Amity Park
Kael's first official stop was Casper High. Principal Ishiyama, was pleasantly surprised by the transfer request from the Veyne heir. Kael arrived precisely on time, dressed in a tastefully casual sweater and slacks that spoke of money without screaming it.
"Thank you for seeing me, Principal Ishiyama," he said, his voice a calm, respectful baritone. "I'm eager to rejoin the school and contribute to the school community."
The meeting was very pleasant. Kael, having long since surpassed the standard high school curriculum through independent study and his parents' vast archives, proposed a modified schedule. He would attend core classes but would be granted independent study periods to continue his work on his parents' research in the school library—a donation of several rare scientific texts from the Veyne collection helped smooth this over.
"It's so refreshing to meet a young man with such focus," Ishiyama remarked, signing the paperwork. "Most of our students are more concerned with who's overshadowing the pep rally."
Kael offered a small, understanding smile. "Amity Park is a unique place. I find its energy stimulating."
A local reporter from the Gazette, a young woman named Lisa, secured an interview with him later that week, framed around his "philanthropic return." They met in the sun-drenched conservatory of the Veyne mansion. Kael was prepared, his answers a blend of poignant truth and deliberate misdirection.
"Many would have sold the estate and never looked back after such a tragedy," Lisa prompted gently. "What brought you home?"
Kael's gaze grew distant, perfectly mimicking a well-practiced grief. "Amity Park was their life's work. Their research, their passion, it's all here. I suppose I feel closer to them here. And I believe in honoring a legacy not just in memory, but in action.
Meanwhile, a softer, more curious rumor began to circulate through the town's online forums and coffee shops. An anonymous tip led a local news blogger to connect the dots: the mysterious donor of the new children's wing at the hospital shared a lawyer with the Veyne estate. The anonymous scholarship fund that had helped a dozen local students, its paperwork was traced back to a foundation bearing the Veyne name. The pieces were small, but they were being slowly, inevitably put together. The ghost of a reputation was being built, not through superheroics, but through silent, tangible good.
Finally settled back in Amity Park, Kael prepared for the final step of his return. He arrived at Fenton Works not as Tempest, but as himself, carrying a box from the city's most exclusive bakery.
The door flew open to reveal Jack Fenton's beaming face. "Kael, my boy! Heard you were back! Get in here!"
Inside, the familiar chaos was a warm comfort. Maddie offered a genuine, welcoming smile. "It's good to have you back, Kael. How's your aunt? Did you moved all your belongings or are they still in the moving process?."
Danny thumped down the stairs. "Welcome back. It's good to have you back. I have heard you have been admitted back in Casper high, we will see you often than. Right, Jazz?."
Jazz emerged from the kitchen, her analytical eyes scanning him. She saw the same change his aunt had seen, but her conclusion was different. He didn't look burdened by grief; he look resolved. "Welcome home, Kael," she said, and her smile was knowing.
They sat in the living room, pastries being devoured by Jack as Kael deftly navigated their questions. He spoke of Elmerton's library, of missing Amity Park, of wanting to focus on his parents' research. He told just enough truth to be believable, weaving himself back into the fabric of their lives without raising alarm. He was the prodigy returned, the grieving son moving on—perfect, harmless covers for the Domain Master now in their midst.
As he left, promising to come back soon for that video game match with Danny, he felt the final piece of the foundation click into place. His home was secure. His influence was growing. His power was absolute.
He walked through the streets of Amity Park, back toward his mansion, his senses expanded. He could feel the latent ecto-energy of the town the quiet lives of the people he had silently sworn to protect. With the canon nearing, all hell will broke loose, as more and more will appear in the city in the future. He needed to do his best to protect the town. He quietly reminded him.
After a few days, on a regular day. He felt the premonition that some drastic has happened in the world. Kael didn't need to be smart to figure out what happened, Danny had opened the portal.
Kael didn't hurry. He simply stopped and looked back toward his friends' house, a knowing, grim expression on his face. The pieces were all in motion. The wait was over.
The canon had begun.