Chapter 23

--

Magneto was glad his jet was fast. They arrived at Sky High within a few minutes of take off. "This way," said Mystique as she led him through the back of the school.

Magneto's lips curled into an indulgent smile. Although disappointment at losing at his Lair hung at the back of his mind, he could not help but be delighted.

"Here we are," she said and led him to a metal door. The assistant placed her palm on the scanner, which glowed white before mechanically responding, "Welcome Principal Powers."

The metal doors hissed open to reveal a corridor to a larger chamber where Royal Pain would be. Mystique grinned.

"I can take care of it from here," said Magneto briskly. "Deal with the others."

She gave a small nod and then moved away gracefully, hips swinging.

"Well, well, well," began Magneto as he entered the large chamber and saw Royal Pain and Stitches. Royal Pain was smiling while the other trio – Penny, Speed and Lash – were simply staring and silent

"We finally meet again," Magneto started.

Stitches gave a nervous laugh and cowered beside Royal Pain causing her to loudly scold him and apologise. Magneto glared at Stitches but ignored him. "It is time to start. And it is time for me to take care of old business."

Royal Pain gave a forced smile but said sweetly. "Yes, of course,"

Magneto glanced between Stitches and Royal Pain then turned on his heel. He was not fooled by their act. "Remember our deal… or I will have your life."

Royal Pain scowled but her expression dissolved back into sweetness. "Of course."

He lingered for a second at the door, then threw her a stun gun without turning around. "Use as you need."

She watched him exit then she too walked out of the neutralization room leaving Speed, Lash and Penny behind. She pressed a button on her suit and flew away through the tunnels with Stitches hanging on for dear life.

She was heading towards the anti-gravitional device. To finally reconfigure it like she planned only a few nights ago…

To the school's doom.

--

Will and Layla were only slightly late despite their little incident. Her hair was coming ruffled and unkempt due to the rapid flying she command Will to do… but she was unrepentant. A sense of urgency drove her. She was desperate to ensure Sky High was safe.

They dashed inside. Their worry strangely incongruent with the merry occasion.

A disco light was flashing rays of multicolored light over the floor and walls of the gym. A sea of students had swarmed onto the dance floor. People swayed and danced to the blaring music while others were chatting or flirting. Girls wearing stilettos clinked past them and a waft of sweet perfume hit their noses.

Will could hardly imagine terrible things happening. Yet he knew all too well, from his first Homecoming Dance, that pandemonium could come in just a split second.

Offering his hand, he guided Layla among the throng of people - watching closely for signs of something amiss as their eyes wandered and searched for the rest of the Sky High gang and his parents.

--

Unbeknownst to his friends, Zach and Magneta were crazily dancing out in the middle of the dance floor. Magenta was giggling as Zach's long limbs frequently got tangled.

As the music slowed to a soft melodic ballad, Zach's eyes wandered as he rocked gently with Magenta.

Then the shape of Lash an Speed caught his eye.

He blinked

They were here! He hadn't imagined it.

How can they…? Zach's eyes widened. Royal Pain must have escaped too!

They were standing quietly on the opposite site of the gym – observing everything. Maybe planning for the best time to strike…

Zach glanced around, wary of Royal Pain. He then glanced again at Speed and Lash's direction.

Then they locked eyes and stared back at him.

In shock, Zach grabbed Maj's arm and hissed. "Look."

Maj gasped.

Speed, Lash nudged each other while stepping towards 'Glow Boy' who was staring at them, dodging past the sea of dancing and twisting bodies.

The pair met in the middle of the room surrounded by the crowd.

"Where's Pain?" started Zach. "What's she up to now?"

"Look we're not here to fight okay?" Lash said angrily.

Magenta's eyes flickered over to Principles Powers busily chatting at the corner of the room. She hasn't noticed them yet.

Immediately Lash narrowed his eyes.

"What are you guys doing? Still talking? Come on! Let's go!" Penny's voice then cut into their conversation. She was grabbing on to Lash and trying to pull him away - to find a way of escape.

Her voice of genuine panic frightened Magenta. "What is it? What's happening? Is Royal Pain trying to destroy this school - again?"

Silence.

Magenta groaned.

Lash and Speed looked at each other. Lash shrugged. "I'm going to get out of here if I were you."

"Penny's right you know… see ya later," said Speed who vanished in a blur. Penny was already cartwheeling away.

"No! Don't leave us!" said Magenta grabbing Lash's arm which stretched automatically. "You have to get Ron Wilson. We have to get everyone out of here. We have to get help to stop her."

Lash flinched at her touch and twisted his arm away. It immediately shrank back to normal.

Magenta was indignant. "Here's the chance to redeem yourself and you're not going to take it?"

Lash shrugged casually. "Not my business."

He was turning away but Magenta would not let him go. She grabbed roughly onto his wrist causing him to wince. He finally turned to lock eyes with her.

Lash shouted. "What do you want?"

"I want you… to help save this school," Maj said slowly and seriously.

Lash shifted uncomfortably.

"Come on," Magenta cried. "You can do this."

Lash looked down on the ground. He hated being the boring good guy. He liked the idea of being bad. He sighed and rolled his eyes. "This is suicide."

Magenta smiled.

Lash sighed again and rubbed his eyes. He suddenly looked a lot older. "What am I meant to do?"

Magenta gave a small smile. "Get the others… the children to the bus. We'll take care of Royal Pain."

Lash shook his head. "Good luck with that."

Magenta smiled briefly. They were going to need it. "Thanks."

With that Maj grabbed Zach's arm to find the others. Lash gave a final shrug before disappearing amongst he crowd of people.

--

"Will!"

As soon as Magenta's shout reached Will's ears, he spun around. Although he had found Jubilee and Ethan, he had been wandering around trying to search for them.

"I've been looking all over for you! I can't explain," said a near-breathless Magenta. She sounded almost hysterical. "We've got to get everyone out of here - now."

Zach sounded scared too. "Royal Pain's escaped!"

Layla gasped. Will's eyebrows shot up.

"What do we do now?" Jubilee cut in, suddenly frightened.

"Nothing," came a menacing double-toned voice behind her. "You're all too late."