Author's note: Alright, first of all I'm really really sorry about how long it's taken me to post this chapter up. And sorry, I know it isn't very long. Things have just been crazy with assessment, argh! Though I'm not going to rant about it here. I'll try to be good and get the next chapter up next week but I'm not sure if I can: I've got two exams and two assignments due in the one week.
Anyway, just a little note on Curium 247: The surface area of the element actually reacts to air so that the substance forms a layer of curium oxide, this layer doesn't inhibit the effects of the pure curium 247 but it itself doesn't affect the loonatics powers. As a result a certain volume of curium with a small surface area will be much more effective than the same volume but with a larger surface area. Just keep that in mind for later.
So I think that's all. On with the chapter.
"My, Loonatics, whatever is the matter?" The Birdwatcher asked in a mock-sincere voice. His grin broadened, "Oh, did I forget to mention my prized possession? How forgetful of me: after all, it is your greatest weakness."
As he was speaking, the battered guards had managed to get to their feet. Now they converged on the fallen heroes, restraining them.
There was one however, that they completely overlooked. Finding himself ignored wasn't something new to Rip, however this time he was happy about it. Ducking down behind one of the tables, he decided to put his invisibility to good use.
The Birdwatcher watched triumphantly as his robots captured the Loonatics without any resistance. Well, except for the leader.
Ace struggled weakly against his restraints. "You won't get away with dis," he stated, even as his struggling took its toll on his energy. Drained, he dropped limply into the grip of the guard, keeping eye contact with the Birdwatcher the whole time. The villain maintained his gaze evenly, smirking the whole time.
"Oh, but I think I will. You have no way to fight me and I have ways to discourage escape," he countered. "So why don't you accept the inevitable. I'll tell you what I plan to do with you and you will come along easily. That way no one gets hurt. I wouldn't want to damage any of you."
Ace, however, didn't back down, "It's not da Loonatics way ta give up without a fight. I'm willing ta face any pain you've got."
"Would you feel the same way about your teammates though?" The Birdwatcher asked, gesturing at Rev.
Ace faltered.
"I didn't think so. Now, you will all come along peacefully or the roadrunner will pay. And just to prove my point," he picked up the syringe he'd released when the Loonatics had barged in and advanced towards the defenceless Rev.
"Nooo!" Rip yelled, jumping out from behind the table he'd crawled to, to get close to the Birdwatcher. Rip collided with him, knocking the syringe and Curium from his hands. They fell to the ground with two distinct crashes.
As soon as the Curium shattered, the Loonatics felt their strength returning. Taking advantage of the confusion, they launched an attack on the unsuspecting robots.
"No!" screamed the Birdwatcher. With surprising speed and strength, he sucker punched Rip, sending him reeling backwards into the wall.
Disorientated, Rip could do nothing but watch impassively as the villain approached. Fire burned in the Birdwatcher's eyes, "You did this! Now you will pay."
"Rip!" Rev cried. Futilely, he struggled against his bonds, ignoring the metal as it scraped and cut his skin. All that mattered was that Rip, his brother, needed him.
Picking up a knife from the wall, the Birdwatcher smiled, "Say goodbye to your brother roadrunner, because you won't be seeing each other for a while," and he raised his knife.
Before the stroke could fall, however, a cube of Gluco-Gell surrounded him.
"I'd like to disagree," Tech stated triumphantly.
Over by the wall, Lexi helped the out-of-the-loop Rip to his feet. He wasn't on his feet for very long though, before an over-excited Rev tackled him. "Rip-you're-alright-I-was-so-worried-before:-it-looked-like-you-were-a-gonna.-I'm-so-glad-you're-alright-though,-I-don't-know-what-I'd-have-done-if-you'd-been-hurt-I-"
Ace watched amused as Rev practically crushed the life out of his brother, "Alright Rev: let him breathe."
Rev let go almost immediately. "Sorry," he mumbled sheepishly.
He didn't get a chance to say anything else though because the next instant Slam was crushing him in a bear hug. It was fine until Slam accidently bumped his left arm and he was unable to stifle a pained gasp.
The next instant Slam released him and Tech was carefully examining Rev's wounds. Judging by his expression, he wasn't happy with the results.
"So what's da verdict?" Ace asked.
"He has multiple bruises and cuts; the most prominent being the large bruise on the back of his head, – probably from hitting that tree – a black eye and the cuts on his wrists and ankles from struggling just before. He also has a sprained ankle, a couple of cracked ribs and his left forearm is most definitely broken. I'll need to set it as soon as we get back to headquarters."
Ace's face darkened as he heard how much damage had befallen his teammate in less than 24 hours. "Speaking of which, Tech: do you think you could drive dis ship? I think it's about time we went home."
As soon as Rip and Rev stepped out of the ship, they were immediately smothered by their parents, both speaking at such incredibly fast paces and at the same time that not even the Runner brothers could decipher what they were saying.
"It's-okay-Ma-we're-fine," Rev comforted his mother as she cried hysterically on his shoulder.
"Oh-Rev-I'm-just-glad-you're-both-okay.-I-couldn't-stand-the-thought-of-losing-either-of-you.-Thank-you-for-protecting-your-brother."
"Thanks-Ma,-but-he-protected-me," Rev ruffled Rip's crest.
"It's true," Ace backed him up, "none of us would be here now without him. He saved us all."
Ralph just smiled. "I-always-knew-you-had-it-in-you," he said putting an arm around his son's shoulders.
The happy glow on Rip's face couldn't even be described, as he stood there surrounded by his family. Despite how tired, battered and bruised he was, he wouldn't have changed this moment for the world.
There you have it. I think I would've liked this chapter better if I'd made it longer and had had more time to edit it but oh well. I hope you guys all liked it (You can tell me by typing in that small box below :D). Anyway, just the epilogue to go and this story is finished. :(. It's been great writing it so I hope you all enjoyed it!
