S2 EP9: Poker Face

Hi guys, Lola here! I know Trey usually introduces you guys to the story, but he doesn't really know about what I have going on so I'll be starting it off this time. Last time you guys saw me, I was making a deal with Mister Negative to get superpowers, so Trey would see I am the one he should really be with. So far, it hasn't been going like I expected. I thought I'd just come into Negative's warehouse and he'd give me some of the same meta formula that Mayor Lincoln gave Xavier. Instead...

Currently, I'm in Mister Negative's warehouse, in his laboratory. I was hooked up to some kind of machine with needles implanted into my veins. Negative was there, along with one of his scientists.

Lola: "Why do we have to keep doing this, Mister Negative? You said that after the first couple times, I should be a meta." He gave me a grin but instead of reassuring me, it made me uneasy.

Mister Negative: "Key word is should, Lola. Although we have the complete data on how to produce the meta-human formula, we don't have the data to expertly sync it to human DNA like NexCorp. Tombstone was smart to have someone steal the finished product but we don't have that luxury." I sighed.

Lola: "Right. Hopefully this works this time."

Mister Negative: "I am just as anxious as you are, my dear. If we can successfully turn you into a meta, we can begin transforming my men and the Negative Crew will have total control over Novas City." I nodded slowly. Trey would flip if he knew I'd gone to Negative, but it's not like I want to join his gang. He's just the only person that can help me get powers. After I get them, I can help Trey take him down. I just need to get the powers first.

Scientist lady: "We are ready to begin ingestion, Sir." Negative nodded and looked at me.

Mister Negative: "You know the drill, my dear." I nodded and the scientist pressed a button, making some kind of green liquid flow through some tubes and into the needles in my veins, injecting the liquid into me. I gritted my teeth and writhed in pain as I felt the liquid burn my veins. My eyes glowed green and then...nothing. I groaned.

Lola: "Seriously? Still nothing?" Negative looked at his scientist angrily.

Mister Negative: "Fiona, what is the meaning of all these failures?! Do I have to remind you what happens to people who fail me?" He held up his hand and it glowed with black particle energy.

Fiona: "Nothing should have went wrong Sir, I swear! Have we considered that maybe it is her?" My eyes got wide and I looked at her angrily, too.

Lola: "Que mierda? What do you mean maybe it's me? Shouldn't you be able to give powers to any human?" Fiona typed something on the computer and it pulled up a diagram of my DNA.

Fiona: "That's not true, exactly. The meta-human formula can alter the DNA of someone as long as nothing is hindering it." She pressed another button and a glowing piece of DNA tried to combine with mine, only to be rejected, "Just as I thought. Something inside Lola's body is rejecting the meta-serum. A normal dose is not likely to transform her."

I looked at the floor, feeling my heart break a little.

Lola: "So you're saying it's impossible for me to get powers?"

Fiona: "As of right now, yes. I'm sorry, Lola." A few of Negative's guys carefully pulled the needles out of my veins and released me from the chair.

Mister Negative: "As am I, my dear." I shrugged and walked over to where I left my backpack then started to walk out of the lab. Before I could, though, the door closed.

Lola: "What gives? I'm already late for the beach day and since I can't fly or anything to get there faster, I'm going to be even later." Negative smirked.

Mister Negative: "Although I am sorry we could not uphold our end of the deal, you still have to uphold yours. You didn't think I would just agree to give you powers simply because you are nice to look at, did you, my dear?" I rolled my eyes and sighed, walking back over to him.

Lola: "Fine, what do you want me to do?"

Mister Negative: "Well, since it has become apparent that you are not a very good test subject, your job is to find someone that is." I raised an eyebrow.

Lola: "What do you mean?"

Mister Negative: "You attend Novas University, correct?" I nodded and he continued, "Scope out your school and look for individuals that are...not too squeaky clean. Bring them back here so that my men and I can properly test our meta-formula." I thought about what he was telling me to do. It's one thing to volunteer myself to be a test subject, I actually want to get powers and I for sure wouldn't use them for evil. I'm not so sure about bringing someone else.

Lola: "Why can't you use a member of your gang as a test subject? You want them all to get powers eventually, right?" He chuckled.

Mister Negative: "Yes, but I have to make sure the formula isn't lethal first. I can't afford to lose a member of my crew, especially with Tombstone's gang getting stronger." I sighed. What choice do I have?

Lola: "Fine, I'll try my best. But I can't make any promises." I turned to walk off, but Negative suddenly grabbed me with his glowing black hand. My eyes flashed black for a second.

Mister Negative: "You will NOT fail me, Lola. Understand?" I smirked at him and nodded.

Lola: "I will not fail you." He smirked back and I walked out the door.

Fiona: "You let her leave again, Sir? What if she decides to tell someone this time?"

Mister Negative: "I would not worry about that, Fiona. Not only have I placed my Negative touch on her, but she is desperate for meta-human abilities for whatever reason. She would not dare betray us."


Trey's POV

Kyrie sure is missing out, through no fault of his own. Right now, our entire university is on its way to Novas Beach for a beach day that apparently happens every year before it starts to get cold out. I don't really get cold anymore thanks to having the DNA of several ice aliens, but it'd look pretty suspect for a kid to be at the beach during a snowstorm.

CoCo: "Thanks for hanging out with me during the trip, hero boy. It's been tough since Kyrie disappeared and this will be a great way to take my mind off things." I was sitting next to her on the bus as we drove down the road toward the beach. I gave her a sympathetic look and put a hand on her shoulder.

Trey: "It's no problem, CC, I know how hard it's been for you and his mom. I'm sure he's fine, though." She sighed and laid her head on my shoulder. A month ago, I would have been super excited about her doing that. Not anymore, though, the small crush I had on her is completely gone and has been since I started dating Ellie.

CoCo: "Do you think we'll ever get him back, T? The task force is no match for Arsenal and he's not gonna give Ky up without a fight." I clenched my jaw.

Trey: "Do we really know for sure that is was Arsenal that took Kyrie? I mean, he's a millionaire, there's a shit ton of people who'd want to get at him." CoCo picked her head up and glared at me. I gulped.

CoCo: "Can you not let your little crush on Arsenal make you stupid, Trey? Last time anybody saw Kyrie, he was at the expo. You know who else was at the expo? Arsenal. Not to mention, he fucking kidnapped him for hours before bringing him back for the expo. All the evidence points to Arsenal." I sighed and nodded, deciding to leave it alone before I piss her off more.

I looked behind us to the back of the shuttle and noticed someone was missing.

Trey: "Have you seen Lola? When I talked to her this morning, she said she'd make it on time to ride to the beach with us." CC smirked a little and i rolled my eyes.

CoCo: "Missing your boo thang already, hero boy? Don't worry, she texted me a few minutes ago and said she'd meet us there. Something about her new part-time job keeping her back."

Trey: "We're just friends, for the millionth time." I pulled out my phone, seeing no notifications, "Wonder why she didn't text me, though."

CC raised an eyebrow at me and started making kissy noises, making me roll my eyes again.

A few minutes later, the bus pulled into the beach parking lot and everybody piled out. I stepped off the bus wearing red swimming trunks, my black Nike slides with no socks, and a red bandanna around my head. I also had on sunglasses and wasn't wearing a shirt, meaning my six pack was on full display.

Girl student: "Whew, where you been hiding that, Trey?" I blushed a little and nodded at her. Ellie would totally bite her face off if she heard that, but she's not here so it's all good. CoCo exited the bus with a black bikini and flip-flops on and the two of us walked toward the beach with our classmates.

CoCo: "I know there's nothing like Novas Beach back in Horizon, hero boy. It's probably the most beautiful beach in the country." I raised an eyebrow at her and looked around. The beach was pretty awesome. The ocean was obviously huge, the sand was perfect, and there was a huge pier that had a bunch of shops.

Trey: "Seriously?" She nodded and I said, "So this beach day is pretty popular?"

She nodded.

CoCo: "One of the highlights of the semester, along with homecoming. Speaking of, who you planning on taking?" I shrugged as we went and sat down in some lounge chairs.

Trey: "Haven't really thought about it, honestly." It's true. With all this stuff going on with the gangs and other hero stuff, I didn't even know homecoming was a thing.

CoCo: "I call bullshit! You and Lola have been spending a shit ton of time together and you told me yourself that you guys went on a date. You can't tell me you haven't at least thought about her in that way." I thought about it. Sure, Lola and I did go on that date back when I first met Ellie and we did end up having sex that night, but I'm honestly not interested in anybody but Ellie. Not to get all mushy or anything, but there's something about her that makes me want nobody but her. Besides, Candy head and I have only been spending so much time together because she's a part of Team Arsenal. But CoCo doesn't know that.

I shook my head.

Trey: "Nope, strictly platonic." She eyed me suspiciously, but didn't say anything as Lola ran up to us in that moment. She was wearing a yellow polka-dot bikini with a towel around her waist and sunglasses on her head.

Lola: "Sorry I'm late, guys. Stupid boss was talking nonsense." She sat down next to me and hugged me real quick, then waved at CoCo.

Trey: "No worries, Smurfette." CC smirked.

CoCo: "Yeah, we were just talking about you actually." I glared at her and Lola grinned at me, cheekily.

Lola: "Oh, really? What about me?" I didn't answer, instead looking her up and down behind my sunglasses. I'm getting a really weird feeling from her and I can't exactly put my finger on what it is.

Trey: "So what's this job about, Lol? You never mentioned it before." Lola raised an eyebrow at me.

Lola: "I told CoCo about it. You've been spending so much time...chasing bats, that I didn't have the chance." CC looked at her, then at me.

CoCo: "Chasing bats? What the hell does that mean?" I cleared my throat and looked at Lola, who was smirking at me. The fuck is her problem? It's almost like she's trying to expose Ellie.

Suddenly, an alarm blared behind us and we looked up at the pier. The surfboard shop's window was busted and smoke was coming from the inside.

CoCo: "The hell? Who decides to rob a surfboard store in broad daylight?" Lola looked at me but I was busy looking around for a place to go hero. She rolled her eyes.

Lola: "Trey, I forgot my sunscreen on the bus and I burn muy facil. Would you go get it for me?" I nodded quickly and stood up.

Trey: "Sure thing, Candy head. Be right back." I mouthed 'thank you' to her, then ran off in the direction of the bus. I heard CC say something about us being cute before I left.

Trey: "This is really not helping the whole 'Lola and I are just friends' thing." I ran over to a porta-potty and locked myself inside, "No time to think about that, though. Surf's up."

I glowed red.

Inside the surf shop, a guy with some kind of weapon was holding it up and some other guys were taking the boards and other merchandise off the walls.

Crook 1: "Okay man, this doesn't have to go badly. Just put the money in the bag and me and my friends will be on our way." He pointed the weapon at the guy at the register, an old black guy, who put his hands up.

Old guy: "But this is all I have! Please, I implore you to reconsider your actions." One of the other thugs came over and socked the old guy in the face, making him spit out blood.

Crook 2: "Shut the fuck up, old-timer, we didn't ask for your sob story. Put the money in the bag!" The guy with the weapon looked at him.

Crook 1: "Calm down man, we weren't supposed to actually hurt anybody. Mom would never forgive me."

Crook 3: "Don't get soft on us, Miles, we gotta do what we gotta do for us to survive." He started to walk back to the boards, but he was suddenly blasted by some kind of green slime and stuck to a wall. They all turned around and saw me as Snot Rocket.

Snot Rocket: "What's kickin', dudes? You tourists get more and more rowdy as time goes on."

Old guy: "Arsenal? Oh no." I rolled my eyes.

Snot Rocket: "Oh, I'm sorry for coming to rescue you. Allow me to leave and let these robbers continue to ROB YOU." The crooks pointed their weapons at me.

Miles: "Stay back, you lunatic! I'm not afraid you blast you to kingdom come." I chuckled.

Snot Rocket: "So much for not actually hurting anybody." He fired his weapon and I leaped up and used my snot to stick to the ceiling, then dropped down and kicked his partner in the chest, sending him flying back into the display stand, shattering it into pieces.

Old guy: "Do you know how much that's going to cost to fix that?!" I ducked under Miles' fist and turned toward him.

Snot Rocket: "Well it's a good thing you'll have plenty money after I stop these guys." I went Savage and sweep-kicked Miles' legs from under him, then jumped up and drop-kicked him back into the wall. His partner picked up his weapon and started letting off rounds of some kind of plasma energy, but I did a sideways aerial flip to dodge the shots, then grabbed a couple heads off some mannequins and launched them at him. One nailed him in the stomach and knocked the wind out of him, and the other nailed him in the head, knocking him out cold. I got on all fours and walked over to Miles.

Savage: "Alright prep school, where do guys like you get plasma weapons?" He was silent until I glared at him and growled. He gulped.

Miles: "Okay, okay! This guy, he said he could help me and some other guys get some money if we pulled some jobs for him. He's the one that gave me the plasma rifle." I nodded.

Savage: "And where did you and these other guys meet this guy?"

Miles: "Blackie's Bar, down on 8th street. He and his buddies play cards there every Saturday night." I nodded again and went Arcticguana.

Arcticguana: "Thanks for the help. I called you a ride already, it'll be the one with the flashing red and blue lights." I blew a small ice blast at him, freezing him to the floor. I turned to go, but..

Miles: "WAIT! I know you're supposed to be some kind of vigilante, but you have to understand. I needed this money." I rolled my eyes.

Arcticguana: "I'm so sure. Look, I feel for you but armed robbery is not the way. Sorry but if I let you go, you'll just rob more people."

Miles: "But-" He was cut off by me glowing red and becoming Fleet, then flying off. "Hero my ass."

What I didn't see was Lola and CoCo watching the whole thing from a lemonade stand.

CoCo: "The fucking nerve of that meta, flying around after he kidnapped my fucking boyfriend! How is no one making an attempt to stop him?" Lola ignored her, instead looking at Miles, who looked like he was about to cry.

Lola: "One of those robbers looks familiar, does he go to Novas?" CC looked at Miles too and immediately nodded.

CoCo: "That's Miles Novak, he's in my Latin class. Or, he was. I didn't think he was the type to commit armed robbery." Lola raised an eyebrow at her and turned back to Miles, who was being put into a police car.

Lola (mumbling): "Negative, I may have found your guy."


Later that day, Miles was sitting in a cell at Novas City Holding Center, waiting for the police to take him to actual jail.

Miles: "Well, this blows. Thanks to those idiot guys, I'm on my way to jail and where are they? Doing community service because they're minors. What a load of bull." At that moment, a cop walked up to the cell.

Cop: "Novak, you have a visitor." He stepped aside, letting a middle-aged woman walk in. She was white, had blonde hair, and looked pissed off beyond belief. Miles gulped.

Miles: "Mom? What are you doing here?" She glared at him.

Mrs. Novak: "How about you answer that for me, Miles. Please tell me why I had to leave the store to come see my son, who got arrested for armed robbery! What were you thinking?!"

Miles: "I was thinking that you shouldn't have to work in the store, Ma! You spent all of our money to send me to Novas and now we're barely getting by. I just wanted to help you." Mrs. Novak sighed.

Mrs. Novak: "I understand that, son, but this isn't the way. I'm sorry but I can't allow you to come home and corrupt your brothers anymore. Maybe some time in jail will serve you good." She turned to leave.

Miles: "But, Mom! I was doing it for you!" She turned around, giving him a disapproving look.

Mrs. Novak: "You should have known I would not have liked this, Miles. I love you but I believe in making an honest living, not taking whatever we want. Goodbye, Miles." She walked out, leaving Miles with the cop.

Cop: "You got another visitor, kid. Should I let her in?" Miles glared at him, but nodded anyway.

Miles: "Whatever. Not like this day could get any worse."

Voice: "No, but I might be able to make it better." Miles turned to the door and at that moment, Lola walked in. Her hair was in two pig-tails and she was wearing her Novas University Drama department jacket and blue skinny jeans. Miles raised an eyebrow at her.

Miles: "Hey, you're that Lola girl who was in the school play last year, right? What are you doing here?" Lola glanced at the cop.

Lola: "Can you give us a minute, officer? This is kind of a private thing." The cop looked reluctant for a second, then nodded.

Cop: "Fine, but make it quick. Your boyfriend here has to be on the transfer bus in 10 minutes." Lola nodded and the cop walked off.

Miles: "Boyfriend?"

Lola: "It was the only way the officer at the desk would let me come back here to see you. You can't just walk into the police station without a reason, you know." Miles shrugged and sat down on the cell bed.

Miles: "Fair enough. So, what did you want to see me for anyway? The two of us haven't really talked and you're usually hanging around with that rich kid and his friend. I didn't think you cared." Lola stepped forward a little and looked at him.

Lola: "But I do care, Miles. I know about your money problems and I don't want you to go to jail for wanting to help your family." Miles looked at the floor.

Miles: "Glad you're on my side. No offense though, but you can't exactly help me." Lola chuckled a bit and reached into her small backpack that she had on her back, pulling out a huge stack of money.

Lola: "I think I might be able to. This is 1,000 dollars, the exact amount that you need to post bail. I'll be happy to skip on over and hand it to the officers and you'll be free." Miles' eyes lit up and he quickly stood up.

Miles: "Seriously?! Wait, what's the catch? A pretty girl like you doesn't just offer to bail a guy like me out of jail out of the kindness of her heart." Lola smiled innocently.

Lola: "No catch, I promise. There is another way I could help you, though." Miles folded his arms over his chest.

Miles: "I'm listening." Lola shook her head.

Lola: "Lo siento, Miles. But you'll have to agree to let me help you before I tell you anything else." Miles sighed.

Miles: "Fine, what else have I got to lose?" Lola smiled widely.

Lola: "Awesome! I'll just go tell the guards and you'll be out in no time, then we can go."

Miles: "Go? Go where?"

Lola: "To see my boss." She winked at him and skipped out the door.

Miles: "Why are the hot ones always weird?"


Back with me, I had just walked up to Blackie's Bar to get some information on the plasma weapons. It's not gang related, as far as I know, but I shouldn't let some guy give access to that kind of tech to just anyone. Today I was wearing a yellow pullover hoodie with the words 'Stay Cool' written in black, grey faded jeans, a black snapback that I was wearing backwards, and yellow and black sneakers. I also had my backpack on my back.

Trey: "It's not Saturday, but maybe I can find something out before they meet to play cards." I tried to walk inside, but the guy at the door stopped me.

Guy: "Sorry kid, 21 and over. Unless you can show me your ID." I nodded.

Trey: "Oh yeah, absolutely." I pretended to feel around in my pockets. "Well what do you know, I left in in my other pants. Tell you what, how about you let me in and I put in a good word for you with this little lunch lady that I know."

He glared at me.

Guy: "Goodbye, kid." I sighed and walked off, turning into the alleyway next to the bar.

Trey: "Okay, ordinary approach didn't work. Time for the extraordinary approach." My eyes glowed red and I grew a Big Chill cloak, then wrapped it around my body and became intangible. I flew through the bar wall and made the cloak go away. Looking around, I saw that I was in the supply closet. I pushed a mop out of my face and chuckled.

Trey: "I wonder if Ben and the others ever have to do this kind of dirty work." I walked out of the supply closet and looked around the bar. It looked really familiar and I suddenly remembered why. "This is the bar that I fought Sentry in, my first night here. So what, this is where all the bad guys come to shoot the shit?"

I walked up to the bar and sat at the stool. The bartender, a black guy with a bald head and yellow shirt, looked up at me.

Bartender: "Aren't you a little too young to be drinking, son?" I smirked and pointed to the brush sitting next to him.

Trey: "Aren't you a little too bald to need that?" He rolled his eyes and I continued, "I'm not here to drink, actually. I heard a couple guys come here to play cards on the weekends and was wondering if any of them might be here, right now."

The bartender looked me up and down.

Bartender: "Sorry, can't tell you that. Customer confidentiality agreement." I rolled my eyes and pulled out my wallet, sliding 20 dollars across the counter. He grinned at me and snatched the money up.

Bartender: "Now you're talking my language, kid. A couple of the guys you're looking for are in the back, but you didn't hear it from me." I nodded and got up, heading to the back. When I got there, I saw the door was locked.

Trey: "Fucking bartender knew the door was locked." I shook my head and looked around, then grew my fingernail into a Wildmutt claw and started picking the lock. After a couple seconds, the door unlocked and I smirked, turning my fingernail back to normal. "Forget this superhero thing, I should go into the locksmith business."

I walked inside and descended down some stairs. When I got downstairs, I saw a shit ton of crates crowded around the room.

Voice: "Charlie, good to see ya!" I hid behind a stack of crates and peeked around it. There was a guy in a black T-shirt and weird brown hat and an older guy wearing a grey suit, "I thought we'd wait until the card game to talk but I'm glad you called me here."

The guy in the black shirt, Charlie, smiled and nodded.

Charlie: "Always a pleasure, Mr. Simon. I had some good news that I couldn't wait to share with you." He directed Simon over to a crate and opened it, revealing a bunch of plasma weapons.

Charlie: "A crime boss with a glowing face sold me and a couple of my guys these freaky weapons. I wanted to give you a chance to partner up with me before I do anything else."

Trey: "Glowing guy? Negative. I didn't take him as an arms dealer type." I kept listening in as Simon picked one of the guns up and examined it.

Simon: "Interesting. I appreciate you thinkin' about me, Charlie. Have you tested these things yet?

Charlie: "I handed off a few to this kid a while back. Word on the street is he got took out by the Arsenal." Simon shook his head.

Simon: "Freaky vigilantes are the least of my worries, partner. Here's what you do; hand off a few more weapons to some guys and tell them to hit some store just to test them out. I know a little store on the corner that the police don't give a shit about." My eyes got wide.

Trey: "I should get outta here and form a plan to catch these guys. This could be a direct line to old inverted Oreo face, himself." I started to get up and leave when suddenly...my phone rang.

My eyes got wide and I quickly pulled my phone out and put it on silent.

Simon: "Oh, and you might wanna take care of the stowaway as well." I sighed and took my backpack off, placing it in the corner.

Trey: "Eh, I was looking for some action today." I glowed red. I grew two feet taller as my skin turned scaly and blue. My ears and my head formed into a glass dome and yellow energy powered up inside. My hands got huge and started glowing with yellow energy. I got a red and black jumpsuit with the symbol on my chest.

Charlie and Simon pulled out regular guns and aimed them at the pile of crates I was behind. They moved forward.

Charlie: "Alright we know you're back there, come on out." Suddenly, every stack of crates was blasted back by yellow energy, sending them both flying back. They recovered and looked up, seeing me with a smirk on my face.

Trey: "Sorry fellas, I forgot my ID. But I assure you, Beat Em' Up is old enough to kick your asses." They both got up and glared at me.

Charlie: "Arsenal. You here to beat me up, huh? Hand me over to the cops?" I shrugged.

Beat Em' Up: "That is the general idea, yeah." Charlie chuckled and turned to Simon.

Charlie: "I'll see you at the poker game, Simon. I'll take care of this." Simon nodded.

Simon: "Very well, it was nice meeting you, Arsenal." He turned to walk out but I slammed the ground with one fist, making the floor crack.

Beat Em' Up: "Nobody's going anywhere, tapioca breath. I need to know how you got those weapons from Negative and I need to know right now." I charged at him, but I was suddenly blasted back by a plasma shot. I flew back and slammed into the wall. I looked up and saw Charlie pointing a plasma rifle at me.

Charlie: "Sorry hero, I'm not letting you fuck up my biggest score yet. Boys, get in here!" Simon hurried out the door as 10 guys piled in, all with different kinds of plasma weapons.

Beat Em' Up: "Aw is this your boy band? Are you guys gonna sing for me?" He shook his head.

Charlie: "After I heard about you fighting Rich here that one night, I hired a crew to protect me just in case. When Mister Negative gave me this sick gear, I gave a special one to each of my boys." He put the rifle back in the crate and turned toward the door. "Take care of him, boys." He walked out and his crew started walking toward me.

Beat Em' Up: "I guess this wouldn't be the best time to make a request." They all charged me. A guy lashed out at me with a plasma whip, but I caught it and used it to pull him to me, then punched him back with my other hand. Another guy threw out plasma grenades at me but I powered up yellow energy in my fists and punched them away, then punched the air, sending a yellow energy fist out to nail the guy in the chest, knocking him to the ground. I fist pumped the air and did a quick shimmy before ducking under a pair of plasma axes. I powered up yellow energy in my hand and karate chopped the axe in half, then nailed the guy with a right hook to the head and a double punch from my left fist. He fell out cold.

Beat Em' Up: "He didn't give you much training before throwing you out here to fight me, did he? Seems like he was just setting you up for failure." I was suddenly nailed in the stomach by a guy with plasma knuckle dusters. I went flying up through the ceiling and landed out in the main bar upstairs. All the people looked at me in shock.

Woman: "It's Arsenal! Somebody call the Task force!" A guy pulled out his phone but I sent an energy fist out and knocked it out of his hand.

Beat Em' Up: "Don't need those losers showing up right now, thank you." The back door suddenly opened and in came the rest of the guys with plasma weapons. "How long did it take you guys to get up the stairs?"

The guy with the knuckle dusters swung at me, but I blocked it with my fist, then threw him up in the air and punched him hard when he came down, sending him crashing into the bar. I dodged some more plasma shots and became Parasyte, then used my tendrils to grab the guy's weapon and break it in half. Then I shot out some tendrils to grab his legs and fling him at another guy, sending them both tumbling to the ground. I became Sandbox and threw sand bombs at the rest of the guys. They exploded, trapping them all in sand traps. After that, I quickly became Godspeed and zoomed back downstairs, looking around.

Godspeed: "Great, looks like both Charlie and Simon took off." I reverted to normal and looked around, seeing a security camera. "Camera might have caught me transforming. Let me fix that right now."

I turned my hand into an OmniFire one and launched a star bolt at the camera, completely destroying it. I turned my hand back to normal, then walked out the back door.

Trey: "Like I was never here." I walked out into the alley, then walked out into the Main Street, heading toward my house.

Trey: "I should call Lola. She'll want to know about this attack on a small store." I pulled my phone out, seeing I had a missed call from CoCo, "This better be good CC, you almost blew my cover back there."

I dialed her number to call her back, making a mental note to call Lola after.


Meanwhile back at Mister Negative's warehouse, Lola had brought Miles to his laboratory.

Miles looked at Negative like he was insane, then looked at Lola.

Miles: "You've got to be kidding me, Lola. Your boss is a crime boss." Negative chuckled.

Negative: "I prefer the term businessman, Mr. Novak."

Miles: "How do you know my name?" Lola smirked at him.

Lola: "Negative has all the resources, Miles."

Negative: "Indeed. When Lola recommended you for our project, I had my people do some research on you. Miles Novak; age 18 years old, lives with his mother and three brothers, attends Novas University with heavy financial help. Your mother runs the little store on 18th street, right?"

Miles looked shocked then nodded.

Miles: "Yeah, she's not seeing much business but it puts food on the table. Only reason I even took the weapons and robbed that place was to help her." Negative gave him a sympathetic look.

Negative: "Charlie should not have given you those weapons, that was his mistake. But you would not have been arrested if it were not for Arsenal." Lola jumped a little at the mention of my name but she quickly played it off. Negative placed a hand on Miles' shoulder and it glowed with black energy. Miles ignored his hand but thought about what he said.

Miles: "You're right. Those two are the reason my mom disowned me!" Negative pointed to the chair and the needles.

Negative: "We have a way for you to get back at them, Miles. We can give you the power to take what you want for your family and Arsenal would not be able to stop you." Miles looked at Lola, who looked at the chair longingly.

Miles: "Would you do it? If it were you." Lola looked up at him.

Lola: "I wish it was me, so definitely." Miles nodded and looked at Negative.

Miles: "Let's do it." He sat down in the chair and the needles immediately shot into his veins, making him grunt a little.

Negative: "Excellent, Miles. Now keep in mind, this is still in the testing phases and I am currently unaware of the possible side effects." Before Miles could say anything, Negative pressed the button. Green liquid flowed through the needles, making his veins glow green. His body started to twitch and his eyes glowed green as his body started to grow as his skin turned grey.

Lola: "What's happening to him?!" His chest grew spikes out of it as his shirt ripped off his body. After a while, he grew into a huge grey and white monster with red eyes. Negative smirked.

Negative: "It worked!" Miles looked at himself in horror.

Miles: "I'm a monster! You said I'd get powers, not turn into some kind of freak!"

Negative: "I said we could give you power to do what you wanted, which we did. Your grotesque appearance is simply a side effect. My scientist can fix up a cure in no time." Miles got out of the chair and stood up, towering over everyone in the room.

Miles: "Good, I don't want to be like this forever." Fiona quickly walked into the room and hurried over to the computer. After a few seconds, out came a chip.

Fiona: "There you go, Sir. This chip should allow Miles to return to normal at his will." Negative smiled at her and took it.

Miles: "Wait, how did she know we neede-"

Lola: "Negative has a...special relationship with his crew. Best not to dwell, Danar." Miles looked down at her.

Miles: "Danar. What does that mean?" Lola blushed a little before shaking her head.

Lola: "It's um, a meta-human name. I just thought it'd fit you. It means Damage." Miles thought about it, then nodded.

Miles: "Damage. I like that." Lola grinned but frowned shortly after, seeming to be thinking about something. Negative walked over to them with the chip implant device.

Negative: "This shouldn't hurt a bit, Miles." Miles smirked.

Miles: "It's Damage when I look like this, if you don't mind." Negative chuckled, nodding. Then he placed the device on his arm and shot the chip into him.

Negative: "There we go. Now, all you should have to do is think about returning to normal and you will." Damage nodded.

Damage: "Okay, let me try." He closed his eyes and suddenly, he started to shrink and his features returned to normal. After a few seconds, an 18 year old guy with brown hair and wearing a white T-shirt under a blue sweater and grey pants stood in front of them.

Miles: "I'm back. It worked!" Lola smiled at him. But what they didn't see was Negative holding a remote with a button behind his back. He placed it in his back pocket and walked up to Miles.

Negative: "Okay Miles, you are free to plot your revenge on Charlie, but when I need you, you will come." He placed a glowing hand on Miles, who wasn't affected and gave him a weirded out look.

Miles: "Um, okay man. I think I know where to start-" He was cut off by Kemba, one of Negative's guys running into the room.

Kemba: "Boss, we just got word that Arsenal was down at Blackie's Bar, making trouble with Charlie and Simon. You know, those two bookies. Apparently, he trashed half the bar and left his guys covered in sand." Lola raised an eyebrow.

Negative: "Arsenal must've got a tip about the weapons. The only person he ever came in contact with that had a plasma weapon was you, Miles." Miles put his hands up in defense.

Miles: "Okay yes, but Arsenal is a lunatic! I saw him drop kick a fucking giant robot one time, who does that?!" Negative nodded and placed his glowing hand on his shoulder.

Negative: "It's alright, Miles, I forgive you. As long as you use this new Damage form to take care of some business for me." Miles looked down at the hand on his shoulder, his eyebrow raised.

Miles: "Uh yeah, seems fair. You want to me take out Charlie and then Arsenal right after, right?" Negative looked at his hand in astonishment then nodded at Miles.

Negative: "Yes, exactly. It was a mistake giving Charlie those weapons and he needs to be taken care of before he jeopardizes my entire operation. And Arsenal is a problem that needs to be dealt with before he becomes too much of a threat." Miles nodded.

Miles: "Sounds like the basic crime boss motive. But after this, I'm done. I want to prove to my mom I can be good." Negative looked at his hand before smiling at him.

Negative: "Agreed. Now, there's a perfect opportunity to get to Charlie that I want to tell you about." Lola looked at Miles with a curious look on her face until her phone rang. She pulled it out, seeing my name on the caller ID. She quickly left the room and answered.

Lola: "Hi, ET. Did you bust up a bar, 20 minutes ago?" I chuckled.

Trey: "In the name of heroics, Candy head. I was following a lead on some weapons being distributed around the city." Lola gulped before quickly coughing to cover it up.

Lola: "Did you find out anything or just wreck stuff?" She giggled at my silence.

Trey: "I did both, okay? Get this, Negative is behind everything!" Lola nodded.

Lola: "Mhm, Mhm." She made a face of realization and said, "I mean, really? That's super loco."

Trey: "Uh, yeah. Anyway, not only that but these two bookies are planning on hitting a small store to test the weapons out. I don't know when but we have stop it."

Lola: "Small store?" She peeked inside the room, seeing Miles. He smiled at her and she waved back before she stopped peeking.

Lola (thinking): "Those guys have to be planning to rob Ms. Novak's store. That'd destroy Miles." She put the phone back to her ear but hesitated. She put it back down and said, "I can't let Trey know about it without him asking how I know. If he finds out I'm working with Negative, he'll never want me again."

She sighed and put the phone back to her ear.

Lola: "I'll help you, ET. I'm sure we can figure out what small store they'll try to hit. Want me to come over?"

Trey: "Um...can you come over later tonight? I want Ellie to be awake." Lola rolled her eyes.

Lola: "Sure, Trey. See ya." She hung up and groaned, "I gotta get some powers. If Trey keeps getting more attached to the vampire, it'll be super follando duro to get them apart."

She walked back into the room and saw Miles leaning on the table. He looked her up and down and winked. She looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

Lola (thinking): "Super-villain boys are totally off limits, right? Right. But this one's cute!"

Negative walked back over and smiled at Lola before looking seriously at Miles.

Negative: "Okay Miles, you know the plan. You'll make your move tomorrow night at the card game." Miles nodded.

Miles: "Got it, I'll be there." He stood up and looked at Lola, "You wanna get outta here?"

Lola: "Pardoneme? I don't know what kind of girl you think I am but-" Miles cut her off by laughing.

Miles: "Lola, chill pill. I just wanted to take you to my family store. I'm not allowed back home but I can still shop."Lola looked at him for a second before smiling and nodding.

Lola: "Sure, I don't have to be anywhere right now." Miles smiled back and the two of them walked off. As soon as they were gone, Negative pulled the remote out of his pocket.

Negative: "Interesting. So this remote controls Miles' transformation into that Damage form?" Fiona nodded.

Fiona: "Yes Sir. The chip you shot into him contained nanobots that block his meta-human DNA. That remote turns them on and off."

Negative: "Excellent. This should be a great way to make sure Miles doesn't betray me, since it appears he is immune to my Negative touch."

Fiona: "He seems to like that Lola girl a good deal, maybe we can use that as well." Negative nodded before looking at the remote.

Negative: "As long as he deals with our bookie and vigilante problem, all will be alright."


Later that night, I was in Ellie and I's apartment, waiting on Lola to arrive and Ellie to wake up. I was sitting on my couch, playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. Apparently, the game came out while I was asleep so Ben used Grey matter to send the game to my PS4.

Trey: "I knew giving Benji that watch was a good idea, this game is awesome!" I got another kill and stuck my tongue out, before making my player duck behind some cover. I suddenly heard a door open and a second later, Ellie zoomed out of her room at vampire speed and sat right next to me. She was wearing a black T-shirt with the Yin Yang symbol on it, a red and black flannel that was a bit too big for her, short jean shorts over black stockings, and no shoes. Her hair was in a ponytail.

Ellie: "Good night, honey." I didn't even look away from the screen.

Trey: "Good night, love." Ellie looked at the game I was playing, then at me. She smirked and climbed onto my lap, her body blocking my view of the TV.

Trey: "Bloodsucker, what the hell?" She gave me an innocent look.

Ellie: "Oh, did I forget to turn into my bat swarm? My mistake." I rolled my eyes playfully and kissed her, putting my hands on her waist. She put her hands on my face and kissed me back, sticking her tongue into my mouth. We made out heavily until we heard someone clear their throat. Ellie and I looked up to Lola standing there with her arms crossed.

Lola: "Did you perros cuerno invite me over to talk about a case or watch you suck face?" I chuckled and Ellie got off my lap, then I got up and hugged Lola, much to Ellie's annoyance. As I hugged her, I got that weird feeling from Lola that I got earlier and I looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

Trey: "You feeling okay, Candy head?" She nodded quickly and we let go and Lola went and sat on the couch.

Lola: "Hi, Ellie." Ellie gave her a small smile and waved at her. I sat in the recliner and Ellie zoomed over, sitting in my lap. Lola rolled her eyes.

Trey: "Alright Smurf head, let me get Ellie caught up on everything before we think of a plan." She nodded and I turned to Ellie, "Okay, love, Mister Negative has been giving out super powerful weapons to bookies and when I followed a lead to a bar, I found out some bookies are planning to send their guys over to a small store to...test out the weapons, if you know what I mean."

Ellie paused, taking in what I just said, before nodding.

Ellie: "Gotcha, hon'. You think if we stop the bookies we can find Mister Negative?" I nodded.

Trey: "Exactly what I was thinking. We just need to figure out what store is being hit and when." I looked at Lola, "Any ideas?'

She looked up at me, quickly and shook her head.

Lola: "No, ET, why would I have any ideas?" Ellie and I looked at each other and Ellie did the coo coo gesture. I chuckled and turned back to Lola.

Trey: "Um, isn't that your whole role on this team, Lol? You get information, you offer insight on a hard case. Is any of this ringing a bell?" Lola rolled her eyes and nodded.

Lola: "Oh yeah, I know. I just...don't have any information." I shrugged and nodded but Ellie narrowed her eyes at her.

Ellie: "Wait a second, baby cakes, she's lying." Lola's eyes got wide and Ellie and I stood up. Lola stood up too.

Lola: "Que diablos estas hablando de tu puta vampiro? I am not lying!" Ellie looked pissed but I just looked confused.

Trey: "Wait, what the fuck did she just say?" Ellie was absolutely steaming at this point and her eyes shifted into cat eyes.

Ellie: "I'm not very fluent in spanish, shape-shifter, but I know your little friend just called me a slut!" It was at this point that I realized Ellie was going to attack her and when she pounced at her, I quickly turned my hand into a Gravattack one and used my powers to stop Ellie in mid-air.

Ellie: "Gross, it feels like I'm gonna puke!" I rubbed the back of my neck with my normal hand.

Trey: "Yeah that's a side effect of having no gravity. Sorry to do this shawty, but I can't have you attacking Lola. We talked about our anger issues, remember?" Ellie sighed and nodded and I let her go, turning my hand back to normal. She quickly came over and hugged me.

Ellie: "Sorry shape-shifter, I just...don't like that word." I raised an eyebrow at her but left it alone, then looked at Lola.

Trey: "Alright Candy head, Ellie says you're lying. Don't think just because I stopped her from biting your face off that I'll do it again." Lola sighed before nodding.

Lola: "Okay, I do know...something." Ellie stuck her tongue out at her.

Ellie: "Told you!" I smiled at her and kissed her forehead.

Trey: "Sure did, doll. How'd you know she was lying, anyway?" Ellie shrugged.

Ellie: "You know how I can hear heartbeats, right?" I nodded, remembering that brief time I had vampire hearing. It was uncomfortable, to say the least, "Well when you lie, your heartbeat quickens. When she lied, her heartbeat sped the hell up." Lola folded her arms over her chest and grumbled. Thanks to my enhanced hearing, I heard her say something about 'stupid vampire chicks'

Trey: "Okay Lola, start talking. What do you know about this?" She hesitated before answering.

Lola: "I..know what store the bookies are going to hit." My eyes got wide and I looked at Ellie, who had an eyebrow raised at Lola.

Ellie: "Really? How?" Lola turned to me.

Lola: "You know that guy you arrested at the surf shop? Around our age, good looking." I raised an eyebrow and nodded.

Trey: "Yeah, prep school. What about him?" Lola rubbed the back of her neck.

Lola: "Well he got bailed out...somehow and I've been hanging out with him. His mom owns the store." Ellie and I nodded.

Ellie: "Didn't take you as the type to date robbers, Lol." She pulled me down onto the couch, putting her legs on my lap. Lola looked at the ground.

Lola: "That's not the only thing, actually. I wasn't going to tell you but I don't want you to be caught off guard." I nodded and she continued, "There may also be the fact that Miles turns into a giant grey monster with superpowers."

Ellie and I gave her super surprised faces.

Ellie: "He does what now?" Lola nodded sheepishly and Ellie took her legs off me, letting me stand up and face Lola.

Trey: "Run that back for me, Candy head, because I seemed to miss the part where prep school becomes a meta. When I took him down at the surf shop, he didn't really give me a giant monster vibe." Lola looked like she was about to say something but she stopped and I suddenly got that weird feeling from her again. I dismissed it and waited for her answer.

Lola: "I don't know how he became a meta, ET. I just know that he is one and everything isn't all sunshine and unicorns with him and the bookies." She went and sat in the recliner, crossing her legs and looking at me. I turned to Ellie.

Trey: "Is she lying, babe?" Ellie shook her head.

Ellie: "I can't hear her heartbeat speeding up so I think she's telling the truth." I looked back at Lola, who had a confused look on her face.

Trey: "Where's this store located, Lola?"

Lola: "Down on 18th street. It's pretty small, I almost didn't see it when Miles took me." I put a hand on her shoulder.

Trey: "Candy head, it may be a good idea to stay away from Miles. If he's really that dangerous, he could hurt you." Lola raised an eyebrow at me.

Lola: "Seriously, ET? Are we really talking about staying away from people who are...bad for us?" She glared at Ellie, who rolled her eyes.

Trey: "What are you talking about?" She rolled her eyes.

Lola: "I don't know, maybe you should ask your girlfriend who used to kill people and EAT THEM! You can't give me that superhero lecture when you're dating someone who is already a bad guy!" I was about to say something, but Ellie stepped up.

Ellie: "I got this, baby cakes, don't need you to stand up for me all the time." I was skeptical, thinking about the last time I let Ellie handle something. Let's just say, the cat was better off stuck in the tree. I nodded, though and Ellie pecked me on the lips before shooting a glare at Lola.

Trey: "I'm gonna go peep game at Miles' mom's store, maybe see if I can find some kind of advantage for when this attack happens. I'm trusting you girls to not rip each other's heads off. Babe, that's a little more literal for you." I gave them both a look and they nodded.

Lola: "Not like I can do much against a vampire, anyway."

Ellie: "I promise I won't hurt her." I smiled at both of them.

Trey: "Awesome. I'll see you guys later." I pecked Ellie on the lips and hugged Lola before becoming Ironheart and taking off out the window.

Ellie's POV

After Trey left, I turned my attention to Lola, who was already glaring at me.

Ellie: "Alright, human, what's your deal? You have something against pale people or something?" Lola rolled her eyes and scowled at me.

Lola: "Not all pale people, just ones that murder people and trick heroes into thinking they're good people." It was my turn to roll my eyes.

Ellie: "I didn't trick anyone into thinking anything, Lola, the shape-shifter developed feelings for me on his own. And for the last time, I don't kill people anymore." I swear I was her eyes turn black and she took a step toward me.

Lola: "So you say, Ellie. But what happens when those blood packs run out, huh? You gonna go back to treating the city like your own personal blood bank? Or are you going to manipulate Trey into getting you some more? Face it, all you care about is that red liquid." I started to get kind of angry and I felt my fangs start to grow.

Ellie: "You have no idea what you're talking about, you stupid bitch! Do you know how fucking hard it is to constantly have to deal with this...this hunger?! To have to hide from the sun?! News flash, it's hard!" Lola scoffed.

Lola: "And I suppose you fed Trey this entire sob story too, didn't you? With how heroic he is, it's no wonder he took pity on you and decided to date you when there are much better options available." I glared at her but suddenly realized what this was all about. My fangs shrunk back down to normal andI smirked at her.

Ellie: "I see what this is about. You don't care about my past or if I'm a good person...you like Trey."She stopped in her tracks when I said that and I smirked, "You do! Holy shit, it all makes sense now! The constant bad-mouthing me when I'm not around, the obsession with proving I'm still a killer, everything. You want my mate."

Lola: "Your mate? Ellie, Trey isn't a monster and he's for damn sure not a vampire. Just because he's with you now doesn't mean he wants to be your freaky mate." My eyes turned into cat eyes and I smirked, making sure to show her my fangs.

Ellie: "Oh, really? Well let me give you a lesson in vampire customs, Lol. When a vampire chooses a mate, it's generally considered unofficial until the relationship is consummated and my shape-shifter and I already have that part covered." When I said that, Lola's face fell.

Lola: "No...you're lying." I shook my head, smirking.

Ellie: "Nope, 100% truth, I'm afraid." My smirk went away when I heard her heartbeat start to speed up. That usually means someone is lying or...

Lola: "So he'll never want me..." She dropped to her knees and started to cry. I sighed. Back before I met Trey, I would have left Lola to drown in her tears but since I moved in, I've started to actually...care about other people again. Especially after that whole thing with Rudolph and the Wendigo. I dropped to my knees next to her and slowly put a hand on her shoulder, my eyes turning back to normal.

Ellie: "Hey, I'm sorry, okay? I shouldn't have thrown that in your face like that. It's just...I really like Trey, you know, and our relationship is the one good thing that's come out of being a vampire." Lola wiped her face and managed to smile a little.

Lola: "Besides the superpowers, right?" I smiled a little too.

Ellie: "I've hurt a lot of people with my powers, Lola. If I could be rid of them and still live forever with Trey, I would in a heartbeat." Lola was silent until she wiped her eyes completely and looked at me.

Lola: "You really do like him, don't you?" I blushed shyly and nodded.

Ellie: "Yeah...a lot. I've never felt this way about anyone." That was true. Sure, I've had a few mates in the past but most of those were to just help me survive. The only other real relationship I've had...didn't end so well.

Lola: "And I've been a total bitch, trying to break you guys up." I rubbed the back of my neck, a habit I've picked up from my mate.

Ellie: "I wouldn't say total bitch...more like half a bitch." She giggled a little and we stood up.

Lola: "You make jokes too, just like Trey." She sighed and hesitated before continuing, "I'm...sorry, Ellie."

I folded my arms across my chest and looked at her.

Ellie: "Are you, now?" She glared back at me but sighed and nodded.

Lola: "Yeah, I am. I've done some...stupid things to get Trey to want me, but now I'm realizing the reason he doesn't want me is because you're perfect for him. And not just because of your powers." I was actually not expecting her to say that. I know my shape-shifter and I have a really great thing, but perfect for him?

Ellie: "I don't know about that, Lola. I don't even know if he'd still want me if he knew about some of the things I've done. They're...not good."

Lola: "I can't believe I'm saying this but...that doesn't matter, Ellie. At least not to Trey. He's got this thing about giving people chances that deserve them and with how you make him feel, you deserve a chance." I raised an eyebrow at her.

Ellie: "What do you mean?"

Lola: "I didn't know Trey for that long before he met you, he was just a cute boy in my Law Enforcement class. But before he met you, he seemed...guarded, lost. It may have had something to do with leaving his friends and everything he knew on that other planet, but Trey seemed like he didn't know what he was doing and that went double for what I heard about Arsenal. Since you took a bite out his neck, that night, I haven't seen that same Trey. He smiles more, he's not staring into space as often and his Arsenal persona is as confident as ever. I didn't see that shimmy thing he does until you came into our lives. My point is, you make him happier than I've ever seen him." I took in what she just said and smiled to myself. Trey doesn't really talk about his feelings that often and neither do I, for that matter. But knowing that I mean as much to him as he does to me feels really...good.

Ellie: "You really think he likes me that much?" She chuckled a bit, sadly and shook her head.

Lola: "Nah. Ellie, I think that boy's in love with you." My eyes got wide and I blushed hard. Before I could say anything though, Trey phased in through the ceiling as that giant blue moth thing. Big Chill, I think?

Big Chill: "I'm back, guys." He reverted to normal and smiled at Lola and I.

Trey: "I'm assuming by the lack of bite marks on Lola's neck that you guys worked it out." Lola nodded.

Lola: "Something like that." I didn't answer, instead zooming over to him at vampire speed and kissing him. He kissed me back and after a second, we let go.

Trey: "Whoa, I missed you too, love. But I was only gone for like 10 minutes." I giggled and wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging him.

Ellie: "I'm just...really glad we're together, shape-shifter." He raised an eyebrow but hugged me back nonetheless.

Trey: "Yeah, me too, weirdo." We stopped hugging and he looked at the both of us, "I talked to Miles' mom. After I convinced her NOT to call the task force, she agreed to call me if anything went down at her store."

Lola and I nodded.

Ellie: "Good job, baby. But what are we going to do about Miles?" Trey slumped his shoulders and looked at Lola.

Trey: "If he causes problems, I'm gonna have to take him down. I haven't seen him use his powers, but he's nothing I can't handle, right?" Lola looked at the ground.

Lola: "Right." Trey nodded.

Trey: "Awesome, then. Looks like I'm playing cards, tomorrow night." With that, Trey sat back down on the couch and grabbed his controller, starting the game back up. I shrugged and sat down next to him, then put my legs on his lap. I felt Lola's eyes watching us before she started toward the door. I sighed.

Ellie: "Hey Lola, why don't you stay?" Lola looked at me, surprised and so did Trey.

Lola: "Really?" I nodded.

Ellie: "Yeah. We're all friends here, right?" I smiled at her and she smiled back, sitting in the recliner.

Lola: "Right." She settled in to watch Trey play video games and I smiled to myself. Maybe having Lola as a friend won't be the worst thing in the world.

Trey's POV

The next night, I was kneeling on top of a rooftop that had a clear view to the entrance of Blackie's Bar. I was wearing my costume and talking on the phone with Ellie, who was over at Ms. Novak's store.

Trey: "You see anything yet, bloodsucker?" Since we didn't know when exactly Charlie's guys would hit the store, we'd thought it'd be a good idea for Ellie to keep watch over there while I scope out the bar during the card game.

Ellie: "Nothing yet, hon'. Anything on your end?" I was about to say no, but a car suddenly pulled up in front of the bar.

Trey: "Hold on a second, Ellie, a car just pulled up to the bar."

Ellie: "Is it Charlie or Simon?" I looked closer as the car door opened, revealing...Hammerhead?

Trey: "Uh, no, it's one of Tombstone's bodyguards. What the hell is he doing here?"

Ellie: "Maybe Lincoln sent him. He is at war with Negative's gang and Negative does have at least some affiliation with the members of the card game." I nodded as I watched Hammerhead walk over to the very same bouncer that stopped me yesterday.

Bouncer: "Hammerhead, good to see ya! Will your employer be making an appearance as well?" Hammerhead shook his head.

Hammerhead: "The boss has other important matters to take care of, tonight. He sends his regards, though." I raised an eyebrow. Tombstone plays cards here, too? Who else hangs out here, the Enforcers?

Bouncer: "Go on in, the table should be set up in the usual spot." Hammerhead nodded and started walking inside, but stopped.

Hammerhead: "I heard there was a little incident involving a certain vigilante pest, yesterday. I want to be sure there won't be any repeats of that, tonight." I chuckled.

Trey: "So much for my invitation being lost in the mail." The bouncer nodded.

Bouncer: "Everything is taken care of. Charlie has taken special precautions to make sure Arsenal does not ruin the night." Hammerhead patted him on the shoulder and walked inside.

Trey: "Special precautions? Did you hear that, Ellie?"

Ellie: "Sure did. It should be nothing you can't handle right, honey?" I didn't answer as another car pulled up to the bar. This time, Simon and an old guy in some kind of high-powered wheelchair got out and walked inside the bar, nodding at the bouncer. After that, the bouncer looked around before switching the open sign to closed and heading inside. I stood up.

Trey: "Everybody's inside, love, I'm gonna head in too. Call me if things get hairy over there."

Ellie: "Okay baby cakes, be careful." I hung up and went Red Lightning, then zoomed down the side of the building and vibrated my entire body, phasing into Blackie's bar.

Meanwhile, Lola and Miles were walking toward Blackie's bar too. Miles tried to put his arm around her, but she shrugged it off with a frown.

Miles: "What's up, Lola? You've been quiet since I picked you up from your house." Lola looked down at the ground.

Lola: "Have you done something that you thought was right and turned out it was a huge mistake?" Miles raised an eyebrow at her, but nodded.

Miles: "I know what you mean, Lola. I thought taking those weapons from Charlie and robbing that store was the right thing to do. I just didn't want to see my family struggle anymore. But now my mom hates me and I'm on my way to go kill two people for a crime boss."

Lola: "If it helps at all, I think what you were trying to do for your family was really sweet." She smiled at him and he returned the favor.

Miles: "Thanks, drama girl." They got to the bar and faced each other, looking each other in the eyes. Miles suddenly started to lean in slowly and Lola's eyes got wide.

Lola (thinking): "He's going to kiss me! What should I do? Should I stop him?" He got closer to her lips and her thoughts continued, "Girl, he's about to try to kill your best friend. But...he's so cute..and nice...and thoughtful. Aw, que demonios, one kiss won't hurt."

Lola leaned in too and right before their lips touched, Miles' phone rang. The two of them jumped apart and Miles pulled it out of his pocket, answering it.

Miles: "Hello?"

Negative's voice: "Showtime, Mr. Novak." Suddenly, Miles' eyes glowed green as he dropped to his knees, holding his sides. He started to grow and his clothes ripped off of him, leaving him in his Damage form. He stood up, groaning and rubbing his head. Lola looked up at him.

Lola: "Miles, are you okay?!" He looked at himself.

Damage: "I...I didn't even think about transforming..."

Lola: "Maybe you did it by accident. Try changing back." He nodded and closed his eyes. Nothing.

Damage: "Damn it! Why isn't it working?!" Lola looked at the ground and saw Miles' phone that he dropped when he transformed. She picked it up, seeing Negative was still on the line.

Lola: "Mister Negative, something is wrong. Miles can't turn back to normal." She put it on speaker so he could hear too.

Negative: "I'm afraid that isn't up to Miles, my dear." Damage's eyes glowed orange and fire suddenly powered up in his hands.

Damage: "What the hell do you mean it's not up to me?! I thought that chip gave me control!" Negative chuckled.

Negative: "No, my boy, it gave me control. You see, I cannot afford to have you fail me or worse, betray me. So as extra motivation to succeed in killing Charlie, you will remain that way until the job is done. Understood?" Damage gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, but nodded anyway.

Damage: "Understood." Lola hung up the phone and gave Damage an apologetic look.

Lola: "Miles, I'm so sorry, I should have never dragged you into my mess." He shook his head.

Damage: "This isn't your fault, Lola, it's mine. I decided to dig myself into this hole and now.." He powered up fire in his hands and roared, "I'M GOING TO DIG MYSELF OUT!" He leaped up and onto the the roof of the bar.

Lola: "I'm really sorry about this, ET."

Back with me. I was above everyone else in the bar, sitting on one of the lights as Energem. I was throwing a manna ball into the air and catching it. Down in the bar, the bad guys were having their card game.

Simon: "Alright Hammerhead, I see your 200 dollars and raise you 500 more." He slid his green poker chips to the center of the table. Hammerhead chuckled.

Hammerhead: "Getting bold this week, aren't you Simon? Alright, I'm all in." He put all his chips to the center of the table. Charlie and the guy in the wheelchair looked at each other.

Charlie: "What about you, Silvermane? Surely your position as Xavier Red's right hand man pays you enough to bet on a card game?" My eyes got wide and I looked down at this Silvermane guy. He doesn't seem that dangerous, why would a super-villain make him his right hand man?

Silvermane: "You'd think so, Charlie my man. But I haven't been paid a dime yet. This state of the art chair is more than enough for first payment, though." I groaned.

Energem: "How can a meeting between a bunch of bad guys be so boring? I hope something happens soon or I'm gonna have to go home and get my PlayStation." Suddenly, I felt a HUGE aura and the ceiling caved in, sending me tumbling behind a table. In dropped a huge grey and white monster with spikes on his chest, orange eyes, and fire powered up in his hands.

Monster guy: "WHERE IS CHARLIE THE BOOKIE?!" The guys at the table all stood up and pulled out their guns, aiming them at the monster.

Simon: "This a friend of yours, Charlie?" He shook his head.

Charlie: "Does it look like he wants to join the fucking game, Simon?!"

Hammerhead: "What are you's guys talking for? Blast the freak!" They all started shooting at the monster, who roared and charged through the bullets.

Monster guy: "You have ruined my life for the last time, Charlie! Now, Damage is gonna take yours!" He launched a fireball at Charlie but before it could hit him, a snowball hit it, cancelling it out. I landed in front of Damage as PallerBear.

PallerBear: "Okay, I think you've had a little too much to drink, pal." Damage glared at me.

Damage: "Arsenal! Didn't expect you to be here but it saves me the trouble of coming after you later!" He charged at me with fiery hands, but I ducked under one and became Fleshwalker, then nailed him in the stomach, sending him flying back.

Fleshwalker: "Come after me? What the hell did I do to you?" I leaped at him, preparing to punch, but he reached out and grabbed me by the throat. Suddenly his eyes glowed blue and he let off electricity. I seizured in shock and he stopped me to the ground, where he raised his foot to step on me. Before he could, I went XLR8 and zoomed away from him.

Damage: "What did you do?! Are you serious? Because of you not minding your own business, I got arrested and my mom hates me! YOU RUINED MY LIFE!" My eyes got wide as I realized who it was.

XLR8: "Miles!" He charged at me, but I zoomed away from him again and faced him, "Dude, you have to listen to me. I'm not the one you should be trying to kill, for once." Damage threw an electric ball at me, which I easily dodged.

Damage: "Funny, you're the only one that I WANT to kill!" His eyes glowed orange again and he rocketed himself toward me with fire, then his eyes glowed grey and he grew rocks out of his fists, attempting to smash me. I went Igneo and countered with my own rocks, then went Jet Stream and launched a mini tornado at him. It sucked him up and sent him spiraling out of control. He suddenly exploded out of the tornado with a huge gust of wind, then his eyes shifted to blue and he started shooting electric bullets like a machine gun. I went Chromastone and absorbed the bullets, then powered up a colorful beam and blasted him through the wall and out into the street. I charged after him, only for him to suddenly recover and backhand me back into the bar. I crashed into the card table and rubbed my head, looking at Charlie and the others.

Chromastone: "Hey guys, mind if I play a hand?" They all looked at me angrily and aimed their weapons at me, "Sheesh, you guys weren't kidding when you said invite only, huh?"

Silvermane: "This is the shape-shifting vigilante that has been causing so much commotion? Astounding."

Charlie: "Astounding my ass! This little freak ruined my card game!" I rolled my eyes.

Chromastone: "Sure, I ruined it. Let's totally ignore the big ugly monster that was shooting fireballs at you, not too long ago." We heard a roar and Damage leaped through the hole in the wall, toward us. I quickly became Goku and flipped over, grabbing the edge of the table as I did and smacking Damage in the face with it, sending him flying into the bar. I put the table down and smirked at Charlie, then winked at him and charged at Damage. He launched a fireball at me, but I backhanded it away and kicked him in the jaw, making him stumble back a bit. He recovered and slammed the floor, making a huge rock emerge from under me. I went flying into the air and slammed up into the ceiling. Damage shifted his eyes to blue and shot an electric volt at me as I fell, but I quickly went Shock Rock in mid-air and deflected it with a blue energy blast of my own. I landed in front of him and cracked my knuckles.

Shock Rock: "Last chance to stop being crazy, prep school. Shock Rock really knows how to lay down the smackdown." Damage roared.

Damage: "I won't be done until I kill you, Arsenal! Once I do that, I'll be free!" I raised an eyebrow.

Shock Rock: "Free? What the hell are you talking abou-" I was cut off by him suddenly charging at me and nailing me in the stomach. I stumbled back a few feet but before I could react, Damage leaped up and slammed a huge fireball onto my head, sending me crashing down into the bar basement. I looked up in time to see him trying to land on top of me, but I created a blue energy dome to protect me and he bounced right off, slamming into a stack of crates. He recovered and shifted his eyes to grey, then started shooting huge rock spikes at me. My eyes got wide and I went Web Head, then expertly flipped over all the spikes and used a web line to pull myself toward Damage. I went Jetray when I got to him and blasted him with neuroshock beams from my eyes, only for him to block them with him hand and grab my tail. His eyes shifted to blue and he sent an electric shock through my tail, shocking my whole body. He slammed me to the ground and started wailing on me with electric punches until I became Ghostfreak and phased into the floor.

Damage: "Stop running from me, coward! You were all arrogant when you were the only one with the power! Who's all powerful now?!" I suddenly dropped down and landed on his shoulders at KaBoom.

KaBoom: "HAHA! Big guy is funny when he thinks he's won! HAHAHA!" Damage reached for me, but I exploded, sending him flying face first into a stack of crates. I reformed on the floor in front of him and laughed, "Uh-oh, big guy fell down. HAHAHAHA!" I pointed at him as I laughed.

Up top, Charlie and the others were watching the whole thing.

Charlie: "What the hell is that thing the hero is fighting?" Silvermane looked at Damage.

Silvermane: "Some kind of meta-human perhaps. At any rate, we need to do something. Whoever emerges the victor of this little battle will only come after us next." Hammerhead nodded and pulled out his phone.

Hammerhead: "Say the word and I'll have 50 of the boss' guys here in no time." Charlie and Simon looked at each other and shook their heads.

Charlie: "That won't be necessary, Hammerhead. Ya' see, I had a feeling that Arsenal would try and crash our little gathering so I decided to kill two birds with one stone." He pulled out his phone and dialed somebody on speed dial, "Hello? Yeah, it's Charlie. Go ahead and trash the store."

He smirked and hung up.

Hammerhead: "The hell did you just do, Charlie?"

Charlie: "Made sure Arsenal will be busy for the rest of the night so we can salvage the rest of our night. I believe the bouncer told you about our...special precautions." Hammerhead smirked at him.

Back with me, I had just been slammed into a wall by my face as Rath. I struggled to get out of Damage's grip.

Rath: "LEMME TELL YOU SOMETHING DAMAGE, THE EVIL META-HUMAN WHO I HAVE NO IDEA HOW HE GOT IS POWERS! YOU SLAM RATH, YOU JUST MAKE RATH MAD!" I grabbed his wrist and used it to slam him into the wall, making him let me go. After that, I picked up a crate and launched it at him, only for him to punch right through it and charge at me. He shot an electric blast at me, but I slid under it and stabbed my claw into his back. He was unharmed and turned around, his eyes shifting red, and nailed me with a flamethrower, making me have to cover my face to keep from getting burned. When I uncovered my face, Damage powered up electricity in both his hands and nailed me with a double strike to the jaw, sending me flying toward the other side of the basement. I rubbed my head and growled, preparing to charge at Damage when suddenly, my phone rang. I calmed down a little and pulled it out.

Rath: "Hello?!"

Ellie: "Shape-shifter? Did you turn into that tiger form again?" I rolled my eyes.

Rath: "LEMME TELL YOU SOMETHING ELLIE STROKER, THE VAMPIRE GIRL WHO RATH IS VERY FOND OF! RATH WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A SUPER-VILLAIN BATTLE AND DOES NOT APPRECIATE THIS INTERRUPTION!"

Ellie: "Hon', stop yelling! I just called to let you know that a bunch of guys just blew a hole in the side of the store. I think it's Charlie's guys. You need to get your alien ass over here, right now." I growled.

Rath: "LEMME TELL YOU SOMETHING, ELLIE! RATH GOES WHERE RATH WANTS...BUT RATH WANTS TO GO TO THE STORE SO RATH WILL BE RIGHT THERE!" I heard her giggle.

Ellie: "See you soon, baby cakes. I'll try to keep these guys in line but those weapons of theirs may be able to hurt me so hurry." She hung up and I put my phone away, just in time for Damage to nail me in the face and kick me in the stomach. I spat out blood and he got me in a choke hold.

Damage: "Gotcha now, kitty cat! One neck snap and everything will be back to normal." I rolled my eyes and became Smoxe, then became smoke and freed myself.

Smoxe: "Hold that insane thought for a second, dude, we got bigger problems." He gritted his teeth and charged at me, only for me to become smoke again and fly on top of some crates. I became solid again and sat down, "We don't have time for this, Miles."

He roared and his eyes shifted into purple. Suddenly, he powered up in a purple aura.

Damage: "I HAVE TO KILL YOU! IT'S THE ONLY WAY!" My eyes got wide and his aura got stronger.

Smoxe: "What the hell is this guy? His aura is off the charts!" I jumped up and became Biohazard, then flew down to Damage, who was shaking at this point.

Biohazard: "Miles? Miles, listen to me! There's bigger things happening right now than whatever grudge you have against me. People could seriously get hurt if we don-" He cut me off by grabbing me by the throat and releasing the purple energy into my body. I started to scream in agony.

Biohazard: "AHHHHHHHHHHH! DAMAGE...STOP!" He smirked and slammed me to the ground. Hard.

Damage: "Why would I do that, Arsenal? With you dead, all I have to do is kill Charlie and Mister Negative will change me back to normal. I can't possibly lose!" I continued to struggle in agony until I got an idea. I glowed red and when the glow faded, I was Outbreak.

Outbreak: "I'm really starting to get sick of you, dude." I held my hand up, shooting a cord out of my wrist and attaching it to Damage's chest. I made some kind of red liquid flow into his body and suddenly, he dropped to his knees, unable to move. I sighed in relief and stood up, "Get it, Damage? Sick of you...because I made you sick. Come on, that's a classic quip."

Damage: "What did you do to me?!" I shrugged.

Outbreak: "Just gave you full body paralysis. This form is pretty dangerous when I really go all out." I reverted to normal, in my costume.

Trey: "Now you have to listen to me." He tried to struggle some more but sighed after it was obvious he couldn't move.

Damage: "Fine. Give me one reason why I shouldn't rip your head off its shoulders, Arsenal." I chuckled.

Trey: "Well for one, that's gross. Two, I'm not the one you should be fighting."

Damage: "What are you talking about?"

Trey: "Miles, a couple of Charlie's guys are down at your mom's store right now, fucking the place up. Your mom and brothers are gonna get hurt if we don't do something." His eyes got wide and he looked up at me.

Damage: "What did you say?!" I nodded.

Trey: "It's true, Miles. We have to hurry." His eyes suddenly glowed red but he still couldn't move.

Damage: "No...YOU"RE LYING! Negative said I'd be done after I killed you, there's no way he'd let some bookies attack my family. THERE'S NO WAY!" I rolled my eyes. Dramatic much?

Trey: "I don't know if you've noticed, dude, but Negative isn't exactly the most trustworthy guy. Didn't you say he's the reason you're stuck like this?" Damage calmed down and nodded.

Damage: "Yeah...he's the reason I even have powers in the first place. I thought I was in control but he trapped me in this form until I took care of you and Charlie." I thought about his words. If what he's saying is true, that means Negative started making metas too. If that's the case, this gang war is a lot closer than I thought.

Trey: "Look, I'll help you get back to normal and save your family. As long as you promise not to blast me in the face anymore. That shit hurts." Damage hesitated, then nodded.

Damage: "I'm trusting you, Arsenal. Don't make me regret it." I turned my hand into an Outbreak one and made his paralysis go away, then turned it back to normal.

Trey: "Hey, that's supposed to be my line." He rolled his eyes and I continued, "Let's get a move on, my girlfriend can only protect everyone for so long." He nodded and picked me up, then leaped into the air.

Trey: "Whoa, this flight better have a movie!"


Meanwhile, at Novak General Store. Ellie flipped off a wall, dodging a plasma shot from a goon's plasma rifle.

Goon: "Hold still, demon girl! This job isn't worth you eating my flesh!" He started rapid firing plasma shots at her, but she turned into her bat swarm and flew behind him, then became normal and roundhouse kicked him in the jaw, knocking him out cold.

Ellie: "I really need some kind of publicist. I'm sick of people calling me a demon." She zoomed at another goon who had a plasma whip and nailed him in the stomach, sending him flying back into a shelf.

Behind the counter, Ms. Novak and her two sons were hiding.

Little boy: "Ma, why is that monster attacking our store?" She stroked the top of his head.

Ms. Novak: "Shhhh, baby. Everything will be okay."

Teenage boy: "Yeah, right! Ma, that's the demon girl who's dating Arsenal, she'll surely kill us after she's done with those guys." His brother started to cry and Ms. Novak glared at him. Suddenly, the counter they were hiding behind was launched into a wall, leaving them exposed. They looked up to see one of Charlie's guys with two plasma shot guns aimed at them.

Thug: "Sorry lady, but Charlie wants no witnesses. That means you and your little family are done for." He aimed the shotguns at them and prepared to fire. Ms. Novak looked over at Ellie, but she was busy dodging plasma shots from another thug.

Ms. Novak: "Goodbye, my sons..." Suddenly, the ceiling collapsed and Damage dropped in with me on his shoulder.

Damage: "LEAVE THEM ALONE!" I nodded.

Trey: "Yeah, what the big guy said." I jumped down from his shoulder and became Water Hazard, then blasted the goon with water blasts from both my hands. He flew back into the wall behind Ms. Novak and her kids and I walked up to them.

Water Hazard: "Better late than never, huh?" Ms. Novak glared at me.

Ms. Novak: "Any later and we would have all been dead, Arsenal." I rubbed the back of my neck.

Water Hazard: "Sorry, but I brought someone that may be able to help."

Damage: "Hey, Mom." Her eyes got wide, along with her two sons.

Ms. Novak: "Miles? What..what happened to you?" He was about to answer, but we heard a whistle and turned around, seeing Ellie dodge some strikes from plasma whips.

Ellie: "If you guys aren't too busy, CAN I GET SOME HELP OVER HERE?!" I quickly nodded and went Elaskimo, then launched my arms out to pull myself over to the thug, nailing him in the face when I got to him. I landed on the floor and went Stitch, then grew two more arms and grabbed the plasma whips when the thug tried to strike me with them. I pulled the out of his hands, then went Blackout and powered up electricity in my hands, making the whips glow with red electricity and slashing at another thug with them. He was immediately electrocuted and fell to the ground, out cold. Damage charged at two more guys and picked them up, slamming them together and dropping them to the floor. He shifted his eyes to purple and launched two purple energy blasts at another guy, sending him flying into a shelf.

Blackout: "Try not to hurt them too bad, big guy. They're just regular guys." Another thug swung at me with a plasma staff, but I weaved around it and went Kickin Hawk, then side kicked him in the back.

Damage: "No promises, Arsenal. Nobody messes with my family!" He shot a huge fireball at a group of guys, then leaped up and tried to slam down on top of them, but I quickly went Godspeed and zoomed all the thugs from under them, then tied them up in the corner. I gave Damage a look.

Godspeed: "What did I just say?" He shrugged and I rolled my eyes, then quickly zoomed around and tied up the rest of the thugs. I reverted to normal after that, still in my costume. Ellie zoomed around and collected all of the plasma weapons, then put them all in a pile.

Ellie: "That's all of them, shape-shifter." I nodded and looked up at Damage.

Trey: "Miles, if you please." He nodded and shifted his eyes to blue, then blasted the weapons with an electric volt, destroying them.

Ms. Novak: "Alright now that the commotion is over, will somebody please tell me why my son is a 10 foot tall monster?" Damage looked at me and I nodded.

Damage: "This was all supposed to be for you, Mom. Everything." Ms. Novak looked confused.

Ms. Novak: "Me? Miles, how could you think I would be okay with turning yourself into a...freak?" She looked at Ellie and I, "No offense, by the way. Very grateful."

Ellie and I looked at each other and shrugged.

Damage: "Mom, you left me to rot in jail! I thought you hated me. I thought the only way for you to ever accept me again was to have the power to take whatever we needed. So you wouldn't have to struggle anymore." I narrowed my eyes at him under my mask.

Trey: "So you WERE gonna rob more people! I fucking knew it." Ellie giggled, but elbowed me in the side to keep me quiet. I grumbled and folded my arms over my chest.

Ms. Novak: "Oh honey, I could never hate you. You're my son. I may have been a little hasty to leave you in jail, but I didn't want to put Hunter and Zigmund in danger."

Hunter (teenage son): "A little too late for that, Ma." We all chuckled but Damage clenched his fists.

Damage: "I can't believe I'm stuck like this, now. I should've known better than to trust Negative."

Trey: "Yeah, about that. How did Negative even find you in the first place, dude?"

Damage: "One of his...guys bailed me outta jail and took me to him. He stuck some needles into my veins and next thing I know, I'm Damage." I thought about what he said and turned to Ellie.

Trey: "I was afraid of this, love. Negative has found a way to produce a meta-serum from the data he stole from NexCorp. He'll be able to make as many meta-humans as he wants, now." Ellie gave me a knowing look.

Ellie: "And we still have Tombstone and Xavier, who are up to something too. Shape-shifter, this is really bad." I nodded. I had completely forgot about Tombstone, but as long as he doesn't have the brains to produce more meta-liquid, we should be fine. And Ky is safe and sound on the SHIELD helicarrier.

Ms. Novak: "Sorry to interrupt whatever you two are talking about, but my son is still a monster. I can't let him back home while he looks like-" Suddenly, Miles' eyes glowed green and he started to shrink. He was back to normal after a few seconds. He looked at himself.

Miles: "I'm back! I guess Negative had a change of heart." I shook my head.

Trey: "Guys like him don't have a change of heart, prep school. If he turned you back to normal, that means he has something way worse than Damage up his sleeve. I just wish I knew what." I looked at the ground. Ellie must have noticed because she grabbed my hand and smiled at me.

Ellie: "Hey hey, don't get all broody, shape-shifter. We stopped the bad guys, worrying about what's going to happen in the future is only going to stress you out." I smiled back at her under my mask.

Trey: "You're right, bloodsucker. Thanks." She nodded.

Ellie: "I know I'm right, honey bunches. Now, you wanna go home? I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of that Call of Duty game." I chuckled.

Trey: "We'll see about that." I turned to Miles and was about to say something but he cut me off.

Miles: "Don't worry Arsenal, my Damage days are over. I can't even transform myself so I assure you, no more trying to kill bookies. From now on, I'm about living an honest life." His mom smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

Ms. Novak: "That's my boy." I smiled at them but was suddenly pulled toward the hole in the wall by Ellie.

Ellie: "Let's go, shape-shifter! There's another game I want to play when we get home." She grinned at me and I nodded eagerly.

Trey: "After you, bloodsucker." She made her wings come out and took off into the air. I turned and looked back at Miles and his family, then saluted and turned my hands into Frightmare ones, shooting chains out to pull me upward.

What I didn't see was Mister Negative standing on top of a building with a remote in his hand. He watched Ellie and I fly and swing away, then looked down at Miles and his family.

Negative: "Well played, Arsenal, you managed to stop the first meta I have created. But something tells me you won't fare so well against a dozen more. Time for the Negative Crew to take over Novas City." He powered up with black energy and jumped off the building.


Meanwhile with Tombstone and his gang. They were all at Horizon Industries, in Xavier Red's laboratory. Xavier was standing next to some kind of machine and Tombstone and his guys were standing in front of him.

Tombstone: "This better be worth my time, Xavier, I missed the weekly card game at Blackie's for this." Xavier smirked at him, his eyes flashing blue for a second.

Xavier: "I assure you, Tombstone, this is far better than a simple card game." He started typing something on the monitor, "You see, I have finally managed to find the one crucial component that was stopping me from producing the meta-human formula."

Tombstone's eyes got wide, along with his gang's.

Tombstone: "Impossible. I thought production had stalled since Arsenal put Kyrie Nexus into hiding. How did you possibly find a way to complete it?" Xavier smirked again.

Xavier: "I've had a sudden...boost in intellect, Tombstone. And because of that, the meta-liquid is completed." He typed some more and the machine started to hum to life. After it beeped and let off steam a few times, a compartment opened and out came dozens of vials filled with meta-liquid! Tombstone picked them up and looked at them in awe.

Tombstone: "Xavier, you are a genius! Now that the meta-serum is complete, nobody will be able to seize control of my criminal empire. Not Arsenal and not Mister Negative." He turned toward his gang and smirked, "Boys, get ready. You are all about to become very powerful."

He laughed menacingly and Xavier smirked again


Up in the Canvas, the Sculptor was watching everything play out using some kind of black hole screen.

Sculptor: "Interesting. Events are unfolding much differently than they did before. Trey Sergauson has a huge part to play in that, no doubt. I knew involving him would make things more interesting." He watched Tombstone admire the vials of meta-liquid, then switched the screen to Mister Negative, who was in his lab with Fiona. Lastly, he switched the screen to watch Ellie and I play video games on our couch.

Sculptor: "It won't be long now before the true fate of the planet reveals itself. Be prepared Arsenal, we are truly in the endgame now."

The end.


There we have it, Episode 9 done and boy, was it a doozy. We're getting closer and closer to the season finale guys and like the Sculptor said, we're reaching the endgame for the season. What does Sculptor mean by the true fate of the planet? Will Trey and Ellie find out about what Lola's been doing? Can Trey stop not one, but two super-powered gangs from taking over the city? You'll have to wait till next time to find out! Speaking of, I know this episode was supposed to be out last week, but I was going through a mental breakdown as well as other things, so I was just able to finish this. I'm okay, for those that actually care and looking forward to more alien action with our boy Trey!

This month's question: Masked vigilante Trey or public superhero Trey?

There weren't any reviews that needed answering this time, but if any of you have a question, you can ask away in the reviews and I'll answer them at the end of next episode. That's it guys, the title of the next episode is down below if you wanna speculate on what it's about. Until next time. Peace!

S2 EP10: Hellfire, Bite Marks, ant the Thrill of the Hunt