Years ago, Lance was not just Lance—he was Jet, the Leopard Ringmaster. The name “Jet” had been whispered with awe and admiration, a title that signified not only his speed but also the fierce cunning that came with it. The Leopard Ringmaster wasn’t just a symbol of swiftness, but of power, agility, and grace in battle. His movements were a blur to the human eye, faster than the wind, and his strikes were precise, leaving his enemies no chance to react. He was the pride of his unit, loved by all, and feared by any who dared stand against him.
Jet had risen quickly through the ranks of the Ringmasters. His unmatched speed was only part of what made him so dangerous. He possessed an instinctual understanding of the battlefield, able to anticipate movements, strategies, and attacks before they even happened. His ability to outmaneuver and outthink his enemies made him a force to be reckoned with. People spoke of him as a legend in the making, and even the senior Ringmasters respected him. He was known not just for his skills but for his charisma. His fellow warriors rallied behind him, and his presence was enough to inspire entire squads into action.
One of the most significant missions Jet undertook was during the Siege of Hollowgate, a key operation that had threatened the stability of Hex’s control over the southern territories. Hollowgate was a fortress town, heavily fortified and crawling with enemies. The mission was to infiltrate the town’s defenses, sabotage their central command, and make it out before the enemies even realized what had happened.
Jet was chosen to lead the strike team, a group of elite Ringmasters who specialized in covert operations. There were five of them, each a master of their respective elements, but Jet was the heartbeat of the mission. As the Leopard Ringmaster, he was tasked with reaching the town’s nerve center—the command tower—while the others handled distractions and secondary targets.
That night, under the cover of darkness, Jet and his team moved through the dense forests surrounding Hollowgate. His Leopard Ringmaster form made him almost invisible as he darted between trees, his body blending into the shadows, his footfalls silent as a predator stalking its prey. His costume, adorned with sleek black and silver stripes, reflected the leopard’s natural camouflage, adding to his mystique. His eyes glowed faintly in the dark, a symbol of the heightened senses that came with his transformation. His claws, sharp and deadly, glistened in the moonlight.
As they reached the outskirts of the town, Jet signaled for his team to split up. His plan was flawless, a testament to his tactical brilliance. Each member had a specific task, and Jet himself would take the most dangerous route—straight through the heart of Hollowgate. But this wasn’t just a show of bravery. Jet knew that if the enemy focused their attention on him, it would give the rest of his team the time they needed to complete their objectives. He was the bait, and he relished the challenge.
With a deep breath, Jet sprinted into the town, his movements a blur. The guards barely had time to react as he zipped past them, leaving nothing but a gust of wind in his wake. He scaled walls with ease, leaping from building to building with the grace of a leopard on the hunt. His claws left barely a scratch on the stone walls, and his speed made him nearly invisible. Within minutes, he had infiltrated the town’s inner defenses, reaching the command tower undetected.
Inside, chaos had already begun to spread. Jet’s team had done their part, creating explosions and distractions throughout the town, pulling the enemy forces away from the tower. Jet, moving swiftly, dispatched the few remaining guards with surgical precision, his claws slicing through their armor with ease. He moved like a ghost, a shadow in the night, and before long, he stood before the control room.
The mission was proceeding flawlessly, just as he had planned. Jet felt a sense of pride swell within him. This was what he was born for—these moments of pure, controlled chaos where his skills shone the brightest. But that feeling of triumph was short-lived.
As Jet entered the command room, his eyes scanned the surroundings. Everything was as it should be. The enemy’s communications were down, their defenses crippled. All that was left was to destroy the command system and retreat.
But then, something caught his attention—a faint sound, barely audible over the crackling flames and distant shouts from outside. It was the sound of footsteps, too deliberate to be a fleeing guard.
Jet’s instincts screamed at him, and he whipped around just in time to see a figure stepping out from the shadows. A man, cloaked in darkness, his face hidden beneath a hood, stood there, watching Jet with cold, calculating eyes.
“Jet,” the man said softly, his voice carrying a weight that sent a chill down Jet’s spine.
Jet’s muscles tensed, ready for battle, but something felt off. This wasn’t an ordinary enemy. The figure didn’t move like the others, didn’t carry himself like a simple guard or soldier. This man was something else—someone who knew Jet.
"Who are you?" Jet demanded, his claws flexing in anticipation.
The figure didn’t answer. Instead, he raised his hand, and in an instant, the temperature in the room plummeted. A dark, oppressive energy filled the space, and Jet’s heart skipped a beat. This was not part of the plan. Something had gone terribly wrong.
Before Jet could react, the figure lunged at him with blinding speed, faster than anything Jet had ever encountered. The two clashed in a blur of motion, but for the first time, Jet felt himself at a disadvantage. This figure was his equal—no, more than that. He was faster, stronger, and more ruthless.
Jet fought with everything he had, his Leopard Ringmaster form pushing him to his limits. But no matter how fast he moved, the figure was always one step ahead, anticipating his every move. It was as if the man could see into Jet’s mind, predicting his actions before he made them.
As they battled, Jet’s mind raced. How could this be? He was the Leopard Ringmaster, the fastest of them all. No one had ever been able to match his speed, let alone surpass it.
The figure, still cloaked in darkness, seemed to sense Jet’s confusion. He paused for a moment, his hood falling back to reveal a familiar face—one that Jet had trusted, one that had been with him on countless missions.
Jet’s breath caught in his throat. “You…” he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Betrayal. It was written in the figure’s eyes, cold and unfeeling. And in that moment, Jet realized the truth. This was no ordinary mission. It had never been. This had been a setup from the very beginning.
Before Jet could react, the figure struck again, this time with lethal precision. A blade of dark energy pierced through Jet’s chest, sending him crashing to the ground. Pain surged through his body, and for the first time in his life, Jet felt slow—helpless.
As the world around him began to fade, the last thing he saw was the figure standing over him, triumphant and emotionless. And then, darkness.
The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air as Jet slowly opened his eyes, the bright overhead lights blinding him momentarily. Disorientation set in as he took in his surroundings—a hospital room, white walls, beeping machines monitoring his vitals. Pain coursed through his body, a reminder of the battle he had fought and the betrayal he had endured. He attempted to sit up but winced as he felt the sharp stab of pain in his chest.
“Easy there, Jet. You’ve been through quite a lot,” a familiar voice said soothingly.
Jet turned his head to see Sheena, the doctor who had tended to him in the past. She was still as beautiful as he remembered, with her long black hair cascading down her shoulders and those bright, intelligent eyes that radiated warmth. Sheena was dressed in her white coat, her stethoscope hanging loosely around her neck.
“Welcome back to the land of the living,” she added with a gentle smile. “You gave us quite the scare.”
“What happened?” Jet croaked, his voice hoarse. “The mission… the ambush…”
Sheena’s expression shifted, a shadow of concern crossing her features. “You’ve been unconscious for a few days. You were severely injured during the operation in Hollowgate. But you’re safe now. That’s what matters.”
Before he could ask more questions, the door creaked open, and a young boy entered, a few years shy of his teenage years. He had tousled brown hair and a bright grin that lit up the room. “Is he awake?” the boy asked, looking up at Sheena with wide, curious eyes.
“Yes, Alex,” Sheena replied, her tone now lightening up. “He’s awake.”
Jet blinked as the boy stepped closer, his innocent enthusiasm infectious. “I’m Alex! I’ve heard so much about you, Jet! They say you’re the fastest Ringmaster! Is it true? Can you really run like the wind?”
Jet couldn’t help but chuckle at the boy’s excitement. “I used to think so,” he said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “But I’ve had my fair share of trouble lately.”
Alex’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “I want to be a Ringmaster too! Just like you! I’ve been training every day.”
“Training, huh?” Jet asked, intrigued. “What do you train in?”
“Speed, of course!” Alex exclaimed, bouncing on his feet. “I want to be just as fast as you! I practice my moves every day at the training grounds.”
“That’s great to hear, kid. Just remember, speed isn’t everything. You have to outthink your opponents, too,” Jet advised, feeling a strange sense of warmth in the boy’s ambition.
As the two continued to talk, Jet felt a flicker of hope spark within him, a stark contrast to the dark void that had threatened to consume him after the betrayal. Their bond grew stronger as they chatted about training techniques, strategies, and even the mundane aspects of life. Sheena watched from the sidelines, her heart warming at the sight of the two forming an unexpected friendship.
“Do you really think I can be a Ringmaster one day?” Alex asked, his sincerity shining through.
Jet nodded. “With that kind of determination, I have no doubt you can.”
After some time, Jet felt ready to address the elephant in the room. He looked at Sheena, and she nodded encouragingly. “I need to explain what happened during the mission,” Jet said, his voice steadier now. “It was supposed to be a routine operation—
The sun cast a warm glow over the training grounds, a familiar place that had become a second home for Lance. It had been eight years since he had returned from the brink of death, eight years filled with intense training, challenges, and victories. He stood tall and proud as he watched Alex, his protégé, prepare for one of the most significant moments of his life—the day he would finally receive his Ring, the Lion Ring.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Alex was a young man now, his boyish enthusiasm having matured into focused determination. His posture exuded confidence as he practiced his techniques, his movements fluid and powerful. Lance couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride swell in his chest. This was the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering dedication.
“Alright, Alex! Time to show me what you’ve got!” Lance called out, clapping his hands together, breaking the silence of the training field.
Alex turned, a grin lighting up his face. “You got it, Jet!” He stood tall, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’ve been working on my maneuvers. You won’t believe how fast I can be now!”
“Let’s see it in action,” Lance encouraged, nodding.
With that, Alex took off, racing through the course with incredible speed. He executed flawless flips, rolls, and strikes, his form sharper than ever. As he finished, he skidded to a halt, panting slightly but grinning from ear to ear.
“Did you see that? I can finally keep up with you!” Alex exclaimed, his voice brimming with pride.
“Keep up? You’ve surpassed me, kid!” Lance replied, a proud smile spreading across his face. “I’ve trained many, but you have something special. You’re ready for the Ring.”
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the training grounds, they made their way to the nearby village for a celebration. It was a momentous occasion not only for Alex but for the entire community. They reached the village square, bustling with activity as friends and family gathered to celebrate.
Among the crowd, Lance spotted Sheena and her husband, Harry. Sheena looked radiant, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders, while Harry stood beside her, his arm draped protectively around her waist. They had been happily married for several years now and had two children—each a reflection of their parents, filled with energy and curiosity.
“Jet!” Harry called out, waving him over. “Come join us!”
As Lance approached, Sheena’s eyes sparkled with joy. “I’m so glad you could make it! We were just talking about you.”
“Only good things, I hope,” he replied with a grin, feeling the warmth of camaraderie.
“Of course! We were reminiscing about how far Alex has come under your guidance,” Sheena said, her smile brightening the space around her.
“Just doing my part,” Lance replied modestly. “He’s the one putting in the work.”
“Speaking of work, you should meet our little ones!” Harry said, bending down to scoop up his son, a small boy with unruly dark hair and a playful glint in his eyes.
“This is Jamie. He’s been practicing his own moves, but he’s not quite ready for the Ring yet.”
Jamie beamed, his cheeks flushed with excitement as he pointed at Alex. “Are you really getting your Ring? Can I see it?”
“Soon, little buddy! You’ll get to see it shine,” Alex said, ruffling the boy’s hair affectionately.
Lance watched the exchange, his heart swelling with warmth. There was something special about family, about witnessing bonds grow stronger through love and support. But as the laughter and festivities continued, a sense of unease tugged at his heart.
In the midst of the celebration, he found a moment alone with Sheena. They stepped away from the crowd, finding a quiet corner under the twilight sky.
“Jet, it’s so good to see you again,” Sheena said, her voice soft and warm. “You’ve played such a significant role in Alex’s life. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.”
“It’s my pleasure, Sheena. He’s a remarkable kid. You and Harry have done an incredible job raising him,” Lance replied, trying to suppress the feelings he had kept buried for so long.
“Life has changed so much since we were in the hospital together, hasn’t it?” she mused, glancing up at the stars beginning to twinkle in the night sky.
Lance nodded, his gaze lingering on her face. “It has. But I’m glad you’ve found happiness. You deserve it.”
Sheena smiled, and for a moment, the world around them faded away. But before he could say more, a small voice piped up, interrupting their moment.
“Uncle Jet!” The voice belonged to Sam, Sheena and Harry’s daughter. He had the same striking dark hair as her mother but the skin tone was quite different.
Lance crouched down to her level, a smile breaking across his face. “Hey there, little dragon! What are you up to?”
“I want to learn to be a Ringmaster too!” Sam declared with determination in his eyes, his small fists clenched at his sides.
“You can be anything you want to be,” Lance encouraged him. “Just remember, it takes hard work and dedication.”
“I will! Just like Alex!” He chimed, looking up at Alex with admiration.
Lance felt a pang of nostalgia as he looked at Sam. He reminded him so much of himself, the determination and spirit radiating from him. He was about to respond when he heard voices raised behind the closed doors of a nearby building.
“Jeremy, you’ve gone too far this time!” a voice boomed, sending a chill down Lance’s spine. It was Williams, the ruthless enforcer of Hex, known for his cold demeanor and unwavering loyalty to the organization.
“I didn’t mean for it to happen,” Jeremy’s voice responded, filled with a mix of anger and desperation. “Sheena was just in the way!”
Lance’s heart raced as he strained to hear the conversation.
“You think that’s an excuse?” Williams shouted, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. “You’ve put everything at risk. If Harry finds out…”
“Let him find out! It’s not like he’s in any position to do anything about it,” Jeremy retorted, his tone laced with contempt.
Lance’s blood ran cold. The implications of their conversation twisted in his gut as he glanced back at Sheena, who was now speaking with Alex and Harry, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking nearby.
“Do you have any idea how dangerous they are to Hex?” Williams continued, his voice lowered but laced with fury. “We can’t let them live. You’re a fool if you think this is over.”
“We’ll see about that,” Jeremy growled, his voice now barely above a whisper, but the menace behind it was unmistakable.
Lance’s mind raced. What had Jeremy done? The thought of Sheena being harmed sent a wave of anger coursing through him. He had to protect them; he couldn’t let anything happen to the people he cared about.
With one last glance at Sheena and the children, he stepped back, his heart pounding in his chest. He would find a way to shield them from whatever darkness was closing in, even if it meant confronting the very heart of Hex itself.
The shadows were gathering, and Lance was determined to fight back.
The sun rose over the city, casting a soft glow that contrasted sharply with the dark news that would soon shatter the tranquility of the morning. In homes, cafes, and on bustling streets, people gathered around screens, their faces pale and solemn as a shocking broadcast played across all channels.
“Breaking news: Sheena and Harry Taylor have been declared traitors against Hex,” the news anchor announced, her voice grave. “Authorities have confirmed that they will be executed on the spot for their alleged conspiracy against the organization. Citizens are urged to remain calm as the situation develops.”
The shockwaves of the announcement rippled through the community, causing conversations to erupt in panic and disbelief. Lance stood frozen in front of the news display, his heart pounding violently in his chest. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Sheena, Harry, and their children were beloved members of the community; how could they possibly be labeled as traitors?
“What’s happening?” Alex's voice broke through Lance's thoughts, panic lacing his tone as he rushed to his mentor's side. “Is it true? Sheena and Harry?”
“It can’t be,” Lance muttered, shaking his head in denial. “They wouldn’t do that.”
“They’ve got it all wrong!” Alex exclaimed, desperation clawing at his voice. “We have to help them! They’re innocent!”
“Alex, wait!” Lance shouted, but the young man had already taken off toward the headquarters, fueled by a mixture of rage and determination.
Lance’s heart sank, and a sense of urgency surged through him. He had to intervene. Before he could think, he rushed after Alex, determined to stop whatever madness was about to unfold.
As they arrived at the Hex headquarters, chaos erupted around them. Guards were mobilizing, and an ominous tension hung thick in the air. Lance could see the unmistakable figure of Williams orchestrating the operation, his cold demeanor unwavering amidst the storm of panic.
“Williams!” Lance called, forcing his way through the throngs of agents. “What is going on? You can’t do this!”
Williams turned, a sly smile curling at the corners of his lips. “Ah, Lance. I’ve been expecting you. You see, it’s not about what we can or cannot do—it’s about what needs to be done to maintain control.”
“Control? This is murder!” Lance shouted, anger boiling over.
“Is it? Or is it a necessary elimination of threats?” Williams replied, his tone dripping with condescension. “Sheena and Harry posed a danger to Hex, and you know that. They were getting too close to the truth, and we can’t have that, can we?”
Lance felt his hands clench into fists, the urge to strike Williams overwhelming. “You’re manipulating this! They’re innocent!”
“Maybe,” Williams said, his eyes narrowing, “but how much do you really know about them, Lance? You think you’re so close, yet you’re blind to the bigger picture. Tell me, what do you think will happen if you step in?”
Lance hesitated, a flicker of doubt creeping into his mind. “I can’t let you execute them!”
“Then perhaps you should join them,” Williams said, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. “After all, a true Ringmaster must know how to make sacrifices.”
Lance’s heart raced as Williams’s words sank in. The weight of the situation bore down on him, and before he realized it, a sinister urge took root in his mind. The thoughts twisted, warping his sense of loyalty and justice.
“Let me help,” he found himself saying, the words feeling foreign on his tongue. “I’ll take care of it. I’ll eliminate the threats.”
Williams’s smile widened, his eyes glinting with a predatory satisfaction. “Now you’re thinking clearly. Drive the truck into the lab, and you’ll do everyone a favor. Trust me, it’s for the greater good.”
The dark cloud hanging over Lance seemed to thicken as he turned away from Williams, a strange compulsion urging him forward. He felt as if he were losing himself, his mind clouded and chaotic.
He climbed into the truck, the engine rumbling to life beneath him. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, the tension in his muscles reflecting the turmoil in his mind. The road blurred around him as he raced toward the lab, memories of laughter, warmth, and love flooding back.
“Jet, focus!” he reprimanded himself as he pressed the accelerator. “What are you doing?”
But the further he drove, the more the shadows of doubt crept in. With every bump and turn, the voices in his mind grew louder, drowning out reason. He thought of Sheena’s bright smile, of Harry’s laughter, of the innocent children playing nearby. Yet, Williams’s words rang in his ears, twisting those memories into a dark narrative of betrayal and danger.
The lab came into view, and as he approached, his heart raced. It was a familiar place, a sanctuary of innovation and hope. But it was also a trap—a target set for destruction. He gritted his teeth as he wrestled with the horror of what he was about to do.
The truck crashed through the gates, debris flying as he barreled forward. Lance’s heart pounded in his chest, a mix of adrenaline and terror coursing through his veins. He felt as if he were trapped in a nightmare, the clarity of his actions slipping away.
“Stop!” he shouted, but it was too late. The impact resonated through the air as he slammed the truck into the lab, the sound echoing like a death knell.
The dust settled slowly, revealing the devastation left in his wake. Lance stumbled out of the wreckage, his heart sinking as he surveyed the scene. The lab, once a hub of creativity and progress, now lay in ruins.
His breath caught in his throat as the reality set in. Sheena and Harry were gone, their lives extinguished because of his actions, manipulated by the dark influence of Williams. The weight of guilt crashed down upon him like a tidal wave, and he fell to his knees, the world around him blurring into darkness.
“This can’t be happening,” he gasped, his voice trembling as he fought against the rising tide of despair. “I didn’t mean to… I was tricked!”
But there was no one to hear his cries. No one to absolve him of the crime he had committed. It was then, in that moment of utter despair, that he felt the presence of something otherworldly surround him—a gentle warmth amidst the chilling darkness.
In the depths of his grief, he was enveloped in a swirling mist, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still. A figure emerged from the shadows, draped in an ethereal glow. It was The Queen, her presence commanding and regal.
“You have been given a second chance, Jet,” she said, her voice resonating like a melody that echoed through the void. “You will rise again, not as the man you were, but as Lance—reborn with purpose.”
With those words, the darkness enveloped him, lifting him from the depths of despair. The pain of his actions began to fade, replaced by an awakening of power and strength. In that moment, Jet ceased to exist, and Lance was born anew, carrying the weight of his past but ready to forge a new path forward.
As he opened his eyes, he found himself transformed, not just in body but in spirit. He had been granted life again, a chance to fight against the very darkness that had manipulated him. This time, he would not be a pawn in someone else’s game.
The echoes of his past would guide him, and he would fight for justice, not just for Sheena and Harry, but for all those who had been wronged. The Queen had given him a gift, and he vowed to use it wisely.
With renewed purpose, Lance stood tall, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.