As the sun began its descent in the late afternoon sky, the tranquil garden of Professor Mackenzie's home glowed with a warm golden light. Vibrant flowers in shades of violet and gold swayed gently in the soft breeze, their sweet fragrance mingling with the earthy scent of damp soil. A small stone path wound through the greenery, leading to a peaceful nook. Birds chirped a melodic symphony, their songs harmonizing with the whispering leaves, creating an atmosphere of serenity that enveloped everything. In the heart of this haven, Jazz lay comfortably on a soft sleeping mat.
The gentle rustle of leaves filled the air as Professor Mackenzie settled into a weathered wooden chair nearby, he gazed at Jazz, a thoughtful expression on his face, as the sunlight danced across the garden, casting playful shadows.
"Are you familiar with lucid dreaming?" he asked, his voice calm and inviting.
Jazz opened his eyes slightly, the warmth of the afternoon sun soothing him. He turned his head to meet the Professor's gaze. "Yes, I've read about it," he replied. "It's when you become aware that you're dreaming, right? You can even control the dream."
The Professor nodded and said "Exactly. Have you ever experienced lucid dreaming?"
"I think I've experienced it maybe two or three times, but I can't remember clearly," he replied.
"You will need to practice lucid dreaming. Your goal is to be aware every time you dream and to control what happens in those dreams," the Professor said. "This means you'll need to sleep frequently. That's where the physical training comes in. You'll feel very tired after the physical training, and it will help you sleep more deeply."
"What is the purpose of lucid dreaming?" asked Jazz.
"When you learn to lucid dream consistently, you'll be able to harness your Echo," the Professor explained. "Additionally, when you enter the portal of the Negative Harmony, it will feel like you are in a dream."
Jazz nodded as he closed his eyes and said, "Let's begin, Professor."
Professor Mackenzie leaned forward, his voice gentle yet firm. "First, focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly, letting your body relax with each breath. Clear your mind of any distractions and imagine a serene place where you feel safe and at peace."
Jazz followed the instructions, his breaths becoming slow and steady, the tension in his muscles gradually melting away.
"Now," the Conductor continued, "as you drift off to sleep, repeat to yourself: 'I will be aware that I am dreaming.' This affirmation will help anchor your intention in your subconscious. When you find yourself in a dream, look for signs that it isn't reality—things like floating objects, unusual settings, or anything that seems out of place. These are cues that you're dreaming."
Jazz's breathing deepened as he absorbed the Conductor's words, his mind beginning to drift.
"Once you realize you're dreaming," the Conductor said softly, "take control. Start with small actions—move an object with your mind, change the scenery, or fly. The more you practice, the stronger your control will become."
Jazz's breathing became even and rhythmic, his body sinking further into the mat as the garden's sounds faded into the background. His consciousness began to blur, the vivid colors of the garden blending into a soft, comforting darkness.
In this state of deep relaxation, Jazz felt himself being pulled into the dream world. His surroundings shifted, and he found himself standing in a dark, shadowy landscape, the air heavy with an unsettling silence. The ground beneath him felt cold and damp, and the sky was a swirling mass of dark clouds, threatening rain.
As he looked around, Jazz sensed an oppressive presence closing in on him, shadows creeping along the edges of his vision. Panic bubbled within him, but he tried to steady his breathing.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness, tall and cloaked in shadow. Its face was obscured, but Jazz could feel its eyes looking at him, cold and judging. The figure advanced slowly, and dread washed over Jazz as he realized he could not escape.
"You think you can harness your Echo?" the figure whispered, its voice echoing like distant thunder. "You are far from ready."
Jazz's heart raced as he took a step back. "No, I will prove that I can!" he shouted defiantly, but the figure only laughed, a chilling sound that reverberated in the air. "You are weak," it taunted. "You will never awaken the power within you."
As the figure closed in, the ground began to shift beneath him, transforming into a maze of dark corridors and shifting walls. Shadows flickered in the corners of his vision, whispering doubts and fears, taunting him.
Suddenly, shadows converged, enveloping Jazz in darkness. A coldness wrapped around him, and he sensed a figure lunging forward, a glint of steel flashing in the gloom. In an instant, Jazz felt a sharp pain as the figure thrust a sword toward him.
Jazz let out a piercing scream. With a gasp, Jazz awoke, heart pounding in his chest. He was drenched in sweat, trembling uncontrollably. The familiar tranquility of the garden surrounded him, but the weight of the nightmare lingered in his mind.
Professor Mackenzie was beside him. "Jazz! Are you alright?" he asked, his voice a calming presence that slowly pulled Jazz back to reality.
"I… I had a nightmare," Jazz managed to say, his voice trembling.
Just then, Leeland appeared, his eyes wide with concern. "I heard you screaming! Are you okay?" he asked, rushing to Jazz's side.
"Yeah, I think so," he replied, though the unease lingered in his voice.
Professor Mackenzie approached, concern etched on his face. "Jazz, can you continue?" he asked gently. "I know you just had a nightmare, but we don't have much time."
Jazz took a moment to gather his thoughts, the weight of the dream still heavy on him. "I—I'll try," he replied, determination flickering to life despite the lingering fear.
"Good," the Professor said, nodding encouragingly. "Every moment counts. Let's turn this experience into a strength."
* * *
Jazz lay on the sleeping mat again, his heart still racing from the remnants of the nightmare. The tranquil garden around him felt distant as his mind wrestled with unease. He stared at the gentle sway of the leaves, counting the passing moments, but sleep eluded him.
He closed his eyes trying to find sleep and he didn't know how long he had been awake—minutes, perhaps hours—until the weight of exhaustion finally overcame him. Just as he began to drift into a fragile state of slumber, a new dream took shape.
Jazz found himself walking through a familiar neighborhood, bathed in the warm glow of a setting sun. The sounds of laughter and distant music floated through the air, creating a comforting atmosphere that wrapped around him like a cozy blanket. As he strolled along the street, nodding to familiar faces, a sense of déjà vu washed over him, nagging at the back of his mind.
Then, as he turned a corner, he spotted a shimmering manifestation of the Echo—a radiant hologram that pulsed with vibrant colors. It hovered in the air, beckoning him closer. The realization hit him like a lightning bolt: This is a dream.
With newfound clarity, Jazz approached the Echo and reached out, feeling its energy crackle against his fingertips. As he touched it, the Echo transformed into a magnificent sword, glistening in the sunlight.
Without hesitation, he grasped the hilt and felt a surge of power rush through him. In a moment of exhilaration, he jumped high into the air, soaring as if he were flying. The ground fell away beneath him as he swung the sword, cleaving through a giant rock that had materialized in his path. The stone shattered into countless pieces, a shower of dust and debris sparkling in the air.
As he descended, the sword morphed back into the magical keybed, the familiar instrument now pulsating with energy. Jazz smiled, feeling the rhythm of the moment. He played a different riff, and suddenly, the keybed transformed once more, enveloping him in a shimmering magical force.
With this newfound power, he hovered effortlessly above the ground, feeling weightless and free. Fueled by excitement, he took off, flying as fast as the speed of light, the world blurring around him.
In this moment of pure liberation, Jazz reveled in the thrill of control and the boundless possibilities of his dream. After soaring through the skies, he paused and said to himself, "I'm going to wake up now."
In an instant, he felt the gentle pull of reality drawing him back. When he opened his eyes, he saw Professor Mackenzie looking at him, a proud smile on his face. "I guess you did it," the Professor said, his voice warm and encouraging.
* * *
It was early in the morning when Professor Mackenzie, Leeland, and Jazz arrived at Maplewood University Park for Jazz's first physical training session. The park was bathed in soft morning light, with the vibrant green of the grass contrasting against the deep blues of the sky. Towering maple trees provided gentle shade, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze.
"Did you manage to have lucid dreams last night?" the Conductor asked Jazz.
"No," Jazz replied, scratching his head with an apologetic smile. "I slept really well and didn't have a single dream."
"Remember that you need to have a consistent lucid dreaming in order for you to wield your Echo." the Conductor said and took a seat on a bench where Leeland was already sitting. "For your first physical training, you'll need to run around the park. Aim for 10 laps in 15 minutes," he explained.
With a nod, Jazz felt a surge of determination as he stretched, preparing for the run. The conductor then set a timer on his phone, ready to count down the challenge ahead.
"In 3, 2, 1, go!" the conductor shouted.
With a burst of energy, Jazz sprang into action, his feet pounding against the pavement as he sprinted forward. The world around him blurred into a kaleidoscope of color—green trees, vibrant flowerbeds, and the distant laughter of other students enjoying the morning. He focused on his surroundings, carefully scanning for potential obstacles as he navigated the winding path.
"Watch out for that person!" he thought, veering slightly to the left to avoid a couple walking hand in hand.
As he approached a small incline, he calculated the best route, spotting a low fence he could jump over to cut a corner. With a quick burst of speed, he leaped, clearing the barrier effortlessly. His experience as a parcel bike delivery rider had honed his stamina, and he felt the rhythm of his breath steadying as he pushed himself. He relished the thrill of the run, the cool morning air filling his lungs and invigorating his spirit.
As Jazz powered through his first lap, he could see the Conductor and Leeland sitting on the bench. With each pass, the Conductor shouted out encouragingly, "One lap down! You have 12 minutes left!"
Jazz nodded in acknowledgment, adrenaline surging through him as he focused on maintaining his pace. The rhythm of his footsteps echoed in his ears, mingling with the conductor's voice, which provided a steady pulse of motivation.
By the time he completed his second lap, the Conductor called out again, "Two laps down! Keep it up, Jazz! You've got this!"
Jazz felt a surge of determination as he rounded the bend, the trees blurring by him. Each time he passed the bench, he could see Leeland cheering him on, a grin on his face that fueled Jazz's energy.
"Three laps down! You're doing great! Just keep running!" the conductor encouraged as Jazz focused on the distance ahead, eager to conquer the next lap.
As Jazz approached his final lap, he could feel the strain in his legs, each step becoming a battle against fatigue. His breath came in heavy gasps, the cool morning air now feeling hot in his lungs. "Am I still on track for the 15-minute deadline?" he wondered, pushing the thought aside as he focused on the path ahead.
Turning the corner, he caught sight of the bench where the conductor and Leeland sat. Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, Jazz propelled himself forward. With his heart racing and his muscles screaming in protest, he gave it his all, sprinting toward the finish of the lap. He could feel the ground beneath him, each stride a testament to his determination. The cheers from Leeland mixed with the conductor's voice echoed in his ears, driving him to finish strong.
With one final burst of energy, Jazz crossed the imaginary finish line, collapsing onto the grass just past the bench, breathless but exhilarated. He had done it.
As Jazz lay on the grass, panting heavily, he noticed the Conductor and Leeland standing beside him. The Conductor wore a broad grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You made it!" the Conductor remarked. "Guess who didn't finish the first time?"
Leeland rolled his eyes, a playful smirk on his face. "Here we go again," he sighed, crossing his arms dramatically. "Can't we let that go?"
Jazz chuckled, still catching his breath. "Maybe I should thank you for not finishing on time, Leeland!"
The Conductor laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Let's not dwell on the past. Great job, Jazz! You've got a solid start to your training."
The conductor looked down at Jazz, still lying on the grass. "I need to attend a class now, but you have a couple of options. You can take a nap and try to have a lucid dream, or you can rest for a while and do another 10 laps if you're up for it."
Leeland chimed in, "I'll go with the professor. I'll grab some snacks for you two while I'm at it." He flashed a playful grin at Jazz. "Just in case you decide to skip the nap and get in some more running!"
The conductor nodded, glancing at Jazz. "I'll see you here at 3 PM, alright?"
With that, the professor and Leeland headed off, leaving Jazz to relax and gather his strength for whatever challenges lay ahead.
After a few minutes of lying on the lawn, Jazz began to feel the weight of his fatigue settle in. Just as he was starting to drift off, a voice broke through his thoughts.
"What's with the physical training?"
Jazz turned his head to see Lyra Rosco standing nearby, a violin case slung over her shoulder, her left hand on her hip, and an amused smile on her face.
He propped himself up on one elbow, caught off guard. "Uh…"
Lyra glanced at him, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. Jazz hesitated, unsure of how to explain. Lyra tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her eye. "I find this a bit strange. Just a few weeks ago, I saw Professor Mackenzie and Leeland here, but it was Leeland doing the laps that time."
Jazz nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and pride. "Yeah, well, I guess we're all getting our share of training in our own ways."
Lyra chuckled, her smile widening. "I wonder what inspired the switch this time. Did you lose a bet or something?"
Jazz laughed, his tone light but with an underlying seriousness. "Oh, you know, just training to fight monsters," he replied sarcastically. "No big deal."
He paused, glancing at Lyra to gauge her reaction. While it sounded like a joke, the truth lingered in the air—there was a reality to those words.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Monsters, huh? Sounds like an interesting story."
Lyra's eyes widened slightly as if a thought had just struck her. She then broke into a grin. "Oh, that explains it! I also saw Leeland and Professor Mackenzie training martial arts that same day. I guess they're preparing for the monster apocalypse too?"
Jazz chuckled, appreciating the humor. "Yep, we're all getting ready to save the world, one lap and martial arts session at a time!"
He then glanced at the violin case slung over Lyra's shoulder. "So, I guess you're here for the orchestra rehearsal?"
Lyra nodded, her smile softening. "Yes, we're practicing for a big concert at the university. Professor Mackenzie has invited different musicians—some students and some professionals. It's going to be quite an event." She paused, then added, "I graduated from the Maplewood University School of Music, so it's nice to be back and part of something this special."
She shifted the violin case on her shoulder. "Hey, if you're free, you should come watch the rehearsal. It might be a nice break from all that running." She gave him a friendly smile.
Jazz smiled back, appreciating the invitation. "I'll try."
Jazz watched as Lyra walked away, the sound of her violin case tapping against her leg fading into the distance. He lay back on the lawn, staring up at the sky, lost in thought. The conversation with Lyra had stirred something in him.
After a few moments, he sat up, feeling the fatigue in his muscles but also a renewed sense of purpose. Making a decision, Jazz stood up and stretched. "Few more laps," he muttered to himself. He began to jog, his pace steady but firm. Each step felt like a small victory, pushing him closer to his goal.
As he rounded the first corner, he spotted someone in the distance. Squinting against the morning sun, he realized it was another student—a girl he hadn't seen before. She was standing near the edge of the park, looking lost and somewhat distressed.
Curiosity got the better of him, and he changed his course, jogging towards her. "Hey, are you okay?" he called out.
The girl looked up, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and relief. "I... I think I saw something strange," she stammered. "Over there, by the trees."
Jazz felt a chill run down his spine. This wasn't what he expected, but something told him it was important. "Show me," he said, his voice steady.
As Jazz and the girl approached the edge of the park, he noticed something peculiar. In a small clearing surrounded by trees, the grass appeared unnaturally flattened, like an elongated circle had been pressed down by an invisible weight. The vibrant green blades around it seemed to shimmer under the sunlight, but inside the elongated circle, they looked dull and lifeless.
"Over here," the girl whispered, pointing to the strange patch. Her voice was barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might disturb whatever was causing this anomaly.
Jazz stepped closer, intrigued but cautious. The air around the patch felt different—cooler and heavier, almost as if it were thick with tension. He squatted down to examine it, his heart racing. "This is strange," he murmured, brushing his fingers against the flattened grass. It felt cold and almost unnatural.
He glanced up at the girl, who watched with wide eyes. "Did you see how it looks? Like something heavy was here," she said, "I swear, I saw shadows moving just beyond the trees, but when I looked again, there was nothing."
Jazz expressions darkend, considering the situation. "Maybe we should ask the school security to come and check it out," he suggested.
The girl nodded, her relief evident. "That sounds like a good idea. I don't want to stick around if something's out there."
"Why don't you go ahead and report it? I'll stay to check it out further," Jazz said, feeling a surge of determination.
"Okay, be careful," she replied, casting a worried glance back at him as she walked away.
As Jazz ventured deeper into the park, a low growl echoed through the air. Emerging from the shadows of a nearby tree, he caught sight of the creature. It was massive, with a hunched back and thick, matted fur that glistened in the dappled sunlight. Its eyes, glowing with a predatory hunger, locked onto Jazz with an intensity that made his heart race.
The beast's powerful frame was built for speed, with rippling muscles beneath its grimy coat. Long, sharp claws extended from its paws, scraping against the ground as it shifted restlessly, revealing rows of jagged teeth when it opened its maw to snarl. A foul odor wafted from it, a mix of decay and raw aggression that filled the air with a palpable sense of danger.
As the creature crouched, ready to pounce, Jazz's mind raced. He needed to prepare himself for the inevitable confrontation.
Jazz barely had time to react as the creature lunged at him, its jaws snapping inches away from his face. The stench of decay filled the air, and he felt the rush of hot breath as he instinctively dodged to the side. Heart racing, he turned to see the creature, a grotesque mix of muscle and bone, twisting its body to pursue him with alarming speed.
Without looking back, Jazz sprinted down the path, his feet pounding against the ground. The sound of heavy claws scraping against the pavement echoed behind him, urging him to run faster. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, heightening his senses. Every instinct screamed for him to escape.
He risked a glance over his shoulder and saw the creature closing in, its eyes gleaming with an insatiable hunger. Panic surged within him, but he pushed it aside, focusing on his breathing and the rhythm of his strides. He needed to outpace this monster.
Just as Jazz braced for the creature's bite, a sudden surge of energy struck the creature, sending it flying to the side. Jazz stumbled back, wide-eyed, as he turned to see Leeland standing a few feet away. In his hand, he held what appeared to be a magical arrow, glowing with a soft, ethereal light.
The arrow was unlike anything Jazz had ever seen. It had a sleek, elongated shaft that shimmered with a translucent blue hue, almost as if it were forged from pure energy. Intricate runes glowed along its length, pulsing softly in sync with Leeland's heartbeat. The arrowhead was sharp and pointed, made of a crystalline material that sparkled in the sunlight, giving it an almost otherworldly appearance.
"Get back!" Leeland shouted, nocking another arrow to his bow. "I'll handle this!"
Jazz felt a mix of relief and admiration as he took a step back, letting Leeland take control of the situation. The beast shook off the disorientation, snarling as it regained its footing, eyes locked onto Leeland with a menacing glare.
The beast lunged at Leeland, its jaws snapping inches from his face. Leeland quickly sidestepped, drawing back his bow with practiced precision. With a swift release, a magical arrow flew through the air, leaving a shimmering trail in its wake. It struck the creature squarely in the side, erupting in a burst of light that sent the monster staggering back.
"Keep your distance!" Leeland shouted to Jazz, his voice steady despite the chaos. The creature let out a guttural growl, fur bristling, before it charged again, enraged and more determined.
Jazz watched in awe as Leeland nocked another arrow, focusing intently on the creature. This time, the arrow glowed brighter, its light intensifying as he drew back the string. The beast lunged once more, and in a fluid motion, Leeland released the arrow. It struck the creature with a crackle of energy, causing it to howl in pain and momentarily falter.
But the creature was relentless. It pivoted and charged at Leeland, jaws wide, fangs glistening. Leeland ducked just in time, the massive maw barely grazing his shoulder. Jazz could see the determination in Leeland's eyes as he quickly regained his stance, readying himself for the next attack.
"Jazz, find something to defend yourself!" Leeland called out, keeping his eyes on the beast.
Jazz, still reeling from the adrenaline, scanned the area for anything he could use. He spotted a thick branch lying on the ground nearby. He dashed for it, grabbing it just as the creature charged again. With a sense of urgency, he turned back to the fray, brandishing the branch like a makeshift weapon.
As Leeland loosed another arrow, this one a deep crimson hue, it struck the beast again, pushing it back momentarily. The creature growled, its eyes narrowing as it eyed both Jazz and Leeland, assessing its next move.
Leeland was breathing heavily, sweat trickling down his brow. "Stay alert! It's not done yet!" he shouted, readying another arrow, the magical glow illuminating his determined expression.
With renewed resolve, Jazz felt a surge of courage. He stood beside Leeland, gripping the branch tightly, ready to face whatever came next.
Suddenly, a surge of energy filled the air as a rain of blue fire cascaded from above, striking the creature with a force that shook the ground. The flames enveloped the beast in a brilliant inferno, each spark a mesmerizing dance of light. The creature thrashed violently, howls of agony piercing the air, but the flames only intensified, consuming it in a tempest of azure brilliance. The sheer magnitude of the attack was breathtaking, an awe-inspiring display of raw power that left Jazz momentarily stunned.
As the blue flames subsided, the creature collapsed, lifeless, its form reduced to smoldering ash on the ground. Jazz's heart raced as he turned to see where the incredible attack had come from.
Standing at the edge of the clearing was the Conductor, his presence commanding and regal. Surrounding him were swirling orbs of magical blue flames, each one flickering in harmony with his movements. The flames seemed to respond to his thoughts, wrapping around him like a protective shroud. His expression was a mixture of focus and calm, as if he had summoned the flames with the mere force of his will.
"Jazz! Leeland!" the Conductor called as the orbs merged and morphed into a magical keybed, his voice steady despite the chaos. "Are you both alright?"