What a coincidence, for Julian and I to arrive at the laboratory that contained a multitude of mysteries was incredible. More so than maybe my ability to create one of the building blocks of life out of thin air. But if I wasn’t a man to seize an opportunity than Antartica is a conspiracy made up by the government.

“I don’t really think this is a good idea…” Julian warned as he stepped in between me and the door.

“Bah, what could possibly go wrong?” I said as I pushed my way past him to inspect the door.

I started to knock on different parts of the door, like how I saw movie stars do when trying to break through something. Or were they trying to search for booby traps? Then a brilliant idea flashed through my mind. Like a bulb that has never been turned on and all the energy surges through it all at once. I should try the doorknob.

Turning my head to face Julian with a smug smile plastered on my face, I grasped the knob and twisted counter-clockwise. The smile that sat so beautifully on my face melted off like my dreams of fun as it seemed the knob refused to budge.

“See you can’t even open it, let’s leave before someone finds us,” Julian whispered before glancing back down the hallway I came from in obvious worry.

Turning back to the knob I stared at it in thought, the metallic shine of the doorknob mocked me as once again an epiphany struck me. Maybe it was just stuck? I took a few steps back from the metal and inhaled a deep breath of fresh oxygen. I surged forward and tensed up my entire body, ready to crash through the barrier that will never stop unstoppable beast that is I. My body hit the ground after the door did indeed stop me.

“I’m just gonna go before we get caught” Julian stammered before briskly walking off.

He didn’t even check if I was okay! I mean I don’t really feel anything but it’s the principle of it. Speaking of not feeling anything, isn’t that like not supposed to happen? Maybe I should conduct my own experiments on the extent of it…

“Hey what are you doing!” A man yelled.

Panicking I sprinted down the hall, turning corners and past confused people until I reached the elevators. Looking around to my delight I was not caught.

Phew.

Guess I can be officially be called a bad boy now. I took a few deep breathes before clicking the elevator button so I can go back to my dorm. Escaping from the fuzz really changes you. The elevator dinged and I stepped inside, I needed some time to think.

The next few days of days went by slower than a tortoise sludging through my grandma’s famous maple syrup. During these days I was limited in my options, I got a memo on my bed to not use my powers before getting tested so I had to refrain myself to my room. I mean after so many hours of creating and dissipating various shapes and obstacles I grew quickly frustrated.

Since I wasn’t being tortured every day or being unconscious I had a lot more time on my hands. Between working out, going to classes, and experimenting ever so slightly with my power I wanted to step out and do something productive. I wanted to truly test my self, not make a carbon throne for me to laze about in. Which was cool but still.

On the forefront of my mind though was my health. Things have been changing… and not just my body. This is what lead me to pace back in forth in my empty dorm room all the while thinking what to do next. I wanted to get a second opinion about my pain-less gift since I didn’t want to test it myself.

Cutting myself in the bathtub might send the wrong message. But after four days of the uncanny feeling of the absence of something that plagued me all my life I was going a little stir-crazy. A stress that even lifting weights couldn’t relieve. I needed to talk to someone who wouldn’t freak out. Mr.Richards was no where to be found, Ashley seemed to be avoiding me for whatever reason, even Julian was off training whatever ability he got. That left one person to talk to that may be able to help me. I quickly walked out of the dorm to the other dorm that we shared the flat with.

I hesitantly knocked on the door, fearful that the other guy was going to be in there. We weren’t necessarily at our throats but we had a less than cordial relationship. As much as I was itching for a rematch I came he for one reason and for one reason only.

“Come in” Came the ever stalwart voice of Jayden.

I stepped in to meet Jayden laying in his bed reading a thick novel. Surprisingly enough he had reading glasses, he never mentioned he had prescriptions. His clothes were neatly stacked up on top of each of other to the side of his bed, even his shoes were neatly put in the corner with a floral knot of his shoelaces.

“So what’re you reading,” I said trying to make small talk before coming up with my dilemma.

It’s only polite.

“Just catching up on the latest developments quantum mechanics, nothing special,” He said nonchalantly as he placed the book on his nightstand with a thump.

“So what do you want.” He stated as he closed his book and set it aside with a thump.

“Huh?”

That was a little creepy, even considering his monotonous personality. Maybe in the last few days, he got the ability to read minds. Wicked, even if a bit forward.

“Well since ripping the skin off your hand I knew you’d come for advice after not being able to find Mr.Richards”

I frowned at this “How did you know I couldn’t find him?” I questioned.

His right eyelid twitched ever so slightly “I don’t”

Odd, before I could further question me he continued.

“I know that you didn’t even twitch when mangling your arm, even having the high-tolerance of pain that would’ve at least elicited some reaction. And being the prideful person you are, you waited days trying to figure out what was happening before coming for advice.”

Annoyance crawled up my throat as I retorted “I’m not pridef-”

He raised his eyebrow slightly with a small smile as he confirmed his words.

I stopped myself as regretfully his words rang slightly true. I needed to calm down if I wanted some help and Jayden has been nothing but a friend ever since I met him. And I should try to keep that lest I drive him away like the rest of the people during high school. I need to stop pushing people away and start accepting people. Or at least that’s what the self-help books said.

Swallowing my pride I said, “I honestly don’t know what to do.”

“That’s why I’m here to help for the time being. There are some very limited studies of people who have congenital insensitivity to pain, which is basically not feeling pain. But unlike you, they are born with it. Maybe it is part of your power set?” His back straightened out and he was talking more animated now inspired by the thirst for knowledge.

Thinking back to my little talk with Mr.Richards about my powers I didn’t think it was.

“He said I was a Creationist, but I don’t know if you know anything about that,” I said already knowing the answer.

“Well for a matter of fact I do, I’m guessing your main element is Carbon?”

“Yeah, how’d you know?” I asked.

“The composition, texture, color. Insensitivity to pain is in no way part of that power set but who knows every powerset is different.” He waved his hand as if it didn’t matter. “But we’re getting off hand here. The ability to feel pain is the most important part of our survival, how will the caveman know not to swim in lava if he can’t feel the stifling heat? Just like how you didn’t notice your dislocated shoulder.” He said.

I winced as I remembered the last time I dislocated my shoulder. I was in a wrestling match against our rivaling school. I was grappling with a guy two years my senior and ten my skill level. After a humiliating first takedown, he pinned me once again. Unable to take the loss I tried ripping myself out of his grip resulting in the dislocated shoulder. How Jayden could spot an injury that I couldn’t even feel much less detect was astounding. And kind of creepy of how closely he analyzed me like a butcher picking a cow to chop up.

“Huh, I have been noticing a weakness on the right side when bench pressing” I commented while shrugging the offending shoulder.

“My advice to you is to go to some professionals here and talk to them, it’s their job to help and this needs to be recorded for any side effects to their drug. Which is probably why you’ve changed.” He said as he stood up and walked to his clothes and picked out the jet-black suit that we are required to use.

“You don’t mind if we keep this conversation to ourselves?” I questioned.

“Your secret is safe with me.”

I twiddled my thumbs as I felt awkward still standing during our entire conversation. Why weren’t there any chairs in here that I could sit in? Looking for any other thread of conversation from the blanket that is socializing I went with something that has been bugging me.

“How are you reading about quantum mechanics when you are only in high school? I’m struggling with basic calculus.” I said sheepishly.

“I graduated High school a long time ago, as well as college” Only he could say that so nonchalantly not even a hint of bragging plagued his tone.

“Why aren’t you like curing cancer or something then? I asked as he began to take off his shirt and pants to put on his suit.

I averted my eyes away from him to stare at his collection of books that I didn’t notice before that was stacked next to the nightstand. Even though we are bros. I’m not homophobic or anything but you know. No homo.

“Well I considered it but with the world filled with genius Supers that would make Einstien look like a toddler playing with blocks, there was no point in pursuing a profession where I would be obsolete. Might as well become something unique that I can use my intellect as a tool to aid me in my endeavors.”

Well, I guess it made sense, I never had the problem of having the world at my fingertips but instead taking the harder path through life. I mean he probably missed all the great parties in college. And more importantly the girls.

Now fully changed he walked up to me and put his hand on my shoulder.

“Want to come with me to the martial lessons that both Supers and normal people can go to spar?” He asked.

Already sold on “martial lessons” he sweetened the pot by adding “I think Ashley will be there too”

Oh shit, what did he know? Again creepy, but I guess he is just being looking out for me and my desires. But I’ve been itching to see the difference in fighting and how this newfound gift could aid me.

“Sure, lemme go change” I answered giddily.

Right before I could turn as quick as a whip his other hand grabbed my elbow and popped back my shoulder back into place with a satisfying crack.

“Can’t have you injured, now can we?” He said before walking out.

I practically skipped back to my room, already my heart beat quicker excited by the prospect of violence.

Like any normal teenage boy.