Guess Who's Back

 Fred Clover stood before the bus, its engine coughing fumes into the morning air. He stared at it like an old enemy. It was loud, smelly, and indifferent to everything he believed in.

It was no secret that public transport never sat right with him, but today, ideals had to wait. He sighed, shoulders heavy with compromise, and stepped forward. He didn't have any other choice.

Fred Clover: I hate this, but it must be done. (Fred muttered to himself, nervously stepping onto the bus and sheepishly taking an empty seat)... (Sighs) If only I still had my bike, I wouldn't have to ride in this deathtrap. (Fred grumbled, slouching against the seat as the engine growled to life)

Just then, the teacher's phone began to ring. He reached into his pocket, pulled it out, and answered the call.

Fred Clover: Hello, Principal Walters... Yes, I'm on my way now. I promise I won't be late. (Fred assured her over the phone, trying to sound calm despite the rumbling bus beneath him)

Susie Walters: Please don't disappoint me, Fred. You're one of our best hires. But if you go against our agreement, I won't hesitate to get you fired. Do I make myself clear? (Susie asked firmly, seated behind her desk as she made the call from her office)

Fred Clover: Crystal. (Fred said to her, then ended the call with a weary sigh)... I can't lose this job. I have to make this right. (Fred thought with quiet determination, as the bus rumbled into motion)

 Meanwhile, at Pride High School, Toby Robinson sat staring at the system's screen, clearly disappointed by the sluggish progress of the upgrade.

[Progress: 2%]

Toby Robinson: How long is this stupid thing going to take?! (Toby thought angrily, standing in front of his locker)

Todd Forager: Hello! Earth to Toby! Earth to Toby! (Todd called out to his friend, waving a hand to get his attention)

Toby Robinson: Huh? What is it?! (The young dreamer asked in surprise, snapping back to reality)

Todd Forager: You've been really distracted lately, dude. Is something wrong? You know you can tell me, right? (Todd asked sincerely, his usual joking tone giving way to genuine concern)

Toby thought about it for a moment, considering whether he should just tell Todd the truth. But was this really the right time? And if not now, would the right time ever come? 

Toby Robinson: (Sighs) Okay... I'll tell you the truth. I have superpowers. I can enter the land of dreams, and tame the beings that live there. This power was granted to me by the Dream System, some mysterious AI thing that gives me all kinds of skills and abilities... That's the real truth. (Toby confessed, finally letting the words out)

Todd Forager: Wow. Just... wow. If you didn't want to tell me, you could've just said so. Instead of making up all this garbage about a system and dream powers! (Todd snapped, clearly angry and hurt)

Toby Robinson: I'm not making this up, I swear! It's all true! (Toby insisted, desperation creeping into his voice)

Todd Forager: You're a liar, Toby Robinson! And a bad one at that! (Todd shouted, his voice echoing through the hallway as students turned to stare)

 The image of an angry Todd quickly faded from Toby's mind, the imagined scenario leaving the young dreamer a little shaken.

Toby Robinson: Nah... that wouldn't happen. Todd would never say something like that. But still... I can't tell him the truth. I don't think he'd get it. (Toby thought to himself, a little sad at the thought)... I'm fine, Todd! You don't have to worry about me, I was just thinking about the new Solarvar comic! Coolest solar powered superhero ever! (Toby said excitedly, trying to steer the conversation away)

Todd Forager: While I do agree with that to some extent... that's not what we're talking about right now. You're acting different, man. It's weird, and it's making me worry. (Todd said, his tone more serious than usual)

Toby Robinson: You worry way too much about me, dude. I'm perfectly fine... Wait a minute, I forgot to ask! How are things going with Darasimi? Any luck winning her over? (Toby inquired with a grin, nudging his friend playfully)

Todd Forager: (Sighs) It's the same old story, buddy. She still only sees me as a friend... and I don't think that's going to change. (Todd admitted quietly, a hint of sadness in his voice)

Toby Robinson: Hold up, are you giving up on her, bro? Sounds like you've already thrown in the towel. (Toby said, an eyebrow raised in disbelief)

Todd Forager: Heck no! I'm only give her some space, I don't want to push her away. But I'm never going to stop trying to win her over. (Todd said with conviction clear in his voice)

Toby Robinson: That's so great to hear, and I'm super happy for you. But the bell has already started ringing, so we need to hustle! (Toby said, prompting him and Todd to quickly head towards their classroom)

 Now in class, Toby waited along with the rest of the students for the teacher to arrive. The next subject was biology, and judging by the collective groans and slouched shoulders, nobody was thrilled about it.

Lerange Smith: Someone wake me when this class is over. I don't want to miss Physics. (Lerange said, resting his head on his desk and settling in for a nap)

Tiffany Hathaway: Ugh, I hate Mr. Buscemi's classes. When is Mr. Clover coming back?! (Tiffany groaned, slumping into her seat)

Lerange Smith: You think something happened to him? I mean... maybe we should check on him after school. (Lerange suggested, a hint of concern in his voice)

 "That won't be necessary." (The voice came from outside the door, calm and familiar)... I'm back everyone. (Fred smiled as he stepped into the classroom, clearly happy to see all his students)

"Mr Clover!" (The classroom erupted as students jumped from their seats, hurrying to greet their beloved teacher, everyone, except one)

Toby Robinson: What the heck... (The young dreamer whispered in fear, his glowing blue eyes catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure)... Is that? (Toby muttered, frozen in horror at the sight of the terrifying creature clutching his favorite teacher in its grasp)

Next: Wraith.