CRUSH

Chapter 8

"Just Your Average, Ordinary Everyday Kids"

It was ingenious.

It was unprecedented.

It was the greatest disappearance of super-powered teens in the history of super-powered beings.

And it was so simple.

On that particular Saturday afternoon, word started spreading amongst the kids that there was going to be a huge party held in LIMBO, the place considered neutral ground for the ones who attended the super schools; free admission, free food, and lots of loud music.

They couldn't resist.

The outside of LIMBO was lit up like a Christmas tree and music could be heard out in the streets as the kids entered.

They never made it past the front door.

That was because the door was actually a teleportation device that grabbed the individuals, turned them to energy, then whisked them away to what was basically an enormous containment unit, where the energy forms sparkled like the countless stars in the night sky.

"Beautiful," smiled Dr. Mandragore, basking in the light, "they are all absolutely beautiful."

"Dad," Loki called from his post at the master control panel, "we're almost to full capacity."

"Already?" Dr. Mandragore was surprised. He knew he had cast a wide net as every major city with a super population had a LIMBO in it for the kids, but very few knew there was actually a chain of such places.

Every one of them secretly owned and operated by Dr. Barnabas Mandragore.

Dr. Mandragore hurried and donned the jacket that was part of the Victorian-era styled outfit he had chosen to wear. Once it was on he primped in front of a mirror to get his look just right. It was then he noticed he had absent-mindedly donned the very same suit he had worn in the last fight between the Heroic Six and the Evil Eight.

Why not? Today was the anniversary. And he had to admit he was surprised that it still fit so well after almost…what, thirteen years?

He paused for a moment as he fondly remembered that grand time.

At least the parts he could remember before his impact with the street when his giant scorpion-robot collapsed under him thanks to the efforts of the Commander and Baron Battle.

"Daaaad!"

"Alright, alright," Dr. Mandragore said to his impatient son, "buzz your mother and make it clear that she is NOT to be "fashionably late" for this. I'll meet her on the parapet."

"When can I come and watch too?" called Loki.

"You stay here until your mother or I say you can," Dr. Mandragore told his youngest child, "if things go smoothly, it will be only be a few minutes anyway."

Dr. Mandragore left the lab and headed down a long hallway to another particular door. He opened it to step out onto an enormous balcony and found Lucretia already there. She wore an elegant black and purple dress with her hair up in an aristocratic style and decorated with amethysts.

"My love," smiled Dr. Mandragore as he took his wife' black-gloved hand and kissed it gently, "this will be a night to remember."

"Forever," Lucretia said.

Layla appeared without fanfare only a few feet away from her friends. Instantly they all surrounded her, each asking if she was all right and about what had happened.

After she answered everyone that she was okay and everything was fine, she turned her attention to the two who had stayed back; Victoria and Marduke.

First she walked to Marduke and, standing on tiptoe, kissed him on his cheek. His eyes went wide with wonder and joy, but he was unable to ask why.

"Your methods stink," Layla said, "but you meant well. Lose that stupid ring and let people like you for who you are. We might surprise you."

Marduke wanted to touch the cheek Layla had kissed, but was afraid of ruining the moment and sensation.

Layla then turned to Victoria.

"Thanks for saving me," she said, and took Victoria by her hands. "I'd like for us to be friends. Maybe you could give me tips on getting my hair as beautiful as yours."

"Are you kidding?" said Victoria, "I'd LOVE to have red hair like yours…"

As the two began speaking in the strange language of teenage girls, it got worse as Layla called Magenta over and it became a three-way conversation. Then all the boys could do was stand around and try to figure out what to do next.

"I wish Royal Pain was here to see this," said Dr. Mandragore.

"Whatever for?" asked Lucretia.

"So she could eat her heart out," he grinned. "She sought to abscond with the student body of Sky High, and I have cleaned out the equivalent of FIVE such institutions with only a few hours of preparation. NOW who is the SUPER-VILLAIN!"

"Definitely you," purred Lucretia. It had been a long time since she had seen the hellfire in her husband's eyes and heard the maniacal glee in his voice. She had to admit, it still thrilled her after nearly twenty years of marriage and four children.

Dr. Mandragore pressed a hidden button on the balcony railing, completing a certain circuit.

When it had gone suddenly quiet, that was the cue that something was going to happen.

Layla came over to Will and smiled. At first he didn't know if that was a good thing or not until she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek as well.

"I'm sorry about this morning," she said, slightly blushing with embarrassment.

"That's okay," grinned Will, "I deserved it. I totally blew you off and I'm really sorry for that. I guess…I guess I took you for granted again. You've been a better friend…a better girlfriend than I ever deserved."

"Still friends?" she asked.

"As long as you'll have me," he said, trying to keep from sounding mushy in front of the other guys.

Two of the energy spheres appeared on the balcony, then condensed and assumed their true forms. One was a powerfully built man in an armor-like white and red costume with a flowing blue cape; the other was a beautiful auburn haired woman in a similar, though more revealing costume. They both looked surprised for a moment, but instantly took defensive postures when they saw the Mandragores. They had originally gotten a call on the red phone about a giant flying octopus flying around town and were on their way to deal with it when they found themselves suddenly here. Of course they had no way of knowing they had been caught in the teleportation matrix and it was many hours later.

"My dear Commander and Jetstream," beamed Dr. Mandragore, holding his arms open in a sign of welcome, "it's been far too long."

"Dr. Mandragore," said the Commander, still trying to get his bearings, "what are you up to?"

"The greatest coupe of all time," said Dr. Mandragore, hitting his melodramatic stride, "behold!"

With a flash the floor below the balcony was filled with possibly a few hundred super-powered teenagers who were as momentarily disoriented as the Commander and Jetstream had been. When they instantly recovered they spotted friends, rivals from other schools and kids they had never seen before. Some looked up and saw the Commander, Jetstream, and the Mandragores and knew something major was about to go down. Most had been babies during the last historic battle involving these two couples and their friends, and from the looks of it they were about to witness history again. A lot of the teen heroes to be were cheering the Commander and Jetstream, but there were plenty of villain wannabes rooting for the Mandragores and wondering how they could do something to sneak attack the heroes and get in the arch-villains' good graces.

"Behold, the collective student bodies of New Olympus Prep, the Darque Institute, my old school H.A.D.E.S., and both east and west coast branches of Sky High! A grand sight indeed…the next generation of heroes and villains, all gathered in one place, and for one purpose."

Layla then turned to Warren. "If I remember, didn't your mom tell you to take me to lunch? Could we make that dinner instead?"

"Sure," said Warren, totally caught off guard about what was happening. It seemed she and Will had just…and she was talking to him like…

"Let's go then," she smiled, actually taking his hand in hers. Warren didn't know what to do, but he definitely didn't "flash" a burst of harmless flames like the last time she held his hand. He had no idea what was happening, but he decided to go along with it.

"Bye everybody," said Layla as she and Warren headed down the street, "I'll see you at school Monday."

She and Warren walked over to the enormous now quiet oak tree Layla had created during the fight to use against Balthazar and Herkimer. Without letting go of Warren's hand, Layla reached out with her free hand and touched the tree.

"You can rest now, big guy," she smiled.

With that the tree shrank down in the blink of an eye, returning to the small acorn it had originally been. It now sat in the palm of Layla's hand for a moment before she slipped it back into her jeans pocket.

Warren only shook his head and allowed a rare smile to play across his features for a moment.

"What?" asked Layla.

"I knew you were a tree hugger, but not a tree talker too," he said.

"I think you're going to find out a lot about me you didn't know, smart guy."

"That's a threat I can deal with," Warren replied.

"You're holding them for ransom," said the Commander.

"If THAT was my purpose," laughed Dr. Mandragore, "why would I bring the villain kids here? Children of many of my friends and associates are down there, and I assure you I adore every one of them. Besides, why bring you two here?"

"Then what is this about?" asked Jetstream, for once as puzzled as her husband.

"Well, it IS about the children," Dr. Mandragore answered. "but not like you may think. Certain events have transpired within the past…oh, twenty four hours or so that have made me think about something that I, and you as parents as well, have overlooked for too long."

"Which is?"

"They don't know each other. Most stick to their classmates or others inside their own school, a few interact or know about others from a different one, but that's about it. Do you realize that when we were their age we were on a more intimate level with each other? We knew each other's real names, where we lived, birthdays, the whole thing.

"Sadly that has gone by the wayside. I personally blame the whole "grim and gritty" nonsense of the mid to late nineties; you couldn't tell the good guys from the bad at certain points. The old school mixers were discontinued. A Sky High student has not seen the inside of H.A.D.E.S., and vice versa, for almost a decade.

"But tonight…ah, tonight will make history, and that is why you two are here…to help chaperone the greatest super-teen party in history!"

As Warren and Layla left, Will turned back to Victoria.

"What did you two talk about?"

"Girl stuff," she grinned, "you wouldn't understand."

"There's a LOT I'm thinking I don't understand anymore," said Will, feeling a little dumber than usual. At first he had been wondering why Layla had been with Warren at the start and now they were leaving together, but decided it wasn't his business. He had other things to deal with.

"So…" he said, "what do we do now?"

"I don't know about you guys," said Zach, "but if things are cool with everybody and there's no more flying octopus, maybe we can go scope out that party I heard that's goin' to be held at LIMBO tonight."

"That may be just what we need," smiled Will, "we'll meet you guys there."

Victoria and Will started walking off in one direction while Zach, Magenta and Ethan left in the other. Marduke, who had been watching Warren and Layla leave, was glad to see that the indicator light on his hand-held teleporter read it was again activated. He looked one last time at everyone, and with a sigh vanished back to his home.

"My young friends," Dr. Mandragore called out, his voiced amplified for all to hear, "welcome one and all to the party of all parties! You are all being taught and trained to be the next generation of champions and threats to freedom, humanity, and the world…but not tonight.

"Tonight you are here as simply young men and women in search of each other. Tonight there is no good or evil, no heroes or villains, there is only you, my young friends. Eat, dance, and mingle. See someone who interests you? Go talk to them. Is there someone from another school you've heard of but don't know what to do? Go talk to them. Relax, laugh and love. You may meet your best friend…your archenemy…the love of your life. Do not let this chance pass you by."

With that the entire place lit up, revealing the grand ballroom of Mandragore Castle, which was as huge as a professional football stadium. In the direct center of the room what appeared to be an enormous mirror ball was actually an anti-gravity generator that would enable the kids to walk up the walls, across the ceiling and even float in mid-air if they liked. Tonight everyone could fly.

Unbelievably long tables were loaded to breaking with a feast of irresistible foods; every type of snack food, vegetable, fruit, and non-alcoholic beverage imaginable could be found. The place really came to life when one of the most popular bands in the world appeared at the far end of the grand ballroom on a huge stage and began playing as multi-colored lights filled the air. The dance began.

Victoria and Will had been in the crowd along with Zach, Magenta and Ethan, and heard the entire speech by Victoria's father. Victoria took Will by the hand and started to lead him through the crowd towards the balcony where their parents were. He stopped her, pulled her close, and rose into the air with her, flying over the crowd of mingling teens. Victoria felt a chill go through her body as she had totally forgotten Will could fly, and was loving the experience as much as she had the evening before.

Will and Victoria landed on the balcony, turning to the Commander and Jetstream.

"Mom, Dad," said Will, swallowing to get the lump in his throat down, "this is Victoria, the girl I was telling you about."

Both his parents gawked for a moment at the powerfully built girl Will introduced, but they instantly composed themselves.

"Hello dear," smiled Jetstream, taking Victoria's hand, "Will told us about you but…obviously not everything."

"I can see how you can do ten ton arm curls," blurted the Commander as his wife elbowed him in the ribs, "I mean, it's a real pleasure to meet you Victoria. Will was certainly bragging about you earlier…I mean…"

"Thank you Commander," Victoria blushed at Will's father's attempts to make light conversation, understanding what he was trying to say. No matter their age the guys with super strength usually came around to the subject no matter what, and she knew he was complimenting her in the awkward muscle-head way.

"Will," said Jetstream, "have you met Victoria's parents yet?"

"Well," Will started to say, not quite knowing how to tell his parents that Victoria's parents were the two arch-villains standing next to them, "you see…"

"Will only got to meet Mom for a few minutes," Victoria stepped in, "but he hasn't met Daddy yet so…"

Victoria turned Will around so he was facing Dr. Mandragore and Lucretia. Lucretia gave Will an encouraging wink that everything was going to be fine, but Dr. Mandragore looked like he was ready to vaporize Will on the spot.

"Daddy," beamed Victoria, "this is Will Stronghold. Will, this is my Daddy."

Will stuck out his hand in his customary good-natured handshake, but Dr. Mandragore looked at his hand for a moment like he was going to bite it off before he reached out and shook it firmly.

"I understand you and my daughter are…fond of each other," Dr. Mandragore hissed like a cobra, "is this true?"

"Y…yes sir, it is," Will had never felt so nervous since he had first powered up, especially since Dr. Mandragore wouldn't let go of his hand, holding it in an iron grip that Will was astounded at. This man was not supposed to have super powers, but he couldn't get away from him.

Finally Dr. Mandragore released him, and Will smiled nervously, hoping he didn't throw up on the man's very expensive looking shoes or say something really stupid at this critical moment.

"Very well then," smiled Dr. Mandragore with all the charm of a circling shark, "why don't you two go out and have fun. We'll have plenty of time to get to know each other later…William."

Both Lucretia and Victoria were trying hard to keep from laughing at Will's flustered reaction. Victoria led Will away, while he kept throwing quick glances over his shoulder as if he expected Dr. Mandragore to fire off some kind of death ray at him. At the edge of the balcony Will started to fly again, but didn't need to as Victoria pushed him into the anti-gravity field and they both rose into the air and began slowly dancing together.

In the crowd below, Balthazar Mandragore sulked. He had been totally humiliated in the battle this afternoon by the little redhead and that living puddle, and was not in the mood for a dance. To top it off his mother had forced him down and redone his hair so that it looked completely blonde to the roots, then made him put on a nice black suit albeit one with the sleeves missing to show off his monstrously muscled and tattooed arms. He stood with those arms folded across his broad chest and his lower lip sticking out, daring anyone to come near him.

Someone took that dare.

"Hi," he heard a shy voice next to him say, "I don't think I've seen you before. Which school do you go to?"

"I don't," snarled Balthazar, "I'm a drop-out. You got a problem with…"

Balthazar saw that he was talking to a tall but rather cute blonde who was wearing a red, white and green outfit like she was expecting Christmas to hit at any second.

"I go to Sky High," she said, "I'm a freshman."

"So you're one of Stronghold's bunch, huh?"

"Well, I used to be," she blushed, "actually he used to be with us before he powered up. I'm a sidekick."

"Great," Balthazar thought to himself, "I attract a freaking Sky High sidekick. I don't need this.'

He was about to say something very rude, but the way she was looking at him made his mind go blank and he said something else.

"So, what's your power?"

"I…" she stopped for a second, embarrassed, "I turn into a big ball."

"Big ball of what?"

"No," she grinned, "a big ball. A big rubber ball. You know…bouncy, bouncy."

Balthazar was at a total loss for words. What a freaking lame power. But he just couldn't bring himself to say it out loud.

"I…" she hesitated, "I love your arms. They're so…big. Are you super strong?"

"A little," said Balthazar, now coming out of his shell once his ego started getting stroked.

"Can I…" she blushed, "can I feel your muscles?"

Sweat broke out on Balthazar's forehead, but he instinctively flexed his right bicep for her. He was so caught off guard that he forgot to warn her of his real power until she touched his thick arm and squealed.

"Oh God," he said, "I'm sorry…I forgot to tell you I…"

She was giggling.

"You must generate electricity," she grinned, "don't worry. My skin's a lot like rubber…electricity isn't conducted through it. It just sort of…tickles."

Balthazar was about to faint. A girl…a pretty girl…she LIKED his pain touch…his tickle touch.

Balthazar did a quick double biceps pose, actually ripping the sides out of his shirt and jacket. He grinned at…

"What's your name?"

"Elise," smiled the rubber ball girl, "and you are."

"Balthazar," he muttered, knowing how lame it sounded.

"I like that name, it's biblical, isn't it?"

"Yeah," said Balthazar, "one of the three wise men."

"Well, mister wise man," said Elise, reaching out to place a hand on each offered bicep, "let's see you make me laugh."

As she started giggling again, Balthazar Mandragore felt his small heart grow three sizes that day.

The Mandragores turned to see the eagerly awaited looks on the Strongholds' faces. Jetstream was surprised, but not nearly as much as the Commander, and one could almost hear the gears turning in his head as he tried to make the final connection.

"She's…YOUR daughter," he finally put the last piece of the puzzle together.

"I see he still gets that amusing befuddled look on his face at times," Lucretia said to Jetstream.

"Mmm-hmm," she answered, "and you noticed Will gets it too."

"Don't worry dear," Lucretia smiled, "Victoria will make sure he doesn't hurt himself trying to figure things out."

Both women laughed, heedless that their husbands were standing right there, though only one of them knew that the other had just been somewhat insulted.

"Well, now that that little awkward business is out of the way," Dr. Mandragore said, "I notice there isn't much dancing going on yet. Let's see if we can remedy that…"

With a courtly bow Dr. Mandragore took Jetstream by her gloved hand, gently kissing it.

"Josephine," Dr. Mandragore smiled, "would you do me the honor of accompanying me out onto the dance floor to show these pups how we…how do they say…"kick it old school style"?"

A deep blush spread across Jetstream's cheeks, and she grinned from ear to ear.

"Still the charmer, aren't you Barnabas?" she asked.

"Only with the loveliest of ladies," Dr. Mandragore smiled back as he started to lead her to the edge of the balcony.

"Josie…" said the Commander, surprised at what his wife was doing.

"Sorry Steve," she grinned back, "but he asked me first."

With that the two stepped off the balcony and the anti-gravity kicked in, allowing them to rise into the air alongside their son and daughter to dance like they had been doing it for years.

"My dear Commander," purred Lucretia as she slipped a hand around his thick arm just below his bulging bicep, "I do believe you're jealous."

The Commander only snorted, trying to hide his emotions and not doing a very good job of it. He had never been that good of a dancer even back in Sky High, and he knew Dr. Mandragore was just rubbing his nose in it.

"Oh, let him have his fun," Lucretia said, knowing how to get the Commander back in a good mood. She ran her free hand across the overly developed bicep and smiled, "My, you've been working out quite a bit over the years, haven't you?"

"Well, I don't like to brag," said the Commander, warming up to his favorite subject, "but I've had to overcome plateauing out a few times…"

Inspired by what they saw happening above, more and more couples began rising into the air and dancing about…some had only known each other a few minutes, others taking advantage of a chance they had waited years for.

It was as Dr. Mandragore had said; there were no heroes or villains, only young people looking for each other.

To be continued.

"Let's Get Rocked"

Def Lepard