would be the right time to snap her out of her prancing. He’d have to do it eventually. “My lady, what could be the matter this time? Could it still be about the Phantom boy?” he said apathetically.

She bit her finger as she paced even harder this time. Now her subordinate was genuinely worried. But his eyes were still as drab as ever. “Has Aelyn returned yet?” Remi asked. Her subordinate nodded his head in disagreement. Remi let out a heavy sigh. “I got carried away this time. So much that I didn’t even notice an ability that didn’t conform with ours,” she said.

“What do you mean? There’s a Riser with an ability that wasn’t derived from the Eight? Is that even possible?”

“Kazan, do you think it’s possible to inherit abilities that we can only use through command spells?” Remi asked.

For the first time, Kazan had a serious expression on his face. “The boy? Well, most people don’t believe he was using command spells. Most of what he said could be achieved with his force field powers. So, it’s possible that he simply just said it. Only members of the Eight can use command spells,” Kazan reiterated.

Not like Remi didn’t already know this. She was right in front of him. Kazan’s theory was plausible. But she was there. He wasn’t using his force field. Or did she simply overlook it? But that was something to worry about another time. There was something else that worried her even more. “You might be right. He didn’t say things that he couldn’t do otherwise. Let me ask you this, which member of the Eight can nullify abilities?” she asked.

“All. You just simply have to say---”

“Without command spells,” Remi interjected. “Which one of us naturally has that ability?” she asked.

They both knew the answer to that question. “None,” he said.

“Exactly. But that Riser could do it. And I’m sure I’m not the only one that has noticed how off that is. The other members---”

“Maybe Alatraz. He has a spell for everything. It’s possible that she inherited it.”

“I smell foul play, Kazan. Something is very wrong. I wanted to warn them but I wasn’t sure it’d be wise. Besides, Aaron is with him. He’s a better judge of this like this. If anything goes wrong, there shouldn’t be much of a problem,” Remi said.

“Aaron?” Kazan asked, perplexed. He was only aware of Aaron’s disappearance just like everyone else. And it was perfectly normal.

Yes. Long story. I’ll tell you about it later.”

“The jumper has returned. That makes things even more interesting. Did he tell you why he came back?” he asked.

“He did.”

“And I’m guessing you can’t tell me that much?”

“Yeah. You know how Aaron is,” she said. It wasn’t like she didn’t trust Kazan. He knew that. But matters involving Aaron that the only other person that was kept in the loop asides from Remi was the Phantom; Elena. Elena was ridiculously close to Remi. Almost like how Blaze and Ari were close. But it looked more than just regular friendship. And that’s why it hurt Remi more than anyone else when Elena had to leave. Most of their subordinates were on friendly terms as a result of that. They had meetings together, went on missions, and even celebrations together.

“I understand,” Kazan said. And he truly did. If Remi deemed it necessary, she would tell him.

“I’m going over to Elena’s. I want to see how they are doing,” she said.

“You can’t keep doing this forever you know? Sooner or later, she will be stripped of her title,” Kazan said. But only after he did, that he realized he shouldn’t have uttered such a statement. The air changed. And Kazan quickly bowed apologetically. He had hit a nerve.

“I will never give up on her. Or them. If the roles were reversed, she would do the same. And even more. Besides, you should know what their disbandment would mean. None of them will be left alive. And I won’t allow them to betray her again. Not after he has finally returned. The boy we risked everything for.”