Nope, you're not imagining this! You get another chapter sooner than usual!

In all honesty, I already had this chapter half written, but had to hold off on it because the last chapter needed to be written first and I am thrilled to say that it worked out better this way!

This chapter is pretty special to me, especially when it comes to otters. Many years ago, I went to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi for my birthday. My late brother was with me and I remember loving the otter enclosure the best. One of the last gifts he ever bought me was an otter plushie and it's something I still cherish to this day. So I got a little emotional writing that zoo bit, but it's all good. Brought back good memories too.

Anyway, on with the rest of the AN

No real warnings this chapter. It's pretty much just them having fun and being carefree teenagers!

*The events of this chapter are happening in the same time frame of what's going on during the last chapter of 9 Months.* I'm really hoping this isnt getting confusing for everyone.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter and will leave me your thoughts in a review!

See you at the bottom!

The Girl's Suite

Elisa sat in her wheelchair putting her socks and shoes on. On the floor, her trusty backpack sat open with her necessary stuff in it. At the same time, her friends were pretty much doing the same thing and the adults, Eric and Wes were loading their guns and adjusting the straps on their special shoulder holsters.

Wes, checked his strap and then put an extra clip of ammo in the pocket of his black cargo pants. When he was done, he walked over to Elisa and straddled the desk chair in front of her.

"You all set?"

Elisa nodded. "I think so."

Wes nodded and then gestured to the bag at her feet. "Your brother mentioned that you have a special medical card that you carry with you. Do you mind showing it to me?"

Elisa pulled out the card and handed it over. The medical card was laminated and the size of your average greeting card and contained all her important information.

"It's got all the information about my condition and has a list of all the medications I'm on. Bradley's listed as my ICE and it also has the name of the ship Hayden is serving on in case someone needs to get a hold of him. "He updates it every time he gets a new assignment."

Wes gave it a cursory look and then zeroed in on the bottom of the card. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. He didn't need to ask her about it since Hayden had told him about what happened and how sensitive she was about the whole thing.

This was to be a day of fun, and she didn't need anyone bringing up painful memories.

"You've got an awesome big brother. He also told me to make sure you keep your Military ID close to you along with your insurance card."

Elisa nodded. "He's the best. When our parents died, he chased away the vultures and our lives are better without the b…idiots sniffing around."

Wes grinned. Hayden had pretty much used the same terminology when he'd discussed the vapid women that were trying to make off with their parents' expensive possessions. But he'd freely applied the more accurate monikers to them.

"Well, I hope you're ready for all the fun we're going to have today. We're just about ready to head out!"

On board the train to the zoo

Kyle and Autumn stood up on one side of the train as it traveled on the track. Across from them, Katsume and Elisa sat across from each other completely in their own world. They were watching something on his phone and talking softly together and every minute or so, she'd stroke the top of his hand and he'd look up at her and smile.

Eric and Wes stood close to the both of them in a casual stance with their heads on a swivel. They'd both donned their Silver Guardian's gear and though they kept their jackets on, their fitted basic black T-shirts were visible and the ladies noticed. Autumn was pretty sure the woman with the Victoria's Secret bag was ready to swoon.

Kyle shook his head and then looked back at the love birds. Elisa said something to Katsume and he leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead and at the same moment, someone to their left snorted.

Kyle rolled his eyes. Were these idiots everywhere?

"Hey, watch the PDA!" said a nosy woman with a yoga outfit on.

Autumn looked a the woman and then looked at her mate. "Well, if she insists…"

When she trailed off, Kyle caught her mischievous vibes and grinned as she pulled on his belt loops and he pushed forward, cupped the side of her face and pulled her closer for what promised to be a heated kiss.

When the woman cleared her throat even louder, Autumn broke off the moment and then looked at her. "But I thought you wanted to watch the PDA…I just figured that you must be a voyeur to ask so directly!"

When the woman rolled her eyes and walked away, Kyle broke into a laugh and pulled his mate in for a real kiss. "You're such a naughty girl."

"And you like it." She retorted. "I mean you haven't complained yet."

Kyle shook his head. "Nope, not a single complaint."

Eric snorted. "Alright you two, better cool off before any real PDA happens. The next stop is ours."

Back at the Hotel

Trent had no idea what to think, he'd not expected for her to show up. He was so thankful for Kimberly; she took charge of the situation, which made it easier for him to think and yes, appreciate everything about the beautiful woman.

"Who are you really, Ms. Anderson?" Kimberly asked in a dangerous tone. "I don't believe that you're just some school counselor that magically knew how to find us."

Gabrielle sat calmly in her chair and looked her interrogator straight in the eye. "I really am a counselor, licensed by the state of California. About a year ago, I was hired by the FBI as an asset, not an agent. I was already a trained martial artist so all that was needed was for me to take a class or two in firearms and I got my permit to carry a gun."

"Honestly, this whole thing has been building ever since the TSA was taken down and my bosses realized how deep the roots went. Even though the school said that all of the teachers were given background checks and the corrupt teachers weeded out, the FBI wanted to be sure. That's why they assigned this to me. I was the only one with the right degree and certification for the job."

"You still haven't told us how you found us." Kimberly demanded.

"The FBI knows a lot about you told me the basics, but they also told me that ever since the big showdown with that McKnight guy, they don't want to try and take you guys on again. They keep tabs, but that's as far as they go."

Gabrielle gave Trent an apologetic look before she continued. "Trent used his VIP status to get those first class seats. The moment you guys left the ground I was called into the office and given 6 hours to get my special needs son to his dad's house, get back to the house, pack my suitcase and then get to the airport in time to catch my plane."

"And what about this hotel?" Kimberly continued to grill her. "How did you know that?"

"Mr. Mercer paid for this hotel, my boss did the search and then handed me the case file. I have the only copy. It'll be destroyed as soon as I get the chance."

She looked at Kimberly who was quietly mulling it all over.

"…Or I could just give you the file and let you be the one to do with it as you want."

Kimberly looked at Tommy and he subtly nodded at her. Looking back at Gabriella, she added. "Do you know about our high school hobbies?"

"Yeah, I know you were the Power Rangers."

Kimberly leaned on the table. "My powers evolved after Ivan Ooze was destroyed and I became the Pink Death Warrior and my name is feared. I'm going to ask one last question and if you're lying to me than you'll find out why."

Gabrielle felt her heart racing. This woman in front of her was very powerful and she was suddenly extremely nervous.

Kimberly didn't pause. "Why are you here now? I want the truth."

"I came out here to be sure that Mr. Shin is okay. I've seen what's on the MySpace profile and I've seen the video evidence of what happened at the market. It scared me and then you all up and disappear; I don't want to see another innocent die due to negligence. I don't know what else I can do to prove to you that I'm on your side…I'm really here to help you guys out."

Kimberly gave her a long look and then sighed softly. Ok, I believe you. But you must know that until Katsume is safe and the predator hunting him is caught, we don't trust anyone out outside of this group. I hope you're prepared to stay with us until Katsume is safe again. I can't risk anyone finding out where we're hiding."

"Hey, I have an untraceable expense account that only my boss can see. I'm good and my son's father can take care of him long term and he's got the same kind of equipment necessary for Quin's care. He'll be fine."

That made Kimberly pause. "Equipment? As in Medical Equipment?"

Trent shook his head. "It's sensory equipment. Her son has Autism."

Gabrielle looked up at him in surprise. "You remembered?"

Trent nodded. "I didn't forget anything…" He trailed off and then shut his mouth and looked at his feet.

Kimberly looked between them and saw the look of surprise that Gabriella gave Trent when he wasn't looking.

How interesting…

The Portland Zoo

About two hours later

Everyone was in a good mood. Because school was in session, there weren't many kids running around which made for a pleasant atmosphere. The teens and their chaperones had already been to the African habitats and had a blast watching the new lion clubs playing with the lionesses. The elephants were busy spraying each other with water and it seemed everyone including the animals were in a playful mood.

Now, they stood in front of the otter habitat as the zoo employee gave a talk about the nature of the furry creatures that were chasing each other around their very large enclosure. Just watching them, she couldn't help but smile and she felt so bubbly watching their antics.

"We should get a picture with them." Katsume said softly. Elisa grinned at him and nodded. Once the keeper had finished her speech, Katsume pulled out his digital camera and handed it over to Kyle who motioned for them to get into frame.

As Kyle knelt down and lifted the camera so that it was at a perfect angle, he grinned as one of the otters began swimming back and forth as if trying to get into the picture. When he snapped the picture, the creature began to chirp at him, and he took one more picture of the otter for good measure. When he handed the camera back to Katsume, the otter squeaked louder as if demanding another picture.

Kyle laughed loudly and then walked up to the glass and snapped another picture. "There, are you happy now?"

"That's Tina and she's a huge diva; she loves to ham it up for the camera." The keeper said as she walked up to them. Her name tag read Jasmine and she had a friendly face. "Let's hope you got her good side."

Kyle chuckled and gave the camera back to Katsume who checked the little screen on the back of the screen. I think it's impossible not to. She's really cute!"

They spent a few more minutes talking to the zoo employee before walking off to the next exhibit. By the time they'd stopped for lunch, they'd managed to collect half of the collectible plastic mold animals. They all sat in the middle of the largest table in the area and the girls now sat next to each other as the boys went up to the food stand and put in the food orders.

After swiping their cards and getting their drinks they walked back to the table to see the girls both leaning over the phone. As they got nearer, they heard Leif's voice.

"Wait, here comes the guys. If you've got news, than they should be here for it."

"No need to wait, Ladies. We're here." Kyle said as he sat down beside his mate.

"Yeah, how's things in Angel Grove?" Autumn asked.

"Not great." Even through the phone, they could hear the stress in his voice.

"What happened?" Katsume asked softly.

"The Donut Muncher struck. He was snooping around the school and Rook found him. They got into a fight and Rook now has a big scar across his face and a possible concussion. He'll be fine, but they're keeping him overnight for observation. Just before we came home, I brought him a massive cheeseburger and home fries, he's happier not having to eat the hospital food."

Kyle grinned at the phone.

Katsume sat back in relief.

"There's more." Leif added though he seemed a bit hesitant.

"Don't keep us in suspense." Kyle responded.

They were a long pause. "Sapphire and I…we're getting married."

"You're joking."

"This isn't my joking voice. We've been planning to do so for a while now, we even had the required license. We planned to let you guys in on it, but things happened, and we never got to tell you."

"This is pretty sudden."

"It's sooner than I expected it to happen, but with that pig is snooping around, it's better that he comes after us than for the Manor to be attacked again. That brainless idiot, Brock was giving him all kinds of information. There's no telling what that Pig knows now."

"I wish we could be there for that," Autumn said. "Can you at least live stream it?"

"That's the plan. Leif answered. "Once the wedding is over, we're heading your way; the same night if possible. Us having our wedding certificate will get us out of dodge without the cops or any other nosy people questioning it."

"And how does Sapphire feel about all this?"

"She's not happy, but at least we don't have to go before the judge now. We can have a real ceremony. I think she'd be happier if we had a real reception once we get there. I'm hoping you guys can figure out a way to make it happen."

"Yeah, we can do a cake and a small feast. When will you guys be here?"

"As soon as we can politely leave the chapel. Believe me, we're ready to get out of the city."

Kyle sat back in his chair. He heard the workers call them up to get their orders, but he felt too overwhelmed to move. Thankfully, Wes and Eric handled things.

He blew out a breath and then sat forward. "We'll handle the party. Is there any other news out of left field to tell us?"

There was quiet on the phone.

"No, this isn't a secure line and we don't know how much that pig has tech wise. I dare not say anymore over the phone."

Kyle looked around at the other miscreants. "Whatever it is, we're here for you."

"That's awesome to hear, guys. But it's not life threatening, we'll be fine."

Wes leaned over the phone now. "If you guys contact our wives, we have the tech to secure a phone line. They can download the programs to keep the lines safe."

"I've seen the kind of tech you guys have. Connor showed me the new Miscreant gear today. I didn't know that holographic technology existed outside of the government. But Billy and Ethan found a way to integrate it into our communication cuffs. It's just like Star Wars!"

"That's awesome. I knew they were making a prototype, but I never got the chance to field test it! That's definitely on the list once all this drama is over."

"We already tried it today. Saph and I had a rescue mission to the convent, that's how Conner was able to secure the chapel for the wedding."

"What happened?" Katsume asked.

"A mama dog was found in their garden at the convent. She's definitely about to deliver a litter of puppies. She looked so swollen, that if she doesn't have then within the week, than there's something wrong with her. We gave them a bed and supplies to last the month, hopefully by the time we get back, we'll be able to give them more."

So, I guess that means when we come back, the Miscreant work begins again." Katsume said softly.

When you get back you'll be safe and then we can save the animals. And we have a litter of kittens and soon, puppies to find good homes for.

They were all quiet for a moment and then Kyle piped up again. "So, do you know what kind of cake you want?"

"Anything chocolate or marble."

The zoo's gift shop

Two Hours later

Elisa picked up the big fluffy panda panda blanket and hugged it. Katsume stood back watching. The reloadable credit card was all but burning a hole in his pocket.

"While we're here, we should pick something up for the kids. I know from personal experience that they'll be surrounding us and asking what we brought them. Not to mention that it'll be Christmas soon and they'll be expecting extra presents…from all of us. Especially you now that you're a member of the family."

"You start the shopping now?" katsume asked.

"Our mom's started back in July; Autumn and I help with the stocking stuffers. It helps take shopping pressure off our parents and the stuff here is way better than what you get at the toy store."

"Huh didn't know that. I've never been part of a family before. I don't even know where to start!"

"We'll just leave our ladies to browse and I'll show you what the kids enjoy. I've done this plenty of times."

It only took about ten minutes for the souvenirs to be picked out and then the guys went over to where the ladies browsed. Katsume smiled when we saw that she'd picked up the very fluffy looking blanket. Unbidden the image of the two of them curled up together with the blanket draped over them invaded his mind. He really wouldn't mind getting cozy with his girlfriend.

He unconsciously smiled. "Hey, Katsume, could you help me get that panda bear?"

Katsume was snapped out of his revelry and walked over to her and reached up to grab the plushie. As he did, his hoodie rode up again displaying his flat stomach for her to see.

Elisa wanted to reach out and touch, but she looked away instead. He was so finely toned; she'd have that image in her head for a while…stowed away for when she needed inspiration…

"This is the one you want?" Katsume asked as he handed her the extremely fluffy stuffed animal and she cuddled it close to her. "Yes, she's perfect!"

Then she's yours. Is there anything else you want to buy?"

"Just a t shirt. I'm saving most of my money for Sea World. I've always wanted a stuffed orca or dolphin…I haven't decided yet. This is good for now."

Katsume pressed a kiss to her hair and then helped her maneuver her chair to the checkout.

While they were checking out and picking up the last of the plastic mold animals to complete the collection, their minds were on the newest bit of news to hit their group. They wasted no time getting back to the train station and heading back.

Once the teens had put away their souvenirs and changed clothes, they were called into the adult's suite. Katsume was especially surprised to see his councilor sitting at the table with his dad.

She waved at him and then put her hands around her Starbucks cup. "Hi Katsume. Did you have fun today?"

"How did you find me?"

"It's alright son." Trent responded. "She's already been questioned and she's here for a legitimate reason."

"I was just worried for your safety since you guys just vanished into the night."

We've discussed a lot while you guys were out and have been brainstorming how to further your education once we return to Angel Grove."

Autumn sat down at the table and crossed her legs. "I thought we were going to be homeschooled for now."

Tommy nodded as he walked around with Maverick comfortably nestled against his chest. "That's the plan but now we have worked out a way to make it happen. A few of the teachers that I work with have been brainstorming about how to teach you guys without you actually being in the room."

"That sounds like a live video feed kind of thing." Kyle commented.

"Essentially, that is the idea." Miss Gabriella answered. "A few of the more dedicated teachers have even offered to come tutor you in person."

"At the manor?" Katsume asked nervously.

Kimberly gave him an odd look. "Are you okay?"

"Something has happened at school." Kyle answered. "I don't know if you've been updated since this morning."

All the adults looked at each other then Kimberly sat down at the table. "Debrief us."

When they did, they all gave the teens a shocked look.

"The manor might be compromised again. We don't know what Brock the Dumb Jock knows in regard to the Manor. But his dad is that same man that you had the showdown with at the school meeting. It's possible that whatever his dad knows, Brock knows; he was giving everything to the Donut Muncher like a cheap whore."

Tommy's eyes started to glow a slight green again and he pulled out his cellphone and walked into a corner of the room; no doubt to call the manor to see compare notes.

Meanwhile, Kyle was talking about the party he wanted to throw for the newlyweds once they arrived. I've never been to San Diego, but we were thinking you guys might now a place, both to get a cake for them and to throw a small wedding party for them."

This whole time, a storm of emotion had been stewing in Trent's heart and mind. He never wanted to leave a place so bad. From the moment he'd seen the woman of his fantasies walking towards him, he'd been looking for an excuse to leave. The only thing holding him back from leaving is that his son needed him. Now here was his chance to leave without looking like he was eager to be gone.

He schooled his features and spoke up. I may have a few ideas. "Give me an hour and I can be ready to drive down there. When his mentor gave him a look of scrutiny, he met it unflinchingly. "I'm the only one here that's not actually needed for anything other than my bank card. Gabriella can take my seat on the train and by the time you guys arrive, I'll have that party you want all set up and ready to go. Not to mention that if that pig is looking for me, then he'll think I'm in San Diego. It's the perfect misdirect."

Doctor O looked thoughtfully at him and then shrugged. "If that's what you want to do, then I'll go let the concierge know that you'll need a car. Any preference?"

Trent shrugged. Automatic, mid size and dependable. I'll need it for at least a week. While you do that, I'll go pack."

When he left, Kim looked at Gabriella who was giving his retreating form a look of confusion and also a little disappointment.

Tommy walked over to his wife and handed the baby over and whispered in her ear. Then he walked out.

When the door shut behind him, Kimberly smoothed the hair on her son's head and then looked at the teens. "So, what happened at the zoo. I want to know all about your adventures!"

So, what did you guys think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the reviews section!