Title: Mother Nature's Call
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Sky High characters, and include some of my own in this work. All but the characters in the movie are mine.
Feedback: Guys, I really appreciate your feedback and reviews. I'm not sure about Warren being in the same grade as the others. He's a year older, so it makes sense to me that he'd be in grade higher. I took out the reference to him being a junior though, just in case.
Synopsis: Sophomore year comes quickly for Will and friends. When trouble arises from student transfers, members of the small group of friends are faced with difficult choices.
Mother Nature's Call
Chapter Five: Loyalties
Will did a great job of not asking Layla why she didn't sit with them at lunch. Layla was impressed, but knew he was concerned. Before they said goodbye to head off to their respective classes, she leaned in and kissed him gently.
"Will?" Layla asked softly, knowing his full attention was on her.
"Yes?" Will responded patiently.
"Thanks for not asking about lunch, for letting me join those guys." Will was a little shocked.
"Layla, you can make new friends if you want. You don't need to worry about me, or the rest of us." Layla smiled as she placed one finger on Will's mouth to stop him.
"Thanks Will, I mean it. You guys are the greatest friends I have. You are very special to me. I need you to know that. I might be hanging out with different kids some, or doing things differently, but please know that. Please, trust me." Layla said the last on a whisper. Her mother's words vibrated throughout her mind, "Promise me, promise me you won't tell anyone of this. Not even Will. It could put a lot of people in danger, it could put me in danger, it could put you in danger. And I don't want to lose you Layla." Layla's response followed, "I don't want to lose you either mom."
"I trust you Layla. It's okay. Whatever's going on, it's okay. I trust you." Will reached out and hugged her. He had no idea what had happened since the day before, but something was up. If it was something she could tell him, she would. He had no doubts about that. So he decided he would just be there, whenever she needed him or was ready to talk, he would be there for her.
"Thanks Will. I mean it, thanks." Layla heard the last bell ring for class and pulled back to give Will another kiss. Smiling, she moved away so both of them could get to class on time. They were both a few minutes late, and preceded to be lectured from their teachers. Red Radar threatened to give Layla more homework if it happened again, while Will's science teacher did exactly that on the first offense.
"Hey guys, are you looking forward to gym class? We actually get to participate in Save the Citizen this year." Zach said, looking around the small group that came together once again for a class assignment. The other groups in the class were working diligently, while they had almost completed the assignment already.
"Yeah, I'm thrilled. I can't wait to turn into a guinea pig and run around." Majenta said sarcastically. Smiling, Zach reached over and squeezed her hand.
"She does have a point you know, there isn't much we'll be able to do against the other guys." Ethan said.
"Come on guys, you should all know better after last year's Homecoming. If it wasn't for you guys, this school wouldn't be here. Don't forget it." Layla insisted.
"Yeah, but we worked as a group." Ethan said. "And we had Will and Warren there."
"So you'll still work as a group, a group of two. It's just a matter of figuring things out, that's all." Layla smiled as the others nodded in agreement. Gym class was the next period, so once the bell rang they rushed out to get changed for it. It was the first time any of them had the opportunity to participate in the game, and the gentle hum of excitement was undeniable.
The gym bleachers filled quickly as students rushed in to grab their seats. Sidekicks were never allowed to do anything other than watch their freshman year, so the new set of sidekicks were grouped together in one section as the others awaited their chance.
"The rules have changed this year. Instead of teams of two, we'll have teams of four. It seems that some of you have proven how effective teamwork can be when its done right. So this is what we're doing. The Heroes will have three minutes to save the citizen. The Villians will have that much time to prevent the Heroes from making the rescue." Coach Boomer filled everyone in on the rules. Surprised at the change, the sidekicks cheered in response. They started feeling much more confident, now that things were more in their element.
"You, Larry!" The coach boomed, rocking back one section of the bleachers. "And you! 6 arm kid!" As both stood up and took their places, Coach Boomer looked around the room for two more kids. "You Acid Spit boy, join them. You, sidekick, yes you, who turns into a ball, get over here. What do you want to be Larry? Heroes or Villians?" Coach Boomer asked, writing the team down on his clipboard.
"Heroes!" Larry yelled, taking off his glasses and getting ready for the game. Joined by his team, the members watched as the Coach chose their opponents.
"You four, new kids. Get out there, you guys will be the Villians." Staring at the loud and obnoxious coach, Linda muttered something inaudible under her breath. John, Greg, Linda and Tara stood up and walked down to get ready. Once everyone was suited up, Coach Boomer yelled and let the three minutes start.
Larry immediately changed into the two ton rock man he enjoyed showing off. As he did that, Acid boy began spitting in Linda and Greg's direction. Completely annoyed Linda sent a mental image of the boy surrounded by flames and watched as he began freaking out. A large smile broke across her face. To her right, Greg was firing light rays in Larry's direction, blocking his path to the citizen. Linda smiled even broader as the citizen's screams for help continued.
"Now what you gonna do, new guy?" The kid with six arms had all of them wrapped tightly around John. Somewhat irritated, John rolled his eyes and lifted a finger. With the touch of that single finger, the boy holding him staggered back and let go. John turned around just as the boy fainted. Smiling, he looked over to see Tara face off with a blonde girl. The girl was the only remaining member of her team with a chance to get to the citizen. She hoped that the shy girl in front of her would pose no opposition, since the only thing she really had going for her was self defense moves she'd been taught at school.
"Finish it Tara!" John yelled, watching his younger sister hesitate. Staring at her, Layla got the distinct impression the girl didn't want to hurt anyone, but could when it became necessary. As the countdown reached one minute, the blonde girl rushed forward. In less than a second Tara's eyes went black. She lifted one palm holding a black ball of energy and launched it at the running girl. Knocked back, the blonde slid all the way down the slick floor until she crashed into the wall and passed out. Her eyes returning to their normal clear blue, Tara looked at her brother and saw the smile on his face. The countdown ended shortly after and Coach Boomer yelled at the four would be Heroes.
"Okay Grayson, what do you want to be, Heroes or Villians?" Coach Boomer asked, watching the other team leave the floor with two of them heading to the Nurses' office. John smiled.
"Villians, it seems to be working for us so far." Linda snickered at John's response.
"Pick your opponents then." The coach said, scribbling notes down on his clipboard. John looked around the bleachers until he landed on the red head. Fighting her wasn't something he wanted to do, but he needed to know if she could use her powers to do more than ripen apples. So there he stood, pointing at Layla until she gasped in surprise. Glancing over, Coach Boomer nodded. "You, flower child, get out there!"
Nervous, Layla stood up slowly and began to walk down the bleachers. Zach, Ethan and Majenta began cheering in support. Will watched to see who would be on her team, even as Warren's dark eyes followed her onto the gymnasium floor. John glanced briefly in Will's direction as he considered whether or not putting her on a team with her boyfriend would be a good idea. Deciding against it, John opted to put her on a team with some of her other friends instead. He felt it might be easier to seperate her from them than it would be her boyfriend. Turning back to where he had pointed originally, John called out Ethan, Zach and Majenta. Surprised, the three stood up and walked down to join Layla. Making his last notes the coach looked at both teams and sighed.
"Okay, flower child, your team are the Heroes. You have three minutes to save the citizen. Starting... NOW!" Coach Boomer yelled, beginning the match. Layla turned to Zach and Majenta.
"Save the citizen guys!" Layla yelled, squaring up against Greg and Tara. As the two of them began sending wave after wave towards her, Layla began dodging to avoid them. Doing as ordered, Zach and Majenta made a run for the citizen. Ethan found himself facing off against Linda, who began conjuring up a nasty mental image to direct towards him when he suddenly melted. Linda stared wide-eyed as her image failed to make contact. Sliding away from her Ethan went towards his friends more slowly than he would have liked.
As Zach and Majenta reached the citizen, John came up behind them and touched Zach on the neck. The tall bleach blonde stepped forward before fainting. Eyes wide in fear, Majenta reached out in time to pull Zach back and prevented him from falling into the grinders just beneath the citizen. John smiled. It looked to be a close call. Hearing the thump of Zach's body landing on the floor, Majenta sighed. She ended up turning just in time to see John reach for her. Panicked she changed into a guinea pig and started running away from him. John laughed out loud, greatly amused.
Running around the gym floor Layla narrowly escaped one of Tara's black balls of energy. The force of it on the floor slammed her up against the wall and plexiglass, knocking the breath from her. Will and Warren stood up, concerned. Greg began circling the red head as Tara stood in place. Layla regained her breath and began looking around. Ethan was in a melted heap trying to avoid Linda while Zach was flat on the ground passed out. She couldn't see Majenta, but figured she was on the run as well. Hearing the citizen scream for help, Layla looked around frantically. There was little she could do here, where the only plants around were those immediately outside the gym. Only a few could be seen to one side, leaving Layla praying they would be enough.
Closing her eyes, Layla blocked out the image of Greg gunning for her as she concentrated. Calling on the power within her and the plantlife outside, she compelled the trees to grow until they broke through the glass and pounded down the wall. Greg launched one focused light ray before being swallowed up by the greenery. Neither Tara nor Linda reacted quickly enough to save themselves from the same fate. John managed to dodge it, barely, and so was able to keep the remaining Hero, Majenta, from reaching the citizen in time to save her.
The buzz sounded. The countdown ended. Coach Boomer found himself looking around the gym and staring at the red head who was laying on the floor in scorched clothes. It was a tremendous show of power to call on the earth when there was so little of it here on the floating campus, and he wondered if there would be another power replacement.
"You, Popsicle, and Purple girl, get your teammates to the Nurse. Your citizen is dead." Coach Boomer said, grimacing as he once again looked around his gym. "Class dismissed!" His booming voice rocked the entire gymnasium. Students filed out slowly, stepping over roots and branches that hadn't stayed confined on the floor.
Flying over everyone to reach Layla, Will lifted her up gently. Her clothes were threaded in some places, blackened in others, and still very warm to the touch. Ethan reformed and helped Majenta lift Zach up while Warren walked over to join Will.
"How is she?" Warren asked, concerned. Will lifted Layla up into his arms.
"I think she's okay, just unconscious. I'm taking her to the Nurse. Majenta! Ethan! Over here." Will yelled, getting his friends attention.
"Go, I'll help them get Zach to the Nurse." Warren volunteered, smelling burnt cloth.
"No, its okay, it'll be faster if I take both of them." Will said as he reached for Zach, pulling him free of the two carrying him. Holding both firmly Will flew to the Nurse's office. Warren, Ethan, and Majenta watched him go before Ethan turned to look at the gym floor.
"Can you believe what Layla did? It'll take them a while to fix this." Ethan said.
"Yeah, I barely escaped a branch myself. Look, that guy is still looking for his friends." Majenta said, watching John dig through large branches to try and pull Tara free. Warren glanced over and grunted, more concerned about Layla than the group responsible for her turning the gym into a forest.
After John pulled Tara free and made sure she was okay, he began looking for the others. He found Linda fairly quickly and helped her walk over to sit next to Tara. It took a few more minutes to locate Greg, who had obviously been the main focus of the attack. Serves him right. John wanted to pound into Greg for his carelessness, he'd almost seriously hurt the girl. They were there to get her to go back with them willingly, not to hurt her. Finding his impetuous and competitive friend, John pulled branch after branch aside until he freed him. The boy was unconscious for a few minutes, giving John just enough time to clear his head.
"Ouch!" Greg said, rubbing his head. John glared at him as he pulled him up. Together they walked over to Tara and Linda. "Damn! Who would've guessed she had it in her?" John turned around and smacked Greg on the arm.
"My father did, you idiot! You could have seriously hurt her. What's wrong with you?" John asked, frustrated and angry. Greg felt his anger rise and turned to walk off, seething.
"Either way, it's over now." Linda said, slightly disgusted. Getting up, she went and joined her brother. Tara sighed. John turned and saw her slow smile. Of the four, his sister understood him best. He wanted a fifth member of their group, a member who could help heal the earth from the damage done after their missions. Someone who could heal the earth whereever she went, no matter what was wrong with it. Tara stood up and took John by the arm, leading him to their next class.
The Nurse looked Zach over once more and gave him a clean bill of health. The white-haired woman handed him a lollypop.
"Your cleared to go." The Nurse said as Warren walked in with Ethan and Majenta behind him.
"Thanks." Zach said. As he turned, Majenta's face lit up. "Hey!" He stood up and joined his friends. "I hear Layla kicked butt."
"Yeah, but you guys didn't do so bad yourselves. Your team work was almost enough to win." Warren said, smiling a little at the smiles that came over his friends' faces. "How is Layla?" The question was low, so that everyone had to strain to hear it.
"She'll be fine. She's resting right now. You should all get back to class." The Nurse said, walking into a different room "You too Stronghold." Kicking Will out, the Nurse saw the little group head off to their classes. She turned slightly as she heard a small groan. Layla was waking up. As the ringing in her ears stopped and the pink and purple spots cleared from her vision, Layla heard the gentle chuckle of the Nurse. "Time for one more check up, then we'll get you out of here and back to class."
A half hour later Layla joined her friends in Hero Support for the last class period of the day. They greeted her smiling, asking her how she felt and quizzing her about her power. Layla smiled at their sincere concern and excitement regarding her powers. Her own enthusiasm was dampened by the reality of the situation. The kids she was supposed to join were hardcore. She figured they weren't boy scouts, but the fact that they could and would hurt someone if they got in their way truly sunk in. Her soft lips formed a thin line, they had to be stopped. She would join them, and possibly meet their parents and The Fred Gray himself. She would help her mother put them behind bars.
"Hey Layla, anything the matter?" Ethan asked, seeing the grim set of her face. Pulled out of her thoughts, Layla turned suddenly.
"Huh? Uh, no. Sorry. Still a little dazed I guess." Layla said as she smiled. Ethan nodded his head but still looked worried. The bell rang. Kids jumped up to rush to their buses, not wanting to be left behind. Layla and her friends moved a bit slower, still full of the day's events. As they entered the hallway, Will spotted them and began walking over. He smiled as he looked Layla over. She looked good, the few black spots on her clothes the only sign left over from the earlier Save the Citizen game.
"Layla!" Will reached out and hugged her. He looked her over once again before she reached out to hug him. "I was worried." Seeing the truth of it in his eyes, Layla sighed. She didn't want to be a burden to him, or a distraction. They would need to talk, but right now she was enjoying the feel of him too much to bring it up.
"Hey," John said, walking up slowly. His friends were about a foot behind him, following his lead.
"Oh, hey," Layla said, glancing uncomfortably in Greg's direction. Will looked at the group, waiting to see what they wanted. Save the Citizen could be a rough game, and Coach Boomer was known for encouraging it sometimes. So maybe these guys just got caught up, and weren't so bad. He couldn't say for sure, but the way John was looking at Layla now made him feel like the guy was full of guilt.
"Listen, Greg didn't mean to hurt you. It was just a game." John said, glaring at Greg when the boy grumbled something.
"Oh, right. Well I'm fine. Thanks. We all are, hopefully you guys are also." Layla said, smiling hesitantly.
"Yeah, we're good. That was a neat trick you pulled off. There's not much plantlife up here on the campus, what you did was pretty impressive." Linda said.
"It was nothing. I don't like using my powers for violence, but you left me no choice." As the red head said it, John knew he'd no longer have anything to worry about. She wasn't an enemy unless they made her one. And once she knew of their plans to save the earth, the chances of her not joining them voluntarily were slim.
"Yeah, like I said, Greg's sorry." John said, sensing Tara lightly hit Greg until he muttered a half choked apology. Tempted to glare at his friend again, John opted to save it for later. "Anyway, we were wondering, that is, Tara and I were wondering if you'd join us for dinner Layla." John watched Layla's eyes go wide. Tara stepped forward hesitantly.
"Yeah, I, I was actually hoping I could get your help with something. I've been tending my mother's garden for the past few years, since she passed away. It's not growing like it should, I guess I just don't have a green thumb like she did. Anyway, I was hoping maybe you could come over and help. John cooks pretty good so it'd be a good meal at least." Tara's soft voice pulled on Layla. Even if she was scared to death of going she couldn't refuse at this point. Besides, if the garden story was true, she could help. Layla smiled gently, even as Will slightly tensed.
"Yes, I'm more than happy to help. And a good meal, well, that's just a bonus." Layla watched the smile spread across Tara's face.
"Great! I'll pick you up at 7 tonight. See ya then!" John said before turning around and walking off with his friends. As the group passed Warren to leave the school, he slowly relaxed his arm and allowed the flame sizzling there to die out. He moved forward to join the group.
"Layla?" Will asked softly. Warren watched as Layla turned and whispered softly to Will.
"Trust me?" The words were all that Will needed to hear. He nodded, kissed her on the lips and walked to catch the school bus while holding her hand. The others followed as a matter of habit while Warren stood back a little. Everyone managed to catch their respective buses, and flew towards home.