But just as the first Class 2 student reached them, just as his fist pulled back to strike, another figure suddenly leapt onto the stage.
Ken.
He landed between both sides with a heavy thud, his boots hitting the wooden stage hard enough to echo. His arm shot out to the side, palm open, fingers splayed wide in a clear command.
"Back down," Ken said, his voice sharp and cutting.
The Class 2 students skidded to a halt, confusion flashing across their faces. Some of them stumbled slightly, momentum carrying them a step or two further before they managed to stop completely.
Ken stood there, calm and composed, but there was something different about him now. Something darker.
Shadows.
