Well, everyone we have reached the season end. As mentioned previously, Season Four is a definite and the trailer will be up next Sunday with a little special extra and then the week after we'll get right into it. Thank you for all the support and love, enjoy the episode, and I can't wait for our next adventure together.
XXX
The Monday after a day of Finals, Lori Fitzgerald and her Companions: Hannah Frost, Charlie Prescott, Ben Prescott, Michael Harms, Kaity Klingbeil, and Finch are gathered in the living area of the boy's dorm. The room is also currently filled with a wide assortment of packages and boxes.
Lori claps her hands to gather attention, looking slightly frazzled as she does every Final's. "Alright, I decree the First Annual Companion Secret Santa to commence!" Everyone reaches for a package.
Hannah however throws her hand in the air with Lori acknowledging her. "I have a… slight confession before we do," she begins guiltily. "I know we agreed to only get a gift for our Secret Santa, but when I went shopping…"She pulls out stack of boxes. "I got one for everyone."
Lori sighs. "Hannah…"
Kaity smirks and pulls out a stack as well. She elbows Ben. "That's okay because Ben and I did the same thing."
Michael clears his throat. "So did Charlie and me." They all turn to see Lori with her head in her hands. "What can we say, Lores? It felt rude to stop at just one when we all… we've come a long way. We want to show each other that. And this means more gifts for you, I suppose."
She looks up. "Well, I guess we'll let it slide. I did the same thing!" she shouts, handing out boxes. Everyone starts laughing and ripping open paper and boxes. Everyone that is except Finch, who just looks at the gifts warily.
"I did not draw a name," she reminds them. "We agreed I had no means to acquire anything. Why would you ever-?"
"Because we care about you," Charlie interrupts, flipping through a new coloring book. "Now open them up!" She opens one to reveal a box of batteries and can't help but laugh. Everyone joins in.
Michael holds a gift up to the light. "Wow, Lores. I didn't even know they made a Mickey Mouse stethoscope." He puts it around his neck. "I am going to be the coolest doctor around."
"They make everything with Mickey Mouse," Lori rolls her eyes. She taps it. "And don't get too used to it. Plastic. It's but a toy."
Michael gives her a look as if to say that he's not an idiot. Suddenly, something hits him as he reaches for the next one. "Oh, before I forget. Would you be willing to cover my shift in the training room tomorrow? I know you're done and everything, but I figured one more night wouldn't kill you. I'll even drive you to the airport. It's a real big test in Cell Biology and I have to make sure-"
"Doctor, I'd love to, but I'm not qualified to work in the training room. Jen-"
"I talked to Jen when the other two couldn't. Her exact words were 'It would have to be Lori. I'll take Lori.' It'd be only two hours of clean-up. She trusts you with that."
Lori doesn't waste a beat then, nodding. "Of course then. Anything to help you out, especially with Finals. Like you said, one more night won't kill me."
He gives her a one-armed hug. "You're the best, Lores. Later I'll grab you my uniform."
"How'd the window work out?" Lori asks him. Everyone turns to listen in.
"They just think it was an angry athlete. Security cameras had nothing." Hannah smirks proudly. "It should be patched up next week. Right now they have duct tape over it so you can't see a thing. It's pretty annoying."
Finch finishes and looks at everyone. "I am very humbled by everyone's sentiment. This means a lot. I will miss all of you during this upcoming break. This campus will be very empty."
"You're staying here?" Ben asks, upset.
She nods. "I feel it is wisest. I will remain here and make sure nothing occurs."
"You should get a break too," Charlie argues, turning to Lori. She nods and goes to open her mouth.
Finch cuts in. "That will not be necessary. I will be fine I can assure you. I will be fulfilling my objectives by making sure nothing happens while you are gone."
Lori runs a hand through her hair, letting out a huff. "Hopefully nothing exciting happens period."
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 Twenty/ Season Finale: It's War, But What Can I Tell Ya
XXX
The next morning, Hannah has her computer wired to the back of Finch's head. She starts clicking keys and navigating menus at the program watches a little warily.
"Are you sure this will work?"
"It's about the only idea I have left," Hannah mutters. "Hopefully. Either that or it'll shut you down."
"That is not particularly reassuring."
Hannah glances up to give a reassuring smile. "Trust me. This'll work out, or Lori will kill me." She finds what she's looking for. "Now this might sting a little, but that's because I'm using you to unlock yourself in short terms." Finch rolls her eyes, but nods.
"I do not need simple terms. I understand perfectly."
"And here we go…" She hits button and Finch grimaces as windows begin popping up on Lori's computer. She bursts into a triumphant laugh. "We're in! We did it!"
Finch goes to look too, but her eyes glaze over. She grabs her temple. "Oh, oh… I'm remembering. It's coming back to me."
Hannah's practically dancing as she starts combing through. "There are at least a dozen files here. This is amazing. Everything one would need to know on the DIZ Corporation including-"
"I can heal her," Finch says suddenly confused. She holds her hands out and they begin to glow a calm blue. "If she gets hurt, even as simply a projection, I always had the capacity to heal her." She stops the glowing and turns to Hannah, concerned. "Why would they lock that away? Why would the render me incapable of fully protecting Lori Fitzgerald?"
Hannah's eyes widen as she hits a file. "Because if she dies the book resets. Anyone can be its new owner. Even a character, like a villain for pertinent example. It says so right here."
Finch taps her temple. "Yes, I recall now. The book was to be opened in a sequestered and usable environment. The DIZ Corporation had a plan, and Agent Stevens broke that plan by running off with the book."
Hannah continues. "So now they need to get things back on track… and Lori isn't part of that if they can help it." She abruptly shuts her laptop. "We can't tell her any of this. When and if they come she stands a much better chance knowing nothing."
Finch looks at her quite astounded. "You want us to lie to our leader, Lori Fitzgerald?"
"The lie is going to protect her though, and isn't that you primary objective?" Hannah questions, desperate. She takes Finch's silence as an agreement and nods. "Trust me; this is what needs to be done. We'll both keep looking at this stuff over break. We need to find a weakness somehow. We have to keep her safe." She goes to put the computer away, temporarily leaving Finch alone.
The projection takes this moment to roll up the sleeve of her shirt. On her arm in black are the words 'Property of the DIZ Corporation'. She examines them a moment almost hesitant before rolling the sleeve back down. She gains a set expression. "I must protect Lori Fitzgerald."
XXX
Lori sits Tuesday afternoon at the campus café, shuffling nervously. She is clearly very on edge with the familiar book resting on her lap. This is all noticed by the person sitting across from her who is her boyfriend, Shawn Zimmerman.
She notices his concerned expression and gives a weak smile. "Thanks for meeting with me. I know it's been a crazy week."
He takes her hand from under the table, clearly worried about her. "Lori, you're my girlfriend. I'll always make time for you, especially since this sounded so urgent. Now what is it?" She takes a deep breath and places the book on the table between them.
"It's this. You see-"Charlie comes running in and waves to her, catching her attention. She abruptly rises. "Excuse me for a moment." She walks over to him as Shawn starts flipping through the pages.
Charlie shakes his head as she comes up to him. "Oh, you didn't- don't let him see me." They duck behind a column. "I just wanted to show that I was here for moral support. I'll just be hiding over in that corner… out of sight." She nods, comforted by the fact, and gives him a quick hug before heading back and sitting down once again. Shawn is pouring through the book with an unreadable expression.
Lori forces a smile and calm demeanor. "I'm sure it explains a lot." She taps the inside front cover. "Especially the poem here."
He finally looks up at her. "Lori, you do realize you handed me an empty book?" She lets out a choked breath and pulls it back into her lap instantly.
"You-you can't read it?" she asks, clearly panicking.
He puts a hand out to her, very concerned at her behavior. "There's nothing to read," he says calmly. "Lori, you're not making sense." She rises, backing away from him.
"I need to go," she mutters to herself, grabbing her coat. "I'm not ready. I need to think about some things and I'll-I'll call you over break."
He stands as well. "I'm lost. What's-?" She kisses him quickly.
"Sorry for wasting your time." She runs out onto the nearby bridge with Charlie right on her heels and grasps the railing, hyperventilating.
"What happened?" he asks, worried.
"He can't read it," she chokes between gasping breaths. "He doesn't see anything but an empty book."
Charlie raises an eyebrow. "So? You could still tell him."
She takes a deep steadying breath, puzzled at his demeanor. "I don't think he was meant to know…"
Charlie puts a hand on her shoulder, stern. "Lori, as your best friend I consider myself pretty good at reading you. But you now have two options. You can go in there, tell him, and face the consequences. You've never let the things the book tells you ever hold you back before. Or we could walk over that bridge and accept it. But that almost makes me wonder if you ever wanted to try in the first place, or if you're just fishing for a reason to run." She opens her mouth to argue, but can't come up with anything. "Because it's easier to just keep lying. So there you are. Now I know what my best friend Lori Fitzgerald would choose…"
She takes a long deep breath before nodding and turning back. She enters and takes a seat across from a studying Shawn. "It's a magical book," she admits. He looks up at her, eyebrows knitting in confusion. The floodgates have opened and everything starts to spill out. "I can read it and you can't, but that's much later in the story. I was given this by my ex-boyfriend for reasons I don't know and it makes Disney characters come into our world. I have to learn a lesson and then send them- you don't believe a word of this," she halts, noticing that he is not amused.
He rises, shaking his head. "Listen, you're clearly stressed. You're scared to tell me so you're making stuff up that to be nice isn't very believable." He puts a hand to her face. "So I'm going to do you a favor. We'll both forget this conversation, this bullshit happened." She flinches at the word. He pulls his hand away. "And when you're ready to grow up and talk to me like an adult-"
"I'm telling the truth! The book-"
"Lori, stop," he commands, looking around. "You're embarrassing yourself."
She grabs his sleeve before he can leave. "Shawn, I need you to trust me."
"I don't!" he shouts back. She instantly backpedals as all eyes are on them. "You've done nothing to earn it. So I'm sorry, but I don't believe you," he admits, voice cracking. "I'll call you over break, alright. Just… take a deep breath and take some time to think. I want you to let me in, but this is a two-way street." He exits and she slumps back into her seat. A minute later Charlie is across from her, fidgeting uncomfortably.
"I take it that it didn't go to well."
Lori wipes her eyes, refusing to cry. "He didn't believe me… and why should he? I've been nothing but absent and secretive while he's been the perfect gentleman." Charlie flinches at this, but says nothing. "I rushed into this because he made me happy, but now I just feel so miserable." She shakes it off and steadies herself emotionally. "But there's no time to dwell on it. Let's go rock an Organic Chemistry final."
The two head out and he turns to look at her. "What're you going to do?"
"Not even think about this until I'm back home," she admits, ruffling his hair.
XXX
Kaity and Ben exit therapy Wednesday afternoon, both done with Finals. They walk back to the dorms in comfortable silence for a bit before she speaks up. "Well, that's all she wrote until the new year…"
"How are you feeling?" he asks earnestly. She links her arm with his.
"Actually, I was thinking about talking to Lori- visiting her in the training room tonight," she admits.
He smiles down at her. "You're going to un-bench yourself?"
"I think I'm ready. You?"
"I think you're amazing." She blushes and he pulls his arm free, putting his hands in his pockets. "Lori'd be crazy not to take you back," he admits after a moment, nudging her. "And it'll be great having you around again and spending more time together next semester."
They arrive at the building as he holds the door open for her. "Yeah, I'd really like that too. Thank you for everything again, Ben."
They stare at each other a long moment before he takes a step back. "Of course." He kisses her cheek quickly. "That's what friends are for." He heads up the stairs and down his hallway, leaving her smiling brightly.
XXX
Charlie sits in his room about the same time, taking a break from packing everything up. He decides something and dials someone on his phone.
He smiles as they pick up. "Hey, Rachel. I'm sorry I haven't called in a while- things have been a little crazy. Oh no, we're all fine," he assures her. "Not on that front. Well we've met Randall and he actually helped us and then I solved a mystery with Basil the Great Mouse Detective." She says something that makes his smile almost sad for a moment. "It's good to hear your voice too. I can't wait until you come back next semester. It'll be great to see you." He flinches at his wording. "I mean… I miss you as well."
XXX
That night, Lori is living up to her promise and has climbed into the empty cold tub in the training room. She scrubs at the sides, constantly having to adjust the red shirt which is much too tall for her and quite baggy. There is a knock at the door. She looks up, but the duct tape over the window prevents her from seeing who it is.
"I'm sorry but we're closed," she yells, returning to her cleaning.
"It's me," Kaity answers. "I just thought I'd keep you company… and I have to talk to you." Lori instantly climbs out and unlocks and opens the door to let her in, shutting and locking it once again behind her. "How's it going?"
Lori heads back over to the cold tub and climbs in, Kaity leaning against the side to look down at her. "Pretty good. Just making the place sparkle. You?"
She smiles sincerely. "Really good… and I mean that. So that's why I wanted to talk to you. I think I'm ready when we come back from break to un-bench myself and get back out there," she says with complete confidence and control. "I feel completely comfortable and safe around all of you. I feel I can better control my moods in that environment. I'm ready, Lori."
Lori looks up at her proudly. "Then I would like to officially re-instate you as a full time Companion." She shakes her hand. "I'm so proud of you." Kaity beams at this recognition. "I don't even recognize you compared to the girl I met a semester ago."
Kaity moves the hair away from her eyes. "I know… and I really like that," she admits, tapping her finger son her sweatpants. "So I definitely plan on sticking around."
"As long as you desire." She awkwardly rolls up her sleeve as it slips down. Kaity can't help but smirk.
"You look completely ridiculous, by the way. I forget how tall Michael is."
Lori shrugs, grabbing water to rinse. "I don't mind it. It makes me feel skinny. He-"The doorknob jiggles. She rolls her eyes as Kaity giggles. "I'm sorry but we're closed for the night!" Nothing happens, so she turns back to Kaity about to say something. The doorknob then jiggles again and she narrows her eyes. "I said-"There is a slam at the door that makes them both cringe. It repeats- stronger and more forceful. They both go white as realization hits. "It went off," Lori whispers.
Kaity frantically grabs her arm, terrified. "But that's okay. Finch knows. She'll be on her way with the others." The door almost gives on the next slam. "It could be anyone," she tries desperately. Lori narrows her eyes and scrambles out.
"Get in the cold tub now," she orders, in control. Kaity hesitates. "Now!" she says forcefully, helping her climb in. Kaity presses herself into a little ball in one of the corners as another slam comes. Lori pats her shoulder, trying to calm her. "Stay in there out of sight no matter what. They won't even know you're here." She runs to a drawer and tucks a scalpel in her back pocket, mind all over the place.
Kaity sticks her head up, eyes wide. "Lori-"
"Text the others now. It's going to be alright. Just-just stay in there." She stands in front of the door by the tables, sword appearing in her right hand as she stands ready. Kaity ducks back down with a nod as the last slam throws the doors open and Lori finally is able to see who it is. Her eyes go wide, her hand tightens on the sword, her breath hitches, and her heart skips a beat as they calmly enter the training room.
XXX
Meanwhile, Finch is standing with Ben as he calmly puts on his winter coat. He turns to her in order to rattle off some information. "Michael and Hannah are studying, Kaity didn't answer because she's with Lori, and Charlie's getting changed. I'll text her when we get out that the book went off and to meet us in the preserve when she gets out of work." Finch puts her fingers to her temple suddenly and frowns. "What's wrong?" Ben probes, a little worried.
"I have myself tapped in to Lori's vitals," Finch explains. "A minute ago her heart rate was content, then heightened, then steady, but now she is simply filled with crippling fear and panic judging from how high it is." She puts her hand down, turning to him. "The others I attributed as normal, but this-"
Ben realizes what she's implying. "She's with the character… and it isn't good. Kaity's with her," he realizes as well, hand running through his hair before getting a grip. "Charlie!" he shouts into the bedroom, now frantic. "We move now!" His step-brother sticks his head out, confused. "And text the others! I know they're studying but this is an emergency!" Ben barks, throwing on his hat.
"What's wrong?! Is Lori-"
"I don't know," he cuts in harshly. "Round them up and let's head for the gym. Finch, you just go. Get over there and protect her."
Finch nods and heads for the door. "Affirmative." She takes off at a blinding run at inhuman speed across campus. "Protect Lori Fitzgerald."
XXX
Lori takes an involuntary step back as the character smiles widely at her, throwing his arms out grandly. "Honey I'm home! And it's just the woman I've been looking for."
She narrows her eyes, trying to appear brave. "I'm-I'm not afraid of you."
He smirks and chuckles to himself. "Of course you're not." Kaity cowers even deeper in the tub, eyes screwing shut as she recognizes the voice. Lori tries not to flinch at the tables and room around her is set ablaze by the one and only Hades. "Oh, tough guy," he claps. "We'll see how long the bravado lasts you though." He slaps his forehead. "How rude! I haven't even introduced myself."
"Not necessary," Lori spits. "I know exactly who you are."
"That makes two of us, kiddo. You're all me and my friends back home can talk about," he tells her. "I'm glad I got the first pass at you."
"You're not the first."
This seems to upset him and his eyes narrow. "Oh, don't lump me in with bullets and cars Lori. It's insulting. I'm on whole 'nother level. I can do this!" He throws fire and she ducks to the ground. "Why should only the good guys use their magic on you?" he questions as she rises, trying to hold it together. "That seems really unfair."
In the blink of an eye, the sword disappears and reappears in his hand. "Wow, this is nice. Merlin did good work. It brings out your eyes." She is now mentally panicking, taking an involuntary step back as she comes to grips with how outmatched she is. Hades can't help but smile at this change. "Oh, and there went the bravado. I'm a God, remember." He looks the sword over, contemplative. She slowly reaches back and grabs a large foam roller from the wall behind her. "Killing you with your own sword… oddly poetic, isn't it?"
He lunges forward, but she manages to block the blow with the foam roller, the sword becoming embedded within it. She desperately tries to run for the door but he grabs her arm causing her to scream in pure agony. He throws her back against the wall and she sees through teary eyes that her arm now has second degree burns. She bravely but shakily rises, scrambling onto the nearest table as he frees the sword. She dramatically wraps the curtain around it.
"Oh, a magic trick." He throws it back only to be slightly surprised when she isn't there. He turns around, eyes searching. "If I'd known you liked playing games, I would have brought chess." He lets out a cry as she stabs him with the scalpel from her hiding spot under the table. She uses the moment to run out of the training room. He pulls it out, grimacing slightly, and follows- dropping the sword to the ground as he does so.
Kaity sits in the silence for a moment before texting the others- silently crying.
Lori uses her head-start to runs through the hallway and into the open elevator doors at the end of them. She sees Hades gaining on her and she slams the button for it to close repeatedly.
"Come on! Come on!" They start to move together, finally shutting just before he reaches her. She hits the button for the top floor, but jumps back as he starts burning through the doors. She backs up to the very corner, praying silently with all her might as a hand reaches in, but luckily it starts going up. The hands retreats and she sinks to the ground. She begins sobbing out of pure terror, rocking back and forth. She stares at her blistering arm, biting her lip at how much pain she's in. "This can't be happening. No. No." She takes a shuddering breath and wipes her eyes. "Pull yourself together. He doesn't know how elevators work. You're-you're going to be fine."
She slides to her feet as the doors open to the top floor and bolts across a landing the overlooks the whole gym complex. She reaches the stairs and backs up suddenly with a genuine scream as she sees Hades walking up them. She backpedals until they are both on the landing.
"You know, that was pretty rude," he tells her, shaking his head. "I thought we were two friends having fun, Lori." She keeps stepping back, eyes locked on him. He glances at her arm. "Sorry I lost my temper back there and burned you. I'll be more careful." She tries to turn and run, but he turns his arm to smoke. He grabs her feet and prevents her from moving before using the other hand to create smoke that lifts her by her neck.
She swings wildly, choking. "Well, this has been great. But you know what they say." He moves her so she's floating over the ledge at least two stories from the ground below. She shakes her head desperately, trying to speak but merely coughing. "What goes up…" She screws her eyes shut in panic as he lets go. "Must go down!" She plummets downward, and a crack echoes through the empty building as she hits the ground. Hades looks down triumphantly to see blood pooling around her head as she lies awkwardly on her back, unconscious.
He cracks his knuckles and turns away. "Now to finish the job." He heads for the stairs when he is sent back after being kicked solidly in the gut. He swipes blindly but the figure jumps back from his reach. He sees it's a perfectly fine Lori- no burn or injury as her brown eyes sparkling intensely as she glares at him. "What?! How?!" he shouts, flabbergasted.
She merely jumps down the stairs and takes off down a hallway. He follows her, flames growing red at his anger. She burst through the doors of the fitness center and hides behind one of the machines in a crouch. Hades enters, clearly fuming at being bested.
"Come out, you brat!"
XXX
Lori still lies on the floor, blood in her hair as it pools around her head. Michael peeks in the front door, looking every which way before running straight before her. "Come on!" he shouts as the Hannah, Ben, and Charlie follow equally frantic. He removes his backpack and checks for a pulse. "Oh, this isn't good. She's out cold and with her concussion just last month…"
Ben is looking around. "Where's Kaity?!"
Michael gives him a glare at this detour. "Probably in the training room still. Lori wouldn't-"
"I'm going to get her." He starts down the stairs. Hannah gives the Doctor's shoulder a comforting squeeze before following him.
"I know the way. Follow me." She leads him into the empty training room, most of the fire having been extinguished upon Hades' departure.
"Kaity!" Ben shouts wildly. She stands up from the cold tub, pale and shivering.
"I'm-I'm here," she says, teeth chattering. "I'm fine." He runs over and helps her up and out, hugging her to him. "Lori?"
"She doesn't look good, but the Doctor's got her," Hannah says honestly. "Who is it?"
"It's Hades." They both can't help but gasp. "She doesn't stand a chance," Kaity tells them, clearly very shaken and upset. "He took the sword from her. I should have, but she told me to hide so-"
Ben runs a comforting hand through her hair as a comforting gesture. She leans into it and Hannah notices before her attention is drawn elsewhere. "Hey, you did everything right. She wanted you safe." He looks around. "We need to get you out of here and then-"
"Wait a minute!" Hannah shouts from the back corner. They turn to her and she smiles. "I have an idea and I need all of us. Grab a cooler!"
XXX
Hades is wildly flipping equipment as Lori remains crouched. She waits for the perfect opportune moment to spring out and jump on top of him, knocking him to the floor easily. He throws her off and she slides across the floor, remaining composed.
He laughs to himself. "Now this is fire! Let's turn up the heat! "He starts to throw balls of fire but she expertly dodges with flips. She manages to kick him back while doing so. "Puns right? Gotta love the classics! Have another." He throws a barbell across the room pinning her to the wall. "Hercules loved this one." She easily pushes it back towards him, forcing him to duck to avoid it. His jaw drops. "How in the Underworld-?"
She hits him in the face, sending him reeling. He responds by throwing a fireball too quickly for her to dodge. He is again shocked when it passes right through her middle. This however causes a rippling that makes pixels arrange and change to reform as an ousted Finch. Her eyes widen as he realizes this and smiles. "It was a trick." He starts out and she tries to hold him back by rushing towards him, but he throws a fireball through her head. This causes her to buckle and fall to the ground, dazed. When she gets a grip on the pixels that make up her head he is out the door already.
"No," she whispers, hitting the ground. She takes off back down the hallway.
XXX
Michael is kneeling next to Lori with Charlie, clotting the head wound with a towel that is now stained through with red. Charlie makes eye contact with him. "Call 911?" he asks.
Michael sighs but nods. "We have no choice. There's nothing-"She groans, grabbing both of their attention. "Lori?!" She opens her eyes groggily and only about half-way. "Just take it easy," he whispers calmly, through clearly ecstatic. "You're in real trouble this time." She tries to say something, but he shakes his head. "No. Just take it easy." He pulls out a cold pack and puts it on her arm, making her wince before turning back to Charlie. "Call it."
"No…" she grumbles, trying to move. He pins her down with a hand easily.
"Lores, shut up," he says harshly. Charlie sets the book down and pulls out his phone. "It's going to be okay," he promises her soothing once again, squeezing her hand.
"Don't make promises you don't intend to keep." They both turn to see Hades towering over them, eyes locked with Lori's. "I intend to keep mine though, so stand aside."
Both don't budge, but Michael works up enough nerve to speak quickly. "Charlie, run." Charlie shakes his head. "You know what she'd want you to do. Run!" Charlie quickly takes off down the stairs, dropping and shattering his phone. Michael turns to faces Hades again once he's gone. "You're not touching her." He stands defiantly in front of her as Lori reaches for his pants leg but misses, still very hazy.
"One more time: out of my way." He shakes his head, defiant and protective. Lori manages to get enough wits together to seize the moment, reaching desperately towards the book. "Fine then," Hades grins, before easily throwing the Doctor away and into the trophy case. He falls to the ground, glass sprinkling around him. He tries to get back up as the alarms start sounding, but can't bring himself to do it. He tries to crawl as Hades takes a hold of Lori's ankle, making her whimper in pain. The sword then appears directly above her, inches from her heart. She continues to reach for the book, but clearly knows this is it.
"Hey! Ice to meet you!" He looks up to see Hannah and Ben on the landing, both grinning. They dump the cooler over the railing, sending ice raining down on him. This causes him to cry out in pain and let Lori go. She seizes the moment to flip onto her stomach and throw the book open to a glowing poem. She is drifting off, but forces herself to stay conscious.
"We stopped your plan… to shake things up"
"No!" Hades cries, sending the sword down. It is blocked by Finch sliding in at the last moment and knocking it away. She rises and kicks him back away from Lori.
"And… and that's… the gospel truth" She then reaches for Michael as he does the same, but both pass out again as Hades becomes surrounded by darkness. He grabs blindly and manages to get a hold of one of her shoes, but Charlie and Kaity reappear from below to together yank if from his grasp.
"Not a chance!" Charlie shouts as he vanishes downward into the darkness. Everyone then gathers around where Lori and Michael have collapsed, unsure of what to do. Charlie gently picks up his broken phone. "Someone needs to call 911."
Finch looks at Hannah, who nods. "Charlie," she says gently. "We need to hide this back downstairs." She hands him the cooler and he takes off downstairs. She turns to Finch. "Alright. Do it." Finch approaches Lori, making her hands glow blue.
Ben and Kaity looks at them shocked, Ben speaking up. "Wait, can you even-?"
"It was under my locked files," she explains. "I should be capable. Trust me."
Hannah is the one who nods. "We absolutely do." Finch kneels down and touches her, sending the glow through her. "Now we can't tell her about this. That's why I sent Charlie away. You know that we have to keep this to protect her." The two reluctantly nod.
Finch concentrates. "It won't heal her or take away the pain, but it will advance things to the point where she no longer needs medical attention." The burn scabs over and her head wound stops bleeding as it scabs over as well. Finch backs away. "It's still going to be painful when she wakes up."
"Let's get them home then," Ben decides as Charlie comes back up. He smiles at his step-brother. "It's not as severe as we thought. We can take them back." He turns to Hannah as Charlie nods, clearly confused. "We'll put them in your room. They'll want to see each other-"
"Definitely," Hannah agrees. She helps Finch drag Lori while Ben gives Kaity a hug of comfort before helping Charlie with Michael. "Now we need to get out before they answer that alarm." The group heads out of the building and into the preserve, taking the long way back. Everyone looks somber. "She's going to be okay," Hannah reminds them.
No one looks comforted. "I know," Ben sighs. "But I don't know… if the rest of them are like him…"
"Randall was right. Before was child's play. Now we have to get serious," Hannah merely offers, locking eyes with Finch. She nods, determined.
XXX
About a day later, Lori opens her eyes to find herself back in her own bed. She looks around to see both Michael and Charlie sitting at her desk. They both come up to her as she blinks at them, gritting her teeth in pain.
"Hey," she tells them weakly, trying to smile.
"Hey," the answer in unison.
She tries to sit up, but Michael holds her back gently. "Lori, you definitely have a concussion. You shouldn't-"She turns towards him and clutches him tight.
"Don't ever do that again," she says into his shirt. "If anything ever happened to any of you, especially Charlie and you-"
He pulls away gently. "Lores, I did what needed to be done," he argues as Charlie hugs her. "I'm expendable. You're not. We can't let them accomplish their goals."
She shakes her head. "You are not expendable to me though." She looks around the room. "Where's everyone else?"
"Waiting in the lounge," Charlie answers. "They've been giving you space."
Michael nods. "I woke up about an hour ago with some minor cuts and bruises from the glass and a matching concussion."
Lori suddenly sits up, realizing something. "What about your final?!" The effort makes her grab her head woozily, and the two guide her back down.
"Finch took it as me," he explains. "Apparently I did very well." Lori then notices the state of her arm and puzzled feels the back of her head too. Michael sighs and Charlie looks equally upset. "They tell me I did that before I passed out. I know I didn't but they keep insisting."
Lori looks at them, hurt. "But you… why would they lie to us about something happening to me?" she questions, upset at the thought.
Charlie looks at her. "Because they needed to protect you from something." She lets this sink in and stares at the ceiling. "Listen, we're in this together. You have me and the Doctor." She hugs him both again tightly for a long moment. "Let's get them in here."
He sticks his head out and a minute later Hannah, Ben, Kaity, and Finch all come in with Hannah nearly tackling her in a hug. Lori quickly sees everyone is pretty shaken up by the whole thing and starts crying.
They all are suddenly very concerned and she tries to explain. "I'm just glad everyone's okay."
"It's okay," Charlie reminds her. "We're all still together. Our family's still complete." Everyone but Finch pulls in close for a short group hug.
Lori sighs into it. "I know. I know. Just give me a minute."
XXX
That evening, Hannah and Lori are both finishing their packing. Lori is moving considerably slower, taking frequent moment to grab her head and grimace in pain. She looks at her roommate. "I still just… we beat Hades."
"We got lucky," Hannah dismisses. "I don't think we can rely on that too much in the future."
Lori nods. "You're absolutely right. It just still… hasn't really hit me that we did it yet."
"Well, your brain did get a little scrambled." She goes over to help her. "Just… take it slow."
They pack in silence for a moment before Lori speaks up again. "You're taking Kaity home right?"
"Yeah, she's practically on my way. Why?"
"Just… make sure she's okay," Lori explains. "I know she was pretty terrified and this is her first real experience like this."
Hannah just looks at her. "And who's going to make sure you're okay tucked all the way up in Canada?"
"I'm always fine," she smiles bravely. Hannah hugs her.
"But I'll pick up my phone anytime, and I will be right here when you get back. I'm not going anywhere."
Lori smiles against her shoulder. "I appreciate it." There is an awkward pause before she speaks, saying what she can to show Hannah she understands. "I love you."
Hannah nods, completely understanding the true meaning as well. "I love you too, Lori."
XXX
Everyone is gathered in front of the building giving their last hugs and good-byes to one another before piling into their respective cars. Finch waves as they start driving off and solemnly heads back into the dorms, easily breaking into Lori and Hannah's. She takes a seat on the couch before rolling up her sleeve to look at the writing on her arm once again- 'Property of the DIZ Corporation'. She concentrates a moment before the pixels on her arm reforms so the label in no longer there.
She rolls the sleeve back down and leans forward. "I will protect Lori Fitzgerald," she says determined.
XXX
Michael looks over as he's heading out of campus to see Lori staring sadly out the window. Her takes one of her hands in his. "Thanks for the ride to the airport," she says quietly.
"Anything for my metaphorical little sister." She cracks a smile as the two turn onto the main road past the Trinity College sign. Neither sees a truck turn onto campus and into the nearest parking lot. Commander Lucas steps out and bangs roughly on the side of it which is labeled DIZ Corporation.
"Come on! Let's get moving!" He looks out over the campus, smiling wickedly. "We've got a book to find and an owner to take care of."
XXX