I stare at Brandon in anticipation of my answer.

Brandon looks back at me “You’re not very trusting, huh,” he smiles, making me sweat a bit.

“Well my reason is the truth.” he states, “But if you want a more detailed reason then I’ll tell you,” he says,

I nod In confirmation.

“Well Gael, do you know why adults protect kids?” he asks.

“Because… kids are stupid?” I respond slowly, to which Brandon chuckles.

“Yes, that's part of it. Another part is that kids’ futures are not set in stone, they have so many options on what they can do, who they can become, and what they want to accomplish, depending on where they live of course.” Brandon says, making me confused about where he’s going with this.

“You were probably at that time of your life when you were deciding where to go for college, what you should major in, and choosing the general course of your life, before you got transported in this world.”

“Your life not even a week ago was probably filled with uncertainty and anxiety, and I'm sure that being sent to an unfamiliar world didn’t help,” Brandon sympathizes

“When I was sent to this world I remember how scared and confused I was, and before the transportation, I knew what my life had in store, I knew what I was going to do for the rest of my life and how I was going to die. I knew how every day would pass by, so I had nothing to hope for; nothing to dream for,” Brandon says.

“But you had opportunities, chances at a better life. Before all this happened,” he motions around the room.

“I know that letting you live in this village won’t give you the perfect life you dreamed of, but I would just find it sad to see a youth pass away before getting to accomplish any of their dreams, especially when I can help them,” Brandon says.

“I mean what's the point of having superpowers if I can’t be a superhero” Brandon smiles bashfully at his statement.

Wow, I was feeling emotional hearing how Brandon could sympathize with how I felt during the past few days I was here, but the problem was that I still couldn’t understand why any of that mattered. Why would you care about someone else's potential? Why would you be happy to see someone else succeed? I just couldn’t understand it, but It still felt good to be supported regardless.

“Did that help you understand my actions to this point?” Brandon says “Mhm” I grunt as I wipe my eyes.

“Well, that's good then” Brandon smiles like a saint. It was hard to imagine he was that menacing silhouetted figure before when I pissed him off.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

He’s probably just bipolar or something. I come to a concise conclusion.

“Brandon, do you know when Andre will be done talking to his friends? I want to start training as soon as possible.” I say

“Andre is pretty free-spirited, so it all depends on him I guess” Brandon sighs.

“I guess I can help you a bit,” Brandon says, making me light up, “YES PLEASE!” I eagerly accept.

“Alright, first I want you to run 10 miles,” Brandon confidently orders, shattering my jubilation.

Brandon notes my despair and tries to reassure me “Gael, you need to build up stamina. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to activate your ability a few seconds at a time. Running is a good way to build such stamina.” Brandon explains

“Ugh, fine” I groan.

I hated running. Running has been my least favorite activity since forever. the pain in the legs, the groggy gross sweat that would always accumulate, the pain in the side of the stomach that came with too much running. I hated all of it, but I was willing to do anything now. Even run.

I grimace at the thought of running.

“Well, let's go get in our steps” Brandon gives a thumbs-up.

*** 4 hours later***

I’M FUCKING DYING!

WHAT THE HELL, WHY IS A NEWBIE RUNNING 10 MILES FOR THEIR FIRST WORKOUT?

I was drenched in sweat, my clothes had turned dark and murky and I looked like I just came out of the shower. The only reason why I haven't died yet is because Brandon had been running back and forth getting me water, and I've been taking a break with every mile.

"Alright, good job Gael, that's your eighth-mile," Brandon says jogging by my side, while pouring some water from a jug into a cup for me.

I immediately fall to the ground coughing.

Brandon hands me the cup, which I shakily wave away, instead gesturing towards the jug.

Brandon quickly caught on and slowly handed me the jug.

I huff as I use my strength to sit up criss-cross, and I grab the surprisingly heavy jug, putting it in my lap.

With one heave I bring the jug to my mouth and clumsily chug a mouthful of water before putting the jug down to my side.

The Water had gone down the wrong pipe, bringing me into a coughing fit.

Brandon promptly pats my back as he notices me choking "Hey, you alright?" he asks.

I take a deep breath and one more chug of water.

"yea-h I'm f-ine" I say between huffs.

"Ok, if you say so," Brandon says, "take a 10-minute break before you continue."

I grunt in acknowledgment.

During the break, I noticed my thighs making unholy movements, and how my body was constantly shaking. It felt as if my body felt as if it was being held up by popsicle sticks, gum, and a prayer.

five minutes into my break I wasn't even heavily breathing anymore, but I was still shaking, as if I were in an arctic desert instead of a hot desert.

"So, did you get as strong as you did through doing this kinda of training?" I ask

"No, I got as strong as I did by just trying to survive." Brandon reminiscences, as he swirls the water in his cup.

"Can you tell me some stories?" I ask

Brandon looks up as if he was pondering something.

"You want to hear about the first time I encountered ghostflies?" he asks.

I quickly nod in excitement.