Deep inside the City of Tranquility lies an idyllic yet deserted town—a quaint hidden gem known as Aurora Village. Here, the scent of pine and citrus evokes another era entirely, with streets winding lazily through lush, rolling hills. Though not large, the village feels almost ethereal in its charm. It retains a traditional atmosphere, combining peace with timeless beauty, but beneath the serenity lies an undertone of mystery, as if the town harbors unspoken secrets.
“Because of heavy traffic, I got bored,” Hearst complained to his elder brother. “Would you like hot chocolate with me, Commodore?” The stubborn Hearst was already brewing a cup in the kitchen.
Commodore shook his head. “I don’t like sweets.” Soon, he noticed their parents at the door, smiling warmly.
“I brought you chocolate ice cream, Hearst,” Lenora said, handing it to him. But when she saw the hot chocolate in his cup, she smiled. “I’ll put the ice cream in the refrigerator since you already have that.”
“Okay, Mum!” Hearst responded cheerfully.
Commodore, however, wasn’t expecting anything. He had never experienced a surprise in his life and hated moments like these, as they made him feel jealous. But he quickly buried the emotion—he despised letting feelings ruin his day. Music was his refuge, and he would retreat to his room to play instruments, using melodies as a cure for the bitterness inside him.
Meanwhile, Don Derwent Spike roamed through Aurora Village in his favorite jeep. The village was also home to Mr. Kinsley, an influential resident. Don Derwent, a middle-aged man of considerable power, came from a family of renowned politicians. Known as a strict soldier and reckless in his youth, he had once been a pilot. But over time, he preferred wielding his influence in the City of Tranquility, shaping its affairs to his liking.
Derwent visited Nero, his old friend, who now lived next to Mr. Kinsley. In the Kinsley household, Lenora was tidying up Hearst’s mess in the kitchen, her grace still evident in her every movement.
“Aurora Village? Still around, huh?” Derwent asked Nero, his former classmate and close friend.
“She has two sons now, and she’s forgotten about you,” Nero replied, laughing as he turned from the window and sank into a chair. “Let’s have some coffee first, Derwent.”
A flicker of confusion passed over Derwent’s face, but he let it go. “That’s strange,” he muttered.
Upstairs, Lenora peered out the window and saw Derwent’s familiar jeep. Her heart raced, panic rising in her chest. “No, it can’t be!”
Determined, Commodore decided to follow his mother upstairs. Meanwhile, Hearst was hiding nearby and suddenly tickled his older brother, catching Commodore off guard.
“Why are we hiding?” Hearst asked with a playful grin, noticing how shaken their mother appeared. “Is she scared?”
“I don’t know,” Commodore whispered. “Let’s find out.” He started climbing the stairs cautiously.
When Mr. Kinsley arrived home, he kissed Lenora. Her fear vanished at the sight of him.
“Have you eaten?” he asked, noticing she was still wearing her apron.
Upstairs, Hearst and two of Kinsley’s friends gathered, unaware of what was happening below.
“Let’s eat together,” Lenora said. “I’ll call Hearst.”
But Hearst didn’t wait—he bolted down the stairs and threw himself into his father’s arms.
Kinsley laughed and pinched his son’s nose. “You stubborn boy! You’ve grown so much. After lunch, we’ll head to the academy for Commodore. Are you ready?”
“We are!” Hearst exclaimed with excitement. “I’ll go tell him now.”
“No,” Lenora interjected softly. “I’ll tell him.”
“Are you sure?” Kinsley and Hearst asked in unison.
A heavy weight settled on Lenora’s heart, but she knew it was time to let her son go. It took all her strength to open the door to Commodore’s room.
“Commodore, can we talk?” she asked gently.
“No. I’m busy reading this thick book from Granddad,” Commodore replied curtly. “I’ll put up a ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ sign, so you’ll know not to knock.” His voice carried the weight of frustration, as if he bore a lifetime of disappointments.
“Son, we’re going to Reagan Owen Academy. Get ready before anything else happens,” Mr. Kinsley’s voice crackled over the portable two-way radio.
Commodore brought the radio to his mother. “Dad gave me a walkie-talkie so he wouldn’t have to come up here. I appreciate it.”
Lenora left the room, bewildered by her son’s obsession with the mask he wore. She longed for him to take it off, but guilt gnawed at her—perhaps she had let things go too far.
Mr. Kinsley was determined to enroll Commodore at ROA. Inspired by Major Leomord’s belief in Hearst’s potential, Kinsley saw his youngest son as his next triumph.
That afternoon, they arrived at Reagan Owen Academy, where Mr. Dark Nero awaited them. Nero was eager to meet Kinsley’s sons and found them intriguing.
As the security guard opened the office doors, Nero welcomed them warmly. Despite his ominous name, Nero wore a white coat, had a pixie-cut hairstyle, and a compass tattooed on his chest. His smile was broad and sincere. “Finally, I get to meet them, Mr. Kinsley.”
Nero’s gaze lingered on Commodore’s stainless steel mask.
“Why do you wear that mask?” Nero asked curiously.
“That’s why I wanted to speak with you,” Mr. Kinsley explained. “The mask is important to my son. I need your permission for him to wear it, and I’ll explain why it’s necessary.”
Nero shook his head. “Don Derwent Spike will never allow that. I’ll need to speak with him first. By the way, where’s your wife?”
“She’s waiting in the car,” Kinsley replied.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dark Nero,” Commodore and Hearst said in unison.
“The pleasure’s mine,” Nero replied with a grin.
Commodore glanced at his golden wristwatch. “I need to sleep now,” he whispered, making sure no one could hear him clearly.
Suddenly, Hearst ran off down the academy hall, with Commodore chasing after him.
“Don’t run! Stay close!” Commodore shouted.
A startled woman nearly screamed when she saw the silver-masked boy. Commodore quickly covered her mouth, not wanting to cause a scene.
“Take off that mask, you crazy boy!” the woman demanded. “Or are you just a coward? Show me your face.”
Commodore smirked. “My face isn’t cheap, Mademoiselle. I don’t want trouble, so I’ll leave now.”
As he walked away, Don Derwent Spike approached, his eyes fixed on the boy. Wearing a yellow-gold coat with a black vest, Derwent’s husky voice cut through the air. “What’s your secret?”
“I’m just wearing a stainless steel mask,” Commodore replied calmly. “Who are you?”
“Take it off and show me how brave you are,” Derwent sneered.
“I can’t do that,” Commodore said flatly.
Derwent lunged to grab the mask, but Commodore swatted his hand away.
Derwent’s grin twisted into a snarl as he seized Commodore by the collar. “If I ever see your face, I’ll become your worst nightmare.”
Commodore stared back defiantly. “Then I’ll become your greatest dream. You may not know me, but I know exactly who you are.”
With a violent shove, Derwent released him, leaving Commodore sprawled on the ground.