Jet Kaze admired his graffiti signature over the corpse of his latest target. He had just completed another assassination in the neon-lit office, leaving behind a splash of vibrant colours. The tag was a mix of chaos and elegance, reflecting his style and personality.

He hopped on his hoverboard and flew into the night, feeling the cool breeze on his face. He soared above the humming city, enjoying the thrill of the hunt. But his night was not over yet. There were more adventures waiting for him in the streets.

He heard a cry of pain as he turned a corner. He saw a group of bullies harassing a kid in a dark alley. Their shadows loomed large on the walls, threatening and intimidating. Jet’s eyes narrowed, and he swooped down from the sky.

“Leave him alone,” he said, landing smoothly on the ground.

The bullies paused, eyeing the newcomer. One of them, feeling brave, threw a punch at Jet. Jet dodged it easily, and struck back with a swift blow. The bully fell to the floor, groaning.

The others, seeing their leader defeated, ran away like scared mice. Jet watched them go, smirking. He then turned to the kid, and extended his hand.

“Name’s Jet. You okay?”

The kid nodded, his eyes wide with gratitude. “Thank you, Jet. They’ve been bullying me for weeks.”

Jet gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about them. Stand up for yourself.”

The kid ran off, thanking Jet again. Jet muttered to himself, as he headed to the nearest store. “I need to get some more spray paint.”

But as he came out of the store, he found his way blocked by two police cars. Chief Zarkan stepped out, a cunning smile on his face. He had a hidden agenda, and Jet knew it. Jet tensed, ready for a confrontation.

Zarkan waved his men away, leaving him and Jet alone in the flickering lights of the city.

“Jet Kaze,” he said, in a sly voice, “you’re a hard man to find. You’ve been painting the town with your distinctive flair. But I know you’re not just a graffiti artist.”

Jet, on his guard, replied, “You’re mistaken, Chief. I’m just a guy who likes to express himself.”

Zarkan laughed. “I’m not here to arrest you. I’m here to make you an offer, one that could change this city for the better.”

Jet raised an eyebrow, curious but wary.

“I know you have a grudge against the government. You have skills, but you can do more with them,” Zarkan said. “I want you to join the Astral Institute. It’s a school for people like us, who have special abilities. There, you’ll learn to master your powers, and we can work together to overthrow the corrupt system.”

Jet, surprised by the twist, asked, “Why should I trust you, Chief? You’re part of the system I hate.”

Zarkan looked at him with a serious expression. “I have my reasons, ones that you’ll understand soon enough. Join the Astral Institute, and I’ll make sure you’re free from any legal trouble. You’ll be able to continue your mission without any interference.”

Jet glided through the city's labyrinth of lights, the events with Chief Zarkan lingering in his thoughts like a persistent echo. The night breeze carried a mix of uncertainty and possibility.

He was one of the gifted, but also the chief of police  he was captured by the government when he was a teenager and put into the program for the gifted,where they turn gifted into  ,a underpaid and mistreated work force.

As he neared his home, he spotted a familiar silhouette waiting for him. It was Mai Akaru, his childhood friend . She had dark blue hair that caught the ambient glow, and an upbeat aura that seemed to dance with the neon lights.

She was also gifted, but with a different power. She could control arrows with powerful telekinesis, launching them with deadly accuracy. She also carried a dagger for close combat, which she wielded with grace and skill.

"Hey, Jet!" Mai greeted him with a grin, her eyes reflecting a hidden sentiment. She had a crush on him, but he was too dense to notice.

Jet, still grappling with the Chief's proposition, managed a half-smile. "What's up, Mai?"

She walked alongside him, matching his pace. "Just the usual chaos in Neonera. You know, the kind of chaos you seem to thrive on."

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

Jet chuckled, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. "Yeah, it's a wild city. Speaking of chaos, though, things might be taking an interesting turn."

Mai tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Jet hesitated, then decided to share the Chief's offer. "I got a visit from Chief Zarkan. He wants me to join the Astral Institute, the school for people like us with unique abilities."

Mai's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and excitement. "Really? That's amazing, Jet! I've been thinking about joining the institute too."

Jet raised an eyebrow. "You have? Why?"

She shrugged, her playful demeanor contrasting with the sincerity in her eyes. "Well, the world is changing, right? Might as well be part of something bigger. Plus, imagine the adventures we could have together."

Jet, absorbed in his own thoughts, almost missed the subtle hints she dropped about her feelings. Oblivious, he responded, "Yeah, maybe it's time for a new chapter. Let's see what the Astral Institute has in store for us."

Mai smiled, her feelings hidden beneath a mask of cheerfulness. 

They reached her home, and Jet couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly Mai blended with the vivid surroundings. She lived in a modest apartment, but she decorated it with colorful lights and posters of her favorite bands.

"Thanks for walking me home, Jet," Mai said, her eyes glinting with a mixture of gratitude and something more.

Jet, still oblivious to the subtle nuances, replied, "No problem. Take care, Mai."

As he glided away, Jet's thoughts lingered on the events unfolding. The Astral Institute, Mai's enthusiasm, and Chief Zarkan's hidden agenda left him grappling with a multitude of questions.

He wondered what the institute was really like, and what they wanted from him. He wondered if Mai would join him. He wondered if he was making the right choice, or if he was walking into a trap.

He reached his home, a small house in a rundown neighborhood. He lived with his mother, who worked as a nurse at a local hospital. She was the only family he had left, after his father was executed when he was a kid.

He found the familiar sight of Kai Tanaka rummaging through his fridge, a mischievous grin on his face. Kai was his best friend and fellow assassin. They met years ago when his father was still alive. Kai lives with his mother, as his parents were separated before they met jet doesn’t know much about his father.

Kai was also gifted, but with a different power. He could control sound waves, creating sonic blasts and vibrations. He used his power to enhance his senses, communicate with others, and disable his enemies.

"Dude, how many times have I told you to ask before raiding my fridge?" Jet asked, a mix of annoyance and amusement.

Kai, a drink in hand and a sandwich in the other, chuckled. "Sorry, man. Got hungry again. Your mom's cool, She let me in."

Jet rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. So, how's it going with your missions? Missed you on the last one."

Kai, mouth full, mumbled his response. "Had some business. Couldn't make it. How'd it go?"

Jet filled him in on the assassination and the encounter with bullies. "Oh, and I ran into Mai. She's thinking about joining the Astral Institute too."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Really? That's interesting. You know what the Astral Institute is, right?"

Jet shook his head. "Not really. Just that it's a school for the gifted. Why? What do you know?"

Kai swallowed his food and took a sip of his drink. "Well, it's not just a school. It's a rebel base. They're opposing the government, which is trying to hunt down and capture the gifted. They're training the gifted to fight back, and to use their powers for a greater cause."

Jet blinked, surprised by the revelation. "Wow. That's... intense. And you're okay with that?"

Kai shrugged. "I don't really care about politics. I just do what I do for the fun and the money. But I can see why some people would want to join them. They offer a sense of belonging, a purpose, a chance to make a difference. Plus, they have some pretty cool gadgets and weapons."

Jet nodded, considering the pros and cons. "I see. Well, I guess I'll find out more when I get there. Chief Zarkan said he'll send me the details soon."

Kai smiled, tapping his friend on the shoulder. "Good luck, man. I hope you find what you're looking for. And hey, if are joining text me tell Zarkan i’ll join too.

Jet smiled back, grateful for his friend's support. "Thanks, Kai.

They fist bumped then Kai left, leaving Jet alone with his thoughts. He wondered what the future would bring,he decided to go to the Astral Institute, hoping it would be a new beginning for him. He hoped he would see mai and kai there so he would be with some familiar faces,He hoped he would make a difference in the world, and not regret his choice.

He went to his room, packed his bags, and waited for Chief Zarkan's message. He was about to embark on a new adventure, one that would change his life forever.