The Witch's Ichor

The Strongest Armor [12]

Ryker's eye follows the second hand of the clock. He's smiling to himself as he waits for lunch to arrive. Mrs. Johnson clears her throat, and calls upon him to answer a question. Ryker only notices that he's being addressed when his seat partner, Tracy, taps his leg beneath the desk.

"Mr. Kim, could you please tell me what this chapter tells us about the setting of the story?" Mrs. Johnson asks.

Ryker winces, feeling pained by the word 'mister'. The current chapter is a mystery to Ryker, so he glances at the board for the answer. Unfortunately, the chapter number isn't listed anywhere.

"Chapter ten..." Tracy whispers.

Tracy's hint helps Ryker come up with an answer. He actually read that chapter earlier today, so he quickly formulates an answer.

"That chapter reveals the name of the city the story is set in, something that hasn't been detailed anywhere in the story prior to this chapter. It also mentions a new area in the town, adding depth to the setting." Ryker explains.

"Good to see you're paying attention." Mrs. Johnson replies.

Thankfully Mrs. Johnson's lecture is coming to an end. She claps to get everyone's full attention before smiling warmly at the class.

"You all did a great job today, so the last few minutes are free." Mrs. Johnson announces.

The classroom erupts into chatter. Ryker takes the opportunity to turn to Tracy. The sporty looking girl is putting away her notebook, and turns to smile at him.

"Thanks for helping me, I was totally out of it." Ryker thanks her with a grin.

"No problem! That's what friends are for, right?" Tracy replies.

Ryker packs away his things while listening to Tracy. Her choice of words catches his attention. Being in class with Tracy is one thing, but they have hardly spoken. Are they really friends?

"Are we friends..? Not that I don't want to be- I just mean I wasn't sure since we only talk in class, and-" Ryker rambles awkwardly.

"Haha, yes. We are totally friends!" Tracy affirms.

Tracy pulls out her phone, and taps at it for a second. She slides it over to Ryker.

"You said we never talk out of class, so I figure, why not fix that?" Tracy explains.

Ryker nods slowly, and picks up her phone. He goes on autopilot as he types out his phone number and name. His thumb taps the save button as he finishes typing, and he hands it back to Tracy with a dopey grin.

"Thanks. I just didn't think I was friend material, you know?" Ryker says sheepishly.

"Aw, no way! You're a great guy." Tracy replies.

Ryker flinches at her unintentionally biting words. He forces a smile and shrugs.

"What can I say, I try?" Ryker forces a laugh.

The bell rings before Tracy has a chance to say anything more. Ryker slings his bag over his shoulder. Tracy opens her mouth to speak, but Ryker is walking out in a hurry. She frowns, glancing down at her phone. She tilts her head curiously.

Who's Zoe?

~

Ryker can barely contain his excitement as he ducks into the one unisex bathroom the school has. It's a little out of the way, but the privacy is worth it. Ryker quickly pulls out his girl clothes, and begins to undress. Once fully bare he sings the magic words.

"Make me a girl."

Zoe's bright smile is reflected back at her in the bathroom mirror. She giggles to herself and makes a few silly faces in the mirror before remembering she's on a time limit. The old boy clothes go back into her backpack, and she gets dressed.