Wielding the Echo

The garden lay shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the soft glow of the moon and the warm glow emanating from a lantern hanging gently from a wooden post. The faint rustle of leaves accompanied by the rhythmic chirping of crickets filled the night.
    The glow of the lantern illuminated five figures sitting in a loose circle on the cool stone pathway, leaning in closer to one another. The soft light cast gentle shadows across their faces, creating an intimate atmosphere.
    The Conductor sat comfortably, his back straight but relaxed, exuding a sense of calm authority. His hands rested on his knees, ready to guide the conversation.
    Next to him, Jazz sat with his right hand resting on the arm of his chair, propping his chin thoughtfully as he considered the discussion.
    Leeland lounged back, arms crossed casually over his chest, with his legs crossed in a relaxed manner.
    The fourth figure in the circle was Gabe, a bit plump, giving him a jovial presence that complemented the gathering. A playful smile often danced on his lips. He sat with one hand casually resting on his thigh, while the other held a snack, occasionally bringing it to his mouth as he listened intently to the conversation. Despite his rounded figure, there was an air of energy about him.
    The last one was Leeland’s twin sister, Keilee, dressed in fashionable attire predominantly in shades of pink that showcased her keen sense of style. Her curly hair was styled into two high pigtails, giving her a playful and youthful appearance, while she wore a bold shade of lipstick that highlighted her vibrant personality. As she sat, she absentmindedly spun a drumstick in one hand, the other resting on her knee while she chewed gum with a slight frown on her lips. Her narrowed eyes held a skeptical glint, adding to her distinctively grumpy demeanor.
    “So, Conductor, you’re telling us that there was a Negative Harmony Entity at Maple University?” Keilee asked.
    “It was a Gore Hound, Keilee,” Leeland butted in.
    Keilee quickly motioned her drumstick at Leeland, signaling him to shut up, and said, “I’m not talking to you, Lyric!”
    She then added, “And did I tell you before that in a Resonant meeting, you will address me by my Resonant name, Rhythm!” She pointed her drumstick to Leeland. “Resonant name, Lyric.” Then she pointed to Professor Mackenzie, “Resonant name, Conductor.” Next, she pointed at Gabe, “Resonant name, Deep Tone.” Finally, she pointed at Jazz and paused for a moment. “What’s your name, again?”
    “Jazz,” he replied.
    “Resonant name, Jazzy,” Keilee continued. She looked back at Leeland and said, “Understood?”
    Leeland sighed and said, “Here we go again.”
    “Enough of that,” the Conductor cut in. “But yes, Leeland… I mean, Lyric, is right. It was a Gore Hound.”
    Gabe then asked while munching on chips, “Did you find a Negative Harmony?”
    The Conductor replied, “That’s what’s puzzling me. I only felt the Negative Harmony’s presence a few minutes before I responded to help Jazz and Leeland. There’s supposed to be an Echo… and isn’t there supposed to be a Resonant?”
    Keilee interjected, “Did anyone else see you while you were fighting the Gore Hound?”
    “Luckily, the encounter happened in the university's secluded area,” the Conductor said, pausing before turning to Jazz and Leeland. “Nobody was there before I arrived, right?”
    “There was a girl.” Jazz answered.
    The Conductor replied, “Don’t worry, I think her report was forgotten by security and was overshadowed by my report. I told them that there was a meteor shower. I’m not sure if they bought it, though.”
    Professor Mackenzie crossed his arms, his expression turning serious. “We need to find out what’s really happening. Leeland, Jazz, you both must be very careful. There’s a chance the Gore Hound was actually there to attack you—or possibly even me.”
    The Conductor stood, addressing the group with a sense of urgency. “Leeland, Keilee, and Gabe, I want you to investigate the university tomorrow. Jazz will continue his training with me. If you see or encounter anything truly strange, call me on my phone immediately. It’s crucial you go as a team; it’s dangerous to be alone out there.” With that, he dismissed the meeting.

*  *  *

The next day, early in the morning, Jazz and the Conductor were training in the garden. They had decided against practicing at the university, opting for a private setting where they could focus on harnessing Jazz's Echo.
    “Had some lucid dreaming last night, Jazz?” the Conductor asked.
    “Yes, Professor,” Jazz answered, smiling.
    “Good!” the Conductor said. “Now, Jazz, try to focus your mind on wielding the Echo. Concentrate as if you’re controlling your dreams.”

     Jazz closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in and then slowly exhaling, just like he did before drifting off to sleep. He focused his mind, visualizing the moment he would wield his Echo. As he concentrated, a warm sensation enveloped him, and he could feel the energy pulsating within him. 
    Gradually, the Echo began to manifest in front of him, shimmering into existence with a soft, radiant glow. 
    The Conductor smiled, seeing a keybed of Echo just like his. He then counted the keys by octaves, muttering to himself, “Five octaves, good start.”
    Just then, the Echo flickered and vanished, leaving Jazz momentarily disappointed.
    The Conductor gently tapped Jazz on the back and said, “You need to practice more with your lucid dreaming.” He then pointed toward the sleeping mat.

*  *  *

Days passed, and Jazz settled into a routine that combined rigorous physical training with his growing ability to lucid dream. Each morning, he practiced wielding his Echo while honing his martial arts skills, focusing on agility and precision. The Conductor pushed him to his limits, ensuring he was both mentally and physically prepared. 
    Meanwhile, Leeland, Keilee, and Gabe dedicated their days to investigating the strange occurrences at the university. They scoured every corner, but their efforts yielded no results. Frustrated but undeterred, they decided to temporarily set their investigation aside, hoping that new leads would emerge in the future.

*  *  *

The full moon hung high in the sky, its silvery glow illuminating the surroundings with a radiant brightness. The moonlight danced across the rooftop of the School of Music, casting gentle shadows that swayed with the soft breeze.
    As Jazz stood beneath the moon’s glow, it was clear that there had been a significant change in his physical appearance and demeanor. His once boyish frame had developed more muscle tone, a testament to the rigorous training he had undergone over the past two weeks.
    The Conductor turned to Jazz, a look of encouragement in his eyes. “It’s been two weeks, Jazz. I was hoping you could properly wield your Echo by now.”
    Jazz replied, “I hope so, Professor.”
    “Proceed,” the Conductor said.
    Jazz focused intently, keeping his eyes open this time as he concentrated on summoning his Echo. The Echo manifested before him almost instantly, its vibrant form shimmering in the moonlight.
    The Conductor remarked, “You can summon it really fast now.” He paused for a moment, studying Jazz's determination before continuing, “Now, let’s move on to the wielding part.”
    Jazz focused intently, and to his delight, he managed to touch the keybed without it vanishing this time. A broad smile spread across his face, and he turned to gaze at the Conductor, his eyes shining with excitement. The Conductor nodded approvingly, a look of pride in his eyes.
    Encouraged by the approval, Jazz began to push down on the notes, and as he did, they sparkled in the air, shimmering like starlight, though no sound escaped. The visual display was mesmerizing, filling the rooftop with an ethereal glow.
    Jazz, still beaming from his success, turned to the Conductor and asked, “How can I turn this into a weapon?”
    His curiosity was evident, and he eagerly awaited the Conductor's guidance on harnessing the power of his Echo in a more combat-ready form.
    “It’s usually just by playing the instrument,” the Conductor replied. “I’m afraid only you can discover that. Think deeply about it, as you have a unique connection to your Echo.”
    As Jazz concentrated, he felt a spark of inspiration ignite within him. The image of the broken keys flashed in his mind, and he instinctively placed his fingers on the keys C, E, G, and B.
    With each note he pressed, the air around him shimmered with energy. Suddenly, the keybed began to morph and shift, transforming before his eyes. The sleek surface of the Echo rippled and reshaped, elongating into a magnificent sword. Jazz stared in awe at the weapon hovering before him, its blade glimmering with an ethereal light.
    As Jazz grasped the hilt of the sword, a surge of energy coursed through him, invigorating every fiber of his being. He felt an intense connection to the weapon, as if it were an extension of himself. The blade vibrated gently in his hand, resonating with the rhythm of his heartbeat.
    The Conductor clapped his hands, a broad smile spreading across his face. “Bravo, Jazz! You’ve done it!” he exclaimed, his voice brimming with pride. “Your speed and strength will multiply greatly now that you wield your echo.”
    “Now!” the Conductor exclaimed as he wielded his Echo. In a swift motion, he pressed a chord, and his own Echo transformed into a sword. With remarkable speed, he lunged forward, the blade gleaming in the moonlight as he began to attack Jazz.
    Flashes of light erupted with each clash of their swords as Jazz and the Conductor exchanged rapid slashes. The air crackled with energy, illuminating their determined faces. 
    As the night wore on, Jazz and the Conductor immersed themselves in their training on the rooftop of the School of Music. The rhythmic hum of their swords filled the air, punctuated by flashes of light as they practiced various techniques. With each swing and parry, Jazz felt a growing sense of confidence and mastery, while the Conductor’s guidance pushed him to his limits.
    Under the watchful gaze of the full moon, they lost track of time as they exchanged not just blows but also laughter and words of encouragement, each strike deepening their bond. Hours passed, and the rooftop transformed into a tapestry of energy, light, and determination, with the stars and moon above witnessing Jazz's relentless pursuit of skill and strength.

*  *  *

Jazz, Leeland, and Professor Mackenzie stood before the front door of Pines Hotel, a palpable tension filling the air. The dark aura of the Negative Harmony loomed ominously, so overwhelming that it felt as if it were wrapping around the entire building like a suffocating shroud.
    As they entered the hotel, they were met with a stark and unsettling atmosphere. There were very few people inside, each one appearing visibly drained, their faces etched with lines of worry and fatigue. The pervasive air of despondency hung around them like a thick fog, further amplifying the feeling of unease that had settled over the hotel.
    With a shared determination, Jazz led the way, while Leeland and Professor Mackenzie followed closely behind, their expressions a mix of resolve and apprehension. They moved quickly, their footsteps echoing softly against the floor as they made their way toward the basement.
    Soon, they found themselves in the dimly lit basement. Jazz, Leeland, and Professor Mackenzie stood together, their gazes fixed on the ceiling above. There, shimmering ominously, was the portal—a swirling mass of darkness that seemed to pulse with the very essence of Negative Harmony. 
    “So how can I enter the portal?” Jazz inquired, his voice barely above a whisper as he stepped closer, the dark energy radiating from the swirling mass causing his skin to prickle.
    Professor Mackenzie gestured toward the portal. “Stand below it, Jazz,” he instructed firmly.
    Taking a deep breath, Jazz walked beneath the swirling mass of darkness. Suddenly, the darkness poured out like rain, cascading around him and enveloping him in its inky tendrils.
    “Be careful!” Leeland called out, his voice laced with concern.
    “Knock it dead!” Professor Mackenzie shouted above the tumult. “We will be waiting here, Jazz!”
    In the blink of an eye, the darkness zapped into the portal, taking Jazz with it and vanishing without a trace.

     Jazz blinked and found himself standing in the heart of a dark castle, its looming walls stretching high into shadows that seemed to swallow all light. The air was thick with an oppressive silence, broken only by the faint echo of distant drips.
    Torches flickered along the cold stone walls, casting eerie shadows that danced like specters in the corners of his vision. The floor beneath his feet was worn by time, scattered with fragments of shattered armor and broken weapons, remnants of battles long past. Dark banners hung limply from the ceilings, emblazoned with faded symbols.
    At the center of the grand hall sat a knight upon a massive throne, draped in tattered-dark-armor. The helmet, obscuring all but a pair of glowing eyes, seemed to exude an aura of malevolence. Shadows clung to the figure like a second skin, giving it a ghostly appearance. A chilling silence surrounded him, the knight’s gauntleted hands resting on the armrests, fingers curled like the claws of a predator.
    Taking a deep breath, Jazz summoned his Echo, feeling the familiar energy surge through him. He focused intently and pressed the C major seventh chord, the keybed morphing instantly into a gleaming sword. The weapon felt weighty and powerful in his hands, a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of the dark castle.
    The knight stood from its throne, its glowing gaze locking onto Jazz. With a sudden, fluid motion, it began to charge towards him, each step echoing ominously through the grand hall. The knight moved with surprising speed and agility, its dark armor clinking rhythmically as it closed the distance.
    Jazz readied himself, his hands trembling a bit as he tightened his grip on the gleaming sword. The weight of the weapon and the gravity of the moment pressed down on him. His mind raced with the realization that this was a battle he alone could face; the Conductor could not rescue him if the battle turned against him. Despite the fear gnawing at the edges of his resolve, he stood his ground, determined to face the approaching threat.
    The knight, with its gauntleted hands, closed its fist and released a heavy blow at Jazz. The force of the attack sent a gust of wind rushing through the hall, and the air seemed to crackle with the knight's raw power.
    Jazz raised his sword to parry the knight's heavy blow. As the gleaming blade collided with the armored hand, a shower of sparks erupted, illuminating the dark hall. The sheer strength of the knight's attack was overwhelming; Jazz felt a jolt run through his arms. The force wrenched the sword from his grasp, sending it spinning through the air. Simultaneously, the impact hurled Jazz backward, his body skidding across the cold stone floor.
    It all happened so suddenly. As Jazz struggled to stand, he saw the knight already looming over him, its right armored foot poised to crash down. Panic surged through him as he instinctively rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the deadly impact. The knight's foot slammed into the floor with a deafening crash, sending shards of stone flying and creating a deep dent in the ground where he had just been.
    Jazz executed a quick roll that propelled him back to his feet, adrenaline pumping through his veins. It was only then that he realized the sword was no longer in his hand. Confusion flashed through his mind as he searched for the gleaming blade. He felt a sense of urgency wash over him as he scanned the area, desperately trying to locate where it had landed.
    In a split second, he realized that it was not an ordinary weapon and that he could summon the Echo anytime. But it was too late; the knight was already in front of him, delivering another blow. There was no time to dodge, so Jazz instinctively crossed both hands in front of him to block.
    As the impact struck, a rush of pain surged through his hands, the force of the blow overwhelming him. The shock sent him sprawling backward, his body hitting the floor with a heavy thud.
    He rolled again to stand up. As he regained his footing, pain radiated throughout his body, especially in the hand that had absorbed the blow. The knight stood straight, gazing at him intently, as if measuring his worth. Its stance exuded confidence, conveying that Jazz was no match for its formidable strength.
    Jazz seized the moment to summon the Echo, and once again the sword was in his hand. With keen eyes, he began to inspect his surroundings, searching for anything he could use to his advantage. He quickly assessed the battlefield, looking for potential allies or tools in this dire confrontation.
    The knight dashed forward again as Jazz turned and ran away. He could hear the heavy thuds of its armored feet pounding against the ground in pursuit. In just a few seconds, the knight closed the gap and delivered a heavy blow. Jazz quickly reacted, using a nearby castle pillar to propel himself. Kicking off the stone, he executed a backflip that sent him behind the knight. As soon as he landed on his feet, he delivered a sideward slash at the knight's back.
    As Jazz's sword struck the knight's back, a sharp crack echoed through the hall, and fragments of the dark armor splintered away,  revealing the flesh of the knight beneath. The impact sent a shudder through the knight, and the shadows that clung to it writhed and flickered.
    The knight quickly countered, turning toward Jazz and delivering a sidelong smash with its right hand. Jazz jumped backward just in time, feeling the rush of air against his face as the blow passed just an inch away. His heart pounded as he imagined what might have happened if the impact had struck him directly in the face.
    Jazz took a deep breath, calming himself as the knight rushed toward him once more, delivering a flurry of powerful blows. This time, he felt more in control, his instincts sharpening as he began to anticipate the knight’s movements. With agility, he twisted and turned, deftly avoiding each strike. As the knight swung its fist, Jazz ducked low, then sidestepped to avoid a crushing blow from the left. He could see the rhythm of the knight’s attacks unfolding before him, each strike a part of a pattern he was starting to decipher.
    Soon, Jazz spotted the opening he had been waiting for. Moving swiftly, he darted around to the knight's back, taking advantage of the creature’s momentary vulnerability. With determination, he thrust his sword into the exposed flesh of the knight. The knight recoiled, feeling the surge of pain, and violently countered. Jazz was quick on his feet, jumping backward a few feet away from the knight, his sword still left thrust into its back.
    The knight stood still, its gaze fixed on Jazz, a flicker of realization dawning that the tide of battle was turning against it. The weight of its power seemed to waver as Jazz seized the advantage. Suddenly, the sword thrust into the knight's back flickered and vanished, teleporting back into Jazz's hand. With a renewed sense of purpose, Jazz met the knight's eyes, ready to face whatever came next.
    The knight stood taller, its posture exuding an ominous presence. The shadows surrounding it began to whirl and twist, coalescing into a dark, ethereal form. With a swift motion, the knight raised its right hand as if grasping something from the air. In response, the shadows solidified, transforming into a formidable lance, gleaming with a sinister light that reflected the knight’s growing power.
    The knight charged forward, its lance poised for attack. With a powerful sweep, it brought the weapon around in a side arc aimed directly at Jazz. He tried to evade, but the knight's speed and the lance's length caught him off guard. The metal collided with his chest, and he was thrown backward, the impact sending a jolt of pain radiating through his body as he gasped for breath, struggling to regain his composure.
    His chest throbbed with numbing pain as he struggled to stand, his breath shallow and labored. Jazz’s eyes widened in shock as he felt the warm taste of blood rise in his throat, spilling from his mouth. Panic surged through him, but he fought to stay focused, knowing he had to keep moving despite the pain threatening to overwhelm him.

     The knight stood still for a moment, as if regaining its composure, its eyes glowing red and locked onto Jazz with a menacing intensity. Suddenly, it rushed toward him, lance pointed menacingly in his direction.
    Jazz focused, adrenaline surging through him. As the lance neared, just a few feet away, he leaped, using the lance as a springboard. With a powerful kick, he propelled himself upward, sword aimed directly at the opening in the knight’s head armor, targeting its eyes.
    As he thrust his sword into the armor's opening at the knight's eyes, the knight reacted wildly, letting out a piercing, eerie sound. With all his strength, Jazz drove his sword deeper, and the knight paused for a moment before slowly falling to the ground, lifeless.
    “I did it,” he murmured to himself, a mix of disbelief and triumph in his voice.