Authors Note: Hello readers. I am sorry for the long wait in between posts. My last being January. College life has become consuming and exhausting. But this chapter is coming with some sad news. Chris Reccardi, co-creator of the Modifyers TV pilot had passed away May 2nd, 2019 at the age of 54 due to a stroke.

He was a talented cartoon director, graphic designer, animator, character designer, producer, writer, and storyboard artist. He will be missed.


Zero looked around the room, his eyes falling on the spare toaster parts lying here and there. The same parts he uses to use when he made his first flamethrower. Mushrooms wasn't pleased with that. Zero smacked the side of his head as the memories started to flood in.

"Stay focus," he reminded himself.

He continued to walk, his eyes turning up the flight of stairs, his goal within reach.


Xero tried but failed to hide her surprise. His name, Martian, ringing in her head. "Martian? As in the exchange agent brought in from the Modifyers USA division?"

"The very same," he said proudly.

"How-how did you two meet?" she finally asked.

"It's a long story," Niki said as she ran her hand through her "partners" hair.

Xero could feel her breath quickening, her mind trying to understand all this new information. "Does Katz know?"

The duo shook their heads. "We were hoping," Martin said hesitantly, "that you could speak to Katz. Not just on behalf but on others," he hesitated for a moment before saying the kicker, "without using our or anyone else's names," he said cringing at what he was asking.

"Others?," Xero asked surprised.

"Well, Zero and you're not so subtle, and that has supposedly emboldened others," Niki pointed out.

"But no one wants to be the first to admit anything," Martin said, "And we were hoping with your family like relationship with Katz you could…"

Xero Looked at them with a face of frustration. "So not only do you two, wrongfully think me and Zero are together, but you want me to bring it up with Katz, while keeping not just your guy's names out of it, but also anyone else who 'might be' involved." Xero quickly rose from her seat. "You two should be happy I don't report you."

"Wait," Niki said before she could leave. "Just think about it. Please."

Xero looked at her with sad yet understanding eyes.

"Please. And stay safe," Niki said sadly, "And take this with you," she said as she attempting to hand Xero an unknown wrapped bag.

Xero looked at her skeptically.

"In case you change your mind," Niki pleaded.


Zero continued to walk cautiously up the flight of stair, his weight being too much as he heard them creak under him. Yet that wasn't the only sound. As he inched his way towards the top floor (the 6th) he could hear voices and see a light as he reached the halfway point. He refrained from yelling towards the light, yet he held his cold gun cautiously at the ready. He could hear several voices, at least 2 rough male voices. Within a moment he was at the door frame of the room illuminating the dark hallway.

"You don't want any trouble," he reminded himself as he lowered his cold gun and started to walk away.

Suddenly he heard a different voice. "Let me go!" a female voice screamed.

Within a moment Zero could remember what Mushrooms would say. "Don't ever worry about being a hero. Worried about being a good human being."

Zero gripped his cold gun and kicked open the door. "Let the individual go!" he yelled, only to be surprised by the 3 faces that looked back at him.


Xero leaned against the wall of the phone booth as it continued to climb up the air. She wondered, how much of what Niki Niki said was true?

Her mind instantly turned to what she had said to Zero last night, the words she had used. "Zero... I think I love you," she repeated to herself.

Xero rumbled through the bag Niki had given her. A book and a letter.


"Dear Xero,

If you are reading this, it means you are considering the risks and rewards of love. While we know it is a risk, one that we are so sorry to ask of you, we truly believe Zero and you have the best shot of getting through to Katz.

We never truly decide who or when we love. We are only human and this is only natural. Love is love. And if you truly love your partner, don't hesitate to catch that love before it fades away.

In the off chance, I did leave a short book that may help.

Sincerely,

Niki


Xero looked at the book. "How to woe: Make a man fall for you."

"Good grief," Xero said.