“Hey, what’s wrong?” Kate asked as she ran her fingers through Theo’s hair.

“Hm? I was just thinking.” Theo said as he laid on Kate’s lap.

“Well, out with it man.” Said Gen sitting across from them.

“Does anyone remember Bayrom Hill?” Theo asked.

“Well sure but you gotta be more specific.” Said Jeff, sitting next to Gen.

“My son went out to investigate in that area and they encountered someone. But, I’m not sure if I’m just making things up in my head or not. From what he described it kind of sounded almost impossible.” Theo said.

“What do you mean?” Gen asked.

“Well I don’t want to jump to conclusions or anything but the way my daughter described her assailant it sounded similar to...my mom.” Theo said.

No one spoke for a moment until Jeff broke the silence and said “Yup definitely crazy.”

“Theo, C’mon, your mom?” Kate said.

“Well It’s just a hunch. I mean I doubt it for sure but it felt too coincidental at the moment.” Said Theo.

“You never really knew her though. You were too young before, well, you know. We can't be chasing ghosts when there's a festival to oversee, remember?” Gen reassured.

“You’re right. Let’s go check on the progress at the grounds.” Theo suggested.

They all got up and left the Hero Society and headed to the festival where they found several familiar faces preparing the activities. Knit Knight and Lenno were busy putting the final touches on the activities while Digi-girl and Glowstick were prepping the meet and greet area.

“Sir, how's everything looking?” Glowstick asked.

Theo looked around and nodded.

“We're in good shape. Remember that you'll switch with Sheet Shifter and Buzzcut after your shift so that you can enjoy the festival yourselves. Make sure that those two remember that Briocheben and Hoodie Hipster are after them as well.” Theo said.

“You got it boss!” Said Digi.

Knit Knight spotted Theo and waved him over.

“We're all set here. Kate's area is the only thing left.” She said as she motioned to one of the activities.

“Alright. She'll be working on it shortly so that'll be good to go. Are you sure having Jeff with you is a good idea for this activity?” Theo reluctantly asked.

“He can be a nut sometimes but, yeah, he'll be fine.” She said as they looked over at him as he ogled the various stands and tents that were all set for the festival.

Theo found Gen and went over the script she had written as she would be hosting a panel on the ins and outs of the Hero Society and would be overseeing potential applicants that could result from it.

“I'm thinking of trying to be a bit light and funny with it to draw people in more and show that while this work is a serious matter it's something to be enjoyed.” Gen suggested.

“I'll trust you on this. Good luck out there and I'm glad you get to have a break from ol’ teabag mcgee.” Theo said as he pointed behind his back with his thumb towards Knit Knight and Jeff.

“Eighty percent of the time he's great. It's the twenty percent that'll drive you crazy but I married him with good reason so it's something I'm willing to put up with.” She said as she looked at him.

“I hear that sister.” Theo responded.

As he said that, Kate walked by with some supplies and said “I heard that.”

Theo winced and said “Well I'm gonna split before I'm a dead man. See you later.”

The next day in Calibre Sanctum, Cruz and Kim ate breakfast and got a call from Theo.

“Key kiddos, don't forget to dress up for the festival. I want to make sure that you're representing the Hero Society as you're walking around, ok?” He said.

Yep, you got it dad.” Cruz said before hanging up.

They both got suited up and headed down to the festival where a crowd gathered in from the entrance waiting for the festival to open. Soon, a man walked in front of the crowd and onto a raised platform with a microphone in hand.

“Ladies, Gentlemen, Children. My name is Asher Cromwell and you may know me as the festival coordinator. On behalf of all the staff, we are once again honored to celebrate our great city with the Fiesta of Flavor Festival this year. This year we have a special treat for all of you that you may have heard about. Yes, the Slinky and Laughing Matter Hero Society has graciously sponsored this year's festival. As such, you will find additional fun activities, meet and greet opportunities and other events hosted by the Hero Society’s own heroes. I now introduce the man at the head of the Hero Society, Director Theo.” said Cromwell.

“Thank you Mr. Cromwell. I agree it's a pleasure for us to be a part of the festival this year and we've got a lot in store for you so please stop by and check out what we all have for you.” Theo said as he spoke to the crowd.

“Well then, without further ado, I declare this year's Fiesta of Flavor Festival, open!” Announced Cromwell as the entrance was opened and the crowd made their way inside.

Before long, the festival was bustling with all sorts of people checking out different spice stands and tents selling herbs. Cruz and Kim strolled around to check things out and stopped by a tent that was selling different kinds of cardamom.

“Wow, look! They've got black cardamom! Usually I can only find the green version.” Kim excitedly said.

They kept going after Kate made a purchase and next they found themselves by a stand giving out samples of candied ginger. They both took some samples and continued on to find a tent that had Fiesta of Flavor merchandise. Shirts hung above them, hats lined some tables in front of them and many more nicknacks around the tent. An older woman got up from a chair and greeted them.

“Well hello there! Please take something as a souvenir.” Said the old woman.

Cruz put on a hat and Kim put a shirt on over her suit. They looked at each other and laughed before thanking the woman and leaving.

Finally, they made their way to where the Hero Society set up their activities. They first visited the photo op where they found Theo taking pictures with festival goers.

“Hey dad, how's it going?” Cruz asked.

“I think the long line should answer your question.” Said Theo as he greeted the next person in line.

“Ok, see ya later!” Kim exclaimed as they darted to the Arena of Legend.

They leaned over the railing to see a festival goer sparring with Shawn. Although he wasn't welding his iconic blade, he was still holding his own with a simple longsword while wearing an updated suit with stronger fibers, a vibrant blue mask and a matching blue striped scarf. After he bested the fest goer, he swapped out with Tekashi who wore a large coat that fell down to his calves. 

He called for the next opponent and after they walked into the ring he addressed the people watching him saying “Sometimes your opponent may use more than just physical skill. You must be prepared for anything.”

Tekashi formed magic in his hands and the fest goer took a fighting stance. Then in a flash the spar began and the crowd cheered as magic spheres exploded on the ground and fists were thrown at each other. After the dust settled, Tekashi found himself at the mercy of the fest goer and he yielded.

“Well done. You could be a good fit for the Hero Society. Keep up the good work.” Tekashi said.

Then he switched with Shawn again and another fest goer entered the ring. As Kim and Cruz left they passed by a group that waved a sign as they cheered for Snarf-Kai as the spar began. They laughed and next found themselves at the meet and greet area where Briocheben and Hoodie Hipster had a line of people waiting to talk to them. Hoodie Hipster greeted them as they came over and Ben silently waved. Kim and Cruz decided to sit awhile and see if anyone would come to their meet and greet table. 

There weren't too many that approached them but eventually a few teens came up and said “Oh my god. You're Beam and Ceros!”

“That's us!” Cruz affirmed.

“We're huge fans even though you guys are like just starting out.” Said one of the teens.

“Yeah you guys are gonna be big heroes in no time I just know it!” Said another teen.

A teen girl that was with them walked up to Kim and asked “Can you sign my Director Theo plushie?!” 

After signing it, the teens waved and left and soon it was time for Ben and Hoodie Hipster to end their shift so they decided to move on to see the other activities. Kim looked at her phone and realized it was almost time for Gen’s panel so they made their way there and sat down as the seats filled up and the panel began. Later on afterwards, Gen sat at a table with Jeff, Theo and Kate to help with Hero Society signups as a line formed that they split between them. Cruz decided to grab some food and the Hero Society food stand and soon the sky began to fill with fireworks and he and Kim sat down to watch them.

As the line of people who wanted to sign up dwindled, Theo and Jeff began to pack up the area until someone approached them as if to sign up.

“Oh, are you looking to join the Hero Society?” Theo asked.

The person didn't respond as they stood in the shadows.

“Look buddy, I've spent several hours without a cup of coffee so if you're not gonna sign up then go somewhere else.” Said Jeff.

Theo elbowed him in the side and then looked at the figure as they emerged from the shadows and slowly made their way over to Theo. The closer they got the more Theo could see that they didn't look normal and noticed two blades across their back.

The figure stopped as they looked upon Theo’s face and muttered “Mat-ter?”

Theo was speechless as the figure pointed at his face and spoke louder and again muttered “Mat-ter!?”

“I'm..not him.” Theo softly said.

The figure became agitated and kept speaking more aggressively.

Theo looked at Jeff to ascertain what to do and saw Jeff’s eyes intensely locked onto the figure.

“Jeff?” Theo said.

“It's her.” Jeff softly spoke.

“What?” Said Theo, confused.

“Your mom. Silika.” Jeff said, not breaking eye contact with her.

“But…how? Why?” Theo said as he grasped for answers.

Suddenly, Silika leaped away and escaped through the evening festival grounds.

Later that night Jeff and Theo sat around a table with Kate, Gen, Kim and Cruz. The two guys stared at the coffee cups in front of them without saying a word.

Gen cleared her throat and said “What's going on, guys?”

Kate put a hand on Theo's arm and said “Are you ok?”

Theo and Jeff looked at each other and then at the others before Jeff spoke up and said “We saw Theo's mom. We saw Silika.”