"Ignore the commotion, Acey," said Arlene to herself after finishing a very loud "chemistry carol", which was intended to drown out the distant sounds of people getting their asses kicked. Now, though, her curiosity was leading her toward the sounds of the beatings. She'd been heading home, as the pure calcium and water was starting to run out in her zip-locks. (This was evidenced by the strange plumes of gas billowing out from her sleeves.) Still warm, though, she headed toward the alley where the sound of ass-kicking was the strongest. Of course, being an all brains and no braun sort of person, she had no idea how she'd intervene; she'd probably end up offending both the bully and the victim and get beat up herself. "No matter, I am the bravest of the brave," she declared to herself in the biggest lie she'd ever told. --- Dwayne stared for a blank moment at the woman on stage. He didn't know why but she made him think of snakes. He was afraid of snakes.