We’re at the next day of school. The 4th period bell rings and the students walk into class. 

‘Finally, time for my favorite class of the day! Science! Mr. Kriez is so cool!’

Michael and Kevin walk in, Michael looking quite happy while Kevin is slouched with his head pressed against Michael’s back. He obviously doesn’t enjoy science class. As they sit, Kevin immediately yawns and puts his head down to nap happily. 

“I’d get up Kevin. You know how he is.”

Michael warns. Suddenly, a ruler is smacked down in front of Kevin’s face harshly and he looks up fast.

“Mr. Darkrose. I hope you don’t plan on sleeping in my class, as usual.”

The teacher says while poking his forehead. This teacher is Yami Kriez, the same person as old man Yami from the alternate worlds Michael remembers. Kevin sweats as Yami straightens up, turning his attention to the rest of the class.

“Alright class, I know the bell hasn’t rung yet but I don’t care. We are going to start. Open your books to where we left off yesterday and if you don’t remember where that is then figure it out.”

Michael raises his hand. Without turning to even look, Yami sighs and answers.

“Yes Mr. Jameson?”

“May I stay in your class during lunch?” Michael asks excitedly.

“Do you even need to ask at this point?”

He asks with a sigh while rubbing his eyebrow. Michael smiles widely.

“Dude, why do you like to stay in his class so much?” Kevin asks, obviously not sharing the same sentiment.

“Isn’t it obvious? He’s awesome! Mr. Kriez has legitimate superpowers! I’ve seen them! He could totally help us out. I just gotta convince him to do it.”

“You’ve been trying since midterms last school year. He’s never gonna help us.”

“Yes he will. I’m sure of it!” Michael says confidently.

At lunch. Yami is sitting at his desk on his computer typing when Michael approaches him. Without looking at him, Yami speaks.

“Mr. Jameson, if you have come to ask me the same questions you ask every time, I will be forced to throw something at your head.”

“Haha…” He laughs nervously. “No, I actually had a concern about something you might have answers for.”

Michael rubs the back of his head. Yami looks at Michael with a bit of interest.

“I tried asking my friends about it but they don’t seem to understand what I mean. For a while now, I’ve been seeing things. But not like hallucinations, more like actually living different worlds. You were there too. And the principal, even Francis was there but no one seems to remember. Maybe it was really some bad dream that was too real but I figured I’d at least ask once... ”

Michael holds his arm tightly and looks down kind of unsure and upset about the situation, doubting himself. Yami pauses for a moment, rubbing his chin, thinking about it then answers.

“I honestly shouldn’t tell you this but, I do remember.”

Michael looks at him surprised and relieved.

“It’s all a little fuzzy but, I saw those different lives. There was the bowling alley, the offices, and many others. Then the explosion. After that, it was black until a big flash of light came over us and now we’re here. The real world again. Where we should be.”

Yami says, trying to assure him. Michael smiles softly as his eyes shine with relief.

“Yeah… That feels good to hear from someone like you.”

“I’m glad I can make you feel better but listen to me when I say this. I do not want you getting involved. I understand your concern. None of this is a coincidence. Something is obviously at play here but everything is okay now so I want you and your friends to continue living normal teenager lives. And stop with this superhero nonsense. Nothing good comes from them. I’m sure Jazmine has made that clear to you. It won’t lead to any good. Understand?”

Yami warns. His tone is firm yet caring as Michael looks obviously distraught.

“But I… I just want to help…”

“I know you mean well Michael but this is the real world we live in. You can get really hurt or worse, hurt someone else. Just leave it alone.”

Yami says gently. Michael is upset but nods.

After school we head back to Michael’s house. As he steps in he takes his shoes off.

“Dad! I’m home!”

He calls out but no one responds. He gets surprised for a moment.

‘No one’s home…’

He walks into his room and throws his bag onto his desk. He then falls onto his bed face first holding his pillow. He thinks about what Yami told him and gets upset about it so he closes his eyes and tries to take a nap. Some time passes and he is now asleep. He slowly opens his eyes to see a shadow figure standing in the middle of his room. He freaks out and quickly sits up against the wall.

“Who are you?! What’re you doing here?!”

 He asks in a panic. It just stares at him for a moment as he sweats, staring back. Suddenly. it charges at him and he closes his eyes, covering his face before looking around, realizing he is somewhere else now. He is on a metal tower by the edge of an ocean cliff. He looks intensely confused. The shadow figure is standing in front of him again.