The first time Todd visited the principal’s office, was back in sixth grade when he tried to petition the school to add two extra hours to each day so he could squeeze in three more classes. He was quickly, and summarily dismissed. However, what stuck with Todd most wasn’t the angry student he explained the idea to while waiting, nor the balls of paper thrown at him the next day; it was the odd feeling he had about the principal’s office. Something felt not quite off, but not quite right. It was almost as if the room was set up as the facsimile of a principal’s office. Even now, there were still stock photos in frames hung on the walls. The fake plants seemed more than fake, and Todd couldn’t prove it, but he had the suspicion the other office door, which just read ‘office’, went somewhere else. Last time, there was bookcase from straight out of a haunted house. It wouldn’t be that abnormal for a room in a school to have books, but the skull with a candle sticking out and the cobwebs led to an out of place feeling. All of that was gone now. Just a receptionist’s desk, and a row of chairs in front of a bulletin board filled with flyers and the standard school decorations. The new look still managed to come off as less than normal.

Todd’s leg bounced as he sat in the lobby of the principal’s office and stared at the door. The first hurdle in getting things back to normal had been cleared; even if it was done in a narrow and clumsy fashion. Last night, Todd’s father offered a deal: return to Fillmore and if he remained incident free for the semester, they’d open up the second of the year to a more normal schedule. For Todd, it was as if Christmas came early; up until the previous year, incident free was his middle name. All he would have to do is keep up his mostly spotless record, then demolish his easier classes and the teachers would practically push him into honors classes. He’d overfill the second semester with so many advanced subjects and top grades, that by the time he applied to Viltburg, they might let him skip a grade.

Todd smirked as he imagined the look on the face of every student and teacher at Viltburg as he, once the student who left in disgrace, returned in a blaze of academic glory. Todd clenched his fists. It was vital he returned in a way which allowed him to walk with his head held high. While he would, unfortunately, lose out on his last chance at an early start at Viltburg this year, ninth grade meant an open application and straight forward enrollment. Aside from simply being allowed to transfer back, this was the easiest and best arrangement Todd could have imagined. Of course, the second half of the year plan more than skirted the line of what his parents would find acceptable, but Todd was confident he could handle all that when the time came.

Todd looked at the door almost willing it to open and get the meeting over with. The email from Principal Park didn’t offer a lot of clarity on what the meeting was about. In fact, it was a bit confusing, with a lot of generic lines about welcoming Todd to the district and incredibly cryptic statements in regards to Todd’s score. The uncertainty surrounding the mention of Todd’s grade on the placement test led to a sleepless night. He was surprised as anyone about the grade, but he’d done nothing wrong. His thoughts then turned to the bizarre email. If this turned into a big dust up, even if he could prove his innocence, Todd’s parents might see the whole situation as a reason to rescind the deal. Todd felt his stomach quiver.

“Don’t do that, it makes you look guilty.” a voice said. Todd blinked as the voice registered in his mind first, then what was said. A slow turn put Todd face to face with the boy in the hooded jacket, two seats away.

“Why are you here?” Todd hissed. He looked over at the receptionist, who didn’t seem to notice as she shook her coffee cup, then walked away from her desk.

“Todd Stewart, I’m in the principal’s office to meet with the principal. Why else would I be here?” the boy asked. Todd watched the boy’s eyes follow the receptionist until she left the room. “They may try to break you, but even they have limits to their techniques. Remain strong and we’ll get out of this unscathed.” he said quickly in a quiet tone. Todd blinked, looked at the principal’s door, then back to the boy.

“Techniques for what?” Todd asked. He shook his head. “Break me?” The boy grabbed Todd and shook him.

“Don’t get squeamish now. We’re almost free. Do you want to lose that top grade at the finish line?”

“Wait. Grade? Whoa, I got that grade fair and square on my own.” Todd said.

“That’s right. We got our grades totally legit. There’s nothing suspicious how we got our results. We’re innocent.” the boy said as he shouted towards the principal’s office. He kept moving his hand back and forth between himself and Todd.

“Stop that. Stop emphasizing ‘we’. I don’t even know your name! And I don’t want to be associated with you.” Todd shouted. He looked around to make sure the receptionist didn’t reappear and catch his outburst. The boy shook his head.

“Now you’re just overselling it. Be cool Todd Stewart. Obviously they know we’ve teamed up, but they have no proof that we cheated.” the boy said. The color drained from Todd and his mouth hung open.

“They think we cheated?” Todd asked. “How?”

“Really, it’s mostly just you, but I could be implicated so I’m going the hold out. Don’t worry, I’m a vault.”

“Me?” Todd blustered. “I didn’t...there’s no...it wasn’t even a real answer key.” Todd stared into space while he tried to understand what was happening.

“Keep your voice low.” the boy said. “Your plan worked perfectly. The less I know about your plan the better. Because your plan was so good.”

“There’s no plan. I didn’t have a plan. Stop saying ‘your’ like that. ” Todd stammered.

“Todd Stewart.” someone said. Todd froze, then slowly turned towards the principal’s office. Mr. Park stood in the doorway, arms crossed, with a hard-nosed gaze on his face. “Enter.” he said. Todd gulped and stood up. He felt a tap at his arm and turned. The boy gave him the double finger gun, then made a clicking noise, and winked. Todd pinched the bridge of his nose and

sighed, then followed Mr. Park into the office.

----------------------------------------

The only sound in the office was the rhythmic ticking from a large grandfather clock in the corner of the room. This particular clock had three faces, each at different times, and one with unfamiliar symbols instead of numbers. Todd didn’t have time to study or even inquire about the peculiar antique clock, as his mind was focused entirely on the paper he held in his sweaty hand. Todd furrowed his brow and took a deep breath as he tried to guess the optimal strategy to pursue. He took a quick look at Mr. Park, who stood in front one of the large windows behind his desk, his back to Todd as he peeked through the blinds. Todd exhaled.

“I’m sorry, I’d love to help but I don’t think there’s a way to find out who left these comments on your web comic. As for what they said, I don’t agree the villain being in plain sight was more obvious than the rising of the sun each day. Sometimes you don’t want the twist to be hidden.” Todd added. He held his breath. When the principal brought him in and immediately asked for his assistance, Todd never expected that the task would be to see if he could come up with a way to ID online commentators. Todd would have expected to see the comments on the computer instead of a printed piece of paper, so the day was already full of surprises.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“Hmm.” Principal Park sighed as he let the blind snap back into place. It almost sounded like a growl. Everything the principal did was intense; from the way handed out year end awards to the way he sounded when calling your parents to tell them good news.

“If it helps, based on...this paper...it looks like these are just random comments and not reviews so it shouldn’t sink your rating on the site overall.” Todd tried to add helpfully. In a flash, the principal turned from the window and looked at Todd and frightened the boy.

“Is that your...honest assessment?” Principal Park asked. He had an odd way of emphasizing certain words when he spoke.

“Yeah, I mean, again I’ve never actually been to actioncomics.com, but if it’s like similar sites, you should be fine.”

“Excellent.” Principal Park. His voice brusque. He took his seat at the desk across from Todd gathered the printed comments and one of the pages from his comic. He shuffled the papers and placed them into a drawer. He slid another form across the desk to Todd. “I’m not sure what you were able to gleam from the email, but we have business...to discuss.” The empty feeling in Todd’s stomach returned.

“Okay.” he croaked.

“I would like to start with the email you received yesterday afternoon.” Principal Park said. Todd sat up in his seat. Was he wrong about the sender? Or did Principal Park already know and take care of it? “I apologize for...the delay. There was some issue with the scores. We’re looking into it, but for now you shouldn’t expect any further...complications when it comes to school communication.”

“Oh. That’s relief!” Todd said a shaky laugh.

“Of course that’s not why...we’re here.”

“Right.” he said, his voice small.

“You’re aware you achieved the highest score on the placement test...correct?” Mr. Park asked.

“Yes.” Todd squeaked.

“Instead of resulting in the offer to enroll in Viltburg Academy like last year, this year will be....different.” Principal Park nodded towards the paper. Todd picked it up and started to read. “While you were gone, a new type of class and learning system was piloted at Fillmore with...inconclusive results.” Principal Park said. Todd looked up from the paper.

“What did you just say? Last year? As you remember me leaving last year?” Todd fought to keep from smiling.

“I may not have your principal any longer, but I make a habit to keep tabs on the welfare for...my students. A particularly prudent move considering your...incident. There will be time for you to relieve past glories...later.”

“Oh, no I was just feeling-”

“The district has decided to widen the scope of the pilot program.” Principal Park tented his hands. “Which brings me to...you. All students who scored above a certain threshold will be participating in a...special class. As such, for this year there will be no official honor’s classes for that group.” Principal Park could have started talking about martians landing at the flag pole for all Todd knew. Once the words ‘no honor’s classes’ were uttered, Todd felt his heart drop to the floor and he sat in daze.

“Okay.” was all Todd could weakly croak out as his heart pounded and he stared at the ground.

“As one of the students in that class, I’m afraid you will not be able to attend the honor’s class picnic this spring.” Principal Park said. Todd’s eyes darted back and forth then he looked up at Principal Park.

“The picnic?”

“I’m afraid...so. The honor’s teachers are resistant to the new program and refused to budge. You will be allowed to sit with the honor’s students for the eight grade graduation. But there will be zero...honey cake at the end of the year. The decision is...final.”

“So that means...we can take honors courses?” Todd asked.

“Yes. I explained that...moments ago.” Principal Park said. Todd shivered from the icy glare. “You will be able to follow the curriculum, but all your core classes will be managed through the...pilot. In lieu of honor’s distinction, you will receive...special commendation, from the district for assisting with the program. For high school...and beyond.” Todd could have jumped through the roof. Not only was his plan still in play, it looks like it might have been upgraded; he’d have honor grades and rare accolades from the district. Forget coming back with a head held high, Todd would march back into Viltburg as its greatest student.

“Wow. This is a lot to take in but it’s exciting. What is the program exactly?”

“I have...limited details. It was designed by someone outside the district. A former student. He’ll be going over everything during the welcome...assembly later this morning.” Principal Park said. “There is still yet a...caveat.” The principal leaned back in his chair. “I’ve already spoken to and made the arrangements with your parents regarding your...education. Unfortunately this class will require a minor bump to being closer to your expected level. However, you’ll be working with a reduced core workload and increased elective classes and study periods...for safety.”

“That’s fine. I hashed everything out with my dad last night. He’s cool with the return and whatever I have to do as long as I don’t go over board.” Todd said. He hoped the fact that was only a partial lie would keep him from any guilty looks. Principal Park raised an eyebrow.

“The one thing I know about this program is that technically you’ll have more control over the work you’re taking on. I hope I can trust you to do things the right...way. Well all want you to successful and... safe.”

“Of course yes. Thank you. I will be super careful, and I’m honored to be in the program.” Todd said, as he stood up.

“Sit...down.” Principal Park said and Todd immediately dropped back into his seat. The principal cleared his throat. “Perhaps the the faith I’ve placed in you can be repaid via a....favor.”

“Okay, no problem. It will probably be easier to deal with future comments with a computer instead of a screen print.”

“Not that.” Principal Park said quickly. He cleared his throat then stood up and walked over to a bookshelf, which Todd recognized as the spooky one from two years prior, and turned away from Todd. “There’s a new student at the school this year who benefit greatly from your...influence.”

“What do you mean?” Todd asked. Principal Park looked over his shoulder at Todd.

“There is a student I wish to keep on the right track. A studious and harmonious path. It’s of the upmost importance in this...instance.”

“I’m not super popular or anything.”

“I’m...well aware. My hope is that your banal and bookish life keeps this person away from...trouble.”

“Right. Thanks. Well, I guess I can give it my best shot.” Todd watched the principal return to his desk and open one of the drawers. In his mind Todd tried to forecast how likely it was that he would be stuck with some near criminal delinquent. The way Principal Park spoke worried him, but there was no way the principal would come to Todd if it was something serious. Todd tried to think back to if he ever heard anything concerning children from Principal Park, but his personal life wasn’t well known. But why else would he be so determined? Todd’s eyes widened. He remembered seeing a girl and an older woman around the principal during family day two years ago. That must have been his wife and daughter! In his memory she seemed a bit older than Todd but clearly his memory was just fuzzy. Todd felt a strange surge of anticipation at the idea.

“I think I could do that.” Todd said in an attempt to sound casual.

“I cannot ask or force friendship, but if you prove to be a less than a friendly, reputable influence...” Principal Park’s piercing eyes caused Todd to squirm in his seat. “I’m requesting you join...the crossing guards. A mutual club would provide a convenient reason for your presence.”

“Okay, no problem. I needed an extracurricular anyway.” Todd said.

“You have...my gratitude. This student is a good kid, but...unconventional” Principal Park said. For some strange reason a sinking feeling began to crawl from the back of Todd’s mind.

“Who is it?” Todd asked. His voice started to switch from anticipation to apprehension.

“Here’s a picture, but you’ll be able to tell right away. He dresses...abnormally.” Principal Park said. Todd shivered as a chill ran down his spine. The principal slid a picture across the desk.

“How-how abnormal?” Todd asked. His eyes were wide and he shook as he picked up the photo.

“His name is...Jun-Suk. He’ll be in your class as well.” Principal Park said. Todd picked up the photo and wanted to shout ‘no’ and run out of the run. He forced a bitter smile to accompany is widened eyes, and did his best to keep from shaking. “I don’t know what his hang up with that jacket is...about.” With trembling hands, Todd put the photo of the boy in the jacket, now known as Jun-Suk back on the desk.