Chapter 02:  Testing(01)

One block from the Central City Arch, Central City, USA, Earth

Friday, January 15th, 0098 PA; 07:30(CST)

A cold winter morning. The city was covered in 6in of snow. The cold breeze coming off the river caused the pedestrians that walked along the sidewalk to shiver as they went to their various destinations. 

There were vehicles parked end to end along the streets, plugged into the many charging stations that had been installed since the clean energy bill was passed 60 years ago.

Looking up at the arch that stood towering next to the river as they stepped out of their hover car. "Why is it always so hard to find parking near the testing center?". 

Keme responded, "Well we could have used the testing center's parking facilities." as he looked under the seats of their vehicle for his son's other shoe.  

"And I could have dated Shock, but here we are all in love and stuff." she patted his bottom.

"I feel so used… Hmmm. Kinda dig it actu… HA, I FOUND IT!" Keme held up the ever elusive other shoe. 

"Haha" Kai laughed at his fathers antics. "Dad you're silly." the now 3 year old said, shaking his head as his father put his shoe on.

Once Kai had both shoes on his feet he ducked out of the car only to have his hand grabbed by his mother. "Now Kai what did I say about walking in the city?"

Kai looked at his feet and pouted. "Always hold my grownup's hand and not run around without my old people."

"Tsk" his mother's brow tensed. Then squatting down she looked her son in the eye and pulled up his coat's hood a little rougher than necessary. 

"Son, I'm gonna give you some of the most important advice you will ever get. Are you ready to listen?"

Kai's face got serious as he stood up as tall as his 94 cm frame would allow staring into his mother's eyes. "Ready…" 

Lina looked at her son, "Never talk about a girl's age and never ever call a girl fat or you'll get in big trouble." she said in a serious tone. 

Kai looked questioningly at his mom. "But Mom, Dad said you're fat… But, with a P. Is daddy gonna get in trouble?".

Lina slowly turned her head glaring at Keme as he stopped zipping up his coat midway. He raised his head meeting his wife's eyes and finished zipping up his coat. Keme then took Kai's hand. "Welp, we better get there before it gets crowded." 

Lina then took Kai's other hand and looked at her husband's profile. "You're lucky you're pretty…" a hint of coldness in her voice. 

Passing many holo displays, shops, and restaurants,  they walked the 10 blocks to the Supreme Academy Testing Center. 

Arriving at the testing center the family joined the short cue in the entrance area so that they could  go through the security checkpoint.

After a short 5 minute wait…

While staring at the armed security guards who were dressed in armored combat suits with tactical harnesses armed with semi automatic gauss rifles.  

Kai looked at his father. "Dad, Why do the men have guns?".

Keme, glancing at his son. "So if bad guys come to attack us they can protect everyone." 

Kai looked at the 6 guards again. "But Mom said you and Mommy beat up bad guys at work. You don't have guns."

Lina laughed. "That's because we were lucky and got controller powers so we don't need guns to beat up the bad guys. Not everyone can get them, so sometimes people need guns to be able to fight the beasts and the bad guys." 

Kai scratched his chin. "So do I need guns to fight the bad guys too?"

"Well that's what we are here to find out shíyázhí." She walked towards one of the guards who held a scanner that had the appearance of a meter long metal pole. 

Pulling her Hero license out of her coat pocket she handed it to the guard. 

Looking her ID over he waved the scanner around her body. "Mrs. Nakai, we've been expecting you. If you and your family would please take the elevator to the 16th floor, Supreme and Bloodwind are already waiting for you in testing room 2." 

Looking at the man she replied, "Your voice sounds familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?". The guard raised his helmet's face shield, "Yes ma'am we were in the same close quarters combat training class at the academy together." 

Lina looked at the man's face and then her eyes roamed to his name tag. As her eyes opened wide. "Carson, David Carson? Wow, I haven't seen you since graduation." turning around she looked to her husband. "Honey, do you remember David Carson from Blast's class? He got assigned here apparently."

Keme looked at David and waved as walked up and shook David's hand, "Oh, hey David, long time no see. How have you been?" 

"Pretty good. It's nice to be able to see you guys again." The guard shook Keme's hand then moved to scan Keme and Kai.  "This will just take a second.". 

After scanning Kai he looked at Keme.  "So, I see you guys had a kid. What's his name?" 

Kai replied, "I'm Kai. Mom says I gotta do a test. Does it hurt when you do the test?". 

David looked at Kai and smiled. "No little man, it doesn't hurt. You just have to hold onto a special rock upstairs and it will get a little warm and then it will show a pretty light. Then they can tell you how strong your attunement is and what element it is. Knowing your parents you might even get more than one colored light."

Kai frowned, "I'm not little. Mom says I'm her big boy."

David patted Kai on the shoulder, "You're right, I misspoke. You are pretty big. Well I have to get to work so I don't get fired." He then stood up as the family started heading to the elevator. Waving to Kai as the little boy waved back enthusiastically. He then put back down his visor as he signaled for the next person to come up to get scanned.  

The elevator soon arrived on the ground floor and opened. The Nakai family stepped in and pushed the button to take them to the 16th floor.