Yay! Finally! Chapter 3! Completed! And, hey, it's actually a few pages longer than chapter 1 or 2 (it's about eight pages...the others were about 5). Chapter 4 will probably be short though, so...Anyways, Harry Champ finally hits the scene! Yay! And his sister, Mary, too! Double Yay! I always loved Mary, so I put her in. But don't worry; I didn't just throw her in. She has purpose! Oh, yeah, a question may have come up about Ray and his...er...ambiguous sexuality. Is he gay, bi, or straight? Well, as the author I personally have NO idea...funny how these things work out. Actually, I really don't think Ray has any idea either...Which ever way you want to interpet his love for Brad is up to the reader, really-whatever way you may think is the funniest. But don't ask me! Because I really don't know...well, anyway, let the sick, sadistic, black humor continue on...(and try to remember not to take it TOO seriously!):
Leena skipped down the hall early that morning, brightened that a new day had finally begun. Yesterday was over, a peaceful day somehow turned into a hellish nightmare, and Leena was glad of it. No longer would she have to deal with the creepy Skyler family, in all their insanity; she was free.
Deciding she was hungry, Leena quickly made her way to the kitchen. She would have a small snack before breakfast. However, when she entered the kitchen, her eyes widened in horror. Her mouth gaped open, but she was too petrified to even speak. There was Ray Skyler: making breakfast.
Leena stumbled backwards into the hallway, the utmost fear filling her, Ray luckily not seeing her. She leaned against the wall, trying to calm her breathing and rationalize her thoughts. That's when Brad came strolling down the hallway toward her.
"It's Ray. He's-he's-" Leena stammered to him. Brad sighed.
"Making breakfast? I could have told you that," he miserabley replied and entered the kitchen. Leena, her fear subsiding, followed him in.
"Brad!" Ray greeted him. "I'm making you all breakfast."
"I SEE," Brad answered, raising an annoyed eyebrow as he crossed his arms.
"Leena," Ray winked at her upon noticing her presence. Leena resisted the urge to gag with all her might.
"So, Ray, WHY are you making breakfast exactly?" brad questioned, trying to hold his temper.
"Because! It's the least we could do after dinner last night and all. Mikey and the others are setting the table in the dining room.
"Oh, yeah. Well, that's just great," Brad sarcastically muttered.
"But how did you get in here?" Leena interrogated. Ray seemed dumbfounded.
"Well, I AM Ray Skyler," he stated as if the answer was obvious He then grinned and went back to making breakfast.
"Right…" Brad began. "Look, RAY, I really appreciate this, but it's not-"
"Brad," Ray suddenly interrupted, his face and voice unexpectedly becoming deadly serious. "There's something I need to talk to you about." Brad became a bit nervous as he shifted awkwardly in his spot.
"Yes, Ray?"
"It's this Naomi Fluegel," he started, a jealous rage growing in his eyes as he gripped onto a glass. "I don't think she's good for you. I don't think you should see her anymore."
"You don't? I know you don't like her, but-" Ray suddenly smashed the glass onto the counter, shattering it into pieces. Brad was silent then, nervously jumping back as did Leena. Leena was sure she heard a growl escape Ray's lips that sounded strangely like Mikey's.
"Do we have an understanding, Brad?" Ray asked in a low, psychotic voice.
"But, Ray, if you just got to know her a little better-" Ray smashed another glass, his face getting darker in rage. Leena tightly gripped Brad's arm
"Just drop it, Brad!" she told him in a whisper. "Okay? before Ray jabs a piece of glass through your eye!"
Bit then came in, yawning, eyes closed and arms outstretched.
"Well, I'm glad those Skylers are gone," he said as he yawned. "Bunch of wackos." He rubbed his eyes and slowly began to open them. "It's a good thing, too, because-ah!" His eyes were now fully opened and set on an oblivious grinning Ray. Bit clung onto Brad for dear life and whispered, "What is HE doing here?!"
"Don't ask." Brad muttered, lowering his head in misery.
"I'm making breakfast!" Ray exclaimed with stupid cheer. Bit tried not to look disgusted by Ray, but he couldn't help it.
"You think this is bad?" Leena whispered to Bit. "The rest of the psycho family is in the dining room!"
"But…WHY?!"
"Setting the table, of course," Leena answered bitterly. Bit's face then became quizzical as he noticed the shattered glass on the kitchen floor.
"Hey," he whispered to Brad. "What's with the glass?" Brad groaned in response and Bit frowned. Leena then stomped her foot sternly, agitation building in her eyes.
"That's it!" she declared firmly. "We're having a team meeting!"
"What are they still doinig here?!" Dr. Toros questioned, gesturing toward the kitchen area where the Skyler team remained for the moment. The BLitz team had gathered in the living room before breakfast in order to discuss the problem known as the Skylers.
"The guy's a stalker." Leena stated matter-of-factly, resting her chin in her hand. "What do you expect?"
"Maybe you ought to get a restraining order, Brad," Bit suggested.
"Don't you think I've already tried?" Brad miserabley replied. Bit frowned.
"But who let them in?" Dr. Toros persisted.
"That's what I'd like to know," Leena agreed.
"Isn't it obvious?" Brad muttered. "Ray let HIMSELF in."
"But-how?" Dr. Toros continued to question.
"Well, maybe if you spent more money on a security system, Doc, instead of your Zoid models or those ridiculous Zoid parts we can't even use…" Jamie's voice trailed off. Bit then rose.
"Hey! Hey! Hey!" he began. "We can't allow these Skylers to break us! We have to work as a team! Otherwise, we'll never get rid of them."
"That reminds me," Leena then started. "How ARE we going to get rid of them?" There was a moment of silence before they all turned and looked at Brad for the answer.
"What are you looking at me for?" he questioned, crossing his arms with a scoff.
"Well, you got rid of them the last time, didn't you?" Leena explained.
"Correction: I got rid of RAY."
"And now there's three more of them…" Jamie began, his voice trailing off.
"In our kitchen right now…" Dr. Toros finished with a shudder.
"Don't be such cowards!" Leena exclaimed.
"Leena's right!" Bit agreed. "We can't give up yet! Now Brad-" Brad exhaled in agitation. "How did you get rid of Ray last time?" All four looked at Brad anxiously.
"You're all making too much of this," Brad stated. "All I did was run away." Bit, Leena, Jamie, and Dr. Toros's faces dropped.
"Ran away?!" They all questioned simultaneously in utter disappointment.
"What else did you expect me to do?"
"Something a bit braver?" Bit suggested. Brad glared at Bit in annoyance, but continued on telling his story anyway.
"It was about five years ago," Brad began. "I just couldn't take HIM anymore so I just ran off without a sign or a trace. I even thought about changing my name. Well, one day, a week or two after I left, I met up with this Zoids team. They said they needed a new player and they'd pay me good, and since I was poor at the moment I thought, 'what the hell?'
"I was a fast learner-I guess I owe some of that to Ray; he let me pilot his father's Zoids every once in awhile. but I was too scared to stay in one place for too long-Ray might find me out-so after a couple months, I left and migrated to a new team. And that's how I became a mercenary, never staying with one team too long. I replaced my hatrid of Ray with a love of money. After all, he was rich and he ALWAYS seemed to get his way.
"But then, about a year ago, I joined the Blitz team. I guess I got careless or lazy-I don't know-but I chose to stay with you guys for the last year instead of leaving after a month or two," Brad then heaved a great sigh. "I guess I have no choice, though, but to pack up my things and run again."
"What?!" Leena questioned in an outrage. "And leave us to deal with the psychos! No way!"
"Not to mention we need you on the team, Brad," Dr. Toros added. Brad just shrugged.
"This is ridiculous!" Bit finally exclaimed. "Why don't you just get a restraining order or something, like I said before? Let the law take it from there."
"Yeah," Jamie agreed. "It will make a lot more sense than running away."
"Didn't I tell you that I've TRIED that already?" Brad argued. "It WON'T work. He's rich-he's got too much influence. God, I've tried EVERYTHING and NOTHING works!"
"Maybe you should try killing him. That'll work." Leena muttered.
"Leena! Don't be crazy!" Jamie exclaimed.
"Now, now, now, Jamie," Dr. Toros began, putting his hand on Jamie's shoulder. "The idea has some merit.
"Doc!"
"I'm only joking!"
"This isn't the time to be kidding around!" Bit firmly stated. "This is a time to be serious! We have a real problem on our hands." Brad just shook his head.
"I guess I better start packing."
"Hey! You can't abandon us!" Bit exclaimed.
"Yeah!" Leena agreed. "If you think Ray's bad, wait until I'M pissed off!" Brad sighed.
"Well, I've got a lot of options," he muttered sarcastically.
"Look, we're in this as a team," Dr. Toros decided.
"Yeah, Brad. We want to help you out!" Jamie added.
"A lot of help you guys will be. You'll probably make it worse."
"I'll-I'll pay you!" Dr. Toros desperately exclaimed. "So long as you don't leave us to the Skylers!"
"Doc, you ALREADY pay me."
"More! I'll pay you more!" Brad raised an intrigued eyebrow.
"How MUCH more?" Dr. Toros frowned. Luckily, Ray barged in before he was forced to answer.
"Breakfast is ready!" he exclaimed loudly. Everyone gave him a nervous grin. He grinned stupidly and then grabbed Brad's arm, yanking him forward. "Come on, Brad! You can sit next to me again!"
"Oh, goody," Brad mumbled in sarcasm, but Ray didn't seem to notice.
"Come on!"
"Leena! Oh, Leena!" Harry called as he walked down the hall, flowers in hand. "Leena!"
"Harry?" Leena asked in bewilderment as she rose from her seat at the breakfast table and headed toward the door.
"Harry?" Ray questioned, rising as well.
"Oh, Leena, darling!" Harry exclaimed as he entered the room, swinging the door open with a grin, his eyes setting on Leena. "The King has arrived! I'm sorry to interrupt you during breakfast, but I just HAD to see you!" He then handed her the flowers. "These are for you."
"Harry…" Leena groaned.
"Harry Champ?" Ray then asked with curiosity.
"Huh?" Harry turned to Ray. "Ray-Ray Skyler?!" His face was a mix of surprise and horror. "What-what are YOU doing here?!"
"Wait a sec, you mean you guys KNOW each other?" Bit questioned. Ray nodded proudly.
"The Champ family IS quite wealthy, after all. It's only NATURAL that we'd be friends," Ray explained. "Now, Harry, how've you been? What brings you here? I didn't know you were a friend of Brad's!" He gave Brad a slap on the back.
"He's not," Brad said flatly.
"Well, I didn't know YOU were a friend of Brad's!" Harry exclaimed with much disbelief. Brad went to say, "he's not," again, but Dr. Toros quickly cleared his throat and gave him a stern look. He then turned to Harry with a smile.
"So, Harry, what brings you here?"
"Well-I-" Harry stammered, still stunned as he stared at Ray. "I came to see Leena." He pointed toward Leena though his eyes remained focused on Ray.
"Really?" Ray asked curious and Harry nodded. "Well, Leena's a very special girl."
"Huh?" Harry asked, still very dazed. He then shook his head and quickly regained himself. "Yes! Yes, she is! Leena is the most wonderful-"
"As much as I ENJOY the flattery," Leena interrupted, "could you please LEAVE, Harry? And take these with you!" She shoved the flowers into Harry's chest.
"But, Leena! My darling!" Ray now chuckled, walking over to Leena, and swing his massive arm around her. Leena's face completely dropped as did Harry's.
"Harry, Harry, Harry," Ray began, continuing to chuckle. "That's so cute! But a girl like Leena-she needs a REAL man."
"Real-? You mean-you and Leena-you're-you're-" Harry stuttered in absolute horror.
"No!" Leena exclaimed in protest, but Ray tightened his grip on her. Harry then grew angry.
"Hey! Leena's MY girl! You can't have her!"
"Excuse me?" Leena attempted to argue, but was denied by Ray who just smiled.
"Poor little Harry. I THINK you're confused. She BELONGS to me."
"BELONGS?!" Leena questioned, infuriated. "I don't BELONG to-"
"Isn't that right, Brad?" Brad, who was busy stabbing his knife viciously into his food, obviously hadn't been paying attention.
"Huh?" he looked up from his mutilated meal. Then, he quickly muttered, "Yeah, sure, whatever."
"Brad!" Leena cried furiously.
"Um, Brad?" Jamie began warily. "You really ought to STOP doing that to your food…"
"I think he's pretending it's Ray…" Bit explained quietly to Jamie. Kylie smiled and let out a small giggle. Mike growled at her angrily and growled. Kylie's face quickly paled and she lowered her head. Yet, even with head bowed, she managed to lift her eyes high enough to gaze at Bit. Bit shifted awkwardly in his seat and whispered to Jamie, "I don't know, but Kylie's been looking at me funny all morning…"
"Listen Ray," Harry continued on, not having noticed Bit and Jamie's conversation nor caring about it. "I know you're NEW around here, but Leena's-"
"How's your sister, Harry?" Ray suddenly inquired, still tightly clinging onto Leena. Harry was taken back by the quick change in subject.
"Huh? You mean Mary?" Harry questioned. Dawn groaned in disgust at the name.
"At least we agree on something," Jamie muttered to her, but dawn just rolled her eyes.
"Sure! Mary-great girl! She always holds the greatest dinner parties!" Ray declared.
"Well-"
"You mean, you know Mary, too?" Bit asked. Kylie laughed again, this time loudly, throwing her head back, and Bit's face grew very nervous and puzzled as did the others, except for Ray, who was, more often than not, in his own little world. Mikey quickly growled, however, and slammed his fist on the table, and her laughter ceased, though a small smile refused to leave her face. Ray then spoke up once more.
"Of course I know MARY!" A deviously charming smile spread across his face.
"Would you let go of me?!" Leena finally cried out, but Ray just grinned wider.
"Don't be silly, Leena! Why would I do that?" Leena let out a loud, ear-piercing shriek. Dr. Toros cring and covered his ears.
"Um, Ray, I don't suppose you could-"
"Yes, Dr. Toros?" Ray interrupted. "Or can I call you Steve? I think Steve's more appropriate now that we're like FAMILY."
"Yes, family…" Dr. Toros voice began to crack.
"It figures as much," Brad mumbled, dropping his knife to the table, his food fully mutilated. "That the Champ family and the Skyler family would be friends. They're both sick enough."
"Hey!" Harry protested. "I resent that!" He then crossed his arms. "Besides, we are NOT friends. We are merely social…ACQUAINTANCES. We mingle at parties, we see each other at the occasional banquet-":
"Don't you miss BRAD now, Ray?" Leena questioned, trying to contain her fury as she attempted to pry his arm from her. "I'm SURE he misses you!" Brad's eyes darted fiercely toward her.
"LEENA."
"BRAD."
"Not this again…" Jamie's voice trailed off with a sigh.
"It's nothing personal, Leena, but-" Ray unwrapped his arm from her and headed toward Brad. "It's like I told Bitty yesterday: 'Girls come and go, but Brad-he's special. He's special." Brad clenched on to his knife again as Ray slapped him across the back, contemplating whether or not he should stab Ray or himself, but, of course, somehow managed to remain calm.
"Yeah. Real special…" Leena muttered sarcastically.
"Don't be so down, Leena," Ray then stated. "We'll have plenty of time TONIGHT to be ALONE." He then gave her an obnoxious wink.
Both Leena and Harry's faces dropped in horror and they simultaneously let out a terrified wail of "WHAT?!?!?!?!"
"The Skyler Family!" Mary exclaimed over the video phone to Harry. "That's simply wonderful, Harry!"
"No, it's not, Mary. It's just not." Harry replied.
"Well, what's wrong, Harry?"
"They may SEEM normal at social gatherings, but when you get them alone, they all seem…off." His face then grew red with fury. "Besides, that Ray likes my Leena!!!"
"Oh, well isn't that sweet! They make such an adorable little couple, don't you think?"
"Mary!" Harry whined. "You're suppose to be on MY side!" Mary sighed and shook her head.
"I already told you, Harry; that girl isn't right for you. Now you should just move on-"
"But she is, Mary! She's the love of my life! The air I breath! The sky above me! The joy in my heart! My ever waking moment-"
"A party!" Harry was taken aback.
"Huh?"
"We'll have a party! At your place. Nothing really fancy, of course. Just us, the Skylers, and the Blitz team. There will be some dancing, some snacks-"
"But, Mary!"
"I'll be over there as soon as I can. It's still early, after all. I should be there before sunset."
"But, Mary!"
"How about seven? Tonight? That's a perfect time to start our little social gathering!"
"But, Mary!"
"I'll see you then! Remember to tell the Skylers and the Blitz team. I haven't seen the Skylers in so long! It'll be nice to catch up on things."
"But-"
"Good-bye, Harry!" She then hung up. Harry frowned and let out a whine. Then he slumped on the couch and had no choice but to sigh in defeat.
"Come on, Brad!" Ray exclaimed as he dragged Brad into the Champ Residence. Brad grimaced, but Ray beamed with much enthusiasm. The rest followed-the Skyler Team, the Blitz Team, even Dr. Toros-with little energy or interest. But, of course, none was more apathetic than Dawn, a twinge of disgust in her eye.
Upon entering, they could see food displayed on the tables and hear classical music in the background. Harry sat sulking on the couch while Mary stood, perhaps more excited than Ray, smiling to greet her guests. Ray grinned as he saw Mary, finally releasing Brad's arm, much to Brad's relief. He then extended his arms out to Mary and walked to her.
"MARY." Mary shook her head and smiled, opening her arms to him as well and heading toward him.
"RAY."
"MARY."
"RAY."
"MARY."
"Ra-ah!" her last "Ray" broke into an ear piercing screech as Ray swung his arms around her, hugging her tightly. The sound of bones cracking could be heard as she gasped for air, her eyes bulging in pain. The Blitz team looked on in absolute horror.
"Oh, my God! Mary!" Harry cried, bolting from the couch and catching her as Ray released her. Ray smiled, oblivious to the pain he had inflicted on Mary.
"I'm…I'm fine…" Mary stated in a high, hoarse, weak voice. She attempted to smile, but instead winced in pain.
"He-he BROKE her!" Bit exclaimed finally in utter horror and shock. Kylie giggled. "It's NOT funny!" Kylie giggled once more, but Mikey growled and she lowered her head, silent.
"Did I ever tell you-Mary-that's a pretty name." Ray smiled charmingly as he spoke. Mary just nodded and let out another small gasp of pain.
"Does he use that line on EVERYONE?" Leena questioned.
"Apparently…" Jamie answered.
"Dawny!" Ray suddenly exclaimed. "Why don't you dance with Jamie?"
"Because I don't WANT to." Jamie groaned.
"Sure you do!" ray insisted. Dawn sighed in disgust and reluctantly made her way to the small dance floor Mary had set up, Jamie following just as reluctant. "Leena," Ray then commanded, but Leena didn't budge.
"Yeah?" she asked in agitation. Ray was surprised.
"Well, dance with me, of course!" he exclaimed in a roar of laughter.
"Hey!" Harry protested, disregarding Mary, who was becoming paler as the moments passed. "Leena's MY girl! She can only dance with me!" Ray's eyes suddenly twitched in anger as he took a step toward Harry. He towered AT LEAST a foot over him. Harry gulped in fear and shrunk back.
"Are you challenging ME? Ray's eyes glimmered with a spark of insanity.
"Chal-NO! Of COURSE not! Don't be silly! You-you can dance with her!"
"Harry!" Leena exclaimed in disgust. Ray smiled pleasantly.
"Now, that's a good boy, Harry!" He then proceeded to pat Harry hard on the head three times-harder then Harry could handle. Harry stumbled back and Dr. Toros caught him before he fell to the floor.
"Harry, are you all right?" he asked in concern.
"SURE…! I'm…FINE…!" Harry slurred, leaning on Dr. Toros, unable to stand on his own. Mary still stood, mouth opened in a frozen, silent scream, unable to move her body in the slightest. Ray, as usual, was oblivious, and grinned at Leena.
"Leena?" Leena scoffed.
"Can't you dance with Brad?" Brad's face turned bright red. Strangely enough, Ray took a moment to contemplate this idea before pulling Leena to dance.
It had been an hour since the Champ's social gathering began. Things had actually gotten a little better for some of the guests. Mary's voice had returned, after all, as did some of the movement in her limbs; she could even walk around, though there was a great deal of pain that she tried to conceal in her eyes. Leena was also doing much better, Ray having turned his attention to Brad and Harry in rather unstable condition. The others, however, weren't as lucky. To begin with, both Jamie and Dawn suffered equally, being forced to dance by Ray for the last hour. Jamie, who used to be only full of self-pity and fear, was now just as annoyed as Dawn if not more so. Harry was nearly completely incapacitated. He sat sprawled out on a chair, unable to rise to his feet. Brad, of course, suffered with Ray's arm tightly secured around him and Dr. Toros tried to make logical conversation with the rambling Harry.
Bit, however, was in the worst predicament out of all the guests at Mary's party. How it had happened, he was not sure, but Bit had managed to position himself on the couch right between Mikey Skyler and Kylie Atwater. What was worse was that Bit had begun to suspect that Kylie was flirting with him. She giggled at him, and then brushed her leg up against his for the umpteenth time and Bit nudged her away abruptly. Mikey didn't seem to notice; he just let out a low growl each time the couch gave a jolt when Bit kicked Kylie away. After awhile, in both his nervousness and boredom, Bit made the foolish attempt to try and start up a conversation with the two.
"So…Dawn and Jamie make a great couple, don't they?" There was no audible response from either of them; Kylie did, however, look up at Bit with a strange, almost psychotic grin that Bit couldn't actually figure out. So he chuckled nervously and anxiously continued on, "Yeah…you know me and Leena were actually trying to get them together…funny how things work out like that, huh?" Kylie then began laughing as she flung herself around Bit's arm. Bit let out a frightened, "Eek!" before Mikey growled loudly and Kylie shot back to her side of the couch, head lowered and hands in her lap. Mikey glared at Kylie for a moment longer, suspicion in his eyes, and then slouched back in his seat in a huff.
"Yeah, they're wonderful together," he muttered in a sarcastic tone.
"Look, um, Mikey…why don't you sit next to…uh…Kylie? I'll go get us some drinks or-"
"Why would I want to do that?" Mikey asked angrily. Bit gave him a baffled frown and hesitated in confusion.
"Well, why WOULDN'T I…?" Mikey glared suspiciously once more and Bit grimaced.
"Bit." Bit looked up immediately to see Dr. Toros before him. In desperation, he shot up from his seat as hastily as possible.
"Yes, Doc? What is it? Do you need me to GO somewhere…?"
"No, no. Nothing like that Bit," Dr. Toros replied, not seeming to hear the anxiety in Bit's voice. Bit groaned in self-pity. "It's just that-I think Harry may have a concussion."
"Harry?" He glanced curiously over to Harry. Harry sat in a daze, each of his eyes wandering about the room in different directions, neither with a logical pattern of it's own. He sat their limp, his limbs lifelessly hanging from his body. His mouth opened and closed, but all that came out was slurred babble. "Yeah, Doc. He doesn't look too good."
"His short term memory has been completely shot," Dr. Toros explained. "He can't even remember that Mary planned this social gathering for the Skylers and us. And I've told him about it at least a dozen times over the last hour. I think we ought to get him to a hospital."
"Really?" Dr. Toros nodded. "And what about Mary?" The two glanced over at the pale, sickly looking girl, once bright, cheerful, and full of life, who had somehow managed to paste a weak smile upon her face. She stood erect, her body unmoving, like a statue, unless it was absolutely necessary to make a movement. Then she would move very slowly, almost robotically, each stiff movement causing her eyes to twitch slightly. Dr. Toros then turned to Bit.
"I'm pretty sure she broke SOMETHING."
"Yeah. I heard a cracking sound."
"I must say, she hides it very well, though," Dr. Toros commented.
"Well, that's Mary for you. She always has to be the perfect hostess."
"Bit! Steve! Mikey! Kylie!" Ray came marching toward them at this, dragging the ever reluctant Brad along with him. "Are we all having fun?"
"No," Brad was the first to answer and in quite an annoyed fashion, too. Ray just let out a roar of laughter that shook the room and smacked Brad across the back.
"Oh, Brad! You kidder!" Brad groaned angrily.
"Who said I was kidding?" he muttered, but Ray, as usual, didn't hear. Bit did, however, and frowned.
"Actually, Ray, I have some bad news." Dr. Toros began. "I believe Harry has a concussion."
"A concussion?!" Ray questioned, obviously baffled. "Now I wonder how on earth he got that!"
"Yeah, I wonder…" Brad muttered sarcastically.
"You, too, Brad?" Ray asked innocently, not detecting the sarcasm in his voice. Brad just sighed and laid his forehead in his hand.
"Um…yes…well, anyway." Dr. Toros began nervously again. "I think it's very severe-"
"Oh, nonsense! We can't have a little 'concussion' ruin the party!" Ray exclaimed. "He can take it! He's a man!"
"Sort of…" Bit's voice trailed off and Kylie giggled, causing Bit's face to become very awkward.
"But, RAY, it's a concussion," Dr. Toros tried to reason, almost in disbelief of what Ray had said.
"Steve, Steve, Steve. When will you realize that I'm always right? Isn't that right, Brad?"
"No," Brad quickly blurted out, but then hastily stated, "I mean, I'm bored now. Can we PLEASE go home?"
"Bored? How could you be bored with ME?" Ray swung his arm around Brad once more, almost choking him. Brad looked near the breaking point, but didn't raise his voice.
"Do I even have to answer that…?"
"Look at Dawny and Jamie!" Ray then suddenly declared, his short attention span at it again. "Aren't they adorable together?"\
"Yeah, except that Jamie kid's an idiot," Mikey muttered cruely.
"Hey!" Bit went to protest, but Mikey darted him a sadistic look and Bit kept his mouth shut. Kylie grinned and she began to mouth something to Bit, but Bit quickly looked away, not wanting to know.
"Yes. Yes, he is." Ray agreed with his brother, his stupidity and pride reflecting in his eyes. Leena then headed toward them.
"Hey, Dad, do you know what's up with Harry? He keeps slurring my name and asking where we are."
"Concussion." Bit answered for Dr. Toros.
"Oh, well, that explains it," Leena stated casually. Then Ray replied, nodding his head, his eyes gazing out at the dance floor in a daze:
"Yes. Yes it does."
It wasn't for another hour until Brad had managed to convince Ray it was a good time to leave. The Blitz team was, of course, grateful for this, especially Jamie, who had been forced to dance with Dawn for two hours straight. Dawn was relieved as well, though her face remained callous and apathetic.
"It was so nice for you all to come." Mary told them at the door, her voice slightly higher than usual. She then widened her grin. Her eyes twitched and a small squeal came from the back of her throat, but she managed to keep the strained smile upon her face.
"You're sure you're feeling all right, Mary?" Bit asked in concern. A twinge of jealousy suddenly twitched in Kylie's eye, but it went unnoticed, except to Bit who cringed in response.
"Oh, oh…I'm FINE….just fine," she blatantly lied.
"Of course she is!" Ray exclaimed and gave her a hard, almost fatal slap across the back. Mary let out a shrill gasp and took hold of the wall to keep herself for falling. She leaned on it for dear life. "On behalf of the Skyler team, I'd just like to thank you Mary-"
"GO," she suddenly blurted out in a high, raspy voice. "JUST GO." Ray frowned and then shrugged.
"Well, if you insist." Mary began to genuinely smile, but suddenly Ray wrapped his arms about Mary. She had little time to think before he crushed her body for a second time as he hugged her blissfully and said "good-bye." Mary could no longer hold in her pain and she suddenly screamed, her high pitched wail echoing through the room for a few long moments. Ray, again, didn't seem to notice, and just kept hugging her, a stupid grin upon his face as he squeezed tighter. The Blitz team watched in utter horror throughout the whole frightening scene, unable to move, blink, or even breath, until the moment Ray released her, Mary falling to the ground with an echoing thud, completely unconscious
Leena skipped down the hall early that morning, brightened that a new day had finally begun. Yesterday was over, a peaceful day somehow turned into a hellish nightmare, and Leena was glad of it. No longer would she have to deal with the creepy Skyler family, in all their insanity; she was free.
Deciding she was hungry, Leena quickly made her way to the kitchen. She would have a small snack before breakfast. However, when she entered the kitchen, her eyes widened in horror. Her mouth gaped open, but she was too petrified to even speak. There was Ray Skyler: making breakfast.
Leena stumbled backwards into the hallway, the utmost fear filling her, Ray luckily not seeing her. She leaned against the wall, trying to calm her breathing and rationalize her thoughts. That's when Brad came strolling down the hallway toward her.
"It's Ray. He's-he's-" Leena stammered to him. Brad sighed.
"Making breakfast? I could have told you that," he miserabley replied and entered the kitchen. Leena, her fear subsiding, followed him in.
"Brad!" Ray greeted him. "I'm making you all breakfast."
"I SEE," Brad answered, raising an annoyed eyebrow as he crossed his arms.
"Leena," Ray winked at her upon noticing her presence. Leena resisted the urge to gag with all her might.
"So, Ray, WHY are you making breakfast exactly?" brad questioned, trying to hold his temper.
"Because! It's the least we could do after dinner last night and all. Mikey and the others are setting the table in the dining room.
"Oh, yeah. Well, that's just great," Brad sarcastically muttered.
"But how did you get in here?" Leena interrogated. Ray seemed dumbfounded.
"Well, I AM Ray Skyler," he stated as if the answer was obvious He then grinned and went back to making breakfast.
"Right…" Brad began. "Look, RAY, I really appreciate this, but it's not-"
"Brad," Ray suddenly interrupted, his face and voice unexpectedly becoming deadly serious. "There's something I need to talk to you about." Brad became a bit nervous as he shifted awkwardly in his spot.
"Yes, Ray?"
"It's this Naomi Fluegel," he started, a jealous rage growing in his eyes as he gripped onto a glass. "I don't think she's good for you. I don't think you should see her anymore."
"You don't? I know you don't like her, but-" Ray suddenly smashed the glass onto the counter, shattering it into pieces. Brad was silent then, nervously jumping back as did Leena. Leena was sure she heard a growl escape Ray's lips that sounded strangely like Mikey's.
"Do we have an understanding, Brad?" Ray asked in a low, psychotic voice.
"But, Ray, if you just got to know her a little better-" Ray smashed another glass, his face getting darker in rage. Leena tightly gripped Brad's arm
"Just drop it, Brad!" she told him in a whisper. "Okay? before Ray jabs a piece of glass through your eye!"
Bit then came in, yawning, eyes closed and arms outstretched.
"Well, I'm glad those Skylers are gone," he said as he yawned. "Bunch of wackos." He rubbed his eyes and slowly began to open them. "It's a good thing, too, because-ah!" His eyes were now fully opened and set on an oblivious grinning Ray. Bit clung onto Brad for dear life and whispered, "What is HE doing here?!"
"Don't ask." Brad muttered, lowering his head in misery.
"I'm making breakfast!" Ray exclaimed with stupid cheer. Bit tried not to look disgusted by Ray, but he couldn't help it.
"You think this is bad?" Leena whispered to Bit. "The rest of the psycho family is in the dining room!"
"But…WHY?!"
"Setting the table, of course," Leena answered bitterly. Bit's face then became quizzical as he noticed the shattered glass on the kitchen floor.
"Hey," he whispered to Brad. "What's with the glass?" Brad groaned in response and Bit frowned. Leena then stomped her foot sternly, agitation building in her eyes.
"That's it!" she declared firmly. "We're having a team meeting!"
"What are they still doinig here?!" Dr. Toros questioned, gesturing toward the kitchen area where the Skyler team remained for the moment. The BLitz team had gathered in the living room before breakfast in order to discuss the problem known as the Skylers.
"The guy's a stalker." Leena stated matter-of-factly, resting her chin in her hand. "What do you expect?"
"Maybe you ought to get a restraining order, Brad," Bit suggested.
"Don't you think I've already tried?" Brad miserabley replied. Bit frowned.
"But who let them in?" Dr. Toros persisted.
"That's what I'd like to know," Leena agreed.
"Isn't it obvious?" Brad muttered. "Ray let HIMSELF in."
"But-how?" Dr. Toros continued to question.
"Well, maybe if you spent more money on a security system, Doc, instead of your Zoid models or those ridiculous Zoid parts we can't even use…" Jamie's voice trailed off. Bit then rose.
"Hey! Hey! Hey!" he began. "We can't allow these Skylers to break us! We have to work as a team! Otherwise, we'll never get rid of them."
"That reminds me," Leena then started. "How ARE we going to get rid of them?" There was a moment of silence before they all turned and looked at Brad for the answer.
"What are you looking at me for?" he questioned, crossing his arms with a scoff.
"Well, you got rid of them the last time, didn't you?" Leena explained.
"Correction: I got rid of RAY."
"And now there's three more of them…" Jamie began, his voice trailing off.
"In our kitchen right now…" Dr. Toros finished with a shudder.
"Don't be such cowards!" Leena exclaimed.
"Leena's right!" Bit agreed. "We can't give up yet! Now Brad-" Brad exhaled in agitation. "How did you get rid of Ray last time?" All four looked at Brad anxiously.
"You're all making too much of this," Brad stated. "All I did was run away." Bit, Leena, Jamie, and Dr. Toros's faces dropped.
"Ran away?!" They all questioned simultaneously in utter disappointment.
"What else did you expect me to do?"
"Something a bit braver?" Bit suggested. Brad glared at Bit in annoyance, but continued on telling his story anyway.
"It was about five years ago," Brad began. "I just couldn't take HIM anymore so I just ran off without a sign or a trace. I even thought about changing my name. Well, one day, a week or two after I left, I met up with this Zoids team. They said they needed a new player and they'd pay me good, and since I was poor at the moment I thought, 'what the hell?'
"I was a fast learner-I guess I owe some of that to Ray; he let me pilot his father's Zoids every once in awhile. but I was too scared to stay in one place for too long-Ray might find me out-so after a couple months, I left and migrated to a new team. And that's how I became a mercenary, never staying with one team too long. I replaced my hatrid of Ray with a love of money. After all, he was rich and he ALWAYS seemed to get his way.
"But then, about a year ago, I joined the Blitz team. I guess I got careless or lazy-I don't know-but I chose to stay with you guys for the last year instead of leaving after a month or two," Brad then heaved a great sigh. "I guess I have no choice, though, but to pack up my things and run again."
"What?!" Leena questioned in an outrage. "And leave us to deal with the psychos! No way!"
"Not to mention we need you on the team, Brad," Dr. Toros added. Brad just shrugged.
"This is ridiculous!" Bit finally exclaimed. "Why don't you just get a restraining order or something, like I said before? Let the law take it from there."
"Yeah," Jamie agreed. "It will make a lot more sense than running away."
"Didn't I tell you that I've TRIED that already?" Brad argued. "It WON'T work. He's rich-he's got too much influence. God, I've tried EVERYTHING and NOTHING works!"
"Maybe you should try killing him. That'll work." Leena muttered.
"Leena! Don't be crazy!" Jamie exclaimed.
"Now, now, now, Jamie," Dr. Toros began, putting his hand on Jamie's shoulder. "The idea has some merit.
"Doc!"
"I'm only joking!"
"This isn't the time to be kidding around!" Bit firmly stated. "This is a time to be serious! We have a real problem on our hands." Brad just shook his head.
"I guess I better start packing."
"Hey! You can't abandon us!" Bit exclaimed.
"Yeah!" Leena agreed. "If you think Ray's bad, wait until I'M pissed off!" Brad sighed.
"Well, I've got a lot of options," he muttered sarcastically.
"Look, we're in this as a team," Dr. Toros decided.
"Yeah, Brad. We want to help you out!" Jamie added.
"A lot of help you guys will be. You'll probably make it worse."
"I'll-I'll pay you!" Dr. Toros desperately exclaimed. "So long as you don't leave us to the Skylers!"
"Doc, you ALREADY pay me."
"More! I'll pay you more!" Brad raised an intrigued eyebrow.
"How MUCH more?" Dr. Toros frowned. Luckily, Ray barged in before he was forced to answer.
"Breakfast is ready!" he exclaimed loudly. Everyone gave him a nervous grin. He grinned stupidly and then grabbed Brad's arm, yanking him forward. "Come on, Brad! You can sit next to me again!"
"Oh, goody," Brad mumbled in sarcasm, but Ray didn't seem to notice.
"Come on!"
"Leena! Oh, Leena!" Harry called as he walked down the hall, flowers in hand. "Leena!"
"Harry?" Leena asked in bewilderment as she rose from her seat at the breakfast table and headed toward the door.
"Harry?" Ray questioned, rising as well.
"Oh, Leena, darling!" Harry exclaimed as he entered the room, swinging the door open with a grin, his eyes setting on Leena. "The King has arrived! I'm sorry to interrupt you during breakfast, but I just HAD to see you!" He then handed her the flowers. "These are for you."
"Harry…" Leena groaned.
"Harry Champ?" Ray then asked with curiosity.
"Huh?" Harry turned to Ray. "Ray-Ray Skyler?!" His face was a mix of surprise and horror. "What-what are YOU doing here?!"
"Wait a sec, you mean you guys KNOW each other?" Bit questioned. Ray nodded proudly.
"The Champ family IS quite wealthy, after all. It's only NATURAL that we'd be friends," Ray explained. "Now, Harry, how've you been? What brings you here? I didn't know you were a friend of Brad's!" He gave Brad a slap on the back.
"He's not," Brad said flatly.
"Well, I didn't know YOU were a friend of Brad's!" Harry exclaimed with much disbelief. Brad went to say, "he's not," again, but Dr. Toros quickly cleared his throat and gave him a stern look. He then turned to Harry with a smile.
"So, Harry, what brings you here?"
"Well-I-" Harry stammered, still stunned as he stared at Ray. "I came to see Leena." He pointed toward Leena though his eyes remained focused on Ray.
"Really?" Ray asked curious and Harry nodded. "Well, Leena's a very special girl."
"Huh?" Harry asked, still very dazed. He then shook his head and quickly regained himself. "Yes! Yes, she is! Leena is the most wonderful-"
"As much as I ENJOY the flattery," Leena interrupted, "could you please LEAVE, Harry? And take these with you!" She shoved the flowers into Harry's chest.
"But, Leena! My darling!" Ray now chuckled, walking over to Leena, and swing his massive arm around her. Leena's face completely dropped as did Harry's.
"Harry, Harry, Harry," Ray began, continuing to chuckle. "That's so cute! But a girl like Leena-she needs a REAL man."
"Real-? You mean-you and Leena-you're-you're-" Harry stuttered in absolute horror.
"No!" Leena exclaimed in protest, but Ray tightened his grip on her. Harry then grew angry.
"Hey! Leena's MY girl! You can't have her!"
"Excuse me?" Leena attempted to argue, but was denied by Ray who just smiled.
"Poor little Harry. I THINK you're confused. She BELONGS to me."
"BELONGS?!" Leena questioned, infuriated. "I don't BELONG to-"
"Isn't that right, Brad?" Brad, who was busy stabbing his knife viciously into his food, obviously hadn't been paying attention.
"Huh?" he looked up from his mutilated meal. Then, he quickly muttered, "Yeah, sure, whatever."
"Brad!" Leena cried furiously.
"Um, Brad?" Jamie began warily. "You really ought to STOP doing that to your food…"
"I think he's pretending it's Ray…" Bit explained quietly to Jamie. Kylie smiled and let out a small giggle. Mike growled at her angrily and growled. Kylie's face quickly paled and she lowered her head. Yet, even with head bowed, she managed to lift her eyes high enough to gaze at Bit. Bit shifted awkwardly in his seat and whispered to Jamie, "I don't know, but Kylie's been looking at me funny all morning…"
"Listen Ray," Harry continued on, not having noticed Bit and Jamie's conversation nor caring about it. "I know you're NEW around here, but Leena's-"
"How's your sister, Harry?" Ray suddenly inquired, still tightly clinging onto Leena. Harry was taken back by the quick change in subject.
"Huh? You mean Mary?" Harry questioned. Dawn groaned in disgust at the name.
"At least we agree on something," Jamie muttered to her, but dawn just rolled her eyes.
"Sure! Mary-great girl! She always holds the greatest dinner parties!" Ray declared.
"Well-"
"You mean, you know Mary, too?" Bit asked. Kylie laughed again, this time loudly, throwing her head back, and Bit's face grew very nervous and puzzled as did the others, except for Ray, who was, more often than not, in his own little world. Mikey quickly growled, however, and slammed his fist on the table, and her laughter ceased, though a small smile refused to leave her face. Ray then spoke up once more.
"Of course I know MARY!" A deviously charming smile spread across his face.
"Would you let go of me?!" Leena finally cried out, but Ray just grinned wider.
"Don't be silly, Leena! Why would I do that?" Leena let out a loud, ear-piercing shriek. Dr. Toros cring and covered his ears.
"Um, Ray, I don't suppose you could-"
"Yes, Dr. Toros?" Ray interrupted. "Or can I call you Steve? I think Steve's more appropriate now that we're like FAMILY."
"Yes, family…" Dr. Toros voice began to crack.
"It figures as much," Brad mumbled, dropping his knife to the table, his food fully mutilated. "That the Champ family and the Skyler family would be friends. They're both sick enough."
"Hey!" Harry protested. "I resent that!" He then crossed his arms. "Besides, we are NOT friends. We are merely social…ACQUAINTANCES. We mingle at parties, we see each other at the occasional banquet-":
"Don't you miss BRAD now, Ray?" Leena questioned, trying to contain her fury as she attempted to pry his arm from her. "I'm SURE he misses you!" Brad's eyes darted fiercely toward her.
"LEENA."
"BRAD."
"Not this again…" Jamie's voice trailed off with a sigh.
"It's nothing personal, Leena, but-" Ray unwrapped his arm from her and headed toward Brad. "It's like I told Bitty yesterday: 'Girls come and go, but Brad-he's special. He's special." Brad clenched on to his knife again as Ray slapped him across the back, contemplating whether or not he should stab Ray or himself, but, of course, somehow managed to remain calm.
"Yeah. Real special…" Leena muttered sarcastically.
"Don't be so down, Leena," Ray then stated. "We'll have plenty of time TONIGHT to be ALONE." He then gave her an obnoxious wink.
Both Leena and Harry's faces dropped in horror and they simultaneously let out a terrified wail of "WHAT?!?!?!?!"
"The Skyler Family!" Mary exclaimed over the video phone to Harry. "That's simply wonderful, Harry!"
"No, it's not, Mary. It's just not." Harry replied.
"Well, what's wrong, Harry?"
"They may SEEM normal at social gatherings, but when you get them alone, they all seem…off." His face then grew red with fury. "Besides, that Ray likes my Leena!!!"
"Oh, well isn't that sweet! They make such an adorable little couple, don't you think?"
"Mary!" Harry whined. "You're suppose to be on MY side!" Mary sighed and shook her head.
"I already told you, Harry; that girl isn't right for you. Now you should just move on-"
"But she is, Mary! She's the love of my life! The air I breath! The sky above me! The joy in my heart! My ever waking moment-"
"A party!" Harry was taken aback.
"Huh?"
"We'll have a party! At your place. Nothing really fancy, of course. Just us, the Skylers, and the Blitz team. There will be some dancing, some snacks-"
"But, Mary!"
"I'll be over there as soon as I can. It's still early, after all. I should be there before sunset."
"But, Mary!"
"How about seven? Tonight? That's a perfect time to start our little social gathering!"
"But, Mary!"
"I'll see you then! Remember to tell the Skylers and the Blitz team. I haven't seen the Skylers in so long! It'll be nice to catch up on things."
"But-"
"Good-bye, Harry!" She then hung up. Harry frowned and let out a whine. Then he slumped on the couch and had no choice but to sigh in defeat.
"Come on, Brad!" Ray exclaimed as he dragged Brad into the Champ Residence. Brad grimaced, but Ray beamed with much enthusiasm. The rest followed-the Skyler Team, the Blitz Team, even Dr. Toros-with little energy or interest. But, of course, none was more apathetic than Dawn, a twinge of disgust in her eye.
Upon entering, they could see food displayed on the tables and hear classical music in the background. Harry sat sulking on the couch while Mary stood, perhaps more excited than Ray, smiling to greet her guests. Ray grinned as he saw Mary, finally releasing Brad's arm, much to Brad's relief. He then extended his arms out to Mary and walked to her.
"MARY." Mary shook her head and smiled, opening her arms to him as well and heading toward him.
"RAY."
"MARY."
"RAY."
"MARY."
"Ra-ah!" her last "Ray" broke into an ear piercing screech as Ray swung his arms around her, hugging her tightly. The sound of bones cracking could be heard as she gasped for air, her eyes bulging in pain. The Blitz team looked on in absolute horror.
"Oh, my God! Mary!" Harry cried, bolting from the couch and catching her as Ray released her. Ray smiled, oblivious to the pain he had inflicted on Mary.
"I'm…I'm fine…" Mary stated in a high, hoarse, weak voice. She attempted to smile, but instead winced in pain.
"He-he BROKE her!" Bit exclaimed finally in utter horror and shock. Kylie giggled. "It's NOT funny!" Kylie giggled once more, but Mikey growled and she lowered her head, silent.
"Did I ever tell you-Mary-that's a pretty name." Ray smiled charmingly as he spoke. Mary just nodded and let out another small gasp of pain.
"Does he use that line on EVERYONE?" Leena questioned.
"Apparently…" Jamie answered.
"Dawny!" Ray suddenly exclaimed. "Why don't you dance with Jamie?"
"Because I don't WANT to." Jamie groaned.
"Sure you do!" ray insisted. Dawn sighed in disgust and reluctantly made her way to the small dance floor Mary had set up, Jamie following just as reluctant. "Leena," Ray then commanded, but Leena didn't budge.
"Yeah?" she asked in agitation. Ray was surprised.
"Well, dance with me, of course!" he exclaimed in a roar of laughter.
"Hey!" Harry protested, disregarding Mary, who was becoming paler as the moments passed. "Leena's MY girl! She can only dance with me!" Ray's eyes suddenly twitched in anger as he took a step toward Harry. He towered AT LEAST a foot over him. Harry gulped in fear and shrunk back.
"Are you challenging ME? Ray's eyes glimmered with a spark of insanity.
"Chal-NO! Of COURSE not! Don't be silly! You-you can dance with her!"
"Harry!" Leena exclaimed in disgust. Ray smiled pleasantly.
"Now, that's a good boy, Harry!" He then proceeded to pat Harry hard on the head three times-harder then Harry could handle. Harry stumbled back and Dr. Toros caught him before he fell to the floor.
"Harry, are you all right?" he asked in concern.
"SURE…! I'm…FINE…!" Harry slurred, leaning on Dr. Toros, unable to stand on his own. Mary still stood, mouth opened in a frozen, silent scream, unable to move her body in the slightest. Ray, as usual, was oblivious, and grinned at Leena.
"Leena?" Leena scoffed.
"Can't you dance with Brad?" Brad's face turned bright red. Strangely enough, Ray took a moment to contemplate this idea before pulling Leena to dance.
It had been an hour since the Champ's social gathering began. Things had actually gotten a little better for some of the guests. Mary's voice had returned, after all, as did some of the movement in her limbs; she could even walk around, though there was a great deal of pain that she tried to conceal in her eyes. Leena was also doing much better, Ray having turned his attention to Brad and Harry in rather unstable condition. The others, however, weren't as lucky. To begin with, both Jamie and Dawn suffered equally, being forced to dance by Ray for the last hour. Jamie, who used to be only full of self-pity and fear, was now just as annoyed as Dawn if not more so. Harry was nearly completely incapacitated. He sat sprawled out on a chair, unable to rise to his feet. Brad, of course, suffered with Ray's arm tightly secured around him and Dr. Toros tried to make logical conversation with the rambling Harry.
Bit, however, was in the worst predicament out of all the guests at Mary's party. How it had happened, he was not sure, but Bit had managed to position himself on the couch right between Mikey Skyler and Kylie Atwater. What was worse was that Bit had begun to suspect that Kylie was flirting with him. She giggled at him, and then brushed her leg up against his for the umpteenth time and Bit nudged her away abruptly. Mikey didn't seem to notice; he just let out a low growl each time the couch gave a jolt when Bit kicked Kylie away. After awhile, in both his nervousness and boredom, Bit made the foolish attempt to try and start up a conversation with the two.
"So…Dawn and Jamie make a great couple, don't they?" There was no audible response from either of them; Kylie did, however, look up at Bit with a strange, almost psychotic grin that Bit couldn't actually figure out. So he chuckled nervously and anxiously continued on, "Yeah…you know me and Leena were actually trying to get them together…funny how things work out like that, huh?" Kylie then began laughing as she flung herself around Bit's arm. Bit let out a frightened, "Eek!" before Mikey growled loudly and Kylie shot back to her side of the couch, head lowered and hands in her lap. Mikey glared at Kylie for a moment longer, suspicion in his eyes, and then slouched back in his seat in a huff.
"Yeah, they're wonderful together," he muttered in a sarcastic tone.
"Look, um, Mikey…why don't you sit next to…uh…Kylie? I'll go get us some drinks or-"
"Why would I want to do that?" Mikey asked angrily. Bit gave him a baffled frown and hesitated in confusion.
"Well, why WOULDN'T I…?" Mikey glared suspiciously once more and Bit grimaced.
"Bit." Bit looked up immediately to see Dr. Toros before him. In desperation, he shot up from his seat as hastily as possible.
"Yes, Doc? What is it? Do you need me to GO somewhere…?"
"No, no. Nothing like that Bit," Dr. Toros replied, not seeming to hear the anxiety in Bit's voice. Bit groaned in self-pity. "It's just that-I think Harry may have a concussion."
"Harry?" He glanced curiously over to Harry. Harry sat in a daze, each of his eyes wandering about the room in different directions, neither with a logical pattern of it's own. He sat their limp, his limbs lifelessly hanging from his body. His mouth opened and closed, but all that came out was slurred babble. "Yeah, Doc. He doesn't look too good."
"His short term memory has been completely shot," Dr. Toros explained. "He can't even remember that Mary planned this social gathering for the Skylers and us. And I've told him about it at least a dozen times over the last hour. I think we ought to get him to a hospital."
"Really?" Dr. Toros nodded. "And what about Mary?" The two glanced over at the pale, sickly looking girl, once bright, cheerful, and full of life, who had somehow managed to paste a weak smile upon her face. She stood erect, her body unmoving, like a statue, unless it was absolutely necessary to make a movement. Then she would move very slowly, almost robotically, each stiff movement causing her eyes to twitch slightly. Dr. Toros then turned to Bit.
"I'm pretty sure she broke SOMETHING."
"Yeah. I heard a cracking sound."
"I must say, she hides it very well, though," Dr. Toros commented.
"Well, that's Mary for you. She always has to be the perfect hostess."
"Bit! Steve! Mikey! Kylie!" Ray came marching toward them at this, dragging the ever reluctant Brad along with him. "Are we all having fun?"
"No," Brad was the first to answer and in quite an annoyed fashion, too. Ray just let out a roar of laughter that shook the room and smacked Brad across the back.
"Oh, Brad! You kidder!" Brad groaned angrily.
"Who said I was kidding?" he muttered, but Ray, as usual, didn't hear. Bit did, however, and frowned.
"Actually, Ray, I have some bad news." Dr. Toros began. "I believe Harry has a concussion."
"A concussion?!" Ray questioned, obviously baffled. "Now I wonder how on earth he got that!"
"Yeah, I wonder…" Brad muttered sarcastically.
"You, too, Brad?" Ray asked innocently, not detecting the sarcasm in his voice. Brad just sighed and laid his forehead in his hand.
"Um…yes…well, anyway." Dr. Toros began nervously again. "I think it's very severe-"
"Oh, nonsense! We can't have a little 'concussion' ruin the party!" Ray exclaimed. "He can take it! He's a man!"
"Sort of…" Bit's voice trailed off and Kylie giggled, causing Bit's face to become very awkward.
"But, RAY, it's a concussion," Dr. Toros tried to reason, almost in disbelief of what Ray had said.
"Steve, Steve, Steve. When will you realize that I'm always right? Isn't that right, Brad?"
"No," Brad quickly blurted out, but then hastily stated, "I mean, I'm bored now. Can we PLEASE go home?"
"Bored? How could you be bored with ME?" Ray swung his arm around Brad once more, almost choking him. Brad looked near the breaking point, but didn't raise his voice.
"Do I even have to answer that…?"
"Look at Dawny and Jamie!" Ray then suddenly declared, his short attention span at it again. "Aren't they adorable together?"\
"Yeah, except that Jamie kid's an idiot," Mikey muttered cruely.
"Hey!" Bit went to protest, but Mikey darted him a sadistic look and Bit kept his mouth shut. Kylie grinned and she began to mouth something to Bit, but Bit quickly looked away, not wanting to know.
"Yes. Yes, he is." Ray agreed with his brother, his stupidity and pride reflecting in his eyes. Leena then headed toward them.
"Hey, Dad, do you know what's up with Harry? He keeps slurring my name and asking where we are."
"Concussion." Bit answered for Dr. Toros.
"Oh, well, that explains it," Leena stated casually. Then Ray replied, nodding his head, his eyes gazing out at the dance floor in a daze:
"Yes. Yes it does."
It wasn't for another hour until Brad had managed to convince Ray it was a good time to leave. The Blitz team was, of course, grateful for this, especially Jamie, who had been forced to dance with Dawn for two hours straight. Dawn was relieved as well, though her face remained callous and apathetic.
"It was so nice for you all to come." Mary told them at the door, her voice slightly higher than usual. She then widened her grin. Her eyes twitched and a small squeal came from the back of her throat, but she managed to keep the strained smile upon her face.
"You're sure you're feeling all right, Mary?" Bit asked in concern. A twinge of jealousy suddenly twitched in Kylie's eye, but it went unnoticed, except to Bit who cringed in response.
"Oh, oh…I'm FINE….just fine," she blatantly lied.
"Of course she is!" Ray exclaimed and gave her a hard, almost fatal slap across the back. Mary let out a shrill gasp and took hold of the wall to keep herself for falling. She leaned on it for dear life. "On behalf of the Skyler team, I'd just like to thank you Mary-"
"GO," she suddenly blurted out in a high, raspy voice. "JUST GO." Ray frowned and then shrugged.
"Well, if you insist." Mary began to genuinely smile, but suddenly Ray wrapped his arms about Mary. She had little time to think before he crushed her body for a second time as he hugged her blissfully and said "good-bye." Mary could no longer hold in her pain and she suddenly screamed, her high pitched wail echoing through the room for a few long moments. Ray, again, didn't seem to notice, and just kept hugging her, a stupid grin upon his face as he squeezed tighter. The Blitz team watched in utter horror throughout the whole frightening scene, unable to move, blink, or even breath, until the moment Ray released her, Mary falling to the ground with an echoing thud, completely unconscious
