NOVEL NEXT Chapter 15: Chapter 14: The New Kid
The morning sun filtered through the windows of Midtown-Beacon High School, a newly merged institution combining students from Midtown High in Queens and Beacon Hills High in California. The result was an eclectic mix of personalities, abilities, and histories, where extraordinary events seemed to be the norm. It wasn't just a school—it was a melting pot of secrets, superpowers, and supernatural abilities.
Scott McCall sat at his usual table in the cafeteria, surrounded by his closest friends—Stiles Stilinski, Lydia Martin, and Malia Tate. Across the room, Dave Lizewski, better known by his secret vigilante persona Kick-Ass, was chatting with his friend Marty, the two brainstorming ideas for their next patrol.
The cafeteria was buzzing with chatter when the room quieted briefly as a new student entered.
Kusuo Kageyama was hard to miss. With his signature pink hair, an aloof expression, and a pair of green-tinted glasses, he carried himself with an air of quiet confidence. What most people couldn't tell by looking at him, however, was that Kusuo was no ordinary student. By day, he tried his best to blend into the background. By night, he used his vast psychic powers to keep the city safe from dangers both mundane and extraordinary.
Kusuo was an unusual case—a staunchly law-abiding person with a firm belief in justice. Despite his immense power, he avoided using it recklessly, adhering strictly to his own moral code.
As Kusuo walked into the cafeteria with a tray in hand, his calm gaze swept over the room. He immediately noted Scott McCall, sensing the wolf-like energy that radiated from him, though it didn't seem malicious. He also picked up on Dave Lizewski's nervous excitement, which was tinged with a strange determination—classic vigilante behaviour. Kusuo sighed inwardly. It seemed his new school was anything but ordinary.
He spotted an empty seat near Scott's group and walked over. Without waiting for an invitation, he sat down, his expression neutral.
Scott looked up, offering a friendly smile. "Hey, you must be new. I'm Scott McCall."
"Kusuo Kageyama," Kusuo said simply, adjusting his glasses.
Stiles leaned forward, curious as always. "That's a cool name. Where are you from?"
"Japan," Kusuo replied. "I recently transferred here."
Malia tilted her head, studying him. "You're... different. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something about you."
Kusuo didn't react, though he could feel her scrutinising gaze. "I'm just a normal student."
Scott chuckled, sensing the tension. "Well, welcome to Midtown-Beacon. It's a little... hectic around here sometimes, but you'll get used to it."
As Kusuo ate his lunch in silence, he couldn't help but eavesdrop on the various conversations around him. He caught snippets about supernatural threats, vigilante escapades, and school events. This wasn't just a school for ordinary teenagers—it was a hub for people leading double lives, much like himself.
After School
That evening, Kusuo donned his hero persona. Though he didn't wear a costume like some of the others, he patrolled the city using his psychic powers to prevent crimes and disasters. He had already stopped two robberies and a car crash by the time he felt a familiar presence nearby.
It was Scott, transformed into his werewolf form, helping a lost child reunite with their parents. Kusuo watched from a distance, his psychic shield masking his presence.
Not far away, Dave Lizewski was also on the move as Kick-Ass, breaking up a gang fight in a dark alley.
Kusuo couldn't help but feel a strange camaraderie with the two of them. Though their methods were different, they all worked toward the same goal: protecting the innocent.
As Kusuo continued his patrol, he thought back to his first day at school. It wasn't often that he found himself surrounded by so many unique individuals. For the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of hope. Perhaps this new school wouldn't be so bad after all.
Little did he know, his connection with Scott, Dave, and the rest of their friends would soon pull him into an adventure that would test his resolve and his power like never before.