DON - AFTER TRAINING AT BRIGHTENED ELEMENTARY (2023 of June)
I packed everything I owned—comics stacked with care, books I'd read a hundred times, my toothbrush (because even heroes need clean teeth), and every little trinket I had scattered around the room. I zipped corner to corner, grabbing clothes, food, and my favorite fits from the closet. Piece by piece, everything slid into my giant orange backpack like it was made for this exact moment. Somehow, impossibly, it all fit. I tugged the zipper closed and felt this wave of pride ripple through me. Like—yeah, I was ready.
The door creaked as I opened it, stepping out into the main room of the house. The cream-colored corridor stretched ahead, and there they were—my family. My mom stood first, with that look, the one that carried both warmth and worry, the kind of look that said, I'm proud, but I'll miss you more than I'll admit. Dad stood with his arms crossed, his gaze sharp and steady, masking every unspoken word with silence. My siblings leaned near the doorway, all grins and jittery excitement, like they couldn't wait to see what I'd do next.
I smiled as I walked toward the door. "Guys," I said, my voice steady but buzzing inside, "I know moving out might sound heartbreaking. But trust me—I'll be fine."
Mom shook her head, eyes soft but firm. "Don, Iris Town has been under attack more times than I can count. Are you sure about this?"
I turned to her, my violet eyes catching the light like little stars. "Mom. I'll be fine."
"Anything could happen," she pressed, her voice low as she watched my hand curl around the doorknob.
Dad exhaled, his arms finally dropping. He stared at me, his tone heavy but calm. "If you're really going to do this… because you believe it's right… then do it."
I nodded. The weight in the air felt thick, but it didn't stop me. I twisted the doorknob and stepped outside, out into the wide brilliance of Celestia. Turning back one last time, I flashed a grin at my parents and my goofy siblings. "Don't worry. I'm always alright and you all know it!"
Above me, the golden sky stretched endlessly, clouds swirling like they were celebrating my departure. A smirk tugged at my lips as I spread my wings, purple light crackling across them. Then—BOOM. I launched upward, leaving a small shockwave rippling behind. Soaring higher, the Enchanted City gleamed beneath me like a living jewel.
I turned for one last glimpse. My family was still there, waving like crazy. My chest tightened, but my smile held. Then I rocketed forward, another celestial shockwave trailing behind me.
The city unfolded below—a golden sprawl of towering buildings and shimmering streets, alive with movement. Dragons and humans in their Celestianite forms filled the skies, darting between skyscrapers or soaring for fun. Cybernetic cars glided across the glowing highways like streams of light. I curved around a building, wind rushing across my scales, then blasted upward, breaking through the clouds with a laugh.
"Woo-hoo!" I shouted, flipping backward as the golden horizon swallowed me in light.
And below me—there they were. The Heroes of Avangard. Power Z himself cutting through the city skies, patrolling with his team at his back. Their silhouettes were sharp against the golden towers, guardians of everything that mattered.
That's when I knew it was time to tell you who I am.
My name is Lens Don, the Celestianite. Ten years old, crystallized dragon, and owner of something so rare it's practically legend: Cosmonimbous. My scales shine like amethyst glass, and my celestial energy burns in a rare violet hue. It sets me apart. It makes me me.
I used to train at Brightened Elementary, one of Celestia's most well-known schools. But now? Now I'm older, ready to enter Insane Middle School in Iris Town—the most famous middle school in all of Avangard. The place where future legends are made.
With money tucked in my wallet and determination burning hotter than ever, I knew I'd make it.
Flying was fun, sure, but after a while, I spotted something faster—a sleek, cybernetic yellow train gliding along golden rails. I angled downward, cutting through the clouds, streaking past towers until I landed at the station in a sharp skid. The doors slid open just in time, and I sprinted inside.
The seats were soft, the ride impossibly smooth. I leaned back, crossing my arms behind my head, letting my eyes close as the train rocketed beneath the evening sky. Through the window, the Enchanted City blurred in golden streaks—towering skyscrapers, flashing lights, Celestianites soaring, cars weaving, life moving at light speed. I breathed it all in. Then I drifted off, lulled by the hum of the train.
When the brakes screeched and the train finally slowed, my eyes snapped open. I bolted out, my boots hitting the ground of Iris Town.
Night had fallen. The sky was dark velvet, stars scattered like diamonds, the moon hanging full and silver above me. Before me stretched a town pulled out of a dream—cottages glowing with lantern-light, sturdy brick houses with tall chimneys, gardens spilling color into the night, playgrounds filled with laughter that echoed through the hills. Far beyond, mountains cut sharp against the horizon, their peaks glittering in starlight. Lakes shimmered like mirrors to the cosmos.
It was beautiful.
People moved about calmly—shopkeepers closing up, children giggling, a man sitting on a bench reading his newspaper under a lamppost glow. Then, suddenly, someone in a suit approached me. He leaned down, extending his hand.
"It's great to finally meet you, Mr. Celestianite," he said with a grin. "Ready to find your new home?"
I pumped my fist in the air, grinning wide. "Yeah!"
We walked together through the town, and I could feel every eye turn toward me. Kids froze mid-play, parents paused their conversations, even the shopkeepers leaned out their doors to watch. Their gazes followed me like they already knew something was about to change here.
After a while, the man stopped. "Here we are."
We stood before a house painted deep blue, built from sturdy brick and wood, its triangular roof tiled with gray stone. The brown wooden door stood tall, waiting.
I stared, my heart thundering in awe.
The man smiled, opening the door wide. "Welcome to Iris Town, Don…"
I stepped inside, eyes wide, wonder flooding through me. And in that moment, I knew—this was the start of the best chapter of my life.
TWO MONTHS LATER (2023 of August, before Don trains at Insane Middle School)
The night in Iris Town was supposed to be calm. Stars twinkled, kids still played tag under lamplight, and I was unpacking my stuff, already planning how I'd decorate my new room. But then—
The ground trembled.
A low rumble shook through the cobblestone streets. Windows rattled. Dogs barked. And before anyone could even scream, shadows tore through the starry sky—massive shapes, scales glistening black and violet in the moonlight.
The Lunaranites.
Dozens of them descended, black-and-purple dragons with spears glimmering in sickly lunar light. Armor wrapped their bodies, sharp and spiked, every movement sparking with menace. Their wings stretched wide, blotting out the moon, and their eyes glowed like molten amethyst.
"TO ARMS!" one roared, voice booming across the rooftops.
Chaos erupted. People fled into their homes, kids were dragged away from playgrounds, shopkeepers slammed shutters closed, and alarms wailed through Iris Town.
I didn't think twice. My heart pounded, but my scales shimmered bright with violet light. "Not tonight," I growled, wings snapping open.
I shot into the air, celestial energy swirling around my claws like a storm. WHOOM! I launched a spinning blast straight into the chest of the first Lunaranite that got too close. The impact exploded in a burst of purple starlight, sending the armored brute tumbling into the side of a barn.
Another dove at me with a spear, but I twisted midair, energy trailing off my tail. With a snap, I whipped it forward, cracking against his armor and sending sparks flying. He roared and crashed to the ground.
I grinned. Yeah. I got this.
Celestial energy flared from my hands, glowing brighter with each strike. I fired beams, unleashed shockwaves, and spun through the air, every movement leaving trails of violet light against the night sky. For a moment—it worked. Villagers cheered from behind barricades. Kids poked their heads out of hiding, whispering, "That's the Celestianite kid!"
But then… things shifted.
The Lunaranites weren't just brutes. They moved with precision, their armor clinking in unison, their spears flashing with sharp, practiced strikes. One slammed me with a shield, knocking me out of the air. Another swept my legs mid-flip, sending me crashing through a wooden fence. Before I could recover, three more surrounded me, their spears aimed right at my chest.
I gasped, stumbling to one knee, celestial energy flickering. My scales cracked faintly, glowing with strain. My attacks had power, sure, but their experience was overwhelming. Every swing, every strike they made—it was clean, perfect, deadly.
They were about to finish me. Now Lunaranites, they're just regular soldiers to you guys right? Wrong. These Lunaranites could be at least 500 years old meaning that they have a LOT of experience. Meanwhile, I haven't even started training. I mean I have a universe breaking power, but I barely even know how to use it well.
So I might as well be cooked until—
FWOOOSH.
A wave of blue light ripped through the battlefield like a comet. Every Lunaranite froze, their wings caught in the sudden gale. And then—he landed.
Power.
He dropped from the sky like thunder, his body glowing with radiant blue energy. His muscles gleamed, sharp and godlike, veins lit like circuits of pure light. His cape, dark blue and wide, billowed dramatically in the wind as his glowing eyes scanned the enemy.
"Step away from the boy," he said, voice booming like a war drum.
The Lunaranites snarled and lunged, but Power moved faster than thought. A single punch sent shockwaves cracking through the ground, tossing three dragons backward like ragdolls. Another swing of his arm tore spears in half like they were straws.
"Catch!" he shouted as he spun midair, kicking one dragon so hard it spiraled into the lake with a splash that drenched half the square.
The fight was a blur of blue light and broken armor. He didn't just win—he dominated. Each strike was a lesson in strength, every move a masterclass in power. By the time the dust settled, the Lunaranites were retreating, battered, spears shattered, their wings dragging through the sky as they fled into the night.
The town erupted into cheers. Villagers spilled into the streets, clapping, shouting his name. Kids jumped up and down, chanting "POWER! POWER! POWER!"
And then, in classic Power fashion… he danced.
Yeah. The man straight-up broke into a victory dance in the middle of the wreckage. His blue cape swirled as he flexed, moonlight catching on his glowing skin, and he pointed at the crowd like a rockstar on stage. "Ladies and gentlemen," he boomed, spinning on his heel, "that is how you save Iris Town!"
Everyone laughed and cheered louder.
And then—he turned to me.
His gaze softened, his voice lowering so only I could really hear it. "You fought well, kid. Real well. You've got the spark of a Hero."
My heart lit up brighter than my scales.
Because Power didn't just save the day. He saw me.