Let's recap.

My dear friend, Merrill, convinced my dad to lift my grounding for one night in exchange for my big brother, Raphael, coming along and keeping a close on eye me. We arrived at the school with the intention of having a grand night. I thought it would be one night – one NORMAL night – spending it with friends and dancing with my best friend (well, first guy friend) all for it to come crashing down when Hypnopotamus is going to make the school disappear; and with the students under his control, it wouldn't surprise me if he's planning on keeping the students here as his captive audience and make them vanish along with their school.

Now, here I am, unharmed, and listening to Hypno talk about his life. He signaled some students to bring a table – along with a spare chair – a few plates, cups, and utensils with a roasted turkey and a candle to make the unbearable atmosphere romantic. He was having the time of his life.

Me, well, I'm dying on the inside. After getting over my shock, I had to pretend I'm a shy, mute student. So far, Hypno doesn't recognize me. I mean, no offense, but how can you overlook the green skin and the magic sword behind my back?

You have no idea how much I wanted to leave. Dead ass. Being flirted with by Hypno was like being flirted by my father if my dear dad was drunk and nearsighted. I know what can top that: being flirted with by Baron Draxum. The very thought sent shivers down my spine.

I wanted to leave so bad. The problem was my hypnotized brother, Raphael, was standing behind me; his eyes remained pink and focused on Alex's phone. I don't want to leave him or for the fact that Raph might restrain me the moment I twitched a nerve. Believe me, I would've portaled my way out in a heartbeat.

But no, I remained seated with a fake smile on my face. Inside, I was dying. This wasn't the night I wanted!

Merrill, where are you?

'Leo, are you okay?' My smile grew bigger.

Am I glad to hear you? Are you okay?

'Just regained consciousness and contacted the others. They're okay for now. I told them to find the hats discreetly. What about you? What's your status?'

Good news, I'm not hypnotized... yet. Bad news, I'm having the worst first date of my life.

'Wait, what? Where are you?'

I'm NOT in the auditorium sitting with Hypno as he talks about the many adventures of his tour before he was mutated.

'You're on a date with the mutant hippopotamus? Actually... this could benefit us...' I could hear the gear turning in Merrill's mind. I don't like where this is going. 'If you can locate the remote that activates his hats then we can stop them before Hypno starts his trick.'

So... you're saying I need to play nice. I grabbed my cup of water trying to ease my nerves.

'Well... more like I'm asking you... to flirt with Hypno...' I spat out my water as soon as I heard that. I coughed. Some of the liquid went into the wrong pipe.

"Are you alright, my dear?" I heard Hypno ask, but I rather not think about the mutant and focus more on the statement, or rather, the order I was given.

Are you kidding me?! I'm not playing footsies with my enemy! Just – NO! Big N and big O. No!

'Leo, please, you're already close to him. Your job is to locate the device and confiscate it before Hypno activates the hats. I'm asking to get close to him. A few giggles here, soft touches there. I'm guessing he doesn't recognize you since you're not in a trance. Act the helpless, shy girl. I'll get to you the moment shit hits the fan. You got this, Lee.'

Damn you and your sweet, encouraging words! Fine! You owe me a Lou Jitsu movie marathon at your place! No whining, whatsoever! Do you hear me?

'Like a bugle horn.'

I looked at Hypno who was expecting an answer. Time to put on a show, Leon. I sheepishly looked away. I put a hand over my mouth. I released a small squeak. I must play the meek girl.

"Don't be frightened, dearie. I wouldn't dream of harming you", he said with a honey voice. He tenderly touched my cheek to position it in his eyesight. "I may have your school in the palm of my hands, but I chose to spare you. The moment I laid my eyes upon you, I saw an angel – pure and majestic – gracing the ground she walks. It would be a disgrace to claim you as my other half. For not of my putrid form, I am standing before you as a man with needs." Please stop talking... hearing this was as bad as Dad telling me about the birds and the bees. I shivered again recalling such a memory, especially Donnie reeducating on the subject. "Goodness me. You're livid. Not to worry. Time is on our side. You will get to know the real me beneath the magician and a villain!" No way in Hell I'm going to keep spending time with you!

I saw a light purple cell phone sticking out of his pocket. I reached for it, but Hypno grabbed my wrist. I gulped staring into his red eyes. "I know what you're doing..." I tried to get my wrist off his grip. Oh, man, I'm caught. Code Red or whatever! Merrill, get your Goth ass over here! Suddenly, Hypno smiled causing me to blink in confusion. "You wanted to dance the night away!"

...what?

Hypno pulled me up and laid an arm around my waist. I shivered. We danced around the stage in a small circle. We pulled apart so he rapidly twirled me. The entire room was spinning. I don't what's more nauseous: getting spun around like a top or Hypno being a romantic. Ugh. I think it's both. He held me before giving me a small dip. He gave me a charming smile. "You dance with such grace, sweet angel", that's because I'm a ninja, "If only I could hear the heavenly tones of your voice." Yeah... not gonna happen, dude. "Perhaps it would not be a sin if I were to steal a kiss?" Yes, sin, a very big sin, especially if you're about to kiss a minor! But I couldn't voice my objections. The words were lodged in my throat. I grew pale as the mutant's face was inching closer by the second; his grey lips puckered. I leaned away as far as I could.

Code Red! Code Red! Abort mission! Not worth the movie marathon! MERRILL!

My knight in shining armor burst through the theatre doors. "GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF HIM, YOU FUCKING PEDO!"

Hypno blinked. "And who the dickens are you?"

I glared. My voice finally crept out. "He's my date!" I thrust my leg and kicked my captor between his legs. Hypno yelled in the highest voice I've ever heard. I ran off to my real date who was running to the stage. Merrill pulled me behind him.

The mutant hippo was recovering from the pain. "How dare you harm me? After all, I've done for you!" his yellow eyes studied me. He blinked a few times before his eyes widened. "You're one of those blimey turtles! You used your charms to seduce me like your spawn!"

"Oh, now he noticed!" I yelled.

"So, the big fellow in red is your brother? It's a good thing he's in my control. You there, destroy the Goth Boy!"

"Seriously?!" Merrill yelled as Raph jumped over with a slam. He chased after the emo. I went to follow, but unfortunately, Hypno threw a few playing cards which I dodged.

"We need to have a few words, dear boy", Hypno sneered, throwing more cards my way. I flipped and dodged with my sword in hand.

"I'm not the one who didn't see the obvious, dude!" I argued. In doing so, he angrily threw more cards. I cut most of them and maneuvered the rest. I managed to glimpse at Merrill's side; he was steady with his fight with Raph. Merrill managed to leap kick causing my big brother to lose his footing and collided with the far wall. I ran toward him, but I was wrapped in a layer of tied handkerchiefs. I was pulled toward Hypno; he held me tight.

"It's time to make our exit", he said and glanced at me, "and you're coming with me."

Merrill was running toward us. Anger filled his eyes, yet I could feel his fear growing. The mutant threw a card down releasing purple smoke. Hypno ran out of the auditorium with me in his arm. I was having flashbacks of my capture with Meat Sweats. At least this time Hypno's not going to eat me which I hope he's not... he ran through the hallway but stopped seeing Katie and April in the distance. They were gathering hats.

Hypno threw metal rings at them. The girls dodged them. The mutant ran past them while grabbing a hat.

"Stop that fat ass!" I heard Merrill shout. Many footsteps were chasing us. I tried to wiggle out of Hypno's grip. We made it outside the clearing where Hypno stopped and turned to my friends. Merrill had my sword.

"Don't step any closer!" Hypno demanded as I held both me on one arm and held a hat on other hand, "I have one magic hat left and I won't hesitate to use it on this vixen of a turtle!"

I struggled. "I'm not the one who flirted with a MINOR who fucking pedo!"

"Quiet you!" my captor hissed.

Merrill tapped Alex. They glanced at him and Merrill gave a quick nod. They stepped forward drawing attention to them. "Let's not be too hasty, darling. It's understandable we teenagers are agitated by the sudden interruption of our homecoming. Can you blame us? Let's settle an agreement. You get to be acknowledged as the best magician in the world, and we get to enjoy our homecoming."

"Best?! I want to be the greatest magician in the world!" Hypno was offended, "What benefits would I gain from a group of rowdy teenagers who thinks they're above their generation?" his grip tightened which made me release a small gasp. "Nothing that's what!" I noticed a flicker of blue light above us. A portal appeared and out popped Merrill stomping onto Hypno. The mutant dropped the hat and his grip on me disappeared.

Merrill caught me before my body hit the ground. "Hi", he greeted with a smile.

"Hi", I said returning back a smile, "nice of you to drop in."

Merrill playfully raised an eyebrow. "They say I am a fallen angel."

"Get your filthy shoes off me, you rapscallion!" Merrill picked me up and jumped off Hypno. He laid me standing as he cut my bindings and offered my sword back which I gladly took. The emo took out his knives. "I won't be defeated by a group of teenagers!" Hypno pulled his device out. "There's nothing you can do to stop me!"

Suddenly, a familiar yellow creature appeared out of nowhere and teleported above us along with many top hats. The hats activated disappearing Hypno and the hats altogether. A massive blast hit the entire area. Everyone's eyes returned to normal. Mayhem saved the day!

"Whelp, that happened", Merrill said retracting his knives. Mayhem appeared on Merrill's head. "Hey, it's been a while Furball." He gave Mayhem a pat before the little guy disappeared and reappeared in my arms.

"Thanks for the save, Mayhem." He purred in delight.

"You guys named it Mayhem? I'm gonna stick with Furball."

I looked at my date. "Thank you, too. You pretty much saved the day."

Merrill shrugged. "I can't take all the credit. Everyone gathered all the hats and stayed their cool throughout the whole ordeal."

"If you didn't show up on time, I would've puked all over the dress."

"I think Alex's anger out beats Hypno's tyrant." We chuckled together.

Speak of the devil, Alex appeared beside us. "My ears are ringing. As much as I want to know what subject I'm a part of, I believe we have a party to mingle."

We looked at each other. "They're not wrong. Hey, everyone, some entertainment, right? Let's party!" Everyone cheered at Merrill's declaration. The students slowly went back to school. I looked up at the sky.

I'm going to have the dance I've been waiting for.