Zazm and Jahanox continued to grow into their powers, each navigating their unique paths while occasionally crossing thoughts in their minds.
Zazm immersed himself in the world of capoeira, and focusing more and more on his threads. While Jahanox honed his mind-control abilities, both of them becoming more adept at managing their schoolwork and their extraordinary lives.
---
Zazm stood in front of the mirror in his room, adjusting his capoeira uniform. He had been training hard, and his body was beginning to reflect the dedication he poured into every session.
He flexed his muscles, admiring the way they had developed. "Look at you, Zazm! Soon, you'll be able to take on a whole gang with just a kick!" he said to his reflection, striking a pose like a superhero.
He chuckled at himself, but the truth was, he felt more confident than ever. He had learned to combine moves seamlessly, and his sparring sessions with Lenz had become increasingly competitive. Today, he was determined to impress Silva with a new combination he had been practicing.
As he arrived at the institute, the familiar sounds of music and laughter greeted him. He joined the class, and Silva called for a demonstration. "Zazm, why don't you show us what you've been working on?"
Zazm stepped into the center of the mat, heart racing with excitement. He took a deep breath, focusing on the rhythm of the music.
He began with a series of kicks, transitioning into a spinning armada, and then into a graceful cartwheel. The moves flowed together like water, and he could feel the energy of the room shift as everyone watched in awe.
"Now, let's see that new combination!" Silva encouraged.
Zazm launched into the final sequence, executing a perfect meia-lua followed by a rasteira, sweeping his leg low and sending an imaginary opponent tumbling. He landed with a flourish, arms raised in triumph.
"Bravo!" Silva clapped, a wide grin on his face. "You're truly a prodigy, you are born to master the art of capoeira. One day you'll become an international champion."
Zazm smiled brightly with excitement, "Thanks coach I'll try my best." But his thoughts were about something else, 'Yeah like hell I'm becoming a capoeira master. I'm tipping off as soon as highschool ends.'
He was grinning in his thoughts when Silva's voice bring him back, "Oh! And the tournament would be starting soon."
Zazm's heart soared. "A tournament? That sounds amazing!"
Silva nodded a smile tugging up on his lips, "Yeah, it's a tournament for all the newbies. Different fighters enter it and showcased their strength."
They were discussing the tournament before Lenz also decided to get in the conversation. "I'll also be joining this year. Since, I've learned enough and I'm also a newbie."
He paused before glancing at Zazm, "Though you were here for only a few months, you are already better than me. You should definitely join it."
Zazm paused for a second before smiling, "Alright, guess I'm in." Lenz looked at him confused, "You know, I thought it will be harder to convince you."
Zazm smirk widened at his words, "And what makes you think that?" Lenz started laughing, "haha I'm not Silva, Zazm. I can tell you only do this as a side quest."
Zazm simply shrugged, "Nah, I just like attention. I guess that'll answer both of of your questions."
Lenz slightly chuckled, "That's so like you."
As the class continued, Zazm felt a sense of belonging wash over him. He was no longer just a kid with strange powers; he was part of a community that celebrated strength, rhythm, and connection.
---
Meanwhile, Jahanox was sitting in his room, surrounded by textbooks and notes. He had been trying to balance schoolwork with his newfound abilities, and it was proving to be a challenge.
"Why did I think I could control minds and ace my math test at the same time?" he muttered to himself, rubbing his temples in frustration. "I wish this could help me in exams."
Though he was a top student that didn't mean he won't have thoughts like these. Who won't try to take advantage of such powers? He glanced at his phone, scrolling through social media.
His friends were posting about their weekend plans, and he felt a pang of envy. "I should be out there, living my best life, not stuck here with algebra," he grumbled. Since, he was busy with learning about his powers he couldn't focus on his schoolwork on weekdays.
Suddenly, an idea struck him. "What if I could use my powers to make studying more fun?" He grinned mischievously. "I could convince my math teacher that I'm a math genius! Or better yet, I could make my classmates think I'm the coolest kid in school!"
He laughed to himself, "I'm thinking like Zazm... Guess I'll need a doctor soon."
The next day, he decided to practice on a few unsuspecting classmates. He headed to the school cafeteria, where a group of students was gathered around a table, laughing and joking.
"Alright, Jahanox, time to work your magic," he whispered to himself, channeling his focus. He approached the group, casually leaning against the table. He put his hands on the should on two boys who sat together.
"Hey, guys! What's up?" he said, trying to sound nonchalant.
One of the students, a girl named Mia, looked up, she was sitting Infront of the boys. "Oh, hey, if it isn't Jahanox! We were just talking about the upcoming dance. Are you going?"
"Of course! I'm the life of the party," he replied, a smirk creeping onto his face. "But I could use a little help. I need to convince everyone that I'm the best dancer in school."
Mia laughed. "You? Dance? That's a stretch!" One of the boys Leo also laughed, "You know, I would've believed it, if it was Zazm saying he could do that. He can do things simply with confidence."
"Just watch, and besides fin here remembered the last time I danced." he said, closing his eyes for a moment. He reached out with his mind, weaving a subtle influence over the group.
Fin seemed confused for a second before he snap, "Oh yeah. I remember you were dancing like so cool last year."
Leo also butted in, "I just remembered as well, guess you'll be the star this year." Mia looked at them in confusion.
"What did you do them?" She asked while letting out a dry laugh, "Nothing that's the truth."
He slightly walked towards Mia tapping her shoulder, he closed his eyes "Come on don't you remember? I'm a great dancer."
When he opened his eyes, the group was staring at him, their expressions shifting from skepticism to excitement. "Yeah! Jahanox, you're going to crush it!" one of them exclaimed.
Jahanox felt a hint of pride and guilt that he manipulated their thoughts, but he couldn't deny the thrill of being accepted and admired. "Just a little nudge," he reassured himself. "It's not like I'm making them do anything harmful."
---
Later that week, Zazm and Jahanox met at another café, a cozy spot filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of clinking cups.
Zazm was already seated, sipping on a smoothie and scrolling through his phone when Jahanox arrived, a mischievous grin plastered on his face.
"Hey, Zazm! You won't believe the fun I had in the cafeteria the other day," Jahanox said, plopping down across from his friend.
Zazm raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell. Did you convince eveyone that you are 'The best dancer?'"
"Better! I also made them think, I'm the most popular kid in school," Jahanox replied, leaning in conspiratorially. " You should have seen their faces! They were all like, 'Whoa, Jahanox, you're amazing!'"
Zazm burst out laughing. "You're terrible! But I love it! What's next? Are you going to convince them you can talk to animals?"
"Actually, I did that last week," Jahanox said, feigning seriousness. "I made the biology teacher think I had a special bond with the school's pet hamster.
I told her I could communicate with it telepathically. She was so impressed, she let me take it home for the weekend!"
Zazm shook his head, chuckling. "You're going to get yourself in trouble one of these days."
Zazm leaned slightly forwards, "You know I accept I'm not going to school that often but it feels like everything changed. One night I opened the phone to learn you are best dancer."
Jahanox simply shrugged, "It's just the truth.... But I still don't know the hell would I do... I don't even know how to dance."
Zazm let out a laugh, "Just wear a wig and start spinning like those tops... Guess something will happen "
Jahanox laughed and Zazm continued, "You are having too fun with yourself Jahanox, don't invite any unwanted attention."
Jahanox also went serious at Zazm's sudden shift in attitude, "Yeah, I know."
Zazm's eyes darkened, "Be careful, we don't want unwanted attention and trouble. You may not know it but you are attracting way too much attention."
Jahanox nodded understanding the weight of his words, "I know you need people to practice your powers on people but you have to stop making it so obvious. We can't even let anyone have a hint."
Jahanox suddenly became dead serious, "I understand, it was just so fun I got lost in it."
Zazm smiled and waved his hand lifting the weight off, "But hey, as long as you get it. Now about that regional capoeira tournament coming up. Are you going to join me?"
Jahanox leaned back, crossing his arms. "Why would you want to join a tournament? I thought you were learning capoeira for self-defense. Isn't that the point?"
Zazm shrugged, a relaxed smile on his face. "Might as well do it! Not like I'll lose anything. If anything, I'll gain more experience, and I like the attention."
"Attention, huh?" Jahanox smirked. "So, you're just in it for the glory?"
"Absolutely!" Zazm replied, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I mean, who wouldn't want to be the center of attention? Plus, it's a chance to show off what I've learned. And if I win, I'll have a trophy to put on my shelf!"
Jahanox laughed, shaking his head. "You're such a show-off. But I get it. You want to prove you're not just some kid with weird powers. You want to be a champion."
"Exactly!" Zazm said, leaning forward. "And who knows? Maybe I'll even get a cool nickname like 'The Space-Time Warrior' or something."
"'The Space-Time Warrior'?" Jahanox snorted, nearly spilling his drink. "That sounds like a bad comic book character. You should stick to 'Zazm the Magnificent' or something equally ridiculous."
"Hey, I'll take it!" Zazm laughed, enjoying the banter. "But seriously, you should come to the tournament. It'll be fun! You can be my hype man."
Jahanox rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I'll think about it. But I can't promise I won't use my powers to make the judges think you're the best fighter ever."
"Just don't make them think I'm a mind-reading hamster whisperer," Zazm joked, and they both burst into laughter.
"Anyways? How are you hiding your mark from your family?" Zazm asked concerned.
Jahanox said putting a head on his forehead, "Don't ask, I actually made them think that there is nothing on my arm but I guess I have a limit to have many people I can't control so sometimes they saw it and I had to remove their memories."
Zazm nodded, "be careful we can't have them worry or even know about it."
---
As the tournament approached, Zazm dedicated himself to training, spending hours at the Capoeira Institute perfecting his moves. He felt stronger and more confident with each passing day.
Meanwhile, Jahanox continued to have fun with his powers, using them on unsuspecting classmates for harmless pranks. But now he was extremely careful because of Zazm's warnings.
One afternoon, he decided to test his abilities on a group of students who were gathered around a table, discussing their weekend plans. Jahanox sauntered over, a playful glint in his eye.
"Hey, everyone! What's the plan for this weekend?" he asked, leaning casually against the table.
"Oh, we're just talking about going to the arcade," one of the students replied. "You should come!"
"Arcade sounds boring.." Jahanox said his voice leaving him.
"You know since the start of 2nd year Jahanox had changed, he had become far more talkative and more social suddenly. He doesn't even wear his glasses anymore."
The other students agreed, "Yeah he has and not just him Zazm aswell. He doesn't even come to school that much nowdays." Jahanox looked behind to find Leo walking at them.
They all looked at Jahanox for answers he simply shrugged aswell, "I'm just trying to be nice guys."
They all burst out in laughter as the sounds of their chatter levitated in the air. Jahanox also realized he had changed alot but that was a necessary step.
____________________