The next morning, Kikidori dragged himself out of bed, his body still sore from the beating Ryden had given him just two days prior. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, centered around the events of the night before.
The book. The ritual. The fangs.
He ran his tongue over his teeth again, feeling the sharp tips of his new fangs. They were the only proof he had that the ritual had worked—nothing else about him had changed. He wasn't stronger or faster, and he certainly didn't feel like a vampire.
But despite his doubts, something was different. It wasn't physical, but there was a strange sense of… confidence bubbling inside him. Maybe it was the knowledge that he'd taken the first step, no matter how small it seemed.
After pulling on his worn-out school uniform, Kikidori grabbed his bag and headed out the door. The thought of returning to Power School High made his stomach churn, but he'd survived worse—or so he told himself.
The moment Kikidori stepped through the school gates, the familiar sound of laughter and jeering hit him like a wave. Students lingered in the courtyard, talking in groups or showing off their powers, while Kikidori kept his head down, trying to avoid their gazes.
But, as always, Ryden spotted him immediately.
"Well, well, look who's back!" Ryden's voice rang out, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.
Kikidori sighed, his shoulders tensing as he walked faster, hoping Ryden wouldn't follow.
"Oh no, you don't," Ryden said, jogging to catch up. He was flanked by Mika and Jace, both of them grinning like hyenas. "What's the rush, Stick? You missed a day of school—what, were you too scared to show your face after what happened?"
"Just leave me alone, Ryden," Kikidori muttered, keeping his eyes forward.
Ryden laughed, shoving Kikidori's shoulder. "What was that? Speak up, Stick! Or should I call you something else? Like… I don't know, useless? Pathetic? A waste of space?"
Kikidori stopped in his tracks, his fists clenching. Normally, he would've just taken it. He'd learned the hard way that fighting back only made things worse.
But today was different.
"Aw, did I hit a nerve?" Ryden said, smirking. "What's the matter, Stick? You gonna cry again?"
Kikidori turned slowly to face him, his heart pounding in his chest. "Ryden," he said, his voice low and steady.
Ryden raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Fuck. Off."
The words echoed in the courtyard, silencing everyone nearby. For a moment, Ryden looked genuinely stunned, as if he couldn't believe what he'd just heard.
"What did you just say to me?" Ryden asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
Kikidori took a step closer, his eyes locked on Ryden's. "You heard me. Fuck. Off."
The crowd around them began to murmur, some students laughing nervously while others watched in shock. It wasn't often that someone stood up to Ryden, let alone someone like Kikidori.
Ryden's face twisted into a snarl, and he grabbed Kikidori by the front of his shirt, lifting him off the ground effortlessly. "You've got some nerve, Stick," he growled, his hands crackling with faint sparks of electricity.
Kikidori's heart raced, but he refused to look away. For the first time, he didn't feel fear—only frustration and a deep, simmering anger.
"Do it," Kikidori said through gritted teeth. "Hit me. Beat me up again. What's it gonna change, huh? You think I care anymore?"
Ryden hesitated, his grip tightening as he stared into Kikidori's defiant eyes.
"You're nothing, Ryden," Kikidori said, his voice steady despite the trembling in his limbs. "Just a coward who picks on people weaker than you. You think that makes you strong? It doesn't. It just makes you pathetic."
The murmurs grew louder, and a few students even gasped. Ryden's face turned red with rage, and for a moment, Kikidori thought he really was going to get electrocuted.
But then, the crowd parted as a teacher approached. Mr. Gill, one of the senior instructors, frowned at the scene in front of him.
"What's going on here?" Mr. Gill demanded, his voice booming.
Ryden quickly dropped Kikidori, smoothing out his shirt and flashing a fake smile. "Nothing, sir. Just… having a chat with Kikidori here."
Mr. Gill looked between the two boys, his gaze lingering on Kikidori's rumpled uniform and Ryden's clenched fists. "I don't have time for this nonsense," he said. "Get to class. Now."
Ryden shot Kikidori a glare before turning on his heel and walking away, Mika and Jace trailing behind him. Kikidori adjusted his shirt and picked up his bag, his body still tense as he turned toward the school building.
As Kikidori walked to his classroom, the adrenaline began to wear off, and he felt the weight of what he'd just done. Part of him was terrified—Ryden wouldn't let this go, that much was certain. But another part of him felt… proud.
He'd stood up for himself, even if it hadn't changed anything. For the first time in years, he'd spoken his mind, and it felt good.
But as he slid into his seat and stared out the window, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.
Ryden would come back, stronger and angrier than ever. And when he did, Kikidori would have to be ready.
He glanced down at his hands, the faintest glint of his fangs visible as he clenched his jaw.
"Guess I'll have to figure out how to use these," he thought, his determination growing.
The End of Chapter 10.