Chapter Sixteen: Unveiled
Na-Na: I feel so great, getting back into the writing groove. I blame it on my computer. Just getting it back has brought back my will to live and write. Not that I was feeling particularly crappy about my life. No, it just put that joy back into it that I knew I'd been missing. Hope you guys didn't hate the last chapter too much. As I mentioned with my ending note, it wasn't exactly my favorite to write. Plus, I know that the version of One Thing Leads to Another in the movie is a cover by (beloved) Steven Strait, but I decided I'd put it showing that it was by the Fixx, since it really is their song. Just letting you know.
Well, this chapter will be written in Author's POV, since I am unable to get into Tenni's head at the current time in this story. Well, that's it for now, starting the chapter, hope you folks enjoy.
As Layla entered the gym, the song "One Thing Leads to Another" by the Fixx was blaring out around the gym loudly. For a second, she let the atmosphere sway her, and a smile grace her lips at being there. Immediately, she was brought back down to earth. Her first Homecoming at Sky High, and she had arrived alone. Sure, she had a date for the night, Warren Peace, but who was she kidding? It wasn't Warren she wanted to be her date. It was Will.
Even if he was a no good, two-faced jerk.
She'd been dreaming about it ever since the fifth grade, when she realized that kissing boys wasn't icky. Going to a dance with Will at her side, as something more than friends. Of course, she hadn't fully realized that desire until her conversation with Warren a while back. It had lit a fire under her. Unfortunately, it had been too late. Gwen Grayson, school president, like a truck without brakes, had come careening into their lives and messed everything up. Will had been her best friend, and now, she didn't want anything to do with him. Gwen had turned him into a totally different person. A person Layla couldn't stand to be with anymore.
Over the crowd of students, she spotted Zach towering over them, and a head of purple near him. It brought a smile to Layla's lips. At least those two were together tonight. There was no mistaking Zach's bumbling attempts to get to know Magenta as anything other than deep affection for the shapeshifter. In the beginning, Layla had been a bit skeptical about their relationship. They'd just seemed too different to work. And she'd still been a little (okay, maybe a LOT) hung up on the idea that maybe Zach and Tenni were meant for one another. What had really proven to her that maybe the relationship wasn't as one-sided as she believed was when Magenta had secretly confided in her to thinking that Zach was a cool guy, and maybe, kind of cute.
So as not to offend Magenta, Layla had excused herself and found a quiet, out of the way place to squeal girlishly as loud as she wanted to.
Moving on, she also spotted Ethan at the snacks and punch table conversing with Mr. Boy. She mad her way over, deciding she'd keep the two company. Out of there group, Ethan was the only one who didn't have a date for Homecoming. He didn't seem to mind much though. If she hadn't already have been coming to the dance with Warren, she'd have offered to go with him. Maybe she could dance with him once tonight as well. Her gaze fell on Mr. Boy as she approached. Sometimes, she felt really sorry for him. Not enough people really appreciated him and his efforts. Not even a lot of the Sidekicks. His silent efforts and kindness towards all staff and students had moved Layla.
"Hey there Layla. You look like you could use a drink," Mr. Boy greeted, ladling out some of the red punch into a clear plastic bag. He wore a big smile.
"No thanks," Layla said a little loudly, so he could hear her over the music. He just smiled reassuringly at her and held it out for her to take.
"Oh, don't worry. The bubbles are just ginger ale," he said. Suddenly, a blur flashed by, bumping him. The cup went flying, its contents splashing all over his chest. "Oops."
Her eyes followed the blur closely as it sped around the gym, stopping on the other side near the bleachers. When it stopped, she saw it was Speed. She glared heatedly at him.
"The guys at this school are jerks!" Layla yelled to Mr. Boy, anger by the nasty trick played on him by the bully.
"Thanks a lot."
Layla turned around, looking for the person who'd said that. To her surprise, it was Warren Peace. His tall, hunched figure loomed above her, and her eyes shot to his attire.
"I thought you weren't gonna rent a tux," she asked, the slight twitch of her lips and rising arch of her left eyebrow seeming to silently ask several different questions at once.
"It's my Dad's," he said, leaning in so only she could hear, his hair falling into his face, "He doesn't have much use for it in solitary."
How am I supposed to respond to that safely without inadvertently insulting him? Layla thought a little panicked. Her eyes darted left and right looking for something, anything, she use to change the subject. They fell upon the snack table. Whirling around, her hand shot out and grabbed a toothpick with a cube of cheese on it. Turning back to face him, she held it out to him.
"Cheese cube?"
Warren just stared back at her, and she winced when she saw the blank expression he wore. Oh God, that was the wrong thing to say, wasn't it? Bracing herself, she waited for whatever Warren decided to do in response. What she wasn't prepared for was the low chuckle that rose from his throat, quiet enough that she could barely hear it. Soon enough, though, it had given way to laughter.
"Um…"
"Sure," he said, shaking his head as his laughter began to die down.
Layla looked him for a long minute, shocked, before looking down at the cheese cube then back up.
"Um… Okay." With that, she let Warren take the cheese cube. He didn't eat it, just held onto it.
"So…" Both of them started. Layla blushed.
"Sorry, you first," she mumbled a little embarrassed.
"Is, uh, Stronghold here?" Warren asked, his gaze shifting over to the dance floor and back. A frown spread across her features.
"Will? No," she answered dejectedly. The corner of Warren's eye twitched, though she didn't notice it. Shoving his hands into the pockets of the tux's slacks, he mumbled something out, though she didn't catch it. Leaning in closer, she cupped her hand around her ear.
"I didn't hear what you said. Could you repeat that?" Warren gave a frustrated sigh.
"I didn't mean him."
"What do you mean, you didn't mean him? Who could possibly mean except for—oh!" Realization dawned on Layla. She knew what, or to be more exact, who he was asking about, "Tenni?" Warren gave her a suffering look before one of his hands rose to pinch the bridge of his nose.
"Yeah," he mumbled out.
"Um, no," Layla answered, confused, "Why?"
"No reason."
Layla decided to leave it, seeing as how Warren didn't seem to feel very comfortable talking about it. Neither of them spoke for a while, though Layla continued shooting him speculative glances every now and then.
"Hey guys! What's happening?" Zach asked as he came to stand near them. Magenta trailed slowly after him. Upon her arrival, she stopped to take a quick glance at the cheese cube Warren was holding before shooting Layla an amused, questioning look. "Don't ask," Layla mouthed to the purple haired girl.
"Nothing really. We were just—" Layla was cut off when lights started going off and were aimed at the main entrance of the gym. There stood Mr. and Mrs. Stronghold in person.
"Welcome, Commander and Jetstream!"
Eyes widening, her head swiveled to look at Warren. She could see the muscles in his jaw tense and his free hand clench tightly. Layla prepared herself for whatever might happen next. God only knew what would, because she didn't. Being born with the ability to control plants instead of foresight wasn't helping at the minute. But she knew that if Warren were to pull anything…. Extreme… she'd be ready to restrain him using her power if push came to shove. Whether it was for his own good or to keep Will's parents safe she didn't really know. Either way, it would be bad if something were to happen.
Strangely enough, Warren didn't make a single move to attack them. Instead, he turned away from the scene, popping the cheese cube into his mouth. Her eyes met with Magenta's behind his back. She looked as anxious as Layla felt. There were similar looks on Zach's and Ethan's faces. Looking back to Warren, she regarded him with a sense of nervousness.
"Um, Warren?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
With that, Layla opted to leave him alone. He didn't seem to be feeling particularly homicidal, though, his rather flat, monosyllabic answers worried her. She didn't really want to tempt him at the moment. She gestured to Magenta, Zach and Ethan to just turn their attention to the principle and let Warren have his moment. They followed without any complaint.
"And now, please help me welcome the head of the homecoming committee, the girl who made this all possible, Gwen Grayson," Principle Powers said, gesturing to the left of the stage.
The Student Body President made her way to the podium, waving to everyone as she went. Layla frowned, looking at her. While Gwen Grayson was snake with a honey coated tongue, there was no denying that she was the most beautiful girl in the whole school. Her hair had been done up perfectly and she had donned a lovely red-purple with and orange design going around the waist and ending with a flower on the front. She looked magnificent tonight, and Layla had never felt more jealous in her life.
"Don't worry," Magenta whispered to me, "She's got nothing on you."
Sure, thanks. Trying to forget how pretty Gwen looked, Layla looked around the stage instead. To her surprise, she saw a blonde on the stage, wearing a white dress.
"Oh my God…"
"Thank you, Principle Powers," Gwen said, taking her place at the podium and placing the trophy on it, "And a special thank you goes to our guests of honor and recipients of our first-ever Hero of the Year Award, the Commander and Jetstream!" Her arms swept forward to point out Josie and Steve amongst the crowd. The crowd broke out into applause. The husband and wife superhero teams waved and smiled politely for everyone.
"Oh my God!" Layla cried, her eyes still on the blonde, standing a few feet away from Gwen on the stage. Magenta, noticing her friend's distress, moved to her, concerned.
"Layla, calm down. What's wrong?" She looked up at the stage in confusion, not getting what was cause to get the red head to get so riled.
"It's…It's…"
"And to mark this occasion, we've planned a special tribute to the most powerful super-being to ever walk the halls of Sky High…"
"Magenta…" Layla breathed, almost unable to get even that out. She pointed at the girl, "It's Tenni."
Magenta's eyes went wide as they followed the path Layla pointed out. "Tenni?!" she cried. Not believing what she was seeing and hearing. It was then her eyes fell upon the familiar dress, the one they'd helped Tenni pick out themselves.
Gwen walked out from the platform to her left and…
"ME!" The girl roared.
Swinging her arms in a sweeping motion, she pulled around her shoulders a long gold and black cape. A suit of the same coloring now replaced her dress. Hitting a button on the wrist of the outfit, a helmet emerged and concealed her face. Though not many recognized the suit, there were some who did. Josie Stronghold and Jonathon Boy gaped in horror and amazement at the resurfacing of an old enemy once long gone. They watched lighting burst forth from her outstretched finger tips, causing two bi signs to come out, Royal Pain spelled out upon them. From beside Steve, a man in a green suit resembling a jester outfit leapt forward.
"Commander?" Stitches jeered at him as he sprung past him.
Leaping onto the stage, he rushed to the podium and knocked at it once. A board fell from it revealing to them something they were sure had been locked away safely in the Sanctum. Giggling maniacally, Stitches picked it up and handed it to Royal Pain, who took it from him readily. Everyone in the gym gasped. The Commander stared upon the spectacle with slack-jawed shock.
"Royal Pain is a girl?" he asked his wife incredulously.
"Yes, I'm a girl, you idiot!" Royal Pain snapped at him, sounding just a bit insulted, "How I ever lost to a fool like you I'll never know. Now prepare to be pacified!" She lifted the Pacifier and aimed it straight at his chest.
He just moved into his trademark pose, fists positioned on his hips and chest puffed out. "Do you honestly think you can kill me with that little toy gun of yours?" The Commander taunted arrogantly.
"My dear Commander, who said anything about killing you?"
The minute the words left the villain, Jetstream was on guard, instantly wary of what Royal Pain had said. If it was not meant to kill, then what was its purpose? She'd remembered the last time they'd tangled with Royal Pain. At the time, the weapon had seemed like just a rather large ray gun. Now though, she wasn't sure. Beside her, Steve stood his ground. Bravely, or foolishly, she could not decide. She knew he was for the most part, impervious to pain, and that she shouldn't be worried, but a bad feeling in her gut told her otherwise. Josie watched in horror as Royal Pain unleashed her weapon upon her husband.
"Uraghhhhh!"
Ducking away from him, she shielded herself with her arms. She saw the beam strike him but didn't continue as it proceeded to de-age him. Turning around, she caught the end of the process, child reverting to mere babe. All that was left to prove that a man had once stood in place of the tiny baby lying there was the suit that had belonged to the Commander. Stepping around it, she pulled the cape off of him and was met with ear piercing wailing. Looking away from him, she directed a determined glared at the villain. Rage crazed her. She launched herself at Royal Pain, prepared to unleash untold amounts of pain upon the monster that had done that to her husband.
She flew at her, and had almost made it when she was met with a flashing light. And then there was nothing.
"Mrs. Stronghold!" Layla screamed.
From amidst the students, Mr. Boy had flown into action. Discarding his plate of snacks, he dashed forward, his eyes trained on the form of Josie, now a baby too, falling to the gym floor mid-flight. Leaping forward past Boomer in a jump he'd practiced so many times before, he reached out. Josie fell into his arms. They tightened around her, and he readied himself for the impact he'd take upon hitting the floor. He'd not let her be harmed.
It had hurt some, falling as awkwardly as he had. But it was fine as long as she was alright. Rising slowly, he had her cradled gently in his arms, staring down at her with profound sadness. The infant lying in his arms had only minutes ago been a vibrant, beautiful woman. A woman he'd secretly loved, and pined for all these years. This was all he could do for her now. Catch her when she fell and hold her and try to protect her. It was then that he felt something strike his back.
"Ahh!" He screamed, throwing back his head in pain. Suddenly, the sensation stopped. Looking down at the small face, resting innocently in the crook of his elbow, he knew this was his last chance before the end, "Josie, I've always… Ahhh!" Mr. Boy was cut off by another beam, this time, from the gun itself. The last coherent thought Mr. Boy, teacher of Hero Support, and once known as All American Boy, had before he fell back into the blackness was… loved you…
Everyone stared unable to do anything as they watched as Mr. Boy was also turned into a baby.
"Rock-a-bye, baby!" Stitched shrieked happily, laughing at the sight.
At that moment, Medulla re-entered the gym, completely oblivious to all that had just happened. "What'd I miss?" Royal Pain aimed and fired. "Ah!" With that, another big-headed baby was added to the increasing list of those who'd been pacified.
Principle Powers had never felt worse in her life. She'd been entrusted with the well-being of the students at this school, as well as all of the others here. She was supposed to know everything and have everything under control. Now, everything had fallen to ruin. One of her students— her best student— who had such potential was a villain. The Commander and Jetstream were defeated. Two of her faculty members who'd been chaperoning at the dance tonight had been pacified. All of the students were panicking, running like chickens with their heads cut off. It was chaos. She had to do something before the already out-of-hand situation got even worse.
"Boomer! Get the kids out of here!" She screamed at the last adult left in the gym besides her. The minute the words left her lips, she too was pacified.
Tommy Boomowski, better known as to all at this school as Sonic Boom or Coach Boomer, took in the situation with a grimace. Some days, being a retired hero and a teacher just was not worth it. He knew he couldn't let Principle Powers down. Boomer had never made it big time as a superhero. His stint had been relatively short, and seeing as how no one really acknowledged him, he'd hung up the mask without much reluctance. Powers had given him a job, that paid well and allowed him to stay connected to the hero world.
The least he could do was help get the brats out of here. Not that he liked many of them, but none of them really deserved what the psycho on the stage was dishing out. Besides, maybe if he beat her, it would be something to shove in Stronghold's face. Catching sight if Peace standing with a couple of other students, he decided he'd leave getting the kids out of here to him. He kid that seemed to have kept his cool so far. Boomer had to quietly laugh at the irony in his mind for a second before grabbing the fire-starter.
"Hothead, find an exit! Get as many people out as you can!" Boomer ordered, passing off his plate and drink off to the short kid in orange with glasses. He watched as Peace went to his task, dragging the kids with him. Turning to face the villain, he prepared himself for battle, "I'll slow her dow—" Unfortunately, he was stopped short the minute he took the first step forward, before he got his time to shine.
Warren cursed, seeing Boomer getting pacified out of the corner of his eye. One hand gripped firmly around Layla's wrist, he pulled the dazed girl along with him. The others followed behind him. Spotting a vent in the far corner of the gym just big enough for a person to fit through, he flung a fireball at it. The grate on it was blasted open, revealing a way out. Magenta dived into it first. He pushed Layla through it next. The giant in the white tux was next and after him the kid in orange. Once he was sure all of them were through, he followed after them.
They'd been crawling for a while before someone spoke up in the dark.
"Where are we?" Layla asked, shakily.
"Hey Warren," Ethan asked, peering into the darkness behind him, "How about a torch?"
"Only if you want to get barbequed." Came his response. Ethan gulped.
Suddenly, a light began to fill the small shaft they were crawling through. Layla and Magenta stopped and turned to see what it was. The glow was shining forth from Zach's body. He smiled at them.
"Ladies," he said, "If I may?" Both of them pressed themselves against one side to let him past.
"Then all the reindeer loved him!" Magenta said in a sing-song voice, unable to hold back an impressed smile.
"Way to glow, Zach!" Ethan cheered from farther back.
"Thanks, man," Zach said, a small smile on his face because of his accomplishment.
Outside of Sky High
"Thanks again for the lift, Ron," Will said to bus driver, placing a hand on the man's shoulder, "No if I'm not back in 30 minutes…" Will left off, feeling a little sick at what could happen if he didn't come back.
"Come in after you!" Ron interjected, snapping him out of his dim thoughts, "Got it!"
"I was gonna say, go get help." Will said, giving him a look. Ron gave him a slightly sheepish look.
"Go get help! Got it!" he exclaimed, "Now get in there!" Feeling reassured, Will put his hand on Ron's shoulder once more in thanks, before taking off, bursting through the door, literally.
Trying to smile, Ron apologized and hit the latch that properly opened the door. Not that Will could hear him anyway.
Will tore through the halls as fast as he could to get to the gym. He could only hope that Gwen hadn't done anything major yet and he still had a chance to stop her. Taking a minute to catch his breath, something caught his eye. There was a vent giving off a strange neon-yellow glow. He stopped to look at it for a second before realizing what, or who, it was. Putting a hand on each end of the grate, Will tightened his grasp on them and pulled. It came loose easily. Someone's head came to view. When saw who it was, a relieved smile broke out on his face.
"'Sup kid?" Zach said in greeting, a similar smile on his own face.
Offering a hand, Will helped Zach climb out. After him was Magenta, who declined his offer and helped herself. Next, it was Layla. He stared down at her not really know what to do or say. She seemed to be the same, stuck where she was staring up at him.
"Layla."
"Will."
"Can you two get a move on already? I'd like to get out of here." Some one called from farther back in the vent. Will had a feeling it may be Warren. Holding out a hand to Layla, he was glad when she took it.
"Will!" Ethan exclaimed when he saw him. In his excitement, he fell out, his glasses tumbling off in the process. Will moved to help him up while Layla went and picked up his glasses for him. Warren in the mean time, got himself out.
"Guys! You're never going to believe this. Gwen…!"
"Is Royal Pain's daughter," Layla said, cutting him off.
"Yeah," Will said, a little confused as to how Layla knew, yet undeterred, "And she—"
"Stole the Pacifier." This time it was Warren, who was standing beside Layla, who'd interrupted him.
"Right."
"She turned everyone into babies," Zach cut in from behind him, Magenta on his left, "Including your parents, dude." Will paled.
"Okay. That I didn't know," he said.
"I think this is even more than the great Will Stronghold can handle," Layla said cuttingly.
"She's right," Will said, his eyes locking onto Layla's for a long moment, "It's going to take all of us." His eyes swept their little group. His eyebrows knitted in confusion. Where was she…?
"All of who?" Magenta asked, shaking him out of his thoughts, "You and Warren? The rest of us are only Sidekicks."
"Just because you have powers, that doesn't make you a hero," he said, trying to convince them, "Sometimes, it just makes you a jerk." He paused, looking straight at Layla, "Makes me a jerk. I guess what I'm trying to say is…"
"We get it," Layla said, a smile beginning to form, "You've been a jerk."
Will stared at her, as if he was seeing her for the first time again. She wasn't just his best friend anymore. She was the most beautiful person he had ever seen or knew in the entire world (And it wasn't just because of that dress…). He realized how stupid he'd been this whole time, convinced that Gwen was the perfect girl for him. No one could be more perfect for him than Layla. Layla, who was smart and kind. Layla, who was strong and stubborn. Layla, who had proven her love for him a dozen times over already, and her capacity to forgive him, no matter how incredibly idiotic and moronic he'd been. Will Stronghold finally knew that he was in love with Layla Kolden.
"Layla," he said to her softly, "Incase my Homecoming date ends up killing me tonight, I just want you to know…" and with that, he reached forward and pulled her to him. Their lips met, and neither could think of a more perfect moment in their lives than this.
"Isn't that sweet?" A voice from down the hall said, with a fake sugary-ness. They all turned to see who it was, Layla and Will a bit reluctantly. Standing there was Penny and Speed.
"I hate sweet."
Na-Na: Ha Ha! What a way to leave you guys! Anyway, I think I really liked writing this chapter. See you guys next time!
Next Chapter???
Will be posted eventually…