The music rumbled through the sports hall, as students and teachers alike mingled together. Some talked among themselves, while others prepared for the inevitable joke or two. Some teaching staff roamed the perimeter, others stayed at the drinks table to ensure nothing happened to the fruit punch and fizzy drinks. The braver students could be found busting a few moves on the dance floor while engaging in a contest with their friends, others could be found gathered around tables and on the bleachers to the sides. All students in attendance followed the simple dress code, as did the teaching staff.

Stephanie walked around the hall with a wide smile. Everything was as close to perfect as imagined. Students of all years were in attendance, no matter the group they belonged to. Cheerleaders from younger years mixed with the weirdos, and Jocks spoke with the mysterious ones so often shrouded in the shadows. Students were laughing and having fun all while being bathed in the sparkles of the disco ball and glittery decorations. The stage had long since been set, the second centerpiece for the event, the first being the dance floor. The headmistress was proud, for the first time in recent memory, Homecoming wasn't an exclusive event held by the selfish students, it was for everyone, as it should be.

Hunter had noticed the students in attendance admiring the pictures lining the walls, the ones to show the uniqueness every year processed, everyone to be photographed had been in a natural setting, and the photographers and frames had done excellent jobs. But as much as Hunter admired the unity the students showed and the enjoyment they displayed, he and the rest of the teaching staff were on high alert and had been since ever since Austin Theory and Elias Sampson had informed them of the cruel plot in place to humiliate Carmella. No student went by without suspicion they too were in on the plot, those once so popular had in play to ruin the event and hurt a fellow student.

Carmella herself was on the bleachers with the rest of the mix-and-match girls. Dressed in a beautiful sparkling emerald dress. The boys were at the bottom of the bleachers enthralled in their own dance-off. Rhea and Shayna appeared to be acting like the judges for the competition, with Damien Priest nearby cheering them on, as did the group of girls on the bleachers.

"Anything?" whispered Stephanie, as if trying not to disturb the fun the students and the majority of teachers were enjoying, trying not to alert them and potentially scare away whoever was helping Brie, Daniel, and their group of friends. Regal had already alerted them, Serenity, Natalya, and Ronda were sneaking around the school premises, Cameron, Charlotte, Eva, and Kaitlyn before that. All who were on the lookout knew the boys wouldn't be too far behind, and neither would Brie herself.

"Just caught a glimpse of Andrade and Lashley. Cena and Daniel can't be too far behind" came the static voice of Finlay through the walkie-talkie Hunter held on to. Vickie soon walked by, quietly announcing she'd check the halls, suspecting those who were in on the plan would be hiding close by. Thanks to both Austin and Elias the teaching staff who'd branded themselves the prevention team, had a basic idea of what was planned by the spiteful group.

"If you catch them, send them to the art floor" stated Stephanie, wanting the group to be as far from the dance as possible. After the victory the football team had achieved the night before, they and the student body deserved the celebrate, to have fun together as they prepared for upcoming sports events. The swim team had its own tournament to focus on, the girls' volleyball would be competing this year as well, as would the wrestling and dodgeball teams.

As if time had flown by, Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners suddenly began to boom around the sports hall, the students who'd previously occupied the dance floor, cleared quickly as the teaching staff waddled onto the polished floor. As the dance began many teenagers surrounded the floor or took up residency in a place they could see the dance. The majority of the teachers were red-cheeked, to begin with, but soon began to enjoy themselves and smile as the overall embarrassment wore away. Instead, they were encouraged by the clapping of the student body, in time to the beat of the song. Those in attendance were determined to support those on the dance floor, as those very teachers had insisted on supporting them over the years.

"This is pathetic" whispered Brie from beneath the wooden stage, watching the crowd form around the dance floor. A disgusted look was painted on her features. Her opinion of the homecoming dance hadn't changed, it should be exclusive, instead, it was being ruined by embarrassing teachers and freaks and geeks being included.

"Why don't we take over the Halloween festival the freaks enjoy" whispered Daniel in response, only to receive a deadpan glare from both Cena and Brie in response. The school's Halloween Festival was created by Echo, the one event no one could take away from her or the other freaks and geeks. Alexa was the queen of cosplay, it would be impossible to outshine her. Plus that was one event everyone seemed to have fun, with the stalls and childish games. The pie-throwing contest had been a highlight of the previous year, especially when several teachers had volunteered as the targets.

"Or we could do what Demon did last year and think of our event" replied Cena, thinking a little more logically. Everyone appreciated Echo's idea the previous year, to the point the festival would take place again this year. This time arranged for the first week after returning to school after half term. "Christmas-themed one maybe, or one closer to prom" he added casually, still receiving a deadpan glare from Brie, although he was beginning to suspect the response from the younger Bella twin wasn't because of the ideas being thrown around, but more because she'd likely gotten cramps from being stowed under the stage for too long.

"Hey," whisper yelled Serenity, crawling up to the trio. She bared gifts for the three, in the form of snacks, drinks, and snippets of information. "Eva, Cameron, and Nattie got caught. Nattie screaming about something alerted the patrol. Lashley's out back waiting, the camera is set up and the others are ready to cause the distraction when ready" continued the judgemental mousy-haired teen, handing a bulky control over to Brie. "Noami and Mandy have the fake ballets, they're just waiting for their cue to slip them in" informed Serenity, recalling when Cameron had recruited Noami to the course.

Soon enough the group of four fell into silence once more. Each of the four watching someone different. Cena kept a close eye on Carmella, making sure to know her location at every moment. Brie on the other hand glared at her twin sister, laughing and joking with Drew and their friends, enjoying herself and occasionally singing along to the music. Daniel kept watch on where Vicki was, ensuring they weren't caught, the headmistresses assistant had eyes like a hawk when she suspected something wasn't right. Serenity on the other hand all but sent a death glare in Summer's direction, her jealousy was obvious as the leggy blonde tried to teach Roman how to dance.

"Finally, voting. If Noami and Mandy do their part it should go to plan" whispered Cena, recalling how Mandy had gotten into the dance in the first place. Simply by neglecting to recolor her hair over the month since being banned from the prestigious dance. Her trip to the hairdresser after school the previous Friday had rendered her once blonde hair back to its natural brunette color. She looked unrecognizable and had been able to walk right by the patrol and those on the lookout.

"Still have to wait until the counting is done" moaned Brie, still staring at Nikki, who was now talking with her friends, a red plastic cup in hand, no doubt from the duo who so often called themselves the Street Profits. Echo and AJ either side of her, and Finn and Alister were behind the trio of girls. Dean and Seth had since run off to the dance floor, upon Agadoo beginning to play. Other students had joined in the fun and laughter.

"This is what our Homecoming should have been like last year" commented Daniel, recalling everything that was planned, the music with the normal underwater theme, small dance competitions with lots of fun and laughter to be had. But it wasn't to be. Instead, something had gone wrong. Not even half the tickets had sold, Drew had decided against going for some reason. The football team had lost and the event was shut down early. The students in attendance were those considered cool and popular from every year minus seniors. The odd bookworm that did show up become the butt of jokes and a source of entertainment for the others.

Serenity on the other hand didn't say anything, instead, she doubted if Daniel was telling the truth about the previous year's disaster of a dance. Soon enough she began to ignore the whispered conversation the other three emersed themselves in. Allowing her silent thoughts to take over and her mind wondered. What if things had been different? What if she had chosen to aline herself with the mix-and-match group instead of the popular ones she'd chosen? Would she have attended the homecoming dance properly instead of sneaking around? Would Roman look at her differently? Take notice of her? Would she still be seen as a stuck-up bitch to the rest of the student body or would she slowly be gaining popularity as Echo was now?

So many questions floated through her head, but as they did, her jealousy grew more intense. Jealousy of Summer, who had gained Roman's attention and affection. Jealousy for her cousin Echo, who was seemingly oblivious to the popularity she'd gained, or the chance at a truly epic high school romance with Seth. The same budding romance to have turned the school hierarchy upside down and all the students both talked about and desired for themselves. She was jealous of Cross too, the bonkers teenager who never feared being herself. She'd laugh like a maniac and bounce off the walls, all while ignoring the judgment of others. In a way there was something about all the girls apart of the mix-and-match group, Serenity found herself jealous of and desired for herself. Because of that very jealousy, she also found herself with the need to destroy what they had, if she too couldn't have or be a part of it.

"Here we go" came the voice of Daniel, his whispered voice breaking through Serenity's thick thoughts and bringing her back to the dusty reality she found herself wishing wasn't true. Jericho the music teacher had since stepped up on the stage and made the announcement for Homecoming King and Queen. Although to draw it out he sang a song with the help of Elias, receiving cheers when it was over. Following that Pat McAfee appeared, ready to do his nominated role of crowing the pair voted king and queen.

"I think I'm more nervous about this than you lot" commented Pat, a wide smile on his lips as he opened the golden envelope, each of the nominated couples had since been called up to stand before the stage. Roman and Summer, Carmella and Corey, Rhea and Damien, Naomi and Jimmy, Miz and Maryse, Candice and Johnny, Becky and Finn, Punk and AJ, and finally Bianca and Montez. As an added bonus and a bit of a joke, Pat also called out Stephanie and Hunter.

From beneath the stage, Brie shifted her position, the controller in front of her. Just as she was about to pick up the brick-like grey controller, she felt a sudden wave of guilt. Began questioning why she was doing this to someone who'd been a friend to everyone. All Carmella ever wanted was for everyone around her to be happy. She wanted everyone to have a friend and feel like they could be themselves. With the guilt and second-guessing herself, Brie turned on her knees and crawled away, once out from beneath the stage, she walked over to Booker and handed herself in. Her brown eyes shinning with remorse and regret. While there she told Booker about the plan and that the remote was beneath the stage along with Cena, Daniel, and Serenity.

"Your homecoming couple are. Miz and Maryse" yelled Pat McAfee, motioning for the couple to come to the stage, to the choir of applause they received. First and foremost from their friends. Those who weren't nominated were on their feet clapping with big smiles, and those who had been among the nominated, hurried to congratulate the couple. Each knew the pair deserved it, they had done so much for the student body, and it was about time they were recognized for it.

In the confusion, those under the stage hadn't heard who had been crowned king and queen. Instead, the three tried to work out what happened with Brie, where she went and scrobbled between themselves. The clapping and cheering alerted them they'd missed something. Serenity soon snatched the brick-like controller and pressed the big red button, a satisfied grin appearing on her lips when she heard the room forced into silence by a deafening scream.

Those standing in front of the stage had stepped back in shock when something thick, red, and wet splashed them, the teachers and the students in the crowd could do nothing but stand in horror, as Miz looked over his ruined tux and Maryse's ruined dress. Both of them were covered in red paint that had seemingly fallen from the walkway above. Maryse screamed loudly, the only reaction her mind could logically think of besides running away and embarrassing herself further.

With help from Nikki and AJ, Echo collected as many jackets and towels as possible before running to the stage, placing the jackets over the duo and helping to lead them off stage. The boys of the mix-and-match group wasted little time in hunting down the culprits, Summer promising to tear whoever was responsible limb from limb. Both Becky and Renee agreed they'd help even if that meant taking a leaf out of Cross's book and playing mind games.

"Come on Queenie" comfortably spoke Carmella, as she pulled Maryse toward her, not caring if her own dress was ruined. Miz had since joined the boys in finding the culprits responsible. "I know this isn't the time but you'd be awesome in the role of Carrie" commented the friendly blonde, receiving a sobbed chuckle from Maryse, as she wiped the smeared paint from her face.

"If only I had the telekinetic powers" sarcastically voiced Maryse, as the group of girls surrounded her in a group hug. "And to think I was gonna go as Casey Becker for the Halloween Festival this year" laughed the homecoming queen. Nodding to Stephanie and Vicki when they asked if she was okay, a forced smile on her lips as she did so. She was thankful for her friends, and their efforts to console her, but it didn't take away from the feeling of being watched by everyone else. Nor the horrible feeling of humiliation.

The students in attendance had since been sent home by Booker and Lita. Trish ended the dance with sorrow, before heading over to Maryse to help the group of teenage girls console the humiliated Homecoming Queen. Soon enough there were yells and high-pitched screams coming from the stage area again. The group looked up just in time to see Serenity running across the stage, only to slip in the paint and face-plant the wooden deck below her. Another blood-curdling scream escaped her, as Seth and Dean pulled the brunette to her feet. Taking her over to the distraught Stephanie, while Finn, Aleister, Drew, Roman, and Punk focused on catching the other two. Those part of the Wyatt family offering their assistance.

One way or another the three would face the consequences of their actions as would the others involved in the horrendous act.