"Oh Luna Lobo, what if we didn't pass?"

Scout paced Rook's dorm, claws catching loose strings on the carpet. Rook frowned at him but Scout was too stressed to notice the tiny holes he was leaving with each pawstep.

"I mean, really. What would we do if we didn't pass? I go back to Anur Transyl? You go back to your homeworld? We never become Plumbers? And what happens to Ship? There's no way we're going to let him fly between our homeworlds all on his own and it'd be cruel to make him choose between us. And you're just going to be stuck on the farm with the Omnitrix for the rest of your life? Or- or what if you pass and I don't? Wait, what am I saying? You're the Omnitrix bearer, of course you're going to pass. No offense, the rest of you is great too. But you're definitely passing but if you pass and I don-"

"Calm down, Scout," Rook sighed, sitting up from where he'd been sprawled out on his bed. Scout tucked in his haunches, sitting down, and tried his best to quell his need to move while his friend talked to him. "We are both going to pass. We were at the top of the class during the fitness and field portions. Even if we did not do well on the written section, I doubt we did poorly enough to negate our earlier success."

"But-"

"And even if we did not pass," Rook continued in a knowing tone, "that does not mean we could not attempt the exam again at a later date. And even if we decided not to be Plumbers, Ship can still transform into a cruiser. We can go anywhere in the universe we want. You do not have to return to Luna Lobo if you do not want to."

"Anur Transyl. I'm from Anur Transyl," Scout corrected like it was second nature, surprised Rook didn't know that. Then he saw the Revonnahgander's smirk. "You sly cat!"

Rook chuckled. "I know you well enough to know how to distract you from these episodes."

Scout's tail curled. It was true. Two years at the Academy and he'd spent nearly every waking moment with Rook. And, assuming that they heard good things when their teachers gave them their exam results, they'd be sticking around each other a lot longer.

Now that Scout had settled down, Ship poked his head out from under Rook's bed and bounded over to his master, softly crying his name. Scout smiled and ran a paw over him, petting him gently, and shifted so he could pull his pet onto his lap. "Sorry. I'm just nervous, you know? This is the biggest moment in my whole life! Other than waiting to hear if I got into the Academy, I guess, but this is different."

"Indeed." Rook patted his lap, prompting Ship to abandon his spot on Scout's lap and bumble over to the Revonnahgander. "I must admit, I am nervous as well but I am fairly confident we did well. Afterall, my roommate already got his results and he passed."

Scout's expression twisted. "Yeah. He's great and all but I don't think I saw him study once."

"He did but he preferred to do it outside the dorm. He thought it was too cramped in here."

"Makes sense." Scout could understand that. Even he, a Loboan, felt kind of cramped in these dorms sometimes. He imagined an Apoplexian, who was much bigger and wilder than he was, felt worse. Hopefully the guy would get stationed somewhere with a lot more room than a base like this.

Scout's ear flicked as he heard a blip from Rook's Plumber-issued tablet. He cocked his head, silently asking if the noise was what he thought it was. Rook nodded. "Magister Hulka has asked to see us in the auditorium."

Scout swallowed nervously. "I guess we should get going then?"

"Ship!"

"You stay here, Ship."

"Ship?"

"There are going to be a lot of people there. I don't want you getting stepped on."

"Ship, ship..."

"Good boy."

Rook stood up as Ship hopped up on the bed. "Shall we?"

Scout nodded wordlessly and followed Rook out of the dorm to receive the news that would determine their future as Plumbers.


There were already a few other aliens at the gathering place by the time Rook and Scout arrived. Scout's roommate was there, he recognized, but neither of them waved to each other in greeting. Rook never spent much time with him but he got the sense he and Scout didn't get along, Scout being a Loboan and the other guy being a Methanosian and all. Who thought that match up was a good idea? Certainly not those two. Rook was surprised they'd put up with each other this long. Even he got along with his roommate well enough to decline a transfer request.

Maybe two or three dozen students were assembled by the time Magister Hulka arrived. The man wasted no time getting to the front of the group to make his statement. "Thank you for coming so quickly. All of you passed. Check in with any Magister to receive your diplomas."

Rook reeled slightly, surprised. Sure, he'd been confident he'd passed but it was still a shock. Like Scout had said, it was a big moment. Probably the biggest of his life. Magister Hulka's monotone simplicity wasn't really making it any more exciting but Rook didn't need it to be. A grin spread across his face as he exchanged a look with Scout. They'd passed! Two years of studying and training was finally paying off!

"You're not fully fledged field agents yet," Magister Hulka went on, not giving the students much time to celebrate "Whether you plan on becoming a field agent or working behind the scenes, you need to get cleared by a registered agent before getting your own assignment. And that means all of you need to find mentors to show you the ropes around their stations."

Murmurs rippled through the group. They had to find mentors? This was the first Rook had heard of anything like this. If he knew sooner, he'd have already started looking for someone to train under forever ago.

"You can ask agents who work here on the base," Magister Hulka told them, "but I wouldn't recommend it. Most of the people here are pencil pushers and you have to leave the base to get the experience you need. Chances are anyone switching stations right now is too busy to take an apprentice or already has someone in mind. I recommend contacting someone from your homeworld or an agent you met during your time here who doesn't work at the base. And if you can't find anyone, there is a database with agents and stations open to taking apprentices. I wish you all the best of luck. You are now dismissed."

Magister Hulka turned and left as quickly as he'd come, presumably heading off to tell another group their exam results. The moment he left, the gathered aliens broke into conversation.

"We're supposed to find mentors?" Scout questioned, already looking stressed. "Who are we supposed to ask? How do we even ask?"

"You are forgetting something," Rook told him, soothing his friend. "We have an advantage. We are already well connected with two very skilled Plumbers. I am sure they would be happy to mentor us."


"We can't mentor you."

"What?!"

"We would if we could," Bahrvad told them, sounding apologetic, "but we're not stationed agents. Our assignment has been to watch over the Omnitrix for decades. We've been on the move too long to properly show apprentices what a Plumber's duties look like."

"But," Xylene jumped in before either Rook or Scout could comment, "we will go with you to whichever planet you choose to continue your training on. We'll be there to support you two in whatever ways you need, even if we can't officially be your mentors."

"Great," Scout grumbled. He paused. "I mean, I'm glad you two are sticking around but I really have no idea who to ask now. There weren't any Plumbers in the Anur System and I don't think there are any Plumbers on Revonnah either."

"Actually…"

Scout's ears went up. "Wait, there's a Plumber on Revonnah?"

Rook nodded and opened his mouth to explain but Xylene beat him to it. "I'm not sure if Wat-Sen would be interested in taking an apprentice right now."

"He might be," Rook countered. "He was happy to train me when I got the Omnitrix, though he did let Tetrax take over when he showed up…"

"But point is he might be interested?" Scout questioned. Rook nodded. "Then that's good enough for me!"


Rook was sure Wat-Sen didn't appreciate walking outside to see a Mechamorph ship landing on his doorstep and a pair of freshly graduated Plumbers throwing themselves at his feet first thing in the morning but Rook didn't care. Scout's nerves were contagious and they'd only festered on the ride to Revonnah. He was desperate for a mentor. "Please train us!"

Wat-Sen blinked, blurry eyed and confused. He looked like he'd just woken up. He probably had. Rook wasn't sure which of Revonnah's sun was peeking over the horizon but he didn't think it was one the elder alien was usually awake for. "Excuse me? What are you doing here? Who is this? And where are Xylene and Bahrvad?"

"They were being too slow so we just got on Ship and went ahead," Scout told him. Wat-Sen glanced up as Ship melted away into his normal form. Wat-Sen blinked, looking faint, before shaking his head and muttering something under his breath. Scout pretended not to hear him. "And I'm Scout, Rook's friend from the Academy."

"We need someone to mentor us," Rook explained, picking himself off the ground. "Xylene and Bahrvad cannot do it for us. We were hoping you could."

Wat-Sen pinched his brow, letting out a soft but tired noise. Rook felt a dip in his stomach as the silence stretched longer and longer. Maybe they were a bit too hasty but everything else was moving so fast, it felt like they had to too. But Wat-Sen was practically retired. Maybe it was a bit bold to ask him for a favor.

But Wat-Sen didn't say no. Lowering his hand, he told them, "I'll think about it. I'd like to talk to Xylene and Bahrvad first. And after the next sun rises. It's too early to be dealing with anything that isn't my pillow."

Rook ducked his head, a bit embarrassed, but Scout didn't share the sentiment. "The next sun? How many suns does Revonnah have? And how long will it take the next one to rise? What are we supposed to do then?"

Wat-Sen gave Rook a look he couldn't read and a gesture he didn't understand before closing the door. He didn't slam it but the finality of the motion didn't help Rook's growing anxieties. But, he tried not to let them bubble up. He had to keep it together. For Scout's sake. Afterall, this was Rook's homeplanet. He was in charge here.

"Let us head to the fields," Rook suggested, tearing Scout's gaze away from the door.

"Why? What's out there?"

Rook smiled, not needing words to answer the question, and took off. Scout and Ship yelped, realizing they were being left behind, and hurried to catch up with them.


Revonnahganders were farmers. Scout knew this. But that didn't mean it was strange to see.

A lot of planets had agricultural populations. Scout had just never seen one outside of a textbook photo or picture on the extranet. It was… weird. There were so many smells, most of them coming from plants. It made his nose want to sneeze. Revonnahganders had pretty sharp noses too. Could they not smell it? Or were they just used to it? Their lives revolved around the stuff so that was probably it.

Apparently, it wasn't as early as Wat-Sen made it out to be. As they got farther from the mountain, Scout began spotting figures in the field, already hard at work. Scout wanted to move closer to get a better look at the tools they were using but Rook put on his shoulder before he could try. Scout shot him a questioning look, silently asking if something was wrong. Rook shook his head but didn't say anything. Scout kept his mouth shut. Rook would tell him sooner or later if it mattered, he was sure of it.

At least Ship seemed to be having a good time. The soil was soft and the crops were tall but not terribly so. Just tall enough that he had to jump to look over them but not tall enough that he could easily get lost. Perfect height for playing.

"Is this amber ogia?" Scout asked as Ship began frolicking around. Rook had told him the fruit was quite delicate. He didn't want Ship making a mess or doing any damage that he couldn't repair. But, to his surprise, Rook shook his head.

"This is wheat," Rook told him. "We do not eat much of it but we still grow it. My family usually does not work with anything other than amber ogia though. Come, we still have aways to go."

They lapsed back into silence. Scout didn't really understand why. If Rook was on Anur Transyl, Scout knew he'd be filled with anecdotes and exciting stories. He'd love to tell his friend about his homeworld. Rook… didn't. It took him a moment to realize why.

The farmers were staring. Not like they were looking in their direction then returning to their work. No, they were full on staring. Scout felt his fur rise a bit, suddenly noticing all the eyes on him. Were they hostile? They were too far to tell. Revonnahganders were supposed to be peaceful though, right? Chances are they wouldn't attack. Especially not with Rook at his side.

Eventually, fields bled into settlement and some more familiar sights appeared. Buildings, Scout could recognize those. Buildings were buildings no matter the planet. They were nearing the village.

There were a lot more Revonnahganders here. Scout wanted to approach and say hello but Rook picked up Ship and positioned himself between his neighbors and the Loboan, not doing a very good job of shielding him from view but trying anyway. Scout frowned but didn't comment on it. Boy did he want to though.

It was a long time before they saw a friendly face.

"Blonko!" a tiny Revonnahgander yelled, face lighting up the moment he spotted the pair. He threw his arms in the air and- was that a tail? Did Rook have a tail? Scout shook the thought away and refocused on the child. Who was that? He seemed happy to see Rook so at least there was that.

All the guarded worry on Rook's face suddenly melted away. "Young One!"

"Ship!" Ship jumped out of Rook's arms, bounding over to the tiny Revonnahgander excitedly. The boy looked confused for a moment but wasn't distracted for long, throwing himself at Rook's shins with a happy laugh.

"I am so happy to see you! I missed you so much!"

"I missed you as well, little brother," Rook responded, patting the tuft of fur on the boy's head fondly. Scout's ears pricked ever so slightly. So this was Rook's brother? Blood brother. Not Malware. Scout wasn't really sure what made those two decide they were brothers but it was a lot less bizarre to see Rook acting this way with a smaller version of himself than a massive, corrupt Galvanic Mechamorph. "How have you been? Is all well?"

"Tending to the amber ogia has been boring," the child complained, letting Rook go to look up at his companions. "Who is this? Did you replace Rayona? Are you staying?"

Scout didn't know who Rayona was but Rook flinched at the name. "No. Young One, this is my friend, Scout. And this is Ship. We are going to train with Wat-Sen here on Revonnah for awhile."

Young One's eyes stayed on Scout, looking up at him wondrously. Scout couldn't tell if he was afraid, awed, or just plain curious. Revonnahganders didn't see a lot of aliens, right? And they were a catlike people. Oh, maybe that was why the others had been staring at him. Because he resembled a predator. Did Revonnahganders even have predators?

"It is nice to meet you," Young One said, somewhat surprising the Loboan with his politeness, before looking back to his brother. "You probably want to talk to Shar then."

Rook nodded. "I would like to see everyone if they will have me."

Scout tilted his head. "If they'll have you? What does that mean? This is your family, right?"

Young One bit his lip, looking nervous. Rook sighed and spared him from the explanation. "I did not leave Revonnah on good terms. I have not spoken to my mother or two of my sisters since they discovered the Omnitrix."

"...Oh."

"It is fine!" Young One said quickly. "They- They- Shi and Shim are not angry. Not anymore. They just want to see you. And Mother- Mother is not happy but she does not wish to lose you. She and Father have spoken about it."

Scout tried not to make a face. Sure, he didn't know the extent of the situation but Scout was more perceptive than a lot of people gave him credit for. How truth was there the Young One's words? How much was the innocence of a child? How much had his parents hid from him? Scout shot Rook a look, wondering how to proceed. It seemed Rook had the same idea he did.

"Young One," Rook said softly, crouching down a bit to get on eye level with his younger brother, "I am sure Ship would be bored by the grown up talk. How would you like to show him around the village?"

Young One looked even more excited than he had when he first spotted Rook. "Can I? Can I, Blonko?"

Rook smiled and nodded. Young One's tail curled in joy.

"Thank you thank you thank you! Come on, Ship! I want to show you my favorite spot by the river!"

"Do not go too far," Rook called after them, likely more out of habit than actual worry, and turned back to Scout. "Apologies for my brother."

"No need. I know how kids can be," Scout responded. "But, uh, how come he calls you Blonko?"

"That is my name."

"I know but isn't that your surname?"

Rook shook his head as they resumed walking. "Revonnah is one of the planets where surnames precede personal names."

Scout tried not to let his jaw drop. "So I've been calling you by the wrong name this whole time?"

Rook frowned. "No. It is still my name."

"I know, I know, but it's kind of weird that I'm calling you by your last name and you call me by my first name, isn't it? I mean, you don't call me Alazraqui. You should've told me."

"Xylene and Bahrvad call me Blonko. I thought you knew."

Scout paused. They did? That's right. They did. How had he never questioned that? "I thought they were calling you by your surname on purpose. You know, like out of professionalism."

"No, they call me by my personal name," Rook responded. He sighed, seeing Scout's frown. "It is not a problem, Scout. I would have told you if I did not want to be called Rook."

"I know but-"

"Leaving Revonnah was hard," Rook interrupted. "I wanted a fresh start at the Academy. I like being called Rook."

"Really?"

"Yes. But maybe call me Blonko in front of my family. It may become confusing."

Scout snorted. "Sure thing, R- Blonko."


Rook hoped Scout couldn't tell how nervous he was but he doubted he was doing a very good job keeping up appearances. Revonnahganders didn't sweat much but Rook could already feel it starting to pool up under his armor. The Loboan could probably smell it. Thankfully, he didn't comment.

Rook wasn't entirely sure where to find his family at the moment. It was early, just the start of the work day, but he quickly realized that he had no idea what the schedule was. Which fields were in rotation this season? Which fields were doing well? Which ones needed extra care? Was the harvest going to start early or late this year? Had his family gained land? Had they lost land? There were just too many variables to make any kind of accurate guess as to where his family could be.

So, he headed toward his family's dwelling. Hopefully it was early enough that someone was lingering behind. And if they weren't, at least he'd have the chance to see his home again. He missed it. He hadn't seen it in so long. He'd left so abruptly that he never got the chance to say goodbye.

Nerves thrummed in Rook's belly as they neared. Taking deep breaths, he focused on just putting one foot in front of the other. His muscles screamed to retreat but Rook ignored the urge. This was inevitable, no matter how much he didn't want it to be so.

Rook Da wasn't home when the pair arrived, judging from the silhouettes moving outside the house. There were four of them. That meant his mother and three sisters, assuming they didn't have a visitor, were home. Rook desperately wished his father was there but at least Shar would be there to… He didn't know. Back him up? Smooth things over?

He didn't have time to decide. Almost the exact moment he spotted them, they spotted him.

"Demon!" Bralla screeched, jabbing a finger toward the horizon. Shar, Shim, and Shi's heads snapped up, startled. Scout- bless his heart- looked behind him. Rook wanted to sigh.

"It is just me, mother," Rook called back as they began descending down the hill toward the home, "and my companion is no demon, merely alien."

"It's nice to meet you, miss," Scout said, speaking up just enough to let his voice carry. It was still rather quiet. Rook wondered if he was nervous. He probably was, even if Rook hadn't told him all the details about his family's last alien encounter.

Shar suddenly started running towards them, putting up a hand telling them to stop. Too surprised to do anything but obey, Rook came to a halt. What was Shar trying to do?

She was breathing hard by the time she reached them but there was an urgency in her eyes that got her talking without a moment's pause to take a breath. "Your friend cannot come down."

Scout tipped his head. "How come? I haven't even been here that long. Did I do something to offend your mother?"

Shar shook her head rapidly, probably a bit faster than she had to but she probably couldn't help it. Her whole body was poised like she had to move. "Mother is not particularly fond of aliens. I believe it would be best for us to talk to her before you meet her. She… She and Father have had many conversations about Blonko in his absence, not all of them good. I think it would be best for the family to handle one thing at a time…"

She trailed off, probing for a name. Scout caught on quickly. "Scout. And it's no problem. My people don't like aliens much either. I guess I'll do some sightseeing?"

Rook felt a pang in his chest at how quickly Scout had given up. He was being respectful, he knew, but it still hurt. He clapped his friend's shoulder gently. "I am sorry I must leave you so soon. I shall find you soon though."

Scout offered a smile. "Don't worry about me. Worry about your mom."

Rook would really rather not but there wasn't much he could do about it. He patted Scout's shoulder one last time before turning and following his sister back towards the house.

Shar seemed to be deliberately taking her time so Rook didn't either. Matching her pace, he tried to relish in these last few moments of peace. His mother… Well, she was the quiet type but she had a tongue when she wanted to. Rook had no idea what to expect. Maybe he should've tried visiting Revonnah during one of his breaks. He probably shouldn't have tried to avoid the inevitable.

"It is good to see you, brother," Shar spoke up after a bit. She offered a genuine smile. "I just wish we had the time to properly greet each other."

"I as well," Rook agreed easily. "There is so much I wish to tell you but I do not think our mother or sisters would take kindly to it at the moment. How are they? How did they… How did they hold up after I, um, left?"

Shar was silent for a moment, thinking. "Shi came around first. Then Shim. They are… appropriately cautious. Tetrax did not return after he took you to the Academy but Wat-Sen stayed, of course. They both sought him separately with questions. I think he appeased their unease. They do not share your curiosity for space but they will indulge Young One's interest on occasion so I imagine they do not hold anything against you. I am sure they will be happy to see you again and I do not doubt they will accept your transformations. With time, of course."

That was a relief. He didn't know what he'd do if his sisters hated him. Or worse, feared him. "And mother?"

This time, Shar's hesitation was more careful than thoughtful. "She… She was not pleased to learn of… everything. I believe she wishes to take Father's lead but it is clear she disagrees with his approach to this. I have not heard them argue but I have noticed tension between them. I… worry."

Rook frowned. That was not what he wanted to hear. He supposed it could be worse though. He was here now. Any tensions leftover from what happened two years ago could finally be resolved, right? Or at least faced, for better or for worse. Taking a deep breath, he put more speed into his step, forced a smile onto his face, and greeted his family. "Hello, Mother. Hello, sisters."

It was clear the three had been arguing before he arrived but Shi and Shim seemed happy to see him. "Blonko!"

Bralla tried to stop them but the pair ignored her efforts and charged up to their brother, arms spread wide. Happiness bubbled up from Rook's belly, filling his chest with an unexpected warmth. He didn't realize how scared he'd been until his sisters were safely enveloped in his arms. He got to his knees, giving them better access, and buried his face into their shoulders. "Shim, Shi… I have missed you."

"We have missed you too, Blonko," Shim told him, the first to release him. She was smiling. Rook noticed but didn't mention the tears in her eyes.

Shi wasn't doing as good of a job containing her emotions. Rook used a thumb to wipe a few tears away as she wailed. "I was so scared when Master Kundo would not let us see you before you left. I did not think we would see you again!"

Rook tried to keep his face still enough to hide his shock. Shi had wanted to see him? Even after seeing him transform into Archfiend? And Master Kundo had kept his family away? He knew better than to react, especially now, but the revelation made his blood boil.

"Release him," Bralla ordered. Her tone was steady but commanding, as it usually was, but it still made something in Rook's gut twist. She hadn't called him by name nor had she called him by any kind of family name like she usually did. Maybe it was a fluke, he couldn't expect her to do it all the time, but it felt strange. Like getting a knife to the gut.

"Mother?" he called out hesitantly, releasing his youngest sister.

"Son," she responded curtly and all of Rook's anxiety melted away. He took a step forward, ready to embrace her like he'd always done, but an ever so slight narrowing of her eyes stopped him. His gaze dropped, hurt. Even if she hadn't disowned him, she didn't want him near her. He wasn't sure if that was worse. "Why have you returned?"

"I…" It had been a quick decision. Maybe not a last resort but not his first choice. "I have finished my education. I returned to discuss something with Wat-Sen but… I did not leave on good terms. I wanted to see my family again. I want- need to know… I do not-"

"It is not like you to be so unsure of yourself."

Rook's lips quirked upward. That was the Bralla he knew. "I know. Forgive me, Mother. Much has changed and I am uncertain of my place anymore. I suppose I have returned to see if I am still a Rook."

Shim and Shi looked shocked. Well, Shim looked shocked. Shi looked more distressed than anything, wrapping her arms around Rook's knee like Young One often did when he desired comfort. "Why would you not be a Rook?"

"I… It sounds a bit silly to say aloud but that does not mean I have not feared it." Rook swallowed, trying to keep his voice steady. He had to sound sure of himself. "I am not like you. I am a Revonnahgander but not at the same time. I have learned to embrace that but it is no secret our culture is unwelcoming to aliens. I do not know if that extends to me."

"Do you really think we would disown you, Blonko?" Shim asked and it sounded genuine. "You are our brother."

"He is but Blonko's words ring true," Bralla stated before Rook could open his mouth. "He is no longer a Revonnahgander. Still a Rook but not one of us. Not like he used to be."

"Blonko is still the same," Shar interrupted, drawing attention to herself. Rook assumed she'd stay out of this conversation but it seemed that was not the case. "Fundamentally, he is the same person he has always been. His time offworld and experiences with the Omnitrix have helped him grow but he is still himself. The device did not change him."

"Shar…" It broke his heart to say it but he had to. "I met the creator of the Omnitrix. It is bound to my DNA. When I transform-"

"I do not care," Shar told him firmly. "The Omnitrix does not define you. You are still a Revonnahgander, Blonko. You always have been."

He smiled, her words bringing comfort to his heart. Shim and Shi didn't seem to understand what they were talking about. Bralla likely didn't either but her expression had grown hard. "I suppose we will see that for ourselves. I am happy to have you back for the harvest season, Blonko, but it will take time to determine how much Revonnahgander is left in you."

"Mother!" Shar sounded angry but a look from Rook silenced her protests. Instead of defending himself, he bowed.

"Mother, I-"

"Do you hear that?" Shi interrupted suddenly, tipping her head. The others froze, copying the action to listen for any unusual noises. At first, Rook didn't hear anything and wondered if his sister had made the noise up but then it sounded again. This time, Rook heard it clearly.

"What is that?" Shar asked as Rook's blood went cold. She frowned at him. "Rook?"

"That was a sonic blast," he reported, throat suddenly dry. "Scout is in trouble!"