When I entered my father's house, the first thing I noticed was the piles of paperwork on his desk. He didn't even acknowledge me at first, engrossed in his work as usual. As I walked around the office, I couldn't help but let my fingers graze the books and mementos on the shelf. As soon as I touched one of his most treasured items, I heard the sharp sound of a blade slicing through the air. Instinctively, I dodged it.
Father didn't miss a beat and, with a small nod, he said, "How was the school?" He hadn't even flinched, and neither had I.
I answered him, "I found three kids who have potential, especially one who has Umbrakenesis."
When I spoke that word, his demeanor immediately shifted. His interest piqued, and he leaned forward. "Wait… you said Umbrakenesis?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
I confirmed, and that was all it took for him to stand up and start preparing tea. He had always been fascinated by unique powers. We talked late into the night, and by the time the clock struck 3 AM, we were still deep in conversation, theorizing and discussing the limits of abilities like the boy's Umbrakenesis.
It was an engaging conversation, but as we cleaned up, my father asked me a final question. His voice was serious. "Are they scared of you?"
I paused, my thoughts wandering to the students back at the academy. "No. I don't think they are… at least not anymore."
After a long moment, I finally told him not to worry about me. But as I walked to my room and collapsed into bed, I couldn't help but feel a knot of unease. My powers had always been a part of me, but I had yet to truly understand them.
The next morning, breakfast was calm. The sun streamed through the windows as my father started eating, his usual routine unbroken. But then, as we chewed in silence, he spoke again. "After we eat, let's train."
I stopped mid-bite. "Is this about the mission in Japan? Where I lost control?" I couldn't meet his eyes, knowing how that incident still haunted me.
Father didn't hesitate to answer. "Yes. I know you're more powerful than any hero in our country, but if you can control that power, you will be even stronger. You'll be the greatest hero in the world."
His words hit me hard. I wanted to believe him, but how could I control something so volatile? Something that had nearly destroyed everything I cared about?
I quietly finished my meal and stood up. "I'll get ready for training."
I left the table, my mind swirling. I thought I had gained control of my powers, but Japan had proven me wrong. I needed to learn to control them fully, or else they would control me.
I dressed quickly and made my way to the training field, a place that had always felt both familiar and intimidating. My father was already there, standing on the field, looking at me with a steady gaze.
When he saw me approach, he spoke calmly, "Do you know I have a power?"
I blinked in shock. "No," I replied, my heart skipping a beat. My father, the man who had taught me everything, had a power of his own?
He beckoned me into the battle area. "Step in, and I'll explain it to you."
He began, his voice measured and composed. "I've studied your powers. Unfortunately, they can't be controlled by a device or anything external. They can only be controlled by you. Your power has a consciousness of its own—it's like there's a monster inside you, or perhaps it's your emotions that control it."
His words hit me like a physical blow. I could feel the anger rising within me, and before I could stop it, I snapped, "Then I'll let my emotions take over."
Father didn't hesitate. He drew his sword and pointed it at me. "Then fight me."
The challenge was clear, and I didn't hesitate. I activated my powers immediately. In an instant, I was in front of him, my speed almost overwhelming. But before I could even land a blow, Father dodged easily, almost too effortlessly.
"You see," he said as he avoided my attacks, "Even with all your speed, you still can't control it."
My anger flared. I attacked again and again, trying to land a blow, but Father was always one step ahead. When I filled the area with green flames, he stuck to the roof and disappeared into the shadows. I couldn't even keep track of him. My frustration grew until, finally, I was knocked to the ground.
I lay there, seething with anger. "Why can't I win?"
Father's voice was calm but firm. "You thought I couldn't defeat you because everyone calls you a monster. But the truth is, you can't control your emotions. Your power is a reflection of that. Your fears, your anger, your doubts—they control you."
That hit me harder than any of the attacks. My emotions were my enemy, not my power. Before I could process it, my powers surged again, responding to my heightened emotions.
I panicked. My body moved on its own, and I found myself strangling Father against the wall. The power had taken over again, and I couldn't stop it.
Father struggled to breathe, but his voice remained steady. "Control your emotions. Calm yourself."
It felt like an eternity. I was losing myself, and yet, I somehow managed to focus. Slowly, my hands loosened, and I stopped strangling him. I looked into his eyes, and I could see the pride in them.
"You did it," he whispered, hugging me tightly. "You controlled it. I'm proud of you."
He continued, his voice a little softer now. "Just remember this: keep calm. Always stay in control. Don't listen to your inner voice, don't listen to Katara."
I froze. "You knew all along that she was talking to me?"
He nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. "Yes. And I'm proud of you for not listening to her. You're a brave hero."
I hugged him tightly, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief wash over me. It wasn't just about my powers—it was about controlling the fear, the anger, and everything that threatened to break me.
After the training session, I was more determined than ever. I decided to form a new team rather than coming back to Yuki's organization—a team that would be the strongest heroes in the world. My father agreed without hesitation, his support unwavering.
And so, a new chapter began. With my father's guidance and the strength of my will, I would gather those with potential, train them, and together, we would become the greatest heroes the world had ever known. The road ahead would be tough, but I was ready.
Because now, I was in control.
Or so I thought.