The Powerless Freak 2/2

The moon softly shines on the campus as a majority of the auditorium discuss their enjoyment of the present. Some however…

Ally: Kai, I'm so sorry honey.

Kai: I'm fine!

Chester: you just gotta keep your head up sport!

Kai: I know!

Noah: …At least you can stay home and play videogames with me!

Ally: Noah!

Kai starts to walk off, Ano reaches out telling him to wait.

Kai: I'm fine, promise! I'm gonna sit at the lake for a bit.

…

Ano: I'll get him a soda real quick

Kai stares at the moonlit lake for a while, before shooting his strained eyes at the sky. He flashbacks to his mother's words about being a spawn of his curse.

Kai: Now what am I supposed to do? How will I become a guardian? Hell, How can I even get a job? ….I guess she was right after all… I… don't wanna give up-

His train of thought is interrupted by Zeke poking a finger on his cheek, saying boop before slightly shocking him.

Kai: Zeke!? What!? Why!?

Zeke: You looked like you needed another one of my "Zeke Zaps!"

Kai: I didn't! I've never needed one!...

Actually, maybe I did just this time.

Zeke sits next to Kai on the soft cold grass.

Zeke: I'm sorry… That you didn't get your Sync.

Kai: It's okay, I guess this was just how things were supposed to go.

Zeke: Hmm, nope!

Kai: Wuh?

Zeke: You're just a late bloomer, like me? Remember how I didn't discover I had Electric Power until the 3rd grade?

Kai: Yeah, the way you told me was by ruining my hair.

Zeke: And Jenny, from science class! She didn't find out her Power until 6th grade! Everybody has a Power, and everybody gets a Sync! And, You're a part of everybody, so… don't give up, okay blue?

Kai: …Okay, zapper.

By the vending machine in the outside area of the cafeteria, Ano inserts a dollar into the slot, thinking to himself as he chooses a beverage.

Ano: what should I tell him? I know he's hurting

Quin: Finally, you're away from the peasants.

Ano turns his head to look behind him. A tall man with long black hair, a pompous feel and a suspicious dark cloak walks towards him. Uncaring for the attention he's receiving from the few students conversing near the 2.

Ano: Who the hell are you?

Quin: My name is Quin. I'll make this snappy, since my very being here is dangerous. I'm a part of a group called Shadow Sun, and was assigned to find anyone with a high amount of aura to recruit. And look what I found! I believe it'd be in your best interest to come with me. I'm not taking no for an answer, however.

Ano: ...Tch, piss off

Quin: tsk tsk, the safer answer would've been yes. But, I suppose filth never knows the best life choices to make.

Continuing to ignore the comments from the students about getting the security guards to force him.to leave, and sure of himself the Ano will be accompanying him back to his group, Quin reaches into the pocket of his cloak, and pulls out his Sync. Ano quickly reacts to this by bringing out his Sync from his pocket. But Quin doesn't hesitate. He immediately activates his Sync, 2 lightning whips, and brings down a lightning strike right on Ano, causing an explosion. People start panicking, and start running from the scene. Security guards attempt to evacuate the people out of the school gates, and all of the commotion grabs the attention of Kai and Zeke at the lake.

Kai: What's going on?

Zeke: I think someone's getting in a fight!

Kai: Wait, I think that's by the cafeteria! Ano!

He immediately rushes into the school, despite Zeke calling his name. And starts pushing through the crowd.

The dust from the initial strike looms over the area.

Ano (in his mind) Shit, he caught me off guard… everything's blurry, my head feels like it's split open and my ears won't stop ringing…

Quin: Bleh, the look of commoners squealing around like pigs. They don't know the term common sense yet?

Ano attempts to send an ice wave but it's whipped through with great ease.

Quin: No use in fighting anymore, boy. Let's just make this easy and leave. I can't risk you spilling anything to anyone, after all.

Ano: Shove your whips up your ***, bastard!

Quin: yeah, I think I've thinned my patience.

Quin (inside his mind): His Ice Power and large amount of aura will be rather useful. It's similar to hers, too. Perhaps Sui can use him for more Aura Stones, or something.

He pulls his arm back, and readies another slash, but is distracted by a boy shouting out to them, running towards the scene.

Kai: Get away from him!

Quin: And then there's this brat!

Ano: Kai! Run away!

Kai: Sure, but first I need you on your feet!

Quin launches 2 whips that Kai manages to dodge from left to right. A widespread slash forces Kai to jump up In the air to avoid it, landing behind Quin and throwing a punch in his face. this comeuppance doesn't last long as with a quick flick of his wrist, Quin wraps his whip around Kai's wrist, and swings Kai into the brick wall behind them.

Quin: Thanks for the fun!

He waves as he walks over to his prime target.

Kai (in thought): I can't move… I think I'm trapped under all of this rubble. I got myself killed. Either that, or Ano dies protecting me… I have to give-

His hand starts subconsciously pushing himself up.

Kai turns his focus to Quin, who's slowly walking towards Ano preparing a slash.

Kai: No…

He gets closer, using his other whip to slash another small ice barrier.

Kai: No…!

Kai's blue markings start to conjure throughout his body. Quin's arm raises into the sky, with the whip buzzing with strength.

Kai: No!

A second strike flashes Kai's eyes, and after a few seconds, his vision starts to clear up, with the horrifying sight of neither Quin or Ano present in the area. Kai's shocked face starts twitching with tears forming, with the thought that he's failed his brother. And with this thought drowning his mind, he shouts an anguished no that could be heard throughout the whole world.

The blue markings start shining brightly, and deep inside the void where Syncs come from, a Sync inside a small blue barrier is awakened. The barrier erupts, and the Sync rockets out, with a ball of light surrounding it, flying through the ceiling, and stopping right in front of Kai's face.

???: sync with me! Sync with me!

The ball of light suddenly has angry eyes and mouth, matching the Sync's strong emotions.

Kai: What!? Wait! What the hell! What are you!?

???: That doesn't matter! Come one!

Kai: A-are you a Sync!? How are you talking!? Syncs don't talk!

Talin: Please! Sync with me! I don't want to go back to sleep!

Kai takes a quick second to think about his predicament.

Kai: uh- uh, ok! Fine!

The face fades away from the ball of light. Kai grabs the seemingly insane Sync with his hand, activating him. And in a bright flash of blue light, Kai opens his eyes, looking at his arms before standing up to see his whole body, in a Sync form.

Kai: I… I don't believe it… I'm in a Sync form!!

His happiness immediately switches to serious, as he only thinks about his next step for a second, and turns to the street the outside cafeteria is next to and starts running.

Kai: Don't worry, Ano. I'm coming!

Kai continues running down the street.

Kai: I gotta go faster! My instincts to go this way were right! It was hard to see, but I can tell, that guy was shining with electricity hopping over roofs! I know which direction he's heading in… just, hang on Ano!

Back at the school, the court is vacant, with everyone having been evacuated outside of the school, and sent home. Ally, Chester and Noah stand right next to the gates, along with Zeke and Saiko, worried over the whereabouts of the 2 brothers after the event.

Ally: Kai… Ano…

Chester: They'll be alright, honey.

Ruby: We're contacting every Guardian within the vicinity. I promise you, we'll get your children back safe and sound!

Noah: I can't believe a jerk would just kidnap Ano, like that. Why would Kai run after them? It's not like that idiot could do anything.

Zeke: Kai always tries to do anything, even if it's impossible. Like, whenever he tries to beat Ano at that arcade game those 2 always play.

Noah: I think something like that is on a different boat.

Ally: No… Zeke's right. When those two put their heads together, they get through whatever life throws at them.

Chester: See? Now you just gotta stay calm, like I have;

Saiko: You're the one who came panicking to me, asking whether or not I was with Ano. Mr. Thompson.

Chester: I-!-...

Ally: Um, By the way ...wasn't your sister supposed to be here, Saiko?

Saiko looks down to her side, saddened.

Saiko: She was busy.

Zeke: You can fight her with your sync, to get even!

Saiko: What? No.

Zeke: Okay, I guess cutting her paycheck with your Sync could work, too.

Saiko gets in Zeke's face.

Saiko: Not. Another. Word.

A grown man walks up to the group, with a Guardian emblem, spiky hair, and beard.

John: You guys are kinda blocking the main gate. Mind scooting aside?

Saiko: looks at him with Ill intent* We were told to stay here, by District Leader Lucas. Our friends are missing, pal.

John: Yeah? And I'm here to look for them. Kinda my job.

Saiko: Job? …Wait-

Before Saiko can finish her thought, Ruby runs past her to greet the man.

Ruby: Elite Guardian John!

Saiko: G-Guardian?... I'm sorry, sir! Please forgive me-

John: Calm down, jeez. I don't need an apology, I'm used to antsy people while I'm on missions.

Noah: Woah, he's not just a Guardian, but one of those 6 elite? That's so cool!

Zeke: Excuse me, sir! Can we see your sync? Haha!

Saiko: Quiet, Zeke. Show some respect.

Zeke: Sure! I'll show some just like yours!

Saiko gets in Zeke's face again.

Saiko: I WILL kill you.

Ruby opens the gate.

Ruby: please, come right this way!

John walks towards Ruby, holding the gate door open, but his arm is grabbed by the worried mother, looking down as tears swell up in her eyes

Ally: Please sir… Those 2 boys are good, they can get themselves in trouble… but they're good… So please…

She looks up to the Elite Guardian, revealing her distressed face.

Ally: Save them! Save my children!

John grabs her hand.

John: …that's my job, ma'am. Don't worry.

She let's go, assured that the safety of the rest of her family is in good hands.

The moonlight shines softly through the abandoned square building's roof. An unconscious Ano slowly starts to wake up. He gets his bearings. He's stuck in a cycle of lightning circulating around his body, realizing he's sitting on the floor against the wall, and sees Quin standing in the middle of the building. Quin quickly notes his kidnapped friend is awake.

Quin: Well, well, well. Look who's finally up!

Ano: …Where are we?

Quin: We're in Shadow Sun's hideout. We're waiting for our leader to come and pick us up.

Ano: What? I already told you I-

Quin: Bwahahaha! You idiot! You actually think I'm serious? I wouldn't take you to our hideout! We're in some random empty building I picked. We are waiting for someone from my group to come, though. So, I hope you can stay snug in my lightning whip.

Ano: Why isn't it shocking me?

Quin: I can control my own aura, fool.

Ano: Oh, yeah? Well, what's stopping me from just-

The lightning shocks him.

Quin: You really don't know when to stop talking, huh? You don't have a say in this. If the others back at the school find you, you'll give them details that'll make it harder for me and my group to operate. And I'll be damned if I go back to them empty handed, either.

He slowly walks over to the tied up boy and lowers to his knee so they're face to face.

Quin: So, tell me, peasant… What can you do to me in this situation? Huh?

Ano upper kicks him in the face.

Ano: Give your dentist overtime?

Quin: …

Out of anger, Quin punches him back.

Quin: Wait ... .I just touched a peasant! I can't believe I let myself touch filth! I must control myself!

Ano: Why is Shadow Sun even a thing!? Tell me what I'm being stolen for!

Quin: …I'm not telling you anything. Just know, your Ice Power and your aura is all that's needed of you.

Kai catches his breath with his hands resting on his knees. After climbing on top of a roof for a better view of the buildings around him.

Kai: *Huff, huff* I'm starting to wish I didn't skip dinner before the ceremony!

Talin: you are quite winded.

Kai: huh? Oh, yeah. I'm going crazy, and can hear a sync talk. Why do I hear you in my head, instead of my ears?

Talin: what are you planning to do, once you reach these strangers?

Kai: They're not strangers! Well, one of them isn't. I have to rescue my brother! It doesn't matter if I'm weak, he needs me!

Talin: I'm trying to get a bearing on my surroundings. Where are we?

Kai: Actually, I'm not sure. I've just been chasing after a faint yellow light.

Talin: That doesn't seem wise.

Kai: I'm just using my instincts! You got a better idea?

Talin: I would, if I knew where I was.

Kai: Sounds like it's your problem.

Talin: Actually, it's our problem.

Kai: Shut up!-... Oh crap.

Talin: What?

Kai: I. I think I feel where they are.

Kai quickly hops over a small gap between 2 buildings.

Talin: What makes you say that?

Kai; I'm not sure, just my instincts again. I think it's that building, over there!

Talin: Let's see if your instincts are as trustable as you think.

The wide doors are busted open, with Quin and Ano looking at Kai in shock. He catches his breath, and points his thumb to his face

Kai: I'm here for my idiot!

Ano: Kai!

Quin: How did you…

Kai: Hand him over!!

Quin: …you really think trash like you have any right to speak to me like that? Well, it doesn't matter. I'll just ride the world of you, properly this time!

Quin shoots a burst of electricity at Kai, with him dodging to the right. But Quin quickly follows up that attack, barely giving Kai time to step back from a slice of lightning as Quin shoots another bolt. Kai's mind fixates on the burst with the objective *dodge* being the only thing he thinks of. And suddenly, he jumps up fast and high, hitting the roof and falling back down.

Quin: You clearly have no chance of winning! Give up!

Kai dodges another attack, and starts running around Quin, continuously trying to avoid his attacks.

Talin: Kai, I have an idea.

Kai: Go for it!

Talin: I think if we get a clear shot. I can send energy throughout your body, and you can use it to finish this fast!

Kai: can you do that?

Talin: Seeing and Feeling how you fight… I'm starting to remember how my own abilities work.

Kai: Alright, I'm on it!

Quin: Dance for me! Dance, peasant!

Ano watches from the wall.

Ano: He's distracted… He can't shock me from doing anything. I gotta help Kai somehow!

Ano places his hand on the wall behind him and forms a small ice sickle, he breaks a good chunk off and throws it in front of his feet, then kicking it over to Quin. Who stops attacking Kai, confused at the random ice just sent his way.

Ano (inside his mind): Changing the temperature and pressure of my own ice…

The ice explodes, disorienting Quin

Ano: I can cause dry Ice explosions!

Talin: Now!

Kai focuses on a unfocused Quin.

Kai: Don't mess…

He lunges forward.

Kai: With my…

Quin gets bearings, and looks horrified at the incoming fist.

Kai: BROTHER!

A massive punch hits Quin's face in full force, sending a shock wave throughout the air and pushing Quin into the opposite side of the entrance, right into the wall.

The lightning trap sizzles off of Ano, and the dropped whips fade over to Quin, forming back to a unactivated Sync

Kai: …Got him! Great thinking, Sync!

Talin: I'll let the informality slide.

Kai stands up, and looks over to Ano, rushing over to him with relief that he's up.

Kai: Ano! I'm so glad you're okay!

Ano: Same here! …Heh, look at you.

Ano points to his little brother's body, in a Sync form

Kai: I know! I can't believe it either! He sure is a mouthful, though.

Ano: …huh?

Kai: Oh, I mean my Sync.

Talin: It'd be appreciated if you referred to me by my name.

Kai lowers his head to his body to talk to Talin*

Kai: I'd appreciate it if you told me what it is!

Talin: …I'll get back to you on that.

Raises his head back to Ano*

Kai: see what I mean?

Ano: Kai, I… don't hear anything-

Quin: YOU!!

The 2's attention are immediately switched to Quin, who slowly lifts himself up on the rubble near him.

???: Look at you, you idiot.

Kai and Ano turn to a figure on the roof. Looking down at the scene.

???: in only half an hour, you lose to two kids? Has your arrogance taught you nothing?

Quin: Shut up, Wallus… They're dead!!

Wallus: I don't have patience for your ego. We're leaving.

Quin: Not until I make them pay!!

Quin tries to shoot a giant bolt of lightning but suddenly, John bursts into the scene and blocks it with his Sync: Cosmic Blade at the right time.

John: Sorry, but I'm not letting you harm these kids any further.

He points his Sync at Quin, and gives Wallus an intimidating stare. As Wallus returns the stare, he hops into the building. And lifts Quin over his shoulder, ignoring his shouting to let him go.

Wallus: Let's go, Mr. High and mighty.

He begins to turn around and gets ready to jump back to the roof.

John: Woah, bulky. You're not going anywhere. If you're a part of a super secret club, I want details.

Wallus: Between us? It'd be an even match. But, I'm not staying here. Sorry.

Wallus quickly jumps away with Quin. Escaping.

Kai: He's so fast! Who was that guy?

John: None of your business… at least, not yet, probably.

Ano: wait...You're a Guardian, right?

John: yep, and I'm taking you two back to the school. But, before I do.

John smacks Kai on the head

Kai: Ow! What was that for!?

John: I like the kind of guy who charges in. But you had no business heading somewhere this dangerous on your own!

Kai: …with all due respect, sir… My brother was in danger! I had to do something!

John sees the conviction behind Kai's face.

John: …Heh. Well, let's just save all the excuses when we're back to safety.

John (inside his mind): Between these 2 and the other 2 back at the school …hmph, interesting kids these days.

Ally squeezes Kai with a hug as tears stream down her face.

Ally: I'm so glad you 2 are safe!!

Kai: We're okay, Ms. Thomson. Sorry for making you worry.

Everyone expresses their gladness over the brothers' safety in the outside cafeteria, as the morning sun slowly starts to rise.

Chester: I'm so relieved you 2 are ok! Where's the dead man who put their hands on my children!

John: He got away.

Chester: Oh…, well next time he messes with us, he'll get a can full of pain!

Noah: Your carpet designs might scare em off

Saiko: What happened?

Zeke: Yeah, who started that fight?

Ruby: They'll have to save those details for me, sadly. Someone's here to take you home, Saiko. And your uncle Bob is here for you, Zeke.

Zeke: Aw, okay. Tell us about it later, see ya guys!

Saiko: Be safe!

The 2 wave away they're friends and walk off.

Ruby: I'm sorry we took so long to find you 2. We didn't even hear the commotion inside the auditorium. I guess it's a good thing it took the news a minute to reach us, or else I would’ve turned the portal off. Huh, kid? *Fake punches Kai in the arm* Come on, I would like to ask you some questions about the perpetrator.

Ano: Actually… Can Kai and I be alone for a second?

Ruby: Oh, sure!

John: Make it snappy, you 2

The others walk into the cafeteria.

Ano: Hey Kai...do you remember what we said when we were children? About making a promise?

Kai: Huh? Back in elementary school?

Memories flash through Kai's mind.

Kai: Wow, I thought you forgot about it!

Ano: Of course not, shortie… I think it's time we do it.

Kai: Really? Right now?

Ano: After tonight? Of course!

Kai: hah! Sure thing!