When the students are paired up for a school project, Elliana Vermillion gets stuck with the most undesirable partner in school. But when the school is attacked and the students are put in he steps up to become an unlikely Hero. Elliana wants to believe that he will save them all but is there enough good in him or is it once a villain always a villain? Rated M for later chapters. LashXOC

Okay, this is my first Sky High fic, so if any of the characters seem OOC let me know and I will try my best to fix it. This is a LashxOC and I hope it will be entertaining. The rating will go up in later chapters so read with caution. Please R&R. Thanks

Disclaimer: I do not own Sky High or any of it's characters. Elliana is my own though. I also don't own pink Floyd although I wish I did.

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One

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found? The same old fears.
Wish you were here.

- Pink Floyd

Elliana Vermillion sat in power assessment feeling tense. It wasn't just the yearly ritual of Coach Boomer shouting at them trying on their nerves or the start of school jitters, the whole class was tense because they were coming back. Lash and Speed had somehow managed to get out of prison on good behavior and with some discrepancy with tutors and the school they had ended up having to be held back a year, landing them in Elliana's senior Hero class. It had been three years since the incident at homecoming but no one was any less scared, some were excited, but the tension was thick, even Boomer was more on edge than usual.

"Move it Stronghold we don't have all morning!" Boomer shouted causing everyone to stumble back a few steps. Elliana watched as Will flew a few laps around the gym demonstrating that over the summer he had gone from a mach 3 to a mach 5. "Alright, alright, quit showing off." Boomer waved him off and Will landed next to her adjusting his shirt.

"I can't believe they are coming back," he grumbled, "I bet Ethan melted when he heard the announcement this morning." Elliana tried to focus more on his words than his face, it was hard having a crush on the unattainable Will Stronghold; "Ell are you even listening to me?"

"Yeah, sorry,"

"Remind me why we are friends again when you don't even pay attention to me?" he joked. Elliana paid more attention then he could ever imagine. How they became friends was a less than exciting story; after his first lab partner turned out to be a Super Villain he was paired with Ell after her lab partner was frozen for half the semester (people need to stop messing with Jenny) and that was it. Will was so likable that he made friends wherever he went. Elliana was so shy that she was having a hard time making friends, especially with her unfortunate powers, everyone was avoiding her. She was thankful to have friends like Will and Layla, thankful for Zach who could always make her laugh and Magenta and Ethan who were always there when she needed them.

"Because without me you would be flunking Medula's class," she said nudging him with her shoulder playfully.

"Touché." The lunch bell rang and students rushed out of the gym with excited chatter, Will got to his feet reluctantly. "This is going to be a circus,"

"Hey at least you didn't get turned into a baby," They filed through the hallways following the throngs of excited students out onto the quad. Will spotted Layla and Magenta and grabbed Ell's arm, veering them to the left to join their friends.

"This is so stupid," Magenta muttered as they arrived.

"It's just like Speed and Lash to cause this much of a spectacle," Layla agreed with an uncharacteristic frown. Will slung his arm around her shoulders and planted a kiss on her forehead; Ell looked away from them pretending to be watching the sky intently.

"'Sup boy," Zack exclaimed clapping Will on the back as he and Ethan joined them. Ethan was silent and steeling himself. Elliana knew he was remembering his showdown with Lash in the school bathroom, and wondering if the bully would take revenge. Ethan had grown up a lot since then and wasn't as easily pushed around anymore, but that didn't make him any less worried. Other victims of Speed and Lash were clumping together in small groups, whispering urgently amongst each other, most of them Sidekicks and a few Heroes.

Someone shouted and everyone started pointing towards something in the distance, Ell squinted trying to make it out.

"It's a school bus," Jeff Spears shouted, who was gifted with magnified sight and x-ray vision. Will was hovering a few feet off the ground trying to get a better look, Ethan was starting to drip a little in nervous anticipation, Magenta looked bored and Layla worried her lower lip. It was indeed a school bus; a collective gasp went up from the students as it came into better view.

"That's dumb," Zach said sounding like Magenta, "You'd think a maximum security prison would have like supersonic jets or something wicked like that, not a school bus." Coach Boomer was shouting at students to keep back, causing trees to double over and the windows to rattle dangerously. The bus landed with a blast of hot air courtesy of the engines powering down and a terrible whine of the metal undercarriage scraping against the gravel. Elliana's heart started to pound inexplicably as the door slid open and what unfolded next felt like a bad prison movie.

Speed and Lash descended down the steps single file, wrists and ankles shackled together by long chains and manacles that glowed an eerie white. Elliana immediately thought of the detention rooms' ethereal glow and knew that the bindings must neutralize their powers. Speed descended first, grinning like the Cheshire cat, and the crowd hushed. He'd lost a little weight but other than that he looked the same; he was even wearing the usual attire. He flexed his hands as if itching to get out of his restraints. He was followed by his counterpart Lash; Ell could hear Ethan back up a few steps. Lash did not smile, he didn't look into the face of anyone as he passed a group of students to stand next to his friend, he didn't even seem to know where he was or care. The striped shirt made his arms look too long for his body already, as if he were using his powers. Immerging from the bus after them was Warren Peace in his trademark leather jacket, Will's best friend. Will waved to him enthusiastically, without realizing that he looked like a big dork, and embarrassed Warren smiled and half waved back. It was odd that one of their group had already graduated, was already out in the real world serving mankind (and woman kind). Warren had chosen to work as a guard at the maximum security facility for the super criminally insane. Will theorized that it was to live down his father's reputation, but Ell was certain it was so he could be closer to his father, since he worked at the very institution that housed Baron Battle. As a guard he could be near his father without the worry of confrontation.

Warren moved to Speed's cuffs first, holding a strange device that looked like something Medula would have in the mad science lab. He waved it over both sets and the chains clattered to the asphalt. Speed massaged his wrists with a triumphant smirk, seeming to be pleased with the drama his arrival was causing. He said something in undertones to Warren that didn't quite carry back to where Ell was standing but judging by the anger that flashed through his expression it was an insult. His arms started to smoke, but Warren had learned to control himself immeasurably better than before and he turned away sharply and attended to Lash. Lash seemed indifferent to his freedom and just stared moodily at his shoes. With both Villains free, Principal Powers beckoned to both boys who followed her obediently, no doubt to her office. As they passed Elliana and her friends Speed cracked his knuckles laughing and Lash just looked at them coldly. He spoke one word as he walked by, it sounded like a death sentence,

"Stronghold…"

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"Fantastic," Will said as they picked a lunch table, "another year another arch enemy." Warren joined them for lunch since the wonder twins had been his only assignment that day.

"Again, you were not a baby." Ell reminded him.

"Pfft, don't worry about those fools;" Zach said confidently, "you can take them."

"Yeah!" Ethan chimed in cheering up considerably and opening his pudding, "We totally mopped the floor with them last time. Don't worry, we have this." Will smiled grimly. Warren sat on Elliana's left and Magenta sat to her right, trying to get in some last minute homework before their next period.

"I guess you guys don't have to do this lame partner thing."

"No, we sidekicks lucked out on that one." She said with a laugh, "Don't worry though, I'm sure you'll get partnered with Will. Boomer might even let you pick your partners."

"Ugh," Warren said with gentle amusement, "not the 'working as a team for a better tomorrow' project thing. That blew"

"You're not helping." Will said taking a bite of apple.

"What? I'm not going to lie and say it was awesome. That project made me wish I was a sidekick everyday. You know I don't play nice with others."

"No one would want to be partnered with me anyway, not with my power." Elliana said. The table fell silent, partially because everyone knew it was true and partially because no one knew what to say to make her feel better. She looked at the black glove covering her left hand, and could feel every one else looking too. It was thick velvet to ensure that no skin could peek through and went all the way to the elbow as a safety precaution. Most days Ell tried to wear long sleeves so the glove was less noticeable but the first day of school still held some summer heat and it was just too hot. Today she wore a black camisole that complimented her slim figure and set off her waist length ruby red curls and her favorite pair of jeans. They were just long enough that they covered most of her black converse high-tops and ensured that she stepped on the cuffs when she walked. The glove stuck out against the exposed pale skin like the word freak stamped to her forehead.

Will put his hand over her gloved one as if he knew what she was thinking. Elliana looked up into his eyes and her heart almost melted. She was quickly brought back to reality when Layla followed suit and moved to cover Will's hand with her own (Ell smiled at the flowers painted in green that decorated Layla's nails) and then Warren and soon the whole table. It looked like they were in a pre-game huddle.

"God Ell, don't be so emo," Magenta said. Elliana started laughing and soon they were all laughing. They didn't stop laughing and joking around until the lunch bell rang again; Ell was determined not to be a downer. After saying goodbye to Warren the Heroes returned to the gym resignedly. Boomer was waiting for them on his platform, clipboard under one arm and a stack of weird looking Band-Aids resting on a stool next to him. Speed and Lash were the last to file into the gym. Speed still looked like this was Christmas morning and no doubt would be spending his free period dunking someone's head in the toilet. Lash had cheered up a little, but he was no where near to sharing the glee of his counterpart. He frowned as he leaned against the back wall with his hands shoved in his pockets and his longish chestnut hair falling into his eyes. His head turned and he caught her looking at him. Elliana froze as their eyes locked and her heart leapt to her throat. She quickly looked away feeling heat burn her cheeks and the back of her neck. She didn't turn around again although she could feel him staring at her.

"Are you alright?" Will asked with concern.

"He's staring at me," she breathed, almost certain that the he in question could hear every word she was saying. Ell was fairly certain Lash didn't have superhuman hearing; that was Phil Seymour one of the new freshmen.

"Who?"

"Lash! Don't talk so loud." She hissed, feeling on the verge of paranoia. "Is he still looking?" Will glanced over his shoulder casually only to make accidental eye contact with the bully. Lash smirked and drew his thumb across his neck and pointed right at him.

"Yep," Will said, his voice rising several octaves higher than its usual pitch.

"Okay, Listen Up!" Coach Boomer yelled to get their attention. Everyone quieted immediately and he glowered at them all, satisfied with himself. "Let's make this as painless as possible. Every senior class must under go 'group training', now usually that means pairing you with a sidekick however the past few years we have been partnering up Heroes with Heroes with more satisfying results. Fewer sidekicks in the hospital, fewer sidekick emotional breakdowns. This project is to teach you how to work with a partner as equals so you don't abuse your sidekick after graduation and also prepares you for working in Hero teams, for example the Commander and Jetstream." Boomer paused to make sure they were all still listening with rapt attention.

"When I call your names, say hello to your permanent partner for the year. The partners have been chosen at random. Yes they are final and No you cannot trade. There will be no whinerbabies or I will deal with you myself, is that CLEAR?"

"Yes Coach Boomer!" they replied as a class.

"Good, when I call your names come up here and I will bond you for the year, and you will receive your assignments in homeroom tomorrow. Participation from both parties is crucial as how you do on this project will determine if you graduate or not. Stronghold get up here!"

What did he mean bond us for the year? Elliana wondered. She couldn't help but feel disappointed when Will was paired with Allison Fuller, a pretty blonde girl who could control animals. She would have loved to use this as an excuse to be with him all the time, not that she would have ever actually done anything, Ell wouldn't do that to Layla, but a girl could dream. Will gave her a lopsided sympathetic smile as Boomer had them hold hands as he applied the Band-Aids, which were hot pink, to the insides of their wrists. The Band-Aids instantly dissolved into their skin and Elliana realized that they were microchips.

"Now," Boomer was saying, "You will only be able to move a few feet from your partner as long as you are on school property, ensuring that you will do everything together," he said with relish. Boomer was having way too much fun with this which could only mean that this would be the worst year ever.

"Um, sir?" Will said in hushed tones, "what if I need to pee?"

"Lucky for you Stronghold, the men's and ladies washrooms are side by side. NEXT." Elliana watched with despair as pair after pair were bonded, she didn't suspect, she knew, some how she'd known from the minute that he'd walked by her this morning that she would be stuck with him for the entire year. As the number of students not paired up dwindled, Ell dared to chance a look at him. He was staring straight ahead, with his shaggy chestnut hair falling into his eyes, arms folded over his chest.

"LASH!" Boomer shouted, Ell didn't even wait for him to call her name; they were the last two people in the gym. She followed her lanky partner onto the platform dismally, falling into a deep state of "emo misery" as Magenta would call it. "And Vermillion." Boomer tossed his clipboard aside and looked at them with a big grin. "Hoo boy, are you guys going to have fun with this. Good luck, you're going to need it." He said to Lash and motioned for them to hold hands.

"What are you talking about?"

"You'll find out in no time I'm sure. Loose the glove Vermillion." Boomer said with annoyance as he went to apply the microchip to her gloved wrist.

"Er, sir? You know that I can't."

"What? Oh! Right okay," her rearranged them so that Lash was holding her gloved hand and applied the chip to her right wrist. Lash looked down at it confused and then looked at her oddly, accusatory, like she'd pissed in his cheerios or something. Boomer watched the last traces of pink absorb into their skin and said, "There now get lost." Lash dropped her hand and stalked off towards one end of the gym and Elliana walked determinedly in the other direction. She'd almost made it to the doors when, WHAM, she hit an invisible barrier and was knocked clean on her ass. Groaning, she felt her forehead gingerly; it was going to be bruised. Coach Boomer was laughing as Lash met a similar fate on his end of the gym. He picked himself up with a string of creative obscenities and whirled to face her.

"This way," he demanded.

"But my locker is this way,"

"I'm going to the washroom."

"Do you need to go this second?"

"Who said I was taking a piss, lets go." And by sheer forced of will he walked slowly and determinedly towards his doors dragging Elliana with him.

"I would give it up Vermillion," Boomer said between chuckles, "No more than a few feet apart remember?" Glaring at him, Ell relented and hurried after Lash, whose long legs were difficult to keep up with.

"Do you really need to swirly a sidekick right now?" She hissed, almost running to match his stride." He looked sideways at her with a grin but didn't answer her question.

"What's with the glove?"

"None of your business."

"Are you new since the last time I was here? I don't remember you."

"You stuffed me in my locker on my first day of Sky High."

"I did that to a lot of freshmen." Elliana halted abruptly and watched with great satisfaction as Lash hit the end of the invisible tether between them and yelped in pain. He glared at her and stretched out an arm, grabbing her roughly by the upper arm and dragging her down the hallway with him. It was going to be a long year.