“Breaking news! The attack on Killian High School was put down by an unidentified vigilante!”

“Early today, a total of 64 men in black suit and equipped with automatic weapons charged into the Killian High School. They cut off all communication between the school and the outside world and took over 500 students hostage.”

“But before the police even heard about this, a figure described as ‘covered in white armor and wielding energy pistols’ appeared seemingly out of nowhere. He put down two attackers in one classroom before going down the hall. Students rescued described him as ‘a white knight’. The men in black were forced to retreat to the commons room, but the white armored figure attacked that location. According to eyewitnesses, the figure used a type of shockwave grenade and disabled everyone in the room before shooting and immobilizing the men in black.”

“Thanks to this white armored vigilante, this incident only left 18 dead. Most of them are perpetrators, except for one Resource Officer Carls. The mayor of Chicago has announced he would be hosting a ceremony in the name of Officer Carls.”

“Now, the question of the day is, who is this vigilante? Let’s go to Captain Marshall of the Chicago Police Department. Captain Marshall?”

“Yes. This vigilante is equipped with extremely advanced armor and weaponry. According to information provided by captured perpetrators, the vigilante’s armor is completely bullet proof. He is armed with shockwave grenades, energy pistols, and a type of energy based melee weapon that can seemingly shift forms easily. There is evidence that he was able to hack into the security cameras of the school and alter them. Perhaps people from the research departments may disagree, but I think it’s safe to say these are technology far beyond anything we have.”

“Any idea who this vigilante might be?”

“Unfortunately, no. We have confirmed through cross-examination that this vigilante is neither a student nor a faculty. Likely, he is someone from outside the school. His reason to be presence in the school is to be determined as well. We are still tracking him down, but based on the technologies he has shown, I am doubtful if we can get results soon.”

The reporter finally moved on to the most important question.

“Captain Marshall, what is the Chicago Police Department’s stance on this matter?”

In the television, Captain Marshall obviously paused. It took him a few seconds to respond.

“As the Captain of the CPD, I would advise against the vigilante’s actions. Things ended up well in this case, but it could have been a lot worse. It is better to let the professionals take care of this.”

“But captain…”

“Well, that was the official response.” But Captain Marshall wasn’t done yet. “But personally, I say the next time something like this happens, go and fuck them up!”

Brandon smiled. His brother, on the other hand, wasn’t so happy.

After the event, the police obviously called their parents. Things took a bad turn when Jaison’s teacher told his parents what Jaison tried to do. On Jaison’s end, he knew he would be fine. But on the teacher’s end, Jaison was an irresponsible kid who tried to play hero with no regard to the situation.

Unsurprisingly, Mr. and Mrs. Bai weren’t so happy.

“You’re not a cop! You’re not a superhero!” Mr. Bai continued to lecture. “If this happens again, you stay out of trouble! You could’ve been killed, for god’s sake!”

“I was fine!” Jaison groaned impatiently. He has been in this conversation with his parents ever since they left school. “I told you, I had everything under control!”

“How? Pray tell!”

“Uhh!” Jaison screamed. He was truly furious by the situation. He couldn’t tell his parents the truth, but in that case, his parents would never understand him. “Look, it’s my life! It’s my decision!”

The disappointment on his parents’ face was obvious.

Finally, Jaison has had enough. He turned and left for his room without another word.

Brandon returned to his room.

He knew Jaison was angry and confused, but to be honest, he had no intention of doing anything. Just like his parents, he believed Jaison did something unwise. Sure, he had the power to play hero, but he tried to fight using his own identity. If Brandon wasn’t there in time, people would no doubt question how a random kid could take down two grown, trained, armed men. Combined with the white armored vigilante...all of Brandon’s attempt to keep their identity secret would be lost.

He made a poor decision, and what his parents said was accurate. Why would Brandon tried to do anything? It was up to Jaison himself to toughen out and realize what he did wrong.

Plus, Brandon still had to think about the mysterious third person with the watch.

For days, the aftermath of the attack on the school gradually unfolded. A one week break was given to the entire high school. Mental health professions were hired to work with students on trauma treatment for free. There was a bill in the city hall to place more heavily armed guards in school campuses. At the same time, the battlefield inside the school was being cleared. Countless technological personal were working day and night to evaluate the weapons used by both the men in black and, most importantly, the figure in white armor.

Brandon’s avatar’s reputation grew by the days. Not surprising, considering this was the first real life superhero in history! For a moment, Brandon trumped any celebrity or athlete in terms of fame. Many students fell prey to reporters that seemed to have filled the neighborhood. As soon as someone at the age of attending a high school goes into the open, several reporters would be on top of them, asking extremely tricky questions. To these news workers, any tip about the figure in white could forge a full career.

But Brandon wasn’t paying too much attention to those things. He kept his head low and dug through his watch. The break he was given only made that easier. The boy was hell bent on working. From what he saw, the contents in all the watches should be relatively similar. That meant the one who had more control over his watch could end up having an advantage.

Suddenly, the sound of his smartphone ringing brought Brandon back to the real world. He looked down. The caller ID turned out to be one Selena.

Selena. Brandon hasn’t seen her ever since the attack on the school days ago. She kept on trying to get in touch with him, but he kept on refusing. Moments after he talked to her, the figure in white appeared in their classroom! Sure, Brandon used an avatar to pose as himself, but now that he had the time to calm down and think about it, evidence against his case was stacked up high. It was obviously Selena was suspicious.

His fingers closed in on the red button before stopping. Refusing to see Selena would only make her case. Plus, if she couldn’t get an answer from him, she might voice her suspicion to the press or the government. Neither of which was something he wanted. He made sure there was no direct evidence tying him to the man in white, but sometimes, people don’t need evidence to take action.

The green call key was tapped.

“Hello Selena.”

“Hey Brandon! Can I call you Bran?”

“I’d prefer you don’t.” Brandon silently kicked himself for being so impolite. She might have something against him! “I mean...what do you want? Uh.” That was even ruder. “You know what I mean.” He left out a nervous laugh that was as fake as fake laughs get.

Selena acted as if she didn't notice anything off.

“Yep. Well, I just want to talk to you about something. You’ve got some free time?”

“...what do you want to talk about?”

“Just some speculations.” Selena grinned secretly. “Meet me at the Starbucks down the street. You better be quick, because I bet that Chicago Tribune reporter down the corner will pay to hear my speculations.”

Brandon groaned as Selena hang up. This was bad. This was really bad. Having a young, beautiful fellow student gain interest in you sound brilliant, but in reality, it would bring nothing but a liability. Brandon wanted to thank Selena for helping him see another side of himself and secure his goal, but he didn't want to drag her into the fight between himself and that third watch holder. It would be messy. He didn't know if he would be able to protect her.

All he hoped was a face to face conversation could convince her he’s just a dull, boring high schooler. Absolutely nothing to fascinate about.

Brandon walked out of the room and made his way down the stairs as he made an announcement.

“I’m going to Starbucks down the street. I’ll probably be walking.”

It was a Friday. Both his parents were out for work. Jaison and Brandon were the only two home.

“Are you seeing someone?” Jaison asked, not even bothering to come out of his room.

“Yeah.” Brandon shrugged. “Well, it’s complicated.”

“Who?”

A frown climbed onto Brandon’s face. That was getting personal, but he thought Jaison was just being the typical annoying younger brother.

“Selena. She’s a classmate of mine.”

Before Jaison could ask more questions, Brandon walked out of the house.

The trip to Starbucks was quick and uneventful. Eventually, Brandon saw the blonde girl sitting by one of the tables with her legs crossed. He sighed and walked over and sat down.

“How do I look?” Selena asked with a wide smile.

Brandon couldn’t help but let his eyes stick on Selena for a couple of seconds. She obviously did some homework for this meeting. A leather, tight jacket revealed quite some cleavage and shoulder. The makeup on her face were perfect. They were neither too much nor too little. Her hair went down on her back.

“Pretty good.” The boy glanced to the side. “What do you want?”

“It’s not polite to sit down in a coffeeshop without buying a cup of coffee.”

Brandon groaned in slight impatience. He turned and saw the cashier looking straight at him.

“Fine.”

A cup of coffee later, the conversation continued.

“You know...I’m impressed.” Selena started with a bang. “The figure in the white armor. If I didn't know better, you’re the last person I thought it would be.”

“Wow wow. Careful with the accusations.” There was no way Brandon would admit it. He estimated a fifty percent possibility the moment he admits it, Selena would pull out a recorder from her tight clothing and sell it to every major news firm.

“That’s not an accusation. It’s a statement.” Selena wasn’t about to give up this easily. “Remember our conversation in the classroom? When we were held hostage?”

“What? You know...it’s a bit difficult to remember what I said when there are two gun wielding psychopaths...”

“You asked me about responsibilities and duties. What happened next?” She leaned forward. Brandon could smell her perfumes. “Or should I say, who happened next?”

Brandon leaned back.

“Look, assuming I am the so called figure in white armor, which I’m not, why would you think I would ever admit it?”

“I don’t need you to admit it. All I have to do is present the evidence to the world and let the people decide.”

“Again, if I am the figure in white armor,” Brandon paused, weighing his words. “what would I do to someone who threatens to betray my identity?” He tapped his temple. “Didn't think this out, did you?” He hoped that was enough to convince Selena to keep quiet about whatever theory she has.

Selena grinned, but her tone obviously went softer. She didn't think Brandon would really do anything to her, but she didn't want to take the risk either.

“Fine. In that case, enough with the figure in white armor. I want to ask you something.”

“What?”

“Be my boyfriend.”

“Yeah, no.” Brandon didn't even hesitate to shut that idea down. “Sorry. I don’t have plans to have relationships yet.”

“Why not? It will be fun. I’m sure you can trust me more when we’re a couple.” Selena licked her lips temptingly. “Wait a second...oh my god! Are you still a virgin?”

Brandon’s sigh was obvious.

“Look...I don’t…”

“Oh my god! How old are you?” Selena acted as if she has just discovered a whole new continent. “18? You are an adult now and you still haven’t had sex? Do you know how odd that is?”

“I don’t…”

“Wait...are you gay?”

“No!” Brandon decided he had to shut Selena down right here. “I’m not gay or asexual or anything. It’s just that I’ve made the cognitively choice to stay by myself. It’s...it’s better that way.”

“Why?” Selena looked like she was trying her hardest to hold a smile.

“Relationships are distractions.”

“Wahaaaaa!” Selena suddenly burst out laughing with not a single care in the world. Half the coffeeshop turned to look, making Brandon very uncomfortable. Finally, Selena went silent.

“That is the funniest thing I have heard for a while. What’s next? Love is a weakness?”

“The fact is love can be used as a weakness against you...” Brandon suddenly paused as he realized something. If the third watch holder was able to find out where he goes to school, then he could also find out who and where his family are. Jaison might be able to fend for himself, but his parents were simply defenseless. If something goes wrong and that watch holder gets to them...Brandon made a silent note to do something about it.

Selena sighed, wiping a drop of tear from her cheek. “Oh Brandon Brandon Brandon. We have some serious work to do.”

But Brandon has already had enough. He stood up and was about to leave when he remembered something. Reaching inside his pocket(watch), he took out an Emerald and handed it to Selena.

“What is it?”

“A bribe? A thank you?” Brandon shrugged. “Just keep it with you. I heard it has effects in maintaining the health of the bearer.” Without waiting for another response from Selena, he turned and walked out of the coffee shop.

Selena ran her finger across the Emerald. Strangely, she felt so much calmer. A few parts of her body were aching. Now she felt like she was in a hot tub. Her mind went so much clearer.

She looked up and glanced at Brandon’s figure with a small satisfied grin.

Brandon never gave a clear confirmation, but his actions speak more clearly than his words.