"Unidentified object entering our airspace!" the commander shouted. The control panel had gone mayday when the object had flown into Taiwan airspace. "It's moving so fast! Ready weapons!"
Soldiers rushed up to the front line ready to shoot down the unidentified flying object, but it was no use. It flew at the speed of light, circling the southern shore.
"What is that thing?" the commander yelled. "Skye! I need an answer!"
Skye Sun was the renowned scientist who had worked under the Taiwanese military, aiding them in scientific and technological advancement. Though he was familiar with such speeds, he trembled in fear. Skye hesitated for a moment, then came to a sudden realisation. "That's no object commander, that's my son,"
"What? You mean…hs's that experiment you told us?" his commander yelled.
"Yes, the Elixir of the Sun. It's the orange serum that we have now…" Skye explained. "At first, I believed it could heal my sun due to the high amount of stem-cell-like regenerative proteins. It did, but it came with side effects such as turning his hair white and eyes silver,"
"Continue…" the commander stroked his beard, curious about Skye's relationship with this serum.
"Well, after a year, we began noticing strange incidents happening whenever my child was around. He's a weapon of mass destruction," Skye concluded. "He is almost like an alien now!"
"Precisely. A Squolarid to be specific," a voice rang.
"General Colerico!" the commander greeted.
"Skye Sun, your son is special. If we're able to neutralise and control him, we can take down the manipulative and corrupt International Supernatural Intelligence Division. That Jaxton Ozim…" General Colerico exclaimed.
"Well Colerico, we'll be happy to assist. I'm so glad your company Anateros agreed to help strengthen our army. We couldn't thank you any more for all the firearms and funds you've donated to us," the commander thanked.
"No worries kiddo, we all need a little help," General Colerico smiled.
"Colerico! I've gotten updates on the lifeform you asked. Look at this development!" Skye exclaimed, switching tabs to a monitor that displayed a black goo that formed the shape of a puddle contained in a small box.
"So that's a Squolarid…" the commander inspected. He stroked his spiky beard as he watched the slop of black jump around.
"I've been monitoring it for a while. It can take the form of anything as long as it has enough mass…"
"Interesting…and the serum?" General Colerico questioned, smirking.
"It's the Squolarids' blood. It can awaken powers seen in my son,"
"Great to hear the research is coming along. I'll be presenting to African countries soon about this plan, helping them thrive with a supernatural being. Their abilities and support could greatly benefit them!" General Colerico reinforced.
"What should we do about him sir?" the commander asked again, leaning towards the microphone. The lights on the control panels were still blaring a loud alarm that pulsed a red light. The commander quickly switched the alarm off and fiddled with the controls. Barton swung on his thick coat, decorated with Anateros' white and green logo.
"Don't worry, leave Star to me," General Colerico explained. "We'll bring your son down for a long overdue reunion."
As Star soared across the skyline, Colerico pulled out a mirror. It reflected the pale, orange rays of the sun that alerted Star. Slowly, he approached the hillside where Barton Colerico stood firm, confronting Star.
"Star Sun?" Barton asked.
"What's this light about?" Star asked.
"Oh, to get your attention. Your father is with us. I know it's a surprise to know that he's alive, but he's trying his best. I know you miss him, so why not come in for a reunion?"
"My…my father?'
The next thing Star knew was that he was in a futuristic lab of some sort with big, italicised sans serif letters that spelt out 'Anateros'. The walls were slick adorned with geometric shapes with huge amounts of reinforced glass to allow for easy inspection. There were various advanced machinery present, and an armory full of powerful equipment for military use.
"Taiwan's a country in need of freedom. Chained down by the powerful CCP, we've been helping them to fight back against the powerhouse the mainland has," Barton described. "Anateros is an ambitious company. We always try our best for the freedom and betterment of all people. No one should be in chained down like this,"
Star resonated with the company's message heavily. Fighting for the betterment of everyone? Yes please! His own interpretation of the company made him believe they not only helped countries, but also people to become better. He leant on the notion that the company underscored the value of teaching younger teenagers like him on how to navigate the corrupt world.
"We do what the world won't. We arm the helpless. We teach the forgotten. Yes, it's messy, but hope has always been forged in fire." Barton reiterated. He stood proud in emphasising the company's message, believing Star had complete trust in him and his colleagues. As Star walked past large vials containing black serum like liquid, a strange sensation crept down his spine.
"This way," Barton guided. "Skye! Your son is here,"
"Dad…?" Star whispered.
"Star? Is that really you?" Skye asked, his voice quivering in excitement. The two shared a long lasting hug that felt like an eternity until Star pushed back with a nervous and grim expression.
"Why did you leave me…?" Star asked.
"I'm sorry for never telling you son…" Skye began. "I truly apologise. I'll tell you everything from the beginning tomorrow morning,"
---
Star woke up the next day in his dad's apartment in Taiwan, completely discarding his previous life back in Singapore. It was a fresh change, but something he craved for. His previous routine was miserable, and now, it felt like he was in control.
"Morning son, how'd you sleep?" Skye asked. He was still in his pajamas, pouring a nice cup of coffee with his phone in the other hand. He scrolled the latest news where the headline titled 'Mysterious Object Scales Shore'. "You want me to start from the beginning, don't you?"
Star sat down at the kitchen island and stretched out. "Enlighten me,"
"Well, when you were 3, you had a chronic heart disease. You were our only son, so I tried everything to save you," Skye narrated. "I left soon after I realised that it was impossible to cure you, but your mother didn't give up. But when I went on an expedition to Bulan Island, I discovered a black, liquid-like carcass that dripped orange blood. After taking it back to the lab, I-"
"Let me guess, you used that orange blood on me and I got cured?" Star interrupted.
Skye chuckled, then gently placed down his mug "Yes, but it also caused you to grow your silver eyes and white hair. You used to have black hair and brown eyes. Your skin was also slightly darker as well. Basically so, the blood also gave you powers. Your mother brought you back to her home, Singapore after we realised you caused unnecessary deaths. In other words, you've had your powers since you were 3, and now and only now are you learning to control them,"
"I know that, but exactly how many people have I killed?" Star asked angrily.
Skye sighed, and warned Star with a grim look that he was even embarrassed to say. "Approximately 500,"
Star almost fell out of his chair when he heard the number and struggled to regain his balance. He was absolutely lost for words.
He sat in silence while his father sipped at his coffee quietly, trying not to disturb his train of thought. 500 deaths was more than he had imagined. He knew his powers were uncontrolled, but this level of danger was too far.
"I'm not sure if you've controlled your powers yet, but Barton's eager goals for Anateros to help people could greatly be impacted by you. You could help us do a lot of good with your powers, you know? It makes up for the people you've killed," Skye offered.
"I guess that's a start. I'm glad I'm back with you dad," Star smiled. "Can I get a coffee too?"
---
"Director Ozim, Beijing is breathing down our necks," Agent Chen whispered as she slid a classified folder across his desk.
Ozim reluctantly opened the file, revealing surveillance photos of Taiwanese military officials meeting with Barton. He sighed, then leant his face into his palms.
"Did Milo succeed in neutralising Star?" Ozim asked worriedly, peeking up from his hands that masked his face.
"He's disappeared sir," Agent Chen reported nervously.
Ozim slammed against his desk, displacing his pencil holder. He was slightly frustrated that Star was still not controlled. "He's killing people and he doesn't know! We can't have another incident, otherwise our reputation will plummet again! What's the status of Star?"
"He's now with Anateros. That's what our sources say," Agent Chen replied, becoming increasingly more terrified by Ozim's actions. This time, Ozim didn't throw a fit. He didn't lash out. Instead, he took a deep breath before his next words.
"Sir, I know. But there's a larger issue at hand. Beijing has also gotten word of this information and is worried of a potential attack. The UN Security Council is already drafting potential solutions about 'unregulated supernatural warfare' threatening regional stability." Chen interrupted.
Ozim's stress was clear. He was lost in thought. "I hate politics…"
Chen's voice dropped further, continuing from her last point. "Sir, if we don't contain this situation, Beijing has implied they'll handle this issue themselves. They're talking about outright killing Star."
Ozim closed the file, his jaw tightening. "We can't let him die! He's just another kid like Elias! The ISID is meant to protect humanity from supernatural threats! We've helped similar people like the zodiacs. Star isn't much different!"
"What do we do then sir?" Agent Chen asked.
As Ozim leant forward in his chair, he rubbed his forehead painfully. "Call and dispatch Elias on this job. I don't care if he's busy. This needs to be shut down. China isn't going to be happy with us if we fail this commission,"
---
This wasn't the first time the ISID had called him. It was a date night, and he hated to be interrupted on special occasions. But ISID considered this to be urgent, and he expected any case directed to him was the most notorious and difficult.
Of course, there wasn't really a notoriously difficult case ever for Elias Novem. He had gotten a master's degree in anthropology when he was younger.
"Are you serious? At this time? Fine. Whatever. $25,000? Alright. I'm on it," Elias sighed, hanging up. "Sorry babe, but work called again, another case,"
"Again? Fine. Better not miss next time," his girlfriend scoffed, dissatisfied yet again.
Star jumped onto his cosmic hoverboard and flew off into the skies, actively chasing his target. "Any insight?"
"Target's name is Star Sun. He has abilities to absorb and reflect all types of electromagnetic radiation," Agent Chen explained.
"A light user eh?" Elias smiled.
"Remember, he's dangerous. Neutralise him and bring him to us. Don't fail Novem, you're our last hope. If you can't do this, no one can. The stake of hundreds of innocent lives is at risk,"
"Of course I won't fail, I'm Elias Novem!" Elias grinned side to side.
Hours passed when Elias finally arrived in Japan. He was desperately craving some food, so he stopped for the night for ramen and some sleep. Afterall, he was human. He needed sleep.
---
Elias continued his search for Star in the morning.
"Update on Star: We've gotten insider information that he's training with Anateros. He's been learning how to fight stronger and sharper," Agent Chen informed.
"Sure. I think I've gotten a reading of him training above the sea," Elias replied. "I'll update you and Ozim soon,"
Despite the warnings Chen had given, Elias thought little. He could handle various situations and even in the worst of them, always find a clever solution. As he approached the target, a pale white silhouette emerged upon the serene waters of the South China Sea.
"Are you Star?" Elias asked, facing the hovering boy with white hair.
"Yes? Who might you be?" Star asked.
"My name is Elias Novem, I work for the ISID. Now, I don't want to fight, but you're becoming a big threat to humanity right now…"
"Right here? Are you serious?" Star scoffed. "We're hovering right above the South China Sea!"
"Well, it minimises collateral damage," Elias laughed off.
"I'm not going to the ISID!" Star grunted, lunging towards Elias. Elias launched off his cosmic hoverboard, dodging Star's attack. Star quickly turned invisible with the sun shining directly against his body, reflecting UV rays towards Elias. Elias stumbled forward, reeling from the hit, swinging blindly in the air. He didn't know where Star was.
Elias lunged down into the cold waters of the sea to slow down the UV burns. As he peeped above the waters, Star emerged, striking Elias but to no avail. The waters helped Elias dodge, refracting the light, slowing his movements. Star struggled slightly underwater due to the water absorbing some of the light, but enough refracted light helped him maintain his energy levels.
"I see you now, flash!" Elias laughed, launching off a cosmic weight he created. As he traversed the waters, he manifested mirrors in certain locations. "Whoop!"
"Mirrors? I see through your trap. I know how light works!" Star exclaimed, avoiding hitting the mirrors to end up in an endless loop. The two traded blows at each other causing large waves upon the sea surface, with Star throwing a deadly punch on Elias that sent him flying out of the waters. "No more underwater playtime!"
The battle continued. It was truly intense, each attack being blocked or countered. Each UV ray Star directed was reflected by a cosmic mirror Elias created, and Elias's cosmic manifestations were outsped every time he tried to attack. The two were exhausted after hours, both landing with a deafening thud on the southern shore of Taiwan. They were back to where they had started.
"Why haven't you killed me?" Elias groaned, all tired and wet. "You're a Squolarid right?"
"Yeah and? What's killing going to do for me?" Star scoffed, coughing up sand.
"What are we fighting for then?" Elias asked dumbfoundingly. He sighed as he watched the clouds overhead pass.
Star couldn't help but laugh manically, then turning to his side to see Elias needing a break. "Ourselves I guess,"
"Being a detective makes me question everything," Elias began. "I studied anthropology and got a masters', and here I am, some superhero unable to complete his mission. This world baffles me,"
"You don't fight like a human," Star interrupted.
"Because I'm not technically human, like you. We're both hybrids used as weapons by our respective owners…" Elias replied. He sat up, dusting off the sand off his indigo costume. "Let me tell you, I know what Squolarids are better than anyone else. My closest friend is a Jespan, and she's told me that Squolarids in ancient times were the predator of Jespans,"
Star jerked up, shaking the sand out of his hair. "What? You're saying Squolarids are predators so I'm supposed to be stronger than you?"
"Well, Squolarids are creatures of the sun. After the Jespans discovered the mythical mineral of Orichalcum, they fought back against the Avidrones," Elias clarified. He sighed again, then lent out a hand. "Team-up?"
"Us? Aren't we supposed to be destined enemies?" Star asked reluctantly.
"Who says? No one writes the rules better than us. Plus, if both of our parent companies are up to no good, it's better if we do something. I'm sure we're unstoppable together," Elias offered, giving a concerned look deep into Star's silver eyes.
Star shook his hand firmly and closed his eyes. "Elias was it? You seriously trust me with my powers…?"
"If trust isn't the most powerful thing, then we'd have no purpose," Elias smiled, helping Star up. "Let's go catch a break,"
The two circled the South China Sea, getting the steam off their chest. It wasn't much, but the two found this method to be relaxing. The serene sounds of the waves with the ambient wind and chirps muffled all the noise outside. Star was alone in mind, finally having no thoughts fog his vision.
"This is so nice…" Star said happily, bathing in the golden sunlight. It felt extremely calming now that he knew he needed to control his powers.
"Controlling your powers isn't hard. It's about how you use them," Elias chuckled.
"Yeah," Star agreed, slowly coming to the realisation that they weren't so different after all. "You really enjoy anthropology, don't you?"
Elias smirked, glancing at Star who threw a silly laugh. "Yeah?"
"I still don't understand how your creations work," Star playfully mocked as he plopped himself in the sea to cool down.
"It's cosmic energy. I can manifest it into tangible objects," Elias grinned, flexing a massive longsword that he had just created out of thin air.
The sunset marked the slow flight back to the shore, where the two needed to figure out where exactly they needed to go next. It was quite difficult making a move, with both the ISID and Anateros watching over their two children.
---
The dawn sang a quiet melody that woke Star up. The two had found a nice hotel to stay the night, and were enjoying each others' company. The half-opened window allowed the cool, crisp morning air to seep into the cozy hotel room where Star woke to a minty sensation.
There was something happening. Something unusual.
"Elias! Wake up!" Star nudged the half-asleep Elias until he frustratingly turned over.
"What?" Elias replied scornfully.
Star pointed out the window, towards the empty horizon. "Look. What's that?"
Then, a black cloud emerged. As it got closer, tiny black specks that looked to be helicopters came into view and Elias knew something was wrong. Ozim had tracked where he was.
"Shit! Ozim thinks I'm captured! This is bad!" Elias exclaimed.
"Well what do we do?" Star asked.
"It's gonna be a war, but we need to try to stop it. If we put our powers together, we'll get through anything. Let's roll!" Elias smiled.
The helicopters weren't slow at all and began mowing down the southern Taiwan shore. The engines grew closer and battle was imminent.
"Skye, we need to move. ISID is invading our territory! Arm up and let's fight. Get me that hypnosis gun, now!" Barton ordered.
"Of course! Our greatest weapon; my son! We can win and take down Jaxton Ozim!" Skye laughed.
"Yes. Let's make sure they are disbanded by tonight, shall we?" Barton snorted.
---
"Eat this!" Skye began shooting at the invading ISID helicopters that descended upon their territory. The helicopters dropped men down, where Anateros forces fought back forcefully. Black and purple vested ISID soldiers began emerging from the shore, engaging in battle.
Star and Elias were stuck amidst the battle, together. They trusted each other and knew what they were fighting for. No, Elias wasn't fighting for the ISID as a loyal agent. Neither was Star fighting for Anateros as a family member. They were fighting for themselves, against all odds.
The battle rampaged on from all fronts, the ISID sending in trained agents to quickly deescalate the battle meanwhile Anateros directed elite fighters to minimise damage against their laboratory.
"Help me here!," Barton ordered.
"Right away sir," his pilot replied, getting the helicopter ready. It stealthily found its way into the skies, the engines being masked by the tyrannical sounds of battle. Star sped around the battlefield, disarming and knocking out soldiers. He knew not to kill them, but to minimise the conflict between the two sides. He didn't want any unnecessary deaths.
"He got away with the serum!" Star yelled.
"Wait Star! Don't chase after them!" Elias exclaimed, creating a rope to pull him back. But it was already too late.
"You need to learn to control better," Barton informed menacingly. "Skye! Let me help you!"
"Huh?" Star paused, realising what was happening. Barton snickered from the helicopter, aiming his rifle at him. A roaring boom sent a deadly toxin towards Star who didn't react in time, inhaling the chemicals.
"Star! Don't worry! I'll guide you!" Skye exclaimed. "It's my hypnosis serum! Don't worry, it won't hurt you any bit!"
The serum worked quite effectively as Star jumped up after falling back onto the ground, causing ISID helicopters to come crashing down in an instant.
Elias was forced to create nets to catch the soldiers who operated the planes, making sure not a single life was taken. He knew Star better. He knew Star would never want to do anything like this.
As Elias looked up, Barton was long gone with the serum taken away. Was he going to create another hybrid? It was too risky to follow him. He needed to save Star right here and right now.
"Ace, I know you're in there!" Elias yelled.
"No! Don't listen to him! He's manipulating you!" Skye yelled.
"Aaaargh!" Star yelled, letting out an uncontrolled burst. His scream tore through the valleys and ripped into the sky. A chain of concentrated UV rays tore through the landscape, rapidly destroying nearby organisms.
"What have you done?" Elias yelled. He couldn't do anything. He was powerless against Skye. He was Star's dad. Star, who was still in immense pain, tried to fight back against the control serum, trying to regain his powers.
"You! The International Supernatural Intelligence Division has my son as the most wanted supernatural anomaly! I won't allow you to kill him!"
"We're not trying to kill him!" Elias yelled. "I didn't even know that he was the most wanted either!"
"That's what they all say!" Skye spat, unloading another magazine of the gun. Elias formed another shield, blocking every bullet.
"Star, kill him! Without him, the ISID will never thrive!" Skye ordered. Star's body thrusted forward, lunging towards Elias. Elias didn't flinch, nor did he dodge. He knew who was inside that body. He knew his limitations. He closed his eyes and the speeding flash missed.
Star was internally fighting the battle of his life. His father's words lingered deep, penetrating through his heart and into his soul.
"C'mon Star! You told me and Barton you wanted the world to be a better place right?" the words etched. Meanwhile, Elias's enchanting persona carved into his mind, encouraging for who he was. "No one writes better rules than us."
Suddenly, something had cut through the voices, something that silenced the vibrations. It was a boiling hot sensation that ruptured all the lies. He had never felt such power before being enchanted into his body. There was only one explanation to this. The sun was at its peak, and the light had shone through the darkness.
"I would kill you but I've promised to never kill anyone again," Elias began. "Let me ask you the question: Do you think the Sun rules the sky?"
A blinding flash struck Skye. He gasped for air as another hit pummelled against his stomach. "I never thought I'd do this…"
The sun had struck noon and Star had achieved his peak strength, able to absorb all of the light that was cast upon him from the sun. For a minute, he was untouchable, invincible. Elias remained still, without a single movement. Chaos followed Star everywhere as his powers surged, the energy of the sun overflowing. He squirmed and spasmed everywhere, while still trying to maintain himself through the hypnosis dart. Although the energy seemed uncontrolled, Star somehow maintained balance within.
"Star! Kill him! You're invincible!" Skye yelled. "Trust me son! You are our ace card!"
"I won't listen to anyone!" Star roared, almost going supernova with the sheer amount of light absorbed. His vision began to flash, unable to see ahead of him. Instead of the grim barrage of gun-fire and conflict, death, decay and violent visions reentered his sights. It felt surreal, as if he had gone back in time and saw a different perspective of his killings. An invincible machine at noon.
Star knew he couldn't control it, but he had some idea of nullifying the damage he would cause. He sped towards the sea and dove deep, letting his excess energy explode into the deep sea. The sudden plunge into the chilling waters fractured the hypnosis, snapping himself out of his rampage.
The stored light energy within his body exploded outwards into sharp piercing beams, creating a small shockwave underwater, destroying nearby organisms. Of course Star knew this would happen as water was a great absorber of UV, and this catastrophically reduced the risk of a surface level explosion of his UV energy. He remained underwater, slowly floating towards the surface. The warm, refracted light slowly seeped into his body yet again, giving him strength to continue.
"Try me," Elias smirked, glancing towards the horizon. His ignorance frustrated Skye,
"You…You monster…" Skye wheezed. He wasn't extremely injured, but in pain. "My son..."
Elias sighed, his voice filled with disappointment. Though the battle was long over, he saw Skye was still lost in his head. Star, was still nowhere to be seen.
"This isn't over!" Skye yelled as he lunged towards Elias. Again, he stood still, knowing exactly what would happen. He had no intent to fight. Just like he presumed, Star bolted up in an instant and gripped his father's fist of fury, stopping him right in his tracks.
"Dad! It's no use. Stop hurting my friend!" Star yelled. "The hypnosis! You made it for me, right?"
"What?" Skye hesitated, then lowered his fist and reverted his stance.
"It's just that…You don't accept me for who I am…You don't trust me, but I'm actually all grown up…I'm fine right now and I understand that I'm not a human anymore. But either way, I'm still your son!" Star blurted. He hugged his father tightly. "I love you, dad."
His father paused for a moment, unable to process what was happening. Elias smiled, realising Star still had so much potential. The Son of the Sun. An Squolarids-Human hybrid.
"What are you saying son?" Skye asked. "Am I…wrong? Should I have not saved you back then?"
"No, you've made me realise my purpose, and my need for control and change," Star smiled tiredly. He was exhausted from controlling himself from the hypnosis. "Just…believe."
"He's right. Although you worked with Anateros, I'll let you off the hook." Elias explained.
The ISID helicopters began to descend in peace, ready to collect Elias back. Anateros stood their ground firm, though not aggressive towards the ISID. For once, the two companies were neutral. No fight, just peace.
Armed ISID men cuffed Skye for now, needing to confirm if Barton's evil scheme had to do with manipulating the Taiwanese government. His bounty was indeed high, so any affiliations were tense. Then, two shadowy figures emerged from the helicopter.
The public collateral damage was low, but the suspended battle along the southern shore still disturbed the public, causing public riot. Media and news outlets had already begun to document this conflict, and the Mainland Government was eyeing Taiwan's actions very closely. The true battle was far from over.
"Elias, what the hell are you thinking?" Ozim yelled as he got off the helicopter. "We need to go, now!"
"I'm not going back yet. I've got something I need to do." Elias exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
"Hey! You can't just deny my orders, we need you back at base!" Ozim demanded.
"Star, care to join me to take down a Jespan Lord? This one's having a bloodbath in Alaska," Elias grinned, excited for their next adventure.
"You sure duo?" Star replied. "Call me Ace now on. I'm not digging Star anymore."
The two flew off into the sky, radiating immense energy that was strong enough to tear apart any challenges that faced their way. Ozim watched in disappointment, but knew that Elias was a special boy. One that radiated kindness and the qualities of a great leader. Skye watched in hope, believing his son could finally see that the sky was not a mere limit. Ace could finally see the light clearer than ever.