Chapter 252

Don't you get tired of switching back and forth?

- Blyke to John

This is the 252nd episode of unORDINARY.

Synopsis[]

John and Blyke are in a holding room, cuffed and with only each other for company. Blyke is irked that this situation is a far cry from, "answering a few questions." He then notices that John is shakier and breathing more heavily than ever. Unbeknownst to Blyke, this is because John is terrified that The Authorities might get involved. Getting apprehended again would no doubt put him in the grasp of his old readjustment instructor. Blyke tells him to relax, as they would be released soon enough. John asks why he's so certain, and hears that Blyke has had brushes with security before. As soon as their rank and school got verified, they'd be free to go. John does not appreciate such immunity.

Blyke asks John why he seems to flip-flop between not using his ability and exerting his power for far too long. Blyke wonders aloud if John resents his own power. John admits to wishing that he was powerless most of the time. Taken by surprise, Blyke notes that John wouldn't be so in tune with his ability if he didn't enjoy it at some point. John tries to deny it, but Blyke stops him before he starts. He guesses that the experience of discovering their power for the first time was similar for the both of them, as was the drive to push it to the limit. John remembers all too well, but only says that he regrets what it ultimately led to. Realizing the look of shame on John's face, Blyke shares his own experience on how he abused his ability, cringing at the very recollection of it. It only started occurring to him just how much of an impact it left on the world when he started visiting less fortunate districts. Seeing how they struggled to make ends meet without the strong leadership of a high-ranker gave him a new perspective. Blyke expressed his hope of using his power to help those who needed it. Because if he didn't, who would? It was a question that John was familiar with. Hoping to move on from such existential contemplation, John asks where Blyke found the time to visit other towns when Wellston students had a curfew. Blyke realizes too late that he was dangerously close to blabbing about his vigilante activities...AGAIN. He made up a story about how he frequently he missed his stop because he kept falling asleep on the train, hoping John would buy it. (He doesn't.) Just then, the security guard who brought them here returned. She told them that a report on the fight was filed, and that they could go, preferably without causing any more trouble.

When they get outside, Blyke has his shorts in a twist about the reprimand. He had learned that the Rowden Royals got off scott-free, and had even retained the right to come back to the park in the future. John told him that it was the way of the world. The two notice Isen waiting for them. He explains that everybody had already left. John wonders what he'll do about sleeping arrangements, only for Isen to inform him that he's going back to the resort with them. John is confused, as Safe House voted for him not to come. Isen answers that news of his big fight with the local Royals made its way to the rest of the group, necessitating Seraphina and Arlo to address the issue. He tells the story of how it went down.

Members of Safe House weren't pleased that Seraphina kept calling for a recount just because the outcome displeased her. She acknowledged they made a fair point, but she had one of her own to make. The objective of Safe House was to give a second chance to everybody who sought one. John was making an effort to collaborate with them, and even gave up his title as King in order to pitch in better. But everybody was still antsy about John's past raids on Room 224. Arlo stepped in and asked them if John had raised his hand against anybody following the end of his suspension. The club knew the answer was "no", but they avoided him just in case. Arlo suggested that this change in John was more significant than they've been giving him credit for. Seraphina added that Safe House, of all groups, was in no position to disregard such development. John was finally seeking another chance, and all his hard work in trying to get one shouldn't go to waste.

Isen is still having trouble processing the sight of those two on the same side of an issue, but tries to move on. He tells John and Blyke to join him for a trip back to the hotel so they could eat. John hangs back. He's more surprised than Isen was about both prominent leaders vouching for him.

When the three of them finally make it to the resort's dining area, they see Dylan recounting the Wellston vs. Rowden fight to the others. It was mostly flattering, and he didn't elaborate on the scarier parts...much. Remi greets the late trio and tells them that they are free to help themselves at the buffet. Isen and Blyke eagerly go to whet their appetites, but John stays in place. He's still getting stares and hearing whispers. Most consist of the fact that he's been doing better (according to others). It isn't as comforting as he'd like it to be, but he gets a much-needed break from it all. Seraphina approaches him and asks him to join her for a meal.

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