May 18th 3036
[Stein Estate]
The first rays of morning sunlight spilled across Stein Estate, bathing the sprawling gardens in a warm golden glow. A gentle breeze swept through the towering oak trees, carrying with it the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers. Somewhere in the distance, birds chirped peacefully, their songs replacing the deafening roar of stadium crowds that had once become a part of everyday life.
Laughter echoed through the estate.
"You'll never catch me!"
A small boy darted across the courtyard, clutching a V-Ball under one arm. His footsteps pattered across the stone path as he looked back with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.
"Is that right?" Michael asked, deliberately running at a slower pace.
"Yeah, I'm the fastest person in the whole world!" The boy exclaimed.
"That's a bold claim oh great Jason Stein." Michael said playing along.
Jason hid behind the trimmed bushes in the garden hoping to hide away from his father.
"Now, where in the world could he have gone?" Michael playfully asked rubbing his chin. Jason covered his mouth behind the bush stifling a laughter.
"Is he behind this bush? Guess not, maybe... this one!" Jason squealed as his father found his hiding spot, scooping him up and lifting his onto his shoulders. "There you are." He said spinning around with the boy on his shoulders.
"No way you cheated!" Jason expressed giggling. "Did not. I just outsmarted you, there's a difference." Michael defended.
"Nuh-uh! Put me down!" Michael laughed as he set Jason back on his feet. The moment his shoes touched the ground, Jason took off again, sprinting across the courtyard with the V-Ball tucked under his arm.
"Hey!" Michael called after him. "You need to eat breakfast, stop running from me!" Before he could give chase, the large glass doors leading into the mansion slid open. Elena stepped onto the veranda, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel before placing them on her hips.
"Michael! Jason!" she called, unable to hide the smile on her face. "Breakfast is getting cold. Both of you, get in here!" Jason slowed to a stop and looked back at his parents. "But Mom..." he whined. "We were almost done!"
"Jason" She said. "You guys can play after breakfast." Jason looked over at Michael. "But dad is leaving for work, we won't have enough time to play." Jason added. Michael smiled and walked over to Jason kneeling beside him. "Tell you what, I'll be sure to be back early today alright?" He said. "Promise?" Jason asked his eyes wide with anticipation. Michael smiled and held out his pinky finger. "I promise." He replied. Without hesitation, Jason hooked his little finger around his father's, sealing the promise with a grin.
"Good, you need to eat your breakfast in order to be a strong Velocity player one day okay?" Elena added as she took Jason's hand leading him into the house. "Okay mommy." He replied.
He quickly ran back to pick up the blue V-Ball he had left lying in the courtyard before hurrying after his mother taking her hand once more. Michael remained where he was for a moment, watching the two walk toward the mansion. The laughter that had filled the gardens slowly faded, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves in the morning breeze, he smiled before following them inside.
The comforting aroma of freshly cooked breakfast greeted him the moment he stepped through the doors. Sunlight poured through the dining room windows, illuminating a neatly set table laden with toast, eggs, fresh fruit, and steaming mugs of coffee. Jason had already climbed into his chair, eagerly helping himself to a slice of toast while Elena placed the last dish on the table.
"For someone who was running away from breakfast only a few minutes ago you're certainly devouring it right now." She said teasingly. "Mhm." Jason agreed with his mouthful pointing at Michael. "It's dad's fault." Michael who had just taken a sip of his tea, nearly choked at the accusation. "What? Me?" He asked putting his cup down. "What did I do?"
"You were chasing me!" Jason said. "Yes," Michael replied with a laugh, "because you were running away from breakfast." Jason folded his arms and puffed out his cheeks. "It's still your fault!" Elena couldn't help but laugh.
"Well, now that we've established whose fault it was," she said with an amused smile, "can we eat breakfast before it gets cold again?" Jason and Michael exchanged a quick glance before nodding in unison. "Yes, ma'am."
A few minutes later, breakfast had come to an end. Elena gathered the empty plates while Michael rose from his chair, taking one last sip of his tea before heading upstairs. When he returned, he was no longer dressed casually. A tailored navy suit had replaced his comfortable clothes, and neatly tucked beneath his arm was a sleek black briefcase bearing the silver emblem of the World Velocity Authority.
Jason's eyes flew over to his father as he headed for the door. "You're leaving already?" He asked. "I'm afraid I am, but hey remember what I promised you alright?" Jason nodded giving him a hug.
Elena walked over, straightening Michael's tie before brushing a speck of dust from his shoulder. "You'll be late if you don't leave now." She said. "I know." He replied with a chuckle . A car horn sounded from outside. "Looks like my ride's here." He gently ruffled Jason's hair. "Remember to practice your skills while I'm gone alright? Also be good for your mom." He said to Jason. "I will." He promised.
Michael leaned over and kissed Elena on the forehead. "I'll see you both this afternoon." "Drive safely," Elena replied with a smile. Michael stepped outside as a sleek black vehicle bearing the silver crest of the World Velocity Authority waited at the entrance of Stein Estate. Michael glanced back one more time before one of the attendants respectfully opened the rear door for him. The car pulled away from the estate, disappearing through the front gates as Jason continued watching until it vanished from sight.
The black sedan cruised effortlessly along the wide streets of Apex City, blending into the steady flow of morning traffic. Towering skyscrapers of shimmering glass and steel stretched high above the city, their reflective surfaces catching the early sunlight. Massive holographic billboards illuminated the skyline, displaying highlights from professional Velocity matches, advertisements for the upcoming season, and the faces of the sport's newest rising stars.
Pedestrians moved briskly along the sidewalks below while automated transit systems glided overhead, connecting every corner of the bustling metropolis. Despite the constant movement, the city carried an air of order and purpose, a place where ambition and innovation met.
Apex City wasn't merely another metropolis. It was the beating heart of Velocity itself. Home to the World Velocity Authority, the city had become the center of the sport, where every major decision was made and where the future of Velocity was shaped. From player development and tournament regulations to international competitions, the world's eyes were always fixed on Apex City.
Inside the sedan, Michael quietly watched the city pass by through the tinted window. Eight years had passed since he had last stepped onto a Velocity pitch as a player. Though his days of competing were behind him, his dedication to the sport had never faded. Instead of leading a team from the field, he now helped guide the next generation from within the WVA as its Director of Player Development.
Before long, the towering silhouette of the WVA Headquarters came into view, standing proudly above the surrounding skyline like a monument to the sport itself. Michael straightened his tie as the sedan slowed toward the entrance.
Once inside the elevator ascended in near silence, its transparent walls offering a sweeping view of Apex City as it climbed higher into the tower. Within moments, it came to a smooth stop.
Employees passed by with tablets tucked beneath their arms, exchanging respectful nods as they recognized him. "Good morning, Director Stein." One employee said. "Morning." Michael replied. Michael returned each greeting with a polite smile before continuing down the corridor. Eight years in the position had earned him more than recognition, it had earned him the respect of everyone who worked within the Authority.
At the end of the hallway, two sleek glass doors slid apart. He stepped inside. Unlike the grandeur of the building itself, Michael's office was remarkably simple. A spacious desk overlooked the city through a panoramic window, while shelves neatly arranged along one wall held academy reports, tournament proposals, and player development files from across the world.
The opposite wall told a different story. Framed photographs filled the space. One captured the Lapse Lions celebrating their World Velocity Cup victory. Another showed Michael lifting the trophy into the air as confetti blanketed the stadium. Beside them rested a more recent photograph. Elena stood smiling beside him, Jason perched happily on Michael's shoulders, all three laughing in the gardens of Stein Estate.
A small smile formed on his lips as he recalled the day, then a knock came at his door.
"Come in." He said, to his surprise it was his old friend and teammate Rick McConnell.
For a brief moment, Michael simply stared before a grin spread across his face.
"...Rick?" Standing in the doorway was Rick McConnell. The years had matured him. His hair was slightly longer than Michael remembered, and a neatly trimmed beard framed his jaw. Though he now wore a tailored suit instead of a Lions jersey, the confident grin on his face hadn't changed.
"Two years," Michael said as they stepped back. "Not a single call, not a single visit." Rick laughed. "I could say the same about you, Director Stein." The two shared another laugh before Michael gestured toward the chairs. "Sit down." Michael said.
Rick took a seat while Michael settled behind his desk."So," Michael began, "what brings you all the way to Apex City? I doubt you're here just to catch up." Rick leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "I've decided to return to Velocity." Michael's eyebrows lifted. "As a coach." He clarified.
"I've spent the last few years travelling," Rick continued. "Watching academies. Studying different philosophies. Learning how clubs are run." He smiled. "And now... I'm finally ready."
"Ready for what?" Michael asked. Rick's grin widened. "I'm starting my own professional team." Michael leaned back in his chair, impressed. "A new club?" Rick nodded. "I've already got investors, a stadium under construction, and most of my coaching staff lined up. The only thing left..." He placed a neatly organized folder on Michael's desk. "...is getting the World Velocity Authority's approval."
Michael looked down at the folder before meeting Rick's eyes again. "So that's why you're here." He said, not asking stating."Exactly." Rick said
Michael flipped through the pages once more, taking in the amount of preparation behind it. The stadium plans, the financial structure, the staff selections, this wasn't some impulsive idea. Rick had been building this for a long time. "You've really thought this through," Michael said. "I had two years to think about it."
His eyes shifted briefly toward the photographs on Michael's wall, the old Lapse Lions team standing together after their championship victory.
"When we were younger, we were given a chance. Someone believed in us before the world knew our names." Michael studied him for a moment. "I want to do the same." "You want to build other Lapse Lions?" Rick shook his head. "No." He started "I want to build something different." The answer caught Michael's attention. "Something that has its own story. Its own legends." For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Michael closed the folder.
"I'll submit this to the Authority. From there, the committee will make the final decision." Michael said. "That's all I need." Rick replied. He stood from his chair and walked toward the door. Just as he reached it, he stopped. "Mikey." Michael looked up. Rick turned slightly, his expression unreadable. "Your son." A small smile formed on Michael's face. "Jason?" Rick nodded. "When my club opens its Genesis trials..." He paused. "Bring him." Michael raised an eyebrow. "You're recruiting him already?" He asked. "I'm giving him an opportunity." Rick corrected. "What he does with it is up to him." Michael smiled at that. "See ya 'round brother."
The doors closed behind him, leaving Michael alone in his office. For a moment, his eyes drifted back toward the photograph of Jason. A new generation was beginning. And perhaps... it had already found its first step.
[Stein Estate]
Several hours had passed since breakfast, and the once cool morning had given way to the warmth of the afternoon sun. The estate's gardens remained as peaceful as ever, save for the rhythmic sound of a V-Ball striking the stone pathway.
Jason weaved between a line of small training cones, his movements quick but clumsy as he nudged the ball from one foot to the other. Sweat clung to his forehead, yet the determined look in his eyes never wavered.
"Jason!" Elena called from the veranda. He stopped, trapping the V-Ball beneath his foot before looking up. "Come take a break for a little while." Elena said. "Okay!" he replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt. He picked up the V-Ball and jogged over, flopping down onto the garden bench beside her. Elena smiled warmly as she handed him a glass of cold water. "Thanks, Mom." He took a long drink before letting out a satisfied sigh.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the birds singing overhead and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees. Jason looked at the V-Ball resting on his lap.
"...Mom?" He began. "What was dad like as a Velocity player?" He asked curiosity shining in his eyes.
A gentle smile spread across her face as old memories resurfaced. "Your father..." she began softly. "He was kind. Much kinder than most people realized." Jason listened intently. "When people watched him play, they saw someone who could do the impossible. They saw goals that no one else could score, incredible speed, and a captain who never seemed afraid." She let out a quiet laugh.
"But when the match ended, he was just Michael. He'd laugh with his teammates, stay behind to help the younger players train, and thank every member of the stadium staff before coming home." Jason blinked. "Really?" He asked, Elena nodded. "He believed no one becomes a legend alone. Every victory belonged to the whole team, not just him."
"Was he always that good?" Jason asked. Elena shook her head before answering. "No," she answered "People only remember the trophies." She gently brushed a strand of hair behind his ear. "They don't remember the mornings he could barely stand because he'd trained until his muscles gave out. They don't remember the losses that kept him awake at night... or the days he wondered if he'd ever be good enough." She looked across the garden at the birds. "No one is born a legend Jason..." she looked back at him, giving him a gentle smile "They become one."
"Do you think I can be as cool as him?" He asked with hopeful eyes. "Do you believe you can?" She asked. "I mean... maybe" Elena chuckled softly pulling him into a side hug. "Then that's where it begins." Jason looked up at her. "If you believe in yourself and you're willing to work for it, there's no telling how far you can go." She gently tapped the tip of his nose. "But don't spend your life trying to become someone else." Jason looked with confusion. "Even Dad?" Elena smiled warmly "Even your father."
"Admire him. Learn from him. But don't become Michael Stein." "Become someone that one day, people will admire for being Jason Stein."
"Now go and take a shower you're sweaty." She helped him up fondly.
Jason nodded, tucked the V-Ball beneath his arm, and made his way inside the mansion. Elena watched him disappear up the staircase before turning her attention back to the house, a small smile lingering on her face.
The afternoon drifted by peacefully. As the golden sunlight slowly gave way to the warm hues of evening, Stein Estate settled into its familiar rhythm. Upstairs, the sound of running water echoed faintly through the halls as Jason finished showering, while downstairs the comforting aroma of dinner gradually filled the home. Elena moved effortlessly around the kitchen, preparing the evening meal with practiced ease.
Outside, the low hum of an approaching engine broke the quiet. The sleek black sedan bearing the silver crest of the World Velocity Authority rolled through the estate gates before coming to a gentle stop in the driveway. Michael had kept his promise. He stepped out of the car, briefcase in hand, and smiled as he looked toward the warmly lit windows of the mansion.
The front door clicked open. "I'm home," Michael called as he stepped inside, slipping off his shoes. "In the kitchen," Elena replied. Michael followed the familiar aroma of dinner, finding her standing by the stove, stirring a simmering pot. He set his briefcase down near the counter before wrapping an arm around her waist from behind.
"Long day?" Elena asked, smiling without looking away from the food. "You could say that." He replied. She leaned back into him for a brief moment before gently nudging him away with her elbow. "Go wash your hands."
A few moments later, he returned, leaning casually against the kitchen counter. "So..." he began. "How was your day?" Elena smiled. "Peaceful." "And Jason?" At the mention of their son, her smile grew a little wider. "He spent nearly the entire afternoon outside." Michael chuckled. "Let me guess... with the V-Ball?" Elena nodded. "He set up his own little training course in the garden with cones." Elena continued. "He kept repeating the same drill over and over. Every time he lost control of the ball, he'd go back to the start without complaining."
Michael folded his arms, listening quietly. "I don't think he realizes it yet..." Elena said softly. "...but he's starting to enjoy the process." Michael smiled. "He asked about you today." She said. "Did he now?" He said, a small smirk playing on his lip, Elena rolled her eyes fondly with an amused sigh "Don't let it go to your head." "Too late," he responded "what did he ask?" "He asked how you were as a player" she responded. "Ah I see, what'd you tell him" he asked curiously, "The truth, about what a big baby you were when your legs were killing you in the mornings," she chuckled "but mostly how he should carve his own path instead of trying to copy yours". Michael nodded listening intently. "Good. That's what I would've told him, except the me being a baby part, I'm wounded at that." He said dramatically.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. They simply enjoyed the quiet comfort of each other's presence, the sounds of dinner cooking filling the silence. Then Michael glanced toward the staircase. "Is he upstairs?" He asked. Elena nodded "Yeah, he's probably finished showering by now." She looked in his direction "Something on your mind?" "Actually yes... I have something I want to tell him." He took his briefcase and headed toward the stair
Without another word, he made his way upstairs, his footsteps echoing softly through the halls of Stein Estate. Reaching the second floor, he stopped outside Jason's bedroom. The door was slightly ajar, and the faint sound of a commentator's excited voice drifted into the hallway.
Michael smiled to himself before knocking gently against the door. "Come in!" He pushed the door open. Jason sat cross-legged on his bed, his hair still damp from his shower. A holographic projector resting on his bedside table cast a glowing image across the room. Match highlights played in midair, accompanied by thunderous crowd chants and dramatic commentary. "...and Stein does it again! Another unbelievable goal from the captain of the Lapse Lions!" Jason watched with complete focus, his eyes never leaving the projection.
"Whoa..." he expressed. Michael folded his arms, quietly watching from the doorway. "...You know," he said with a chuckle, "I don't remember being that dramatic." Jason jumped slightly before turning around. "Dad!" Michael walked into the room, glancing at the floating highlight reel.
"Watching old matches?" Jason nodded enthusiastically. "They're so cool! Look at this one!" He pointed excitedly as the projection replayed Michael's famous Dimension Breaker from an old match. The commentator's voice echoed through the room as the V-Ball vanished before reappearing in the Vortex Ring.
Jason looked back at his father, his eyes shining with admiration. "Did that really happen?" Michael scratched the back of his neck, almost embarrassed. "Yeah... something like that."
"You really like Velocity don't you?" Michael asked. "Yeah! One day I'm going to be the best, just like you!" Jason said excitedly. Michael chuckled. "Actually... that's why I came up here, I wanted to talk to you about something." He walked over to the side of Jason's bed and sat there. Jason switched off the holographic projector before sitting up to face his father, curiosity written all over his face. "What is it?" He asked.
"Well, an old friend of mine came to see me today... and he's starting a new Velocity club," Michael began "and he's recruiting young players to join his club." Jason's eyes widened. "And..." He asked trying to anticipate his father's next words. "And he thinks you should go try out."
"...Me?" Michael nodded. "You." "You mean... an actual Velocity club?" Jason asked, "An actual Velocity club." Michael confirmed. Jason looked down at the V-Ball resting beside his bed before looking back up. "Do... do you think I can make it?" Michael smiled. "I don't know." Jason blinked, surprised by the answer. "The trials exist to answer that question." Michael continued, he placed a hand on Jason's shoulder. "No one, but you can answer that question." Jason sat quietly, letting the words sink in. After a few moments, a determined smile slowly spread across his face.
"...Then I'll do it." He finally said. "That's what I was hoping you'd say." Michael added. He rose from the side of the bed, straightening his jacket before looking back at his son. "Then after dinner, get some good rest." Jason tilted his head. "Why?" A small grin tugged at the corner of Michael's mouth. "Because starting tomorrow..." he started folding his arms.
"...your training begins." Jason's eyes widened."You'll train me?" Michael nodded. "If you're serious about standing on that pitch one day, then we don't have time to waste." Jason could barely contain his excitement. "Really?!" "Really." Michael confirmed. Jason grinned from ear to ear. Michael chuckled at his son's reaction. "But don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're my son." "I wouldn't want you to." Jason said boldly.
Michael smiled. "Good answer." Michael walked toward the door. "Come on, dinner's almost ready."