I soar through the city, leaping across towering skyscrapers with ease. The wind whips through my scales as I glide effortlessly, taking in the dazzling lights and bustling streets below. This power, this freedom - it's exhilarating. I let out a mighty roar, relishing the sheer force of my creation.
The city spreads out before me, a dazzling tapestry of lights and movement. I bank sharply, cutting through the air with effortless grace. My claws extend, ready to grasp the edge of the next building. I pull myself up, perching atop the skyscraper and surveying the world below.
Down there, the people scurry about their business, unaware of the magnificent creature soaring overhead. I flex my wings, feeling the power coursing through my body. With a powerful downstroke, I launch myself back into the air, weaving between the towering structures with ease.
The thrill of flight is unlike anything else. I revel in the freedom, the sheer exhilaration of defying gravity. My roar echoes through the city, a triumphant declaration of my dominance. I am the master of the skies, a force of nature to be reckoned with.
Ugh, a sharp pain shoots through my head. I blink, disoriented, and look up to see my math teacher looming over me, her brow furrowed in a stern expression.
"Is my lecture that boring to you, Mr. Logan?" she snaps, her voice dripping with impatience.
I realize it was just a dream, and I wince as the entire class erupts in laughter at my expense. Miyuki just shakes her head with a sigh, and I feel my face flush with embarrassment.
"Uh, sorry, teach."
The teacher's eyes narrow. "Since you think this is a joke, how about you answer this question on the board."
I glance up at the math problem written on the whiteboard.
"The answer is 42, ma'am."
She pauses, her eyes narrowing. "Correct... Mr. Logan." Shaking her head, she turns back to the board, continuing the lesson.
I sink down in my seat, trying to avoid any more attention.
I get my notebook out, ready to jot down some ideas for improving the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. system. The class material is a breeze for me - a little studying was all I needed to get a handle on it.
Hmm, the range of the Synapse could use some work. I can probably grab the materials I need after school, but even with those upgrades, the max range is still gonna be too limited. Unless I can somehow get access to a satellite or some radio towers, I don't think I'll be able to extend it as far as I need to.
I need to figure out a Plan B. Hmm, maybe I can find a used van and rig it up to transport Talon wherever I need to go. That could work. I'll have to see what kind of van I can find and how I can modify it to safely move Talon around. It's not ideal, but if I can't come up with a better option, this might be my best shot.
I can also use the van as a mobile lab. I can do maintenance on Talon if needed, without the need to go back to the lab at home. This will give me more flexibility and independence to work on Talon wherever I need to.
I continue jotting down notes in my notebook, brainstorming more ideas to improve the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. system. Before I know it, the lunch bell rings.
Miyuki comes over and taps my shoulder. "Eddie, let's go grab some lunch."
I blink, surprised by how much time has passed. "It's already lunchtime?"
Miyuki nods. "Yes, were you that focused in class?"
"Yes..." I trail off, then quickly change the subject. "Nevermind, let's just go."
"Okay!" Miyuki flashes me an excited grin, and we head out of the classroom together.
(Miyuki POV)
(Flashback)
I have a weird childhood friend. I first met him when his family transferred right next to our house. His black hair and framed glasses made him look fragile.
"Hello! I'm Miyuki! What's your name?"
"Eddie, nice to meet you."
"Then, Eddie do you want to play?"
"No thanks, I would rather study."
"Eh? Come on, that's boring. Let's go to the park." I grab Eddie's hand and brought him to the park.
"Hey, don't suddenly grab me!" Eddie protests, but I ignore his objections and continue pulling him along.
The park is full of kids running and laughing. I look over at Eddie, who seems uncomfortable and out of place.
"See, isn't this much better than studying?" I say, bumping his shoulder playfully. "You need to get out and have some fun once in a while, you know?"
"I just don't see the appeal of aimless play. There are so many productive things I could be doing with my time."
I roll my eyes. "You're such a stick in the mud, Eddie. Come on, let's play!"
I easily scale the monkey bars, swinging from one bar to the next with practiced ease. Looking over, I see Eddie struggling to climb.
"You doing alright down there?"
He huffs, "Yeah, pant I'm fine!"
Eddie loses his grip and tumbles down, landing flat on his rear.
"Eddie! You alright?"
He brushes the dirt off his pants, trying to maintain his composure. "Never better," he replies, a hint of embarrassment in his voice.
I keep trying to catch Eddie as we play tag, but the other kids are much faster than him. He's always the first one to get tagged. Still, I know he's really smart - when we play Reversi, he always beats me. He gets this smug little grin on his face every time he wins, so I keep challenging him, but he just keeps on winning.
"You're way too good at this game, Eddie!" I say, playfully nudging his shoulder. "How about we try something else? I bet I can beat you at that."
Eddie grins smugly, adjusting his glasses. "What's this? Giving up already? I guess we could try something else. You're just not good in these types of games. It is not even a challenge."
"Why, you little--." I clench my fists, glaring at him. "Alright, mister, prepare to have your glasses knocked off! I'm about to wipe that smug look right off your face."
I love hanging out with Eddie, even if I have to practically drag him out of his room sometimes. That guy would just stay cooped up studying all day if I didn't force him to take a break.
We've become the best of friends over the years, and I know he feels the same way, even if he doesn't always show it. There's a little part of me that gets all giddy whenever he acknowledges that I'm his best friend too. It just makes me so happy to know I mean that much to him.
Sure, Eddie can be a real stick-in-the-mud sometimes, always studying instead of just having fun. But that's part of what makes our friendship work. I keep him from getting too serious, and he keeps me grounded when I get a little too crazy. We balance each other out perfectly.
I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything. Eddie might be a total nerd, but he's my nerd, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
We're sitting in Eddie's living room, watching the news broadcast. Ember Nova is on the screen, her vibrant red costume billowing as she takes down a group of criminals.
"Go, Ember Nova!" I cheer, bouncing excitedly on the couch. "Isn't she amazing, Eddie?"
"I don't see the appeal of these so-called heroes. They're just people with powers playing dress-up."
I nudge him playfully. "Aw, come on! Where's your sense of adventure? Live a little!" I turn back to the screen as Ember Nova strikes a heroic pose.
"No matter where you hide, my flames will burn bright and stop you, evildoers!" she declares.
I can't resist jumping up and reenacting the scene. "No matter where you hide, my flames will burn bright and stop you, evildoers!" I strike the same pose, grinning at Eddie. "See, it's fun! You should try it."
Eddie just shakes his head, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'll pass. That's a bit too...embarrassing for my tastes."
I huff and plop back down on the couch, my eyes glued to the screen as Ember Nova continues her heroic exploits.
"I want to be like her someday," I say, my eyes shining with excitement as I watch Ember Knight on the TV screen.
Eddie scoffs. "Then you better start praying you will be a S.U.P.E.R. Only 30% of the population gets to be one."
I bounce on the couch, mimicking Ember Knight's heroic poses. "I will! I'm going to get a cool power and gonna BAM! SWOOSH! CHA!"
He rolls his eyes. "Or maybe you will get a power like farting nauseous gases."
"Don't jinx it!" I playfully nudge him, my enthusiasm undimmed. Even if Eddie doesn't share my excitement, I can't help but get swept up in the thrill of imagining myself as a superhero, soaring through the sky and saving the day. Superheroes are just the coolest!
One day, Eddie and I are playing near the riverbank. I sprint along the riverbank, the wind whipping through my hair.
"Come on, Eddie! Try and keep up!"
"W-Wait up..." Eddie pants, struggling to match my pace.
Suddenly, I catch a whiff of something burning. "What is that smell?"
Eddie's eyes go wide. "Miyuki!"
I glance down and to my shock, my legs are engulfed in flames! "AAHH! Put it out! Put it out! Put it out!"
"Hurry, jump into the river!" Eddie shouts.
I leap into the rushing river without hesitation, putting out the flames on my legs. Once I reach the shore, Eddie rushes over to me.
"Are you okay, Miyuki?"
I nod, still trying to catch my breath. "Y-Yeah, I think so. What just happened?"
The flames start appearing again, and I panic. "Oh no, not again!" I cry, waving my arms frantically.
"Miyuki, stay calm!" Eddie says, placing his hands on my shoulders. "Are you feeling any pain?"
I pause and realize despite my legs burning. I didn't feel any burns.
"No, actually... it doesn't hurt at all."
"Miyuki, I think you've awakened your power. You're a S.U.P.E.R. now!"
My eyes go wide. "A S.U.P.E.R.? Like Ember Nova?" I can hardly believe it.
"Congratulations. You now have a chance to be a hero."
I celebrate and start jumping up and down. "Yes, yes, yes! I'm a SUPER, just like Ember Nova!" I can hardly contain my excitement.
"Miyuki, calm down and focus on turning the flames off. You're burning your clothes!"
"How do I do that?" I ask, my legs still flickering with fire.
"I'm not sure," Eddie admits. "Maybe try thinking of something cold? Like ice or snow?"
I furrow my brow in concentration, picturing a snowy winter wonderland. Slowly, the flames begin to sputter and fade from my legs.
"It's working!"
I try to summon the flames again, focusing on hot thoughts. Sure enough, the flames flare up from my legs once more.
"Yes! It worked!" I exclaim, grinning from ear to ear. "This is so cool! Just like Ember Nova!"
I bounce up and down, the flames trailing behind me. "I'm going to be the greatest hero ever, just you wait and see, Eddie! With these amazing powers, I'll be unstoppable!"
"I don't know, Miyuki. Having cool powers doesn't automatically make you a hero. You'll need to train and hone your skills if you really want to be like Ember Nova."
"What do you mean? Of course I'll be a great hero! I have the powers, don't I?"
"It's not that simple," Eddie sighs. "You need discipline, strategy, and the right mindset. Powers alone won't cut it."
I cross my arms, a determined gleam in my eye. "Well then, I guess you'll just have to help me, won't you, Eddie?"
He blinks in surprise. "Huh? Why do I have to help?"
"Because we're best friends, silly!" I nudge him playfully. "And I'm going to need all the help I can get if I want to be the next Ember Nova. So you better get to training me, mister!"
Eddie opens his mouth, then closes it, considering my words. Finally, he sighs in defeat. "Alright, fine. I'll help you train. But don't expect miracles, okay?"
I pump my fist excitedly. "Yes! This is going to be so much fun, I just know it! Get ready, Eddie, because I'm going to be the greatest hero ever!"
Years have flown by, and Eddie and I are still the closest of friends. He's been an invaluable support, helping me train and offering guidance whenever I need it. I don't know where I'd be without his assistance - probably not ranked among the top students at our school.
I'm so grateful to have Eddie in my life. He's always there for me, no matter what. Even when I'm struggling or feeling down, he finds a way to lift my spirits and keep me motivated. His unwavering belief in me means the world.
Sure, he can be a total nerd sometimes, but that's part of what makes our friendship work so well. We make the perfect team.
I don't know what I'd do without my best friend by my side. He's been there for me through it all, and I know I can always count on him. Eddie is one in a million, and I'm the luckiest person to have him in my life.
(Present)
I head out of the school building with Eddie, like we do every day.
"Hey, Eddie. Want to watch the new Air Dynamic movie at my place?"
He shakes his head. "Not today, Miyuki. I've got some errands to run, so you can go ahead without me."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, it's going to take a while. I don't want you to get bored waiting around." Eddie gives me an apologetic smile. "I'll catch up with you later, okay?"
"Alright..." I try to hide my disappointment as I watch him walk away.
As I'm about to head home, I spot Kazuya and his group of followers heading somewhere. I wonder what they're up to now.
I got a bad feeling, so I followed them. As I trailed behind, I couldn't help but notice their slimy behavior - they were flirting aggressively with girls on the street, and the sight of it made my skin crawl.
My suspicions only grew when I saw them corner a timid-looking girl and lead her into a secluded alley. Something was clearly not right. I quickened my pace to follow them.
I quicken my pace as I follow Kazuya and his group down the secluded alley. The timid girl they've cornered looks terrified, and my heart sinks as I realize what they're about to do.
"Hey, leave her alone!" I shout, rushing forward.
Kazuya and his cronies turn to face me, sneers spreading across their faces.
"Well, well, if it isn't little Miss Miyuki," Kazuya drawls. "Come to play the hero again, I see."
"Stop this right now," I demand, stepping between them and the girl. "Let her go."
Kazuya chuckles darkly. "I don't think so. We were just getting started."
The other boys move to surround me, but I stand my ground, flames already flickering to life around my legs.
"I won't let you hurt her," I growl.
Kazuya's eyes narrow. "Always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, aren't you, Miyuki? First, it was protecting that pathetic friend of yours, and now this?"
He takes a step towards me, his telekinetic powers crackling around him. "I'm getting real tired of you interfering with my fun."
"Your 'fun' is terrorizing innocent people," I spit. "That's not fun, that's just cruel. Didn't you want to be a hero?! Then how could you do something like this!"
"Hey, hey, you're making this sound more ridiculous than it is," Kazuya said dismissively. "We're just having a bit of fun. Besides, I'm going to be a future pro hero. I'm going to be the best of the best. I'm just giving her a chance to be my woman in advance."
His arrogant words and casual disregard for the girl made me angry. You think you can just play with women whenever you want. Without hesitation, I launched myself forward, flames erupting from my legs to boost my speed, and I delivered a powerful kick directly to Kazuya's face.
"You scum!" I yelled as he reeled back, a trickle of blood running from his nose.
Turning to the frightened girl, I asked with concern, "Are you okay?"
"Y-Yes," she stammered in reply.
"That hurts, you gorilla woman!" Kazuya shouted, glaring at me as he got back to his feet.
He gestures to his followers. "I don't know why I bothered talking to you. Boys, teach this little girl a lesson!"
I brace myself as the other boys close in, their faces twisted with malice. The flames around my legs flare up, ready to defend myself.
"Run!" I shout to the girl, who doesn't hesitate to flee.
I unleash a torrent of flames, driving Kazuya's cronies back. Without powers, they're no match for me one-on-one. But their sheer numbers, coupled with Kazuya's telekinetic support, make it a challenge to keep them at bay.
I duck and weave, my fire blasts scorching the ground around us. But Kazuya's followers are relentless, and I can feel myself starting to tire.
"What's the matter, Miyuki? Already feeling tired?" Kazuya taunts, his voice dripping with malice.
I grit my teeth, refusing to show any weakness. "Not a chance, Kazuya! I'm just getting warmed up!"
Summoning my remaining strength, I launch myself forward, raining down a flurry of fiery strikes. The boys scramble to dodge, their arrogance giving way to panic.
"Don't just stand there, you idiots! Get her!" Kazuya barks, his telekinetic powers lashing out.
I weave through the attacks, my flames blazing brighter with each passing moment. Kazuya's cronies lash out, but I'm too fast for them. I duck and dodge, my fiery kicks and punches driving them back.
He hurls a metal pipe at me, and I barely manage to dodge it. The impact cracks the concrete where I was standing just moments ago. My heart races, but I refuse to let them intimidate me.
I charge forward, unleashing a furious assault. Flames erupt from my legs, propelling me towards them. But Kazuya is ready, and with a flick of his hand, he sends a dumpster hurtling towards me.
I tried to dodge, but it caught me off guard. The dumpster slams into me, knocking me to the ground. My head cracks against the concrete, and I feel a searing pain. Spots dance in my vision as I struggle to stay conscious.
As my consciousness starts to fade, I hear Kazuya's voice, laced with a hint of panic.
"Damn it, that wasn't supposed to happen..."
Then everything goes dark.
///
Advance chapter on my Patreon - Najicablitz