The evening sun dipped low over Queensway Street, in voyage city,casting a soft golden glow across Aunt Mary's modest home. The little apartment was small but welcoming, neatly arranged, and surrounded by a low gate. Behind the house stretched a well-kept garden, its flowerbeds blooming with color, their fragrance lingering in the air.
The gate creaked open as Johnson and Rosemary stepped in, fresh from school. Their uniforms were dusty, their shoes worn from the day's activities.
Johnson knocked lightly on the door. "Aunt Mary, we're home!"
The door swung open to reveal a warm smile. "Welcome back, my babies," Mary said, pulling them both into a tight embrace. She ruffled Johnson's hair affectionately and patted Rose's head. "Look at you two, all sweaty and dusty. How was school today? Did you manage to participate in any event?"
Johnson groaned dramatically as he dropped his bag on the couch. Stripping off his clothes without a care, he collapsed onto the cushions wearing nothing but his boxers, his lean but muscular frame glistening slightly with sweat. "Ah, I'm so tired…" he muttered, sprawled lazily.
Mary frowned, her voice firm but gentle. "You know I don't like you throwing your clothes and shoes around. Pick them up and arrange yourself properly."
Rose giggled, covering her mouth. "Hahaha! Johnson looks so tired he's acting lazy."
"Exactly," Mary agreed. "And you, young lady, should also go and freshen up."
Moments later, Johnson returned in clean clothes, his hair still damp. "I'm back, Ma. Rose, go change up."
Mary, without moving a finger, used her telekinesis to float a tray of cookies from the kitchen, placing it neatly on the table. The three of them sat together, munching quietly until she spoke. "So, how was your day?"
Johnson sighed, leaning back. "Well, my day was fine… but exhausting. We had too many exercises."
Mary chuckled softly. "Really? How was it? It's been a while since I was a student. But let me not pressure you— you must be extremely worn out from your long day." With another flick of her mind, she summoned a chilled cup of whipped ice cream from the freezer. "Here, why don't you have some ice cream and tell me all about school?"
Johnson accepted it with a faint smile. "Well…"
Five minutes later, Rose returned, freshly changed. Mary listened to Johnson's tale, nodding slowly, her expression thoughtful.
"Hmmm… I see." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she grabbed Rose by the wrist. "So you children are causing trouble by flaunting your powers again? Especially you…"
Rose's eyes widened. "Eh—I didn't!" she squeaked, trying to pull away.
"Why did you remove your limiters?" Mary's voice hardened. "The last time you did that, you destroyed the entire neighborhood!"
"I'm sorry, Ma!" Rose cried. "I only removed two this time, I swear!" She pointed accusingly. "Johnson also used his abilities! You're not holding him!"
Mary glanced at her nephew. "That's true… Johnny, you deserve some scolding too."
Johnson threw his hands up defensively. "Ah! I didn't do anything like that. I didn't use my abilities at all!"
Rose huffed. "You absorbed Henry's speed! That's why you won the race!"
Mary blinked in surprise. "Hold up. He can do that?"
Johnson nodded calmly. "Yeah, but that's my only ability—well, that and being able to see the aura of others. But I didn't steal Henry's speed! I just… ran as fast as I could."
"Yeah, right." Rose scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Like you could outrun an elite Gold Beta human on your own."
"At least I didn't beat someone half to death and destroy the school barrier," Johnson shot back, "along with the fighting stage!"
Rose's eyes flared. "Well, at least I'm better than you—powerless dick!"
"Why, you petty little—!" Johnson growled, stepping toward her.
Rose cracked her knuckles. "You wanna fight?"
"Both of you should—" Mary tried to intervene.
But Rose had already lunged, her fist flying toward Johnson.
He dodged swiftly, countering with a punch of his own that clipped her cheek. His knuckles cracked from the impact. "Ouch!"
"That's enough! Both of you!" Mary's voice rang out like thunder. With a wave of her hand, she grabbed them telekinetically, dragging them apart. "You two need to stop this nonsense and learn to get along!"
"She started it first!" Rose shouted.
"No, she did!" Johnson retorted. "She destroyed the fighting stage—ask the teacher who had to stop her!"
Mary sighed heavily. "Enough! Sit down, both of you, and tell me exactly what happened. No more fighting!"
"Ugh, fine," Rose grumbled, plopping onto the couch with her arms crossed. She reached for cookies, sipping her ice cream stubbornly.
Johnson exhaled and began. "Well… it went like this…"
[Flashback]
The fighting stage lay in ruins, cracks splitting the ground while dust filled the air. Students had scattered, some cheering, others terrified.
Rose stood at the center, hair glowing like wildfire as she floated above the wreckage, eyes burning with fierce determination.
"Show me your full strength, Michael!" she roared, her aura blazing like a star.
Michael's body surged with power, muscles bulging as his size doubled. He launched forward like a meteor, energy radiating in violent waves. "I won't hold back, Rosemary!"
The two collided mid-air, the shockwave cracking the very foundations of the arena.
Before the final impact, a flash of light tore across the stage. A figure appeared—Sasha—teleporting directly between them. Her arms shot out, catching both of their fists. Her body trembled, veins straining as she held them apart with sheer willpower.
"END OF MATCH!" she bellowed, her voice echoing like a gavel's strike.
Rose snarled. "What the hell, Sasha?! Let us finish this fight!"
Michael strained against her grip. "Yes! Let me go! Don't hold me back!"
Sasha's teeth clenched as sweat beaded her forehead. "I said—it's just a test! A friendly battle, not a duel to the death! You fight until one surrenders or passes out—NOT until you kill each other!"
Rose growled, struggling harder. "Then let us keep fighting! Neither of us has given up yet!"
"No can do!" Sasha's voice shook but held firm. "Look around you! The arena is destroyed—the barrier is gone! Any more damage, and you'll bring the entire stadium down!"
Rose froze. Her glowing hair flickered, then dimmed. Her eyes softened as guilt washed over her. "I… I'm sorry," she whispered, bowing her head. Then, drained of energy, she collapsed into unconsciousness.
"Rose!" Johnson rushed forward, catching her in his arms. "Are you okay?!" He shook her lightly, patting her cheek.
The teacher walked up with a stern look. "Michael, you seem to have won today. But don't be fooled—one more second and she would've broken your face."
Michael exhaled deeply. "Yes, Madam."
"Winner—Michael Thompson!" the commentator declared.
The crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and confusion.
Johnson held Rose close, panic on his face. "Rose! Can you hear me? Are you okay? Wake up!"
Her eyelids fluttered open. "Shut up, dude," she muttered weakly, her hair fading back to blue. "Can't even pass out properly…" She gave a tired sigh. "So, big brother, how was my performance?"
Johnson smiled gently. "Not bad, Rose. You did well." He patted her head.
Her lips curved into a small grin. "Aww… praise me more!" She hugged him tightly.
But he gave her a light chop on the head. "Don't remove your limiters again. You know you shouldn't."
Rose lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay." He carried her onto his back as she drifted to sleep.
Suddenly—
"Hey, brat!" Henry shoved him hard.
Johnson stumbled. "W-What is it?"
Henry smirked, dragging a thumb across his throat. "Prepare for tomorrow, kid. You're dead meat."
Tim burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Exactly! You're finished!" He slapped Johnson's back mockingly.
Rose stirred awake on his back, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "You two… stop bullying my brother."
Henry smirked. "The sleeping princess is awake, huh?"
"Yeah," Rose said coldly. "And what? Wanna fight?"
Henry's smile twisted into anger. "You wanna try me?!"
Johnson quickly placed a hand on her shoulder, calming her fiery aura. "No need to fight, sis. Let's go."
Rose breathed deeply, then nodded. "Yes, big brother." She grabbed their bag, and together they left the arena.
---
[Back in Mary's house]
Johnson exhaled heavily, lowering his head. "So… that's what happened."
Mary chuckled warmly. "Hahaha, I see. Not so bad."
Rose tilted her head, puzzled. "You're not angry?"
"Angry? No. If anything, I'm impressed." Mary poured them tea as they finished their ice cream. "I'm glad you two look out for each other. That matters more than anything."
"Thank you, Ma," Johnson said politely.
"Thank you for your kind words," Rose echoed, bowing her head slightly.
"No need for pleasantries," Mary said with a small sigh. Then her eyes sharpened. "So… Johnson has no trace of elemental energy left in him?"
Rose nodded sadly. "Yes… unfortunately, yes." But she lifted her chin, her eyes burning with conviction. "But no—I believe in my brother's abilities. I know he'll awaken his true powers soon."
Mary's expression softened, though a shadow of worry remained.