The boat rocked gently as it glided through the mist, the only sound the distant squawk of seabirds and the steady chugging of the engine. Kaito "The Lightning Prince" sat near the front, eyes closed, letting the cool breeze ruffle his silver hair. His fingers drummed rhythmically on his knee, a habit he developed when deep in thought.
Kaito wasn't nervous about starting at Eclipse Academy—not in the traditional sense. It wasn't fear that churned in his stomach, but anticipation. A new school, a new beginning, and, hopefully, a place where no one knew him as the genius prodigy of his old life. A place where he could, for once, just be Kaito.
He felt the hum of static build on his skin, a sharp tingling in his fingertips. Not now, he thought, forcing his breath to slow. The last thing he needed was to set the boat's engine on fire. That would be… hard to explain.
"Yo, silver hair!"
Kaito cracked open an eye and turned toward the loud voice. A red-haired boy was leaning over the railing, grinning like he didn't have a care in the world. His fiery hair looked like it might spontaneously combust under the glaring sun. The guy caught Kaito's look and waved with exaggerated enthusiasm. "First time going to a haunted school?"
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Haunted?"
The red-haired kid sauntered over, plopping down next to Kaito with all the grace of a tornado. "Yep! I heard the place has ghosts, energy fluctuations, and creatures that go bump in the night. Makes it sound like a party, doesn't it?"
Kaito gave him a noncommittal shrug. "If that's your idea of fun."
The boy laughed, loud and genuine. "You've gotta loosen up, man. Name's Ryker. What's yours?"
"Kaito." He didn't offer more. It was enough.
Ryker's grin widened. "Mysterious, huh? Well, suit yourself. Just make sure you stay out of the forest after dark. I heard some guy went missing last year. Poof! Gone."
"Good to know," Kaito replied, though he doubted it was true. Rumors like that were always blown out of proportion.
As the boat docked at the island's edge, the looming silhouette of Eclipse Academy came into view—an ancient castle-like structure surrounded by thick, dark woods. Kaito's eyes narrowed. Something about the place seemed… off. The air was thick with an energy that made the hairs on his arms stand up.
"This place is creepy," Ryker muttered, though his eyes sparkled with excitement. He grabbed his bag and hopped off the boat. "Come on, let's see what kind of trouble we can stir up."
Kaito followed more slowly, taking in the surroundings. He could feel it—the faint crackle of energy beneath his skin, responding to something in the air. This island wasn't normal.
As they entered the academy grounds, Kaito was already strategizing. He'd keep his distance, observe, and avoid unnecessary attention.
---
Later that day, the two found themselves in the large courtyard, which was buzzing with students. Vampires with gleaming red eyes and wolves with sharpened senses walked among them, mixing with seemingly normal humans.
"Dude, this place is insane," Ryker said, staring at a group of witches practicing levitation spells.
Kaito kept his distance, keeping his hands tucked into his pockets. He just needed to get through the day without incident.
That hope vanished quickly.
A group of older students, all muscle and malice, approached Ryker, sneering. One of them—a werewolf with dark hair and a permanent scowl—pushed Ryker's shoulder. "Fresh meat, huh? Looks like you got lost on the way to the kiddie pool."
Ryker's eyes flicked to the guy's hand on his shoulder, then to his face. "I didn't know they let cavemen in here."
Kaito winced. Ryker, it seemed, had no concept of self-preservation.
The werewolf growled. "You've got a big mouth for someone so small. Maybe I should show you your place."
Kaito sighed, already sensing the trouble coming. His eyes flickered with blue light, but he suppressed the urge. He couldn't reveal his power. Not here. Not yet.
Ryker smirked, hands in his pockets. "Yeah? Show me, then."
In a flash, the werewolf lunged at Ryker, but to Kaito's surprise, Ryker sidestepped with uncanny speed. The werewolf stumbled forward, growling louder.
Kaito's instincts kicked in. Lightning crackled in his fingertips, and he moved swiftly, intercepting the werewolf's next punch. Grabbing the guy's arm, he sent a tiny jolt of electricity—just enough to shock him—and the werewolf yelped, jumping back.
The crowd watching gasped.
"What the—" the werewolf stammered, shaking his arm.
Ryker chuckled, glancing at Kaito. "Well, that was electrifying."
Kaito rolled his eyes. "Really?"
Ryker patted his back, ignoring the stunned crowd. "Thanks, man. Didn't know you had a spark in you."
Kaito kept his face composed, but inside, he felt the familiar tug of panic. His secret was out—at least to one person.
"Don't mention it," Kaito muttered, walking away before more questions could be asked. He had no interest in being the center of attention. Not today.
Ryker jogged to catch up, grinning ear to ear. "You and me, Kaito. We're gonna be the best team this academy's ever seen."
Kaito shot him a look. "Team?"
Ryker threw an arm over his shoulder. "Oh yeah, man. Lightning and fire. We'll be unstoppable."
Kaito considered protesting but decided against it. After all, Ryker was right about one thing—they were both outsiders here. Maybe sticking together wasn't the worst idea.
At least, for now.
As they walked through the courtyard, the whispers started—students talking about the silver-haired boy who wielded lightning. Kaito kept his head down, but he knew one thing for sure.
Eclipse Academy wasn't going to be as quiet and uneventful as he had hoped.