Cartman was annoyed to say the least. Growing up, he had always been able to take charge of any situation. He was a natural born leader, and he had a way of getting people to join him in his cause. However, for some reason, he wasn't able to catch a break. The situation at school and in town was getting worse by the day, and when he finally thought he had a full-proof plan, it backfired.

The meeting was supposed to be a secret, and he would be able to convince the mayor that something had to be done. What, exactly, he wasn't quite sure. The old Cartman would have just picked sides and tried to manipulate the situation into something that would benefit him. The old Cartman wouldn't have struggled to come up with a plan that would work. The old Cartman wouldn't be sitting in history class, wondering what the hell to do.

-Yeah, some guys know about it now and plan to get everyone involved. They don't sound too happy. He glared at the last text he received. Things were falling apart.

Although Cartman felt himself lacking in his leadership abilities as of late, he knew that it was up to him to come up with something. The only other person who could do that was Kyle, and he wasn't in the right state of mind either. They were both distracted; Kyle with the bullying and his head trauma, Cartman with his self-identity and his relationship with Kyle. It angered him beyond belief that he couldn't focus on the task at hand, and it pissed him off further that he had no plan of attack.

He knew that Saturday was going to be a disaster. Even though Cartman wasn't himself, he was still aware of what will happen come Saturday. Both groups would march and then all hell would break loose. He wasn't sure they could even stop it from happening. Did it really matter if they stopped it? It would be natural selection at its finest, that would be sure.

He scowled. No. He wasn't that person anymore. He couldn't just stand by and watch half the people of South Park kill each other. On one hand, he really didn't care that much, because it wasn't like they ever did anything for him. However, he knew that the new Cartman couldn't allow it. Besides, Kyle would get upset if he didn't at least try to fix the situation.

So he was back to wondering what the hell he could do. He stared blankly at the teacher as he prattled on about some U.S. president that Cartman had no respect for. Maybe by the end of the day, something would come to him. Or maybe his talk with the mayor would help him figure something out.

No matter what he came up with, he knew he better come up with it quick. Time was running out.

-.-.-.-.-.

Cartman had made Kyle agree to meet with him in between all of their classes. He had been unmovable on the matter.

"How are you?" he quickly asked as Kyle walked up.

Kyle rolled his eyes. "I'm fine, Cartman. Like I promised a million times, if something happens, I'll text you."

Cartman nodded. "So, come up with any good ideas about tomorrow?"

"Nope. You?"

"No."

Kyle frowned, crossing his arms and looking down. His green hat was sitting neatly on his head as if it had never been taken off, but to Cartman, it looked rather out of place. It didn't belong there, and it only served as a reminder how much danger Kyle was in.

"It doesn't sound good," Kyle mumbled softly, not wanting to be overheard by the other students in the hallway. "Everyone is on edge. No one is talking to me much anymore, but I can certainly tell that everyone is prepared for a final showdown. I don't know what we can do. I mean, when South Park gets like this, only something huge can stop them. Hell, most of the time it stops by pure luck or accident…"

Cartman frowned, blankly staring off into the crowd of people. For some reason, Kyle's ramblings were helping him think.

"Stop with that thought," he interrupted Kyle mid-sentence. He held up his hand, his face scrunched up in thought.

"What?" Kyle asked, not seeming too bothered by Cartman's rude interruption.

Cartman didn't answer. Instead, he gently took Kyle's arm. "Look, I don't really have so much of an idea, but I got to run. I'll talk to you later. Don't forget – meet me here after your next class!"

He barely noticed Kyle's nod of agreement before rushing off after the blonde that he had spotted. He might not exactly have a plan, but Cartman was never the kind to just sit around and think. It was time for action.

He grabbed Butters arm quickly and pulled him into the nearest bathroom. Butters gasped as Cartman pulled him in, before pulling his arm away.

"W-what do you think you're doing, Eric? I'll have you know that I'm not going to put up with yo-"

"Cut the crap, Butters. I know you're faking the tough-boy attitude, so drop it."

Butters shut his mouth, his familiar look of lack of confidence coming back. "Geez, Eric, I'm sorry…"

"Why are you even pretending to be such a prick, anyway?"

"Well, because I can, I guess… I mean, no one liked me before, and now, I have new friends and I even have a girlfriend!"

"Goddamnit Butters. Those posers don't like you. They just like the person you're pretending to be!"

Butters looked down, shuffling his feet. "Well, gosh, I guess I never really thought of it like that."

"You know the other day when you helped me with Kyle? You weren't acting then."

"Well, yeah…"

"And look at what happened! You helped the situation. Had you been acting like a douche, you wouldn't have helped, now would you? And where would Kyle and I be if that happened?"

Butters nodded slightly.

"Look," Cartman sighed, not sure if he was ready to have this conversation. "I know I have never treated you well, Butters. I always used you when I needed to, and ignored you otherwise. But I swear that's going to change. Not only did you prove your friendship when you helped us the other day, but I've also been coming to terms with a few things. I was no better than what you're doing now. I was always acting like a giant asshole, but only because I didn't want to get close to anyone. I was a fake. Granted, I believed that I WAS a jerk, but Kyle made me see that everything was an act. I know now that what I was doing was stupid. No one should be afraid to just be themselves. So stop acting like an asshole already, and go back to being my friend Butters."

Butters stared at him with wide eyes. "Did you say yo-your friend?"

Cartman sighed. God, he hoped Butters wouldn't get too sappy on him. "Yes. I know I was always a dick, but seriously, you've stuck by me all this time, no matter how poorly I treated you. But you were my friend, and still are, Butters."

Butters smiled. "You're my best friend, Eric!" He looked like he was about to hug him, so Cartman held up his hands.

"Whoa, calm down. Look, I need your help."

Butters got a serious look on his face. "I'm all ears."

-.-.-.-.-.

His teacher was a bit angry that he was late for class, but he didn't care and just sat down in his usual seat. He then whipped out his cell. He normally wouldn't write such a long message, especially with full sentences, but he felt like he needed to this time.

-Guys. I got Butters on our side. He's going to be trying to convince some people in his group to our side as well. Kenny, I know you're our inside man, so I want you to try to stay low. However, if you think someone might be convinced to see our way, go for it. Stan, same. We're running out of time, and we need as many people with us as possible. I'm meeting with the principal during lunch, so Kyle and Wendy, you're free to join me. Everyone – the key to convincing people to join us is to single them out. It's best if you go in there with multiple people who see it like you do, so the more you convert, the easier it will be to convert more. It will be easiest for Kenny, Butters, and Stan to do this, since most people don't want to be seen talking to Kyle, Wendy, and me. We can do this, guys.

He nodded. He still didn't feel like they were ready for Saturday, but he felt a bit more confident.

-.-.-.-.-.

Cartman had already been in the principal's office a few times to discuss recent events, but the man wasn't very confident there was much he could do. He had already asked the teachers to talk about it in class, but it didn't seem to help. He sent letters home to the parents, asking them to talk to their children about the problem with bullying, and the important of not judging another person. He was in contact with the other school principals and the mayor, keeping communications open about the problem. He told them that he was planning on having a school assembly sometime next week to address the issues.

"That won't do us any good," Cartman cut in. "The students are planning on marching tomorrow. An assembly next week won't help."

Kyle and Wendy had decided to join him, and they were sitting in the two chairs in front of the principal's desk. Cartman had chosen to stand, since he looked more confident and powerful when he was at his full height. He paced around the room slightly. He had asked the other two, both known for not being shy for voicing their own opinions, to let him do all the talking. They were so far remaining silent, for which he was thankful.

"I don't know what else I can do," the principal, Mr. Higgins, complained. "I can't forbid the students from participating, because they will just do it anyway. I've already personally talked with the bullies. I'm running out of ideas."

Cartman sighed. He couldn't really be angry at him, since he didn't really have any new ideas either. "Look, we're going to be meeting with the mayor tomorrow. My sources tell me that the groups are planning on marching and protesting around three in the afternoon. All I'm asking is that you show up to support us. The mayor is going to make a speech in front of both crowds, and it would mean a lot to have you standing up there with her and the rest of us. The more support we show to our side, the most willing the others will be to see our side."

The principal seemed hesitant. Cartman continued.

"I know that it seems risky. I'm not going to lie – it's going to be dangerous. Most likely, the crowd is going to start fighting. However, we need your support. We're doing this for the good of our town." He paused his pacing, swinging his body toward the principal. "If you can't stand up there with us, then how can you expect anyone to? If we can't stop this riot, who knows what will happen? Lives will most likely be at stake. You know how the town gets when something like this happens. So we are asking you, nay, begging you – stand up for what is right. Stand up to your town. Stand up to the lives that are at risk, and demand that this ridiculousness ends!"

He stopped, noting with satisfaction the affect his speech had on the principal. The man still looked a bit hesitant, but he also looked convinced.

"Can I count on you to be there?" Cartman finally asked.

Mr. Higgins nodded. "Yes. You're right, Eric. If we don't stand up against this, who will? I'll be there."

Cartman smiled in triumph. Perhaps the old Cartman wasn't completely lost after all. "Thank you, Principal Higgins. My friends and I appreciate your dedication to both your students and our community. We shall see you there tomorrow."

The principal stood with Kyle and Wendy. He smiled and nodded to them. Cartman led the way out. When they were out of earshot, Wendy gently pushed Cartman's arm.

"That was great, Cartman!"

"Of course it was," he huffed, whipping out his phone to text –Principal is in to the others. "Were you expecting less?"

Suddenly, Kyle's arms were thrown around his neck and the small boy was hugging him in a tight embrace. Cartman felt embarrassed, since Wendy was standing right there, looking a little shocked.

"You were so fucking hot in there," Kyle whispered before letting go. Cartman felt like he might die from that statement. The red-head grinned at him briefly. "I'm feeling a bit better about Saturday."

"Me too," Wendy agreed.

Their cell phones all started vibrating. Cartman pulled his out, happy for the distraction from the nervous twisting in his stomach. It was from Kenny.

-Got more people on my side. Talked to everyone Kyle told me about as well, and they are still with us. Butters and I are double-teaming.

He looked at the others, who had just read the same message. "Things are definitely looking up," Cartman acknowledged. "But we aren't out of the water yet. But if things keep going like this, we may have a chance to stop the riot before it happens."

-.-.-.-.-.

The next day, Cartman was preparing to go see the mayor. His meeting was scheduled for 1:30, and it was currently 1. It was the only time that the mayor could meet with him that day, since she had some stupid meeting in the morning. He wasn't sure what could be more important than the well-being of South Park, but he had no choice to agree to the time slot. The others were keeping him updated while he got ready. Kenny and Butters were already gathered with their group. Supposedly, the students and adults wanted to get together to prepare their signs and mobilize before the march. Stan had just checked in as well, letting them know that he was heading to his group's meeting place. Kyle and Wendy were to meet Cartman at the mayor's. He was going to go a bit early, just in case the mayor was willing to see him early.

But sometimes, when you carelessly think that all is going according to plan, all hell breaks loose. His phone buzzed next to him as he fixed his tie, and he snatched it up quickly. It was from Stan.

-Bad, group leaving now! Path library to main.

"Shit!" he cursed out loud. Cartman looked up at his reflection in the mirror. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen, and he could feel the rise of panic in his chest. He took a deep breath. This wasn't the time to panic. This was the time to focus. This was the time for action, not hesitation.

He quickly texted the others while he left his room.

-Leaving for mayor's. Ky and Wen – come ASAP.

"Mom! I'm taking the car!" he called. He quickly made his way out his front door. There was no turning back.