Pixel and Jean had enjoyed a refreshing one-day break, but now it was time to return to their training. Rose had just arrived from her cabin, eager to retrieve the old training book she had used to teach the girls in previous years. The girls gathered together and sat down to begin their meditation. Xóchitl, an experienced guide, sat before them, intently observing their auras and sensing the essence of their souls. Meanwhile, Jean closed her eyes and began to meditate. Suddenly, she felt a strange sensation and opened her eyes to find herself surrounded by darkness. As Jean stood up to explore her surroundings, she realized she had entered a realm within her mind. As Jean gazed into the distance, she saw a mysterious object matte in texture. Fueled by her curiosity, Jean made her way toward it, and upon getting closer, Jean realized that it was a dim flame. Without hesitation, she reached out to touch it, only to be startled by its sudden disappearance. To her surprise, the environment around her transformed into a scene of destruction. The once lush green grass turned into ashes, with flames raging around her. The sky was a deep shade of red, with ominous clouds looming overhead, adding to the eerie ambiance. As she gazed further into the distance, she could see the remnants of a castle that had turned into a ruin, a stark reminder of the destruction that had taken place. Jean's eyes widened in fear.
'What the hell is going on?!?' Jean questioned as never seen this before in her life. From a distance, Jean could spot four figures, three male figures and one female. The three unknown figures were facing another person, caved in a black with a mixture of yale blue aura. Upon looking closer, Jean covered her mouth in shock as she saw one of the figures, a blond figure, holding a golden lyre. One identical to what Pixel owns.
'Could–Could that be what I think it is? The lyre, could it be the same as Pixel? Can't be–could it?' Questioned Jean as she folded her arms and tilted her head. Before approaching, a colossal wall of flames shot up before her, causing Jean to instinctively back away. The flames dissipated in what felt like mere moments, and the environment changed entirely. No longer was Jean standing in the previously gloomy grass field, but now found themselves in a serene spring, nestled amidst towering hills and small, cascading waterfalls. As Jean took in the breathtaking scenery, she noticed a striking statue of the God of Light standing tall before the hills. A beautifully carved diamond was positioned directly beneath the statue, adorned with an impressive fire emblem. As Jean gazed down, an unfamiliar figure stood in front of it. The figure wore a dark red cape and had the same hair and color as Jean.
"Umm, hello?" Spoke Jean as she slowly walked up to him. The figure turns around, and he looks identical to Jean.
"For so long, since the beginning of our history, our family has dealt with demons and kept peace in the land. We kept the peace alongside the help of the Four Gods' chosen protector to continue the God of Light's heritage. We have seen that the banishing method doesn't work, as the Demon King keeps rising and breaking the banishment. But since you're starting and haven't awakened your hidden power, let me offer it to you," said the male figure as he extended his right hand. Jean knew that her family had a history of dealing with demons, but never expected to go that far from the beginning.
"We have also been blessed by one of the Gods who entrusted us to join alongside the protector to end the Demon King's chaos. Do you, as the upcoming ally to the protector, accept your fate till the end? If you do, hold my hand," instructed Jean's ancestor. Jean stares at her ancestor and then down at his hand, ready to be accepted. Jean was ready and would do anything to protect anybody.
"I'll do it," Jean accepted as she grabbed her ancestor's hand. Red particles then surrounded her ancestor as he faded and turned into a red flame. The red flame then goes directly into Jean's chest and inside her. Jean softly touched her chest, and with that, she woke up and grabbed Xóchitl's attention. Xóchitl can feel it. Jean's aura is now different.
"You're aura; it feels way different than the others. Same as the previous Demon Slayer, whose hidden power was fire," said Xóchitl.
"You mean Javier Nova, correct?" Jean guessed, making Xóchitl nod.
"Yes! But how do you know?" Jean chuckles as she intertwines her fingers.
"It's because he's my cousin," answered Jean, shocking Xóchitl. Xóchitl is in disbelief as throughout half of December, Jean is the descendant of the Nova family who allied with the first Demon Slayer. Xóchitl smiled as things started to get more interesting. She started to get excited, and as she stared at Pixel, who was still meditating, and knew something was bothering her. Awakening their hidden power shouldn't take long, but Xóchitl knows something or somebody is preventing Pixel from awakening her hidden power. Yet, while thinking about Pixel, Pixel instantly opened her eyes and gasped. Jean quickly grabs Pixel's shoulder, but Pixel flinches as her eyes go small and covered with fear. Xóchitl is correct.
"What happened?" Asked Jean.
"It keeps happening! I try relaxing, releasing my mind, and letting it be free. But I get dragged into this strange black-with-blue substance and see my father's old lyre. What's new is being in this grassland with the sky red and a castle destroyed! I don't even know what it means!" Complained Pixel as Jean became stunned. She also had the same place.
"Did you, by any chance, see four figures?" Asked Jean. Pixel looks at her and nods.
"Interesting. You two share the same location and the same people. It has never happened before, as nobody's ancestors share a memory with them. It may seem like a lot, and you girls are barely starting, but I would like to tell you everything. Even if I did, it would cause so much pressure and stress. But the only information I could give you is that Pixel, your lyre has a huge part and will give you the answer," explained Xóchitl, staring deep into Pixel's eyes.
"For right now, you need to overpower whatever is stopping you. It would be best if you become strong, you two need to focus on what matters first, and throughout your journey, you will become stronger and have your answers answered," reassured Xóchitl, giving the girls a reassuring smile. Jean nodded proudly, but Pixel gazed down, feeling unsure.
"Jean, since you finished your meditation. You can go out and meet Rose. She should be in the backyard," informed Xóchitl, making Jean nod. Jean got up and wished Pixel good luck, which made her smile. Jean waves goodbye before leaving the room and heading to meet Rose. Once the door was closed, it was now Pixel and Xóchitl.
"Let's give it another try. It would help if you were strong, Pixel. Remain calm as you can. Take a deep breath and relax," instructed Xóchitl, making Pixel take a deep breath before letting it out. She shakes the feeling as she intertwines her fingers and has her two thumbs touching each other. Closing her eyes once more, and let the darkness consume her. Pixel does what she always does, letting her mind wander and free itself. Pixel has now entered the realm of her mind. Pixel could feel something different this time as she started to see brightness. Upon opening her eyes, Pixel was sitting on a circular gray pavement with four diamonds carved, and on each different diamond were a fire, wind, earth, and water emblem. The location was new to Pixel, and she wondered where her mind took her. While looking out at the new and beautiful environment, Pixel heard a song, a lullaby that her father used to play. Pixel faces directly at the music and sees her father near the end of the pavement and facing the statue of the God of Light. His fingers strummed through the lyre, and upon reaching him, Pixel swallowed her saliva and softly tapped his left arm. The music stopped, and her father turned around; his eyes widened.
"Pixel?" Gasped Pixel's father, John.
"Dad? It's truly you?" Asked Pixel, in disbelief that she was standing before her father. Pixel couldn't comprehend if that was her father's spirit or her mind tricking her.
"Of course it's me, silly. I'm here to help you with your meditation," answered John, resting his right hand on his hip and giving her a hopeful smile. Tears formed in Pixel's eyes as she was elated to see her father again. Without wasting time, Pixel ran up to John and hugged him. John chuckles as he is delighted to see Pixel again, and fully grown. The last time he saw her was when he was only ten years old before his passing.
"It's been so long since my passing, and how much I missed you and our family," articulated John as he rested his hand on Pixel's left shoulder.
"We dearly missed you, Dad. We miss you so much that we wish to have you back." John feels incredibly bad and furious at the stupid illness. But he stopped and tried to remember how he got the illness. John shakes the thought away as he doesn't have time and needs to help Pixel awaken her hidden power.
"Listen, Pixel. I wish we could spend time and find out how our family is doing. But time is running out, and you need to head out there with your hidden power awakened," said John as Pixel backed away from him and wiped her tears. She knew he was right and wished to spend time with her father and catch up to date with him about everything. Pixel lets out a sigh and nods. John nodded as well as she extended his right hand and offered his hand. Pixel looks at him and soon takes his hand.
"I hope that the divine guidance of the Gods gives you strength and purpose. Embrace your role as a protector, and let your hidden power awaken to defend those around you," said John as his and Pixel's hands started to glow blue with white particles coming out. Pixel became startled and curious. The blue glow goes through Pixel's arms and towards her chest. John lets Pixel's hand go, and she stares at her chest, seeing the blue glow fading. Pixel looks back at her father and sees him vanishing.
"Do your best out there, Pixel. And don't worry, I'll be next to Eduardo and taking care of him," promised John as Pixel's frown changed into a neutral. Pixel pressed her lips together as she sighed and nodded.
"Thank you." John gives Pixel his last smile before disappearing. Pixel stares at her right hand's palm and turns it into a fist. Pixel closed her eyes, and Xóchitl felt Pixel's aura change drastically. A smile forms on Xóchitl as she is proud of Pixel's success. Pixel and Jean's auras became stronger now with their hidden power awakened. Pixel returns to reality as she opens her eyes and notices she's back. Pixel looked around and gazed at Xóchitl.
"Congratulations, Pixel. You have awakened your hidden power," Xóchitl congratulated as Pixel touched her chest softly.
"You and Jean have awakened your hidden power. It's time to be careful as it connects with your life, energy, and emotions. If your emotion takes over, they will use up all your energy and soon end your life. I will inform the news about the awakening of you and Jean's hidden power so she can start training," informed Xóchitl, making Pixel nod and be careful.
"Now, you should join Rose and Jean," said Xóchitl, standing up and helping Pixel. Pixel and Xóchitl leave the room and join Rose and Jean. After arriving, Rose blocked Jean's punch and took notice of Pixel and Xóchitl.
"Glad you could join us, Pixel! How did your training for your spirituality go?" Rose asked, making Jean stop and face towards Pixel and Xóchitl's direction.
"It went pretty well! Pixel was able to awaken her hidden power," answered Xóchitl as she rested her hands on her hips. Pixel smiled as she nodded in agreement.
"Awesome! Now, with your hidden power, awaken. Training will be completely different. I was also able to grab my old training book that should be helpful for you girls," said Rose, revealing her old journal.
"Then I'll take my leave. Remember that your meditation continues. Try to meditate once in a while. It's helpful," said Xóchitl, making the girls nod.
"Thank you so much for helping us with our meditation, Xóchitl!" Thanked Jean as she waved at Xóchitl. Xóchitl waves back before heading inside.
"Shall we continue?" Asked Rose, making Pixel and Jean nod. The girls were excited as they began their training.
It was now December 31st—New Year's Eve. Everyone in Zesa City was excited for the year to end, except for the Novele tribe. Next year will mark 10,000 years since the Demon King gained power and released Calamity upon the city. Once the Demon King gains power, all demons become powerful and dominant. All the Novele tribe stayed inside their blessed houses.
Once the time hits midnight, they will be safe from the earthquake. Rose, Xóchitl, Maya, Lee, and the girls were sitting in the front room with their legs crossed. Candles lit, windows closed, and the room quiet.
Xóchitl and Maya had their eyes closed and prayed for the safety of their tribe; the girls had their eyes closed and meditated. Lee moves his sleeve up and sees that it is 11:59 PM. While the girls were deliberating, the room suddenly felt warm. Rose and Lee turned their heads and faced the girls. Rose could feel the heat from Jean, while Lee could feel the cold from Pixel. The people at Zesa City were celebrating loudly and dancing around. At the top of the building was a monitor that had a timer. In the crowd was Dominique. She had her hoodie on and her hands inside her pockets. Dominique glanced at the monitor and sighed softly. She wondered where her friends were and hoped they were safe. Dominique tried calling both their phone numbers, but they wouldn't answer. She would even head back to where she last saw them. Dominique sighed, and the people were now counting down.
"10."
"9."
"8."
"7."
"6."
"5."
"4."
"3."
"2."
"1!"
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!" Shouted the people. The ground started shaking violently as the people were about to light up the fireworks. Everyone started to scream.
"An earthquake? We haven't had this earthquake since 9,999 years ago," said one of the men. Dominique was panicking. She never thought that her instructor would be telling the truth.
"Why??" Asked a young lady. The police started to take people to safety. On top of a skyscraper was Ruko. He watched the people scramble around in search of safety. It's almost time. The Demon King will earn his superiority and power once the chains break. The Demon King will soon be free from the Demon Slayers' seal on him and unleash his hatred across the realm. He was going to get revenge. If the demons genuinely want to set the Demon King, they need to find the instrument blessed by the Gods. The Demon King will no longer play around. He will end humanity.