"Okay. We have a problem," Scott whispers, as he pressed down on the screen. Lonnie chuckled, shaking his head, at his friend's distress. "Dude, if you can't beat my highest score of Subway Surfers you are more than just a loser. You're just....sad," he shrugged.
Scott shot him a glare as he moves the character across the screen. Then, like a horror movie, he runs into the train, ending his character's journey. "Damn it!" Scott curses as he sees his final score. "5,034,456? Oof. That's rough buddy," he smirked, patting his shoulder.
The boys jolt as they feel a stern hand on both their shoulder. Mrs. Wagner squats, leaning over to see the phone. "Herr Alexander and Herr Denoise. You both have to go the office? Oof. That's rough buddy," she smiles sweetly. The smile vanishes as she stands up, hoisting them to their feet.
The class snickers at their misfortune as Josh smiled. "Karma, Scotty-boy," Josh smiled. "Like how you failed yesterday's Biology quiz?" Scott quipped, a sly smile on his face, as he's dragged away. "My uncle better expel you!" Josh yells, trying not to cry.
The two boys slouch in their seats before their principal. Principal Scowl had slicked back grey hair, with a neat grey pencil moustache. He wore a pressed navy suit and his fingers were adorned with various rings. "Mr. Alexander and Mr. Denoise. Once again, you are in my office. Do you want to be expelled?"
"No sir," they replied in unison.
"Then learn. That's what you're in her class for," he said sternly. "Now get out."
"Yes sir," they said, getting up from their chairs and dashing out.
"You were in the Principal's office? Again?" Trevor snorts as they sat by the no-go table in the cafeteria. "He hasn't beaten my record," Lonnie smiles. "What record?" Carl asks, sitting down, Sydney with him, who flipped through her math book. "Hi Carl. Sydney," Lonnie acknowledged. She glanced up and flashed a smile.
"My Subway Surfers record of 7, 856,234," Lonnie said smugly, placing his head at the back of his hand. "Cool," Carl beamed. "How is that a flex?" Sydney asked, not looking up. Lonnie frowns at her. "It's a gaming thing, Syd. You wouldn't understand," he adds, smiling.
"Oh my God!" A girl gasps. Lonnie notices a bunch of student rushing to the middle. "What's going on?" Lonnie asks, before falling out of his seat. "Maybe a fight. Let's see," Trevor said, taking out his phone. The boys, along with Sydney, rush over. Scott cranes his neck but is pushed by his sister.
"Seriously?" He said, shrugging as she stuck out her tongue. The boy in the seat, Eli Carter showing as a screen shot of his score from Subway Surfers. "Let. Me. See!" Lonnie grunts, pushing himself through. He gasps when he sees the number.
8,000,000.
Lonnie's eyes were glued to that number, his mouth hanging open. His eyes met Eli's who had a smug smile on his face. "Are you serious?" He said, careful to hide his anger. "Yep," he smiled, nodding his head. Lonnie nods and walks off, stiffly.
"Is he okay?" Sydney asks. "Nope," Carl replies.
-
"It's gotta be fake. There's no way," Lonnie said into his headset mic, as he shot a guy in the head. "Dude, you're still obsessed with that? It happened like hours ago," Trevor states, as he engages in a shootout with an enemy player. "I agree," Dot comments, floating around Scott. "You know there's someone in the world who beat your record right?" Carl comments as he ducks behind a pile of crates.
"I'm not concerned with the guy in France who beat me okay? I'm talking about the guy in our school who's somehow beat me...yesterday? Impossible. I had that record for ten and two days," Lonnie spat, adjusting himself in his seat.
"You're just upset that Eli Carter, of all people, beat your highest score," Trevor said, the rapid clicks of his controller filling his rooms as he engaged in a firing match with an enemy player.
"That's not—" he's cut short as he nailed three headshots on enemy players. "That's not true," he said, frowning. "Right....of course. Keep telling yourself that," Trevor smirked as he hit another enemy.
"Whatever," Lonnie rested his head on his hand, and glanced up at his Ladybug poster. "You're supposed to by lucky," he muttered.
In that moment, his eyes widen as his character slumps over, clearly killed. In fury, he tosses his controller in the corner of his room, neatly landing on a pile of clothes that reeked of fish. "Are you kidding me!" He shouts, his eyes seeing a all too familiar message from the death screen:
"VladtheImpaler kills by...."
-
The throne room, littered with purple crystals, the faint white glow in the crystals fade and return every minute, providing a eerie atmosphere. "Another...failure," Queen Amber drew out the syllables, her fingers tapping her arm rest as she sat in the shadows. Beryl, her second-in-command, chuckled as a smug smile tugged on his lip. The Gem Girls knelt in front of the throne, nervously glancing at each other.
"These...new Lumen Knights are proving to be a thorn in my side!" She said, slamming her fist down, the Girls jumping at the sound. Jasper biting her lip, nearly drawing blood as Quartz shoots death glares at Angelite and Serpentine.
It echoed for a while in the throne room.
She sighed, rubbing her forehead. "If I may..." Serpentine began.
"You may not!" Queen Amber barked.
Beryl pulled out a handkerchief from his inside breast pocket. He hands it to his queen who proceeds to wipe her eyes with it. "Every day, I miss him," she sobbed. She then crumpled the handkerchief in her hands with fury. "And you foolish girls are not closer in reuniting us!"
"I apologize, your majesty," Serpentine began. "But it was not our fault—"
"No...of course not," the girls could feel a searing gaze as she raises her hand.
"It's hers," her finger points accusingly at Angelite, who gulped.
"Your majesty...."
"If you had actually done what you were told....." She said as she rose from her throne.
Lepidolite clenches and unclenches her clammy fist.
"He'd be here!" She yells, the ground shaking as rocks fall from the roof. The Gem Girls gasp at the outburst, Angelite and Jasper bowing their heads. Serpentine, Lepidolite and Quartz raise their hands, bracing, protecting their faces from the rocks
Beryl reaches out and gently pushes his queen done. "Please, Your Majesty. You are weary. Sit and regain your strength," he urged, sweetly.
Turning to the Gem Girls, he says, "Go. You've cause her enough distress."
The Gem Girls nod and rise to their feet, slinking off into the dark.
Out of sight, Quartz turns to them. "Thanks to your plan, sister, I nearly died," she hissed, cracking her neck. "I can still feel that Gravi Slam."
"Not my fault," Angelite growled, shoving her finger into her face.
Jasper pushes her back from Quartz. "She's right however. If you had taken out Lumen Vespera instead of...showboating, then maybe—"
"I know Jasper. Every day, I live with that decision," she said. Pulling off her right arm sleeve, she shows a black spot that throbbed like a heart beat, tendrils of darkness is eating away at her elbows. "Her stupid Dark Moon Retribution spell is eating away at my body," she frowned grimly.
Serpentine stepped forward, placing her hand on the spot. Her hand glows green and the spot is reduced several inches. "And you can't heal me forever," she said, gazing at her sister sadly.
"Don't worry, sister," Serpentine smiled. Turning to Lepidolite, she said, "Find someone. Anyone with negative emotions."
Lepidolite sighs, placing both her hands to her head and closing her eyes for concentration. A sudden pang hits her and a smile twist onto her face.
"I found just the one," she announced, her eyes opening. The other four girls smiled at the revelation.
"Good. Perhaps, this time. I can redeem myself," she muttered, putting back on her arm sleeve.
-
"Herr Alexander!" Mrs. Wagner's shout makes Lonnie jump in his chair, shocking him away. He wiped drool from his mouth and looked around wildly. "Huh—what? Who's there?" He mumbled.
"Herr Alexander," she frowned, crossing her arms. "If you want to make it in life, I advise you to pay attention! Understand?"
Lonnie nods slowly, his gaze not fixed on her. She snaps her fingers in his face, making him blink.
"See? That right there! You love the principal's office don't you?" She smiled sweetly.
"No," he yawned.
"Then pay attention!" She shouts before strutting back to the board.
Scott leaned close to him and whispers, "Dude, what were doing last night?"
"Trying to prove it was photoshopped," Lonnie whispered.
The boys strolled out of the classroom, heading for the cafeteria for lunch time. "Are you serious—I'm beginning to think that Trev's right. You're just upset that someone beat you," Scott snorts.
Lonnie grabs him by his collar and pushes him toward the lockers, slamming him against it.
Everyone in the hallway stopped, their eyes glued to the two boys, some girls whispering to each other and several other children pulled their phones, already recording.
"I'm a terrible person," Lonnie growled.
"Understatement of the year..." Scott grunts, winded from the blow.
"But I'm a proud gamer. I've always been a proud gamer. I've never lost a beam struggle in Sparkling Zero. I grind on Candy Crush Soda Saga, I've played FNAF twice and only ever quitted on Custom Night!"
He leaned closer, staring right into Scott's eyes. "And I'm not letting anyone tell me that some twerp from a Gated Community even has a ghost of chance of beating my highest score," he snarled.
With that, he released his grip on his collar and glancing back, he pushed the door open, hands in his pockets.
He storms past the others at the no-go table and takes a seat in the back.
"What's up with him?" Trevor questions as Scott slings over at the table, taking a seat. "He's up in his feelings again," Scott jokes. "And nearly took my neck with him."
Lonnie pulled out some Matzah balls, made by his mother. The steam from the balls lightened his mood. However, he frowned as he remembered his altercation with Scott. "Smooth move Lon. Now everyone thinks you've gone full nutcase," he murmured as Eli sat down in front of him.
Lonnie glances up, his eyes meeting Eli's and the boy's shock gives way to anger. "You son of a—"
"Woah," Eli said, raising his hands. "This is a high school. I know it's a well known place of debauchery but have some class."
Lonnie leaned back, his glare strong on him. "Debauchery? Seriously? You're acting like we're in prison and speaking of which, that's where you're going for lying, you fraud!" He hissed.
Eli chuckled as he opened his lunch box and took out his PB&J sandwich. "Ah! PB&J. A far superior lunch to...whatever you're eating," he snorts, a cruel smile playing on his lips.
"Speaking of which, I'm surprised you're still upset that I beat you. Wow. I've been told you have an ego, but to be this butthurt two days later is crazy," he scoffed, biting into his sandwich with annoying calm.
"I don't know how you lied but when I find out....you'll wish I never found out," he warned.
Eli smirked, before leaning closer. "I'd like to see you try, Lonnie," he sneered, before getting up and walking away, whistling.
Lonnie stands up as well and storms over to the no-go table. "Here he comes..." Felix warned, dipping his head low.
"Where's your know-it-all girlfriend, Carl?" Lonnie demanded. "Sydney? Don't bring her into this," Carl begged. "I don't care, Carl. Where is she?" Lonnie repeated.
"Lonnie, let it go," Scott pleads. "Dude, this isn't Frozen and I'm not Elsa. Now where!" He shouts, slamming his hands down on the table, shaking the contents.
"Where is she?" He exhaled heavily, his eyes dancing about.
"In the library," Carl said quickly.
Lonnie pats him on the back before storming towards the door, pushing it open and walking through.
"I don't know what he's up to but I won't like it," Scott frowns.
-
Sydney felt a looming shadow fall over her as she read a book on Biology. She glances up, seeing a huffing and puffing Lonnie standing there. She simply turns to the next page. "Can I help you?" She asks.
Lonnie pulls her chair from across and sat down. "Nice question. Where does Eli Carter live?" He demands.
Sydney raises an eyebrow at him.
"I need to know. He's lying, I can feel it," he said, clenching his hand. "I get it. Being undefeatable is amazing and when you are, you can't handle it. I should know, my emotions was weaponized. Were it not for the Lumen Knights, I'd be in a casket," she frowned.
Leaning forward, she gazed into his eyes. Lonnie looked away, fidgeting his fingers. "I implore you, Lonnie to give up your crusade before those freaky girls find you and used you like they did me," she begged.
Lonnie stilled at the mention of the Gem Girls. and exhaled for a long time. She's right. He's a Lumen Knight after all.
What was he doing right now?
"You're right," he nods his head.
Getting up, he places the chair back and leaves.
Sydney smiles and continued reading her book.
Exiting the library, he runs into his friends. Scott stared at Lonnie, who stared back. Trevor tapped his foot anxiously, Felix glanced between the two and Carl gulped loudly.
"Lunch time's almost over," Scott said grimly as he walked forward. Lonnie grabs his shoulder, making the boy turn around. "I'm sorry...about earlier. I lost my cool and I shouldn't have. I'm not asking for forgiveness...."
Scott pats his hand, flashing him a smile. "I know. You're a terrible person," he grinned smugly. Lonnie returns the gesture and the three others let out a sigh of relief.
"I thought we were about to have a freaking civil war among us," Trevor said as the boys descended down the steps. "Like I'd fight my own bro over a high score. Do I like Captain America?" Lonnie asked, pointing at his face.
Trevor looked him over then smirked smugly. "Nope. You're uglier," he said, bursting into laughter.
As they laughed, Eli brushed past, bumping into Lonnie. Lonnie turned and frowned at the sight of him. "Sorry Lonnie. Nothing personal," Eli smugly smiled at him. "Come on, babe," he beckoned to Diane, who hugged him and pecked his cheek.
Lonnie stared, gritting his teeth, the wind blowing his hair. The boys flashed worried looks. Lonnie is a simp, a womanizer even, but his crush on Diane was genuine, even though the girl was superficial.
"Upset Lonnie?" Eli laughed as he's surrounded by a crowd of jocks. "Don't worry, Lon. When you beat my high score, you can everything you want!" He laughed, the others joining in as a hummer drove up. The teenagers hoped into the vehicle and drove off.
"Lonnie, ignore him," Scott said quickly. Lonnie glanced at him before running down the steps, pausing to stare at the hummer, and dashing off towards his home.
The boys sighed, shaking their heads, with Scott facepalming.
Yeah. Eli was cooked.
-
The Hummer parked in front of the condo, the bass still thumping as faintly the teens hopped out, their laughter echoing as they walked up to the house. Eli, laughing with them, spots his younger brother sitting on the steps and frowns.
"Go play somewhere David," he commands.
David Carter— a brunette wearing a "Spider-Man" shirt and blue shorts— glares back at him, his small hand gripping his Iron-man toy tightly, his young jaw set firmly. "Shut up," he spits. Eli glares at him. "I mean it. This is...a big kids thing. You wouldn't...."
"Understand? I'm six, not dumb. Take that junk somewhere else," he mutters, resting his chin on his palm. Eli looked around, nervous. "Last chance, man. Go play somewhere else," he orders. David groans and gets up, storming off.
"Little brothers am I right?" He jokes, the others bursting into laughter as they continue inside, the teens unaware they were being watched.
Lonnie lowers his binoculars, a smug smile tugging on his lips. "Lonnie, last chance to give up this whole I am vengeance shtick," Scott's pleas made Lonnie roll his eyes. "Look at this way," he turns around and shoves the instrument into his hands, "Had he be humble, I won't be on this path."
He slinks off, his friends following. "If you're not gonna help me, stop following me," he said. "We're here to stop you from making a mistake," Trevor spat. Lonnie keeps speed walking and scoffs. "His mistake was taunting me," he glared.
David soared upward pm the swing, wind tousling his hair as he kicked into the air and drifted back down.
"Brothers right?"
David turned to see Lonnie standing there, hands firmly in his pockets. David brushed his feet against the ground, slowing down his speed. "Yeah," he answered grimly. "How about this? You help me. I help you. Got it?" Lonnie asks him, a small glint in his eyes. The drag of his sneakers brought the swing to a stop.
David looked up at Lonnie and smiled.
The Gem Girls surrounded the crystal ball showing the interaction from the park. "Yes, this seems very promising," Serpentine smiled as the other girls nodded in agreement.
-
The next day, Eli walked into school, hand on Diane's hip. She laughed. "That was an amazing party," she giggled.
Josh shook his head, seething in anger. "Bro, you fumbled her remember?" One of friends said. "Don't remind me!" He shouts.
The woman at the front desk— her hair worn in a bun, a magenta blazer worn over a white shirt and a short pink skirt—typed away on her desk.
"Excuse me?"
She raised her head to see a smiling Carl. "I...Can I have the keys to the office. I left my glasses," he smiles, adjusting his spectacles.
She eyed him up and down. "Aren't you..." she points to her face. Carl, realizing, chuckles nervously. "I meant a friend's glasses," he corrected. Shaking her head, she pulls the drawer open and hands him the key. "Don't lose it," she frowns. He nods. Her frown morphs in a polite smile. "I'm kidding."
The boy twists the key in the hole and opens, the rest of the crew—Trevor, Felix and Lonnie— snuck in. He enters, closes and locks it as Trevor and Felix push the file cabinet in front. Lonnie runs over the principal's desk, sitting down and leaning over the button for the mic.
"You're lucky we're ride or die, or we'd let you die," Trevor hisses. "Relax guys. This will be worth it. I just won't be seeing his face," Lonnie said. Dot flies over, worry on her face. "This is not Lumen Knight behavior," she reprimanded. "I'm not a Lumen Knight right now," he grinned.
In the hallway, the Principal walks past. "Good morning, Sarah," Principal Scowl said to her. "Good morning. Sir, someone's in your office currently," she mentioned. He paused in his steps, turning slowly. "What do mean someone's in my office?" He said, frowning. "A young boy came here, saying he came to retrieve his friend's glasses," she said, confused.
Principal Scowl rushed forward, shaking the door knob but it didn't budge. He looked back, glaring before rushing off. "I'm so getting fired," she sighed.
There was feedback for a while, making everyone stop in the tracks, including Eli mid-laugh.
"Eli Carter," Lonnie spoke into the mic.
"You may have fooled everyone but not me. I know how you got that score. Your brother, David is responsible. He played the game. He got the high score, and you took the credit!"
A wave of gasps murmurs ripple through the school Eli's smile drops.
Diane turns to him. "Is that true?" She asks. "I..." he stutters as she pushes him off. "You didn't get the high score?" Olivia asks, pointing a finger at him accusingly. "I-I don't see the big deal. I mean you're a cheerleader," Eli priested.
Diane and the other girls laughed. "I earned my place! I didn't dress up my cousin and told her to a cart wheel into a split for the position!" She yells at him.
"Don't believe me? I'm sending a video right now..." Lonnie's voice boomed in the speaker.
"You!" Principal Scowl storming towards his nephew —Josh—who was watching the chaos with a smug grin.
"Help me get into my office!"
"Pfft. Or— Ow!" Josh yelped as his uncle gripped his ear tightly. "Okay, okay!" He winced as he's dragged away by the ear as his burly friends following behind, snickering at his misfortune.
"This video was from one of David's friends. Eli had instructed him to record so he can make sure he played," Lonnie through the speakers announced.
Outside, Principal Scowl shoves his nephew in front, his arms crossed. "Now put that football scholarship to good use," he glared. Josh rolls his eyes, mouthing his words mockingly before beckoning his friends. Together, they begin ramming the door.
The boys grunt from the force on the outside. "Lonnie, hurry up. Scott doesn't even know we're doing this," Trevor shouted over the noise.
Scott steps out of the bathroom whistling when his phone pings. He checks it and clicks on the notification.
It was a shaky video of David, squatting behind a tree, his back bent and his gaze focused on the phone screen.
"....Luckily for me, David's friend still had the video," Scott looks up, hearing his voice. "Oh no..." he muttered as Muriel runs up to him. "Is this your friend's doing?" She pants. "Yes, it is," he said grimly, bolting in the direction of the office.
"Now, now..." Eli said, backing away as the children crowd around him, anger burning in their eyes. "There is a reason for this....I did it—" He's cut off as a right hook from a boy sends him stumbling back. Eli rubs his jaw, stunned. "Get moving or we mess you up," the boy growls.
Whimpering, Eli turns and ran, still nursing his jaw. Lonnie chuckles as he watches the carnage from the screen.
Lonnie smirks as he watches the "karma" from the security feed on the screen. "Priceless," he smirks, leaning back in the chair. Dot hovered nearby, frowning in disapproval, before her eyes notice something.
She goes closer and gasps at the sight.
The Gem Girls were right behind Eli.
Eli pushes open the door to outside in the school yard and falls to his knees, the tears flowing down his face. He punches the ground in ager. "That....Lonnie! How dare he!" he growled.
The speaker outside played Lonnie chanting over and over, "Eli is a phony, Eli is a phony."
When he get home, David's so getting it!
Suddenly, the speaker exploded, emitting sparks and smoke. Eli flinches and peeks under his sleeve to see it destroyed. "They're so annoying, aren't they?" A feminine voice sneered. Eli looked up and gasped at the sight of five women—each clad in cutout leotards.
"My name is Jasper," Jasper spoke, walking over and grabbing him by the collar. He yelps as he's lifted into the air, his feet dangling meters off the ground. "And you must be Eli," she taunted.
Eli sniffled, his cheeks burning pink. "L-Leave me alone. I've been crucified enough," he shouts, his teeth gritted.
Jasper chuckles, her sisters chuckling with her. "Perhaps for you, but not enough for us," she smiled as she places her hand on his stomach. He gasps feeling something wrenched deep inside him before Jasper tosses him to the ground.
The grey orb floated above her palm, her lips tug into a smug smile. The four women position themselves a circle, as Jasper steps into the center.
Grow, grow, big and strong," she chanted, the orb growing, as she fed it her magic. "Become the threat we know you are!"
Thin arms and legs sprout out, a spiked collar forms on its neck and a heavy cross appears on its back. Broken chained bracers on its wrist and it wore torn pants. Its hair was shaggy and long, covering his face. It was thin yet had lean muscles.
"What is your name?" She asked the Echo. "It is...Martyr mistresses," he whispered. "Martyr....a beautiful name for a pained Echo. Go and reap your vengeance on the one name Lonnie. And if the Lumen Knights try to stop you—"
"I will...destroy them," he answered.
-
In the office, Dot turned to the smug Lonnie. "I saw the Gem Girls!" She said.
Lonnie glanced at her. "What?" He scoffs.
"It's true. Check the cameras!" She orders. He presses a key on the keyboard, the footage showing every area of the school.
Josh and the boys stepped back, panting. Principal Scowl shook his head in disapproval. "You have are the definition of a "waste of space," he groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Diane, sobbing in her hands, stops and shivers due to the sudden chill in the air. Everyone hugs their bodies, their becoming visible to the chilly atmosphere. A misty fog forms and Olivia gasps as she hears footsteps—cold and loud—reverbing in the hallway. She turns around frantically, trying to pinpoint the sound or the person but sees nothing, only noticing icy footprints on the floor
"This fog is ruining my hair!" Diane wailed as Olivia stared at it in shock.
The woman at the front desk spots something in the fog and lets out a bone chilling scream.
"Allow me...to help Principal Scowl," Martyr whispered, stepping out. "What? Speak up...uh..." the Principal stared, at a loss for words.
Martyr took of the heavy cross off his back and raised it in the air, charging forward. It hits the door which such force, Trevor, Felix and Carl are sent flying back as Lonnie braces.
The dust clears and Martyr walks through the fog, black shaggy hair, icy footprints left in his wake. Trevor, Felix and Carl groan and Dot is slumped against the wall, unconscious. Lonnie, pinned by the file cabinet, managed to use his wand to cushion the impact—barely.
Martyr tears it off him, tossing it out the window and grabs Lonnie by the collar. Lonnie kicks in the air as a sadistic smile comes across Martyr's sickly face. "Lonnie, you are....mine," he whispered. Lonnie turns from him, his breath smelling of decay. He then turns, walking out the door holding him aloft, passing by the others.
"Now wait a...wait..." Principal Scowl stumbles back, the words dying in his throat.
Frost appears on his skin, slowly encasing him in ice until he is a crystal clear statue. The woman gasps, covering her mouth as Josh runs to his frozen uncle. "Uncle!" Josh shouts, placing his hands on the icy statue, tears welling his eyes.
Trevor, Carl and Felix shake off their wooziness as Josh, spots them, stomps over and hoists Trevor to his feet. "Who the hell did you friend piss off this time?" He demands. "Dot...help...." Trevor gasps.
Dot sits up slowly, her eyes glowing. She raises her hand and blows a puff of yellow dust at Josh.
It hits him in the face, and he stumbles, his limbs growing heavy as he sinks to the floor unconscious. "Josh!" One of his buddies as they dash in—only to collapse seconds later
"You know what you must do," she said to the boys, her voice low and serious.
The boys nodded. "Saving Lonnie. That's new," Felix joked as the others dust off their outfits.
"By the constellation of Leo, transform me!" Trevor declares, dragging his fingers over his necklace as a golden light explodes around him.
"By the constellation of Cancer, transform me!" Felix yells, as he taps his button as a golden light explodes around him.
"By the constellation of Taurus, transform me!" Carl shouts, rubbing his cufflinks as a golden light explodes around him.
Light nearly blinds the woman in the front desk who braces.
Trevor shadow punches, his arm sleeves appearing. He does some shadow kicks, each kick makes his boots appear. Doing a spin kick, his frilly dress appears on his body and he grabs his wand, his hair turning orange, his locks twisted into dreads before being self-styled into a ponytail. His eyelashes, eyebrows, eyeshadow, and lipstick being orange.
Felix slides his hands over his hair, making it long and purple. His eyeshadow, eyelashes and lipstick appear as he did so. He mouths, "Tonight will that I will fall for you," as his dress appears on his body as well as his boots. He dusts his shoulders, his arm sleeves appearing on each arm. He takes his wand and twirls it like a drumstick before posing.
Carl whips his head back, his hair turning green and self-styles into a ponytail. His glasses disappear and he snaps his fingers, his dress appearing as well as his arm sleeves. He waves his open hand in front of his face, mouthing, "You can't see me," as his eyelashes and lips become green, his irises turn green and his eyeshadow appears on his eyelids.
He takes his wand and does the peace sign, while posing.
They then notice the woman at the front desk, staring at them in awe. "Tell no-one," Lumen Solus said to her, pointing his wand at her. She nods her head, wide-eyed and trembling. "Y-Yeah. No-one, got it".
Dot lifts her hands and the three vanish in a bright light.
-
Scott runs down the steps, dragging Muriel with him. "Go home now. You don't wanna run into those things," he ordered, shoving his bookbag into her arms. "What about you?" She asks him, her brows creased in worry. "I need to find my friends," he smiled before turning, running back to the school.
Muriel sighs and turns, rushing off in the direction of their house. Scott stops and hides behind a bush. "Let's go, Scott. The other probably transformed by now," he mutters, as he raises his hand, his ring gleaming in the light.
The Lumen Knights appears in the hallway and gasps. Everyone was frozen, ice covering their being. "They're like...a messed up version of Iceman," Lumen Caelum said, his breath puffing out in the frigid air, tapping his wand against Laura's frozen cheek, his expression of one disgusted horror.
Lumen Solus stares at the frozen body of Diane, hands on his hips. "If Lonnie was hear, he'd say, 'Even as a frozen statue, Diane is beautiful' face-ass," he joked as the others laughed. "Where is Lonnie?" Lumen Vespera asked, approaching them before skidding to a stop.
Dot flew up to him. "He's been kidnapped by an Echo," she explained, her voice filled with worry. "This is not like Wrath...or Reverbia." "I figured," Vespera said. "How do we find him?" Lumen Aurora said, wringing his hands. "He takes after Eli—being completely obvious—look!" Lumen Caelum points to the floor.
The four boys spot the frozen footprints on the floor. "Nice, come on!" Lumen Vespera orders, as they rush off.
The back door of the school is shoved open as Sydney stumbles into the yard, collapsing on the grass. She coughs hard, clutching her chest. "So that's how it feels to be on the end of an Echo's power," she said, wheezing.
"Help me..." She looks to see Eli laying there, his skin pale blue. She gasps, falling onto her butt and crawling away. "Help....me...." he begs.
-
David slouches on the couch, eyes locked on his the screen as he plays Geometry Dash. Brows furrowed, he doesn't notice the fog seeping in. He exhales and his eyes widen at the sight of his breath. This distraction causes his square character to die.
Martyr kicks down the door, more fog flooding the place. David jumps back, fear on his face, sweat dripping down his brow. "Dad! Mom!" He called.
"No....need," Martyr whispers, strolling in, holding a shivering Lonnie.
"You betrayed your human brother. I shall then...repay you," he snarled, a malicious grin spreads on his face.
Lonnie kicks weakly, summoning his wand in his hand. "Repay this!" he yells, blasting the Echo in the eye. He cries out in pain, dropping Lonnie who runs off.
"Where's the bathroom!" Lonnie yells, staggering.
"Down the hallway, first door you see!" David calls, voice cracking.
The fog obscures David's vision, giving the perception Lonnie vanished. He yelps as Martyr grabs him.
"You shall...take his place in punishment then," he said, hoisting him up in the air, his sandals slipping off and instantly freezing. They hit the ground and break into several pieces. David closes his eyes, his toes curling due to the coldness.
Lonnie opens the door and locks himself in, his wand disappearing. "This is all your fault, Lonnie!" He berates himself in Trevor's voice. "I told you let it go, but you don't listen," he said in Scott's voice.
"I get it!" He sighs, tears stinging the corner of his eyes. "You're right. I should've let it go. Which is why I'm making things right!"
He lifts trembling wrist, it gleamed in the bathroom's pale light.
"By the constellation of Pisces, transform me!" he shouts, brushing his fingers against the bracelet.
The Lumen Knights kick down the door, swarming in and posing dramatically. Martyr turns around, a frown on his grey skin.
"Jesus Christ!" Lumen Solus exclaims. "He's....like. I don't know. Anyone comes to mid?' Lumen Caelum said.
"He looks like Gyutaro," Lumen Aurora mumbled. "Whatever you just said," Lumen Solus pointed at him.
"Enough...you're too late," Martyr smiled, holding onto the frozen David. "No!" Dot cried out. "That's the little boy Lonnie went up to," Lumen Solus points. Martyr's grin grew as he then tosses the ice statue, making the boys rush forward to catch him.
Lumen Vespera summons a pink shield around him, the froze David encased in the bubble bounces and rolls to a stop.
The boys sigh in relief, unaware of Martyr leaping into the air, descending upon, cross in his hands.
The boy grunts as they're blasted by a water stream, pushed out of the way in time, as the cross is slammed against the ground, causing a carter. "Leave them alone!" Lumen Orion demanded as he stepped through the fog.
"Lumen Orion!" Lumen Vespera grins, the other two smiling. Lumen Solus sniffs his dress quickly before leaning back, disgusted. "Are you serious? Toilet water!" He yelled at him.
Martyr stand up, turning toward the Knight. "Lonnie truly is...a coward. He couldn't fight me...so he called someone who can," Martyr smiled.
Lumen Orion rested his wand against his shoulder. "Yeah, and I'm about to kick your ass," he warned.
The boys get up, surrounding the Echo, who glanced left to right, his grin not disappearing. Lumen Orion walks forward, his gaze narrowing at the monster.
"Lumen Caelum, hit that bastard with your Gravi Slam!" Lumen Vespera shouts. Lumen Caelum aims his wand at the monster. Martyr took his heavy cross off his back, still grinning. "You...won't win," he whispered.
"Yes Martyr," Jasper smiled as the Gem Girls walks through his frozen victims in the school. "Show them."
The boys hug their bodies, rubbing their hands together. "It's starting to get to us," Lumen Solus shivered, his teeth chattering.
Lumen Orion turns and spots the skin, an idea simultaneously is birthed in his mind. He rushes towards it, twisting the knob. Warm water spurts out the faucet, allowing steam to bellow upward.
"Pisces!" He said, aiming his wand at the flowing water. It starts flowing upward, forming into a ball. "Aquatic water blast!" He shouts, pointing his wand right at Martyr. A stream of warm water heads right for him, forming into fishes. Martyr lifts his cross and blocks the blow. Steam starts to surround them, as the water hits the cold cross.
"Is he an idiot?" Lumen Solus said, frustrated. "No..." Lumen Vespera smiled. "He's a genius!" Dot clapped his paws together.
The contact creates steam, which begins to warm up the Lumen Knights. "Oh...I wasn't familiar with your game," Lumen Solus nodded in approval.
"you've lost," Martyr laughed, though he was being pushed back. "You know, for an Echo, you're pretty dumb," Lumen Orion gritted out, as he put more effort into the attack.
"Taurus!" Lumen Caelum says, green magic freezing Martyr in place.
"Gravi Slam!"
Martyr collapses to the ground, pinned down. He struggles to get up but to no avail. "Take this!" Orion cries out, putting more effort into the blast.
There is an explosion, sending them all flying to the ground. The smoke clears and a grey orb floats in the air.
"No!" Jasper hisses, the other grabbing her. "Let's leave, sisters. The battle is lost," Serpentine said as energy crackles around them. Jasper turns to Serpentine, her brows raised in fear, she thrashes about, trying to free herself of Lepidolite and Angelite's grasp. "No! I'll finish this. I swear—" Jasper declares as they vanish through the black portal.
-
Sydney helps Eli to his feet and guides to him a bench. He sits down, sighing. The sky turns purple and pink and a beam descends down. The light disappears and Lumen Orion walks forward with purpose as the other stagger around, some falling to the ground.
Lumen Orion kneels and pushes the orb forward. It re-enters Eli, bringing color back to him.
"Thank...you," Eli smiled as he stretches. "You're welcome," Lumen Orion said, stiffly. He stands up and turns to leave.
"Wait!" He calls out. "Is Lonnie okay?"
Lumen Orion pauses in his footsteps. His hand tightens around his wand, his shoulders heavy.
"He's....okay," he replies.
Eli rests his back against the wall. "I...messed up. And I'm sorry. I just wanted to be popular," he sobbed, tears stinging his eyes. "And instead. That thing inside me nearly killed people."
Lumen Orion turned around, tears swimming in his eyes. "Lonnie ti perdona," he mutters as he rushes off. Eli wiped his eyes and turns to the others. "What did he say?" He asks. Sydney taps his shoulder. "Don't worry about it," she smiles as she winks at Lumen Caelum. The boy blushes in response.
Eli walks in, guided by Sydney as Diane storms up to him. "Do not expect my forgiveness, Eli!" She said, pointing her finger accusingly.
"He doesn't need it," Lonnie's voice makes the crowd part.
Eli gulps, walking up to him as the other boys rush in.
"I..." He's cut off as Lonnie hugs him, evoking a gasp from the DOLLS and the other students.
"I forgive you," Lonnie said, voice cracking as he breaks the hug. "Why? I insulted you?" Eli blinks, confused. Lonnie shrugged. "I get it. To be popular is a drug. I was on the high when I reached that score and I...kinda lost when you allegedly beat me."
Eli snorted, as he rests a hand on his shoulder. "I should've lied. Or use my brother in that way," Eli said, voice heavy with guilt. "Hey. You should apologize to him," Lonnie ad vises. "Speaking of which, you play Cod?"
Eli's eyes brightened. "Call of Duty? Of course. I have only Warzone though," he admitted. "Good. We'll start with that and you can bring your brother along," Lonnie said excitedly.
"Aw," Trevor said teasingly. "The start of a beautiful bromance," Scott chuckled as Carl and Felix did kissy faces.
"MR. ALEXANDER AND COMPANY!" Principal Scowl's voice boomed, making everyone stiffen.
The man, nursing a red nose from the cold and his hair disheveled, pointed an accusatory finger at Lonnie. "You boys are expelled! I'm calling you parents! And you owe me a new file cabinet" He shouted, his eyes burning with rage.
A soft hand from the woman at the front desk made him whip around. "In light of what just happened. Let it go under the rug, please?" She pleaded, fluttering her eyelashes at him.
This seemed to knock reason into the older man who cleared his throat. "In light of the incident, uh...school ends early today," he announced.
Everyone threw their bookbags and books into the air, Diane whipped her phone and dialed her mother. "Mom, I'm coming home," she said.
There was a pause.
"No, this not a prank!"
Lonnie and Eli high five each other, grins on their face. "Yes!"