Back at the market, David was stacking boxes on top of each other. He suddenly heard something that sounded like a smack. Like someone got hit with something hard. There was even the sound of crunching rocks. He then heard someone angry yelling in the alleyway. David turned around and saw that Jason was no longer by the wall.
David: Where did he go?
David walked towards the alleyway and crept around the corner. He then saw Jason fighting Bruce who kept smacking Jason around like a ragdoll.
David (thinking): What the hell is going on?! Who the hell is that big guy?!
David was about to step in when he hesitated.
David (thinking): I need to think. If Jason is having this much trouble with this guy, then I'll just be in the way if I try to help.
David looked around. Despite the large crowd, he saw someone who caught his eye.
David (thinking): That's it!
David ran off into the large crowd. Meanwhile, Jason and Bruce continued their fight. Jason had given up on defense and grapples and was charging at Bruce with pure aggression. Both were trading punches back to back with electricity sparking everywhere with each hit. Bruce punched Jason in the face and blood splattered from his face. Bruce then swung down and punched Jason's back which made Jason fall to his knees. As Jason bent down with his hands on the ground to catch himself, he started gasping for air as blood dripped from his mouth. His face was red and swollen from the hit. Bruce then laughed as he mocked him.
Bruce: And I thought you would be more durable than that! Are you sure you're a yellow ele-
Out of nowhere, Jason got back on his feet and punched Bruce in the groin. Bruce's eyes widened as the pain was excruciating. He hollered in pain.
Bruce (screaming): AHHHHHH!!!!
As Bruce fell to his knees and held his groin where Jason hit him, Jason grabbed Bruce's head and slammed his forehead in Bruce's face. Blood splattered everywhere and Bruce fell over on his back from Jason's powerful headbutt. He groaned as he was still in pain. Jason took that moment to catch his breath. He then looked over to Bruce who rolled over on his side, still covering his crotch. His face was covered with his blood. His nose was swollen and red. It was also crooked unnaturally to the left.
Jason (still out of breath): You're strong. There's no doubt about that. But you are also a lousy fighter.
Bruce quietly rolled over on his stomach and stood back up. He turned around and faced Jason who had regained his breath. Bruce suddenly gave Jason a wicked grin. His teeth were partially painted red from the blood that was dripping from his mouth.
Bruce (menacingly): Time to die.
Bruce suddenly started charging electricity throughout his body. The muscles in his arms and back began to bulge as if Bruce was using his electricity to make himself stronger. Jason was surprised by this tactic but he then regained focus.
Jason: Bring it!
Bruce (maliciously): If you say so!
Bruce charged full force at Jason. As Bruce swung at Jason, Jason held his right arm in front of him and blocked the punch. His arm ached as it was enduring the heavy blow. Bruce then swung with his other arm to which Jason responded by blocking with his other arm. Jason and Bruce were then locked in a struggle as Bruce stepped forward to try to overpower Jason. As Jason was staggering backward, he looked at Bruce's knee which he used to step forward. Jason suddenly bent down and headbutted Bruce's knee. Bruce backed off and screamed in pain.
Bruce: AHHHHHHHH!!!
Bruce grabbed his red, swollen knee that Jason headbutted and started hopping on one foot.
Bruce (screaming): OW OW OW!!! THAT HURT YOU LITTLE SHIT!
Bruce then charged towards Jason with malicious intent. Jason suddenly held up his hands towards Bruce. As Bruce swung his fist at Jason, he suddenly hit a yellow transparent wall. Jason had created a force field that blocked the hit.
Bruce (frustrated): Argh! Damn it!
Bruce started rapidly striking the barrier but it would not budge. The barrier withstood the blows effortlessly. However, Bruce suddenly smirked and fell forward to press his entire chest on it. Jason kept his hands up to maintain the barrier. Suddenly, using his massive arms, Bruce reached around the wall and punched Jason from the side. Jason went flying and crashed into the stone wall.
Jason: ARGH!!!
As the barrier faded away, Bruce began to laugh.
Bruce: What was that about me being a lousy fighter?! Your force field technique is a real pain in the ass. Not even I've figured out how to use that and I'm the same type as you. But considering how you didn't use it earlier made me realize something. You haven't mastered it, haven't you? You can only create a barrier right in front of you and you can't move while creating it! So all I have to do is reach around it! After all, despite your efforts to keep up with me, I'm still three times your size and thus have a much greater reach than you!
Jason fell off of the wall he was slammed into. He coughed up some blood and slowly stood back up. He leaned against the broken wall behind him as his legs were shaking weakly. Bruce walked towards Jason and stood right in front of him where Jason was leaning against the wall. Then Bruce's expression changed from a cocky smile to an offended frown.
Bruce (angrily): What is wrong with you?
Jason (weakly): W-what are you talking about?
Bruce (angrily): This whole time you've been using tricky tactics and evasion! I thought defense and brute force were your specialty like a proper Yellow Electren! But you are fighting more like a Red Electren!
Jason (weakly): Well… maybe I'm just an anomaly?
Bruce's face suddenly turned red out of anger. He grabbed Jason by the throat and slammed him into the wall.
Jason: ACK!
Bruce (outraged): DO YOU THINK I'M STUPID?! I KNOW YOU ARE HOLDING BACK!
Jason managed to stand back up on his feet. He regained his breathing and stood up straight.
Bruce: An Electren that is an Anomaly has a physical difference from the average Electren. You might be acting like a Red Electren now but you wouldn't be able to take my hits like that if being an Anomaly was the answer!
Bruce suddenly sniffed the air towards Jason.
Bruce: I smell sweat! You're putting so much effort into this tactic! And that's because it's not your usual fighting style! You're holding back! There is no hiding it!
Jason (shouting): So what if I am?! I just don't want to destroy everything!
Bruce raised his eyebrow.
Bruce: You are concerned about your surroundings?
Jason: Yes!
Bruce gave an intense glare. He then chuckled.
Bruce: Looks like I made a mistake trying to recruit you. If you're going to be that concerned about some random ass building-
Electricity suddenly started surging throughout Bruce's body. His hair turned bright yellow as electricity crackled through the air. As he grinned, blood oozed from between his teeth.
Bruce (continuing): THEN YOU ARE BETTER OFF DEAD!
Bruce charged at Jason at full force. Jason suddenly fired a blast of electricity from his hand behind him. This propelled Jason forward at Bruce. As Jason got closer to Bruce, he landed another headbutt directly in Bruce's face.
Bruce: ARGH!
As Jason landed on his feet and stumbled back a bit, Bruce regained his footing. He wiped the blood that was leaking from his nose. The blood smeared across his right cheek. Bruce touched his aching knee that Jason headbutted earlier and then grinned maliciously.
Bruce: Jeez, what the hell is your skull made of? My knee is killing me. Still, did you forget I'm the same type of Electren as you? I can take hits all day long. It only makes me more resilient. You can do the same. Only, I'm still stronger.
Jason: Considering how much you are complaining about your knee, I think taking hits all day might be a stretch in your case.
Bruce looked very insulted. But then he laughed.
Bruce: I thought you were supposed to be shy. And yet look at you. You speak against me and you come up with some witty comebacks. Does fighting make you brave?
Bruce licked his lips maliciously.
Bruce: I like that. You are quite the warrior. Such a shame that despite your strength, you are so gutless.
Bruce started walking towards Jason with his hands out and open like he was preparing for a full assault. His feet stomped into the ground with every step. Bruce licked his bloody lips. Jason watched as his powerful foe was approaching him.
Jason: You sure like licking your lips.
Bruce chuckled as he continued getting closer.
Jason (thinking): Should I do it? What if it kills him? And what if it hits someone else?
Bruce got closer. His eyes filled with violence and bloodlust.
Jason (seriously): Screw it!
Jason took a step back and stomped his feet and dug them into the ground. He then started charging energy into his core. Electricity was seen flowing out of his mouth as it built up. Bruce saw this and his eyes widened from the surprise. He then smiled again.
Bruce: Well, well, well. Guess you will go all out if I smack you around enough. BRING IT! I WILL CRUSH YOU INTO-
Before Bruce could finish, a massive emerald-colored battle ax fell from the sky and landed right between Bruce and Jason. The suddenness of this made Jason fire the Volt Cannon very early which made it not nearly as powerful as intended. The small laser hit the ax but the ax barely budged. Suddenly, a large man jumped down from the sky and landed right next to the ax, creating a dust cloud that flew from the ground up. As the dust cleared, the man was seen to be very large. His hair was short and black. His skin was slightly light but it had many scars across it. The man also had a black eye patch that was worn across his right eye. This man was wearing a green, thick, metal armor suit but despite the armor covering most of his body, it was very clear that he was heavily muscular. The man looked back and forward between Jason and Bruce.
Bruce (shocked): You're a member of The Titans! Reinhard Atlas!
Reinhard: That's correct! I've gotten reports of an ongoing brawl in an alley!
Reinhard looked back and forward between Jason and Bruce. Both of them had many wounds and bruises on them. Both of them were also covered in blood. Around them was massive damage to the ground and walls of the alley. Despite both Jason and Bruce having many injuries, Reinhard turned towards Bruce.
Reinhard: You wanna explain yourself?
Bruce smiled as if he wasn't trying to hide his intentions.
Bruce (sarcastically): Why, whatever do you mean?
Reinhard: Cut the crap, Bruce! I've known you long enough to know that you're the one who started this fight!
Jason stayed silent as he wasn't sure what to say. Jason then sat down on the ground to regain his breath.
Bruce: What are you going to do? Arrest me?
Reinhard: I would like to.
Bruce: But you can't. You made be a Titan, but you are still a commoner. You don't have the right to make that choice yourself. And you know that.
Reinhard paused for a moment. He looked down as he was thinking. He then looked back at Bruce who was still grinning.
Reinhard: Just get out of here now! I may not be able to arrest you now, but if you lay a finger on me, that gives me a reason to fight! Do you think you can take me on?
Bruce's grin disappeared. He scowled and looked towards the exit of the alleyway. He saw a bunch of people who had heard the fight and were watching. He looked back at Jason who was sitting on the ground. Jason, despite clearly being wounded, gave Bruce an aggressive glare. Bruce became extremely agitated and started scratching his head out of frustration.
Reinhard: Well?! Can you?!
Bruce (angrily): Of course not!
Bruce then exhaled sharply.
Bruce (frustrated): Fine! Have it your way!
Bruce, with his injured knee, limped towards the exit of the alleyway and pushed through the crowd. Some of them followed Bruce as he left. The others stayed behind as they were curious about what was going on. Reinhard grabbed his ax and pulled it out of the ground. He then put two of his fingers to his mouth and gave a loud whistle. Suddenly, two women jumped down from above and stood in front of the crowd. They were both dressed in all black. Their attire covered their entire body except for their eyes which were crimson red. They both had a long red ponytail that stuck out from the back of their heads. Jason stared in amazement.
Jason: Whoa, are they-?
Reinhard: Ninjas? Yes, they certainly are.
Lady Ninja (1): This area is not safe for civilians! Please stand clear!
Lady Ninja (2): Please stay back for your safety!
The crowd was getting pushed back. Meanwhile, Reinhard walked towards Jason and squatted in front of him.
Reinhard: Are you okay?
Jason: Yeah, I'm just exhausted.
Reinhard: Well my teammates are keeping the crowd at bay so take a moment to relax. I'm sure you're shaken up from that scary fight.
Jason: How did you know?
Reinhard: Know what?
Jason: How did you know to come here? And how did you know that Bruce was the one who started the fight?
Reinhard: I was tipped off. As for why I knew Bruce started this, it's because this is far from the first time he has done this. It's a real shame. He is a gifted warrior but he acts like a bully. I often have to intervene so he doesn't hurt someone too badly.
Reinhard looked at Jason more carefully. He then gave a sweet smile.
Reinhard: To be honest, I stopped the fight this time for his own sake.
Jason: What do you mean?
Reinhard: Come on, don't be so modest. I saw what you were doing. You were starting to build up a lot of energy into a single point. If you would've fired that full power…. Well, let's just say there wouldn't have been a trace left of him.
Jason felt his stomach sink into itself. He couldn't believe that he could've killed Bruce like that.
Reinhard: Hey, don't look so down. It didn't happen and that's what matters. Besides, if I hadn't intervened and you didn't use that, Bruce would've likely killed you.
Jason said nothing as he was looking down at his legs.
Reinhard: Can you get up?
Jason: Yeah, I can.
Jason stood back up. Despite his injured state, he was able to move around normally. Jason rolled his arm to stretch it out.
Reinhard: Alright, let's get you somewhere to heal.
Jason: Thanks but honestly I just wanna go home right now.
Reinhard: But you're still injured-
Reinhard suddenly saw Jason's wounds closing up on their own. The purple bruised spots started to regain their normal color.
Reinhard (thinking): Regeneration? And a very potent one as well. Yellow Electrens heal fast but not this quickly.
Reinhard: How about I escort you home then?
Jason: Sure, thank you.
As Reinhard and Jason walked out of the alleyway, the twin ninjas were guiding the crowd away from them so they could walk through. Jason kept his head down and could hear the crowd talking about Reinhard.
Man (1): Holy crap it's Reinhard!
Man (2): I am such a huge fan!
Woman (1): I love you Reinhard!
Man (3): That was crazy! I thought for sure that he and Bruce were going to fight!
Woman (2): That son of that Marquee is such a bully!
Jason then heard the comments starting to shift towards him.
Woman (3): That poor boy. I'm so glad Reinhard rescued him.
Man (4): Hey, that boy looks familiar.
Man (5): Holy shit! It's Jason Steel! He is the son of Cynthia Steel!
Woman (4): No way! He's the new warrior everyone has been talking about! The young Electren who blew up that mountain!
Woman (5): If you ignore all that blood on him, he is very handsome.
David: Hey Jason!
Jason looked behind him and towards where he heard the familiar voice. Behind the crowd was David who was standing on the top of the stand. He smiled and gave Jason a thumbs-up. Jason in return gave him a thumbs-up as well.
Jason (thinking): I get it. You're the one who tipped Reinhard off. Thanks, David.
Later…
Reinhard had brought Jason home. Cynthia was waiting outside. She saw Jason who was banged up and bloody. She ran to him and held his cheeks concerningly.
Cynthia: What on earth happened to you?!
Jason (awkwardly): I… got into a fight.
Cynthia (disappointed): Jason…
Reinhard: If I may Miss Cynthia.
Cynthia looked towards Reinhard who was behind Jason.
Reinhard: There's a bit more to that story than what it sounds. If you would allow me to explain, I can clear up any confusion.
Cynthia: Very well.
Cynthia looked towards Jason.
Cynthia: Go get yourself cleaned up.
Jason: Alright.
Jason walked inside the house. Cynthia then walked towards Reinhard.
Cynthia: So what happened?
Reinhard: It was Bruce Dollians. The son of that Marquee Henry Dollains.
Cynthia's eyes widened. Her face began to twitch as she looked like she was trying to stop herself from exploding with rage.
Cynthia (angrily): It was him?!
Reinhard: Yes, I believe-
Cynthia (interrupting): No, that's okay. I can pretty much guess who's at fault here.
Reinhard: Really?
Cynthia: My son may have a temper but he is never the first one to throw the punch. And I've trained Bruce personally before so I know what he is like. Honestly, that behavior is why I stopped training him.
Reinhard: Well I'm glad you did. Honestly, your teachings are better off in the hands of someone who can be trusted.
Cynthia smiled at Reinhard.
Cynthia: Like you?
Reinhard felt a bit embarrassed and rubbed the back of his head.
Reinhard: Oh come now.
Cynthia: You were one of my best students. And to think you became a member of the Titans. The guardians of Tempion.
Reinhard: Well, that was because your training was so effective.
Reinhard then looked at the front door of the house.
Reinhard: Speaking of training, your son Jason is unbelievably powerful for his age. He might be banged up but I think Bruce got it even worse. You must've trained him even harder than you did with me.
Cynthia: It's more so that Jason is a different type of Electren than you. Green Electrens like yourself require a different method to train than Yellow Electrens.
Reinhard raised his eyebrow as he felt like there was something else to this.
Reinhard: That can't just be that, can it?
Cynthia: Well, Jason is also a unique individual. I've seen him unleash vast amounts of electrical power at such an early age.
Reinhard: Interesting. Then I take it that he is an anomaly.
Cynthia: That's a possibility though it wasn't confirmed.
Reinhard: What are you talking about?
Cynthia: An Electren is usually discovered with an Anomalous Trait by observing how they grow and develop skills over time. Jason has grown very strong in such a short time but the power he showed is different. It was already incredibly high even as a child. So it's difficult to see if it's growing or not. If it is growing rapidly, then Jason might end up being the most powerful being on the planet.
Reinhard's eyes widened and his jaw dropped in shock.
Reinhard: Could he even become stronger than you?!
Cynthia: Of course he can but there are beings out there who are far stronger than me. Al-Goul the Dragon King, Tyrone the Slayer, and even Celestia the Sorceress.
Reinhard (shocked): Celestia too?!
Reinhard was about to say something else but hesitated. Cynthia noticed this.
Cynthia: What is it?
Reinhard: Well, I was wondering if Jason could even become strong enough to fight The Empress.
Cynthia's eyes widened out of shock.
Cynthia (exclaiming): The Empress?! Are you talking about Vesta?!
Reinhard (nervously): Well, yeah I just-
Cynthia held her hand up as if she was stopping Reinhard.
Cynthia (interrupting): Absolutely not! I will not let Jason anywhere near that woman. Let alone fight her!
Reinhard: I get it. I was just thinking-
Cynthia (interrupting again): No you don't get it! Or you wouldn't have brought her up! Vesta is the most dangerous person alive! She is unbelievably terrifying!
Reinhard (stopping her): Okay! Just calm down!
Cynthia stopped and took a deep breath.
Reinhard: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought her up. I forgot you have a history with Vesta.
Cynthia: It's fine. Well, I appreciate you bringing Jason home in one piece.
Reinhard: No problem. I'll see you later then.
Reinhard turned around to leave.
Cynthia: You don't wanna stay for a while longer?
Reinhard: I can't. Being a Titan is a demanding job. Still, maybe another time.
Reinhard then walked back to town. Cynthia turned around and went back inside. As she walked into the living room, she saw Valerie tying Jason up with bandage wrappings. Except she was doing it very badly. She had Jason tied up so much that he was covered in it from head to toe as well as his arms tied behind his back. There were several sloppy knots all over Jason where Valerie had tied. Jason's left eye was peeping out from the wrappings and looking at Cynthia pleadingly.
Jason (begging): Make her stop!
Cynthia (annoyed): Valerie! What are you doing to him?!
Valerie looked at Cynthia seemingly innocently.
Valerie: I was just trying to put bandages on him.
Cynthia walked over and began removing the wrappings off of Jason.
Cynthia: Don't tie him up like a mummy!
After Cynthia got all of the wrapping off of Jason, she grabbed some more and was preparing to retire the wrappings.
Cynthia: This is how you properly bandage someone.
Jason suddenly stood up and backed away from Cynthia and Valerie.
Jason: Can I just go to my room? I don't need this right now.
Cynthia: Jason, I know you don't like this but we need to
Jason (insistent): Please!
Cynthia stared into Jason's eyes. They were a look of desperation. A look she doesn't normally see Jason make.
Cynthia: Okay then. Go ahead.
Without answering back, Jason walked upstairs to his room. Leaving Cynthia and Valerie by themselves.
Valerie (angrily): If I ever find who did this to him, I'll smash their balls into pieces!
Cynthia turned towards Valerie. She gave her a look of shock and disturbance.
Cynthia (shocked): My god Valerie!
Valerie: Oh yeah, it could've been a girl. In that case, I'll hit her in the boobs so hard that-
Cynthia (interrupting): VALERIE! PLEASE STOP!
Valerie looked at Cynthia with a look of confusion.
Valerie: What?
Cynthia: First of all, that is unbelievably vulgar! Where the hell did you learn all that from?
Valerie: Anthony.
Cynthia facepalmed upon hearing that.
Cynthia (exasperated): Of course you did.
Valerie: What? I think he is very funny. Like when he said the guards at the kingdom's entrance might piss themselves every once in a while.
Cynthia (angrily): THAT'S ENOUGH!
Valerie was startled by the sudden yell from Cynthia and stopped talking. Cynthia rubbed her head to ease the stress and calmed down.
Cynthia: I'm sorry for yelling. I need to talk with Anthony tomorrow.
Valerie (still nervous): O-okay.
Cynthia: Now as I was saying, the other issue with you trying to attack the one who did that to Jason is the fact that it can get you in a lot of trouble. Do you want to make Jason feel worse about that?
Valerie paused for a moment. She then slumped down in defeat.
Valerie: No.
Cynthia: I know you love your brother but you need to think about what your actions can do. Anyway, I'm going to check on Jason.
Cynthia got up from her chair and walked upstairs. She then approached a room that had the name "Jason" on it. She then knocked on the door.
Cynthia: Jason? I'm coming in.
Cynthia walked into Jason's room. There were some shelves with a few books and some cabinets with some clothes inside. There were candlesticks on the wall that were lit to give the room light. Then there was a large bed with Jason laying face first on top of it. Jason's room was surprisingly bare with not much in it. However, his floor was covered with dirty clothes. Cynthia had to tiptoe across to get to Jason.
Cynthia: Well it's no wonder you fall on your face every morning with this mess.
Jason didn't respond. Cynthia then sat down on Jason's bed next to him. She then looked over to Jason who was still lying face-first in the bed.
Cynthia: It was Bruce Dollians, wasn't it? He attacked you.
Jason still didn't respond.
Cynthia: I'm not mad at you. I know what Bruce is like so I know you didn't start it. I'm just relieved you're okay.
Jason turned his head to the left, revealing his depressed face.
Cynthia: Look, it's a big world out there. You are going to meet people who are much stronger than you and you will taste defeat. The important thing is to not give up and learn from the defeat. Losing can be a very important les-
Jason (interrupting): Technically I didn't lose the fight.
Cynthia: You didn't lose? Then why do you look so sad?
Jason: I let Bruce's taunts get to me and I almost used the Volt Cannon on him.
Cynthia didn't say anything.
Jason: Reinhard said that if I had used it I would've-
Cynthia (interrupting): Did Bruce threaten to kill you?
Jason paused for a moment.
Jason: Yes.
Cynthia: I won't say that you made the right decision during that. However considering the position you were in, it makes sense why you would resort to using that. Still, I told you the day I showed you the technique that it isn't something you can use at any time until you've mastered it.
Jason: Do you regret showing me?
Cynthia paused for a moment. Considering her next choice of words.
Cynthia: Not showing you but more that I regret not considering the problems that would come with it. But that's in the past now.
Jason: Do you think I can become an Apex Guardian?
Cynthia gave Jason a sweet and comforting smile.
Cynthia: Do you wanna help people?
Jason: Yes.
Cynthia: There's your answer.
Jason sighed showing dissatisfaction.
Jason: That's not what I meant. You've always told me that I need to be in control of my powers and yet I nearly lost it.
Cynthia: Jason, it's too early for you to be thinking that. You need to train. Get stronger. And learn from your mistakes.
Jason sighed again. However, this time was more to reconcile with himself. He stood up and sat next to Cynthia.
Jason: Okay.
Cynthia: I forgot to tell you by the way. I had a talk with King Leon about him revealing the mountain incident last night. He said that he was going to lift the debit for the damages to the castle ceilings to make up for what he did.
Jason breathed a sigh of relief. He then gave a smile.
Jason: Thank god.
Cynthia: Looks like you and her are getting off easy.
Jason looked at Cynthia with a confused expression.
Jason: Her?
Cynthia: You know. Your girlfriend who was with you during that whole thing. The Blue Electren.
Jason: You mean Carly?
Jason suddenly stopped. His eyes widened and his cheeks turned red out of embarrassment when he realized what Cynthia had said.
Jason (embarrassed): WHOA WHOA WHOA! She is not my girlfriend! We just met!
Cynthia: Are you sure? I thought you liked her.
Jason (nervously): Y-yeah, but like a friend. I hardly know her anyway.
Cynthia: Well I thought that she was a real cutie.
Jason (embarrassed): Mom! Would you please stop before Valerie hears you?!
Valerie (shouting): Too late!
Valerie suddenly jumped into Jason's room. She landed on Jason's bed and sat very close to him.
Jason: Valerie! Would you please just listen?
Valerie: I hate to tell you this but if someone wants to date my little brother, they have to be stronger than me!
Jason (yelling): WE ARE NOT DATING!!!!
Valerie (sarcastically): Oh sure. I believe you.
Jason: I seriously can't take it with you! Every time I talk to a girl or a girl talks to me, you frickin challenge them like they are trying to get with me!
Valerie: Name one girl I've done that to!
Jason gave Valerie an agitated look.
Jason: Hana.
Valerie paused as if she was caught.
Valerie (awkwardly): Uh…. Name another one!
Cynthia got up and pulled Valerie off of Jason's bed.
Cynthia: How about we let him rest so he will be ready tomorrow?
Valerie (complaining): AWWW!!! COME ON!!
Cynthia pushed Valerie out of Jason's room despite her protest. She then looked back inside at Jason.
Cynthia: I'm surprised you willingly let her fly you around.
Jason looked confused.
Jason: What do you mean?
Cynthia: Even though you're no longer the little boy who would hide behind me, you're still not very trusting around people you don't know. You don't even talk to people unless they talk to you first. And yet, you let this Carly girl fly you around the kingdom.
Jason looked away, not wanting Cynthia to see his face.
Jason: I'm not some lady killer you know.
Cynthia chuckled.
Cynthia: Of course you're not. And I wasn't implying that you were. Having a crush on someone and trusting them are completely different. Was there a particular reason why you chose to trust her?
Jason said nothing for a moment. Thinking back to when Carly had lifted him and flew him around the kingdom. Showing him her view of the world.
Jason: I don't know. I guess I just did.
Cynthia smiled.
Cynthia: Well, good night.
Cynthia leaned towards a candlestick and blew out the flame. As the room turned dark, Cynthia closed the door behind her as she left Jason's room.
Cynthia (thinking): Have you started to open up more? Or maybe, there is something unique about her?
Meanwhile…
Bruce was walking inside a house. The house was three stories tall. It was made of concrete and wood. The walls were a light beige and very clean. As Bruce walked in, inside were cushioned chairs and a sofa that was dark red. Marquee Henry was sitting on one of them. His nose was still purple as it was swollen. He turned around to see Bruce walking inside.
Henry: And where have you been? And why are you all banged up? Did you get into another fight?
Bruce: Yeah. It was with that punk who fell on you the other day. Jason Steel.
Henry suddenly had a big smile.
Henry: Hehehe. So you went to teach the son of that bitch Cynthia a lesson? How did it go?
Bruce grinned.
Bruce: He was a bit stronger than I thought but it was no issue. Reinhard interrupted the fight before I could mess him up though.
Henry: How lucky. Well, at least you got your licks in. I take it Reinhard did that to you then?
Bruce said nothing.
Henry: I would throw him in jail if he wasn't a part of Tempion's defense force. Oh well, at least I got payback. Good job son.
Henry got up and left the room. Henry then sat down on the sofa. He looked at his hands. They were red and swollen. They ached as he tried to move them. He thought back to his fight with Jason. When he continued punching Jason. Thinking about every punch he landed on Jason made his hands ache which made him angry.
Bruce (thinking): It was like punching a hunk of steel. My hands are killing me. The pain won't stop!
Bruce gritted his teeth in frustration.
Bruce (angrily): And he was holding back! Damn you Jason!