Author's Note: First I would like to apologize for taking such a long hiatus, but between the end of the year and the holidays… sigh. It's no excuse but to make up for this we will go straight from the Season 3 finale into Season 4- no break between. Now enjoy finally the penultimate episode of the season.

XXX

It is early Saturday morning when small rocks patter against the window outside a dorm room. They continue for a few minutes before the window is thrown open by a very aggravated Lori Fitzgerald. She looks down to see Michael Harms standing in the snow a story below her, guitar over his shoulder.

She sighs, exhausted. "It's three in the morning Doctor." Her tone is warning that this had better be good.

He smiles up at her. "Got so excited I couldn't wait." He strums the guitar and then starts singing. "Ooh you make me live I'm happy at home You're my best friend Oh you're my best friend Ooh you make me live You're my best friend"

Lori is leaning against the window as he finishes, huge smile on her face. "And to what do I owe that serenade?"

He kneels in the snow, waving his arms grandly. "Will you, Lori Fitzgerald, do me, Michael Harms, the greatest honor possible by consenting to be my date to Trinity's First Annual Friendship Banquet?"

"I don't know," she sighs grandly, playing along. "Have you permission to present such an offer to me?"

"I scoff at your doubt! Of course I have! Charlie gives his say!"

She puts a hand to her forehead. "Then I consent," she sighs dreamily.

He rises, spinning around. "Oh, my heart swells! She consents!" The two burst out laughing at their silliness after a beat.

"You're the best Doctor," she smiles sincerely.

He gives her a nod. "Only because you are, Lores."

XXX

So follow me down

Lori stands with the glowing Disney Encyclopedia. She sighs and pulls out her phone.
Where to?
Outta this town

Charlie examines his map and grabs his flashlight.
With you
Girl, you're movin way

Hannah is typing away at her computer.
Too slow

So follow me down

Michael grabs his first aid backpack and throws it on his shoulders.
Which way?
Down, down, down

Ben looks at his phone, adjusting his tie.
I'll show you around

Kaity is drawing pictures of the group absently in her dorm room.
Okay
There's a place we gotta go

Finch puts the two fingers to her temple and her eyes glaze over.

Follow me, follow me

Lori, Charlie, Hannah, Michael, Ben, Kaity, and Finch are running through the preserve, freezing once on each of their faces.
Fa la la la la

Follow me, follow me

Fa la la la la

Lori comes to a halt and the others crash into her, sending them all to the ground.

Lori Disney? (Not Likely!)

Episode Nineteen: Winds of Change

XXX

The next afternoon, the dorm room is abuzz with activity. Lori is choking on hairspray as her roommate Hannah Frost attempts to give her short bob some finer curls and a little up-do. Meanwhile, Kaity Klingbeil is trying on jewelry and the program Finch observes from one of the desks.

Lori hits her chest, still coughing. "I don't see why I have to be so dressed up. It's a Banquet, not a dance."

Hannah sighs at her dramatics. "Do it for Michael. He went through the trouble of serenading you, then he deserves to have you put some effort into your appearance."

Lori turns to face her. "So what's your excuse then? You had to ask Shawn." She immediately realizes how rude she is being. "Obviously, the hairspray went to my brain because that was completely uncalled for and I apologize."

Hannah shrugs, taking it in stride. "You need to relax," she warns though. "This is supposed to be fun. And I asked Shawn for your sake so that you won't spend the whole night panicking about him going with some soccer girl." There is a knock at the door.

"I've got it," Finch offers, exiting.

"I wouldn't panic," Lori huffs. "I trust Shawn." Hannah gives her a look as she finishes. "But thank you for giving me piece of mind," she finishes sincerely.

Kaity takes a seat where she was. "What's up with her today?" she mutters as Lori hops on her bed.

Hannah smiles fondly as she starts curling her hair. "Ah, Kaity. You will learn that Lori suffers from Finals Crazy Brain. She says random things, babbles, panics- it's all part of the roommate package."

"What's the cure?"

Hannah sighs sadly. "Unfortunately, we have neither Charlie or Michael nor the Muppets, so we just have to deal with it." Finch re-enters with a bouquet of various colored daisies.

"This is for Kaity," she says, handing it to her. Kaity beams.

She pulls out a note from the bouquet. "'Can't wait for tonight. –Ben' Oh, that's so…"

"Romantic?" Hannah offers.

Kaity catches that and shakes her head a little desperately. "Not the word I was going to say." She sets it down fondly though.

Hannah sees right through her. "Right. Sure."

Finch speaks up from where she is standing. "So the purpose of tonight is to look nice and have fun with someone of the opposite gender?"

Lori nods. "Yes, and it had to be someone you weren't in a romantic relationship with, so no couples like Shawn and I."

Finch looks at her tie and dress pant ensemble. "What should I wear then? I don't know what Charlie will be expecting."

Lori puts a hand through her shoulder, instantly pulling it back. "Trust me, Finch, don't push yourself too far. Charlie would want you to be comfortable," she assures the program.

XXX

Lori opens the door in her dress to reveal Michael in a tuxedo with both hands behind his back. "Hi!" she says excited, hugging him.

"Hey," he says, taking her in. "You look… happy. I like it. I was expecting Finals Crazy Brain."

"Not tonight," she promises. "But thank you. You look very dapper yourself." He excitedly hands her a giant tub of animal crackers the size of her head. "Most guys do flowers."

"Most guys don't know the true way to your heart is through your stress snack. And I can't afford to be most guys because you definitely aren't most girls."

This makes her smile. "Good thing too." She holds up a giant bag of gummy worms she has on the table next to the door, making him laugh. "You can pick them up afterwards." She puts them down and exits, taking his arm. "Hannah and Shawn already walked down. I said we would meet them there." Michael nods and they start walking.

"I'm sure you're aware I'm not the best dancer," he reminds her.

"Ah, you make up for it in other places," she tells him, poking his chest.

"Like the doctor thing?"

"Like being a great friend." She squeezes his arm and they just smile at one another for a moment. She thinks of something as they exit into the cold outside the dorm. "You remember back when I said I wanted an older brother more than anything- to protect me and just be generally awesome?"

"And your dad always told you that everything would work out?" Michael recalls. She nods. "I do."

"He was right," she declares. "You're him. You, Michael "Doctor" Harms, are my metaphorical big brother."

He stops and gives her a quick hug. "Then I couldn't ask for a better metaphorical little sister than you, Lori "Lores" Fitzgerald." They continue walking, completely comfortable with silence and just enjoying one another's company.

XXX

The gym has been set up with tables around the edges with one having Lori, Michael, Kaity, Ben Prescott, Charlie Prescott, Finch, Hannah, and Shawn Zimmerman. They all sit choking on their food because they're laughing so hard.

Shawn swallows a bite. "So then Lori tried to insist the tripping was part of her work-out, and every run for the next week she would do it in the same place." Everyone continues laughing as Lori pouts.

"That sounds like her alright," Hannah says as she wipes her tears.

Lori clears her throat, a little uncomfortable. "I don't know how we got on the subject or embarrassing stories about me, but-"

"I'm afraid of clowns," Charlie cuts in, causing all attention to turn to him. "I just wanted to take the heat off you." She ruffles his hair.

"That's loyalty, my friends." The music starts and people start moving to the dance floor. Lori rises and pulls Charlie up. "I know you're my date, but he gets first dance. Come on!" She pulls him out and starts spinning with him laughing. Soon the others join- laughing and having a great time. Finch even attempts some dancing with Charlie when her eyes glaze over and she places two fingers to her temple.

She cuts in with Lori and Michael. "Lori Fitzgerald, we might have a situation."

Lori sighs, instantly knowing what this means. "Perfect." She swings over and cuts in with Hannah. "Keep him busy," she whispers, earning a nod. She swings back out so Hannah is back with Shawn. "I'm going to use the washroom. I'll be back in a few." Shawn notices Finch, Charlie, and Michael follow. Ben and Kaity just keep dancing with one another.

Hannah pulls his focus though. "So, Shawn, tell me about you? Where'd you grow up?"

"Well, I was actually born in London when my parents were on vacation."

"You're kidding!"

XXX

Lori stands with the ones who followed her in the empty training room across from the gym. "Alright, so we don't have the book," Michael concurs, leaning on one of the tables.

Charlie throws his hand up. "I can run back and get it."

Lori gently pulls it down. "That won't-"The door opens and then closes as if by its self. Everyone looks for a moment but quickly dismisses it. "That won't be necessary until we know who it is. We can't stay gone too long. We'll divide up as soon as the banquet is over and we can all put on some warm clothes. Let's go."

Finch puts the two fingers to her temple. "I could patrol the perimeter and see if I can locate anything."

Lori shakes her head. "Finch, just come back with us. You deserve to have fun just as much as we do." They start heading out when Lori is suddenly held back by her wrist. "Guys, I can't move." She pulls against it, but the force starts dragging her back. "Guys! Guys!"

The group runs up to her. "Lores! Lores!" Michael shouts as he starts pulling her other arm so that a tug-of-war in engaged.

Charlie starts pulling as well. "What is it?! Finch!" he cries, obvious she is not budging from their attempts.

Finch takes a step back, lost. "I don't- I could end up hurting her again. I could split her in half." She suddenly notices something and puts the fingers to her temple. "Wait, something about the heat signature around her is off."

Lori pulls free of Michael. "Let… go!" The sword appears in her now free hand and she swipes, causing a cry of pain. She steps back with her other hand freed and Randall appears on the table. "It's the lizard!"

Randall winces at his bleeding stomach. "No. No. Please, I just need to talk to you." Lori looks down to see her wrist swelling and her wrist is turning black and blue. He slinks forward and she holds the sword up protectively.

"Don't take another step," she threatens. "Don't come near me."

Randall slinks back up the wall. "Okay. I wasn't trying to hurt you. I just-"

"Michael, we're going to lock him in here," Lori orders. "We'll deal with him after the banquet." They start backwards for the door, sword still pointed.

Charlie is right by her shoulder. "Are you sure this is a good idea? He could-"

"It'll be fine," she assures him. "He's wounded, so we'll just come back with the book and deal with the cretin." Michael locks the door as they exit. "I'm already in enough hot water with Shawn as it is." She hisses at her wrist as the sword vanishes. "Son of a-"

Michael looks at it. "It's just bruising." He grasps her shoulders gently. "Everything's fine. He's in there and he can't get to you. Let's go enjoy the rest of the night." She nods, and they round the corner to the gym. Suddenly they hear shattering and run back to see the window has been shattered from the inside out. Lori groans.

Finch examines the hallway. "We need to get her to a public area now. I will keep myself alert for his heat signature." The group practically runs back into the gym and to the others, catching all their attention.

"Gee, where's the fire?" Shawn asks as Lori catches her breath. The music becomes slower and she wraps her arms around his neck.

"I just… wanted to make sure I didn't miss this dance." The two start swaying as Hannah, Ben, and Kaity move over to the others.

"What happened?" Kaity questions.

"It's Randall," Charlie hisses.

Hannah runs a hand through her hair. "As in Monsters Inc? As in can turn invisible?" Everyone looks around the crowded gym nervously.

"Finch has his heat signature though," Michael informs them. "She's keeping an eye out."

Ben lets out a sigh of relief. "What does he want?"

Michael gives a look. "What do the villains ever want? She managed to get a good swing in though with the sword. It looks like Shang paid off."

Kaity frowns, and nods her head towards where Finch is pacing across the room. "Pardon my asking, but where was Finch? Isn't this the kind of thing she was built for?"

"She was afraid to get involved in case she hurt Lori," Charlie explains.

"Well, that's a great quality for our so called protector to have," Kaity says with a roll of her eyes.

Shawn notices the eyes on them as he dances with Lori. "Why are they all staring at us?"

"They never get to see us together," Lori says quickly. "They're just taking it in- assessing the situation." The song ends and the two pull apart. He takes her hands and notices her bruised one. She pulls it away, but isn't quick enough.

"What happened? You didn't have that before."

Lori falters. "I- well- you see… we…"

Shawn narrows his eyes. "You didn't go to the bathroom, did you?" She tries to say something, but he angrily takes a step back. "I'm about at the end of my rope, Lori," he admits sadly, walking past her to Hannah.

"What're you doing?"

"I'm going to enjoy the rest of the night with my date." He takes Hannah back onto the dance floor and starts dancing, clearly having more fun than at any point with Lori. Michael comes up to Lori, who tries to smile but it clearly doesn't reach her eyes.

"Come on," he says with a nudge. She just looks at him. "That's it. I'm going to have to break out my best." He starts dancing in such a goofy way kicking his legs up and swinging his arms that she bursts out laughing. She takes a beat before joining him. Soon the whole group is doing it together while Finch observes from across the room, slightly puzzled.

XXX

Everyone is exiting the gym with the Banquet having finished. Lori exits arm in arm with Michael, clearly very content and happy as she puts a head on his shoulder. He just smiles at her. Finch is right behind them, doing sweeps with her eyes every which way. She doesn't notice Randall watching the scene from atop the roof.

"There you are," he smiles. "You aren't getting away from me this time." He crawls down the building and heads for the tree line to sneakily follow her back.

XXX

Kaity and Ben arrive at her dorm door. She gives a curtsy, hair falling from her up-do in front of her eye. "Well, thank you very much," she says, sweeping it away. "I had a great time."

"I'm glad we didn't go running off with Lori," he admits. "Don't get me wrong-"

She puts a hand over his. "I don't regret it either so don't worry. We have to have our moments too." He nods and smiles at her, spontaneously kissing her on the cheek.

"Good night, Kaity Klingbeil."

"Good night, Benjamin Prescott." He walks off and she enters her room only to notice a rattling coming from her clutch. She opens it to find chocolate hearts and grabs her chest with a smile that lights her up. She realizes this and pulls the expression back- eyes widening in fear. "Oh no…"

XXX

Charlie exits the bedroom of his dorm room and sees Finch is sitting on the couch of the living area, concentrating intently.

He sits next to her. "I figured you would be glued to Lori's side."

"I have this entire building under surveillance," she informs him. "He will not get to her before I do. I can promise you that. I will protect Lori Fitzgerald."

"I believe you," he assures the projection, opening his Math book. "Now back to work. This test will-"

"I have a question… about an observation from today," Finch interjects, impatient. He nods, closing his book. "I have come to understand the concept of friendship simply through watching the interactions of Lori and her Companions. It is very much a driving force for all of you. That is what inspired you to invite me to this function so that I would feel included." She pauses, thinking. "But watching today… interactions seemed to go outside what I have defined as friendship. Am I making sense?"

Charlie nods. "Completely. You just described family."

Finch frowns, furrowing her eyebrows. "But besides yourself and Benjamin Prescott no one is blood related."

"Family doesn't have to be," he explains. "It's… a level of love and understanding. Blood relations just discover it easier… sort of," he attempts to describe. "But Lori and the rest- well to me at least they're family."

Finch considers this. "Fascinating. And do you believe they would vouch the same?"

"With the way they act I'd guarantee it," Charlie says without hesitation. He thinks about this and beams. "You know, I came to college hoping to find one real friend. Sometimes realizing what I've got now… it's so much more than what I could have ever dreamed. That's why I hope it doesn't change if we take the book away," he admits.

Finch tries to comfort him. "If the feelings are what I observed, then I have no reason to doubt that it will." He smiles at this and opens his book, satisfied.

XXX

Lori is pulling pants on under her dress and makes the sword appear in her hand. Hannah sits on her bed in pajamas typing. Lori grabs the book. "That had better be Finals stuff and not Finch file stuff," she warns her roommate.

"Trust me, after how I tanked last year with the whole Kenny thing… I'm not wasting a moment," she admits. "So I never knew Shawn was born in London." Lori looks at her confused. "And apparently you didn't either."

"I'm sure it just never came up," Lori dismissed quickly.

Hannah pursues it. "I find it a bit odd that in a few hours I know more about your boyfriend than you do. Something about that doesn't seem right."

Lori gives her a look. "I don't need this Hannah."

She hops off her bed. "But you do because something is going to have to change otherwise this whole relationship is going to collapse."

Lori sighs, exhausted with this topic. "Hannah…"

Hannah opens her mouth, but stops upon seeing how shaken her roommate looks. "But I'll stop," she backs off. "I'm sorry. Seriously, you're right. You don't need this Finals week. It looks like you're about to have an aneurism right now. I didn't mean…"Something hits the window and they both laugh. "It sounds like your Romeo isn't studying." Lori smiles and opens the window but sees no one in the snow, just odd footprints leading up to the building.

"Where-?" She is pushed back to the ground as Randall appears in the windowsill. Hannah quickly grabs the book as Lori holds the sword out, rising. He lets out a wheeze, clutching his stomach.

"I have to say you really did a number on me," he admits. "You're getting better. Now listen-"

"I'm not listening to anything you have to say," Lori practically spits. "I'm opening that book and sending you back, you two-faced-"

He chuckles to himself. "Well, I wouldn't be the only one who knows anything about being two-face would I?" She falters at this, no comeback coming to her. "Yeah, you know exactly about that. You also know about being selfish and pushing the guilt away because you have to. I understand you-"

"Shut up!" Hannah cuts in. "You can say what you want, but the two of you are nothing alike!"

He turns his squinted eyes to her. "We're not too different either if the stories are true. I believe you wanted a degree of respect as well and hated to be proved wrong." Hannah refuses to let this affect her, the words bouncing right off. "Now give me one minute to-"Finch enters with Charlie right behind.

"You take one more step and I will throw you out that window," the projection threatens in a cold monotone.

Randall rolls his eyes. "Can't a guy get a sentence in around here? Listen, I'm sorry about earlier and your arm. I knew the others would jump me if you didn't stay behind alone. I wasn't thinking."

"And why should I believe you?" Lori says, not believing him.

"Because I need to tell you something. Something so important that is going to get me in a lot of trouble back home."

Lori can tell he's being serious and curiosity gets the better of her. "Why would you do that then?"

Randall looks at himself in the mirror for a moment before turning back to her. "Because I wasn't always a monster," he admits to her and to himself. "I wasn't always this. And I'm trying much harder to find that side of me I lost. So I'm here to make my penance to someone who would understand that."

Lori is starting to let down her guard. "Because I need to…"

"Because you need to find that lost side to," he explains as if it was obvious. "All of you do. That's what you're trying to find now through the book… learn the lessons and pick up the pieces you missed."

Lori starts to put the sword down, so Finch steps in front of her. "Lori Fitzgerald, I wouldn't recommend-"

She pushes her aside gently. "He-he just made more sense about this book than even you did, Finch." She takes the book from Hannah, sword still in hand though. "Say what you have to say, but know one move and I throw open this book and send you back while my protector throws you through a window," she warns harshly.

Randall flinches at the thought. "Through?" Finch questions. "As in through the closed one and not out the open one?"

"Yeah, I want the closed one. We'll deal with the consequences," she says bravely. "Now start talking."

He nods. "I came to warn you about what's coming. I know what you've faced so far and it's been child's play compared to what the villains are talking about now. They're meeting, Lori. The heavy hitters," he whispers, almost afraid.

Lori scoffs. "Excuse me, but I've been shot and almost thrown off a building and mauled-"

"Child's play," he says again. "Those were the rookies looking out for only their selves. Like I said, I'm talking about the ones who put up the top numbers."

Hannah crosses her arms, eyes narrowed. "Aren't you a club-carrying member then, child kidnapper?"

"Ha!" Randall laughs. "These guys are too intense for most of us," he whispers, making it clear how feared they are. "But the point is you have them getting together, Lori. Making plans."

"To kill me," Lori cuts in, rolling her eyes. "This isn't new."

"Lori, they never talk let alone work together," Randall says, desperately trying to have her grasp the severity of this. She nods, catching on and looking more worried. "You had them so hopeful about this place, but now that's turned to fear. And fear… that doesn't look well on a villain at all. And the plans… there's a darkness we all fear and they want to bring it here to where they'll obliterate you and finally have a chance. Your world won't survive. It won't even stand a chance with you protecting it."

Everyone has a chill run through them before Lori speaks. "What-Who-?" The book flips open as if possessed and starts to glow. "I didn't…"

Randall plays with his hand, suddenly nervous. "I'm saying too much. They're trying to bring me back- like I said before was child's play." He sighs. "I was hoping to stay and make a difference. I wanted to help you," he admits.

Lori can see he is being completely genuine and the sword disappears. "Then help us now."

"Alright. Killing you is still the easiest way, but they figured out another." Lori suddenly screams as her hands turn red.

"It's burning me!" She tries to drop it, but can't move her hands. "I-I can't put it down!" She lets out another cry.

"Just one moment," Randall tells her, everyone suddenly on edge. "Hold on and then send me back. Don't let anything from here- not even something as pointless as a rock go back with them," he continues, talking faster and more urgent. "It'll make a connection they can use. I'm so sorry but this whole thing is only going to get harder. Stay strong and now you can be the one who comes out on top. Defy you destiny!" She screams. "Now send me back before they hurt you more."

Lori grimaces. "You aren't-"

"Stop," Finch cuts in. "Just send him back."

Lori forces the sentence out. "You're not the villain I thought you were. Consider yourself redeemed."

Randall gives a genuine smile. "Thank you. Now sing."

"What'll they do to you?" she asks, clearly in agony.

"None of your concern. I'll be fine. Now read!"

"I must admit You always come through I wouldn't have nothing if I didn't have you" He vanishes in a burst of light and she drops the book, wincing and tears in her eyes. She looks down to see her hands are fine- no sign of what had just happened. As the pain fades she sinks to her knees, letting everything hit her. Charlie wraps his arms around her.

Hannah soon joins. Lori looks at the two of them with her bravest face though she is trembling. "It's okay. I'm fine. I'm-I'm not scared."

Hannah gives a sad smile. "We know." She goes to pull back but Lori stops her. The two continue hugging her tight as Finch closes the window to keep out the cold.

XXX

Charlie opens his door the next morning to find Shawn. "Hey. I was just in the middle of something-"

"This'll only take a moment. I promise. I just want to talk to you about Lori."

Charlie is slightly baffled. "Lori? Like what to get her for Christmas or-?"

Shawn sighs. "The thing is Charlie… when you're in a relationship with someone they're supposed to come first. And the fact of the matter is my girlfriend never around to be with me because she is always off with you. It's exhausting. So I'm telling you to be the bigger man and take a step back."

Charlie looks about ready to cry. "You want me to stop being her friend?"

"No. No," Shawn disagrees. "I just want you to spend less time with her- to stop taking all of her attention. I want to give her a chance but I can't really do that with how much we haven't been seeing one another."

Charlie looks confused and hurt. "You're blaming me…"

"Anyway, can you do that?"

"But-"

"Thanks," Shawn says relief obvious. "And do me a favor: don't tell her about this." He reluctantly nods. "Have a great day, Charlie." He leaves and Charlie shuts the door, sighing and tearing up as he leans against it.

"But she's… my best friend."

XXX

Hannah wakes up the next morning and exits the bedroom to find a more put together Lori brushing her teeth at the sink. "How much did you sleep?" Hannah asks, concerned.

"Not a lot," Lori admits. There is a pause before she spits and stares at her reflection, determined. "I'm going to tell him. I need him. I need him to know. I'm-I'm going to tell him over Christmas break."

XXX

Tune in next week (I swear on this story, it's written and everything) for the long-awaited Season Three finale. For the sake of not revealing too much let's say our next character takes the adventure to a whole new level no one is ready for. Randall was right in his warning- the real games are just about to begin.