The Nexus.

"Ready?" Rem asked, gesturing for me to enter the training chamber. Her tone was both inviting and challenging.

"Of course," I replied confidently, though my curiosity about her intentions simmered beneath the surface. She had mentioned earlier wanting to try something new, but I hadn't expected her suggestion: meditation. With yoga mats in hand, she explained her plan.

"Meditation is great for both the soul and the mind," she said as she gracefully sat down on her mat, crossing her legs and placing her hands gently in her lap.

Following her lead, I settled onto my mat. "Alright, let's do this," I said.

"Relax your mind," she continued. "Let it take you wherever it needs to go. You might even gain some insight into your abilities."

I closed my eyes, adjusted my posture, and tried to clear my thoughts. At first, my mind buzzed with questions about my future, my powers, and where this journey would ultimately lead me. The glow from the chamber's overhead lights became more vivid the longer I sat there. It felt almost alive, beckoning me. A strange instinct tugged at me to absorb the light, but I resisted, trying to stay in this meditative state.

That's when it happened—a distinct sensation of energy pulling into me, much like when I absorbed power from the lamps during earlier training sessions. Inside my mind, a vivid image of my neurons materialized. The electrons coursing through them moved at breathtaking speeds, and with every moment, I felt more attuned to the potential within me.

An idea sparked. I wondered if I could use this meditative focus to explore my transformation abilities. Focusing on the energy beneath me, I tried to push it outward, aiming to transform the room itself. A tremor ran through the chamber, shaking it violently enough to jolt Rem from her meditation.

"Kaleb, what are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice sharp with alarm.

My concentration shattered, and I opened my eyes as the tremors subsided. The energy I had gathered dissipated into the room.

"What?" I asked, feigning innocence.

"The purpose of this exercise is to achieve focus, not create chaos," she scolded.

"That's the issue," I countered. "My powers don't work well under focus. They're… spontaneous. I can feel it now—it's not about thinking; it's about doing."

She sighed, clearly frustrated, but a thoughtful look crossed her face. "Alright," she said. "Let's try something different. I want to observe your abilities in a more controlled setting."

Rem decided we needed access to a private training ground, so she arranged a meeting with Wann, a senior official at the facility. The meeting dragged on for nearly two hours as she made her case. I sat in on it, observing the negotiation unfold. It became clear that gaining approval was no small feat. Eventually, Wann relented, granting us access to a top-secret training facility in Nevada. Rem was given something called "Level Five Clearance," granting her full entry to the site.

"This facility is classified," an agent informed us as he escorted us to a private jet. "Neither of you may speak of what you see or do there."

We nodded in agreement, boarding the sleek aircraft.

The pilot's voice crackled over the intercom. "Welcome aboard, passengers. This flight will take approximately an hour and a half. Please relax and enjoy the ride."

As the jet soared into the sky, I pulled out my phone to text my siblings, letting them know where I was heading and assuring them that I'd be fine.

"Do you think we're ready for this?" I asked Rem, my voice low with a mix of anticipation and doubt.

"As long as you're committed, we can accomplish anything," she said with a reassuring smile.

Feeling inspired, I grabbed two nine-volt batteries from my bag and set them on the small table in front of us.

"What are you doing?" she asked, curious but wary.

"I want to try something," I replied, placing my hand on the batteries and holding hers with my other hand. "Think of your favorite memory."

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."

I focused on the energy in the batteries, pulling it into me and channeling it around her. Her expression shifted from confusion to astonishment as I used telepathy to delve into her memory. I manipulated the energy, transforming it into a distorted, flickering image. Slowly, the energy coalesced into the figure of a woman with long, curly brown hair, striking green eyes, and a radiant smile.

"Sarah?" Rem whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

The energy projection turned to face her, equally confused. "How am I here?"

"I think I've unlocked a new aspect of my powers," I said, breaking the tension. "I'm able to bring memories to life… at least temporarily."

Rem's eyes filled with tears as she stepped closer to the projection. "Sarah," she said again, her voice cracking. She hugged the glowing figure, who I learned was her sister.

For the next hour, Rem and her sister reminisced, their bond palpable even in this surreal circumstance. Watching them, I began to understand the depth of Rem's loss and why this moment meant so much to her.

However, as time passed, a dull ache began to throb in my head. At first, I ignored it, unwilling to interrupt their reunion. But the pain grew sharper, and soon, a warm trickle of blood ran from my nose.

Excusing myself, I rushed to the bathroom, holding my sleeve over my nose. Once inside, I leaned over the sink, letting cold water rinse away the blood. Looking up, I saw my reflection in the mirror, but it shimmered and distorted like a mirage.

Taking deep breaths, I calmed myself, the distortion gradually fading. A knock at the door interrupted me.

"Kaleb, are you okay?" Rem's voice called out, filled with concern.

"I'm fine," I lied. "Just a nosebleed. I'll be out in a minute."

She paused, then replied, "Alright. But thank you for what you did—it means the world to me."

After collecting myself, I returned to my seat, the headache fading. Rem gave me a knowing look, her gratitude evident, but also something more—concern.

"It's time," she said softly. "Let's take the transformation down."

I nodded, feeling a pang of hesitation but knowing it had to be done. With a deep breath, I focused on the energy, pulling it inward and breaking the projection apart. Sarah's figure began to waver, her form dissipating like smoke caught in a breeze.

"Goodbye," Rem whispered as her sister's presence dissolved. The air grew heavy with silence, but I could feel the weight lift from Rem. She gave me a small, bittersweet smile.

"I know what happened just now wasn't an ordinary nosebleed," she said, her tone gentle yet firm.

I looked down, avoiding her gaze. "I just wanted to make you happy," I admitted softly.

Her hand rested on mine, grounding me. "I appreciate what you did, Kaleb. But never hurt yourself for the sake of others. You're just as important."

Her words stayed with me as the plane descended. In that moment, I realized something profound—my powers weren't just tools for others. They were a part of me, meant to be used wisely, for myself as much as for those I cared about.