Flashback to 13 year old Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan as 6th graders in Minnesota. They all have their issues at school. Each is different. One thing they have in common is loving hockey together. Throughout the day they're mainly in different classes and only come together during lunch, recess and hockey practice. One kid gives them all a lot of trouble: Zack O'Neil*

Monday morning. The first bell rings and everyone gets to class*

In between the next period Logan is at his locker getting his math stuff out. He grabs his brand new calculator which is suddenly snatched from him. He hears laughing behind him and turns it around* Give that back to me Zack please. I need it for advanced algebra

If you're so smart to be in that kind of class why do you need a calculator? You're even nerdier than I thought and you're stupid! "Zack says"

Give it back now! I don't wanna be late! "Logan says trying not to sound scared"

Keeping it will be more fun "Zack says rudely laughing"

He said GIVE IT BACK!! "an angry voice says"

Logan looks up to see James glaring at Zack. He snatches the calculator and rams him against the wall* Why don't you try picking on someone who can fight back?! Get away from him you jerk! *releases him*

You got lucky this time you little geek! I'll get you when you least expect it "Zack says walking away"

Not if I stop you first! "James says then turns to his anxious friend" Are you ok Logan?

Yeah thanks for the help "he says"

You're welcome "James says and gives him back the calculator"

During lunch Zack decides to bother Logan again by tripping him in the lunch line*

Leave me alone Zack! "Logan says as he stands back up and picks up his tray"

No you're fun to mess with "Zack says"

I'm not having fun! So leave me alone! "Logan says as he moves further away to get his food"

Zack follows him and splashes water on his pants* Oh no you had an ACCIDENT!!! "He loudly announces to the entire cafeteria which explodes in laughter"

It's not true! He purposely spilled water on me! Stop laughing! "Logan says trying to defend himself"

I told you I would get you when you least expected it. James didn't come and stop me like he said he would. You're obviously not that important to him "Zack says with a smirk"

Logan tears up and runs out the room and into the front office to get a change of pants. He explains everything that happened to the school nurse and guidance counselor. Both let the principal know. Zach is called in and given after school detention*

The replacement pants Logan is given are 2 sizes too big and keep slipping and no other size is available. He sighs but is grateful he has something to change into and returns to class. When school ends he hides out in student recovery room cuz he's scared Zack will come after him. After 30 minutes of silence he nearly jumps out of his skin when a cold hand touches his neck*

Get away from me Zack! Get away! "He says terrified with his eyes closed"

Logan it's us "Kendall says"

Kenny? "Logan says unconvinced"

Yeah it's me. Who else do you call Kenny? "He says laughing" You can open your eyes now

I'm so glad you guys are here. But I'm mad at James "Logan says"

What did I do? I'm just standing here "The taller brunette says with a confused reply"

Zack is the reason I'm in here. That whole fiasco at lunch was his fault. Remember earlier in the hallway when he took my calculator and you got it back from him and he said he would get ms when I least expected it and you said not if you stop him first? "Logan says"

Yeah I remember "James says"

He did too and said cuz you weren't there to stop him I'm obviously not that important to you "Logan says"

I'm sorry Logan but how could I have known what was happening? I was already sitting down "James says defensively"

It's ok. I'm more mad at him than you. We just need to get to hockey practice then I can go home and relax by doing my homework "Logan says"

Logie that's not relaxing "Carlos says and laughs"

Whatever dude "Logan says laughing with him as they all leave the room"

At hockey practice*

Zack arrives an hour late and is angry cuz of that. He targets Logan violently by shoving him over and over again against the wall*

Stop! Stop it! TIME OUT! "Logan screams in fear"

The coach blows the whistle* Zachary that is ENOUGH! Call your parents right now! You're done for the day!!

You ok Logan? "he says gently"

Yes sir. I just wanna go home. I'm really stressed out right now "Logan says"

I understand "the coach says smiling"

Practice ends early and everyone goes home*

Logan puts on soothing relaxing music on in his room and starts on his homework. After that he eats dinner while watching Jeopardy and Wheel Of Fortune then goes to bed*

Tuesday during study hall he goes to the library to get books to help him with a science assignment. After he gets what he needs he sits at a table in very peaceful corner. He dreads when he has to leave and go to his next class which is social studies and has Zack in it*

When it's time to enter the classroom he sits at his next and doesn't make eye contact when Zack walks in and sits right across from him*

Miss Harris writes the lesson on the white board* (Today's assignment-Describe Native American artifacts that have been found in your state, and write an essay describing these peoples' lives.)

We will be going to the computer lab to complete this project "she says" Please be sure to have your flash drives with you and stay on task. Do not go to any websites unrelated to the assignment. I will be watching very closely

They all leave the classroom and go to the computer lab*

Logan is relieved to be sitting next to a kind boy he's in chess club with* Hi Liam. I'm happy I'm sitting next to you and not Zack

He scares you too? "Liam says"

Yes very much. Don't let him hear you say that "Logan says"

He already knows. My anxiety levels aren't at a healthy rate right now "Liam says"

Just relax Liam. I've got your back "Logan says smiling"

For 30 minutes it's quiet until loud music is blasted from the back row of computers which startles everyone*

What is going on back there? "Miss Harris says angrily" Zack and Ryan you're not doing the assignment at all! I specifically said stay on websites appropriate for the lesson and you two completely ignored me

Whatever. This class is boring. We wanted to have fun "Zack says"

Yeah lighten up you old hag "Ryan says"

Miss Harris: I will NOT tolerate this disrespect in my class. To the principal's office NOW!!

They both leave grumbly angrily and class resumes peacefully*

During recess Logan and Liam sit in the shade doing sudoku puzzles. The guys run up to them*

Hey dude we didn't see you by the monkey bars. You ok? "James says"

I'm fine. It's just when it's sunny in this state it's so hot. I just didn't want to get overheated. Minnesota weather just changes so much "Logan says" So I'm hanging out with my chess club buddy Liam

Hi Liam nice to finally meet you. We've heard great things about you from Logan "Kendall says"

Thanks. You're Kendall right? "Liam says"

Yeah "Kendall says" This is James and Carlos

Hi "James says"

Hola "Carlos says"

You hiding from Zack? "Kendall says"

Yeah "Logan says"

Absolutely "Liam says"

That jerk isn't even out here. He's not allowed to be out at recess while in detention "James says"

Good "Logan says relieved"

Recess ends and they go to their next classes*

Later that afternoon during hockey practice Zack catches Logan alone in the locker room and shoves him in a corner making it impossible for him to escape* I wanna see how busted up I can make your face!!

HELP, HELP! "Logan screams and is slapped by him"

Shut up you stupid head!! "Zack yells"

YOU SHUT UP YOU MANIAC!! "James says angrily running in the room" WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?!

That's enough! "The coach says" Zachary you are so close to being kicked off this team! Stop bullying Logan!!

I'm just getting back at him for getting me in detention at school! "Zack says"

You did that yourself!! I'm not your doormat to step on! I'm not your punching bag!! You're a horrible person! "Logan says and slaps him back for slapping him" Don't touch me again!! "quickly leaves the room"

That was awesome Logan "James says"

Thanks and I'm happy you saved me from him "Logan says"

When practice ends he's happy to finally go home and relax*

Wednesday during 3rd period is something he dreads cuz it's dodgeball day in gym class. He hates it's so much he hyperventilates before even walking into the room*

Relax Logan you're gonna be fine "Kendall says"

You know I'm not good at this game. I'm the weakest one on the team. Just like in hockey "Logan says"

You're not weak "Kendall says" I know you're not the strongest athlete but you're still great at hockey. And you don't have to be perfect at dodgeball

This game makes no sense to even play. I don't understand how it's necessary for physical education "Logan says"

I don't understand it either but we don't have a choice "Kendall says"

Logan sighs as they walk into gym*

After 10 minutes he's pulverized by several dodgeballs*

Hey Zack what the heck are you doing?! "Carlos says"

Playing the game duh "Zack says"

We're on the SAME TEAM!!! "Carlos says" Don't target Logan. Target the opposing team!! Play the game right!!

What are you gonna do if I don't?! "Zack says"

I'm gonna show you how to properly play the game! "Carlos says"

You too scared to fight me? Chicken! Bwak, bwak! "Zack says"

The coach blows the whistle* That's enough! Zack you broke the rules! You're the problem! Detention room now! *Zack grumbles angrily and leaves*

You ok Logie? "Carlos says and helps him up"

Yeah but I'm so embarrassed "Logan says"

Don't be. I'm always happy to protect you "Carlos says"

The game resumes and they go to their next classes*

At hockey practice*

The coach is preparing the team for the game on Friday* It's all up to you Kendall. You're the team captain. You make all the decisions. You're gonna do great

Thanks coach. I appreciate that "Kendall says"

After practice they all go home*

Friday night. 30 minutes is left on the clock of the hockey game. The score is tied 3 more points needed to win the championship. Kendall has puck and was going towards the net but suddenly gives it to Logan and told him to make the goal cuz he believed in him. The young brunette is a nervous wreck swerving back and forth on the ice. He's super wobbly as he swings the hockey stick so hard he slips which made the puck miss the net causing the other team to score and win the game. The buzzer goes off and the game ends*

He's mortified and angry at himself and was convinced he let the whole team down. Zack is the only one whose angry. He goes over to him and shoves him down hard calling him all kinds of names and threatening him.

James' anger goes through the roof. He grabs his jersey tosses him on the ice and threatened him the same way he did to Logan. He calls him the same exact names. He won't let him up until he apologized. He refuses so he's kept him down. The coach doesn't like that and tells him to get off him. He listens. Zack's parents force their son to apologize. He reluctantly does then gets mad at Kendall for letting Logan lose the game by giving the puck to the "weakest link" on the team*

He feels bad enough about this! You shouldn't be mad at him Zack "Kendall says" He's not the weakest link. He's amazing!

Keep believing that lie! "Zack says"

Can we just get out of here please? "Logan says in tears" It's all my fault. I lost the gams for us

I don't blame you. No one but Zack is "Kendall says"

That's the problem. The meanest kid we know is mad at me as usual "Logan says"

They finally leave and go home. He walks in his room and tosses his hockey gear in a corner planning to take it to the laundry room later. He climbs on his bed and reads a science book he recently bought with his allowance. 30 minutes later there's a knock on his door* Mom I told you I don't wanna talk about the game! It's my fault and I've accepted it!

from other side* Dude it's us. Can we come in please?

Sure Kenny "Logan says sighing and watches them walk in"

Every-time I walk in your room it's gets cooler and more amazing Logie "Carlos says trying to cheer him up"

Thanks amigo "Logan says"

Logan we know you feel awful but we're not mad at you. We want you to be happy again. Come with us to the arcade please "James says"

Which one? "Logan says"

The Pizza Ranch FunZone Arcade "Kendall says"

Guys it's late. Can we go tomorrow? "Logan says"

Sure "Kendall says" Get ready for a sleepover. Surprise!!

You have your over night bags with you? "Logan says confused"

Yeah "Kendall, James and Carlos say in unison"

Of course you do "Logan says sighing and laughs"

Wanna play a new game my grandma sent me?

What's it called? "James says"

Doctor Wars. It's a card game. The best part is no medical knowledge is needed. It'll be easy for all of us "Logan says eagerly and shows them the box"

Sure we'll give it a try "Kendall says"

They all sit on the floor and play the game and have a lot of fun. By 2:30 in the morning they're exhausted and fast asleep*

Saturday morning they get and eat breakfast and spend all day at the arcade as planned. Then watch movies all night. They spend Sunday playing video games*

Monday morning doesn't start well for them*

By the lockers*

Zack: Kick that loser off the team!

Excuse me? "Kendall says surprised by his sudden demand"

You heard me! Kick Logan off the team now! "Zack says"

No I'm not gonna do that "Kendall says"

He lost the game for us! He's useless to be on the team! He's got to go! "Zack says"

He's not going anywhere but I have no problem kicking you off the team you jerk! Winning isn't everything "Kendall says" I'm not gonna stand here and argue with you. I'm gonna be late for language arts. *Walks away*

Later during study hall Kendall is in the library getting books for a social studies project. He accidentally bumps into Zack*

Watch where you're going Kendork!! "Zack says angrily"

Don't call me that "Kendall says" It was an accident. Sorry

I don't care Kendork! You're a nerd just like that wimp Logan! You're in here reading books "Zack says"

Seems like you're a nerd too. You're in here too "Kendall snaps back"

I'm only in here cuz if I don't get books for a math assignment I'm gonna get detention again "Zack says annoyed"

Good for you "Kendall says sarcastically" Bye *Rolls his eyes and walks away*

I'm not done with you Kendork! "Zack says loudly"

Keep your voice down! You're gonna get us both in trouble! "Kendall says" I don't care that you're mad at me. Keep that anger away from Logan!

Whatever! Kendork! Nerd!! Loser! Idiot! "Zack yells so loudly everyone is staring at them"

Kendall face palms sighing and gets nervous when the librarian approaches them*

What is going on over here boys? Your argument is disrupting study hall

It's not my fault. He won't leave me alone "Zack lies"

Wow your ability at dishonesty is more impressive than your grades "Kendall says in a snarky remark"

Shut up! "Zack says"

Librarian: Zachary that's enough out of you. Study hall has 10 minutes left. Have you done anything productive?

Why would I? I was forced to come in here. I did my part "Zack says"

Librarian: You can continue to do your part with after school detention *hands him a slip*

Zack angrily takes it and leaves out*

Wednesday and the rest of the week doesn't go well for Kendall. Zack harasses him non stop in school and at hockey practice*

On Thursday Zack causes trouble for Kendall at a local park. He sees Katie playing with his autistic little brother Jackson*

Tag you're it Jackson! "Katie says as she laughs and runs away. He follows her and laughs then trips on and scrapes his knees really badly on the pavement. Zack saw everything and didn't move a muscle to help or say anything sympathetic. He just there and laughs*

You're a very pathetic retarded kid. You both are!!

Mr. O'Neil runs over with first aid and Jackson eventually calms down*

Zachary O'Neil you had one very simple job to do and now your brother is hurt! Go to the car. First give me your phone

No fair! He's the one whose clumsy "Zack says"

Mr. O'Neil: This isn't a discussion. Give me your phone and get your butt into the car right now!!

Zack reluctantly obeys and walks away to it*

I hope you feel better Jackson "Katie says smiling"

Thank you Katie "He says"

Mr. O'Neil I'm not happy that Zack called my sister the r word "Kendall says"

I know. He's gonna get a stern lecture at home "Mr. O'Neil says"

They all go home*

By Friday Kendall has reached his breaking point and doesn't have the mental energy to handle the teasing anymore. He's at the point of tears in 5th period in the hallway*

Hey Zack leave him alone!! "An angry voice says"

Who said that?! "Zack says looking around"

I did!! "Logan says confidently walking up to him" You've been harassing Kendall all week! Enough already! He doesn't deserve to be bullied! No one does! Even you! Quit calling him that horrible name!

I'll do it if you quit the hockey team! "Zack says"

Wait what?! "Logan says shocked"

I challenge you to a fight after school on the playground. If I win you quit the hockey team. If you when I'll never bother you four or the rest of the team again "Zack says"

Dude don't do it! He's lying! He's tricking you! "James says"

Deal "Logan says"

I'm looking forward to seeing you cry "Zack says and walks away"

No,no,no! Do you realize what you've just done?! "James says"

Yeah I'm fully aware "Logan says"

James : You can't fight him! He's so big and you're-

Small, weak, fragile? I know. You think I can't defend myself. Typical "Logan says rolling his eyes"

He's just worried about you "Kendall says"

We all are Logie "Carlos says"

Guys I know what I'm doing "Logan says and closes his locker after getting the notebook he needed for math" I've got learning to do. I suggest you three go do the same *He sighs frustrated as he walks away*

After school on the playground as planned he arrives for his challenge against Zack who brags that he'll lose. He grabs him tightly right away*

Logan quickly overpowers him but then Zack tackled him. This goes on back and forth for about 10 minutes. Logan's final move is to put him in a headlock and force him to admit he's a jerk to everyone watching and to promise to never ever bully anyone ever again which included Jackson. Zack finally gives up and agrees and walks away defeated with everyone laughing at him he runs back and punches Logan's right eye unfortunately in front of the principal. He gets expelled. Logan doesn't even get in trouble*

In Nurse Office*

Whoa Logan that was amazing! How did you do all that?! "James says"

I've been taking a self defense class. I'm learning karate and tae kwon do. Martial arts is gonna help me protect myself "Logan says as he holds an ice pack on his injured eye"

You got hurt and it's my fault. I'm so sorry Logan "Kendall says"

I'm not blaming you Kenny. How can any of this be your fault? "Logan says confused"

Cuz Zack kept calling him Kendork and you did something about it "Carlos says"

Yeah I sure did and I'm glad I did. The black eye was worth it "Logan says"

No it wasn't. Don't ever say that again. You getting beat up for me isn't worth it "Kendall says"

Nothing else was being done. He had to be put in his place. He finally got a taste of his own medicine "Logan says"

Logan you're way more important to me than any dumb name he calls me "Kendall says" I love you buddy. You're my brother. That's what's important but I am impressed you defeated him. That was awesome. And scary but mostly awesome

Thanks "Logan says"

They all go to his house for a sleep over. Cuz it's starting to get really cold outside they go up to his bedroom with heated blankets*

You have any fun video games? "James says looking through a neatly organized bin"

Yeah of course I do "Logan says" They're all in there

But these are all about math and science. What about blasting aliens and blowing up cars? "James says"

Why would I want games that involve all that nonsense? You know I like educational ones that challenge my mind "Logan says"

Then I'm out of luck. I won't understand any of these games "James says"

There's nothing wrong with that "Logan says"

How do you do it everyday? "James says"

Do what? "Logan says"

Be smart? It can't be easy "James says"

James! "Kendall says concerned he'll upset Logan"

It's ok Kenny "Logan says reassuringly" Being smart can be hard sometimes and I don't always like it cuz it causes kids like Zack to be mean to me and you guys. I think I've put the three of you in danger of being bullied cuz I'm your friend. You three are awesome and social and I'm shy and neurotic. I'm not cool like you guys at all

Yes you are Logie "Carlos says" You're the smartest kid I've ever met. You always help me with my math homework. You got us all to read more. You're so funny. You shouldn't ever doubt yourself

Thanks Carlitos "Logan says smiling" I really appreciate that.

After a few hours of talking and reading comic books they go to sleep*

*End Of Flashback*