Dean stood in shock. He couldn't believe what he had seen.

"Congratulations Dean." Isaac said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It looks like Kael is taking after Ian's footsteps. For him to have controlled his rabbit to drag the fox was masterfully done. I believe we are witnessing the rise of the sect's savior."

"Y-yes." Dean responded, his voice dull. He turned and gazed beyond the yellow haze of the sound isolating barrier—a barrier constructed around the raised platform to provide the elders with privacy to comment on performances and analyze the kids for potential personal disciples without interruptions from the outside. He took note of the crowd of disciples moving about in complete silence—at least what it looked like to him—and focused on the Central Tower.

Then, he smiled. All those worries you had were for nothing Kael. He thought. You are a true genius, just like your father. I believe you will be able to accomplish all your goals.

The happiness transformed into horror. His heart clench and his body trembled as he remembered what Kael's goal was: He wanted to finish his father's legacy to make him proud.

And Dean couldn't allow that to happen. Not now, not ever.

If it did happen...Kael would be met with same fate his father had. He would die. And his promise with Ian would mean nothing.

"It's not all that clear yet." Tint said, raising slowly as if to make himself clearer. "He might have controlled it expertly at that moment, but from the beginning, Kael looked confused and lost. If was as if he didn’t know what he was doing. Not only that, but his beast traveled at such a slow pace compared to the others. I believe even if he was a talent, his beast is on the weak side.

 “Now, on the other hand, Brin's control was perfectly executed throughout the entirety of the test and even finished first. His grey-wolf is also among the most difficult to control and strongest once mature. Taking this into consideration, I think he is going to give us a bigger surprise today."

"I think so too." Junn said, making her way next to Tint. "However, this is only the control part of the exam. What really matters is how strong the bond they have formed is. Whether Kael or Brin have great talent should be considered after the bond strength test. So, we should focus on that see who will be the one we will cultivate for the Domain battle.”

 “Yes, I was getting ahead of myself.” Tint said. “I do have a proposal benefitting the Sect. We should gift the top talent a powerful beast from the sect’s breeding ground. That would increase our chances at getting a better ranking during the Domain battle and help us keep the sect alive. I’m sure Roan wouldn’t have difficulty sparing a few of his precious beasts for this cause.”

Junn laughed. “You’d be quite surprised at how much we will struggle to get him to give them up, Tint. That man treats them like his own flesh and blood.” She paused for a moment and rubbed her chin. “But it is a fantastic idea. Roan will have to comply with. For the good of the sect.”

“For the good of the sect.” Tint said, nodding and turning to Dean. “Dean, you are closest to Roan, correct?”

Dean heard Tint’s question, but he was too focused on his own thoughts and fear to bother responding. Kael has to fail during the next part. That way he won’t have to follow Ian's footsteps.

“Dean?” Tint asked again, his voice firm.

Jolting away from his thoughts he turned to Tint. “Sorry, I was too shocked by your proposal.” He quickly shook his head clear of the nasty thought. How could he wish that for Kael? He should be rooting for him, encouraging his success.

“Right, it is indeed shocking. I task you with informing Roan of our decision as soon as he exits his laboratory. I still can’t believe he has the guts to only send a message to inform us he would be absent during the test.”

“He won’t like that.” Dean said, frowning. “As Junn mentioned, he is rather fond of his beasts.”

“That’s why his closest friend will tell him. Besides, you are even stronger than us. I’m sure that he wouldn’t be able to do anything if you forced him.” Tint said, narrowing his eyes. “Or will you create another scene like during our judgment?”

Dean’s brow raised hearing the awkward question. He gave a quick glance at Junn and Isaac, who’s ears perked up.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“No,” Dean said, sighing. “It was a rather inconvenient action on my part. I was emotionally unstable at the time. I will inform Roan once he is out.”

Tint, Junn and Isaac nodded. “That’s great. Now, let’s turn our attention to the screen as the second part will begin soon. Let us bear witness to which disciples will soar to the heavens and fight to prevent our sect’s destruction.”

Every elders' expression turned serious and nodded at her words. Dean, however, stared at the screen blankly. His mind still lingered on Kael. He wanted to root for him to become a great genius, like his father; yet, as he watched the kids head into the first floor's formation, a whisper—cold and deep within his mind—kept repeating.

Kael has to fail.

##

Kael looked around for Nar, he wanted to talk to him and explain why he had helped him. He also wanted to ask what was going on with him as his expression when he first saw him this morning was still fresh in his mind. Finally, he spotted Nar, on the other side of the room, approaching his fox with a frown. Seemingly sensing his gaze, Nar turned, gave a faint smile and nodded.

Those few actions felt monstrous to Kael. The pressure from believing he had done something bad vanished instantly. He stepped forward—wanting to talk to him—but was stopped by the scream of a disciple.

"You have one minute to get as close as you can to your beast before we start the bond testing formation."

"Why?" Levy asked.

The disciple gave a sneer, but still answered. "The closer you are to your beast, the better the chance your bond will resist the formation. Now, stop talking and concentrate on withstanding the pressure. It will take all of your concentration, don't say we didn't warn you."

The disciple turned to the other grey-robes and nodded. They gathered around the formation and placed their hands on the floor sending what seemed to be a river of qi into it. The qi strands flowed and intertwined as they rushed to surround the center stone. Like a beast awakening, the stone gave a roar like sound and sucked up all the qi.

Eztli, what is that stone? Kael asked through their bond. He felt different, like if someone was squeezing their hands around his head. Eztli?

Damn it, kid. Eztli screamed. Can’t you be quiet for a while. I'm trying to focus here.

But the stone...

What about the stone? It's just the core of the formation, nothing special about it. Now concentrate on maintaining and strengthening our bond. I won't help you as I'm too busy focusing on more important matters.

What? I thought we had a deal? Kael said, stomping his foot.

I never promised to help you, just that I would stay one more day. Now shut up or I'll break our bond right now and cause you to fail.

Kael could only stare, his mouth gaped, in disbelief. Why would Eztli suddenly behave like that? Kael asked himself. As far as he knew, the only reason Eztli had accepted his deal was because he needed the Qi stone given as reward. But now...Eztli seemed to not care about the stone. What would have caused him to change his mind? Kael stared into Eztli's gaze overflowing with intense focus and... excitement. He recognized that look.

He found something that is worth more than what he gains from helping me. Kael thought. Before he could theorize what it was, the central stone rumbled and gave out a green shine that shrouded everyone within the formation.

With it came an increase in pressure and the feeling that his bond was being chipped at. Afraid his bond would suffer and fail so early, Kael turned his undivided attention on resisting the pressure that increased with each passing second.

##

Once the stone had given its roar, Nar's vision became fuzzy and shadows wisped about.

But only for a moment.

What was that? Nar wondered. Could I have imagined it? He wasn't too sure as he had hardly gotten a wink of sleep over the last weeks, but something told him he didn't imagine them.

Suddenly, his fox gave a whimper and began to react again, no longer staring dumbly into space. Surprisingly, the fox stayed docile and even rubbed its head on Nar's leg.

The intimate gesture perplexed him. Why would the fox start to behave so weird? He had always been aggressive towards him. It even refused his commands during the test. A few grunts from the others got his attention. His gaze traveled from kid to kid noticing that some were struggling—their jaws closed tight, face twisted and their muscles taut.

Nar, however, felt nothing. No pressure. No, he did feel something, but it was a warm feeling, like his mother's embrace. I can't be the only one who is feeling this right? He wondered, looking around.

His gaze was drawn immediately to Brin. He stood right next to the stone, but, amusingly, he was yawning. So, he doesn't feel anything either...what about Kael?

Turning to find him, he saw Kael's face filled with confusion. Nar sighed. He had acted terrible before the test began, yet Kael had even helped him pass the first test. I have to apologize once the test is over. He smiled then noticed that Kael's expression turned serious. Shortly, a green shine covered them and his vision turned to black.

The black was soon overtaken by a bright red glow that almost blinded him. Instinctively, he covered his eyes with his hand—leaving a tiny slit between his fingers—and saw a man standing. Nar gasped in shock. It was the same man had come to him at the spring. The same man that had made him fetch Leth flowers.

The man approached him and Nar took a step back, unsure if he should stay or run; hell, he didn't even know if he could get away.

"You don't have to fear me," the man said, smiling as he stopped going forward.

It gave Nar a sense of fatherly love. He means no harm, screamed his whole being. Even his Sight acted up causing his back to itch with excitement. He took a deep breath and then looked at the man. "Why should I listen to you?"

"Because I have been waiting for you. I am Ior, the founder of the Reigned Phoenix Sect and you are the one who will receive my inheritance."