Marked By Fire [Sky High Fanfic]

Ch. 9 There's my kiddos!

The school dismissed the first-year students early. The student council led them out of the gym and into the parking lot, where the school bus driver, Ron, beaming with cheer, waved at the students as they boarded the bus.

Leah and her friends, a new, tightly bonded group, filled the school bus with chatter and laughter as they made their way to the back. Leah sat beside Magenta, and Warren was beside Larry.

Will and his friends entered the school bus next, spread out in the front or middle. Will and Layla sat beside each other, while Zach and Ethan sat beside each other.

Will, his stomach twisted with anxiety, fastened his seatbelt and cast a glance back. His heart sank as he saw Leah, his sister, deeply engrossed in a lively conversation with her friends. He sighed, his anxiety mounting as he dreaded the impending conversation with their parents about his Sidekicks sorting.

Ron bid a cheerful farewell to the student council and hopped onto the school bus. Settling into the driver's seat, he ignited the engine.

Gwen and her friends watched the school bus leave the parking lot. Her eyes intently stared at Leah, who was chatting with Magenta. She hummed, looking at the teen with mixed emotions.

The school bus departed from Sky High and flew to the skies. Some teens started to get comfortable inside a flying school bus, while others still felt nervous.

Ron pressed a red button, and wheels appeared. The school bus landed on an empty freeway and drove towards a crowded one.

" I am bursting with excitement to share the news with my parents about becoming a Super," Leah beamed at Magenta, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

" I am excited to tell my parents about being a Sidekick. My Mom is a Sidekick like me while Dad is a Super," Magenta smiled.

Leah's gaze softened, and she was happy for Magenta. She turned her gaze to Warren and saw him looking at her.

" Excited to tell your folks about your sorting?" Leah asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.

" I know my Mom would be happy. I don't care what my Dad thinks," Warren shrugs.

Leah nodded, sensing Warren's discomfort at the mention of his Dad. She figured Warren was uncomfortable thinking about his Dad since he's a Villain, arrested for a lifetime at one of their city's top jails for Villains.

" I also know my neighbors, the Huangs, will be happy for me. They own the Chinese restaurant where I work," Warren smiled.

Leah nodded, and she smiled at Warren.

Ron dropped several students off at their homes. Leah, Will, and Layla waved goodbye as they watched their new friends leave the school bus and head home.

The drive to the Stronghold and Williams' residence, where the Stronghold twins and Layla live, has been awkward. Leah still sat at the back of the school bus while Will and Layla sat in the middle.

Leah stared at Will's back intently. She could sense her brother's uncomfortableness and figured it was because he was scared to tell their parents about him being a Sidekick.

Ron parks on the sidewalk in front of the two houses; he opens the door and looks at the three students through his rearview mirror.

" We made it! Have a good evening, kids!" He smiled.

Will gulped, his hands tightly grasping his school bag. He unbuckles his seat belt and follows Layla out of the school bus. Leah grabs her belongings and follows them.

" Bye, Will. Have a good evening. Call or text me if anything comes up," Layla gently placed her hand on Will's shoulder and squeezed it.

Will nodded, watching Layla head home to the house next to his.