Second Strike

Chapter 1: Cloke Glimmer

We observe the silhouette of a teenager swiftly navigating across rooftops, occasionally glancing at his backpack. He effortlessly leaps from one building to another.

"Physics notebook...check! Pencils...check! Lunch...damn it! I guess I'll be hungry."

A clear image comes into focus as he jumps towards the reader. He wears a white mask adorned with a lightning bolt, accentuating his school uniform. With brown hair and two piercings on his left ear, he exudes a sense of youthful energy. Surrounding him, crackling blue sparks of electricity intermittently appear, emitting a faint crackling sound. He murmurs to himself,

"I hope today isn't a lousy start to my senior year!"

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SECOND STRIKE

The cacophony of lockers slamming shut, the chiming of bells, and a chorus of teenagers using every bad word in the dictionary fill the crowded hallway. Cloke can be seen at his locker, diligently organizing his belongings. His locker, painted green, is adorned with photos of his family and friends. Suddenly, someone touches his back, startling Cloke.

"Whoa! Oh... it's just you, Ricardo. What's up?" Ricardo, a Latino with black eyes, short hair, and black-painted nails, responds.

"Are you ready for our last year?" He opens the locker adjacent to Cloke's. 

Cloke replies, "Yeah, hopefully it goes according to plan." 

Cloke closes his locker, and Ricardo follows suit. 

"Did you hear the news yesterday?" Ricardo asks. 

Cloke smirks discreetly, "You mean about Zeus beating up those criminals during their robbery? Yeah, I heard!" 

Ricardo bursts into laughter, "Nah, bro, I don't think you saw the recording..." 

Cloke becomes surprised, "Recording?! What recording?! "

Ricardo eagerly shows Cloke a security camera video on his phone. In the footage, a man wearing a white mask with a lightning bolt is seen effortlessly taking down a group of criminals with lightning speed, moving from one robber to the next. However, while fighting, Zeus suddenly trips and tumbles to the floor. The robbers seize the opportunity and ruthlessly rain blows upon him while he lies in a vulnerable position. 

Cloke winces, watching his alter ego being pummelled while he helplessly tries to shield himself. But in a moment of redemption, Zeus musters up his energy once more, standing tall and seizing a nearby line pole. With a newfound determination, he retaliates, delivering powerful strikes that send the robbers sprawling.

Cloke's face flushes with embarrassment as he thinks to himself, "Fuck, that's so humiliating..."

During his classes, Cloke showcases his exceptional intelligence by consistently answering questions, eagerly participating, and diligently taking notes. In his history class, as the professor introduces himself, Cloke's eyes widen with anticipation. Dr. George Gregory, the history professor, emphasizes the importance of taking the class seriously despite it being an elective. He announces that it is a Spark History class, covering topics such as The Union War, The Unity, and Spark Users. Cloke's excitement becomes palpable as he ponders the possibility of finally learning about his own abilities.

The professor takes a seat and opens the floor for questions. 

Cloke wastes no time and promptly raises his hand. "Are spark users extinct?" he inquires, his curiosity evident.