Johnson activated his unique hidden skill, his thoughts echoing inside his mind.
This skill allows me to move in ways nobody can ever see… almost as if I vanish between steps.
His body blurred as he dashed toward the punching bag. His fists pounded against it with sharp, precise blows before he sprinted around the house, his movements too fast for the eye to follow. He stopped only when he dropped down to perform quick exercises, his breathing calm and steady despite the intensity.
"Johnny, what are you doing?" Rosemary's voice cut through his concentration.
Startled, Johnson froze. With a sheepish grin, he quickly sat down and began munching on some snacks, trying to play it off. "Uh, nothing," he said, hurriedly hiding the snacks behind him.
"I saw that!" Rosemary's eyes narrowed. She lunged at him, tackling him playfully as they wrestled for the hidden treat.
Johnson laughed in defeat. "Alright, you win." He handed her a single cookie.
"One? No way. Give me everything!" she protested, snatching the entire packet of cookies from his hand. Her curious eyes lifted to him. "Where did you even get this?"
"I bought them downtown a few minutes ago," Johnson admitted with a small shrug.
"I see…" Rosemary softened for a moment. She hesitated, then asked quietly, "Um, Johnny?"
Johnson lay back on the grass, staring at the endless night sky. "What?"
Her voice trembled with surprise. "How and why did you give that old lady all your savings?"
Johnson's gaze remained fixed above, his eyes glowing with memories. "She was in need… and I wanted to help. Isn't that what Dad always taught us?"
Rosemary's lips quivered. "Yes, he did. I miss Daddy. I miss the times we had together. What about you?"
Johnson closed his eyes, his chest heavy. "I miss Dad and Mom so much. Do you remember when Mom took us to the park?"
Rosemary smiled faintly. "Yeah… me too. We had so much fun."
"I'll never forget what they said to us," Johnson whispered.
Rosemary's eyes glistened. "They told us, 'The strongest things you hold together are usually the most significant—until you lose them.'"
Johnson's voice softened. "And Mom always said, 'Hold close those you deem dear, because they may not last long. Spend as much time with them as you can, and never regret it.'"
Rosemary rested her head against his shoulder, her voice breaking. "I really miss them. I want them back." A sob escaped her lips before sleep finally claimed her.
Johnson gently patted her head, carrying her to her room with care. He laid her down on the bed and tucked her beneath the blanket.
"She really trusts you, doesn't she?" a voice spoke from behind. It was Mary, her tone warm but heavy.
Johnson turned slightly. "Yeah, she does. And I'll always protect her… even if it costs me my life."
Mary sighed softly. "Yes… I know you will. Now go to sleep too. You have classes tomorrow."
"Goodnight, Aunty Mary," Johnson said as he retreated to his room.
"Goodnight, Johnny," she replied.
The scene shifted.
Far away, in a hidden government black site in Texas, officials gathered around a cold, sterile chamber. A tall scientist, Dr. Charles, adjusted his glasses as the men questioned him.
"So, when is the project starting?" the second official asked.
"It is ready, sir," Dr. Charles replied calmly. "All preparations are complete. We only await the test subject."
The second official gave a nod. "Bring it in."
Chains rattled as a man was dragged into the room by the police. At the same time, another official guided a restrained xenomorph into the chamber.
Dr. Charles stiffened. "Wait...what is this? I only requested a young xenomorph for experimentation. Why have you brought me a human… and a siren-class xenomorph at that?"
"Do not worry," the first official interrupted firmly. "Just conduct the experiment. That's an order."
The third official stepped forward, placing a heavy briefcase filled with cash on the table. "Here. Twice the amount we agreed upon."
Dr. Charles frowned but forced a smile. "Very well." He led both subjects to the experimentation pool, his hands moving across various instruments as viruses were injected and electricity surged into the two prisoners.
"If I may ask… who is the human subject?"
The first officer tugged harshly on the chained man's green hair, forcing him to groan in pain. "This one's a robber. He and his gang tried to loot the State Bank. Instead of rotting in prison, the government decided to use him as an example. His name is Harrison James."
"There is only a fifty-fifty chance this works," Dr. Charles warned.
One of the officials leaned closer. "And what exactly is this experiment, Doctor?"
Charles straightened his coat, his voice lowering. "The merging of a human and a xenomorph. The test is meant to see if fusion grants supernatural abilities beyond human limits. And since this one is a siren-type, the potential is extraordinary. Sirens are capable of evolving and adapting to almost any situation."
The room went silent.
Somewhere else, in a secret high-tech chamber illuminated by holographic screens, a golden-blonde figure lounged in a chair. Lucian answered a call, his lips curling into a cruel smile.
"Understood. Everything is in order. Now it's time to take action." He hung up, moving the first pawn on a chessboard before him.
"System," he commanded.
A mechanical voice responded as the room filled with holographic projections of files, videos, and surveillance footage.
"Displaying all recent scans of Johnson Stones."
Lucian chuckled darkly, setting his cup of tea down with a clink. "So… it's good to see you again, Johnson Stones."
The light dimmed, and the screen faded to black.