Replying in his usual calm and logical tone, his father answered. "I'm sure there is a scientific explanation, we just have to figure it out. In the meantime, you are forbidden to use your speed."
Byron's eyes opened wide, like a child complaining about his toy being taken away. "What? That's not fair, what's the point in having this power if I can't use it?"
"You don't understand what you are saying do you?"
"I understand full well." The child defended "I have a super power and I want to use it."
"And if others find out?"
"Then I'll be famous."
"No, you'll be strapped to a table
watching scientists slice open your body open with a scalpel and dissecting the source of your power."
Byron shuttered at the thought. Certainly, though he has advanced speed, he did not believe he had advanced regeneration. Even if it did... that is not to say he won't feel any pain. But he wasn't about to give in, not yet.
"Then I'll just run away before they catch me."
"One man against 7 billion equipped with anything the world can offer?"
"I'll just be discreet and use it when no one is watching."
"And you're positive you'll never be seen because..."
"I'll be careful."
If there ever was a time when silence is louder than words, that time would be now. His father's unwavering eyes and his stern expression spoke louder than any words could offer. The message was crystal clear; 'Careful' was no where near good enough. After a pause, as though to let his silent words sink in, he continued.
"Also, we don't know what cost your body has to pay for you to use this power. Are you willing to sacrifice an arm or a leg for a moment's excitement?"
"Then I'll hide it in plain sight. Use it in a way no one can notice."
"Such as?" His father demanded.
"Small speed boosts. Small enough to avoid detections even in plain sight."
"Then what's the point in using your new found power?"
Byron was getting irritated. He could never win his father in logical arguments. His hands
slppd down onto the table. At least once, win just this once.
"Then upgrade my rollerblades. Equip it with a motor to increase its speed. I'll just say my power is the capability of my new toy."
"Very well."
"!??"
Byron was taken by surprise for a split second.
"I said, 'very well.'"
Byron couldn't believe his ears.
"Just...just like that?"
"Yes. Just like that. I wanted you to think about your powers before using it."
Like a kid getting his toy back, Byron's face lit up with obvious happiness.
"Alright! Arigato Odosan."
"One more thing."
As though the toy was a light-bulb whose filament had suddenly broke, burning it out, his new found excitement disappeared immediately without the slightest trace of light emitting.
"You must wear all your protective gears when using your roller blades. Your lessons will be suspended for now but instead, you will come to the lab with me every morning. You are allowed to use your power on the condition that no one ever finds out. If the tests show that your power is having a negative impact on your body, you will promise never to use that power again."
Byron rolled his eyes. There was so much restrictions, so much constraint. Where's the freedom?
As though reading his thoughts, old Nakamura answered.
"Is freedom the right to do anything you wish? To murder, to rape to destroy the world? Such 'freedom' would only enslave people to fear, chaos and destruction. Freedom is founded on rules that are created to maintain order; and in this case, to ensure your safety. Also, the better you know your ability, the better then, you can use it right?"
Ya, ya, what's there to learn? I can run. Though he knew his dad was probably right, as he always is in his own scientific way, Byron, in his heart, rolled his eyes at all this philosophical speech anyways. But he smiled and nodded.
"Of course dad."
CCCXIV