Alright, we're back with another chapter—although a small one. I'm having a bit of writer's block while working on my Kofi page. I already have three blog posts up for my series called Trope Tetris. I talked about Stock Characters in Schools, Basic character terms like Hero, Villain, Protagonist, and Antagonist, and finally, Love Triangles and Betty and Veronica's dynamic. I set up membership tiers; there are only two so far, but it's something. I'm still trying to figure out some supporter rewards and create some tier lists.
Additionally, I'm planning to write short stories and provide some guides/templates. Please keep a lookout for those.
Get it? Got it? Good. On to the reviews
NiteOwl18: I was inspired by Yuno from Future Diary to make that small omake
Pedro Alonso Buby Huayanay Zam: Yandere leaning. I told you that I would continue it. I'm using many cartoon items for Lisa's inventions for Lincoln.
Guest: I wanted to include that scene in the original posting, but my brain was on low. Stella being a Yandere is totally fun
Guest99: Bumper is going to be a minor villain.
Solon75: Great minds think alike, of course. I'm working on one of the side stories for Crystal Prison. The Fleur De Lis x Dusk Shine one. Chloe got screwed over by the writers/creator/director because she could've had a redemption arc, but they didn't. Lila is one of the most despised characters within the last decade.
Sid doesn't have many moments with Lincoln, so it's up to us to fill that gap. Oh Rusty has another moment in this chapter.
One of the first 10 laws of power is that Reputation is the cornerstone of power. Guard it with your life. Huggins has the reputation of being a classic traditional disciplinarian—someone who doesn't tolerate foolishness from students. The reveal that he's corrupt would destroy several decades of work.
Chandler's methods were extreme, but given all the crap that happens in TLH. It's minor. Well I'm not going to spoil the surprise.
HaildaKingII: Kinda. I haven't touched that storyline or plot point in years so it's diffcult for me to
Richie and Trent dashed through the halls, frequently nervously glancing behind them. The hall monitors were on their tails. Bystanders cleared the way.
"Stop right there!" Jenny shouted, leading the charge. Penelope took a different route to cut them off while Artie was behind her. They caught these two behind the school engaging in, according to Huggins, the addicting illicit act of gambling with trading cards and comics. These two were the operators while others scattered away.
"You said that they weren't on route today," Trent grumbled as they turned a corner.
"How the crap I was supposed to know they changed schedules for the week," Richie shot back with a glare. They thought Andrew was this week's rotation, making today an easy score.
"Okay, let's split and make it back to class," Trent suggested as their hearts thundered in their chests. Richie nodded when someone stopped their idea.
"No, you don't," Pandora refuted, pouncing on the pair before behind. The boy's eyes widened in alarm as the grappler snatched the collars, pushing them on the floor. She planted her knee on Trent's back, disrupting his body's central gravity. Her arm locked Richie's arm joints into place, causing a mildly uncomfortable pain.
"When the hell did you join the hall monitors?" Riche questioned, gritting his teeth as she applied pressure. Another question was, WHERE did she come from?!
"A while ago," Pandora shrugged while they struggled to break free. Artie and Jenny shortly after, with Peneople coming down the stairs.
"Thanks, Pandora. We'll take it from here," Jenny smiled. The boys hung their heads as they were escorted, and bystanders snickered at them. It was a slow walk to Huggins' office.
They were scolded for several minutes with a guilty man's slump. Cheryl accompanied Huggins to reel in his passion for order and decorum. The boy's jaws dropped at their punishment.
"3 months of detention?!" Trent exclaimed with pinprick eyes. They have to stay over the breaks to complete it. Not to mention what their parents are going to do to them. 3 days. That can be ignored. 3 weeks might cause suspicion for what they did. But 3 months?! They're dead.
"We can't do that," Richie denied, shaking his head and rubbing his aching arm. Was Pandora trying to dislocate his shoulder?
"It's not what you can do. This is what you WILL do!" Huggins declared, glaring at the boys. How can they believe that they can break the rules and not serve the punishment? They shared a glance, using their hail mary.
"Maybe we can work something out," Trent negotiated as Richie nodded, hoping Huggins would agree.
"Do you honestly think you can weasel out of this mess?" Huggins fumed as his blood spiked at the audacious suggestion.
"Let's hear them out first," Cheryl considered, giving the boys a chance. Huggins frowned. He gestured to the boys to continue. They sighed. People are going to be pissed at them, but they need to prioritize themselves.
"Okay, there's been talks about stealing the answers for Miss. Graves pre-algebra bi-weekly math test," Riche confessed. The students shuddered at the sound of her name. She's an old-school teacher like Huggins, valuing strict discipline and proper conduct. Her assignments were notoriously difficult. Some of them barely pass due to partial credit especially since she doesn't round up grades.
"Mhm. Is she aware of this, assuming this is true?" Huggins asked, rubbing his chin. She's an excellent teacher and was his former classmate. He can't let her reputation be ruined by a set of rebels.
"They've been keeping it quiet because of how tough it is," Trent contributed. Each had horror stories and close calls with her assignments. Some of their parents are pissed at their sodden grades.
"Besides, you don't have to believe us, but can you afford to have cheaters in your school?" Richie added, attempting to smirk, but his harsh glare erased it
"We'll look into it," Huggins replied, pointing to the door. He sighed, pressing the intercom. "Will the active hall monitors come into my office immediately, please?" Huggins broadcasted. Jenny and Peneople peeked up before exchanging a look. What happened? Agnes nodded for them to leave, where they met the other hall monitors.
"What do you think happened?" Pandora asked as they waited outside Huggins office
"They probably snitched or confessed to something," Artie predicted with a shrug.
"Come in," Huggins announced. They swiftly entered his office. "You wonder why you're here," He asked. "I've been informed about a potential theft of Miss. Graves' answer sheet," Huggin informed the hall monitors.
"Yeah, I can see that happening," Artie deadpanned with a few nods. Graves is one of the toughest teachers in the district. Cherly entered the room.
"What does Miss Graves have to say about it?" Huggins asked. Is she taking precautions?
"She . . . told the students that she's leaving the answer key on her desk," Cheryl paused before continuing her report.
"WHAT?" Huggins exclaimed, scrambling to discover Graves' logic. She's begging them to steal it! "Does she have a test this Friday?" He asked. School is closed tomorrow for maintenance, giving the thieves the perfect chance to swipe those answers.
"Yes," Cheryl confirmed. "She's wanting to give these students a chance,"
"That's a chance we can't take," Huggins declared, narrowing his eyes at the situation. He trusts her judgment but not the students. "Please forgive me for asking this, but can one of you either stay overnight or come in tomorrow," He requested as they shared hesitant glances. Staying overnight at school and leaving in the afternoon? They already have plans
"I'll do it," Jenny offered, raising her hand. She didn't have anything significant planned for tomorrow anyway.
"Me too," Penelope added.
Huggins smiled. They have something to protect academic integrity. "What do you tell your parents?" He asked, pondering what excuse they'd use. Asking young girls to stay overnight at school echoes suspicion.
"Sleepover," The girls answered.
"Thank you. Do the best you can," Huggins encouraged the girls. "I'll write something up for your service," He promised as he opened a drawer when the bell rang. "Head to lunch and prepare," Huggins ordered. The hall monitors smiled before they exited.
"Who do you think will try to take it?" Jenny questioned the group. Whoever attempts to snatch the answer key from one of the strictest teachers must be desperate or stupid. Perhaps both.
"Definitely Chandler, but he won't be alone," Artie predicted. One of the most popular kids in school, combined with academic desperation, creates an easy following. "He hates studying, and Graves knows when you're not submitting your own work." Several students attempted to copy each other's work in the past. Graves gave them all a zero for that assignment.
"Dirk, Papa Wheelie, Boy Jordan, Chad, Flat Tire, and maybe Sadie," Pandora commented, listing the potential thieves. "They flunked several of those tests." She mentioned, deciphering the likely motive for the thief. Pandora estimated a streak of 3 subpar grades. Evaluations are coming. Nobody wanted an exhausting lecture from their parents.
"My brother said she plans for both semesters," Artie recalled before he advanced to 5th grade. They paused, darting their heads at him.
"Both?!" They claimed. He nodded, confirming their shock. They're currently in the Fall semester. Urgency was planted in their minds as gravity crushed their hesitation. If Chandler and his group obtain the answers, they'll graduate with a phony A+ and an inflated GPA.
"I won't be surprised if they sell them to the entire grade," Artie deduced, adding another reason why they can't allow them to win. An entire black market of ill-gotten test answers would completely dismantle the syllabus and the school's integrity. Teachers would overhaul their styles to combat any cheaters. They can't imagine what ridiculous methods the education board would implement to blunt the spear of academic dishonesty. Different tests were already a pain. What's next? Separating into the groups while issuing unique examination days. Anti-cheat helmets? Well, speak of the cheating devils. Chandler and his cronies were at Graves' door, ready for their unethical study hack. Sadie, Flat Tire, Papa While, Chad, and Boy Jordan were behind Chandler.
"Hey, the cafeteria is the other way," Pandora directed behind them. Her statement halted their actions as their frowns deepened.
"Or doing some after-class studying," Jenny implied, raising her brow with crossed arms. The other monitors were behind her, glaring at their schoolmates. They all knew why they were here.
"I could make up some reason why we're here, but that'll be a waste," Chandler condescends with a casual shrug before explaining their motivations: keeping privileges, remaining on sports teams, maintaining their or their parents' academic standards, or gaining a reward. "As for me, maybe I simply don't like studying only to get a D—" he claims nonchalantly, folding his arms. Yet he couldn't stop indignation leaking towards the end.
"So you're going with the punk route and cheat, huh?" Pandora scoffed, rolling her eyes at this feeble answer. "Like I expected anything different from you," She chastised, poking him in the chest. Tempers flared between the groups as they stood against each other.
"Is there a problem here?" Miss Graves interjected, breaking the opposing group's tension. She's a sexagenarian like Huggins. Her fiery red hair soothed into a calming ash-gray. They paused, creating distance between them as her rich brown eyes examined them.
"No, ma'am," The students replied, shooting harsh glances at each other before parting ways for lunch. They need to plan for tomorrow.
Jenny packed her duffle bag for the mission. It's simply an overnight event, but she can't be too careful. She categorized her items: extra clothes, a sleeping bag, hygiene products, quick snacks, entertainment, a phone, and chargers. Jenny nodded, securing the bag on her shoulder. She's good to go.
"Dad, I'm heading out," Jenny announced, climbing the stairs.
"Do you have everything for the sleepover?" Her father asked from the kitchen. Nani had a late shift tonight.
"Yep," Jenny nodded. Guilt tinged in her heart for lying to her heart.
"Alright, I'll see you in the afternoon, sweetie." He exited the kitchen, kneeling to her level.
Jenny smiled, hugging her father goodbye. She rubbed Darcy's head, winking as the half-sisters knew the plan. (Wait, did I have them as step-sisters or half-sisters?) Jenny got her skateboard, placed her protective gear, and pushed off. It's early evening, so the school should still be open. Norm agreed to let them in for the night. Royal Woods eased into the sunset as a gentle blueish-purple spread across the sky. Students head home after their after-school activities while the families prepare dinner. She stopped at the crosslight, checking her phone for Penelope's message.
"I'm on my way," Jenny reported, waiting for the light to turn green. Should she get something to eat before she heads to the school?
"Heading there now," Penelope replied. Jenny nodded, resuming her journey to the school. It didn't take her long. Penelope waited for Jenny at the steps, waving to her. She had her supplies as well. "Ready for this sleepover," The redhead jokes, padding her bags. They going to be here until tomorrow afternoon. That's when maintenance starts. But the girls have several hours for Chandler and his crew to snatch the answers. They might try the cover of night or at the crack of dawn.
"Let's do this," Jenny smirked, when several students appeared from her peripheral. "Lincoln, girls" She said as they approached. He came on his bike while the girls took the bus. "What are you doing here?" Jenny questioned. Did they come to help out?
"Darcy told Lisa, who told me," Lincoln reported. Jenny blushed as her friends smirked, remembering their outing at GGG. "We got you some extra supplies for the night," He hopped off his bike, opening a container as they handed over food, extra chargers, and minor luxuries. It will be chilly tomorrow, with a moderate chance of snow. "Clyde and I got you girls some tea and cookies. Also this," He handed the pair a thermos with a bag filled with treats and walkie-talkies.
"Is this yours?" Penelope questioned, examining the communication devices.
"We have spares just in case," Lincoln shrugged. They rolled their eyes at his planned redundancies. "Call any of us if you need help," He ordered softly.
"Thank you," The hall monitors smiled, engaging in a group hug. They parted ways, allowing Jenny and Penelope to knock at a rear door.
Norm opened the door. "Right on time," He commented, escorting the girls to the gym. It's been used as a shelter during intense storms in the past. "Will you girls be okay?" Norm asked, as it's a tough job for them. Alone for several hours in chilling weather just to stop some thieves. His respect for kids ballooned in honoring their duties.
"We'll be fine,"
"There's a microwave and fridge nearby in the cafeteria and teacher's lounge," Norm informed.
"Thank you," they replied as the doors shut. Jenny and Penelope spent hours establishing a game plan for tomorrow: access points, when they will enter, and backup plans. Night fell on Royal Woods. The girls did their nightly routines, played for a while, ate their provided snacks, and went to bed. They needed all the energy.
Day broke. Jenny and Peneople awoke bright and early, ready to stop whoever entered the school. Both peek from the 2nd-floor windows, watching Chandler and his team, dressed in long sleeves and sweaters to combat the chill. The girls split. Jenny got the answer sheet while Peneople went to Huggins' office to watch the security cameras. They'll have to hold out until noon or when the rest of the hall monitors can support them. Chandler's group persevered as they tore up the classroom, searching for the sheet. Sadie spotted Jenny, and they chased her throughout the school. Penelope supported her on the camera feed, informing her about ambushes and hiding spots. Jenny managed to outwit and outmaneuvered them. Lincoln added some smoke pallets into the care package, allowing her to escape. The cheaters were desperate scavengers hunting for a caress. If only they placed this effort into their studying, they wouldn't have to resort to cheating.
Jenny was running on fumes. She took frequent breaks to breathe and quench her thirst. She sighed as her body ached, leaning against a wall to support herself. This is insane! Jenny shook herself awake. Keep running and hiding until it's time. She radioed a swift message to her friends before continuing her mission. Penelope and Jenny couldn't hold out. Chandler's group captured them, roughed up them, and doused them with water in the frigid air. Jenny relinquished the folder much to their smug satisfaction, mocking them for fighting back, and they didn't have to resort to this. They cackled when one of them yelped in alarm, smacking their neck. Someone shot a paintball at them?! Where?! They scattered as the barrage intensified, with smoke bombs exploding for good measure. Jenny and Penepole covered their faces, looking up as an engine roared.
"Lincoln," Jenny muttered with chattering teeth. He wasn't alone. Girl Jordan, Clyde, and others were with him.
"Come on, let's warm you up," Lincoln whispered gently, holding them up and escorting the pair inside. Girl Jordan and her team went to retrieve their bags.
"The . . . answer sheet," Jenny stammered, holding her body to keep warm. They were getting away. She and Penelope couldn't stand; their knees buckled, forcing them to sit.
"Don't worry about it," Clyde added, handing them a towel to dry themselves. Lincoln poured them a cup of tea from his robust thermos. Each took a quick sip, allowing the comforting beverage to warm their bodies.
"But," Penelope muttered.
"Hey, you did your best. That's all that matters right now," Lincoln comforted, empathizing with the bitter sensation of failure. "They won't win," His blue eyes glanced at the window.
They nodded, but their tears didn't stop. Their friends could do nothing but comfort them. After the girls changed out of their soaked clothing, they went home.
Chandler's group had a small victory in the library for a well-done job. They're keeping it quiet while eating their snacks and drinks.
"Hey, Rusty, we got the answers," Flat Tire waved, offering a seat to his biker buddy. Thanks for the heads-up," he opened a soda can and took a swig. Rusty gave them a quick tip about Lincoln helping them out. Thanks to that, they can
"I'm trying to pass, too," Rusty smirked, digging into a bag of BBQ chips before sitting. "I saw Ms. Johnson talk to Graves a while ago," He muttered, shoving numerous handfuls into his maw as they nodded. Graves is the math department head. Rusty slid Flat Tire some money, enabling him to copy the answers with a few pictures. There's a chance people will pay good money for these answers. Rusty smirked, content with the plan's success. "Heh, you're not the only one who can plan, Lincoln," He muttered, sliding over to Sadie, who rolled her eyes in annoyance. They got their answers and stuck back into the school, returning the files back on the desk. As if they were never there.
The next day at school. Jenny and Peneople approached Huggins office. They paused before knocking. Cherly let them in while Huggins wrote on some documents. He stopped, acknowledging their presence.
"How did it go?" Huggins asked, but their dour expressions told him everything
"We're sorry," They lamented, ashamed of their failures.
"Don't beat yourselves about it," Huggins consoled the girls. It was a significant assignment against a group while it was only them. "I, too, had my share of failures, but you girls did something about it," He stood resting a hand on their shoulders, praising them. "That stands for something. More than the slackers who take the easy route and harm their classmates," Huggins preached, boosting the girls' morale. He couldn't imagine what they endured from the security cams. "I'm still giving you two something for your efforts. Come by the break," He avowed, keeping the end of his bargain.
"Thank you, Principal Huggins," The girls said before returning to class.
The day dragged on for the girls. They failed. Chandler and his group won with a hot and ready A+ with their names on it. They had Miss Graves before morning break, but the girls couldn't do anything about it. The other hall monitors attempted to comfort them, rationalizing why losing wasn't their fault. They sighed, going through their lockers before returning to Huggins' office.
"Jenny, Penelope," Graves called to the hall monitors with a stack of paper. She had a bright smile as if nothing could go wrong.
"Ms. Graves, we're sorry," Jenny muttered, avoiding her gaze. They couldn't look Ms. Graves in the eyes after failing her. Doesn't help she has already finished the test
"About what?" Graves questioned, raising her brow. She followed their mournful gaze to the test papers. "Ah. Don't worry about the answer sheet. In my decades of teaching, there will always be bad apples," She contributed, casually waving their concerns. No matter what, there will always be one student who refuses to learn. "That answer sheet had the answers but not in the proper order," Graves revealed with a sly glint in her eyes, fanning the papers. Students are getting craftier but also lazier with their elaborate shortcuts. The girls' eyes widened at the teacher. Not in the proper order. "Besides, my tests are tedious but are easy once you do the work. Unlike them," Her strict eyes motioned to the cheaters.
Their prior haughtiness vanished like a cloud, leaving a brilliant display of petrified horror. Chandler's group was a parade of gaunt, pallid faces staring blankly into the void. Some were on their knees. They had the answers but couldn't solve the problems. Did Graves lie to them to prove something? No, it couldn't be that. Were they given unique tests just for this test? What did they do wrong?! Oh no, what are they going to tell their parents?
"Yikes," Jenny winced at their demeanors. She bombed a few tests before, yet nothing compared to Chandler's group's devastation. Did they get only 1 question right?
"A little something for your troubles," Graves whispered, holding two lollipops. It's not much, but their efforts should be rewarded. Jenny took the blueberry as Peneople unwrapped the root beer. The women smiled, parting ways for the day. Jenny and Peneople passed the group, immaturely sticking their stained tongues out. They deserve a little payback.
"Will these students come to my office immediately?" Huggins' disciplinarian voice rumbled over the intercom. Their bodies chilled at the announcement, sharing terrified expressions before journeying on their death march.
Welp, it's about time; we got some side character appreciation. Damn, Jenny did have a focus chapter since the first 10 chapters. Woah, I've been here for a while now.
Check out the Kofi page. I have it linked in my DA account.
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