Jason-Mark’s plan was simple but carried the weight of all his hopes and fears. He knew what was coming—the brainwashing, the mental assault designed to strip away his will and forge him into a weapon for X’s army. But this time, he had a shield—a last line of defense. The Sonic Armor’s helmet, specially designed with alien technology, created a psychic barrier that protected his mind from their invasive control.

When they strapped him down once more in the gleaming white chamber, the room pulsed with cold, mechanical hums. Scientists and agents gathered, their eyes filled with cold confidence. Machines whirred and flickered, releasing waves of hypnotic energy aimed at cracking his resolve.

At first, Jason-Mark felt a pressure squeeze his thoughts like a vice. Commands echoed in his mind: obey, surrender, forget your past. The urge to comply was overwhelming. His vision blurred, and a numbing calm tried to overtake him.

But beneath the surface, the helmet’s psychic shield held strong. His true consciousness fought back, a desperate battle waging behind glazed eyes. He gritted his teeth, pretending to fall under their spell.

Hours later, the chief scientist approached with a satisfied smile. “He’s ready,” he declared.

Released from the restraints, Jason-Mark rose slowly, his steps unsteady but his eyes vacant and obedient. Guards moved alongside him, expecting to escort their new weapon.

Then everything snapped.

With a surge of energy, Jason-Mark lashed out. His first punch was a blur — precise and crushing — sending a guard flying across the room with a sickening crack. Before others could react, he spun, using the momentum to sweep the legs of two agents simultaneously. They collapsed in a heap.

A pair of soldiers charged, weapons raised, but he dodged with supernatural speed, weaving through their attacks like a ghost. His hands struck out with brutal efficiency—one hit broke a soldier’s jaw, another shattered a wrist. The clang of metal and thud of bodies echoed through the chamber.

From the corner of his eye, he saw a heavy door sealing shut—his only exit. The jet system in his armor activated with a mechanical hiss. A bright blue glow emanated from his back as turbines engaged, lifting him off the ground.

Soldiers scrambled, firing stun blasts that bounced harmlessly off his armor. With a roar of power, Jason-Mark blasted through the door, sending splinters and debris flying.

Outside the lab, alarms screamed. He rocketed into the sky, soaring over the compound, each burst of flame from the jets propelling him farther from captivity.

But one thought lingered — his mother.

His gaze settled on a tall observation tower with glass walls. There, standing rigid and pale, was the woman who had raised him, who had watched his suffering silently. Their eyes met. The hurt and betrayal burned in his heart. He wanted answers but also feared them.

Jason-Mark broke away, feeling the cold wind whip past him as he changed course toward a familiar place — his cousin Bendo’s home.

Bendo was waiting, leaning casually against the porch, a contrast to the chaos Jason-Mark had just escaped. The moment the door swung open and Jason-Mark stepped inside, breathless and raw, the weight of his confession poured out in a torrent.

He told Bendo everything — about being cloned, about the serum that had turned him into a weapon, about the alien armor, and the betrayal of the only family he’d ever known.

Bendo listened carefully, his dark eyes steady and calm. “I believe you, man. You don’t just come to someone with a story like that unless it’s real.”

Jason-Mark’s jaw dropped in surprise. “You believe me? Just like that?”

Bendo smiled. “You’re family. And besides…” He glanced at the door as it opened again, and Amy stepped in, her black hair catching the light, a single purple strand falling over her purple eyes. “We’ve got some stuff we haven’t told you either.”

Bendo reached into his jacket, pulling out a small, glowing pendant. “Me and Amy? We’ve got powers too. Been hiding them for a while. But if you’re fighting this fight, we’re in.”

Jason-Mark’s heart raced. He wasn’t alone anymore. For the first time since waking in that lab, hope surged within him. They would stand together — against X, against the lies, and whatever darkness awaited.