12 years later…
It was almost dusk. The sun was starting to set. The sky appeared to have a thick blanket of clouds covering it. Cynthia was seen standing in a large field somewhere in the outskirts of Tempion. She was still wearing her tracksuit. Jason was seen walking towards Cynthia. He stopped behind her and had an annoyed look on his face as if he would rather be somewhere else.
Jason (annoyed): Why did you bring me all the way here?
Cynthia looked behind her. Her expression was smug as if she was going to do something she knew Jason would like.
Cynthia: I thought that since tomorrow is the beginning of the tests and you've been working so hard, I would teach you a special move of mine.
Jason's face went from annoyed to shocked and excited. He was now extremely interested in what she was doing.
Jason (excited): Seriously?! Awesome! What are you gonna teach me?
Cynthia turned around and faced Jason.
Cynthia: It's a favorite attack of mine and one of the most powerful electric attacks out there. It is known as the Volt Cannon.
Jason: The Volt Cannon?
Cynthia: It is an incredibly destructive attack. It focuses your electricity into a single point and then fires it as a condensed energy beam.
Jason (fascinated): Awesome.
Cynthia: Before we begin, there's something you should know about this technique. The energy you gather together will condense and crush into itself. The result of the unleash energy is unbelievably destructive. That's why the only purpose of the Volt Cannon is to destroy. Because of that, you should only use this technique as a last resort. There's no telling what kind of damage the attack will do.
Jason (enthusiastically): Got it!
Cynthia: Okay then, let us begin.
Cynthia looked up in the sky. She then looked back at Jason.
Cynthia: I'm going to show you how it's done so pay attention.
Jason watched Cynthia very carefully.
Cynthia closed her eyes. She then brought her arm to her sides while clutching her fists. She moved her right leg back and bent her left leg. Her long hair began to glow yellow and electricity started to surge through her body. She partially opened her mouth. Jason could see a yellow light glow from her mouth. The light glowed brighter and brighter until a small ball of electricity began to form in front of her mouth. Cynthia then looked up in the sky with this ball.
Cynthia: VOLT CANNON!
The ball suddenly burst open and unleashed a massive beam of electricity. The beam seemed to engulf the entire sky as Jason could see nothing but the yellow light and the electricity from the massive attack. The ground underneath Jason was shaking intensely from the force of the beam which made Jason fall on his bottom. As the light dissipated, Jason could see the orange sky from the sunset and the previous blanket of clouds now scattered and are individual tiny clouds. As Jason got back up, Cynthia gracefully turned towards Jason who was staring at her in amazement.
Jason (amazed): Holy shit!
Cynthia (seriously): Language Jason!
Jason: Sorry. But seriously, you're going to teach me to do that?!
Cynthia: No.
Jason (shocked): What?!
Cynthia: You will be learning the basic version first.
Jason (disappointed): Aw man!
Cynthia: Don't be discouraged. The basic version is still very powerful. Which is why I cannot stress enough that it has to be used as a last resort until you can properly control it. You got that?
Jason: Yes!
Cynthia then clapped her hands together.
Cynthia: Alright! Let's get started! First, stand right here.
Cynthia pointed to a spot on the ground next to her. Jason walked over and stood on it.
Cynthia: Bring your arms to your sides with your hands as fist.
Jason brought his arms to him with his hands as fist exactly how Cynthia did it.
Cynthia: Bring your right leg back. And bend your left leg.
Jason did as instructed though his left leg was not bent all the way. Cynthia however didn't notice this.
Cynthia: You know the method where you gather electricity into your hands to fire an electric shot?
Jason: Yeah, that's a basic Electren technique.
Cynthia: I want you to do that but do it with your whole body.
Jason: My whole body?
Cynthia: Yes. As soon as you do that, start focusing it all into your core.
Jason: My core?
Cynthia then slapped Jason's stomach.
Jason (annoyed): Hey!
Cynthia: Right here big guy.
Jason (annoyed): Then tell me! Don't slap me!
Cynthia: I wanted to get the point across. Anyways, begin.
Jason closed his eyes. He started to feel his energy start to surge through his whole body. His hair began to glow yellow as electricity started to emit through his body.
Cynthia: Start focusing the energy into your core.
Jason felt his energy focusing into a single point. The energy started to grow and grow. Suddenly, the glow vanished and the electricity dissipated. Jason opened his eyes and then exhaled frustratedly.
Jason (frustrated): Damn it!
Cynthia: You lost hold of it. It's alright though. No one gets it in their first try. Try it again.
Jason breathed in and closed his eyes. His hair began to glow again and electricity started to surge through his body. He felt his energy concentrate into his core and build up more and more. He felt his grip on the power began to slip away again so he concentrated harder and regained control.
Cynthia (thinking): Good, he's keeping his energy in check this time. It seems all that training to help him control his abnormal energy is paying off now.
Jason continued to concentrate until he felt the energy start to shrink into a single point.
Cynthia: Don't worry. That is supposed to happen. Now focus that energy to your mouth.
Jason, with his eyes still closed, focused his energy to his head. Without Cynthia telling him to, he slowly opened his mouth. A yellow light began to shine from inside his mouth. Jason opened his eyes but still had his mouth open.
Jason (mouth open): Uh, whah oo I ah?
Cynthia somehow knew what Jason was saying.
Cynthia: Aim for the large boulder right there.
Cynthia pointed to a large pointed rock that was sticking out of the ground. Jason looked over at it and braced himself. A small orb began to form in his mouth.
Jason: VOLT CANNON!
Jason unleashed the built up energy and a large laser came out of his mouth. The beam wasn't as big when Cynthia did it but it was very intense. Too intense in fact. Jason suddenly lost his balance from the force of the attack and he fell over. Because he was still firing the attack, as he fell back, the beam caused him to slam into the ground hard. All this happened so fast that the attack completely missed the boulder.
As Jason stopped firing the attack and the light disappeared. He laid on the ground he was wedged in. Cynthia walked over to him and held her hand out for him to grab. Jason reluctantly took the hand as he was in an embarrassing situation. Cynthia then pulled Jason up on his feet.
Cynthia: You okay?
Jason: My head hurts but yeah, I'm fine. What happened though?
Cynthia: I'm not exactly sure. Try it again.
Jason walked out of the hole that was shaped like him. He then put his arms to his sides and closed his hands into fists. He then put his right leg back and bent his left leg forward. Jason then started to charge up energy.
Cynthia: Hold it!
Jason paused and looked towards Cynthia who was walking towards him. She then bent down and grabbed his left leg. She then moved it more slightly forward.
Cynthia: You didn't have enough weight on your left leg. That must've caused you to lose your footing.
Jason: Ah, okay.
Cynthia then stood up and walked back to where she was standing.
Cynthia: Okay now continue.
Jason closed his eyes and began to charge up energy like before. He focused his energy into a single point until it started to shrink. He then opened his mouth and yellow light began to appear from inside it. As a tiny orb began to form, Jason opened his eyes and faced the boulder.
Jason: VOLT CANNON!
Jason released the built up energy. The large beam was fired from his mouth. However, the force of the attack caused Jason to be sent flying backwards.
Jason (panicking): AHHHH!!!
Jason was sent flying for several meters. The attack's aim was altered and was only able to nip the top of the boulder.
As Jason landed, Cynthia raced over to him.
Cynthia (concerned): Jason!
As she got to him, Jason was laying on his back in a daze. Cynthia kneeled down to Jason.
Cynthia: Are you okay?
Jason blinked a few times and then sat up.
Jason: I'm fine.
Jason then stood up and thought for a moment. He then looked at Cynthia.
Jason: I just realized something. Back when you blasted away Principal Carter's attack, was that the Volt Cannon?
Cynthia looked surprised but also pleased with Jason's observation. She put her arms around her hips.
Cynthia: I'm surprised you figured it out that soon. Yes, I was using a smaller version of the Volt Cannon than what I showed you earlier.
Jason: Why did you make it so small though?
Cynthia: Because it was as big as it needed to be. Once you learn the proper energy control, you need to make the appropriate judgment when using it.
Jason got up on his feet and began to jog back to his earlier position.
Jason (eagerly): Let's keep going! I wanna master this quickly!
Cynthia hesitated but followed after Jason.
Cynthia: If you say so.
Jason continued practicing the Volt Cannon. However each time, he kept getting launched back by its force. By the twentieth attempt, Jason was covered in dirt from the consistent crashes. Dusk had then turned to night and he still hadn't hit the boulder. Despite that, he still wanted to keep going. Jason stood in his spot and brought his arms to his sides.
Cynthia: Hold on Jason.
Jason looked over to Cynthia.
Cynthia: I'm beginning to think that the Volt Cannon might be too advanced for you right now. You're tough but I don't think you're tough enough yet. We should teach you a different technique instead.
Jason: But, I wanna learn this one.
Cynthia: I know you do honey. But the point of learning this is so you can use it in the test for lots of points. You clearly can't control its power. If you miss, you will get no points and your chances of even getting in the Apex Guardians will be greatly reduced.
Jason: Well, how do I use a small one then? Like what you used with Principal Carter. If I can't use a big one, then I should start small.
Cynthia: I'm afraid you are starting small.
Jason (shocked): What?!
Cynthia: The one I used was smaller so I could correctly aim for the attack's core. Its overall power was actually greater than the one you've been using. I'm sorry but you can't start any smaller than what you've been doing. I have another technique that will be easier to handle.
Jason then walked over to Cynthia and stopped in front of her.
Jason: Please! I really want to master this technique!
Cynthia: And you will in time. But right now, you should focus on a technique you can control better.
Jason (shouting): No!
Cynthia (seriously): Jason!
Jason: Look, just hear me out!
Cynthia crossed her arms in front of her. She looked at Jason with her eyebrow raised.
Cynthia: Go on.
Jason: If I can master this technique, it will be great for earning points.
Cynthia: You already said that, and I said-
Jason (interrupting): Let me finish!
Cynthia threw her hands up to show that she would let him finish.
Cynthia: Okay.
Jason: The only trick is energy control right? The technique portion of the tests is on the final day of the week. Which means I have four days to practice.
Cynthia: Three.
Jason: What?
Cynthia: Today is over and the test starts on Friday. That's three days.
Jason (continuing): Three days to practice. That gives me lots of time to practice.
Cynthia: Jason…
Jason: And even if I'm still not able to master the Volt Cannon, all this practicing will still help. The Volt Cannon requires lots of power and concentration so I could use a regular electric attack and super charge it as a backup plan. I can still get lots of points even if I don't master it in time.
Cynthia started thinking to herself. Jason waited patiently for a response.
Cynthia: You know that the Apex Guardians prioritize high academics for their recruits so you need to have high grades just to be a candidate. That means that if you wanna risk failing the technique potion, you need to have more than just passing grades on everything else.
Jason: I'll change up my schedule. Tomorrow is Science which I'm very good at. So I can study hardcore on the other subjects during lunch periods so I can practice after school.
Cynthia thought for a moment. She then looked at Jason.
Cynthia: Spend one hour a day studying history and you have a deal.
Jason hesitated for a moment. He then looked down at his feet.
Jason (to himself): This is gonna suck.
He then looked back at Cynthia.
Jason: Okay deal.
Cynthia held her hand out to Jason to certify the deal. Jason took it and shook her hand out of agreement.
Cynthia: It's getting late. We should go home now.
Jason: Okay, let's go.
Cynthia: You can go on ahead. I'll meet you there.
Jason: Okay.
Jason turned around and headed home. Cynthia stood there and watched Jason.
Cynthia (thinking): To think that's the same little boy who was scared of everything and would give up when things got hard.
The next day…
After struggling again to get out of the bed the next morning, Jason made sure to uphold his end of the deal and study. After doing his science test, he studied History which he knew he had trouble with. Ethan joined him in studying at the school's library.
Jason: Ethan look.
Jason held a dictionary to Ethan. Ethan looked at where Jason was pointing which was the word "filicide".
Jason (reading): The killing of one's son or daughter. It doesn't say anything about a horse.
Ethan: Oh.
Jason gave Ethan a condescending look.
Jason: I told you.
Ethan: Alright, I get it.
Jason: Still don't get why Demonta the Third is important but if it will get me through the test, so be it.
Ethan: I have never seen you study so intensely before.
Jason: Well I wanna have time to practice this technique.
Ethan: What technique?
Jason: The Volt Cannon.
Ethan (shocked): The Volt Cannon?!
The librarian looked over to Jason and Ethan and put her finger over her lips.
Librarian: Shh!
Jason and Ethan (quietly): Sorry.
The librarian went back to reading.
Ethan (quietly): You're practicing that move?!
Jason (quietly): You know about that move?
Ethan (quietly): Who doesn't?! It's also called the Obliterating Railgun because they say it can destroy anything in its path! Towns, mountains, some even say even the moon!
Jason (out loud): Holy shit!
Librarian (angrily yet quietly): Be quiet!
Jason (quietly): Holy shit!
Ethan (quietly): You're going to use that on the test?
Jason (quietly): I want to but I'm having some problems with it. I can't seem to control it when it's fired. Which is why I'm studying now so I have time to practice.
Ethan (quietly): That explains it. Is it okay if I can watch later?
Jason: Sure.
Librarian: Shhhh!
Later, Jason and Ethan arrived at their math class to take their test. Five minutes in, while the whole class was focusing on their test, a young girl raised her hand.
Math Teacher: Yes, Sofia. Is there a problem?
Sofia stood up from her desk. She looked very petite due to her small size. She had a dark brown short bob cut hair style. Her eyes were also dark brown and her skin was slightly pale. She wore a blue denim jacket that was open, revealing a bright pink t-shirt. She wore baggy blue cargo pants that seemed to almost slump over her shoes which were pink and black with white shoe laces. Her face looked cute like a small child however it contradicted her intense eyes that seemed focused.
Sofia: There's nothing wrong. It's just that I'm finished and I would like to leave.
Sofia walked up to the teacher and handed him her papers. Ethan took notice of this. The math teacher looked at Sofia's papers and appeared shocked.
Math Teacher (awkwardly): Well…. I suppose there's no point in having you stick around.
As the math teacher looked up back at Sofia, he saw that she was already leaving and walked out the door.
Math Teacher (to himself): That's a Pink Electren for you. Absolutely brilliant.
Ethan leaned over towards Jason.
Ethan (whispering): Hey, did you see that? That one girl already-
Jason (whispering): Dude, tell me later. This is not a good time.
Math Teacher: No talking class!
After the test, Jason went back to the open field with Ethan to continue practicing. Jason showed Ethan the boulder he has been using as a target.
Jason: I've been trying to hit this but I keep getting launched back. Any ideas?
Ethan thought for a moment.
Ethan: How about you show me first?
Jason: Okay.
Ethan stepped behind Jason. Jason looked behind him at Ethan.
Jason: You're standing there?
Ethan: You keep getting launched right? This way, I'll catch you.
Jason: Oh, great idea!
Jason turned back around and assumed his pose that he was taught. He started to charge up energy.
Jason: Volt Cannon!
Jason fired the Volt Cannon and just like every other time, the force sent him flying back. Ethan opened his arms and caught Jason as he flew into him. Unfortunately, Ethan underestimated the Volt Cannon's power. Despite his very large size, Ethan's feet began to drag across the dirt until he too was sent flying alongside Jason.
Jason (panicking): WHAAAA!!!!
Ethan (panicking): HOLY SHIT!!!!
Jason and Ethan started spiraling into a ball and crashed into some trees. As they shook off the dizziness from the spiraling they both picked themselves off of the ground and wiped the dirt off of their clothes. Jason accidentally inhaled a bit of dust which made him cough.
Jason: *cough* I thought you said you would catch me!
Ethan: Ugh. I did. But I didn't think I would get sent flying with you!
Jason: You were the one talking about how this thing can blow up a freaking mountain!
Ethan: That's what people said! I thought it was just a rumor! You have more power than me so it's not my fault that I can't take the power!
Ethan suddenly paused.
Ethan: Wait….
Jason: What?
Ethan: Maybe power is the issue.
Jason: What do you mean?
Ethan: Maybe the problem is that you are using too much power.
Jason: But my mom told me to charge it like that. She said that the one I'm using is the weakest version I can use so I can't make it smaller.
Ethan: Then don't make it smaller.
Jason looked confused.
Jason: What do you mean?
Ethan: I could be wrong but I don't think you need to make it smaller to make it weaker.
Jason paused for a moment. He thought back to what Cynthia told him about the sizes and different kinds of Volt Cannons.
Ethan: Why don't we give it a try?
Jason assumed his position again. He started to charge up energy but only half of the power this time. He then fired the beam at the boulder. While Jason didn't get sent flying, he still couldn't hit the boulder.
Jason (agitated): Damn it! I almost had it!
Ethan: Maybe try using less power.
Jason assumed his position yet again and started to charge energy. This time, he only used a quarter of his power. As Jason fired the attack, the beam hit the boulder directly and punched a hole through it.
Ethan (happily): Hey, you did it!
Jason (excitedly): Hell yeah!
Ethan (eagerly): Alright let's not stop now! Let's keep this momentum going!
Jason: I have an idea! Let's start throwing large rocks in the air! Use those rocks over there.
Jason pointed to the left where there was a large barren land with rocks of all sizes. Ethan clapped his hands together and pointed at Jason eagerly.
Ethan: Ah, I get you! Moving targets!
Jason and Ethan both hurried to the area. Despite many of the rocks being very large and heavy, Ethan was able to lift them and throw them high in the air due to his immense strength. Jason began shooting the rocks that were thrown with the Volt Cannon.
Ethan: Alright, let's keep this going!
Jason: Actually.
Ethan (questioning): Hm?
Jason: I'm grateful for your help but shouldn't you also be preparing?
Ethan: Nah it's cool. Green Electrens have different tests than the others.
Jason: How so?
Ethan: Because we prioritize close range combat, all of our tests for the technique portion is going to be based on that.
Jason: You sure? Who told you this?
Ethan: An upper classmate. That's what they did last year. Now let's continue!
Jason: Okay then.
Jason and Ethan continued their practicing until the sun started to set.
Jason: Okay, I guess we can call it for today. Thanks for helping.
Ethan: It was no problem. If anything, all that throwing gave my arms a good workout. How are you feeling?
Jason: Well at ten percent I can use the Volt Cannon with great precision. But…
Ethan: But what?
Jason: I would really like to put more power into it.
Ethan: I mean, I can see why but any more energy will throw off your aiming.
Jason: You think Hana could help with that?
Ethan: Why Hana?
Jason: She's got better precision than the both of us. Maybe she knows a trick.
Ethan scratched his head as he was unsure.
Ethan: Yeah, but this is Hana we're talking about. Like no offense to her but she isn't really the brightest person and she hardly takes anything seriously.
Jason: Are you sure? Because sometimes I think she just acts stupid and messes around just to be funny.
Ethan: If you say so. Anyways, it's getting late. See you tomorrow.
Jason: See you.
Both Jason and Ethan went home. The next day, Jason got to school and did his History test. While it was difficult, Jason managed to complete it. After school was let out, Jason brought both Ethan and Hana along to start practicing the Volt Cannon again.
Hana: So you can't use more than ten percent or you will get launched?
Jason: Well no. That happens if I go sixty percent or more. I don't get sent flying when I use more than ten percent but it does throw off my aiming.
Hana: Well I have a solution!
Ethan looked surprised at Hana's quick answer.
Ethan: Really?
Hana: It's simple. We just need to ground you more.
Jason: How so?
Hana looked around. She then spotted two large trees on top of a hill.
Hana: Follow me.
Hana made her way to the hill. Ethan and Jason looked at each other in confusion but decided to follow her anyway. As they arrived at the trees, Hana began to push on one of them a little. The tree didn't budge. She then gave a mischievous grin.
Hana: Perfect.
Jason: What is?
Hana looked behind at Jason.
Hana: Stand between these trees.
Jason (confused): Okay?
Jason walked in the middle of the two trees. Ethan stood behind him. Suddenly, Hana began creating long red strings from her finger tips. She then started lassoing the strings around the trees and then tying them to Jason's arms and legs.
Ethan (thinking): She's not serious is she?
Jason: What are you doing?
Hana: Just keep still. I'm not done.
Hana began tying more and more strings until Jason was in the air and tied up.
Jason: Hana?
Ethan facepalmed as he saw Hana's dumb idea. Hana grinned as she was proud of herself.
Hana: Now you are locked in one place!
Jason (complaining): I also can't move!
Hana: Yeah but you won't need to. You are just aiming for a target.
Ethan: Hana, please for the love of god, tell me you are not serious.
Hana looked over to Ethan.
Hana: What do you mean?
Ethan: Ignoring the fact that this doesn't help Jason at all. I'm pretty sure they are not going to allow you to help Jason with the test.
Hana: Wait, back up. How does this not help Jason?
Ethan: How exactly is Jason supposed to do this in a fight?! You've got him immobilized!
Hana then walked over to Ethan. Her face went from her usual cheery expression to an annoyed and angry look.
Hana (annoyed): You always do this! I come up with an idea and you always shut it down!
Ethan (annoyed): It's because they are either dumb or they end in a huge disaster.
Hana (annoyed): A huge disaster?! Name five times that happened!
Ethan showed each finger as to count the amount of times.
Ethan: The science project, the truck, the party, that other party.
Hana (angrily): Hold it! You know that Valerie pushed me!
Jason (exclaiming): Valerie wasn't even there!
Ethan: There's also the turtle incident.
Hana (disgusted): UGH!
Jason (disgusted): Aw sick Ethan! Why did you bring that up?!
Ethan looked up at Jason and pointed at Hana.
Ethan (complaining): That was her fault!
Hana (yelling): How was I supposed to know it was going to do that?!
Ethan (yelling): The tour guide told you ahead of time!
Meanwhile, Jason was trying to get himself down when a little spider from on top of the trees spun a thread and reeled downward til it stopped in front of Jason's face. As Jason spotted the spider, his eyes widened and his arm hairs began to stand up.
Jason (whispering): Shit. Hey guys!
Ethan and Hana continued to argue, unaware of Jason calling to them.
Jason (desperately): Guys!
Jason then blew on the spider to make it go away. As the spider swung backwards away from Jason, it swung right back and landed on Jason's face. Jason's eyes widened and he started to freak out.
Jason (panicking): GET IT OFF!!!!!
Jason, out of instinct, fired a full power Volt Cannon. While the spider wasn't hit by it, the shockwave made it fly off. However, Jason began to rocket backwards and towards Ethan and Hana. The two immediately turned to see Jason rocketing towards them. The strings Hana tied on Jason began to stretch as they hung on to the trees. The trees started to bend from the force. Suddenly, the trees were ripped out of the ground and Jason crashed into Ethan and Hana.
Jason (screaming): AHHHH!
Ethan (screaming): AHHHH!
Hana (screaming): AHHHH!
The strings were ripped off of the uprooted trees and were tangled with Jason. As Jason crashed into Ethan and Hana, the three of them started rolling down the hill all the while the strings were getting more and more tangled up with them. The three of them started rolling towards a large building that was on the outskirts of the field.
Meanwhile, a young boy in his late teens was walking by the building with two other boys around the same age, eagerly following him. This boy had black messy hair that was rather short. His eyes were dark brown and his skin was slightly pale. He was well muscular and had a slight above average height. He wore a purple T-Shirt and a black jacket over it. He wore blue jeans that were shredded at the knees and black boots. He seemed to carry three swords on him. Two short ones that he wore by his hips and a very large one on his back. All three swords had black and purple handles with gray on the blades. The blades were worn out but still appeared sharp. The two other boys followed behind this boy in admiration.
Boy 1: You were so cool today Brandon! The way you showed up that guy was badass!
Boy 2: He was like "I'm the greatest swordsman ever" and then with just one swing you cut his wimpy sword in two!
Brandon (confidently): Yeah, that guy was all talk. He gave swordsmen a bad name.
Boy 2: I wish I could be as powerful as you. I mean, you are even able to match Cynthia Steel!
Boy 1: That's awesome!
Brandon: You guys are a bunch of fools.
Both Boys: Huh?
Brandon: That was nothing more than a training session. It doesn't count. However, I'm pretty sure that I will surpass her one day!
Both Boys You sure will!
Brandon: Well, I'm heading back to the dorms. See you guys later.
The two boys went off on their own after waving goodbye to Brandon. Suddenly, Brandon heard a loud crash sound from behind the building he was passing by. Brandon looked over to where he heard the sound and ran towards it. As Brandon hurried to the other side of the building, he saw Jason and Ethan covered in red strings and tangled up. Hana was laying on the ground next to them.
Brandon (to himself): What the heck?
As Hana got up, she hurried to Jason and Ethan who were stuck to each other.
Ethan (urgently): Do something!
Hana: Hold on!
Hana grabbed the strings that were on Jason's head. However she also grabbed Jason's hair and pulled on it. Sparks began to emit from Jason's head.
Jason: Ow! Ow! OW! OW! THAT'S MY HAIR!
Hana: Sorry! Uh….
Brandon cleared his throat. Hana turned around towards him. Brandon saw Hana's scarlet hair glittering from the sunlight and the way she almost posed just from turning around revealing her curvaceous figure. Brandon was taken aback by it but quickly regained his composure.
Brandon: Do you guys need help with whatever... this is?
Hana: Uh, yeah. Do you think you can help me untangle them?
Brandon: I got a better idea.
Brandon walked over to Jason and Ethan who were sitting on the ground.
Jason: What are you doing?
Brandon then took out the massive sword on his back.
Ethan (panicking): Hey Hey Hey EASY!
There was a flash and suddenly the strings fell off of Jason and Ethan. The strings were cut clean off of them. Both Jason and Ethan got up.
Brandon: There you go.
Hana: Wow! That was cool!
Brandon blushed a little from Hana's response.
Brandon (acting modest): Ah, it's nothing special.
Ethan raised his hand towards Brandon.
Ethan: Hey thanks man.
Brandon took Ethan's hand and shook it.
Brandon: No problem.
As Brandon let go of Ethan's hand, Jason took out his hand and held it to Brandon.
Jason: Thanks for the help dude.
Brandon also took Jason's hand and shook it.
Brandon: It's really no problem. It's alright to rely on your superiors if you need help.
As Brandon let go of Jason's hand, Jason stood there confused and slightly offended by the response.
Jason (to himself): Superiors?
Hana went in front of Ethan and Jason and faced Brandon.
Hana: I'm Hana Fields. The big guy is Ethan Gull and curly over here is Jason Steel.
Brandon: I'm Brandon Blade. It's nice to meet-
Brandon paused for a moment. He then looked towards Jason.
Brandon: Wait, Steel? Your last name is Steel?
Jason (confused): Yeah. What about it?
Brandon: Did you give yourself that last name cause you're a Cynthia fanboy or?
Jason (angrily): Fanboy?! Cynthia is my mother!
Brandon looked confused. He looked at Jason. He then looked at Hana and Ethan.
Brandon: Is this guy for real?
Ethan: Uh, yeah. Cynthia Steel is his mother.
Brandon then smiled.
Brandon: Okay come on guys. This is funny and all but seriously.
Jason's face started to burn red as he was starting to get irritated by Brandon.
Jason (annoyed): Why is that so hard for you to believe?
Brandon then looked back at Jason.
Brandon: Well for starters, you don't look anything like Cynthia.
Jason: I'm adopted.
Brandon: Yeah, sure. It's just hard to see someone at your level being raised by the kingdom's legendary warrior.
Hana and Ethan began to get nervous as they sat Jason growing angry.
Hana: Okay, let's not start anything right-
Jason stepped in front of Hana and looked Brandon in the eyes intensely.
Jason (seriously): What do you mean by "my level"?
Brandon: Look, it's nothing personal. It's just that considering how powerful Cynthia is, I would think her "son" would be at least semi-strong.
Ethan: Hey now, that's not very ni-
Jason (interrupting): Are you saying I'm weak?!
Brandon: No no no, you're definitely strong!
Brandon then looked away and grinned.
Brandon: For your level.
Ethan and Hana looked at Jason who started to turn red from anger. However, Jason's shade of red quickly disappeared. He then grinned mischievously as he just thought of something.
Jason: What about you, huh? What's your level without those hunks of metal to rely on?
Brandon stopped smiling and looked back at Jason. The words "hunks of metal" echoed in his head.
Brandon: What are you saying?
Jason: I mean, you're over here talking about how great you are compared to me and yet-
Jason grinned, revealing his mischievous side.
Jason (continuing): Which one of us needs weapons as a crutch?
Brandon started to look very annoyed. His eyes narrowed in on Jason.
Brandon (agitated): I can fight just fine without my swords.
Jason (mocking): Oh I'm sure you can. At your level.
Brandon then marched up to Jason and looked him in the eyes. Jason stood his ground and didn't appear to be even the slightest bit intimidated.
Brandon (seriously): You've got a lot of balls to be talking to me like that.
Jason (seriously): Didn't think I could talk back? I can do much more than just talk, you know. I know how to fight.
Brandon (seriously): I can kick your sorry ass any day of the week.
Jason (seriously): I like to see you try.
Brandon suddenly took out one of his swords from its scabbard and held it towards Jason as he was preparing for a fight. Purple electricity began to emit from the pitch black blade of the sword.
Brandon (yelling): Fine! Let's go then! Right here and now!
Jason (yelling): Fine, let's do th-
Ethan (shouting): NO YOU ARE NOT!
Ethan grabbed Jason by the shoulder and brought him away from Brandon. He then turned towards Jason.
Ethan: Jason, I don't mind you getting competitive with someone but you're the one who wanted to master the Volt Cannon. Do you really think you have time to get into a fight? The test is tomorrow!
Jason paused and thought for a moment. He then walked past Ethan and back to Brandon.
Jason: As much as I would like for us to duke it out, I'm on a tight schedule so I don't have time to fight right now.
Brandon looked at Jason. He then smiled and put his sword back into its scabbard. He then turned around to leave.
Brandon: The Tempion Foster Center. That's where I am most of the time. If you're not scared, then come find me there after you're done with whatever you're working on.
Brandon then walked off. Jason, Ethan, and Hana watched him as he got further and further away.
Hana: Man, I was sensing some powerful vibes from him.
Ethan: Really? He kinda reminded me of David and how he acts. Cocky and nothing to show for it.
Jason: He is annoyingly cocky but unlike David, this Brandon guy actually had a reason to act cocky. Did you see how fast his swing was?
Ethan: No. I didn't see anything.
Jason turned around and faced Ethan. His face was dead serious.
Jason: Exactly. That's how fast it was.
Ethan looked shocked. He then looked over to where he last saw Brandon though Brandon was already gone.
Ethan: Wow. You think he is stronger than you?
Jason: Hard to say.
Hana: I got a good look at his swing and it's certainly fast.
Ethan looked at Hana with a shocked expression.
Ethan: You saw it? I didn't see shit.
Hana: Yeah but do you remember your fight with that girl Lapis the other day? Speed alone doesn't make you unbeatable.
Ethan: I guess so. I was able to predict-
Jason (interrupting): You guys were clearly not paying attention to what he did.
Hana and Ethan looked at Jason. They both were confused.
Jason: The fact that he didn't nip us with that cut means that he has more than just speed. He has precision. I know I was mocking him before but that guy knows what he is doing with those swords.
Ethan (thinking): Out of the three of us, Jason has the most combat experience as well as training. So if he is saying that, then Brandon must be really skilled.
Jason: Well, I'm going to go back to training. You guys can join me if you want.
Ethan: Sure.
Hana: Let's go!
Later that evening…
Jason was at home eating dinner at the table. He had a very large bowl of pasta and a half eaten baked potato. Cynthia was sitting across from him with her own food.
Cynthia: So how's training coming along?
Jason (with mouth full): Uh, uts gahing ulung gruat. Uh cun oze tuh puhunt wuouh guhhunh hunchetz
Cynthia rolled her eyes and facepalmed.
Cynthia: Okay Jason, how about you say that again without stuffing your face at the same time?
Jason stopped and swallowed the food that was in his mouth. Jason strained a bit as he was swallowing a lot of food at once.
Jason: It's coming along great. I can use the Volt Cannon at ten percent without getting launched.
Cynthia: That's fantastic!
Jason: Still, is there any trick that I can use so I can increase the power?
Cynthia (without hesitation): Nope.
Jason (disappointed): There isn't?!
Cynthia: Even if there was, you don't need all that power. Ten percent is more than enough.
Jason looked down in disappointment. He then took a bite out of baked potato.
Cynthia: By the way, your sister is coming home tomorrow.
Jason (chewing): Hm?
Cynthia: I believe she said she wanted to meet you at school.
Jason suddenly choked. He grabbed a cup of water that was nearby and drank it to clear his throat. Afterwards, he put the cup down and looked at Cynthia in a shocked expression.
Jason (panicking): Why is she coming to school?!
Cynthia: She is meeting with some of her old teachers. And she also wanted to see you very badly.
Jason looked very concerned. He held his arms and shuddered.
Cynthia: Relax. I told her not to be rough with you.
Jason: I think you should have defined the word "rough" to her.