Drew Johnson (Chapter 1)

Welcome to the Johnson Estate, one of the most prestigious families in Kansai. The leader of this great country is none other than Mr. Johnson, and by the way, he’s expecting a son as we speak.

The doctor gently lifts the baby and smiles.

“It’s a healthy young boy.”

Mr. Johnson takes the child to examine him. Physically, everything is perfect, but when he tries to sense Materia… Nothing.

Disappointed, he shakes his head and drops the baby into Mrs. Johnson’s lap and turns toward the door to leave. But before he could, the baby began to cry.

Mr. Johnson stopped just shy of the door. The once-quiet room was filled with the baby's small cries. As he turned around, Mrs. Johnson spoke up.

“Now listen! Just because he doesn’t show the potential you're looking for right now doesn’t mean he can’t grow into it. Give this boy a chance. And while you’re at it… Give him a name.”

She looks down at the boy and gently cuddles him.

Mr. Johnson walks closer to the baby, but with each step, he feels as if something is missing. The air in the room becomes still, almost lifeless.

As Mr. Johnson clears his throat, the baby calms down. For the first time, a small smile appears on Mr. Johnson's face as he speaks.

“Drew. Drew Johnson is his name. We’ll try again in a couple of YeaRs…”

*Drew 13

*Zack 7

*Mr.  Johnson 33

*James Chronos 18

It’s been 4 months since Drew left the Johnson Estate. Since then, he’s been training relentlessly, physically and mentally. Trying to prove his worth.

Deep within the Boreal Forest between Kuoh and the Johnson territory, Drew stands in a clearing surrounded by aspens and firs, swinging an old blade. A cool spring breeze moves through the trees.

“743… 744… 745… 746… 747… 748… 749… 750…”

Drew exhales.

“Nice… beat my record by another 200.”

He pauses while looking down at his blade…

“But this still isn’t enough. All this training… Sharpening my senses… Studying the blade! It’s pointless!”

He grips his sword tighter.

“Zack’s already stronger than me. There has to be something I’m missing!”

He stares into his reflection through the blade

“If father barely uses Materia. Then there has to be another way.”

As Drew drifts deeper into thought, a figure slowly approaches in the distance.

Drew doesn’t notice.

“Oi. What’re you doing out here, kid?”

Startled, Drew spins and swings his sword.

The blade stops mid-strike… Completely halted.

No matter how much force he applies, it won’t move.

“That had some power behind it,” The man says with a grin. “You must be training, yeah?”

Drew narrows his eyes and speaks with suspicion.

“Yeah… What kind of trick did you use to stop my sword?”

The man laughs.

“No trick. Just the power I’ve gained from my travels and hardships.”

Drew attacks several times…

None connect.

“How are you doing that?! Not even my father can stop attacks like that!”

The man laughs again and speaks with a light-hearted tone…

“I like you, kid. I can see it in your eyes—you want strength. You want to prove something.”

He pauses and looks Drew in the eyes as he speaks.

“But that desire can become dangerous. Lose your will… or become obsessed with power… and you’ll lose sight of what you’re actually chasing.”

Drew sighs while rolling his eyes and says:

“If I wanted to hear some corny shit, I would’ve stayed home. Just tell me what it is, old man.”

“I’m not old. I’m 18,” the man snaps. “And for your information, I’m James Chronos IV—next in line for kingship.”

Drew pauses… shocked and a little impressed.

“So what the hell are you doing out here?”

“Heading to see Mr. Johnson. I’ve got information for him… about my father.”

Drew frowns.

“My father?”

“So you are Drew Johnson,” James says. “You’re pretty far from home. Close to the Kuoh border.”

“Yeah, no shit. I’m training.”

Drew looks away in annoyance.

“I just need to get stronger… no matter what. I’m tired of being weak. Tired of being looked down on. No respect… nothing.”

He clenches his fist.

“I just want to show the world what I can do.”

James studies him quietly.

“There are a lot of strong people in this world. If you want to stand among them, you have to give everything—every time.”

He steps closer.

“Because the moment you hesitate… lose focus… or lose motivation—you fall into a loop you won’t escape.”

He taps Drew’s chest and continues…

“Real strength comes from here. Lose belief in yourself… and you’ve already lost everything.”

Drew scratches his head.

“I kinda get it… But if that’s true, Zack has like zero motivation… And he’s still way stronger than me.”

James laughs.

“Different situation. He’s moving forward for reasons you don’t understand yet.”

“He’s 7, bro… relax,” Drew says as his eyes roll.

“HAHAHA. Then maybe you’re just weak,” James replies. “If you can’t see what drives him, he’s already surpassed you.”

“Aye, not too much now,” Drew mutters. “Anyway… thanks, I guess.”

James smirks.

“If you really want to get stronger, join C.U.G—the Capital United Government. Plenty of strong fighters there. You might even find a master of the sword.”

Drew looks interested.

“Father said C.U.G is dangerous. Contracts are one-sided.”

James shrugs.

“So what? You're gonna live by your father’s words forever… or walk your own path?”

He looks directly at him and speaks loudly and clearly:

“If he wanted you back, he would’ve already found you.”

Drew pauses… then nods.

“Yeah… you’re right.”

He looks up at the sky.

“Point me in the right direction, old man.”

“I’M NOT AN OLD MAN!!”

James exhales.

“You’ve got 3 years. You need to be at least 16 to sign a contract. So get as strong as you can before then.”

Drew smiles slightly.

“3 years, huh…”

“I’ll check on you if you’re still around,” James adds. “We can spar. But you gotta promise me something.”

“What?”

“No matter what happens, you keep moving forward. For yourself… and for the people who can’t.”

Drew nods.

“Deal.”

They shake hands.