The Phantom Riser

CHAPTER SIXTEEN - INTRUDER

It was dark, pitch black. Not to mention silent. The darkness was a void, consuming anything and everything. Light, sound, it didn’t matter. Kiro found himself in that darkness again. but he wasn’t drowning this time, he was at the bottom. Bottom of whatever ocean or river he might have fallen into. How did he get here? And why did it feel so familiar? Was this a reprieve for all the sins he had committed? Or as the case may be, about to commit? He lacked special awareness of any kind, but he wasn’t worried. For some reason, he felt he wasn’t alone. His reflection stared at him, except this time, it wasn’t his reflection. It was the reflection of someone who was yet to come. Kiro, the Phantom Ranger!

Ripples formed through the sea of darkness that engulfed him and slowly, light set in. In a moment, it was too much light, too much ‘bright’. A figure approached him. He couldn’t quite make out the details but he knew who it was somehow. The serene that seeped deep into his bones as the figure approached was divine, so much that he wished to never leave. But he could never stay.

The figure was a young man, white as snow, almost inhuman. A calm expression claimed most of his face but his eyes said otherwise. Sunken, but sharp. He had seen a lot. He had thick dark hair, with blue eyes that reminded you of the oceans. “It’s been quite some time, Kiro,” he said softly. His voice melted softly in Kiro’s ears like snowflakes.

“Aaron? – Aaron! It’s really you. How are you here? You shouldn’t be---” Kiro stuttered.

“Yes, I shouldn’t. At least not until the next five years,” Aaron replied. He had a sad smile on his face at the moment, a show of sympathy towards Kiro.

“How then?” Kiro asked. He stared at Aaron in sheer disbelief.

“Because you are making the same mistake as you did the last time. Or have you forgotten why you came back?” Aaron tone changed. It was a lot harsher, more serious. It was quite unfortunate that Kiro couldn’t actually remember.

“I actually don’t remember the circumstances. But I remember a lot. More than a lot. I think the only thing I can’t remember would be that night,” Kiro replied.

“Perhaps there’s a reason for that. But if you remember so much, then why is the Ascient still alive?” Aaron’s tone was even harsher than before.

Kiro was immediately defensive. “Nothing is set. I can change it,” Kiro retorted sharply.

“Yes, you can do that now before he gets stronger than you. Stronger than all of us. By then, it’ll all be too late. Wake up Kiro, you knew what you had to do before you came back. Why are you faltering now? Or did you lose the memories that brought us to this conclusion?”

“It’s different. Seeing them again. Everything being the way they used to. I want to save all that---”

“When will you learn?”

“Things have been happening differently.”

“Differently? So, the people are different from what you remember them to be?” Kiro knew the answer to that question wouldn’t help his case at all. Things were happening faster alright, but the events weren’t entirely different. “Understand this Kiro, if things are happening faster than they should, it’s because of your involvement. And that means we have even less time to act than you know. I understand the bond between you, but remember everything that happened – everything that will happen. Don’t make this sacrifice be in vain. You may not remember what it cost us, but I do.”

“What do I do now? How do I get to you?” Kiro asked desperately.

“Find the Nineth. And for now, stay away from the Phantom’s rage. I can help you get back to the normal world this time, but if you use it while you are still a Riser, they may not be a way back,” Aaron said before he vanished.

***

Kiro awoke beside a fire. It was a cave that edged beside a Ravine. Victor dozed as he watched him, while Karenia stood watch. Her keen senses made her the prime candidate, especially since Kiro was unconscious. He woke with a headache and blurry vision, but it all cleared up within second. “Hey man, how are you feeling?” Victor asked with a smile on his face. A different scene ran through Kiro’s head. A different Victor. Surrounded by his flames and the stench of death. It took a few seconds for him to snap out of his reverie.

“I’m okay. Just a bit light headed, that’s all,” Kiro replied. No, he could change it. He could change Victor’s looming fate. After all, he knew exactly what led him down that road. All he needed to do was change that.

Karenia ran in as she heard Kiro’s voice. “You’re awake. We were worried you wouldn’t wake up till after the test,” Karenia said.

“How long was I out?” Kiro said with a fright.

“About three days.”

Three days! That was a lot of time wasted. They may have passed the test requirements but they were still far from achieving their main goals. “I held you back this time.”

“What are you saying? We wouldn’t even have gotten this far without you. Or worse still, we would be dead. We’re just glad you’re okay. You gave us quite the scare there,” Karenia said.

“And it’s been a heck of a job avoiding Jovak. He’s been on our tail for some time now. He’s not come himself yet, but he has sent a few risers,” Victor said.

“He’s probably cautious because of the ability I used.”

“Yeah. It was amazing. What was that?” Karenia asked enthusiastically.

“I don’t know,” Kiro lied through his teeth. For some reason, he felt that it was better if they didn’t know some truths yet.

“Okay man, but it was really cool. It did take quite a toll on you though. Maybe you shouldn’t use it again for a while,” Victor said.

“I doubt I can. Get some rest Karenia, I’ll put up some traps. We have a long day tomorrow,” Kiro said.

***

Noah watched the test with excitement, just as most of the other audience did. He was alone in his room as he scanned through the Risers that still remained. And as usual, Kiro was the peak of interest. He felt a presence behind him, which was very odd. No one should have been in the vicinity at that time. “He interests you too, doesn’t he?” a figure behind him said.

“If it isn’t Lord Blaze’s loyal servant. What are you doing here, Azak?”