“Jesus Christ” I whispered to myself.

My frown deepened as I read more and more of Chase’s chart.

“Three broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder, broken jaw, multiple contusions, massive concussion, fourteen other broken bones, internal bleeding, and that’s just half of what's wrong with him” I exclaimed in surprise.

“He’s got a hell of a chin I’ll tell you that” Mr.Richards added in his gruff voice. He seemingly reappeared out of nowhere behind me. For someone so old he could sneak like a trained, and untrained ninja.

I nodded absentmindedly, the beating he took was tremendous. Mr.Richards even ordered a healer to fix him up, because even with the high tech that some super-geniuses cooked up couldn’ t cope with the number of injuries Chase possessed.

I glanced back up to Chase while simultaneously handing Mr.Richards the med chart. He was under some Temazepam to help him sleep. Chase was the only one left in the infirmary as he was the only one injured enough to deserve treatment. Currently, Chase was heavily bandaged but in a few hours, he should be fine physically. Well mostly.

“This kid got some iron balls,” Mr.Richards commented, now moving to the bedside.

“He actually tried to fight back,” He pointed to the defensive wounds on the forearms and the bruising on his knuckles that had begun to form.

“Who dealt the beating on Chase?” I asked Mr.Richards as I went to the other side of the bed.

“Uh-” Mr.Richards checked the chart.

“Dammit it was Jeff,” he grumbled.

I blinked.

“Who’s,” I started again.

“He shows no mercy, he used to be a hero but retired recently. Even though he won't admit it Jeff's a bit messed up from his time as a Hero, so don't mention it to him, 'though he is a tough love kind of guy. But in a way, I guess it’s a good match for Chase.”

Mr.Richards continued to inspect chase like one of his experiments. A few questions started to nag him. Since he this was his first year working for the project he was still foggy on some answers. Just as Mr.Richards began to poke at Chase’s toes I spoke up.

“How come he didn’t gain abilities but the other girl did? She didn’t get nearly as pummeled as Chase.” I questioned him, curiosity getting the better of me.

From the entire group of patients, only one became a super after the first one. A girl named Ashley is now classified as a crafted energy manipulator. Midway through the “treatment”, she developed multiple energy tendrils that wrapped themselves around the woman who gave the beating. Fortunately, the woman quickly knocked her out to release her from the tendrils. Her preliminary testing began tonight but so far she had the potential to become a high tier super.

This time Mr.Richards stopped completely and turned to face me. He paused, his wrinkled skin around his eyes creased as he squinted in thought. Seconds ticked by, the only sound in the room was the beeping of the heart monitor.

Finally, as what felt like an eternity the old man spoke up.

“Since I’m assuming you’re talking about Ashley, there are some theories on why this happens but there’s one that stands out. We’ve found that as much as the power is genetic how it comes out is different for each person.”

He was becoming more invigorated now, speaking with strong gestures of his hands.

“When a baby is born it’s a blank slate, throughout its life the baby will develop different tolerances physically, mentally, and emotionally. From what we’ve learned every person has the possibility to develop abilities. Their body and mind will tolerate whatever it can to whatever limit without becoming stronger. This tolerance level differs from person to person based on their experiences as well. Ashley’s tolerance level was easily challenged by the combination of the fear and pain, which pushed her to a whole new level to deal with the adversity. While Chase took everything and wasn’t pushed to and past his limit until he eventually passed out.”

Mr.Richards took a breath, obviously very passionate about what he was talking about and I could see why. This was fascinating to say the very least, how behavioral and the physical sciences could clash in such a way was astounding.

“This is also the reason why statistically girls have a twenty percent higher chance to develop powers than a boy. Some scientists believe since the testosterone in the male’s body is so much higher than females, it pushes them to a higher tolerance level, since in ancient times they were made as the protector or aggressor. Which is most likely why they were given a higher tolerance by mother nature.”

“But that-” I was about to argue with what he said until he cut me off with another swipe of his hand.

The cutoffs were starting to grind my gears.

“This doesn’t account nowadays as abilities mostly eliminated this issue in supers. Since it doesn’t matter the gender if you can tank a missile and walk away unscathed. Though some people still argue about women being a hero they quickly get shut up when they save their sorry asses from terrorist attacks.” He finished gravelly.

Nodding in agreement it made sense what he said. One of the most powerful beings in the world was Tempest, a woman hero who had the ability to generate high category hurricanes.

“Now even if Chase ever achieves his goal of becoming a super he could develop a seemingly weak power. But it’s not so much the power as it is the person who wields it”

Mr.Richards finished with a wink.

“Now refill the iv fluids bag we got some testing on Ashley to do” He ordered as he walked off.

I glanced back at Chase, his chest rising and falling with each steady breath. I hoped he made it through, if he shows the same results in the next few days they were going to have to dial it up a notch.

And no one wants that.

I didn’t know what to do. I would’ve probably sat with Chase again for lunch but he was nowhere to be found. The small seed of worry began to blossom in his chest as he looked around the mess hall for a place to sit and eat.

He didn’t want to be the loser who sat by himself so he had to man up and pick a seat. He scanned the tables, there was a seat open next to some of the dudes and a table open with only a girl sitting by herself looking lonely. From those two options, it should’ve been obvious, sit with the guys and have some friends to sit with. Or make a fool of himself in front of a cute girl.

He marched forward with confidence and sat down. in front of the girl. You’re smooth Julian, you’re smooth and confident. I thought to myself as I introduced my self.

“I’m uh...” I started. I started to panic…

She glanced up obviously waiting for me to finish.

“Julian” I finished with a sigh. I mentally slapped myself on the forehead at my stupid-ness.

“Ashley” She looked up at me flashing me a bright smile. She had blond hair that almost seemed pure gold, she had a tan with an athletic build. But most of all her eyes. They had a kaleidoscope of colors. Amber brown, with a bright gold that seemed to glow as I stared at them. I blinked realizing I was staring, I quickly looked down to hide the blush that was creeping up on my face.

She pierced some of her salad on her fork and started to eat. I looked down at my burger, I knew I should’ve sat with the guys. Oh well, maybe she heard about Chase?

“So Ashley do you know where my friend Chase is? He didn’t show up after the-” I grimaced as I remembered my own beating, I was still sore, and my back screamed in agony whenever I bent down.

“The beating” I finished as I took a bite out of my burger.

It took a few strained seconds for her to swallow her food. I silently chastised myself for not waiting longer before asking.

Finally, she answered”I heard there was a guy who’s still in the infirmary maybe that’s Chase”

“Oh”

Worry spread throughout me once more, I hadn’t known him for long but he was nice to me. That was nice for a change.

A couple minutes passed in awkward silence as I thought of another conversation starter until I came up with the absolutely golden starter.

“Anything new with you?” I questioned with confidence.

She smirked slightly at this like she just heard a joke that only she knew. That smirk though made his heart flutter slightly.

“Well, there is this one thing…”