Chapter 11: The First Mission! A Night Out!
'At least the locker room area's in good condition…' As the water pressure from the showerhead decreased gradually, Bonnie reached for a white towel as she proceeded to dry herself off. Fortunately she was the only one within the area as everyone else was either at lunch or in class – and those that were in Phys-Ed were currently outside on the track field.
"I'm sorry Nevaeh did that to you, but I tried to warn you."
She scoffed at Alexis' apology, "Don't be. Not like you could've done anything." Wrapping the towel around her from chest to bottom, "Did my stuff came?"
She nodded, "Your butler asked me to give you your things. He's already taken your bloodied clothes to the cleaners."
"Good…" It was very convenient that she had gym class today, otherwise she would've had Bennett bring more things from home. It was also fortunate that she had the foresight to buy another school uniform just in case something like this would happen. Though, the annoying thing about this now was that she would have to clean up the blood from the inside of her shoes when she got home. Worst case scenario being forced to buy a new pair – Not so much expensive as it was inconvenient. Nevertheless, Nevaeh Rosewood had better watch her back. She could've let this go, but instead the blonde had to escalate things. Then again, this should've been expected – After all, she would have. 'So this is Karma…'
"You must really know about Raquelle, huh? For someone who hasn't seen her for that past 15 years or so…"
"Yeah…" Her towel dropping onto the floor, Bonnie had since slipped on a black bra and a pair of matching panties (She was now in a dark mood, after all). 'So much that I don't even know how I do know…' It happened again. Not that she completely blacked out, but it seemed to be pouring in during their confrontation. It was like all the info she needed, everything about her came to her instantly. From who she is, how she gets things done, as well as the real reason why she had a fall out with Raquelle. That reason which could really damage her reputation, not only in school but in the whole community as well. By all rights she should just blurt this secret out and be done with it. But she knew that this would just escalate into even more drama that she so did not need. But that didn't mean that she wasn't going to get compensation for the whole blood thing. If she thought what she did to her shoe was bad, she hasn't seen what it was like to have her as an enemy.
"I guess now you've really gotten to know the real Nevaeh Rosewood."
Hearing the new voice, Bonnie let out a scoff, "Let me guess: Asters asked you to look out for me."
"Actually…He knew that you'd be a target given who you were." Maya admitted, "He said that you probably wouldn't need it, but just to be on the safe side I should check up on ya."
Buttoning up her shirt, "So, where'd Alexis go?"
"I saw her leaving the locker room in a hurry for some reason."
"Wonderful…" She slipped into her skirt, "So I guess her and Zach don't get along well, either."
"They just avoid each other. Nevaeh thinks he's low-class trash, while Zach pretty much ignores every word she says. Almost like he used to do with Rocky…"
She scoffed, "He tends to do that to a lot of people." Her socks now on, Bonnie slipped into a pair of black ballet flats, "Did you know my sister?"
"I knew of her, if that's what you're asking. But I've never actually met the girl."
"Of course…" Making the final adjustments to her tie, she walked over to the hand dryer as she turned the nozzle upward before pressing the metal button.
"So what are you going to do about Nevaeh?" Maya asked out of curiosity. "Surely you're not going to do something stupid like get into a fight with her!"
"What, and get myself expelled from Perry and forced to go to Public School? Get real!" As her hair blew against the warm jet of air, Bonnie admitted that the idea of bruising Nevaeh's pretty face was very appealing. But she knew that it was quite possibly the stupidest thing she could do. This wasn't like back in Middleton where the teachers would most likely look the other way. Let's not forget that Zach Asters used to go to this school before he was expelled for the same reason. She remembered Alexis telling her that the Rosewood family was among the most well-known alumni at Perry, not to mention being the biggest contributor in school donations. Thus Nevaeh already have plenty of connections to allow her to get away with things no one else would. She could basically give a poor girl a beating worse than Zach did to that kid years ago and would only get a slap on the wrist. The Haydens on the other hand weren't so lucky, especially after Raquelle's unceremonious departure.
"Well anyway, I'm about to head to class." Maya advised, "You might wanna make sure your tray's been returned to the cafeteria. You could really be risking a demerit otherwise. Not a good thing to have for new students such as yourself."
"Yeah yeah…" She scoffed as she quickly brushed her hair. Looking at herself in the mirror, while she did appear to look presentable, she still looked a bit disheveled. Given the circumstances, it couldn't exactly have been helped. Nevertheless, this would do. Placing her blazer on, Bonnie placed the remains of her used clothing into her bag as she proceeded back to the courtyard. She could explain her tardiness easily, but she couldn't excuse an act such as not cleaning up after herself.
..
As she watched the tray's remaining contents pour into the rubber trash dispenser, she watched as she could see some of the hungry students finding a table in order to enjoy their lunch – a clear sign that she was late for Chemistry.
"Well well, looking good Bon-Bon!"
'Can he keep anything a secret?' She winced at the nickname, promising to slap Asters the next time she saw him. Walking towards the source of the voice, "What do you want?"
Rex held his hands up, "Easy, I just wanted to say hi!" Looking down to examine her uniform, "Suits you."
"If checking me out is all that you came here to do, then I must really be going! I'm already late for class as it is!"
"Okay, time to get serious." Rex stated in a more business-like manner. "Does the name Erica Violette mean anything to you?"
She raised a brow, "Who?"
"Okay… Anyway, Erica Violette is another among a series of abductions as of late. From what intel we've managed to gather, these abductors seems to be targeting a particular type: Young, beautiful, and not to mentioned privileged girls."
"And let me guess: You want me to be some sort of decoy, right?"
"Actually I was gonna ask you to look around and possibly come up with a list of names of who could be a potential target. Maybe even make friends with 'em. But given your pedigree, that'll work too!"
Bonnie was not impressed, "Uh huh… So you're already deciding to use the new recruit as bait?"
"Think of it more as being undercover. Given that you're basically a new transfer, you'll be seen as an easy target. After all, out of towners aren't usually in the know, right?"
Bonnie sighed, "I'll keep my eyes open. Now unless you have something you really need me to do, I really have to be going now!"
He shrugged, "Okay okay, go to class…" As he watched the girl walk towards the building, he couldn't help but notice how attractive she was. She was feisty, had a nice body, and after thinking about it could be a great girlfriend to somebody. 'I need to talk to Zach for some advice…'
…
As the day continued to go on as normal, Bonnie managed to make it through the rest of her classes. While Chemistry was mostly boring (As it was just going through the basis of the course for the whole 90 minutes), at least Phys Ed provide some excitement. Too bad Dodgeball was banned…
At the loud banging sound of the bell ringing, students began to gradually exit the learning facility. While some left by their own cars (or at least their parents'), others had a more "privileged" way of departing…
Standing on the sidewalk in front of the school, Bonnie's foot tapped on the pavement as she waited for her limo to arrive. Admittedly, she couldn't get the thought of the abductions out of her head. While usually she would just write it off as it being someone else's problem, she knew that she should show a bit more concern for the matter at hand. For one, she was now among a group of superheroes and should show a bit more compassion out of principle. She has to be noble, heroic and to serve and protect. Another thing to think about was that if the criteria of the potential abductees Rex gave her were anything to go by, she could very well be next on the list. Sure she wasn't at the very least helpless – her abilities aside – but for all that was known, these abductors could be Mu-Types as well. And while she has come a long way in terms of her skills at hand-to-hand combat, she still had a ways to go. Maybe Zach was up for a one-on-one. She still needed to slap him a few times for the "Bon-Bon" leak.
"Bonnie! I didn't expect to find you here."
Turning towards the source of the voice, her eyes widened, "Doug, hi!"
"Are you alright?" He asked, clearly referencing what happened during lunch, "You seem to be doing better than before."
"It's okay. Good thing I had a spare uniform. It would've been embarrassing having to be sent home on the first day."
"Yeah… Don't know what has gotten into Nevaeh."
"She seemed to be upset with us talking to each other." She glanced at him accusingly, "Is there anything going on between you two?"
"Oh no! We talk and sometimes have lunch together, but we're only mere acquaintances. There is nothing between us."
"Well then…" Grinning, Bonnie stroked Doug's cheek with a finger, "Perhaps you and I could have lunch together sometime. We could even go out to dinner, perhaps?"
He smiled, "While the offer is tempting, I'm afraid that I must decline, as I've already made prior plans this afternoon."
"Oh…" Bonnie tried to not look too disappointed, "Maybe another time, then?"
"That would be delightful." With a small peck on a cheek, "My ride has arrived, I must be off!"
"See you!" Rubbing her kissed cheek, Bonnie gave a small smile as she watched Doug enter the departing car. It was her first day and already she seemed to have a potential boyfriend, given that he was interested and more importantly single –regardless of what Nevaeh says. And she didn't even have to scheme or manipulate for it to work out in her favor (If anything, Nevaeh's actions actually helped her look better). Aside from a bloodied uniform and possibly-ruined shoes this day didn't turn out bad at all.
"What do you think you're doing?"
'So much for that…' Speaking of whom, Bonnie turned around as frustration showed on her face, "What do you want?"
Nevaeh scoffed, "It seems some of the blood has managed to affect your brain. Not that you had much to work with, mind you…"
As Bonnie saw the girl advancing toward her, upon standing nose to nose, she noticed a height difference. Normally they would've been around the same height, but due to Bonnie switching from her platforms to her flats, Nevaeh towered a good several inches over her. "Do you have a point?"
"You're so lucky that I have so much better things to do, so I'll tell you this once more: Stay away from Doug! Otherwise, what happened to you today will be nothing compared to what I'll do to you next."
"Is that a threat?"
"No, it's a promise! Trust me, little girl! You don't want to mess with me."
"Big talk from someone who has Mommy and Daddy backing her up!" She smirked, "Try actually saying that to my face without the added height." She pointed downward towards her heels (She still didn't know how she was able to repair them quickly).
"My stilettos have nothing to do with any of this. It's all the same in the end!" The blonde narrowed her eyes, "As much as I would like to lecture you about the laws of the land here, I so have much better things to do than deal with street corner trash like you."
Flinching at her Rapunzel-like hair flaring into her face as she walked away, Bonnie only stared at the irritating blonde leaving her. What was her deal anyway and how the hell did her sister ever get involved with this moron? Fortunately for her sanity, it didn't take long for her limo to arrive. The chauffeur proceeding to open the door, Bonnie stepped inside as she continued thinking about her new enemy.
As it was, she knew how to completely destroy Miss Rosewood. All it took was a leak of a certain tidbit about her that involved Raquelle and her reputation would be shot. To say nothing about her parents' reactions to the news… She may not know a thing about them, but she doubt that they would be that open minded. For what she did to her for no reason at all, by all rights she should just blurt out her secret in public. But that would lead to retaliation on the blonde's part. Retaliation she did not need. Still, she should do something, if only to let her know that she wouldn't be putting up with her crap. But what, though? She obviously couldn't throw blood on her, as fitting as it was. That was so "Been there, done that." She needed something fresh. Something that would really humiliate her as she did her… But she could place her on the backburner for now. As there were more important things to worry about.
Like those abducted girls.
From what Rex told her, all the girls fit a certain criteria: They were both rich and beautiful. But why would that be important? If they wanted to go low key, couldn't they just find some people who were more common and otherwise expendable (The media would think so, unless she was young, pretty, and white)? Or maybe that was the point. They wanted to get as much attention as possible. Maybe there was a ransom involved, yet from what she managed to research there wasn't any mentioning of money or other demands.
Or maybe it was all a distraction. After all, why would anyone who's committing a crime want so much exposure, besides basically being a bunch of attention whores? For all that was known it could all be a smokescreen for something big. But what could they be up to?
Or maybe she's just over thinking things. It's only been a few days since she joined Omega Strike and already she was reaching towards ridiculous theories. She shouldn't let the pressure get to her. It was best to approach this calmly and not in an impulsive manner. For there were other matters that needed to be attended.
Such as a certain platinum-blonde rich girl… Oh, and her homework assignments…
…
The Junkyard…
It was a place few people ever visit… Unless you were getting rid of cars or other electronics that either no longer work or needed anymore. From rusted, broken down vehicles, to busted monitors, the area was filled with rust, sour, and other stenches. Also, it was a good place for private activities.
Very private activities…
Sighing, Cassidy looked down as she placed the finishing touches of a particular piece of equipment. Whether if it took days, weeks, or even months to complete, the top priority was that when it was finished, anything she made was within working order. And by working order, she meant that it was reliable. As in it wouldn't fail at the worst time possible. After all everything that she made would be what will keep her alive in fights to come.
"Okay…" She sighed as she glanced at the finished product: It appeared to be a gunmetal gray gauntlet with a matching glove attached. With a few notable vents at the upper area and a small bulb in the middle, she wondered if she managed to work out any bugs. Nevertheless, there was only one way to find out…
Slipping her right hand into the garment, Cassidy took a deep breath before walking towards a rusted convertible, "Here goes… "As if it read her mind, the bulb began to illuminate a pale yellow light as she grabbed onto a handle with her gloved hand. With as much force as possible, she squeezed it as she heard a crunching sound. Her fist closing more and more, she noted how the door began to bend as well… After a few seconds, Cassidy released her grip as she surveyed the result…
"Not bad…" Satisfied, she removed the gauntlet as she went over to her notebook, "With the gauntlet in hand I've managed to bend, even crush the metal of an old abandoned car. However, given the possibilities of rust and decay being a factor, the test may be a bit contaminated. A fresher source of metal must be utilized for testing purposes." Stopping the tape recorder, Cassidy reviewed her notes once more. The new Gaia armor she was working on was going as planned. Or at least the attachments… The gloves were to help enhance her strength. So far, all it has proven to be able to do was enhance her grip. The main use of this armor was for defense and durability. Unlike the Icarus armor which was for speed, flight, and maneuverability. Of course she couldn't rely on her beam bow and javelin. She would require a weapon that didn't rely so much on accuracy. A shield would work, but it would lack range – if the shield was circular and perhaps winged it may be remedied.
"You're working hard."
Blinking at the sound of the voice Cassidy looked behind, "Unlike some people I know…"
Zach held his hands up, "Hey, just because I like getting some Z's doesn't mean I don't put in my workload. So how's Project Gaia coming along?"
"Slow…" She sighed, "But at least it's been successful so far. The gauntlet is working well for one."
"So you have super strength now?"
"Super grip," She corrected. "I'll need the full armor itself for the leverage. Maybe add a few mounted guns and maybe a grapple…"
"Whoa hold on, isn't that a bit much? You're trying to maintain some mobility, right?"
"The main purpose of this armor is defense, meaning that it has to keep me firm and sturdy when in the heat of a fight. Mobility is a bit of a moot point, don'cha think?"
"Yeah, but even tanks know when to run."
"I could always switch to Icarus on the fly if I need to move that badly." She sighed, "If I can even incorporate an armor switch feature."
"I'm sure you can pull it off!" He placed a hand onto the shorter girl's shoulder, "You always do!"
She gave a soft smile, "Thanks. Since you're here, could you do something for me?"
"Sure, what's up?" Zach watched as Cassidy placed on the gauntlet.
"You know that sword of ice you've been working on?"
"Yeah?"
"Well…" The gauntlet now on, Cassidy closed the now-covered hand into a fist, "Let's put it to the test."
His eyes widened, knowing full well what she wanted him to do, "Seriously?"
"Very…" Her eyes narrowed, "C'mon Zach, no matter how sharp you make it, it's still basically ice."
"I know, but I've been trying to make it more durable. And even then it's already pretty sharp."
"It's freaking ice on metal, I doubt you'd be able to leave a scratch let alone a cut." Cassidy stated, almost goading him into trying to prove her wrong.
"Okay…" Zach sighed as he proceeded to put his ice powers to motion. Cassidy watched as the ice generating from his hands slowly began to take shape. First was the handle, then the hilt. And then finally came the formation of the most important component- the blade itself. The length seemed to be at four feet long with the blade curved slightly with the pointy tip so sharp even the lightest poke could cause blood to drip from the skin. She could tell that he was just keeping it simple: Otherwise he would've made the blade more serrated like he normally would. Not only would this be a test for her newfound gauntlet-aided strength, but also for the durability of Zach's ice constructs. She was able to crush metal, she should be able to crush the sword, let alone stop it in its place.
Her eyes widened as she saw Zach fly upward, "Wait, why are ya-"
"This'll be a test on both ends." He stated, holding the blade overhead with both hands. "You ready?"
'Could really use my plugsuit right about now…' This was risky. Very risky. All she was wearing was loose jeans and a midriff top. She wasn't expecting Zach to show up, much less to do a field test obviously. There were factors that could cause injury to either of them: Zach missing, the ice shrapnel from the shattered sword, just to name a couple. When it came to testing new gear or skills under such hazardous conditions, the only ones they trusted were each other. Still, it didn't eliminate the fear she was feeling right now. But she knew she couldn't back down now. "Give it your best shot!" As if to oblige her, she watched as Zach made a mad dash downward towards her, sword held high…
…
"Damn…" Zach shook his head, "Thought it was more durable than that!"
"It's like I said," Cassidy grinned, "No matter how hard you make it, it's still ice. So when it's up against metal, it's a freaking forgone conclusion!" Removing the gauntlet, "A painful, foregone conclusion… Ow…"
"Aw, poor baby… Let me see…" Grabbing her sore hand, Zack placed a few ice cubes into the palm before closing it. "That should cool it down a bit."
She gave a thankful smile, "Thanks."
"Well anyway, gotta head home. Teags' been wanting to spar and they won't let her in the ring yet."
"Try not to hurt her too much!" She smirked as she watched him leave. For the most part, the test has been successful thus far. Then again, the subjects were rusted, decayed metal and glorified ice. She would need to use a stronger alloy to see some real results.
"Anyway, back to work…" Returning to her bench, Cassidy resumed working on what she hoped to be a complete set of new battle armor. 'If I can get anything else done…'
Hayden Manor
"Shut up!" Bonnie scoffed as she laid down chest downward, bare feet dangling in the air, while talking on her cell phone. "You mean there's a new Squad Captain position open?"
"Yeah, but it's not simple!"
"How can it not be simple, Lex?" Bonnie wrote a few words into a notebook before turning a page of what appeared to be an Algebra II book. "Their old squad captain's gone, so they obviously need a new one. And hey, with my skills and not to mention experience, I should be a great fit! After all, back at my old school I was Squad Captain for a while!"
"A while?" So you weren't Squad Captain for very long?"
"It was only on a trial basis, but that's beside the point! I have the experience and not to mention my awesome management and leadership skills. Why wouldn't I be Squad Captain material?"
"There is the fact that you actually need to try out first!"
"Please, with my resume they'll be begging me to lead, let alone join the squad!" She heard a beep from the phone, "Anyway Lex, I'll call you back. Got a call to pick up."
"Okay, bye Bonnie."
The connection broken, she let out a sigh, "Now what…" Answering the call, "Hello?"
"Bonnie?"
She blinked, "Doug? H-hi! How'd you get this number?"
"Alexis told me. I was meaning to ask you earlier, but it always seemed to escape my mind."
"Not that I'm complaining –about the number I mean. Anyway, how are you?"
"I am fine. But Bonnie listen… Are you doing anything tonight?"
"NO! …No, I'm not doing anything in particular." She said. While this seemed to be a pleasant surprise, she didn't want to come off as desperate either. "What's up?"
"Well, seeing that you are free, would you like to accompany me to gathering? Me and my friends are holding a little get together where we're supposed to bring our significant others."
"And you want me to come as yours?" Bonnie wasn't sure what to think about this. On one hand, Doug was so cute enough for her to already be out the door, let alone say yes. Then again, there was the elephant in the room. "What about Nevaeh?"
She heard Doug sigh on the other end, "Nevaeh and I are friends. We've known each other since our playgroup years ago. But frankly she can be a bit…"
"Annoyingly self-centered?"
"I wouldn't put it that way, but she does seem to get a bit worked up if I talk to any other girl that isn't her. She's even cautious if I even say hi to her friends."
Bonnie scoffed, "Somebody's got entitlement issues…"
"It's not her fault. Her father's… easily distracted when it comes to her. I know that he means well, but things just turn out to be unfortunate. Although Nevaeh see things differently…"
"Whatever her ish is, she needs to get real and deal. No reason to take it out on everyone else." Tired of talking about Nevaeh, "So how long should it take you to arrive?"
"…You accept my invitation?"
Bonnie was no longer on the bed as she went toward her closet, "Duh! I'm asking you for a timeframe so I'll know how long I have to get ready!"
"I should be at your house within 30 minutes."
She pulled out a white short-sleeved top, "30 minutes? Good enough for me."
"Excellent! I'll see you then!"
"Bye!" The connection broken, a wide smile was found on the brunette's face. "Yes!" She cheered. It's only been the first day and already she scored a hottie! Despite Nevaeh's efforts, of course. As she searched through the row of hung clothes, she figured she could take a quick shower before finishing dressing. She couldn't help but wonder what his friends would be like. If they were nothing like Brick's friends, then automatically it would be a step up. She was rich girl after all and she needed to have better taste than those band of idiots. Then again, she did associate with commoners like Zach Asters so she couldn't be too picky. As long as they keep their hands to themselves, there shouldn't be any problems. At any case, what was nearly derailed into a bad day was quickly saved the knight-in-shining armor that was Doug Al Sheeb. She couldn't wait to just rub it into Nevaeh's face. After all, when one thought about it, Bonnie came off looking sympathetic due to Nevaeh's actions, so in theory, Nevaeh actually did her a favor.
20 minutes later…
As the leg went through the leg of her dark-colored jeans, Bonnie fastened the buttons before sliding on a backless red top. It seemed to be as if it were made from a bandana – a bit risqué, but it didn't show too much. Returning to the closet, she kneeled down as she searched for the shoes that she wanted to wear. After moving a few boxes, she grabbed a silver colored shoebox. Those black peep toed ankle boots she wanted to wear at the Christmas party? Now was a good time to wear them!
Making sure the right amount of jewelry was placed on (Read: Just a simple bracelet), Bonnie did a final check as, coincidentally on cue, the doorbell ring. "That's okay Bennett, I got it." While may have gotten used to life as a rich girl, one of the things she still have trouble adjusting to is letting the butler get the door. She didn't know why that was. Maybe it was out of habit. She couldn't forget how many times she quickly rushed down the door to be picked up by Brick on his motorcycle. While the dates were satisfying (by his standards anyway), she always felt that there was something lacking. As she proceeded to open the door, "Doug! Hi, you're looking good!"
The young man in question was dressed in a long-sleeved black button-up with matching slacks. Save for his hair styled in a ponytail, "You look beautiful, Bonnie."
"Thank you!" Hidden was her surprised at his complement. She was expecting him to check her out. …Well he was, but it wasn't anything like the jocks back home. "So, what's the plan for tonight?"
"First a dinner, then a move, and then we'll meet with my friends. They're really interested in meeting you."
"Are any of them jocks?" She simply asked, just as a precaution.
"No, no… While they do participate in sporting events such as golf, I assure you that they're nothing like the ones you're more familiar with."
"That's a relief…" She smiled before turning back, "I'm leaving now Bennett. If my parents call, tell them I'm out with some friends."
"Be sure to return by 11 Miss Fidelia. I would hate to have your parents worry."
"Don't worry, I know to be back by curfew…" She assured as she and Doug proceeded to leave. It would be a dinner first, then a movie second. Then she would meet Doug's friends. The fact that he said that they're nothing like Brick Flagg and his ilk was relieving and satisfying, but she still can't help but wonder: Were they high-class elitists who would look down on her (She had high standards, too. Don't get her wrong), or were they more down to earth. Whatever the case, this would be an interesting night.
Next Chapter: Bonnie meets with Doug's friends, but what else would she find? Also, she tries out for Perry's cheer squad, but what will the squad think of Raquelle Hayden's sister.
Chapter 12: New Friends! The Perry Cheer Squad!