Turtle Dove

Hypno! Part Deux

As the sun began to set, April and Ray stood outside the school, getting ready for the upcoming dance. April looked lovely in her yellow dress, complemented by blue earrings and a matching belt. Ray wore the dress she had picked out the day before, now adorned with a pair of black moon earrings. Mayhem and Kumo, ever-loyal companions, were by their side.

"Nervous?" Ray asked her friend who was fidgeting with her dress. "You can do this. You've fought monsters, been to hidden cities, and taken down robots. But who am I kidding? School dances are way more dangerous." April says

"Why am I even here?" she said, starting to turn away, but Ray, Mayhem, and Kumo stopped her.

"Come on, April, you'll be fine. I'll be there with you," Ray reassured her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. Mayhem and Kumo made soft chittering sounds, as if to agree with Ray.

"You're right. I can do this, especially for Taylor. The coolest girl in school," April said, trying to boost her confidence. Ray rolled her eyes at the mention of Taylor, still not fond of her.

"Time for you two to jet. We can't be like Seigal, the lizard boy. I have to be cool," April told Mayhem and Kumo, who promptly teleported away.

April took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Ray patted her back, reminding her that she wasn't alone in this.

As they approached the school, they saw a hippo float surrounded by yellow and pink balloons. On a board, there was a picture of Taylor, labeled as "Taylor Martin, the coolest girl in school."

"Also the most annoying girl, too," Ray playfully added. April chuckled, acknowledging the truth in Ray's remark.

"Doesn't your brother like her?" April asked, recalling that David had expressed some interest in Taylor.

"Don't remind me," Ray groaned, remembering her brother's rants about Taylor.

Suddenly, a voice called out, and they turned to see Dale with his bald head approaching them.

"Dale," April greeted him, and Ray smiled in acknowledgment.

"My favorite person and Ray," Dale said, acknowledging Ray's presence.

"Nice to see you too, Dale," Ray replied warmly.

"Are you two going to this shindig? I usually wouldn't bother with these dances, but Taylor Martin actually invited us to sit at the cool kids' table," April said, hoping to excuse herself from the conversation.

Dale held up his phone and showed them the invitation. "She invited me too," he said.

"Looks like anyone can be a cool kid," Ray remarked, and April felt a tinge of disappointment, realizing she might not be as special to Taylor as she had thought.

The three teens walked into the school and made their way to the gymnasium, where music was playing, and the room was filled with teenagers who seemed engrossed in their phones. Ray couldn't help but feel on edge; something didn't feel right about the atmosphere. The sight of all these teens staring intensely at their screens put Ray on guard.

"Taylor Martin!" April exclaimed, spotting the blonde girl. She waved to get Taylor's attention, and they all walked over to her. "April, Ray, Dale, so glad you could make it," Taylor greeted them warmly, as Seigal passed by with his pet lizard on his shoulders. "Lizard boy," April muttered with a shudder.

Taylor led them to a table and eagerly pushed them into their seats. "We were just talking about the most amazing new game, Hippo Crush," Taylor said, and all the other teens at the table chimed in simultaneously, "So fun," in a monotonous tone. Ray noticed something strange about their eyes; they all had a strange pink glow, and the feeling that something was off only grew stronger.