Joker blocks one of John's wind blades, slashing his arm as the boomerang slams into the sandy ground. He then stares at John with an intense but calm look.
Joker: Well well, I didn't know heroes can act so villainous, it really does show how similar we are.
John throws another blade of wind Joker. Joker blocks it and throws it off to the side, however his sleeve gets cut.
Joker: Ahh, I see, I lived so long, that I don't just see myself become the villain, I watch others do the same!
John gathers a bunch of wind and prepares to throw it at Joker.
Joker smiles as he prepares for the impact.
Meanwhile at Seraphina's house.
Servant: Miss Seraphina, here is the work you have been assigned, please have it done by tomorrow.
The maid walks out, as she walks out Sera knocks over all the books. She recalls when she was telling John her plan to go back to Wellston and crash at his place.
John: Sera isn't your suspension a month?
Sera: I'll wait for as long as I can, as soon as I can't take it, I'll just convince my parents to buy me a ticket back.
John: Yeah okay, if it was that easy you would have done it by now.
Sera waits till morning for the servant to arrive in her room?
Servant: Good morning Miss Seraphina, did you complete your tasks?
Seraphina: Nope!
Servant: And why is that?
Seraphina: Because I don't feel like it.
Servant: Miss, life is now about what you want, your parents gave you a task, it is your duty to complete it correctly and on time. If your mother finds out...
Sera: It's fine, I'm on my way to tell her myself.
Seraphina walks away from the servant. The servant grabs Serephina by the shoulder.
Servant: Please miss, I will relay the message myself.
Seraphina activates her ability to get away from the servant.
Seraphina: It's fine, I'll tell her myself.
She heads towards her mothers room.
Seraphina: Mom.
Seraphina's mom: Sera, what are you doing out of your room and why are those extensions-
Seraphina: Mom, I don't like how I am treated here, I want to walk around freely and dress as I please.
Seraphina's mother scoffs in disgust.
Seraphina's mother: Why are you complaining about such trivial matters, be grateful for everything we have given you, you were born privileged, don't abandon your responsibilities like your failure sister did.
Seraphina: You know, I think I know why Leilah ran away from this place. it's so cold and lifeless, everything is about responsibility and work despite how unnecessary it is. You call her a failure because of your insecurity as a parent and how you failed to raise her.
Seraphina's mother: Don't you DARE speak to me that way!
She goes for a slap using her ability but Sera blocks it with hers.
Seraphina's mother: How did you stop me?
Seraphina: Duhh, I'm faster!
Seraphina's mother: Seraphina stop, unfreeze me this instant!
Seraphina: I want a plane ride back to Wellston by the end of today, re-activating my credit cards and cell phone plan as well.
Seraphina's mother: Crazy child, why would I...?
Seraphina: Because I'm the only one who can unfreeze you!
Seraphina walks away as her mother screams back for her to unfreeze her.
Seraphina in her head: YES, I DID IT, just like you John, if a cripple can do what he wants why can't a high tier?, now, when I get to Wellston, I'm gonna make you my Romiette.
Meanwhile on the turf, Joker and John are battling each other. John summons a tornado and points it straight at Joker. Joker is caught in the center. Paralyzed by the dust forming in his eyes.
Joker: Ahh, I see, so a bit of wind and obstructing my eyes is gonna make me use my barrier, you're such a naive boy, you're gonna have to do better!
John cuts through the tornado and makes an attempt to cut Joker's arm, he misses only slightly grazing him.
John in his head: Dammit, use your own ability already!
John turns to face his opponent, swinging Meili's demon claw like a duelist with their swords. He then starts to levitate himself using wind and propels himself using wind straight at Joker. Joker uses Arlo's barrier to stop John, John cracks it causing Joker to cough up blood.
Meanwhile in Wellston. Arlo is called down to the Headmasters office.
Headmaster Vaughn: So, I called you down to get updates on your current duties.
Arlo: Well, the mob situation is starting off slow, with balancing a school life I find myself only getting a couple hours in the press room looking people up and their habits, but other than that I've already got three suspects on my radar.
Headmaster Vaughn: Arlo, never use school work as an excuse, find time in life to get your responsibilities done, life will do that to you, it's best that you learn this now so you know how to handle it. So, did John get the message?
Arlo: Headmaster, with all due respect, John is just exercising his power, I think he's finally growing, he'll put all these mid tier students in their place, maybe that will help control the mobs, out of fear for a new high tier.
Headmaster Vaughn looks at Arlo in disappointment, but realizes he wasn't specific on his reasoning for his request.
Headmaster Vaughn: Arlo, perhaps you weren't fully listening when I explained to you and Remi why we needed John to keep his cool, John is a.... unOrdinary specimen, where is he right now?
Arlo: At the field where we do turf wars.
Headmaster Vaughn: ALRO, GET THERE NOW, IF HE FIGHTS THOSE TWO AND WINS WE MIGHT HAVE A DOUBLE HOMICIDE ON OUR HANDS!
Arlo startled at the Headmaster's response rebuts
Arlo: But, John is a vigil...
Headmaster Vaughn: A VIGILANTE WITH UNLIMITED GOVERNMENTAL POWER!
Arlo: But if he kills them?
Headmaster Vaughn: Then he'll receive whatever it takes to dispose of two bodies, he's their greatest weapon, why would they care about two mid tiers especially if they started the fight. The authorities have ultimate power.
Arlo rushes out of Vaughn's office and heads to the station.
Meanwhile at the field, Joker brakes John's arm with his barrier and punches him ten meters away. John, who is flying, catches himself with Meili's claw. Joker uses his barrier to crush John, but John makes one of his own.
Joker in his head: Shit! his barrier, it's...
Joker remembers when Ventus, Meili, and Arlo ambushed him back in his world, the whole fight plays out over and over. John meanwhile keeps punching Joker's barrier while his own barrier protects him from the reflective damage, as well as Arlo's ability.
Joker, failing to learn from his past, prepares to fight John once he gets out of the barrier.
Meanwhile, the fight had waged on for hours, enough time for Sera to make it home from her plane ride.
Taxi Driver: Where to miss?
Sera: Wellston please!
Meanwhile back on the train heading to the turf war site.
Arlo in his head: John, you pain in my ass, why would you do this now!
Meanwhile John breaks free from Joker's barrier. Using wind John launches himself at Joker and plows him in the gut with his fist, Joker goes flying coughing up blood.
Joker: Awww Johnny boy, come on man, what if I had Seraphina?! You don't think you would get her back fighting like that do you?
John: Wow man, is that your only way to get into people's head, you just say their significant other over and over?
Joker looks at John with an angered look, as if his favorite toy was taken away. He then smiles. Like a switch being turned on and off.
Joker: Ohhh, so she IS your girlfriend?
John: Shut up. Don't jinx shit.
John in his head: That would be my worst nightmare. Losing her.
Joker: What no! I'm your worst nightmare, NEW BOSTIN SHOULD BE! you SHOULD...!
John activates his barrier and pins Joker to it, he repeatedly punches and kicks Joker. Joker, remembering what Arlo from his world did in this situation, blocks John's next punch, and moves out of the way when John goes for a headbutt.
John now bleeding from his forehead gets mad and activates his barrier over Joker. Joker uses his to block John's but it gets crushed in the process. Joker starts to fade away as Arlo pulls up to the turf war site.
Arlo: JOHN STOP!
Arlo heads to Meili and Ventus, horrified at what he saw.
Arlo: Where's the third person?!
John: I..I'll
Arlo: John you should know better! What the fuck man there only mid tiers!
Arlo proceeds to call Elaine.
John takes a seat on the ground, looking at Ventus's arm he stares in fear at what he has done, realizing his mistake.
Arlo: John...
John: Arlo enough! I get it, I should have just roughed 'em up a little.
Arlo: Now they know who you are.
John: No they don't.
Arlo: How? Your powers spell it out so clearly.
John: Why did you think I went so rough?
Arlo puts two and two together, John beat them to the point where they had brain damage and wouldn't be able to remember the event clearly.
John: I've fought enough times to know how to make your enemies forget things you want em to forget.
Arlo: John, you better shut the fuck up!
John: Hey, you try getting beaten up for a year straight for simply existing. See if that gets to your head?
Arlo pauses and processes what John said.
Arlo: Yeah well, you still should have gone easy on them, it's not like you were gonna lose to them either way. You know I'm gonna have to tell the Headmaster about this, right?
John: I get it. I could care less.
Arlo: Tch.
Arlo and John sit there for another twenty minutes before Elaine arrives.
Alro: John, what are you doing right now?
John: Correcting the bones in Vetnus's arm, they might heal better if they are put in place now.
Arlo: Oh Jesus Christ.
Arlo watches as John pushes them back in. The disgusting process makes Arlo almost vomit.
Arlo: What's with you and bones man, did they fuck your mom or something? Why the hell you constantly breaking them?
He gives Arlo a dirty look. As he does this Joker punches him in the face.
John: JEEZUS!
Joker: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Arlo: WHAT THE FUCK?!
Arlo puts his barrier over Joker as he creates one to stop his. John charges a bunch of wind as Joker breaks Arlo's barrier, he then dashes at John and pierces his gut. Arlo jumps up and punches Joker's face, breaking his jaw as Joker starts to take Arlo's form.
Arlo: WHAT THE FUCK YOUR-
Joker then slashes Arlo's chest. Arlo feels himself fly as he's pushed by Joker's wind. As he falls to the ground John slashes Joker, cutting both of his arms as he stares right at Arlo, smiling so wide that his teeth inside his mouth show. Arlo watches horrified, not sure who the hell attacked him. He sees John standing over Joker's body as it turns to dust in silence. Then, Elaine rushes over and sees Arlo.
Arlo in his head: Shit, Elaine, she'll worry about what that thing was. I gotta play it cool.
John walks away, far from him and Elaine as Elaine walks over to help up Arlo.
Elaine: Arlo, what happened?
Arlo: It's best if you didn't ask questions.
John at this point walks back to the station before Elaine catches him. Elaine looks at Meili and Ventus.
Elaine: Did they fight each other, they wouldn't ever do that though, and if they fought mirror images, then who would be able to do that?
Arlo doesn't answer, as John walks away Arlo notices John's left arm, it was crushed, like as if he punched his barrier.
Arlo in his head: That's strange, who else could have a barrier ability?
Arlo pulls out his phone to text John.
Arlo: Meet me at the gates Sunday, we'll talk more on the roof.
John checks his phone to see Arlo's message. He scoffs and heads on the train to home. He throws his bag against his house.
John: FUCK THIS LIFE! WHERE IS ALL THE WORTH?!
He throws his bag when suddenly he hears someone familiar.
Sera: Long time no see!
Sera, who was waiting on the front porch see's this and calls out to him. John freezes in shock with blood on his uniform and slight bruises on his face.
John: Sera...?
John's eyes are still glowing, he drops to his knees in defeat. Sera sees all the blood on him and rushes over.
John: Sera please don't look at me right now.
Sera: John what happened?
John: I, I couldn't find my hair gel, he he.
He says jokingly, hoping she would buy it.
Sera gets annoyed at John's answer, seeing her prince in such distress, only to get an answer as stupid as that makes her mad, but at the same time she can't bring herself to get mad at John.
John starts to tear up, unable to keep the humor up and distract Sera. Not knowing what to do or say to Sera. Sera pulls John up and walks him to his house.
She sets him down on the couch and calls Elaine.
Elaine back on the turf war field. She picks up her phone and sees Sera calling her.
Elaine: Hello?
Sera: Come quick it's John, he's hurt really badly!
Elaine: Oh my, nothing usually gets to him!
Sera: I know, come quick!
Elaine: Arlo, I have to go.
Arlo: Elaine, whatever you do, don't let this go around school, for John's sake.
Elaine's heart sinks into a pit of Darkness, as if those words alone dragged her soul into a dark and empty place.
Elaine: Arlo? Did John?
Arlo: Yeah, he finally snapped. When his phone broke it made him feel isolated so he-
Elaine: How did you know about that?
Arlo pauses before he tells Elaine the truth.
Arlo: Because, it was my fault, I told them to do so.
Elaine is shocked at what she just heard, she slaps Arlo across the face.
Elaine: ARLO WHY?! John is your friend!
Arlo: Friends? I only talk to him because I want him to start using his powers to run this school, everybody is starting to become some superhero, they are neglecting their duty as Royals , to help me out and stop forcing me to carry all this burdon...
Elaine: Arlo, John isn't like you and I, he's mentally il! The fact he even goes out everyday and tries to help people is nothing short of a miracle, now you want him to start taking students out back and beating them to death.
Arlo: I just...wait, you KNEW about his POWERS?!
Elaine: It was so obvious, why would we bring him into the group, to be nice? No offense but we don't have that kinda time. But you were supposed to be his friend!
Arlo: Oh, I see... I have to befriend him so you wouldn't have to, because you and me know DAMN well that we have better things to do than babysit some loony high tier who plays cripple.
Elaine: Shut up Arlo, don't make me out to be the villain, you almost caused the death of two innocent people, on top of that you act so righteous but you would have done the same as me!
Arlo: Don't try to make me the villain, you clearly aren't John's friend. Your nothing but an elite tier healer who acts like she knows what the fuck comes out of her mouth!
Elaine starts to tear up.
Elaine: Arlo, how could you, you jerk what was that for?!
Arlo: Don't ever act like you're better than him and me, we had a fight and that's it, something you wouldn't understand since all you do is heal.
Elaine: Arlo stop!
Arlo: Oh, so I'm just supposed to forget your first words to me when I explained to you why I was hanging with a cripple.
Elaine: Arlo don't.
Arlo: Oh my God Arlo, I just had to talk to a cripple. Why do we have to interact with him, eww gross.
Elaine: ARLO ENOUGH! What are you trying to do huh?!
Arlo sits there, not responding to Elaine's question.
Elaine: Arlo, Ventus is damaged for life, his arms were badly broken, he can't accurately aim anymore. From the angle of the brake it's unlikely the bone will heal 100%. Some kinda aura that's constantly left within the bone preventing it from healing 100%.
Arlo, remembering John fixing Ventus's arms, was shocked when Elaine found out.
Arlo: You don't know that...
Elaine: Arlo, I know these things more than you do. I'm studying medicine.
Arlo looks back down on the ground.
Elaine: The fact that you didn't even listen to the Headmaster....
Arlo: ELAINE ENOUGH! I'M DONE!
The shock from Arlo's sudden temperament causes Elaine to tear up again.
Elaine looks at Arlo.
Elaine: What happened to you?, you're not the man I fell in love with!
Arlo: Wait... What the hell are you talking about?
Elaine slaps Arlo in the face again. Arlo doesn't move out of devastation. His crush, the only girl he ever had feelings for, just told him that she lost feelings for him.
Arlo: Elaine, wait!
Elaine proceeds to walk away.
Elaine: I need to go, Sera needs me, make sure those two get to a hospital.
Arlo sits down looking at Meili and Vetnus, tears drop from his eyes.
Thirty minutes later at John's house.
Sera: Here you go John.
She hands him a glass of water.
John: Thanks.
He takes a sip and puts it down on the coffee table.
Sera: What happened?
John: I, no... I shouldn't.
Sera: John what happened?
Sera's voice gets stern.
John: Sera, just hear me out. You remember when my phone broke.
Sera: Yeah?
John: Well, that was Meili and Ventus, they attacked me and broke my phone.
Sera looks at John's arms, one looks broken from a barrier, and the other is Meili's claws.
Sera: John, did you challenge Meili, Arlo, and Ventus.
John in his head: Woah, that's scary, how did she know Arlo, well Arlo's ability was being used.
John puts together that his injuries speak for themselves.
John in his head: Dammit!
Sera: John, you know I'm here for you, but you need to be honest. What happened?
John: I broke them both, badly, might not be able to use their abilities like they used to.
Sera: Oh, I see, you've finally broke.
John: STOP, DON'T SAY THAT!
Sera is shocked, John has never talked to her like that before.
Sera: John, what the hell was that for?!
John: I'm not a monster, it was JOKER! he was there too, he broke my arm and...
Sera: Joker huh, what was that all about?
Sera refers back to when she first saw Joker and John fight.
John: Well, it's kinda long, besides it's my problem to figure out.
Sera sits next to John on the couch. She leans on John.
John: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you like that.
Sera: Come on John, if you tell me, I'll tell you something that in return ;)
John: Haha, yeah right, okay I'll tell you anyways.
John explains everything to Sera, how a version of him from another universe slowly became evil and terrorized Wellston, then he hurt the royals when they tried to stop him, after that he started taking over high tier towns, and made low tier ones surrender, he started to build his own empire, everyone was expected to worship him, till he got bored and destroyed his universe all together, now he's out to do that to our universe, but John stops him from entering every time.
Sera: Oh my... John I didn't...
John: Hey, what about you, you just disappeared for a month and...
Sera: My parents cut the wifi out and took my phone. Don't try and change the subject!
John: Listen Sera, I'm sorry I have powers okay, maybe if I was just a cripple the world would be... (he sighs) better off.
Sera: John no, don't say that.
John looks at Sera with astonishment, but before he buds in Sera puts her finger over his mouth.
Sera: John, you never used your powers against anyone for your own gain, well until today.
John lies back down on the couch.
John: Yeah I get it, I messed up.
Sera: Yeah, but you always took beatings from those around you in Wellston, and you never let it drag you down. You always stayed true to who you were, and I really like that about you.
John: Hey Sera, now there's no secrets between us, you maybe wanna start over, try to live like we used to.
Sera cups John's face, she starts to lean closer to him.
Sera: No John.
John: What?
Sera: I wanna continue to the next chapter.
Sera leans John's face closer to hers.
John: Look Sera I think we should.
Sera: Just shut up and kis-
Elaine shows up at John's house, interrupting the two with a loud slam.
Elaine: John! You have some explaining to do!
John and Sera get surprised.
Elaine: You just put Meili and Ventus out for a week, made a mess for me and I had to heal them back up.
John and Sera's hearts race.
Elaine: John, did Arlo do anything to you?
John: Wait, you KNEW I had powers?!
Elaine (with sas): It's kinda obvious idiot, but it's okay, I know why you had to hide it.
John and Elaine sit there on the couch while Sera goes up to move in the guest room.
Elaine: John, Arlo told me, that,
John: Let me guess, I broke and almost tried to kill Meili and Ventus while..
Elaine: I want you to meet him on the roof and admit your wrong, he's gonna admit to getting low tiers to pick on you while Sera was out.
John Freezes.
John in his head: I fucking knew it!
John: He, WHAT!
John bolts up from his seat.
Elaine: John wait!
John storms off to his room.
John from afar: Elaine! I'll deal with Arlo tomorrow.
John walks into his room and finds Sera unpacking her stuff in some empty draws.
Sera: Hey there.
John: Ohh, you're moving in my room?
Sera: John, I kinda have to tell you something.
John: No offense, but I can't right now.
Sera: John, what's going on?
John: Arlo was the one who sent Meili and Ventus to break my phone, and wanted me to get mad and use my powers. When it backfired he acts like I'm the one who went too far.
Sera: John you shouldn't worry about that, focus up on tonight.
John: Oh yeah, what's your super suit gonna look like?
Sera: Actually I'm not interested in becoming a superhero.
John: Wait waaaaaaaaaat?
Sera: Yeah, okay well I'll stay here while you go out. Besides, your The Golden God, you'll be fine.
John heads out to cool off and release some tension
It's 11:59 pm and Remi, Blyke, John, and Isen are all about to head out. The three head out to New Bostin. Isen is setting up a sniper's nest, Blyke is meeting up with Rein, and John is heading out to clear the cult members out.
The three are in their places while John is about to head out as the Golden God.
Sera: Hey, John.
John: Yeah, what's up.
Sera starts to blush.
Sera: Promise you won't tell anyone what I say, okay?
John gives Sera a confused look.
Sera: John, you maybe wanna go out sometime?
John in his head: No way!, this can't be real, your crush is never supposed to like you back, let alone try to kiss you on the couch. Nah, this is probably just some trickery going on here. Focus John, focus.
John looks around to find no Joker anywhere in sight.
John: Like to the mall, yeah sure, I don't know why you didn't ask me normally you know we can always hang out.
Sera: No John, like you know. ;)
Remi: John, Blyke is ready! Start heading to ground zero.
John: Alright, I'll be there in E minus 20 minutes.
John: Well, wish me luck!
Sera: John wait!
Sera grabs John's hand.
John: Sera, what is it? You can tell me anything. You know I'll always be here.
Sera: You promise? You won't leave me right.
John: Hell yeah. Of course.
Sera: Come back home alive, okay? I wanna tell you when we don't have a time crunch.
John: It's fine, just make it quick.
Sera leans closer to John, not sure if she wants to go through with it, John stands there, holding Sera close, decides to lean in close as well. The two stare into each other's eyes. The two forget what was about to go down.
John: Oh my God, your eyes, they're so.... beautiful.
Sera: Just kiss me already, no one's here to see us now.
John in his head: What the?!
John's heart starts to pound, so hard that it hurts. But he fucking loves it. He starts to caress her face as he gets his lips closer and closer to hers.
Remi: JOHN! Whe- re- uo?
John: Shit!
Sera: Just forget about it, Go, I'll wait here for you.
John: Yeah, I'll be back when this is over. I promise.
Meanwhile at Reins apartment in New Bostin.
Blyke: Hey there.
Rein: Hey Blyke, you sure know how to look for a girl.
Blyke: Hey, Rein, you said you had something to show me.
Rein: Hey Blyke, I caught someone, from Wellston.
Blyke: Woah, what?
Rein: Yeah follow me.
Blyke and Rein cross the wall over to New Bostin.
Blyke in his head: Fuck, were is John?
Blyke and Rein walk into the main chambers, Rein changes out of her clothes wearing nothing but a blue set of underwear. She uses her ability to climb up a wall to a webbed person.
Isen to Blyke: Yo dude, I can't get to Remi.
Rein takes off the top of the webbed person's web cocoon to reveal Remi who is gagged and blindfolded, she licks Remis face ready to devour her when a red laser bolt is shot at Rein's face.
Blyke: REMIIIII NOOOOOOO!
Blyke suddenly feels a surge of power that crawls around his body, it felt, so weird, so dirty, so dangerous, so...
unNatural.
Everything around Blyke goes inverted as he feels an intense and powerful rush of energy flow through him.
Blyke launches himself at Rein and drops a kick to her Jaw.
Rein: You know, I was gonna save you for last, but I might try to eat you FIRST!
Blyke: BOUNTY HUNTER GET DOWN HERE NOW!
Rein: You know, I really thought you were a great guy, but you chose this bitch instead of me?!
I'LL MAKE YOU PAY!
Rein cuts Remi down. Blyke jumps up in the air and catches Remi, un-gagging her and cutting her blind fold. Remi fainted right in his arms.
Blyke: WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?!
The Bounty Hunter runs in.
Rein: My apostles, send them into the next life, where they shall burn for eternity!
Screams can be heard coming from outside.
Cult member: Araña Allet, he's here The Golden God! HE'S COMING FOR US ALL!
John is heard in the background blowing people up. Buildings are collapsing and people can be heard screaming.
Rein stands off against Blyke while Isen is taking care of people who try to enter and help Rein.
Meanwhile back at Seraphina's home residence. Keon and the authorities are knocking at the door.
Housekeeper: Hello?
Keon: Good evening miss, is miss Seraphina home?
He stood with a man behind him who had a dull blue hair color to compliment his dull red hair.
Housekeeper: Why do you need to know?
Keon: I'm here with authorities to make sure Seraphina is ready to head back to school.
Housekeeper: She isn't here right now, she returned to Wellston a week ago.
Keon: And why is that? We weren't informed.
Housekeeper: I do apologize but I'm afraid that is not my responsibility.
Keon: Very well, I shall be heading ALL THE WAY BACK to Wellston.
Jeez I just don't get a break.
The housekeeper pulls out her phone and contacts Seraphina.
To be Continued...