"Oh my Goodness! Guy, do you see it?!" Guy perked up hearing Kelly's sudden excitement. He approached his sister to see the banner on the bulletin board: "Ball Night at the Megadale's Middle School! Tonight and only!"
"This is just great! Like in our old school!" Kelly continued with her eyes shining. "I am going definitely! It is a great chance to get along with others and just relax while still at school."
"Relax while at school? I have home for that" Guy said, averting eyes, showing that he's not excited at all. "You can go all you want, I pass. This must be just a dull meeting, where kids would be fumbling and stumbling around, not sure how to even hold each other, while teachers watch out to make sure everybody is acting properly. And the choice of music will definitely be awful, no rock, no cool, only some poppy dance music..."
"Are you sure it's because of that?" Kelly said with a Cheshire grin. "Or is it because you are scared to show up and let everybody see what a bad dancer you are?" Kelly played the instant win card, playing on her brother's pride. "Come on, bro. As far as I am aware, you are sure you are worthy of the SheZow ring, but what kind of SheZow you are if you are afraid to dance? Real woman is never afraid of it, like me!" she puffed up, seeing her brother getting colorful from boiling emotions.
"I ain't afraid of nothing!" Guy blurted out in cracking voice.
"First of - am not, mind the grammar, genius" Kelly hated when her brother made such spelling mistakes. "And secondly - come on! You can face down criminals and supervillains of all kinds, from burglars to huge mutants, but you avoid showing up on the dancefloor? You're so chicken, little bro..."
"Am not, sister!" Guy said, crossing his arms and standing firmly, looking confident. "You know what? I changed my mind. I am going too. And you'll see how I dance everyone out! Every single one, boys and girls! Bring it on!"
"Brought on, brother" Kelly smirked and left Guy pouting in place.
As he thought, it hit him that his sister was partially right - he was indeed a bad dancer. Kelly was not the guru as well, but much better than him, at least she attended dancing classes once.
"Ah! Doesn't matter that she had dancing lessons!" Guy said to himself, quiet enough to not be heard. "I have SheZow on my side... Well, or rather, on the inside... I had enough time impersonating a woman to learn the grace. I can race a car - so I can dance too. I just gotta practice..."
"Come on, it has to be here!" Guy was searching his closet to find his dress clothes. He knew he had a set, his mom bought it specifically for such occasions, but since then Guy wore it only once - when tried it on. "This is the only outfit I have that looks neat enough..."
"Any help needed?" suddenly a voice came, and Guy turned to it to see his friend Maz standing in the doorframe. "Hi, pal, your mom said you're up here. Let's search together. And also... I got a favor to ask..."
"Sure, dude, dive in" Guy said, making a room for Maz so they both could fit in the closet. "So, what's the favor? Spill it out, there's nothing I wouldn't do for my best bud."
"Yeah, I'm glad for it, Guy..." Maz smiled. "Well, I'd like to ask you about how to ask a person out? See, there's someone special I'd like to ask out for tonight's ball, and I don't want to look like a total dweeb before... Them." Guy chuckled a little, which caused Maz's confusion.
"Buddy, we are dweebs and proud of it, this is our thing" he laughed, and Maz followed, getting the joke. "Okay, jokes aside, no problem, I can help. That's what the best buds are for. So who is the lucky one? A girl or somebody else?"
"Sorry, dude, I... Can't tell. Not that I don't trust you, you're my best pal after all, but... That's too embarrassing..." Maz replied with slight stutter. "Though one thing I can tell... That's a girl. I'm attracted to girls, dude."
"Understood." Guy smirked, he figured not to push the issue right not. "Your right, okay, don't want - don't tell... But why you ask ME about how to ask a girl out?"
"Dude, you're SheZow" Maz replied. "You had enough time impersonating a girl to know... Everything about them. So I think you can help me figure what to say, so I won't look totally dorky..."
"You got a point" Guy nodded. "Kelly and Sheila told me enough, plus I practiced well... Okay, then listen" Maz was all ears as Guy spoke. "The main thing is that girls wanted to be treated with respect. Surely they like compliments, make them definitely - but also don't go over the edge, that's shoe licking already. Treat them like someone you want to... Befriend, yes! But mind some tips: go up and nudge in the arm or something... That doesn't work with girls. They don't want to be "challenged" like that. Treat them more... Mannerly and mildly, even the rough tough gal has the soft inside that you need to touch accurately..."
Guy continued to speak, giving the simple, but practical advices, like those from a typical dad. Or mom in some cases. Guy was neither first, nor second, but that was still important. Besides, given Maz's family problem, that was the best solution possible...
Soon the boys got out of the closet as they finally found what they were looking for. Guy's dressing clothes were in a covering, so they won't get wrinkled in the closet. Guy unzipped it, taking a look. He remembered how he tried it on. The grey-blue jacket with dark blueish lapels, dark blueish slacks, black shirt and blue tie. Unfortunately, no dress shoes were found.
"Never thought I'll have to dig it out of my closet" Guy smirked. "That should do it... Need any help with finding you a dress, Maz?"
"No, thanks, pal, Rex already found me some" Maz replied. "You know, you could save your time and not search for it" he smirked slyly.
"How?" Guy wondered.
"Well, you could go there as SheZow, if you can renew your costume in that form, maybe it can make a dress too!" Maz laughed, and Guy followed.
"Never happening, pal!" he replied in a teasing manner.
The ball night came, and the kids all gathered in school's big hall, auditorium for theatrical acts. Everybody was dressed fancily, even Jack - he had his jacket unbuttoned, it definitely was a little small for the boy. On the stage the teachers could be seen, Mr. Merzanovich among them. Principal, however, was not there - looks like Mr. Breakor had reasons to not attend the event, much to his son's annoyance.
Guy and Kelly came in. Guy was in the dress he found and his usual sneakers - even with Mrs. Hamdon's help, no shoes were found for him, so he went for his everyday footwear. Kelly, however, got herself a full, perfect set. She wore a dark-purple, almost plum long sleeveless gown, with ruffles on top. It had pronounced wide ribbon belt that was tied in a bow on the back. She also wore matching shoes and silver collar necklace. Her hair were tied in a bun with ribbons dangling. This, plus a light make-up, made her look rather astonishing.
Soon the twins met up with Maz. He also had full dress, including jacket and slacks of dark greenish tone, black shoes and bow tie and light blueish shirt. Maz and Kelly looked at each other in awe, and only Guy, inadvertently, glanced at Maz's shoes - and managed to notice orange socks from under the slacks. They were very bright.
"Hi, Maz" Kelly said, admiring the boy. "Great dress you have, looks like I am not the only one who knows how to properly dress for a ball" she glanced at Guy, who just rolled his eyes.
"Thanks, Kelly" Maz smiled, and then slightly bowed. "I must point out that your choice of attire today is worth complimenting as well. You certainly are the true lady of the ball tonight..." Maz smiled awkwardly, but Kelly seemed to not notice that. She giggled, covering her mouth, and then continued her way through the hall, heading for the girls' group. Maz just gazed after her, clutching on his jacket's lapel. Guy smiled, looking at his friend - he realized everything...
"So, Romazo, you said your special girl is a secret..." he said, getting closer. "Next time try to not fawn so much, it makes things too obvious..." that brought Maz back to reality like a thunder strike.
"What's obvious?" he said, with his eyes nervously running. "I… I don't know what you're talking about!"
"Dude, I guessed that long ago, given how you and my sister simply melt when by each other, but right now it became as clear as day!" Guy said. "I see that you have a crush on my sister" as he spoke it, Maz sighed.
"Yes, man, I have. I can't help it! I know you and her have these usual sibling quarrels, but... She's amazing. Smart, supportive, confident... And beautiful too... This ball is my chance to actually make a step, but... I am so unsure! I am a dork!"
"Okay, pal, listen here!" Guy pulled Maz to himself, so their faces got on the same level. "Stop this concert, you must be confident. I may say things about Kelly, but she's still my sister, I know her and care for her. And you, my friend, are the trusty candidate for her. Now pull yourself together and go for her! Just try not to get more dorky than you normally are, your usual level is good enough... Test it now, future bro-in-law!" Guy pushed Maz in Kelly's direction. The boy stumbled and then went on slowly.
Suddenly, Guy felt She-Sense tingle all over his body. He ran to his friend and grabbed him.
"Change of plans, we must hide!" he whispered and dragged Maz to hide near the stage, behind the curtains at sides. On their way Guy tried to grab Kelly, but she got her hand out of brother's grip quickly.
"What's going on?!" she exclaimed.
"The sense is going on!" Guy answered, and at that time, the loud bang sounded. The doors got wide open, and people in dark battlesuits flooded in. Guy quickly got who they were - these gangsters were very familiar, the band of...
"Terra-rist..." Guy whispered. "Come on, we must hide quickly!" he grabbed Maz's and Kelly's hands again, and they all hid behind the curtains at the side. Guy accurately looked in the little hole to watch the situation.
All the people were scared, they spread around the auditorium, sticking to walls, where the bandits kept them at aim. Other bandits stood at the windows and doors for the guard. And soon the familiar man entered the auditorium - the leader of the bandits, Terra-rist himself.
"Hello, kids, ladies and gentlemen!" he said loudly, as if he was greeting an audience. "Don't be surprised! I, your old rock'n'rolling friend Terra-rist, am here again! You wonder what for? Well, for making the night unforgettable, of course! For me..." he chuckled evilly. "You see, after the jailbreak I had to get back to business! But firstly, I felt that I must get the pink broad down! So I... Renewed my old plan. You are the bait for her. But this time I am prepared. The entrances are fully blocked, my people are all over the place. She has no chance to get inside... As well as nobody can get outside. Any suspicious movement - and my people will be there to report everything at instant. And if she somehow fights through - I have the last resort..."
"Seriously, that's your old plan over again?" Jack said from the crowd. "It failed back then, you could have made something better..."
"Silence!" Terra-rist yelled, and few bandits aimed at Jack, making him retreat. "Who dare to question me will face my wrath, I won't make a difference between a kid or an adult this time!"
"This is unacceptable!" Mr. Merzanovich walked fast to Terra-rist. "I am the homeroom teacher, and I have sworn to stand for the students, and what you say is a direct death threat! I-" the teacher was not allowed to finish, because the bandit approached him and hit with his machine gun blaster butt. The teacher was knocked out instantly.
"Any more of you who wants to test their boldness?" Terra-rist teasingly asked, the silence was the answer. "Good..." he smiled. "Shall us wait then... Come on, Zowie-dowie, I am waiting..."
"Things are hot..." Guy whispered, turning to his friend and sister.
"What do we do? They're everywhere" Maz said. "If we try to attack from here, we're definitely doomed."
"Well..." Kelly got in the conversation. "I know a place where we can prepare better. Right from here we can get to the props room..."
"Hey, who's speaking there?" the kids heard the voice of the bandit approaching their hiding place.
"Guys, go, I'll hold them up" Kelly whispered and made a gesture like shooing the boys away. They crawled as fast as possible, getting around the corner. The bandit moved the curtains and saw Kelly.
"Here's one trying to hide!" he reported.
"Drag to the others" Terra-rist commanded. "And then search the place, in case somebody else tried to sneak away..." Kelly was brought to the rest of the kids near the wall.
"Hey, a little more careful!" she said to the bandit when he rudely dropped her.
"Shut the door, girl" he replied, leaving the hostage kids.
"Hey, Kel, where's your brother?" quietly asked the blonde girl in reddish dress. It was Dianne, Kelly's friend.
"Yeah, where's he?" Jack was also nearby, he looked nervous, though obviously tried to hide it. "Looks like little Hamdon left the sister..."
"Stop it, Jack" Kelly snarled at him. "I don't know where he is... But he definitely did not leave... Hope he's okay..." she tried her best to act like she's worried. But actually, she knew where her brother is, and hoped that soon he will arrive...
Meanwhile, Guy and Maz got to the preps room.
"Alright, we're here..." Guy said. "Now we gotta make up a plan..." he noticed his friend looking rather upset. "What's up, Maz?"
"Why her?" the boy said, clenching his fist. "Why does she always have to win time for us and sacrifice herself?"
"Look, dude..." Guy placed hand on his friend's shoulder. "I know you are worried about Kelly... That's just her. She's bold and ready to rush into heat to help others. We must think how to get everybody, including her, out..."
"Hey! Anybody here?" the voice of the bandit sounded from behind the door.
"Okay, plan later, first get down the threat!" Guy said and moved his hand with the ring. "You go girl!"
The bandit kicked the door open.
"Freeze everybody!" but as soon as he entered and said that, he was hit by a boomerang brush. This knocked the weapon out of his hands. In the blink of a time, a hard hit landed on his face, knocking him out.
"That was fast, cool..." SheZow said. "Now back to the planning, Maz."
"Not Maz, my pink dear" the heroine saw her friend in an improved suit - he put on a top hat, shades and a long black cape with red inside. "I am Monsieur Tuxedo, your loyal sidekick."
"Great new idea, as always" SheZow smiled and gave him thumb up. "So, here's what I think: I go out in the center, where Terra-rist came. I will try to disable him for a while, and then clear the entrance for you. Then I will begin the takeout, their aims must be on me at the moment. Meanwhile, you lead everybody out, and then you all must hide somewhere. I will find you, and we all think how to handle the rest of the job. Got that?"
"Alright, Zow, let's work it!" Maz said.
"Any signs of our heroic miss?" Terra-rist asked through the walkie-talkie.
"Nothing, chef!" the answer came. "We watch the cameras, the cost is clear."
"I don't know where she learns of the sitch, but looks like she's puzzled this time... Good for us..." Terra-rist said, ending the communication. "Looks like the heroine is not coming yet. Too bad that doesn't make you free."
"So we'll sit here for the whole night?" one of the kids asked, only to see Terra-rist very close to them.
"If needed, we'll sit here for eternity" he growled. "You all stay here and don't do anything until the heroine comes to me!"
"And if I do, you let them go? If so, open the door now!" the girly voice came. Terra-rist just managed to turn around to see his henchman landing at him. SheZow got right from behind the curtain and quickly got to the center of the scene. The bandits aimed at her quickly, but she did a huge jump and took down the two bandits at the door.
"People, you must get away!" the heroine shouted. "Monsieur Tuxedo, lead the people!" Maz also got out and began to gather people. Everybody slowly came after him to the entrance. Mr. Merzanovich was still down.
"Hey, Alex! Help!" commanded Jack, getting to the unconscious teacher and lifting him up.
"Alright" said the blonde boy, one of Jack's all-time goonies. They both picked the teacher up and carried to the entrance.
Meanwhile, SheZow was fighting the gangsters. She threw few Boomerang Brushes, and they flew around the auditorium, hitting the majority of the bandits. Some just dropped their weapons, and some were knocked out. SheZow ran over the place at her superspeed, dealing with those still standing. She cut through their crowd like knife through the butter. She struck down a few of them like bowling pins. Few others ran to her, but she performed a throw on one and then brought the other down with a swipe. Two more she defeated with a good old move of smashing heads together - maybe the bandits wore helmets, the impact was enough. Soon the most were down, and SheZow quickly tied the struck with her ribbons. Meanwhile, Terra-rist got up already and walked slowly to the heroine.
"Impressive, you managed to sneak up on me once again. Something lets you get in without being noticed... That doesn't matter anyways. This time I will watch more carefully, and you will be buried in the ground! Your pinky girly tricks won't save you, as I am the master of the earth!"
"Excuse me, the earth like planet or the earth like element?" SheZow smirked.
"What? Eh, element, of course, how can it be-" Terra-rist was a little confused and shook his head. "Aargh, nevermind! Prepare to be smashed!" he ripped two huge pieces from the floor and sent them at Zow. She jumped, avoiding them. Then she rushed at the bandit, but he raised the ground under her feet, sending her flying. He then flew upwards after her.
"Nice try, but not good enough!" he said, summoning more rocks and other ground chunks, as SheZow regained concentration. She was about to hit the wall, but instead she pushed herself from it by legs and shot a ribbon. Terra-rist already sent his earth chunks at her. Her ribbon stuck at the opposite wall, and she pulled herself at the thug. They clashed in the sky. The bad guy attempted to grab Zow, but received a punch. The heroine, on the other hand, tried to continue the beating, but was stopped by a sudden knee hit in the side. The two hit the wall. SheZow pushed herself away, as the bandit got out of the wall he partially broke. In this process, the heroine's cape was totally ripped in pieces.
He raised earth claws, and they tried to trap SheZow, but she sliced through them with her Laser Lipstick. Then she tried shooting ribbon at the villain, but he stopped it with a summoned earth chunk and then sent few more. SheZow dodged them. She then rushed at super speed. Terra-rist tried to stop her with ground waves, but that was what she wanted. She was sent flying in the bandit's direction. She shot ribbons, but they hit the wall, not him. She pulled herself at him and managed to land a kick. As soon as he tried to get back at her, she tied his legs, hands and face with ribbons and then threw a handful of Sticky Cream at the wall, splashing it. The bandit got covered in it and stuck, tossing and turning in attempts to free himself.
SheZow left the auditorium and shot her ribbons at the door, making it shut. It will take time for Terra-rist and his henchmen to get out. But the school still has to be cleared. She saw Kelly looking out from the classroom and entered, to find the rest of the people there.
"Whew, he's very tough this time. Looks like he spent his free time training..." SheZow said. "It looks like I can't handle him fast alone..."
"So you ask us to fight too? What kind of crazy idea it is?" said one of the teachers.
"And I am not afraid of fighting! Everybody gotta smash!" Jack said, cracking his knuckles.
"Look who's talking!" said one of the kids. "Now you say we gotta fight, and then you again will be pulling wedgies or dipping heads in toilet!"
The people began to fuss and shout, arguing about what to do. SheZow got lost for a moment.
"Okay, calm down!" Kelly screamed, and everybody went quieter. "Panic is not going to help us!"
"She's right" said Alex suddenly. "I may be our bully's friend, but even I see that this is not the time for this! We must work together if we want to get out safe."
"Right words, Alex" Maz said. "We must make up a plan. SheZow, any ideas?"
"I need head-ups, after all, I don't attend this school" the heroine said, trying to sound truthful. "Gotta lie to keep the disguise" she thought.
"Hey, I got an idea" Kelly said, winking at her brother in pink attire. "Remember "Home Alone"? How about we set some traps in the gym? The sports inventory can work as good trap material" many people in the room have shown agreement with her words. Maz joined in.
"Yeah, I am getting the images of it now" he said with a smile. "The volleyball net is for catching, the mats for gymnastics is for shielding, and balls to throw and get them down. Also, some weights on the floor as surprise obstacles..."
"You're thinking the right way, my friend" SheZow said. "Alright, let's get to the gym first."
The group was moving through the hall as quiet as possible. SheZow was leading, and Monsieur Tuxedo with Kelly and Mr. Merzanovich were at the tail. SheZow watched the ceiling - she knew there must be few bandits watching the cameras, so they had to move carefully and unnoticed. As soon as the security camera was spotted, SheZow used her ribbons like isolation tape, concealing the view.
"I can't believe I can actually damage the school property and don't get punished" she thought. Suddenly, they heard the steps and stopped. The shadows of the bandits appeared around the corner.
"Ah, great, I should have known they're patrolling..." SheZow grumbled and then turned to the group. "Listen. Keep moving, but slow. I will go forth and try to clear out all the possible patrols and cameras of course. Monsieur Tuxedo, lead the group. Watch if the patrol gets from behind - move faster in that case."
"Understood" Maz replied and moved at the front of the group. SheZow nodded and rushed forward.
The two bandits were looking carefully, approaching the turn, when they suddenly received hits at their helmets. This disoriented them heavily, but the unknown force just hit them once again, rendering unconscious. The heroine moved forward.
Terra-rist managed to get off the wall after some time. With the help of a few henchmen, which finally came back to their senses and were not tied, he freed from the ribbons too.
"Where are the hostages? Where is her?" he angrily asked by his radio.
"Chef, no signs of the people at the cameras" the watcher reported. "But we see SheZow. The last time we saw her in the western part of the building. She takes out the cameras on her way, so we can't track it..."
"Contact the patrols! And order them to search! These runts must be brought back! And SheZow... Get her, but not be too hard... I need her alive. I want to end her myself!" he shut down the radio and walked to the door. He tried to open it, but it was shut. He began smashing it, trying to break.
The group finally reached the gym. SheZow successfully got down both the patrols and the cameras on her way. She was the first to enter the gym, where she also disabled the cameras. The whole group was in.
"Alright, now you all do the work here. I'll be in touch with this" she handed the earpiece to Maz. "Thus I would be able to learn of your progress. I still have the job to do - they can notice that the cameras stopped at the gym and send everybody here. I want to take down other cameras to fool them. Then I gotta free the principal's office and make a message for Terra-rist, so he comes to the right place. But this I must do only after you all are done, so don't forget announcing that to me, okay?"
"Understood" Maz replied, and SheZow went to the door. Before she left, she noticed a boy holding the jacket, the same as the one Guy wore when he arrived.
"What's up with the spare jacket?" she asked. The boy got a confused look on his face.
"Just brought it in case of the one on me getting stained or something..." he murmured.
"Can I take it? I promise I will return it safely" SheZow said. The boy handed her the jacket, and she put it on.
"Ah, neat. Now I fit into the party well" she smiled and then left the gym.
"Yeah, that sense of style is worth complimenting..." quietly said Kelly. She could not deny that her brother was rocking his superheroic outfit well.
The others quickly began to work. The volleyball net was quickly lowered and fixated, so when the villain gets on it, the people could just pull the ropes and quickly fasten the net, trapping him. The mats were moved to the sides, forming the hiding places. Behind them, baskets with all kinds of balls were brought. Jack and his goons brought the weights and other heavy stuff, placing it on the floor in random places. If the bandits rush at them, they would simply trip on them. Also Jack placed a barbell near one of the mat shields. He knew that his days of a bully are payoff tonight.
Maz and Kelly were watching over, seeing how everybody cooperated. Seeing that even Jack and his pals were helping was a pleasure. Maz realized that this time is good to talk to Kelly.
"Let's pretend I am giving you instructions" he said, coming to the girl. "Listen, Kel... I wanted to say that... Well... It's so great how we all managed to get along in the time of hardships... And well... It is important, because people must lend helping hands in such times... And I am... Always, eh, ready... To lend my hand… To you, yeah..." Maz turned away, blushing. His confidence was gone, he felt extremely shy again. Kelly looked at him worriedly.
"Maz, are you okay?" she was confused with his shy talking. He let out a sigh.
"I just... Hope that everybody manages to get a good dance tonight" he said. "That's all..." Kelly looked away, concerned, but then turned back and smiled.
"I hope so too" she replied. Then the two joined the others in setting the traps.
Meanwhile, SheZow was dashing through the halls, taking out cameras and patrols. She noticed how they began moving more actively and figured that Terra-rist is at best free, at worst - is out and also searching. But she tried not to think of it too much, instead concentrating on quick and almost noiseless patrol takedown. She also checked the classrooms, where also were the bandits.
Soon the majority of cameras and the bandits in the whole building were dealt with. SheZow headed straight to the principal's office. She took a look inside very quietly to see the knocked out principal Breakor and two bandits arguing, standing before the table with monitors, all showing the blank camera views.
"She must be in the cafeteria sector already!" one of the bandit argued.
"No, she's definitely still in the eastern hall!" the other countered. "It must take time to move from eastern wing to western so fast!"
"She has super speed, idiot!" the first one parried. "That's just useless! She took down all the cameras, she can be anywhere!"
"Like right here?" SheZow chuckled, moving in and quickly knocking the two out. "The watchers are out of commission, time for the party..." she fiddled her earpiece communicator. "Monsieur Tuxedo, you're in?"
"I'm in, SheZow. What's the sitch?" Maz's voice sounded on the other end.
"The building is pretty much cleared, all cameras are out. What's up by you?"
"All good, the traps are set, and the people are ready. Many hid in the changing rooms and the coach's office. Only those who manages the traps and the fighters left. We're ready. You can make a message. Out."
"Out" SheZow said and approached the panel. "Alright, where's that button..."
The public address system went on. Terra-rist finally broke the door of the auditorium. Everybody in the building heard how the dynamics hissed, turning on.
"I am on, am not I?" SheZow's voice came out. "Looks like I am. Greetings, people, your favorite pink-clad savior's talking! Still not captured by the silly gangsters that invaded this school. This is the main difference between a dumb terra-rock and a beautiful glam-a-stone! And now, speaking of you, dear Terra-rist. If you want a rematch, your destination is gym. I am waiting you there, and also got a surprise for your people. Just don't bring too much, they can spoil the party..." after these words, the system went off.
Terra-rist let out an angry growl and headed to the gym.
"This pink witch is dead!" he roared.
Meanwhile, SheZow untied the hands of the principal and rushed back to the others.
Terra-rist burst inside the gym. His bandits followed, with blasters ready.
"Where are you?!" he roared.
"Right here, sugarcube" SheZow waved at him, standing in the middle of the hall. He charged at her, activating his powers. She just jumped away.
"Everybody, go!" she screamed. Students and teachers showed up from behind the mat walls and began throwing balls of various sides at Terra-rist and his people. The bandits began to shoot, but as the balls hit them in the helmet, they got disoriented and thus easily tripped at the lying weights, hitting each other.
Terra-rist himself was hit by a basketball in the face. He stumbled and the roared angrily, trying to use his powers. The floor began to crack.
"Now!" SheZow commanded, and suddenly, the leader bandit got dragged above. The volleyball net fastened around him and hung him in the air. He twitched to try and free himself, but to no avail. SheZow used her ribbons to pull herself up and there she grabbed at him. She delivered a hard punch at his face.
"If you try to use your powers, I will continue the beating session!" she growled at him. The bandit spat out and hit her with his head. The heroine let go and almost fell, but managed to stop herself with ribbons and safely jump down.
There, she continued the fight - now with Terra-rist's henchmen. The three approached, but she sliced their guns with her Laser Lipstick and took them down with a single kick. Some more were coming to their place.
"SheZow, watch out!" she heard Jack's voice. The heroine looked at his direction and saw how he dodged from the hiding and grabbed the barbell. She jumped away, and then Jack pushed the barbell. It rolled right at the running bandits, making them stumble.
"Good job!" SheZow said, happy to see Jack helping, and gave him a thumb up.
"No problem!" the boy replied with a smile. Then he dodged to the next hiding, from where the others continued throwing balls and other items that were light to throw, but heavy to be hit with. Soon the bandits were almost all knocked down. SheZow tied them with her ribbons as soon as they fell. Terra-rist was tossing above, trying to free himself, and watched the battle.
"Good enough, girl!" he growled loudly. "But I am not done yet!" he finally managed to free his hand and then he pulled out a strange syringe. "This is my last resort! You will be down!" he stabbed himself in the shoulder, making an injection.
An odd thing began. He groaned as if he was agonizing and tossed heavily. SheZow could see how his eyes are glowing yellow, how his veins begin to bulge and how his skin turns to stone at random parts of his body. His clothes began to tear, and his stone body parts grew in size. His groaning turns into a beastly roar. He clenched his fists and the floor cracked again - he activated his powers. But then...
The net gave up and went loose, freeing the villain. But since he was in the midair, he fell. And the floor gave up as well - so as soon the transforming bandit hit the floor he got to the lower floor, where he hit the concrete. SheZow and the other people, slowly approaching, looked in the hole - Terra-rist was struggling to get up. But then his face calmed and he got limp, dropping his head. His transformation began to reverse, he seemingly passed out. SheZow jumped down and tied him with her ribbon.
One of the bandits got up, unnoticed by anyone. He tried to flee, but suddenly, Mr. Merzanovich stood in his way, holding the blaster rifle in his hands.
"Consider it a payback, punk" he said angrily and hit the bandit in the head with a rifle butt. As the bandit fell, knocked out again, the teacher rubbed his head. "They have no idea how it hurts after everything, ugh..."
Some time later, the police arrived and had taken all the bandits, including their leader. As the vans left, filled with bandits, the kids were checking on each other. The boy SheZow took the jacket from was nervously tapping his foot.
"If I get home without the jacket, mom will kill me..." he murmured. Suddenly, Guy approached him, now in his civilian look.
"Needs something?" he said, handing the jacket to that kid. "SheZow said she has important business, so she asked me to handle you this. Like promised, it's as fine as before it was worn, right?"
"Thanks..." said the kid and left. Guy looked over the crowd. It was not late, but nobody really wanted to dance - the kids wanted home, and teachers too. Even Mr. Merzanovich was half-asleep at the place of DJ. Even Jack already left, taken by his father. While other kids slowly left, Kelly was sitting at the stair of the stage, seemingly upset - she also felt that her dance tonight is not likely happening. Her friend Dianne was there, trying to cheer her up. Maz was also seen among the others, now without his additional elements of attire.
"Looks like everybody's going home... Good, more space for those who need it the most right now..." Guy said, rubbing his hands together. He came to Maz.
"So, pal, what do you have in mind now?" he slyly asked.
"I don't know..." Maz sighed. "The night is pretty much ruined. Kelly is upset, I am not sure it is worth talking with her now..."
"Don't worry, I got this covered. Just wait a little, and come when I signal you" Guy said and approached the girls. "Hey sis, Dianne, how is it going? These bandits locked me in the bathroom when I left the auditorium, that's why I wasn't there. I haven't managed to join you after SheZow freed me. But well, the night was not fun for all of us, I can tell" he cleared his throat. "Anyways, Dianne... How about I walk you home? Then I get back for Kelly and we go home too. Would you mind it, sister?" Kelly sighed.
"No, Guy, it's fine. Dianne, are you fine with it?"
"Pretty much" the girl replied.
"Then go" Kelly said. "And don't worry, Dianne, Guy may be a dweeb, but he can be nice too, I know my brother well enough to claim that" she chuckled.
"Thank you for the compliment, sister" Guy theatrically bowed and then gave Dianne a hand. But instead of heading to the door, he grabbed her to the curtains.
"Wait, Guy, that's not-" the girl began to say, but Guy stopped her.
"Shh, I know what I am doing. Trust me, we must stay for a bit more and watch. But quietly and that nobody notices. First of, we need to get to the DJ..." then Guy signaled to Maz. The boy perked up and slowly approached Kelly. Guy got to the DJ seat and got Mr. Merzanovich' attention - poor teacher was nearly asleep. Guy whispered something to his ear, and the teacher prepared.
"Hey, Kelly..." Maz said.
"What is it, Maz?" she wondered, raising her head.
"I… Well" he began stuttering again, but then took a breath and reached his hand to her. "Would you like to have a dance?" he smiled at the girl. She looked at him in slight surprise, but then took his hand, unable to deny this request for any logical reason.
Mr. Merzanovich turned the music on - it was slow and romantic music. After that, he gave up and fell asleep, snoring quietly. Guy watched his sister and best friend carefully. Dianne joined him silently - she realized his intentions and was more than glad that this is happening.
Maz and Kelly danced slowly. Her hand on his shoulder and his hand on her waist. They were looking each other in the eyes. It looked magical. For them, the hall and all the space around turned into just a shiny void. The music became ambient. Only that were clear were themselves. Maz could not avert his eyes from Kelly. The girl, on the other hand, was recalling all her moments with Maz and the picture began to form for her.
"Hey... Kel..." Maz finally said, bringing her out of her thoughts. "There's something special... That I wanted to talk to you about for the whole night... But couldn't stop being shy..."
"What's that?" Kelly asked. "And why so shy before me? We know each other well because of Guy... We see each other every day. You must be used to me after all of this..."
"No, Kelly, this is... Different..." Maz said, biting his lip. "I am used to you and stuff, but... There's something more about it... I find you... Awesome, Kelly" as Maz talked, Kelly's eyes were shining. "You are bold... Confident... Incredibly smart... And well, simply attractive... Beautiful I would say" Kelly smiled. "And... Your brother and I are best friends... But you... I want you to be... More... Than a friend... For me" Maz kept stuttering, but seemingly forced himself to speak as straight as possible. "Kelly, I..." but at that moment, Kelly placed finger on his lips. They also stopped the dance, standing in place.
"I think I know what you want to say, Maz" Kelly said quietly. "And you must know, that..." Kelly placed her hands on Maz's shoulders, like she was about to hug him. "That you're not the only one feeling that way. It's mutual, Maz..."
"I... Kelly..." Maz murmured in shock, and then smiled very widely. Kelly giggled at it. Then the two began slowly get closer and closer. Both closed their eyes and stretched their lips...
This was it. Guy smiled widely and made a triumph gesture. Then he and Dianne high-fived each other - they were both glad for their friends.
"Huh? No, I'm not sleeping..." Mr. Merzanovich perked up on his chair and looked over the hall, barely out of the slumber. But what he saw made him almost fall from the chair.
Maz and Kelly stood in the center of the hall, and as the music reached the climax moment, they kissed.
"Alright, Dianne, our job here is done. Let's go home..." Guy said, and he and the girl slowly left the ballroom.