Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Four

...

"Good morning. I was wondering if Mrs. Morton was available, please?" Josie asked the Morton Holdings receptionist pleasantly.

"Do you have an appointment?" she asked, barely looking away from her computer screen.

"Well, no. But I'm sure she'll make time for me," Josie said, removing her glasses, Jetstream smiling at the receptionist winningly.

The receptionist glanced at her and then back to her screen without a reaction or interest. She saw people more famous and with more power than Jetstream on a daily basis. "Mrs. Morton's next available appointment for the general public is in February."

"General public?" Josie echoed, insulted and wide-eyed.

Besides all that, February was four months away!

" ... of course, we'll be sure to review the loan application as soon as possible," Mrs. Morton said, escorting a well-dressed man out of the elevator.

Josie set her best smile on her face and hurried to intercept the two people, just adding a hint of flight to her pace. "Mrs. Morton, what a surprise to run into you here!" she said, stopping short when she realised several people in the reception area were standing with hands at the guns on their hips.

"I own the building, why is it a surprise?" Mrs. Morton asked, raising an eyebrow at her words.

Josie flushed bright red in embarrassment. Two large and bulky men came to escort the man with Mrs. Morton outside, glowering at Josie as they did so.

"Jetstream, if you just fucked up that business transaction for us, I'll be sending you a bill to cover the costs," Mrs. Morton snapped.

Josie blanched at the words; she couldn't afford to do business with the Morton's, let alone cover the costs of one of their mega-deals. While the Stronghold family were millionaires, the Morton's were billionaires and in a very different class than they were. When Steve had flirted with her after defeating Royal Pain that first time, he'd said he was thinking of taking on a millionaire playboy persona. The difference between him and the Morton family was that the Morton's didn't have to take on a persona: they were the real deal.

"Oh, don't look so worried, Jetstream. You have my attention, and what's a three-billion dollar deal, anyway?" Mrs. Morton snapped. "You have three minutes of my time before my next appointment, make them worth it."

Josie was still stuck on the three-billion dollar deal and wasted a minute floundering internally. "I just wanted to say thank you. For bringing Will home last night. I hope he was well-behaved? Though, of course, you know what boys are like!" she said with a charming smile.

"Unwashed and unkempt, for the most part. My boy, however, knows better than to get drunk, especially on a school night. If that's all?"

"Uh... Well... I brought a gift basket. As a way to say thank you. It's just a small something, probably not worth anything to you, and... well, just ignore the signed photographs, the store does that sometimes," Josie said with a laugh.

Mrs. Morton looked at the gift basket as though it was covered in a layer of dirt. "Of course they do."

Josie felt like she was sinking in the deep end of a pool without a lifeguard in sight. She could get out of that situation with her power of flight, of course, but this... this wasn't something she could rectify by flying around. "Well... Thank you. Again. I really appreciate it. Does your son ever sneak out without telling you?" she asked, almost desperately in an effort to connect with the other woman.

Mrs. Morton levelled Josie with a withering stare, and it felt as though the weight of her glare was pushing Josie further under the water. "No, my son doesn't sneak out because we have a healthy relationship where he can communicate with me without feeling afraid. I understand this concept may be foreign to you, Jetstream, but please don't attempt to use your lack of parenting skills as a way to connect with me. Your three minutes are over. Please leave the building before Security escort you and your... basket outside."

"I... I'm sorry. I can fix the deal, I can... do something. I won't let your husband's deal be... um, fucked up."

Somehow, Mrs. Morton's withering expression turned even worse, and Josie was drowning after all. Not even her power of flight could save her now.

"Who said it was my husband's deal, Jetstream? I am the one who runs this business, I am the one who makes the deals, and I am the one who is wasting my time listening to you! Security!" Mrs. Morton snapped.

She had even checked that Ellie had married into the Morton family; what was her husband doing as the Morton heir if not running their business? Josie's eyes widened as several bulky security guards moved towards them. She grabbed her handbag, tightened her grip on the gift basket, and flew to the exit without looking back.

"Sorry, Ellie. I tried to get her to leave," her receptionist said.

"I know you did, Tess. It's not your fault the woman's as stubborn as a mule. Make sure Security knows not to let her back in," Mrs. Morton said firmly.

Tess hid a smile. "You really think she'll come back after that?"

"She'll probably try. Shit, I'm late for my next appointment. Call ahead, tell Hourglass I'll be online shortly."

"I think she already knows, Ellie!" Tess called, definitely laughing this time.

Mrs. Morton grinned and swiped her access card on the elevator to bypass everyone else, going express to her office. As soon as she'd sat down, her computer started to ring with Hourglass' hourglass icon appearing.

"Good morning, Hourglass."

"Good morning, Ellie. No need to be sorry for the delay."

"Thank you, Hourglass. Now, let's get down to business."

"To defeat the Huns?"

Mrs. Morton laughed, the tension from Josie's impromptu visit leaking from her shoulders.

...

Ry hugged his father tightly. "Thanks for driving me to school, Papa. You're sure you'll get to work on time?"

"Don't worry about that. I'm an hour early for work, so I'm going to meet Victor for breakfast. Don't give me that look," Connor said at Ry's eyebrow wiggling. He grinned and hugged Ryuu around the shoulders. "You're lucky I love you. I'll see you tonight, son."

"Bye, Papa. Say hi to Victor for me."

"Hey, Ry! What're you doing down here? I thought you caught the bus?" Wendy asked, Donny waving beside her as they headed over.

"Hi, guys. Honey said to get driven up here, and Babs let Papa drive her car."

"I'd better go now. Bye, kids! Be good," Connor called, getting back in the car and driving out of Sky High's parking lot.

"Bye! C'mon, Ry. I'll text Honey and see what's going on," Donny said with a frown.

"Okay," Ry said, shouldering his bag and joining them as they headed inside.

"Got a reply, and... that's gross."

"What'd she say?" Ry asked, trying to read Donny's phone.

"Will was on the bus this morning; he was going to sit next to you and talk at you about Lionheart's book for the whole trip. Not much of a conversationalist, is he? It either would have ended with him attempting to kiss you or you punching him in the throat," Donny added in a curious tone.

"I vote for the latter," Wendy said, Ry nodding in agreement and trying not to feel sick at what might have happened.

"Wait, why was he on the bus? Is this because he got drunk and can't fly? I can't go on the bus until he's got his powers back, that's... Is it too late to be home-schooled?" Ry asked.

"Hey, calm down, Ry. It's all right, we won't let you be harassed by that little prick. I'll pick you up for the next two weeks; hell, longer if necessary. It's only a few extra minutes to get you, so don't argue," Wendy added.

Ry bit his lip, worrying at it for a moment. "You sure?"

"Positive. C'mon, let's get you to your locker. Will's probably up there losing his shit 'cause he didn't see you yet and he's thinking you're sick or something. Want to bet if he's crying?" Wendy snickered.

"I'll record it," Donny said, grinning.

Relieved by their offer and their not-so-subtle attempt at protecting him from Will when he did get up to his locker, Ry just grinned and went to the lockers with his friends.

...

Will tried not to panic when they reached Sky High without Ry on board. He tried to reassure himself that the other boy was just running late or had overslept or was taking a day off to do something that was sure to be far cooler than going to school.

"Don't forget your bag, Will," Larry called as he practically tried to climb over the other students to get to the front first.

Cursing at himself, Will hurried back to his seat, grabbed his bag and thanked Larry before trying to get out of the bus as fast as possible. Just when he was contemplating climbing out of the roof or window, Will saw one of the other buses land.

Maybe Ry had caught the same bus as Warren?

Relieved at his thought because of course Ry had done that, Will tried to fix his hair and sniffed his shirt to see if he smelled. Running for the bus had apparently resulted in more sweat than his deodorant could handle and he rummaged in his bag for his spray can of Axe.

Spraying a decent amount on his body and under his arms - and then a bit more, just to be safe - Will was surprised to see the bus empty in a matter of seconds, several people coughing and one person even wheezing.

Realising that it was Larry who was wheezing, Will wondered if he should check on him. Larry looked up at him from his position on the ground, eyes watering and breathing laboured.

A flash of black hair caught Will's attention and he looked over to see Warren exiting the bus with Layla, Craig, and Adam. Leaving Larry behind, he hurried over to the group, trying to see if Ry was still on the bus. Maybe he was in front of them, or maybe he'd gone ahead with Zach and Ethan? Ry was obviously the kind of person who wouldn't care about walking with sidekicks. Zach and Ethan left the bus next, Craig laughing at something Zach said and wrapping his arms around the blonde's shoulders.

"You lost the bet, so you've gotta piggyback me inside, dude," Craig snickered when he saw Will heading over.

"No I... aw, crap," Zach muttered, seeing Will's reflection in the bus window. "Fine, hop on properly, dude. I ain't throwing my back out 'cause of you."

"Aww. I'm sure Eth would massage you better."

"No, I wouldn't. I could cause irreparable damage if I hit an incorrect nerve ending or muscle. I would book the physiotherapist appointment for him, though," Ethan said with a smile, adjusting his glasses.

"That's the definition of true love," Craig said with a dramatic gesture, laughing as he almost slid off Zach's back. "C'mon, dude, haul ass. I don't wanna be late."

Zach snorted, adjusted Craig, and continued towards the school.

Will waited until they'd left before waving to get Warren's attention. "Hey, Warren. How's things?"

"Fine, Stronghold. What do you want?" Warren muttered, taking a long drink from a travel mug.

Will had forgotten how grumpy Warren could be in the morning. "Uh, was just wondering if you'd heard from Ry. He wasn't on the bus, so I was worried," he added quickly, just a concerned student caring for another student.

But not in anyway that was weird or, like, gay, obviously.

Warren glanced to Layla beside him, some sort of silent communication passing between them with little more than a raise of an eyebrow and a quirk of lips - they'd had that sort of thing going even when he had been the one dating Layla, and Will had never understood it then, either - then Warren took another drink and turned his attention back to Will. "Haven't heard from him," he said, shrugging.

"Ah. Okay. D'you think I could text him? Maybe check up on him, see if he's okay? You've got his number, don't you?"

Warren took a long slurp of his coffee. "Nope."

Will frowned; was he saying no to his request, or no that he didn't have Ry's number? They were friends, so they'd have each other's phone number, right?

"I've got to get inside. Home group will start soon," Layla said, rising on her toes to kiss Warren's cheek.

"Good point, hippie. You staying out here all day, Stronghold?"

Maybe Ry had come to school early? Some of those extra-curricular classes ran before school, maybe Ry had joined one of those? Maybe he'd needed to talk to a teacher, like he'd talked to Mr. Bowie last year about Lustful's book? Maybe he was already in home group, talking with Mr. Medulla.

"No, I'm coming now."

"No one wants to know that, Stronghold," Warren said over his shoulder.

"Huh?" Will asked, hurrying after them and confused by Warren's statement.

"Never mind, Stronghold. I'll see you at recess, hippie," Warren said as Layla concentrated on refilling the branch basket with apples at the front of the school.

"Oh hey, thanks," Will said, taking a few apples and shoving them in his bag before hurrying after Warren.

If he could make it to his locker soon, he could be in home group super early and join in with Ry and Mr. Medulla's conversation.

As he reached his locker, Will saw a small crowd gathered on the other side, right near where Ry's locker was. His eyes widened at the realisation and Will fought to power up, jumping as high as he could. His power decided to work and he flew up to the ceiling, smacking his head before dropping straight back down. He ignored the pain because he could see Ry - finally! - and saw some sort of graffiti on his locker.

A shimmering light came from overhead and Principal Powers landed in the small gap between students and lockers, her body practically blocking Ry's from view. She barely glanced at the graffiti scrawled on his locker before holding her hand out. "I am so sorry, my dear boy. Please, come with me, and we'll discuss this. I've already called your father."

Ry took her offered hand, his own hand trembling, and they both turned into a shimmering comet as Principal Powers shifted and flew to her office.

Without Ry to stare at, most people started to disperse, and Will looked between them to see a crude drawing of a girl on Ry's locker, slurs spray-painted as well. Realising that someone was bullying Ry, Will grabbed the last of his school things and ran for the principal's office. He could comfort Ry and look after him.

"When I find out who did this, I'm going to kill them," Craig snapped.

"Hey, calm down. Don't go admitting that so loudly," Wendy muttered beside him.

Donny scanned the crowd, trying to find out who knew something or who had done it.

"Adam?" Warren asked.

"Already checking... Shit. They're wearing a ski mask and they spray-painted the cameras, too."

"Let me see," Donny said, looking at Adam's phone. "It's Riley; I recognise the thoughts."

"You can get them through video now?" Adam asked curiously.

"Yeah; I've been practising."

"Cool. Also, where the fuck are the sophomores' lockers now?" Zach asked.

"I'm going to throw that little prick off the edge of the school," Wendy snapped.

"Not if I get to him first," Craig called over his shoulder, already running towards the sophomores' lockers.

"Way ahead of you, dude," Adam called, even as Wendy and Zach ran after Craig. He finished sending Riley's name along with the photo of Ry's locker to Justina, Robin, and Terrence.

Even though Craig used Speed's super speed to get to the sophomore lockers, he didn't know which locker belonged to Riley. He soon found out - or at least guessed - because Riley was being pecked by what looked like hundreds of birds, feathers of all shapes, colours, and sizes floating down the hallway. Wendy came to an abrupt stop beside Craig, her eyes wide.

"Holy spandex," Zach said, mouth agape.

"Hey, no, you don't get to help him out of this," Wendy snapped at one of the sophomores, a gust of wind pushing them away from the flock of birds.

"What was Riley's power again?" Craig asked curiously.

"Don't know, don't care," Wendy said firmly.

Craig gave a shrug and they all continued to watch.

"Hey! STOP THAT!" Boomer shouted, the flock of birds squawking at the sonic sound and flying out of the open doors, their noise fading as they flew away from Sky High. "What in Super Jesus' name is going on here?" he demanded, looking between the bloodied sophomore, the rest of the sophomores, and the older students.

"She just went nuts and attacked Riley for no reason!" one teenager called, pointing at Justina.

"Oh, I had a reason for it, Coach," Justina said, showing her phone to him with the photo of Ry's locker.

Boomer frowned at the screen, looking around at the lockers, and his gaze landing on Craig, Wendy, and Zach. Realising who they were friends with, the image and bird attack suddenly made a lot more sense. "You can't attack other students without evidence. It's not up to you to take the law in your own hands."

"Um, Coach; isn't that what being a hero is all about? Taking the law into our own hands?" Robin asked.

Boomer opened and closed his mouth. He didn't really know how to reply to that, considering how many times he'd ignored the law or police officers or other people with authority in order to do what he thought or knew was right. Admittedly, he hadn't always been right, but he'd saved people, and protected citizens, and that was sort of the same here. "You're not meant to do that to other students."

"So, what, we should've let Royal Pain keep everyone as babies?" Zach asked pointedly.

Super Jesus damn it all; he couldn't argue that, either.

"Someone get him to Nurse Spex," Boomer said. "You're going to the principal's office," he said to Justina.

"It was my idea," Robin said.

"I would've thought of it next," Terrence added. "Though, I was going to make him go full contortionist into one of the TV screens. I'm pretty sure..."

"Stop talking," Boomer said, somewhere between horrified and amused.

As he guided the three students to the Principal's office, Boomer wondered if anyone had told Medulla what was going on. Medulla liked Ryuu, and if he knew what had happened, well... Not even Nurse Spex could cure one of Medulla's experiments, if he really put his mind to it.

...

"This wasn't meant to happen here. What happened to the anti-bullying initiative? The only reason I enrolled Ryuu at Sky High was because you personally promised that something like this wouldn't happen to my son!" Connor snapped, his calm coming as close to breaking as Ry had ever seen before.

Principal Powers waited for Mr. Kemp to finish his tirade - though, thankfully, he was doing it in a much calmer manner than some parents, who shall remain nameless - before answering. "I take full responsibility for this, Mr. Kemp. No students should be bullied, especially not in such a way that undermines who they truly are. As for the initiative, it was unfortunately delayed due to the Parent Teacher... whatever A stands for, as there were several parents on the PTA who protested the initiative itself. Several changes were made to the program and it was set to be released this week. I actually have an assembly scheduled for tomorrow morning to inform the students of this."

"It's, what, five weeks into the school term? What does it mean now, instead of at the start of the year? That's five weeks of students potentially being bullied without any retribution or consequence!"

"Of course there have been consequences, just as there always has been and always will be. I do not tolerate bullying if I am aware of its existence," Principal Powers said firmly.

"What about bullying that isn't made known to you? The school counsellor has a confidentiality clause with the students, but does that extend to bullying they've done or received? There is a lot to be said for dealing with what you can see or hear, but just as much can be said for things you are unaware of," Victor said firmly.

His morning breakfast date with Connor had been interrupted and on seeing his boyfriend's expression, Victor agreed to accompany him to ensure that Connor - and whoever he was meeting - would survive the meeting. Eliza had been getting coffee at the same coffee shop and had been talking to Victor while Connor took his phone call from Principal Powers. After hearing about the incident, she decided to tag along.

Two lawyers were better than one, and besides, she could visit her boyfriend and surprise him with office sex. It was far more than Victor ever wanted to know about his colleague's relationship, but Connor had agreed with her first statement, and here they all were.

"Have all of the teachers been made aware of Ryuu's gender, and are they all using the correct pronouns when addressing him? Even the smallest slip-up could influence student behaviour and the way they treat Ryuu outside of classrooms or the school premises," Eliza said. "This single act has been enough to create a hostile environment and is discriminatory harassment based on Ryuu's gender. That means Ryuu is legally within his rights to sue the school for discriminatory practices and environment under Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title X of the Super Beings Act of 1984."

Principal Powers felt her mouth go dry at the mention of the legislative Acts and wondered if she could get the two lawyers to leave her office since they weren't Ryuu's parents. Somehow, they'd both claimed to be his lawyer, and she didn't dare attempt to argue with them on that. She had learned over the years that successfully arguing with lawyers required patience and a very careful selection of what was important enough to actually argue. Deciding to pick another battle, Principal Powers detailed the anti-bullying initiative, the workshops she'd sent all of her staff to, and had even checked cameras in the classrooms for the first three weeks to ensure that all teachers addressed students by their correct pronouns.

"I have ensured that every one on my staff is welcoming to all students and not treating them unfairly or with personal bias," Principal Powers finished firmly, certain that it wasn't her staff who were to blame for this attack. "I have reviewed the footage and while the cameras were vandalised in an effort to hide the culprit's identity, I was able to find the student in question stashing spray paint in their locker at an earlier date. That same locker was opened early this morning before Ryuu's locker was vandalised."

There was a knock at the door, delaying a response from anyone present, and Coach Boomer looked in. "Morning, Principal Powers. These three just attacked Riley. Y'know, the invisible kid?"

Her eyes narrowed at his statement. "How did they know he was the vandal?"

"Donny told us," Robin said from behind Boomer.

"I'd do it again. Hell, I'd still be doing it if Coach hadn't scared off the birds," Justina muttered.

"I still say I find a TV, you know, one of those ancient huge ones with the bulge at the back?" Terrence added.

The gathered adults all felt their age at the TV's they'd grown up with being called ancient.

"Please have them wait there until I've finished here. Where is Riley?" Principal Powers asked Boomer, deciding to ignore those three statements for the sake of her sanity.

"Nurse Spex; he may need stitches."

"May? There were three woodpeckers in there; he'll be lucky to have his skull intact."

"Justina, you're making it worse," Robin hissed.

"Please, they only went for his school bag."

Eliza coughed, hiding a laugh. Principal Powers raised an eyebrow at her and Eliza quickly schooled her expression once more.

"Uh, Principal Powers? I can escort Ry back to his locker, if you like? I'll make sure no one bothers him."

Ry clenched his fists at the sound of Will's voice and wondered if he could climb out of the window and run away before anyone could respond.

"Mr. Stronghold, what are you doing out there?" Principal Powers asked in surprise, looking to Boomer in case Will was part of the three students who'd attacked Riley as well.

"I... uh, well, I saw Ry's locker, and thought she'd like moral support. Y'know, if she wants to be a she instead of a he."

Both Ry and Victor grabbed Connor's wrists at Will's words. Even Eliza stepped back to clear the way, and Principal Powers' eyebrows raised at the pure rage she could see emanating from the silver-haired man.

"Sonic Boom, please do me a favour and close the door?" Connor asked between grit teeth.

Surprised to be called by his super name, Boomer closed the door without even looking to Principal Powers for confirmation. He looked to Will and frowned. "You really do take after your Dad, don't you, Stronghold?"

"Why do people keep asking me that?" Will asked, frowning up at Boomer.

"Boom, there you are. What on Earth happened?" Medulla asked, looking from his friend to the students with a frown.

No one else had been brave enough - or stupid enough - to tell Medulla what had happened to Ryuu, Boomer realised, then in the next second, realised that he was going to have to be brave and do the stupid thing.

"Riley vandalised Ry's locker with a picture of a girl since he's a trans boy; Justina attacked Riley with a flock of birds, and Coach Boomer brought us to the Principal's office," Terrence said, and Boomer almost sighed in relief that the kid had told Medulla instead.

"Wait, Ry's trans? So he really is a girl?"

Definitely takes after his father, Boomer thought, even as Robin, Justina, and Terrence rounded on Will and started berating him loudly.

Apparently their noise was loud enough for even Principal Powers to hear because her office door opened a few seconds later and she stepped out, Ryuu in front of her. Connor and Victor were next, followed by Eliza, who waved at Medulla and blew him a kiss.

Medulla didn't know who to look at - Will, Ryuu, or Eliza - and looked between them in growing confusion.

"Ry! I didn't know you were really a girl!"

Ry flinched at Will's voice and words. Will put his arms in the air, fists clenched in a sort of Rocky-esque gesture of relief and celebration; he knew he wasn't gay! Ry's eyes widened and he punched out, connecting with Will's throat sharply. Will dropped to the ground, gasping for air, tears leaking from his eyes, and his hands clutching at his throat.

"Sorry! I thought he was going to attack me again!" Ry blurted out, eyes wide. "He did that right before he punched Mr. Spattle's deck, so I reacted out of instinct."

"What instinct was that, exactly?" Principal Powers asked, pinching the bridge of her nose and knowing that she'd now have to deal with Josie on top of everything else.

"To defend myself."

"And you did a good job of it, son," Connor said from behind Principal Powers, his voice daring her - or anyone - to challenge him.

Choose your battles, Principal Powers reminded herself, then looked over to Boomer. "Take Mr. Stronghold to Nurse Spex. Please make sure she sees him separately from Riley; we don't want them colluding."

"Sure thing, Principal Powers," Boomer said, calling two students to help carry Will.

"I will discuss his statements and behaviour with his parents once they arrive and Mr. Stronghold's throat is healed," she added before either lawyer could protest. "It will result in suspension if I deem his behaviour nor actions were justified. I saw the video of the barbecue myself, I doubt anything he has done today has been justified," Principal Powers added when the lawyers and Connor opened their mouths to argue.

"Ha, take that, you transphobic asshole!"

"Justina, language."

"Sorry, Principal Powers. Take that, you trans-fearing asshole!"

Eliza definitely started laughing behind her, and Principal Powers didn't bother to reprimand Justina again. She would need her energy to get through Josie and Steve Stronghold.

Donny and Warren lifted Will and carried him to the infirmary after Coach Boomer. Principal Powers made a mental note to talk to Donny later; this sort of vigilante behaviour could end up being bad for enrolments.

"I won't do it again if he doesn't, Principal Powers," Donny called over his shoulder.

Principal Powers made sure to step back inside her office before thinking a few choice words about telepaths.

"Come inside and we'll discuss the consequences of your actions," she said to Terrence, Justina, and Robin.

Eliza looked between the three and Medulla, then smiled with a sharp red grin and turned on her heel to return to her seat. "I think I'll stay a little while longer. Can't see my clients being prosecuted without knowing their rights, can I?"

Medulla seemed surprised by his girlfriend's words, but didn't argue. The home group bell rang loudly and he realised he was so very late for his own group. Deciding to talk to Eliza later, Medulla headed for home group, and determined to find out exactly what had happened and what he could do to stop it.

...

"Dude, I can't believe your dad, Victor, and another lawyer showed up! Is Will getting his ass sued?" Craig asked, grinning at Ry.

"Victor discussed pressing charges, I might do something," Ry admitted.

"What d'you mean might?" Adam asked, eyes narrowed.

Ry shrugged. "I've dealt with people like him before; it's not anything new."

"That's so not the point. The point is you've been harassed and stalked and stared at on a daily basis. Ignoring it ain't stopping him, telling him no ain't stopping him, so why not go for a super restraining order?" Adam asked, setting his pudding aside as he waited for Ry's answer.

Sighing, Ry focused on his own tub of pudding and avoided answering.

"Ry, talk to us. C'mon," Craig said, frowning.

"It doesn't work, okay? They won't grant it because we're at the same school or because he has a bright promising future ahead of him or because he's the son of Jetstream and the Commander. I'm a nobody in comparison and no one would grant me a super restraining order now because they didn't back then, either!" he said, his chest heaving and his hands shaking.

"Give me names."

"Adam, no. It's ancient history, okay?"

"Dude, you just stabbed through the cafeteria tray with a spoon. That's so not ancient history," Craig said.

Realising that he'd split the tray in half, Ry set the spoon down with a still-trembling hand. "It doesn't matter. This will blow over, just like that did, okay?"

"You're thinking like a girl, Ry," Justina said, licking her spoon clean.

"What?"

"You're thinking like a girl," Justina repeated, setting her spoon aside and looking at him. "Girls are told not to do things: don't make waves, don't make noise, boys will be boys, let the boy win, let the boy walk all over you. That's what you're doing right now. You need to think about yourself for once instead of others. If this was happening to me, or Terrence, or anyone at our table, you'd tell them to kick the shit out of Stronghold's ass, right?"

Ry didn't get a chance to answer or protest.

"You would, don't give me that look. And you'd probably do the ass-kicking for them. I mean, if it was Terrence with his weak as shit wrists, you would kick someone's ass for him, right? I would," Justina added, grinning as she ruffled Terrence's hair, who glared at her indignantly. "Oh, shut up, we've all seen you throw a punch. You need to strengthen your wrists, don't argue. And you," she said, returning her attention to Ry, "You need to start thinking like a guy, grow some balls, and kick his ass. Get a super restraining order and make him fly off the goddamn school if you have to protect yourself, and if you don't, I will make Hyacinth do it. She likes me," Justina added with a smirk.

"How did we not have you last year?" Craig asked. "Also, can I hug you?"

"You had me when Lisa abused Wendy over the storm, I was just too short to be seen," Justina said, laughing. "And yeah, dude, you can totally hug me."

Craig hugged her tightly, Justina hugging him back warmly. "You've gotta listen to her, Ry. She'll kick your ass if you don't."

"Yeah, I know that now," Ry said. "All right, I'll request a super restraining order. We've got enough evidence, right? Even though he's Airborne?"

"Hell, because he's Airborne, you should get it approved. He's totally using his position of power as a way to abuse and threaten you," Justina said firmly.

"You've gotta tell him to give me the names, too," Adam said. "I'll even give you my pudding."

"Dude, just tell him. Karma's probably been waiting to kick their asses all this time," Justina said, rolling her eyes.

Ry still didn't believe her, but he nodded and told their names to Adam, who immediately started doing something on his phone. For the rest of lunch, Ry let the others help him formulate an email to send to Judge Salt.

...

"Sky High, this is Principal Powers," she answered her phone distractedly, looking at the time to determine when Josie and Steve Stronghold would be arriving.

It was 10am now, they were due in 15 minutes. Hopefully this call wouldn't take long, she thought.

"Good morning, Principal Powers. I hope I haven't caught you at a bad time?"

The tone and question were both pleasant enough but Linda would never forget the voice, nor assume that a pleasant tone meant it would be a pleasant conversation, especially after last time. She tried not to let her shudder be obvious as she replied, "Not at all, Ms. Martin. To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?" Principal Powers asked, though she was sure that she could guess exactly why Frieda Bettendorf's lawyer was calling.

On the other end of the phone, Ms. Martin smiled. "Good, you remember me. Let's skip the pleasantries, shall we?"

...

End of the hundred and twenty-fourth chapter.