Hello everyone, welcome back! I'm sorry that this chapter came a week late. I have been busy cleaning, personal things have happened, &... Animal Crossing: New Leaf. Yeah, I'd never would have thought I would say that. The games I mostly get involved with involve swords, magic, guns, monsters & just plain violence. I wouldn't imagine myself playing a game without any of those. Even though I can't hit anything, the game is still so addicting!...Don't judge me.

Erm, well, anyway, I'll just say what needs to be said:

A/N: This will be the last of the half & half chapter. I realized that it sorta made things confusing. Glad I'm ending that era. Also, the way of Zera's school schedule was based off of mime from my freshman year on the final marking period. (Glad that chapter is done, now going to sophomore year. Exited & nervous). Um, what else? Oh, that's right!

Last thing, I promise. I'm going to be doing some new changes to my other stories. I've been realizing some things in them (with the help of a friend) were wrong. So, expect me to work harder & be better on my work.

Sonic & company belong to Sega.

Zera & company belong to Me.

Ok, I think I've wasted too much time with this intro. I'll just shut my trap & let you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 6: Can No One Take A Joke?

"Holy God, holy God, what is she doing here?" He thought nervously. "Oh dear Lord, please don't tell me Mum came up for this." He looked up at his friend once again. "Then again, that new look Mum gave her is completely adorable." He sighed dreamily with half lidded eyes. Her now shaped long bangs were now swept to the side of her face, so you could see her eyes more clearly. And they were staring dead straight at him. He snapped out of his trance and looked away.

"Well, don't be shy dear, tell us some things about yourself." Ms. Vanilla said in an interested voice. She sat at her desk, her hands placed under her chin, and leaned forward happily. Everyone had their eyes laid on their newcomer." Zoey, slowly looked back at them, and began to speak with a calm voice.

"Hi, I'm Zoey Allen. I'm 16 years old, soon turning 17. Well, I like to draw, run, and actually skateboard. I'm, surprisingly, related to someone in here. I'm-" She paused, as if she was nervous about what she needed to say next. Everyone leaned over their desks, held into the suspense. She gulped, and continued to talk. "I'm...Zeren's cousin...and I guess that's all I have to say." She ended it with a cute smile. Most of the guys smiled, while even some of the girls 'awwed' at this action. smiled at Zoey. "I'm starting to hate school already. I mean, that was the worst script I ever heard! And I never read or did one in my life! I can't keep up with this shy, nice girl act.. It's just not me...Jackie, we are going to have a serious talk when I get back!...And how did I ever get talked into this!?" She whined in her head. It seemed like it would be a simple morning. She was sleeping peacefully on her couch (as it seemed that is was her right to claim since she's staying with the Groters), then was yanked back into reality, changed to a whole new look which she had to admit was quite nice, & Jackie had driven her to school. Jackie had explained what she needed to do, & to act which made Zera unhappy with this act. This, is going to be a humiliating day, she could tell.. Vanilla clasped her hands together, snapping Zera out of her mind conversation.

"That must be nice to have family with you. I could say the same, since my only daughter goes here, but she is out sick today." She sighed, but continued to speak. "Well, since we got the introduction over with, let me tell you where you sit." Vanilla scanned over her seating chart, then looked at Zoey once again.

"Well, since I care that you should feel welcomed here, let me set you next to Zeren. That would be nice for you, wouldn't it? It's just the seat in front of him." She told her. Zoey nodded as she headed for her seat. She can already hear the whispers, feel all the stares on her body as she plopped down in her seat. She grimaced. And that's when the morning announcements went off. But Zeren couldn't hear it as he was lost in thought about his 'cousin' in front of him. Only a tiny nudge on his side snapped him out of it.

"Dude, she's really your cousin? Lucky! She's a total catch! How come you haven't told us about her? Does she really love to run? How fast can she run actually?" Sonic kept running his mouth. But before Zeren could answer (aka, shut him up), Ms. Vanilla called out.

"Zeren, Zoey, may I speak with you when the bell rings for first period? It's alright, you two aren't in any trouble. And don't worry, I'll write you guys a pass in case your late." She added nicely. Zeren and Zera looked at each other, then back at Ms. Vanilla. Everyone continued to gossip around them now, a feeling of interest of a certain new student hanging in the air. Rouge gave Zeren the look of, "So this was your interesting weekend of our break?" Zeren gave her a nervous smile, then gave her a "let me tell you later" look. She nodded just as the bell rang to dismiss the students for the 1st period. All of the students practically ran out of the room to go brag about Zoey to their classes.

"And you better tell everyone later, you and your brother." Rouge whispered to Zeren before she headed out. All who was left in the room where Zeren, Zera, and Ms. Vanilla.

"Please, come up here you two." Vanilla commanded. Again, a look was exchanged between the two, then walked in front of Vanilla's desk.

"Now, time to set the record straight. I know who you really are Zera. Zeren's mom told me everything." She said, a sly smile tainted her lips. Zera's eyes went wide with shock, while Zeren chuckled nervously. How could he forget that his mom and Ms. Vanilla were friends? Especially the kind that tell that tell each other everything. He should've seen this coming. He sweat-dropped, feeling his head go numb. This can NOT be happening. She smirked at him as she continued. "Jackie had asked me and a few others to watch over Zera when she's here. And she also wanted me to tell you something important. You and your brother must protect her when she's outside of your home, and school. We don't know if agents are lurking around the town. They could already be searching for her." Ms. Vanilla eyed them both, and started to shuffle through her desk. She pulled out her pack of passes and wrote on one. "If you guys have any questions, just come to me, okay?" She said as she handed Zeren the pass. They both nodded at her, and walked out of her classroom.

"Ok, Zoey, what is your first class?" Zeren asked. Zera put her fingers in her pocket, and pulled out a folder piece of paper. She opened it up, and read it.

"I have...English with...Mr. Croc." She said in a shy voice. Zeren grinned, seeing as she was in the same class as him. "Praise Mum, if she put Zera in all my classes, I'll forgive her for this sudden surprise." He blessed in his mind.

"Well lucky you, your in my class. C'mon, I'll show you how to get there." He said as he sped up his pace. She kept up with him as they made a few turns down the hallways, until they reached their destination of Room J:102. Zeren opened the door, and walked in casually. Zoey, on the other hand, hanged by the doorway a little bit more. Zeren urged her in, and she finally stepped into the classroom, still having a cautious eye on every living breathing thing in there.

Immediately, the class broke into exited whispers at the sight of the new arrival. Zera nervously walked up behind Zeren, who was talking with the teacher. The teacher looked at her with strong, yet happy brown eyes. He was a large, green crocodile, as his name would state. He had on large white gloves with black & a small gold stripe running threw the middle of the blackness on his cuffs. All he was wearing was a red tie, & was twiddling a red pen in his fingers.

"So, you must be Ms. Zoey Allen. I'm your new English teacher, Mr. Croc. But, you may also call me Mr. V, from my first name. I'm expecting big things from you. Pleased to meet you young lady." He said as he held out his gloved hand towards her. It was five times bigger than hers, so she had that sudden thought that it would crush her own so easily. So, she would just have to outmatch his strength. She put her small hand into his large one, and gave a good shake. Mr. V gave a short gasp. All the students turned to look at him.

"My, that's...that's quite a grip you have there. Strong hands on such a young girl. I really can expect things from you." He complemented, though he was gripping his now sore hand. Some giggles broke out in the background. Mr. V glared at the nosey students, and they immediately shut their traps. "Well, uh, Zoey, please take a seat over by Dennie. Dennie, please wave your hand so Zoey can see where she'll be sitting from now on."

There was a tall wave by a pale blue scaled hand. Zoey shyly walked over to the desk next to Dennie. Dennie sent her a toothy grin. He was some kind of lizard, his scales no deeper than the blue colored lines on notebook paper. Though, his eyes were a strong green, some would say jade. He had on a purple shirt with a sword on it. He had on sleek pants on, with blue sneakers. Zera still felt there was a small treat to him, but remembered what Jackie told her before she came here. "Not everyone is an enemy towards you, don't be too timid." "Don't be too timid..." Zera thought calmly. She looked at Dennie again. He was focusing on the lesson they were learning. Romeo and Juliet.

"Hey, um, Dennie? May you please help me with this?" She asked in an innocent voice that could make the devil cry. Dennie's cheeks glowed a bit, but he looked away as he grabbed a textbook off an empty desk, then got out a spare notebook that had a purple lead pencil placed in the spiral metal from his binder. He placed it all on her desk, and began to talk quietly to her.

"Well, hopefully you've heard of the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet. We're at the part where Romeo is talking to Juliet on her balcony. It's creepy if you ask me, but it's what they called love in those days." Dennie smiled. She gave a small, yet confused smile back. Love...She opened up the textbook until she found the title of Romeo and Juliet. She glanced at Dennie's opened book to the right page. She flipped to it and began reading. She immediately started to write down lines and phrases and ideas that interested her. In fact, she was too absorbed into it, she didn't even hear the bell ring. Only until she felt Zeren tap her shoulder, did she finally leave. Sadly, he didn't have the next few classes with her till lunch. So, he had waited patiently, class after class, until it was 7th period. He practically ran out of his science class. Which was a bad decision, for he ran into a small female squirrel with big blue glasses carrying a large stack of books. Ran right into her, making books scatter all over the hallway. He gave her a quick sorry & ran down to the cafeteria.

The cafeteria was as busy as ever. But, he knew where the gang usually sat, so he headed right over there. He was relieved that Zera was sitting with Joey, Sonic, and Rouge at the circular table. He sat down next to his brother & Sonic.

"Hey dude, aren't you getting lunch? Heard they got the pizza today!" Sonic asked, seeing his friend arrive empty handed. Zeren shrugged as he gently laid his head on the lunch table.

"I would, but it's packed in there, I don't think I could make it in there." Zeren said tiredly, though he took out his lunch money, knowing what Sonic would do. Sonic took the cash, and in a quick flash, he was up and ordering Zeren's lunch. 10 seconds later, he came back with a tray that had a medium cheese pizza, a Coke, and some fries on it. Sonic placed the tray and Zeren's change on the table. Zeren put his change into his pocket, and started to eat his pizza.

"So, Zeren, Joey, I'm so loving your cousin with a good passion. She's such a cutie! Since she's in my History class second period, she made the best scene ever! Despite her coming in just as we started a new lesson, she proved Mr. Stone wrong. He was being harsh as he always was when explaining things. She acted as if she was there after the Civil War. It was awesome! He was stunned with the face of a fish!" Rouge said proudly, patting Zera's head. Zera just looked up from her sandwich, and gave Rouge a small smile. Sonic finished the last of his chili dogs, and licked his lips in satisfaction.

"Thought, she is still shy..." He added, glancing at Zoey. Her face paled a bit. Thankfully, Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow sat at the table. Knuckles sat next to his girl, while Shadow sat on the other side of Joey, and Tails was seated next to his best friend. No later, Amy came skipping along happily and tried sitting next to Sonic, but was stuck sitting next to Tails.

"Well, Zoey, we're all here. What did you need to tell us?" Rouge asked, interest glowing in her eyes. Zeren stopped drinking his Coke, & looked at Zera.

"U-um, what are you talking about?" He asked timidly. Rouge grew a sly smile, then tried being innocent by laying her head on Knuckles' chest. Everyone looked at Zoey's slightly reddening face.

"We-well, I have something important to say...As you all may know by now, I'm staying with Zeren, Joey, and...Ms. Jackie. But, I'm not related to them. I'm just...a friend." Most of all of them gasped, only Shadow gave a slight surprised look. She continued. "The truth is, I crashed here (literally), and Zeren saved me. I'm...a criminal in a way, if you want to use labels, I don't care anymore. But, the people that held me captive, they are the true villains. And now, I know there's an evil here that is also related to my evil on my planet. Called G.U.N." Everyone looked at Shadow, who's eyes went to a calm ruby, to a maddening blood red. Even Rouge had a small unpleasant face as Knuckles held her closer to him. "Mine is called N.U.G. Jackie said I couldn't stop them alone...I needed a team...So, she told me to meet you guys. She said you guys can be my perfect team... So, if I can ask, will you guys do it? If you can, we could end N.U.G, G.U.N, and all their sister units. And hopefully, I can go back to my planet...and be free again. Also, my name isn't Zoey Allen. My name is Zera." She said in a sly smile. Zeren & Joey were staring at her in complete horror as she was admitting the biggest secret they ever had. Everyone was completely silent.

Dead silent.

"Ivy, come over to my office please." Ron said as he passed by the squatting captain. She looked up at him, glad that he stopped her from cleaning the dramatic spit take he did earlier. She stood up quickly, and followed her captain.

"Sir, is there a problem? Has there been an attack? Should I prepare the men?" She asked. She knew that whenever he talked to her in his office, there was something really serious going on...Something exiting, and boy, did Ivy love some excitement! The tired commander just shook his head.

"No...Well, not a problem...More of an assignment really. We can't use the men until we know for sure." He said as they continued to walk. They finally made it to Ron's office quarters. He sat down at his desk, while Ivy just leaned against the wall.

"So, what exactly is it Sir?" She said, crossing arms over her chest. Ron clasped his hands under his chin, and looked up at Ivy.

"Well, do you remember that female experiment? 203? The one we had to hold into custody for a few hours while High Commander Jade needed to add an adjustment to her own base for the little rat?" He asked. Ivy tilted her head away from his view, but not because she did remember her, but also because she was trying to hide her snickering face.

"Yes Sir, I do."

"How could I forget the demonic, yet cute project that almost ate you for trying to pet her head?" She thought in her mind. She just happen to pass by that day when she heard the Commander shriek out for help when she took her first tour here. It was quite amusing to see the man of the organization crying and screaming for help against a small girl almost eating him alive.

"Good...Well, after my wonderful talk with...Jade..." He stiffened at the not long ago memory. "Well...She is here, on our planet Ivy! She might even be close by!" He exclaimed, now his eyes showing little, but still noticeable fear in them. Ivy couldn't believe her luck. This was perfect! If they find Project 203, capture her, then somehow she breaks out and kills the Commander. (Eat him alive, rip him to shreds, she didn't care which, as long as he felt pain before he died). Then, SHE, would finally take over this organization, and maybe even step up to High Commander if The High Council believes she is worthy to surpass the (current) High Commander, Jade. Ivy was practically glowing with glee.

"Ivy? Captain, are you even LISTENING to me?!" Ron said in a very angry tone. Ivy snapped right of her trance of happiness, and looked her hopefully soon to be dead boss in the face.

"Err...yes and no Sir. I was listening at first, but got lost in thought with my planning..."

"...What kind of planning, Captain?" Ron asked suspiciously, now standing up. Ivy got a nervous tingle, hoping he doesn't know of her still growing hatred for him. She looked back at him, trying to show calm eyes.

"Umm, thinking out my plans for...for capturing the project!" She said, remembering that was the subject anyway. The Commander, still having a curious look in his eyes, grinned.

"Well then, good thinking Captain. You can tell me them when we first know where the blasted creature is hiding." He said as he clenched his hands into fists. Ivy sighed quietly, seeing his obsession on vengeance on 203 was getting to his head like his hate on Commander Jade. "Now Ivy, let us go to the Control Tower, and tell them to find our dear little friend." He said, his tone a little more hard than usual. She shrugged, and started to head out to the Control Tower, Ron not far behind her.

"I can't let this great opportunity escape me. I must work hard to keep my own eyes on the prize." Ivy thought just as they entered the Control Tower. There was a buzz moving along in there. All the 28 machines where occupied by at least 3 people around them. Only Lieutenant Miskit saw the appearance of Commander Ron, and the lovely young Captain Ivy coming towards him. He saluted them both, and they both returned the gesture.

"Lieutenant, we are going through a serious situation right now. I need to take care of other business on this subject. I'm leaving Captain Ivy here to command the search. I trust you both won't fail me. Miskit, listen to the Captain well, she still outranks you. Good Luck." He said as he left the scene. Miskit only nodded at Ron. This...was a dream! Ever since he saw Ivy taking the tour of how it was to work here after the hard training when he was heading out for a mission, he couldn't take his eyes off her. Which was bad, since he ran into a pole that day. His nose is still sore, but at least she giggled at him, and that's all he needed.

"I will give you my undivided attention, Captain Ivy. I will be listening & standing by you all the way." He tried saying in his most charming voice. Thankfully, he was taller than her by 2 inches, so it would seem cool to her. (He may or may not have stayed on her blog for 3 hours every night researching her likes and dislikes on men if she dated. She apparently liked tall guys). Ivy just looked up and smiled kindly at Miskit.

"Thank you...At least you have a heart to listen to me..." She said in an airy voice. Miskit smiled back at her. He liked to see her happy. But seriously, she deserves to be listened to. She had some really great ideas, that the Commander stupidly dismissed them all.

"Um, well then Lieutenant, may you please get everyone's attention so we can get started?" She said in a tone that Miskit thought was completely adorable. But he completely snapped out of his trance, and faced the crowd.

"Everyone, ATTENTION! Captain Ivy is present! Give her your upmost attention maggots!" He shouted. Don't let his lovey-dovey personality fool you. He literally is a lover and a fighter. Everyone working around them immediately broke off their work activity, and faced the Lieutenant and the Captain. Everyone exchanged a salute to them. Ivy only held her hand up.

"At ease men. I come before you today with an important announcement..." She paused, waiting for everyone to soak in their excitement and curiosity. "As you may recall, a few years ago G.U.N had let one of its greatest weapons and enemies it had ever seen go. Project Shadow.." Her audience began to chant in anger at the very mention of him. She held up her hand to silence them. They grew silent once more. "He escaped us, and made our organization shut down on Earth, and we were forced to move here to Marnt." She paused, suddenly getting exited at this part.

"And then, a year later (though this event was said to have happened many, many years before Project Shadow), we have heard of a new, better project that our sister N.U.G had been working on secretly. Sadly, she had escaped them 2 days ago...But, she made the fatal mistake of landing here. And now, we must capture Project 203, and send her back to Veron." All eyes widened at this, then everyone broke into applause. Ivy stood up proud and strong. "Dark Alpha team, you search here on the devices in the surrounding areas for strong energy or magic signs. Light Alpha team, you go spread the word to the public. But not in a alarming way. Just say that she is a missing child and should be turned to us immediately. Ya'll know the drill." She stopped, wondering why she brought back that old accent. She cleared her throat before continuing. "Alright. And last, but not least, Gray team. You'll go undercover, and search all surrounding neighborhoods that she could be hiding in. Now, MOVE OUT!" She said.

"Yes Sir!" Everyone said. Most of the room was filled out in a matter of minutes. Dark Alpha Team stayed to do their post. The other two teams left. The Captain grew a sly smile on her lips.

"Sir...I like the sound of that! It's good to be in charge. And soon, I will be in charge officially." She thought happily, leaving the room, with the love sick Miskit right behind. But, this, was only the beginning.

"Morning Sir." Passing soldiers said to their scurrying commander. He would only give them a simple nod, but showed no sign of stopping. He rushed back to his office, locked the door, and sat at his desk.

"This...I don't know why, but I'm suddenly thinking that this is a bad idea..." He sighed out. His logic was simple. They could catch her, but with her long experience with cells, prisons, and even the organizations themselves, couldn't she escape easily? They probably couldn't keep her for a day! Jade is lucky enough to keep that little monster captive for no more than a week! Or maybe more and less, depending if she was asleep or trapped in her mind. Well, that's what he assumed. Then again, they could always put her in the new base/prison they have been working on...

"It's only a matter of time now...This will either be the organization's destiny...or our doom. And with this strange feeling exploding in my chest, I feel...like this could be the end of me.." He sighed, already stressed out when nothing was even happening...yet. "The big stuff will come soon...whether I like it or not.." He mumbled, laying his tired old head on his desk. Not even 5 minutes in his resting moment, his comm unit buzzed off. He practically cried and fell out of his chair.

"CAN'T I JUST TAKE A SIMPLE 5 MINUTE NAP?! DOES THAT PHRASE MEAN NOTHING TO ANYONE?!" He shouted out. He slowly stood up,and dusted himself off. He was glad that no one saw or heard his childish behavior. He sat back in his chair, and leaned over to tap on his comm unit.

"Yes, Philly?" He said, his tone back to normal. He could hear his younger cousin, (And he's thankful that only Ivy and Miskit know that Philly is his one family member here), snickering at him.

"Oh, nothing, just wanted to see if your baby temper fest is over." She laughed again when she heard Ron grumble angrily. Man, was teasing her cousin a bloody hoot! She smiled to herself.

"Ha ha Phil , very funny. What's your REAL news?" He asked. Philly cringed at Ron's words, but didn't let her voice show it.

"You've got a visitor...It's your girlfriend, Jade's captain. I'm sending him up now. Have fun!" She said in a fake innocent voice. She heard him yell out, "She's NOT my girlfriend!" before she turned off her comm unit. She knew that he knew she got the last laugh. Ron sighed as he leaned back in his chair, mumbling very unpleasant words until there was a knock at the door. Ron hit the unlock button, and in came the young man. They stared silently at each other, for what seemed like hours, but only mere seconds.

"Hello, Commander Ron..." The young man said in an acid tone, a glare still in effect.

"Good morning...nephew." Ron said in a small, cold voice.

And there is another chapter for you all to enjoy. This took 16 pages to write. I hope it was worth reading. And if the whole table lunch thing was confusing (I kinda confused myself on it until I wrote it down), I'll just tell you how the were sitting going clockwise (Keeping in mind that the table was a circle): Zeren, Joey, Shadow, Knuckles, Rouge, Zera, Amy, Tails, & Sonic. I feel like I shouldn't have put Amy so close to Zera after all. It's just a principle feeling.

Stay tight, & I promise I will be here next week.

R&R please!