I've seen that look in your eyes
It makes me go blind
Cut me deep, these secrets and lies
Storm in the quiet

-Madness; by Ruelle

"Never in my wildest dreams would I have suspected you were half-Necrofriggian." Dede looked at Anika curiously, her brows slightly furrowed as she regarded her daughter. It was extremely perplexing, almost unreal. Who would've thought that Anika would have alien DNA in her? Dede of all people would've known if her own child wasn't completely human. Because of the older woman's Plumber background, alien knowledge was almost second nature. But her own daughter? It didn't feel right. In fact, it almost felt wrong. Dede knew that Anika was undergoing a lot of changes, not all of them having to do with the physical part of it. Suddenly transforming into a creature like a Necrofriggian could certainly leave emotional and psychological damage.

"Don't call me that." Anika's voice was soft, somewhat hoarse. It was almost hard to make out at first. It had been a couple hours since Dede had found her daughter in her new form, and both mother and daughter were feeling rather tense. Antony, on the other hand, felt as though he had gone insane. He couldn't get a legitimate answer out of anyone, so he decided to go out and clear his head. It was in everyone's best interest that he do that.

"Well that's what you are," Dede said. "That form? It's a Necrofriggian. It's a type of alien species known for its cryokinetic abilities, among others. . ."

"Will you stop." The sharpness in Anika's voice caused Dede to shut hers. It felt as though the temperature in the room dropped even more. Dede tried to keep her emotions in check.

"Look, I understand you're scared, but you need to learn control if you're going to live normally."

Anika's head snapped up. Her eyes — having become large and green due to her transformation — pierced into her mother's unwavering gaze. "Normally?" she hissed. "There's no way in hell I'll ever be normal again! I'm a monster, and you're acting like it's no big deal."

"Necrofriggians aren't monsters," Dede stated calmly. "They're highly intelligent beings. They're adaptable, being able to live in extreme heat and extreme cold. What you are isn't a monstrosity, it isn't unnatural — it's what makes you who you are."

Anika pressed her back against the nearest wall. She drew her legs closer to her, wrapping her arms tightly around her knees. What her mother was saying didn't make an ounce of sense. What was a Necrofriggian? Why did Dede seemingly know so much on them? What caused the transformation? Why was Dede acting like everything that was happening was natural?

"It seems as though you've got the DNA from Kylmyys," Dede murmured, studying her daughter's appearance. "If you had Necrofriggian DNA from Mykdl'dy, you'd be much paler. . ."

"I don't care about which color fits in where," Anika snapped. "I want to be normal again!"

Shaking her head, Dede let out a sigh. "Nika, I think there are some things we need to discuss, okay?" she said. "Some. . .important things; one I've been keeping a secret from you."

S.J.

Slinging her backpack over her shoulder, Anika let out a calming breath. She had to keep herself under control if her mission was going to pull through. She needed those Plumber weapons. Anika couldn't keep slithering by with the useless junk she carried around with her. While being half-Necrofriggian had its perks, she absolutely hated going between that form and her human one. It still made her uncomfortable, it didn't matter how much time had gone by.

That's why it's good you left when you did, Anika thought, hoping to reassure herself. Mom gave you all the info you needed, and then you left. There was nothing left for you at home. No one would be able to understand what you're going through.

Anika told herself that every day. She had to leave. She had to find a better life for herself. Life at home had become disastrous. Dede's admittance that she used to be part of some intergalactic police force was even worse than being half-alien. For a majority of Anika's life, her mother had been lying to her. All the little things that Dede had told her growing up had been a big fabrication. And then Antony left. . .life in the Martinez home felt like a complete mess. And life on the streets, interfering in the underground world of humans and aliens, was just as messy.

Humans had their own dangers. They had weapons and intellect. Anika knew that. But she had her abilities, which gave her an advantage. Not to mention a lot of the black market stuff that humans were involved in didn't include aliens. Mobsters, dirty authority figures, people looking to gain quick cash — they tended to not really believe in alien activity. There was a small percentage of humans in the black market who did.

Then there were the actual aliens. They were trickier than humans when it came to illegal activity. Anika had a lot more knowledge in that area. Aliens had to be extremely careful in what they bought, sold, or performed when it came to things that were illegal. It was almost terrifying, knowing there were so many unknown creatures out there. There was also an unsettling feeling knowing so many of them had a level of control over the black market. In Anika's case, though, she had to put those unsettling emotions aside — all the fear and uncertainties she may feel towards extraterrestrials, they had to be ignored. In order to survive in such an unpredictable world, there had to be a level of self-preservation. Anika liked to think she was good in that area.

S.J.

"How's she holding up?"

"I don't know," Dede sighed. "I've lost track of her a few weeks back."

"What do you mean 'lost track of her?'"

"It means exactly that — I had her, then I lost her."

"This isn't a game, Dede. Anika is playing a very dangerous game right now. If you can't keep track of her, I'll have. . ."

"Honestly, the last thing I want is his involvement," Dede grumbled. "No offense."

"None taken. But this is a serious matter."

"I know."

"I honestly think at this point, it'd be in everyone's best interest if I send him out to find her."

"Max, that's not necessary."

"You and I both know that Ben and his friends are reliable when it comes to aliens."

"As much as I respect you, Max, I can't put my daughter's life in your grandson's hands." Dede's voice was stern, leaving no room for argument. It was a very familiar tone for Max, but he knew that it wasn't going to work on him. Dede knew that, too.

"Ben can be reckless at times, but his experience with the Omnitrix, and all the aliens he's transformed into, can help Anika."

"I don't feel comfortable with this," Dede said.

"I know," Max sighed, "but this is our best option right now. Anika's getting herself into big trouble, and if she isn't stopped, then who knows what'll happen?"

(A/N):

I'm sorry for the wait on this chapter, but hopefully you guys can overlook that. Aside from that, I hope you guys can give some constructive criticism. I know this isn't the best chapter, and this may very well be a poorly written story altogether, but I'd love to hear some feedback from you guys. It'd help me a lot in the long run.

I own nothing in this fandom. All I own are my OCs, my subplots, and the shoes I wear. If you've got ideas for subplots or OCs, be sure to PM me or leave a review. I'll add them in as soon as possible.

Again, I know this chapter isn't the greatest, but some feedback from you guys would be amazing. I won't know how to improve if I don't know what's wrong with my writing — even if it is painfully obvious.

If you guys have any random facts, be sure to leave them in the reviews. It could be on something new, or on something old.

Thank you guys so, so much!

Be kind to one another, okay?

Sloane Johnson