Chapter 9: Rooftop Tensions

The following day at school, Alex and Liam found themselves on the rooftop, a popular spot for lunch. As they began to eat, Alex initiated a conversation about discretion and secrecy.

"Remember, Liam," Alex said, his tone serious. "No talking about what happened yesterday, no revealing your origin, and definitely no using your Ion in public. We need to keep a low profile."

Liam, feeling the weight of these restrictions, sighed. "It's a stifling way to live, but I suppose you're right."

Alex, deep in thought, considered the enigma that was Liam. "I don't know much about you, but for now, we need to act normal. Too much attention isn't good."

Liam's chaperone, a metallic companion with a voice that resonated wisdom, added, "Alex is correct. Being discovered by AWL at this point would be detrimental."

Nodding in agreement, Liam acknowledged, "Alright, I'll follow your advice."

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted as the bullies, seemingly unfazed by yesterday's events, swaggered onto the rooftop. Jack, still nursing his crutches, challenged the crowd.

"Who said you could eat here?" he demanded, eyes narrowing.

Liam couldn't resist a wry smile. "The fools from yesterday, I see you've recovered quickly."

Undeterred, the bullies targeted two younger students, harassing them about their food and demanding payment for using the rooftop. One of them declared a fee of $10 for anyone eating on the roof.

Alex, not willing to tolerate the bullying, stepped forward. "Quit it, guys. This isn't right."

Jack, recognizing Alex, retaliated swiftly, delivering a blow to his stomach with his crutch. "You'll pay too, smart guy!"

Liam, witnessing the assault, stepped forward. "Are you guys really this forgetful about what happened yesterday?" he asked, genuine confusion in his voice.

Alex, considering the possibility, replied, "Maybe AWL erased their memories to maintain secrecy."

Liam pondered for a moment. "So, I suppose it would be wrong to beat them up?"

"Correct," Alex affirmed. "We need to play it smart."

Observing the first graders being harassed for payment, Liam couldn't tolerate the injustice any longer. Jack demanded $10, to which the youngsters replied, "We have no change."

Jack, undeterred, declared, "We accept bills too."

Seizing the opportunity, Liam moved swiftly behind the bullies. Stomping his foot on the ground, he generated a shockwave, sending ripples through the surface. The bullies, caught off guard, recoiled in fear.

The rooftop fell silent, the shockwave dissipating, leaving an uneasy tension in the air. Liam, having made his point without resorting to violence, met the startled gazes of the bullies, sending a clear message – there were limits to their bullying antics.

Jack turned towards them, glaring. Liam, with a calm demeanor, asked, "Can we go through?" The bullies, still shaken from Liam's display of power, quickly made way for them.

In the bustling classroom, Liam found himself surrounded by curious classmates, bombarding him with questions.

"Man, that rooftop stunt was amazing, Liam!"

"Was that some kind of kung fu?"

"And you showed them yesterday too, so I know you're different."

Liam, modestly downplaying his actions, responded, "It was really nothing. I'm just normal."

Alex, leaning in, whispered a reminder, "Remember what I said. Keep it low-key."

Sophie, still intrigued, asked, "Where did you live before, Liam? What country?"

Liam, weaving a tale to keep his origins mysterious, replied, "I don't think you'd know of it."

A guy teased, "I heard he comes from a really tiny place. Doesn't know any major sports."

Liam, reflecting on his past, admitted, "I've been to many countries, and they were all at war. Fighting every day. It's always been that way."

The classmates, shocked and curious, murmured, "You grew up in a conflict zone?"

Alex, silently observing, thought, "Fighting every day... that kind of world shaped the personality of Liam."

As the discussion continued, Liam, about to reveal more about the nature of AWL and OWLs, was abruptly interrupted by the teacher entering the classroom. Before he could continue, Alex intervened, "We need to talk. Come with me for a second."

In the hallway, away from prying ears, Alex expressed his concerns. "Liam, you can't keep talking about war and AWL in class. It draws too much attention."

Liam, understanding the need for caution, nodded, "I get it. It's just strange, Alex. This world seems so relaxed, yet they've been through so much."

As they walked back into the classroom, Jack and his gang were still lingering, eyeing Liam with a mix of fear and resentment. The teacher resumed the lesson, but the tension in the room remained palpable.

During the break, Liam and Alex found themselves on the rooftop again, away from the prying eyes. Alex, sipping on a soda, pondered, "You have to be careful, Liam. We're walking a fine line here."

Liam, looking out at the city, replied, "I understand. But there's so much I want to share, Alex. They live in ignorance about the true nature of this world."

Alex, placing a hand on Liam's shoulder, sighed, "I know, but revealing too much too soon could be dangerous. We have to be patient."

As they continued their conversation, Liam's stomach grumbled loudly, eliciting laughter from Alex. "Looks like it's time for lunch. Let's grab something."

In the school cafeteria, Liam, with his unique appearance, attracted curious glances from students. The bullies, still nursing their wounded pride, shot hostile looks, but Liam paid them no mind.

As they settled on the rooftop to eat, Alex warned, "Remember, keep a low profile. No shocking displays, no talk about war or AWL."

Liam, biting into his sandwich, couldn't help but feel the weight of the secrecy he now carried. The complexities of living in this world, concealing his true identity, weighed on him.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the break. Liam and Alex prepared to head back to class, navigating the intricate dance of concealing a secret in the midst of unsuspecting peers. The challenges of balancing his past and present were becoming clearer with each passing moment.