A/N: Time for another chapter. A lot happens in this one so be prepared. I know it's moving kinda fast but in cartoons most 'adventures' only span a couple of days. ;) Thanks for your reviews!
Double Trouble
Chapter Five: Spurned and Vengeful
"So Anti-Cosmo blamed you for stealing the love of his life and getting him in trouble with that fiendish vice principal?" a blond twelve-year-old boy inquired as he paced about his rather large bedroom.
"Si," Anti-Wandissimo nodded, "to be fair had it not been for my deceptive actions he probably never would have run across those two malicious morons that day."
"What's with that vice principal anyway?" Remy demanded, "Even after all Wandissimo's told me about anti-fairies she sounds exceptionally devious."
"Ah yes, well it has been rumored amongst many of the students and even a few members of the staff that Vice Principal Anti-Di is not an anti-fairy at all. In fact, many believe her to be an anti-genie in disguise!"
"An anti-genie?" Remy's interest was peaked, "What on Earth is that?"
"Very much like we anti-fairies, anti-genies are rather mischievous beings who seek to distort and destroy wishes." His temporary godfather explained, "There is one for every genie in existence and though they operate much more discreetly they are quite the force to be reckoned with. All powerful and free of rules."
"Why would an anti-genie be teaching in an anti-fairy high school?"
"It is suspected that the carefree life of an anti-genie was not to her liking. So she broke tradition and went off on her own in search of something more organized and rule bound. Needless to say the authoritative position of vice principal suited her needs quite well." Anti-Wandissimo continued with a sigh, "But alas, she has disguised herself so well that there is no way of proving her true identity without first obtaining her lamp. Many of the students have searched for it; to date, none have been successful."
"Well what about Anti-Cosmo then?" Remy grew bored with discussing the ill-tempered woman and changed the subject. In his opinion the anti-fairies spent far too much time obsessing over new ways to cause bad luck for others and not enough time worrying about solving their own problems. "Did he ever get his revenge on you?"
"He kept to his vow," Anti-Wandissimo nodded, "for the very next day..."
...Flashback (Anti-Wandissimo POV)...
You see after the goings on of the first day of school most of us thought he would drop out and return to his 'home schooled' studies. But no one was prepared for what happened that morning just minutes before the first period bell rang.
WHAM!
The bustling main hall instantly fell silent as the double doors were kicked open. A lone figure hovered there regarding the students with a fiery gaze. Many gasped, a few gulped, and I myself grew pale. For the audacious anti-fairy who pinned me directly with his crimson glare was none other than, "Anti-Cosmo?"
"Quite right, amigo." his fangs glistened as he twisted his mouth into a sinister snarl. "You two," he pointed towards Anti-Binky and Anti-Luther, "you're both brainless thugs but you could prove useful as lackeys."
"Hey nobody calls Anti-Binky a lackey and gets away with it!" Anti-Luther floated forward infuriated by Anti-Cosmo's boldness.
"Please, if the two of you together couldn't defeat me what makes you think you stand a chance alone?" Anti-Cosmo chided.
"What d'ya mean alone?" Anti-Luther snapped, "I ain't alone I-"
But when he turned around he realized that Anti-Binky had poofed himself on the far side of the crowd leaving him wide open for attack. I suppose he got the message, whatever the outcome of their last battle I'm sure Anti-Cosmo had the upper hand for neither dared to go a second round.
The air about Anti-Cosmo that day was eerie, thick with malice and warning of vengeful intentions. He seemed to have developed an icy grudge against the entire school. No one would be safe if they were foolish enough to cross him. I suppose it had all been too much too soon the previous day. How much could one person be expected to take before they snapped? I did feel guilty, but I was also afraid. For I knew that out of everyone, I was first on his list of loathed enemies. What have I done?
As he went about his tirade, giving orders in that chillingly even tone, a few did step forward to challenge him. Many were upperclassmen who thought themselves to be at an advantage. Wands were drawn (something forbidden during school hours) and a mass wand-to-wand combat ensued.
"You are all very imbecilic to think you can defeat me," Anti-Cosmo smirked as he twirled his weapon with ease, "I'm advanced beyond my years."
There were a few chuckles of disbelief here and there while others watched silently. Black magic clashed and when the mystical smoke cleared—to everyone's horror—it was Anti-Cosmo who emerged victorious.
Junior and senior class anti-fairies came away with singed clothing and broken wands. Some disintegrated and had to be swept up until they could pull themselves together, others dashed off as cats, bats, or birds. I had never seen such a fight before in my life. Was this to be my fate as well? Something told me no...mine would be far, far worse.
When the bell for class finally rang no one dared to make a move. All stood quivering under the smug gaze of the new most feared student in all of Carl Poofy Pants Anti-Fairy High.
"You would all do well to remember this," Anti-Cosmo sneered, "there is a new leader amongst you. One who is not to be questioned, one whom you should all respect and fear...or else. I have been pushed to my limits. Try it again," he paused a moment to pick up a text book lying next to one of the disintegrated upperclassmen, mercilessly he plopped it onto the poor fellow.
He did not need to elaborate further. We all got the message. A muffled groan escaped his defeated challenger from beneath the thick book on calculus. Everyone waited until after Anti-Cosmo had poofed himself away before heading to class themselves.
As for me, I lingered a bit in the hallway, dreading my impending doom. I have once heard it said that love is a battlefield. If it so then I suppose I might best have described myself as an inexperienced soldier, unarmed and outmatched. "Holy maracas, I am one dead duck!"
Back in Timmy Turner's room...
"Sounds like ya had 'em all shakin' in their shoes!" Timmy was finally getting hooked on the story. Violence and vengeful plots! Now that's what I call entertainment!
"Oh he had 'em scared yeller alright," Anti-Wanda nodded, "but I didn't find out about it 'til after class started on the count of I was in the gals locker room a tryin' to get that stupid combination to work! I has the darndest time remembering things, if ya can believe that."
Timmy stared up at her with half lidded eyes, "Surprisingly, I don't find that so hard to believe. So then what happened? Did you get in trouble for the wand-to-wand combat?"
"I would have Timmy," Anti-Cosmo admitted, "had it not been for the fact that I had everyone there terrified so badly that no one was willing to report the incident."
"So you totally got away with it?" Timmy blinked, "Sweet!"
"Yes well, that was just the beginning." Anti-Cosmo resumed the story.
...Flashback (Anti-Cosmo POV)...
By the time first period was half over everyone was abuzz with dreaded excitement. I made it a point to avoid Anti-Wanda during that class, I wasn't yet ready to face her. But when it came to the other students I didn't hesitate to scowl and toss them biting remarks.
Evil genius, they were calling me...in hushed whispers of course. Finally, some respect! I could feel the pride swelling within me. Even I was impressed with how quickly I had been able to turn the tables on my tormentors. Soon I would own the school (at least where the students were concerned) and I intended to run it with an iron fist. I was a rebel among my peers, the one they both admired and feared.
My tactics were not that dissimilar to those of Vice Principal Anti-Di. Mostly intimidation, psychological warfare, and when necessary a merciless show of force! Things were going quite well, and then came biology class...
First allow me to make one thing quite clear. Punctuality is among one of my more dependable qualities. On this particular occasion I chose to make a rather late entrance.
I spotted her there sitting quietly at our station. She stole a glance at the empty stool and I believe I saw a small frown appear on her face. Hn, she almost looked guilty sitting there hunched over, pretending to be reading over the text in her book. But she wasn't fooling me. My absence had been noticed and it struck a chord.
And it should you gullible tart, my thoughts were unforgiving to say the least, I go out of my way to help you, support you, COMPLIMENT you and how do you repay me? By flying off into the arms of that cheap imitation of a villain. It's time to see how you feel after being jerked around!
"Now class, since our labs yesterday proved most successful I am happy to inform you that today we will be working with the more hazardous equipment." Professor von Strangle announced, "Highly unstable chemicals and Bunsen burners!"
There was a loud uproar from the students. Menacing smirks crossed several faces as I rolled my eyes at the sheer ignorance of these instructors. Highly unstable chemicals and Bunsen burners? Now there's a recipe for disaster. Ah well, it will be amusing to watch these fire happy lunatics blow themselves up.
The supplies were all laid out at the teacher's station on separate trays. I intercepted Anti-Wanda when she flew up to retrieve ours. The look on her face was priceless when I brushed past her carrying the equipment and took my seat.
"Uh, you are running a bit late Anti-Cosmo," Anti-Jorgen called after me.
"I had more pressing matters to attend to." I answered flatly.
For a moment I half expected him to grow angry but instead he maintained his uncertain gaze and gave a small shrug, "Yes well these things do happen. And I did agree to be lenient with all of you for the first few days. Just try to take care of your 'pressing matters' before class okay? Or at least show up and request a pass."
Arching an eyebrow I realized he'd misinterpreted my statement to be some sort of excuse for dallying about in the bathroom. How absurd! My bowels were perfectly fine! I hadn't even eaten lunch yet!
By that time Anti-Wanda had managed to recover from her initial shock and return to our lab station. Warily she sat beside me and remained silent as I prepared to conduct the experiment.
It's difficult to describe exactly what I felt towards her then. It was all one big jumbled mix of emotions: anger, betrayal, annoyance, hurt, uncertainty, and a lingering hope that somehow I could sway her back to my side. Make her see that her dope of a boyfriend was the real enemy here, not me.
"I hope you aren't expecting me to do everything for you again today." I muttered.
Looking up at me her expression was something between confusion and indignity. "Excuse me Mr. Smarty Pants but I think I dids my fair yesterday same as you!"
"Ugh if there's anything more appalling than your misguided judgment it's your grammar." I was being exceptionally cruel today but part of me really wanted to stir up her emotions. "I mean really, you've managed to butcher the entire English language with your country slang and incorrect tenses. You use more s's than a hissing snake!"
Her pink eyes bulged. She truly hadn't expected such a complete turnaround in my behavior. "Well then I guess all them rumors I've been hearin' about you are true. You're finally a showin' your true colors!"
"Perhaps so," I turned and snapped at her, "but then that seems to be the new trend around here!"
"And just what's that supposed to mean?" she challenged.
"Oh I'm sorry," my voice was very mocking then, "I shall have to use small words so as not to confuse your lima bean sized brain!"
"Simmer down!" Anti-Jorgen called, "You've got an assignment to finish!"
We lowered our voices to a whisper but continued to bicker nonetheless.
"All you cares about is yourself!" Anti-Wanda hissed, "It's just like Anti-Wandissimo said, you think I'm some stupid halfwit that you can goes and charm like all the others!"
"Anti-Wandissimo is a moronic poser," I responded, "I'd never even had the misfortune of meeting the backstabber until yesterday!"
Anti-Wanda seemed a bit surprised to hear that.
"Your grand rescuer is nothing but a conniving, spineless, manipulator. And you—my dear dupe—fell for his trickery!"
"He said you might say that," she spoke softly, as if doubting herself.
"And did he also say that I've been home schooled for the biggest part of my youth?" I demanded, "If he's a foreign exchange student how in the world could we have met? How could he have known about me? What reason have you got to trust his word over mine?"
"There's just something awful shady about you." she mumbled after a long pause.
"While I won't deny that consider this, not all schemers are easy to spot." We locked eyes and for once I could tell that she was actually intent on hearing me out, "You can't judge a book by its cover Anti-Wanda. And you'll never get anywhere in life by listening to rumors and allowing others to make your decisions for you. Make up your own mind—if you really have one to make up—and learn how to tell a true friend from a snake in the grass."
I suppose at that moment things became a bit too serious between us. Without speaking another word we resumed work on our assignment. Anti-Wanda was silent and reflective while I was tense and unsure. Things seemed to be going so fast. One minute I was on top of the world, the next my life was spiraling out of control, and right then...I just didn't know.
BOOM!
"What in the name of pixie dust just happened?" Anti-Jorgen coughed as he rose from behind his desk to see the whole room covered in soot. In the back a huge hole had been blown in the wall. A pair of wide eyed students exchanged stunned glances.
"Oops," the first plastered on a sheepish grin.
"My bad!" the second added.
A quick scan of what remained of their station said it all. "Idiots," I muttered, "of course your wands are flammable."
It had been my intention to speak with Anti-Wanda again after class but when the bell rang I discovered she was nowhere to be found. Zipping out into the hall I hoped to find her meeting up with her annoying friend again but neither girl was there.
No matter, I practically had the entire student body under my thumb now. There was no hiding from me. Sooner or later we'd meet again. I'd made too much progress to give up now.
...End Flashback (Normal POV)...
"Yep, that's one thing about my Anti-Cosmo, once he sits his mind to somethin' he never gives up!" Anti-Wanda beamed proudly.
"But why didn't you just go after her then?" Timmy persisted. "I mean wouldn't it have been easy to head her off at the next class? If you had such a big crush on her why'd you let her get away?"
"Because I had bigger fish to fry." Anti-Cosmo answered. "One of which had just made the mistake of stumbling across my path right as the halls became deserted."
...Flashback (Anti-Wandissimo POV)...
During gym Anti-Cosmo and I had barely spoken two words to one another. Yet I knew the end was near, I could feel disaster approaching me!
It was after the warning bell for third period when I was at my locker switching out notebooks. It did not occur to me that I was now alone in the hallway with my immortal enemy.
"Well if it isn't my dear chum, Anti-Wandissimo," his voice cut through the air like the blade of a finely sharpened sword. "We simply must stop meeting like this."
A chill ran down my spine as I reluctantly turned to face my adversary. "Anti-Cosmo? So it has come to this then?"
"Oh don't look so surprised you dolt," his words were venomous now, "you knew exactly what you were getting into when you stole Anti-Wanda away from me!"
"Ha! Me steal?" my fury was slowly beginning to overshadow my fear, "Well I wouldn't have had to stoop so low had you not first stolen her away from me!"
"She was never yours to begin with!"
"But I wanted her to be! And you knew it!"
"She chose me!"
"You cannot call that a choice you...you...flirt!"
"Me? I'm the flirt? You manipulated her, filled her empty little head with lies about me! And all because you were jealous!"
"I did what I had to do, you left me no choice! You tempt her with pretty words the moment my back is turned and expect me not to retaliate?"
By this time we were face-to-face, snarling at one another, hunched forward with our fists clenched. "If it's a fight you wanted than congratulations you've got one! I intend to make your defeat public and so utterly humiliating that you'll be driven right out of this school for good!"
"Very well senor, I accept your challenge!"
"Good, then meet me on the track field after school. We'll settle this rivalry once and for all in front of the entire student body!"
"And to the victor goes the beautifully hideous Anti-Wanda!"
"And the loser-"
"-is banished in shame!" I finished.
"Glad we have an understanding." He smiled cockily flashing his braces and fangs. "See you at three."
"You can count on that!" I poofed myself to home economics and sat fuming at the sewing machine. I had really gotten myself in a mess this time. There was no backing down; my honor was on the line! Whatever happened I knew I would fight for my darling's affection with all that I had...it was my desperate hope that Anti-Cosmo would agree to swordplay rather than a battle of black magic.
...End of Flashback...
...Flashback (Anti-Wanda's POV)...
I have to admit that I was a little worried when I didn't see no more of Anti-Cosmo for a while. Lunch time rolled around but he never showed up. I didn't really expect him to sit with us again but I was surprised when he skipped eatin' altogether.
Anti-Wandissimo sure did look shook up. I figured Anti-Cosmo had somethin' to do with that. He was whiter than a chicken's egg as he sat there next to me with his arm draped over my shoulders, his face all twisted in this determined look like he wasn't sure what was a comin' but he wouldn't run away.
I kinda felt sorry for him. Actin' all brave like that when it was obvious his nerves were goin' crazy. Then I remembered what Anti-Cosmo had said to me earlier.
"You can't judge a book by its cover Anti-Wanda. And you'll never get anywhere in life by listening to rumors and allowing others to make your decisions for you. Make up your own mind—if you really have one to make up—and learn how to tell a true friend from a snake in the grass."
"Anti-Wanda my darling, what is the matter?" his voice brought me outta my thoughts. Man I sure was havin' a lot of those lately. It was startin' to give me a headache!
"Huh?"
"Your feet have barely touched your food." Anti-Wandissimo pointed out.
"Oh, uh...I'm just not real hungry right now." I murmured.
"Are you feeling okay?" Anti-Plumey asked.
"Not really," I admitted, never was good at makin' up excuses. "Ya see I was talkin' with Anti-Cosmo earlier and-"
"Anti-Cosmo?" Anti-Goldie snorted, "Why in the world would you be talking to that jerk?"
"Well he is my lab partner..."
"You should have Professor von Strangle assign you a new partner." she cut in.
"Make up your own mind."
Anti-Cosmo's words just kept repeatin' themselves in my head. Finally I couldn't takes no more. "I ain't takin' no advice from some frilly city girl who won't even let me talk!"
They was startled gasps from all around the table.
"Anti-Wanda," my best friend was shocked.
"Well it's true!" I snapped, "She don't even give two spits about what I think so why should I care 'bout what she says?"
"But we've all been friends for years!" Anti-Puff insisted, "We're just trying to look out for each other."
"Aw don't hand me that," I was startin' to get fed up with everybody lately. "I can make up my own mind. And I'm tired of doin' what everybody else says I should do. I gots brains!"
"And such an elegant way of articulation." Anti-Wandissimo smiled and sweatdropped.
"And you!" I whipped around on him so fast he nearly fell backwards out of his chair, "Don't think I ain't a might suspicious of you either. Just what makes you such an expert on Anti-Cosmo?"
"I thought I explained this," he was really sweatin' now, "Anti-Cosmo and I are longtime friends, amigos, partners in crime..."
"But you're one of them exchange thingies from another school!" I pointed out, "How would you have met him before if he was home schooled? And besides that, Anti-Cosmo says you two just met yesterday!"
For a moment there Anti-Wandissimo didn't have a leg to stand on.
"Well of course he'd tell you that dummy!" Anti-Goldie just had to put in her two cents. I imagine she was still steamed cause I went and told her off. "He's jealous and thinks you'll believe anything he says!"
"It ain't like we haven't all believed Anti-Wandissimo here! He ain't had no proof to back up what he's sayin' but nobody's gettin' suspicious of him!" I could hardly believe that I was standin' up to all my friends, yelling at my boyfriend, and defending the new head bully in school.
What was I thinkin'? My life was actually goin' purty well for a change. And here I was just a screwin' it all up. Heh, I guess I was bound to do it eventually. My luck never was nothin' to brag about.
"Anti-Wanda listen to yourself," Anti-Plumey pleaded, "you sound so paranoid. Anti-Wandissimo cares about you. And Anti-Cosmo is just...well there's something I don't trust about that guy."
"If you hang around him you'll probably wind up in a lot of trouble." Anti-Puff warned me, "He's a big bully and really good at black magic. I saw that fight this morning. He was casting spells that most of the seniors can't do!"
"I ain't sayin' I trust him either." I mumbled and scooted away from Anti-Wandissimo, "I just think we was a little quick to judge him, that's all."
"Ah Anti-Wanda," Anti-Wandissimo leaned over and trapped me in a great big bear hug, "you have such a big heart. It will be an honor to fight for you!"
"Huh? What are you talkin' about?"
He let me go and sat up straight in his chair. "Earlier today Anti-Cosmo approached me in the halls with a challenge."
The girls got all wide eyed and moved to the edges of their seats. I have to admit, even I was gettin' purty curious.
"A challenge?" Anti-Puff gasped.
"What kind of challenge?" Anti-Plumey asked.
"A battle for the love of my darling senorita!" He spun around and grabbed my hands up in his. "Anti-Wanda, I hope that you will come and support me today. I swear to fight with all that I have to keep you my dear. For should I lose I have agreed to leave the school in shame, never to return!"
"How romantic!" Anti-Puff sighed all dreamy like.
"She'll be there!" Anti-Goldie shouted, puttin' words in my mouth again.
"Oh thank you my darling!" Anti-Wandissimo went and squeezed the daylights outta me again. "I shall await you on the track field at three. Please do not be late. For in the heat of battle, every second counts!"
I looked over at Anti-Plumey who actually stayed purty silent. When she did look up at me her expression was kinda uneasy. Like she finally understood what I meant about people always tryin' to make decisions for me and never lettin' me make my own choices. And Anti-Wandissimo—while he seemed real keen on fightin' for my affections or whatever—wasn't none too quick to stand up for me when things was a goin' his way.
That whole day seemed like something completely outta my control. I just kinda sleep walked through it lost in my thoughts, a tryin' to figure out what I really wanted and how I was gonna make it happen.
I knows I did terrible in my other classes. If Anti-Cosmo was still around I didn't see him. Course I wasn't really payin' much attention. Alls I could think about was what Anti-Wandissimo had said about that fight after school. What kinda fight would it be? Anti-Puff said Anti-Cosmo was a real wiz with his wand. I doubted my boyfriend was even half that good.
If Anti-Wandissimo lost I guess I'd be single again. But that thought really didn't bother me as much as the queasy feelin' I got whenever I thought about the chance that Anti-Cosmo might lose. Then he'd have to go away forever in shame. And all because of me.
"I hates high school." I muttered as the bell for homeroom rang.
Gatherin' up my stuff I went out to my locker and dropped off my textbook. No need to haul an extra fifteen pounds around if I didn't have no homework due tomorrow.
When I got to homeroom I was runnin' a little late. All that mopin' I'd been doin' had me dragging my feet the whole way. I shoulda just poofed there but I felt like takin' the long way. Just needed to clear my head so I could make a dern decision!
"Hello?"
The whole room was pitch black when I got inside. There weren't no signs of anybody else bein' there...but I still had the feelin' I wasn't alone.
"Ain't they anybody here yet?"
It took me a minute or two of searchin' the walls before I finally found the light switch. The first thing I saw when the lights flickered on was the blackboard. There was a message written there in plain white words.
'Class: Had to leave early today for an appointment. Please report to Mr. O'Gimpy's room (no. 108).'
"That's awful strange," I wondered out loud, "how did she expect anybody to read that when all the lights was out?"
It was then that a mighty cold chill ran down my spine and I froze in place. Don't ask me how I knew it, I just knew...somebody was a hoverin' right behind me.
Slowly I managed to work up the nerve to turn around and see who it was. That's when I got the most fearsome shock of my life. The overhead lights in the back of the room was burnt out which left it all in shadows. And in the middle of them shadows a figure came floating out with glowing red eyes and a real disturbing smirk.
Swallowing the lump in my throat I tried to speak but couldn't get out any words. Anti-Cosmo was hidin' in here? Waitin' in the dark all this time...for me?
His eyes changed from red to green when the light hit his face. Still wearing that same unsettlin' grin he floated right up to me and got so we was practically nose-to-nose. "Hello Clarisse."
Amanda/Artiste: I couldn't resist ending it here. The chapter I mean, don't worry, there's plenty more story! ;P So long as you review. Next Chapter: It's Anti-Cosmo vs. Anti-Wandissimo with honor, enrollment, and Anti-Wanda on the line! Who will win their lady love and who will be publicly humiliated and driven from the school in shame? Find out next chatper!
Des: Okay so this is a genie-free fic?
Norm: I'm feeling a bit neglected here.
Me: You two just had a whole fic dedicated to you!
Norm: Hey hey hey! Not true! Incase you're forgetting I had to share the limelight with mini-geek.
Des: :smacks Norm with a copy of the chapters: Stop picking on my lil cutie pie!
Norm: :rubs his sore head: You're getting way too attached to that kid.
Des: Better than being overly detached.
Norm: You're not gonna try and turn this into some kinda therapy session are ya?
Me: :teasingly: Aw c'mon Norm, let's talk about your feelings.
Des: Or lack thereof.
Norm: I refuse to get all gushy over a twelve-year-old pain the-
Me: Tsk tsk, you'll never win 'Godfather of the Year' with that attitude mister.