Previously on NIGHTMARE:
"It appears that Seraphina has not read unOrdinary. While I appreciate your concern for her, I believe you're being overly distressed. I suggest you leave Seraphina alone, as she can take care of herself."
"I apologize, sir. Thank you for your time."
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"John!" Seraphina yelled flinging the door open. She sprinted inside looking left and right only to find her best friend seated on the sofa. "John?"
"Uh, hey Sera. Are you... okay?" he said awkward.
"I should be asking you that. Where were you?" she calmed herself and sat next to him.
"I didn't sleep last night. I was a little tired so I thought I'd rest a bit before going to class. Did something happen over there?"
"Yeah. 'UnOrdinary happened." John's face fell into a look of pure shock. He bolted upright and grabbed Seraphina's shoulders, dropping his voice to a whisper.
Leaning in close to her, he asked "Did anyone find out? Did you get in trouble or something?" His tone held worry and concern.
"Um, John. You're sort of... close," she said, blushing a little while trying to keep her voice even.
"Huh?" he said, realizing the position he was in. He instantly backed up a little and sat on the other end of the sofa, his face a reddish hue. "Sorry! I just didn't want anyone to hear us. I hope I didn't make you uncomf-"
"You're fine. No worries," she said, quickly trying to diffuse the embarrassing situation and get to the point. "To answer your question, yes I was found out and no, I didn't get into much trouble as far as I know."
"Uh, what? UnOrdinary is illegal but you got away with no consequences. I mean, you're the Ace and all but that's sort of pushing it."
"Well it's thanks to you actually," she admitted, pushing a bit her curly bangs away from her eyes. "The first question the interrogator asked me was whether or not I have or had possession of the book. The entire time I read the book, I was here, and you were with me, therefore I never had possession of it," she finished.
"Sera, that was genius! I guess we got lucky."
"Lucky, or maybe it was because you took caution and made me read it at your place. It's really thanks to you that the both of us weren't caught. Thank you, John."
"I- um, it was nothing Sera. We just have to look out for each other right," he replied, smiling sheepishly. Despite his pleasure at knowing she was safe so far, he couldn't help but consider telling her the truth. "But by doing so, she'll find out about Claire and eventually, about me and my past. I can't let that happen. She can't find about that part of me."
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"Stupid, STUPID Arlo! You're just mad that Seraphina would rather hang out with a cripple than you!" He spread out the information he'd collected so far and looked through it. Just a few testimonies from staff and students, all claiming that John fit the description of a cripple. Weak, scared, quiet. According to what he had, John would either run away or use Seraphina as protection. Exactly what he would have expected. "If I don't get something soon, Arlo's gonna kill me!"
"..."
Isen heard a commotion coming from the next hall over. Frustrated with his dead end, he decided to get up and investigate the noise.
"There are people out there, dying to save your ass, and the only thing you can do is take satisfaction in stepping on people weaker than you?!"
"Is that John?"
"How pathetic. You're a disgrace to society. You-"
"Haha, like you're one to talk, STUPID CRIPPLE! I'M GONNA BURN YOUR FACE OFF!" Isen stood and watched as John pushed aside Hower's arm, letting his burning hand fly right past his face.
Hower was just as stunned as he was. "Wha-" he began but was quickly elbowed in the face by John.
"SHUT THE F*CK UP! I WASN'T DONE TALKING YET!" John readied his hand to punch him but stopped, seeing Hower flinch. "Is this what I've become? This needs to end here." John released his collar and took off.
Hower was quite shocked, though he quickly regained his ego and yelled after him, "YEAH, YOU BETTER RUN AWAY, IDIOT!"
"That's it! That's what I'm looking for." Isen grinned, having succeeded. "This better be enough to please Arlo." He sprinted past the still confused Hower in pursuit of John. As soon as he neared him, he slowed to a casual walk.
"John!" Isen called out. John turned around and registered the orange haired boy running up to him as Isen. The same Isen who had first found out about his ability.
"This- this isn't happening again is it? He won't get anything out of me this time, I'll make sure of it."
"Hey John right? The school newspaper is writing an article about low tiers and-"
"No," John said, cutting Isen off abruptly. He turned to leave but Isen grabbed his arm. John attempted to pry his arm free but noticed that Isen's ability was active. He looked around quickly, confirming that it was just the two of them.
"C'mon man, I'll be quick. I promise." Isen said, his tone becoming slightly aggressive. He grinned.
"I have no other option. He's bound to find out about my ability. I just have to make sure he doesn't tell anyone, especially Arlo. It wouldn't hurt to use my ability once more, just to get rid of this rat."
John activated his ability, his eyes glowing golden, and pulled Isen's arm off of his easily.
"I know what you're trying to do so I'll tell you now, run back to Arlo and tell him this: 'I'm sick of his sh*tty games'. If he pulls one more trick, I will destroy him."
"W-wha?" Isen stared at John in fear, completely in shock. "How do you know about Arlo? What's going on?!"
"That's none of your business," he replied, shoving him roughly against the wall. Isen stood up to run off before John attacked again.
"Wait." Isen looked back at him, bracing himself. "I need you to find something about someone. A person named Claire."
Chapter 5 (1,027 Words)
EZ A/N: Hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Also, at 5K reads we will be announcing something special so keep your eyes peeled. 👀
annalycheee A/N: hello folks! I hope you guys liked this chapter! Thank you for reading, and comment some feedback! I'm not a perfect author, but I'm trying to get better, so any suggestions help! <3