Day One

"Zenra, the most beloved country in our planet, announced that the new age of HYPERION is under development. The Zenran-Batshevan War is now reaching its final stage. According to President Crisanda, 4 of the 7 Elgoa Gems are now on the government's possession and the search for the last 3 Elgoa-" TIKKKK, a sound of switch click when a radio got turned off. A brown-haired young man looked at the mirror, his dog tag, hanging by his neck, has the name Jon Randall on it. He touched his pale face and looked at his scar on his left cheek, remembering the day when he received the wound and Arya, his mother, came to his aid.

It's a brand new day, the war is finally reaching its end, alarming every news company about it while Jon Randall is having his breakfast on his circular small table. It's been a tough 2 months for him since his mother died of cancer. Looking at her late pictures while eating his fried egg and rice, Jon, wants to go back to the front to end his grief.

"Don't worry, Mum, I'll get you a flower once the war is over." Jon sadly smiles.

The house is completely quiet, the sound of utensils scratching the surface of the plate and the chirping of birds are the only sounds that exist. Jon remembers the front as he chews his food. The sound of explosions, gunfires, and screams are echoing his mind. The loss of a loved one and the war are visible on his face.

Jon is not a natural soldier, in fact he is a super-soldier and a member of HYPERION, a paramilitary organization of Zenra. He withdrew from the front in order to stay at his mother's side when things are going south for Arya. She taught him what it means to be good and the responsibility of having superhuman strength and agility, a gift that can be use for the good of the whole world.

After eating his breakfast, his phone rings and the name Jack Forza appeared on its wide screen.

"Sup, Bud?" Jon answered.

"Hey you good? uhm I don't know how to say this..." Jack replied.

"Yeah? I am.. Go ahead, Brother."

"Chief needs us, Man.. I know it's been hard for you but we really need to go back to our job. The war's ending. Don't worry."

"Shepard doesn't need us. He's the guy? Right?"

"Heee's busy with other stuffs. I don't know but the High Councilor marked it classified and Shepard's on it. Let's focus on our assignment."

"Aye, I'll be at the headquarter, I'll meet you there." Jon replied.

"Good."

Jon quickly grabbed and put his standard HYPERION uniform and armor on as he gazes at the window where the country's Utopian City is vivid. The economy and businesses are doing well, advanced skyscrapers reflect the clear sky, and large-healthy-green trees all over the streets, everything that Jon's eyes can see, reflects how successful country Zenra is.

Jon took a deep breathe and he grabbed and kissed his mother's picture.. "I'll be back."

At the HYPERION Headquarter, a young man is sitting at the lounge, patiently waiting. His face shows concern and optimism, and his grey-silvered hair matches his blue-gray eyes. He's holding a folder that contains the task that Shepard assigned to Jon and to him.

The lounge has a large glass wall at its right side where the green garden sits and glows with the help of sunlight.

2 flags of Zenra hanging on a wall and between the flags, a wide-screen television is spilling the news.

"President Don Crisanda visited the injured soldiers at the Wilcon Shrine Hospital, he gave our men their medals of honor and bravery. The President also asked the Batshevas People to surrender to avoid further deaths and damages." - announced by the TV News Anchor.

"Heh... Batsheva should accept our President's offer. They're not winning. These are just gems. They're lunatic." words said by one of the staff that made Jack's eyes pointed at him.

"I don't get it. Their race is clearly dying and they're not giving up just for a stone that can't even protect them." The staff added

"I heard Batshevas People has primitive thinking. No wonder Zenra's taking the job of cleaning." said by the other guy in the lounge.

It's the 4th year of the war and Jack hasn't been to the front because of his duty to train potential new recruits for HYPERION so listening to these opinions invites his curiosity if what they're saying is true.

"Forza!" an old man called.

Jack immediately stood up and looked at his left where the call came from and saw an old man wearing a high ranking uniform, war medals around his left chest are like collectibles and a logo of NOVA, a special government organization is resting on his collar. His name is Commander Leo Kunsel, a relative of Shepard Kunsel.

"Yes, Commander Kunsel?" asked the young soldier.

"It's quite dangerous out there. You ready?" Commander Leo asked.

"Quite nervous, Sir, I heard they're tough.. but you know, haven't been to the front. So I really don't know. I'm just glad Jon fought them before and it looks like he's going to be my guide..." answered by Jack with a smile mixed with an unsure expression.

"Jon's with you? Right after your mission, I'd would like to offer you guys a project."

"It's an honor Sir, but what's the project?"

"Not here Son, it's - uh oh.. He's here now.."

With a masked expression, a young brown-haired man wearing the standard black suit and grey armor of HYPERION walked closely and greeted Commander Leo and his bestfriend, Jack, exchanging handshakes between the 2 gentlemen.

"How's everything Son?" Commander Leo asked as he looked at Jon with a face that resembles a concerned father.

"I'm okay.. things have been tough lately but it's time to put the past behind. I know she's happy.." Jon answered as his voice trembles slightly with a smile.

"She's watching you, Bro. She ain't leavin' your side.." Jack said as he comforted a brother with a tap on his left shoulder.

"He's right, Jon. Your mother lived a hell lot of chapters." Commander Leo said as he smiles.. "It's good to see you Son, back on track. I'll meet you right after you two return from the mission."

"Copy Sir." replied with salutes by Jack and Jon.

"GOOD LUCK BOYS" said by the old commander as he walks away from the 2 young soldiers.

"The war's ending and they're still not giving a damn thing about their lives." Jack said. "I'm kind of curious. I believe Batshevas are intelligent race.." Jack stated as he looks at the TV News.

"They're war freaks. They do sound like primitives. All they ever did was scream." Jon answered. "So, what's our task for tomorrow?"

"Ow, yeah, about that.." Jack as he opens the folder.."We're assigned to capture this elgoa gem or crystal or whatever... They tracked the gem and it's on the middle of Vaanasa Rainforest. There's a base there." Jack says as he hands the task paper to Jon's hand.

Jon analyzes every detail on the paper. His lips are compressing as if he's reluctant to accept the task.

"It's easy right?" Jack asked. However, Jon didn't reply.

"You okay, pal?" Jack continued as he taps Jon's left elbow.

Jon, startled as if he woke up from sleeping. "Yeah, it's easy..." Jon replied.

"You sure? I mean it's still for tomorrow. If you want to vent it out, take all the time you need."

"Nah. I'm good. It's just.. I miss my Mum.. I can't stay like this. It's hard I know, but I need to lift myself again."

Jack took the paper and put them back on the folder and he gives Jon a hug.

"Yeah. Maybe going back to the front will help you. She lived a life, brother. She's happy."

"You think so?"

"Yes! You did your best to be with her during her final hours and I'm sure your Mother is forever grateful for it. You're a good man and a good son. By the way, since we're off for tomorrow, I'll introduce you to a woman. Let's go hang out first with my Babe and her friend." Jack smiled teasingly as he fist bumped Jon's shoulder. "She likes you man." Jack whispered..

"Really? A lady will like a man with a scar on his face? That'd be great." Jon as he sarcastically nodded.

"You don't believe me huh? It's just a scar, pal! Enjoy life. You're putting too much weight on your shoulders. We may have superhuman abilities but we ain't no match for a planet." Jack replied with a giggle.

"I'll give it a try. You are, indeed, a lady's man." Jon reluctantly said as he scratches his temple.

"I'm only dating one, brother, just one. Besides, it's been 5 years since you dated someone. It's time to be off the market again. You can't stay for sale forever." Jack replied. "Come on, let's go meet the girls, Randall."

"Hehe, alright Captain." Jon said as both he and Jack walked outside the lounge.

The young soldier marches outside the headquarters where the city's beautiful environment meet their eyes. The brothers went to buy hotdogs at a nearby streetfood vendor for a morning snack.

"You sure it's easy? The task said only two of us are going to get the gem. You said the Batshevas are pretty primitive. Sometimes they're like a wave of screaming monkeys that can scare the heck out of you." Jack murmured as he grabs the hotdog and eat it.

"Uh-huh" Jon nodded as he chews his snack. "It's quite funny that I'm eating a hotdog right now when I just had breakfast.."

"Like I said. Go enjoy life." Jack nodded.

"You should be ready. These 'monkeys' ain't goin' to give that gem easily. I found it weird because they assigned us. All I ever did was to lead a charge against their tribe base. Basically, it's Shepard's job to get these gems. He's the strongest one." Jon with his squinted eyes at the left.

"Maybe they're giving us a shot. They assigned him on a classified mission. You know the guy, he gets tons of exclusive tasks." Jack wondered, looks at the vendor and asked him how much are the hotdogs.

"24 Zen" the vendor replied and both soldiers paid the price.

As the two soldiers finish their snack, the wind blews as if it wants to remove the heat of the sun which conquers the blue sky.

"We don't know.. Only thing I know.."

"Yeah?" Jack with his left eyebrow raised.

"We must not fail this one. It's one of the last 3."

"Right."

The young soldiers threw their hotdog's sticks on the trashcan before proceeding to join the busy streets of the city, heading to the girls.

Meanwhile, at the Zenra Department of Science, a middle-aged man wearing a brown-long sleeves polo covered by his white laboratory gown is gazing at the window that reflects his serious atmosphere. His black beard is slowly aging, his dark brown eyes are contemplating, a scar on his right eyebrow, and white hairs are appearing at his temple. Professor Talbot Kromo, the top scientist of the country, is remembering every single detail since the day when HYPERION Project became succesful.

He smiles and giggles as he looked at his achievements.. "This is the best.." he murmured.

"Doctor Kromo?" a caller from the telephone.

"Yes?"

"Ms. Siana 'Potpot' Cooper, an intern from Crisanda University of Science is at the lobby, waiting for you."

"I'll be there.."

The famous scientist proceeds to the lobby where he meets the intern, Potpot, a young woman who wore big round glasses with freckles around her cheeks. Her ears  covered by her wavy blonde hair and her hands are shivering. Professor Kromo asked the young intern to follow him to his office where he will interview her.

"Something wrong?" Professor Kromo asked.

"Nothing, Doc. It's just... I'm nervous. All these things are new to me." the intern replied.

"You're a science intern and all these things are new to you?"

"Nooo, no no no. I mean meeting a top-leading scientist to work for him for his future projects? That's totally new to me. I'm a fan of yours!"

Professor Kromo smiled. "Thank you, Ms. Cooper."

"A pleasure! How did you transform or bring these soldiers to their peak human strength?"

"The HYPERION? It's a serum that I designed. That's all of it. I can't tell you about its ingredients. They're classified."

"Ow but I heard you're trying to create a new age of HYPERION, right doc?"

Professor Kromo nods as he reached the door of his office. "Let's get to business, intern."

"Okay okay." replied by Potpot.

Meanwhile, Jack and Jon met up with Jack's girlfriend, Helena, and her friend, Martha. The 4 of them are resting their backs against the trunk of 150 year old tree. They're on the hill that overlooks the city. Jon's gray armor's laying on the grass. Jack's drinking a soda and Helena is resting her head on Jack's right shoulder.

Birds are flying in the sky. Butterflies fly around the group.

"You guys are off for tomorrow right?" Helena asked.

"Siiiiip* yep. But we're not going to be away for too long. It's an easy task, right Jon?"

Jon stood up. "Yep." Proceeds to take a step from the shadows of the old tree to feel the sunlight.

"If you want to scream, just take the moment!" said by Helena.

"Naaah. I'll just spread my arms and feel the sunlight.." replied by Jon as he closes his eyes and tilted his head slightly backward.

Martha watches and observes Jon. Helena's encouragement echoes the surroundings. As Jon starts to spread his arms to feel the sunlight, Jack joins him. This put a genuine smile on Martha's face.

"Me and the girls knows what's going on inside your head. Let me join you brother, you're not alone." Jack murmured as he spreads his arms.

"They're not relative by blood but you can tell they're brothers." Helena said to Martha, while looking at the 2 soldiers.

Martha nodded. "uh-huh. Let's join them? I know he's still grieving. We shouldn't make him feel alone. This time, we are his family."

"Okay! Leeet's gooo feeel the sunliiight!"

The four of them in front of a huge old tree, spreading their arms, letting the wind and sunlight hit them. In front of them, overlooks the advanced city of Eumo.