Imprisonment †I-I†

...4/1...

...4:15am...

...Kyne meanders through the dimly lit streets, fatigue tugging at his every limb and uncertainty swirling around in his mind as the icy night air bites at his skin. He draws his coat tighter around himself, trying to fend off the chill that wraps around him like a spectral shroud. The distant sounds of the city gradually dissolve into a haunting silence, amplifying his isolation....

..."I need to find somewhere warm before I freeze to death out here,"...

...Kyne murmurs, oblivious to the hidden threats lurking in the shadows. His eyes dart anxiously, scanning for a safe haven where he can steal a moment of rest. Each heavy step he takes is burdened with exhaustion, while flickering streetlights cast eerie shadows that dance chaotically around him, creating an unsettling atmosphere that sends shivers cascading down his spine. As he trudges forward, the world around him morphs into a surreal blur of indistinct colors and shapes, heightening his sense of vulnerability as fatigue delivers its final, crippling blows. Suddenly, the fragile tranquility of his wandering implodes. Without warning, a group of masked individuals surge from the darkness, their movements swift and precise. Kyne barely registers their approach before they envelop him, their iron-like grip seizing his arms with brutal force. Panic surges through him as he fights against their relentless hold, but they expertly restrain him, rendering him powerless. The furious cadence of his heartbeat drowns out the sounds of the city, and in that suffocating moment, he feels utterly alone, ensnared in a web of danger that materialized out of thin air. As they drag him toward a waiting vehicle, the world begins to spin around him, the edges of his vision swirling into a dizzying haze. He is thrust into the cold, unyielding metal of the vehicle's back seat, the chill seeping through his clothes and pressing against his flesh as they secure him in place. A sharp prick in his arm jolts him back to a tenuous reality, but it is too late; the sedative's effects grip him swiftly, pulling him into a deep, unrelenting slumber. The last vestiges of his awareness fade alongside the muffled sounds of the city, replaced by an overwhelming darkness that engulfs him, leaving him utterly at the mercy of those who have taken him captive....

...10:31am...

...Kyne stirs from his deep drug-induced slumber, his eyes flickering open...

..."w-where am I?.. what happened to me?."...

...Kyne stutters softly trying to regain his memory. As he slowly regains his consciousness a few things become clearer and before long he attempts to get up to his feet with his senses slowly returning to him but still being a blur. Suddenly the door slams open revealing a masked individual suited up in guard like gear. before Kyne can register who he is or why he's here he is abruptly pulled from the small, dimly lit waiting cell. Without a word, Thick, cumbersome cuffs clamp around his wrists and neck, their weight a stark reminder of his captivity....

...Kyne is led through a series of shadowy corridors, the sterile scent of antiseptic filling his nostrils and mingling with the faint echoes of distant footsteps. Each step he takes is heavy, as if the very air around him conspired to weigh him down, amplifying the sense of dread that began to creep into his mind. Without warning, Kyne is thrust into a small, stark room, its bare walls devoid of any warmth or comfort. The harsh fluorescent lights flickered overhead, casting an unflattering glare that only heightened the room's uninviting atmosphere. A chill runs down his spine as he is informed that this would be his new home, at least for the foreseeable future. The door clicks shut behind him with a finality that resonates in the silence, sealing him within a space that felt both claustrophobic and isolating, as if the very walls were closing in on him....

...Standing alone in the stark confines of his new reality, the weight of uncertainty settles heavily on Kyne's shoulders. "Why am I here", He finds himself grappling with the implications of his capture, the silence of the room amplifying his racing thoughts. Each moment stretches into eternity, filled with the haunting promise of further instructions that lingered in the air like a specter. It is a chilling reminder that his fate now lay in the hands of those who had taken him, leaving him to ponder the unknown challenges that awaited him in this bleak and unforgiving environment....

...10:53am...

...In the midst of an unsettling silence, Kyne is jolted back to reality by the sound of a door slamming in the distance. "Atleast it doesn't seem as bad as out there..." he mutters to himself referencing his time on the streets with a flicker of uncertainty crossing his mind. To shake off the unease, he drops to the ground and begins a series of pushups counting each one aloud just as his mother had taught him: 1, 2, 3, and so on, until he reaches 50. As he stands up, still panting from the exertion, he feels a sense of accomplishment wash over him. Just then, a voice calls out from the wall to his right, breaking the tension. "Is someone in there?! Hello!" A flicker of hope ignites within Kyne; perhaps this person knows more about this situation. "Hey! What's going on? Why are we here?" he asks, his curiosity tinged with anxiety. The boy responds, revealing a grim reality: "I don't know, but it's some experiment place they put us through Exhausting Exercises and Excruciating Torture to see how strong we are." Kyne's heart races at the mention of "Torture." "What do you mean by that?" he presses, his concern deepening. The boy replies "you'll find out soon enough but you won't like it." Shock washes over Kyne as he processes the information. The boy introduces himself as Nero, and Kyne responds, "I'm Kyne," their names echoing in the oppressive atmosphere, a small connection forging amidst the uncertainty....

..."So how'd you end up here?"...

...Nero asks through the wall curious on Kynes origins "I was kidnapped and drugged.. I think?.. I'm really not sure why I'm here I think there might be some mistake or something " Kyne says in response. "I doubt it they tend to grab any kids they can find parents or not". Nero swiftly responds with confidence "you're not serious are you!? So I've been kidnapped out of bad luck! Why do I have to be this unlucky"...

..."Don't worry it's not half bad as long as you keep up with the pace" Nero says with a hint of empathy...

...11:02am...

...The door to Kyne's room creaks open once again, revealing a tall, pale young woman with cascading pink hair and an unsettling, vacant stare. She looks at Kyne with dead eyes before she steps inside, her eyes shimmering with an intense focus as she positions herself squarely in front of him. After a moment of silence, she tilts her head slightly to the right and address's the man who had followed her. She conveys the information with a calm certainty: "He's a powerful advanced Newtype, age six, with a power level of 3,100." The man, lingering in the background, feels a flicker of hope ignite within him, a smile breaking across his face. Turning his attention to the woman, his voice brimming with enthusiasm as he expresses his belief, "He may just do Makima. I can feel it in my heart that he could achieve great things." In response, Makima maintains her characteristic stoicism, offering only a subtle nod of agreement. The man steps closer, kneeling to meet Kyne's gaze. "Do you understand what you are and the potential that lies within you, young man? Would you like me to explain?"...

...The man says both curious and excited. Kyne, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension, stammers, "O-ok sure.." the man extends his hand, inviting Kyne to follow him And Kyne complies, trailing behind the man and a woman as they exit the cramped cell and navigate the dimly lit corridors. They soon arrive at a door, which swung open to reveal a vast room dominated by a large glass window that stretches across the entirety of the right wall. Through the transparent barrier, Kyne's eyes widened as he observes children of various ages engaged in a flurry of exercises and tests, each one pushing their limits in a world that felt both foreign and exhilarating....

...The man turns to Kyne and raises his hands...

..."Welcome to the observation room, a space dedicated to monitoring the extraordinary Newtypes of this sector. I have no doubt that you will soon find yourself comfortable here, because you belong to a unique group known as Human Newtypes. Unlike ordinary humans, you possess enhanced power at birth, giving you a significant advantage in your development. For instance, research shows that a typical ten-year-old Newtype has an average power level of 1,250, while their human counterparts only reach about 500. At birth, humans start with a power level of 5, whereas Newtypes begin with 15. This mere 10 power level difference in inherent strength, combined with a natural drive to improve, allows Newtypes to grow stronger and more intelligent at a faster rate. Take you, for example: at just six years old, you have already achieved the status of an advanced Newtype, surpassing many of your peers, including those who have undergone extensive training. Your potential i feel may surpass even that of a natural Newtype, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing the heights of power you may reach in this environment....

...The man leans forward, curiosity glimmering in his eyes as he gestures toward Makima, eager to witness the demonstration of her enhanced abilities and to unfold Kynes abilities "What is his strong point?" he inquires, tilting his head slightly, towards her anticipation hanging in the air. "Endurance, sir," Makima responds with a calm assurance, her gaze steady. The man nods thoughtfully, a hint of intrigue in his expression. "You don’t come across many who possess natural durability as their strong suit, do you?" he muses, to which Makima replies, "No, sir." A spark of excitement ignites in the man’s demeanor as he turns to Kyne, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Let’s put you through some basic workout routines and see just how far we can push your limits, shall we?" The challenge hangs between them, a promise of intensity and discovery....

..."Alright follow me into the training room,,, and we can kick off some basic training" The man says as he gestures for Kyne to follow him, his tone insistent yet inviting, Intrigued by the challenges that await, Kyne silently complies, trailing closely behind. They exit the observation room and navigate a narrow corridor as they make their way to the training room makima turns to Kyne "you really are something special appreciate that" she says in a blank faced but serious tone....

...Finally arriving at the training room they open the door to see a space filled with a boxing bag, an array of weights, and various cable machines. Coming to a stop, the man turns to Kyne, a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes. "Here we are," he declares, his voice firm with purpose. "Let’s kick things off with a basic endurance calisthenics workout. Show me how many push-ups you can do." He gestures toward the floor, signaling for Kyne to begin, the atmosphere begins to grow thick with anticipation as the training session begins to unfold. Kyne complies obediently positioning himself on the ground, settling into a classic push-up stance. The man observes him with a hint of admiration, noting the familiarity in Kyne's form noticing he must be well accustomed. As Kyne begins his set, he effortlessly counts up to sixty, each push-up executed with precision, drawing the attention of both Makima and the man, who watch in a mix of astonishment and respect for his technique and stamina. Makima tilts her head slightly, leaning closer to the man as she murmurs in his ear, "he's exceeding his power level" acknowledging Kyne's remarkable willpower. The man's excitement bubbles over as he exclaims, "this is fantastic not only is he a powerful prodigy but his willpower out-matches even that allowing him to excel past his limits" recognizing the significance of Kyne's determination. He emphasizes that willpower is a crucial element in the journey of becoming stronger, a truth that resonates deeply as they witness Kyne's impressive display of strength and resolve. The man beams with satisfaction as he observes Kyne and his remarkable endurance, and unwavering willpower...

..."I believe you will excel, so I'll leave you be" he declares, his voice filled with confidence With a nod of approval, he leaves Kyne, eager to witness how he will harness his potential. As he turns to depart, Makima trails closely behind him, her presence a silent yet powerful shadow. As the man and Makima step outside, Kyne shifts his gaze toward the other children and the array of training equipment scattered around...

...Just as he begins to contemplate his surroundings, a slightly older boy dashes over, his face lighting up with a warm, welcoming smile. "Hey, you must be new here! I'm Ax, what's your name?" he exclaims, radiating enthusiasm. Kyne meets his gaze, a gentle smile forming as he responds, "My name's Kyne, nice to meet you." Ax gestures for Kyne to follow him, a friendly smile lighting up his face as he leads the way toward a group of friends gathered near the long jump area. "Come on, I want you to meet a couple of my friends," he says, his enthusiasm palpable. Kyne nods in agreement, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity as they begin to walk together, the sounds of laughter and chatter growing louder as they approach the lively group. "Watch out Meruna can be pretty scary, She's kinda the leader"...

...As Kyne and Ax draw closer to the group, a slightly older girl with long, flowing black hair emerges from the groups shadow, her presence immediately commanding attention. There’s an undeniable intensity about her—her dark eyes flickering with a mix of annoyance and an underlying concern that seems to permeate her very being, as though she’s seen too many potential threats disguised as allies....

... “Ax, what the hell are you doing?” ...

...she snaps, her voice sharp and laced with irritation, a clear sign of a patience worn thin by past encounters with reckless newcomers. With her arms crossed tightly over her chest, she projects a defensive demeanor, as if bracing herself against the chaos she fears Ax may unleash within their ranks again. ...

...Shook by her hostile posture, ax nervously grins ...

...“I thought he could be a good addition to the group. Makima and the scientist dude even brought him in themselves,” ...

...Ax replies, a playful grin dancing at the corners of his mouth, as though Axel just made the best joke in a room filled with tension. The girl raises an eyebrow, her skepticism palpable as she cuts him a sidelong glance, the air thick with an unspoken challenge that hangs heavily between them....

...“Oh yeah? Well, tell me this, new kid: what’s your power level?” ...

...she demands, her tone dripping with sarcasm, a deliberate attempt to size him up. Kyne, now acutely aware of the scrutinizing gazes that envelop him, feels the weight of their judgment—each second stretching painfully as he grapples with the question....

... “We can’t be wasting our time on scrubs who are bound to disappear in a week anyway,”...

... she continues, her sharp gaze honing in on him, assessing every inch of him, searching for any sign of frailty or deceit. The atmosphere feels tense, almost electric, as if a clear line has been drawn in the ground and he must decide which side to stand on....

...Yet, beneath her dismissive manner, a flicker of genuine curiosity ignites within her gaze. There’s something about Kyne's aura—perhaps a subtle spark or the way he holds himself in the face of adversity—that intrigues her, drawing her in against her better judgment. She leans in slightly, her posture subtly shifting as she grapples between the instinct to protect her group and the thrill of potential new synergy. This moment, charged with possibility, hangs in the air like a breath held too long. ...

...“I mean, if you really are any good, now's the time to prove it,” ...

...She challenges Kyne, her words resonating with the unspoken tension that envelops the group. Each member holds their breath, teetering on the edge of uncertainty, each waiting for Kyne’s response to either affirm her challenge or leave them disappointed....

...“3000?”...

...Kyne replies, slightly confused, his voice barely breaking through the charged atmosphere, feeling the weight of expectation crash upon him like waves against a shore. The murmurs of disbelief swirl around him, palpable and oppressive, each voice a reminder of the scrutiny he now faced. Before he can ponder the implications of that number or the potential impact it might have on his standing in this wary band, Ax erupts in astonishment, ...

...“3000! How’d you get so strong!” ...

...Ax’s eyes widen, reflecting not just shock but a hint of envy, as if the very air around them is crackling with new possibilities. A cacophony of disbelief mingles with curiosity ripples through the group, transforming the previously tense atmosphere into a whirlwind of excitement and apprehension. Each member begins to process what this sudden revelation could mean for their future, grappling with thoughts of power dynamics and shifting alliances in a world where strength dictated respect. ...

...“My power level is only 2400, and I've been training day in and day out for years,”...

... Ax continues, frustration edging his tone....

... “How could you possibly exceed my own strength?” ...

...His voice betrays a mix of admiration and jealousy, emotions complicated by the dangerous journey ahead. Just as doubt begins to cast a shadow over the increasing fervor, Meruna interjects, her skepticism clear as day, ...

...“He’s obviously lying; there’s no way his power level could really be that high, look at him, he's younger than all of us, you really think he'd be that powerful? I just reached over 4,000 last month, and I'm 11 so what's your actual power level"...

...Meruna interjects with a stern tone of disbelief ...

..."I don't know that's just what the pink haired women told me"...

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