Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

[March 2015]

John rustled within his bed. Memories, more akin to nightmares, invaded his sleep. He could barely remember how many people there were during the incident, they were nothing but a blur as he tore through them.

He slammed his fist into the ground, cracking through the dirt, and sending a shockwave that blasted the ones that stood before him in his way.

A dozen other students were taken out so easily with a few crescent blades, copied from the previous King, Zirian. Was he one of them? It didn't matter to John, as long he didn't see them get back up.

The few that had the bright idea to try and run away did no better, he had aimed at their legs to prevent them from going anywhere. Did he fire beams at them? Or had he shattered their knees with one well-placed kick?

It all blended together.

How could the sound of crunching and snapping bones have felt so satisfying?

What had he become?

Monster

John jolted from his unrest, sitting upright as he tried to get ahold of his breathing. His fingers dug deeply into his blanket, knuckles turned white. Though maybe it didn't make a difference, he already looked like a ghost of himself.

He wiped the sweat off his brow with his trembling forearm, a constant occurrence after waking up. He hadn't had a single good night's rest in the weeks since he returned from those 3 months of readjustment classes.

That thought pushed out a shaky laugh John didn't know he had. Who was he to complain about not sleeping well? Who was he to think he deserved something like that? After what he did to everyone? To Adrion? The one person who had his back through it all...almost.

It was his own fault, Adrion did what he thought was right, and it was right. He was out of control, he wouldn't stop, he never would've.

Claire popped into his mind and John's restless frustration returned. How could he feel sorry for her? She used him from even before the beginning, he was nothing but a pawn to use to secure her protection, and when he didn't do what she expected, she turned tail and lied again to try and take him down. She was fake! A damn snake! She—

And again, their unconscious bodies lay before him, beaten and bloodied.

And still...she didn't deserve it.

John sighed, pulling the blanket over him again as he laid back down. It was an inescapable situation, those memories will replay whether he was awake or not, but at least there was a chance he can get away from them.

A chance to be unaware that he became the thing he hated the most.

A gentle knock took John out of his half-slumbering state. It's his dad, William, no one else it could be. There was a chance John would've spoken but he was just too tired, his body wouldn't let him.

He knew that wouldn't stop Dad. He heard the soft turning of the door knob as he came into the room, wearing some business casual attire, his hair gelled as always.

"Hey, John, you awake?." He calls out, a warm tone in his voice as always.

John turns over to give him a glance to signal he's awake. His father has his work satchel hanging from his shoulder with a plate of food in hand: Eggs, Bacon, Toast, as well as a cup of OJ.

"Okay, good to see, no one likes eating cold eggs!" William tried to joke, to the silence of his son.

"Ahem. I came to drop off breakfast. You barely leave your room and you already looked thinner when you got back. We gotta get you back some meat on your bones, heh heh." Another joke William hopes John reacts someway too. A chuckle, groan, anything.

But he doesn't. He's only met with tired amber eyes.

William's heart sank. She had the same look, the last time he ever saw her.

William looked down at John's desk, setting the food there.

It hurts to see those eyes look like that.

"I have to go to a meeting to discuss the details of my book, I'll be gone for a while. Might take all day, might take a couple of hours, not sure."

"...okay."

William could barely hear the word come from John's voice, but it was something, at least.

He goes to head out of John's room, before suddenly stopping. He turns around, pulling something from his bag, a book.

"They sent me a copy of the book. I thought you could read it, maybe it could help you get your mind off... you know." William explains, walking towards John's bedside and putting it next to the food.

He reaches his hand out, wanting to rustle John's hair, but something about his action makes John pull away, turning his head to face the wall.

William could've sworn he saw John's face fill with fear.

He doesn't attempt to try again.

"I'll see you in a little while, John. I love you."

A deep breath in, a deep breath out.

"Shit, Dad."

Of course, he had to be such a loving parent. Such a compassionate human being. So much better than John deserved.

John eyes the plate of food and cup of juice before he finally gives in to his stomach's rumbling. Even if he can't do it for himself, he'll do it so his dad doesn't worry.

It wasn't fair how good it tasted.

With the meal finished, John then glanced at the book Dad left for him. With a little effort, he reached over and grabbed the book from his desk. He turned on his desk light to help him see.

Taking a moment to look at the cover. The majority of the book was maroon-colored, with the spine of it being blue. The title was golden.

"Unordinary..." John opened the book to the first page with text on it.

This book is dedicated to my son.

"So embarrassing..." John mumbled.

He ignored the small bit of peace that filled his heart.

John was never good with reading through loads of words. At best, he'd get through one chapter before needing to rest his eyes.

"Alright... chapter one."

John read the whole book in one go.

Don't ask him how. He just couldn't put the book down.

John closed the book softly and set it to his side. He brought his legs to his chest, securing them in place with his arms.

He closed his eyes and in his mind visualized the man of Unordinary, surrounded by those who he helped with his power, whose lives were changed for the better, they loved him.

And right in the center was John, who stared at the man in amazement and wonder.

This man, in a world where no one could have stopped him from doing whatever he wanted, in a world full of those that society would label "beneath him", "worthless trash", that he could treat with as he pleased, everything he did was done to give them a better world to live in.

John takes a step forward toward the figure.

Dad, I know what you're trying to tell me.

Another step.

You want me to believe that I could become like him.

Another step.

That this power of mine can be used for something good.

John takes another step but his movement is halted. He turns behind him, and a shadowy figure was gripping him by the right arm. It resembled...Claire.

But is that even possible?

Another figure restricts his left arm. A shadow of Adrion.

I was corrupted by my power.

John felt someone's hand grip the top of his head. He didn't even need to look to see who that was supposed to be.

I'm not brave. I'm not compassionate. I hurt so many people. I caused so much pain.

Hands made of darkness took form and wrapped themselves around John's throat.

John looked into the being in front of him. Its hollow orange eyes glowed with an engulfing heat, it felt as if he was staring at a poor imitation of the sun. So fitting that this shadow resembled him.

I'm a monster.

John closes his eyes, if he had been struggling against them before, he certainly wasn't now.

I should be left to fade away in the background, there are others who could fill that role...

...

...But...maybe...

John opened his eyes, the shadows that held him back, that constricted him, were gone. All that stood before him was the man of unOrdinary, who looked down at John.

John doesn't know how it happen, but in one swift motion, the man had taken his cape and draped it along John's shoulders.

John hesitated, before gripping and tugging the cape closer to himself like it was a blanket protecting him from the chills of a cold, dark night. He looked up at the man, he could feel the tears running down his face.

...Maybe if I really tried...

Most of the man's face was undefined, a blank canvas essentially.

But he saw the ghost of a smile that somehow displayed so much warmth, with a thumbs-up.

I could be like him.

John startled awake, his knees still tugged to his chest as they were. He must've dozed off. He noticed the tears that began to fall down his cheeks. It felt so much more real than it should've.

A knock at his door startled him a second time.

"Hey, John, It's Dad. I got home ear—"

John didn't waste time, he lunged out of his bed and roughly pulled the door open, surprising his Dad.

"Woah, John! Everything al—

William wouldn't finish his sentence as he was cut off by John pulling him into a very tight hug.

"I want to be better, Dad." He heard through John's voice, a cracking in its sound.

"John?"

"I don't want to be this person I hate anymore. I...I don't want to be someone that causes so much pain. I want to be good...do the right thing...but..."

William wrapped his arms around his son, returning the hug. "But what, John?"

"I don't know if I deserve to...I don't know if I can...I —" His voice cracked again. "I'm afraid that I'll fail, that I'll never be able to become better. That I'm destined to be an uncontrollable mess...

"I'm afraid of myself. I'm afraid of my ability."

"Kiddo..." William had never seen his son so emotional...so vulnerable.

Those readjustment classes...

He clenched the back of his son's shirt.

What did they do to his son?

"I'm...I'm sorry, John. If I was born with an ability, I could give you better guidance, but I can't. I'm...sorry.

I'm sorry she's not here to help you.

"But...Power isn't inherently a bad thing, John. Almost nothing is, it's how it's used that makes it good or bad."

"That's the point! I...I used it to hurt and destroy."

"But that's not your only option. You can use it to help and protect others too."

"But what if I—

"If you only worry about the worst you can do, how can you ever become better?"

"I..."

William sighed. "John. We all make mistakes. Some are bigger than others, but what many in this world aren't able to do is acknowledge that and use it as a way to become better. Look at me, John."

It's difficult, but John does it.

"I believe in you. I always have. I know that once you've set your sights on something, practically nothing will stop you from getting it. You became this strong in less than 2 years of using your ability, no matter what, it's an unbelievable event."

William tapped John's chest with his fist.

"If you want to change, to become a version of yourself that's better than who you are now, I know you'll be able to achieve it. I'll be with you all the way."

John took a moment to breathe and collect himself.

"Thank you, Dad. F-For everything." John let go of his dad but still leaned his head onto the older man's chest.

William hesitated before gently ruffling his son's hair. Seeing that John doesn't flinch, he continues with a smile.

Wanting to lighten the mood, William throws his arm around John's shoulder and starts walking with him. "Well, how bout we start off on a high note? Let's get some hand-to-hand and endurance work in today, then we'll go out for some Boba as a reward!"

John cocked an eyebrow. "I thought you didn't like it? You always said it was too sweet."

William waved away his son's question with a smile. "I've grown a fondness for it since you've been away. The pineapple flavor is definitely the best!"

The look on John's face was one of disgust and disappointment.

"What— No way, Mango is obviously superior. You got bad taste."

William faked a gasp. "How dare thee! I don't have bad taste! Clearly, it's an acquired taste."

"Yeah, acquired from having the worst tastebuds ever."

"I'm done with this topic!"

A silence hung over the two before they begin to have a small fit of laugh together. 

This...This was nice.

Chapter Text

[Mid-July 2015]

John and his father sigh in relief as they enter their home, hit by the air conditioning that helped cooled them down.

"God...damn it, Dad." John muttered, catching his breath. "What made you think...going for a run...on the hottest day of the fucking year...was ever a good idea?!" He was exhausted, giving himself just enough of a push to throw himself onto the side of the couch.

William couldn't be bothered and instead laid flat on the floor, also taking deep breaths. "Clearly...old age has...impacted my critical thinking."

John held up three of his fingers. "You owe me...that many boba visits...on the house."

"That's...yeah...that's fair."

As quick and competent as he could, William grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge. Ice cold, just what they needed.

"Here...before you die of heat stroke." He threw the bottle of water toward John.

The bottle slipped through John's fingers and instead hit him dead center in the face.

"Agh..fuck!"

William spat out his water and laughed at his son. "So much for that reflex training!"

"Oh shut up, it happens!" John didn't argue beyond that, he just wanted the water. He ripped the cap off and chugged the fuck out of it.

"Jeez, John, slow down."

John directed a finger in his dad's direction, 'Silence'.

William rolled his eyes with a smile. Punk.

After finishing his water, John aimed and threw the bottle toward the kitchen trash can, making it in easily, raising his fists into the air lazily.

"Suck it!"

"Who?"

"The world?" John shrugged.

William hummed and nodded. "Agreed."

For a moment, William hesitated on bringing up the topic but went ahead with it. The sooner the better.

"So, John, do you know what Adrion and Claire have been up to?"

John visibly stiffened, eyes shifted to look at the floor.

"No, I don't." He ran a hand through his messy hair, a common action when he begins to feel uncomfortable.

"Don't see why I would. Adrion probably wants nothing to do with me." The look in John's eyes darkens. "And I especially don't want anything to do with that bitch."

The choice of wording made his dad frown. "I know what happened caused bad blood between you two, but you still hate her that much?"

"I..." John gripped his hair from frustration. "Whenever I think of her, all I see is her beaten down on the ground and I know—I fucking know that I went too far..."

John's tone became much harsher. "But then I see her with all those people...everyone that she gathered behind my back...and I remember how much of a snake she was! How much she betrayed me! It's hard to even call it that when she was just using it from the start!"

William grew confused and concerned. "John, what are you talking about? Claire using you? She's not like that—"

"Bullshit she's not!" John shouted. "I've seen it a thousand fucking times! She knew how strong I'd get and wanted..."

He went silent for a moment.

"She wanted to get closer to me to secure a top spot in the hierarchy. Like I was just a fucking lapdog..."

William grew perplexed and even more worried. Seen it a thousand times? What does that mean, John?

A terrible feeling of heartache made its way into John as it all came out again. "Our friendship was nothing but bullshit."

"John."

"All she wanted was to help herself!"

"John, listen to—"

"She never gave a damn about me!"

"John, that's enough!"

William had barely raised his voice, but there was a change, and John knew that he should stop.

"I can't say I know the whole situation, I really can't. After the readjustment classes, you never spoke about her or Adrion. But everything you're saying about the girl, I can't believe that. If that was true, she wouldn't have come to me in tears worried about you."

Now it was John's turn to take a step back.

"She what?"

"You were out training and she came knocking at the door. She told me you were hurting people and you wouldn't stop. Nothing was getting through to you: not her, not Adrion, or the teachers. She thought if they couldn't, maybe I finally could." William pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.  "John, the girl could barely speak through her tears."

John's heart was beating rapidly, he couldn't stand still. That isn't right, it couldn't be.

"No way...bullshit!" John shoved a finger at William. "If she really did that, why did you never tell me?!"

William sighed. "I did, John." No frustration. No anger. An unwavering calmness.

"No! No, you..." It took John longer than it should've, but the memory soon resurfaced from his subconscious.

His dad cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs, a personal favorite of John's.

"Claire came to talk to me today. She said you were getting into unnecessary fights, is it true?"

"Seriously? She went and snitched on me?" John leaned back in his chair. "So fucking nosy, she needs to mind her business."

"Hey! Don't talk about your friends like that."

"Friend? Yeah right. Always thinking she knows better than me, so annoying!"

"John, you need to check yourself. You're taking this power you've been given for granted. If you forget where you came from, it'll only make it worse."

"Seriously, you're siding with her over your own son?!"

"Don't even try that, this isn't about taking sides!"

John roughly pushed away his plate of food and got up from the dinner table.

"Fuck this! I can't even eat my dinner in peace. I'm going to my room!"

"John, get back here! We aren't finished!" William called out, standing up from the dinner table.

John stopped walking and turned his head, just enough for his dad to see his eyes glow.

"Or what?  What can a cripple do about it?"

John smacked himself in the face.

Damn it.

Such a piece of shit.

"I'm sorry for all that crap I said."

William waved it away. "Apologizing to me isn't important, I just want you to acknowledge what happened and move on to be better than it."

William placed a hand on John's shoulder again.

"You've been doing so well these past 4 months. But I think this is what's been missing, what can really help you recover from all this. Adrion and Claire, you need to speak to them, to finally clear the air between you all."

John couldn't look into his dad's eyes. Something in him knew that his dad was right, but the memories of her were still too painful to remember, how could he even face her now?

"I...I don't know..." John gently pulled away from his father's hold, and William let him.

He went to the door, twisting the knob. "I'm going for another run."

"John, it's still like 98 degrees out there."

The boy shrugged, "Guess I'm a masochist. See you in a little bit." John left out the door.

"John..."

The longer William spent time with his son, the more he could see how the readjustment classes had affected him and how much it took to get better from them. John never opened up about the specifics, and William could never get him to.

He nodded, it was determined. Tonight, they're going to have a talk, John will tell him what went on in those classes.

Though, for the moment, something else took precedence as he pulled up his phone's search bar.

"The hell's a masochist?"

John was already at his limit, but he wouldn't stop running. Not till he got through the thoughts that enveloped his mind.

There's no way...

It played through his head more times than he could count. On the rooftop, Adrion told him what Claire was doing. How she had always been using him.

Adrion doesn't lie. Not ever. Not even when it screws him over.

So...It had to be true, didn't it?

It had to be!

I've spent all these months knowing it was just a facade!

John finally gave out, his body forced his legs to stop for rest.

How...

How could it have actually meant something?

John coughed as he wiped the sweat off his forehead with his shirt. His throat went dry again. Fucking running, fucking heat.

But once John took notice of where he was, he saw he was pretty close to the local U-Mart.

Guess he got lucky.

It was a quick run-in. Looked pretty slow, but easier for John. He kept his head down. If one of his previous classmates saw him—He didn't finish the thought. He grabbed a couple of energy drinks from the cooler display. Drink one now, the rest for later.

He went down to the closest register and sent his items along the conveyor.

"You got the hang of it?" The voice of a young woman, a couple of years older than John by the sound of it, asked.

"Yeah, it's pretty easy now." A young man responded.

John hummed, someone must have been getting trained today. He was too busy fiddling with his wallet to take notice of who it was.

"Okay, $3.20. Will that be..."

The boy's voice trailed off.

John didn't think much of it, probably just nerves.

He finally looked up at the cashier. "Can you break a 50—"

Spiky blonde hair.

The bill crumpled in John's fist as it tightened.

No...

Warm, Forest-Green colored eyes.

His breathing constricts.

What is he doing here?

A nametag, pinned to the left side of his blue apron, over a white shirt and blue jeans.

Adrion.

The suffocating silence was broken by the woman with royal blue hair training Adrion.

"You two know each other?" She asked, holding the bag with John's items in it.

"We..."

Adrion didn't know what to say. What could he say? That this is the guy that used to be his best friend before he hospitalized half of their graduating class more than half a year ago?!

John practically dropped off the face of the Earth after what happened. Adrion thought he may have moved somewhere. Clearly not!

Wait...

Why was John shaking?

Why was John shaking more than him?

Adrion hesitantly reached for the bill in John's hand. "Y-Yeah, I have enough for that..." Adrion tapped his hand on John's fist.

On contact, John slammed the bill down and snatched his bag from the woman.

"Hey, easy!"

John barely heard her as he dashed out of the exit.

"What's his deal?" She asked Adrion, a bit annoyed now.

"I...It's complicated."

She shrugged and crossed her arms, "Whatever."

"...What do I do with this?" Adrion was looking down at the 50-dollar bill.

"Keep the change I suppose."

"Don't we give the leftover to the office?"

"No way, they're a bunch of dickweeds. Keep it for yourself, I know your mom could use it."

"O-Okay."

The thought of John's face just then ran through Adrion's head.

He didn't look like the John he had known. The angry, rage-filled glare wasn't there.

John was afraid.

What happened to him?

John ran out of the store as quickly as he could, he wasn't supposed to see him again.

Not so soon...

...Not ever.

John barely made it to the crosswalk before he stopped, almost tripping over himself.

But...

This is what he needed to do.

He...He needed to face him at least. To finally get a grasp on what was really happening while he was blinded by power. To tell him what he needed to say.

He owes his best—

He owes Adrion that much.

"Thanks for shopping at U-Mart! Come again!" Adrion spoke farewell to the customer.

His trainer, Chloe, nodded in approval. "Overly obnoxious positivity, you're a better faker than most."

Adrion blinked at her. "But I'm being genuine?"

She blinked back at him. "Wow."

Adrion wasn't sure how to respond. He didn't need to, she spoke up again, looking off to the side. "Oh great, a case of Deja Vu has come our way."

Adrion turned back to where she was looking, "What are you—"

John was back in line.

"Oh no."

Adrion clasp his hands over his mouth, but it was too late, the words had already left.

"H-Hey." John spoke.

Adrion could barely hear what John said, but it was clear enough.

"H-Hey?" He returned.

"Do...Do you have some time to talk?"

"...I'm kinda in the middle of a shift."

...

John blinked at him before scratching his head. "Oh, right. Of course."

...

"I didn't think this through."

"Maaaan, this is hard to watch." Chloe interrupted from behind. She placed a hand on Adrion's shoulder. "You've pretty much got it down, go clock out for the day. From the looks of it, you two really need to get this worked out."

Adrion is hesitant but takes one more look at John.

His eyes, they're practically pleading all on their own.

He looks back at Chloe with a nod.

Maybe this could be good.

Chapter Text

The walk was awkward, to say the least.

They took seating on park benches. It was in the shade and provided a much-needed relief, they were a godsend.

Adrion shifted around while he sat, the tension making it hard to get comfortable.

He's so different from what he was before. He wanted to talk...but he hasn't said anything since we sat down. Should I say something?

"Adrion..."

John finally spoke, snapping Adrion out of his thoughts.

"Y-Yeah?"

"How...have things been?"

"Oh, you know. They've been...happening."

"You've started working?"

Adrion looked away, staring at the ground. "Summer break rolled around, so I figured I might as well. We need all the help we can get..."

John frowned. He remembered Adrion's household not being very financially stable now that he thought about it.

The hospital bills must have taken a toll on them.

Why does he always make things worse?

"What about you?"

John was pulled back to now. "Huh?"

"I heard that you had to spend a couple months doing those re-adjustment classes or something..." Adrion looked John up and down. "Did they help?"

John looked off to the side. "Sure, let's go with that."

...Yeah, totally not foreboding... A sweatdrop trickled down Adrion's face.

John grunted, rubbing his eyes. He was wasting time, he needed to just get it out already.

"Adrion, I...I'm sorry."

John glances at him. Adrion didn't need to say anything, his face showed it all.

"I'm sorry for all the crap I put you through. I'm sorry for treating you like shit. I'm—"

He choked up.

John composed himself. "I'm sorry I was such a shitty person."

He felt a firm grip on his shoulder, Adrion's gotten stronger.

"...Thanks, John, I appreciate it. I'm just glad to see you're doing better."

John let go of a breath hitched in his throat.

Hearing those words felt so much better than he thought it would.

"So, after summer's over, where do you plan on going to school?" Adrion asked. He wasn't as nervous and seemed a bit chipper even. 

John rested his chin in the palm of his hand. He didn't want to go anywhere that was close, he had run through so many turf wars with the other nearby schools that whether they wanted him or not, he definitely wouldn't want to be there.

"We were looking for somewhere that was...pretty far away from here. Dad and I figured...Wellston was a good place to try."

Adrion eyes went wide. "Woah, really? Wellston's a pretty snazzy place. That's the best school in the region, ain't it?"

John shrugged. "That's what they say, guess that's why their entrance exams were such a pain in the ass."

Adrion laughed a little.

It was nice to hear.

"We sent in my admissions form a week ago, it's gonna take a bit to get back to us."

"Well, good luck! I hope you get in!" Adrion gave him a thumbs-up.

John smiled just a little. "Thanks, Adrion. I appreciate it."

Adrion hesitated for a moment but followed through, he pulled out his phone. "Has your phone number changed? I'd like it if we could find a time to hang out...like we used to."

That stunned John, Adrion was so willing to mend their bond back to something normal.

"Y-Yeah, I got a new phone a bit ago, I'll put it in for you."

"Sure! I'll do the same for you."

The pair swapped phones and put their numbers in, then swapped back.

"You know, if you haven't yet, you should talk things out with Claire." Adrion moves his hand to reach for John's phone again. "I can give you her number if you need it."

John stiffens, pulling away slightly.

"Adrion...tell me the truth." John's expression becomes serious as he turns to face the other boy.

"John?" Adrion was confused, he didn't know what John meant.

"Claire, she knew how strong I would get, and used me in order to get to the top."

Adrion's heartbeat rose in an instant.

"When she couldn't control me, she gathered all of our classmates in order to take me down."

He grips the denim of his jeans.

"That's what you told me back then, wasn't it?"

Adrion's eyes shifted away from John's. How could I forget...Claire and I didn't see him again after what happened. He still thinks Claire...

"That's why she did everything she did, right?" John moved closer, his tone sounding as if he was pleading for it to be the case.

He needs to know the truth. Claire doesn't deserve to be misjudged like that.

"I was wrong."

John was deadly silent, for a moment.

"What do you mean you were wrong?" His tone was harsher than he meant it to be.

"Claire cared more about you than I ever did. She...What I heard her say to Zirian, wasn't true. She only said that to convince him to gather people loyal to him...

"At the hospital, she told me she had seen a vision of her and all the other students confronting you. She thought if you saw all the people you were hurting, that maybe...maybe she could get you back to how you were. But...you didn't. She was the one that had actually tried to bring you back."

Adrion clenched his fists.

"I couldn't do it. I was too scared, too scared to get beaten, too scared to lose my best friend. I didn't do anything to help and when I did it didn't matter, you were too far gone."

Adrion hears John breathe out a shaky breath. A glance shows John's breathing heavy, he's shaking like he did earlier.

"I'm sorry that you've thought of her like that for this long."

"I...No!" John stood up, anger rising in his voice. "There's no way that's why she did it! If she really had a problem with everything I did, she should've talked to me instead of going my back and getting everyone else involved!"

"She did try!" Adrion stood up, he needed John to understand. "So many times she did! But every time she tried, you ignored or pushed her away!"

Adrion stopped, he hadn't realized he was yelling back.

"It wasn't any different when I tried either." A somber tone in Adrion's voice as he said that.

"She...I..." Flashes of memories ran through John's head, just as others did so many other times.

"If I could just copy your ability, I wouldn't need to waste my time waiting on your damn visions!"

―

"John, stop! You're gonna get in trouble again!"

"So what?! Who gives a shit?!"

I shoved her away, pushing her into Adrion.

"Back off! Don't tell me what to do!"

―

"I'm King, so stop telling me what to do. It's embarrassing for people to think I'm taking orders from a Low-Tier."

"I'm just trying to help you, John. If you keep doing this, you're gonna keep getting in trouble. You're already suspended!"

I waved her off. "If they wanted me expelled, they would've done it already. Clearly, they aren't interested in getting rid of their strongest student in history.

―

"Come on, you can't bail out on me like this!"

"I've told you already, John. I don't like seeing you go overboard on those guys."

I groaned. It's always the same shit with her.

"You're being soooo overdramatic." I sigh. "But, fine. I'll try to go easy on them, now let's go." I turned away to head to the Turf War grounds.

"Really? You promise this time?"

"Yeah, yeah, I promise. Let's grab a drink before we go."

"O-Okay, sure!"

John could hear a smile in her voice. Cute.

―

"This has to stop! These people you fight at turf wars, haven't even done anything to you. You don't need to go any farther, you've already won." Adrion tried his best to plead with me.

I didn't want to hear it, so I socked him across the face.

"Shut up! You don't know shit, so just shut up! If I don't beat them down, they'll do it to me!"

I threw Adrion to the ground.

"Neither of you gets it! Of course you wouldn't! You get to hide in my shadow away from all the fights like cowards!"

"John, stop!!"

Claire grabbed ahold of my left arm, trying to stop me.

"Adrion's our friend! We're on the same side!"

I slammed my elbow into her face.

"Get the hell off me! What the fuck is wrong with you two?! Why do you never have my back?!"

"Because you always go too far!" Claire yelled back, cupping her bruised cheek with her hand. "They weren't even trying to fight you at this point and you still kept going! Why can't you ever just stop when they've gone down?!"

"Because everyone hit me when I was down!"

"But you don't have to be like them!"

"Fuck off! I'll do whatever the hell I want!"

―

"WHY DID YOU BETRAY ME, CLAIRE?! DID I REALLY MEAN NOTHING TO YOU?!"

Claire smacked him away, imprinting a red hand mark on his cheek.

"TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF!

"YOU'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR REASONS TO HURT OTHERS!

"YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT ANYONE ANYMORE!

"YOU TYRANT, YOU HYPOCRITE!

"You..."

"I NEVER SHOULD HAVE HELPED YOU!"

"SHUT UP!"

"I WISH I NEVER MET YOU!"

"I SAID SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

...

"Monster."

"Damn it!"

He slammed his fists into the sides of his head, John couldn't handle it.

"J-John, calm down, please!" Adrion wanted to move, but his instincts prevented him from doing so, he didn't want to get caught in the crossfire.

"What the hell was wrong with me?!"

John took aim at the bench he had sat on, slamming his foot into it.

"I always fucked everything up!"

He broke the bench in two.

He snapped his head to look at Adrion. The boy had his arms out shielding his face, he was almost kneeling.

He was scared.

"...Fuck." He muttered. He messed up again. He walked past Adrion, he needed to go back home. "I'm sorry, I'll leave."

"Wait, John!" 

John halted, turning back to look at him. Adrion was...holding out some money?

"Y-Your change, you left it back at the store."

"O-Oh. U-Uh, thanks..." John slowly grabs the money and puts it in his pocket, caught off-guard by the action.

"I'm sure you're doing your best at getting better, s-so don't let this stop you, alright?"

John gives him a tired look. "I'll...try."

Adrion doesn't stop him again. He makes it home.

John barely makes it into the living room before dropping to his knees.

All that time I spent cursing her...When I was the one with my head so far up my ass I couldn't see they were just trying to help me...

"Woah, John, you alright?" William rushed over to his son's side, coming from his office after hearing the door open. "That must've been a pretty intense run..."

"I saw him today...I saw Adrion." John mumbled, loud enough for William to hear it.

"You did?" William looked John up and down. "How did it go?"

"He's forgiven me if you could believe it."

William smiles and nods. "Well, I'm glad. He's always been a kind boy, it'd be nice to see you two hanging out again."

"You were right, Dad, about Claire, Adrion told me what she was really trying to do, she didn't betray me." John could barely look him in the eye. "I betrayed them."

William softly ruffled John's unkempt, slightly damped hair. "Remember, John. Hating yourself over what happened in the past isn't going to solve anything.  Learn from it, be better."

"I know, I know."

William helped pulled his son up before speaking. "Moving on from that, John. I want you to go take a shower, dry yourself up, then come see me."

John cocked an eyebrow. "Why, what's going on?"

William sighed.

"I want you to tell me what happened in those rehabilitation classes."

John did what his dad said: Shower, dry off, and go to him after. They sat adjacent to each other at the dinner table.

He wasn't particularly interested in opening up about the experience, but he wasn't going to brush off his father's help. Not anymore.

"There's not much to talk about. I was too violent, a threat to everyone around me. The classes helped "fix" me—"

"John, I've heard enough of the copy-and-paste crap from the suits I talked to. Tell me, what did they specifically do?"

Well, damn, there really was no getting out of it.

"They—" John's voice was caught in his throat, the old redhead bastard taking over his mind, the images of the man making him shake his head away as he tried so many times before in a vain attempt to escape from him.

William seemed to have some sort of idea of what John was feeling. "Whoever you're afraid of, they aren't going to lay a finger on you while I'm around, not anymore. Please, John, say what you need to."

It calmed John down, just enough to speak sentences fluidly.

"It was this older guy, Keon. He had...some kind of mental ability. He used it to dig through my memories, found the ones that affected me the most, and made me experience them...over and over again...every day."

...

"They what?!"

Horrified. Disgusted. Appalled. Angered—

No.

No emotion known to the world could accurately represent just how vexed the authorities had made William Henry Doe.

He couldn't hold himself back and pulled in his son for a tight hug.

"D-Dad?"

"That's horrible what they did to you! How is that supposed to be the solution?!" His grip tightened around his son.

"They didn't help you at all! They didn't teach you to control your power, they didn't help you understand right from wrong, they just wanted to break you down and hoped you can never recover!"

Those bastards did that to my baby boy?! To his son?!

...To their son...

As much as he wanted to be angered, he needed to stay calm, he needs to set an example for his son.

His tone softens and he pulls away to look his son in the eyes. "Is that why you're still so hesitant about your ability, even after all these months?"

John did his best to keep eye contact with his dad. He nodded slowly. "Yeah, sounds about right."

"John, no matter what kind of crap they tried to make you believe in that time you spent there, You always have control over your ability. Your ability is a part of you and always will be. To ignore that is to ignore one of the greatest gifts you've been given. Stay true to yourself, to your goal, and you'll never have to be afraid."

William knocked on his son's forehead lightly. "We're going to do our damndest to get rid of all that crap they tried to brainwash you into believing, got it?"

John couldn't help but let a small laugh escape him. "Y-Yeah got it." He rubbed his eyes and yawned. "Can I go to bed? Today's been eye-opening and...very exhausting. I need time to let it all sink in."

William nodded. "Of course, take all the rest you need."

Once John retreated to his room, William opened one of the far-off cabinets, rummaging through it till he found what he needed.

It's a burner phone. He dials a number and it begins ringing. It picks up after a few seconds.

"William? That you?" The voice of an older man spoke.

"Yeah, it's me, Simon. I need your help with what we talked about."

"I thought you said—" 

"Things have...changed. And I want to know for certain. So, how much?"

 ...

"What brought this on?"

"How. Much."

"Hm, the first time I heard you sound like that. Look, we'll discuss the details in the morning, alright? Let's do it around 10. My daughter's pulling me off for her bedtime story."

"Yeah, that's fine. I'll be calling you from a different burner though."

"Why, what's wrong with this one?"

"It's broken."

William crushed the phone in the palm of his hand and threw the remains into the trash can.

He's got a bad feeling that the authorities have messed with his family more than he thought.

Adrion took his home key and unlocked the door.

"Mom, I'm back!" He called out. There was no response, so he checked the fridge.

Sure enough, there was a note.

Hey sweetie, going to be pulling a double shift tonight.

Please get some of the dishes done and try not to stay up too late.

We still got some leftover spaghetti in the fridge you can help yourself too.

Love ya bunch!

PS: If you bring Claire over, you know what to do.

Adrion rubbed his neck, flustered by the note, but he also smiled. Mom was always looking out for him. He took out his phone and sent a quick text to her.

Love you a bunch too Mom. - Adrion

He changed into some sleep clothes: a t-shirt and sweatpants, then did work on the dishes. There weren't that many anyways, so he took care of it all.

After which, he grabbed a bowl and filled it to the brim with spaghetti, then popped it into the microwave. He ate the bowl clean. His mom always made it taste so good.

Then he got a text back from his mom.

🥹😭❤️❤️❤️ - Mom

He smiled.

Looking through his other texts, he sees Claire's contact.

He pauses briefly, then presses it to dial.

John was just finishing up a reread of the first half of Unordinary before he heard his phone go off. A text notification. He sent the book aside and unlocked his phone.

Oh, it's from Adrion.

Hey John! Hoping everything's alright man. Wanna hang out Saturday after 4? We can grab some of the new boba flavors! - Adrion

Seeing that made John have a little smile. It looks like he didn't scare him off after all.

Yea, sounds godo. - John

Godo? - Adrion

John rolled his eyes.

gOoD. U no what I meant. - John

Yeah, I know. You can head over to U-Mart that day, I'll be getting off work then. Cool? - Adrion

Yeah, cool. - John

John glances at the book but decides to set it back on his desk. He'll finish it in the morning, his want for sleep was really getting to him.

It was the first night that John's dreams didn't turn into nightmares at all.

Chapter Text

Those few days passed and Saturday came around before John knew it. 

He finished up his outfit: A light-blue button-up left unbuttoned, showing a black shirt underneath, and dark blue jeans with black shoes.  He figured he'd try to do better than a tank top and shorts while covered in sweat.

His dad was out for the day, dealing with whatever authors deal with before releasing a book. 

I hope his book does well. It could really open up the views of others, and help people see there's a better way to live than the hierarchy.

When he was ready, he set off for U-Mart.

"Your call has been forwarded to an automatic voi—"

John ended the call,  leaning on the nearby bike railing. He's been trying to get ahold of Adrion for the past 10 minutes yet all of his calls have gone to voicemail.

Did something come up?

"John?"

The voice of a girl calls out. He tenses. It's a voice he's all too familiar with, just as familiar as her appearance as he looks up. 

Her bright green hair was cut shorter, barely making it to her shoulders. Her eyes were as apple-red as they always were. She wore a brown cardigan, with the sleeves rolled up, atop a light blue shirt with a little white bow tied onto it, and light blue jeans.

She was taller as well, now only a couple of inches below his height.

"Claire?"

John noticed his breathing was beginning to get shaky and did his best to control it.

The girl before him had narrowed her eyes, John noticed her moving her foot back like she would be ready to turn away at a moment's notice.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, her tone clearly sounding unpleasant.

"I—"

"Your call has been forwarded to an automatic voi—"

"shudafukup." John muttered, having not noticed he tapped his phone to dial Adrion again. He looked back up at Claire to see her staring at him confused, one of her eyebrows cocked.

"I...M-Me and Adrion were going to try some new Boba after his shift ended. I've been trying to get ahold of him but he isn't picking up."

Claire's eyes widened. "Seriously?!" 

She mumbled something under her breath, then looked back at him.

"That's what we were supposed to do today..."

John was confused. "So that means—"

"That means that he must've done this purpose. Adri probably thought it'd be difficult getting the two of us to see each other if we knew about it beforehand." She explained.

Adri? John was perplexed at the nickname. She never called Adrion that before.

Claire sighed, holding her phone up. "I haven't had any luck getting ahold of him either."

Their shared concern over Adrion grew, just as the awkward tension did as well. Just then, John felt someone's aura activating nearby. Then it was two. Then three.

The third was reminiscent of someone he knew.

John's worry skyrocketed. He pushed off the railing and walked past Claire, pulling her behind him by the arm. "Come with me!"

"What the―Get off!" Claire angrily pulled her hand away from John's grip. "Why would I follow you?!"

John stopped, realizing his action. "Fuck, I...I'm sorry. But I felt a few peoples' auras activating. One of them was Adrion, I'm sure of it."

Claire had a begrudged look but nodded. "Fine, lead the way."

It wasn't too far away, at the back of the U-Mart. John's hunch was right. They took a peak at the scene unfolding.

Adrion was on the ground, covering his face with his arm. It looked like he had already been bruised up, blood was dripping from his lip and there was a small bruise on his cheek. 

"Dumb kid, the hell were you thinking trying to fight back? You already know we're stronger than you." A man who looked early mid-aged spoke. He had dark blue hair, and wore a plain orange shirt with black pants, Jared. 

There was another man, with green hair, a grey shirt, and a blue blazer with jeans, Kenneth.

"No, not those jerks again." Claire mumbled.

John looked back at her, "You know these guys?"

"Adrion told me about them, they loaned his mom some money a couple times and now they won't stop hounding her for it. I guess they started going after him too." Claire scrunched her nose in anger. 

Adrion stumbled, but he got up on his feet. "Just leave us—"

Adrion was too slow. Kenneth sent a powerful punch right to his gut, knocking Adrion down to his knees, clutching his broken ribs with a pained gasp.

"Fucking punk. You don't get to tell us shit. All we wanted was a couple U-Plus memberships but then you had to go make this sooo difficult."

On instinct, Claire tried to get closer, but John put his arm in front of her. 

"Adrion needs help! I need to get him out of there!" She whisper-shouted.

"If you get involved, you'll end up injured too!" 

Claire was surprised. There was...concern in his voice.

John looked back at the scene and took a deep breath. "I'll take care of it." 

Claire wanted to stop him but...this was John, he wouldn't stop just because of her. She resigned herself to waiting for an opening to get to Adrion.

"Hey!" 

The two men turned their heads in the direction of John's voice. "Huh? The hell do you want kid?" Shouted Jared.

"John?!" Adrion called out.

"Ah. So, he's a friend of yours?" Kenneth smirked.

John narrowed his eyes at the two. "They've already given back what they owed, so leave them alone and fuck off!"

The two men smirked and began to take steps toward John. 

John studies their aura.

Adrion's mind was racing. John needs to get away from these guys! if he loses his temper...

"You okay, Adrion?" Claire asked, kneeling beside him as she went through her purse to grab some first-aid tools, a standard for her.

"Claire? You're here too?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Wasn't that the plan, genius?" She shot back, sarcasm dripping in her tone. She flicked his forehead for good measure.

"Ow... Y-Yeah, this didn't work out how I wanted it to..." He chuckled painfully.

Claire sighed, cleaning off the blood from his lip with a wipe. "You're such a goof sometimes." A small smile crept on her lips.

Adrion turned his attention back to John, he's about to speak up, but Claire stops him.

"You told me about how he's changed, haven't you?" 

Claire recalls what bit of conversation Adrion brought up about John in their conversation from a few days ago, regardless of how out of the blue it felt. 

And...how John spoke to her just a moment ago, the way he used to back in middle school.

She looks at the scene of the three.

 "Then we should see if that's really the case."

Green-Hair...his ability is purely focused on Power...his aura is flowing the most into his fists. Blue-Hair...some sort of defensive ability...he can take a punch.

They're weaker than me in my first year at New Bostin.

"Ohhh, a busybody huh? What are you gonna do about it if we don't?" Jared taunted.

John sees Claire tending to Adrion. Good, their attention is focused on him.

It's my ability. I'm in control. I can determine how much force is needed to stop something.

"I'm giving you one chance just to walk away."

"Ohoho, scary!" Kenneth teased before pulling on John's shirt, pulling him closer. "As if! If you got a weakling like that as a friend, you can't be much better!

"Take this!" Kenneth pulled his fist back and aimed for John's face.

John activated his ability, copying Jared's.

Faster than Kenneth was expecting, John blocked the attack with his forearm.

What the hell? This guy didn't even budge—

His thoughts were interrupted by John gripping him by the jaw. He pulled Kenneth away from him, lifting him off his feet.

Holy shit! This kid's strong!

"Hey! Let him go you brat!' Jared yelled.

John glared at the man, causing him to stiffen. He copied Kenneth's ability.

"I gave you a chance."

He slammed his fist into Kenneth's guts, the kinetic force sending the man a good couple of feet away from him. 

Jared's disbelief was soon replaced with anger, "Fucking brat! I'll teach you a lesson!", He yelled as he dashed towards John. 

His moves were predictable and his aura was easy to read; The punch he aimed at John was deflected to the side, leaving him open for a counterattack. One strike was enough to bust his nose.

"Gah! Fuck!"

John wasn't done. The other man was beginning to recover, so he gripped Jared by his shirt and used his arm as leverage. With a turn and twist, he threw the man over to where Kenneth was.

For good measure, he caught up to Jared as he collided with Kenneth and slammed his foot into the man's stomach, sending both of them back down to the ground.

A part of John didn't feel satisfied. It's telling him to do more: Break bones, knock out some teeth, shatter their skulls—

No. 

This...This was enough.

"Sh-Shit!" Kenneth muttered, fear entering his eyes as he saw John look down at him. Jared was already out for the count. "W-We're sorry, okay? We didn't know you were this strong! We'll leave! We won't mess with him anymore!"

John pulled the man in by the lower half of his face.

"Wa-Wait! Please!"

"Shut up and listen." His eye contact didn't waver as he stared at the man. 

"If I hear about you fucking with Adrion and his family ever again, I'll find the hole you low-lives crawled out of and make you leave permanently!"

Kenneth put his arms in front of him out of here, cowering below John. "Okay! Okay! Please let us live!"

John dropped the man back to the ground, then pointed at the blonde-haired boy, whose phone was shattered. "You owe him a new one."

Kenneth fumbled around with his blazer for a second before finding his wallet and throwing out all the cash he had to John, a couple hundred.

John motioned his head towards Jared.

Kenneth went through Jared's pockets, another couple hundred.

John picked up the money, keeping eye contact with Kenneth through all of it, he didn't dare look away.

"Now get the fuck out of my sight!"

Kenneth pulled his friend up and left as fast as they could.

John made his way over to Adrion and Claire. He took notice of their expressions, Adrion's looked akin to amazement while Claire looked noticeably surprised.

He leaned forward, handing the money over to Adrion meekly. "H-Here, for the phone. Hope it's enough."

"O-Oh, thanks! This is more than enough, might be able to get one of the newer models with this!"

Claire looked like she wanted to speak up, but the pained expression on her face showed she wasn't comfortable with it. 

Adrion pushed himself back up. "You were seriously cool right there, John! It felt like a victory, like back then before—Gah!" Adrion moved around too much, his ribs were starting to hurt again. "Crap..."

"We should get you to a clinic." Claire suggested, getting up as well.

Adrion waved her off. "A-Actually, we got a healer treatment service here at the U-Mart, I can use some of this money for that." Adrion started walking to the backdoor.

"I-I can help you in." John tried to follow after but Adrion stopped him.

"No no no, I'll be fine! It's closer to the back of the store, won't be too much trouble! I'll be back in like 10 minutes!" Adrion went inside.

John and Claire just stood there, Awkward glances in each others' directions.

...

Adrion quickly came back out. 

"JUST TALK ALREADY!"

 He went back inside.

"He can be surprisingly stubborn when he wants to be." Claire noted.

John hummed. "Yeah." He remembers when they got into an argument over whether it was Neopolitan Ice Cream, John's thought, or Neapolitan Ice Cream, Adrion's.

...

Adrion was right in the end but still.

"You've...learned to stop." Claire mumbled, not sure what else to say.

John scratched his neck. "Took me long enough, didn't it?" He tried to joke.

 It didn't land. 

"Claire, there's a lot I need to tell you."

Claire glanced at the backdoor of the U-Mart, a defeated sigh leaving her lips before she made a swiping motion with her hand. "We have the time, I suppose. The floor is yours."

"There's been...a lot I've had to think through. I've finally realized what was going on around me and how much the two of you tried to help, but I just wouldn't listen. There's...so much of me that I hate from back then and I'm doing whatever I can to not go down that road again, to be better.

John's amber eyes glowed. He could see Claire freeze up just a little from the corner of his eyesight. It pained him.

"This power that you helped grow, that you helped me master, I want it to be seen as something good. Something I can be proud to have and something you could be proud of for helping."

It pulled at Claire more than she expected. 

Damn it, she had been proud of it, one of the only things she could've felt pride in before it turned into regret and pain.

"I'm sorry for what I did to you. I want to make up for it in any way I can."

"You..." She had to take a breath before continuing. "What happened back then can't be made up for, John. For more than a year, I tried so hard to get you to understand you were going too far, and every time I was blown off without a second thought. You were arrogant, violent, and completely unhinged."

 The memories of those events pained Claire deeply, and tears began to form as she continues. "For all this time after what happened, I just wanted you to stay away from me for the rest of my life..."

John clenched his fists and bit the inside of his cheek. It hurt to hear her say that, but he couldn't tell her she was wrong, she was far from it. He should've known he had done too much to—

"And yet, I can't tell you that now," Claire said.

John stumbled in his thoughts hearing her say that, looking at her. 

Claire continued to speak, trying her best to keep her voice steady. "You showed concern for me and for Adrion. You protected... and you stopped when you had taken those guys down. And you've learned your mistakes..." Claire moved closer, making a fist and lightly bumping it against John's chest. "If this John can stick around, then maybe..."

Claire turned away, hands over her eyes.

"Claire? Are you alright?" John asks, a bit frantically.

Claire let out a laugh mixed with a gasp, caused by the lump in her throat. 

These damn tears sneak attacked me again.

"Adrion was right", She wiped away the tears from her eyes, turning to John. "You really have changed." She spoke.

The biggest weight on John's shoulders was lifted at that moment.

"Thank you, Claire. Hearing you say that... makes me really happy." John spoke in gratitude.

She forgot how infectious his smile was. Soon enough, she was smiling as well. 

Curse you, John Doe.

"Soooo, everything okay now?" 

Adrion popped back in.

John gave him a smile. "Yeah, I think so."

"Pretty convenient timing, Adri." She crossed her arms and gave him the look.

"T-There wasn't a line! He's a really good healer!" Adrion frantically shook his hands in front of him, John found it pretty amusing.

"I'm still a little irked you did this without telling either of us." She poked at his chest.

"W-Well." Adrion shrugged in defeat. "All's well that ends well?"

Claire rolled her eyes, with an endearing smile on her face.

John smiled at the two. He may have blown it with her, but at least the only two friends he's ever had were happy together.

"This thing you two have is nice. Very...cute." John commented.

"H-Huh, how'd you know?" Adrion wondered.

"No one I've met has ever called you Adri, Adrion. Ever. She didn't even call you that when we were friends" John waves his hand around. "Clearly, there's been a change in your relationship."

Claire let out a small giggle. "You could always pick up on the small details...whenever you weren't out of your mind, of course."

John sighed. "If only that translated to my studies."

"Are we still all good on the boba trip?" Adrion asked.

John glanced at Claire. Sure, they've made up, but he didn't want to intrude on something Claire thought was just between her and Adrion.

But seeing his look, she just shrugged with a small smile. "I'm still up for it."

John warms up a bit before he nods toward Adrion. "Let's try some new boba."

"I have the best boba palette for boba flavors, anyways." He notes on their way to the boba shop.

"You literally only ever had Mango Boba." Claire quips instantly.

"Exactly, you can't improve upon perfection."

"I still think Pineapple Boba's pretty good!" Adrion added

John half-heartedly groaned. "Oh god, you're as bad as my old man."

Chapter Text

[September 2015]

Wellston Private High School.

The most prestigious school in the entire region, if you're able to graduate from this school, you're likely to have a bright future ahead of you. 

It's where the best of the best attend and often holds the highest concentration of High-Tiers. In recent years, they've held the title of being undefeated in Turf Wars.

Currently, they also hold the strongest student in the entire region in their school body...

"Seraphina, good work on the test!" The teacher spoke, handing the results back to the magenta-haired girl. "You're always able to do a perfect job. Class, you should follow her example!"

The other students groaned in various ways.

"Come on teach, she's on a different level compared to us!"

"Everything's way easier for her!"

"We can't all be born perfect..."

Seraphina gripped her paper just a bit tighter. She nodded before going back to her seat, almost mindlessly running through her notes again.

Idiots. Good grades and strength don't just come from nowhere. She wrote down practice problems with a hidden fury. They don't realize how much it takes to reach so far.

She sighed. But they don't need to, that's the role of the weak, they're allowed to be clumsy. They're allowed to make mistakes.

"...Ina?"

But I can't, I have my role.

"...Phina?"

I have to be perfect.

"Seraphina!"

"What?" She muttered, facing the person who was talking to her with a glare. A girl with long aqua-blue hair and green eyes. 

Elaine. Her roommate and Turf Wars healer.

"Uhm..." Elaine had a hard time speaking, seeing someone as strong as Seraphina becoming angered was always a bad sign. "A-Arlo said there was going to be a rank fight for the Jack title, he wanted to talk to you about it." She explained.

Seraphina sighed, cursing at herself for not keeping her emotions under control. "Where is he?"

"O-On the rooftop is what he texted me."

The ringing of the bell signaled the end of class.

Seraphina gathered her supplies, placing them in her bag as she left the room.

No matter where she goes, the whispers and mutterings follow her. But nothing could be done about it, it was simply the way it was meant to be.

She opened the door to the rooftop, and sure enough, there he was. The tall, blonde, third year stood by the fence looking down at the various students from it. 

He turned back to look at Seraphina, a satisfied smile on his lips. "Ah, good to see my message was received. I'm sure Elaine gave you some of the details?"

"A rank fight." Seraphina stated. She walked closer, standing to the side of Arlo, doing as he did. "Who's it between?"

"Cecile has been challenged by Remi for the position of Jack."

"Remi..." Seraphina recalled. She was a fellow second-year, and a rather strong one as well. Sure, she couldn't compare to her or Arlo in terms of strength, but it was respectable at least. "Don't you and her...?"

"She's the sister of the previous king, Rei, when I was Jack, so we share some history. But, none of that matters in a rank battle, it will all be decided by who's stronger. The way it always is."

"Of course."

"We're required to be there to make it official. After the school day ends." 

"Is that all you needed to tell me?"

"Pretty much, yes, but—."

"Then we're done. I have work to do." She ended the discussion, leaving Arlo alone on the rooftop.

Arlo sighed. He would've wanted to talk more, but there'd be no point in convincing her. The rank match they had when she first arrived proved the gap in their strength. 

He continued to overlook the students he ruled over, the smile from before still present. 

Things have started to go back to normal. Those who are weak don't step out of line and the strong listen to the strongest. 

It's calm, orderly, the way it should've always been.

"Where is she?" Asked an irritated Cecile. "You'd think the challenger would have the decency to show up on time."

Arlo waved off her complaints. "She never was much for punctuality, unfortunately. Just relax, Cecile."

"I'm sure she'll be here any minute!" Elaine assured.

Seraphina didn't much care for any of it, she'd rather not be here at all, there's work that needs to get done. But, that's what's required. 

She scrolled through her phone's app store, looking for academic apps with advanced learning when something caught her eye. 

Slappy Pig? What kind of name is that? She scrolled through the pics and clips of the game provided by the app store, she wasn't aware why she even clicked it in the first place.

For only a moment, her thumb hovered over the bright green install button...till she quickly backed out of it, returning to installing the other apps. I can't waste my time on stuff like that.

"Hmph, maybe she backed out of it at the last second like a coward." She muttered. Wouldn't be surprised, considering who her brother is.

"I'm here! I'm here!" Shouted a girl's voice, making her way to the rest of the Royals. She had long pink hair worn down with bangs, with some of it pulled back and tied with a bow, and light red eyes. 

"You're late, Remi." Arlo mildly berated.

"I know, I know, I dozed off while I was studying and before I knew it, it was past 3, my bad!" Remi apologizes. "Didn't mean to make you wait, Cecile!"

And she's trying to become Jack? No way. Cecile narrowed her eyes at the 2nd-year. "Let's just get this over with."

Remi and Cecile stood a sizable distance from each other. Remi had a competitive, determined smile, while Cecile's gaze couldn't be any more ice cold.

"This battle is a rank match for the position of Jack, between the challenger, Remi, and the defender, Cecile!" Elaine announced, acting as referee. 

She raised her arm in the air, holding it there for a moment.

"May the better fighter win!" Remi spoke. 

Cecile gave no response.

Elaine brought her arm down. "Begin!" 

Immediately, Cecile formed vines of energy at her feet, shooting them toward Remi. She has a Lightning ability, just like her brother. The priority is locking her down and keeping her at bay. In contrast, she likely doesn't have much information on mine, putting me at an advantage.

Remi activated her ability quickly, streams of lightning dancing along her body, using the enhanced speed to dodge to the side and continue doing so as the ropes continued their attempt at her. She can maneuver them well!

Having been kept busy with the vines, Remi almost failed to notice the energy spikes that were aiming at her as well, but she was able to redirect herself to avoid major damage, just a few scraps and cuts getting her. I need to get in close!  

While this dance of vines and lightning occurred, Arlo and Seraphina had some small talk.

"So, who's stronger?" Seraphina asked.

"Hmm." Arlo crossed his arms. "They seem to be of equal strength. Remi must've finally reached high-tier status, that's good to see."

"And you don't have any sort of bias for who you want to win?" Seraphina found it hard to believe.

"If I did, it wouldn't matter. The one who wins will hold the position and we'll do as we've done."

Now's my chance! Remi made a break for it, dashing towards the ropes before sliding underneath as she gathered streams of lightning between her hands and blasted it towards the green-haired 3rd year.

What the hell? Cecile withdrew her vines back, then created more before extending them up, acting as a wall between her and the lightning. She leaped back. I gotta keep my distance.

"Gotcha!" 

Cecile froze momentarily, hearing her opponent's voice from behind as she felt a grip on her shoulder. How fast is she?! 

"AGH!" She screamed out as Remi laced her with lightning, electrifying her. She gritted her teeth, fighting through the pain just enough to form an energy whip. 

You pink little bitch! She threw enough force into the whip to knock back Remi a considerable distance.

Man that thing stings! Remi used her arms to take the brunt of the damage. She gathered more lightning and shot it at Cecile, attempting to spread it out in order to circle around her.

She's trying to trap me? Cecile's ability wasn't one that offer much mobility, but she made it work. She formed a vine along her arm and shot it into the ground, readying the whip over her shoulder. Then, she jumped and pulled herself forward out of the lightning trap as she aimed at Remi with another whip attack. I'll make you beg!

Remi appeared to hesitate for a moment, but she stood her ground, following the direction the whip was treading. It aimed for the side of her head, so she raised her arm to take the hit, then she wrapped her arm around the whip and gripped it.

Is she trying to pull me in? ...No! Cecile's eyes widened, realizing that Remi was using the whip to connect the lightning to her! I won't have time to—!

Cecile screamed as her body convulsed from the lighting, having been amped to a much higher voltage than before. Her whip dissipated as she dropped to the ground on her knees. She tried to keep control of her labored breath.

After a few moments, with Cecile not having the energy to stand, Elaine called the match. 

"This match has been decided! Remi wins, dethroning Cecile of the Jack Position!"

Cecile wanted to whip the annoying mid-tier's vocal cords out of existence. 

Arlo held a small smile, which didn't go unnoticed by Seraphina.

Cecile looked up in anger as she saw Remi walk toward her. She was holding a hand out with a smile on her face.

"That was a heck of a match, you really made me work for it! Good game!" Remi offered in the spirit of good sportsmanship. She turned to Elaine. "Elaine, could you come over here and heal her?"

Cecile dug her nails into her palms. How in the hell...could I have lost to such a naive brat?!

"That's not the way it works, Remi." Arlo spoke, coming over. "You're the winner, so you'll take priority. Elaine, heal our newly crowned Jack." He ordered the Royal healer.

"What? No, Cecile's more injured than me, so she should receive it first! Help Cecile, Elaine!" Remi ordered.

"Uh...I..." Elaine wasn't sure what to do. She tried looking towards Seraphina for help, but she was still strolling through her phone, completely absent from the situation. 

She cried mentally. Why do I have to be stuck in the middle of this?!

"Elaine, as King, I order you to heal Remi first." Arlo said, with a small bit of irritation beginning to leak through.

"Elaine, I refuse the healing, do it for Cecile first!" Remi responded.

"Why are you always so difficult?"

"Why do you always have to be such an ass?"

"I don't need the healing!" Cecile spoke, exasperated by the two's conversation. She was a little wobbly, but she stood up without too much difficulty.

She aimed another glare at Remi. Why is he always so lenient when it comes to her backtalk? It's so irritating!

Remi didn't take much notice of it, "Are you sure? If you need help, just—."

"Well, I don't." Cecile snapped back. She sighed, giving her a bow, out of necessity. "Congratulations on the position." She practically muttered, before heading out on her own.

Remi looked on, feeling some concern for her. "Is she alright?"

"She's lost her position as a Royal, anyone who did would have their pride bruised. She'll be fine, just needs to get used to it." Arlo replied. "So then, Elaine, heal her."

"R-Right." Elaine activated her ability, a greenish aura glowing around her hand as she healed Remi's injuries.

"Well, thanks for this, Elaine. Good to have a pretty good healer on our side!" Remi complimented.

"O-Oh, it's no problem. Just doing my job." Elaine responded. She wasn't used to receiving thanks for what she did, it made her happy whenever she was.

"So, you're the Jack now, congrats." Seraphina offered as well. She may have been impressed but her cold tone didn't offer much hint to it.

"Yeah, I'm pretty proud of being able to do so. Glad to be working with you!"

"Hey, since it's a special event, maybe we can go out somewhere! Us royal girls!" Elaine offered.

"Sounds fun, sure!" Remi responded.

Mhm, I'm not here anymore. Arlo thought as he discreetly left the area.

"Can't. Need to focus on my studies." Seraphina declined.

"Aw, come on, Seraphina. Can't you take one day to—"

"No."

Elaine visibly stiffened. "O-Oh, okay. You're probably right, always got to make sure you're at your best!"

"Exactly." Seraphina went to turn away but Remi stopped her.

"Wait! Before you go, could I take a picture with you?" 

"A...picture?" Seraphina was rather confused.

"Well, I get you're busy with being on top of everything, but I'd like something involving you to commemorate this! B-But if you're uncomfortable then it's okay!"

"No, it's fine. Go ahead." Seraphina quickly responded, still rather monotone.

Remi lit up at Seraphina's approval. "Really? You're so awesome, thank you!" Remi put the phone in front of herself and Seraphina, throwing up a piece sign. "Isen and Blyke are gonna be so jealous!" She remarked, before taking the picture.

It didn't reach her lips, but Seraphina could feel there was something resembling a smile.

Remi fell flat on her bed, having finished drying her hair after a shower. After the hangout with Elaine, she got around to sending the pic to the group chat between her, Blyke, and Isen. She got back a pair of texts from the two just a couple of minutes after.

You got a pic with her? Nice. - Blyke

How much did you have to beg for that? - Isen

None 🙄. She may act distant, but I just asked and she was cool with it!😊- Remi

You're braver than most. A glare like hers could probably kill me! - Isen

Aren't you into that, though? - Blyke

Isen? 🤨 - Remi

Hey, what do my preferences have to do with anything?! - Isen

Oh, wait, that tracks actually! Weren't you into Cecile? - Remi

That's a fact. He tried shooting his shot too. - Blyke

You did?! 😮 You never told me! What happened? - Remi

We focus on Isen, reliving the short and awkward attempt of talking to Cecile.

―

"Soooo, Cecile..."

"I'm into girls." She didn't even look up from her laptop.

"S-So am I! Great how much we have in common!"

"Only girls."

"A-Ah."

"Get back to work."

"Yes, ma'am..."

Yeah, that's about it - Isen

Well, at least she was upfront and polite about it! - Remi

And you definitely have a type. - Blyke

It makes me wonder how the two of you... - Remi

I have two types, one for women and one for men - Isen

And those are? - Blyke

Remi took a long sip of her smoothie from when she and Elaine went to the mall.

Dommy Mommies and Himbos. - Isen

Which ended up going down the wrong pipe as she coughed it up after seeing the text Isen sent.

Da fuk, Isen? - Blyke

Hey, you roped in what I liked into this conversation first, Blyke! This is on you! - Isen

Oh god, some of my drink went out my nose. It's burning 😭 - Remi

What the hell is a himbo anyways? - Blyke

You really need to brush up on your internet lingo, bro - Isen

Well...that's what I have you for? - Blyke

That's...sweet? - Remi

It's one of his better attempts - Isen

Okay, let's just move on from that. Are we still down for the marathon tonight? - Blyke

I got the snacks and drinks. - Isen

I got the blankets and pillows! - Remi

And I got the shows, looks like we're ready to go. Start heading over. - Blyke

Remi's phone began to ring, the contact showing her who it was, causing her eyes to widen in realization. Oh crap, I totally forgot we were gonna talk tonight!

I'll be a little late. - Remi

Typical Remi behavior - Isen

Shut up! - Remi

How come? - Blyke

I forgot me and my brother were gonna chat a little, I'll be over right after! - Remi

It's cool, we'll be waiting. - Blyke

Then, she picked up on the Facetime call. 

"Hey, Rei!" She waved.

"Lil' sis! Good to see you, it's been a while!" Rei's expression became a faux sadness. "I thought you'd forgotten me..."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I just got caught up in other stuff! Stop being so dramatic!" She apologized before calling him out. "But I have pretty cool news! I'm the Jack now!"

Rei's feign of sadness quickly disappeared, replaced by excitement. "Seriously? That's awesome! It took me till the end of my 2nd year to get to that." He looked back on the memories. "Do you know what your level is at now?" 

"Hmm, I think I'm a High-Tier now! A bit ago, I started being able to sense electricity without needing to activate my ability. That's..what was it called again?"

"A passive. Yep, that means you're at least a Level 5 now." Rei nodded. "I'm impressed, you've surpassed me at that age. Maybe you'll end up being Queen!"

Remi chuckled. "I doubt it, our current Queen's pretty much unstoppable, she's waaaay stronger than me. I've heard she's able to win Turf Wars all by herself in seconds!" She spoke in awe of Seraphina's power.

Rei whistled. "Yeah, she sounds terrifying. Well, I still think you got plenty room to grow, I bet you can even surpass me!."

"Oh come on, you're overestimating me." Being stronger than her brother? Remi couldn't even imagine that. But if she was...She could probably beat Arlo. I like the thought of that.

"So, how's my inheritor doing?" It's like Rei read her mind.

"Arlo...He's been doing his best, even if he can be a jerk about it." She grumbled.

Rei grew curious. "What's been happening?"

"He had been having trouble with some of the stronger students listening to his orders from what I've heard? They were taking their anger out on the weaker students, hurting them. But, Arlo put a stop to them!" Remi explained, retelling what she's heard from around the school and from Arlo himself.

Rei's smile withdrew. "Is that so..." That didn't assure him. Had something changed after he left? It felt like whatever it was, it wasn't for the better.

"Well, enough 'bout me. How've you been?" She asked.

He pushed the thought aside. "Oh, nothing much, academics kicking my ass as usual." He casually replied. Then, he perked up. "I have been keeping tabs on a favorite author of mine recently, there's news he's going to be releasing a new book soon."

"Ooooh sounds nice! What's it called?" She asked.

Rei shrugged. "No clue, no mention of a title from what I could find. I'll just have to find out at the midnight release in about a month."

"Well, tell me about it when you finished reading it! I might grab a copy!" Remi realized the time. "I'm glad we could catch up, but I should start heading out. I'm having a marathon night with some friends!"

Rei cocked an eyebrow. "An anime marathon?"

"An anime marathon." She confirmed.

Rei nodded with a smile, satisfied. "I've taught you well. Have fun, Remi!"

"You bet! Oh, and tell Kuyo I said hi!"

"I will." Rei threw up the peace sign. "Talk to ya later, love ya!"

"Love you too!" Remi did the same, before ending the call.

She threw on slippers before grabbing the bundles of blankets she had made beforehand.

"Sleepover, here I come!"

Chapter Text

[November 2015]

"John!" William shouted, kicking the door open to his son's room. "Wake your angsty ass up!"

"Aghfumafucker!" John muttered, having been ripped away from a good sleep. "What the hell, Dad...it's too early for this shit." He said as he rubbed his eyes.

"It's literally 2:30 in the afternoon."

"My point exactly. ...Wait how do even know what angst means?"

William grew a dark look. 

The truth is I fell into a rabbit hole on Urban Dictionary after searching up what a masochist was...

He waved away his son's question. "T-That's not the focus right now! Look at what came in!" He shoved a white envelope into his son's face.

"Okay, okay!" After rubbing the crust from his eyes, he got a good look at the envelope. 

Every fiber in his body shot awake once he saw a red mark with a W on the letter.

"Wellston!" John shouted in realization.

"Wellston!" William cheered.

"...I gotta take a shower!" John shot from his bed to his closet, finding whatever nice-looking clothes he could.

"Dafuk—Why a shower?!"

"I gotta look nice for this!"

"For a letter?!"

"One of the most important letters of my life!" John retorted, walking out the door to the bathroom.

"If you aren't out in 10 minutes, I'm opening it myself!" William called out to his son, leaning out of the room.

"You better not!"

John speedran his shower, finishing it in 8 minutes, and quickly drying off before changing. He walked into his room finding his father holding the letter in his hands, ready to rip the top off.

"I was this close."

"Getyourhandsoffmyletter!" John snatched it out of his dad's hands.

Excitement and anxiety mixed together as he stared at the letter, his heart beginning to beat faster by the moment.

William placed a firm hand on his shoulder, helping to calm him down. "Don't overthink it, I'm sure you got accepted."

John chuckled. "I better have, else I want a refund for all the hours I studied." He joked.

"I don't think that's possible."

"I'll find a way."

Pushing one last breath out, John tore open the top of the letter, then slowly pulled out the folded paper from within. He read over every single word, making sure to not skip over anything. He didn't say a word until he reached the last few sentences of the paper.

"Wellston Private High School..." John's eyes lit up like stars. "Is proud to have you attend our curriculum!"

"You got in!" William couldn't contain his happiness. He offered a high-five to John.

"I got in!" John completed it happily.

"So, what else does it say?" He asks after letting go.

"Uhmmm." John read through the last bit of it. "A flight to the Wellston area has been scheduled for you on Sunday at 3. You'll head to the campus to have a meeting with the headmaster for your enrollment interview. Afterward, your residence will be situated and you'll begin classes starting the Monday after." 

William nodded along. "I see, so that'll be in three days..." 

"So soon..." John whispered, thinking of Adrion and Claire. He pulled out his phone to text their group chat, asking about hanging out at Woaba Boba.

"I've made it in."

Adrion and Claire almost choked on their drink hearing John tell them.

"You got accepted?! John, that's awesome!" Adrion shouted in excitement, almost pulling himself over to the other side of the booth where he, Claire, and John sat. 

He stopped himself, realizing the commotion he had started as various customers lay their eyes on him in annoyance. "S-Sorry, about that." He apologizes meekly, sitting back down. 

Claire lightly slaps his shoulder. "Forget about them hon, that reaction's well deserved." She shifts her attention to John. "Congrats! I'll be honest, I had my doubts about you making it in." She added on.

John nodded, knowing it was understandable. "Trust me, no one had more doubts than me. With what my records show, I'm grateful they were willing to give me the chance."

"Nah, forget your record, you just suck at academics." Claire replied bluntly.

"Pff." Adrion sounded.

"Ack!" John responded. How could a single sentence cause so much emotional damage? "Look, I try my best, alright?! And it was enough!"

"Oh yeah? What was your score?" Claire asked, putting on a smug face.

"That's an off-topic question!"

"61?" Adrion guessed randomly.

The stunned expression on John's face was more than enough to know Adrion nailed it.  

"Oh shit, it was 61."

"Scraping by as usual, aren't you? I don't envy your academically-challenged nature." Claire quipped, giggling a little at John's reaction.

"This is a personal attack of the highest order and I will not stand for it." John pouted, taking a sip of the blissful liquid that is Mango Boba Tea to heal his damaged soul.

"Okay, okay, I'll stop it there." Claire said through her laughter, wiping away tears of amusement. 

"You know..." John wore a sad smile. "I'm gonna miss this. Hanging out again."

"Yeah, it's kind of a bummer." Adrion replied, before perking up. "We can still talk over Discord!"

"And it's not like you're going to the other side of the planet, we can plan on visiting each other once in a while." Claire added.

John nodded along. "Yeah, I know, but still."

"Another thing." Claire pointed a finger at John. "Stay the way you are, please, if you turn into some jerk again I'm gonna smack you." She warned.

John opened his mouth to speak, closed it, and opened it again. "Fair enough."

"Oh, I just remembered!" Adrion spoke up. "Mom took me to the doctor's for a checkup last week and while we were there I got a read on my ability!"

"From the sounds of it, something good must have happened." John responded. 

A couple of months back, though John was hesitant about it, Adrion had asked John to help improve his fighting skills and train his ability to get him stronger. 

It would be a win-win; Adrion would be able to defend himself better and it gave John a way to practice self-control and restraint.

John also thought of it as a way to make up for having used Adrion as a punching bag in the past. Ugh, he hates remembering that.

"Yeah! I'm a Level 3 now!"

Claire beamed. "For real? That's awesome, that makes you pretty strong around here! " 

"Yeah, the doctor was impressed and mom was pretty happy too!"

"Not that it wasn't deserved. That's almost all you two would do if you were hanging out." 

"If you had that at the start of high school, you could've kept up with me, maybe I wouldn't've been such a dickhead."

Adrion shrugged. "What ifs."  He took a sip of his "wretched" Pineapple Boba. "I don't want a situation like before with those two guys to happen again. I want...to be able to fight back and stop those kinds of jerks.

He looked at John with appreciation. "It's kind of something I picked up from you, so thanks, John. For that and for all the lessons."

John fiddled with his drink, spinning the cup around. He was still getting used to anyone talking about him positively, but it really did make him feel better. "It's the least I could do. Glad I could be a good influence this time around."

Claire took a sip of her Green Apple Boba blankly.

The bromance is beautiful.

"Flight 211, report to Gate J1, boarding will begin in a moment." The announcer said over the intercom of the New Bostin Airport.

John looked at the flight number on his digital ticket. "Okay, that's me." He sat up from his seat, a satchel hanging from his shoulder and a traveling suitcase in his other hand.

"This is finally it." William placed a hand on John's shoulder. "Study hard and be the best you can be, you've come a long way with yourself. I couldn't be any more proud of you, son." 

John rubbed his neck with a smile. "Always with the mushy stuff, aren't you pops?"

"You're damn right I am! And I always will be!"

"I know." John pulled his dad in for one more hug. "...Love you, dad."

William smiled, patting John's back. "Love you too, son."

John hurried off to his flight, waving goodbye to his dad. Not long after, he finally got himself seated in the plane and they took off. It was expected to be there in 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

He couldn't help but look out at the window to see just how far the plane was taking him, reminding him how far away he was going from home. His heart began to feel heavier and heavier. 

Then, he felt his phone buzz. 

Something from the group chat, an image? John realized. He unlocked his phone to see what it was.

Claire and Adrion were smiling, holding a large poster board, plastered with pictures of John and them on their various past outings. At the center was a large print of him, words above and below it written in green and yellow.

DO YOUR BEST JOHN!

WE BELIEVE IN YOU!

John released a heavy sigh, slumping in his seat. The phone fell against his face, hiding his big smile. 

They're just the best.

John's flight arrived at the Wellston airport around 6 in the evening, so pretty much on time. Once he passed through the airport and grabbed his baggage, he looked around and came across a man, holding up a sign with his name. The man had beige hair parted to the side and green eyes, wearing a light blue long-sleeve shirt, khakis, and black circular glasses.

With curiosity, John approached the man, who waved him forward once he noticed the dark-haired boy.

"Ah, you're John Doe, correct?" The man asked.

"Yeah. Are you a teacher from Wellston or something?" 

"Not exactly." He held out a hand. "My name's Keene, I'm Wellston's Head of Security. The headmaster sent me to come pick you up for the meeting."

"I see." John shook the man's hand with a smile. "Then, good to meet you! Thanks for that."

Polite kid. Keene turned away to begin walking. "It's no problem. Come, follow me."

The ride to the campus was rather uneventful, just some small talk.

"Feeling nervous, John?" Keene asked.

John shrugged. "I guess, a little."

Keene nodded. "He's definitely got a presence to him, no doubt about that. But he's also a rather relaxed man, so no need to feel skittish."

"Easier said than done, I'm sure."

Keene chuckled. "Maybe. Ah, here we are." Keene parked on the side of the street across from the building.

"Woah..." John mumbled as he took in the sheer magnitude of the school, getting out of the car.

"Impressed?" Keene asked.

"It's like...5 times the size of my last school so...yeah."

"It's the most prestigious school in the region for a reason, I suppose." Keene responded.

"You can say that again."

"We have arrived." Keene stated, leading John up to the Headmaster's office, currently in the waiting room. He knocked a few times on the door. 

"Yes?" Came a deep, distinguished-sounding voice from beyond the door.

"I've returned with the transfer, Headmaster." Replied Keene.

"Great to hear. Let him in."

Keene stood aside, motioning John to enter.

He calmed his nerves one last time, patted down his white-blue polo shirt and khakis to make sure he was presented at his best, then twisted the knob and pushed the door open.

The office was spacious, shelves lined the walls with many dozens of books, sets of chairs to the side for visitors, and a window at the back, allowing one to see the entryway of the Wellston campus. 

"John Doe." The headmaster spoke, bringing the boy's attention to him as he stood from his desk, an inch or two taller than John.

The headmaster indeed held the appearance of a distinguished middle-aged man, Wavy hair and a connected, thick goatee the color of Teal adorned his face. He wore a black 2-piece suit and tie with black rectangular glasses.

John nodded before he took a small bow before the man. "Headmaster."

The action gave Vaughn a hearty chuckle. "Please, no need for that, just call me Vaughn. I have little interest in honorifics." He held out a hand. "It's a pleasure meeting you face to face."

John was a little surprised but shook the man's hand. 

"Come, sit down." Vaughn motioned for John to take a seat across from him. John set his luggage down before doing so.

"I suppose a few questions are in order. So, John, why did you choose Wellston as the place to continue your education?"

"From what I researched, the school has the best academic curriculum. That kind of thing would put anyone in a pretty good future." John responded. 

There was another reason, but that was likely better left unsaid.

"I see, that's good to hear. I know that you've had to take the past year off from your education due to circumstances. If you may, could you tell me what you've learned during that time of recovery?"

John clasped his hands together, thinking through what he should say. 

"I've learned...some people aren't meant to be leaders, no matter their strength. I've also learned that those who wish to change can do so."

 Vaughn hummed. "I see." He shifted around some papers on his desk before finding the file he needed. "Maybe it's better for us to address the elephant in the room sooner than later. Your expulsion from your previous school due to being "uncontrollable"."

John gulped. Here we go.

Vaughn's expression softens from his previous neutral look. "I don't mean to hound you for your past actions, John. Your demeanor now clearly shows some development from back then. I just need you to promise me that an incident like that won't repeat itself here, yes?"

John nodded immediately. "Of course, you have my word on that, Headm— Vaughn." John corrected himself.

A small smile came upon Vaughn. "Good, I'm glad to hear it. Though, there is just one more thing in regard to that incident I would like to go over. Is that alright?"

John nodded again. "Whatever you need to know."

Vaughn turned a few pages of the file he had on John over, stopping at where it spoke about the aftermath of the incident. "It's said you were sentenced to three months at a readjustment facility for your actions. I'm wondering, did the time you spent there help you?"

The mentioning of the facility would never fail to cause John to wince in remembrance of it, his hands instinctively moving to his wrists as the memories of back then replayed, more clearly than he liked.

"If I may, John." Vaughn spoke, pulling him out of his replay. "I want you to understand that I'm on the side of my students and that includes you. I implore you, tell me how you truly feel."

John wasn't sure what it was, but Vaughn felt...different. Different from the other powerful figures of authority John had met in his life, however few that may be. Something in him felt like he could trust this man.

"If I'm being honest, Vaughn..." John began, letting go of a deep breath. "It didn't. It was a hellhole, to say the least."

Vaughn hummed softly at John's answer. "Very well. If that's so, could you tell me what did help you?"

Any thoughts of the facility, of the torture that asshole Keon did to him, soon washed away as waves of more recent memories flashed in his mind.

He smiled at Vaughn. "My dad and two of the greatest friends I could ask for."

John's answer...deeply satisfied Vaughn. "Excellent. Just one more matter to settle then, your residence."

"I would guess people of relatively equal strength would be put together in the dorms, would I be rooming with the King?" John wondered.

"That wouldn't be the case, the current King of Wellston is one year ahead of you and lives off-campus. We offer that option for the strongest of our students, so if you were interested..."

John placed a hand to his chin, thinking. "If the King's not there. Then, who's the strongest guy who lives in the dorms that's in my year?"

Vaughn crossed his arms and leaned back a little in his chair, rubbing his jaw. "If I recall correctly, that would be Blyke, he's around level 4 from when his file was last updated if I remember right." Vaughn smiled. "A headstrong boy but he has a good heart."

John grinned. Sounds familiar.

"Alright, I think I'll be fine with a roommate."

Vaughn nodded. "Glad to hear." Vaughn pointed to the small desk near his door. "Over there are a few binders containing what you'll need: textbooks, schedules, guidelines, so on. Take that with you on your way out.

"Before you head to the dorms though, you'll be stopping by the Nurse's office so we can have an updated file for you made and your uniform given to you." He motioned to the door.

John stood, picking up his luggage and giving the headmaster another slight bow. "Thanks again for letting me attend here, Vaughn."

The older man waved it away. "Believe me, the honor's all mine. Have a good rest of your day." He said. 

John grabbed the supplies and exited the office. Keene was sitting in one of the chairs, munching on an apple when he saw John come back out.

"See, wasn't so terrible, was it?" Keene teased.

John shrugged. "Yeah, I suppose."

"Well, come on. I'll lead you to the Nurse's office."

John followed after Keene, thinking of what the nurse could be like.

"So you're the little shit that made me come into work on a day off."

John expected many possibilities. 

But this terrifying man.

He wasn't one of them.

"Darren, language." Keene half-heartedly warned.

"Shut up, you're not my mother." The Prussian-haired man in the lab coat hissed back.

"How is she by the way? I'll need to ask her for that tea recipe."

"What the—Fuck off!"

John felt very awkward. "Uhhh."

"You say something, punk?" The man sent a death glare at John, making him feel so small. 

"...I'm sorry?"

Darren heaved a heavy sigh before groaning. "Whatever, let's just get this over with." He muttered, pulling John into the office. 

It didn't take too long, just a general wellness check then a device to gauge John's level with a few details on the ability from John himself.

"There, you're done, take your uniform and go." Darren told John, typing away on his keyboard.

With pleasure. John grabbed his uniform set off the desk and got the hell out of there.

"Lovely guy, isn't he?" Keene remarked, having waited in the hallway.

"I swear, he's gonna be invading my dreams." John whispered, not wanting to face the good nurse's wrath if he overheard him. 

"Hm, ironic. Just relax, he's like a grumpy cat if anything." Keene retorted.

"With razor-sharp claws maybe." John mumbled. "Let's just head over to the dorms please." 

"As you wish, off we go!"

Chapter Text

Blyke repeatedly tapped his pencil against his desk as he worked through solving the algebraic problem he was on. 

Wait, so if 29 = x, then how is y supposed to come from an even number? Wait, we do need these answers to be whole numbers, right? Fuck, the Smash Bros all-nighter was a bad idea after all. I completely slept through the lesson for this. 

I blame Isen for all my bad decisions.

His earbuds weren't on a high volume, so he was able to overhear the knock at his dorm door, room 311.

Speak of the devil. Blyke stood and stretched out, currently wearing a black tank top and shorts, then headed to the door. That's probably him right now. I'm gonna kill him if he tries to bring me along for another pen shopping spree...where he only buys one fucking set. He could at least take us somewhere to eat afterward.

"Alright, what do you want this time as—". Blyke stopped his sentence short, realizing the two in front of him were not, in fact, Isen.

It was Keene and a boy that Blyke's never seen before, dressed in a polo and khakis, with messy black hair. The boy gave Blyke a small wave.

"Blyke, how's it been?" Keene asked cheerfully.

"Fine, I guess." Blyke then snaps a finger, remembering a tidbit he was told some days ago. "So, this guy must be my new roommate then?"

"Yup, look's like it! Can we come in?" Keene asked.

"Yeah, sure." Blyke moved back, allowing Keene and the boy in.

"Go on, introduce yourself." Keene instructed the boy.

He offered a handshake. "I'm John, I just transferred here and I'll be your roommate from now on, I guess. Hope we get along." 

"Uh, sure." Blyke accepted. "Yeah, let's be chill."

"Alright! Off to a great start already!" Keene said, upbeat. "You can handle things from here?" He asked John. Once John confirmed, he headed out, wishing the two boys a good day. 

It was rather awkward between the two, not sure how to proceed from here.

"I guess I'll show you your room." Blyke walked to the hallway and John followed after. "A bit of a late transfer, yeah?" He commented.

"Y-Yeah, there was a lot of stuff going on in my life so it took a bit for me to attend."

Blyke shrugged, wasn't much of his business anyways. "Well, welcome, I guess. If you were assigned with me as a roommate, you must be around my level, what's yours?" Blyke asked, not thinking much about it.

It was silent from behind Blyke, confusing him. 

"Actually, I don't have an ability." The sentence that broke it.

Blyke came to an abrupt stop, turning back to face his new roommate. "You're saying you're a...?"

"A cripple, yeah." John confirmed with a look in his eyes Blyke didn't notice. Anticipation?

That's...kind of weird. Why put him with me in that case? Do they want me to...protect him or something?

"That...sucks. Sorry to hear that." It was a bit stiff, but he offered his condolences. "Best to keep your head down and mind your business then. But, if someone causes you trouble...I guess just tell me and I'll stop them." If he's my roommate, I guess I have an obligation. 

At Blyke's response, John smiled, even laughing a little. "I appreciate that. But you won't have to worry about me." The next time John opened his eyes, they glowed for a moment before stopping. "I'm not actually a cripple."

Now that caught Blyke off-guard and slightly irked him as well. "So what'd you lie about it for?" 

John rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Sorry. I...I've seen what happens to low-tiers and people without abilities when the people around them find out." 

The disgust, the sadistic glees of torment, being treated like you're not a person.

"There are certain people I don't want to be around, so I wanted to see what kind of person you were. But thankfully, you seem like a good guy. I'm glad you're my roommate."

Blyke took in what John said. This guy is a bit confusing, but I guess I can see where he's coming from. 

"Well, it's not that big a deal. Just don't be doing that kind of stuff often, two-face people tick me off." That sentence made a very punchable face run through Blyke's mind. "While we're on the topic, word of advice, stay far away from Zeke."

John cocked his head. "Zeke? Who's that?"

"He's a dickhead that loves getting people to do what he says whenever he's not kissing up to people stronger than him. Once he hears about a new student, he'll probably try to fuck with you. But if you're around my strength, you'll be able to deal with him. And you are around my level, right? Be honest this time."

John chuckled. "I will. Your level's around 4, right?"

Blyke nodded. "4.1, last time I got it measured."

John nodded with a smile. "Yeah, I'm stronger than that. And I promise, I'm being honest."

Blyke cocked an eyebrow. "Really? How strong are you?"

John waved his hand. "Sorry, don't feel like spilling that. But we can have a spar if you want to find out first-hand." John offered, sounding friendly.

This guy really is confusing. Blyke's never been around someone who wasn't interested in talking about their ability or level, maybe if they were weak but if John's at least as strong as he is or even stronger...

Blyke was unsure of how to approach the situation now. Maybe John's still fucking with him and he's on Blyke's level or lower, but he honestly had to doubt it. This guy had confidence. It wasn't arrogance or him being cocky, he knew his strength and what he could do with it, who he could take on.

Not only that but what Blyke felt. It wasn't for long, but when John activated his ability, Blyke could feel a presence that he only felt around people like Cecile and Arlo. And even Remi more recently.

Could he be on the same tier as those three? Maybe...Seraphina? How should I interact with this guy?

"Maybe some other time." Blyke replied.

"Okay. Is that my room?" John pointed to the room off to the side at the end of the hallway.

"Oh, yeah, that'd be it."

"Cool, guess I'll start unpacking." John walked past.

"Do you...need any help?" Blyke offered.

"Oh, no, not at all. I don't have much. Thanks for asking though." 

Blyke was left befuddled by the interaction as John went into his room. Yup, definitely weird. But, he doesn't seem like a bad dude.

"And with that..." John fixed up his bed, flattening out the blanket and sheets. "We are set!"

There wasn't much to the room; a rather nice bed, a desk for work, and a closet for clothes. But, John didn't have much in materials anyways. Clothes, school supplies, hygiene products, just basic stuff.

John lay on his bed, taking in today. Tomorrow's my first day back in school in just about a year. I know one thing for sure, schoolwork's gonna kick my ass. But, I hope I can befriend people too. Those who can see the faults in the hierarchy.

He thought of Blyke. Someone strong like him, offering sympathy and help to someone who said they were a cripple, that's rare. 

I have no clue about the strength of the King, Queen, or Jack, It'd probably be best not to do anything too flashy...for now at least.

John heard a knock on the door. He opened it to find Blyke with a paper and pencil in his hand. 

"You any good at formulas?" He asked.

"Let me see." John took the paper and spent a couple of minutes looking through the problems.

"Well?"

John shook his head. "This is a lost cause, I'm of no help. Consult the internet."

"Damn, alright." Blyke left, and his hope of getting through the homework without cheating dwindled to nothing.

John stood by his door for a moment. Blyke's not the King, but he's the strongest guy here at the dorms, could he be Jack?

John returned to his bed and picked up Unordinary, throwing and catching it a couple of times. He opened it back to chapter seven, where he last left off his reread. 

Nothing much else to do.

Vaughn sat on his desk, looking at the updated files on their new transfer student. 

He recalled how Darren came into his office, dropped off the papers, called John a "Busted-ass kid", then left. He would be chuckling at that for a while.

"So, how are we feeling about him?" Keene asked, eating another apple.

"Hmm. Charismatic, empathetic, and powerful. He possesses all the traits I wish for the students to foster here at Wellston." He takes a sip of his tea.

"From what's been shown from his records, he certainly has made a positive change." Keene noted.

 "It's not only that." The grip on his teacup tightens. "Having been put through the conditions of the Readjustment Facility could've ruined his life forever, but his will and the support of those close to him allowed him to break through that fate." 

A fate that's not so easily broken. Vaughn didn't want to count the number of times he's seen it. 

"You seem particularly interested in him." 

"Having been born a late bloomer allows him a unique perspective, to see the hierarchy from both sides. I am interested in how he will choose to use his power."

"In regards to that, what is his level now?"

Vaughn smiled. "7.7"

Keene's eyes widened. "So that means he—"

"He stands above all of Wellston, though Seraphina does come close." Vaughn glanced down at John's papers once again, reading through the notes on his ability.

John is Wellston's strongest as of today. How much stronger can he become?

How much stronger can I become? John himself questioned, the thought coming to him after he finished another read-through of Unordinary. It's something I never thought about since back then at New Bostin. Maybe because the idea made me remember how I was back then? 

He places a hand on his chest, feeling the aura pulse through his channels. But, what I've done this past year has shown me I can use this power for the better. It...inspired Adrion at least and I was able to make him stronger. So maybe, it's worth trying to make myself stronger?  

..There was that thing I was practicing with Adrion—

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

Hopefully, he's not gonna ask about schoolwork again.

"What's up?"

Blyke stood there, holding a couple of takeout bags with grease spots on them. "Feeling hungry?"

...

The two sat on the couch, with 3 burgers and a bunch of fries for each on the plates.

"This is quite a bit of food. Were you gonna eat it all yourself if I wasn't hungry?" John chuckled.

"Yeah."

"...For real?"

"I can put down a lot of food, I hadn't eaten much today anyways." Blyke shrugged, digging into the first burger.

John followed after. "Mmm! This is good! Really fucking good!" He said through chewing and lip-smacking.

Blyke smiled proudly. "I know, right? They have the best burgers around here! Go on, try their fries."

John did as Blyke recommended. "It's like they've found the perfect salt ratio and crispiness."

"E-fucking-xactly!"

John puts his hands together and bows his head before Blyke. "I thank you for opening my eyes to burger cuisine. I'll pay you back for it."

Blyke waved it off with a smile. "It's no big deal, you don't owe me anything."

"No way, I have to." John snapped his fingers. "You ever been to Woaba Boba?"

"Woaba Boba?" That name rang a bell. "Oh! I've seen one around here but I've never gone."

John was excited. "There we go! Let's go there tomorrow after school, my treat!"

Blyke was never one to turn down free food or drinks. "Alright, sure. Thanks."  

He found himself relatively surprised by how well it was going with John. He was an easy guy to talk to and didn't take himself seriously, it's hard to think that he could be in the same realm of power that the other high-tiers are in.

"So, John, where'd you transfer from?" He figured he could start breaking the ice with his roommate.

"New Bostin." John responded, licking the sauce from the burger off his thumb.

"New Bostin...Where's that at?" He wasn't the best at Geography.

"It's quite far away from here. About 1000 miles if I recall correctly." John chased down the food with his drink. Cola, nice.

"Woah far away is right. Is that where you went to school before?"

John spent a rather long minute sipping his drink before answering. "Yeah, I did. But after some time, I couldn't stand to be in that place, so my dad and I figured we'd give this school a shot."

Blyke recalled what John said about not wanting to be around certain types of people. Is what happened there tied to his behavior? Blyke wondered but kept to himself.

"Is it just your dad you live with?"

John nodded. "Yeah...mom left us when I was young." He looked down at his drink, a solemn look on his face.

Blyke mentally facepalmed. "Shit, I'm sorry to bring that up, man."

"It's fine, happened when I was really young so I don't even remember her much." John waved it off. 

"If it's any help, I get how it is." John sent a curious look to Blyke. "My mom raised me and my little sister on her own after she found out about our dad cheating on her. It was...difficult for her, but she did her best for us, always." 

"Wow, fuck that guy." John smiled. "Big brother, huh? You do seem like the type."

Blyke shrugged. "I did whatever I could to help ease the burden off her, so I guess I just got used to having responsibilities."

John finished his second burger. "You have a lot of good qualities Blyke, you ever thought of becoming a Royal?"

Blyke looked up, pondering. "I have thought about it and I wouldn't mind it, I'm just not strong enough to be considered for it. Arlo's on a whole other level."

Another unfamiliar name for John, but he could guess. "Arlo, that's the King I'm assuming?"

"Oh, right, you wouldn't know. Yeah, he is. He's got a nasty barrier ability, no one can touch him." Blyke then thought about it more. "Except, maybe Seraphina, she's the Queen." Blyke explained, seeing John begin to speak.

"She must have a pretty strong ability then." 

Blyke leaned back into the couch. "Honestly, I got no clue what her ability even is. All I've heard is that anyone she faces gets defeated in seconds, pretty scary if I'm being honest." 

"Then, what about being Jack?" John asked.

"That spot's being occupied by Remi, she's a high-tier so I have a ways to go if I want to surpass her." Blyke admitted. "She's a close friend of mine actually."

 John finished his last burger. So even their Jack is a High-Tier, and with how he's described the other two, they could even be God-Tiers. I may have my work cut out for me.

"John, mind if I ask you something?" Blyke asked.

John hummed. Blyke had given him a good amount of info through their conversation, so he supposed if Blyke had a question about him, he could answer. "Sure, go ahead."

"Well, look, even if you don't want to talk about your level, I get the feeling that you're a pretty strong guy regardless. If you were being honest about being stronger than me before, do you plan on becoming a royal?" Blyke was always a direct person.

John rested his head on his palm, thinking of an answer.  But, he didn't need long, probably didn't need to bother anyway.

"Nah, no way."

I want nothing to do with the hierarchy.

Chapter Text

To gel...or not to gel...that is the question.

The question that John has been going over for the past 10 minutes while he got ready for his first day at Wellston. The final touch to his appearance, besides his blazer.

His dad had given him some gel products while he had been packing, something about looking dapper for a private school or whatever, as if his appearance would really matter.

But, it's a new place and a new start he supposed, so maybe he should take the opportunity to try something new out.

He thought of having it the way his dad does but...hmmm...

Nah, he can't pull that off. He doesn't even have enough here for that anyway. 

"Fuck it, let's just see where it takes me."

...

"That...isn't too bad."

He finished the final touches, having done a slicked style with a very moderate amount of gel. He found that he really liked the look. After giving it time to dry up, he put on his blazer and tightened his tie, looking into the mirror with a smile.

Blyke leaned on the wall beside his dorm's door, till he heard the sound of footsteps coming to him. He looked up at John and did so for a prolonged amount of time.

"Is there something wrong?" John asked, confused.

"You're like...the first guy in this entire school I've seen wear the complete uniform." Blyke noted. He'd forgone the vest himself.

John looked down at his outfit in surprise. "For real?" 

He shrugged. "For real. So, you ready?"

John gave a nod, slinging one of his backpack's straps over his shoulder. They shared homeroom, so they figured to just head over together, Blyke could help guide him. 

Lingering eyes were on the two as they made their way, whispers among a couple of other students as well. It continued even as they entered their English class. 

Of course they would. Someone new who's become friendly with one of the most powerful students is sure to catch people's attention. John figured, doing his best to pay them no mind. 

The roommates stood near the entrance for a moment. 

"Well look at that, he actually made it to first period." Blyke muttered to himself. 

Isen glanced and saw him, sending a wink at Blyke, who gave him a middle finger with a smile. 

John's eyes only meant to glance over to where Blyke was looking but found himself keeping his gaze there, looking at a girl with long purple hair tied in a ponytail with bangs. 

She was looking out the window with absolute disinterest. It was like there was a disconnect between her and the rest of the world.

It seemed he had looked over there for too long, as the girl's eyes met his eventually and they narrowed, appearing annoyed at his unintentional staring. He snapped his eyes away to stare somewhere else.

"Nice going." Blyke tapped John's arm with his fist. "For your safety, don't get on Seraphina's bad side."

Seraphina... Ah, so she's the Queen. That makes sense.

John shrugged. "I'll try."

Noticing her new student, The teacher stood from her desk and motioned for John to stand at the front beside her.

"Introductions, huh? Good luck." Blyke whispered, moving off to take his seat.

"Gee, thanks." John replied with sarcasm.

After getting the attention of her students, the teacher began. 

"I know it's a bit late into the year, but we have a new student joining us!" She turned to the student in question with a smile. "Please introduce yourself."

John gave the students a wave and a friendly smile. "Hello, my name's John! I look forward to attending here and I hope we're able to get along." Short introduction, straight to the point.

He took his spot in the third seat of the middle row and readied his materials for the lesson. 

―

The class was relatively lax for his first day, boiling down to just note-taking for an upcoming quiz. John was all for it, he would probably drop dead had he needed to take an exam on his first day back in school. He shivers even at the thought of it.

Chatter filled the classroom as the lesson came to an end. John took notice of how a few of the students seemed to linger rather close to the door of the class, practically all of them appearing nervous or even fidgety. 

If he had to take a guess, they must be some of the weaker students, hoping to get to their next class as fast as they could before they became prey to someone stronger.

His mood darkened and disappointment crept in. He had thought...he had hoped...that Wellston would've placed a higher importance on academics than abilities. Was there no escape from this bullshit? 

He tried to put his mind off it, deciding to look at his schedule to make sure he didn't go to the wrong class.

Next up is...Math. Great. Woohoo. Blegh.

To his left, John took notice of Blyke chatting with a guy who had orange and black hair. He thought to join their conversation until he heard a voice and felt a tap on his shoulder from his right. 

"Hi, John!" 

He turned his head, looking down and meeting eyes with a girl giving him a bright smile and a wave. She had aqua-blue hair that draped over her shoulder in a twist, making it akin to a cyclone, along with bangs and green eyes. 

John couldn't deny she was cute. Super cute, even.

"I'm Elaine, welcome to Wellston." She said cheerfully. "How's your first day been?"

John was silent for a moment before answering. "It's been good so far." He replied with a smile, trying to ignore the warmness rushing to his face. 

"That's great to hear!" 

Elaine had a good feeling about the new student. She had seen him talking to Blyke before class started, so he had to be strong. Friendly too! Not to mention he was rather handsome.

"So, where did you transfer from?" She asked.

"New Bostin. Quite far away from here, but with Wellston's prestige and status, I wanted to give it a shot and it ended up working out." John explained, hoping to limit the questions about his home.

Elaine nodded. "I see, I see. Well, I'm sure we'll be glad to have you!"

"That's great to hear." John's mood perked up a bit from his conversation with Elaine. She seemed nice and accepting, it reminded him of when he first met Claire. 

"So, John..."

But then...

"What kind of ability do you have?"

John's hand gripped his backpack tightly, his eyes losing contact with Elaine's as it felt like something dark had encroached on him. 

Sure, Blyke had practically asked him the same question, but he could feel there was a difference. Elaine's words felt much more...sinister and looming compared to his roommate's plain curiosity. And that smile she had? It wasn't anywhere close to being inviting, not anymore.

It didn't help how deadly silent the room had become, John could feel all their eyes on him. The sensation brought back the image of everyone back at New Bostin and he cringed, growing rapidly irritated of being in this classroom.

"Why..." John mumbled.

"Hm?" Elaine grew confused, unsure of what caused a shift in John's mood.

"I came to Wellston for an education, why does my ability matter?" He asks, his voice noticeably lower than what it was before, his eyes almost glaring at Elaine.

Why is that what everything boils down to?

Why can't something be different?

Elaine stumbled in her words, the dark gaze in the taller boy's eyes intimidating her. "I-I'm just interested in learning more about you, that's all!" What's that reaction for? It's a normal question, isn't it?

John could feel the difference in how she spoke again. It didn't take much for him to realize she was someone who easily gave in to those who were stronger. And for those who aren't...

Forget it. She's nothing like Claire.

"I have a class to get to." He muttered, slinging his bag over his shoulder and walking out of the classroom, ignoring whatever was being whispered by the students.

Elaine was left bewildered. She hadn't done anything wrong, had she? Why did he get so scary? Her eyes met Blyke's, who only shrugged his shoulders.

"What's got him being such a sourpuss?" Isen asked, jabbing a thumb in the direction of the door.

"He doesn't want to talk about it." Blyke shrugged.

"Hmm, weirdo." Isen took a sip from his apple juice. "He's your roommate, yeah? Must be around your level then." He concluded.

Blyke nodded. "Yeah, that's what I figured at first." He leaned in closer to whisper. "But honestly? I got a feeling he's stronger."

Hmm, Blyke's eyes are so warm. ...Wait, stronger? Isen became intrigued, his natural detective instincts kicking in. "How much stronger?" 

"I would say around Cecile or Remi's level, but even that doesn't feel right. Maybe..." His eyes shifted off to his right with a slight head tilt.

Isen's eye followed his gaze before quickly pulling away from it, almost choking on his apple juice when he realized who Blyke was referring to. "You're fucking with me."

"That's my gut feeling!"

"Your "gut feeling" needs a gut check!"

The two became deadly silent as Seraphina rose from her seat, holding their breath till she walked past them.

"You think she knew we were talking about—"

"Wasn't exactly subtle." Isen interrupted.

"Stop cutting me off, dickhead!" Blyke said, irked. 

"Say something interesting then." Isen held a snarky smirk.

"You know what, fuck you."

"You got that backward." 

"Hell does that—" Blyke froze, an instantaneous heat rushing to his face. 

The look on his boyfriend's face was priceless. To Isen, at least.

Blyke grabbed his bag and speed walked out the door. 

"I'm blowing that pen collection of yours to bits!"

"Blyke, no! LEAVE MY BABIES OUT OF THIS!" Isen shouted, rushing out the door.

Halfway through the day and yet John's mood didn't get any better. It seemed people like Blyke were the minority in this school. He couldn't even count on just his two hands how many fearful looks and ugly smirks he saw among the other students on his walks to class.

"Since you're new, we thought we should remind you of how things worked around here." Said the boy in the back, with the hair covering his right eye. Lin.

John rolled his eyes with a sigh. And now here he was, in the middle of getting jumped by three dudes. He was just trying to get to history class...

"At this school, there's a hierarchy that everyone follows. The weak follow the orders of the strong, do whatever they tell them to." Said the boy with green hair who was all up in John's personal space, Crail.

Blah, blah, blah. The same drabble that's been said in the orientation of every middle school ever.

"And with what we've heard, you don't seem to be all that into your ability. That leaves no doubt in our minds you're weak." The boy with blue hair said, Skrev, who was standing beside Lin.

What an astute observation, dumbass.

"Hell, some people think you may just be a worthless cripple!" Crail noted. He smirked, noticing the way John's eyes narrowed at him. "Maybe they were right after all."

Whilst the three continued their mind-numbing explanation of hierarchy, John noticed a figure walking by. It was that girl with purple hair again, sipping on a juice box.

He raised his hands up defensively and put a pleading tone in his words. "Sera! Seraphina! That's your name, right?" He called out. It got her attention and the three boys froze, realizing who they were in the presence of.

"You're the Queen, yeah? Mind helping out one of your defenseless subjects?" He asked, in an almost jovial way.

However, that wouldn't have helped him, as she gave him a perplexed look and simply continued to walk by. 

If he let himself get cornered, maybe he's weak after all.

The bullies relaxed and chuckled. 

"Dumbass, the hell do you get off on talking to the Queen like that?" Skrev spoke.

John's glaring eyes followed Seraphina as he grumbled. Thanks for the help, bitch.

"Hey!" —Crail activated his ability— "Pay attention when we're speaking to you!" He shouted, ready to slam his fist into John's face.

It wasn't difficult for John to dodge the attack and he quickly identified Crail's ability, dropping his blazer and bag to the ground. 

Augmentation. Strengthens his fists. Pure Power. 

John quickly took hold of Crail's wrist and twisted his arm before driving his elbow down into Crail's, breaking it.

"Agh!! Fuck!" Crail cried out, his other hand clutching his injured arm.  

"You bitch!" Skrev shouted, running toward John, While Lin had his palms facing John's direction, their abilities activated. 

Blue hair. Augmentation. Strengthens his legs. 

Purple hair. Projectile. That'd be a problem but...d ear god, he is so weak.

Skrev jumped into the air, readying his leg for a kick at John's neck. "You're dead!"

John took in his position and strategized. If I can get the timing right...

"You're gonna pay for that assh—!" Crail's sentence stopped abruptly as John palmed his face and pushed him back with a trip, slamming him into the ground headfirst. Doing so allowed John to duck and avoid Skrev's kick at the same time, surprising the mid-tier.  

John readied his fist. Increased Power and Speed, but it doesn't provide additional Defense. One solid hit...

He twisted and grabbed ahold of Skrev's ankle with one hand and drove his fist into the side of Skrev's knee socket, his strength and technique allowing him to blow out the fucker's leg.

"Agh!!!" He screamed out in pain as he fell onto the ground. "Fucking bastard!! You broke my leg!"

John slammed his fist into Skrev's face, taking him out of the fight. Says the guy who tried to kick my head off.

John's eyes locked onto Lin. The low tier was shaken at the sight, hands trembling. 

He's...He's not actually a cripple, right? He hasn't activated his ability and yet he took down those two all by himself?!  This makes no sense!

"You're a low-tier. Why would you take part in this? What the fuck is wrong with you?" John's voice raised and so did his frustration as he stepped closer to Lin.

Lin stepped back and sporadically shot off needles in desperation. "S-Step Back! I'm warning you!"

John's arms were raised in front of him to block the needles from hitting his face. They barely even did that much, nicking John's face a couple of times and creating cuts in the fabric of his shirt. 

He rushed forward, pushing through the petty damage inflicted by Lin, causing the low-tier to clamor up,  not knowing what to do. "Wait! Wait! I give up!" 

The air left his lungs as John gut-punched him, damn near lifting his feet off the ground.  Lin's hands wrapped around his stomach, feeling like he'd throw up any moment.

"If I see you pulling this kind of shit with anyone else, you're fucking done. That goes for your buddies too."  He practically growled. 

John threw him off to the side, leaving Lin to run off, horrified for his life. 

He turned back, having noticed that...Seraphina had still been there, watching the incident occur. 

He acknowledged her existence with a simple look before he went back to grab the stuff he dropped. He dusted off his blazer before putting it back on, holding his backpack by the handle on top.

...She's still here? The hell's she waiting for? 

John sighed did a two-step and gave her an exaggerated bow, akin to a jester. "Did you enjoy the spectacle, your majesty?" His tone dripping with sarcasm.

This had caught the Queen off-guard, leaving her baffled even. "What?"

"Appreciate the assist, you really helped out back there. Don't know if I could've survived if you weren't here...sipping on your juice." He noted, walking by Seraphina without care.

He had taken only a few steps past her when she had decided to speak.

"Why didn't you use your ability?"

John stopped, looking back at her. "I didn't need to, I was able to handle them fine without it."

Seraphina took another sip of her juice. "Sounds like an excuse."

John's eyes narrowed but he just shrugged in the end, walking away as he spoke.

"Believe what you want, I don't care what you think."

...

Seraphina stood there for moments, before suddenly crushing her juice box. There was something...No. It was everything he did that irritated her. 

That guy...Who does he think he is?

Chapter Text

"The fuck have you been doing? I wanted that paper done today."

John overhears a conversation between two girls off to the side of the hallway, a distance away from his locker as he gathered the rest of his stuff for the end of the day. Though, it'd be more fitting to label it an interrogation.

"I'm so sorry! I had so many assignments to get through, it slipped my mind!" The shorter girl with pink hair and pigtails stuttered out. 

"You think I give a shit?" The girl with maroon hair in a bob-cut style shoved the other girl against the wall. "Have you forgotten who takes priority here?" 

"N-No, I—" The girl's breath was caught in her throat as she was pushed against her locker, having no hope of breaking the hold.

"You're lucky I don't need it turned in till tomorrow, can't trust you damn low-tiers with anything." The girl smirked. "Better hurry if you don't want to get beaten. I want it handed to me tomorrow morning."

The low-tier girl shook her head rapidly, her first attempt to speak being replaced with a cough. "Y-Yes, I'll have it done, I promise!"

Before she left, the bob-cut girl smacked the girl's folders out of her hands, causing her papers to scatter on the floor. "Dumb bitch." She muttered, appearing satisfied with herself, before leaving.

John viewed the scene with...mixed emotions. 

He hated those who lorded their power over others as if they had nothing better to do. To belittle and hurt someone you know has no chance of defending themselves who hasn't even done anything to you, it made him sick. It didn't help how it made him think of all that he did back then...

He sighs. Things are different now, he's making sure of that.

With that being said, he wasn't exactly a fan of the sheep either. Those who either went along and did the same thing or just accepted the way things were and gave up. 

He could never wrap his head around it. Even when he didn't have his ability, he'd be damned before he didn't fight back against someone fucking with him. Maybe it earned him more bruises and bone fractures, but so what? If he had to deal with it in the first place, he might as well get a few licks in.

"Some people aren't strong enough to be brave on their own. Sometimes, it takes someone else to inspire them to take the first step."

Words of wisdom from his father reemerge and...

Now that he thought about it, maybe he wasn't so different. 

The low-tier pursed her lips, kneeling down to collect her papers. Please, don't cry. You're used to this, you're okay. She pleaded with herself. It would only cause more ridicule. She'd practically be begging to be mocked.

When she leaned down to pick up the rest of her papers, she found instead someone standing over her. Someone she had never seen around the school before. He was...tidying up the papers, reading them.

John hummed. "Damn, these are some smart-sounding answers." Way better than what I could ever do...  

She slowly stood back up, being too nervous to recognize the compliment. "U-Uh, could you give me those back, please?" She asked timidly. It's not like it took much for someone to be stronger than her, she always needed to be careful with how she spoke. Even then, it could end badly, she could only hope for the best.

"Oh, sorry. Here you go." He handed the papers over. "You alright?" 

She was quiet, almost stunned, before frantically shaking one of her hands. "Y-Yeah, I'm alright! Nothing I'm not used to." She said, attempting a smile. "Are you new?" 

He nodded. "Yeah. First day, actually."

"I guess you were given a warm welcome, then?" She tried to joke, pointing out the cuts on John's face.

John's hand reached for the cuts, forgetting they were even there, but wincing slightly at the touch. "Yeah, you could say that." He chuckled. "This is nothing though, the guys who tried pulling it had it worse."

She felt surprised. He must be strong if he can win a fight against multiple people, a strong mid-tier at least? 

A buzzing noise came from John's pocket, a text. 

We still going to that boba place? I'm by the entrance. - Blyke

Oh right. "Sorry, have to cut this short. Gotta go meet up with a friend."

"Oh, really?" She felt some...disappointment hearing that. "W-Well I don't want to make them wait." She began to turn away, reasoning to herself she wasn't someone to waste time on.

But her walk had stopped, freezing in place as she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Hold on."

Instinctively, her thoughts went haywire, thinking through her every action and wondering what she had done wrong or hadn't done in the first place. She realized she hadn't even thanked him for helping her, so just slightly, she'd turn her head to speak.

But she was confused when the expression on the taller's boy face was one of surprise and concern when she met his eyes. He'd immediately take his hand off her shoulder, and a second of being scared himself seemed to leak through. 

"M-My bad." He shouldn't be surprised, he wasn't a big fan of physical touch either. John's voice was shaky for a moment but quickly settled. "I just wanted to get your name, mine's John." He offered, trying to have an assured smile.

He...He just wanted to know her name. "O-Oh, I...I'm Evie."

"Evie...Okay." John nodded with a smile. He turned around to walk away, giving a wave. "Well, hope to see you around. Take care, okay?" 

"...O-Okay." Evie stood there for a moment, watching John walk away. Something about her felt...lighter than before. Brighter. 

She turned away, heading towards the library as she said to work through her assignments. But...she had a small, thankful smile. 

Today wasn't so bad in the end, she met a kind person.

Illena. Tanner. Hower. Gavin. Those were the names I saw through the few papers I could read. It's a start. John made a note of it on his phone.

"Man, who messed you up?" 

John looked up from his phone, hearing Blyke's voice as he approached the entrance to Wellston. 

"A couple of nobodies. It's nothing, I showed them they fucked up."

Blyke hummed. Seraphina and Arlo would never have injuries after a fight. Maybe my gut feeling was wrong after all?

John noticed Blyke wasn't exactly in pristine condition either. "I could ask you the same thing."

Blyke groaned, wiping his face with his sleeve. "Had a fight with Isen over his damn pens. Insinuating jerk..." He muttered the last part.

Isen...The guy he was talking to in homeroom?  Then, John noticed something. Blyke's tie was a bit looser and one button on top was left undone.

"Hm. Hey, uh...you kinda got something right here." John motioned to the area just beneath the collarbone, where the bit of Blyke's chest was exposed.

Blyke froze, a hand jumping to touch the area underneath his shirt. "Did that bastard—!" His eyes widen as he doesn't feel additional sensitivity. Wait, there isn't...?

His eyes darted back at John, who stood there with a shit-eating grin. His embarrassment and frustration rose in tandem. "You dick!" Blyke couldn't help but give John a hit in the arm.

"Ouch!" John let out his laughter. "Sorry, couldn't help it." John said, not meaning his apology in the slightest. 

Blyke grumbled, muttering curses under his breath. "Let's just go to the fucking boba place already." He says, speed walking away from his embarrassment. 

"Dude, wait up, you don't even know where to go!" John called out, pulling his phone out for the GPS.

"One mango boba please."

"Same here." Blyke said since it was John's recommendation.

"Okay! Coming right up!" The waitress said after writing down the order, heading off to get the order prepped.

It wasn't a long wait, barely passing five minutes before their order reached their table. 

Blyke held the drink in his hands, eyeing it for a second before he took a sip. He nodded. "Yeah, alright. That's pretty good."

"Psh. Pretty good, he says. It's the best!" John responded, happily sipping on his own.

Blyke looked over the rest of the menu. Hmm, that strawberry boba looks good, maybe I'll get that next time. Bring Isen here... "

"So, who tried ganging up on you?" Blyke asked John. They had talked about quite a bit last night so there wasn't much left except for current events to converse about.

John shrugged. "Didn't exactly catch their names while they were trying to kick my ass." He counted them on his fingers. "A dude with green hair and one with blue hair who had strength-enhancing abilities and one with purple hair who had needles. They weren't particularly strong, mid and low tiers."

"Three guys? How'd you take them down?"

"I broke one guy's arm and the other's leg, then gut-punched the needle guy. That's about it."

Blyke whistled. "Sounds intense. Taking down multiple guys at once is still impressive. Do you have a strength ability maybe?" He took a guess, sipping on his boba.

"Nope. Didn't need one anyways, I took them all down without it."

Blyke felt too much boba go down his throat and coughed. "Wait a minute, you took on three guys and won without even using your ability?"

John scratched his head. "Yeah? When it comes to mid and low-tiers, there isn't that much of a problem if you're trained adequately. Augmented abilities can be countered with quick reflexes and precise counter-attacks, Projectiles are a pain but can be dealt with if you can close the distance, and so on."

"You seem probably knowledgeable on abilities in general." Blyke pointed out.

John stopped, realizing he was going on for a bit too long, letting out an embarrassed chuckle, and scratching his cheek. 

"I just spent a lot of time reading up on different types of abilities when I was younger is all. I was kind of obsessed with them, honestly."

Blyke chuckled. "Guess I can't blame you." 

Blyke recalls when he was a kid, seeing shows of people doing really awesome attacks with energy blasts and stuff and trying his best to replicate it, though most of it didn't end up working out and would often end up with him getting yelled at by his mom. Good times, good times.

"Fuk that queen though." 

Blyke coughed up his boba. Not again! 

"Bro, do you hear what you're saying?!"

"Bro, she suuuucks. She saw me getting cornered and ignored me when I asked for help! Then she just stood there and watched me fight them off!" John ranted. 

"Maybe she just wanted to see how strong you are? You're being so damn mysterious with your ability, it's not surprising."

"Ah, bullshit. She probably would've just left me there if they actually did beat my ass. Besides, it ain't no one's business what my ability is." 

"Maybe she figured you could handle it on your own?"

"Uh huh, a likely story."

"I mean, look, I don't know what you're expecting. She's the Queen, she probably had something to do."

John became deadpan. "She literally stood there...sipping on a damn juice box."

Blyke imagined the sight. ...Cute.

He then remembered the photo Remi got with Seraphina a while back. It's not like she's all bad.

"And if you're gonna be the Queen, you could at least deal with the responsibility of looking out for others." John added. He pointed at Blyke. "If you saw me in that situation, would you have done something?"

"Well, yeah, but that's different. I know you, you're my friend." Blyke responded.

John's eyes narrowed somewhat. "And if you didn't? If I was a stranger, what then?"

Blyke wanted to say he would, but...why couldn't he bring himself to? 

"It's still a 3v1, it's overkill. I...would help you." 

John noted how the response had taken a moment to leave Blyke's lips. 

"I hope that's true."

The pair didn't spend much more time at Boba, heading back to the school and making their way back to their dorm.

"Wow, never would've pegged you as a guy who listens to classical music." John said.

Blyke shrugged. "Usually whenever I'm studying or just trying to mellow out."

"Yeah, same here. I probably have at least a dozen chill-step playlists saved." 

"For real? Link me some."

"I got you."

Blyke continued as John went through his phone. "I save more of the heavy stuff whenever I'm training or going for a run."

John hummed, if this was about a year ago, he would've said he was an avid listener of rock and metal, but he hadn't listened to it much. It...riled him up a bit too much. 

But John perked up. "You do running?"

"A couple times a week."

"Not bad. I try to do morning and afternoon." John was planning on a run before school but...sleep is just so nice sometimes.

"Damn, you're definitely ahead of me in that regard. Then, do you feel like going for one? Need to burn off that sugar from the boba, yeah?" Blyke suggested.

Hm, a running buddy. That'd be nice to have again. "Sure, sounds like a pl—"

"Blyke, my man!" A voice called out, having shoved his way past John to be in front of them. He was a tall boy with blue hair in a curtain style, the length of his hair reaching his chin.

...Who da fuk is this prick?

"The fuck do you want, Zeke?" Blyke spoke, having been put into a sour mood the moment the third-year showed his face.

"Hey, relax, what's the long face about?" Zeke pointed at John. "Is it this guy? Want me to get rid of him for you?"

"Good day to you too, asshat." John replied.

The boy named Zeke side-eyed John with a wry smile. "Sorry, I don't remember asking you to talk." He looks back at Blyke, jamming a thumb at John. "Who even is this guy?" He asks.

 "John, Zeke. Zeke, John." Blyke made a motion with his arm between the two. "And John is my roommate, so I better just have to tell you this once. Don't fuck with him."

Zeke went silent, sending another look at John, before letting out a laugh and shrugging. "Well, why didn't you just say that? I was just messing around!" Zeke spun, placing himself beside John and hanging an arm around John's shoulder. "You knew that, right? Johnny-boy?"

Johnny-boy?  "Get your arm off me." ...Before I rip it off.

"See? It's all just jokes!" Zeke laughed, patting John's shoulder roughly. "I'd love to stay and hang out but I got some business of my own to take care of." 

Zeke went and ruffled John's hair before heading off. "See you around, Johnny-boy!"

...

"Does he always act like a douchebag?"

"Pretty much. It's why I told you to keep yourself away from him." Blyke looked at John. "If you're stronger than me, you can take him. Go beat his ass, if you want."

That sounds like such a good time.

"...Nah, it's not worth it. Getting annoyed by someone doesn't give you the right to beat them down."

Blyke took that in, that wasn't a typical attitude to have.

John looked at his phone and hit send. "There are the playlists, hope you like them."

"Sweet, I'll get these saved. You still up for the run?"

"Yeah, for sure. Get into some active wear first." John sighed. 

But after dealing with that guy, I'll definitely need to get that punching bag here ASAP.

So Blyke, how's your first day with a roommate? - Isen

Blyke's got a roommate?!😲 - Remi

First off it's my second day with him actually, FYI Isen. - Blyke

Tomato, Tomato babe. - Isen

Dumbass. And yeah I got a roommate. - Blyke

You know what time it is, spill the deets. - Isen

Please! - Remi

idk what you want me to say. Name's John, he's kinda weird but pretty chill. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ - Blyke

Weird how? 🤔 - Remi

Weird that he doesn't like talking bout his ability or level. Or that he doesn't want to. One or the other. - Blyke.

Not to mention that Blyke's gUt FeElInG makes him think the guy's as strong as Arlo and Seraphina! - Isen.

What?!?! No way! - Remi

I was just guessing! Damn, Isen. - Blyke

Look, Blyke, I'm much better at reading people than you are, and if he really was as strong as those two were, there's no way we wouldn't know about it. He'd be heading for Rank 1 if that was the case. - Isen. 

I guess. - Blyke

Hmmmmm. - Remi

Your thoughts, Remi? - Isen

Is this gonna conflict with our marathons? - Remi

...That's what you're hung up on? - Isen

I'll check in with him. - Blyke

Maybe we can include him in it! It'd be nice to have another friend and the more the merrier! - Remi

Man, that's supposed to be our thing thoooo. ...Remi trying to turn this into a couple's night. 😏 - Isen

Bruh. - Blyke

What? I don't want him to feel excluded is all, It'd be mean to just kick him out. - Remi

Mhm, Mhm. Don't worry, gurl, I see you. - Isen

I'll shock you and make you blind! - Remi

If I don't do it first. - Blyke

But then I'll never get to see your beautiful faces again! - Isen

Flattery gets you nowhere - Blyke

Damn it, my one expertise. 😔 - Isen

I don't even know the guy! - Remi

Blyke. Number. Now. - Isen

Isen...Shut the fuck up. - Blyke

lol - Isen

Fuck, dealing with you makes me tired. I'm going to bed. - Blyke

Okay, good night Blyke! - Remi

Sleep well, sweetie. - Isen

🖕 - Blyke

❤️ Love you too. - Isen

Elaine knocked on the door to her roommate's room. It was getting late but hopefully...

"What is it?"

"Could we talk for a moment, Seraphina?"

"...Come in."

Elaine twisted the knob and entered. The air in the room was...uncomfortable, everything looked just as it did when she first moved in here and looked so meticulously sorted. So...drab and lifeless. The only light on was the one on Seraphina's desk, providing dim lighting.

Seraphina turned away from the papers she was reading through. "What did you want?" 

Elaine was brought out of her thoughts once Seraphina addressed her, hoping what she thought didn't show. "D-Did you want some orange juice?" She offered a cup to her, before thinking it may be better to just sit it next to her on the desk.

Seraphina stared at the glass before deciding to humor her, picking it up and taking a sip.

Elaine twiddled her fingers. "My parents have a little farm and they sent some over to me recently. T-They're complimented a lot for them!"

"Yes, it shows." It was hard to discern, but Seraphina meant it as a compliment. "Was that all you wanted?"

Elaine felt just a bit more at ease and said, "I wanted to ask what you thought about that new student in our class. John, right?"

Seraphina's eyes narrowed but Elaine was too caught up in talking to see, "I mean, he got all huffy when I just asked him about his ability and then he brushed me off! I don't get him, he's friends with Blyke so I thought he'd be strong but maybe—"

"Elaine."

The healer's heart began to race as she felt herself become unable to move, the only thing left with color in the room was Seraphina herself and her glowing, icy blue eyes. But it was only for a second before everything became normal again.

"Out."

"R-Right! Uh-I...Goodnight Seraphina." Elaine sputtered before rushing out the door.

Seraphina sighed, propping her elbow onto the desk and laying her chin on the palm of her hand. She took another glance at the orange juice and took some more sips.

Elaine's parents run a farm... That was probably the only thing she had known about her outside of school life and just learned it minutes ago. Yet, they've been roommates since their first year at Wellston. She really didn't know much about her, but's it not like it was an important priority to do so, it'd be a chore and a waste of time.

She released a heavy sigh, Elaine just had to bring up him again, John. God, what a strange name, her brain can barely recognize it as one. It was fitting with how much he didn't make sense to her. 

He held the confidence of someone powerful, the look in his eyes showed that much, though maybe she was giving him too much credit and it was plain ignorance or just stupidity. But...nothing else signified that. His demeanor, how he spoke to others, and she couldn't help but get second-hand embarrassment from the way he looked trying to pay attention to class.

None of that matched with the way those like her and Arlo are brought up. ...Yes, it's the most reasonable conclusion. He's friends with Blyke from what Elaine said, so at best he's an Elite, maybe a High-Tier like Remi, but it's out of the question of him being on her level.

And that had just made the way he addressed her even more infuriating. Who was he to be so jovial, to speak like that to her? Mocking her? He had no right.

Seraphina could feel a headache begin to form, so she decided that it'd be best to call it for the night and rest early.

And though she didn't acknowledge it, the desire for that arrogant insect to give her a reason to put him in his place had grown.

Chapter Text

"Hear thee, hear thee! I come bringing wondrous news." The ace reporter of the school press spoke as he approached John and Blyke, who were talking near John's locker.

"What are you going on about now?" Blyke said.

"Tsk, tsk. I would've kept my mouth shut if it was anyone else." Isen hung his arm around Blyke's shoulder. "But I'll let it slide since it's you." He then nodded his head at John. "And I guess you can know too since you're his roommate."

"Thanks?" John replied, confused.

Isen dropped his voice, ensuring it didn't go beyond a whisper. "From what I've heard, they'll be serving the Triple Chocolate Cake for Lunch today!"

Blyke and John's eyes lit up hearing the news.

"You serious? Hell yeah! Where do you always get this info from?" Blyke asked.

"We ain't gotta talk about it."

Choco...Chocolate Cake?! Chocolate Cake! John's tastebuds salivated at the thought.

"I know, I know, I'm amazing. No need for your thanks. Better hurry though, I'm sure there's going to be a mad dash right about..."

The bell rang, signaling lunch. Sure enough, it appeared everyone had quickened their walking pace just a bit, in hopes of it being there, even if they had no confirmation.

"Now."

Blyke looked at John, then at Isen. 

Isen looked at Blyke, then John. 

John looked at Isen, then Blyke.

"First come first serve!" Blyke and Isen shouted almost in unison as they ran, activating their abilities.

Isen's ability gave him, among other things, increased physicality, making him faster. While Blyke was using bursts of energy beams to propel himself toward his destination.

"You sons of— That's cheating!" John shouted. 

Before they got too far out of his range, John read Blyke and Isen's aura. He had no chance of making it there before them if he didn't use his ability. 

And goddamn it if that Triple Chocolate Cake wasn't worth it, nothing was!

But neither of their abilities focused on Speed—Blyke's focus was on Power while Isen had an even split between Power and Defense—so regular amplification wouldn't give him the capability to outspeed them.

He smiled, it was a good thing he could do more than just that now.

Blyke grumbled. With other people in the way, it was a pain trying to propel himself toward the cafeteria's location, allowing Isen to have gotten just a bit ahead, the slippery bastard.

His curiosity led him to look back, wondering where John had gotten. 

He wouldn't have to wonder for much longer, as he found him dashing past him in moments.

...

Wait a minute!

John weaved his way through the other students at a speed that was hard to register for them, even from Blyke himself, and interestingly, a trail of black and orange energy was left behind in his action.

So he has an ability similar to mine? Something to do with energy? He's definitely faster from the looks of it.

Isen caught onto what was going on behind him, seeing John was catching up quickly. Actually, he had caught up to him almost instantaneously.

"Oh fuck!" It scared Isen a little how sudden it was.

"That chocolate cake is mine."

The words John uttered had sent a shiver down Isen's spine, whether it was meant to or not before John continued his dash bursts, easily getting ahead of him.

Alright, I think I've gotten the hang of it.

Having used Adrion's ability for a bit of practice—At his friend's own request, wanting to help John come to better terms with his ability as well—John had reacquainted himself with his amplifying technique and took it further through the months he spent training his friend. As a result, he's learned to amplify to a higher degree. 

The way it felt to John, it was like he would amplify one stat of the ability before, but now...he could do so for two.

VICTORY!!! John gloated as he scooped up one of the first plates that held the glorious slice of Triple Chocolate Cake.

"Damn it." Blyke and Isen spoke in defeat, grabbing two of the other slices. The first slice was always the best.

"Whatever, cake is cake!" Isen spoke, pulling off the wrapper from his spoon.

"...Why are you using a spoon to eat cake?" Blyke spoke in helpless confusion.

"Are you seriously asking me that? Do you not remember the incident back in first year with you-know-who?!" Isen spoke in a loud whisper, quickly looking back over his shoulders to make sure a certain blonde pretty boy didn't come fading into existence.

Blyke remembered but preferred not to, cringing at the thought. "Oh, yeah. So what? Now you can't use a fork for the rest of your life?"

Isen nodded. "It'll require much time to heal the trauma that was inflicted on me."

Blyke rolled his eyes. "Give me a break." 

"Cake, Cake, Cake is Great~ The greatest bake that a baker makes~" John hummed the little rhyme to himself as he tore the wrapper off the fork.

John found his eyes wandering the cafeteria, trying to find a good spot for the three of them before he suddenly landed on a familiar face sitting at one of the tables, chatting with a boy with indigo hair.  That's that girl from yesterday...Evie! Maybe I should—

"You." A girl's voice called out. 

John turned and...

Damn it, not you again.

Seraphina stood with her arms crossed, an icy glare directed at John.

"What do you want now, majesty?" John asked.

Her glare grew deadlier by the second. "I want that cake of yours, give it to me." 

"...Heh."

Blyke smacked his partner's head. "Get your mind out the gutter, Isen."  

The two were off to the side, watching the scene between John and Seraphina. Quite frankly, Blyke didn't have a good feeling for what might happen.

Please don't be a dumbass, John. He thought.

"No way!" John declared.

Goddamn it!

"You're the Queen, so what? You ain't a good one anyways." John pointed at his slice with his fork. "You haven't done a thing to deserve this, so back off and get your own!"

His backtalk had caused some commotion between the on-lookers, surprised at how the new transfer student had so blatantly disrespected their Rank 1 and wondering how she would handle it.

"Blyke, what the hell is your roommate doing?" Isen whispered, with a bit of franticness in his voice.

"I don't know! Trying to get himself killed?!" Blyke responded, frantic as well. 

"Well, shit." Isen pulled out his phone, putting it into camera mode. "If nothing else, it'll make for a funny article." He could imagine it now, 'Dumbass transfer student gets REKT by Queen over Cake!'

Seraphina's eyes narrowed and her fists tightened. 

Deserve? What the hell do you know about deserving something? I've worked hard to achieve everything I have. To become the best. Deserving a slice of cake is the least of my problems...you are such an annoyance.

She uncrossed her arms, holding one of her hands out.

"Don't make me repeat myself."

John's expression grew wary and he could even feel a shiver go through his body as he felt the activation of Seraphina's ability, seeing her glowing blue eyes. It felt as if there was an incredibly intense pressure resonating from her now.

This was...by far...the strongest aura he's felt in his life, outclassing anyone else he's faced by a wide margin. Without realizing it, he'd begun to analyze her ability, out of instinctual habit.

Her Power and Speed are ridiculous, not to mention such a high Recovery as well. Her only glaring weakness is a lack of Defense...There's no doubt she's a God-Tier.

John calmed himself, closing his eyes for a moment, before meeting Seraphina's gaze with his own, glowing amber.

"...He cannot seriously be doing this." Isen mumbled, snapping some pics. John was definitely fast, but Seraphina was in a whole league of it. Meanwhile, Blyke was grumbling, face in his hands from what he was witnessing. 

I fucking told him not to—Why am I stuck around dumbasses?! 

Seraphina's glare was momentarily replaced with disbelief, before it shifted into displeasure. 

"Don't. Be. Stupid." She ordered. 

John raised a hand up to his head and held the plate forward as he slowly walked towards her. "Taking precaution is all."

He tried to narrow down her ability while he sampled and copied her aura. 

With what Blyke said before and the read I'm getting on her aura, she at least has some form of advanced speed augmentation. Does that translate to how hard she hits? Because she can move so fast? How does that explain the Recovery, though?  

John then realized how he seemed to pick up on minor actions more from the people moving around him. It's not as if they were slow but he could process it more thoroughly and more quickly. Some sort of enhanced perception? Reflexes maybe? Is that her passive?

This idiot better not try anything... Seraphina bitterly thought, growing more and more tired of this nonsense.

A question lay in both their minds.

What the hell is your ability? 

John brought his hand further, appearing just about to give her the slice of cake. If he really wanted to not draw attention to himself, he should just give the cake to her and be done with it.

However...

"Whoops." The plate slipped from John's fingers and the cake fell through the air. It would land on the floor.

Well...It would've landed on the floor, had John not caught it in mid-air and brought it back to himself.

Quickened reflexes...and I can accelerate my body's movement.

He was aware of the multiple ways abilities would act in order to be used, so with that little test, he quickly understood that this acceleration was done through the charging of aura. It was a rather common method for speed-based abilities, performing it wasn't difficult.

"That was a close one, no way I could deal with sacrificing my cake like that." John spoke calmly, taking a bite of the gooey chocolate goodness that was the TCC. I would've been an idiot to waste this! It's so fucking good! 

The attention this situation will bring him will be annoying, but he isn't going to back down.

"Did...Did that just happen?" Isen mumbled, snapping some pics.

"...He's definitely dead now." Blyke said, peaking between his fingers

"Oh yeah, definitely."

Seraphina's eyes widened, she could feel her breathing becoming more shallow and erratic.

What...What had he just done?

"Hey, what's going on over there?"
"Looks like a standoff between Seraphina and the new kid."

"Did she just get outplayed by him?"
"No way! She's supposed to be our perfect goddess!"

The whispering...Why is it always there?

"Could he actually be stronger than her?"
"That would be crazy though!"

Why won't they ever just stop?!

"I guess she isn't so perfect anymore..."
"She can finally get knocked off her high horse."

Shut up...Just shut up!

John momentarily stopped eating his cake, seeing what was happening to Seraphina, the expression on her face leaving him...worried. But that worry changed to himself as her eyes shot to him, anger enveloping them. 

She practically became a blur to everyone else as she charged forward, aiming to knock John into the next year. But to her utter confusion, she didn't feel her fist connect to his body and she didn't hear the sound of him colliding into the wall. She instead felt the air her fist move through and a large burst of force erupt from the power behind her attack.

Where...Where did he go?!

"That was close."

She snapped her head behind her, facing John to see him standing off to the side, taking another bite of his cake while wiping a drop of sweat from his cheek. 

This passive of hers had aided his own, letting him analyze her aura quicker, so seeing how she charged up her aura before she accelerated, he had the time needed to mimic her action and move to safety.

"Attacking someone when they're eating? Pretty damn rude." John remarked. He kept a cool demeanor but he had to admit, the burning sensation in his legs was new.

Moving at such high speeds, it makes sense for there to be a backlash. Even having gone through recoil training, something this strong would definitely have an effect.

The sight caused a commotion within the crowds of the lunch room. 

"There's no way he just dodged Seraphina's attack!" Blyke said.

"That's like...supposed to be impossible!" Isen said, having dropped his phone in shock.

This made no sense, he was supposed to be weaker than her, she had already reasoned that to herself. So how...

"How...Why didn't I hit you?!" Seraphina's disbelief was turning into exasperation. 

John looked at her, then at his cake, and took another bite before answering.

"Because I'm faster than you, obviously."

The bystanders lost their minds. 

Isen and Blyke were losing their minds. 

Seraphina was losing her mind.

"HOW DARE YOU!?" 

A shout erupted from Seraphina's mouth that silenced the entire cafeteria for a few moments.

John held in a smirk. A royal realizing they're weaker than someone is a sight to behold.

She accelerated herself and tried to hit John again, but he was able to dodge it, just barely. Again and again, she attempted to hit him but his amplification had given him the edge, and the more he got used to the speed this ability gave him, the easier it was for John to avoid her attacks.

"Why...won't you...fight back!" She spoke in between her failed attempts to hit him.

"I'm trying...to...eat my cake!" John became increasingly irritated over the close calls he was having with spilling his cake on the floor because of her.

"IS EVERYTHING JUST A JOKE TO YOU?!"

"That's not what I said!"

John moved back, trying to set some distance between them while setting his chocolate cake on one of the vacant lunch tables, left behind by students who didn't want to get caught in the crossfire of Seraphina's outrage.

"What the hell is your problem? All of this over a damn slice of cake? Seriously?" 

"Shut up! SHUT THE HELL UP!" Seraphina yelled.

In that instant, John felt something changed. It felt like in an instant, there was an output of aura dispersed throughout the area. Then, everything just...stopped. His vision turned...grey. He couldn't move. But he also realized neither could anyone else. Except...Seraphina.

In that instance, everything about her ability clicked.

Her ability...she can control time!

"Every day of my life is spent working myself to the bone to be the best. To be perfect! To stand above everyone else! You think you can just waltz in and act like none of that matters?! Like you don't give a damn about anything?! Like you can just humiliate me like this?!" 

Though John was frozen, his mind was still conscious and he could sense Seraphina's aura began to charge up.

She's going to accelerate herself again. That's gonna pack a hard punch if I'm stuck like this! 

"I'll beat you down as many times it takes to make you see how far below you are to me!"

Is there more than just outputting aura? A command?! 

John wouldn't have much more time to think through the possibilities as Seraphina went through with her charge, appearing before John in an instant, and in a last-ditch effort, John focused on outputting his aura as well, just as Seraphina did.

STOP!

...

What the hell is this?

Seraphina was...frozen? Not able to budge an inch? No, that—that didn't make sense. She's not supposed to be affected by her ability, so how is this—

John let out a breath as he let his body slump, welcoming the freedom of movement again. He looked around, seeing that it was practically the same as when she had done it, except now, she was the one frozen in place.

How is he...? Is...Is this his doing? How?! No one outside my family has this ability! And it's strong enough to stop me?! 

Seraphina tried to take control, to place time under her whim, but the strength of this Time Stop, his Time Stop...she didn't have the capability to override it.

He's...He's actually stronger than me?

Her subconscious flinched as his eyes landed on her, staring pensively. A growing anxiety consumes her seeing him raise his arm and clench it into a fist. 

For so long, the idea of defeat had been nothing but a laughable impossibility, something that could never become true. But, faced with the possibility that it could actually happen...it sent a Seraphina into a panic.

What would everyone think? About how she's fallen so far, only playing second fiddle to someone like him? The whispers would only become worse, having failed the expectations of everyone around her. 

What would her parents think? What would they do to her? 

...

John contemplated. She has no defense and with this ability's Power, I could take her down in one hit, and have that be the end of it. 

He pulls his fist back, beginning to accept this as the necessary outcome.

But...just before he follows through, his eyes meet the Time Goddess' frozen gaze and he wonders how he didn't realize it till now.

A gaze filled with anger...frustration...and underneath the mask of it all, the deep, suffocating depths of hopelessness.

Then, he recalls the words whispered among the commotion, behind Seraphina's back, and for the briefest of moments, John felt like he was looking into a mirror.

He heaved a sigh before dropping his fist, estimating the spot that her fist would land on him from the angle her arm was at. He placed his arms up and tensed his body, readying himself for what would happen.

Alright, here goes nothing...fuck, this is gonna suck.

The instant John released his Time Stop, he collided with the wall behind him and left a dent in it, having been sent a couple of dozen feet back. He could feel some of his bones breaking from the impact, having been enough to force him to cough up blood.

He dropped to the ground, coughing again. The guard he put up and the basic increase in his durability from having his ability active had been enough to just barely keep him awake, though he's not sure whether that's a good thing or not.

"What just happened?!"
"One second he was dodging effortlessly, and the next he got sent flying into the wall!"

"Did anyone see how she did it?"
"It was in the blink of an eye!"

"So I guess Seraphina's stronger after all?"
"I should've expected that."

"What a disappointment."
"He got what was coming to him in my opinion."

John groaned, people can just fuck off, honestly.

...

Seraphina's mind went blank as she realized her action had gone through. 

I...I hit him. H-He let me hit him? W-Why didn't he...? 

She couldn't understand it. By all accounts, he should've defeated her. It's what is supposed to happen, what's supposed to make sense. But he didn't. Her walk towards the figure of John on the ground was almost aimless.

When John looked up, he wasn't sure what sort of expression he was expecting Seraphina to have. But if he was being honest, seeing the welling up of tears in her eyes was definitely at the bottom of his list.

"What...What is wrong with you?!" She screamed out, her voice cracking halfway through.

John groaned. Don't even get me started—

Seraphina knelt, gripping him by his vest, slamming him once into the wall in anger before pulling him back.

"You...Why...Why did you let me...?"

John was surprised. "Oh, so you were still aware...Guess I should've figured, still don't know the inner workings of everything after all." John clutched his ribs, hitching a breath as he grimaced.

"The judging whispers that you can never escape from and all that bottled-up frustration you take out on others when you can't take it anymore...you've gone through it too."

Seraphina's eyes widened. How...How could he..?

John painfully chuckled. "I got to know how it feels to be on the receiving end, one way to make up for it I suppose." He looked back at her. "Did you let it all out? Besides, I'm sure it's easier on both of us if you stay as Rank 1."

Tears were falling from the Queen's face and it seemed she didn't even recognize it.

John could barely keep his eyes open, that hit of hers took a lot out of him. "I...gotta take a nap."  He leaned back and let himself fall unconscious.

Seraphina's arms felt stiff as she brought one up to her face, feeling the almost unfamiliar wet touch on her skin. W-Why am I...

Before she could allow herself to register it, she ran out of the cafeteria as fast as she could, to find somewhere she could hide away somewhere from it all for just a few moments, where no one would hear the cries of the goddess.

"Arlo, you up here?!" A tall, third-year student with spiky blue hair called out, slamming open the door to the rooftop. "There you are, I should've figured!"

Arlo barely moved, only turning his head to gaze at his friend. "Holden, what's all this about?"

"Man, shit got crazy in the cafeteria today! Some guy got into a fight with Seraphina! Fricken Seraphina!"

Arlo pondered but didn't find it all that surprising. It had been rather common for others to try and fight her, especially back in her first year when the hierarchy was still in repair and fights were rampant. Though it was much less common now, it still happened every now and then.

"And? Are you going to tell me Seraphina lost a fight?"

"Well, no..."

"Then why bother telling me?"

"Because it wasn't a straight wash! For the majority of the fight, Seraphina couldn't even touch him!"

Arlo momentarily froze. Now that...that wasn't normal.

"Then what are you waiting for?"

Arlo turned and gave Holden his full attention.

"Give me all the details."

Chapter Text

"Say that shit again, I fucking dare you!"

John didn't know who he was attacking, he just knew he was being disrespected and they needed to get beaten and bloodied.

"Worthless trash! The hell made you think you could take me down?!"

He couldn't see anything clearly, his vision was muddled by blood and anger. He could only make sense of it all once he had finally relented in the beating. Only then, had he realized what he was doing, staring down at his hands with traces of blood covering them.

...Wait, W-Why am I...? I s-shouldn't be...

Then, he looked down at the person who had been the victim of his attack, a girl his age, long purple hair splayed out, and glowing blue eyes that gradually began to fade away, becoming hollow.

NO!

John awoke with a startle, pushing himself up quicker than he should've as a pained gasp escaped him, his arm instinctively placing itself on his core, clutching his ribs, not taking notice of the bandages that had been placed. Even moving his arms was rather painful.

A dream...just a nightmare, it wasn't real. Motherfucker... His ragged breathing became controlled, remembering the method his dad showed. 

Once he settled, he rubbed his eyes, a miserable chuckle leaving him. It's been a while since that's happened. From the details of it, seems like that encounter with the Queen brought up things he'd rather not dwell on.

Only after this had he taken a look at his surroundings. "Huh, how'd I end up in the infirmary?"

"That's what I was wondering."

...Oh no.

A slight turn put him face-to-face with Darren, the nurse with the permanent resting murder face, standing at the end of the bed.

"Uh...what's up, doc?" John spoke with a nervous smile, trying desperately to stay on his good side, if he had one in the first place.

"Barely halfway through the week and you're already..." Darren inhaled a deep breath and let go of an audible sigh, one that John could hear the disappointment in. "Tell me, how does the strongest student in the school end up here?" 

"L-Let's just say me and the Queen got into an argument." John explained, looking away from Darren's look.

"Hmph." Darren reasoned that was the only possible option, Seraphina and John were the only ones on par with each other, level-wise. Knowing John, maybe he shouldn't be surprised he clashed with one of the royals.

The good nurse pointed to the file cabinet to the right of John. The only thing of note from what John could tell was the glass of green liquid sitting there.

"Drink it." Darren ordered.

John looked back, terrified. "You're trying to poison me?!"

That earned him a smack on the head.

"Idiot, it's a healing tonic." A scary smirk came upon his face. "But don't give me any ideas."

Oh god.

Begrudgingly, John took Darren's word and downed the drink, having a slight bitterness to the taste but it looked like he was telling the truth, he could already feel the injuries he sustained begin to slowly heal.

"It's your first one, so it'll take some time for you to completely recover, but it'll do the job." Darren said.

John sighed, such a shame that he can't keep abilities once his own deactivates, Seraphina's fast healing trait would've come in handy. If she can control Time, she can probably reverse it, that's why her Recovery can be so high.

"So what time is it, doc?"

The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.

"There's your answer." He spoke, beginning to turn away. "Your stuff's on the chair to the wall, don't forget it."

"Yeah, I got it." John nodded along, groaning as he realized he'd be behind on schoolwork already.

Standing up, he took a moment to stretch, making sure to not overextend anything past the point of pain, the tonic definitely helped with that. 

He heard the door to the infirmary open as he gathered his things and stopped once he heard a familiar voice.

"D-Darren sir. Is John alright?"

"Hm, yeah, he's up. And cut it out with the sir."

"Oh!"

John only had to take a few steps forward to come into the view of the girl he was pleasantly surprised to see.

"Evie? What brings you here?" He asks, as well as noticing the boy she was sitting with earlier next to her, who gave him a timid look before looking away. 

"John!" She spoke with a smile, walking up to him, holding a book in her arms. "How're you feeling?"

He rubbed his neck. "Fine, I guess."

Evie nodded along. "Thankfully! After what happened with Seraphina, I just...wanted to make sure you were okay." She explained, appearing to have become more nervous as she continued to speak.

"Y-Yeah, that hit looked pretty bad. I'm surprised you're even awake." The boy with indigo hair added before turning to Evie with a smile. "I definitely wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of the Goddess' punch."

Evie chuckled. "We'd probably die if that happened."

"It's not all that impressive, I'm used to taking hits is all." John half-mindedly responded, waving it off.

Darren felt a need to add to the conversation. "They carried your sorry ass over here, you better tell them thanks."

That surprised John. "Wait, seriously?"

"W-Well, no one else had done anything...I just wanted to return the favor for yesterday." 

Wow. What a bro, Blyke, what a bro.

To keep too much attention off her, Evie pointed to the boy with her.  "Roland was a big help, though, I definitely couldn't have done it by myself."

"I just figured if you helped out Evie, you must be a good person," Roland explained. "Even then it was still difficult, you're kinda heavy."

John was taken aback, letting out an incredulous chuckle. "Woooow, you're gonna make me feel self-conscious."

The two seemed to have become a bit nervous hearing that, clamoring up.

"H-He didn't mean it like that! You're just pretty d-dense is all!" Evie tried to correct him.

"Look, I suck at school but now you're just being mean."

"NONONON—"

"CAN YOU THREE TAKE THIS SOMEWHERE ELSE?!"

The three became equally terrified of seeing the angry nurse and speeded away out of the infirmary.

"Sorry, Doc! Thanks for the tonic, hope to never see you again!"

"I BETTER NOT!"

After some grumbling about it being too early for this shit, Darren thought to himself. Those other two, I see them semi-frequently. What were their names, Roland and Evie? He went to his computer, taking a quick look through the records to find them. 

Hmm, 1.4 and 1.8, that's really low. And John's friendly with them?

He crossed his arms, softly sighing. They're good kids. If they got him by their side, then hopefully they wouldn't have to come around so often, sure they would have an easier time throughout the day.

He took another sip of coffee, chuckling to himself. I'm getting too soft, I need another kid to yell at.

His door creaks open, and a boy with green hair comes crawling in. "Ugh...doc...help." 

I. was. joking.

After hightailing it out of the infirmary, John figured it was best to pick up the classwork he missed out on while he was conked out. Roland and Evie decided to tag along for whatever reason, but he didn't mind their company.

"John, I really didn't mean anything bad when I said that!" Roland spoke, a bit frantically.

He laughed, messing with these two had been pretty amusing. "You're still on about that? I was just kidding around. Chill out, alright?" 

"We just don't want to come across as disrespectful." Evie reasoned.

John groaned. "Oh please, you've dealt with too many people who can't take a joke." He then turned to Evie. "Actually, that reminds me of something I wanted to ask you."

Evie perked up. "Oh! Sure, ask away!"

"What happened yesterday, with that girl who was bothering you, does that happen often?"

"O-Oh." Bringing that up looked to have dimmed Evie's mood a little. "Yeah, it does. If I'm being honest, it's probably almost daily."

"Evie's really smart but also the weakest out of us, which makes her the biggest target." Roland explained, before backtracking. "Crap, sorry, Evie! Didn't mean to insult you..."

"No, it's fine. I'm good for one thing at least, right?" She tried to joke.

 Self-deprecation, John knew it well. 

"Tanner and his group, they all suck." Roland spoke bitterly. "There's no escaping it either, so many of the others kiss up and snitch to them if someone doesn't follow their orders."

"Hmm, does a guy with a needle ability ring a bell?" John asked, eliciting a groan from Roland.

"Are you talking about Lin? I used to be friends with him but then he started being a lackey for those guys and I couldn't stand it. I just distanced myself from him." 

"Wait, is he the one with the purple hair that covers his eye?" Evie wondered. "Cause I could've sworn I saw him yesterday, he looked absolutely terrified for some reason."

"Really?" Roland had a small smile. "I would've liked to see that, serves him right." 

John mentally patted himself on the back. Hell yeah.

"I think Hower's the meanest out of them," Evie noted.

"Yeah, 'cause he's the weakest but he knows we can't fight back without getting punished by the stronger students, that's what he loves. He's an absolute prick." 

"Mhm, those guys are the worst." John agreed. He's dealt with every kind of bully throughout his school life, but those ones absolutely infuriated him. Sucks for them that he didn't care about the punishment, he'd beat their ass anyways. "They're always the most condescending."

Roland nodded. "Exactly."

"So, it sounds like Tanner's the ringleader of these guys, who's a part of his group?" John wondered.

Evie was going to ask a question but got distracted by John's and she listed out a few names. A few he had already known from the papers she had with her, but there were also some new ones: Wenqi, Krolik, Misa, and Rouker.

"That's quite the gang." John hated the question he was going to ask because of course they would but... "Have you guys told any of the royals about this?"

As he expected, Roland scoffed. "Like they would care, we're too far down the totem pole to be of any importance." 

"Oh come on, Roland, it's not like that! I'm sure...they're just really busy with everything else."

Evie tried, but the expression on her face betrayed any belief in her words, it was pretty easy for John to see. Adrion had been the same way. 

In fact, he saw a lot of himself in Roland, they had a similar bitterness toward powerful people who couldn't care less about those below them when John was a low-tier. Even being one of the strong, he still held onto those feelings.

And of course, the Royals aren't doing jackshit to deal with this. Well, it's not like I didn't expect that to be the case.

Looks like he'll need to pick up the Royals' slack after all. He'll find a way to deal with it, but first...he'll need to grab the rest of his schoolwork.

"Math class is the last one I need to grab."

"...Worst for last?" Roland asked.

John laughed, looking back at him as he turned a corner to where he was pretty sure the room was, "Damn righ—Agh!", His sentence had been cut off by his shoulder colliding with something. He clutched it, swearing he had been far enough away from the wall not to knock into it.

"Hey, who do you—wait! Arlo, this is the guy, definitely!"

Arlo?

Looking ahead, John sees he'd actually bumped into a person instead of the brick wall as he thought. A tall one at that, with blonde hair and blue eyes who was looking at him peculiarly. Standing next to him was another tall guy with blue hair styled in a quiff, pointing a finger at John.

"You're sure of this, Holden?" Arlo asked, not even sparing a glance, keeping his eyes on John.

Holden nodded. "Yeah! He stands out like a sore thumb, doesn't he?"

Bitch I am right here—

"I haven't seen you around the school before." Arlo stepped closer as he crossed his arms.

John placed his hands in his pockets, staying calm and keeping eye contact. Something felt off with this guy. 

"I just transferred this week. Besides, it's a pretty big place, shouldn't be surprised if you hadn't."

Arlo hummed. "That may be true, but I'd rather not have that be the case. What's your name?" 

"...John."

Arlo smirked. "Nice to meet you. I hope I need no introduction."

Pretty full of yourself, aren't you?

John returns the smirk with one of his own. "Arlo, King of Wellston, right?"

He nodded. "Good, you know of me, that should make this easier. I've been told about your fight with Seraphina, you handled yourself rather well. I wanted to have a word with you." Arlo explained matter-of-factly.

John could take a guess about who told him about it—sparing a passive glare at Holden—before he looked back at Arlo.

"What's there to tell? I was being a smartass and the Queen knocked me out, it's par for the course, ain't it?" John moved to the side. "Sorry for bumping into you, but if you'll excuse me I need to pick up some classwork." 

He would've taken a step, had Arlo not gripped him by the shoulder, stopping him. They exchanged a look that was barely disguised as a glare at each other before Arlo took notice of Evie and Roland. "Who are these two?"

Looking back at them, John saw how the former had an expression of awe and a blush on her face while the latter was looking away, uncertainty and nervousness apparent from him.

"You two need to scram, this is private royal business!" Holden ordered, making a shooing motion with his hand.

"We..." Evie wasn't sure what to do, neither did Roland.

"You two don't need to go anywhere," John called out, before looking back at Arlo. "To answer your question, those two are my friends."—John nodded toward Holden—"And I'd appreciate it if that lapdog of yours stopped barking orders at them." 

"Who the hell you calling a lapdog?!" Holden had been riled up, getting in John's personal space and gripping him with one hand by his collar. "I'll kick your ass right here and now, asshole!"

John scrunched up his nose. "I might've been able to take that seriously if it wasn't for that breath of yours. It reeks."

"Why you—!"

"Come now, Holden, that's enough. You should back off." Arlo said in a jovial tone. He pulled his friend back, to Holden and John's surprise.

"But, Arlo—!"

"He clearly isn't in the best of moods, getting put in their place does that to someone." He looked back at John expectantly. "Right?"

John barely disguised his chuckle behind a sigh. "Yeah, that's it."

"I apologize about my friend, we can continue our discussion another time." Arlo gave John what looked to be a well-intentioned smile. "Good luck with your studies, make Wellston proud."

The way he was acting had thrown John off but it was his ticket out of this situation so might as well take it. "Sure, I'll do my best."

He gave a nod to Evie and Roland and they quickly followed after him, though they made sure to give a respectful nod to Arlo and Holden as they passed by.

Holden grumbled as he looked at the retreating figure of John. "Fucking jackass, who does he think he is?"

"Who do you think you are?"

"H-Huh?" Holden wasn't expecting Arlo to have that tone.

"You told me how easily he had been keeping up with Seraphina." Arlo's tone became gravely low. "Do you really think he couldn't've beaten you down if he wanted to? What way is that to speak to someone who's stronger than you?"

"U-Uh...I...I wasn't thinking about that." Holden said, embarrassed as he scratched his neck. "Sorry..."

Arlo hummed, before giving Holden another question. "Those two who were with him, how strong do you think they are?"

Holden thought for just a moment. "Low-tiers, probably?"

"And why is that?"

Holden shrugged. "The way they carried themselves, I guess?" Then, Holden snapped his fingers. "It's like with that guy too! If I didn't know any better, I would've thought he was just a careless dumbass!"

Arlo smiled. "Good answer."

Now, what would someone like him, with the supposed power to rival Seraphina's and who had the confidence to match, be doing spending time with low-tiers? 

They shouldn't mesh together, it's unnatural. It's a disruption to the order of things and he didn't like it. 

John left him with many questions. Arlo intends to know the answers to all of them.

"Hey, Arlo?"

"What is it?"

"...My breath doesn't really smell bad, right?"

...

Arlo rubbed his nose. "You put too much onion on your burgers."

"Fuck."

"Sheesh, how do I misread where her room's at by a whole floor level? She's almost as scary as the doc."

"Y-Yeah." Roland mumbled while Evie nervously chuckled.

"Hm?" John turned back to the two. "What's up with you guys? You've been quiet since we ran into that King guy."

"Well, yeah!" Roland responded. "First you get into a fight with Seraphina and don't end up being rushed to the hospital. Then you bump into Arlo, tell him off, and then walk off without him doing anything to you! These...These aren't regular things that just happen!"

"It was pretty cool..." Evie added.

"...Yeah, that's also true." Roland acknowledged. "It's just...I don't get how you can be so reckless. How strong are you?" He asked.

 John grumbled, he didn't blame Roland for the question but he automatically becomes annoyed when that kind of thing is brought up.

"Strong enough to know it doesn't matter." He responded with a shrug. "It's not even about that, my strength. Regardless of it, I can't stand seeing people being talked down to because of something so meaningless as levels and power." 

John acknowledges the hypocrisy within that statement, as it's only those with that strength that are capable of changing things for those without it, and it's a bittersweet understanding.

His fist clenched remembering the way his tormentors treated him and his friends.  "I won't let someone walk all over me, the same goes for those I'm close with. That type of bullshit thinking, I'll go against it any day. There's more to people besides that."

John stopped it there, realizing he'd gone on yet another long-winded spiel. 

However, Evie and Roland didn't seem to mind it. In fact, they looked taken in, absorbed in the words John spoke, the former especially. This was probably the first time they'd ever heard someone speak compassionately about those like them, it felt like a positive shock to their system.

"S-So, what you said about before..." 

"...You really do see us as your friends?"

Evie began and Roland finished the question, one that John had no difficulty answering.

"I like being around you, so yeah I do." John stopped himself, getting too far into his self-doubting thoughts. "Wait, shit, was I being too presumptuous? I'm sorry, I just—"

"No no no, not at all!" Evie and Roland put a stop to that. 

"Oh, well...great! Awesome!" 

John couldn't keep that grateful smile off his face, even if he tried. 

Chapter Text

"But it has a really good story!"

"I'm sure it does, but I also know it's absolutely horrific. The introduction you showed me still has me waking up in a cold sweat!"

"The beginning isn't even that bad..." Evie brushed off Roland's experience, before looking at him with excitement, "It's nothing compared to episode six where he gets surrounded by—"

"Nope! Uh-uh! I'm not hearing it!" Roland waved his arms around before covering his ears. "Leave me alone with your horror talk!"

Evie couldn't help but giggle at getting Roland riled up, his reactions were so funny.

Meanwhile, John smiled to himself, his day getting brighter as he got more familiar with the two low tiers.

"I guess appearances really are deceiving, never coulda guessed you were a horror fanatic."

"Well, you know it's like...you get to be a part of it without actually being a part of it, you know?" Evie offered, only confusing Roland.

"You've lost me more than you already have, what does that even mean?"

"Ah geez, I'm really bad at speaking my thoughts."

"I think I get it. You...get to feel the excitement and adrenaline rush of the horror being presented, while also knowing that you have that safety net of not actually being in any danger?"

Evie nodded along intensely to John's explanation. "Exactly! And if it ever does get too intense, you could always stop and remove yourself from the experience!" 

Something that can't be said for the horrors of merely trying to walk to class.

"Ehhh, I don't know about that. It always looks like shadows start to move after I see anything scary, it can be hard to separate." John shook off a shiver. "Gets me and my nerves all paranoid and shit." 

It made him remember his first sleepover with Adrion when the boy's mother had accidentally forgotten to return some movies on her way to work, leaving them at home, vulnerable to the grubby hands of the middle-school children who'd believe they had moved on from kiddy stuff and were ready for something a bit more Gorey.

...Yeah, they didn't get any sleep that night. They decided to stick with Spongebob from then on.

"Yeah, same here. I'll definitely leave my lamp on for some light if I think shadow demons or some shit are gonna come after me in my sleep." Roland admitted.

"Oh yeah, I can't stand those guys."

"I've never had that problem before." Evie said.

"I'm sure you haven't, I bet you're friends with them!" Roland responded, getting another set of giggles from Evie, that ended up with him laughing as well, and even had John doing the same. 

"If it's as good as you say it is, send me the link for it and I'll check it out." John said, tapping Evie on the shoulder. Even if he doesn't enjoy the horror, he appreciates the ones with an interesting story.

"Really?! Okay, sure!" Evie nodded happily.

"You're a brave one, hope you can handle it." Roland offered a salute.

John chuckled, shaking his head. "Probably won't, might need some comforting afterward." He joked.

"..." Evie whispered something that couldn't be heard well.

"Huh? You say something, Evie?"

The girl jumped, having not expected John to even know she had whispered,  feeling a growing embarrassment. "It's nothing! Nope! Nothing at all!" A sudden speed took over Evie as she dashed toward the girls' dorms.

"Thank you guys for walking me to my dorm! See you tomorrow! Byeeeee!"

John blinked a couple of times, confused by what just happened.

"She's probably just excited about making a new friend." Roland offered and John accepted the possibility without much thought.

"Ah, gotcha."

From there, John continued to walk with Roland on the way to their own dorm, and from what John could see, his presence beside the low-tier had done something at least. He noticed how a few of the other students who had their eyes on Roland had looked hesitant and ultimately abstained from testing their luck. He would hope that would stay the case.

Unfortunately, as John and Roland neared their destination...

"Roland, quick. Step to the left." John whispered and commanded.

Though unsure of why he would make that request, Roland obliged, moving about four or five feet away in his step. Still, his eyes widened as an incoming punch came into his view, belonging to the bully he dealt with on occasion, Mardin, who had his ability activated. 

"Gotc—Huh?!"

John turned and put his left foot forward, causing Mardin to trip over. 

For good measure, John drives up his right knee, allowing it to collide with the boy's chin.

Roland quickly understood why John told him to do that. Had he not moved, he would've gotten quite the nasty hit to the head. But how had John known that was going to happen? ...Can he see into the future? Is that his ability?!  

He snapped out of his thoughts, seeing John flipping Mardin over on his back with a foot.

"Agh...my jaw..." Mardin whined but stopped shortly, feeling the pressure of someone's foot on his chest and seeing the vicious glare John was giving him.

"You absolute dumbass. Did you not get the hint that maybe you should've just fuck off and mind your business? Did you even have a plan?" John's expression held nothing left of the friendliness he showed to Roland and Evie, instead, it only showed just how much he detested people like him, like how he used to be.

Mardin didn't give much of a response, instead looking back in the direction he came from.

"Woah, Mardin! The new guy got you pretty good, you need to step up your game!" Came the voice of someone John really did not want to deal with.

John turned back to see Zeke approaching them, offering a clap and a sly smile, saying, "That was hilarious. You just made my day, Johnny-boy!", before pointing towards Mardin. "Take it easy on my guy though, he was just offering his greetings." 

John gave the third-year a pointed look, before looking down at Mardin and being nice enough to take his foot off the boy. That might of been a little much, maybe.

While Mardin got himself up and returned to Zeke's side, John said, "You think throwing a guy at someone I'm walking with is a good way to greet me?"

Zeke shrugged. "Hey, I told him to go for you. I think he's got something called dysmexla or some shit."

"It's dyslexia." Mardin corrected.

"Mardin." Zeke put his grip on Mardin's shoulder tightly with a fake smile.  "It's dysmexla."

"U-Uh, r-right, I mixed it up again, sorry." He responded, safer to go along with what Zeke thought after all.

...He really is a dumbass. John blankly thought.

"Is this greeting over with? I'd like to get going." John said, trying to act as cordial as he could be, subtly glancing over to Roland, trying to motion for him to get going. 

"Oh come on, what's the rush? Besides, there's some stuff I need to go over with you." Zeke said with a faux-friendly tone, placing a hand on John's shoulder.

God, may you give me the patience I need to deal with this heathen.

"Such as?" John said, with a well-hidden click of his tongue.

"Just some simple stuff. Since you're living in the dorms, you're on my turf, meaning you follow my rules. So, when you're around me, you'll address me as your King and bow in my presence. Easy to remember, right?"

...

John was...buffering? Yeah, John's mind was currently buffering. The bullshit that this guy just spewed at him made all effort of being logical pointless, to the point of being comical. This guy had to be joking, right?

"Do you need a demonstration? No worries, Johnny-boy, I got you covered!" Only then did Zeke give Roland any attention. "You, be useful for once and show the new guy what I'm talking about!"

The situation that was occurring before Roland made it hard for him to leave but when he ended up getting called out by Zeke, he really wished he had listened to John.

"You deaf or something, bitch-boy?" Zeke muttered. His eyes had begun to glow, signaling the activation of his ability. "Don't make me ask you twice."

Roland's hands grip tightly to the fabric of his slacks, a bead of sweat dripping down his cheek as he gave the bow Zeke had expected from him, heart racing from fear. "G-Good afternoon, my King." He spoke, trying to keep his voice stable.

"Perfect, A+ even! Best one I've seen all day." Zeke said, then gave an expectant look to John, who was almost done sorting through the supposed "words" Zeke said to him. "Alright, now it's your turn."

"Yeah, you better listen!" Mardin egged on. "Zeke's the strongest here so you don't wanna—"  

"PFT—!"

Nope, that was it. That did it. That broke John's bullshit capacity and the horrendous fit of laughter from him was undeniable proof of it. Well done, Mardin, well done.

"What's so fu—?!"

"Hold on! Hold on! Give me a sec! I'm not done!" John tried to say to Zeke with great difficulty, more laughing bursting forth, it was starting to hurt his back.

...What the fuck is wrong with this guy?!

The confidence and control Zeke felt within this situation were beginning to be replaced with fury at just how utterly disrespectful this little fuck had become. He wouldn't be able to take it any longer.

Zeke grabbed John by his collar pulling him forward. "You think I'm a fucking joke? I'll make you regret ever being born, prick!"

"Please, try! But I doubt you could, all this bullshit you got going on has me too hysterical to ever think of not wanting to be!" 

"The fuck did you just say to me?"

John couldn't help but smirk. From the read he was getting on Zeke's aura, this guy was definitely below Blyke. If he remembers right, this guy is more around Zirian's level if anything.

"I mean, come on, the strongest? Have you conveniently forgotten about Blyke? He's obviously stronger than you." 

Oh, now that hit a nerve. Evidently so by Zeke's gripping ahold of John's jaw, which, admittedly, hurt. Something about his ability felt different, it was different.

Plenty of strength and speed, but no recovery or defense? That's a strange setup. Rather low too...

"John!" Roland called out in concern, moving forward to help, but stopped by Mardin, pushing him back. 

"Go on, do something!" Mardin taunted with a cruel smirk, knowing how weak the boy was. 

"What you've forgotten is that the little red-haired bitch isn't around to cover your sorry ass. You're in for a rude awakening, Johnny-boy." Zeke leered.

All John could do was chuckle, taking hold of Zeke's wrist and using just enough strength to push it away as he copied Zeke's ability.

"You seriously think I was...what...hiding behind Blyke?" John questioned with a dark smile.

What the hell? I can't get out of his grip!

"I'll let you off the hook, though. Instead of me being the one to kick your ass today, I'll give you a bit of advice, Milord. You might want to tilt your head to the left a bit."

Zeke cocked his head with an angry smirk, seemingly unaware he had followed John's advice. "I swear to god, you are so fucking de—" 

He had only noticed the energy beam once it already passed by him, leaving a gash on his cheek as blood dripped from it. 

"Shit!" Zeke took in a breath as he cursed, turning back with widened eyes as he realized where...and who...that beam came from.

Standing just a couple dozen feet away from the rest was Blyke, having used his middle finger to flick the energy beam, and holding an expression that looked like he was about done with everyone's shit.

"That's your only warning, Zeke, I'm not in the mood for this. Back. The fuck. Off."

"Blyke?!" 

Zeke's skin suddenly turned blue, which wasn't the only weird thing John noticed.

His Recovery and Defense have increased, but his Power and Speed have dropped considerably. Is he able to shift his stats around?

Zeke appeared hesitant, just for a moment, as he actually attempted to do something called critical thinking. All hope of that, however, vanished with that chuckle that just spelled trouble.

"You know what, Blyke?" 

Zeke appeared to vibrate with movement as his skin returned to its normal hue, before suddenly dashing toward Blyke, having already closed plenty of the distance.

"I'm getting so sick of your bullshit!"

Blyke had almost been caught off-guard but could shoot off his beams to push himself to the side, avoiding Zeke's attack, while he generated two spheres of energy.

"You piece of—Fine, if you want another ass-beating, I'll give you one!" Blyke shouted, throwing the spheres of energy at Zeke's feet, one after the other.

At the distance Blyke threw them, Zeke wouldn't have enough time to move out of the way without sustaining some damage, so instead, he activated his defense form, tanking the brunt of it.

On impact, the energy spheres exploded on the ground. By using his Defense form, Zeke minimized the damage that the spheres could've done to him, even if he didn't have as much speed as before.  

The issue was now the smoke was blocking his vision, though that wasn't too problematic. He moved through it and headed to his right side, noticing the smoke was thinnest in that direction and would be the quickest way to regain clear vision of where that bastard, Blyke, was.

What he didn't expect was to be blindsided by the sudden force and heat burning into him as he was hit center mass with a charged energy beam, the difference between his Defense and its Power is enough to stagger and daze him, not to mention just how far he was sent back by the attack.  

What the hell...he knew where I was going to move?!

After Blyke had shot off his energy spheres, he immediately began to charge up a long-range Energy Beam, his signature attack. He knew he had angled his spheres in a way that would make it seem like Zeke had an easy escape and chose to rely on that possibility. Turns out, it had worked in his favor.

Can't let him recover, get in close and take him down now!

Blyke angled his arms behind him as beams of energy shot from his palms, propelling him toward his opponent, and with the acceleration, he had more than enough force to clothesline the son of a bitch into the ground.

"Ugh..." Zeke coughed, bumping his fist against his chest.

"I'm getting so sick of your shit, Zeke. Get out of my face before I kick yours to the curb!"

Meanwhile, as their battle occurred.

"Zeke!" Mardin called out, seeing his superior being dealt a nasty blow, and would attempt to rush forward. "Hang on! I got your back!"

However, he was stopped by the sudden presence of John standing before him, his speed had taken him by surprise. He was way too fast to be normal.

"Where do you think you're going?" John spoke, his eyes giving a menacing glow toward the bully. The bruising on his jaw from before was now suddenly gone, like it was never there.

"Y-You don't scare me! Get out of my way!" Mardin tried to say as confidently as he could, aiming a blow right at John's face.

One that John so easily dodged.

"Is that your best shot?" He taunted, smirking.

Mardin would try again and again but it didn't take much for John to evade those either. A jump-back here, a side-step there, he was just toying around with the guy. But he guessed he might've been having too much fun with it.

"Here, you get one shot." He offered.

Mardin laughed. "Idiot! That's the last mistake you'll make!" He spoke when he, as John allowed, delivered a blow right to John's chin.

John cringed as he could feel at least a dozen of the bones in Mardin's hand fracture as it collided with him, even more so at the high-pitched scream that left the boy's vocal cords.

"You...How...What the fuck...?" Mardin stared at John and...only now realized how the color of his skin, from his neck up to along his jawline, had become black in color. That's...That's just like Zeke's—!

It wouldn't be there for long, as the blackness pulled away from John's skin once he delivered a devastating blow to Mardin directly to his gut, instantly sending Mardin into the state of being unconscious as he toppled over and dropped to the ground. 

"You had one chance and you blew it, good job, you prick." John mumbled to himself, before his eyes trailed down to his hand, studying more of the way this ability worked. 

From what he saw in the way it was used against Blyke, Zeke was definitely half-assing his usage of it. There was so much more that could be done with it, did the idiot even bother with training?

Never mind that. This guy is done, Zeke's being dealt with, so Roland should be...

...Fuck.

He was scared.

The look in Roland's eyes, the way his body shifted nervously, how his breathing had become just a bit more intense. John was so familiar with it at this point that seeing it from someone he didn't want to hurt made him instantly shut his ability off. 

"Hey, no worries over here, okay? You don't gotta be afraid of anything, nothing's gonna happen now." 

John tried to assure, taking a step forward, but stopped as he saw Roland jump, taking a step back out of pure reaction. 

John's eyes widened, why was he afraid of him? 

His eyes trailed down to the unconscious Mardin and he thought, The weak fear the strong, that's the thought process drilled into his head since day one.

John sighs, he wants to say something but...maybe he should let Roland decide on his own. 

"You should hurry back to the dorms before any more shit happens. I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?" John spoke softly, trying to give the boy a hopeful smile.

"Y-Yeah, sure." Roland turned to leave and stopped just for a moment, wanting to say something, but ultimately continued on.

John grumbled to himself, running a hand over his face in annoyance at what took place. Stupid fucking hierarchy and the bullshit dynamics of the weak and the strong it enforces. 

"Who was that guy?"

Bringing him out of his thoughts is Blyke, not sure how to respond. "A friend? Hopefully?" He says, before turning back to face him.

"Hm, never seen him around before."

"Not surprising. So, where's Zeke at?"

Blyke jabs a thumb pointing back, bringing John's attention to the third-year who was walking away, though with some difficulty from the way he appeared to hobble.

John nodded his head with a look of approval. "Nice." Then he cups his hands around his mouth as he shouts over, "AND IT IS DYSLEXIA, YOU DUMBASS!" He chuckled, seeing the bluenette's pace quicken even more.

"...What?" 

Though it had left Blyke confused at the out-of-context statement, John waved it away saying, "It's nothing."

Blyke grew irritated, focused on what he wanted to ask John in the first place. "You know what isn't nothing? Getting bulldozed into the fucking wall by Seraphina! How the hell are you even up?!"

John shrugged, pulling up Mardin's unconscious body and half-heartedly shoving it onto the nearby bench. He wasn't heartless. 

"Got better. Oh, and thanks soooo much for leaving me there unconscious after getting "bulldozed", jerk."  

"GoT bEtTeR, man, shut up. Excuse me for being too dumbstruck by you actually trying to fight Seraphina to be able to move. Besides, two other people already went to help you, so I figured you were already taken care of." 

"Yeah? Keep that same energy when it ends up with me being kidnapped."

"Dramatic ass bitch." 

"How'd you know that was my middle name?" 

The two half-heartedly bickered all the way up to their dorm room, till they were working together on their English homework together.

"What is the point of having us sift through all this barely understandable text? I'm not going out of my way to read through Speareshake in my life, ever."

"Didn't you hear the teacher? She said we're starting a project next week over his work."

John blinked, blankly to himself. "...We're fucking what?"

"...Fuck, you're as bad as Isen."

"Hey! I try at least..."

"That just makes it sad." Blyke went through his backpack to get a folder that was admittedly nicely organized, pulling out a couple of sets of notes. "But since you're actually putting in the effort, you can take a look at this, made it easier to understand all the phrasings and words and bullshit for me," Blyke explains, handing the papers over to John, who beamed at the sight of it.

"You are a godsend, I owe you boba."

"I will accept that as payment." Blyke rubbed his chin, thinking through the events of today regarding his roommate, and adding on, "Just, one more thing."

"Shoot." John spoke, happily reading through the notes.

"...Your ability."

"You motherfu—"

Chapter Text

The first week of John's time at Wellston came and went, faster than he expected if he was being honest. 

The work was tough, definitely, but the study sessions between either Blyke or Evie—Evie living up to what Roland said about her without a doubt, holy shit—helped immensely. Well, for whichever classes they shared, that is.

If not, well then, he was kinda fucked. Still, he tried his best.

Word of his altercation with Seraphina spread around like wildfire, he was in damn school paper for goodness sake, apparently. He didn't pay much attention to it but he could definitely tell the effect was prominent. The number of times someone tried to "test their luck" against him was fewer than he had expected and anytime someone did, it didn't end in their favor, only emphasizing he wasn't one to mess with.

There are pros and cons to building up a reputation but if being left alone is one of them, it's definitely a pro. 

...Roland still seemed hesitant around him though so, there is of course a downside to it. Evie still seemed unbothered, but to be fair, she hadn't seen what went down.

Another bother was just...the atmosphere that hung in English class first thing in the morning. With both him and Seraphina being in it there's been this...tension that's only raised by everyone and the mothers whispering about it. 

There were a few times he thought to just walk over, maybe see how she was feeling, but he'd back himself out of it, not wanting to impose upon her. As long as she didn't mess with him, he wouldn't mess with her.

"Everyone, please bring your attention to me!" The young teacher spoke. "I'm going to be going over the details of the term project!" She spoke with a smile, somehow.

And there it was, the thing John's been dreading since the 2nd week started. This is what being transferred late does to you, he just got here damn it!

From what John could gather when he wasn't busy sulking, it was pretty much what Blyke said. A three-part, three-week, project where each week they cover a different book written by Speareshake. They would give a presentation for their work and be graded for it.

"If there are no questions, I will now list the pairings."

Wait, shit, I didn't know about that.

Here comes the anxiety.

"Auriel and Elaine."

I barely talk to anyone in this class, it's gonna be awkward and it's gonna suck! Oh, maybe I could get paired with Blyke—. 

"Blyke and Isen."

Fuuuuuuuck, Why couldn't Evie be in this class?! Roland?!

"Hower and Mardin."

That guy's in here?

A few more names were paired together, who they belonged to was anyone's guess to John as he continued to grow anxious before he pondered something.

Don't tell me...

"John and Seraphina."

...Paired by closeness in levels...Son of a b—

The rearranging of seats occurred and in the end, John sat in the seat in front of the ever-silent girl, leaning against the wall, arms crossed.

"So...got any ideas?" He asks, only glancing at the girl, though he quirked an eyebrow upon seeing her raise from her seat.

"Come with me." She spoke—ordered?—before beginning her walk to exit the classroom.

...Huh, alright.

"Sure. We going to the library?" John questioned as he followed her out.

That surely won't have people talking.

"Elaine, you think they're going somewhere private?" Auriel whispered to her friend, a playful expression on her face.

"Auri! Don't joke about stuff like that!" Elaine sputtered out, growing a blush and ignoring the thoughts her mind tried to imagine.

"Oh, what a shame~" Auriel half-heartedly pouted, cupping her face in her hands. "Strong and handsome guys shall be with strong and beautiful girls, we'll never get the chance."

Elaine listened, looking off to the side, the sight of their stoic, undefeated, unwavering King in her mind. "Don't say that..." She mumbled.

"Hey, cheer up!" Auriel picked up on the sad tone in her friend's words and gave her a smile with a little tap on the shoulder. "I'm still rooting for you and your dream guy! ...Even if he has the personality of a cardboard box."

"Hey!"

"Something's 'a brewing, I can feel it. Tensions are high between those two, but what kind of tension?" Isen noted, referring to John and Seraphina, hands clasped in thought like a detective working through a month-long case.

"It really isn't, Isen. Now could you focus on this project for one fucking second?" Blyke begged in annoyance.  "Do your theories and fanfic bullshit later."

Although, if Blyke was going to be honest, he was having trouble staying focused as well because of something different.  Considering what John told him yesterday.

"You aren't gonna let it go, are you?" John questioned, slumping in his chair, and staring at Blyke.

"If you wanna use my notes, that's the deal." Blyke shrugged. He knows he's not usually so curious when it comes to people's powers and shit, but when his roommate can somehow handle a match with the damn Queen, he can't help but wonder. 

Just what the hell can this guy do? If it's something to do with energy like his, it'd have to be pretty damn powerful to match Seraphina's speed.

John hummed. "You know, I could just say "Fuck you", keep your notes, and beat you if you press this on. You know I'm stronger than you."

Blyke wouldn't lie, the thought of it made him anxious. Irritated too, but mostly anxious.

"You could, but you're not that kind of guy. That's what you told me at least."

John pointed a finger, "You got me there." Curse my good nature.

...Alright, fuck it. It'd happen eventually and Blyke is my roommate. Plus, these are some really good notes.

"Long story short, I can copy abilities."

The room went quiet, silence marinating the words that John spoke.

"You can wha—?!"

"There's a bit more to it but that's the general gist." John's attention turned back to the notes.  "Now no more questions! I've gotta imprint this shit into my mind."

John wouldn't have to worry about that, as Blyke spent pretty much the rest of their study session just...processing everything.

"Babe, relax! We'll be fiiiine." Isen whined, laying his head on the desk, cushioned by his arms as his hands reached to Blyke.  Why did he have to be so academically attentive? 

Blyke refocuses on the here and now, grabbing Isen's hands and moving them to the side to make way for the notes and planning.

"Did you even hear my suggestions on who focuses on what for the books?" Blyke questioned.

"...If I said no because I was too busy looking into your eyes, would that be good enough?"

 "...We all know that's a lie." Blyke grumbled, appearing to drag a hand across his face in annoyance, even if it was also in part to hide the slight blush on his face he really didn't want to have. "You're an idiot."

John requested that he didn't go around mouthing off about his ability. Obviously, he wouldn't, he's not that bad.

...Is he?

No, he's not, definitely. He'll just have to be careful around Isen. Though, it's much easier said than done.

As it turned out, Seraphina had led him up to the roof instead of the library, confusing John even more. On the way up there they passed by this guy who was kinda just...standing watch at the area where the rooftop stairs were. The dude gave him a weird look. 

Now that he thought about it, the rooftop area back at his school had been restricted to royals only, something that...was really dumb if he thought about it. Like, yeah, it was a nice view but it wasn't that nice.

"So, are you gonna say anything, or are you just going to ignore me?" John wondered.

Then, Seraphina turned back to face him, looking at him suspiciously. "What's your deal? What's your angle?"

John blinked, "What?"

"Don't act more dumb than you already do." She began to take steps forward and continued before John could tell her how rude that was. "You readily taunted me, showed me you were capable of beating me, then decided to just let everyone see you "lose", doing nothing to disprove it." She listed off.

"Is this what we're talking about? Seriously? I already told you why, didn't I?" John reasoned. Although, he was a little woozy after he got slammed into that wall so some details were escaping him at the moment.

She stopped for a moment, then continued. "Even still, you know who the King is, don't you? You'd obviously outmatch him and take his spot if you two fought."  She reasoned that if he could take her down, he could take down anyone in Wellston, especially with an ability similar to hers and stronger.

It got a snort out of John. "No thanks, he can keep it."

He continued to make zero sense to Seraphina. "Why? Are you afraid that you'll lose?"

John groaned. "Is it hard to imagine maybe I just...don't want to be King?"

Seraphina's eyes narrowed, what kind of reasoning was that? One that she never heard before. The strongest take their designated spots, that was how it worked. 

"Why?"

The hell is this, 20 questions?

"Because I don't want to." John responded.

"That's not good enough."

"...Fuck you mean it's not good enough?"

Seraphina could feel the headache come back again. "You can't shrug off the responsibility that's required of the strong."

"And that's because...why?" John wondered why he even bothered to listen to her. Here it comes again.

"Because..." 

Seraphina didn't like how she couldn't immediately respond. Why was she having a hard time finding her words?

"Because that's what's needed of us, that's our role." She finally said.

John didn't say anything but he could tell from the way she spoke those words that...there was no conviction, no deep belief in what she said. It was robotic, like reading off a script, or just a repetition of what she had been told her life.

"There are other things I'd rather prioritize than some stupid leadership position," John explained. He wanted to hold out hope but he wasn't interested in dealing with her stubbornness at the moment. So he turns to head for the door.

"Go on and keep telling yourself that bullshit, but I'm not getting involved in all that royal crap." 

Seraphina wasn't used to others walking away from her, writing her off, ignoring her. "Where do you think you're going? I'm not finished talking to you." 

John turned back, eyes glowing, stopping Seraphina in her tracks. "Well, I am."

Threatening someone with his ability wasn't something John was a fan of doing, even when it came to fights, but against someone so strong he couldn't take the chance that things got ugly.

He knew the reality. Even if he could mirror her ability, if she immediately used her time-stop and attacked him, he really couldn't do anything to stop it and that would be a problem. 

But, since she's under the impression that he has an ability like hers, he'll let her assume that. He'll go down the stairs and on his merry way. 

So much for working together.

"Just...wait."

The action of him pulling the door stopped mid-way. There was something in the way that she just spoke that seemed...open. Vulnerable? Whatever the case, it made him look back, taking his hand off the door.

Her eyes weren't as harsh now, but still reflective, seemingly debating on what to say. 

To Seraphina, all those other questions may have been just to avoid the one she actually wanted to ask. One she thought she'd never be able to ask another person...except for one, maybe.

"Judging whispers and frustrations, you've gone through it too." Seraphina recited, summarizing John's words from that day. "So, what did you go through?"

John sighed, rather relieved. He wasn't exactly a fan of talking about his past but if he can help broaden her worldview, it's something he wouldn't be...unwilling to do, barring more intricate details of course.

He would begin to speak, had their attention not been drawn to the door opening behind them, coming through the door being...

Great, it's the giraffe...

Now he's stuck in the middle of a royal sandwich.

Arlo stared at the two just as they did to him, not expecting this to be what he saw when he wanted to spend his free period up on the roof. 

"Am I interrupting something?" He asked with an eyebrow quirked.

It was Seraphina who responded, walking by John, who could've sworn he heard a low sigh from her before. "No, we're finished. We're heading to the library to work on a project now." She sent a glance back at John who, while disheartened by the interruption, will definitely take the opportunity to avoid that guy by any means. Get him away!

"...How'd you do on that classwork?" Arlo asks as John passes by. 

He just had to say something.

"Not too bad, B+!" John responded with a smile.

Arlo hummed. "Shame, I hope you do better next time."

Your life's a shame—

John chuckled. "Yeah, hopefully. Well, see you around." John gave his farewell before moving to catch back up with Seraphina.

Arlo watched him descend the stairs, thinking through some things. So he can mingle with those he should be around. Reassuring, for the moment. 

Okay, now the pair are heading toward the library.

"Just forget that ever happened, it was a waste of time." Seraphina muttered.

"No, it wasn't." John finally stood by her side, she was a fast walker. "We can still talk about it."

"We should focus on the project. That's the most important thing right now." She said, not even looking at John.

"It really isn't," John mumbled to himself. "Then how about after we finish working on the project, the first book, at least. What was it called, Hamlet?"

"Hamlot." Seraphina corrected. "It'd be more beneficial if you just backed off and let me deal with it."

"What, you want to do the whole project by yourself? Why?" John asked, incredulous at the idea of someone doing so much work on their own.

Seraphina gave him a level look, unamused. "I've seen the way you get through class: You make a couple of scribbles on scrap paper, you nod off half the time, and at best you get a B on the work." If she was being honest, it was disappointing for someone of their level.

John tried to ignore how each statement made him feel like a stone was dropped on his head and retorted, "Sounds like I've had plenty of your attention recently."

Seraphina made the decision to ignore that remark. "So frankly, I'm not interested in dragging my academic record through the mud. I'll work on the project, you'll follow the notes I give you, and we get the A. Simple as that."

"Not so simple, actually, 'cause I don't plan on freeloading off your work." 

Seraphina almost raised her voice in annoyance, but held it down to a whisper, the last thing she needed was another fiasco about her "lashing out" being shown on the school paper. 

"I am handing you the best-case scenario on a damn silver platter. Why would you—"

"Because even if I suck, I'm still gonna try to do a good job at least. I can't get better if I don't try. So what if it isn't perfect?"

John continued, skipping over the irritated glare she was giving him. 

Sera tensed at his words, momentarily. Memories stung her mind painfully, remembering every punishment she had been dealt if she hadn't done it exactly right. A distant, yet intense, feeling of that sting on her cheek when her mother slapped her came back the more she thought of it.

 "...No, if it's not perfect, then it's meaningless." 

"Wholeheartedly, I disagree."

A stubborn look was shared between the two God-tiers. Those who had been paying attention had quickly made way to move out of the hallway, just in case something happened.

It's hard for Seraphina, but she finds the need to relent. Even if it doesn't feel right and he doesn't act like it, this guy is stronger than her. She can't beat him, so she can't force him to submit.

"Fine, then how about this? We'll..." Ugh, he just has to be so difficult. "...Work together on the project, but I look over all your work first, to make sure you're actually doing it right." She said, shoving a finger in his direction.

"How little faith do you have in me?"

"You don't want me to answer that."

...Harsh.

But, John sighed, clasping his hands behind his neck. "A compromise, then? Sure, I'm cool with that." He offered a smile, along with a thumbs-up. "Let's kick this project's ass."

"...Yeah, sure." She resigned, reaching to open the doors to the library.

Hopefully, his dumbness isn't as contagious as that smile is.

Chapter Text

John stretched out, breathing a sigh of relief as he could finally stop writing for a moment. "Alright, first act done. Let's take a break."

Seraphina looked up from her papers, rolling her eyes. "Not yet, we've barely started."

"Oh come on, we've been at this for like an hour!"

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "It's barely been half of that."

"...You sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure." Seraphina huffed, before bringing a hand forward. "If you say you're done then let me check the work."

John stopped for a moment, then reluctantly passed his papers over to the girl. "Here you go, teach."

Seraphina felt...a smirk on her face. "No amount of money would be enough to ever be your tutor."

"Oh yeah? Then what do you call this?" John retorted, gesturing between them.

"...A charity case, I've taken severe pity on you."

"Woooow, I feel so grateful. I'll be forever in your debt, your majesty." 

Sarcasm and an eye-roll, a classic John Doe combo.

"Don't ever forget it." Seraphina remarked, scanning through the summary that...what the hell even is this?

"That look in your eyes isn't very reassuring." John said.

"It shouldn't be." Seraphina dropped the paper, before taking a pen and making plenty of marks on the white sheet.

"What the he—You're defiling my work!" John loudly whispered, leaning forward to the table to try and save his paper, though it was in vain.

"Your "work" is a travesty. Most of the major events are...fine, I guess, but so many minor details are completely butchered on here. How are you this bad?"

John grumbled, looking away as Seraphina went on about what needed to be corrected. Am I really that shitty at this? Even with the notes Blyke gave me?  

Then, to John's surprise, between the shelves of the books in the area of the library that John was looking at, came forth Evie, carrying a couple of binders and notebooks in her arms. The girl appeared to have a solemn look on her face but it was wiped away as she noticed John, a smile replacing her previously disheartened expression.  

"John!" She called out, heading over to him. "Good morning! What are you here for?" She asked, cheery as she usually was, though rather oblivious to something.

"Morning, Evie. I'm, uh, working on a project." He said, before pointing over to the girl across from him. "She's my partner." 

That's when Evie turned to offer greetings but her heart almost stopped, seeing who it was. 

Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. It's Seraphina! SERAPHINA!

...Oh my god, I ignore Seraphina. 

How could I gloss over Wellston's Goddess?!?!

What's wrong with me?!?!?!

"G-Good morning to you too, Seraphina!" She exclaimed, bowing at a rapid pace that only left John and Seraphina to share a look of bemusement. 

She had hoped John could explain the reason for it, but he just shrugged, not knowing why either.

"Good morning..." Seraphina simply replied, almost as a question. This was a new face, she didn't remember seeing this girl around before. 

"Uh...I...Sorry for interrupting you guys, I'll leave you two alone." Evie mumbled, the strain of embarrassment shading her face, before she went to turn around.

"Hold up, what's the rush?" John asked, reaching forward to tug on her sleeve so she wouldn't go yet. "Did you need something? We were taking a break anyways."

"No, we weren't." Seraphina responded, showing him all the things he needed to correct.

Jeez, so bossy.

"Can you just chill for a sec'?" John asked, before turning back to Evie, waiting for an answer from her.

She was having trouble saying what she was going to say, of course she would. She's got the attention of two people she admires completely on her. But, thankfully, she could be calm enough to say it after a moment.

"W-Well, I have a lot of classwork to get through and it got a bit...crowded where I was sitting."—In truth, a group of girls had made her leave, not wanting to sit near...someone like her.—"So, when I saw you, I thought it would've been nice to be around a friend while I worked." She explained.

A friend, she says. Seraphina noted. This girl was weak, it was obvious, yet she held a friendship with someone so much stronger than her. Very unusual.

"Well, It's fine with me." John turned to Seraphina. "Does it matter to you?"

It does. 

Seraphina admits she would so much rather be by herself while working through this. It wasn't even the girl's rank that mattered, she just did better when she was alone.  But, as it is, she's already dealing with one annoyance.

She lands her gaze on Evie, who stifles for a moment, and answers, "As long as you aren't being a distraction, go on and do your work."

Evie's eyebrows raised in surprise. Seraphina, herself, didn't mind being around someone like her? She could sit near her?! That made her feel brighter than anything her ability could ever do!

If I'm dreaming, never wake me up.

"Nope, you got it! Quiet as a mouse!" She spoke with a smile, quickly stepping over and sitting in the chair one seat away from John, so as to not intrude in their area.

Haven't seen her this enthusiastic before. John glanced at Evie, then at Seraphina. The term escapes him right now, but whatever it is, Evie's definitely that, he's realizing.

"Just so you know, Evie, I'm probably going to be zero help if you're having problems with any homework," John remarked.

Evie giggled, "Oh come on, I'm sure you're not that bad."

John would respond, had Seraphina not interjected. "Say that with a straight face after looking at this."

Hesitantly, Evie picked up the paper and began to read through it. "A summary of Hamlot's first act?"

She was familiar with it, even outside of school. Her mom had always been a die-hard fan of plays and musicals. They were even lucky enough to see one when Evie was younger; Even if they were way in the back, it was still one of her favorite memories.

"But...this..." Evie's expression became more helplessly confused by the second, having to read through each line to make sure what she was seeing was right. 

She looked toward John, gobsmacked and horrified.

"John...how??? Why???" 

"I don't knoooow, I'm sorry!" He half-heartedly whined.

Meanwhile, Seraphina hovered a hand in front of her face, hiding her amused smirk behind it. 

Evie left halfway through, John was envious of how fast she could get through her work. He wondered if being around people she was safe with helped factor into that.

After over an hour more of working and finally, finally, they were finally done. That would be the end of it, for now. 

"We're meeting back here during lunch, then we're coming back again after school ends. Make sure you remember." Seraphina's almost completely monotone voice reminded John as they made their way to the doors, to the side of one another.

"Three study sessions in one day? If someone wanted to kill me, this would be the way to do it." John responded, a dreadful sigh escaping him as slung his backpack over his shoulder.

"Too bad, slacker. Get over it." She taunted, earning her John's unamused but amused stare.

Though John could get ticked off by just how bossy she could get when correcting his work, she certainly knew what she was doing and he did find it much easier to understand how to flow everything together with how she explained it.

On the other side of the coin, Seraphina couldn't hide her irritation every time he acted like a smartass, approximately half of the time, but...she had to give credit that he was mostly diligent as he worked and, once he was pushed—shoved—in the right direction, he could go pretty far. 

And, while she definitely wouldn't admit it, John had an optimism that was rather...amusing in its own way, much like Remi's whenever she would talk to her.

Overall, being the other's project partner...wasn't that bad.

Footsteps patter beyond the door, louder as the two just about reach it before a girl shoves the door impatiently, mumbling "Darn" to herself multiple times as she rushes forward. Her long pink hair flowed and bounced with each step and her light, warm red eyes widened in surprise as she almost collided with Seraphina. 

However, as calm and cool as ever, Seraphina stepped back and turned her body away to the right, making herself clear of the girl's path and preventing any collision.

"Woah!" The girl let out, abruptly stopping her movement and taking a moment to realize what almost occurred and what just did. She turned back, an apologetic smile at the ready. "Jeez, sorry about that, Seraphina. You sure are quick, though!"

"You're in quite the hurry, Remi." Seraphina noted, unbothered by the event. 

A benefit of her passive. John figured while he racked his brain for why the girl's name seemed familiar.

An embarrassed chuckle came from Remi as she scratched her head. "You bet, I'm trying to cram in a quick study sesh' before third block." She mentally thanked Isen for the warning on the surprise pop quiz that wasn't so unexpected anymore.

"Is that so, don't we have this block together?" Seraphina asked, crossing her arms.

"Yeaaaah, but I'm doing a lot better in Physics than I am in Geometry, so I figured I'd slack on the former to do better on the latter, you know?"

Seraphina could never do that personally, though to be fair, she hasn't had to be in that situation before. "I suppose I can see where you're coming from." 

"Yup, needed to do that plenty of times." 

John nodded, agreeing with Remi. Didn't work though, considering how bad he was at everything back in New Bostin. That wasn't even factoring in before high school with how much the beatings screwed with his schoolwork. Sometimes, he'd spend half the day in the infirmary and then be too pissed off to get through it at home.

"Mhm! ...Hm?" Remi had been too focused on Seraphina to realize she actually had someone accompanying her, but her attention quickly turned to the tall boy with dark hair and unassuming, yet captivating golden eyes.  Her hand moved away from her head, suspended at her shoulder, looking at him curiously.

"You're a new face." She was blunt.

John would've replied much the same, but then it clicked, and he snapped his fingers at the realization. "Remi, Blyke's friend, right?"

She nodded at the recognition, before softly gasping, raising her fingers to her chin. "Are you Blyke's roommate?! Uhmmm..." Remi twirled her hand around as if to motion the act of making the gears in her head turn to remember his name. Why couldn't she remember it???

The guy in question couldn't help but have a light-hearted chuckle, before extending a hand to her. "It's John Doe."

Remi made an "Ah" sound, before accepting the handshake. Full name introductions? Okay!

"Remi Audra, nice to finally meet you!" She replied with a smile. "A friend of Blyke and Seraphina is a friend of mine." She said, enthusiastic.

"Not friends, project partners." Seraphina quickly corrected.

"Was that really necessary?" John retorted, turning his head to look back at her.

"You'd say otherwise?" She challenged.

John's supposed answer would be interrupted by the sound of the warning bell, notifying the students who cared that they'd only have a minute left to get to class.

"...Crap, I'm gonna be late." John muttered.

"Oh no, how sad." Sera's obvious sarcasm was obvious.

"Hey, you're in the same bo—" One instant pulsation of aura later, and Seraphina was gone before John could even look at her, the only clue being the swinging of the Library door. He'd poke his head out of it—looking both ways—before shouting out, "Showoff!"

Remi apologized while she giggled. "My bad, guess I got a little caught up."

"Nah, it's no big deal," John responded, looking back at her before he headed out into the hallway. "Just gonna have to cut this short, but it was nice meeting you! I'll see you around."

Remi nodded, giving him a wave. "Sounds good, I'll be around!"

She looked on as John left, a hopeful smile on her face. She had heard some details from Blyke and from what she picked up around the school about the new transfer but had been too busy to meet him, with how the teachers love to shove all the exams and projects for the end of the term altogether.

So that's the mysterious roommate...He seems nice!  She'd like to talk to him more, but for now, she's gotta buckle down and speed-read a geometry book. Those shapes won't know what hit 'em!

After five classes—two of them being long blocks which were the absolute worst—and two grueling hours of work for the project, John was already feeling ready to crawl into bed and sleep till the morning, whatever their teacher had been going on about a few minutes ago had practically turned into buzzing static, along with all the talking the other students were having, as he tried to remember and copy it into his notebook. 

He was thankful that this was his last class for the day but it was outweighed by the feeling of dread that came with the next haul of project work afterwards.

He glared at the assignment that had been passed down to his desk, vehemently insulting the questions asked on the paper. Thankfully, he was the last seat down the fourth column of desks, meaning he'd be unlikely to deal with any beratement from the older teacher. The guy has a mean throw with that chalk of his. 

Bringing him out of it was the gentle push on his shoulder from the right of him, lazily turning his head to acknowledge Evie with a nod.

"You're looking pretty out of it." She said with a chuckle and a smile.

"Can't seem to hide that at all." John sighed, leaning back in his chair. He stared up at the ceiling for a moment before his eyes darted from the paper to Evie. "Work together?" That should help keep him focused.

"Sure!" She chirps, adjusting her desk just a little so there isn't as much of a reach of looking over the questions and textbook.

They get through a bit of it before she contemplates for a moment, then says, "After what I read earlier, I'm not sure if you can be trusted to work on your own anymore." She giggles.

"Oh, come on." A light-hearted groan escaped him. "The words and language they use in that book are bullshit and you know it."

"But the three witches aren't even in Hamlot's story, that's in Mcbetch!"

"Blame Ting for putting it in my search results." He defends.

"...You looked it up when Seraphina was right there?" Evie questioned; Eyebrows that were barely visible beneath her bangs furrowing in confusion. I mean, come on, Wellston's Goddess is like a real-life Athena! 

John grumbled. He might've had more pride than he thought had. He guessed it might've been a good thing she caught him doing that.

"Though I guess with the last interaction you two had, I probably can't blame you for being hesitant around her." Evie reasoned, scratching her cheek. "It's a miracle you two aren't at each other throats." She grimly tittered, imagining how much of a wreck the school could be in.

"That's a stretch," John said lowly, remembering the events at the Cafeteria just about a week ago. "She gets on my nerves a bit, but it's not like I dislike her. She has her share of bullshit to deal with that she shouldn't have to." He explained.

Evie cocked her head in regard to that tidbit, "What do you mean?", she asked with naivety clear in her tone.

John has to take a moment to make sure he words it right. "...When you're at the top, there's an expectation that follows it. It's heavy, suffocating, it fucking sucks.

"And when, for whatever reason, you don't seem to be living up to that expectation, to that perfection, nearly everyone talks shit about it, about you. Like you're doing something so wrong for not behaving the way you should, that they think you should. Whatever they think being "perfect" means.

John's eyes continually narrow in disdain, the words he says making his blood begin to boil, and he has to make sure to keep ahold of himself so that he doesn't get louder and yell. Releasing it slowly through a long exhale of breath.

"Nothing good comes from putting others on an untouchable pedestal." He finishes, now with the want to smack the person who thought creating the term "God-tier" was ever a good idea.

Evie stared at her intertwined fingers, a thoughtful look on her face, letting his words lay in her mind as she took them in. In truth, she had never really considered the toll it could take on those who were the strongest, only ever daydreaming of how wonderful it must feel to be in that position. Was there something she hadn't seen or realized?  

The way that John talked about it...

"Have...you ever felt like that?" She whispers, unsure if she even had the right to ask about something like that.

John holds a regretful look in his eyes, a small smile forming on his lips before he taps his pen on the part of the paper where question eight is marked.

"We should finish the rest of this, I'm not trying to add it to everything else there is to deal with these next few weeks." He says softly.

Evie nods along and agrees, glad that he hadn't been upset, and accepting the hint to not delve further.

Near the end of class, after Evie had spent some time texting Roland mundane things, she quirked up at his most recent message, before getting John's attention.

"It's Roland, he said he wanted to talk to you after class ends," Evie explained. She had noticed the way her friend had become a bit withdrawn when John was around recently, only being given some details as to why. 

"He does?" John perked up at hearing that.

Evie hummed and said, "He's down on the first floor, I know a shortcut to get to it quickly." She offered, having been one of the many walking paths she had found to be safe for the most part. 

John rubbed two fingers along his jawline as he contemplated, Seraphina's expecting me at the library after this, but then shrugged, figuring it wouldn't take long. The quicker he talked to Roland the better, anyway.

"Alright, let's go." 

Chapter Text

The shortcut was easy enough: John and Evie went down the stairs to the first floor, crossed through the cafeteria to Hall B, then passed through one of the outside walkways, leading them to the hallway of Roland's class. 

Evie looked around the hallway, then peeked into the classroom momentarily before turning back to John, confused. "Weird, he's not here."

He hummed. "You sure he didn't skip?" John asked. 

Evie shook her head. "Roland's never skipped before. We can't really afford to."

Ah, right. Attending Wellston just through academics must be hard. Here's another moment John found himself grateful for his level.

"Call him, he's probably still around." 

Evie nodded, walking along with John as she called Roland to try and hear around for his ringtone. The first two times she tried they couldn't hear it, but thankfully on the third try, they heard it briefly. And if that wasn't enough...

"You think you can ignore me for your damn phone?! Shut that shit off! It's so annoying!" They heard someone order, a girl. 

"Oh no," Evie said, her voice filled with worry as she hastened and John followed suit, taking the lead with a grumble.

Here we go again.

They rounded a corner that led to an exit outside and John slammed the door open, making whoever it was that decided to be a bitch today put their attention on him; His glare became directed at a girl with blue hair—styled in pigtails and a fringe—and red eyes that glowed from her activated ability, who turned back to look at whoever made the noise, an annoyed expression on her face. 

"Who the hell are you two? Buzz off to somewhere else!" She tried to intimidate.

John's attention shifted to the ones who were on the floor; There was Roland, of course—who somehow looked both relieved and worried at John underneath the scuffs on his face and a nasty bruise on his cheek—as well as a boy whom John hadn't seen before. He had neatly combed hair that almost shined golden-blonde and pecan-brown eyes; He didn't appear much better either.

"Roland! Dylan!" Evie called out as ran forward to help them, but was pushed back by the girl, almost falling back but was able to steady herself.

"You deaf or something, bitch? What's a low-tier like you gonna do?" She taunted, ready to land a backhand on the girl.

Evie shot her hands up to protect her face from the hit, but it was never delivered, and she opened her eyes to see John with his hand gripped onto the other girl's wrist, not allowing it to budge.

She winced, muttering an "Agh" of pain as John continued to pull back her wrist, "Hey, let me go assh—!" 

She wasn't able to realize John had let go of her wrist before she felt the back of his fist slam across her face, making her step back in confusion as she placed her palm to her mouth, feeling the iron taste of blood in her mouth.

"Shut up," John said in annoyance. "Now if you're smart, you'll fuck off before things get worse for you." He said while Evie had gone to help up Roland. 

To John's surprise, it was Dylan who spoke up. "Y-Yeah, just back off, Clio! That's John! He fought against Seraphina!"

He knows me? 

"Oh shut up, pipsqueak! As if someone let that would bother hanging around losers like you!" Clio said, turning her eyes back to John. "You're gonna pay for that!"

John blinked blankly at the girl, inhaling, then exhaling. "Fine." He said, dropping his backpack and beginning to roll up the sleeves of his vest.

Clio looked at him with confusion and annoyance. She would've gone to attack him already, but...there was something about him that began to make her nervous.

"You know, I wonder why I even bother giving people the choice, not a single one of you pricks is smart enough to know when to back off," John muttered, before glaring at the girl as he brought his fists up and lowered his chin. 

What's with him? Why hasn't he activated his ability yet?

John gave the girl a smirk, easily catching onto what was going through her mind, "As if I'd need my ability to handle your bitch-ass." 

Roland's here, I'd rather not scare him off again, and there's something else too. Plus, a quick hit to the ego is usually enough for these pricks to lose it.

John's prediction was right—judging from the way Clio was fuming and gritting her teeth as she recklessly dashed toward him. 

Her ability doesn't seem to be augmentation, she's barely faster than Dad. Is it a mental one? But if she's trying to close the distance, then it must cause an effect through touch. 

John could've been sleep-deprived with his hands tied behind his back and it still would've been the easiest punch he ever dodged; All he needed was to turn his body to the side, completely side-stepping the overextended attack, before stepping forward, his knee raising.

"Strike one. Try again." He said as he drove his knee into Clio's side.

Clio gasped in pain as she was pushed back, her hand clutching her side as she felt her ribs bruised. To her credit, she pushed past the pain and tried to use the rush of adrenaline to her benefit, attempting another jab at John.

Dumbass, you're telegraphing your attack way too much. 

John moved to intercept the attack before she was even halfway through it; He gripped her forearm with his right hand and the back of her head with the other, before he twisted back using both of their motion against her, and slammed her headfirst into the wall. That would definitely leave a mark.

"That's strike two," John said before pushing her away from him, the only reason being to give him enough room and time to deliver a front kick right to her gut, dropping her to the ground on her back. "And that's strike three, for getting strike one and two in the first place."

John didn't give her any room to breathe, hastily pulling her up by her collar and pushing her against the wall. He had something he needed to ask.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay! I'll back off, so just let me go!" Clio said frantically, only making John roll his eyes at the obvious bullshit.

"Answer this question, first. The name Tanner ring a bell?"

 Clio regards the name with recognition. "What about him?"

"He's the little ringleader of all you mid-tier assholes, yeah? Frankly, I'm getting sick of this shit. So, tell him that I want to have a talk with him and his gang. Got that through your skull?" 

Apprehensively, Clio nodded.

John let her go. "Good, now leave. This better be the only warning I have to give you."

Clio didn't say a thing, just ran away, typical.

I didn't leave her unconscious, so I'd say that went pretty well. John nodded to himself, mentally patting himself on the back. John glanced at his friends to see how they were doing and he was rather surprised to see the astonished looks on their faces.

"Hey, you guys alright?" John asked as he approached them, an eyebrow quirked.

"Oh my god, that was so badass!" 

John was startled by Dylan, more so by just how excited he sounded. Two things were clear: Dylan was enthusiastic and, indeed, short, only a couple of inches taller than Evie.

"She couldn't land a single hit on you and you were all 'wham' 'bam' 'pow'!" Dylan said, mimicking John's movements, stopping abruptly as he felt the soreness in his arm come back.

I didn't think my fighting sounded like a comic book.

"Oh, and my name's Dylan! Nice to meet you and thanks for the help!" He said, still with that bright smile.

John gave him a wave, "It's no problem, I'm John." John stopped, scratching the back of his head. "But you already knew that, so..."

"Yeah! Troy told me about you, how you stepped in to help him out the other day!"  

John racked his brain for if he recognized the name, "Oh. Spiky purple hair, right?" he asked, and Dylan nodded in confirmation. 

"He told me you didn't use your ability then either, but I wasn't sure if I believed him. I'm glad I was wrong!"

"That's the first time I've really seen you fight! That was amazing!" Evie followed.

There's a lot of positivity here that John just wasn't ready to get hit with.

"It's nothing special, really. Anyone can learn, my dad taught me everything I know. Even without an ability, some practice and skill in hand-to-hand can help protect yourself against stronger opponents." John responded.

"Still, I'm sure it's easier said than done." Roland finally said, a small frown on his face, though he wasn't able to say much without the bruise on his cheek acting up, wincing as he brought a hand over it.

Dylan looked back to Roland, "I almost forgot about that! Here, I'll help." Dylan's eyes began to glow and he brought his hand up to Roland, a bright brown glow around it. Very slowly, the darkened bruise began to heal.

"You have a healing ability?" John asked.

"Yeah, but...it's not that good with how weak I am," Dylan said with a sad smile. 

John looked sympathetic to Dylan for a moment, before activating his own ability and mirroring Dylan's, accelerating the healing process.

"Woah, you got one too?!" Dylan asked.

John shrugged, "In a sense."

Strong, fast, durable, and can heal others? John, what is your— 

 Roland stopped his train of thought. "...Evie, why are you pushing your hand into my face? Your ability doesn't even heal." He asked, closing an eye to protect it from the dim light of the girl's hand.

"I don't wanna be left out!" Evie said, almost pouting.

Roland sighed, bringing his hand up to his cheek once John and Dylan stopped, the skin now back to its normal color instead of purple. "Thanks, you guys." He said with a small smile. Then, he regarded John for a moment.

When I first saw him fight, I couldn't help but feel anxious. How easily he dealt with Mardin and the way he looked when he did it, there was so much animosity in his expression. If that was ever directed at me or Evie—

...No. That wasn't...he wasn't being fair to John. All he's done since he's met them was look out for their safety and just now, he did it again. 

He just wanted to protect them. 

"John." He says, and when he looks at him, "I'm...sorry about before."

Dylan looked between them with a confused expression and Evie only a bit less so. But John understood and gave him a small, slightly relieved, smile. 

"It wasn't needed, but I appreciate it." He said with a nod, then pondered a moment, recalling back to his time with Adrion before he began attending Wellston.

"Something on your mind, John?" Evie asked.

For a moment, John was hesitant, but he could only see it being a benefit, so...

"If you guys feel up for it...how about I teach you?"

Seraphina quickly skimmed through the passage of Hamlot she was working through at the library, making bullet points of the important information within her notebook, words written aligned with the lines of the paper perfectly, akin to the efficiency of a machine.  

Her eyes only looked away as they glanced up, hearing the sound of the chair across from her squeak as it moved along the floor. She glanced back at her work as she saw who it was, seeing that the "annoyance" looked rather chipper. 

"You're late."

"Hm? Yeah, sorry, something came up, but I'm here now." John said, taking out his own notes. "What happened to not being my teacher?"

"That wasn't a reprimand, I was just hoping that meant I didn't have to deal with you," Seraphina shrugged. "Unfortunately, that wasn't the case."

"I'm a lot of things, miss royalty," John interlocked his fingers as he stretched his arms out. "But a quitter is not one of them. Sorry to say, but you're stuck with me for now." He said with that irritating smile of his.

"And I'm sure I'll dread every moment of it." She said, the smirk on her face seemingly betraying her words.

"Just give me a quick catch-up, then I'll be good to go."

"I suppose. If you need me to slow down so you can actually process anything through that head of yours, just ask." Seraphina remarked, flipping through the book back to the start. 

"Why thank you, your majesty. I truly am nothing but a fool with a small brain." John said, sarcasm apparent if the blatant eye roll wasn't enough.

"You've accepted it, good. First step towards recovery."

The playful slights and jabs thrown toward the other had simply come naturally to them; Seraphina hadn't seemed to realize how unusual it was of her to act like this until they had reached the end of their studying for the day and were packing up their things.

She could only suppose that...maybe this was what having an equal was like. Everyone in this school was cautious around her. Fearful of her. Fearful of her strength. Arlo was second only to her, yet she still severely outclassed him—Their fight for the title of Rank One had been decided the moment she landed a single hit on his barrier and shattered it to pieces. He seemed to have some sense of camaraderie with her, but his caution was still clear.

The same couldn't be said for John. There was no fear in him, he simply acted as he wished to act, he said to her whatever he felt the need to say. And, though she was sure he was stronger, Seraphina didn't find herself acting like those weaker than she did. 

Was it because she wasn't used to doing so or was it the way John treated her? Looking back on it, there didn't seem much difference in how he conversed with her, and with that...

"Why are you friends with a low-tier?"

John shoved his supplies into his backpack but stopped himself for a moment, then he continued, zipping it closed. "Why does it matter?"

"You do know how unusual that is, right?" She asked, characteristically crossing her arms as she stood up from her chair.

John inhaled a sharp breath, trying to give himself a moment to think before saying something. He didn't like what she asked, but how she asked it didn't make him as ticked as it usually did. Surprisingly, she just seemed in disbelief rather than disgusted at the notion of it. 

He leaned forward onto the table, strong and determined eyes aimed at Seraphina "I couldn't give a single damn whether it's considered unusual or wrong. Evie and Roland? They're pleasant people I like being around, which is more than I can say about most of the people I've interacted with here."

Then, John stood straight, slinging on his backpack. "Besides, only being friends with people as strong as you is dumb. If I did that, I'd have a pretty damn lonely life."

Seraphina tensed and her fingers gripped onto the fabric of her vest tightly. John's last remark had...felt rather personal.

"So then, same thing tomorrow?" John asked, hoping that was the end of the previous topic.

"...Yes. That'll be sufficient." Seraphina confirmed, recollecting herself.

"Alright," John took his leave, looking back to her with a chill smile and a wave. "See you then."

"Thanks again for the heads up, Isen. You really saved me on that quiz." Remi said, once again appreciative of her sleuth-like friend as they strolled around the campus grounds. It was a nice day, if only a bit more chilly as they transitioned into the lower-temperature months of the year.

"I got your back girl, you know that," Isen responded, sipping from a small carton of juice before a question popped into his head. "I know you're usually pretty chipper, but you seem a bit more so today. Something good happen?"

"Yeah, you could say that! I finally ran into John earlier today, he was with Seraphina at the library." Remi explained.

Isen stumbled mentally for a moment before responding, "Right, yeah, they got partnered up together in English for this project we're working on. Let me tell ya, the air in that room was a little suffocating sometimes."

"Really? I know they had that fight in the cafeteria some days ago, but they seemed rather amiable when I saw them. Guess they were able to forgive and forget, yeah?" Remi concluded.

If she was being honest, she might've thought they were friends, which wasn't something usual when it came to Seraphina. Their Queen always seemed to have some sort of guard up around others and it wasn't one that came down. Believe her, she's tried.

"I suppose. So, what's your thoughts on the guy?" Isen asked, an intent behind his words unnoticed by Remi.

Remi smiled. "He was nice! If he was able to break through Seraphina's icy exterior, there must be something special about him, don't you think?" She joked, though there was some truth to what she said, before exhaling a tired sigh. "Maybe after this schoolwork is done with, we could all try hanging out." She said with hope.

"Honestly, you and Blyke put way too much effort into all that. I'm chilling, honestly." Isen remarked. He knows he could get pretty good grades if he actually tried. 

He just didn't want to.

Remi shrugged in return, it was just the mindset her mom instilled in her. 'Always try your best',  she told her and Rei as they grew up.

 "Well, how are your grades looking, Isen?"

"C's get degrees, that's all I gotta say." Isen said with a closed-eye shrug that Remi could only roll her eyes at. 

Isen hummed as his phone buzzed and opened it to see a text, one that made him have a small, but satisfied smile before he suddenly turned in the opposite direction of where he and Remi were walking. "Sorry, Rems, gotta go work on that project with Blyke now!" He announced.

"Oh yeah? What did he have to bribe you with this time?" Remi asked playfully.

Isen turned back with a mocked gasp, hand over his chest as he continued to walk. "I'm not gonna dignify that, but just know that I'm utterly offended by that remark!"

Remi chuckled, before giving him a small wave goodbye. "Good luck on the work, you guys! See you around."

 "Yeah, yeah, see you later." Isen said, fondly. As much as Blyke hated it, he knew once he offered to be the little spoon with Isen, there wouldn't be much need to hassle him to work. 

With most things, Isen could find a way to get what he wanted. He was the Ace reporter for a reason.

Isen would come to somewhat regret those thoughts a few days later, as he saw a text from someone he'd rather keep his interactions with at a minimum, preferably never again in his life.

Meet me in Room 221. Now. - Arlo 

Ah.

...fuck.

Chapter Text

Here I am, about to walk into the lion's den, where almost certain death awaits me. I should've had a will written out after my first year.

Isen reached forward, hesitating momentarily, before sliding open the door to Room 221 and stepping through it. From the way the room was arranged, it looked like it belonged to one of the elective classes they had, probably some kind of debate club.

In the gap between two rows of seats stood Arlo, leaning against the desk, whose attention turned away from the school newspaper he was reading and toward Isen with a smile that would be charismatic—if the reporter was not mentally fearing for his life.

"Ah, there you are, Isen," Arlo lifted up the newspaper, displaying the front of it. "You made top story third week in a row, not bad."

Isen was thrown off by that but did his best to play it off, walking to stand in front of Arlo. "Well, you know, I'd like to think I'm pretty good at my job."

Arlo was silent for a moment, taking in the way Isen presented himself. There was a sense of caution from him, that was good. To not get on the wrong side of those stronger than yourself was a natural instinct, it kept people safe.

"Glad to hear considering I happen to find myself in need of your expertise."

"You...do?" Isen asked.

Arlo nodded in return. "I've heard good things about you from Cecile, how you're able to find out anything about anyone."

"That's a bit of an overstatement, but pretty much. What kind of information are you looking for?"

"I'm sure you're aware of the student who transferred here almost two weeks ago, John's his name." Arlo began, crossing his arms.

"Oh, yeah. It'd be kinda hard to not know about him."

"You're familiar with him?"

Isen gave a stiff shrug. "Not really. He's Blyke's roommate so I tend to see him in passing, but that's about it." Isen's only had a few conversations with that guy.

Roommates with Blyke?  Ah, right, Remi's friend. Used to be...well, that doesn't matter right now.

Arlo smiled, "Well if that's the case, that should make things easier. I want you to look into him."

Isen's brows furrowed. "Huh? How come?"

"I've encountered him a few times and...he puzzles me. There's no debate about him being strong—his scuffle with Seraphina should be enough proof of that—and yet, besides that, he's made no attempt to place himself in the higher ranks of the hierarchy, no word of what his ability or level could be. Not a single rank fight, even though he's certainly a high-tier.

"Not only that, I've heard around he involves himself in the matters of those beneath him, even being friends with low-tiers, while having no trouble getting along with the likes of Seraphina. His grades aren't anything worthwhile either. Frankly, he acts nothing like a proper High-Tier should. So I want you to look into his history, and find out what his deal is. Why he's like this."

Isen appeared pensive, he'd be lying if he said he didn't have any interest in John. He had that air of mystery that was always rather alluring. But there was also something about the guy that Isen wasn't sure about...

"Is this really necessary, Arlo? I mean, he's not really doing anything so why should you bother—"

"Him not doing anything is the exact problem," Arlo said sharply, cutting off Isen—whose heart began to quicken as he saw Arlo's eyes glow. "And frankly, I don't remember asking your opinion on the matter."

A shudder took over Isen for a second before he attempted to collect himself. "Y-You know, I was kind of wondering about that guy anyway. T-This is a golden opportunity!" He said, voice shaky. He turned to his right—ready to leave the room right now. "G-Guess I'll get started."

"And Isen?"

He froze, eyes looking back in Arlo's direction.

"Keep this between us, for your sake."

Jeez, my arms are so darn sore from yesterday! - Evie

Of course they are, we did like a thousand punches. - Roland

An exageratoin. We did like...200 - John

I can barely write with a pencil! - Evie

Yeah that's ytpical. Grab a burger for your lunch maybe. protein helps reileve the soernes. - John.

I actually kinda like the feeling! Really makes me feel like I'm working hard! - Dylan

Good mindset. Be mroe liek Dylan, gyus. - John

John, please look at what you're typing before sending it! Those typos are physically hurting me! - Evie

Hmmmmmmmmm. Nha. - John

Darn! - Evie

It's alright, Evie, you tried. - Roland

If you gyus dont feel up for it, we can take a rest day. - John

No way! We gotta keep going! - Dylan

Yeah! The aftermath sucks but I really like doing the practice! - Evie

Same here. - Roland

John smiled as he saw their replies, feeling just a bit elated at their eagerness to continue.

Alright! Meet up on the rooftop after school and we'll continue." - John.

John set his phone away seeing their replies of confirmation, putting his focus on walking through one of the courtyards of Wellston on his way to class, dreading that it was one of his long blocks.

"Hey! You're that John asshole, aren't you?!"

John stopped and turned his head to the right as he heard that voice call out to him. His eyes set upon a group of six—four guys and two girls. John recognizes the one that was harassing Evie, Illena; The one who asked the question and who appeared to be the leader of them was...

"Yeah, and you're that Tanner prick, right?" John replied, setting away his phone as he glared at the boy with blue hair.

Tanner laughed at the remark. "This fucker...Yeah, that's me. And from what I've heard, you wanted to discuss something with me. So talk."

"Better make it quick." The boy with slicked-back gray hair and purple eyes ordered, palming his fist to intimidate. In an attempt to, at least.

"We don't like having our time wasted." The blonde girl said with a smirk.

These two. ...Gavin and Wenqi? And the other two guys...Krolik and Rouker, I think.

After putting names to their faces, John takes a moment to check his surroundings. The courtyard wasn't crowded but there were a good amount of students passing by. Some of them were stopping to see what was gonna happen—typical.

John groaned to himself, wondering why they couldn't do this shit during a free period, but resigned himself to what was going to happen before looking back at Tanner with a confident smirk, as he stepped closer.

"Sure, but how quickly this turns out is all depends on you. This whole...shtick you got going here—ganging up on weaker students, forcing them to do your bidding, punishing them if they don't kiss your ass? I want you to stop all that bullshit." John said, swiping a hand across his neck. "

It was silent for a moment before Tanner and his group reacted how John figured they would, a mix of disbelief and devious chuckles.

"I'm sorry, what? I'll need you to repeat that." Tanner taunted, leaning forward with a hand to his ear.

"Pandering to weaklings? What kind of idiot are you?" Gavin said.

"You got to be joking, right?" Krolik questioned.

"Do I need to use smaller words? I wouldn't be surprised if I had to." John responded.

"The fuck did you just say?!" Gavin appeared riled up.

"Oh, shut up! Stop acting so tough, we all know your pansy ass got knocked out by Seraphina!" Illena bit back.

John narrowed his eyes, Really? That's your measurement of how weak someone is?

...One more time. John decides to try and use his words one more time, trying to get them to have some semblance of self-reflection. 

"These students you torment, how many actually deserved that kinda treatment? How many were just trying to get through their day, minding their business, before you decided to make life harder, just cause you got a bit of joy from it? Do you not realize how fucked up that—?" 

"Oh my god, can you just shut the fuck up already?! Your voice is so fucking annoying!" Illena shouted back, appearing the most reactive to what John was trying to say.

Those fucking elites treat us however they like and we're forced to deal with it, why's this prick has a problem with us doing the same thing?!

"That's just how it is. The weak submit to those stronger than them." Wenqi said, with a shrug and a smirk.

"And from the sounds of it, you need a reminder of that!" Tanner declared, closing the distance between him and John as he winded a fist back.

"Cause in the real world, we call the shots! And we'll do whatever the hell we want!" 

John frowned. Then, in one swift motion, he took hold of Tanner's arm and whirled him around before slamming him into the floor, keeping his arm in a lock.

"Hard way it is. This is gonna hurt." 

With that said, John pushed onto Tanner's elbow joint and his arm snapped in half with a harsh crack. Tanner's cry of agony almost made John feel bad for doing that.

...No, he'll be fine. His ability will deal with it, he can handle a minute of pain.

"You piece of shit!"

"You're dead!"

Illena and Gavin shouted as they charged forward, Wenqi alongside them, while Krolik and Rouker stayed in the back. All their abilities activated.

John looked toward them, ready to activate his ability...but was halted, as that sight caused a familiar one to flash in his mind, stunning him as his eyes widened in fear for only a moment. 

"Getting scared?" 

John snapped his eyes back, hearing Wenqi taunt him. He was able to bring an arm up to block her attempt to slam her elbow into his head, noting how she was the fastest out of them. But just as he blocked that, another attack landed on him—Illena slammed a kick into his ribs, knocking him back, and leaving a bruise on his ribs that his left hand clutched. John needed to get his bearings. He activated his ability.

"They're actually hurting him? I thought he was supposed to be on Seraphina's level!"
"Must've been a fluke."
"I hope not, I really want to see those guys get their asses kicked!"

Shit, the hell am I doing?! That red-headed bastard is still screwing me over...

"Come on, you little bitch! Fight back!" Gavin taunted, going for the side of John's bruised ribs and aiming an attack; His skin was dark grey, and his eyes glowing violet.

Augmentation—Increased Defense and Speed mostly. Some strength as well.

Gavin's fist came to a stop as it collided with John's palm. Gavin let out a grunt of pain caused by the sudden recoil and eyes widened in anger...and confusion, at the sight of John's own skin turning marble black and eyes glowing orange.

I don't need to hesitate. They wanted this fight so I'll give it to them!

Just...gotta keep ahold of myself...somewhat.

The sight caused the others to hesitate in their aggressiveness, what John was displaying right now was different from what they heard he did in the cafeteria.

John kept ahold of Gavin's fist as he used his other fist and drove it up into the fucker's arm. It didn't break—even with John amplifying the power, Gavin's defense was just a bit higher—but it would definitely limit his usage of it for the time being. 

John's eyes snapped back to where the others were, sensing the concentration of aura incoming toward him. Still having a hold on Gavin, he took ahold of him by the jaw and roughly pulled him over to in front of him, forcing him to take the hits from Rouker's Missiles and Krolik's laser on his back. Taking advantage of stunning Gavin, John pushed forward and slammed him into the ground. 

He isn't knocked out, but he won't get up soon.

"Maybe you'll listen this time. Stay the fuck down."

"Holy shit, he just used Gavin as a shield!"

"You bastard!"

John's eyes focused back on the rest of them; Illena and Wenqi stayed by Tanner while Rouker and Krolik still hung in the back.

"You want to keep going? Be my guest!"

"The hell do you get off being so cocky?" Tanner spat. His ability was activated, mending the damage done to his arm. "You're still outmatched 5v1!" Tanner tried to gloat, tried to feel in control of the situation.

In response, John just smiled as a faint black aura covered him, allowing him to stand straight up again, back to new again.

"What did he just...?"

"He can heal himself too?" Tanner questioned in surprise, till he was shocked by John's sudden speed, he wasn't in front of them anymore.

"Behind us!" Wenqi called out as she and others turned back, her ability helping her keep up with John's movement.

Dashing past the three close-combat fighters, John set his sights on the two ranged fighters. 

"O-Oh shit!" Krolik sputtered. He fired off a laser beam that John easily dodged, causing it to graze Illena who tried to follow after him. She cursed to herself as she felt blood drip from her arm.

Krolik couldn't apologize; John knocked the wind out of him with a hit to his chest, depriving him of any breath as the strength behind the attack sent him colliding into the concrete wall behind him. 

He brought an arm to guard against the missiles Rouker sent at him again—his Stone Skin nullified most of the damage and whatever did get through, he regenerated from—while he aimed a finger and fired a beam of his own at Illena. 

"W-Wha—?!" Illena was caught off-guard by the sight of it. That left her vulnerable. The laser pierced into her shoulder, enveloping her arm with a harsh, searing pain she wasn't ready for. Neither was she ready for John to pay her back with a kick of his own, right to her gut, slamming her back into Tanner and Wenqi.

While they were stunned, John looked back over to where Rouker was. The bastard wasn't even bothering to attack him, he was looking scared. 

A part of John liked that and another wanted to ignore it.

He let out a scoff as he saw Rouker look around his surroundings and make an attempt to run for one of the entranceways. But he didn't get far, John intercepted him, slamming a kick into his knee joint, stopping Missile-boy in his tracks.

"You goddamn coward," John muttered, ignoring Rouker's gasp of pain as he pulled him by his vest. "You think you get to run away now that being a shitty person finally caught up to you?" 

John didn't want an answer. Whatever bullshit Rouker was gonna tell him was silenced with a kick to his jaw.

With a glance back at the other mid-tiers, John saw Wenqi shaking Illena with an expression he seldom expected from them, concern.

"Damn it, Wenqi, she's fine! We gotta focus on that prick right now!" Tanner ordered, eyes landing on John who gave him no reaction, yet him just standing there was enough of a taunt on his own. 

How does his ability give him such a huge increase in physicality and allow him to shoot projectiles?!

"You fucking asshole!"

Tanner snapped out of his thoughts. "Wait, you idiot, stop—!"

Wenqi dashed toward John with blinding anger.

John glared at her, Am I supposed to feel sorry for hurting your friend?

Harsh memories of middle school came back, that prick Oliver and his underlings always going out of their way to beat down Claire and Adrion. Beat down him. 

Then the memory of Adrion being beaten by those two grown-ass pricks.

Then of Evie and Roland.

You fucks never mind hurting others, hurting people they care about, just cause they're weaker than you.

John parried Wenqi's punch without effort and countered it with a powerful punch to the gut, some of Wenqi's coughed-up blood stained his vest. He gritted his teeth, bringing his fists together and brought them overhead before slamming down onto her back.

So get a taste of your own fucking medicine!

Wenqi dropped to the floor and for just a moment, that horrible urge came back. The urge to raise up his leg and slam it into her head. Break her fucking legs. Something more! All John could do to stop feeling that was put his attention somewhere else, like the last person standing.

"...W-What?! You...You think I'm fucking scared of you?! Get real!" Tanner shouted. Despite all that, he couldn't bring himself to move from his spot. The fear made his legs feel heavy.

John wasn't in the mood to give him a verbal response, instead closing the distance between them in an instant and hitting him with a backhand that sent him to the ground—showing him as the bitch he was. He pulled Tanner back up halfway, not allowing him to recover by relentlessly delivering punch after punch into the bastard's face. And Tanner could only handle so much damage.

"Stop! Please, just stop! You've won! I'm sorry!" He pleaded through his cries. To his utter relief, he no longer felt the texture of marble ripping his skin. He opened his eyes with hope, though it quickly died as he met John's vengeful glare, seemingly waiting for him to continue.

"We'll....We'll stop. E-Everything we did, we'll stop! You won't have to bother with us ever again!" Tanner sputtered out desperately. 

"...For the sake of you and these pricks you call friends, you better not be bullshitting." John dropped Tanner, before gesturing to everyone John had dealt with. "Take all these pricks over to the infirmary. I don't care how many trips it takes, I don't wanna see any of them left here."

"Uh...I...okay." All Tanner could really do was agree, shuffling his feet as he wasn't sure who to go for first, before settling on Rouker. His being the farthest away from John and closest to an entrance definitely played a part.

John's eyes narrowed at Tanner once more, before he sighed and deactivated his ability once Tanner went inside. He decided to take another look at his surroundings. 

He wasn't sure how to feel about the fact that all that ended up causing a bit of a crowd to gather, noticing that there were even a few spectators looking out the windows from inside the building. There were various expressions among them: some of them were in awe, some seemed uncertain, and others were waiting for what happened next.

Do all of you have nothing better to do? Go study or something, damn it.

But, seeing as he was already in the situation, might as well make the best of it.

"If all of you can bother standing there and gawking, then you better listen up!" John gestured to those he defeated. "I'm sure plenty of you are aware of what these guys were doing. Well, while I'm here, that shit ain't gonna fly! If any of you are doing the same kinda shit, I will find out and I will find you."

Then, John shrugged with a smile. "But if you're not, good! You have nothing to be afraid of! Carry on with your day!"

Whatever the crowds' reaction was, John didn't care enough to stay around for it. He'll probably get an idea of it in the time that follows. But currently, he's running late for a class.

Meanwhile, a certain reporter was looking out to the courtyard from the third floor, having caught almost all of what transpired.

Isen sighed to himself. "My curiosity will be the death of me."

Notes

Name: Tanner
Ability: Regeneration 
Level: 2.9
[Power: 1 Speed: 1 Trick: 2 Recovery: 5 Defense: 2]

Name: Gavin
Ability: Stone Skin
Level: 2.6
[Power: 2 Speed: 2 Trick: 1 Recovery: 1 Defense: 4]

Name: Illena
Ability: Strength
Level: 2.5
[Power: 4 Speed: 2 Trick: 1 Recovery: 1 Defense: 2]

Name: Krolik
Ability: Lazor
Level: 2.3
[Power: 3 Speed: 1 Trick: 1 Recovery: 1 Defense: 1]

Name: Wenqi
Ability: Speed
Level: 2.2
[Power: 2 Speed: 3 Trick: 2 Recovery: 1 Defense: 1]

Name: Rouker
Ability: Missiles
Level: 2.1
[Power: 2 Speed: 2 Trick: 2 Recovery: 1 Defense: 1]

Name: John
Ability: Aura Manipulation
Level: 7.7
[ Power: 6 Speed: 3 Trick: 17 Recovery: 7.5 Defense: 6]
Abilities Copied: Stone Skin + Regeneration + Strength + Lazor

A/N: Feedback is always appreciated!

Chapter Text

Remi liked having her dorm room to herself, but sometimes she wished she had a roommate. Maybe then she wouldn’t be currently sprinting towards her next class, having already slept through her first two and late for her next one. I can feel that bell about to ring any minute. Come on legs! Push me forward!

“That fight at the courtyard was insane! Those guys got destroyed!”

“Seriously! I wonder what they did to make that guy so mad…?”

“Mad enough to knock them all out apparently.”

Remi came to an abrupt stop, overhearing a discussion two girls passing by were having. What did they say? “Hey!”

Remi’s shout startled the two girls, and they turned back to see that the Jack of Wellston was making her way to them.

“R-Remi! G-Good morning!” The girl with green hair in two buns said, hoping they weren’t in any trouble.

“We weren’t in the way, were we?” Her friend with orange hair and blue eyes asked with a bit of franticness.

Remi raised an eyebrow in confusion. “What? No, not at all. The fight you guys were talking about, which courtyard was it at?”

The girls looked relieved they hadn’t done anything to anger the girl.

“The one nearby, East Courtyard I think?” The green-haired girl said, with her friend confirming it.

Remi looked in that direction, before turning back and giving the girls a smile. “Thank you! Have a good day!” She said, giving the girls a wave as she ran.

“Y-Yeah, you too.” The girls replied back, waving back at her weakly.

“Juni.” The girl with orange hair said, getting her friend’s attention. “Remi is so pretty…!” She said with a dusting of red on her face.

Juni sighed, Oh Leora…

Remi was taken aback by the sight that was before her. There were three unconscious students when she arrived: One was slumped against the wall, a crater in the wall behind him, no doubt having been caused by him getting launched into it, and the other two were laid out on the floor, splotches of blood underneath them.

Why would someone do this? She wondered to herself in concern, then looked around her, seeing how other passing students just ignored the sight. Is no one going to help them?

She stepped toward them, and her attention turned to the nearby exit door opening.

Tanner came through the door panting, feeling a bit exhausted. Heavy ass motherfuckers…

“Are you taking them to the infirmary?”

Tanner lifted up his head, ready to send a glare to whoever was talking to him, but that quickly vanished as he saw who he aimed it at.

"Remi?!" Shit shit shit, what's the Jack doing here?!

Tanner straightened himself, trying to keep cool. "Y-Yeah, I am. I got it taken care of so…don't worry about us!" He said, walking over to collect Wenqi.

He lifted her up and wrapped her arm around his shoulder for leverage. He turned back but was shocked to see Remi carrying both Krolik and Gavin over her shoulders, her ability activated.

"I'll help you bring them there, it's no problem!" She said with a smile.

Once Tanner stopped being stunned, he just nodded and accepted the help. "O-Okay."

“So…where are we supposed to put them?” Remi asked, seeing as the two infirmary beds were already being taken by Rouker and Illena. She stood there awkwardly, Tanner beside her the same way.

“Good fucking question…” Nurse Darren muttered, sipping his third cup of coffee for the day, a slight shaking of the hand he held his cup in from all the anger boiling within him.

The three’s attention turned to the sound of footsteps. Illena looked to have recovered enough to stand. She had a sour look on her face as she glanced at Tanner, seeing him hold the injured Wenqi, and her eyes widened at the sight of Remi being there. Remi wasn’t even able to ask if she was okay before Illena tried to rush out of the room.

“Did I say you could leave?” Darren muttered, stopping Illena in her tracks. The look in her eyes met his glare before he sighed and waved a hand at her. “Whatever, just go.”

Before Illena left, she gave a bow she barely bothered with to Remi, wanting to just leave and get through the day. Tanner went to place Wenqi in the freed-up resting space, while Darren told Remi to set the others on the chairs while they waited.

“I’ll deal with making sure they’re alright, so just go.” He said to Tanner dismissively, the fewer brats he had around him, the better.

“Y-Yes, sir.” Tanner said with a slow nod, ready to get away from the good nurse as soon as he could.

“Before you go,” Remi called out to Tanner, “Can you tell me who did this to all you guys?” To beat down multiple students like that was something that was never okay in her eyes; She had to make sure it didn’t happen again and that the students felt safe. That they were safe.

Tanner wasn’t sure what he wanted to come out of his mouth, but he wanted to feel optimistic about what would happen if he told her. If I tell her who it was, maybe she’ll be able to put him in his place, keep him in line and away from us. Or she could make Arlo or Seraphina aware, and there’s no way they’d get beaten.

Tanner grinned to himself, thinking he had a great plan, before responding to Remi with a faux tone of fear. “It…It was that transfer student, John.” He said, before quickly skimping out of the room to head to class.

John? Remi’s eyes widened at the answer she was given, not expecting to hear the boy’s name.

On the other hand, Darren just scoffed to himself, “No surprise there.” He said. He saw the confused look Remi had on her face and continued, “Let’s just say I’ve had a couple more visitors since he started attending here…more than a couple actually.” That punk better hope he doesn’t end up here again… Darren thought with a dark gaze in his eyes.

“What?! But…he seemed like a good person whenever I talked to him.” She said, having seen more of the boy in passing the last few days. Their short conversations were pleasant and she wanted to know more about him, yet he’s doing things like this?

Darren noticed the questioning expression Remi had. It wasn’t his place to say whether the people who ended up in his infirmary had deserved it or not but…

Actions have consequences, maybe this will help some of these students understand that.

“Go have a talk with him if you’re wondering so badly,” Darren mumbled, wondering why he even bothered giving that kid some assistance. He’d just reason to himself it’d end up making his job easier in the long run, though patience wasn’t always his specialty.

Remi regarded what the nurse said for a moment, before nodding. “Yeah. Good idea!” She gave him a wave goodbye as she left. Whatever happened, she hoped this all could be resolved with words.

“Hey, you sure this is okay to do, John?” Roland asked beside the slightly taller boy as he, Evie, and Dylan walked with John, up the stairs to the rooftops.

“Why wouldn’t it be?” John asked with a shrug, “If there’s someone else up there we can ask to share the space. If not, we’ll just go somewhere else, but might as well try.”

That scuffle John had earlier with all those mid-tiers made him change the plan. It gave him an energy he didn’t want to deal with settling until after school, so their training was going to be happening now.

“It’s just that…only Royals are allowed to be up there,” Evie noted.

John couldn’t help but roll his eyes at the term, “If any of them have a problem with us being up here, I’ll deal with it. You guys have nothing to worry about.” He said with a confidence that easily settled the worries of his friends.

So cool!

The quartet was lucky, for the rooftop was vacant at the moment. The three who accompanied John had a hurry in their step as they moved toward the fence, taking in the sight of being able to see so much of the school from below—The cool and gentle breeze of passing through the air of someplace so high up only aiding in the pleasurable scenery.

John gave them some time to just take it in. He did like how it felt up here, but likely not as much as they did. Maybe since his days atop a rooftop were much more cloudy—in both a figurative and literal sense. It wouldn’t be much longer until he had them get to work, a couple of warm-ups and stretches to make sure they didn’t pull anything on accident, then onto what they’d begun practicing.

The three students practiced their combo reps for a minute while John observed, seeing what needed to be corrected, and being a bit surprised in regard to something.

“So, how was that?” Dylan asked John, with his usual excitement.

“Almost, but some things are missing,” John said, having removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves.

“Your stance and your actions were a bit too loose and flimsy, so your hits wouldn’t have as much strength behind them. That’s also because you’re a bit sporadic, you don’t follow through on any of your attacks before trying to do another one.” John said, in regard to Dylan.

Dylan nodded, letting the words settle as he stared intently at his fists.

When it came to Roland, “You have something of the opposite problem. You’re very rigid and a bit too tight, so you’re restricting your own movement.”

Roland had a sad laugh to himself, “Well, it’s not like I was ever one to hit first to begin with.”

“It’s not a bad trait at all to have, better than the other option most of the time anyway. Just gotta learn to relax yourself a bit so it doesn’t hinder you.” John offered, and then it was onto Evie.

“Okay, lay it on me, any corrections needed I’ll get them done!” Evie spoke with a strange determination, she’ll absorb any info she gets like a sponge!

John chuckled, crossing his arms. “I appreciate the enthusiasm but the thing is I can’t point out much that needs to be corrected.”

“...Really?!” Evie questioned, while Dylan and Roland held impressed expressions on their faces.

“At worst, you’re a bit hesitant when you start and try to make up for it afterward so you end up overextending your punches, but it’s not too prevalent so it should be easy to fix,” John had a smile. “You’ve taken rather well to this.”

“Honestly, I’m not that surprised,” Roland said, smiling softly seeing Evie’s surprised expression.

“Yeah, you have that sort of spirit to you!” Dylan added.

They remembered, there were quite a few times when they were being hurt by the mid-tiers where she put herself in front of hits to protect them, even though it’d hurt her more. I don’t like seeing others hurt, she would tell him.

Evie beamed with a smile, not expecting but very much welcoming the praise. It would only push her to want to get better. It was rather infectious, making Roland and Dylan feel the same way.

And that, John would try his best to do, spending the time he could to help them improve. He didn’t have as much difficulty in putting his attention towards teaching multiple people at once as he thought, half-heartedly thinking it was a possible side-effect of the training he had to do for his ability.

The next time he checked his phone, their time would be coming to an end soon before they had to go to whatever class was next for them. John wanted to discuss what he thought of teaching them next but was stopped by his attention shifting to the rather forceful slam of the rooftop door, followed by the scoff of the guy who did it.

“The hell are all you doing up here? This area is Royals only, so beat it!” He said with an irked expression on his face.

The Low-Tier trio appeared nervous, having known Abel to be rather aggressive to those weaker than him, while John’s eyes narrowed at the boy with the pecan-brown hair, Abel. That’s the same guy that was hanging around when Seraphina brought me up here.

“Is this,” John made a gesture with his hand towards the guy, “All you do in your spare time? Strongarm people even when they’re not bothering others?”

“Are you really trying to backtalk me boy?” Abel said, stepping to John, though still holding some distance between them, while John’s friends backed away from the two, knowing Abel’s ability wasn’t one they wanted to be caught in.

“Just because the Queen brought you up here once to talk some sense into you doesn’t mean you and your weakling friends can come up whenever you please.” Then, his eyes glowed. “You better leave before this becomes more than just a warning.” He caused a small set of explosive cracks and pops from the palm of his hand to occur.

John’s eyes narrowed at the attempt at intimidation, An ability that produces explosions? Not too shabby, before he spoke with a slight tilt of his head.

“Well look at you, I guess that almost Elite-Tier ability of yours makes you think you can act like one of those snobby pricks.” He jabbed a thumb at Abel before looking at his friends, “How sad is this dude’s life if this is what he does to make himself feel important?” He asked, being completely serious, but it earned him a few stifled laughs.

Abel’s scrunched-up nose represented his anger clearly and so did the twitch in his hands as he turned his head and raised an open palm at the ones he considered and knew to be weaklings, “The hell do you think you’re laughing at—?!”

Abel’s vision suddenly shifted within seconds—from being on the rooftop to suddenly being hurled through the air, barreled through the door, and his back slamming into the stairs railing, across from the steps that led up to the roof.

Abel felt several places in his back break, struggling to lift himself up as he tried to collect his thoughts. What…What the hell was that?! He has an explosive ability like mine? As he tried to, the overall pain and the ringing in his ear made him unaware someone was moving up the stairs from his side, asking if he was okay. Only by helping him get to his feet did Abel realize it was her.

“R-Remi? What are you doing her—?” His question was cut off by a sharp pain in his back.

“Are you alright? What happened?” Remi asked with concern, helping to support Abel. After looking for some time, she thought to try the rooftop, to see if John was there.

“Try that for a warning you prick.”

Remi’s eyes shifted to the swinging open of the rooftop door and the familiar voice that had an anger in its tone she hadn’t heard before.

“Just back off before this gets…Remi?” John’s words trailed off as he saw her by Abel, surprised by her presence as he looked at them from the top of the stairs.

“John! What are you doing? What’s this all about?” Remi called out, this wasn’t the way she wanted to confront him. First all those mid-tiers, now Abel? Why?

“I told him…he wasn’t supposed to be up there,” Abel said, using the railing for support. “But he didn’t listen and then he attacked me!”

“Get your story straight, asshole! You were just about to blast my friends off the roof, you’re no goddamn victim!” John spat back, swiping his arm across his body in a gesture of anger.

There are people with him? Remi looked past John to see three other students come out the rooftop, students she didn’t know who appeared shaken, almost hiding behind John like he was a shield, nervous looks to both Abel…and her. Why?

“Those weaklings shouldn’t be up there to begin with. They know better!” Abel said back, and Remi’s eyes furrowed in confusion, wondering why he was talking about them like that.

“Call them that one more fucking time and see what happens,” John said with bitterness, taking a step down the stairs, eyes still glowing.

“Everyone! Just stop!”

In between John and Abel was Remi, thin lines of blue lightning around her as she activated her ability, hoping it would be enough for them to stand down. Abel did so immediately, but with John, she couldn’t be sure he would. His actions were one thing, but it was also the fact that…she might not even be strong enough to stop him.

But after a few moments, thankfully, John appeared to relent—going as far as to deactivate his ability. He could tell there was something different between her and the other elites he had encountered at this school and he’d much rather be on good terms with her if he could.

Seeing there wasn’t any sign of a fight continuing, Remi looked to Abel. “Do you need help getting to the infirmary?”

Abel was silent for a moment, looking away. “I…could use some help, yeah.”

Remi nodded, then she looked at John. “John, we need to have a talk. Can we do it after classes end for the day?” She asked, her voice firm and resolute.

John was unsure why—this one event warranted her to give him a talking to?—but he wasn’t opposed to it, sparking a dialogue might do some good. A part of him wanted to talk to Remi more anyways. “Sure, that should be fine.”

Remi gave him a nod, before moving back to Abel, intending to help him to the infirmary and internally nervous about having to bring another injured student to Nurse Darren today, at least she was pretty sure that’s what she was nervous about.

“I’ll wait by the gates, see you then.” She said to John, before heading off with Abel in tow.

John gave a short wave as he saw her leave down the stairs, before turning back to look at his friends. “Guess that’s the conclusion for today’s lesson, yeah?” He said, trying to give a reassuring smile.

“Can you…copy people’s abilities?” Roland hesitantly asked while Dylan and Evie's faces took on expressions of shock.

…

Well shit, the cat’s out of the bag again.

Chapter Text

It is still taking everything in me to not geek out in class right now!!! - Dylan

I can see it in your face, but please don't. I am right next to you. - Roland

Lol. Can you really blame him, Roland? - Evie

Roland, must I remind you...JOHN CAN COPY ABILITIES! I REPEAT! HE! COPIES! ABILITIES! - Dylan

Ikr?!?! Like, that's so cool!!! - Evie

Yeah, I get that it's awesome but I'm just trying to make sure we don't get unnecessary attention and something ends up slipping out! - Roland

Okay, Roland has a fair point. - Evie

Yeah...but I just don't get why tho.  Why does he need it to be a secret? - Dylan

Well, John likes keeping stuff about him private. Maybe he just doesn't want the attention? - Evie

He did seem uncomfortable when the King wanted to talk to him... - Roland

What?!?! John got Arlo's attention?!?! - Dylan

Oh, yeah! It was after that thing between him and Seraphina happened, Roland and I helped get him to Doc and we ran into him afterward! - Evie

Is he as scary as people say he is? - Dylan

Yes. - Roland

Absolutely! - Evie

Though it might've been scarier how unfazed John was about him... - Roland

Seriously! And the way they glared at each other was pretty intense! - Evie

It's kind of crazy how John's caught the attention of all the Royals. First Seraphina, then Arlo, and now he's going to have that talk with Remi. - Roland

Yeah, I wonder what's gonna happen? - Dylan

Well, whatever it is, I hope it turns out well for them! - Evie

Man I wish I could've seen all that other stuff in person! I was busy doing crappy English homework :P - Dylan

I can help you with it if you're having trouble! - Evie

Egh...Could you just give me the answers? - Dylan

No way! - Evie

Oh come on! - Dylan

She stands firm in that regard, Dylan. - Roland

But giving me the answers would be so much easier thoooo. - Dylan

But then you wouldn't actually learn! If you learn to actually understand what you're working through, it'll make all the other work easier to understand down the road! - Evie

Evie right now: 🤓 - Dylan

HEY! D: - Evie

Dylan, pay attention! - Roland

...

Dylan? - Evie

The teacher whacked him on the back of the head - Roland

THIS TEACHER SUCKS, I SWEAR TO GOD! - Dylan

 Revenge of the Nerd! 😎 - Evie

The heck, Evie?! You're taking his side?! Traitor! - Dylan

I keep telling you not to be obvious with your phone 😮💨 - Roland

Seraphina's eyes narrowed at John for what he told her. "You have to "skip out" today?" She asked, having begun to set up her materials to study and review on a table in the library, but stopping and crossing her arms.

John stood across from her, offering a shrug with one arm,  "Yeah, sorry. I guess your friend, Remi—"

"Not a friend."

John aims a confused expression at Seraphina—So quick to dismiss that notion, why?—before shrugging with a short annoyed huff. "Your Royal acquaintance, whatever. I guess she needs to talk to me about something, so we agreed to talk after classes were done."

"And you wait until now to bring this up?" Seraphina asked and, though it was in her usual calm and stern tone, she felt weirdly irked.

"Yeah, well, it's not like I could text you, I ain't got your number," John said dismissively, before humming. "Do you—?"

"Unnecessary," Seraphina says, cutting off John quickly, her attention put towards her materials, beginning to piece together how she's going to write out her part of the essay. "If you have other matters to attend to, then go," Seraphina remarked. She aimed an unusually playful smile at John. "Actually, tell Remi I said thank you. I can finally have a break from my biggest annoyance."

John cocked his head, mouth slightly agape due to the audacity of this bi—

But he can't help but laugh a little. "Sure, whatever, I'll let her know. Have fun with your part of the presentation, blegh." John remarked, sticking his tongue out in fake disgust, before turning and walking away. 

"One more thing," Seraphina calls out, making John turn back. "Leave your work with me so I can write down the basics of what you should include and explain in your part of the presentation."

"Uh, no." John quickly shot it down. "I can finish my writing on the presentation by myself thank you very much. Good day to you!" He shot back with sass before quickly getting out of the library, in case Seraphina felt like using her ability. 

Though in reality, Seraphina just looked on with mild annoyance, before sighing to herself. "I can't believe I've put any trust in that imbecile."

Seraphina continued with her work, ignoring every time her eyes would glance up to the empty seat across from her.

There were many sources of chatter throughout the halls as Blyke and Isen spent some time after classes finished to take a walk through the school, currently walking through the west side of the building—But really, it was just Blyke self-appointing himself as someone to keep an eye out for any fights that got too rowdy and Isen was along for the ride. It was something that Blyke did every so often in the hopes that if he were to become a Royal, he'd have some experience in that regard already.

Isen couldn't see the point in it, but then again he was never one to want a leadership role anyway. It made Blyke happy and didn't inconvenience Isen too much, so it didn't really matter to him.

Though there was nothing physical going on at the moment, something else had caught Blyke's attention. The fact that he kept hearing so much of that chatter seemed to be about the same topic. Something about a fight involving John?

"You're just now hearing about that?" Isen remarked when Blyke had questioned it, earning him an off-handed slap—more like a love tap—to the face. 

"Shut up. Unlike you, I'm not exactly in the trenches when it comes to every little thing going on in this school." Blyke remarked with a side-eye before Isen handed off his phone to him. He's confused for a moment but quickly understands. "I should've figured."

Looking at the photos Isen snapped, Blyke blinks once out of surprise before focusing in, seeing the sight caught on the phone. Of the half dozen students that were strewn about on the ground, defeated, only one left conscious that John stood over with a raised fist.

"That's...he cratered that one guy into the wall, damn..." 

"With one punch," Isen said, sipping on a juice box.

"One punch? Damn."

Blyke's had experience in his scuffles with Isen to know the walls inside the school weren't as sturdy as the ones on the outside and the fact that John still did that much damage to it just from one hit and the guy impacting it? 

Damn.

"Why though?" Blyke wondered, crossing his arms in thought. From what he knew about John, he wasn't ever one that'd start a fight but he'd end it without a problem so...did all six try ganging up on him?

Isen shrugged, going into his notes. "Not sure, only saw it when they were already fighting. John did shout something out after it was settled." He says, continuing when he sees Blyke's curious expression and reading off what he quoted from John with a bored tone.

"I'm sure plenty of you are aware of what these guys were doing. Well, while I'm here, that shit ain't gonna fly! If any of you are doing the same kinda shit, I will find out and I will find you."

Blyke's eyes narrowed in thought. So they probably did fuck with him first. What is he doing though, making a declaration?  

"Has there been a problem with more students than usual? Remi hasn't brought anything up..." He pondered.

Meanwhile, Isen glanced off at Blyke, with a look in his eyes that seemed more aware of something than he let on. He sighs to himself.

"There was something weird. John's ability has to be something else besides just enhancing his strength and crap because he was able to fire off projectiles too. Not just that, it looked like it gave him some kind of armor with how his skin turned black." Isen noted, comparing it to Zeke's ability in that regard.

Hearing Isen begin to use that damn intellect of his made Blyke nervous. He promised to keep the nature of John's ability on the down-low but that's a bit difficult if he does something like this! Isen hasn't questioned him about anything yet but if he does...

"Oh...for real?" Blyke remarked, trying to sound casual in his tone—yet when he glanced over at Isen, it was clear that...he wasn't exactly buying it.

"'For real'? Seriously? I was expecting more of a reaction." Isen said, stepping closer to Blyke and breaching his personal space, making him step closer to the windows of the second floor. "You are his roommate, maybe you know more than you're letting on." 

Blyke wasn't exactly a fan of the interrogative look Isen gave him—out in public, at least—nor the fact that he was using the few inches Isen had in height on him to his advantage. He groaned with a frown, pushing Isen back. "I don't fucking know, maybe his ability is like mine?" He said, annoyed and trying to circumvent Isen's question somehow.

"How so?" Isen asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Like—maybe—he can use energy to do that stuff?? To boost his strength and shit—or he can use it to fire off the projectiles. Maybe his energy is black like how mine is red!" Blyke threw together the best defense he could.

Isen hummed, sipping from his juice box. "Sort of like the powers in that one shitty anime you call a classic?"

"Yes, exac—!" Blyke stopped his sentence short as he realized the blasphemous bullshit that left Isen's mouth and a fire lit in his eyes. "You want to repeat that?!" He muttered, tick marks forming on his face.

Isen shrugged, "Nostalgia deceives you, honey. That show has some of the biggest asspulls and retcons I've ever seen in a story, not to mention the god-awful pacing of the fights. The last arc was so incongruent in and of itself."

"Those fights were the most hype moments ever—Them being drawn out builds up the climax, you snobby fuck!"

"If that's how you cope with mid-fiction, then you do you," Isen remarked, already prepared for Blyke's little outburst as the redhead gripped onto the collar of his shirt. Yet as that happened, something piqued his interest as he looked past Blyke and out the window, seeing a familiar face leaning against the wall of the school's entrance.

So before Blyke would either sock him in the face to begin another lover's quarrel or just go on some more about how that show was actually a masterpiece, he put an end to it before it began with a kiss—both flustering Blyke and settling his anger—and turning him around to look out the window as well, throwing an arm over his shoulder.

"You...! Ugh, damn it." Blyke muttered, wiping his lips with the back of his sleeve, before actually focusing in on what Isen pointed out to him. "Remi's standing by the gate, so what?"

"Look who's heading her way."

Though annoyed, Blyke went along with it, looking over the other students who were heading out of the school and how most of them were just going to the dorm area. However, there was one that seemed to be heading in Remi's direction. 

"John?"

Remi hummed lightly and repeatedly pushed herself off the wall as she tapped her hands on her skirt with a rhythm—her go-to action whenever she was waiting on someone instead of the other way around. Sure, she could be on her phone, but she wasn't a fan of that; Her mom regarded that as a rude gesture, so she didn't do it often. Besides, it let her have some time with her thoughts.

The sight she came across wasn't one she had ever seen happen before; Half a dozen students with all but one of them almost beaten to unconsciousness, yet no one had stepped in or tried to inform someone stronger of what was going on. Were they scared of what John would do to them?

Remi frowned at the thought because she didn't want to think of John like that with what she knew of him beforehand. Blyke spoke highly of him, with a remark of him being too much of both a dumbass and a smartass thrown in every once in a while, but it seemed they had taken a liking to each other rather quickly. Even setting that aside, there was something to John that she had a good feeling about. 

He listened to her when she intervened in the situation between him and Abel—so regardless of how strong he was, he did understand restraint...to an extent—and from what she understood from their shouting, Abel was going to hurt John's friends? The students she saw with John did seem scared...was it truly a matter of self-defense?

Maybe she'll need to talk with Abel as well after this, but right now she had another matter to take care of first.

This talk between her and John was mainly a matter of making sure peace was kept, but this would still be the first full-on conversation she'd be able to have with him, so when this matter was settled, hopefully, she wanted to take the chance to have some more casual talk with him. To befriend him. Something about two birds and one stone right?

What a cruel analogy though. What did the birds do to deserve getting stones thrown at them?

"Hello? Earth to Remi?" 

It seems Remi had spaced out from all her thinking, brought back into focus by a waving hand in front of her face. Remi blinks and her head snaps to her right, met with John and his somewhat amused smile as he pulls his hand back.

"You good?" He asks, light-heartedly.

"Oh, John, hey! Don't mind me." Remi responds with a chuckle with a wave of her hand. "Just caught up in my thoughts, you know?"

John nodded, understanding her in that regard. He did a bit of that as well—though he had to be careful, else the more unpleasant and vitriolic thoughts would start to pull through. That was never fun.

Oh right, this wasn't a hangout—it's a discussion.

"So...why is it that we met by the gates? Did you have chores to take care of or something?" John asked, not sure as to why Remi wouldn't just have them talk somewhere in the school.

"Ah, right. Well...I was thinking you could choose!" She answered, continuing after seeing John have the equivalent expression to a question mark on his face with a soft giggle. "It's best to be somewhere you're comfortable with stuff like this and I didn't want you to feel intimidated or imposed upon." She explained.

"Huh, yeah, that makes sense," John responds, with a soft snort. He was sure Remi could be intimidating in her own right, it was just hard to picture. 

So, he brings a hand up to his chin to think for a moment, "So my choice, then...", before bringing a fist down on his palm with a small smile. "Alright, I think I know just the place."

"Great, lead the way!" 

"Now, where are they heading off to?" Isen ponders, rubbing his index finger across his chin as he watches Remi and John head off, outside Wellston's walls. This might be a good start to getting the info Arlo wants. 

He thinks, doing well enough to keep the nerves down as he imagines what Arlo plans to do if he can't—like a fork being used in a way it wasn't intended to.

"...Maybe that boba place?" Blyke offers and looks off to the side to see Isen glancing at him, motioning for him to obviously continue. "It's Woah Boba or something, John took me there last week. They got some good stuff, actually." 

Isen leaned forward, seemingly trying to scrutinize Blyke's words. 

"Could you stop looking at me like that?! I got us some food when he got here and he was making it up with that, that's it."

"Mhm, that's how it always starts." 

"Oh, fuck off!" Blyke muttered, irritation growing in his face as he pushed Isen away, getting his arm off him. "You fucking..."—He grumbles to himself, trying not to be loud—"You know I wouldn't do that kind of shit..." 

Blyke's face was slightly scrunched up, his eyes narrowed and looking away from Isen.

Isen's teasing smile softened. He forgot stuff like that could get under Blyke's skin easier than the rest. Isen rubs the back of his head, having a hard time letting the necessary words leave his lips before he resigns to just tapping Blyke's shoulder with a soft bump of his fist.

"My bad," It's the best he can offer.

But it's enough and Blyke sighs, pushing Isen's fist away. "You're good, it's alright."

"Alright!" Isen said with a raised voice, before taking Blyke's hand and pulling him along. "Now come on, we got to hurry and catch up to those two!"

"The fuck—why?!" Blyke's irritation came back quickly.

Isen pulled Blyke up beside him, holding up a finger. "Scenario one: Remi's aware of what happened with John and the other students earlier and confronts him about it, trying to spark a dialogue. In which case, we'll be there in case things get out of hand—to try and smooth things over."

"Do you really think John would pick a fight with Remi at the Boba place of all things?" Blyke asks while his hand tightens around Isen's.

"Can't be sure, he's turned out to be a bit of a wildcard. Better to be safe than sorry!"  Isen remarks. 

Blyke's eyes narrowed, asking, "You called that scenario one, what's scenario two?"

"Scenario two!"—Isen held up two fingers with a sneaky smile as they stepped down the stairs to the first floor —"They're on a date~"

"Huh?!" Blyke almost tripped. "Shit—!"

"And in that case, we're there to see if it goes well—make sure Remi gets treated right!" Isen declares, as they make a quick stop at Isen's locker, quickly getting through his lock and grabbing his backpack. 

"What the hell are you on man, they haven't even talked to each other that often." Blyke reasoned.

"It doesn't take much for something to spark." Isen held a proud smirk, resting his chin in between his thumb and index finger. "I mean, one look at me and you were already head over heels."

"I was not—I legitimately tried to fight you."

"You never were good at handling your feelings. It's okay, Blyke, I don't hold it against you." Isen said in a pampering tone as he patted Blyke's shoulder before they continued their walk outside Wellston's walls.

"You were a headache at first sight more like it," Blyke remarked, before taking a deep breath—he needed it. "Well of those two outcomes, which is more likely?"

"The first one by quite a bit, but you never know~" Isen would say the last few words in a sing-song tone. 

Of course, this was all a matter of covering his bases with what Arlo ordered him to do, to not look suspicious, but if some interesting stuff goes down while he's doing it, he wouldn't mind it at all.

His attention turns back to Blyke, "Besides, aren't you even a little bit curious? You and Remi did—"

"No, not really." Blyke said bluntly, giving Isen a taste of his own medicine. "Remi's love life ain't exactly my business anymore."

"Well it's a good thing that this, more than likely, doesn't involve it," Isen reasoned, "You're still gonna come along anyways, aren't you?" Isen remarked.

Blyke furrows his brows, narrows his eyes, and bites the inside of his mouth before muttering, "Gah.", and hastily pulling Isen along now. "You're fucking lucky I wanted to take you there anyways."

"Free food and drinks? It's really my day!"

"You're pushing it!"

"...So you just have this kind of shit stuffed in your backpack at a moment's notice?" Blyke questioned, pointing out the pair of sunglasses and beanies Isen had given Blyke and himself to wear—Blyke's being green while Isen's was blue.

"It's always good to be prepared," Isen said softly with a proud smile. "Keeps you inconspicuous. Plus, considering it's particularly sunny, it's not out of place." Isen informed Blyke of his strategy, adjusting his sunglasses as some light rays came through the window next to them. 

Blyke supposed it made sense, must've been the reason Isen had them ditch their vests and ties and stuffed them in the backpack—do your best to blend in.

"No wonder you get called Wellston's resident stalker," Blyke said with a short cackle.

Isen groaned, "Why give me a nickname in such bad taste? It's called being an Investigative Journalist." Isen spoke woefully, the back of his hand placed upon his forehead as if such trouble would bring him such terrible heartache.

"Is that the way you cope? By deluding yourself?" Blyke said with a smirk.

Just from the expression contained on Isen's lips, Blyke could tell he wasn't amused.

"I'll slap you, honey, don't try me." Isen challenged with an aimed finger at the red-head.

Blyke rolled his eyes behind the sunglasses, sipping on the strawberry boba with a smile before his eyes darted across to the other side of the Boba cafe, where two familiar faces appeared to have just gotten their boba as well—leaving Blyke to look back at Isen and nod his head in the direction.

Isen nodded and beneath the guise of his sunglasses, his eyes glowed orange. Immediately, all the chatter around him had heightened in volume, causing him to groan for a second from annoyance—that was never fun. It didn't last long, he'd grown accustomed to tuning out the conversations he didn't care about so just a moment later his hearing focused in on the one between their resident Jack and Wildcard.

"—right, here ya go, guys!" The waitress, Aria, chirped as she set the two drinks on the table. "Two Mango Bobas, hope you enjoy." She said with a smile.

Remi returned the smile, "Thanks, you too—!", she slapped a hand over her mouth before she said anything more, an awkward blush on her face.

Aria looked surprised for a moment before giggling to herself, waving her hands dismissively. "It's alright, that happens more often than you think."

"I think she was just suggesting you grab a Mango Boba after you get off. I second that advice." John said, trying to help Remi recover, which she showed appreciation for in the form of a thumbs up.

Aria laughed, "I see, I'll do that then! I'm more of a fan of the Pineapple Boba, though."

Aria turned away with a smile, ready to get out orders for the other customers, meaning she was left unaware of the gobsmacked expression on John's face. 

One that Remi had a good laugh at, helping her forget about what she said just moments ago. "Hey, what's that look for?"

"Well, clearly, the hiring process here doesn't involve having any good sense of taste," John said, sipping on his boba tea with some sort of vengeance as if to prove it was the best around. Honestly—First Dad, then Adrion, now this? I'm surrounded by people in need of a palette cleanse.

"Oh, so Mango is the superior boba over Pineapple?" Remi questioned.

John finished his long sip and gestured to the boba in front of Remi. "See for yourself." He said with a smirk that exuded cockiness that could belong only to a member of the Mango Boba Master Race.

Remi's eyebrows knitted while her lips formed into a smile that seemed to want to challenge John's statement. So, she picks up the boba and takes a sip. Her eyes widened in pleasant surprise. She continues a little longer, taking some more sips.

"Hm, hm, hm." Remi hummed, bringing her thumb and index finger to her chin in deep thought, before nodding at John with a smile. "Well, It'll be hard to top that. That is really good." She admitted.

"Told ya so." John said with a proud smile, flexing his hand into a fist of accomplishment, something Remi found rather endearing.

—

"So what's going on?" Blyke whispered to Isen.

"Hmm, they're getting along fine. Pretty well, actually. Just seems like a regular hangout." Isen informs, his eyes closed to help focus in. 

Blyke nodded, he had a feeling that'd be the case. 

"Oh wait, wait...sounds like things are getting serious," Isen notes, tuning back into their conversation.

—

"So, John..." Remi said, a smile thinning from her lips and taking on a more serious expression, the tone of her voice still soft. "Do you know what the responsibility of a Royal is?"

John stopped himself mid-sip. Right, he almost forgot the actual reason they were here. He had a good idea of where she was going with her question. A Royal's responsibility...

"Above all else, they should be making sure the other students are safe and protected, right?"

Remi was pleasantly surprised by John's answer and she nodded. "Yes, that's right, and we do our best to help maintain that environment for everyone! But when something like what you did happens, beating down so many students like that, that leaves everyone scared." Remi says, before stopping for a moment. "So, I'm hoping we can—"

"You think that's what the Royals do? Make others feel "safe"?"

 Remi's thrown off track by John cutting her off. His tone had an edge to it and the way his eyes looked so different than they did just moments before, like there was a burden behind them.

She continues, her voice holding confusion about why John would question her in that regard. "Yes, that's what we do.  We make sure to dissolve any unfair fights we see, and it helps set an example for the other students to follow."

"An example...?" John has to cut himself off from continuing. John almost couldn't believe it, did she...? She really thought that was the case?

He didn't want to be antagonistic towards her...but he couldn't mince his words either.

"Remi," John spoke, "You don't have a single clue about what happens to people left at the bottom." 

—

"Oh dear, it's starting." Isen remarks.

"Huh? What are they saying?" Blyke asks.

"Shhh! I'll relay it, just keep your mouth shut." Isen says, putting his finger in front of Blyke.

"Bastard." Blyke says, smacking the finger out of his face.

—

Remi's grip on her boba cup tightens, squeezing the plastic just a bit. "...What do you mean?"

"Day in, day out, the ones weaker than everyone else get beaten down and tormented, all because people stronger than them find it amusing and think they have the right to do so.  That's the "example" set by Royals." John spoke—his tone wasn't harsh but it was firm, it was resolute because it was the truth of the hierarchy he had been so relentlessly exposed to, as both the victim and the victor.

But somehow, Remi hadn't been exposed to much of either side and so she had to refute what John said because there was no way that was right. "But, that's not true at all! I know there aren't many of us...but we've always done our best to keep an eye on what's going on!"

"Just because they know what's going on, doesn't mean they'd actually do something to stop it. Seraphina saw me getting jumped by three other students and when I asked for her help, she just ignored me and walked off, waiting to see if I got my ass kicked or not. Let's not forget the "Cafeteria incident" either." 

Remi already knew about the confrontation between John and Seraphina, but the former incident she wasn't aware of at all. I know Seraphina's always been aloof, I can barely ever tell what's she thinking, but to just ignore someone asking for help?

"But, you two have reconciled over that, haven't you?" Remi asks.

"I'm not holding a grudge against her for it," John says after sipping boba, "But that's one of the "examples" being set by a Royal, not exactly a good one."

Remi didn't respond, but she did nod. I can't argue against that.

While John didn't get a good feeling from Arlo, that's not exactly the best reasoning to use to have anything against him. He's barely interacted with the guy, as little as he could, so he doesn't have much to say about him. So then, John supposes he'll move on to the next elite prick who sets such a great example.

"Or what about Zeke? The same guy who was ready and willing to beat my ass because I wouldn't address him as "King"?

"He...what?" Remi was...bemused. Zeke was doing things like that? Blyke and Isen never had good things to say about him, if they said anything about him, to begin with, but he had always been friendly around her. 

"Or how about that dickhead with the explosion ability? The one he was going to use on the goddamn rooftop? Evie, Roland, Dylan, they all could've been sent flying off the side of the fucking building if he went through with it." John spoke with gritted teeth.

Remi didn't have anything to say to that. She had already witnessed part of that altercation and...the more she thought through it, the more it was clear to her who was in the wrong. She will talk with Abel.

"Those names, they belong to the students who were with you?" 

John nods. "They're my friends. But they're low-tiers, I don't expect you to know them. I doubt any elite would, under normal circumstances." John said, almost muttered, with a spitefulness in his words that wasn't meant for anyone in particular—especially not the girl across from him who seemed to actually give a damn.

Just towards it all; The vast majority of elites that are pricks and this bullshit hierarchy they force everyone to follow. 

He drinks his boba but the spite, it's still there, and it makes him clench his open hand into a tensed fist, an action that Remi can notice in the midst of what's John telling her, the words that hurt her just a bit more than she expects. 

Her friends were all around her strength, or above her when it came to Seraphina and Arlo, yet she barely interacted with anyone that was a Low or Mid-tier. Yes, there was Elaine but she was Royal-adjacent due to being their strongest healer. If she wasn't, would Remi have even known about her? She wasn't sure which was worse, the thought that she couldn't be close to someone because of something as meaningless as a difference in ability levels or the realization that she had never seemed to put forth an active effort to reach out to someone like that. 

Again, she's brought out of her thoughts by John, who seemed to have needed a moment himself. When he speaks, his fist isn't clenched anymore, Remi notices.

"And from what they've told me, being harassed or attacked is an almost everyday occurrence. It doesn't even matter if they try to avoid it because it's those same assholes that will go out of their way to fuck with and belittle them—even if they didn't do jack shit to them—just for the goddamn "fun" of it."

Remi can feel anger behind John's words, anger so genuine and so tightly restrained but could easily boil over under the worst circumstances. Oddly, it brings her comfort. To see someone feel so strongly against an injustice reminded her of Rei, of his conviction to keep Wellston safe under his rule. She couldn't blame John for his anger either, she could very well feel the same if it came to it.

"And it was six of those same assholes that tried to beat me down just a few hours ago because I told them to put a stop to all that bullshit. Whatever I told them, they didn't listen because they didn't think they had to, because the hierarchy says that if you're stronger than someone, you don't have to listen to them. So...I had to make them listen in the only way they understood."

"Through violence." Remi finished, fingers gripping tightly onto the fabric of her blazer as a pained look flashed in her eyes. She remembers that the fight had been witnessed by many, yet none came to help. Were there students who were tormented by those six...and wanted to see them being beaten down?

 "I just don't understand...why didn't anyone tell us about this?" 

"Who would? Why would they? To them, The Royals are dealing with more important things, the elites under you don't care, don't notice, or actively torment them too, and that leaves them vulnerable to anyone who feels like getting their kicks picking on "weaklings"." John always has a sour taste in his mouth after saying that kind of shit, but he continued. 

"...Besides, plenty of them are just lackeys for people stronger, if they were found out it'd end up with them being punished too. They all think they're too far down the totem pole for any of the Royals to care about what they do—"

"No, that's ridiculous!" Hearing that was enough for Remi, she stood up from her side booth, her hands slapping the table in frustration. "It doesn't matter how strong or weak someone is—if they're suffering then we should help them! All of it matters!"

She hadn't realized her voice had raised so high until John, who had a look of surprise for a moment, looked off to the side and Remi could see a few of the other customers' eyes on them giving them annoyed looks. 

She grew silent with embarrassment before sitting back down, taking a sip of her boba, then saying, "Sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you." 

Remi looked at John when she heard him have a short and light-hearted chuckle, giving her a wave of his hand. "You don't have anything to apologize for." He said, his eyes focused on his boba while he held an appreciative smile on his lips. "I'm just happy to see someone else feel so strongly about it as well."  

There was solidarity between them in that regard. Remi smiled; That made her happy.

—

Isen's hand slowly drops from his ear, stopping his relaying when Remi shouted. The looks from the other customers gave him some second-hand embarrassment if he was being honest.

Isen's attention shifts to Blyke as he hears him curse under his breath and his hands scratching his head through the beanie.

"Has that...seriously been going on all this time? I mean, I knew there were a few assholes in the school but...students getting tormented almost every fuckin day?" 

Yeah, John could bullshit a lot—dude had a hell of a Poker Face, that's for sure—but that's only when it was trivial stuff and when he wanted to be a little shit. This, right now, wasn't the time for that and when it was like that, John told it how he saw it. So, if this crap is true...

"Come on, we should go." 

Isen's words bring Blyke out of his thoughts. He, shockingly, sets down the payment for their drinks before standing up and motioning Blyke to do the same, to his confusion.

"We only came here to make sure things didn't get out of hand. They're getting along just fine, so there's not a point in sticking around and getting found out." He whispers, almost sounding dismissive of the whole thing. 

Blyke didn't really get it, not with all the stuff he was trying to think through, but he supposed Isen had a point. Not wanting to take the chance, he agrees and walks with him to the exit.

Isen's not sure why, but he ended up stealing another glance off towards John and Remi's booth as they were about halfway to the doors, probably just wanting to hear some more juicy, yet practically inconsequential, information. 

He wasn't sure if it was for better or worse, as his heart rate spiked just a little when he noticed John make a subtle jolt...and started to turn back.

Does he...?!

Isen's legs moved as fast as they could with Blyke in tow, ignoring his sudden 'Woah!',  to get them out of those fucking doors and into the direction back to their school ASAP.

—

John's eyebrows furrowed as he stared over at the entrance, arm over the booth, where two guys he barely got a look at seemed to have rushed out of.

Weird...why would someone have their ability active here? It felt familiar...

"What's up? Something wrong?"

John looks back at Remi, seeing her head cocked slightly as she asked the question and...huh. Different. Something felt different.

"I..." John's not sure what his response should be, so he will skip over that whole moment. "It's nothing, not sure what I thought it was." 

He said it with a dismissive wave and somewhat bashful chuckle, Remi couldn't help but smile in return. "Okay, if you say so."

A short light-hearted break from the discussion was needed, but Remi knew it needed to continue, so she spoke again after a sip of her boba.

"Admittedly, I haven't been Jack for that long, only a few months." She begins,  "Even still, I can't let that be an excuse for not noticing what was going on around me. If this really is the case, we...I...haven't done as much as I should've; It's let so many students be subjected to that kind of treatment...I hate knowing that I've let that happen." 

The words leave Remi's mouth and bring her a troubled expression, a feeling of guilt slowly swirling within her.

...I thought Rei's way, his dream for Wellston, was still here even after he left. I made a promise to him to help it continue, where everyone can get along and be safe.  But...maybe it isn't, it's just barely here. 

I haven't been doing the best I can, Rei, I'm sorry. 

"Come on, don't beat yourself up over it."

Remi's eyes move from the boba in her hand to meet John's—a warm, understanding feeling held in their hue the more she looks at them—as he tips his boba in her direction.

"You aren't the only one at fault so don't put all that blame on yourself. Besides, I can tell that you're gonna make an effort to correct it now that you are aware. Trust me, there are plenty of people who wouldn't have that kind of reaction." John responds.

On the inside, he was feeling rather proud of himself, taking what his dad always reminded him of and giving it to someone genuinely compassionate, even if wholely naive. He was happy it did the job, judging by the small but thankful smile on Remi's lips.

Though Remi felt John might not be giving others enough credit, she appreciated the compliment. Quite a bit.

"Thanks, John, I...I think I kind of needed that." 

It helped pull her away from the doubtful thoughts and to go forward with determination, signaled by a clenched fist. 

Right...now that I know ...I'll get to the bottom of this. I'll make sure it doesn't go on any longer. Rei, you'll see the next time you visit...and you'll be so proud!

"I appreciate all that you've told me, John, and I'm going to do all I can to fix this! Making me aware has already been a major help but...if you could continue helping me in fixing what's been going on, that'd be great!" She spoke with enthusiasm and gratitude, rising from her seat just a bit to let some out. 

Remi was sure of what she could accomplish with Blyke, Isen, and whoever else she could convince to help but...there was something about John, about the kind of person he was, that made her feel like it would all become so much more attainable if he were by their side...

...By my side?

The thought forming in the back of her mind is flicked away as she hears John's answer, completed with a nod and smile.

"Of course. You can count on me."

Chapter Text

As John typed on his laptop, making the corrections his roommate suggested for his notes on his presentation, Blyke stood behind him, leaning forward slightly with his arms crossed. His gaze moves from the laptop to John, brows furrowed in deep thought by the guy.

Blyke had wondered why Isen got so damn skittish as they were leaving the Boba place until he told him why, thinking John might have discovered them as they were leaving. Isen had a point for something, there wasn't any reason for John to turn back in their direction just because. Nothing else was going on around them, they should've just been lost in the white noise

But...did he really know we were there? How could he have? ...A passive?

In any case, we've been back here at the dorms for a few hours and he hasn't mentioned anything about it. Remi hasn't brought up anything either...

"Okay, that should do it, right?" 

Hearing John, Blyke gets out of his head and looks at his laptop. Besides just bullshitting around, this was all that John asked Blyke about—in desperate need of some last-minute help, he said. Blyke was already finished with his work on the Project for tomorrow, so he figured he'd throw John a bone. 

In front of him was the main points John would go over in his speech. Thankfully, Blyke didn't have to spend much time with John on it, aside from one thing or two of tweaking a few plot points to be more accurate, as well as helping him get rid of unnecessary details.

"Okay, yeah, looks good. Just work on memorizing the information before you present and you should be good to go." Blyke said with a nod. "Besides, with Seraphina as your partner, that A's guaranteed." 

John chuckles. "Right, right. Thanks again, Blyke, I appreciate it." He says, initiating a fistbump that Blyke followed through on without a second thought. 

"No problem, bro." Blyke said before he began to head out of John's room. "Don't worry about owing me one this time, alright?" He says with a smile and chuckle.

"Is that so? And here I thought you were making up for you and your boyfriend spying on me."

Blyke was stopped in his tracks, hand gripping tightly onto the doorknob out of instinct, like he was pushed into full-alert mode by John's sentence. Blyke looks back at John and sees that while he had an amused smile, there was a look in his eyes that Blyke could tell wasn't good for his health. 

...Crap, am I dead?

"Well...uhm...fuck, I guess you did know," Blyke says, him rubbing the back of his head the equivalent of pleading guilty.

So he was there too. I figured.

Isen's only had his ability active a handful of times around John, but he's felt it enough to pick it out of a crowd if needed, he just needed some time to sit with it.

"So then, Blyke," John spins himself around to face Blyke, arms held up in a shrug. "Wha da fuck?"

"Okay, look, it wasn't my idea to begin with, first of all." Blyke began, raising a finger in defense of himself.

"Woooow, the idea belonged to the "Ace Reporter"? Never would've guessed." John remarked, rolling his eyes as he spoke.

"You're being a dick, shut up!" Blyke remarked. After taking a breath while John had a little laugh, he continued. 

"We...We noticed you and Remi heading out somewhere and, with what went down earlier with those six dickheads and Remi being the Jack, Isen thought some shit might go down between you two. So he decided we should follow along so things didn't get out of hand. That or you two were..." Blyke's mouth ran a little too much and unnecessary details were about to spill. He cursed internally, wishing he could've stopped some words before.

John's curiosity was peaked, his brows furrowing, and 'We were what?' being clear in his expression. Blyke could just tell no details were escaping this conversation. So, with a sigh, he finished his sentence. "...Or you two were on a date."

"A...date?" John's surprise and confusion were apparent. "How the hell did he get that conclusion? We just met." The discussion he had with her today was their first lengthy conversation anyway.

"Look, I don't know man. He's always been an insinuating bastard, I wouldn't put much thought behind it." Blyke says with a shrug. "So, yeah, that's why we were there. When we saw you two getting along, we figured we should get out of there, and I guess that's when you found us out."

 John hummed as he nodded. The thought of pressing further on crossed his mind, but since it was Blyke, someone who wears his emotions on his sleeve, there wasn't a reason to think there was an ulterior motive and more hidden details. 

Isen was a different story.

"So, is Isen planning on putting that in the newspaper or something?" John asks, lazily raising a hand in a shrug.

"I don't know. No?" Blyke says. He didn't see Isen trying to snap any pictures. He sees the look in John's eyes that's almost a glare. "...I'll tell him he shouldn't, just in case?"

John nods with a smile. "I'd appreciate it." He says.

Blyke nods, but he adds, "That probably doesn't cover you fucking up those 6 other students though, since that was in school and shit, you know?"

Hearing that, John grumbled. Isen must've witnessed what went down then too, he thought— then he realized that, with what he displayed fighting against those students, it'd probably leave people wondering even more about his ability.

Since so many people have seen how I can handle myself, and the way I handle others, people should be less likely to pull that kind of stuff if I'm around. Then again, some of the stronger students may still try to test their luck...

It's a pain that John won't be fully rid of anytime soon, but he can do his best to lessen it. One way is connecting with like-minded people, so he looks back to Blyke with that in mind.

"What we were talking about, what I told Remi, you know about it?" He asks.

It results in a guilty expression spreading on Blyke's face, eyes looking down. "Yeah, we heard..." He says, rubbing his neck. "You were being completely serious, no bullshit?"

It earns him a pointed glare from John. "You'd think I lie about something like that?"

"I...No, I know you wouldn't, I just..." Blyke exhales a breath, dragging his hands down his face. "It's just hard to think that shit's that bad, you know?"

Blyke had always thought he at least did a decent job at helping to keep the peace around the school, shutting down anything that got out of hand. Yet, from what John had said, there was so much else going on beyond that.

"No, can't say I do," John responds, drinking water from his bottle. "I've seen plenty of it and been through plenty of it, it's nothing surprising."

Blyke's taken aback, slightly. The way John spoke was akin to those grizzled mercenaries in fiction that'd recall their times of battle, it'd almost be humorous if the atmosphere wasn't serious. Again, he recalls John telling him of going to a school in New Bostin and wonders how bad things had been there for him to be so jaded on this. There was no chance he'd ask him about it though, wasn't his place and John never seemed keen on doing it anyway.

"So then, what are your thoughts, about it all?" John asks, returning his attention from his thoughts to Blyke. Things between them could vary, depending on his answer.

Again, Blyke looks down, trying to sort through his thoughts. His answer is there, he just has a hard time grasping what it truly is.

He knew he gave more of a shit compared to Isen, yet he didn't feel exactly how Remi did. He wouldn't go out of his way to take care of everyone's problems, he'd do what he could manage. What Isen relayed from John...what had gotten to him the most was hearing the distrust the students held towards people stronger, the fear of them. 

Thinking about the guy in front of them, someone who could copy the abilities of others, even a God-Tier like Seraphina, and match—let alone outmatch—their strength, there was no doubt John far outclassed him in level. Yet, here he was as his roommate, the vast difference in their strength being a non-factor with how quickly they'd grown as friends. It's something he'd never expect to have with someone on the level of Arlo and Seraphina, but John has easily become someone Blyke felt he could rely on, rarely did the thought of being legitimately fearful of the guy ever cross his mind.

So...while Blyke didn't want to carry everyone's problems on his back, he at least wanted to be someone they'd be able to rely on when shit was going bad, that they didn't have to be scared of unless they actually had it coming.

"Whatever you and Remi are doing to fix up this problem Wellston's got...I'm up for helping it out." Blyke said with a small, determined smile, pointing his thumb at himself reassuringly.

In response, John gave an earnest smile. While he wasn't all that surprised by Blyke's answer, it was still reassuring to hear.

It was there that John felt no more need to "hound" Blyke for answers, so he bid him goodnight, returning his attention to his laptop.

However, just before that, he chuckles to himself again. "A fucking date, seriously...?" He whispers amusingly to himself. ...The silence that follows afterward threatens to make his mind wander off onto that topic, so he quickly shakes his head and brings his full attention to his project.

He had a really good feeling about this. It was concise and went over the events accurately. If he could memorize the details he needed to go over, there was no doubt he and Seraphina would earn that A. 

Then, his smile fades.

The A that...Seraphina holds such high importance for herself, the clearest signifier of her "perfection". Something that John knew was solely dictated by the thoughts of those around her, to the point of her detriment, no matter what she tried to display. 

It wasn't fair, it never was. To have expectations, however high or low they were, set up for you the moment you were born by others who didn't know how to just keep their fucking opinions to themselves.

He hates the ones who perpetuate this system of abuse and through that...he wonders if simply acquiring this A would perpetuate something of its own that, while it didn't affect as many, was still damaging for the one involved, no matter how invisible it was.

John looks back at his door and says an unknown apology to Blyke for wasting his time and help before his fingers touch the keyboard, and decides that he needs to make a few necessary edits of his own.

So...yeah, John knew - Blyke

😨 fuckfuckfuck - Isen

??? Bro just chill he isn't gonna kill you. - Blyke

...Are you sure? - Isen

Relax your paranoid ass. Just don't put it in the newspaper or whatever and he said it was fine - Blyke

Huh? Yeah, okay, sure. - Isen

Were you even planning to or was this stalking shit for different reasons? - Blyke

It's not being a stalker if I'm looking out for a friend, is it bitch? - Isen

Keep coping bitch - Blyke

Setting the "bitch"ing aside, you finished with your part of the project? - Isen

Yea - Blyke

Good, help me finish mine. - Isen

YOU STILL AREN'T DONE?! - Blyke

Blyke, resident helper of dumbasses.

The next day came and with it was the arrival of presentations. One after another the pairs would present their report. John and Seraphina were the last ones to go. 

Seraphina glanced at John as they made their way to the front of the class. Before presentations began, they had spent the time hashing out their parts of the presentation to make sure no mess-ups would occur. 

However, Seraphina felt there was something different about John this morning, he seemed more subdued, not expressing that go-getter attitude nearly as much as he usually did; His usual smile wasn't as big either. However, Seraphina didn't put much thought behind it, chalking it up to simple nerves.

"The book we read for this week's presentation is "Hamlot", a tragedy by Speareshake. Of its main topics, we focused on betrayal, revenge, and insanity." Seraphina says before turning slightly, gesturing to John. "Before exploring the significance of these themes and their effect on the story, John will summarize the plot."

John notices her nod at him, and nods back silently, still holding that smile on his face that seems...remorseful?

Whatever the case, John's attention turns to the class and begins the story's plot. The mysterious death of a King kicks it off, with a replacement for him found almost immediately due to the death being planned out by the Queen and the new King all along, hence betrayal.

Seraphina gives a small nod to herself. Exactly right, just how they went over. He truly was diligent in his work, one of the very few things she's grown to respect about him. Their grade was guaran—

"Then he goes to this deserted island with these three witches. They all have their motives and qualities but I think they kinda suck because they never planned to actually help..."

Seraphina's eyes snapped open. What?

"Then the three witches do a ritual...ghost of the king is super pissed...possesses his son's body..."

The words John says fade in and out of Seraphina's hearing. With a dumbstruck expression and eyes glaring at the boy beside her, she could only hear him mouth off what might as well have been gibberish, all while he spoke with enthusiasm. Hand gestures and everything!

What is he even talking about...?! 

"...And then they find the mom's corpse...used as an ingredient for...so then the prince could...!"

That's not what happens at all, not even close!

"So then her son goes on a crazy rampage...poisons the town's water supply...!"

Is he on drugs?!?!

"And then everyone dies...the end!" John finishes with a clap, to the absolute bewilderment of everyone in the classroom, especially Blyke. He really didn't look happy.

Seraphina wasn't sure how she even found it in herself to continue with the presentation after having that occurred. None of it made sense! 

The witches? The King's vengeful spirit possessing his son? Poisoning the water supply?!?! 

It was all just utter nonsense! She scrutinized every single piece of information John wrote down in his notes as they studied, he understood what the story was! 

So then...why was his explanation of the plot so horrendously butchered...yet everything he explained afterward was fine?! What John gave as explanations of the themes and the importance within them was what she expected to hear, she might have even been generous enough to say he exceeded her expectations! So why?!

That question would stay looped in her mind, from the moment she walked to her seat as their presentation ended to the moment the teacher passed by her desk and simply handed her the paper that graded their presentation—no positive remarks to her or words to the rest of the class of how they should follow her example present.

The paper in her hands crinkles as her grip tightens, staring at the result of their presentation. Her mind tunnel-visioned and everything around her became inconsequential.

This...isn't what it was supposed to be...!

"You all did well on this first part, with the class average being a B! For the rest of class, feel free to relax or discuss what you'll do for the next part, and make sure to keep up the great work!" The teacher spoke with her usual upbeat tone.

With that, idle chatter rose in the classroom between friends and partners. 

"John!" Blyke said in a hushed tone, "What in the absolute fuck were you yapping about up there??? Half of that shit wasn't even in the notes you had me look through with you!" He whispered, clearly frustrated.

After heaving a sigh, John rose from his seat with the paper in hand; With the other, he patted Blyke's shoulder, not even glancing at him as he gave him a sorry. His focus was on his partner who sat right next to the windows. As he made the quick trip over to her, he could already tell this probably wasn't going to turn out good, from the mere sight of seeing her practically strangling that paper. He'll just have to roll with what happens.

"Hey, Seraphina..." He said, but she gave no response to it. He scratched his cheek, the room seemed to be a bit warmer than usual, with a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. He tried to take on a more chipper tone, "Looks like even with my mess up, we still did pretty good on the presentation! I say we should—"

He's cut off by Seraphina rising from her desk and violently slamming her fists into the top of it, causing the room to go dead quiet.

"How damaged is your goddamn brain?!"

John is taken aback, "I—"

"I went over every. last. detail. of that book with you. I explained why everything happened and how it connects all the events and you understood it—I know you did! We spent hours in the library this week for a reason and this is what you show for it?!" She shouted at him, pointing back at the paper on her desk that showed a big red 85 with a B right next to it in the bottom corner.

John tries to speak up but is cut off by Seraphina slamming her hand into his chest and grabbing him by the fabric of his shirt and tie.

"We made a promise...!" The beratement in Seraphina's words had settled, being replaced with... disappointment? "I let us work together on this because...because..." 

The rest of Seraphina's words would never come, as her awareness of her surroundings had finally returned to her and she sees what's happened, what everyone sees.

The "Perfect" Queen lashing out yet again...because of him.

She lets go of John with a push as she grits her teeth, collecting her things from her desk and quickly stepping out of the room, only sending one last dark glare at John before she pushes the door open and slams it shut.

Meanwhile, John stood there at a loss for words, with practically everyone's attention and curiosity still focused on him, and all he could do was scratch the back of his head and curse under his breath.

...Isen sat his chin on Blyke's shoulder, taking a sip of his extra juice box. "Some kind of lovers quarrel?" He whispered. 

Blyke's gaze narrowed, "I'm going to punch you."

"Did you hear? Seraphina got a B on her presentation."
"What? No way she did that badly, right?"

"Seriously, so disappointing."
"So much for being perfect, I guess."

"I heard she got paired up with that same guy she lashed out at in the cafe a week ago."
"I was in English this morning, she did it again! It was really scary..."

"I saw her coming out of that class, her eyes looked kinda watery but I'm not sure."
"So classless! Honestly, shouldn't she have him handled already?"

"Next thing you know, we're gonna lose Turf Wars. Some Queen she is!"
"I don't like her hair..."

Since Lunch passed, conversations like these were all Evie has been hearing on her way to classes. It was...strange. She never really picked up on what was being talked about around her—though admittedly, she was more focused on just making sure she could get to her next class without invoking someone's annoyance, but it has happened less frequently than normal.

She can only imagine it has something to do with John. Roland, Dylan, and she had heard about what happened between John and Tanner's group. Hearing that he had beaten all six of them by himself, and so easily as well, was a shock to hear. Though, considering he could keep up with Seraphina, maybe it shouldn't have been as crazy as they thought it was. Still, it was almost the end of the day and she hadn't been confronted by any of her usual bullies at all. Dylan and Roland seemed to be doing fine as well.

Perhaps being around John gave some sort of protection for the time being? Whatever the case may be, she could feel nothing but gratefulness for it.

"...When you're at the top, there's an expectation that follows it. It's heavy, suffocating, it fucking sucks.

"And when, for whatever reason, you don't seem to be living up to that expectation, to that perfection, nearly everyone talks shit about it, about you. Like you're doing something so wrong for not behaving the way you should, that they think you should. Whatever they think being "perfect" means."

Evie's little smile turned into a frown.

This is what he was talking about back then. Everyone is so...demeaning. All this bad talk about her just because she got a B? That's still really good though! 

Evie broke from her thoughts as she entered the classroom of her last class for the day. She quickened her pace to her seat, seeing John settle into his own. The frown began to shift back into a smile, until it became a simple neutral, slightly confused expression as she noticed his somewhat forlorn expression.

"John?" Evie says, setting her stuff on her desk and taking a seat.

John blinks, then looks to his side. "Oh, hey Evie. Good to see you." He greets with a small smile.

The small exchange is all they get through before the teacher begins to speak; He passes out review papers not long after and while Evie works through it, she notices John having trouble reading through it. No, it was more like he was just having trouble focusing on it. Like he couldn't get his mind right.

Taking a look around the classroom, discussion is allowed for the moment. So, she pokes him with her pencil's eraser point.

"Hm, what's up?" John asks softly.

"Are...you bummed about the grade on your presentation? I know you and Seraphina worked hard on it...and I'm sure you did your best!" She said, trying to sound comforting, even making the effort of softly tapping her pencil on his shoulder, like a pat on the back!

John couldn't help but chuckle warmly, he brightened up a bit. "You heard about that. You probably heard about her "lashing out" at me too, right?" He asks, and Evie nods. "No, I didn't have a problem with the grade, the problem is that's what I was aiming for. I fucked it up on purpose." He admits.

Confusion takes hold of Evie's eyes, the question of why on her tongue. But, she pauses and takes a moment to think through it. To mess up a project on purpose would normally lead one to think John did it to be spiteful towards Seraphina, but even though he has said she could get on his nerves a bit, he's only been positive about her whenever he'd talk about working with her. 

"You're trying to show her...she shouldn't be burdened with being perfect?" 

It was the best guess Evie could offer.

But, John nods, she got it. "All that extra effort, just to be ridiculed immediately at the slightest falter, for something she may not even care about. It's so stupid. I just..." John didn't finish his sentence.

Evie nods in solidarity. She couldn't understand it herself. However rare it could be for people like Seraphina, mistakes or slip-ups could happen, even if it wasn't their fault—yet, so quickly, people who say they admire her begin to talk bad about her, acting condescending among their peers towards her.

It wasn't fair, everyone has their off days, don't they?

"You two came to a compromise, right?" Evie asks, remembering one of the conversations from a few days ago during one of their breaks in training when Roland and Dylan had been curious about how it was working with the Queen of Wellston on a project.

"Yeah...if I let her check her over my work and all that, she'd give me the "esteemed honor" of working together on the project." He almosts chuckles but it becomes a sigh instead. "But, I went behind her back and fucked up my part..."

Evie could see it. Someone like Seraphina, who always seemed so closed off and independent, allowed herself to open up a little, to let someone else help her, only to have it backfire on her.

"She feels betrayed," Evie says.

John's eyes narrow. He's understood that since this morning, how couldn't he with what she said to him? But it took someone else to understand and say it to bring it to life.

"It's not my place to tell you what to do, I know, but it might be good to talk to her. Things might get worse if this lingers on without telling her, you know?" Evie suggests. It wasn't often she'd share her suggestions, out a fear of it being taken the wrong way, but she's slowly grown just a bit more comfortable with it.

John being receptive to it only helped, which he signified with a nod. He thought the girl should give herself more credit. 

This was stupid. The entire thing.

She shouldn't have expected any good from it to begin with. It was a sick joke, or maybe John simply thought of her as a joke.

She shouldn't be pointlessly sitting here on the rooftop, her arms resting on her knees that were almost up to her chest. Move on from this stupidity and forget about him, go to the library and get to work on the next part already! She repeatedly tells herself in frustration.

Yet, Seraphina can't bring herself to want to move from this spot...because it would mean having to walk back into the void of whispered insults and acknowledged failures. Instead, she just mindlessly swipes through her phone, not even sure of what she's trying to do with it.

Her eyes narrow just slightly as she finds herself in her app store and, yet again, the sight of that damn pig moving through bright green obstacles popped up again. Slappy Pig, was it? 

Her attention is drawn away from her phone as she hears the door across her that leads up to this rooftop being pushed open, making her casually set her phone to the side. She moves to stand up, but she stops and her gaze immediately darkens at the sight of distinctive black hair and the features alongside it as John pops his head out.

Upon realizing she was there, he...stepped back behind the door? Confusing Seraphina even more, his hand moved from behind the door and waved to her.

"I'm not gonna get sent flying off this roof if I come any closer, will I?"

Even after that occurrence, he still has the gall to be so humorous with her.

"...That remains to be seen."

And yet, she can't help herself either.

John's hand lowers, then raises to mimic a shrug, before he moves past the door and steps toward her. 

The urge to slam him into the wall is present in her, of course it is. But, natural instincts pull at her and tell her not to, remembering what the aftermath would end up becoming.

Seraphina looks up at him, at the neutral expression on his lips, though it almost seems to pull into a frown, while there's a look in his eyes that she could've mistaken for pity. She knows that's not what it is, yet she can't seem to put a word to it just yet. So instead, her attention shifts to John's backpack slung over one of his shoulders.

"Shouldn't you be in class?" She says, retaining her cold tone.

"I could say the same for you." 

"My work was already completed."

"And my review papers can wait, so there." He responds, giving his backpack a light toss to the ground, then taking a seat right beside Seraphina, to her dislike. He adjusted himself to be more comfortable, resting his arm on his bent knee.

Seraphina wants to force herself to stand up and walk away. Why bother herself with whatever nonsense he wants to tell her this time? And after he humiliated her again, having to make her put up with all that venomous whispering? 

Yet, something betrays her and instead she's the one who speaks first. 

"Just...what do you want?" She whispers.

John sighs, "I just got some stuff to say if you're willing to hear it."

Seraphina didn't bother to respond. John couldn't blame her, but she also didn't bother to leave either.

"I'm sure it's must've killed you," He begins, still trying to lighten her mood at least a little, "But, you were willing to work together with me on this project and, when it came to it, I went behind your back and made a mess out of my part. Regardless of why I did it, that crap...wasn't cool. It wasn't fair to you." 

Seraphina's half-lidded eyes opened up just a bit more, and as her gaze turned to John, she's met with that same look in his eyes as earlier. 

"I'm sorry, Seraphina."

...Comforting, she realizes. That's what she sees in his eyes and, alongside it, sincerity in his voice. 

Someone saying that to her wasn't anything new, far from it, but it was always done under the need of self-preservation, of hoping that their apology would save them from punishment for acting out of line or when they discovered she heard what they said.

...No, that wasn't always the case.

"I'm sorry, Seraphina."

...Leilah.

His apology, it was genuine. Deep within her heart she...she just knew.

"Okay..." She says with a nod. 

She can see in the expression on John's face how that seems to lift his spirit. Did her acceptance really matter that much to him?

His eyes shift away from hers, his smile deepening as he feels content for a second before he chuckles. "You know, I was actually aiming to get an 89 for the grade. Evidently, that didn't end up working out."

"...So you can't even mess up correctly?" 

John blinked and slightly jerked his head. He didn't expect the sudden jab from Seraphina—honestly, neither did she, it just came to her.  

It made him laugh, "I guess so. Can't help but hold the title of King Fuck-Up I suppose." He says with a closed-eye shrug, missing the small smile he elicited from Seraphina.

"You were never going to let us have the A, were you?" She asks, still a soft bitterness in her voice.

"You thinking I was stringing you along this entire time? Come on, I'm not sadistic."

"Right, just stupid."

John made the decision to ignore that remark. "I only thought of doing it last night."

"Why did you do it in the first place?" She accepted the apology, but she was still ticked off.

"Why do you bother caring about what others expect from you?" He retorted back quickly. Question for a question.

Her eyes flinch at it momentarily, they narrow at John, and then she just turns her head away.

John's eyes soften, before letting out a sigh and leaning his head back against the fence of the roof.  "There were expectations for me too." 

 Seraphina's eyes widen slightly. She remembers; She asked him what he had gone through, questioning how he could understand. 

"Though, they certainly weren't the same as yours. Mines was more "Stay down bitch", "Learn your place", "Take what you get"! You know, all that lovely stuff." He says, with a sarcastic gesture of his hand.

Hearing that threw Seraphina for a loop. What was he talking about? 

"You make it sound like you were weak."

"Oh, because I was," John says, nonchalantly, earning him an even more confused look from Seraphina. It was amusing in its own way. "For a while, I didn't have a grip on how to use my ability, didn't really get how it all worked. So, since I couldn't do a lot to defend myself, I was an easy target, got my fair share of beatdowns."

Seraphina knew her ability was certainly complicated. If John had something similar, she's wouldn't be surprised that he would have a hard time grasping how to use it on his own.

"Still, you must've had someone to teach you. Trainers? Your parents?"

"Trainers? Trainers?? Who do you think I am, some fancy schmancy-pants?" John retorts, earning him Seraphina's unamused stare. "And besides that, my dad couldn't do much either. He's a cripple."

"He's what...?!" Seraphina couldn't help but be alarmed at that. John, one of the few people Seraphina knew stood above her in strength, was the son of a cripple?

"Yeah, real crazy, ain't it?" He says with a laugh, that leaves a fond smile. "But, he never let that or what others said get to him. He's always held his head high and done the best he could do. I'm grateful as hell to have him as a dad." He said with pride.

Seraphina stayed silent, simply taking in the sight before her, of seeing John hold such plain adoration on his face. It was so...strange.

She respected her parents, what they had given her, but the way John spoke, it was more than just that...better than that. 

She respected and feared her parents, but he cared about and loved his father.

To be raised by someone of that status...no wonder why he acts so differently compared to me or Arlo. It also explains the way he treats those below him—not only was he on their level for a long time, he was raised by the weakest of them all.

Still, his strength had to come from somewhere, didn't it?  If John's father is a cripple, he must've gotten it from his mother. Yet, he hasn't made any mention of her. Why?

Seraphina was tempted to ask, but she held off. Besides, John seemed about ready to continue.

"A-Anyways, getting back on track," John says, seeming to have grown a bit embarrassed by his words just then. "It wasn't until a few years back that I had finally realized how to use my ability well, with some help from my friends. Once I did, I started climbing up the ranks and, eventually, I became King." 

He continued, speaking about it in a way that, to Seraphina, made it sound like it wasn't anything important. When, in all honestly, it felt the exact opposite to her.

Ever since my ability manifested, I was trained non-stop to bring it to its fullest potential. I've built up my power since childhood, yet here he is, telling me he reached a level that surpasses me in only a couple years?  If I didn't see it for myself, there's no way I could believe something like that was possible.

Seraphina wonders if she should give John more credit than she's given him, but she ignores the thought, focusing back on what John was saying to her.

 "...And then, all the bullshit came back, just in another form."

John hated having to think back to it, he's spent so much time being forced to relive those memories that he'd never want to have to think of them again. But he had to, partially. Just enough to remember how far he's come since then.

"Whispers and dirty looks, that's all they would ever give me at that point. It didn't matter that I was King because they thought I didn't deserve it in the first place." 

John had pushed it to a point too far, he understood that. But, he had also know that up till a certain point, he hadn't done anything "wrong". Well, "wrong" in the eyes of the elites and hierarchy that is, as blind and self-serving as they fucking are. 

"It was so fucking frustrating that all my life they'd always go on and on about the strong being the only ones who mattered and that I should "know my place", yet the very moment I was able to do the same to them, now all of a sudden it's a fucking problem!" 

John throws his hands up in his growing anger as his voice grew louder, then he looks at Seraphina. "Do you get how stupid that is?!"

Seraphina looked at John with a neutral, but thoughtful, look. So, at one point, he did care about being in the hierarchy. But his status as a weakling had still been tied to him. So to them, he was never meant to hold such a high spot in it. Even with his strength, they shunned him?

John exhaled from his nose, seeing that Seraphina didn't plan on voicing out whatever thoughts she had. Maybe it was for the better, he needed to relax in the silence for a moment

He leans back against the fence again, "At some point, I couldn't take it anymore and I just...lashed out. At the people who hurt me when I was "beneath" them, the ones who talked behind my back or even looked at me wrong, and even at the people who did care about me. It didn't matter, I just...I just I didn't want to hear it anymore." He says, his tone softening as he went on.

Admittedly, Seraphina had some trouble picturing John in such a manner. From what she saw, he was an efficient fighter, he knew exactly what was needed to quickly take down his opponents. To imagine him as something akin to a wild animal, hurting everything around him, it wasn't easy. 

"I got to know how it feels to be on the receiving end, one way to make up for it I suppose."

But, it did line up with what he said back then, she supposed.

John exhaled another deep sigh. "Safe to say, I wasn't there for much longer. It took a while for me to work through what happened, and clear my head of all that I had done but...I had good people around to help get me through it." He says, remembering his dad, Adrion, and Claire.

He has that fond smile on his face again, Seraphina notices. 

"It's after all that what I realized I wanted. What I needed," John says as he grips onto the fence behind him, pulling himself up. "I wouldn't care about what others said or thought about me. Whatever way they thought I should act or what I should do meant nothing to me because this is my life and how I should live it is up to me alone. No one else."

At this point, Seraphina's gaze is transfixed on John, on what he said with such belief and determination that she's almost stuck on what to do. What to say. Even what to think. 

What she believed her life was to be, John's words were the complete opposite, such a clear dichotomy between the two.

And then, his eyes land back on her again. So easily, the sense of comfort within them had returned.

"So, what do you want to do, Seraphina?"

What do...I want to do?

It's with that...the school bell rings, signaling the end of the school day.

"Jeez—we've been up here that long?" John wonders, scratching the back of his head before his attention shifts to Seraphina, finally standing up from her spot.

"I want to go to the library."

"Seriously—?!"

"You still owe me for going behind my back on the project. This is the easiest way to make up for it, isn't it?"

"...Yeah, I guess." John admits with a sigh.

"But, after that," Seraphina says, picking up her phone from the ground and showing the screen to John. "Download this game, let's see who can get the better score."

John leans forward. "Slappy Pig? The hell is that, is it any good?"

Seraphina pulls her phone back and looks at it.

She can feel it. As she taps the green "Download" button, a small smile forms on her lips, one she doesn't bother trying to hide.

"Don't know, but I want to give it a shot."

Chapter Text

"So, what's the chance of us still getting an A on the project?" John asks, rhythmically tapping on his phone, brow furrowed in concentration. He leaned forward in his chair.

Meanwhile, sitting across from him with perfect posture, Seraphina closed one eye—both to think and to make a game a little more challenging. Try to, at least.

"Well, obviously, you ruined our chance of getting a 100 overall. Thanks for that again, really appreciate it," She begins, the monotone in her voice aiding her sarcasm.

It makes John snort, "No problem, anyti—shit!" He curses underneath his breath—making sure it wasn't too loud, being in a library and all—as the distraction made his pig drop closer to the ground than it really should've.

So dumb. Seraphina thought with a small smile, satisfied, before she continues.

"If we can get 100s on the next two parts of the project—"

John interrupts, "Which isn't necessary but would be nice."

—Seraphina doesn't acknowledge it. "Our overall score would be a 95 at the end of it which...isn't bad, I suppose," She said, shrugging.

John resists the urge to roll his eyes, needing to keep his eyes on his phone screen. Yeah, to you maybe. Dad probably would've thrown me a party if I had ever managed to get one.

"It sucks extra credit doesn't seem to be much of an option either." He added.

Seraphina offers, "...We could dress you up as a clown, have you act out a scene or two," but then quickly looks up. "Wow, you got the first half done already, how eager."

"You're fucking hilarious."

Then, he hums, slightly annoyed. He turns his phone for Seraphina to see his game over screen.

"15, first try," He says, the number being his score.

Seraphina lips curl into a playful smirk. She turns her phone to him, displaying her score.

His eyes widen, 30?!

"That's a shame, I expected better." Seraphina said, whatever small bit of intent was in her voice, it only meant to challenge him.

"Don't get too comfy on that pedestal." John says, snatching his phone back off the wooden table, meeting Seraphina with a smile of his own. "We all know first tries don't mean shit."

"I'll need some proof if you want me to believe that," She retorts, starting the game over as he does the same.

Now all that was spoken between the two were numbers and taunts. All the focus poured into guiding the mythical flying pig through the lime green pipes.

"Look, met your 30!"

"41."

...

"Surpassed it, 45!"

"37. My finger slipped, it won't happen again."

"Ha!"

...

"Damn it, down to 35??"

"53."

"Yeah yeah, another game already!"

...

"Eat this, 75!"

"96."

"HOW THE FU—"

Long story short, John got his ear almost torn off by the librarian and Seraphina's day was more than made.

"I apologize for his outbursts, miss. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

Thankfully, With honeyed words, Seraphina was able to get him off the hook.

The middle-aged woman sighed with relief, "Please do, Seraphina," she says with a bow. The Red and Orange duo already gave her enough headaches.

John restrains himself from sticking his tongue out at her as she walks away, fearing that she may grow eyes on the back of her head. Instead, he points a finger at Seraphina. "Teacher's pet."

"A thank you would've been preferred," she remarks, then shrugs, "But since you've been receiving lost after lost for the past 30 minutes, I'll be nice and cut you some slack."

He lightly shook his head, mumble-mocking the words thrown at him light-heartedly. With a flippant gesture, he says, "All I'm saying is, I'm going against someone with an inherent advantage, so all these matches don't mean shit."

"What a sore loser. It's not my fault my passive lets me..."

Seraphina's words trail off for a moment, realizing something that was...confusing.

"Your passive should put us on equal ground, shouldn't it?" Seraphina questions, setting her phone down.

John raises an eyebrow, "Huh, of course not, how—"

"My passive sharpens my perception, helps my reflexes. If your ability is similar to mine, I'd assume you'd have a similar passive as well." She says. With her mother and sister having the same passive with the same ability, she doubted there to be much variation.

Any words he had dies in his throat. Even though Seraphina was simply stating her thoughts, it felt like this could become an interrogation real quick.

She still thinks I just have a stronger time ability. Damn, I've hit myself in the face.

John supposed he could just shrug it off and say he has a different type of passive...

But, internally, he sighed, dismissing the idea. What's the point in actively building up a lie?

"I don't. My ability isn't like yours, neither is my passive."

Seraphina's stunned. Her eyes shift into confusion, "But how is that—?"

"So as I said before, you got an inherent advantage," John remarks, "But it's whatever, I'll still kick your butt at this game!" He whispers. I need to stay underneath the book hag's radar, he thinks, as he starts up Slappy Pig again.

Seraphina narrowed her eyes, the irritation from all the times he interrupted her growing. Though, for the moment, her want for answers outmatched it. His ability wasn't like hers, yet he could do the same things as her?

Then, she realizes, Everything he did—the faster reflexes, the even faster movement, overpowering my Time Stop with something of his own—had only been done after I did the same thing, only after I...

"You can mirror abilities. Back then, you mirrored my ability," She says, reaching her conclusion.

Damn, that was quick.

"Maybe, something like that...I don't appreciate these distractions." He retorts while Seraphina is still busy with her thoughts, reaching further conclusions after her initial one seemed to be confirmed true.

It's starting to make more sense. I heard about him being involved in a fight with six other students. From what they said, the way he fought didn't line up with the way he fought me before. So he can mirror abilities...but he doesn't keep ahold of them? 

"If that's the case..."

John's eyes widened. Again, he feels that instant pulsation of aura occur, and before he realizes it, Seraphina's invaded his personal space, standing beside his seat as her hand gripped his vest and pushed him back against his chair. For a moment, his heartbeat raised, startled as he looked up at her and her cold blue eyes, holding no glow.

"Had I wanted to hit you, you wouldn't have been able to do anything about it, right?" 

Without the necessary time he'd need to activate his ability, Seraphina should be far too fast for him. She'd have her ability already deactivated by the time he could even have the chance to get ahold of it. Looks to be the case, with the nervous look he has from her question.

Until, he doesn't.

"Woooow, I let myself be vulnerable with you and this is how I'm repaid?" John shakes his head, tsking. "Not cool, Sera, not cool. I've been making progress on my trust issues too!"

Sera...?

"But hey. If you want to get your licks in, go ahead, but then I won't feel like being your Slappy Pig rival anymore. So, at the end of the day, who's the real loser?" 

Of all things, that's what he meets me with?

"And you're still a smartass, even without the opportunity to overpower me." 

John turns his head slightly, shrugging, "Just the way I am—"

He stops, feeling the grip on his vest loosen, and turns his head back to look at her. 

And unknown to him, his pupils dilated from the sight of an amused Seraphina's smile.

"Getting ahead of yourself, aren't you?" she remarks, letting go of him and taking a seat in the chair beside him instead, grabbing her phone and starting the game again. "Try that again, when you actually have a score closer to mine."

And of course, John met her words with a smile, accepting the challenge.  

Evie had never been a fan of Mondays. 

Sure, it was another week spent at Wellston, the place that—even being as weak as she is—could boost her potential resume immensely and help her find a decent place to work in the future. On the other hand, it was another week spent at Wellston...

Focus on my studies, make friends if I can, and just get through it however I need to. I can get through it.

That's what she had reminded herself. After all the torment, the trips to Nurse Darren, all the extra work the Mid-Tiers "persuaded" them to complete. If she can persist through all that...

Then...I can finally help mom. Give back to her all that she's provided for me.

The sound of her phone going off pulls Evie, walking through the hallways to her next class, out of her head. A text message.

We should saty waay from hte rooftop for the next few days. Unwantde atention n al that. Where do u guys want 2 train? - John

...But, for the last couple of weeks, she's actually been looking forward more to the weeks that follow. She reads through the message, growing a small smile. She thought to herself for a moment.

I would say the park but it's been getting a bit chilly. - Dylan

There's a vacant classroom on the second floor that isn't used a lot! Maybe we could do it there! - Evie

That's a good spot. It's tucked away from the other classrooms, good place to hide if you need. - Roland.

Ooooh, it's like we have a secret club! - Dylan

Won't be a secert if u talk about it - John

...Secert? SECERT?! FRIGGIN SECERT?! - Dylan

Dylan , shut the fuck up - John 

😱😭😭😭 - Dylan

🤣🤣🤣 - Roland

Evie couldn't help but laugh. With that set in stone, she sets her phone back in her vest pocket as she's about to turn a corner. 

It gave her just enough time to stop herself and take a step back as soon as she catches sight of what's happening. A blonde-haired boy had another with spiky purple hair pushed against the wall.

She immediately recognized the bully as Hower, while the other...was Troy, she thinks. She remembers, he usually hangs out with Alden.

As Hower's hands begin glowing red and grip onto Troy's jaw, she tensed. He's tormented her enough for her to remember he has a heat ability, it's left her with a few marks on the days he had been in a really bad mood. 

"You little bastard! You bombed my essay on purpose, didn't you?!"

"S-Screw you, Hower! I've got enough my plate, d-do your own damn work!" Troy spat back, and was immediately met with a punch to the face, bashing his nose.

"Who the hell do you think you're talking to?!"

Evie looks down at her feet, realizing she had taken a step back out of sheer reflex. Her body, it was shaking.

She frowned, upset at herself.

I...I don't want to feel like this all the time anymore...

I can do something!  I can stop him!

The doubt that kept her frozen, she didn't want to let it keep ahold of her anymore, to prevent her from doing what was right. 

"H-Hey!!"

She forced her legs to move, throwing herself into the situation, just like the algebra book she threw at Hower.

"Huh—agh!" Hower spat out an exhale of annoyed pain as the spine of the book's tail hit dangerously close to one of his eyes! Hower's unable to finish saying, "Who the f—?!", before he's put off-balance, landing on his ass after getting pushed back.

"That's enough, Hower!"

Hower's eyes shot wide open and he looked up, left to stare at the girl in front of him, scrunching up her fists.

"Just...Just leave him alone already!" She shouts at him, even with the slight tremble in her voice.

Troy was stunned, watching Evie, of all people, be brave enough to actually confront Hower. Meanwhile, all Hower can do is cackle.

He has to question, "What kind of fucking joke is this," before standing back up and staring at Evie—regarding her as nothing but prey, like he always has.

"You, seriously? I wasn't even dealing with you and now you decide to fight back?! What, have you been missing my beatdowns?" Hower said with an ugly smirk, flexing the fingers in one of his glowing red hands.

Maybe with a little more confidence, Evie could have said some sort of cool one-liner, but met with her first actual confrontation since practicing with her friends, all she could focus on was setting up her stance properly. Chin tucked, fists up to guard her face, and feet spaced apart properly to shift her weight if needed.

Hower narrowed his gaze as he let out another laugh. "Oooh, look who thinks they're badass now," He taunted, before finally moving forward, ready to lay his hands on another weakling! "You should remember your place, idiot!"

As his hand reaches forward, Evie—despite her nerves still being there—finds herself able to side-step the attack.

She didn't expect it to be so...easy? Compared to John's practice attacks, Hower...wasn't all that good at throwing a hit.

"Huh?" Hower almost stumbles over himself, too much of his weight thrown forward. His head turns back to Evie, throwing an irritated backhand at her.

Evie pushes her weight on her back foot, evading the reckless attack and realizing quickly what John told them to always look for.

An opening!

Hower's torso was unguarded completely. Evie closed the small distance, her fist moving in sync with her back foot stepping forward, and she...she landed a hit!

A gasp was forced out of Hower's chest; Evie had hit his solar plexus. His hand instinctively went to grasp the spot she hit, catching his breath.

How the...How the fuck did she hit me?! She's the last person I should be getting hurt by! This is ridiculous!

"You're dead!" 

Despite his shouting, Evie wasn't unsettled. A first for her. It had been just one hit but...it was proof! Proof that she could actually do something against her tormentor! That proof, she'll put her everything into it! 

With each attack she continued to dodge, block, or counter with a hit of her own, Evie's confidence steadied higher, alongside Hower's frustration. 

"Squirmy little bitch, stand fucking sti—AUGH!" His next threat was cut off, replaced with a pained cry as Evie suddenly thrusted her palms into Hower's face and activated her ability, slamming his retina with white light. 

Evie knew her ability couldn't offer much in combat, but what it could do was serve as an effective surprise!

He pushed her away, rubbing his hands into his closed eyes, "You fucking bitch, you trying to blind me—?!" 

The next thing his eyes were met with was Evie's fist—filled with the memories of all the torment he, especially, had given her—slamming into his face, with enough strength brought out of her to send him to the floor, staining it with the blood running from his nose.

"Ugh, you...fuck...!" Hower couldn't get himself to speak, aside from all the curses he spewed because of his broken nose.

"Just listen to me, Hower...!"

He looked up. Yet again, there he was on the floor while Evie stood over him, now the victor. 

When the fuck did she learn all this bullshit?! This doesn't make sense, she's supposed to be below me!

"I...I'm not going to let you hurt me anymore! And If I see you hurting someone, I'll stop you again! So...stop being such a jerk and leave us alone!" Evie shouted with clenched fists, every bit of determination she could pull from within her on display.

All Hower could do was grit his teeth. He groaned in frustration, "Sh-Shut the fuck up! You're nothing, this doesn't change that," as he scrambled to his feet, running off to who knows where. "Just watch, you're gonna pay for this!"

As Hower became out of sight, Evie allowed herself to relax, letting her shoulders slump and putting her hands over her chest to help her breathing.

Man was that scary, my heart's racing!

But then, she moves them away and looks. Scuff marks and specks of Hower's blood dotted the back of her hands. A second later, she clenches them into fists with a beaming proud smile.

But...I did it. I seriously did it! I fought back and won! I...I protected someone else! 

Speaking of whom, Evie turned around, ready to ask Troy if he was okay, but was met with him already standing up, holding the algebra book Evie threw. He held it on either side at an angle, chin level. They blinked at each other.

"I...I was gonna hit him with this if...you looked like you needed help..." He said, sheepishly looking away at the book.

"A-Ah, I see. Could I...get it back?" She asks, pointing timidly at the book.

"Yeah, yeah, of course!" He stuttered, walking over to hand it to her. 

"Thanks."

"No, I should be thanking you! You stuck your neck out for me and kicked Hower's ass! That was seriously cool." Troy said, enthusiastically

Me...cool?!?!

Evie frantically shook a hand, "I-It was nothing, really! I was just doing what I thought was right, you know?" 

"Badass! You barely used your ability and you still mopped the floor with him! Where'd you learn to fight like that?" Troy asked.

"O-Oh, my friend, John! He's been teaching me and my friends about fighting. Even without his ability, he's really good at it!" Evie gushed.

John...Oh! Troy remembered, that's who stepped in last time some assholes tried messing with him a week or two ago.

"Then..." Troy clapped his hands as he requested, "Could you ask him if he could teach me too? I really want to learn!"

Evie was surprised, "Um..."

"Could I bring Alden, too? He's kind of a wuss, but I think it'd be great for him to learn some of this stuff too!"

"I'll...I'll ask him about it!" 

"...For real?" John asked, halfway through the process of rolling the sleeves up on his white button-up.

Evie nodded excitingly at him—and at Roland and Dylan, who looked at her with wide eyes and jaws halfway hung. "For real real!" She said, shaking her balled up fists.

After giving a farewell to the excited Troy, she promptly requested in the group chat to have their training ASAP. A promise to help John with his work for the class he'd be skipping, and they soon met up in the vacant classroom she suggested. Only a few scattered desks had occupied it and setting them to the side left plenty of room. Right afterward, she told her tale of victory against the dickhead named Hower!

"Fuck yeah, that's what I'm talking about!" John responded, a powerful high-five shared between teacher and disciple, alongside her fellow students who made sure to encourage her with positivity.

"Let's go, Evie!" Dylan cheered.

"I wish I could've been there, I would've loved to see that prick's face get bruised up!" Roland remarked, pumping his fist.

Setting all the warmness surging through her aside, Evie, as promised, brought up Troy's request. She'd end it off saying, "I think it'd be nice to have more people to train with!"

Dylan rose a hand to offer his thoughts, "I hadn't been talking to him recently, so it slipped my mind to bring it up, but I think Troy could do well with some lessons! He's got a bit more bite to him compared to the rest of us if I'm being honest," 

"Is that so? I like him already." John quipped, breaking away from his thoughts. 

"I wouldn't mind him or Alden being here...but would you be able to keep track of another two?" Roland asked John. When Evie and Dylan give him curious looks, he continues. "I just think his focus on our progress could be a bit scattered if he took on more students."

"Oh, I didn't think of that..." Evie admitted, with Dylan nodding along.

John hummed. He doubted it'd be that difficult with two more involved. If anything, he was bothered with what could happen after that. If more people became aware and wanted to be taught as well, then that could be bothersome. A lot more attention.

But he just wants to learn to defend himself. I wouldn't feel right just refusing.

"Give me some time to think about it—"

As he was about to finish his sentence, all eyes shifted at the sound of the door behind them sliding open. The eyes of the disciples had widened in surprise and awe.  

"Ah, finally found you. I was wondering where you where, John!" Remi remarked cheerfully as she stepped through the door, offering a smile and greeting wave to the other three, who were a bit too stunned at the moment to offer anything but a respectful nod to her, after taking some steps off to the side to Remi's slight bemusement.

"Remi, hey." John replied, not even noticing the smile that naturally found its way onto him, a bit too quickly perhaps. A thought flashed in his eyes and he shrugs, "Damn, my bad, I hadn't realized we were in the middle of a round of Hide and Seek." 

Remi stopped for a moment, before quickly picking it up and adding onto it. She'd shrug and shake her head, "I gotta commend the commitment, the 10th game you've lost and you still test my reign as Hide and Seek Champion. Bravo!" She'd say, giving John a light clap.

He had to put his palms up, "Woah, woah, woah. Besmirching my hide and seek reputation, in front of my friends no less?! You're pushing your luck."

"John has a hide and seek reputation??" Dylan quickly mumbled. 

"If he did, I wouldn't be surprised." Roland mumbled back, while Evie nodded. 

Remi went to speak but was cut off by her own short and abrupt set of laughter. She turned towards the two mumblers, "Dang, I can't continue! That was good, you two." She remarks, to their surprise. 

John found himself having a little laugh as well. "Okay, okay, setting the bullshit aside for later. What's up, Remi," He asked, sliding his hands into his pocket.

"Right, right." Remi rubbed one eye with a finger, before snapping them. "Good timing, actually!" She remarks, turning towards John's friends. "I was hoping I could talk to you three." 

"U-Us?" Evie squeaked out, her face growing as red as Remi's eyes. Roland and Dylan grew flustered as well, but not to the same extent.

"Yes! Your names...Evie, Roland, and...Dylan! Right?" She asked, and was proud of herself when they gave her a nod, confirming who was who. "Alright!" She said with a pump of her fist.

"So you remember their names just fine, but your brain practically died with mine?" John teased, stepping closer to the side of both his friends and Remi.

"Hush, you!" Remi quipped, giving John a small slap against his rounded shoulder, making him silently mouth 'Ow' and look at his friends with an expression of faked pain as he held it. At the least, it helped calm their nerves.

With a sigh, Remi returned her focus to the three, becoming more serious. "So...I'm the Jack of Wellston, it's supposed to be my job to make sure everybody feels safe here. But, John's told me otherwise...how've you been tormented and hurt by people stronger than you, while being... practically ignored by us Royals."

She stops for a moment, her eyes had shifted away to the ground from them as she talked. Damn it, hasn't she done that enough? She's done enough looking elsewhere, not noticing what had been right in front of her. No more.

She lifts her head, intending to keep her eyes on the three and asks, "Is all that true? Give me your complete honesty, please."

There was a moment of silence from the three. Evie and Dylan found themselves tongue-tied. But then, Roland spoke up.

"Yeah. Whatever John said, it's probably true. It's been true since the first day we started attending here." He began. 

It had always been the case before he enrolled into Wellston too, of course—but unlike his middle school, students had free-reign to use their abilities as they saw fit in order to "grow their strength". The fighting was a normality here, so all the times others would use it as a way to torment and threatened people like him and his friends into doing whatever they wanted, it all got blended together. Unseen. Unnoticed. Uncared for.

"Almost everyday, we'd been left to deal with all the crap just the Mid-Tiers had put us through. The extra assignments, the constant bootlicking, and getting beaten down for any reason, it never stopped! And the elites stronger than them either didn't give a shit or just made it even worse! There was...rarely ever a day I didn't feel anxious at the least, let alone safe! How...?!" 

Roland's words trailed off, looking at Remi. He'd never seen such a sincere sadness welling up in the eyes of someone as strong as her before. It was alien. 

His tone softened, "...How could we expect the strongest of them to ever care? So we just...gave up and accepted that you didn't." He finished, looking away.

Remi looked to Dylan and Evie, who had been wordlessly comforting Roland, and gave her small nods. "I...I see," Was all she could say, So it really was true...

She looked at John, feeling him set a comforting hand on her shoulder, and gently pulled it away with a nod. While she appreciated it, she wasn't the one who needed it.

She placed a hand over her heart and looks at Roland and the others, "Then, before anything else, believe me when I say how sorry I am for letting this go on for so long. I'm so frustrated at myself for being so blind to all that was going around me, passing by me that I didn't think to give a second look at..."

Then, she takes a step forward. "But now that I'm aware, I promise to do everything I can to put an end to this, so that you three and all the others that have been put through it can finally feel safe. So please, if you're willing, believe in me..." 

She pauses, looking back at John. With a nod, he gave her a thumbs-up and, as it had once done to him, she felt herself enveloped in reassurance. She smiled deeply and looked back at the three.

"Believe in us!"

Being taken aback was an understatement for the three low-tiers. Never would they have expected a High-Tier—a Royal for God's Sake!—apologizing to them. Remi's sincerity in everything she said to them could be easily felt.

There was a feeling swirling within them, something they hadn't felt much of in so long, not till meeting John—the first person so vastly stronger compared to them, yet they could still feel safe around. Who used his strength to protect them and gave them the chance to protect themselves. And now, a Royal asking them to believe in her want to help as well?

...Hope. 

Of course they'd believe in them. However they could, they'd help. Why wouldn't they?

John and Remi had given them hope.

Chapter Text

[Mid-December 2015]

Quite the battle took place in Wellston's East Courtyard, last Thursday. An out-in-the-open brawl involving seven—that's right, seven!—students. Even more shocking, It was six students going against one!  We can't say for sure what brought upon the need to enact such an overkill idea, only what the aftermath shows.

Framed in the newspaper was a picture of John's fight against the Mid-Tiers, angled above to capture all six left defeated, with him standing over one. The picture was of good quality, but far enough away where only features such as hair could allow someone to pick out who was who if they wanted to bother.

First, it was the confrontation with our undefeated Queen in the Cafeteria two weeks ago, and now this, though It's ended in our new transfer student's favor this time around. Between these two fights, the question—Just how strong could he be?—is sure to be going through the minds of some. However, currently, there are no details on his level or ability, nor does he seem interested in telling them, so we shall be left to speculate in the meantime.

Some could consider this new student to be nothing but a troublemaker...or, perhaps, he wishes to put an end to certain troubles? After the battle had concluded, he had something to say to the spectators of the incident.

"I'm sure plenty of you are aware of what these guys were doing. Well, while I'm here, that shit ain't gonna fly! If any of you are doing the same kinda shit, I will find out and I will find you."

Quite the declaration, indeed. What could he mean by this? Does he plan on enacting changes in the school? 

Arlo's walk came to a stop as he reached that part in the top story of this week's Wellston's Weekly, accomplished again by none other than Isen. After looking at it for another second, he threw it away in the nearby recycling bin and continued.

Having been busy making sure his studies were taken care of in preparation for all the end-of-semester essays and testing, word of what occurred between John and those other students hadn't reached his ear until today with the paper, along with some whispers here and there from gossiping students.

By letting himself be associated with Low-Tiers, alongside his loss against Seraphina from back then, other students have been more willing to try and challenge him; He hasn't established himself with proper authority. Instead, he wastes time putting himself in the business of those below him for no reason. 

Isen was especially right in one thing in the article, there's still little to go off of when it comes to his level, and neither is there a concrete answer on what his ability even is. 

He has the same look in his eye that only those who've been at the top have, yet if he was willing to fight against Seraphina, why hasn't he come for my title?   Did losing to Seraphina make him scared? 

Unlikely. There wasn't a shred of it in his eyes when I confronted him.  

Is there something to his ability that would make it a bad matchup against mine compared to Seraphina's? If he does know about it, does he simply not have enough power to break through my defense?

Regardless of why the anomaly that was John hadn't yet challenged him for his title as King, he moved on to ponder over why he hadn't taken a spot in the hierarchy at all. 

Arlo found it distasteful for someone of at least recognizable strength to act so half-heartedly. Whatever he's trying to do, taking an official spot in the hierarchy would surely make things easier. Why not take up a rank among the top 10? He was Blyke's roommate if he remembered correctly, that alone proves he could achieve a spot. Or perhaps take Remi's spot as Jack?

"I was just doing my job, Remi, everyone knows that area's for Royals only..."

Huh, speaking of which.

Arlo's a few steps away from turning a corner into a long stretch of hallway when he hears a voice he's...somewhat familiar with at best. Is that Abel? He's talking to Remi?

"I understand that, but escalating the situation wasn't the way to solve the problem."

"Escala—he's the one who blasted me down the stairs of the damn rooftop!" Abel raised his voice in frustration, standing only an inch or two taller than Remi.

She didn't waver, however. Instead, she asks, "It was excessive, yes...but what were you going to do if he hadn't? From what he's told me, you were gonna use your ability on his friends—on Low-Tiers who couldn't defend themselves. They weren't a threat to you, why resort to that?"

Abel felt himself trip over his words for a moment, "They—They're the ones who were somewhere they know they aren't supposed to be! They were refusing to listen! How are you going to take their side when they were the ones being the—?!"

"What do you think you're doing, Abel?"

Instantly, Abel stops, closing his mouth shut out of instinct from hearing the King's cold, commanding voice. His eyes snap to Arlo, the man's presence domineering in height and demeanor. Remi, however, looks back at Arlo in surprise, wondering when he got here.

"Raising your voice at a Royal, I expected you to know better. Do you need a reminder of how to act properly?" Arlo stood only a foot away from Abel, crossing his arms. 

Abel's fear that the King's eyes would begin to glow any second and he'd be forced to the ground to grovel grew rapidly. He snaps back to Remi, "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—!"

"Arlo, why do you have to...ugh!" Remi, having grown a bit frustrated herself, turns away from Arlo and points a finger at Abel. "Abel!"

He stutters, "Uh, y-yeah?"

"I don't need you to apologize to me. If you want to show you're sorry, then do it through your actions with others! You're strong, you don't need to act so aggressively with lower-tiers for them to hear you out! Just...keep that in mind, alright?" She says, sternly. 

"I..." Abel's eyes dart towards Arlo for a moment—who isn't sparing him a look, his neutral but narrowed eyes staring off at Remi—before sighing, scratching the back of his head. "I guess I could learn to tone it down on—" He catches his words, "Them. Can...Can I leave now?"

Remi gives him a small smile and nods. "Of course. Thank you for agreeing to make the effort, I really appreciate it." She says, offering him a wave as he turns to leave, going back to class.

The wave stops and she sends a look up at Arlo, matching the one he was giving her, "What's your problem, I didn't need you coming in and scaring him, Asslo." She chided.

For the love of...

If Arlo ever meets Kuyo again, his priority is finally taking that prick down a notch or two to getting Remi hooked on this god-forsaken nickname.

But, setting that aside, "It's not about scaring him, it's about the respect he's supposed to show someone like you or me. Clearly, that's something you need to work on," He says, "Not only are you new to the Royals, but your disposition makes others believe they don't need to take you seriously."

"Ooooh, disposition," Remi remarks with air quotes, "Is that your big word for the day?" 

"Isn't English one of your best subjects?"

"Indubitably!" She replies with a smile, raising a finger, making Arlo only the slightest bit amused.

Arlo looked off to where Abel had gone. He does have a point, others should be corrected on their behavior if they aren't acting properly.

He had picked up enough context clues. It seems like a few students, low-tiers at that had been spending time on the rooftop, a place they should know is off-limits to anyone but the Royals. By the sound of it, someone caused Abel trouble for doing what he was supposed to... 

"The person who confronted Abel; It was that new transfer, John, wasn't it?"

Remi's eyes widened slightly, "Oh, you know about him?"

"You're surprised I do?" Arlo questioned. He shrugged one arm, "He isn't exactly inconspicuous."

"Woah, there's your second one! You're on a roll, Arlo!" She remarked, giving him two overly enthusiastic thumbs-ups.

"Don't patronize me, Pinky," He grumbled, giving her a glare that would've frightened almost anyone else—but to Remi, it just meant she was doing her job right. She stuck her tongue out at him, as a cherry on top.

After sighing, he continued, "I met him once, after his little scuffle with Seraphina. He's interesting, to say the least."

If Arlo's saying that, I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing...

Remi smiled, having a short laugh, "There's definitely something unique about him."

Sure, we'll go with that. Arlo thought, arching a brow at Remi quizzically.

"I'm sure from what you've heard about him, he probably sounds..." Darn, she wasn't sure what word to put to it.

"Problematic? Troublesome?"

"Sure, we'll go with that," Remi quickly remarks, "But he can be a lot of help to us, I'm sure of it!"

"Oh? And what makes you say that?"

For once, Remi was grateful for Arlo's timing. It'd been hard to get ahold of him, his disciplined life didn't leave much room for free time, but she could at least tell him about everything now. 

With subtle eagerness, she says, "I talked with him a few times, and...he opened my eyes to more than I expected." She looks up at Arlo, a softness in her eyes. "I know you've been doing your best since Rei left and you took over as Wellston's King...but in everything you, Seraphina, and I have been busy with, other important things have ended up overlooked and we need to fix them as soon as we can!"

Remi knew Arlo wasn't exactly someone to show much passion or reaction, but with what she's said, she was sure he'd be intrigued by what she meant, that if there was a problem being caused in the system he took up after Rei, she'd see the cold determination in his eyes come through.

Instead, Arlo just frowned, almost scowl-like. His crossed arms tensed. 

His voice is tight as he speaks, "...He's been here for two weeks—barely, at that. He wastes his time being around those far below his strength and doesn't care about establishing himself properly. Tell me, Remi, what would he know about "fixing" the rule I've built up for over a year?"

Over a year of pushing himself to become as strong as he needed to be to reign in every student who scorned Rei for forcing them into an unnatural ideology and threw all regard for order out the window in retaliation, leaving Wellston in chaos after he was finally gone. 

He had lost count at how many students he had to beat down back into place to get them to finally listen to him, to unify under his rule as King. By the end of it, there was hardly a similarity in the rule that Rei created and what Arlo had needed to transform it into.

He knew Rei had good intentions, that he wanted the best for everyone—and Arlo did respect him for that...but he also knew that everything, everyone, was better off adhering to the rules set from the start for a reason.

Remi feels herself take the smallest step back, her brow furrowed and eyes filled with concerned confusion. What was that about? Why was he so defensive? 

She softly questions, "First Abel calls them weaklings and now you're saying that someone being friends with them is just a waste of time? Just because they're not as strong? Why does that matter?"

Arlo exhaled through his nose. She was just like Rei, for better or for worse. 

"Others should stay around those of similar strength, doing otherwise complicates everything more than it should, you should know—"

"No, I don't know, Arlo!" Remi snaps back. 

Arlo watches her take a step forward but stops herself. With a stern look, he waits, while her eyes pull away from his for a moment, her fists tightening slightly.

But then they lax; her shoulders drop. "And that's the worst part, being unaware of it all. It... needs to be better than that." She says, then looks at Arlo, determinedly. "It's why I think John can help. He told me what's been going on, everything the other students have been going through—!"

"And what's been going on, Remi? What's he seen that's somehow slipped out of my view all this time?" Arlo questions, his voice raised ever so slightly.

"The Low-Tiers!" She exclaims, arms flared out. "How they've been subjected to so much mistreatment by stronger students! It's not just John's words, his friends told me the same thing—how groups of mid-tier students will gang up and force them to do what they say or get punished...!" She'd explain, with every word leaving a horrible taste on her tongue as she said it. 

A short silence is left between the two as Arlo works through what he hears. Groups of students ganging up on those already weaker than them? What's the point?

"Forcing them to do what they say...such as what?" He asks.

Remi sighed, going through what she had been told. "Completing their assignments for them, embarrassing themselves for their amusement, staying quiet when they get beaten, among other things..."

When's this been going on? 

"And the Low-Tiers, what did they do?" He questions

Remi blinks, looking up at Arlo. "What do you mean?"

"Their actions against the other students, did they act out of turn, step out of line?"

"Wha—no!" Remi quickly responds. "All they've been doing is trying to stay out of the way and avoid them so they don't get targeted."

"Fine. What about outside of John's "friends"? Have you asked any of the other students about this?"

"No, not yet..." Then, Remi stops, her eyes widen as she looks up at Arlo, "You can't believe they're lying about this!" She says, voice filled with disbelief.

"I never said that, Remi," Arlo quickly shuts that down, crossing his arms again. "I just find it convenient that it's only now being brought up to our attention, and only by him and the ones he's friends with. Why hasn't anyone else brought this to your attention? Or mine?"   

"Because they think we don't care!" Remi shouted back. "They've been getting mistreated by everyone else all while we were unaware of it, it made them think we were fine with it going on, but of course we aren't!" 

She looks up at Arlo's narrowed, unwavering gaze—a softness almost unseeable in it.

"You're not okay with this either...right?" 

Arlo tries to say, "Of course not, I don't appreciate any sort of disruption to the hierarchy in Wellston—"

"What are you—It's not about disruption, Arlo!" She says, cutting him off again, her voice breaking. "The hierarchy isn't what matters, it's about students being constantly hurt and thinking nobody is there to protect them from it, that nobody cares to!"

"That's why the Hierarchy matters, why it exists in the first place!" Arlo responds, raising his voice just a bit more, not even regarding Remi's main point. 

Mid-Tiers gloating over their strength against those weaker than them wasn't what their responsibility was. It was a waste of their time and a mess they were making to his rule that, if true, he'd be sure to deal with whatever he came across. 

But that's not what he prioritized explaining to Remi, "Under the proper circumstances, it keeps everyone secured and where they should be, to minimize any trouble brought up between others with different placements! It's only when they move out of those established boundaries that people get hurt! That's something that Rei never understood—!"

As the words left his mouth, Arlo realized...he messed up, as he watched those last few words settle into Remi's heart, her eyes widening as her brother's name reached her ears and felt the tingling sting in her watering eyes. 

"Rei wanted, and still wants, Wellston as somewhere that everybody can feel safe at." She says delicately. "I...I know you haven't always been on the same page as him but...did you really never believe in his dream?"

The words had almost refused to leave her, to ask him such a question. Arlo may never admit it but he cares about Rei, Remi knew that for a fact, and she saw how assured Rei was after graduating, that he left Wellston in good hands with Arlo. It made Remi believe in that right alongside him. 

But now, watching as Arlo didn't say anything, whether it confirmed or denied her question, made that belief painfully waver like powerful waves in the tide.

"I'll...I'll talk to you later, okay?" Remi says, trying to keep a small smile and sound upbeat, even if her voice shakes, as she turns from Arlo. "I...I need some time to take care of things." 

She walked away, and Arlo silently watched her go, a feeling of frustration bubbling inside of him—the source of it still unclear, whether it was with himself or something else.

He takes a deep breath and exhales, before taking out his phone and going through his contacts, until he reaches Isen.

Remi forces herself down a flight of stairs and waits until she can find a vacant classroom to step through—shutting the door behind her, leaning against it—before she lets the tears that prickle her lashes finally fall. A few slowly drag down the side of her eyes and she uses her sleeve to wipe them away, drying her watery eyes after.

It's okay, it'll be alright. Arlo, he...he wants to keep everyone safe, I know he does. He just can't put it into words properly, he's always had that problem. He just needs more time to think about it.

Yeah, that's all it is...

A ringing noise jolts Remi out of her thoughts. 

Ah jeez, I completely forgot to set it to vibration. At least I wasn't in class when it happened. She thought, embarrassed over getting scared by it, before pulling her phone out of her skirt pocket and, after seeing who was calling her, accepted the call. 

"Blyke, hey. What's up?" 

"Yo, Remi, I was...hold on, were you crying?"

...Darn, guess she couldn't get it past him—she thought her tone was convincing enough but Blyke had always been a bit more perceptive than others expected.

"O-Oh...a little, yeah. But, don't worry, it's nothing to make a big deal of." She'd assure him.

"You sure? We can talk about it if you want." He'd respond.

Remi smiled, she was grateful things between them didn't get awkward after what happened, and they could still support each other if needed. "Yup, everything's good! Besides, I don't want Isen feeling jealous." She said with a small giggle.

It made Blyke chuckle on the other end, "Yeah right, he'd probably start crying alongside you if anything."

Yeah, Remi knew that was as much a possibility as well. "So, what was it you needed?"

"Ah, right right right. So, I was hoping you could do me a favor."

"Tell me what it is and I'll see what I can do!"

"Well, Wellston's Turf War Grounds is off-limits to Non-Royals unless a Royal oversees them, right?"

Remi perked up at the question, this was the first time Blyke's asked about it.

"Oh geez, uh, I don't knoooow. I haven't read up on my Wellston's Royal Manual in a while... Imma have to get back to you on that one!" She'd joke with a smile on her face.

"Wait, you guys get manuals when you become Royals? Like...Like a handbook?"

...

Oh my god, that's a genuine question.

"Blyke. ...Blyke."

"...Oh."

Remi at least tried to hold in her laughter.

The same could not be said for someone else on the line, which confused Remi as another voice began cackling over the call line.

"Man, shut the fuck up, John! I don't know how all that Royal shit functions!" Blyke's voice could be heard saying, sounding like it was pulled just a bit away from his phone.

"And of all things, you think they'd get a special little handbook? Like, the fuck Blyke?!"

"Maybe! I don't fucking know! ...Fuck you!" 

"Wait, John's with you?" Remi asks, pushing off against the door she'd been leaning on. Without paying attention, her free hand went to fix up any creases or wrinkles her outfit had. 

"Yo, Remi." She'd hear John say, over Blyke's muttering of backing the fuck off his personal space.

"Heyo." She'd respond cheerfully, amid her giggling caused by whatever was happening on the other side of this call. It was a great mood refresher, if she was being honest.

"—Bitch, get ya hand out my face—"

"Getting back to what I was asking...!" Blyke drags out, cutting off John. "That's the rule, right?"

"Yeah, that's right." She'd answer, remembering when Rei would take her there for training sometimes, to see how strong she was becoming and always meeting her with encouragement at every improvement, even if minor. "Why, what do you need?"

"Well, If you're up to take us there...John and I wanted to spar."

Chapter Text

Blyke grumbled to himself as he walked the hallways with John, "You really think it's a good idea to skip class when you already suck at understanding the lessons?" 

"First of all, fuck you," John replied.

Blyke merely shrugged. They both knew it was the truth, no matter how much John would try to say he wasn't that bad.

"And secondly, I got some friends who can help me work through that mumbo-jumbo, so it's not a big deal. Other stuff takes priority sometimes." He continues with a shrug.

Must be talking about those other three he hangs out with, the Low-Tiers? 

Blyke's seen John with them pretty often, though he hasn't personally interacted with them much. Putting himself out there wasn't always his specialty. But, they seemed alright, and John enjoyed being around them, so he didn't bother asking about it.

He chuckled though, "Fucking mumbo-jumbo?"

"Damn fucking right mumbo jumbo! I never asked to deal with letters and shapes in a subject about numbers!"

"Well shit, better take one or the other—I heard that next year we either take Trig or Advanced Algebra." 

John quickly grew a look of disgust, though before anything else could leave his mouth besides, "Blegh!", he stopped. His eyes looked off elsewhere for a moment, feeling the mass of aura activating up ahead, then looked back at Blyke and pointed a thumb at the right intersection of the hallway.

"Someone's using their ability. My guess...probably around level three."

Blyke's not sure how long it'll take for him to get over the fact that not only could John straight up copy abilities, but that his passive lets him straight up sense the aura of others around him. That's gotta be a hell of a helper in any fight he gets into. 

However, at the moment, he just groaned. "Seriously, goddamn—how many times has it happened in the last hour...?!" Blyke mutters to himself.

"Yeah well, no rest for the wicked and all that," John remarks, brushing off Blyke's disbelief. Approaching the corner of the wall, John leans against it, looking at Blyke. "You know what to do."

"Why haven't you dealt with one of them yet?" Blyke questions. 

"Because I've been dealing with them since I got here." John snaps back, "Plus, others need to see that someone in the actual rankings, no matter how pointless it all really is, is doing the same." He explains. 

Blyke could feel his eyes narrow at that. While the importance of his rank isn't as deeply rooted in him—compared to someone like Arlo or...Zeke—he still did hold a bit of pride in himself for his strength and placement in Wellston's Top 10. To hear John just so casually dismiss the entire notion of it, of that acknowledgment of his strength, it...irked him more than he probably should let it.

But he masked that behind a sigh because that wasn't the problem right now. Stepping past the corner, he saw what needed to be taken care of. 

The reason for why they were skipping class? Since Blyke found out what John said was going on in the school, the latter thought it was a good idea for him to see it firsthand. 

Blyke certainly wasn't expecting to come across these incidents as often as they did. 

The first time, it had just been a scuffle between two students that Blyke wouldn't have given a second glance normally, but once he actually stepped up and asked what was going on, he could see the difference in the two students injuries and how one of them clearly hadn't wanted to fight as much as the other did, no matter what the stronger one tried to say to Blyke.

The third occurrence had been caused by one student harassing another over something as stupid as bumping into them. Blyke wasn't a fan of people not watching where the hell they were going but he and John heard both heard the kid apologize for it and all the other girl could say to defend herself was that the guy gave her a nasty look. 

So the fuck what, Blyke had thought. A dirty look didn't mean shit if the person wasn't going to back it up with a fight, just call them an asshole and move on from it!  

He didn't even want to bother remembering the 5th time, Dumbass Zeke, he should probably feel lucky John didn't get his hands on him this time—

"Please let me go! I'm sorry! This project is really important for my grade and I just need a little more time to—!" 

The pleading of the boy with green hair in a bowl cut was cut off with a gasp that died in his throat as he watched the artistic presentation he'd spent all night on for his History Project become smashed to pieces under the heel of the bully's shoe.

The bully, a girl named Brea with orange hair tied back in twin ponytails, simply mocked by the boy.  "mY pRoJeCt, mY pRoJeCt—god, all you weaklings sound the same when you're whining and squirming on the floor!" She said, sounding like she was trying to hold in a god-awful cackle as she grabbed the boy's bangs and pulled him up painfully, ready to leave a lovely red mark on his face. Being one of the strongest Mid-Tiers in the school meant almost no one bothered to get in the way of her fun.

—But now, by the 7th time, Blyke was way over all this bullshit. 

"I don't even know why a waste of space like you would ever think your effort ever meant anything—!"

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!"

The girl's eyes widen as a voice off to her left shouted out. She snapped her head in the direction and her eyes constricted with fear as she saw who it was.  Immediately, she lets go of her victim and takes a step back as she watched Blyke—with the look of being pissed off obvious for anyone to see—quickly approach her and the student.

"B-Blyke...?!" She questions why the boy was even here to begin with, but she's quick to try and defend herself, pointing a slightly shaking finger at the boy cowering next to her as a nervous laugh leaves her throat. "Y-You wouldn't believe the nerve of this idi—"

"Just shut up...!" Blyke mutters, not even bothering to give her another look for now as he quickly bends a knee, gathering the pieces of the project that had broken apart and at least collecting it all back together in the crumpled box used to create its setting. Some kind of event re-enactment, Blyke figured it was supposed to be.

He moved his gaze off to his left, where the guy was and saw the soft disbelief in his eyes, underneath the tears that had been silently falling from his face. Why does he look so surprised? Blyke wonders to himself, but not only that. He obviously put a lot of effort into this and she just...for fuck's sake.

He stood back to full height, still looking at the guy. "The library should have all the supplies you need to to help with your project. Tell your teacher what happened and that I'm vouching for you, that'll probably let you get an extension on it if you need it, alright?" He says. It takes a second for the guy to respond but soon he nods. 

"Alright, now what're you waiting for, get going!" Blyke brutishly ushered, causing the boy to nod furiously and quickly gather up his belongings before running off, hurrying himself to the library, not even noticing the dark-haired boy leaning against the wall, who just nodded to himself. 

All the while, Brea's eyes widened in disbelief as she watched the boy run off. What...What the hell is going on? 

She gritted her teeth and snap her eyes onto the one in front of her, "Wh-What the hell are you doing, Blyke?! You're just gonna let him go after what he did—?!"

"And what, the fuck, did he do exactly?" Blyke would question, needing to take just one step forward in order for the girl to shut her mouth. "Bump into you? So fucking what? That gave you no right to go and just trample on his work just because of that. The hell's wrong with you?"

People like her and Zeke who seemed to get some sort of enjoyment out of tormenting and beating down others weaker than them, Blyke could never get it and he didn't want to. This girl couldn't even say anything for herself and he wasn't sure if he was ticked off more or less by that.

Blyke turned partway, only one eye meeting her fearful gaze. "You're twisted, get over stupid shit like this and do something better with yourself." He said, before turning away from her and walking away. He wanted her to be the last dumbass he had to deal with.

But the girl's eyes flared with confusion. Why would an Elite like Blyke bother involving himself in this? He had better things to do, didn't he? Why was he giving such special treatment to some waste of space Low-Tier? Why did he make it sound like she did something wrong? 

I don't...I don't get this! 

He's the weakling!  He's the one bumped into me! 

He deserved it for getting in my way!

So why am I the one left to feel humiliated?! This isn't right! It's unfair!

Frustration built up and up within Brea as she watched Blyke, who felt his phone buzz and reached to see what it was, walk away from her, not bothering to give her a second thought. 

That frustration led her aura along through her arm like a malicious guiding hand.

Why would an Elite like you ever side with these weaklings...?! She could find no reasonable answer why as her hand lifted up, aiming at Blyke.

She's going to fire an attack at you. - John 

Huh? 

"You're supposed to look out for us, not them!"

Quickly, Blyke turned around and had just enough time to completely dodge the green bolt of energy she fired at him, leaving it to dissipate as it flew through the hallway at the same time that he activated his ability, This damn idiot!

Brea's dreadful surprise at what happened left her defenseless to one of Blyke's energy finger beams piercing straight through her shoulder, causing her to scream out a cry of pain as blood began to seep through shirt and vest, running along her sleeve as she covered the wound with her other hand.

"The hell was that?!" Blyke yelled, propelling himself with one beam propulsion and gripping onto Brea's shirt in anger. "Are you trying to get your ass kicked?!"

"No, no, please! I-It was an accident! I didn't mean to do it! I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!" Brea sputtered out sporadically, covering her face with her arms out of fear, a hypocritical one if there ever was.

The second she's faced with a threat, she acts the exact fucking same as the person she was tormenting? What a load of bullshit.

Blyke 'Tch' and let his grip loosen, dropping her to the floor, still looking up at him with tearful eyes filled with fear.

"Go fuck off to the infirmary or wherever you want, just get out of my face."  Blyke ordered, keeping a charging energy beam in his palm to show her now was not the time to test him.

Without a word, she just scrambled to her feet and ran away from him. When she was out of sight, Blyke deactivated his ability and grumbled a sigh.

"Jeez, she might've been the worst one you dealt with today." John said, stepping beside Blyke. "Just from the way she sounds, I'd think she has a few screws loose."

"It's ridiculous," Blyke said, getting John's attention. "In every one of them, the entitlement was plain as fucking day. Students were just minding their own business and they decided to fuck with them just because? It's...It's so fucking dumb."

"You're catching on, that's good." John remarked, patting Blyke on the shoulder. "On the other hand, I think we should invest in a swear jar for you."

"I'm pissed off, alright?! And like you have any room to talk, you swear up a storm every time I kick your ass in Smash Bros." 

John looked offended, "...You don't kick my ass every time." 

"Yes I do, you literally only have 1 win against me...out of like 20."

Now John was appalled, "Yeah, okay, Blyke. Count your fucking days because once I get the techniques down, it's over for your bitch ass."

Blyke brought his palms up and shook, "Ooooh, I'm shivering in my fucking boots."

They stared at each other for a moment, before small bouts of laughter echoed between them and they shared a brofist. 

They'd begin to walk off, deciding to just wait out of the last 10 minutes of this period, before John decided to ask something, "Is that finger beam you have your only method of a warning shot?" 

"Hm?" Blyke looked at John, then at his hand creating a small beam of energy from his index finger. "Yeah, I suppose...it does the job, doesn't it?" He asked.

"Oh no, it does, and I definitely don't mind seeing pricks like her get a scratch or two." John said, setting his hands in his pockets. "However, if you end up being a just bit off with your aim, those warning shots could turn lethal pretty easily. What do you think would happen if one of them ended up hitting someone in the head?" John questioned, gesturing to his own with a finger.

Blyke looked at John in silence, then at the energy ball atop his finger, with a bead of sweat dripping from his head.

"Fuck, I...I guess I never really thought about it. I've always had pretty good aim so...I guess I just took that for granted." Blyke admits.

"Yeah, I don't blame you for it," John says, "I doubt plenty of people with projectile abilities actually worry about the collateral they could cause if things got out of hand. Maybe it's something you could work on with your ability, help you build up your versatility and all that." John suggested with a shrug.

Blyke half-mindedly nodded, shutting off his ability. It was a pretty good idea, actually. 

Then, his pace slowed and his eyes gazed off at John, who's small talk was ignored by Blyke's inner thoughts. 

An ability that allows him to use other's abilities, combined with being adept at making good use of them, alongside his high level...

What could he do with my ability?

"Hey, John." Blyke called out.

John turned around, blinking, "When the hell did I get ahead of you?"

Blyke ignored the question, instead asking, "When you first moved in, you offered to have a spar with me. Is that...still on the table?" He asked, rubbing his neck, still a bit nervous about asking that.

"Oh yeah, I did, didn't I?" John said, having almost forgotten about it. He crossed his arms, tilting his head, "If I'm being honest, I was probably just asking that to get you off my back about my level the first time I met you." He admits.

"Oh..." Blyke says, looking down and...feeling a bit deflated about it.

However, John took another look at Blyke, worked through some thoughts in his head, and decided.

"But you know what, why not?" John said with a shrugging smile, making Blyke look up with a swirl of excitement growing in him. "We can have one after classes end, know any good spots? Preferably away from a bunch of prying eyes?"

"Oh, uh...!" Blyke quickly pulled his phone back out his pocket. "I can ask Remi! If she's able to oversee us, we can use the Turf War area." He said.

Turf War Grounds, huh? 

John thought back with a bitter smile, remembering the time where all he focused on was growing stronger and stronger, beating down students from other schools that he didn't even know, relentlessly battering them long after he won the fight and even after they had fallen unconscious. 

He'd say that he was doing it for them, for Adrion and Claire, so that the three of them would never have to deal with that crap ever again, but any truth behind that was thrown out the window the moment they had told him it was enough and he still retaliated, even against them. It just became an excuse hiding the fact that he wanted nothing more than to make anyone who fought against him feel all the pain that he had been put through because of this bullshit system.

But...not anymore. It's not the same as back then. I'm not the same as back then, I know that. Still, how those two could have ever forgiven me...they really deserve the best.

John made a mental note to see if they wanted to talk over a Discord call later tonight, but for now, he'll busy himself with this. Plus, seeing Remi would be nice.

"Where are you off to, Remi?"

Walking through the hallway of the dorm's first floor, Remi hears a voice call out behind her and turns around. "Oh! Seraphina, hey! My bad, I didn't even notice I passed you by." She said with an apologetic chuckle, stepping closer to the Queen.

"It's not a big deal." Compared to the alternative, Seraphina didn't mind being unnoticed at all. 

Remi nodded, "But, yeah, to answer your question. I'm heading to the Turf War Grounds to oversee some sparring between John and Blyke!" 

A spar between them sounded like it'd be fun to see—It's been a while since she's seen Blyke in action and John was still a complete mystery in her in terms of how he fought—so no way was she going to decline Blyke's request! 

Seraphina's eyebrows raised slightly, intrigued. John did say he had somewhere to be after working on the project. Guess this is what it was about. 

He's never shown an interest in rank matches, so why bother with a spar? And against someone who is levels below him?

"Guess that explains the wardrobe change." Seraphina remarks, seeing Remi had changed into more casual clothing. A thick yellow hoodie, dark jeans, and blue sneakers.

"Ah, yeah, figured it be best since it's a bit colder today..." Remi responds, taking a look down at her outfit, then back to Seraphina, popping a question with a smile. "How do I look?"

Why is she asking me...? Seraphina pondered blankly, she wasn't exactly fashion-minded. 

Though...Leilah and she would sometimes look through fashion magazines her sister would sneak into the house. Some things looked interesting but her interest had never fully been there, it was with her sister and being able to spend time with her. When it came down to it, it was just a way for Leilah and her to keep themselves occupied with some form of entertainment, distracting themselves from the pain of the training they'd been put through.

Distractions that were nowhere to be found when Leilah had ran from their home, leaving her to deal with the aftermath, of having to bear through that pain with no one beside her...

"It looks nice, comfortable." Seraphina said simply.

A compliment from Seraphina...nice!

Remi's smile brightened, a bit surprised, "Thanks, Seraphina, I appreciate it!"

Seraphina absently nodded, distracted by something. They're different, but their smiles are rather similar...

"Well, I won't keep you any longer," She says, turning halfway from Remi with a wave. "Have fun being a referee, I suppose." 

In the few steps Seraphina took, Remi knitted her brow, feeling the words want to leave her lips, but held back by uncertainty since Seraphina was...well, Seraphina.

But, she shakes her head and resolves, Never hurts to ask!

"You should come with us!" She calls out. 

A footstep stops short and Seraphina turns back to Remi, quirking a brow.

"I-If you're not busy with anything, that is! No pressure!" She quickly adds on, "We don't get a lot of opportunities to talk that often and I just thought it'd be nice. I might feel a little lonely watching those two fight by myself, you know?" Remi tried to joke, not sure if it did any good from Seraphina's blank, but soft, look.

Seraphina looked at her Jack, then to her own side, at the textbook held in her hand. In truth, her plans for the rest of the day were simply to keep up on her studying, focusing on History in particular due to an upcoming test. She knew that it would be the best use of her time, to ensure that she...gets the A...

But...is that what I want to spend my time on?

As John and Blyke passed the time waiting for Remi by the gates, the former asks, "Isen couldn't make it?"

Blyke shook his head, "Said he needed to work on stuff for Press Club, I guess. I'm kinda surprised that you'd be cool with him being there though." He admitted, knowing Isen would probably try to worm this into an article for the paper.

John shrugged, "Figured I'd be nice enough to offer if you wanted your boyfriend there cheering you on."

"Yeah right, praying on my downfall more like it." Blyke said with a snort. He could already imagine Isen offering a tribute to the pen gods so that they would strike the blasphemous red-head down.

"Man, that's crazy." John said, shaking his head with a smile. Taking a look at the time, he looked around and found that Remi was still nowhere in sight. "Where the hell is she at?"

"I already told you her tendency to run late, didn't I?" Blyke sighed.

"Yeah, but like...we've been waiting here for almost half an hour! There's only so many memes I can chuckle at before shit gets stale real quick." John jokingly bemoaned.

"Yeah, well, that's just how she is." Blyke said, holding a small, fond smile.

John holds a stare at Blyke, one that he quickly begins to feel creep onto him. Blyke snaps his head at him, "You gonna say something or just keep staring, weirdo?!"

It makes John exhale an amused snort, "My bad. From the way you looked, it seemed like you and Remi had some history beyond just being friends." He admits, having also picked up something like that with the call Blyke had with her a bit ago.

Blyke squints, giving his head a shake in mild bewilderment. "It was one sentence, how the fuck—you're scary, you know that?"

"So I've been told," John shrugged.

Blyke kept an aimed look on John for a moment, then leaned against Wellston's entrance walls, sighing. He balanced his phone in between his index and middle finger in thought for a moment before confirming, "We dated for a few months back in first-year."

John hummed, setting his phone within his pocket as he gave Blyke his full attention.

"It was...nice while it lasted, I don't really regret my time being with her like that and I don't think she does either, I hope," Blyke says with a sheepish chuckle,  "It just ended up with us realizing we were better off as friends."

Blyke looked off to John, seeing him nodding along to his words with an attentive look. Guy's a pretty good listener.

Then he looks away, scratching his cheek, "Plus, around that time, I think I was starting to feel that same thing with Isen—a lot—and...It didn't feel right feeling that while I was already with her so..."

"And you didn't want repeat the crap your dad did."

"...Yeah. Yeah, pretty much." Blyke agreed. "I guess Remi was starting to get the feeling of that so we had a talk one night and...it ended there." He says, before chuckling. "Then for the next few weeks after that, she wouldn't stop hounding me to just go and ask him out already."

That got a good laugh out of John, "Damn, first time I've heard of an ex turned wingman—or wingwoman?" He questioned, making Blyke shrug, and so he just made a flippant gesture with his hand. 

"Wings of who-the-fuck-ever aside, I think it's nice. Sounds like you three have a good bond, try to keep them around, alright?" He'd say, bumping his fist into Blyke's shoulder. In a way, it reminded him of what he had with Adrion and Claire. He could feel a sort of...want to make sure it was held together.

Blyke nodded, with a smile. "You don't got to tell me twice."

His eyes drifted away from John's as he saw familiar pink hair come into sight, passing Wellston's entrance way.

"Finally, you sure took your sweet—time?!?!" 

The fuck?  John was a bit spooked by Blyke's sudden reaction. He turned his head to see Remi and—Ah!

Remi walked towards them with a smile and wave, with Seraphina just a step or two behind her, the blank look in her eyes looking at Blyke for just a moment, then shifting towards John, acknowledging him.

"Yo, you guys!" Remi casually greets, "You ready to go?"

"Well, we've been ready for the past half-hour," John remarks, looking back at Blyke who looks little choked-up at the moment. He gives Blyke a confused look before turning and giving a wave to Seraphina in return of her look, "But this is definitely a surprise."

Remi chuckled sheepishly, "Y-Yeah, sorry about the lateness, really," then quickly brushes the topic of her lateness aside, instead gesturing to Seraphina with her left hand.  "I ran into Seraphina as I was heading out and offered her an invite to come with us to see your guys' spar! ...I hope that's alright?" She asks, realizing maybe she should've called Blyke about it first, but she just caught up in the excitement that Seraphina had actually agreed to join in on a hangout! 

The first time in...ever!

"Are you going to hold my hand the entire time, Remi?"

Remi hummed louder than she expected to. She looks at Seraphina, then down at her hand and realizes that Seraphina's was clasped in hers.

...

"Oh!" Remi only remarks, before quickly letting go. "S-Sorry about that...!" She'd apologize, trying to hide something similar to an embarrassed fluster on her face.

"You're fine, it's not a big deal." Seraphina says to settle her, setting her hands inside the pockets of her skirt—Unlike the others, she still wore her school outfit. Without much thought, the thumb of her left hand takes to sliding against her palm and fingers.

"Relieved to hear...!" 

Recovering from that, Remi claps her hands, getting her smile back. "Right! So, what say you guys?" She asks John and Blyke.

"Oh. Sure, it's cool..." Blyke says, appearing to have gotten ahold of himself.

Not as strong of a reaction, but it reminded me of Evie's. ... Is Blyke a fanboy?

"Hey, what's that smile on your face for...?!" Blyke says, irritation growing from the amusement of John's smile.

"Nothing, don't worry about it." John reassures, then echoing Blyke's statement to Remi and Seraphina. 

John figured Sera could do a bit more hanging out with others, seems like a good opportunity in his eyes.

Chapter Text

The four made their way to the station and boarded the train. Seraphina took to standing within the bustling locomotive, holding onto the railing for stability, while the other three took seats beside each other.

In between his small talks with Remi and John, Blyke spent his time listening to some music, absentmindedly tapping his hand and foot to the hard rock song he was following the rhythm of, though he paused after feeling Remi tap his shoulder, stopping the music to hear her. 

"So what made you guys want to spar, either of you prepping for a rank match?" Remi asked, looking between the two. 

"Not particularly..." Blyke answered slowly as he looked to John, not sure of what info would be okay to share.

John shrugged, "Blyke asked me, I didn't see a reason why not. Plus, I want to see how good of a fighter he is."

"Got'cha!" Remi nodded. "Well, I'm certainly excited to watch it play out. Just don't underestimate him, alright? Blyke's a pretty capable fighter all around, even when it comes to close range." she told John with a pointed finger. She was sure if the gap in their strength was smaller, he could definitely give her a run for her money.

"I'll keep that in mind," John nodded with a smile, sparing a glance beyond Remi to see Blyke scratching his cheek rather bashfully. 

Admittedly, John couldn't blame him. Remi seemed to radiate positivity, it'd be hard not being affected by it if you talked to her, or were even just around her.

Beside them, John closest to her, Seraphina had stayed silent throughout the trip, going through the motions on her phone, finding that she wasn't sure what to do with herself. She could feel there was still a sort of gap between her and the others, something she was all too familiar with. A pathway to meaningful interaction too difficult to cross. 

"Sorry I didn't give you an invitation earlier."

Except for one of them, of course. Seraphina's gaze quickly drifts away from her phone to John, looking up at her with another smile.

"Didn't think It'd be all that interesting to you. Why did you want to come, actually?"

"I wanted to see your ability from an outside view." She admits. With John able to mimic an ability as complex as hers, she found a curiosity in what he could do with one like Blyke's.

"Is that so?" John questions, sounding a bit disappointed. He leaned over in his seat, propping his arm on his knee and resting his chin in his palm. "I hope that's not all that made you want to tag along."

Something in Seraphina's eyes soften. The thought of it just being a way to finally take a chance to do something outside the ruleset of the life she was accustomed to was kept hidden beneath that surface answer. Beneath that...maybe there were a few other reasons. Ones that couldn't hope to see the light of day, for now.

John's ability...?

As John and Seraphina converse, playful jabs at each other certainly throw in wherever they could, Remi realizes she's never seen John's ability in action before, only what the aftermath was. It was certainly strong, whatever it was, and she can't say she wasn't curious—it's been in the back of her mind since Blyke told her and Isen about his roommate.

Well, she supposed that gave her another reason to be excited for what was to come, another secret of the mysterious transfer student would soon be unraveled!

Remi giggled to herself, the influence from binging Nancy Drew books in middle school was creeping back up on her.

"Do you need to say something, Remi?" 

Seraphina's neutral tone snapped Remi out of her thoughts. "Huh?"

The Queen pointed at John, "You were looking at him for a bit, I thought you might've needed to talk to him."

"O-Oh, I was?" Remi could feel the heat of embarrassment welling up within her gut that quickly made it up to her face.

...? Hearing this, John's eyes quickly move from his phone to Remi. "Really? Sorry I didn't notice, what's up?" He asks.

However, Remi just quickly waved a hand dismissively. "It was nothing, honestly," She said with a laugh, "I just ended up daydreaming, happens a lot if I'm being honest, didn't mean to stare at you."

John can't remember the last time he had one of those, "Daydreams, huh? Sounds like so much fun, no wonder you can't ever be anywhere on time!" John remarked with a flippant gesture of his hand.

Remi gasped, the audacity to speak the truth—how dare he? He earned a kick at his sneaker for that!

"Woooow, how childish." John playfully mocked, even while Remi and he shared a laugh.

Seraphina looked on at the two. While certainly different, John and Remi always had a strong presence in conversations. 

During the rare moments when she'd talk with Remi, she found her usually stoic demeanor almost wavering in the face of the girl's practically overwhelming cheerfulness.  Something about her...like a brightness that wanted to extend its reach to everything around her, to share that warmth just because it was innate to her. It would've been something so foreign to Seraphina, were it not for the remnants of something similar pulling at the back of her mind.

The way Remi—without a thought—had taken her hand with an excited smile, guiding her along to somewhere while she almost dragged her feet—just as her older sister had done in a time that felt so distant, now forced to be suffocated beneath a deadly cold that wanted her to forget it all, to detach herself from the moments where she ever came close to having a warm-hearted bond with another.

Then there was John, so naturally irritating in the way he was, the way he'd challenge almost anything she said with an amusing remark, tiptoeing around her nerves and brandishing that damned smile all while doing so—scratching an itch that Seraphina could never bring herself to admit she had.

He wouldn't knock against her wall and softly encourage her to let herself take a step out of it like Remi would, how it felt she would. No, he'd kick dents into it until it all fell apart and then challenge her at who could make a better car from the broken pieces. Even worse, he may very well talk her into it.

"—I actually really like the pineapple flavor too...!"

"For the love of—!" John slumps in his seat, lazily threw his hands up, then made them drop just as quickly, "Heathens, all of you! ...Oh, wait!"

John snaps his fingers in quick succession before turning back to Seraphina. "Sera. Boba. Favorite flavor. Now."

John anxiously waits for Seraphina's answer, while she just blinks down at him.

Behind them, Remi eyes raised as she tilted her head. John calls her Sera?

She ponders on that for a moment, then just smiles to herself. She's comfortable enough with him to go by a nickname, that's nice to know!

"Boba...it's a drink? I've never had it." She admits.

John almost gags as a reaction, but instead, he claps his hands. "You know what, fucking perfect, blank slate. Mark it down, Sera; We get an A on this part of the project and we're heading off to Woaba Boba after classes finish! I'm getting outnumbered here!" He finishes with a whisper, jabbing a thumb back at Remi and Blyke, who dare to declare another type of boba as their favorite besides Mango.

"Oh come on, don't be like that! It's not like I swore allegiance to only Mango or Pineapple, I can enjoy both!" Remi said, quick to defend herself.

"Nah nah nah, stay on that side you chose." He said, playfully dismissive. "Damn...pineappler."

"That's not even a word!" Remi challenges, almost laughing at the buffoonery John was trying to hit her with.

"And pineapple isn't even Top 10 in boba flavors, yet here we are!" John retorts, turning back to Remi, throwing up a hand in playful frustration.

There was something unique in seeing these two energies clashing in such a jovial, almost nonsensical way. It had no real meaning, just a way to fill out the time of a monotonous journey really. 

Yet, she found the ride to the Turf War area...just a bit more enjoyable watching the exchange. If it continued on their way back...it wouldn't be so bad in her eyes.

...Why not, she'll mark it down on her calendar.

Making their way past the turnstiles and ascending the final escalator, the four are greeted with the sun's familiar glare—having been without it for the past 10 minutes as Seraphina and Remi guided the other two through the subway—before it's hidden away by light clouds. A chilly breeze passes through, and everyone almost immediately sets their hands in their pockets. It was a good thing almost everyone wore hoodies to the event.

"Are you feeling alright, Seraphina? Sorry I ended up rushing us out—"

"Chilly weather doesn't bother me much." Seraphina replies, rather quickly. She'd been the outlier, wearing her uniform. "If I thought I needed it I would've taken one, don't bother yourself over it." 

"A-Ah, okay." Remi said with a quick nod and a small, relieved smile.

"Huh, didn't think the place would be so...barren." Blyke remarks as they walk through the field that laid bare nothing except dry and cracked earth, stretched all around the area with only bits of greenery and trees off in the distance to keep it from appearing like a wasteland.

"For a place as preppy as Wellston, I would've expected some sort of arena," John said, agreeing with Blyke; It didn't look much different to all the other areas he had been to during Turf Wars. "Maybe a crowd of adoring fans to go along with it."

Remi laughed. Seraphina internally remarked that she was glad that wasn't the case and turned to John. "A bit much, wouldn't you think?"

John shrugged, "Fits the ego," he said, earning a narrowed look from Seraphina that he avoided by glancing over at Blyke. "So, you still up for this?"

"Don't ask me that kinda question," Blyke remarks, a slight bit of hesitance in his voice. They were literally right fucking here, it would be a bitch move to back out now.

John just laughed, expecting something like that from Blyke. "Just making sure," He says, before giving him a soft fistbump in the shoulder. "Don't worry, I won't go too hard on ya."

"Uh-huh. What's that in relation to cratering a guy into the wall?" 

"Psh, you've done more to Isen for less, I don't wanna hear that shit." John shakes his head, then grabs his chin in thought, "But, Uhhhhh...50%...Ish?"

Blyke rolls his eyes, "Oh yeah, that's real reassuring..."

"Man, fuck you, you're the one who made me bring percentages into this!"

"Wat—the hell I did, you chose that on your own, dumbass! Not my fault you can't scale shit correctly."

"You know what, you're right." John mockingly admitted, throwing a heavy shrug. "Why even bother? I'll just throw everything I got at you and we'll see how the scales line up then. How 'bout that, you fuck." John challenged, having no intention of actually doing so, this was just fun.

It seemed Blyke felt the same way, he could feel himself wanting to push himself further for the spar, however friendly it might be. "Bring it on then, asshole," he said, throwing John a good-hearted middle finger.

Seraphina's attention moved from the two behind her to the girl beside her as Remi leaned closer to whisper. "This is, like, the quickest I've seen Blyke get along so well with someone else. Even with me and Isen, it still took like a month!"

"Is that so?" Seraphina says, turning back to hear John rant about how Kirby's going to beat the hell out of Ryu when they get back to the dorms.

She was completely lost in whatever that meant.

"You can probably relate, right?"

She turned back to Remi, who looked at her with kind, relaxed eyes that came with a warmth beyond just the red of them. She must've looked confused as Remi clarified, "It just seems like John brings a bit more out of you than when you're talking to someone else."

Seraphina hums, looking forward now, not sure what to say at first. "Seems like that's the way it is with anyone John talks to..." she shrugs.

That gets a giggle out of Remi, something Seraphina glances at to see, just for a moment. 

"Yeah, that makes sense, he's quite...magnetic, I suppose?" She asks, looking to Seraphina and reassured herself with a nod when the Queen confirmed she was using that right. "Kinda envious of that part of him if I'm being honest, might need to ask him for some tips." She jests, scratching her cheek with a sheepish smile.

It had some truth to it in her eyes, the way John left such a presence on those around him, the way he could so easily connect to others, regardless of who they were. It's something Remi already knows she could improve upon and she'll make sure to do so, to make up for all that she let slip past her.

"Give yourself more credit."

Remi's eyes widened slightly, glancing to the side of her where the words said in a whisper had come from, as Seraphina simply continued to walk and look on ahead.

She blinks, but then her lips curl up into a smile that seems to lift the rest of her. 

"Thanks, Seraphina..." 

Another whisper left to carry on, marinating the silence between them as their walk just about finished

"The spar between John Doe and Blyke Verril will now begin shortly! I wish both fighters good luck!" Remi says, putting on her announcer voice that she's waited far too long to use. 

The two fighters stood dozens of feet away from each other, taking a few moments to prepare themselves. 

Blyke hopped, alternating between his feet before syncing them together, helping the blood flow through his body. All while his yellow eyes aimed at John, who merely worked out any minor knots and kinks in his body—his practice with his other friends earlier was a good enough warm-up.

John saw the look in Blyke's eyes and returned it with a nod, smiling readily. He kept his stance neutral; shoulders back, feet planted with his right just a bit ahead of the other, and his arms at his side only partially tensed.

Remi looks beside her to Seraphina, nudging her head. Seraphina supposes the girl wants her to add something as well, and she finds herself thinking of what before the question of why ever crosses her mind. By the time it does, she's already cupped her hands around her mouth.

Even with a raised voice, her words still carried their usual monotone.

"Bruise his shins, Blyke."

"W-Wha—Sera, what the fuck?!?!?!" 

But that apathetic tone mixed with John's dramatic-ass reaction, squatting down and shoving his legs beneath his hoodie as if to protect them from any attackers, forced Blyke to nearly topple over himself as cackles bursted from his gut—the heat from it overtaking any chill his body had for the next few moments—while Remi finds herself needing something to support herself from doing the same, her back hurting from laughter.

In a thoughtless second, she reaches out for Seraphina and the Queen notices this out the corner of her eye. Her instincts should've told her to move away, she should've been fast enough to, but the hand just seemed to slip through all her defenses, landing gently upon her shoulder and tightening the slightest bit for stability. Seraphina...doesn't find herself bothered.

Moments later, a few tears of joy are wiped away, and they re-run through the announcement as if they had to cut the camera the first time. John aims a playful glare at Seraphina, who looks blankly back at him, before exhaling an annoyed sigh and looking back at Blyke, gesturing him to come forward.

Blyke's arms tensed as his eyes narrowed in thought. He already knew, Once I activate my ability, I'm definitely screwed. 

He sighs before his yellow eyes begin to glow, and spheres of energy generate in his palms. 

The moment John felt Blyke's aura begin to flow, he activated his ability in turn. He familiarized himself with the shape of the aura and felt some of his own mirror it. He smiled.

It's fine. I wasn't expecting to win in the first place...I'm just gonna give everything I got!

Oooh, this is a fun one.

Blyke throws the explosive spheres toward John, planning to kick up a bunch of dust around him, and gathers condensed energy into the palms of his hands. My ability doesn't give much speed or durability, so I should be able to at least land a decent shot at him!

As the spheres left Blyke's hands, John raised one of his. Faint black and orange energy gathered before it and a sudden force erupted, enough so that the spheres were sent flying back the way they came, straight towards Blyke.  

What the—?!

Blyke doesn't have time to question how John did that. He shot his half-charged beam towards his stray spheres, causing one after the other to explode, kicking up clouds of dust larger than he was planning them to be. Through those clouds of dust, John emerged, propelling himself forward with beams launched behind him, at a speed quite a bit faster than Blyke had gotten himself to.

Shit! 

Blyke sees John ready a fist behind him and quickly fires off a beam to propel him off to the side to dodge the attack, only to curse himself as John quickly changes his trajectory by using an angled beam of his own to propel, catching Blyke and slamming the back of his left fist near his head. With just enough time, Blyke protects himself with his arm, making it take the brunt of the force. What he didn't expect was for John to slam an open palm into his side and use another burst of energy to blast Blyke away. Quickly, Blyke fires beams behind him, acting as a counterforce against the shockwave and letting himself stay on his feet. 

Nice.  Quick thinking, Blyke. 

"That! That fucking shockwave thing—how the hell did you do that?!" Blyke questions.

John narrows an eye, growing that smile he usually has when he's fucking around. "How else, dumbass? With your ability." 

"Fucking jackass, don't even! I know for a fact I can't do that shit!"

John's smile turns more genuine as he rubs the back of his neck. "It's not that you can't—you just don't know how to. Yet."

Blyke's eyes widen slightly, and John can see something familiar within them. A desire. Hunger for more. He's well acquainted with it.

"You instinctively charge your aura into a concentrated point; it was likely the first trait you learned within your kit, so you stuck to it—it's what you're used to, what your aura is used to. It's precise and strong, but takes focus and can turn out lethal." John begins, reiterating some of his words from earlier as he charged a beam within the palm of his hand as an example.

He then holds it out to his side at an empty space within the area. Within a few moments, the ball morphs into black and orange energy radiating around John's hand.

"Instead of that, I took the aura and..." John snaps his fingers a few times trying to find the words. "Expanded it out from that concentrated point and spread the power across a wider area." He decides with a flippant wave of his free hand, before letting off the contained burst of energy that could definitely be felt by everyone in the area.

Blyke had slowly nodded throughout the explanation, thinking he understood what John meant. "So instead of hitting someone with a spear, you bash a shield into them?"

John sits on those words for a moment before slowly nodding himself. "Yeah, something like that. Good analogy." He compliments, then gestures Blyke forward. "Enough talking for now, I want to see how you fare when you're up close and personal with your opponent."

Blyke's making sure to store that info for later. For now, he nods. Hand-to-hand it is.

He propels himself toward an awaiting John, beginning a contest of fists. 

He'd never considered himself a slouch when it came to fighting up close. Even with his type of ability, he knew having some experience in close quarters would do him good—save him on energy he could use for bigger attacks. But, with every hit he attempted to land, John deflected and countered. His movements were too quick, too precise.

Blyke throws a hit that John sidesteps. He immediately makes his body twist, driving forth another that he aims at John's chin. It almost lands, but instead gets blocked and restrained in John's palm.  

Not bad, he's got solid moves.

John keeps a grip on Blyke's fist while his other hand moves around Blyke's neck, taking advantage his control to pull Blyke in. He drives his knee forward into Blyke's stomach— just a bit slower than he normally would—and he smiles when he feels himself hit the red-head's free arm instead of his stomach. Good shit, Blyke—

Blyke slammed his head into John's nose and broke free of his hold. He fires off a beam to quickly propel himself just a short distance away, then throws twin energy spheres at the ground at John's feet, pushing up even more dust clouds. He threw himself into a sprint, the glow in his yellow eyes fading away.

Besides some coughing, John wasn't particularly bothered with the dust cloud, his hoodie sleeve pulled up to wipe the blood off his nose—Good move, Blyke, but fuck you.

As he focuses back in, he realizes he can't sense Blyke's aura...and he lets out a small chuckle. He has to rely on just his regular senses for this. His eyes trail all around him in a circle, slightly irritated by the particles of dust itching at them, while he tries to make out sounds of footsteps moving towards him. 

He turns and is met with Blyke body-slamming him. Despite the surprise, they have similar physiques and, with some maneuvering, John's able to keep his balance and plant his feet as he brings his arms up to defend against Blyke's rush of hits, just as he feels Blyke's aura radiate again, the increased power behind his fists returning.

After distracting me and obscuring my vision, he deactivated his ability so I couldn't use that to sense where he was. He wanted to get in whatever hits he could. 

Without a doubt, John was impressed. 

Taking advantage of that same increased strength, John sidesteps an attack and slams his arm into Blyke's torso, making him gasp—the breath leaving his lungs as he's knocked down. John pulls him along and throws him forward, but Blyke rolls and is back on his feet seconds later, ready to fire off a finger beam at John, but finds himself stopping on impulse at the sight of John.  

The black and orange energy that radiated faintly around him before had now severely grown in intensity, spiking around John as it charged and pulsating, alive with power. A power that made Blyke stiff with hesitation and fear. He barely hears John's friendly warning to brace himself but his body instinctively does so. Even with planting his feet as firmly as he can and leaning forward with his arms in front of him, the sheer power of John's shockwave left Blyke no hope. He emerges from the dust cloud with his body careening across the ground, feeling the rough earth drag against his hoodie and skin—dealing with minor knicks and scratches across his hands and face.

Blyke gets ahold of his breathing and is back on his feet. There's a little blood on his face that he wipes off before his eyes lock back onto John, the dust clouds having dissipated and now simply striding toward the redhead. 

The question, How much stronger does my ability become when he's using it, runs through Blyke's head, all while he takes his two hands and focuses on gathering as much condensed energy as he can between them.

As if he understands the question in Blyke's mind, John shouts, "Go ahead, Blyke. Charge that shit up!" 

Blyke chuckles, hearing the smile in John's words. That past feeling of fear washed away as if it was never there. Alright, fuck yeah.

—

If there's one thing Seraphina can be sure of, Remi's certainly been entertained by the fight. She was quite animated in her reactions, following along with small moves of her own. Seraphina found her focus moving back and forth between the fight and Remi's colorful commentary.

"It'll come to an end with a flashy finale, and the crowd draws in breath in anticipation...!" She announces, before drawing in a long breath of her own.

She lets go of it quickly enough though, and remarks, "But, wow, I wasn't expecting John's ability to be so similar to Blyke's. Though, that shockwave he did is pretty different." She says, putting a finger to her cheek. Not only that, his hand-to-hand was great as well!

"It's in the hands of someone stronger and more experienced. Makes sense he'd have access to things that his opponent wouldn't." Seraphina says blatantly, finding herself willing to give John a bit more credit. 

Being able to experience and learn from the strengths and weaknesses of any ability, having to adapt his combat style to whatever he's faced with, it's certainly not something many could do so easily in her eyes. Almost everyone spends their life just needing to focus on their single ability, and some aren't even capable of using that to their fullest potential, let alone mastering an ever-changing moveset.

It does make her ponder if that statement could apply to her as well. Given more experience, could John use her ability in ways even she hasn't grasp yet?

Remi nodded. That makes sense, though the way Seraphina worded that, "You make it sound like John has Blyke's actual ability," She says with a chuckle.

A chuckle that's short-lived as Seraphina looks at Remi blankly, her head almost tilted. "You don't know what his ability does?" 

The two had seemed pretty close, Seraphina thought she would've known. Blyke seemed to, at least.

"Uh...no?" Remi says with a shrug, in a tone that makes it sound like she's in trouble. "I've never seen it before and I heard he's pretty secretive about it and..."

Seraphina could see the gears turning within Remi's head just from her expression alone, ranging from processing her words, piecing together the implication behind them, and then understanding it. It leaves way for one of the most flabbergasted expressions she's ever seen on Remi—on anyone, actually.

"No way!" Remi can only say, eyes wide like saucers.

Seraphina blinks, then nods. "...Way."

"I..." Remi's at a loss for words, in all honestly. "Just...wow." 

Seraphina had been watching the spar with mild interest, though seeing the two fighters taking a moment, she decided to deal with something she'd been wondering about. Something that'd been tugging at the back of her mind. Remi was right here anyway.

She says her name, and Remi immediately looks at her with a smile that brightens even the air around her. "What's up?" she chirps.

"About John," Seraphina begins, and for a moment Remi's breath is caught in her throat, "You talked with him last week, why was that?"

"A-Ah, that's what you were asking..."

Seraphina hears Remi quickly mumble that to herself, before turning back to her. "You've probably heard about what happened between John and those other students in the courtyard, right?" She questions. Seraphina nods.

"When I found out, I went to John. I wanted to know why it happened to begin with. Turns out, those students had been...tormenting many of the students below them in strength. John wanted them to stop, tried to tell them to, and they...didn't want to listen, I suppose."

I see, Seraphina hummed, adjusting her crossed arms.

"The problem is beyond just them though. This treatment of other students has been occurring for a while, to say the least." Remi continues, scratching her head in mild frustration that she wants to quell before it engulfs her. "All that time, students were getting hurt and we just never seemed to notice. Kinda sucks, doesn't it?" She remarks, lazily throwing her hands up in a shrug and a sad laugh coming from her throat.

Seraphina didn't like what she saw, something about it made her gaze drift away from Remi and back to the two sparring—it looked like Blyke was still charging up his attack.

Remi's lips pursed when Seraphina looked away. She had hoped for words of affirmation, that another of the strongest did care about what happened, even if she had difficulty showing it. Instead, she's reminded of her talk with Arlo earlier went and finds herself gripping on the fabric of her hoodie, biting at her lip.

"John and I will do our best to stop it, and Blyke's said he'll help as well. It'd...It'd be great to know we have your support, Seraphina...!" She says, trying to sound optimistic. Seraphina's unreadable gaze returns to her. "With your strength, resolving these issues could be easier and others could be influenced by it." Maybe with you, Arlo could be more open to—

"I don't see the point of it."

Remi feels something in her drop.

"If you want to do it, go ahead. I don't intend to stop you," Seraphina adds, quickly, "I just...don't really care one way or the other."

"Don't care...?" Remi whispers, almost to herself. "Seraphina, students we're supposed to look after have been getting hurt for so long. How...How could you say—?"

"The weak are always at the mercy of those stronger than them, it's only natural some would take advantage of it. Trying to put an end to all of it would be impossible." 

Seraphina's arm grips into the other, A feeling in her chest tightens, restrains her. Her eyes are still away from Remi as she releases a stiff shrug. "It's just the way it is." 

It's the role they need to play...from the moment they were born. A wicked echo—deeply seated into the roots of her mind—reminds her. Just as you do, born to stand above the rest as the pinnacle. So why are you wasting your time with these—?

"But it doesn't need to be. It shouldn't be."

Seraphina feels the tension in her fingers lax, grip weakening, and as her slightly widened eyes drift back to Remi, the girl looks back at her with determination in her red eyes. But, not just that. Within those same eyes, there's something...straining, like a thread beginning to pull apart—and a faint but unmissable feeling in the Queen tells her she doesn't want that to happen.

"No one should be expected to be burdened by pain just because of who they are. I don't care if it's impossible, I'll prevent as much of it as I can." 

Her eyes glanced away from Seraphina for a moment, returning with a smile that tried to appear reassuring. "Don't worry about it. It wouldn't be right forcing you to do something you didn't want to do," She begins, missing the way those words tug at something within Seraphina, like gentle plucking on a guitar's strings.

Remi softly chuckles, Not that I could to begin with, she admits internally. Even if she could, she wouldn't want to, that wouldn't be right. "If it's not something you're interested in doing, I understand. Just...sit on it for a while, if you're willing?" She asks, softly.

But Remi doesn't look for her response, turning her attention back to the spar at hand, and for once in a long while, Seraphina finds herself at an actual loss for words. She's unsure of what to say—if she wants to say anything, if she thinks it'll mean anything. So instead, there's simply silence left between them, filled with much more hesitance and uncertainty than before.

—

"You ready to go?" John shouts to ask, tensing every finger on his hands, at his side as he's leaned forward slightly.

Blyke looks at his charged beam. Yeah, that's about all he can focus into the attack. So he nods and shouts back, "What about you?"

John grins. He brings his flexed hands up, making his palms face each other with only his thumbs in between them. Blyke's confusion quickly grows into shock, as from each of John's fingers, balls of energy began to generate, charging with power quickly.

No fucking way...!

"It's on you, Blyke." 

Hearing John's words, Blyke centers himself, getting back the energy that dissipated in his charged beam from his loss of concentration. One last deep breath in, and he fires off his most powerful beam with a shout. "Eat THIS!" You fucking Kirby Main, Blyke adds in his mind.

As the large red and white beam fired off towards him, John quickly fired ten precise beams of black and orange energy from his fingertips, straight toward Blyke's incoming attack. And as they collided, Blyke realized, there was no contest...

He tore through my fucking beam...

John's ten beams pierced straight through Blyke's, making it splinter off, shreds of it haplessly hitting the ground around them in different directions in seconds. The beams didn't stop at that, as they shot through Blyke's beam, traveling through it, they emerged from the other side, heading straight for him. 

Fuck, I'm dead. 

He couldn't bother dodging, he wouldn't have time to launch a—

Blyke's suddenly thrown off to the side, moments before the beams could reach him, blasted away by John. Right after he fired off his beams, John dashed and propelled himself alongside them to quickly cross the distance to Blyke, with enough time to generate another shockwave to blast Blyke out of the way of his beams. 

He watches his beams travel across the empty plains until they finally dissipate, then moves toward the still-recovering Blyke. The redhead gets up to his knees and twists around to aim a finger beam at John—but stops as he feels five beams woosh right past the top of his head, and the sides of his arms and his legs, barely missing him. John stands over him—his fingers radiating another 5 charged beams, ready and waiting—and Blyke feels the drop of sweat running down his cheek go cold.

"Aight pinhead, yer time is up," John says.

...He sees the flash of recognition in Blyke's eyes and he smiles when Blyke smiles.

"Man who da fuk you calling pinhead?!" Blyke returns, mimicking the starfish's voice.

The beams of John's fingers dissipate as he claps his hands together, "Fuck yeah, let's go!"

John and Blyke share a good laugh, and when John puts his hand out to help Blyke up, he takes it.

"Wait, so who's the real dirty dan?" Blyke questions, while John shifts his eyes over to where Seraphina and Remi are. The latter gives a small wave.

"Better question is, which one of them's the hibernating squirrel?" John asks.

"...Is that really a question you want to ask?" Blyke whispers.

"Definitely not a question you want to answer," John whispers back

"Then maybe we should shut the fuck up."

"Agreed." 

The two share another small laugh before Blyke looks at his hand, trying to focus and disperse energy between his fingers. He can almost comfortably focus simultaneous beams from two fingers, but the moment he tries to make a third, his control destabilizes, goes all fucking wobbly, and he loses it. "Fuck, I can barely get two...and that shockwave shit, I never even thought of...damn." He mutters, 

John can hear the irritation in his words, an irritation he can remember being in his own once upon a time.

"Trust me, I get what you're feeling," John remarks, and Blyke looks at him, unexpecting curiosity in his eyes. "I got stuck on how I could improve my ability plenty of times when I was trying to get stronger, annoyed the shit out of me too." He remarks with a rueful chuckle. Annoyed is definitely putting it lightly, fucking liar.

John knows he was lucky that Claire put up with him at that point. He'd gotten a shortcut to knowing more of his ability because of her to begin with and he had the nerve to get so fucking pissy when she couldn't provide more, even when he knew it was always out of her hands. 

It was because of her that he had that one monumental breakthrough with realizing he could learn to amplify his copied abilities, what allowed him to break through boundaries and achieve High-Tier status. Could he have even thought of that being a possibility without her? John's not sure himself.

He finds it almost funny, how he's ended up falling into the role Claire once had to him.

"So Blyke, what do you say to me helping you out?"

His eyes meet Blyke's with a smile, and the redhead seems to take a moment to blink, playing through what John just said.

"You...Y-You mean like, training me?" Blyke asks, making sure he understood it right, and John nods. Blyke goes to say something, but John raises a finger, needing to add something.

"I'd need something from you, though. Recently, I've been helping some friends of mine with their hand-to-hand, to help defend themselves in fights." John begins, and he's sure Blyke knows who he's talking about. 

"Thing is, I guess a few others have heard about it and want to join as well. Frankly, I'd be more comfortable accepting it if I had someone else helping me...and that's where you come in!" John finishes with played-up excitement, pointed fingers and everything.

 Blyke just looks at him with confusion, Da fuk?

John waves it away, whatever. "So, since your hand-to-hand is pretty good, that's where my offer comes in. You help me with those lessons for them, and I'll help you train your ability and get stronger."

Blyke almost immediately says yes to it. He's always up for growing stronger and, even beyond the shockwaves and multiple finger beams, the thought of what else he could learn makes excitement swell within him. If that's what he can gain, he doesn't mind helping out a few other students trying to defend themselves from the dickheads in Wellston. He only stops to ask one question.

"...Why me?"  

Why put that kind of effort into helping him?

John's gaze softens, a flicker of reminiscence flashing in his mind, of many things, but all tied back to his home—his dad and his friends. 

He raises a fist and softly bumps it into Blyke's shoulder.

"You're a protector. There's no doubt in my mind someone like you should be leading the way, and I want to help get you there." 

Chapter Text

"You're a protector. There's no doubt in my mind someone like you should be leading the way, and I want to help get you there." 

Blyke had to be honest, hearing someone tell him that felt...fucking great. A surge of pride in himself enveloped him at the core. To hear someone like John—someone he not only respected for his strength but genuinely enjoyed being around—say that to him?

...Damn it, don't get choked up! That'd be way too embarrassing! 

Regardless, he was pumped! Remi gushed over how cool their match was to view and even freaking Seraphina—Fuck off, John, he's not a fanboy—complimented his quick thinking and versatile ability! She looked a bit...distant while she said it, but he figured that was just how she came off and took the compliment for what it was.

From leaving the Turf War area to boarding the train back to Wellston, there was a smile etched onto Blyke that he couldn't get rid of.

On their way back to Wellston, Remi gazed at John and Blyke, smiling as the two boys sat across from her and Seraphina. She had no regrets approving their use of the area; Seeing their spar and John's ability in action was a blast!

She was still trying to wrap her head around the latter, and she felt apologetic about hitting John with a barrage of questions on how it worked—some answered and some not, but she didn't blame him. His ability, his decision on what he gives out. 

Being able to sense other peoples' aura and use their abilities by mimicking it, then amplifying it to make it stronger? It sounded insane and never crossed Remi's mind as a possibility, but with John, it seemed like he had a track record of making things possible when they shouldn't be...  

Remi quickly centered herself before she went into daydream mode, not wanting that feeling from before to creep on her again. Instead, she ponders over what Blyke and John were talking about, discussing how and when to work Blyke's ability training and John's combat lessons into their schedules. 

She rarely saw Blyke get so excited, but she wasn't complaining. She thought it was a great idea, actually. If there was anyone she knew who deserved to grow stronger and positively influence Wellston, Blyke would certainly be at the top of her list. He was her go-to substitute as Jack if she were ever unavailable—Isen would happily admit not wanting to do so—and he already practiced some responsibilities a Royal would need to do, whether on his own or when helping her out.

Blyke had the drive and heart for it; If he grew stronger, it would only help what they're trying to do, and Remi couldn't think of anyone else better suited for helping Blyke than John. Not just his persona, but even his ability seemed like the perfect conduit—showing what could be done and then guiding through how to do so.   

And in return, Blyke would help teach the weaker students to defend themselves. An Elite-Tier talking to the lower-ranked students and actively helping keep them safe against unjust harm would be another great step in repairing the disconnect between the ranks. 

She almost offered her help as well, but she was sure John and Blyke had more proficiency in hand-to-hand than she did anyway, and would do better teaching it. If they asked her though, she'd do so without a second thought! Maybe if there were a few more to teach?

...! An idea's been stored in the think tank!

She then wonders, with Blyke getting trained, could he ever become strong enough to match her? Sure, there was a considerable gap between their levels—and she wasn't exactly hoping to get kicked out of her position—but she believed in Blyke's potential, and if John did too, then that only solidified it. 

Her position didn't define her capabilities. Royal or not, she'd still do whatever she could to help. 

"I don't see the point of it."

Remi's smile slowly fades, her expression becoming more uncertain as she leans back into her seat and her eyes drift to the girl beside her. Seraphina held her arms tightly crossed, maintaining a stiff posture against the train seat. Her gaze was distant, scrutinizing something, but not focused on anything particular, not even at Blyke and John's rowdy behavior as they went off-topic to have another nonsensical argument.

She was almost statue-like, Remi thought as she looked at her, and continued to do so out of the corner of her eye. She wasn't sure why. Perhaps there was something she saw in the clear blue eyes of her Queen. She hoped it wasn't just something she was forcing herself to see, but...beneath the chilling ice, she thought she saw doubt. 

Doubt of what? She wasn't sure. Her eyes snapped away from Seraphina's when it seemed like the girl would catch her staring—

Looking! Just looking, big difference... 

She'll just go on her phone for now, completely unrelated to all this, obviously.

Remi internally sighed. The disconnect in the atmosphere was getting to her. While the air around John and Blyke felt light, lively, and excitable, the space between Seraphina and herself just felt cold and awkward; Not a single word had been said between the two since they departed from the turf grounds and gotten onto the train. Remi wanted to say something to change this, but she just wasn't sure what. Nothing felt good enough in her head, and she really didn't want to say something dumb and make it even more awkward and—

Seraphina, all the while, felt the same—even if she didn't portray it in her expression as much.

She tried to ignore it, to brush off whatever made her so uncomfortable with the way she and Remi's conversation ended back at the Turf War Grounds. Regardless of her few attempts at doing so, however, it all just seemed to fall short. From trying to fall into a bored daze with the white noise of the train whistling them along back to their dormitories, or focusing on the sun barely peaking through the clouds off in the distance as it reached closer and closer to sunset, to even trying to understand whatever John and Blyke were talking about across from her and knitting her brow in trying to decide whatever playful insult John had just aimed at Blyke was impressively creative or just demented.

The last one almost allowed a smile to cross her lips, before she just...felt it beside her, not even needing to glance Remi's way to know that her eyes were on Seraphina. She'd spent so much time with others watching her every move that sensing that encroaching feeling became almost second nature to her. 

Remi's gaze, however, felt...different. It didn't feel invasive, not like painfully precise needle pins piercing through her entirety and pulling her up and along however they needed her to appear, that threaten to make her fall apart if just one gets pulled away. No, it was...careful and considerate, a curious and hopeful wish it could find a way for this strung-up doll to be untied from it all, if only a bit at the least, so that it may allow itself to move as it wished, even if it needed to do so with another's help.

It was a profoundly unique feeling, and she couldn't help but slightly glance Remi's way, hoping to see all of that portrayed in the simplistic, earnest depth of those light red eyes. Before they could connect, Remi jerked her head, staring off in a direction opposite to Seraphina's. 

Seraphina keeps her gaze held there for a moment, wondering—perhaps...hoping—that Remi would end up looking back. She doesn't, even reaching down to scroll through her phone it seems, and it would take a keen eye for one to notice the way disappointment tugs at the Queen of Wellston.     

Disappointment, followed by accreting irritation. She stares down at the steel floor of the train, threatening to burn a hole into it. Why was this, of all things, bothering her? 

Because she's the problem.

It's that echo from before; That cold, authoritative reminder of all that she's been taught, of every rule her parents embedded in her world view with every action they made, and it tells her there's something wrong with Remi. This girl who leads with naive kindness instead of true authority, who thinks she can somehow change the way society has shown them how to behave, even if just within the confined pocket world of a school.

She has no sense of discipline. Her idealistic purpose leads her through the lens of a child's fairy tale version of the world. She can't even cause the changes she wants to make on her own. She has to make use of the others around her for it to even be possible, as if they were her equals.

God, it felt like she was back in training, where not just the techniques of her ability were drilled into her—forced to repeat the motions hundreds of times, even as the backlash grew worse and worse and she could barely stand by the end of it—but also the way they needed to view the world, the only way they were allowed to view it.

"Understand your proper place, achieve everything that is destined for you, and govern the ones below you with absolute perfection. That's what it means to be born into the Evermore family. Everyone you encounter that aids you along the way is simply a stepping stone, putting itself in its proper place so that you may reach your rightful pedestal."

And yet, this girl doesn't seem to understand that. That she's not meant to be someone who can rise to enact such changes, and yet will still try. 

She's a risk. A benign parasite that could become malignant if left to her own devices. Those idiotic ideals of hers need to be crushed.

Seraphina's nails digged into her palms, knuckles growing white while she threatens to have red drip down her skin. 

She's trying to defy the nature of the system that places you where you rightfully deserve to be. It would take away the power and hold you're meant to have over the ones below you. Your pedestal would mean nothing, chopped down bit by bit until it no longer exists and you're forced on equal footing with all the damn imperfections. 

Seraphina's entire body is tensed, solid as stone as she falls into familiar habits when these reminders came to her. Stay quiet and accept what is demanded, formulate pathways that can allow her to reach the destination she wanted, so that the reminders can become docile again—

Except, in a moment of silent realization, she stops before starting, and her eyes widen as she reaches a conclusion she wasn't supposed to.

There would be no pedestal to stand on...

To let myself be brought down to those who are imperfect means...it would be fine for me to be as well. 

Perfection wouldn't be a necessity. She could just...be as she wants to be. 

She glances up at the boy opposite of her.

Like you are.

In that moment, the reminders pull away from the forefront of her mind, and now she simply feels...content. Enough to settle that feeling in the air and turn to look at her Jack, "Hey, Remi—" 

"Seraphina, I need your number!"

Remi suddenly says, bridging the gap between them as she leaned in closer, pulling so lightly on Seraphina's sleeve even as her tone was rather urgent. When Seraphina could shift her gaze away from the red eyes she'd wanted to see into moments before, she noticed Remi was shaking her phone, showing off an image.

Oh, that's the photo of us after she became Jack.

 ...I thought I was smiling when she took it?

"I never asked for it so I could send the pic over to you and it's been months! Gah, it kept slipping my mind!" She explained, apologetic and rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment.

"Don't beat yourself over it," Seraphina replied. It's not like she had asked Remi to. 

"You're a bit behind on everything, aren't you?" John remarked, unfortunately having ended a game of Slappy Pig just before attaining a higher score.

"Hush, John." Remi and Seraphina responded, almost simultaneously,  and John quickly took to holding up his hands as a sign of surrender. 

Blyke coughed a laugh. "Shut you up real quick," he said, earning him an elbow to the arm that almost made him drop his phone. "Dickhead!"

Just before John and Blyke went back to their shit-talking, Remi intervened after finishing inputting Seraphina's number—who'd surprisingly given it without a second thought, "Actually, while I'm at it, I need to get yours too, John!" 

That would make communicating easier, wouldn't it. 

Remi nodded after saving his number, thanking the two and immediately sending Seraphina the image. 

"Oh, one more thing! What's your favorite colors?"

That question got a raised brow from John and Seraphina until Blyke chimed in. "Remi likes to put hearts next to our names in her phone, different colors if she can."

"Yup," Remi nodded with a smile, leaning in to show a few off to Seraphina. "Like, Arlo's green, Elaine's light blue, Isen's red, and Blyke's orange!" She said, before adding on that, "Well, those aren't exactly Isen and Blyke's favorite colors, but you know...yeah!"

It took a second for Seraphina to understand, but she got it. Ah.

"How cute," John remarked, looking off at Blyke with a shit-eating smirk, one that quickly filled Blyke's urge to watch it disappear when Ryu kicked his ass into the dirt.

Just you wait, you're gonna get got! 

"So, what about you two?" Remi asked, and John was first to answer.

"Blue," He said, before correcting himself, "Dark blue, specifically, if you can." He used the hoodie he was wearing as an example. No surprise, it was his favorite one.

"Cool, you got it!" She said, then looked at Seraphina.

Seraphina crossed her arms, closing her eyes for a moment and pondering if she even had a favorite color. She never exactly favored one over the other. They all had their use for something, but none of them had ever stood out to—

Her eyes slowly open to give John a harsh side-eye.

"Are you seriously humming the theme song to Geopardy right now?"

John, caught red-handed, just shrugged. "Honestly, it should not take you over five seconds to answer that question."

There was a brief pause, and Seraphina's gaze digged into John. 

Good show, mom watched that a lot. Blyke remembered fondly.

But then Seraphina responded. Not to John, but to Remi.

"...Black."

As Remi nodded and looked for a black heart emoji—Interesting choice, she thought—Seraphina kept her eyes on John, watching surprise fill his eyes as for just a brief second he tried to look up at his bangs.

Seraphina's next statement took all that attention away.

"By the way, that rendition was God. Awful."

"What?! Bullshit, that was pitch perfect!"