Jazz stood over the fallen knight, his chest heaving with exhaustion. He kept his eyes fixed on the lifeless figure, hands still gripping his sword. The weight of the weapon was almost too much to bear, but he held it steady, ready to strike again if his enemy showed any sign of life.
His body ached fiercely, every muscle protesting from the brutal battle he had just endured. Sweat dripped from his forehead, mingling with the dust and grime that coated his skin. His breaths came in ragged gasps, each one a reminder of the physical toll the fight had taken on him.
For a moment, he remained motionless, poised in tense anticipation. The knight lay still, its once menacing presence now a lifeless dark armor. Jazz's heart pounded in his chest, a steady rhythm that echoed the lingering adrenaline coursing through his veins.
Finally, convinced that the threat was truly vanquished, Jazz allowed himself a moment of respite. He lowered his sword, his arms trembling from the effort, and took a tentative step back. The silence in the hall was almost deafening, a stark contrast to the chaos that had filled it moments before.
With a deep breath, Jazz dispelled his Echo, but just as he did, the ground beneath him started to tremble. At first, it was a subtle vibration, almost imperceptible. But within seconds, the tremor intensified, shaking the very foundations of the ancient castle as dust and small debris rained down from the vaulted ceiling.
He glanced around, eyes wide with alarm, realizing that the entire structure was on the verge of collapsing. The floor cracked, spreading like a spiderweb; columns swayed, and massive stones shifted ominously, poised to crash down at any moment.
Panic surged through him as he quickly scanned the surrounding hall, searching for an escape. His eyes darted from one shadowy corner to another until they landed on a dimly lit archway at the far end. Without hesitating, Jazz sprinted toward it, adrenaline fueling his every step.
Just as he reached the archway, a deafening roar erupted behind him. The hall collapsed in a cascade of stone and dust, sealing off his former refuge. He barely escaped the falling debris as he dashed into the narrow passage beyond.
The narrow hallway seemed to stretch endlessly, the tremors of the castle still reverberating around him. Behind him, the sounds of the structure crumbling echoed like a monstrous beast awakening from slumber. He pressed on, driven by instinct and the desire to survive.
Finally, he burst through another doorway and found himself in an open space that felt like the castle’s terrace. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the rugged cliffs below. The only way to escape was a daunting leap down. Looking over the edge, he realized the castle perched precariously on the brink of a cliff, the waves crashing against the rocks far below. The sea roared with ferocity, a stark contrast to the fragile calm of the sunrise, and Jazz knew he had to act quickly.
Without a second thought, Jazz leaped from the edge of the castle. Time seemed to slow as he soared through the air, a mix of exhilaration and terror flooding his senses. The wind rushed past him, roaring in his ears, and for a fleeting moment, he felt weightless, suspended between the collapsing fortress behind him and the uncertainty of what lay below.
As he descended, the enormity of the jump hit him. Panic clawed at his chest, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the instinct to survive. The crashing waves below grew larger and louder, a foamy embrace waiting to swallow him whole.
Then, in an instant, he plunged into the frigid sea. The impact took his breath away, the saltwater engulfing him in a violent rush. He was momentarily disoriented, the world around him turning into a chaotic swirl of blue and white. The cold numbed his skin, and he felt himself being swallowed deep within the sea.
As he kicked himself upward, he noticed rays of light filtering through the water, shimmering in shades of blue, purple, and orange. The rays looked magical as they swirled around him, wrapping him in their embrace. A profound sense of calmness washed over him, as if the light itself was healing his bruises and wounds.
Then, in the blink of an eye, Jazz woke up, lying on the cool, hard floor. Confusion clouded his mind as he found himself in the arms of the Conductor, who held him protectively. The transition from the depths of the sea to the hotel’s basement was so instantaneous that it left him gasping, still trying to catch his breath.
Jazz blinked against the dim light, disoriented, the remnants of the magical light still lingering in his thoughts. But what he quickly noticed was that the pain all throughout his body was gone.
“Welcome back,” the Conductor said softly. “You did it, Jazz.”
Jazz responded with a faint smile, his lips barely curving upward in gratitude. In the corner of his vision, he noticed Leeland standing nearby, watching him with a smile of approval. The warmth of their presence provided a sense of comfort, but beneath that comfort lay an overwhelming tide of exhaustion.
Though the pain throughout his body had vanished, a heavy weariness settled in his mind. Thoughts swirled chaotically, making it difficult to focus. Little by little, his sight began to fade, the edges of the room blurring as darkness encroached.
He fought against it, willing himself to stay awake, but the weight of fatigue tugged at him relentlessly, and he felt himself slipping away, surrendering to the all-consuming urge to rest.
* * *
Jazz opened his eyes slowly, blinking against the hazy remnants of sleep. For a moment, he thought he was in the hospital, his mind still reeling from the memory of his fierce battle. But as his vision cleared, he realized he was in a different place.
The room around him was peaceful, with a sense of calm that immediately put him at ease. Sunlight streamed through open windows, casting a warm glow across the room. The curtains, a soft, airy fabric, swayed gently with the breeze, adding to the serene atmosphere. The walls were adorned with tasteful art, and the furniture was elegant, each piece thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious space. The bed he lay in was plush and comfortable, with crisp, white sheets that felt cool against his skin.
Jazz sat and checked his arms and body for any signs of bruises or wounds but found none. His skin was unmarked, as if the battle had never happened. While he was examining himself, an unfamiliar female voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Good morning, Jazz!”
Jazz looked at the woman approaching him, who had just entered through the door. She wore eyeglasses and had long dark brown hair. Though she appeared to be in her late thirties, she possessed a youthful beauty in her demeanor. Jazz then asked, “Sorry, ma'am, do I know you? And where am I?”
“I am Leafmir,” the woman said, smiling. “But you can call me Leaf for short. I'm Mackenzie's wife, and you're in our house.”
Jazz looked around, unfamiliar with the room. During his stay at the Conductor's house, he had always stayed in a different room on the first floor. Judging from the view outside the windows, he could tell they were either on the second or third floor.
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Leaf,” Jazz said, then hesitated. “Is that Leaf, as in L. E. A. F?”
Leafmir replied, “Yes, correct.” She sat beside the bed and continued, “My father was a writer. My name comes from one of his characters in his book, an elven lady called Leafmir.”
“During your stay at our home, I was out of town for business, but I've heard good things about you from Mackenzie.” She paused for a moment before adding, “I’ll get you some soup; you haven’t eaten since last night.”
Jazz nodded with a smile and said, “Thank you.”
As soon as Mrs. Leafmir went out the door, he stood up from the bed and looked around the room. What stood out to him was a picture of a young man who resembled Mrs. Leafmir. Next to it was another picture featuring Professor Mackenzie, Mrs. Leafmir, and the young man together. He also heard a faint, muffled sound of music drifting through the air.
He spent a few minutes taking in the details of the room, letting his curiosity guide him. A short while later, Mrs. Leafmir returned, a bowl of steaming soup in her hand. She looked at Jazz with a mix of concern and warmth. “Oh, are you fine standing up? I'm sure you are mentally exhausted.”
Jazz looked at her with a question in his eyes, uncertainty flickering across his face. Mrs. Leafmir, sensing his hesitation, quickly reassured him, “Don't worry. I know all about the Echo and the Negative Harmony.”
As Mrs. Leafmir handed the soup to Jazz, he felt a flicker of curiosity about the young man in the picture. He almost wanted to ask her about him, but hesitation held him back. Instead, he simply said, “Thank you, Ma’am.”
“You're welcome,” Mrs. Leafmir replied with a warm smile. She then told Jazz, “I’ll leave you for the meantime. Don’t force yourself to stand up. Most Resonants coming out of a battle in the Negative Harmony feel really tired and dizzy for a long time. If I recall correctly, Leeland was dizzy for two days after his battle.”
As Jazz ate the soup, he found his ears becoming more attuned to the faint music in the background. It sounded like live music, each note flowing gently through the air. He listened intently, a smile spreading across his face as he realized it was actually the Super Mario Theme playing softly in the distance.
Jazz said to himself, “A jam?” He could hear that the music was an improvisation of the game's theme, rich and lively. He could clearly distinguish the sounds of drums, bass, piano, and guitar weaving together in a harmonious blend.
The improvisation became increasingly complex, drawing Jazz in with its intricate melodies and rhythms. Unable to help himself, he stood up, instinctively following the sound of the music. As he walked outside the room, the music grew clearer, enveloping him in its lively atmosphere.
He moved down the hallway, the notes guiding him like a beacon. Soon, he found a staircase and began to descend, the music swelling with each step he took. As he continued to follow the sound, he reached a large glass wall that revealed what looked like a music room. Inside, he saw Keilee playing the drums with energetic precision, Leeland strumming his guitar with soulful flair, Gabe laying down a smooth bass line, and Professor Mackenzie skillfully playing the keyboards. The room pulsed with creativity, each musician contributing to the vibrant tapestry of sound that had drawn Jazz in.
Jazz remained standing outside the music room, savoring his soup while enjoying the vibrant jam session. But soon, the groove began to fade, and one by one, the instruments fell silent. Just as the last notes lingered in the air, Keilee turned towards the group, signaling with her drumstick, pointing at Jazz with a bright smile.
The Professor stood from his chair and approached the glass door. With a welcoming smile, he opened it and called out to Jazz, “Come in!”
As Jazz entered the music room, the Conductor raised an eyebrow and remarked playfully, “You know who didn’t get off the bed for two days after coming out of the Negative Harmony?”
The group erupted in laughter, the sound filling the room with warmth and camaraderie. However, Leeland remained stoic, a slight smirk on his face, but otherwise unamused by the teasing.
The Conductor then shifted his tone, adopting a more serious expression. “Jazz, are you really fine? Do you feel dizzy at all?” His eyes bore into Jazz's.
Jazz smiled and replied, “I feel really fine, actually.”
“That Super Mario Theme improvisation was splendid!" he continued.
Leeland chimed in, “We decided to jam while we waited for you to wake up.”
“I have a question.” Jazz said, “I’m wondering why my wounds and bruises are gone.”
“I knew you were going to ask that,” replied the Conductor.
The Conductor continued, “If a Resonant successfully conquers his Negative Harmony, all the negative things the entity inflicted on him are negated. That’s why your wounds and bruises are gone.” He paused, then added, “In fact, your strength and speed will be multiplied—a sort of level up. The only thing is that your mind will be too exhausted.”
“Wow,” Jazz said and paused for a moment. Then he continued, “Did you learn all of this from your own experience and from the others in the group?”
The Conductor replied, “Some of it I learned from experience, but most of it comes from the manuscript.”
“A manuscript?” Jazz asked curiously.
“Yes, an ancient manuscript,” the Conductor replied. “It contains ancient music notation and some historical texts that I am deciphering. Most of what I’ve learned comes from deciphering the manuscript.”
The Conductor continued, “I dedicated years of my life to deciphering it. I even quit teaching during that time. One day, I heard my Echo. And after conquering my Negative Harmony...” He paused, his expression growing serious, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I became so engrossed with it. And it caused the death of my son.”
“I’m sorry, professor,” Jazz replied. He then remembered the picture in the room.
The Conductor smiled, trying to dispel the sadness that had suddenly wrapped around the music room. “It’s fine. Congratulations, Jazz! You’re now officially a Resonant.” He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of the announcement to settle before continuing. “Speaking of the manuscript, I have further discoveries.” He motioned with his hand for everyone to follow him.
As they stepped outside the music room, Jazz followed the Conductor across the hall into the next room. His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. The space was dedicated to the study of ancient manuscripts, filled with towering bookshelves that seemed to reach towards the ceiling. Each shelf was crammed with an eclectic collection of texts—some weathered and aged, others modern and pristine
In the middle of a large wooden table lay a manuscript that stood out among the rest. Its cover was made of dark leather, embossed with intricate gold patterns that gleamed softly under the warm light of the room. The pages were thick and slightly yellowed with age, filled with beautifully penned notes and illustrations of ancient musical symbols and scales that bore no resemblance to the notation used today.
The Conductor scanned the study room, his eyes searching the shelves filled with ancient texts and modern resources. He seemed to be looking for something specific when, at last, he spotted it—a carefully annotated copy of the original manuscript resting on a nearby table.
He approached it with purpose and motioned for the group to gather around. “This,” he said, pointing to the manuscript on the table, “is a copy of the original manuscript.” His finger traced the edges of the document. “I’ve been working on these annotations for some time, comparing the original text with my translations. It helps me keep track of my progress and the nuances of the language.”
The Conductor's expression shifted to one of excitement as he gestured toward the manuscript. “I discovered something new,” he announced, pointing to a specific section of the ancient text. “This part speaks of a key called the ‘Resonance Key.’” His finger traced the delicate lines, emphasizing the significance of the words.
“Not only that,” he continued, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, “but this key opens a portal.” He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle in the room. “When translated, this portal is called the Eternal Resonance.”
The group exchanged glances, curiosity piqued by the revelation.
“Like the Negative Harmony?” Keilee asked.
The Conductor replied, “Sort of.” He continued, explaining, “The difference is that when I deciphered the Negative Harmony, it emphasized the darkness of that portal. This one, however, seems to be different.”
“Does the manuscript say where the key is?” Gabe asked.
The Conductor nodded, “I’m working on that part now. I’ll let you all know once I successfully discover it.” A spark ignited in his eyes as he added, “We might even go on a field trip!”
* * *
Jazz ascended the steep, winding road that led to the outskirts of town, the sun casting a warm hue over the landscape. Lush greenery bordered the path, with vibrant flowers dotting the edges. The air was filled with the earthy scent of damp soil and the sweet aroma of blooming jasmine, invigorating his senses as he climbed higher.
As he continued up the road, Jazz noticed how effortlessly he moved. It felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. Compared to his struggles in the months before, when every step had been a challenge, this ascent felt remarkably easy.
It had been a few weeks since he conquered his Negative Harmony. Jazz was back to delivering parcels by bike, leveraging it as his regular physical training. From time to time, whenever he found a moment alone—hidden away from prying eyes—he practiced wielding his Echo.
Soon he came to a more level stretch of the road, where the path straightened out before him. He pedaled faster, feeling the rush of wind against his face and the exhilarating freedom that came with the speed. The tires of his bike whirred smoothly on the pavement, and he felt a sense of harmony with the rhythm of his movements. His muscles worked in sync, propelling him forward with ease and grace. The landscape blurred slightly around him as he sped up, the vibrant flowers and lush greenery turning into a beautiful mosaic of colors.
As he approached a curve in the road, Jazz leaned into the turn, feeling the bike respond effortlessly to his movements. The momentum carried him smoothly around the bend, and he straightened up, slowing down as a familiar house came into view. He brought the bike to a stop in front of the house, its facade a comforting sight. Jazz dismounted his bike and pushed the doorbell twice on the gate.
“Jazz!” shouted a young man coming out of the door. It was Troy.
Jazz removed his helmet, shaking out his hair as he walked to the bike’s compartment. He opened it and retrieved Troy's parcel, holding it up with a grin as he approached his friend.
Troy remarked, “Jazz, you look really good!” He then continued with a smile, “Come on in.”
“Thanks, but I can’t stay long. I still have my next delivery,” Jazz replied.
“Ok man, don't forget our get-together vacation!” Troy replied, while Jazz returned a curious look.
Seeing the look on Jazz's face, Troy asked, “You haven't read our group chat, have you?”
Jazz rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. “Sorry, I haven't checked the chat recently.”
“It’s a good thing you delivered my parcel.” Troy continued, “Jake won a stay at Veteres Beach, so he invited us all for a get-together, a reunion of the Jazz Once.”
Troy continued, “Have you ever been to Veteres Beach before?”
“No, but I’ve heard it’s a really nice beach.” Jazz replied.
“Same here, so we shouldn’t miss the chance. Check the group chat for the other details,” said Troy.
“I will.” Jazz checked his watch and added, “I’ve got to go.” As he mounted his bike, he waved at Troy.
“See you, man!” Troy shouted.
* * *
The steady patter of rain against the windows created a melancholic ambiance. The television flickered on the far wall, casting a soft glow that illuminated the space, but the cheerful beach scenes playing on the screen only deepened the contrast with the dreary weather outside.
Jazz, Ed, Troy, and Jake lounged on the beds and chairs, their expressions a mixture of disappointment and frustration. The vibrant beach they had envisioned was now obscured by the relentless rain, leaving them stuck indoors, unable to enjoy the sun and sand they had eagerly anticipated. Jazz glanced at the window, watching the raindrops race down the glass, mirroring the dismay that lingered in the air. Troy sighed dramatically, while Jake checked his phone for weather updates, his brow furrowed in concentration. Ed leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms, trying to mask his disappointment with a forced grin, but even he couldn’t hide the gloom that settled over the group.
Jazz stood up and stretched his arms, feeling the tension ease from his muscles. “I’m going to step outside and take a look around the hotel,” he announced, glancing at his friends.
The group responded with sad nods, their expressions still heavy with disappointment. With that, Jazz opened the door and stepped into the hallway as the sound of the rain grew a little quieter.
Jazz stepped into the elevator and watched as the doors slid shut, muffling the sound of the rain outside. He pressed the button for the hotel lobby and observed the numbers descending, the gentle hum of the elevator providing a brief distraction from the dreary weather.
When the elevator doors finally opened, the sound of the rain rushed back in, filling the small space with its steady rhythm. Jazz stepped out into the lobby, where the muted colors and dim lighting contributed to the slightly melancholic atmosphere. The polished marble floor glistened, reflecting the soft glow from the few scattered lamps that struggled against the grayness outside.
As he took in the surroundings, Jazz recalled the grand piano he had noticed during their check-in, its elegant form standing proudly in a corner near the entrance.
He walked over to the grand piano and took a seat on the polished bench, the soft cushion welcoming him. As he sat there, his fingers hovered above the keybed, contemplating what to play. Closing his eyes for a moment, he listened to the sound of the rain drumming against the windows, using it as a backdrop to find inspiration. With a deep breath, he began to play a few tentative notes, testing the sound and letting it fill the empty space around him.
As Jazz's fingers glided over the keys, the familiar melody of Blue New Year began softly, the intro enveloping the lobby in a deep, melancholic feel. Each note resonated, creating a reflective atmosphere that mirrored the steady rain outside. The gentle, somber passages evoked a sense of longing, pulling at the heartstrings of anyone who might listen.
Gradually, the music shifted, evolving into a more spirited, jazzy piano solo. The tempo picked up as Jazz infused the piece with lively syncopation and playful flourishes. His fingers danced across the keys, weaving intricate patterns that brought a vibrant energy to the once-quiet space.
As the music transitioned back to a melancholic mood, Jazz’s attention was suddenly caught by the sound of a violin joining in. He quickly glanced to his side without stopping his playing and found a familiar face—Lyra. She winked at him, her bow gracefully gliding over the strings as their melodies intertwined, creating a beautiful blend of sound in the lobby.
The atmosphere in the lobby shifted. Her bow glided smoothly across the strings, intertwining with the piano’s melancholic tones. The two instruments danced together, with Jazz setting a steady rhythm on the piano while Lyra filled the air with rich, emotive lines that echoed the sentiments of the piece.
Their music created a profound connection, each note resonating with shared understanding. Jazz's fingers flowed over the keys, transitioning into the spirited, jazzy solo, while Lyra matched his energy with playful flourishes of her own, the two musicians weaving intricate patterns that brought a vibrant energy to the once-quiet space.
As the piece shifted back to its melancholic mood, Lyra’s violin harmonized beautifully with Jazz’s piano, deepening the emotional resonance of the music.
In that moment, the rain outside became a distant memory, overshadowed by the captivating duet, enveloping the hotel lobby in a warm embrace of music and connection. As they approached the end of the piece, the hotel lobby erupted in applause from the small gathering of guests.
Jazz and Lyra exchanged a quick glance, their smiles widening as they took in the sight of the audience. Some were clapping enthusiastically, while others held up their mobile phones, recording the impromptu performance. The sound of the applause filled the space, bringing a sense of joy and appreciation that cut through the lingering melancholy of the rainy day.
“Nice to see you, Lyra. I’m surprised you know Blue New Year,” Jazz said, still caught off guard by the unexpected duet.
Lyra smiled brightly. “I love Jesus Molina’s music, especially the violin parts in Blue New Year.” She glanced at him with a playful spark in her eyes.
Lyra carefully placed her violin back in its case, her movements graceful and deliberate. “So, how long have you been in the hotel?”
“Just this morning,” Jazz replied with a hint of disappointment in his voice. “But we haven’t enjoyed the beach at all since it’s been raining hard since we arrived.”
“I think our music dispelled the rain,” Lyra said with a grin, pointing outside, where a hint of sunlight was breaking through the glass doors, casting a warm glow over the lobby. “Do you want to go for a walk?”
Jazz smiled and responded with a nod.
As they stepped outside, the world transformed before them. The rain had subsided, leaving behind a fresh, glistening landscape. The sun hung low in the late afternoon sky, casting a warm golden hue. The beach stretched out in front of them, its fine, white sand glimmering like crushed pearls under the sunlight.
Gentle waves lapped at the shore, their rhythmic sound a soothing melody that blended perfectly with the light breeze. A brilliant rainbow arched across the sky, its vibrant colors standing out against the backdrop of the blue expanse. Jazz took a deep breath, inhaling the salty air, and felt a wave of relaxation wash over him. He glanced at Lyra, who seemed equally enchanted by the beauty of the scene, her face lit up with a smile that radiated warmth and joy. Together, they began to stroll along the water’s edge, the sand cool beneath their feet as they shared this perfect moment at the beach.
“How about you? How long have you been here?” Jazz asked.
“Five days,” she replied. “We’re going home tomorrow. I’m actually here with my mom and dad.”
As they walked along the shoreline, Jazz noticed Lyra walking on her tiptoes, her steps light and graceful on the sand. “Is this your usual mannerism?” he asked with a teasing smile. “I noticed it the first time we met at your house.”
“Yeah, it’s a weird mannerism of mine,” she admitted with a laugh. “I can’t help it when I’m walking without slippers or shoes.”
Lyra playfully nudged Jazz with her elbow and grinned. “How about you? You look different since we first met! Have you grown taller or something?” She tilted her head slightly, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “What have you been up to lately?”
“Did you forget that we’re busy fighting monsters?” Jazz chuckled, replying jokingly.
Lyra set her violin case gently on the sand and looked at Jazz with a playful grin. “Can you teach me martial arts?” she asked, striking a mock martial arts stance with a playful determination.
Jazz laughed, a light-hearted energy bubbling between them. “Alright, let’s see what you’ve got,” he said, positioning himself in front of her. He demonstrated a simple punch, emphasizing the form and stance, then turned to Lyra with a grin.
“Now you try it,” he encouraged. As she mimicked his movement, Jazz stepped closer, guiding her hands into the correct position. “Hold your fist like this,” he said, gently adjusting her grip. The warmth of their touch lingered for a moment, both of them surprised by the spark of connection.
“Just remember to pivot your foot for more power,” he added, stepping back to give her space. Lyra nodded, determination etched on her face as she practiced the punch again, her concentration fierce. Each time she missed, Jazz laughed, his encouragement filling the air as they both enjoyed the playful moment.
As she finished another attempt, Jazz grinned and said, “We might need to get rid of that tiptoeing, though.”
Lyra burst into laughter, her carefree spirit lighting up the beach. “Hey, it’s part of my charm!” she replied, playfully nudging him with her elbow.
Suddenly, Jazz’s eyes widened, and he froze mid-laugh, his gaze fixed behind Lyra.
“Uh, Lyra…” he started, his voice trailing off as she turned to see what had caught his attention.
Standing a few feet away, Troy, Ed, and Jake appeared, wearing teasing smiles that suggested they had stumbled upon something amusing. They exchanged glances, clearly entertained by the sight of Jazz and Lyra sharing a moment on the beach. “Hi, Lyra!” the group called out in unison.
Lyra waved her hand at them, recalling their names as she picked up her violin from the sand. “Ed, Jake...”
“Troy,” Jazz chimed in, adding a friendly smile.
Lyra turned back to Jazz, her expression softening. “I think I need to go. My dad and mom might be looking for me.” She smiled warmly, giving a small wave to his friends. “Goodbye, Jazz. It was great seeing you again!”
As soon as Lyra had walked a bit farther away, Ed called out, “Looks like we found our brave warrior!” a playful lilt in his voice.
“We didn’t know you were training a sidekick, Jazz!” Jake added.
Jazz chuckled, a hint of color creeping into his cheeks as he shot a mock glare at his friends. “Oh, come on! We were just—”
“Practicing martial arts, right?” Troy interjected, crossing his arms with an exaggerated grin.
Ed teasingly crossed his arms and exclaimed, “You traitor! You broke the fellowship of the Jazz Once Band!” He then dropped into a martial arts stance, legs spread wide and arms poised in front of him. With a dramatic flair, he added, “Prepare to meet your doom!”
With a playful grin, Ed launched himself at Jazz, attempting a flying kick. Jazz instinctively dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the playful assault. Ed’s momentum carried him through, and he rolled across the sand, erupting in laughter as he landed on his back, arms splayed out in a comical fashion.
They all erupted into heavy laughter, the sound echoing across the beach as Ed lay there, feigning defeat. Jazz couldn’t help but join in, the camaraderie lifting their spirits even higher than before. Troy and Jake exchanged amused glances, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere, their teasing banter punctuated by the rhythmic crash of the healing waves.
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