The Hothead and The Ice Queen

Twenty-Four

"People, if you have already been de-pacified, please find your clothes, grab a baby and report to the Science Lab," Principal Powers instructed. De-pacified and dressed adults held babies wrapped in fire blankets, carrying them to the lab. Recently de-pacified adults wrapped in fire blankets wandered to the clothing area to find their clothes. Each time a baby went into the lab, a light flashed, and an adult came waddling out in a blanket.

I held Warren's elbow as we turned with our friends towards the Commander and Jetstream. Other than Mr. Medulla and Principal Powers, they were the first ones to be de-pacified. After becoming an adult again, Principal Powers immediately rounded up the villains and placed them in detention. It was the only place that neutralized all their powers. Jetstream was polishing the emblem on her husband's chest vigorously as he swiped invisible dirt off his sleeves. Will was trying to get their attention, but they were too engulfed in invisible dirt and smudges to care.

"Guys?" That got their attention. "I just want to say sorry because this whole thing was my fault."

"Oh, honey, you can't blame yourself," Mrs. Stronghold said, placing her hand on her son's shoulder comfortingly.

"Of course not," Mr. Stronghold agreed, "How were you supposed to know your girlfriend was a complete and total psychopath?"

I scoffed and muttered to Warren, "She wasn't exactly innocent." Warren smirked and nodded in agreement.

"No, that's not it," Will admitted, "Um, you gave me one rule, and I broke it. I took her into the sanctum, and that's how she got the Pacifier. The whole party was a trap."

"And so was Homecoming, Will."

I rolled my eyes and turned away. Now I understood why Will was never able to take accountability for his actions. His parents always wrote his behaviors off. Don't get me wrong, he was trying just then, but it didn't seem like he was about to be reprimanded for his actions. Instead, his father commended him for his efforts in stopping Royal Pain and saving Sky High and everyone inside.

"But I didn't do it by myself," he said, smiling at us.

"Excuse me. Steve? Josie?" Mr. Boy came forward with the Hero of the Year Award. "Even though it appears Gwen only came up with this award as a way to lure you to the dance and your ultimate doom, still it's inscribed, so..."

He started to hand it to Mrs. Stronghold, but Mr. Stronghold took it. "I'd be honored to accept this Hero of the Year Award. But I'm afraid it doesn't belong to us."

Mr. Boy stepped aside as they turned to us, and Mrs. Stronghold said, "It belongs to them." They moved closer to us. "The sidekicks. I mean, Hero Support."

She smiled at all of us brightly. "Why don't we just call them what they really are, Josie?" Mr. Stronghold asked rhetorically as Will sidled up to Layla's side with a boyish grin. "Heroes."

He presented the trophy to my friends and Ron. He stopped Royal Pain's jester from getting away with the babies despite not having any powers. They grabbed the trophy one after another, and Magenta set her finger on top, beaming with as much pride as she would allow people to see. They laughed amongst each other as Mr. Stronghold gave them the trophy, and Ron brought Magenta and Ethan in for a group hug.

"Oh, and Jonathan," Mr. Stronghold stopped and faced Mr. Boy before leading his wife away completely. "Whatever you're teaching them, keep teaching them it."

They shook hands, and Mr. Stronghold walked away. Mrs. Stronghold stayed back for a moment to place a sweet kiss on Mr. Boys' cheek. He was left speechless as she caught up to her husband. He offered his elbow to her, which she gladly accepted.

After they left, Warren guided me back to the auditorium. Mr. Medulla was nearly finished de-pacifying everyone while Principal Powers dealt with the villain wannabes. The route we took on the way to the auditorium past the detention room, and I had to refrain from rubbing it into their face with a little wave. Principal Powers was doing well at that.

"I'm not Wonder Woman, you know." At her words, I gasped and hit Warren's bicep. He reeled back and grasped my hand, but there was no wiping the excitement off my face.

"That's where I know her from!"

"What?"

"Principal Powers, she– She's–" I scoffed at his blank face. "Oh, nevermind. Come on."

When we arrived in the auditorium, Mr. Medulla was at the podium and broken decorations were swept away. Everyone wanted to resume the dance like nothing happened. Students, teachers, and faculty alike gathered around, eager to hear what the genius had to say.

"I have de-pacified all the babies and destroyed that horrible weapon forever. Thank you, Mr. Peace and Miss Winters for your assistance." Warren and I nodded as the room erupted with applause. We knew it was mainly for the fact that the danger was over. "Let's boogie!"

Mr. Medulla pressed a button on a remote and rock music flowed from the speakers, vibrating the floorboards. Everyone dispersed and started dancing. An arctic glow emitted around my hand as I presented it to Warren. He gave a soft smile and ignited his own hand in orange before enveloping mine. He led me towards the back of the auditorium, passing Zach and Magenta on the way. As Warren and I danced slowly despite the rock music, I saw Magenta and Zach dancing to the beat together over Warren's shoulder. I even caught a glimpse of Ethan dancing with a beautiful girl. He still had the trophy in his hand. I saw Layla and Will leave the gym through the busted window, probably making out to make up for lost time.

I laughed and looked up at Warren. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing." He wasn't convinced. "It's just... I can't believe everything that's happened. Having such wonderful friends that care so much about me. Having you as a boyfriend. I never imagined that I'd be so happy in High School."

I brushed my fingers through his hair and rested my palm against his cheek. He leaned into my touch. "Neither did I."

We leaned closer, and when our lips met, like every other time, sparks flew. Everything was right with the world. We were together, and nothing could break us apart.

~~~

Though boring isn't the word I would use, the rest of the year didn't compare to Homecoming. With each passing day, Warren and I grew closer, and our relationship strengthened. Gwen and her gang got what they deserved, acting as the citizen in 'Save the Citizen'. No one wanted to save them.

Kidding! They were serving time in a controlled cell that neutralized their powers. Stuck together in confinement, they were sure to drive each other crazy. I didn't pity them at all, especially not Morgan.

In other news, Ron fell into a vat of toxic waste and was awarded superpowers. Now, he worked for the mayor, defending the city against giant robots.

Everything worked out. Layla and Will were dating. Will and Warren were friends. It was tricky and complicated, but, hey, that's High School.