Jason was seen in a room, sitting in a chair. The room had pictures and books neatly arranged on shelves. There was a counter with a desk in front of Jason with another door that said "principal" on it at the end of the room and another right next to him that said "exit". There was also a woman at the desk reading papers.
Jason sat on his chair awkwardly and nervously as he knew he was in big trouble. Sweat dripped from his forehead as the tension and anxiety grew. He suddenly heard two people from outside the room walking towards the room he was in. He could hear one of them very angry and the other nervous. As the voices got closer, he recognized the angry voice and got even more nervous. As the door opened, Cynthia marched into the room. She was wearing her usual tuxedo dress and was holding Valerie by her arm. Cynthia had an angry look on her face while Valerie looked just as nervous as Jason.
Valerie (confused): Why do I have to be here too?!
Cynthia (angrily): You're the only other person besides me who could've told him how to go full power, now sit down!
Cynthia forced Valerie into a chair that was right next to Jason.
Jason: Hey mom, listen I-
Before Jason could finish his sentence, Cynthia angrily pointed directly at Jason which startled him.
Cynthia (angrily): Not one more word!
She then pointed at Valerie.
Cynthia (angrily): From either of you! Got it?!
Jason and Valerie nervously nodded. Cynthia then walked to the door that said "Principal" and walked through it. Jason and Valerie sat awkwardly next to each other.
Valerie (ashamed): I'm sorry. I shouldn't have shown you how to do it.
Jason (ashamed): No, it's my fault. I'm the one who wouldn't settle for what I had already. I got reckless and was too focused on getting in the Apex Guardians by any means.
As Jason and Valerie sat on the chairs, ashamed and embarrassed for the trouble they caused, the door slowly creeped open and Hana peeped through it.
Hana (quietly): Hey. Jason.
Jason turned towards the door.
Jason: You can come in. I'm just sitting here.
Hana (relieved): Okay good.
Hana opened the door all the way and walked through with Ethan right behind her.
Jason (surprised): Ethan, you're here too?
Valerie looked at Hana and Ethan.
Valerie (sadly): Hi guys. I would give you a hug but I'm not really up for it right now. Sorry.
Both Ethan and Hana backed up a bit when they saw Valerie.
Hana (nervously): Oh, Valerie. I didn't know you were back.
Ethan (nervously): Don't worry about the hug. We just wanted to check up on things.
Ethan then looked at Jason.
Ethan: Bro, what the hell did you do?!
Jason (awkwardly): I went too far….
Ethan: Yeah, no shit. You blew up a fricken mountain!
Hana (excitedly): That was awesome!
Ethan turned towards Hana.
Ethan: It was not awesome! He is in so much trouble now!
Jason: I would be lucky if I didn't get expelled.
Ethan then turned to Jason.
Ethan: You would be lucky if being expelled was the only thing you got!
Jason (confused): What do you mean?
Ethan: What do you mean, what do I mean? Everyone in the whole kingdom saw that shit!
Jason (shocked): WHAT?!
The woman behind the counter leaned towards Jason and the others.
Woman: Keep it down please.
Jason turned towards the woman.
Jason (quietly): Sorry.
Ethan: You blew up a mountain. How do you not get how severe that is?
Jason looked back at Ethan.
Jason: I guess it hasn't hit me yet.
Valerie: This isn't going to involve the king, is it?
Hana: I did see some royal guards hanging around the campus.
Valerie (concerned): Shit.
Suddenly, the door to the principal's office opened up and Cynthia walked through it. She had a serious expression on her face. She walked right to Jason and Valerie and then looked towards Ethan and Hana. Her face was expressionless which was contrast to her usual warm smile.
Cynthia: The two of you should go back to class.
Ethan: Uh, okay.
Hana: Good luck guys.
After Ethan and Hana left the room, Cynthia turned toward Jason and Valerie.
Cynthia: Come on. We are going home.
Jason: Already? But school isn't-
Cynthia (angrily): What did I just say?! Not a single word!
Jason stopped and looked at Cynthia terrifiedly. He looked down to avoid her eyes which were glaring at him.
Cynthia (angrily): We are going home now!
Jason and Valerie silently nodded and got up from their chairs. They then followed Cynthia out of the school.
Later
Back at home, Jason, Valerie, and Cynthia were sitting in the living room. There was a sofa, book shelves, and several pictures on the walls. Despite the sofa being big enough to have all three on it, Cynthia was the only one sitting on it. Jason and Valerie were sitting on wooden chairs across from Cynthia, facing her. Cynthia was sitting with her arms crossed out of disapproval. Jason and Valerie were sitting on their chairs looking down so as not to look at Cynthia directly.
Cynthia: Jason.
Jason looked up at Cynthia.
Cynthia: When I told you that twenty five percent was enough, did it ever cross your mind that there was a reason why I said that?
Jason (ashamed): No.
Cynthia: Why not?
Jason: I thought more power meant more points.
Cynthia: All you had to do was hit the target. Not break it. Why do you think no one else was hitting it as hard as they could?
Jason: But, I would get extra points from breaking it.
Cynthia: Five.
Jason (confused): What?
Cynthia: The most points you would've gotten from destroying the target, is five.
Jason's mouth was wide open from shock. He then looked down and covered his head with his hands out of shame and embarrassment. Cynthia then turned to Valerie.
Cynthia: Valerie.
Valerie looked at Cynthia.
Cynthia: When I revealed to you the secret to controlling the full power of the Volt Cannon, I did it out of trust. Cause I remember telling you not to share this information to anyone.
Valerie: But, I thought sharing it with Jason would've been fine.
Cynthia stood up from the sofa and walked towards Valerie. As she stopped she leaned towards Valerie and locked her intense eyes with her. Valerie sunk into her chair as her mother's angry glare was almost pushing her down.
Cynthia: When I say not to share it with anyone, I mean ANYONE! Your friends, your teachers, not even Jason! No one is supposed to know!
Valerie (nervously): But… I thought…
Cynthia walked back to the sofa and sat back down.
Cynthia: Listen, the both of you. The Volt Cannon is not something that everyone can use and for good reason. It's dangerous. Not just to those around you but also yourself.
Jason looked up at Cynthia.
Jason: What do you mean?
Cynthia: The reason both of you only have to deal with a knockback is because you are both durable enough to withstand the recoil. But a weaker Electren who would use the technique incorrectly can severely injure themselves from the backlash. Because of this, the method on how to use the Volt Cannon can only be discussed in private. That area I had you trained in is a protected zone that cloaks anyone inside of it.
Jason: Oh, I didn't know.
Cynthia raised her eyebrow at Jason.
Cynthia: You never thought why I would just willingly let off a massive blast?
Jason (awkwardly): Uh…. No….
Cynthia sighed in exasperation.
Cynthia: The point is, you need to be responsible with this. Neither one of you have mastered it yet so you can only use it to destroy. Do you two understand what I'm saying?
Jason: Yes mom.
Valerie: Yes mom.
Cynthia: I suppose that goes for me as well. I should've thought more if you two were ready.
Valerie: So now what's going to happen?
Cynthia: I have to go explain everything to the king. I've worked with him for quite a while so I'm hoping he goes easy.
Jason: Should we try to stay away from public places since there's a bunch of commotion?
Cynthia: Oh you won't have to worry about that since the two of you aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Valerie: What do you mean?
Cynthia: Oh nothing. Just the fact that the two of you are grounded.
Jason and Valerie (shocked): WHAT?!
Cynthia shrugged her shoulders.
Cynthia: What did you guys think was going to happen? Of course I'm going to do more than just give a lecture.
Jason: But I was going to have a battle with this guy I met yesterday.
Valerie: Yeah and I had plans to visit the blacksmith to get my gear upgraded and hangout with my old friends.
Cynthia: Too bad. You two should've thought of that before you caused all this chaos. You guys aren't going anywhere for a whole week.
Both Jason and Valerie groaned. Cynthia then got up and started to walk towards the front door. She grabbed a black purse and put it on her shoulder.
Cynthia: I left a list of chores for you two to do while I'm out. It's posted on the fridge.
Valerie: Where are you going?
Cynthia: I have to go meet the King and explain everything that's happened.
Jason turned towards Valerie.
Jason: She literally just said that.
Valerie (awkwardly): Oh…
Jason: Wait a minute! Can't I just get a small pass so I can submit my form to be an Apex Guardian?
Cynthia reached into her purse and took out a white envelope. She raised it up so Jason could see it.
Cynthia: Nice try but I'm going to send it myself. You're staying home.
Jason (disappointed): Aw…
Cynthia then walked out the door. Both Jason and Valerie got up from their chairs and walked to the kitchen. To their left was a white refrigerator. On the top part of it was a white paper that was hanging by a little fridge magnet that looked almost like a thumbtack. Valerie pulled the paper off the fridge recklessly and the magnet fell on the floor. Jason bent down and picked it up. He then stood up and put it back on the fridge.
Jason (annoyed): Would it kill you to pick up the shit you drop?
Valerie (ignoring Jason): This is a long list!
Valerie began reading the paper.
Valerie: Clean dishes, dust, sweep the floor, mop the floor, take out trash, make the beds, do laundry, fold the laundry and put them away, clean the bathrooms, clean the air vents, and mow the front and back lawns.
Jason (shocked): The back lawn?! Come on!
Both Jason and Valerie looked out the window where they could see the back lawn. It stretched out for almost a mile.
Valerie (annoyed): This is going to be a long day.
As Jason and Valerie began their chores, Cynthia made her way to the king's castle. This massive castle was located in the center of the kingdom. In front of Cynthia were massive stairs that lead to gigantic doors at the entrance of the castle. As Cynthia walked up the stairs, she could see two large men in armor standing by the entrance. They were guards protecting the entrance of the castle.
As she made it to the top of the stairs, she walked towards the gate. As the guards looked at Cynthia, she stopped in front of them and took out a badge and showed them it. The badge was silver plated. It had the letter "T" on it with the ends shaped in zigzag like lightning bolts. The guards nodded and Cynthia walked past them and into the castle.
As Cynthia walked through the hallway of the massive building, she could see paintings of people hanging from the walls. Massive red drapes hung from the ceilings and men in fully plate armor walked by her.
She then stopped at another large door. Waiting next to it was an older man. This man was quite short yet appeared to be obese as his stomach was very large and round. He wore a white dress shirt with a black vest over it however it looked stretched and wrinkled. He wore long black pants over his apparent stubby legs. His hair was short and was reddish brown. His mustache was groomed to where it curled up on both ends. Despite how small and stubby he looked, he presented himself as someone of importance while giving off a snooty vibe as he grinned at Cynthia while stroking the end of his mustache. Cynthia stopped in front of the door next to this man yet she did not look at him. She had an annoyed look on her face.
Cynthia (sarcastically): Good day, Marquee Henry.
Henry: Why, good day to you as well Ms. Cynthia. It seems you got yourself in quite an awkward situation. Did your little orphans misbehave again?
Cynthia moved her eyes towards Henry.
Cynthia: I assume you mean my children. Kindly refrain from calling them that.
Henry: I'm just saying how it is.
Henry's expression went from smug to angry.
Henry (angrily): Just like how your noble status is nothing but a fraud!
Cynthia then turned towards Henry.
Cynthia: This again?
Henry (angrily): Noble titles are bestowed by the highest of Electrens. Yet you got yours just because you fought in some wars. You are no different from a common knight!
Cynthia: You fight off an army of gargoyles by yourself and see if you can say a common knight can do that. Besides, you and I both know that I've been acquainted with the king for far longer than you have been a noble.
Henry: It's worse now that you took two random brats off the streets and claimed to be your own children! Was it that difficult for you to get yourself a man?!
Cynthia: I do what I want. If I don't want to get married, then I'm not getting married. And that's my business.
Henry scoffed.
Cynthia: Besides, the king gave me that title. I didn't ask for it. You really want to argue with him?
Henry rolled his eyes. Cynthia then turned back towards the door.
Cynthia: How's your son?
Henry: He's doing fine. Great in fact. I reckon he will be next to take Princess Lacey's hand in marriage.
Cynthia (sarcastically): And here we go.
Henry (annoyed): What do you mean by that?!
Cynthia turned back towards Henry.
Cynthia: You're a Marquee. Not a Duke. So your son isn't next in line.
Henry: Actually, considering Duke Albert hasn't had a son, it only makes sense that my son would be next. Unless you actually believe your little orphan boy is qualified as prince material.
Cynthia turned away from Henry.
Cynthia: I may have the title of Duchess, but I only serve the kingdom. I will also not get Jason involved in this if he doesn't want to.
Cynthia turned back towards Henry and leaned closer to him.
Cynthia: That's what it means to be a parent, Marquee Henry. Letting your child decide their future.
Henry gave a sinister grin.
Henry: All the more reason why you are not worthy of being ranked above me. Peasant!
Cynthia stood up and walked back to her original spot.
Cynthia: Well this "peasant" is the only reason your son is a decent warrior to begin with. So I would show some respect.
Henry (sarcastically): Oh, my apologies Master Cynthia!
Cynthia: Your son didn't finish his training with me anyway. He wouldn't take my lessons to heart.
Henry: Why would he bother learning useless things such as breathing or flexibility?
Cynthia: Guess he takes after his father.
Henry (snooty): Indeed he does. He has great potential.
Cynthia: I was talking about his arrogance. Not strength. You're supposed to be a Yellow Electren and yet you are so frail.
Henry (angrily): Shut up!
Cynthia: Back to what we were talking about, Princess Lacey and the Duke's daughter Heather seem very close. It's possible she could choose her instead of your son.
Henry chuckled.
Henry (mocking): Surely you jest! Like a whole kingdom could be run by lesbians!
Cynthia looked very annoyed but she chose not to say anymore. Suddenly, the doors in front of her began to open. A woman walked out from behind the doors. She had a pink and white maid outfit with ribbons on the sides. Her brown hair was wavy and long and had a slight pinkish glow to it. Her eyes were bright pink and almost appeared to be glowing. She stood firm with a poker face that made it hard to read her expression.
Maid: Ms. Cynthia. King Leon is ready to meet with you.
Cynthia nodded silently. Henry then rudely stood in front of Cynthia.
Henry: I will also be participating in this.
Maid: Marquee Henry, with all due respect sir, you cannot enter the same room as the king without approval first.
Henry (angrily): A lowly maid dares to tell me what to do?! How dare you! I should throw you in the dungeon!
Henry then grabbed the maid by the arm roughly.
Cynthia (smiling mischievously): Oh I wouldn't do that.
Henry looked behind him at Cynthia. He then looked back at the maid. The maid began to emit pink electricity and her hair started to stand up and glow pink.
Maid: With all due respect sir.
The maid glared at Henry with an intense stare. She raised her right arm up. Suddenly, it split apart almost mechanically. A metal nuzzle stuck out from her palm which revealed a type of gun. She then pointed it at Henry.
Maid (intensely): Let. Go.
Henry, frightened by the maid, let go of the maid's arm. As soon as he did, the maid's hair returned to normal and fell back down. The nuzzle retracted back into her arm and her arm closed back into itself. She then turned around.
Maid: Please follow me Ms. Cynthia.
The maid started to walk down the hall. As Cynthia walked past Henry who was dumbfounded by what just happened, she leaned towards his ear.
Cynthia (whispering): She serves the king not just as a maid but also his bodyguard. So she has the right to kill you if you try anything. Being a Marquee won't save you.
Henry (still shaken): What the hell is she?!
Cynthia: A cyborg of course.
As Cynthia continued to follow the maid, Henry stood there, defeated with his ego shattered. The large doors then slowly closed in front of him.