Well, here we go again.
Some chapters flow easily while others are a struggle. This chapter is was a struggle and it's taken me awhile to get through it. The next few chapters will probably be the same way as they are the meat of the story.
However, it may be that the next part comes easily. We'll just have to see.
Now, onto the chapter notes: This is where the action picks up so strap in. There's also some angsty teenage language here. (I know, it's a shocker!)
Other than that, I hope you all enjoy and leave some love!
One week into the new school year…
Katsume walked down the hall with his crew. Thankfully, after that first day, things had been calm to a point. The second day, they'd been introduced to Mr. Hatche; he was the Government Teacher and he was an asshole.
Thankfully, he had been left alone for now.
Stopping in front of his locker, he felt eyes on him. He turned his head slightly and saw, out of the corner of his eye. That hot chick, Elisa had been looking at him, but quickly averted his gaze. He loved that she watched him, she was gorgeous to him. Sure, many might think that her obvious disability would cancel out her attractiveness.
Today she wore a pretty halter top and some hip huggers along with some chunky sandals. His artist's eyes appreciated her beauty and the rest of him appreciated the sweet body and the small hint of bare skin he could see. Smiling to himself, he turned back to his locker, opened the metal door and stowed his bag inside.
He looked around for his notebook and saw it on the top shelf. He reached up to get it and when he did, he felt his hoodie ride up and then a soft gasp. He quickly grabbed the notebook and immediately pulled his hoodie back into place and looked around to see that same babe blushing and looking away.
He hid his smile as he closed the metal door and spun the dial. As he turned to walk towards his friends, he heard a loud clatter and a gasp. Spinning around, he saw Elisa on the ground again. Her shoulders shook slightly as she lay on the ground.
He didn't hesitate as he walked towards her. Kneeling down, he asked. "Hey, Elisa are you okay?"
Elisa exhaled loudly. "Not this time, my knees gave out and gravity took over."
Katsume grinned at her and held out his hand. "Yep, Gravity is a cruel mistress. Come on, I'll help you up."
Elisa didn't look up at him as she pushed herself up on her hands into a kneeling position. Katsume cocked his head to the side. Do you need me to walk you to the nurse or anything?"
"No, I just need a chance to recover my dignity."
He chuckled softly and still waited in front of her. A moment later, she exhaled softly and accepted his hand. As he gently helped her up, Ranook passed him the crutches. When she was once again vertical he handed over her back pack.
"You good to go?" he asked again
She gave him a bright smile. "Thanks for the assist."
"No problem. I'll see you in homeroom."
She rushed away as fast as her crutches could take her. Katsume looked after her in amusement before turning back to his crew.
They all looked at him in amusement before Kyle spoke up. "So, we going to homeroom now?"
Katsume only hitched his pack higher on his shoulder. "Yeah, let's go."
It didn't take them long to get to homeroom. As they walked in and took their seats, they saw that there was a new face in the room; he was a tall lanky teenager with spiky black hair, and a confident visage. He wore just the basic white vneck tshirt tucked into a pair of distressed jeans over which was a belt with a decorative buckle. Over his t-shirt, he wore a faded black denim jacket and a skull pendant.
He sat looking relaxed at a desk in the back of the room with his black mesh backpack at his feet. In front of him was a magazine with a bunch of guitars featured on the page.
As they took their seats, Kyle noticed that the TV was on and the purple and yellow school logo spun in the background. A few minutes passed before the tardy bell rang and Miss Pauline walked to the front of the class.
Katsume looked at her closely noticing her subtle limp and the weary look on her face. Something was terribly wrong.
"Miss Pauline, are you okay?" He found himself asking.
The teacher nodded. "Yeah, I rolled my ankle a few minutes ago. I'll be okay in a few minutes. Meanwhile, I need to take up roll call before the special video starts. Now, where…" She trailed off as she took notice of the new face. She looked at her list and then the proverbial light went off in her head. "Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry that I didn't introduce you first."
"Really, Ma'am, it's okay. I don't like being the center of attention."
The teacher gave him a look and then nodded. "Very well, Mr. Skullovitch. I'll spare you the humiliation."
Taking a deep breath, she moved on to call the roll, though a slight hitch in her breath was noticeable.
Warning bells were going off in his head and Katsume glanced at Ranook who was also taking notice of their teacher. They shared a glance and then their attention shifted as the TV went live.
The next thing they saw was Principle Matthews sitting at his desk with a smile on his face.
"Good Morning students. We've only got one more day to go before the weekend starts, but I need you guys to listen up for the following announcements and then you can go back to goofing off in Homeroom."
That was what Katsume and everyone around him loved about the principle. He knew shenanigans were going on in what everyone considered a freebee class and as long as there were no violent disturbances, he was cool with it.
"I know that not everyone made it to the school assembly so I'll refresh you guys before I continue." He took a deep breath. "Basically, I acknowledged that this last year was not one that anyone likes to remember. There was a lot of bad vibes spread around this school and it was infested with bad teachers and violence.
Over the summer, the federal government went through everyone one working here from the old principle to the janitors. The slate has been wiped clean and only good teachers were allowed to comeback this year and I can assure you with all confidence that any trouble that happens this year would only come from you students and I hope that we can avoid any thing more than the usual scuffles."
"With that being said, I want to issue a challenge to you all. Everyone saw the news report after the TSA incident. The Power Rangers, who protect us from alien threats, came to our rescue, got rid of the infestation of hatred have done their part. While our city is still recovering, I think we can do our part to purge the ugliness from this school." He paused for a moment and then continued.
"You guys are going to be adults soon and the future of our city is your hands. I know you guys all have your own lives but, for those of you who are willing, I'm challenging you to brainstorm over the weekend and do some research into ways that you can help our school and by extension, our city. A week from now, I'm going to hold an open forum after school in the cafeteria and I want you guys to bring your ideas and present them to your fellow students and the staff. If the ideas are viable, we may just be able to make words into actions."
"With all that being said, I want you all to know that I have faith in everyone of you. Make today count and do your best with all you have been given."
"Have a good weekend everyone!"
The chatter resumed the moment the screen turned off. Katsume turned to his crew and saw that Kyle and Autumn looked surprised. They were looking at each other and seemed to be having a silent conversation.
He looked back at their teacher wondering if she was going to say anything about the message from the principle. But she only sat her desk with a stormy look on her face.
The rest of home room went much the same way and before he knew it, it was time for their first class.
When it was time for lunch, the crew walked into the cafeteria. It was a pretty standard set up. The line of the Ala Cart was just a little shorter than the regular lunch line. The noise level was a dull roar and off to the side, Kyle spotted Conner standing in the corner.
"Well, I suddenly feel better now." Kyle murmured to Autumn.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because it's Conner's day to play lunchroom monitor." He answered gesturing to where their friend stood watching over the lunch room.
"Still doesn't mean I want to stay in here for lunch." Autumn said sounding dubious. "Just cause Conner is here doesn't mean I want to dangle myself in front of those bullies."
"You have nothing to worry about," Kyle said in her ear. "You're more than a match for them."
Autumn snorted. "Yep, and that would mean a one-way trip to detention that I don't feel like going to today."
"Good point." Kyle conceded. He blew out a breath. "Okay, so we go out to the van again." He looked over at Lief for confirmation and saw him talking to Katsume.
"She's a pretty cool chick. She likes to play D&D on the weekends, she's a master with ceramics and she's totally into you."
"How do you know that?" katsume asked sounding skeptical.
"I'm a goth. We're the group that no one pays attention to. Someone could spill their darkest secrets and we'd hear every word. Elisa and her group of friends are pretty tight knit. But her bestie, Maredith is a loud talker. She was giving her a pep talk during Biology class today."
Katsume chuckled to himself. "Is this you attempting to be my wingman?"
"Never thought I'd say it, but yes." Lief nodded. "She's totally into you and you're into her, before long, you'll be making eyes at each other and playing footsie, just get going already!"
"Okay, okay. Just never use the word footsie around me again." Katsume said as he started to walk and then looked towards Kyle. "Unless of course you need me to stick with you guys."
"You're kidding right?" Kyle said with a grin. "I'm sure I can survive lunch hour without you. Get going already. Shoo!"
Katsume grinned and shook his head. "I have the strangest friends…"
He heard them laughing behind him as he approached Elisa who had just reached the cashier. Hey waited for her to pay for her meal and then said softly. "Hey Elisa, could you use help with your tray?"
She snapped her head up to see him standing there. "Oh my gosh, where did you come from?"
"Just got here. If it's okay, I'd like to eat with you."
"I..I think I'd like that…and if you don't mind, I could use some help."
"It's my pleasure." He said as he took her tray and walked beside her.
When they were seated, she looked at him. "What made you want to sit with me? I mean, don't you want to sit with your own group?"
Katsume smiled at her. "I want to get to know you better and sitting with you at lunch seemed to be the best way to do that. As for my crew, they don't need me around unless something big goes down."
"You're protecting Kyle De Santos." She said softly.
Katsume grimaced. "Not really. Kyle is a powerful fighter, so he doesn't need protection. It more like we watch each other's back. I wasn't here for the attack last year, but since I live with them at the manor, I've been clued in. If I was in him, I'd feel better having friends surrounding me too."
"That's really cool." Elisa said with a smile. "So they're your family now?"
"Well, I wouldn't really know, since I've never had a family before. But we do watch out for each other." He paused. "What about you? Leif said you had a group too…that you play Dungeons and Dragons with?"
"Yeah, I'm a nerd. Playing D&D is the only time I feel powerful and they don't treat me like a cripple."
Katsume grinned at her and nodded. "So, who are you when you're on your campaigns?"
"I'm the half elf rogue, Olanys. Not a paladin but not an evil witch either. I won't bore you with details, but I've had to carry the team more than once."
Kastume grinned when he saw how her eyes lit up.
"And what about your family? Do you have one?"
Elisa grinned and nodded. "Yeah, I have two big brothers. Ones currently serving in the Navy. And the other one is…on the football team." She trailed off suddenly going wide-eyed. "If he sees me talking with guy, he's going to go all protective!"
"Hey, it's okay." Katsume rushed to reassure her. "This is just you and me eating lunch in the cafeteria."
"It won't take long for her to get all needy."
Elisa's face flushed as she looked up at the rude person that interrupted. A second later Katsume looked up frowning.
"Excuse me, but I'm having a conversation with Elisa and I'm sure it has nothing to do with you."
The dude threw his hands in the air. "Hey I'm just giving you a fair warning. She's a needy chick and really annoying. So desperate to get a boyfriend. Not surprising with her being so crippled."
Katsume shot up out of his seat. "And what makes you think I give two shits about your opinion? Only a loser would talk shit about a lady in public."
"And what would you know about it, Street Rat?"
"A lot more than you, I guess. But I won't waste time trying to explain it to you. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to continue having lunch with Elis-" He didn't get to finish his sentence because a the bully swung at him. Katsume was a fast learner and he put up arms in defense and then in the next second, shoved him away with all his might.
The bully fell into the students behind him and looked up at him with a startled look.
"What, did you really expect me to cower in fear? You picked the wrong dude."
The moment he turned back, to sit down another voice spoke up behind him.
"What's going on here?"
Katsume looked up to see that asshole teacher behind him. He swore under his breath and then got back up to face Mr. Hatch.
"It was self defense. This jerk was-"
"Yeah, heard it all before. That's a detention for you."
"Not so fast, Mr. Hatch." Conner said as he approached. "I saw the whole thing go down. Mr. Shen acted in self defense. Mr. Line backer was the only one to swing."
"Doesn't matter. We have a zero-tolerance policy here. No violence on school grounds."
Conner wasn't backing down. "This is bogus. He never even swung his fist. If you put Mr. Shen in detention, then you better put the other guy in too. Otherwise, you're part of the problem."
The look on Mr. Hatch's face revealed it all. He knew he was cornered as he sighed. "Fine, then the both of you get detention."
"Are you kidding me!" The bully asked incredulously. "I have practice after school."
"You know what, this is getting old." Katsume broke in. "This school is just as lame as the last one. I'll take the detention, if you'll just walk away."
The teacher frowned at Katsume."I don't like your attitude Street Rat."
Conner's eyes narrowed and he stepped closer. "Enough with the slurs. This kid is my family and his dad's my brother and I have zero problem with calling him in right now."
"You do that, but I'm not changing my mind. Mr. Shen has still has detention." Sneering at Conner, Mr. Hatch walked off.
With the confrontation over, Conner looked back at Katsume and his wide eyed lunch date.
"I'm sorry to end this lunch thing, but I need to pull away Mr. Shen for a few minutes." He said this in a kind voice and Elisa only nodded. "Yeah, no problem. I've lost my appetite anyway."
"I'm sorry Elisa." Katsume said in a soft voice.
She didn't even look at him as he walked away.
Katsume followed Conner out of the cafeteria and down a quiet hallway.
"So, that didn't go very smoothly." Conner started.
"Yeah, this school is no different than the one in LA." Katsume answered looking angry.
"All schools are like this." Conner replied. "Just ask Ethan."
"Look, I appreciate you going to the mat for me, but I can take my licks. I'm not letting Mr. douche bag get the best of me."
Conner gave him an exasperated look. "That's just the thing. It was a little over a year ago that I needed help from an adult. The difference now is that I'm in a position to help. What that asshat said to you was wrong and-"
"But I am a street rat!"Katsume blurted out.
"No your not." Conner objected. "Not anymore and you need to get that idea out of your head. Whatever you were back in LA ended the moment Trent came to get you. He's my brother in all but blood and so is Ethan. Kira is my wife and we'd all go the mat for you. What happened in there was wrong and if I can't get you out of detention than I can at least get that idiot in there reprimanded and before you go off on some angsty teenager tirade, I'm gonna remind you that not all families are blood relatives. Trent is my brother though we're different backgrounds, and he is your guardian, that makes you family to me, and I'll always fight for my family."
Katsume looked at him wide-eyed.
"Don't give me the look of surprise; now, why don't you go join your friends for what's left of lunch hour. I'm gonna go call Trent and see what he wants to do about this."
Saying this, he drew himself up and took on a look of authority. "Run along Mr. Shen."
Surprisingly, Katsume suddenly felt lighter and he nodded. "Yes, Mr. True-Heart." Then he took off back to the lunch area.
When he was gone, Conner sighed and pulled out his phone. Trent was going to be furious.
Gabrielle looked up as Trent stalked through the door to her office. He looked furious and yet she could tell that he was not angry with her, but rather at what had happened to his kid.
In the back of her mind, she thought he never looked so sexy, like dark brooding archangel as he smoothly sat down in the seat opposite her desk. Thankfully, she was able to cover it up with a professional mask that she had cultivated over the years.
"Thanks for seeing me so soon. What's going to happen to my son…charge." He corrected himself.
"I reviewed the security cam footage and Mr. True-Heart and I had a brief talk. Though Katsume only acted in self defense, he shoved the bully away and that also counts as fighting. This school has a zero tolerance policy so I'm pretty sure that Mr. Matthews will have to allow the detention to go through."
"The bully will get a detention too, though under the circumstances, I will recommend that they serve it on different days to prevent any further conflict."
Trent grimaced at that but nodded.
"And what about Mr. Hatch? He used hate speech towards Katsume. I'm not going to let that fly. It's one thing if it comes from a peer, but it's different coming from a staff member."
"And your absolutely right. We don't tolerate it towards anyone." Gabrielle paused and took a sip from her coffee cup. Sitting back, she continued. "That ball is in your court. What do you want to about that?"
Trent was quiet as he considered that question. "I think I'll start with a one on one talk with the principle. If I try and talk to Mr. Hatch, I may not be able to control myself. Katsume has been through enough abuse from people in authority. I can't let this keep happening." He said this last part to himself, though Gabrielle heard it clearly.
He looked up. "I want to pull him out of that class, I'm sure there must be some way to do that."
"Between you and me, I'm not even sure how he was hired here. I haven't liked that man from the moment I met him at that staff meeting. He gives off such negative vibes."
Trent nodded. "I was trying to avoid it, but if we can't get a handle on things, I'll have to pull him out of school completely. Private school is not out of the picture."
"Please don't." Katsume said quietly from the doorway. "I can handle this."
Trent looked up to see his foster son and Conner in the doorway.
"Mr. Shen, please have a seat." She looked up at Conner, "Thank you Mr. True-heart. We can take it from here. Though I'm sure that Mr. Matthews will probably call you into the office when we speak with him."
"I'll be there." Was all he said as he walked away.
After closing the door, they got down to business.
"So, I spoke with Mr. True-Heart and got his side, but I want to hear from you. What started the fight?"
"I was just having some lunch with Elisa and this guy started talking crap about her. I was only defending her and then he swung at me. He just wouldn't leave her alone. He swung at me and I put my hands up to block and then shoved him away."
Trent grimaced as he understood what had happened. Katsume was simply defending a girl's honor. That was something he approved of; sadly he was also going to punished for doing so.
"So, you'll be serving a detention after school today. I checked the roster and it looks like Miss Pauline will be handling that today, so it should be a breeze."
Katsume looked up sharply at the name but he didn't say anything.
"Well, aren't you going to say anything?" Trent asked him.
The teen sighed in resignation. "What is there to say? I screwed up and now I'm paying for it. Next time, I'll just him beat me up."
Yep, there was the melodramatic response he'd been waiting for.
"No you won't." Trent answered softly. "I'm going to have a talk with the principle. We're going to find a solution."
Katusme didn't dare talk back, but he wasn't really willing to believe that things could get better.
He would get through detention and then check on Elisa. He'd enjoyed their talk and he liked her…like a lot. He hoped she was ok.
He really wanted to get to know her more…and maybe ask her on a date. One where there were no asshole bullies to harass them.
So, you guys still with me?
I've been working on this chapter since the early morning hours and I'm exhausted. So, I'm gonna sign off for now and see you all next chapter. Leave me your thoughts on this chapter!