Valorant Breaker

The room is dimly lit, with posters of rock bands and superheroes on the walls. A small desk cluttered with notebooks and pencils sits in the corner.

Outside the window, rain begins to patter against the glass. The sound grows louder, mixing with distant thunder.

Belois, the massive red dog, stirs from his spot by the foot of Kiran's bed. His ears perk up at the storm's intensity.

The dog lets out a low, rumbling whine. He pads over to Kiran and nudges his hand with his nose.

Kiran mumbles sleepily, half-awake now.

"Hey buddy... it's just thunder. Go back to sleep."

Belois gazes at Kiran with worried eyes, then glances toward the window as another crack of thunder echoes.

A flash of lightning illuminates the room momentarily, followed by a louder crash of thunder. Belois whimpers softly.

He bounds out into the hallway, his nails clicking against the floor. His large form moving quickly as he seeks comfort elsewhere.

Kiran sits up in bed, rubbing his eyes. He hears Belois's paws retreating and sighs.

"Guess I'm the only one who can handle storms here..."

The storm intensifies, rain now coming down in sheets. Kiran can hear his mother talking to someone downstairs.

Daphne's voice carries up the stairs, speaking to what sounds like a friend on the phone about the weather.

"Yes, it's really coming down. I hope it doesn't flood again like last time..."

Melissa's door is slightly ajar. Belois pushes it open with his snout and trots in, finding her curled up with headphones on.

She doesn't notice him at first, lost in her music. Her eyes are closed and she's humming along to whatever she's listening to.

The thunder rumbles again, but the headphones drown it out.

The storm grows more violent, rattling the windows. Belois flinches at each crash, his tail tucked between his legs.

He whines again, louder this time, hoping to get Melissa's attention and maybe find comfort in numbers.

He lets out a series of deep, distressed barks. Still, Melissa remains oblivious, tapping her foot to the beat.

The lights flicker ominously in the hallway.

Frustrated, he swishes his tail against her leg repeatedly. His fur standing on end now.

A particularly bright flash of lightning illuminates the room, followed by a deafening crash of thunder that even Melissa might hear now.

She jolts at the thunder, finally pulling off her headphones. Her eyes widen as she sees Belois looking at her with pleading eyes.

"Oh, Belois! You scared me."

She reaches out to scratch behind his ears, noticing his trembling.

"You're scared of the storm too, huh? Come here, buddy."

He immediately moves closer, pressing against her side. His body heat radiating as he seeks warmth and protection.

The rain begins to pour even harder, the wind howling outside.

Melissa wraps her arms around Belois protectively. She glances at the window as the rain pelts against it.

"This doesn't look good... I hope Kiran is okay in his room alone."

Kiran enters quietly, his phone screen casting a blue glow on his face. He looks between his sister and the dog.

"The weather app says it's supposed to get worse before it gets better."

She gasps, remembering the graduation ceremony that was supposed to take place today. The gown hangs neatly in her closet.

"Oh no, I can't believe I almost forgot. With this storm, it's probably canceled."

The smell of pancakes wafts up from the kitchen, where Daphne is indeed making breakfast despite the weather chaos.

She calls upstairs.

"Kids! Breakfast is ready when you want it!"

Kiran heads downstairs, his bare feet padding softly on the steps. He can hear the sizzle of the pancakes on the stove.

Daphne is flipping a pancake with practiced ease, wearing her apron.

She calls up again, louder this time.

"Melissa, honey, come down! You need to eat before your graduation ceremony... if it happens."

Her tone suggests she's still uncertain about the event's fate.

Melissa appears at the top of the stairs, Belois still close by her side. She looks uncertain herself, holding her gown.

"Mom, I don't think they'll let us graduate in this weather. The rain is too heavy."

Belois, sensing the tension, suddenly feels a strange surge of energy. His eyes glow faintly as he unknowingly channels his powers.

Outside, the rain begins to slow dramatically. The wind shifts direction, and the clouds start to part.

This isn't the first time Belois has shown unusual abilities. The MacLachlan family has grown accustomed to his quirks.

Daphne just shrugs and continues cooking, while Kiran smirks knowingly.

"Looks like Belois is doing his thing again."

Belois wags his tail proudly, as if he understands he's helping. The clouds continue to clear, revealing patches of blue sky.

Daphne sets a stack of pancakes on the table.

"Well, at least we won't be late. Even if the ceremony is still on."

Melissa beams at Belois, giving him an extra pat.

"Good boy, Belois! You're the best weather controller ever."

Kiran chuckles and takes a seat, already digging into the pancakes.

"Maybe we should charge him for his services."

The family groans collectively as the squirrel appears. Daphne covers her mouth in disgust.

"Belois! Not at the table!"

Kiran pushes his chair back quickly, standing up.

"Yeah, I'm definitely not hungry anymore. Thanks for that visual, dog.”

The family arrives at the school, which is decorated with graduation banners despite the lingering clouds. The ceremony has been moved indoors to the gymnasium.

Students and parents are gathering, some carrying umbrellas that are now unnecessary. The weather has stabilized thanks to Belois's intervention.

Melissa clutches her gown, looking nervous but excited. She adjusts her cap and gown.

"I hope they don't make us stand outside for the pictures after."

The principal stands at the podium, testing the microphone.

The principal clears his throat.

"Good morning, everyone. Due to the weather, we'll be skipping the outdoor ceremony and starting with the indoor portion. Please take your seats."

He gestures to the rows of chairs set up in front of a stage. The graduates are directed to the front.

Melissa finds her seat with the other graduates. Belois stays close to her, though he has to remain in the back with the family.

The principal begins the ceremony with a speech about hard work and perseverance. Melissa fidgets with her tassel nervously.

A security guard notices Belois and approaches the family with a stern look.

"I'm sorry, but pets must wait outside. This is a formal event."

Belois looks up at the guard with innocent eyes, tilting his head. He seems confused about being separated from Melissa.

Daphne whispers apologetically to the guard.

"He's very well-behaved, I promise. But we understand the rules."

The guard softens slightly at Daphne's words but maintains his professional demeanor.

"I appreciate that, ma'am. We'll keep him safe in the lobby. The ceremony won't take long."

He gently guides Belois away, leading him to a designated area where other pets are waiting.

Belois sits patiently with the other pets, though he keeps glancing back toward the gymnasium doors. He seems to sense Melissa's presence inside.

Inside, the principal continues calling names for diplomas. Melissa's turn is approaching.

Kiran quickly spots Belois making a move to follow Melissa and scoops him up before he can get far.

"Stay here, buddy. Let Melissa have her moment."

He holds Belois firmly but gently, whispering to him to stay quiet.

Jaxan, the tall mutant, stands near the lobby entrance. His unusual appearance draws some curious glances from other parents. He appears to be waiting for someone.

Jaxan's deep voice rumbles as he speaks to himself.

"This place is too bright. And these humans are so... ordinary."

He adjusts his position, towering over most of the adults around him. His red pulips pulse slightly.

Kiran waves subtly at Melissa as she receives her diploma, trying to keep Belois from squirming in his arms.

Belois wiggles slightly, wanting to see his sister graduate.

Belois lets out a soft bark, unable to contain his excitement.

The sound echoes slightly in the lobby.

The security guard from before shoots a warning look at Kiran, reminding him to keep the dog quiet.

Belois looks apologetically at the guard, then back at the gymnasium doors.

His ears perk up as he hears clapping from inside - the ceremony must be finishing.

The ceremony concludes, and students begin filing out. Melissa appears first, beaming with her diploma in hand.

She spots Kiran and Belois waiting and rushes over, still in her gown.

"I did it! I'm officially graduated!"

Daphne embraces Melissa tightly, tears of pride in her eyes.

"I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. You looked beautiful up there."

Belois wriggles in Kiran's arms, wanting to join the hug too.

Daphne's smile falters for a moment at the thought of her husband. She strokes Melissa's hair.

"Your father would be bursting with pride right now. He always said you'd make us proud."

She wipes a tear and chuckles softly.

"He would've taken a hundred pictures and bragged to everyone about his smart daughter."

Marlee stands nearby, speaking rapidly in Spanish to the man in the suit. He's holding a camera.

The man nods and responds in English.

"Thank you, ma'am. I'll make sure to get some good shots for your family."

Melissa walks over to Marlee and the man, still holding her diploma. She looks excited but a bit tired from the ceremony.

"Marlee, can you take a picture of me with my diploma? And maybe one with Belois too?"

Marlee nods and gestures for Melissa to pose. She then whispers something in Spanish to the man, who adjusts his camera settings.

The man smiles professionally.

"Ready when you are, Miss."

Melissa stands with her diploma raised, smiling brightly. She looks at Marlee expectantly, waiting for whatever she wants to say.

Marlee leans in and speaks quietly.

"I have a surprise for you later."

Melissa's eyes widen with excitement and surprise.

"Really? You're joining the Protectors? That's amazing, Marlee!"

She whispers back, careful not to let others hear about the secret organization.

Marlee grins and nods, giving a subtle thumbs up. She then steps back to let the man take the picture.

The camera clicks as Melissa poses with her diploma and Belois, who's finally been set down. The man shows them the preview.

"Perfect shot."

Melissa beams at the photo, showing it to her mother and Kiran. Belois sits proudly beside her.

Daphne takes the phone to look at it better.

"It's beautiful. My baby girl, all grown up and graduated."

Kiran ruffles Melissa's hair playfully.

"And now she's got a bodyguard in training too."

He winks at Marlee, referring to her Protectors membership.

Kiran chuckles.

"Just kidding about the bodyguard part. Though she might need one with that attitude of hers."

He dodges a light punch from Melissa, who's laughing too.

Melissa pretends to be offended.

"Hey! I'm perfectly capable of protecting myself, thank you very much."

She glances at Marlee with a knowing smile.

"Right, Marlee?"

Kiran notices the kid, Arthur, and his expression shifts slightly. He recognizes him as a regular human without any special abilities.

He keeps an eye on Arthur from his peripheral vision, wondering if he's here with family or alone.

Kiran approaches Arthur casually, noticing he seems to be by himself in the crowd of graduates and parents.

"Hey, man. You here with anyone specific?"

Arthur looks up, startled by Kiran's approach. He shakes his head.

"No, just me. My parents couldn't make it."

He fidgets with the sleeve of his jacket, appearing a bit uncomfortable.

Kiran notices Arthur's discomfort and decides to share something relatable.

"My dad left too. But my mom's great at taking pictures. She's probably got a hundred of Melissa already."

He gestures subtly to where Daphne is still snapping photos.

Arthur glances over at Daphne and Melissa, then back at Kiran with a slight smile.

"At least you still have your mom. Must be nice to have someone there."

His voice carries a hint of longing.

Kiran leans against the wall beside him, speaking quietly.

"Yeah. But you know what? You don't need family to have support. You make your own family sometimes."

He thinks of his found family with the Protectors.

Arthur considers this, his expression thoughtful.

"I guess that's true. Though it's different when you're actually related."

He watches as Belois tugs at Melissa's gown, trying to get her attention.

Kiran notices Arthur preparing to leave and impulsively speaks again.

"Wait. You should stay a bit. The cake's decent."

He's referring to the graduation cake that's being set up nearby.

Arthur shrugs politely.

"Thanks, but I should head home. Got some homework to finish."

He's clearly making an excuse to leave the social event.

Kiran respects his decision but adds one more thing.

"Alright. Just... be careful out there. This city can be weird sometimes."

He's referring to the supernatural elements that he deals with regularly.

Arthur gives a small nod, appreciating the warning.

"Thanks for the heads up. I'll be fine."

He starts walking away, his shoulders slightly hunched as if carrying an invisible weight.

Kiran watches until Arthur disappears into the crowd, then rejoins his family. He keeps an eye out for any suspicious activity, a habit from his Protectors training.

The graduation party continues, with Melissa now holding Belois and laughing with her friends. Kiran notices Marlee slipping away to make a phone call - likely to the Protectors about her joining.

He catches Marlee's eye and gives her a subtle thumbs up of approval for her choice.

He then spots Daphne waving him over to take a family photo.

Marlee approaches Daphne with a serious expression, lowering her voice so only she can hear.

"Ms. MacLachlan, I need to tell you something important about me."

Daphne's motherly instincts kick in at Marlee's serious tone. She steps aside with her, concerned.

"What is it, dear? You look troubled."

Daphne's eyes widen slightly, a mix of surprise and worry crossing her face.

"The Protectors? But you're so young, and those missions can be dangerous."

She places a gentle hand on Marlee's shoulder.

"Have you thought this through completely? There are other ways to help people."

Her protective motherly nature is evident as she considers the risks involved.

Marlee stands firm, her resolve clear.

"I've thought about it. I want to make a difference, and the Protectors need new members."

She glances at Kiran for support.

Daphne follows her gaze to Kiran, then back to Marlee. She sighs deeply, torn between pride and fear.

"I understand your desire to help. But promise me you'll be careful. And keep in touch regularly."

Marlee nods solemnly.

"I promise, Ms. MacLachlan. I'll be careful, and I'll call you every week."

She's already planning to tell her family soon as well.

Daphne pulls her into a quick hug, whispering.

"Just remember, you're still my student. And I'll always be here if you need guidance."

She releases her, blinking back tears of both pride and concern.

The bathroom door creaks as Kiran breaks it, and he quickly ducks inside a stall, breathing heavily from the display of power. He listens to make sure no one noticed.

He clenches his fists, feeling the newfound strength coursing through him.

His previous doubts about being powerless dissipate as he tests his strength by punching the wall of the stall - leaving a noticeable dent.

The impact echoes in the empty bathroom. He stares at the dent, a mix of excitement and caution in his eyes.

He knows he needs to control this better now.

He hears footsteps approaching outside and quickly composes himself, fixing the wall with a swift motion. He washes his hands and leaves, acting normal.

Arthur walks through the hospital corridors, his

graduation gown still on. He approaches his father's room, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling his nostrils.

He knocks softly on the door, peeking in. His father lies in bed, hooked up to machines. He looks frail but smiles weakly when he sees Arthur.

"Hey, son. Come in."

Arthur enters fully, pulling up a chair beside the bed.

"Hi, Dad. How are you feeling today?"

He tries to keep his voice steady, though he notices the medication in his father's IV.

The doctor had confirmed the diagnosis earlier that week - stage 3 lung cancer. Arthur's mother had told him privately.

His father coughs slightly, attempting to sit up more.

"Better than yesterday. You graduated, huh?"

His father chuckles weakly, misunderstanding.

"Ah, right. Time flies. I remember when you were just a little boy. Now you're all grown up, graduating."

He reaches for Arthur's hand, his own hand trembling slightly.

"I'm proud of you, Arthur. Even if it's 2027."

Arthur holds his father's hand gently, squeezing it. He knows the truth but doesn't correct him.

"Thanks, Dad. I love you."

He notices a new bruise on his father's arm from the treatments.

At home, Kiran is sitting with Melissa and Daphne in the living room. They're discussing the graduation party while Kiran keeps flexing his hand discreetly, still amazed by his powers.

Melissa scrolls through her phone, showing Daphne photos from the party. She pauses on one of Belois and smiles.

"Look at this one of Belois with that huge grin. She's so happy."

Daphne yawns, nodding.

"I think I'll head to bed too. It's been a long day. Kiran, are you staying up?"

She stands, stretching her back.

Kiran looks up from his thoughts.

"Yeah, I'll stay up a bit longer. Just want to process everything."

He glances at Melissa, then back at Daphne.

Melissa gives him a knowing look, having noticed his distracted behavior since the bathroom incident.

"Take your time. But don't stay up too late, okay? We have training tomorrow."

She stands too, gathering her things.

Melissa heads upstairs, her footsteps fading. The house grows quiet except for the soft hum of the refrigerator.

He waits until he's sure everyone is asleep, then quietly grabs his jacket and slips out the back door. The night air is cool against his skin as he activates his powers slightly, feeling invincible.

He moves stealthily through the shadows, listening for trouble. His enhanced hearing picks up distant sirens and muffled voices.

The sirens grow closer - a bank robbery in progress. Kiran can see flashing lights ahead.

He smirks, ready to prove himself as a hero.

He speeds up, arriving at the bank. Through the windows, he sees masked robbers with guns, threatening the employees and customers.

One robber shouts: "Nobody move or we start shooting!"

Kiran peeks through a broken window, assessing the situation. There are about five robbers and ten hostages. They're all focused on the front desk where the manager is being held at gunpoint.

He steps into view, hands raised slightly in a non-threatening manner, but with a confident stance.

"Hey, fellas. This doesn't have to end badly."

The lead robber whirls around, pointing his gun at Kiran.

"Who the hell are you? Get down on your knees!"

The other robbers train their weapons on him too.

He stays standing, looking directly at the leader.

"I'm just a guy trying to help. Let the people go, and we can talk this out."

His voice is calm but firm, despite the guns aimed at him.

The leader fires a warning shot at Kiran's feet.

"Last chance! On your knees or you're next!"

The hostages scream and cower.

Kiran feels the adrenaline surge. He could dodge, but the hostages might get hit.

He slowly kneels, maintaining eye contact with the robber.

"Alright. I'm down. But you're making a mistake."

With a swift motion, Kiran uses his powers to push the robber into the wall with great force, knocking the wind out of him. The gun clatters to the floor.

The other robbers are stunned for a split second.

One of the hostages, an older woman, whispers: "Yes! Thank you, young man!"

The robbers recover quickly, one shouting: "Get him!"

They start firing at Kiran while trying to regroup.

Kiran unleashes his sonic scream, the high-frequency sound waves blasting outward. The glass windows shatter instantly, and the robbers freeze in terror, their bodies locking up as the fear takes hold.

The hostages cover their ears, some screaming again but from the intensity of the attack.

He winces at the chaos he's caused, realizing the full extent of his power. The robbers are trembling uncontrollably, unable to move or speak.

The manager, shaking but composed, calls out: "It's okay... just... stop the screaming."

Kiran stops the scream, breathing heavily. The robbers slide down the walls, completely subdued.

The police sirens are getting louder outside, responding to the noise.

The manager approaches cautiously. "You... you saved us. But how did you do that?"

He gives a quick nod to the manager, not wanting to explain anything.

Before the police arrive, he uses his speed to exit through a different door, disappearing into the night.

Back at home, he returns to find Melissa waiting up for him, arms crossed and expression stern.

"Where have you been? I heard the news about the bank."

She raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.

"At this hour? And with all those sirens?"

She looks at his slightly disheveled appearance.

She steps closer, studying his face.

"Kiran, I know you're lying. I can tell. What really happened?"

Her tone is firm but concerned.

He holds her gaze, sticking to his story.

"I swear, I was just shooting hoops. The sirens must have been from somewhere else."

He tries to sound convincing, but there's a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Melissa narrows her eyes, noticing the nervousness. She's been his guardian for years and knows his tells.

"You're a terrible liar, you know that? And I saw the news footage of a 'masked hero' saving the day."

She pulls out her phone, showing him a shaky cell phone video of the sonic scream incident.

His eyes widen at the video. He hadn't considered there would be footage.

Melissa puts the phone down.

"That looks an awful lot like you. With powers."

She waits for his actual explanation now.

He sighs deeply, knowing he can't hide anymore.

"I I have powers. I didn't mean to use them in public. It just happened."

She exhales sharply, processing this information.

"You've had powers this whole time and didn't tell me? Kiran, that's dangerous! What if someone else finds out? What if the government comes after you?"

Her worry is evident, mixed with a bit of hurt that he kept such a significant secret.

Her expression softens slightly at his defensive tone.

"A month? And you've been handling them alone? That's even worse. You should have come to me immediately."

She runs a hand through her hair, stressed.

"Have you shown anyone else? The police might have seen you too."

He shakes his head.

"No one else. Just you and the robbers. And the hostages. They might remember my face though..."

He looks troubled now, realizing the implications of being recognized.

Melissa follows him to the door.

"Where are you going now? It's late and you need to rest. We need to figure this out together."

She reaches for his arm gently.

He attempts to float but remains grounded, his powers limited to sonic scream and speed.

Melissa watches, her grip on his arm tightening.

"See? This is exactly why you shouldn't be out there alone. You don't even know your full potential yet."

The argument escalates quickly, both frustrated and scared.

Melissa raises her voice.

"You're putting yourself in danger! And putting others at risk with these powers you can't control!"

Kiran pulls away from her grasp.

"I can control them! I just need to practice more. I saved people today!"

Daphne enters the tense atmosphere, sensing the argument from the hallway.

She looks between them.

"What's going on? I heard shouting."

Melissa turns to Daphne, her voice shaking slightly.

"Mom, Kiran has powers. Real ones. And he's been hiding them. He used them today at the bank robbery."

She gestures to Kiran accusingly.

Daphne's eyes widen at the revelation, then narrow at Kiran.

"Is this true, Kiran? You activated them recently?"

Her tone is stern but calm, trying to understand.

He nods slowly.

"I Wasn't Hiding them!...yes. I got them at graduation. I didn't mean to use them like that, it just... came out. I was scared for the hostages."

He looks genuinely remorseful now.

Daphne crosses her arms, thinking.

"And you didn't think to tell us? Your family? We could have helped you understand them better."

She exchanges a worried glance with Melissa.

Melissa's wings spread and she takes off through the window, clearly upset and needing space.

Daphne watches her go, then focuses back on Kiran.

"She's hurt. We both are. But we need to talk about what happens now."

Daphne follows him to his room door.

"Kiran, wait. We're not done talking. You can't just lock yourself away."

She knocks gently on the doorframe.