The next day, Kikidori found himself back in the chaos of Power School High. Despite the strange encounter in the woods and the lingering hum of energy in his veins, nothing seemed to change at school. He was still powerless—or at least that's what everyone believed.
As Kikidori walked through the halls, Ryden and his crew were waiting. This time, they didn't even let him get to class.
"Well, well, look who decided to show up again!" Ryden said, stepping in front of Kikidori with a wide grin. "Stick-in-the-Mud must be a masochist to keep coming back for more."
Kikidori clenched his fists, feeling the spark of energy within him again, but he forced himself to stay calm. If he fought back, things could get worse.
"What do you want, Ryden?" Kikidori asked, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him.
Ryden smirked, clearly amused by Kikidori's attempt at confidence. "What do I want? I want to know why you even bother showing up to a school for powered people when you're about as useful as a wet napkin."
"I—" Kikidori started, but Jace cut him off.
"You know what's worse?" Jace added, stepping closer. "He's not just powerless—he's weird. Always staring off like he's got something going on. Newsflash, loser: you've got nothing."
The crowd gathered again, eager for their morning entertainment. Kikidori felt his face heat up as the whispers started.
"Weird, weak, and worthless," Mika said with a mocking laugh. "Triple W. That should be your name from now on."
"Leave me alone," Kikidori said, his voice trembling.
"And what are you gonna do if we don't?" Ryden taunted, sparks crackling between his fingers.
Before Kikidori could respond, a voice cut through the crowd.
"Hey! Why don't you pick on someone who cares?"
The crowd turned, and Kikidori's eyes widened. Standing there was Quinn Talen, the other powerless kid in the school—or at least, that's what everyone believed. Kikidori recognized him instantly. Quinn was a quiet, scrawny kid who kept to himself. He was just as much of a target as Kikidori, maybe even more.
Ryden raised an eyebrow. "Well, if it isn't Talen. You sure you want to get involved, buddy? You're barely any better than him."
Quinn crossed his arms and stepped forward, his face calm but his eyes sharp. "I'm not better than him. But I'm better than you."
The crowd gasped, and Ryden's smirk vanished.
"What did you just say?" Ryden asked, his voice low and dangerous.
"You heard me," Quinn replied, standing his ground. "It takes a special kind of loser to gang up on someone who can't fight back. But I guess that's all you're good for."
Kikidori stared at Quinn, shocked. He'd never seen anyone talk back to Ryden like that—especially not another powerless kid.
"You've got guts, Talen," Ryden said, his fists sparking with electricity. "Let's see how far that gets you."
Ryden raised his hand, the air around it crackling with energy. The crowd backed away, but Quinn didn't flinch.
"Stop!" Kikidori shouted, stepping in between them before Ryden could strike.
The crowd murmured in surprise, and Ryden hesitated, his hand still glowing.
"What are you doing, Stick?" Ryden sneered. "Trying to play hero?"
"I'm just tired of this," Kikidori said, his voice steady. "Leave us alone, Ryden. We're not worth your time."
Ryden stared at him for a long moment before letting the energy fade from his hand.
"You're right," Ryden said with a smirk. "You're not worth my time. But don't think this is over."
With that, he turned and walked away, his lackeys following close behind. The crowd began to disperse, disappointed that there wouldn't be a fight.
Kikidori let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He turned to Quinn, who was watching him with a curious expression.
"Thanks," Kikidori said. "For standing up for me."
Quinn shrugged. "Don't mention it. I know what it's like to be on the receiving end of their crap."
"I've seen you around," Kikidori said. "Why did you help me? You don't even know me."
Quinn gave a small smile. "Because someone has to. Besides, I've got my reasons."
Kikidori frowned but didn't press further. He had a feeling there was more to Quinn than met the eye.
"Anyway," Quinn said, turning to leave, "try not to let them get to you. They're not as tough as they think they are."
As Quinn walked away, Kikidori felt a strange sense of relief. For the first time, he didn't feel completely alone.
The End of Chapter 5.