Blyke/Season 2 pt 2

## Plot

### Discord

Blyke had forgotten what is was like to wake up early for school. Tired and cranky, he wished he had more time to sleep. His return to Wellston wasn't met with any noticeable fanfare beyond the occasional greeting. But upon entering the Safe House, the club members formally welcomed him back with a big surprise party. It was puzzling, to say the least, and he told them all that it wasn't his birthday. Remi explained that the party was to celebrate his promotion to King of Wellston. This startling update was the last thing Blyke expected to hear on his first day back from suspension. He asked about John and Arlo, the two in line before him. Isen filled him in and stated that neither of them wanted the title anymore (and snarked that he turned it down for Blyke's sake as well). Isen waxed poetic on how the passing of time had made the coveted title of King less desirable, but all Blyke could think about was how he wasn't ready. Evie approached him and said that they couldn't be in better hands, and the rest swore to support him whole-heartedly. Touched by the sentiment, Blyke managed to smile. Isen put an abrupt end to the schmaltzy stuff so they could proceed to the main event: digging into the cake! Upon learning that it was Roland who baked it, Blyke exclaimed that he'd be willing to spend money on such a beautifully crafted dessert. He wondered if Roland could demonstrate his skills sometime.

After the festivities, Blyke headed back to his old dorm with Remi and Isen in tow. On the way they filled him in on the details of the Rowden field trip they planned for Safe House. When they arrived at the dorm, Blyke learned that there was a tie vote between touring the city and a nature hike. Blyke proposed that they simply split up the group and both founders each lead a half. As he was asking which group Remi wanted to lead, John emerged from his room. Not thrilled at the bleak reminder of having his old roommate back, Blyke turned away and went to unpack. His friends followed suit, but a ludicrous request from John stopped them in their tracks. He asked to join the Safe House field trip. Blyke's kneejerk reaction was to forbid him with a lot of angry words. But Remi stopped him and took charge of the Safe House matter. She said that John would have to make up for all the terror he invoked as king by becoming a trusted member of the club. Blyke was aghast that Remi would give the guy an inch without conferring with him first. At least it didn't seem to appeal to John anyway, who walked off without accepting the terms.

The next day, Blyke and his friends were walking to school, discussing who should become the new Jack. He and Remi wanted Isen on board, but he wanted to foist the role on some other ~~sucker~~ worthy student. He suggested Cecile, who outranked him anyway. The king and queen agreed to his request to ask her, on the condition that Isen take the job if she said no. They went to the Press Room, and sure enough, Cecile wasn't interested. She said that being subordinate to a couple of royal losers would be degrading, a sentiment Blyke obviously found offensive. Isen's desparate negotiations were clearly going nowhere, which cemented their earlier deal. Blyke and Remi dragged their new Jack away.

Some time later, Blyke was supervising the Safe House when it suddenly occurred to him that he forgot his notebook in class. He told everybody to sit tight while he went to go grab it. As soon as he stepped out the door he saw John standing in his path. Suspecting more foul play, Blyke blocked the entrance and asked what he was doing there. John claimed that he was just walking by. A doubtful Blyke glared at him as he left.

That evening, Blyke was trying to do some homework in his room when he was disrupted by John making a racket on the other side of the wall. Blyke answered in kind, demanding that John keep it down. Then came the knock at his door. It was John, who sought his counsel on how to get along with the rest of Safe House. Blyke scoffed at the idea of doing any favors for the guy. John tried harder, claiming that some bad premonition made his inclusion on the trip necessary. Blyke thought it sounded more like the ludicrous demand of a selfish person. Now that Remi wasn't around to shush him, Blyke didn't keep his true feelings to himself. He asked whether John had given any thought to the concerns of the people who suffered throughout the senseless war he waged on them. John claimed to have been in a haze through most of that, but Blyke called him out on such a weak excuse. There was no way his actions would be swept under the rug so easily. He cursed John out, making it clear that he'd never be one of them had Remi chose to leave it to him. Blyke ended the exchange with a door slam.

The lack of advice didn't discourage John from regularly coming by Safe House anyway. During his shift as supervisor, Blyke seated himself across from John, intermittently looking over for any sign to eject the guy. He believed his chance came when John broke the pencil he was holding. Blyke raised his voice and asked if John was deliberately trying to frighten everybody. John claimed that he was working on a brain-buster of a math problem, and apologized for any strife his pencil-snapping had caused. Blyke had to let the matter slide. John's later departure coincided with the arrival of Arlo, who asked about the former. Blyke shared the news of John joining the club earlier that week with hoping that he'd be a part of some big thing on the Rowden trip. When asked if there had been any conflict since then, Blyke admitted there wasn't, but that was no reason not to remain vigilant.

After one last day of having John in the room passed by, the time came for Safe House to make a choice. A majority vote would be cast in order to determine whether John would be allowed to join them on the trip to Rowden. Blyke, of course, bore too much resentment towards him to vote yes. It's unlikely that Arlo voting "yay" was enough to change his mind, and the matter was seemingly settled: John couldn't come along. And so on the day of departure, Blyke was helping to load everybody's luggage onto the bus, with Isen doing a poor job of helping. When everything was in its place, the group hit the road.

### Infiltration

Upon arrival, Blyke took stock of Rowden Resort, noting that it looked better than in the photos. Remi took it upon herself to be the active leader, while Blyke supervised from the sidelines. Their first evening went smoothly, and they congratulated each other in the lobby. But they had to make sure the next day topped it, and Blyke was eager to get a peaceful night's slee--**OH *HELL* NO.**

Unbelievable as it was, John had wandered into the lobby of the very hotel Safe House had booked. Upon noticing his school mates, he greeted them, to which Blyke responded with angry grilling. Adding to the frustration, John didn't see fit to properly explain himself, only saying that he didn't need the club's approval to spend his weekends wherever he wished. Blyke wanted to argue some more, but it was late and John was hungry. Remi saw both as reason enough to put the matter on hold until morning. Seraphina arrived to get food in John's stomach while Blyke and Remi got John a room key. Even though his and Isen's room was already being shared with Arlo because of last-minute arrangements, Blyke begrudgingly opened his door to John. For ONE. NIGHT. **ONLY**.

As if things weren't stressful enough, Isen was his usual irritating self. He insisted on sleeping nearer to the window, since a handy meat shield like Blyke could distract an intruder from the door. Blyke entertained this unlikely scenario for a bit before John showed up. Telling himself that this irritant was only temporary, Blyke mustered up his restraint and told him to make himself at home (in some out-of-the-way corner). Just after he said this, Arlo walked out of the bathroom. The two of them made a loud racket with their bickering, necessitating Blyke's intervention. He told them that everybody needed a quiet night for the early morning start of their big day. John asked why the room had twice as many people as it was supposed to accommodate. Blyke explained that one signed on at the last minute, and the other wasn't supposed to have come. As such, those two could share one of the beds in their roomy suite. John took issue with this, but Blyke told him that he wasn't in any position to set sleeping arrangements. Unless he wanted to sleep outside. Isen offered to give both beds to the ex-Kings while he and Blyke slept on the floor. Blyke got really riled up by his best frend's spinelessness, which made him forget about not disturbing the other rooms. In the end, Isen slept on the floor, while Blyke shared a bed with Arlo.

Blyke wasn't that rested when he awoke to shut off his morning alarm. But when he realized he was due downstairs in fifteen minutes, he jumped out of bed to get ready. Blyke told John and Arlo that they had a tight schedule to keep before heading downstairs with Isen. When Safe House gathered in front of the hotel, Blyke overheard some good news: Seraphina had convinced John to get out of their hair. With his good mood restored, Blyke got set for a thrilling day at Rowden Park.

When they got there, the whole group split up with instructions to call a Safe House founder should there be any serious problems. Blyke asked his two best pals what they ought to do first. Before they could decide, Seraphina and Arlo asked the trio if they could join. They were welcomed, but while in line for the Obelisk, Seraphina went off on her own. Blyke didn't let her abrupt departure keep him from enjoying the park. He and Isen had fun pretending to be desperados while riding the carousel.

Some hours passed, and the group stopped to discuss the next thing they'd do. Blyke wouldn't have minded breaking for lunch after a long day's--**SON OF A B\*TCH**. Standing right behind Arlo and waving, was the one and only John. Blyke stood by at first while John was questioned about not going back as they'd heard. Apparently, he had the bright idea to take some down time in the park before a long ride back to school. When he suggested hanging out with them for the rest of the day, Blyke made his voice heard. After multiple efforts to stand up for John and get to know him better resulted in a senseless war being waged on him and his friends, Blyke was unwilling to let bygones be bygones. As John couldn't be forced to leave against his will, Blyke decided to give shunning his company a try. He left the group.

Blyke didn't get far before John caught up with him. His persistence was as baffling as it was infuriating. Blyke refused to believe that John suddenly wanted to be his pal, and demanded that they avoid each other. John replied by saying that wasn't a real solution. He went on to say that he was wrong about the Royals and their club. This admission that he fought against those with pure intentions came too little, too late, as far as Blyke was concerned. John requested the opportunity to show off the fruits of his month of contemplation. Blyke wasn't able to reply before his phone started ringing. It was Dylan calling to alert him to a violent group of teenagers endangering the lives of everybody in the park. The second he got the location, Blyke headed off to help.

By the time Blyke arrived at the plaza, an ugly scene awaited him. According to Dylan, the quartet managed to overwhelm the security guards sent to detain them. Figuring they were nothing but punks, Blyke called them out. They were unimpressed with his firm tone, and told him not to stick his nose into their fun if he knew what was good for him. Disgusted by their enjoyment of preying on the innocent, Blyke dared them to do their worst before he personally kicked them out of the park. From the murmurs of the crowd, Blyke learned that these jerks were actually the Rowden Royals. Ignoring the remarks from the crowd and the Jack about how screwed he was, Blyke stood in disbelief at the behavior of his so-called fellows. The Jack, Ezra, made a wager that they would leave if Blyke managed to best any one of their number. Liking his odds, Blyke accepted.

The King, Kree, stepped forward as Blyke's opponent. At once, Blyke was subjected to pre-battle bluster about getting taught a painful lesson in respecting his superiors. Kree powered up and covered his arms in metallic armor. John, who had still been sticking annoyingly close, advised Blyke that his opponent only *looked* like he was exclusively defensive. True enough, Kree was quick, but Blyke managed to evade the worst of his attacks. And thanks to his increased proficiency with his ability, he never failed to deliver powerful counterattacks (and even better trash talk). Blyke eventually stood triumphant, and told Kree to get ready to accept the penalty of defeat.

Suddenly, Blyke heard John cry out a warning about his left. Blyke did not react in time, and got gashed by the Arm Blades of Skylar, the Queen. Blyke was aghast that the Royals weren't honoring the deal, but Skylar told him that they owe him nothing. Kree then got on his feet, without nary an injury. It didn't take long for Blyke to notice the handiwork of the group's healer (Myles). Another shout from John let Blyke dodge Ezra's projectiles. Realizing that the Rowden Royals wouldn't relent until they took him down, Blyke braced himself for a fight. John kept on shouting advice, this time on taking out the healer. Blyke demanded to know why *he* should take all the risks when John could simply pitch in and end things in a jiffy. John insisted that it wouldn't be necessary against such second-rate Royals. Not even the heat of battle kept Blyke from noticing John was somehow shaking in fear. But the Royals caught his full attention soon enough. Annoyed at John's vote of confidence, Blyke resigned that he had little choice but to break through enemy lines and do as he was advised. With relative ease, he subdued Myles.

The other Royals realized that John's wisdom was too great a liability to their chances, and focused next attacks on him. Blyke couldn't believe John was just standing frozen and staring at the incoming danger. An energy pulse delayed the attack, giving Blyke some time to yell John's ears off. He angrily told him to drop the timid act and start throwing a punch or two before Kree finally managed to score a clean hit on him.

Sprawled on the ground, Blyke began cursing John for just letting it get to this point. But it came to his attention that the terrible pain of the blow was fading fast. He looked over to John, who had copied the healer's ability for his sake. But there were other abilities duplicated just for the Royals. The fearful look from before was replaced by the more familiar countenance of bloodlust. Blyke stood up, wondering just what caused this radical shift when he heard Dylan asking how he was faring. Blyke turned his head for the briefest moment, causing him to miss John's immediate domination of the fight. It all happened so fast. Dylan's exposition, Ezra's mockery, and John doing what he did best. Blyke kept Dylan at a safe distance, while watching John use Energy Discharge to make short work of the other Royals. Rather than being flattered, Blyke was disturbed. John seemed to be operating with the mentality that did not let him let up after his opponents couldn't fight anymore. Blyke's called for him to stop, but his voice didn't reach. He prepared to attempt another ill-fated physical intervention. But the timely arrival of the other Wellston Royals saved him the headache.

John came to his senses when he realized he was in a Barrier being stared at. He walked away from the fight, and Arlo helped to make sure he didn't get dragged into it again. As security dealt with the Rowden Royals, Blyke reunited with Isen. The observant reporter noticed and pointed out John trembling before they were approached by a guard. She told Blyke and John to come with her for questioning.

## References

1. ↑ Chapter 237
2. ↑ Chapter 238
3. ↑ Chapter 239
4. ↑ Chapter 240
5. ↑ Chapter 242
6. ↑ Chapter 244
7. ↑ Chapter 245
8. ↑ Chapter 246
9. ↑ Chapter 247
10. ↑ Chapter 248
11. ↑ Chapter 249
12. ↑ Chapter 250
13. ↑ Chapter 251
14. ↑ Chapter 252
15. ↑ Chapter 253
16. ↑ Chapter 254
17. ↑ Chapter 255
18. ↑ Chapter 256
19. ↑ Chapter 257
20. ↑ Chapter 258
21. ↑ Chapter 259
22. ↑ Chapter 260
23. ↑ Chapter 261
24. ↑ Chapter 262
25. ↑ Chapter 263
26. ↑ Chapter 264
27. ↑ Chapter 265
28. ↑ Chapter 269
29. ↑ Chapter 272
30. ↑ Chapter 278
31. ↑ Chapter 279
32. ↑ Chapter 280
33. ↑ Chapter 281
34. ↑ Chapter 282
35. ↑ Chapter 283
36. ↑ Chapter 285
37. ↑ Chapter 286
38. ↑ Chapter 292
39. ↑ Chapter 293
40. ↑ Chapter 300
41. ↑ Chapter 301
42. ↑ Chapter 302
43. ↑ Chapter 303
44. ↑ Chapter 304
45. ↑ Chapter 305
46. ↑ Chapter 306
47. ↑ Chapter 308
48. ↑ Chapter 318
49. ↑ Chapter 320
50. ↑ Chapter 322
51. ↑ Chapter 325
52. ↑ Chapter 326