chapter 2: trustworthy

Marcus, the father, sits down with Ethan and Sydney. "There's something we need to tell you kids. The truth about our family."

Victoria, the mother, adds, "We've been keeping this from you, but it's time you knew. Your ancestors, one of them was part of the Founders. Three of them, chosen ones with advanced powers. They led and protected the Villagers."

Marcus takes over, "The Founders gained their powers through a rare celestial event, a convergence of energies that granted them immense power. They protected the Villagers for centuries, keeping them safe from threats. But a few weeks ago, a dark force attacked, and the Founders barely escaped. They realized Riverview is the safest place, so they're coming here."

Victoria says, "The Founders are coming, and they have kids, like us. Sydney, you've shown water powers, but Ethan's power is still unknown. We didn't want to tell you guys, but..."

Ethan asks, "When are they coming?"

Marcus replies, "Tomorrow or the next day. We'll negotiate what to do next. We'll stay in Riverview, but need a bigger place where everybody can gather, be safe, and protect each other."

Sydney's worried. "What about my college admission?"

Victoria's sympathetic. "Sweetie, you can't apply abroad yet. You need to learn to control your power first."

Ethan asks, "So we're moving, but staying in Riverview?"

Marcus nods. "Yeah, just need a bigger place. The Founders' kids will be joining us, we'll all be safer together."

Ethan: "Dad, does this mean you don't get to live a normal life?"

Marcus: "No, kiddo. You still get to live it, but you've gotta be cautious. Control your emotions, watch what you say and do. We don't want to expose ourselves. We'll protect the Founders and each other, and look for a way..."

Ethan cuts in, "Dad, I felt something weird today."

Marcus and Victoria exchange a look. "What happened?" Marcus asks.

Ethan: "I was on the bus, felt suffocated... like fire in my veins."

Marcus's eyes widen. "Oh my God... you have his power."

Ethan: "Whose power?"

Victoria: "Your grandfather's. Dad's father. He was a great man, died saving us, saving our kind."

Ethan: "What kind of power does he have? Fire, like flames?"

Marcus nods. "Yeah, he was special. Advanced powers. And yeah, fire's involved."

Ethan: "Dad, can I still hang with my friends?"

Marcus: "Depends if they're trustworthy. Back in my days, I had friends, but... I was too much of a danger. Didn't want to hurt 'em, so I left, came to Riverview."

The night ends, everyone sleeps.

The next morning, Ethan wakes up, showers, gets dressed, and thinks about how to feel normal. Sydney's trying to change her college apps. Parents are getting ready for work and eating breakfast. Ethan heads out, waits for the bus at the stop,

Ethan's morning continued:

As he waited for the bus, he checked his phone and saw a text from Owen in their group chat with Kai:

"Why ain't u here yet?"

Ethan typed back: "I'm coming, bis is getting late, traffic crazy tho"

He closed his phone and pocketed it, staring down the road for the bus. As he waited, he felt a weird sensation – like someone was watching him. He looked back, but saw no one. Shrugging it off, he pushed the thought away.

The bus arrived, and Ethan boarded, lost in thought. When he got to school, he found Owen and Kai chatting.

"What's up, guys?" Ethan said, joining them.

Owen's eyes lit up. "So, what's this about powers?"

Ethan hesitated, wondering if they'd think he's crazy. But they listened intently, no judgment.

Owen grinned. "Wow, your sister's got powers?"

Kai chuckled. "Guess she's not just a pretty face 😏"

Owen jumped in, "The heart's getting hotter – not only's she's hot, but she's freaky! Bro, your sister's hot as..."

Ethan rolled his eyes, laughing. "Playboy jokes, Owen."

They all cracked up.

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