1 Jack

(Sixteen years ago. Pre Gods Program.)

"Mommy I'm scared!" The little boy said clinging on to his mother's dress. The metallic ship-like objects rumbled loudly as they came closer towards the little town. The ships looked like those you would see in the water but floated on the air.

"Its okay Jack!" The woman the child was clinging to said holding her three-year-old son. "You'll be okay! They won't hurt you! You have Mantra!" She said. The loud ships seemed to let off a metallic boom that kicked up rubble as they landed.

A static sound could be heard as the ships began to speak. "Everyone who has Mantra step forward towards the ship slowly. If you are a parent and your child has Mantra please hand them over. You have our word we won't hurt them. Comply and we promise we will grant your town a swift and merciful death." The static ended as the voice went away.

"What's going to happen, mommy!" Jack asked tears streamed down his face as his breathing went out of its pattern due to fear and shock.

The mother cupped the cheeks of her child. "Listen to me, Jack. Mommy and Daddy will be gone for a while but we promise we will see you again. What we need you to do right now is go stand next to all the people near the flying boat-"

"But its-"

"I know you are scared sweety but you need to be brave!" She kissed her son on the forehead struggling to hide her tears. "If you listen I'll have Daddy make your favorite food when we see each other again. Now go!" She pushed her son forward lightly. "And remember. No matter what anyone ever tells you. Mantra is not a curse. But also remember to be smart."

"Like a Fox?" Jack asked.

"Yes." His mother smiled. "Be like a Sly Fox."

Trembling Jack stepped away from his mother. Every step he could feel his heart beat faster as he approached the scary flying boat. 'Thump Thump.' He took three steps forward. 'Thud.' The sound of flesh hitting flesh rang through his ears. His head instantly began to hurt. 'Is he unconscious?' He stepped forward still. 'Yeah hang on.' He stopped mid-step. He wanted to turn around. Every time he relived this moment he wanted to turn around. 'Hey! Jackass!' But he was never able to turn around. He always walked towards the boat. 'Wake up loser!' He always left them behind. 'We weren't done yet!' But not this time. He turned around and- 'Thud'

(Present day)

Jack's eyes opened slowly as he saw the boot slammed into his face. Both his arms ached from being pulled back. "Ahh finally up?" Jack tilted his head back blood streaming out of his busted nose and lip. He looked up at Jason. "We were worried for a second there," Jason said. He stepped forward raising his leg and kicking Jack in the stomach. "You can't feel it if you're unconscious." He said kicking him a second time.

Jack gasped out in pain and tried to lower his head but one of Jason's goons grabbed his hair pulling on it and forcing him to look up. Jack breathed in through his mouth since his nose was broken. "So what's the end game here?" He finally said. "I would rather you kill me already if it will end that way." He said knowing full well the teens wouldn't do it. If only his mother could see him now. He worked for the enemy and was now beat by those who proved superior.

He had been jumped at the courtyard. He was in Gods organizations main location Olympus. Olympus had many areas for members including a cafeteria, a training ground, and a game room. It also had three dorms for Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Platinum members. And in the center of it all was a crossing platform that allowed you to get to anywhere in the school. This was where Jack now found himself being forcefully beat down by three people.

"Nah no need to kill you," Jason said. He put his foot under Jack's chin forcing the teen to look up towards him. Jack's crimson red eyes stared back at his own Saphire blue. "Come on Jack? All I asked was for you to show me those tails..." He said smirking. "I just want to prove to you that my Mantra Spirit is superior. Is that so bad?" He pulled his leg back kicking Jack in an uppercut kick.

"Then why do you need two people to hold me down?" Jack asked.

Jason ignored him continuing to kick Jack. "You know. You have a really bad attitude." Jason said kneeling down to look Jack in the eye. "You think that just because you lucked out and got a decently good spirit that you're amazing now?"

"I never said-"

Jason slapped Jack silencing him. "You think you are so great now? The teachers give a bronze member like you a bit more time and you assume you can start doing better than those who are better than you? You even had the audacity to bump into me and not apologize." He said slapping Jack again for no reason other than the fact he could. "And then. When I ask you to show me your little spirt you laugh and turn to walk away. And you think I'm the spoiled one?" Jason laughed slightly. "I worked hard to get where I am. On the day of choosing Spirts, I earned mine. You though? You're just some random no named asshole who happened to be lucky that day and managed to get a Divine Spirit. How can you call me a spoiled brat?"

"Well, you are?" Jack said.

"Beg."

"I'm sorry what?" Jack said taken aback.

Jason stood back up dusting himself off. "Beg. Beg for me to stop hitting you and I'll let you go. And to show you, I'm, serious." He lifted his foot and slammed it down on Jacks' head causing it to crash into the ground.

Jacks head reeled back and actually seemed to snap. "Screw you..." His head was instantly slammed down into the ground a second time by Jason.

"Why do you insist on not showing me!" Jason screamed clearly angry about not getting his way. Jason wore a fancy suit with a silver medallion that showed he was a part of Hera. His blond hair had a bit of sweat on it due to hitting Jack multiple times. He was the complete opposite of Jack. "I just want to see it!" He yelled. The complete opposite to Jack who set quietly.

Jack wore an average outfit that was black pants, a white T-shirt and, a black jacket. It was completely ordinary. His black hair had dried blood on it from his injuries and he was covered in bruises. His badge was a bronze badge marking the Chimera Branch Division.

"You want to know why I won't show you my Mantra Spirit..." Jack said coughing weakly. "Its becaus I know that's what you want-"

Fury ignited in Jason's eyes as he pulled his arm back. He shined with a white glow as Mantra coursed through him. "Enough!" Jason's hand stopped inches away from Jacks face as the two turned to see who shouted. Mr. Colin marched forward an angry look in his one eye. His other eye didn't see much since it was behind an eye patch. "You!" He barked out at Jason! "You two go!" He said gesturing for Jason's lackeys to go.

"Sir I can assure that this isn't what it looks like!" Jason said panicking slightly. "Nine and I were just goofing-"

"I don't care Mr. Argonauts!" Mr. Colin said. "Mr. Nine on your feet now!" Jack stood up slowly still wobbling slightly. "To gang up on a single person! Have you no shame!" Mr. Colin said slapping Jason on the back of the head.

"I'm sorry sir!" Jason said standing tall as he was holding his head up.

"I taught you better than that. I taught you both better than that." Mr. Colin said shaking his head. "Mr. Nine."

"Yes, sir!" Jack said standing up now.

"Hit Mr. Argonauts as hard as you can with your Mantra. It should cause almost as much damage as he caused to you." Jason visually flinched now.

"Are you sure sir-"

"Did I stutter." Mr. Colin yelled cutting Jack off. "Now hit him as hard as you can. Oh. And please do try not to kill him. I understand if it can't be avoided though." Jack stood there for a moment unsure of what to do. "Now Mr. Nine."

"No Sir..." Jack said not breaking his eyes away from Mr. Colin's good eye. "As Argonauts said. We were just messing around. I wouldn't feel right nearly killing him for a practical joke sir." He said stuttering halfway through his sentence but still managing to not break eye contact.

Mr. Colin scratched his beard slightly as he began to think deeply. Mr. Colin was not like your typical old man. He had long white hair and wore baggy robes but that was where the similarities ended. He spoke harshly and would normally get people who simply weren't up for a task killed. He also always carried a thick book with him everywhere.

"Mr. Argonauts you are free to go. Hurry back to the silver common room. Mr. Nine come with me." Mr. Colin finally said walking off in a direction. Jason quickly sprinted off while Jack followed after the man. "Mr. Nine, why do you do it?"

Jack followed his superior taking two steps for every one step Mr. Colin took. "Do what exactly?" Jack asked. "I'm afraid I don't-"

Mr. Colin slapped Jack across the back of the head silencing the young lad. "You goad people on over and over again." He said. "You nearly got killed. If Mr. Argonauts punch would have landed you would have most certainly died." He said angrily. "You're an ass, kid. But you're an ass with talent. So I just don't understand why you waste it. You have a Divine Mantra Spirit and this is how you use it? By not using it." He yelled gesturing slightly. "Oh wait! You have used it and you are now on probation with no missions!" He yelled. "Well, thankfully that last part will be changing."

"But Mr. Colin last time I tried to use it, it ended up-"

"I am well aware of the fact that you caused major damage to a minor training ground by accident." Mr. Colin said shaking his head. "So you should practice more." He stated shaking his head again.

When Jack first tried using his new found gift to show off he accidentally destroyed a training arena and so as a form of punishment he was put on probation for a whole month. He also wasn't allowed to practice with it so whilst the other kids improved in power he stayed the same. He had lost track of time for how long he had left until he could go on missions.

"Umm... Sir if you don't mind me asking why exactly did you call for me to come follow you?" Jack questioned. He recognized the path they were taking as the pathway to the beginners training ground.

"Why to meet your new team of course." Mr. Colin said surprising Jack. "Probations over and, many people have requested to see you in action."

"Wait, new team?" Jack said stuttering. "I am getting my own team now? Awesome. I have been bored for a while now. I wonder what the leader will be like?" He said smiling slightly. "You're not lying, right? Some new recruited people actual got assigned to Chimera?"

"Of course my boy. Now come along. I think you have left them waiting long enough." Mr. Colin said smirking slightly. "It has been a while since Chimera actually had any members now hasn't it."

Indeed it has been a few months since Chimera actually had any sort or members other than Jack. Not that he had mind of course. He had used the time to catch up on his favorite t.v shows and books. Though it had been getting a bit boring not being able to do anything.

(Five minutes later. At the training ground)

Jack and Mr. Colin entered the training arena walking towards the back. "They got permission to use it for the day so they should still be practicing." Mr. Colin said simply. True to his word Jack could hear the faint sound of combat.

"Training for what?" Jack questioned. "This is the junior training ground so they shouldn't have anything particularly good to train with." On another note why did they even choose to rent out junior training ground? It was common knowledge that it was too basic to use as a way to improve. "Also. Who is the leader of the squad? I wanna know how I compare." He said.

Mr. Colin snickered slightly. "Oh. That's because they are still learning how to use Mantra." He said. Jack stumbled falling flat on his face. "Oh. And don't worry about how you compare to the leader. You are the leader."

"Wait what!" Jack stood up quickly as he glared at the man. Mr. Colin finally reached the back still looking quite smug.

"Children!" He said holding a hand up. Jack followed after Mr. Colin still annoyed. He looked up to see several children all around the age of thirteen. There were five of them in total. Six if you wanted to count Jack. They all stopped what they were doing and turned to face them. "This young man is Jack Nine." He said showing Jack off to the kids. "He has been a part of Chimera for quite some time now. He will be leading you for your missions to come." He stated.

"Wait! This beat up loser is supposed to lead us!" One of the kids said shocked. "He looks like he would drop dead from a single punch!" They complained. Jacks eye twitched slightly as he tried to ignore it.

"It's not his fault!" Another kid said. "Just because he is weak doesn't mean he is dumb."

"I don't know about that. Look at his face. He looks kind of like an idiot."

"Guys we shouldn't be mean to him to his face. It might confuse him."

Jack slowly became more and, more ticked off as the conversation went on as he began to shake. Mr. Colin just chuckled slightly. "Children that is enough." Mr. Colin said laughing. "I assure you that Mr. Nine is a fine young fighter. He has already learned the five stages of Mantra and even has his own Divine Spirit." He said.

"That's right!" Jack said standing tall all of a sudden. In his mind he imagined himself sitting on a platform overlooking them all. "I have a Divine Spirit that is awesomely strong." He said raising his hands up. "So you kids should show me some respect. I am the best you will get." He said. "So-"

"Okay, that's enough." Mr. Colin said slapping his hand across the back Jacks head. "Now children. Line up and tell Mr. Nine your names." He said.

All five of the kids lined up. There were three girls and two boys in the group. They all held a head up high pose as they faced Mr. Colin.

"Van Sturm!" The first boy said. He had been the one that originally made fun of Jack. He had long red hair and orange eyes. He also held an aura similar to what you would find if you were to look at a wild beast.

"Finn Sturm." The other only male said. He also had red hair but he was not as long as his brothers. Nor did his orange eyes hold the same animalistic look his brothers did.

"Sera Rose." One of the girls said. She was by far the shortest out of all of them. She also held an expression of slight fright. She had long blond hair that fell down her face slightly as well as sapphire blue eyes.

"Brave Larison." One of the other girls said. She held herself up differently from the other ones. She seemed to be confident and cool. She had short brown hair and brown eyes.

"Fate Argonauts." The last girl said. She had black hair and blue eyes.

"Hold on Argonauts!"Jack said turning to look at Mr. Colin. " You never mentioned that the sister of the biggest asshole in the school would be joining my team." If Fate heard Jack slandering her brother's name she didn't show it instead staring forward.

Mr. Colin shrugged slightly. "You didn't ask."

"Well forget it!" Jack said turning around. "I would rather do anything than be responsible for another rich successful hard working prick joining." He said turning around.

Some of the kids began to shout but Jack was stopped from going in further by Mr. Colin. "How about this then." Mr. Colin said. "Since I'm bored I won't force you take care of these kids. In fact, I'll even let you move up to silver tier if you can hold my book for a second while I go get coffee." Jack silently eyed the book, Mr. Colin kept with him at all times. "Well?"

"Fine, I'll babysit the kids." Jack finally said turning to the brats. "When do we go on a mission?" He questioned not even bothering to try and hold the book.

"I'm glad you asked." Mr. Colin said opening his book. "Let's look shall we." He silently flipped through it as he looked for something. "Ahh. You will be embarking on a pretty basic quest. Says here it is only level three. But what is really odd is what happens after. Hmm... It seems you will be swamped for work Mr. Nine."

"What?"

Mr. Colin nodded along lightly as he read. "Yes. You have quite a bit to do. In two days you will lead your temporary team through a basic quest. Upon completion your team will be disbanded putting you solo again but, you will not be back to doing nothing. It says here that several groups actually have you marked down and wish to take you along as an extra... Oh dear. Many are mandatory..." Mr. Colin closed the book slowly looking up at Jack. "I am sad to inform you, Mr. Nine, that your free time has unfortunately been murdered."

Jack sighed running a hand through his hair. "Great..." He grumbled. "I suppose this all has to do with me getting that damn spirt right?" He questioned signing. "Just my luck. I was known as the fox for a while now and I get a fox spirit and now no one leaves me alone." Mr. Colin snorted slightly.

"Well, Mr. Nine. Look on the bright side. You are bound to get some decent training done." Mr. Colin informed his student. "And Gods know you need it."

Jack sighed again before among slightly. "Yeah... I suppose I do."