The Phantom Riser

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE - MY CHILD (3)

“Shall we?” Remi asked, gesturing for him to move forward. Kiro swiftly obliged. “I won’t take long, so don’t worry too much. He’s safe with me,” she said. Even though she was talking to them all at once, it felt like she was talking to Karenia specifically. She wrapped them in an energy cocoon. Nothing could be seen or heard through it. It was amazing that she was that powerful even though she was using less than 1% of her full power. Just how powerful were the Eight? Well, Remi was always one of the strongest. She was ranked among the upper half of the Eight; which also included Blaze, Ari the Beast, and the Phantom. So, it was no bluff to say that it was impossible for them to even imagine how powerful she was.

“You know, don’t you?” Kiro asked. He wasn’t sure whether he should ask her or not, but he needed to know how many possibly knew his secret?

“Know what?” Remi asked.

Kiro wasn’t sure whether she was playing dumb or if she truly didn’t know. Maybe she also thought that he just knew things. Like an ability or something. If that was the case, it would be dangerous to reveal his truth.

“The truth about me,” he said. He knew he was vague, but he wasn’t going to give up information just like that.

“I don’t know what you are talking about exactly, but there is no need to reveal too much to me. At least not now. In time, when you trust me enough, I would be glad to listen.”

Kiro was surprised to hear her speak so gently to him. it was almost like she had a special affection for him. “Why? Why are you doing so much for us?” he asked. He really couldn’t put it together. Things were beginning to happen far too different from before and it was quite bothersome. Would his precious knowledge still available to him considering the current trend?

“For two reasons. One, I love Elena enough to protect her only legacy. Or at least give him a fighting chance. And two, you are housing someone who is special to me; Aaron,” she said. Kiro was shocked to hear her say that? How did she know? “Don’t look so surprised. It was his presence that attracted our attention to you. He disappeared years ago after defying orders from the Eight only to show up like this. So, of course, they would be after you. And you are the only Riser Elena produced. So, it would obviously be a cause for alarm for those who fear her.”

“Fear her?”

“Never mind that,” she said. With one wave of her hand, she conjured Aaron out of Kiro and onto the space within the energy cocoon. Kiro jolted to the side as Aaron appeared before him. Remi smiled softly as she stared at him. If she could, she would have embraced him, but he had no physical body at that moment.

“It’s been quite some time, Remi,” Aaron said.

“Well, as usual, you run off without telling where you are going. What kind of mess have you gotten yourself into this time?”

Aaron explained their situation, but only as much as Kiro already knew. Even Remi could tell that he was hoarding information, but she didn’t stress too much about it. He surely had his reasons.

“That’s quite the situation. So, how do you intend to get your physical body back?” she asked.

“I don’t know if that’s possible, but my first priority is making sure that Kiro is safe.”

“I didn’t think you two were this close,” Kiro said. Remi seemed like a very cool and friendly person, but their bond seemed a lot stronger than that.

“He was my Ascient after all. The only one to exist before Victor and he came from me. So, of course, he’s special to me.”

“Which is still why I don’t get why he wants Victor dead by all means. Shouldn’t you try to win him over instead? He could prove extremely useful in the future. Just like he is now,” Kiro said.

And that sad expression appeared on Remi’s face once more. It was the curse of knowing too much. Knowing things that very few souls were aware of. “Kiro, do you know why Ascients are born? Before I saw Aaron the way he is now, I would have disagreed with his opinion about Victor, but I think I understand now,” Remi said.

“No, I don’t,” Kiro said. That was definitely not general knowledge. In fact, a lot of people did not believe that the Ascients were real. They felt it was just an exaggeration of how powerful Aaron was.

“This is a secret, so do not mention this to anyone, not even your friends. The only ones who know this are me, Aaron, Elena, and probably Blaze. So, this is information you have to be careful with. Ascients are born to replace us, members of the Eight. That is the reason they can use the full extent of our abilities save for the command spells.”

“Replace the Eight?”

“Yes. It’s a sign that a member of the Eight is about to die. And a successor is needed. The fact that you can use command spells puts you at a level even higher than the Ascient. And that’s enough cause for worry. A lot of things don’t add up and sooner or later, every member of the Eight will investigate you thoroughly. If they don’t kill you first. And then, your secret would be out.”

“It wouldn’t be too bad.”

“Not your reincarnation. At least not this one. The fact that you might just be one of us. Like how Aaron is my child, and Victor, Blaze’s, you are Elena’s child. And you are on a class that shouldn’t even exist.”

“I’m getting confused.”

“I understand, but you are not ready yet. Keep this in mind, you need to grow quickly and fast. If you can win the Ascient fully to your side, I can guarantee that I won’t let Aaron touch him. But remember that the Beast girl is key. She’s a lot more than meets the eye. I’m sure you know that.”

Kiro wasn’t sure how to respond to everything he had heard. It was too much information to process at once. And there was more? Jut how much was Aaron keeping from him? And how much was he really ready to hear?