The Prince: Reborn

Chapter 1: Rough Beginnings

Holimont City, Earth (Present Day) 

Loud energetic techno music blasted through the dark theater. In front was a large, empty stage that blinked with colorful strobe lights.  

"Ladies and Gents prepare to have your socks blown clean off!" A booming voice said over the speaker with excitement. 

A ringmaster in a red coat and black top hat walked onto the stage, microphone in hand. "To close out the show, we here at Cirque du Étranger are planning to unveil spectacles you only thought possible in a child's comic book!"  

The giant crowd began to cheer, clap and whistle as they waited on the edge of their seats. Jason Cross sat in his seat equally excited. Though he had seen this show every year on his birthday, they always added a new act which made going back worth it. Jason looked at his best friend, Rob, who was sitting next to him. Rob was a dark skinned teen with thick glasses. He was a lot more reserved, as he only sat quietly and watched with interest. 

Jason rolled his eyes and looked back to the show. The Ringmaster was leading a short boy wearing a long black and crimson cape to center stage. The boy looked to be about 17, a year older then Jason was, and had black spiked hair and dark brown eyes. His most defining feature was the scar that slashed down his left cheek.  

The Ringmaster smiled and put his arms around the boy. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like you to meet Max, THE boy wonder!"  

Max grinned ear to ear and lifted his arms up high. The crowd cheered even louder than they had been before. As the applause persisted for what felt like forever, a woman in a black dress waltzed onto the stage. She held a wooden bow and a quiver of arrows, which Max accepted immediately. 

The Ringmaster clutched the microphone and stepped out of the spotlight, leaving Max in center stage. "You see folks; Max here has a special gift. He is the best archer in the world! He has never missed a shot in his life."  

More assistants rushed out, each dragging a large target to the opposite end of the stage. The barrage of clapping persisted as Max dramatically pulled three arrows out of his quiver. Closing his eyes and breathing deeply, he raised his hand to silence the room. The crowd quickly complied. 

Max turned to the targets and drew all three arrows into the bow, taking in a deep breath. Jason watched in anticipation as Max released the bow, and sent the three arrows speeding toward each target. Each arrow separated and hit all three targets right in the center. The crowd erupted into applause and the music blasted through the speakers. While the assistants set up for the next trick, Max just stood there and soaked in the approval of the audience.  

"How do you think he does it?" Jason yelled to Rob as he clapped loudly.  

"My guess is he uses a series of counter weights and magnets to give the illusion--"  

"Never mind, forget I asked," Jason interrupted. Sometimes Rob was too smart for his own good. 

As the crowd finally settled down, Max produced a blindfold out of his back pocket and quickly tied it around his head. He stood perfectly still as an assistant spun him around a few times, purposely facing him away from the targets. Max smiled and waited for the signal. The crowd naturally went silent, as a drum roll sounded. Suddenly, Max jumped and turned, and all in the same motion grabbed an arrow and launched it at the first target. Bulls-eye. Before the people could process what just happened, Max grabbed another arrow, pointed in the direction of the next target and released. A direct hit. As quickly as before he shot the last target right on spot. Another perfect shot.  

After a moment of silence, the cheering erupted louder than before. Max tore off his blindfold and laughed to himself. 

"And now, for our grand finale, we have something very special" The ringmaster said as he took center stage.