December 1st, 2012 — Saturday, cold morning in Chicago — 9:20 AM
It was a quiet Saturday, with timid sunlight filtering through the kitchen window. The Grayson family was gathered for breakfast, the table filled with light conversation and laughter. The routine seemed simple, but something felt special about that moment. Life was moving forward, and its challenges were being laid on the table one by one.
Debbie was fiddling with her phone, checking a few school details when, with a satisfied smile, she commented,"Got you both a spot at Reginald Vel Johnson High School. I'll enroll you tomorrow."
Kai remained silent, as usual, while Mark was excited about starting high school."Cool, right? It'll be great. A new school, new friends… and maybe our powers will come in this year..."
While Debbie and Mark chatted about the future, the sound of the landline phone interrupted the peaceful atmosphere.Debbie walked over slowly and picked up the receiver."Who could be calling at this hour?" she muttered.
The principal of Oakwood High School Academy was on the other end."This is the principal of Oakwood High. Am I speaking with Kai Grayson's guardian?""Yes, this is his mother," she replied, furrowing her brow as she glanced over at Kai."I'm pleased to inform you that your son was accepted into our school with a scholarship. More importantly, he ranked first in the entrance exam, so he'll also receive a full set of uniforms and books from the school."
"Accepted? First place?" Debbie repeated, her eyes widening in clear confusion."Yes, ma'am. You have until January 15th to complete the enrollment."
A few seconds later, Debbie hung up the phone. She looked surprised, slightly shaken."Kai, they said you got first place in a private school's entrance exam. You took that test? When?"
Kai was surprised too, but didn't show much reaction. He answered calmly,"I took the test after school last month. I was thinking about the future and figured it was a good opportunity. I had nothing to lose."
Debbie stared at him, trying to understand."Where did this idea come from?"He shrugged."I just thought it was time to start planning. We're heading to high school — couldn't wait around forever."
The tone of the conversation lightened when Debbie, still holding her phone, looked at some details about the school and gasped slightly."It's an elite school, sixteen kilometers from here. Getting you there every day is going to be tricky."
Kai had already thought about that in case he was accepted."Don't worry, I'll take the bus and use the student card. I already checked the route. It'll be fine."
At that moment, Nolan entered the kitchen, taking in the scene. Mark, who had stayed quiet until then, leaned forward, backing up his brother."Hey, I can go too! That would be awesome. We could ask Dad to fly us there sometimes, right?"
Debbie looked back down at her phone, shaking her head at what she was seeing."Wow, this really is an elite school." She then turned her gaze back to Kai and smiled. "Congratulations on the effort, son."
Nolan, who had been quiet, spoke plainly, as if only now realizing what was happening."Oh, so that's why you've been studying so hard lately."
Kai shrugged, more out of habit than because he cared about the comment."I just did what had to be done."
While still checking the school's tuition fees on her phone, Debbie made a more serious remark."But this tuition is really expensive. There's no way we can send Mark too. Are you really going, Kai?"
Already expecting this question, Kai answered firmly."Yes. It's an elite school, and it might be good for my future. I think it's worth it."
Mark, looking at his brother with concern, replied quickly,"But what do you mean we're going to different schools? You're not really going, are you, Kai?"
Debbie, unusually calm, looked at Mark."He earned this by his own merit. It wouldn't be fair to stop him. If you wanted it too, you could've chased after it."
Mark went silent for a moment, clearly upset, but then nodded with a sigh."Okay, I get it… but I don't like it."
Debbie still focused on Mark."This seems like a good opportunity for you to start solving things on your own, Mark, and stop depending so much on your brother."
Nolan, sensing the tension rising, jumped in to change the topic."Alright, enough of that. To celebrate the twins finishing middle school, I'm taking everyone to lunch in Australia!"
Everyone at the table was surprised and immediately cheered up. The tension quickly faded, replaced by smiles and laughter."Australia?" Mark asked with a grin. "What a trip!"Kai thought to himself while the others got excited. One more problem solved. Now I can keep my promise to Cosmic and let Mark handle things himself.
A few hours later — 12:45 PM, in the backyard of the Grayson house...
The sun stood high in the sky, contrasting with the chill of the morning clouds. In the backyard, the Grayson family was getting ready for their trip. Nolan was arms crossed as he waited.
Mark, Kai, and Debbie were all set to go. Mark looked thrilled, smiling wide at his father, while Debbie seemed calmer, though her eyes glimmered with excitement at the idea of such an exotic lunch outing.
"Okay, so how are we doing this?" Mark asked, visibly hyped, turning to his dad.
Nolan grinned, as laid-back as ever.
"Well, I'll make two trips. First, I'll take you two—" he pointed at Kai and Mark, "—then I'll come back for your mom. Won't take long, don't worry."
Mark turned to Kai, even more excited.
"Let's go already! I've never flown this far before!"
Kai simply nodded, with his usual calm demeanor. He was still wondering whether Australia would live up to the hype, but at least it would be a good pause before everything started happening again.
In my past life, I didn't even leave my state, let alone the country... Kai thought.
Debbie smiled as she picked up her purse and stepped closer to Nolan.
"I just hope lunch is good. I'm starving."
Nolan chuckled — relaxed and unbothered.
"It should be great. Aussie heat and all. Let's not stay too long though, alright? We need to be back soon."
Kai watched everything attentively, taking in each detail. Once they were all set, Nolan extended his arms, and Mark, already eager, jumped ahead.
"Let's go!" Mark exclaimed, making Kai smile faintly.
With a light laugh, Nolan bent down and scooped Mark up, hoisting him over his shoulders. Then, effortlessly, he lifted Kai and set him beside his brother.
The wind began to stir as Nolan prepared for takeoff. Kai felt the surge as Nolan started gaining altitude.
At first, the flight was smooth, Nolan keeping a moderate speed. But soon, they began to accelerate. The city's skyline shrank behind them at an incredible pace, and Kai, always observant, couldn't help but notice the gap between his own flying ability and Nolan's. Even carrying both of them, Nolan flew with ease, his speed far outclassing Kai's.
But there was something else Kai hadn't expected. While being carried by his father, he didn't feel any wind pressure, drag, or turbulence. It was as if they were shielded from it all. At first, he assumed it was due to his partially awakened powers... but then he glanced at Mark, worried.
"You holding up okay, Mark?" Kai asked, noticing the buildings shrinking fast beneath them.
Mark's eyes sparkled with excitement as he replied, a bit breathless from the speed.
"Yeah, yeah! This is amazing!" He stared at the sky, enchanted by the experience — though a hint of tension lingered in his expression. Clearly, he didn't fully know how to process this new sensation, but he was enjoying it nonetheless, showing no signs of discomfort from the flight.
"How are you flying so fast without me or Mark being affected by the wind and pressure?" Kai asked, turning to Nolan.
Nolan gave a half-smile chuckle.
"Viltrumites fly in a different way. We can manipulate inertia, ignore its rules. Our cells can also absorb energy around us. That's why, when we're carrying someone, they're unaffected."
Mark, still a bit breathless, widened his eyes.
"Seriously? That's awesome! But it's still kinda hard to breathe sometimes, Dad," he said.
"Yeah, that's why I go faster for a moment, then slow down. So you both can breathe easier," Nolan replied.
It was a revelation. Despite being no stranger to flight or speed, Kai had just learned something about his powers he'd never imagined. Viltrumites truly operated on a different level — far beyond the shallow perception he'd once held.
Silently, he pondered the difference in power between himself and Nolan... and what being a Viltrumite truly meant. It felt like he had never really considered the full picture.
The more time passed, the more it seemed like Nolan had left the 'mission' behind. But just like in the stories Nolan had written in his books — to what extent could the Viltrumites truly be the villains?
As the wind cut across their faces, time seemed to slow. The clouds rushed past, and any glimpse of land faded behind them. The heat of Australia felt increasingly real, and what had once been a distant idea was turning into a vivid experience.
Feeling a bit guilty for planning the school transfer without telling Mark, Kai turned toward him, breaking the silence.
"So... what do you say we explore a bit while we're there? You and me. Mom can hang out with Nolan."
The idea came from guilt, but it also stemmed from something deeper — a desire for an experience he'd never had in his past life.
Mark looked at him, eyes still wide from the adrenaline, but smiling.
"That sounds awesome. I don't care where we go — I'm just stoked to be here!"
Kai chuckled softly.
"Let's let Mom pick the place. At least she'll choose something decent."
Mark glanced at the horizon, feeling the rush of the flight, then looked at his brother, trying to make sense of that last comment.
Before he could ask, Nolan shouted from the front.
"Hey! We're almost there. Hang tight!"
The flight continued, the rush of wind and the sense of a fresh beginning wrapping around them as the city of Chicago vanished in the distance. Mark seemed to enjoy it more and more, and deep down, Kai felt something shifting in himself too.
Soon after, they arrived. Nolan dropped them off in an alley near the restaurant they'd chosen.
"Don't wander far. I'll be back in a few minutes with your mom, okay?"
Both nodded, watching him disappear into the sky.
Mark turned to his brother.
"Hey... why do you call Mom 'Mom,' but call Dad 'Nolan'? Mom pointed that out the other day, and I noticed it now."
Kai didn't respond right away. In that moment, it didn't even make much sense to him. But he knew why... Diaries, Missions, Rock Cliff.
His eyes went distant as he thought about how to answer. After a few seconds, he broke the silence.
"I don't know," Kai said. But when he looked up, he realized Mark was already ahead, outside the alley, staring around in awe.
Kai sighed to himself.
I don't even know why I bother...
They were in a new place, in a new world, facing an uncertain future — but for now, that was all. Just a fun trip, free from worry.
The Graduation Party
December 8th, 2012 — Saturday, 7:10 p.m., In front of Becky's house, Chicago
Later that day...
The night was cold, but the atmosphere outside Becky's house was lively. Becky and July were already dressed up for the event. Both wore elegant dresses, their expressions a blend of excitement and nerves. Laughter and chatter were occasionally broken by the soft, cold breeze.
Janet, standing on the porch, watched them with a smile.
"You're both stunning. Let me take a picture!" Janet said, approaching them with a camera in hand to capture the moment.
Becky and July lined up, smiling for the camera as Janet positioned herself to snap the photo.
"So... who are your dates tonight?" Janet asked, curious. "Debbie said she'd pick you two up, but didn't give me much detail."
Becky, clearly excited, eyes shining, answered quickly.
"I'm going with Mark."
July, a little more reserved, responded with a shy smile.
"It's not really a big deal with the dates... Debbie forced Kai to come, he didn't want to and didn't have anyone to invite, so she asked us for a favor. So I'm going with him."
Janet looked at Becky, slightly surprised.
"That's a shame. I was rooting for Kai. He's interesting." She chuckled, teasing.
Becky laughed too, but there was a tinge of sarcasm in her tone.
"Kai's grumpy. Like, old-man grumpy." She paused, thinking a bit before continuing with a soft smile. "Mark's always finding ways to be with us. It's sweet... even when we didn't need help. Kai prefers to keep his distance. For him the further away the better."
She recalled that moment in the alley, still believing it had been Mark who protected her without hesitation. It had been something small, but she felt it deeply.
Debbie's car pulled up, and the two girls walked toward it. Mark walked ahead with Becky and July. Kai followed a few steps behind, silently observing the subtle tension between them. Calmly, he approached Janet and greeted her.
"Still losing battles to spreadsheets and formulas?" Kai asked with a light smile, his usual teasing tone apparent.
Janet, turning back slightly, responded with playful sarcasm.
"After you fixed that project, things got easier. But you... you look like you're heading to a funeral, not a party." She laughed, clearly entertained.
Kai raised an eyebrow and replied, his voice equally dry.
"Touché."
Janet smiled again, then glanced at the backseat where Mark and the girls were already seated.
"Your date seems more into your brother. Girls are going to regret that one day..." she added with a teasing laugh, but there was a layer of truth behind it.
"I highly doubt it. I try really hard to be unlikable," Kai answered with an ironic smile.
They both laughed just as Debbie honked the horn, waving at Janet from the driver's seat.
Kai gave Janet a farewell nod, slipping his hand back into his pocket as he got into the front seat.
"Ready for prom, boys?" Debbie asked cheerfully, glancing at her sons before focusing back on the road.
Kai shrugged, keeping his usual detached demeanor.
"Can't wait," he answered dryly, soaked in irony.
Mark, settling in the back with the girls, glanced at Kai, visibly more excited than he let on.
"It's gonna be fun. You'll thank me later."
Several minutes later...
They had arrived. Debbie's car pulled up in front of the school gym. Mark stepped out with Becky, and Kai opened the back door for July. They walked into the building together.
Electronic and pop music boomed throughout the party hall, with colorful lights flashing across a crowded dance floor full of teenagers. The atmosphere was electric — laughter and chatter filled the air as everyone tried to forget their daily stresses for a while and enjoy the moment.
Mark, grinning ear to ear, made his way confidently to the tables. Becky walked with him, chatting with friends, while Kai trailed behind — clearly out of place but present, mostly to ease Mark's path.
They found a free table, and Mark pulled a chair out like he owned the place. Becky sat beside him. Kai gestured for July to sit before settling into a chair himself with a quiet sigh. This is going to be a long night.
Becky and July began chatting, and a few classmates came over. It was the perfect chance for Kai to vanish from all the unnecessary socializing.
"I'll grab you something to drink. Make yourselves at home," Kai said, standing up. He walked off toward the table with juices and sodas.
Meanwhile, Becky was laughing at something someone said when July took the opportunity to gently pull Mark onto the dance floor.
With his senses sharpened, Kai didn't miss the move.
And here comes the drama... he thought.
Becky, still at the table, quickly noticed their absence. She frowned slightly, masking her reaction as best she could.
When Mark and July returned, Becky approached them with a tight smile. Without a word, she took Mark by the hand and pulled him onto the dance floor for a more upbeat song — likely trying to reclaim his attention.
Kai, watching from afar, could see July growing more restless and uncomfortable with every passing minute. Her eyes betrayed her frustration.
Damn... Part of this is my fault for covering for Mark. Great, more mess to fix... Kai thought, guilt washing over him.
He walked up to July and extended a hand toward her.
"So... want to dance?" he asked, smiling casually to ease the tension.
July stared at him, frowning slightly — it wasn't like him to act this way. But with little else to do, she accepted. They joined Mark and Becky on the dance floor, the music and lights wrapping around them.
Despite the lingering tension, Kai just wanted the night to go smoothly.
When was the last time I went to a party? Maybe when I was twenty-five? After that... it lost its charm.
Everything seemed to be flowing until a student stumbled across the dance floor carrying two cups of juice. He lost his balance and was about to spill the drinks on Becky and July.
Kai acted instantly, pulling both girls out of the splash zone. They looked surprised but quickly understood what had happened.
The boy fell to the floor, the drinks spilling everywhere.
"I think he just saved us from a juice shower," July said, still a bit stunned.
Becky nodded with a smile.
"Yeah... but is he okay?" she laughed, glancing at the boy on the floor.
That amusement faded quickly. One of the drinks had spilled on Mark's shirt, soaking the chest and arm. Some had splashed on Kai as well.
Mark looked down, annoyed.
"Great... just great."
Kai raised an eyebrow, then spoke calmly.
"Relax. I've got a t-shirt under this. Come on, let's hit the locker room. I'll lend it to you. I'll be fine with just the tee."
Mark smiled in relief.
"You're always saving me."
Kai shrugged and turned to the girls.
"We'll be back in a sec."
The girls watched them walk off. A few minutes later, curiosity got the better of them, and they followed. As they reached the door to the locker room, they hesitated.
They hadn't expected what they saw.
Kai's physique was undeniably defined — partially awakened Viltrumite genetics combined with regular training. It was... noticeable.
They exchanged glances, but the boys were just talking.
Inside, Kai continued without realizing the girls were listening.
"Look, I know you like both of them and don't want to ruin your friendships, but if you keep this up, you're going to lose everything. If I hadn't stepped in with that random pairing excuse... what would you have done?"
Mark looked troubled.
"I know... I just don't know how to fix it. They've been friends way before we came along, and I'm in the middle of it now." He sighed.
Outside the door, Becky and July glanced at each other — the tension slowly fading. Mark's words resonated.
Kai pressed on, more serious.
"Best thing you can do is talk to them. Be honest. That's the only way you won't lose them."
Mark nodded solemnly.
"You're right. I will. I just don't know how to start..."
"Just say the truth. That's it."
They finished changing, and at that moment, Becky and July entered. There was no anger now — only understanding. They joined the boys, and together, they headed back to the party floor.
The night was winding down, the gym dimming and music slowing. Guests were leaving.
July and Becky found a quiet spot on the steps, watching the crowd. Becky broke the silence.
"I don't want this to ruin our friendship... Mark and Kai were right." She added with a teasing grin, "Although it was kind of hard to focus after seeing them shirtless."
July raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh.
"Right? I mean... and Kai? how does he look like that when he skips PE?"
They both snuck a look toward Kai, who was at the drinks table pretending to avoid socializing.
Becky shook her head, smiling mischievously.
"He really does try so hard to be unpleasant."
July laughed.
"He's definitely good at that."
Their laughter faded as Kai walked over.
"Everything good? Or is there an invisible war I missed? Time to head out," he said with a smirk.
Becky and July stood up, smiling.
"Kai, you actually danced tonight. Are you finally done being insufferable?" Becky teased.
"No promises," he shrugged.
Mark joined them soon after. The rest of the evening was a calm farewell. One chapter had ended, and they were ready for what came next.
Preparing for the FutureDecember 22, 2012 — Saturday Night, Chicago
Kai and Cosmic flew over the Chicago skyline, the city glowing beneath them. The sky was clear, with low clouds forming a gentle contrast between the vibrant urban life and the silence of the flight. Kai remained quiet, focused on the path ahead, while Cosmic glanced at him with curiosity.
"So, you got the scholarship to Oakwood?" Cosmic broke the silence, a discreet smile playing on his lips.
Kai nodded subtly. He was immersed in his thoughts but managed a faint smile. "Yeah. Got first place. I'll check things out there like you asked. And being away from Mark... I think he'll finally have space to grow. Life in this world… is starting to feel more real."
Cosmic looked at him, noting the seriousness in Kai's tone. "Real as in more difficult or more interesting?"
Kai paused, trying to grasp what he truly felt. "I'm not sure. But what you said last time, about how my connection to this world and my family feels real—I think I'm starting to feel that too."
Cosmic chuckled softly, no sarcasm this time. "At the new school, forget the prophecy or the gods. Just do whatever you want. The dynamics there are different. That place needs someone to sort it out from the inside. And I think you've got what it takes. Just… don't lose yourself along the way."
Kai offered a faint smile and nodded. "Don't worry. I know exactly what I'm doing. But what's in that school anyway?"
"Details don't leak from there—it's an elite academy. But from what I've seen… there's a hierarchy. And maybe even links to juvenile gangs."
Kai glanced toward Cosmic."Sounds like a pain in the ass."
A gust of wind passed stronger as they continued toward Arthur Rosenbaum's shop. A few minutes before arrival, Kai pulled a Halloween mask from his backpack and slid it over his face. It was simple, but it would do the job: hide his identity.
They arrived at Arthur Rosenbaum's boutique—a small shop in the city center. The place had a unique style, with clothes and accessories scattered in a seemingly chaotic but strangely elegant way. The soft lighting inside created a sense of warmth and discretion.
Kai and Cosmic stepped in together, their steps firm. Kai still wore the mask, eyes sharp, as if preparing for what was to come.
"Arthur?" Cosmic called out.
A middle-aged man with gray hair and a keen look emerged from behind a stack of fabrics. He wore a simple shirt, but the sharpness in his eyes and air of experience made it clear—he knew exactly what he was doing.
"Mr. Cosmic, of course. I was expecting you. Welcome." Arthur smiled warmly and gestured for them to step further in. He didn't seem fazed by Kai's mask—perhaps used to strange requests. "Call me Art. What can I do for you today?"
Kai, voice calm and cold, spoke without removing the mask, "I need clothes. Something that blends in but can take a beating. I don't care about the style—just want something practical."
Arthur observed Kai for a moment, studying his posture."You're looking for something to help you disappear, right? Clothes that let you blend in… but don't tear easily."
Kai nodded."Exactly. A pair of pants, tough and plain—something I can wear anywhere. A simple shirt too, but sturdy. And a mask—not full coverage, just something that hides the lower half of my face. Needs to stay on while flying or fighting but easy to remove."
Arthur fell silent for a second, considering."I get it. I'll get started. But keep in mind—my work doesn't come cheap."
Kai raised an eyebrow, emotionless."How much?"
Arthur didn't hesitate."The pants, shirt, and mask… that'll be about twenty-five hundred dollars."
Silence fell. Kai mentally weighed the cost. He didn't have that kind of money—and frustration flickered briefly across his face. He sighed.
"Can't pay for it right now," he said plainly, calm but firm. "I'll come back when I have the money."
Art nodded with a subtle smile."I understand. Let me know when you're ready. I'll reserve the pieces."
Kai thanked him and turned to leave, Cosmic following close behind.
As they walked out, Cosmic asked,"Why won't the mask cover your eyes or hair?"
"I want both visible. My hair turns white when I overuse the void—it can help mislead people about who I am. Same for my eyes—when they activate, they glow blue. If I get the ring I asked you for, even the people closest to me won't recognize me."
"I see. So now you've got a mission: gather twenty-five hundred dollars."
Kai smirked humorlessly."I enrolled in the school you asked about. You could cover this one, couldn't you?"
Cosmic glanced at him as they lifted off again."I don't carry money. Everything I earn goes into social projects. I don't need cash. The GDA pays for my apartment."
"Yeah... in that case, looks like my mission really is to earn twenty-five hundred dollars." Kai replied with a wry grin.
Cosmic chuckled, and with that, they parted ways in the skies.
And so, the two flew away from the shop, toward the future drawing near.
New Paths, Another Birthday
January 23, 2013 — Monday, Afternoon, The Twins' Birthday, Chicago
The day was calm, unhurried, and the afternoon sun softly lit the Grayson household. The twins, Mark and Kai, had spent the previous day with Debbie and Nolan, who had taken them to Paris—Nolan flying once again—to celebrate their upcoming fifteenth birthday. The birthday itself wasn't meant to be a big event. Just a simple party, more to celebrate family bonds and the friends who had always been there.
In the living room, their closest friends had gathered: Derick, Becky, and July. The cake had already been sliced, and pizza boxes were scattered across the table. They laughed and talked while playing board games, reminiscing about the good times they'd shared over the years. The TV played old movies in the background, filling the air with a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
"We couldn't let the day go by without doing something, right?" said Mark, smiling as he grabbed a slice of pizza. "But no big party—I don't want to waste more time than necessary."
Kai, sitting in a nearby chair, looked at his brother with a soft smile. He didn't mind the simplicity of the celebration. In fact, he preferred it this way. He was quiet, but at peace. Life was moving forward, calmer than usual.
Becky, seated next to July, glanced at the clock and commented with a playful smile.
"You two really never change, huh? Pizza, movies, board games—the classics."
July laughed, shaking her head. "It's what makes us happy, I guess."
Becky then looked at the twins, her expression softening. "Hey, when school starts again, let's make a plan to meet up. It's been a while, and it's good seeing everyone together."
Kai lifted his gaze but said nothing. He'd seen this before in his past life — school friendships, no matter how strong, rarely lasted through time.
"Sure, sounds good to me," Mark replied with a smile, glancing at Kai as if looking for some confirmation.
Kai nodded slightly to show he agreed. He had no issue with it, but he wasn't as excited as the others. Still, he couldn't deny that their company—simple as it was—brought a sense of comfort.
The conversation carried on for a while longer until everyone gathered again to have some cake.
For Kai, this was one of the rare moments when a sense of normalcy felt genuine. He didn't know what the future would bring, but for now, he could lose himself in that peaceful moment with his friends and family.
Time passed quickly, and by the end of the night, as everyone was saying their goodbyes, Becky and July approached Kai and Mark, smiling gently.
"So... after today, let's try to plan something, okay?" Becky said with a friendly smile.
July nodded. "Yeah, even if we're in different schools, it'll be good to meet up. We need to catch up."
Mark smiled, still a bit thoughtful. "Definitely. I'll miss the old talks."
Kai simply observed them, feeling that Becky and July's words rang true—and that maybe, deep down, not everything would change so drastically.
"See you at the next meet-up, then," he said briefly, as always.
The two girls said their goodbyes, and soon the doors closed behind them. The twins' birthday ended with promises of future reunions and a quiet feeling that, while things were about to change, something familiar would remain.
As he walked to his room, Mark glanced at Kai.
"Man, I already tested it—no powers. Did you feel anything?" Mark asked, a little frustrated.
Kai looked at him and replied with a half-truth.
"Didn't feel anything new..." Then he added, "But I'm sure your powers will come, Mark. Even if they take a little while."
Mark just nodded, wrapping up another birthday.
Meanwhile, nearby…
Becky's House — Chicago — 11:45 PM
Becky's room was quiet, save for the soft murmur of conversation. A warm glow from the nightstand lamp bathed the cozy space. July sat on Becky's bed, both girls calm after a long day of celebration.
Becky stood by the bookshelf near the window, fiddling with some books as the conversation flowed gently.
"So… tomorrow I've got training with the Young Team. We've been getting better with tactics and powers. It's all getting really interesting," Becky said, smiling brightly, her excitement impossible to hide.
July, reclining against the pillows, gave a small smile, but her eyes were distant—thoughtful.
"And are you actually getting better at using your powers? Making real progress?" July asked, curious but with a hint of skepticism, as if her mind were elsewhere.
Becky nodded, her enthusiasm not fading as she walked closer.
"Yeah, definitely. I've felt a big improvement, especially in controlling my strength. It's not as hard as before. I can stay invisible longer now, and that gives me more confidence. I think I'm finally hitting my stride." She smiled, then her expression softened a bit, more reflective. "By the way, have you thought about joining us? It'd be great to have you on the team."
July looked at Becky, her eyes revealing a mix of discomfort and sorrow. She sat up on the bed, unsure of how to respond, and silence lingered between them for a moment.
"Becky… you're the only one who knows about my powers and... honestly, I don't want to talk about it," July replied softly, avoiding Becky's gaze again.
Becky moved closer, gently placing a hand on July's shoulder, trying to offer comfort.
"You know you can tell me anything, right? The Young Team's training isn't just for people with 'cool' or perfect powers. Everyone has something unique to bring. I know you could contribute too—even with your power." Becky's voice was sincere as always, her desire to help her friend clear as day.
July looked down, her face still closed-off and introspective, but Becky's words echoed inside her. Deep down, she knew Becky's offer came from a place of friendship and genuine care—but her own inner demons were harder to fight than anything the Young Team could throw at her.
"You don't understand, Becky… They're not nice powers. They're not fun. I don't want people to see what I can do. I don't want to be seen as… a threat. If more people find out, things could spiral out of control." July's voice trembled slightly, her emotion pushing through despite her effort to hold it back.
Becky remained silent for a moment, feeling the weight behind her friend's words. She knew July had her insecurities—but that didn't stop her from wanting to help.
"I understand… I just don't want you to feel alone in all this. If you ever change your mind, I can ask to have you added to the team," Becky said with a gentle smile.
July, calmer now, glanced at Becky with a shy grin.
"I know, Becky. And thank you. I just… don't want to be part of it. Maybe someday." She looked down again, processing it all.
The two stayed quiet for a while, letting the conversation ease into something more comfortable. Though July hadn't agreed to join the Young Team, she knew Becky would be there for her—no matter what.
The silence was broken by Becky's light laugh, trying to ease the mood.
"So… how was it seeing the twins today?" Becky teased with a mischievous smile.
July let out a nervous chuckle and turned her head away, hiding a faint blush.
"I don't know… Sometimes my powers activate on their own. It's weird—Mark is like a constant light, like looking at the sun. Kai feels like a bottomless abyss, but at the same time… there's this strong sense of care every time it happens. I can't explain it. But you know I don't do it on purpose." July's face turned guilty as she spoke.
Becky, grinning, didn't let the topic slide.
"Hm, so Kai has care, huh? You know, if you wanna go for Kai and leave Mark to me, I won't get in the way," she teased with a playful wink.
July laughed and shook her head.
"No, Becky. Please, don't start." she said, tossing a pillow at her.
"I get it… That thing where you feel people—feel how they feel because of your powers. Must be tough," Becky said, this time in a more comforting tone.
The room fell quiet again for a moment, until Becky turned to July…
"Your powers should just show Kai shirtless again instead of an abyss, huh?"
Both girls burst into laughter, finally shaking off the tension and falling back into the rhythm of the day.
Interlude – The Silent AllianceSomewhere in the city of Oak Park…
Scott, a 17-year-old boy, sat in a plain-looking chair. His brown hair was messy, and his brown eyes—almost red—watched intensely as he spoke to Isotope.
Isotope was a Caucasian man in his thirties, with slicked-back green hair and a trimmed goatee. His sharp features and piercing gaze radiated control and intensity. He wore a black T-shirt with the letter "I" emblazoned on the chest, underneath a well-fitted violet suit. His appearance was modern and refined, exuding authority in a subtle yet calculated manner.
The room they were in was dimly lit, with a single bulb casting a melancholic glow over the space.
"I'm going to take over the whole city without drawing attention," Scott said. "I'll build a distribution network—drugs, weapons, whatever's necessary. And to do it, I'll use teenagers, in a way no one even notices. Money and hierarchy are easy to control. I'm already halfway there."
He spoke with conviction, like someone who knew exactly what he was doing. There was no mistaking the certainty in his voice. But Isotope's gaze showed none of the same enthusiasm.
Isotope remained seated, arms crossed, in a relaxed posture.
"If you really manage to build what you're planning, I'll give you a seat at the Order," Isotope said coldly. "But honestly, I don't think you'll succeed. This city's not easy to control. And you're still just a kid playing grown-up—trying to get daddy's attention when he couldn't care less."
Scott didn't flinch at the cynical response. He knew the road ahead would be long and hard, but he felt he had something others lacked: the willingness to do whatever it took—no matter the cost.
"You'll see. Teenagers are the key. They're the base of any major movement. I've spent two years recruiting kids across the city. There are people in every elite group already backing me. I'll start small, but soon the whole system will be running, and no one will notice until it's too late. No hero pays attention to teenagers. Not even the GDA cares about mere kids," Scott said, his tone serious and filled with conviction.
Isotope simply shook his head, unwilling to argue but not outright denying the idea's potential. He had seen many ambitious youths like Scott before—few made it without losing themselves along the way.
"Alright, then. If you manage to pull it off, you know where to find me. Just don't come crying when it all blows up in your face."
Scott smiled—not with arrogance, but with determination.
"I don't need help, Isotope. Just time."
The room fell silent for a few moments. Isotope rose and walked toward the door, while Scott remained seated, staring into the surrounding darkness. The young man knew the city was about to change—and he would be the one behind that change.
Isotope turned back just before leaving, casting one last look at Scott, a sarcastic smirk curling his lips.
"Good luck, kid. You're gonna need it."
And with that, he walked out, leaving Scott alone—now more certain than ever of what he needed to do. He had made his choice, and the world had become a chessboard where he would decide who played… and how.