The river surged forward with a relentless, roaring current, its waters a frothy, tumultuous mass of motion. The riverbanks were lined with smooth, water-worn stones, some submerged, others jutting out like tiny islands in the stream. Occasional whirlpools formed and dissolved, adding to the river’s wild, untamed character. The sound of the water crashing against rocks filled the air, a symphony of natural power.
“According to the map, this is the river.” Leeland asked the group. “Are we really going with Jazz’s idea?”
“I agree with Jazz,” Keilee replied. “If we look at the map, the route to the west goes through a forest, probably with lots of steep climbs. If we need to catch up quickly, this is the better route.”
“But this looks dangerous,” Gabe said.
“We’ve already faced so much danger,” Keilee remarked with a soft laugh. “What’s one more risk?”
“And we’re already here,” Jazz chimed in. “Turning back now would cost us too much time.”
“I think that’s a valid point,” Gabe replied. “So how are we going to do this, swim across the wild river?”
“I’ve been thinking about that. See that tree over there, Gabe?” Jazz said. “We need your axe to chop it down.”
“Oh, I like where this is going!” Keilee remarked excitedly.
“Remember our last training with Professor Mackenzie?” Jazz added with a smile.
“The balance exercise?” Leeland asked.
“We’re going to need a lot of that,” Jazz replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. His mind drifted back to their training sessions with Professor Mackenzie.
* * *
The sun had not yet risen, casting a dim light over a quiet small open space beside a gentle stream. The sound of the water flowing over rocks was soothing, offering a quiet rhythm in the otherwise still air. Tall trees surrounded the area, their branches reaching high into the sky, creating a natural canopy that provided shade from the fading night. Professor Mackenzie stood with Jazz, Leeland, Keilee, and Gabe, preparing for their morning training session.
In the center of the clearing, a long, sturdy bamboo pole had been set up horizontally, suspended between two wooden posts driven into the ground. The bamboo was no wider than a hand’s breadth, yet it was strong and slightly flexible, capable of supporting their weight. Below the bamboo, the ground was covered in a layer of soft grass, providing a cushion for any falls during their practice.
“Balance is not just about physical stability,” Professor Mackenzie said. “It’s about mental focus, about finding your center even when everything around you is in chaos.”
“Let’s start with you, Jazz,” the Professor continued, nodding at Jazz to climb onto the bamboo pole.
Jazz began to bend down to remove his shoes, but the Professor stopped him with a raised hand. “Keep your shoes on,” he instructed firmly. “In a real situation, you won’t have the luxury of removing them when you need your balance. Practice as if you’re in the field.”
Jazz nodded, understanding the lesson. He approached the bamboo pole, noticing a small wooden stair at the base, providing an easy step up. Taking a deep breath, he placed one foot on the stair and then carefully onto the bamboo. His hands instinctively raised to his sides, fingers spread for balance.
As he stepped fully onto the pole, the bamboo flexed slightly under his weight. He took his first step cautiously, his foot feeling the smooth surface. The bamboo swayed gently with each movement, making the task more challenging. Jazz’s eyes were fixed on his feet, concentrating on each careful step.
“Don’t look at your feet, Jazz,” Professor Mackenzie called out. “Focus on a point ahead of you. Find your center and let your body adjust naturally.”
Jazz lifted his gaze, fixing it on a spot at the far end of the pole. The shift in focus made the task both easier and harder; he could no longer see where his feet were landing, but it allowed his body to find a rhythm. He took another step, then another, each one more confident than the last. The initial struggle for balance began to ease as he tuned into the subtle movements of the bamboo beneath him.
The Professor watched him intently, ready to offer more guidance. “Good, Jazz. Remember, it’s not just about where you place your feet. Feel the balance in your whole body. Trust yourself.”
Jazz continued to walk, his steps becoming smoother as he moved along the bamboo, each step a testament to his growing confidence and focus.
Within a few minutes, Jazz made it to the end of the bamboo pole. His steps had grown more confident and steady. As he stepped down from the pole, the group erupted in applause. Leeland clapped the loudest, a grin spreading across his face. “Nice going, Jazz! You made it look easy,” he called out, a teasing glint in his eye.
Professor Mackenzie nodded approvingly. “Good job, Jazz. Now, go back to the center of the pole.”
Jazz took a deep breath and climbed back onto the bamboo. This time, his movements were quicker and more assured. He had found his balance. Within moments, he was back at the center, standing tall and poised.
“No matter what happens, you must keep your balance,” Professor Mackenzie instructed, his tone serious.
Jazz nodded, ready for the next part of the exercise. Without warning, Professor Mackenzie kicked the bamboo pole. Jazz wobbled, his arms flailing slightly as he struggled to keep his balance. He took a deep breath, trying to center himself again.
Another kick from Professor Mackenzie sent the pole shaking more violently. This time, Jazz couldn’t keep his balance and fell, landing on his feet with a soft thud. The Professor didn’t give him a moment to rest. “Get back up, Jazz. Try again.”
Determined, Jazz climbed back onto the pole. He stood at the center, focusing on his balance. The first kick came, and he managed to stay upright, adjusting quickly to the movement. Another kick followed, and he wobbled but didn’t fall. By the sixth kick, however, he lost his balance again, landing on his feet with a frustrated sigh.
“Again,” Professor Mackenzie said, his voice calm but firm.
Jazz climbed up once more, his determination growing stronger. He found his balance and stood ready. This time, as the kicks came, he tried a different approach. He bent his knees slightly, lowering his center of gravity. The first kick hit, and he swayed but stayed upright. The second kick was harder, but he adjusted quickly. By the third kick, he had found a rhythm, using the movement of the bamboo to help him stay balanced.
After the sixth kick, he was still standing, his body moving in sync with the swaying bamboo. A smile broke out on his face as he realized he had found a way to maintain his balance despite the kicks. Professor Mackenzie stopped and nodded, clearly pleased. “Well done, Jazz. You’ve learned to adapt and stay balanced, no matter what.”
As the words left Professor Mackenzie’s mouth, he suddenly jumped, kicking Jazz’s feet out from under him. Jazz fell to the ground with a thud, surprised by the unexpected move. Before he could react, Professor Mackenzie’s hand was already extended to help him up.
“Sorry about that, but you must always be prepared,” the Professor said with a hint of a smile. “Now, get back up there.”
Jazz nodded, accepting the challenge. He climbed back onto the bamboo pole, his eyes focused. “This time, focus on me,” Professor Mackenzie instructed. “You must avoid my kicks.”
The Professor launched another kick at Jazz, who managed to sidestep it, but his foot landed awkwardly on the bamboo, causing him to wobble and fall again. Jazz was back on his feet at once, determined to master the drill.
Professor Mackenzie kicked at Jazz’s feet again. This time, Jazz jumped, managing to land back on the bamboo with surprising balance. The Professor kicked again, and Jazz repeated the maneuver, landing steadily each time.
Without warning, Professor Mackenzie jumped onto the pole, standing in front of Jazz. “Now, defend yourself,” he commanded, launching an attack. Jazz instinctively blocked the strikes, moving backward along the bamboo, trying to maintain his balance.
The two moved in a fluid dance of attack and defense, Jazz’s focus entirely on the Professor. Each strike was met with a quick block, each step backward carefully measured to keep from falling. Professor Mackenzie’s attacks were relentless, testing Jazz’s agility and balance with every move.
Gradually, Jazz began to find a rhythm. He anticipated the Professor’s moves, blocking and countering with increasing confidence. With a sudden burst of determination, Jazz shifted from defense to offense. He began to counterattack, his movements swift and precise. Each strike he aimed at the Professor was met with a block, but he didn’t lose his balance.
The dance continued, the two figures moving back and forth along the bamboo pole. Jazz’s counters became more aggressive, forcing Professor Mackenzie to take a step back. For a moment, it seemed like Jazz had the upper hand, his balance unwavering, his strikes quick and calculated.
The session ended with Professor Mackenzie nodding in approval. “Excellent, Jazz. You’ve learned not only to maintain your balance but to use it to your advantage. Remember, in the real world, you must always be ready for the unexpected.”
“Balance is crucial in every aspect of life,” Professor Mackenzie continued, his tone unusually solemn. The usually lively and energetic Professor seemed subdued, his eyes distant. “I learned this the hard way. I was so absorbed in studying the manuscripts, so intent on uncovering the secrets of the Echoes, that I neglected the balance in my own life.”
“My son, Kenzie, needed me, but I wasn’t there for him. My obsession with the manuscripts and my work caused a rift between us, one that drove him down a dark path. I failed to balance my duties as a scholar and as a father.”
Jazz could see the pain in the Professor’s eyes, a regret that seemed to weigh on him heavily. “Learn from my mistake,” Mackenzie had urged them. “Balance your training with your relationships. Don’t let your focus on one aspect of your life cause another to falter. It’s a delicate dance, but one that’s necessary.”
“Do you all understand?” he continued.
“Yes, Conductor!” they all answered in unison.
“Gabe, you’re next!” Professor Mackenzie said.
* * *
The rhythmic thuds echoed through the forest as Gabe swung his axe, bringing Jazz back from his memories. Shaking off the past, Jazz quickly joined Gabe, using his sword to help strip the branches and smooth out the trunks. Soon, they had several sturdy logs ready, each about the right size for one person to ride.
Keilee and Leeland helped roll the logs to the riverbank, checking them for balance and stability. They used vines to create makeshift footrests, giving them a bit more control as they navigated the fast current.
After an hour or so, their preparations were complete. The logs lay lined up along the riverbank, ready for their daring journey. Jazz tested one, pushing it into the shallows to check its buoyancy. The log bobbed but held steady.
“We did it,” Keilee said, her voice filled with triumph.
“Let’s get moving,” Jazz said, giving his log a final push into the river.
Jazz, Keilee, and Leeland found their balance quickly, standing upright on their logs, their feet firmly planted in the vine footrests. They kept their bodies low and slightly crouched, leaning forward just enough to match the river’s pace. Their knees bent slightly, ready to react to the log’s movement as they held onto the sides for added stability. The water splashed against their legs as the current picked up, but their posture allowed them to navigate the swift flow with ease.
In contrast, Gabe chose a different approach. He crouched low, his weight centered on the log with both feet firmly anchored in the footrests. His hands gripped the vine handholds above, helping him lower his body even further into a ducking position. His knees were bent deeply, his chest close to the log, using his bulk to steady the log as it rocked with the current. His more grounded stance gave him extra control in the turbulent waters, a solid anchor for the wild ride ahead.
As they each settled into their respective positions, the group shared a brief glance, the weight of their journey ahead settling over them. The river roared louder, urging them forward. Each one adjusted, anticipating the twists and turns that lay ahead, their bodies moving in sync with the relentless flow of the water.
“Get ready, guys!” Jazz shouted, his voice rising above the roar of the river as they approached a section where the current grew even fiercer.
The river roared as they surged forward, the water splashing against them and spraying in all directions. The logs bobbed and twisted in the current, but the group held fast, each adjusting their position to stay upright as the ride grew wilder.
Jazz, ever the calm and focused one, guided his log with practiced precision. He grinned as a particularly wild wave hit him, splashing water over his head. “Well, that’s one way to cool off!” he said, wiping his face. His agility and strength allowed him to remain steady, using his balance to glide over the choppy waters with ease. Even as the current threatened to push him off course, he remained light on his feet, shifting with the flow while staying in control.
Keilee let out a loud laugh as she expertly steered her log through a rough patch. “Try to keep up, Lyric!” she teased, her voice full of mischievous energy. Her movements were fluid, almost graceful as she leaned into the twists and turns of the river. The rapid current only seemed to fuel her excitement, her laughter ringing through the air as she deftly avoided a series of sharp rocks. The water splashed all around her, but she never faltered, her quick reflexes always a step ahead of the river’s fury.
Leeland, riding beside Keilee, couldn’t resist a playful quip. “Oh, I’m keeping up just fine!” he shot back with a grin, expertly navigating his own log over a particularly rough wave. He tilted his head toward Keilee with a wink. “But you’re still ahead, aren’t you? Guess I’ll have to catch up!” His log veered slightly as he tried to correct for the rough patches, but his quick reflexes kept him steady. He kept his eyes on the river ahead, his competitive spirit fueling him to keep moving.
Gabe, a little slower but still strong, grimaced as a wave splashed over him. “This current’s a bit more than I bargained for!” he called out, laughing despite himself. He shifted his position, adjusting his crouched stance as the log wobbled beneath him. The river was a challenge, but Gabe’s strength gave him an edge—his bulk helped stabilize his log, keeping him steady as the current raged around him. “I swear, I’m going to need a feast after this,” he joked, flashing a grin. Despite the hesitation in his movements, he was solid, his body grounded against the wild ride.
As they neared a particularly tumultuous section of the river, the group worked together, each knowing their role. Jazz was ahead, navigating the river with quiet confidence. Keilee and Leeland bickered and joked, their laughter echoing over the rushing water, while Gabe added his own dry humor, keeping the mood light even in the face of the rough waters.
Soon, their laughter faded as the river’s mood changed. The current grew fiercer, twisting and pulling them faster with each turn. The wind slammed against their faces, stinging their skin and tugging at their clothes, while the roar of the water drowned out everything else. The once-playful ride had become a rush of raw power, forcing them to concentrate fully.
The logs shot forward, cutting through the river’s churning surface, the water surging beneath them in a blur of green and white foam. The air felt charged, as if the river itself was alive, pushing them faster, pulling them closer to its wild pulse. They gripped their logs tighter, their bodies low and balanced, moving with the rhythm of the water as they steered through the rapid twists and turns. There was no time for anything else now. They were locked in a race with the river, moving faster than they could have imagined, each twist of the current driving them forward at breakneck speed.
Soon, as the suns rose higher in the sky, their bodies grew weary from the constant motion of the river. The roar of the rapids softened, and the current slowed, no longer pushing them with the same force. The once wild water now flowed more gently, almost as if it had decided to grant them a moment of rest.
The surface of the river flattened, reflecting the brilliant blue above, undisturbed except for the occasional ripple as they glided forward. The air around them grew still, the harsh rush of wind replaced by a warm, dry breeze that brushed against their faces. The land on either side had shifted from dense forests to barren stretches, where cracked earth met the river’s edge in a jagged line. Sparse tufts of grass clung to the dry ground, with no trees to offer shade. The horizon stretched endlessly, a vast expanse of parched earth, where the ground seemed to shimmer under the heat of the suns.
As they drifted through this desolate land, the river slowly wound its way into a wide, flat plain. The water grew more sluggish here, meandering through the vast expanse like a lazy serpent, its surface reflecting the blinding light of the suns. The sounds of the river, once alive with the rush of water, now seemed muted, as if the world had quieted, and everything was suspended in the heat of the moment.
The group disembarked from their logs, their bodies aching from the long journey on the water. Jazz stretched his arms above his head, feeling the tightness in his muscles. The riverbank was soft underfoot, a mix of sand and silt that clung to their shoes as they moved onto solid ground.
“How’s the map?” Jazz asked, approaching Leeland.
“Wet, but still intact.” Leeland replied. “Good thing it is made with some kind of cloth.”
“So where are we right now on that map?” Keilee inquired as she and Gabe joined Jazz and Leeland.
“About here, maybe?” Leeland suggested pointing on the map.
“Then…” Leeland continued thinking. “I think we will need to go south.” Everyone nodded and started their way.
The suns climbed higher in the sky, their relentless glare casting long shadows behind the travelers. Sweat trickled down their brows, and their breaths came in shallow, labored puffs as the heat of the day bore down on them.
Ahead, the landscape transformed into a vast desert basin, the ground dry and cracked in places, with sparse vegetation dotting the horizon. Small shrubs and hardy grasses clung to life, their leaves a dull, dusty green. The air shimmered with heat, creating mirages that danced on the edges of their vision.
Jazz led the way, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger or shelter. They moved with purpose, their steps measured and careful. The soft crunch of their footsteps was the only sound, a stark contrast to the earlier cacophony of the river.
As the suns began their descent, the light softened, bathing the landscape in a warm, golden hue. The oppressive heat of the day began to wane, replaced by a cooler breeze that whispered through the sparse vegetation.
Jazz paused, squinting into the distance. “Look,” he said, pointing ahead. The others followed his gaze, their eyes widening as they saw it—a great chasm stretching across the horizon, its jagged edges stark against the fading light, the pulsating dark blues and purples of the Negative Harmony swirling within.
* * *
From his hiding spot, concealed behind a jagged outcrop of stone, Kellan carefully observed the movements of the Mal’ak warriors stationed at the border of the Negative Harmony. He’d been circling the perimeter for hours now, watching, waiting, ensuring that the guard groups remained diligent. The warriors had formed a pattern, shifting in regular intervals, but the gaps between them were subtle, nearly invisible to the untrained eye.
He could see the shadow of the Negative Harmony in the distance, its dark energy pulsing like an unseen heartbeat. It was a thing of great power and danger, but he had a mission—one that had to be completed without delay.
Without wasting another second, he darted from his cover, blending seamlessly into the wasteland’s desolation. His movements were quick and precise, his feet barely making a sound against the dry earth. He moved in a zigzag pattern, tracking the border of the Negative Harmony as he retraced his route back toward the spot where his companions waited.
Every step was calculated, his mind sharp and focused, replaying the paths he’d taken earlier to avoid detection. He ducked behind the occasional boulder or patch of scorched earth, each maneuver timed perfectly with the rotation of the guards. He could feel the adrenaline rushing through his veins as the distance between him and the waiting group shrank.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he emerged from behind a ridge. There, in the shadow of a half-crumbled structure, were his three companions. They waited in silence, their expressions unreadable, the tension between them palpable. The moment he stepped into view, one of them shifted slightly, their posture relaxing just a fraction.
“Did you confirm the pattern?” Kenzie asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded once, his eyes still scanning the wasteland behind him. “Yes, there were guards in groups of four surrounding the Negative Harmony,” he replied.
“Who are they?” Ivy asked.
“Probably the beings who live here in Eternal Resonance,” Kellan answered.
“The resistance,” Kenzie added. “They’re the ones who oppose the Light-Bringer.”
“So, what’s the plan?” Titus interjected.
“We wait for the night, then we’ll attack,” Kenzie replied. “For now, rest up.”
Kenzie stepped away from the group. He found a quiet spot on the cracked, barren ground, sitting cross-legged as he watched the blue sun begin its descent toward the horizon. The fading light cast shadows across the wasteland, the sky turning deeper shades of indigo and violet.
His fingers traced imaginary piano keys on the ground, moving in fluid motions as if playing the air itself. In his mind, he played in the key of E, the familiar feel of the scale grounding him in a moment of stillness.
He remembered the early days of learning piano, when he had been afraid of the flat and sharp keys. Those keys seemed harsh to him then, unfamiliar and unsettling. But his father’s voice had always soothed those fears, telling him, “Don’t be afraid of the flats and sharps, Kenzie. You’re just not familiar with them. Come to think of it, the key of Eb only has three accidentals, while the key of E has four.” His father had always said that Eb was his favorite key signature, because, for him, it was the key that carried the most emotion.
Suddenly, he heard a whisper. “It's not too late; you can still choose the right path.” The whisper was soft yet clear.
Kenzie’s head snapped to the side, his heart skipping a beat. He scanned the area behind him, but all he saw were the shapes of his three companions, resting in the distance, their figures sprawled out in quiet repose under the dimming light. No one else was near. The wasteland around them remained empty and barren.
Another memory flashed in his mind. It was from the day before he had entered the portal to the Negative Harmony, a day when everything still felt uncertain, when his future seemed like a vast, open space waiting to be filled.
He had been walking through the university campus, mind swirling with thoughts about what was to come. That’s when a girl approached him. The girl’s eyes were earnest, almost pleading, and without saying a word, he handed Kenzie a flyer.
The paper had felt light in Kenzie’s hand, and the words printed on it had seemed out of place among the bustling energy of the university.
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
At the time, Kenzie had merely pocketed the flyer, dismissing it as one of those vague inspirational messages that often floated around. But now, the words echoed in his mind with a weight he hadn’t understood before.
Kenzie shook the thoughts away, pushing the fleeting memories to the back of his mind. He refocused, his eyes narrowing as he turned his attention back to the task at hand. The goal was clear—nothing else mattered now.
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