Astro walked up towards the front door of the Vanguard base with a scowl on his face. A few feet behind him was Nia, who was beaming with excitement. He had been very adamant about her staying home and not getting any further involved in this. But as usual he ended up caving to his baby sister's whims.

As much as he hated to admit it, Nia pretty much always got what she wanted from him. If she had been a spoiled brat it might have been different, but the way she always pleaded with those big puppy dog like eyes always managed to get him, no matter how stern he was trying to be.

As they approached they saw two figures standing near the entrance. One was a boy wearing a red cap and goggles. He was in a wheelchair as he used a blowtorch to reattach one of the doors from yesterday. The other was a green skinned girl with pointy ears and red eyes. Unlike the boy she didn't seem to need a blowtorch. She was using her hands.

When they got closer, the girl noticed them coming and nudged the boy. He stopped and then turned towards them. "Oh, you guys are here already. Pretty punctual," he said. He put the blow torch down and rolled towards them. "Hey there. You must be the prince and princess. My name is Hank. I'm one of the lead officers of the Vanguard. Department of Technology. This is my friend Tizzy."

Nia waved at the two happily, but Tizzy scowled towards him. "You're the one who broke down the door…" she said, narrowing her eyes at Astro.

Astro flinched slightly. "Uh… yes. Apologies. I was trying to get to my sister and-"

"Next time try knocking," Tizzy suggested.

Hank chuckled nervously and put a hand on her shoulder. "Ah, don't mind her. She's just a little tired. We had to get up early and replace this bad boy. But honestly we should be thanking you. This one should be twice as strong as the last one," Hank said tapping the door. "If you want to head inside I think Vera is waiting for you. She'll show you the supernatural department."

Astro bowed his head. "Thank you. I appreciate the help," he said before talking forward.

Nia smiled and waved once more as they walked past. "Try not to break any more doors while you're there!" Tizzy called after them.

Astro scowled. "They're not going to let that go are they…?"

"Don't think so," Nia said giggling.

Soon enough, they spotted Vera waiting in the hall. She smiled when she saw the two of them. "Hey guys. Glad to see you. I was worried you might get lost on the way here or something," she said relieved. She then noticed something. "Wait, where's Sear?"

Astro scowled. "Well, I didn't feel like watching my most loyal companion get punched in the face again, so I left him at home with Janna," he explained.

Vera frowned. "Cayenne didn't mean it Astro. It was an accident."

He just grunted and Nia elbowed him. "Don't mind him. He's just grumpy cause this trip didn't go how he planned it. But personally I think it's going way more awesome than expected!" the young princess beamed.

"Of course you do," Astro muttered.

Vera turned and gestured for them to follow. "C'mon, I'll show you where we train and stuff," she said signaling for them to follow.

Nia could barely contain her excitement. Astro put a hand on her shoulder. "Nia, remember what I said. Letting you come along does not make you a part of this team," he said.

She sighed. "Yeah, I know…" she muttered. He could at least not hold it over her head every ten minutes. She kind of wished AJ was here. He had decided to stay home after all chaos the other day, worried that those guys might come back for his mom or something.

Vera led them through the base and eventually brought them to a large room. There were a number of people in the room, but the two that immediately caught their attention were the ones who were fighting on the large table in the middle.

One of them had blonde hair and a green shirt. A blue handkerchief was hanging out of his pocket. The other was a black haired boy wearing a blue cap and red shirt. He had green highlights in his hair, and green eyes.

Astro narrowed his eyes. He recognized the second one. He was the one who had been following him the other day. "Well, look who decided to show up." They both looked over and saw Cayenne walking towards them, along with Damian and Kingsley. "Wasn't sure you'd show," she said with a smirk.

"I told you I'd help you defeat the Youngblood. I'm a man of my word," Astro said.

"And we appreciate it," Kingsley said nodding. He turned back towards where the others were crowded around the table. "I can't wait for you to meet everyone. Come on, we've got a lot of introductions to make," he said eagerly.

He walked down, and the others followed. "Is he always so chipper?" Astro asked.

"You should see him around his mom…" Cayenne muttered.

"Hey!"

As they headed down Damian began to explain. "This is where we spar and practice since the space we bought for our official training grounds isn't finished yet. It's not much, but it's suitable for now. You can come here and practice on your abilities whenever you want."

Nia looked curious. "So, could I come here too?"

"I don't see why not. Even if you aren't allowed to join, I don't see any harm in you showing up to help further your skills. I'm certainly no magician, but I'll offer what help I can. Maybe meditation could help improve your focus and control," Damian said.

She looked to Astro who just shrugged. He didn't see any harm in her coming here to practice. They had come to Earth to help her improve anyhow. When they got down to the bottom they saw a girl sitting down at the bottom. She wasn't watching the fight at all, just staring down at the floor.

"Envie," Damian said, approaching her. She looked up, finally taking notice of them. "This is prince Astro and princess Nia of Mewni. They're going to be joining our department."

She gave them a small smile before standing up. "Oh, hey there. Nice to meet you. I'm Envie," she introduced. "I pretty much help Damian keep an eye on ghost activity here. Any Ghosts that come here usually don't get unnoticed by me, and I've got Vivian, our half-Grim Reaper, helping us."

Astro thought for a second. Ghosts? That one that had attacked Nia back home said he wasn't living. He was always pale and had managed to slip right through some of his attacks. Was that the reason?

"Wow, you have ghosts here?" Nia asked.

"A lot more than you'd think actually. By the way, if you see a Ghost with blackened out eyes, please come to me. It's important I find him," she said. Damian, Cayenne, and Kingsley all looked slightly worried at those words. Envie then began walking off. "Well, I'll see you around. Welcome to the team."

Astro watched as she walked off. The smile was… forced. He would know. That along with the lead officers reactions told him something was wrong. But it wasn't his business to press the issue. "Oh, that must be them!"

This time it was a blonde haired girl who looked much more… mature, compared to the others. She zipped up in front of them with a bright smile. "Hey there! You must be the prince and princess! Vera told me you guys were coming today! It's so nice to meet you!" she said reaching out and grabbing Nia's hands.

Rather than be caught off guard or surprised, Nia just smiled and happily returned the gesture. "Hi! My name is Nia! I'm super excited to be here and on Earth!" she said giggling.

"Oh, I can't wait to show you around! There's so much cool stuff to see! I was blown away just when I came to the big city! I can't imagine exploring a whole new dimension!"

"Well, maybe sometime you guys could come to Mewni and you'd get the chance."

"I'd love that! Oh, I'm Persephone by the way. But you can just call me Persi."

Cayenne clicked her tongue. "Damn. Finally found someone as fucking cheery and bubbly as she is…" she said shaking her head. Astro looked a little torn right now. This girl… oddly reminded him of his mother. He couldn't quite peg how, but there was something similar about them.

"Yo, you actually showed up huh?" Astro turned his head and saw Micah heading his way. He looked surprised as the teen smirked at him. "What's up?"

"You're part of the Vanguard?" Astro asked.

"Yeah. Guess it didn't really come up in conversation," Micah said shrugging. "Glad you have you on the team man. We don't really have any magicians besides Serena, and she mostly specializes in potions."

"I'm only here until the Youngblood are dealt with. I don't really have any reason to stay beyond that," Astro clarified.

"Help is help man. Even if it's just temporary. And if even half of what Vera was going on about is true, we definitely could use it."

Astro hummed. Had Vera really talked him up that much? He wasn't sure if she meant it or was just trying to get them to recruit him. He heard a scoff, and then looked up at the boy wearing the blue cap. He was smirking down at him with crossed arms.

Cayenne grunted. "God dammit Raleigh. Whatever stupid shit you're about to say out of your mouth, keep it to yourself," she said glaring at him.

Raleigh kept looking down at Astro. The prince glared right back at him. Astro usually tried not to judge just by first glances. But the moment he had spotted this guy following him, he had decided he didn't like him. Nia on the other hand blushed as she looked at the older boy. He looked pretty cute…

"Aw c'mon, you can't blame me for being a little curious about Mr. Royal here. Everyone's been going on about you showing up, like you're some big shot. I want to see if you're really as good as Vera kept making you out to be."

Another boy, one who looked somewhat similar to him, sighed. "Raleigh, c'mon," Ryu said, hoping to discourage his brother.

"I gotta admit, I'm more than a little curious to see if the prince here is all he's cracked up to be," the other boy on the table said smirking. "The name's Levi your highness. Ms. Vera says you know how to tussle. Mind stepping in the ring and having a quick throw down with a Xiaolin Dragon?"

Raleigh scowled. "What the hell you redneck?! You know god damn well I was about to challenge this guy! You can't do that!"

"Not my fault you weren't quick enough on the draw string bean," Levi said, smirking.

Astro sighed. "What is it with Earthlings and their obsession with pointless fighting? I was under the impression that we were supposed to be working together. I don't have any reason to fight either of you," he said simply.

Levi held his hands up. "Well sure ya do. Teammates spar all the time. Besides, if we're gonna be working together I reckon we should know what you can do."

"Unless you're too scared," Raleigh taunted.

Opal sighed. They were both being childish, but Levi had at least tried to use some reason. Raleigh just jumped straight to insults a five year old would use. "Guys, if he doesn't feel like sparring we shouldn't pressure him to-"

Nia stepped forward and pointed, cutting Kingsley off. "Who are you calling scared! My brother is the strongest in the whole world! He could beat the both of you at the same time if he wanted to!" she said.

Astro sighed. "Nia…"

"But it's true! You totally could!"

Raleigh chuckled before pulling out a cigarette. "Well, we know what your baby sister thinks. So how about putting your money where her mouth is moss head."

Astro didn't seem at all fazed. "If I fight you, will you stop acting like a five year old?" he asked.

"If you don't count the victory dance I'm gonna do after I win, sure."

"Fine, then let's go."

Levi raised an eyebrow. "Well which one"

"Did you not hear my sister? Both of you," Astro said casually as he stepped up on the table.

Raleigh and Levi shared a glance, and then both laughed. The two warriors were far from friends, but even they had to share a laugh at something so ridiculous. "Look Mr. Royal, I know you supposed to be the tough guy back home but-"

"Stop calling me that. I have a name, and you will use it," Astro said dangerously. He took his hoodie off and folded it up. "Now stop babbling and let's go. The sooner I get this over with the better. I have someplace to be after this," he said passing his hoodie to Nia.

Cayenne watched closely. She knew he was just talking trash. He really believed he could back this up, and she had to see if it was true. Astro got into a fighting stance. "Don't you use a sword?" Levi asked.

"Ocean's Kiss is a gift from the woman I love. I'd rather not waste it's blade on you." Raleigh and Levi both frowned. Now he was just being cocky. Cayenne rolled her eyes as well. The prince sure did know how to play up the drama.

Opal smiled from her seat. This guy was pretty smooth. Shame he was taken. Persi looked worried. She knew how strong both Levi and Raleigh were. She hoped they didn't get out of hand. Damian narrowed his eyes as he watched Astro.

Something seemed… off about him. The energy surrounding him had changed. At first it had been similar to Nia's. Not exactly the same, but close enough to tell they were related. But now… it felt like it was mixed with something else. Something much fouler.

"I'm assuming the first one knocked off the table loses?" Astro asked.

"Reckon you got the rules down," Levi said cracking his knuckles.

"Alright then, let's go!" Raleigh said running at him. Levi quickly followed after him.

The second they started towards him, Astro tapped his foot, and suddenly a thin layer of ice covered the entire table. The two martial artists both lost their footing and slid forward. Astro stepped aside letting them both slide right by him.

The two headed for the edge of the table, but somehow managed to stop right before falling off. After balancing themselves, they turned around only to see Astro, who casually pushed them off the edge and onto the floor. "I win," Astro said before stepping off the table.

"Yeah! Told you!" Nia said cheering happily.

Raleigh and Levi both got up looking annoyed as Astro slipped his hoodie back on. "Bullshit! You didn't even fight! That was just some slick looney toons ass shit! I want a rematch!" Raleigh shouted pointing at him.

Astro smirked back. "You know, back home on Mewni we're meant to take loss with humility. But I guess everyone in this dimension is a sore loser huh?"

Raleigh growled and stepped towards him, but Levi grabbed his shoulder. "Knock it off now Raleigh. He won fair and square. Don't like it, but gotta respect it. Boy is slicker than a greased up pig in a lard factory."

Astro now looked confused. "…thank you?" he asked.

Raleigh waved him off before stomping out of the room. Kingsley looked impressed. It wasn't what he had been expecting to see, but it had been something. Astro wasn't just strong, he seemed pretty clever too. He turned to see what Cayenne thought, and then saw her smiling.

"Oh no… Cayenne?" he asked.

"That fucker is mine," she said.

"Cayenne, please don't."

She waved him off. "Relax. I'm not gonna mess with him today," assured. But sooner or later she would see what he was really made of.

Opal looked down at Astro wide eyed. He had ice powers, and he seemed really skilled at using them. Maybe he could teach her how to better control hers. "Whoa! That was cool!" Persi said zipping over to him.

Astro bowed. "Thank you."

Nia put her hands on her hips, a proud look on her face. "Yep, my brother is totally the strongest," she said.

"It's not polite to brag Nia."

"Is if it's true!"

Kingsley and Cayenne watched as some of the others walked up to the siblings and started asking them about their other powers, and themselves.

"What do you think?" Kingsley asked.

Cayenne shrugged. "He'll pull his weight. Attitude could use a check. What about you ghost boy? Anything you notice in his aura or some shit?" he asked.

"Yes actually," Damian said, rubbing his chin. "But I'm not sure if it's something to be worried about or not. I'll have to keep a close on him."

It was always a rare thing when all the members of the Youngblood's Alpha team were gathered together. Usually one or more of them were busy or on an important mission. But since there was a rare occasion, Drake had seen fit to bring their top members together.

Heath had only been here for a little while. He'd spent most of that time recovering after Shen Mi had brought what was left of him back from his old base. Roxanne had healed his wounds, while Rogen rebuilt all his cybernetic parts. It was a makeshift job, but it'd kept him alive.

Since he had become an official ranked member, he had never seen everyone in one place. It was honestly kind of strange. "You look nervous newbie," Victor said snickering. He leaned against the wall across the room. Alex was standing beside him, glaring at Heath, while Jesse sat a few feet away playing with her shadow.

"Guess I'm not used to seeing all the freak shows in one place," Heath shot back.

Alex scoffed. "How arrogant. A lowly little human like yourself referring to us in such a disrespectful way. You obviously never learned how to respect your superiors."

Jesse tilted her head, looking confused. "But isn't he higher ranked than you?" she asked curiously. Victor once again snickered as Alex growled in frustration.

Heath smirked and crossed his arms. "You ask me it was just pure luck," Shen Mi said from above. She was floating lazily above everyone as she skimmed through a magazine. "I mean, a walking piece of scrap metal like you getting the same rank as me. The Cortex must be broken. We should have one of those nerds take a look at it don't you think?"

"Yes! Clearly the machine malfunctioned! That's the only way-"

Heath raised up his hand, looking ready to fire. "If any damn one of you wants to put my rank to the test, I'm more than ready to go," he threatened.

Alex took a step back, while Shen Mi glared. Before things could get any further however, someone else spoke up. "No one is actually questioning your rank. Just calm down and stop being too trigger happy," Priss said, sitting off to the side. The last thing they needed right now was to be picking with one another. They had business to get to.

Savage chuckled. "He sure is a feisty little runt huh?" he asked, looking to Carnage.

"Yeah. Almost like we were… but you know, with metal arms instead of claws."

Heath scowled. "I'm still right here…"

"We know, you won't shut up. You little buck toothed weirdo." Shen Mi jabbed. The others snicker at the insult and Alisha rolled her eyes.

Heath glared at her. "Why don't you come down here and say that you troll doll."

Shen Mi's eyes widened, and she quickly turned towards him. "What did you just call me?!"

"Here we go again…" Alisha said, shaking her head. The two had been at each other's throat ever since Heath had officially joined. It was like they couldn't be in the same room for two seconds before they started biting each other's heads off.

"My money's on robo-arms," Victor said.

"You're nuts. Shen Mi will wipe the floor with him," Savage said.

"You got a lot of nerve talking to me like that you buck -toothed freckle faced loser!"

"You've got a lot of nerves talking about looks when you look like a Keebler Elf!"

"Iron-armed freak!"

"Witch!"

The two were right in one another's face, looking ready to brawl, when the door suddenly opened. Drake walked into the room. He didn't seem at all surprised to see the two staring each other down. "If you two could refrain from killing one another until this is over, I'd greatly appreciate it," he said.

Both Shen Mi and Heath turned away from each other with annoyed looks on their faces. Drake continued to the middle of the room and then turned to face everyone. "Evening everyone. I assume you all know why we're gathered here?" Drake asked.

Victor yawned. "We're waking up the experiment right? Why did all of us have to be here for this?" he asked, raising his eyebrow.

Drake snapped his finger, and a hole opened up in the floor. A clear dome rose up from the floor, containing the pod they had taken from O'Neil tech. "Because this experiment is incredibly dangerous. Its predecessors were built for the sole purpose of destroying every major city on the planet. I want to be prepared if it goes out of control."

"I thought you said this thing wouldn't attack us?" Alisha said, crossing her arms.

"I theorized it wouldn't based on its designed purpose. But I'd still rather not take the chance. I want all of you to be ready in the event that it becomes hostile."

"Well that's reassuring," Priss said, crossing her arms.

Drake tapped the glass, and suddenly a mist of water was sprayed into it. Everyone watched as the pod suddenly began to glow. The light eventually died down enough for them to see what was now inside.

The creature was small. Like the size of a dog. It almost looked like a koala. It had purple fur all over its body, and pitch black eyes. It had a row of sharp teeth in its mouth, and two antennae sticking out of its head. It had four arms, large floppy ears, and a short stubby tail. It blinked a few times before looking around at everyone.

"Damn it's ugly," Victor said rubbing his chin. The creature turned towards him with its eyes wide. Victor flinched. "Shit, can he hear me?"

"He shouldn't be able to. Dome is sound proof," Alisha said snapping her fingers. It then turned towards her. "Whoa, I think he can. Must have some ears…"

Drake smirked before turning to Alisha. "Open the dome."

"You sure about this Drake?" she asked worried.

"I'm sure." Alisha tapped the pad she was holding and the dome slowly opened up at the top. The creature looked up, and then crawled its way out. It scanned the room, taking in all the members of the Youngblood. Drake slowly approached it. "Do you understand us?"

The creature looked at him curiously, and then looked over towards Victor. It lifted its fingers before flipping him off. "Oh for Christ sake's…" Drake said palming his face.

Victor laughed. "Ha! I like him already."