Song for this chapter is Breaking Free from Highschool Musical by Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens.
And I want to thank Tuesday for the ideas on the Scorpio Family and dindagangleader14 for his character Archibald Creature.
Enjoy.
Jack couldn't explain what he was feeling. Today was the day that he will be enrolling at Sunny High. There, he will audition to be enrolled, and he has to do it in front of the principal and some teachers that are in acting, art, music, and dance. The D-Squad couldn't come with them since they have school. The only ones that were accompanying him were Rain, his mom, Tempest, and Dark-who is in her human disguise-as they stood at a very colorful and artistic looking school. Jack could feel many positive vibes within the school, there were many students outside, showing off their talents or talking with friends. They were just practicing for their performance at their classes.
"You can do this, Jack." His mom said with a smile.
He and his mom got their appearance changed. Jack's long hair was cut mid-length of his shoulders with white streaks on it. His attire consists of a black shirt and a jean jacket, black combat pants and boots. His mom has her hair styled in a fashionable manner, instead of her normal hair tied was now a low side ponytail with a blue rose on it. She wears formal and yet simple attire. A white blouse, blue pants, and black heels. Rain was also with them as she was in a human disguise, changing her hair into brown, making sure that the people here think that she's a human teenager. They just got here, and their new friends helped them with the move. They were kind enough to help them buy them new clothes and necessities. June got her job in Sunny City's Hospital called Astral Hospital as Juliet Blackstone. She has to get used to people calling her Juliet since she worries that there might be Equal Salvations out there. Rain has her own new identity thanks to S.H.I.E.L.D. Her full Earth name is Laraine McWaters, and she's Jack's girlfriend and partner in Sunny High's audition.
"Thank you, Mom. I just hope we can succeed." Jack said in a nervous tone, referring to him and Rain.
June placed an encouraging hand on his shoulder. "You two will do great, I'm sure the principal will accept both of you." She assured him.
"Yeah…about that." Tempest came as she stood beside her relatives. "The principal is a retired diva that goes by the name Edna Simmons."
June looked at her 'niece' in surprise and shock. "I know her! She has been a famous actress since she was a kid and a former singer."
"Damn, who knew she was famous?" Dark said, impressed by the principal's reputation.
"Yes, she was, and she was chosen to be the principal since she knows talent when she sees one." Tempest said before she started walking to the school. "Come on, I'll show you the auditorium."
The four followed Tempest to the auditorium, noticing that many students were avoiding Tempest. Jack could tell that these students wouldn't dare mess with Tempest, considering her reputation of being the number one diva of the school and the scariest girl ever. They reached the auditorium where Tempest took them backstage, where there were some teens that wished to enroll at Sunny High. Jack was surprised to see a few teens auditioning.
"You said there's a fierce competition here?" Jack asked Tempest.
"It is." She answered blankly.
"Then what's the problem?" Dark asked.
Tempest points at the stage to see a dorky teen doing a terrible tap dance in front of Principal Edna and some teachers. They were giving the performer blank looks, clearly indicating that they are not interested. There were some students sitting, watching the performance out of curiosity while some were bloggers that wanted to post the audition on their blogs. Observing further, Jack saw what Edna looked like. She has brown hair that she often wears in a bun, brown eyes, and brown skin. She's slightly short and somewhat chubby but has a look that screams diva. When the performer finishes his terrible dance, Principal Edna gives him a blank and an unamused look.
"Boy, I have seen strange dances all my life, but this takes the cake." Edna said (voice actress Yvette Nicole Brown).
The dorky teen looked at her hopefully. "Does this mean I got in?"
"It means take dance class that is not here and no, you're not in. Now get off the stage!" Edna ordered in a harsh tone.
The dorky teen cried weirdly and ran out of stage. Jack, Rain, and June watched in pity and a somewhat nervous look, indicating that this principal shouldn't be messed with. Tempest made a blank look as she looked at Jack and Rain with serious eyes.
"Since Principal Edna was a former diva, she is one hard judge to impress." Tempest said to them blankly.
"And here I thought she was a kind principal." Rain said with a hint of worry.
"Nope, she's a strict hardworking woman who is never afraid to speak her mind, even if it means being harsh." Tempest stated the fact.
"Who's next?" Edna asked a female choreographer.
The female choreographer looks at her clipboard. "Two new students named Jack Blackstone and Laraine McWaters." She reads out.
"Oh! Is that boy related to Tempest Blackstone?" Edna asked almost excitingly.
"Yes, it says here that Jack Blackstone is a cousin of Tempest." The female choreographer said.
Edna laughs with joy. "Well, then, let's see if he has the same talent as his cousin!" She said happily.
Hearing this, Jack began to worry. Principal Edna expects him to be like Tempest?! Sure, Tempest has an amazing singing voice and Jack's been training with the D-Squad. And Rain is a natural in singing. But Jack still has doubts about himself since he is not near the level to match Tempest's amazing talent. He doesn't know if he has it. Jack's thought came into a halt when he felt Tempest's hand on his shoulder. He looked at her in surprise as he could see support hidden within her blank eyes.
"You got this, Jack, just be yourself." She said to him calmly.
"Yeah, ya got this Jackson." Dark said with a wink and a grin.
"You and Rain will do great." June assured her son with a smile.
Jack saw the encouraging looks that they were giving him and Rain. He then looks at the Water Galatria, she was giving him an encouraging smile, like it was enough for him to move forward. Jack and Rain went on stage with Tempest. But not before she gave them their microphones. They stood in front of the judges, who were looking at them curiously.
"So, you're Jack Blackstone, correct?" Asked a male music teacher.
Jack nodded his head. "Yes, I am."
"And you're partnered with Laraine McWaters, correct?" The music teacher asked.
"Yes, Sir." Jack said as he and Rain held each other's hands. "Both of us are going to perform a duet song."
"And why is Ms. Blackstone with you?" Asked a male acting teacher, who looks like a hippy.
"I'm here to assist them in their music, Mr. Insanius." Tempest said as she came over to a white piano.
"All right then." Edna began as she gave them a strict face. "Show us what you got!"
With that, Tempest began playing the piano in a beautiful melody, which echoed through the auditorium. June and Dark watched from backstage, watching them perform with the other teens. Since they were curious about their song. Jack and Rain were holding hands, nervous about their performance. But Jack remembered his training with his friends that taught him how to play music. Jack waited for his cue as Tempest reached to note where he would sing.
Jack:
We're soarin', flyin'
There's not a star in heaven
That we can't reach
Rain:
If we're trying
So we're breaking free
Jack:
You know the world can see us
In a way that's different than who we are
Rain:
Creating space between us
'Til we're separate hearts…
As the two teens sang, the judges were impressed by their singing. Unaware that Dark had Kirit the Scraplet come along and hides on the rafter, with a phone on his head, to show their friends back home about Jack and Rain's performance. Some students were coming in when they saw some bloggers showing it on livestream about the new students auditioning.
Jack & Rain:
But your faith it gives me strength
Strength to believe…
Jack:
We're breakin' free!
Soon, the stage shines to reveal a band playing instruments. The reason why they were there is because Tempest asked *coughs!* threatened! *coughs!* them to help her out with their performance. They did without questions and helped out with their performance. And it shocked everyone in the auditorium.
Rain:
We're soarin'!
Jack:
Flyin'!
Jack & Rain:
There's not a star in heaven
That we can't reach!
Jack:
If we're trying…
Jack & Rain:
Yeah, we're breaking free!
Jack:
Oh, we're breakin' free
Rain:
Ohhhh…
Soon, students were coming into the auditorium, feeling up the room as they saw Jack and Rain's performance via livestream. June and Dark were cheering at them along with the other performers. As everyone clapped through the beat, Jack and Rain felt the music course through them, getting into it, as they both started dancing to the beat.
Jack:
Can you feel it building
Like a wave the ocean just can't control
Rain:
Connected by a feeling
Ohhh, in our very souls
Jack:
Very souls, ohhh
Jack & Rain:
Rising 'til it lifts us up
So everyone can see us…
Jack:
We're breakin' free!
Rain:
We're soarin'!
Jack:
Flyin'!
Jack & Rain:
There's not a star in heaven
That we can't reach!
Jack:
If we're trying
Yeah, we're breaking free
Rain:
Ohhhh…runnin'!
Jack:
Climbin'!
To get to that place…
Jack & Rain:
To be all that we can be!
Jack:
Now's the time
Jack & Rain:
So we're breaking free!
Jack:
We're breaking free
Rain:
Ohhh, yeah
The two couples danced around Tempest, who got up and continued playing in such great passion. She may have a blank expression, but she is passionate about music. She mouthed out the words of the song while Jack and Rain sang around the piano with her. While everyone around them cheered for the newcomers.
Jack:
More than hope
More than faith
Rain:
This is true
This is fate
And together
Jack & Rain:
We see it comin'!
Jack:
More than you
More than me
Rain:
Not a want, but a need
Jack & Rain:
Both of us breakin' free
Rain:
Soarin'
Jack:
Flyin'
Jack & Rain:
There's not a star in heaven
That we can't reach
If we're trying…
Jack:
Yeah, we're breaking free
Rain:
Breaking free
Were runnin'
Jack:
Ohhhh, climbin'!
Jack & Rain:
To get to the place
To be all that we can be
Now's the time
Jack:
Now's the time
Rain:
So we're breaking free
Jack:
Ohhh, we're breaking free
Rain:
Ohhhh
Jack & Rain:
You know the world can see us
In a way that's different than who we are…
Both Jack and Rain held each other's hands and smiled at each other passionately, happy that they succeeded in their song. And once they finished, the whole room erupted with cheers of joy, amazement, and astonishment. Edna also was cheering at them, amazed by their duet performance. They smiled and held their hands before they bowed at them. Kirit was still at the rafters, cheering at Jack and Rain's performance. June and Dark cheered at Jack and Rain's success while Tempest clapped at them with a blank expression on her face, but she was proud. Then Edna got up from her seat with a bright smile on her face.
"Now that's talent!" Edna exclaimed brightly, clapping at the two. "Mr. Blackstone, Ms. McWaters, congratulations! Both of you are in!" She announced.
Hearing this, Jack and Rain cheered as the Water Galatria hugged Jack, who returned. Tempest came over to them before she was hugged by them, she didn't push them away, she was proud that they got in. Then June and Dark came over as they gave them a hug of congratulations.
"You two will start tomorrow. Tempy here will give your schedules and everything you need at your new school." Edna said to them.
Jack smiles at her. "Thank you, Principal Edna." He said before cheering with the others.
Later, after the auditioning, Jack received a lot of messages from his new friends back to Isola Della Vita, congratulating him and Rain for succeeding in the audition after Kirit sent them the video when he got back home. Speaking of home, they all went to Tempest's house to unpack their belongings. It was a big house, there were many rooms and space for them. Tempest shows them their rooms. Each other rooms have their own unique designs. Jack's room was on the top floor of the three-story house. He can easily sit on the roof of the first-story roof with ease. Rain's room was next to him, and she has the window view of the beach. June's room was on the first floor; she has a balcony on hers that overlooks the city. They had a lot of unpacking before starting their new lives here.
"The kitchen is on the left, and you have each of your own bathrooms." Tempest explained to them as she carries one of the boxes that belongs to June. "Uncle X is out to buy you a new car, so you can drive to work." She said towards June.
"Oh, he shouldn't be doing that." June said to her, placing a box down. Dark, in her human form, carries a box upstairs, helping them unpack before she heads back home.
"Don't worry about it." Tempest said blankly. "Uncle X said that you've been through enough and you did lose your car back at Jasper."
"What about you Uncle Keizer?" Rain asked, carrying her belongings that Alex and Sofia helped her shop for at the mall before they moved. "Where is he?"
"He wouldn't say." Tempest said to them.
"Damn, what kind of surprise does he do-" Dark was cut off when the doorbell rang.
"Tempest places a box down and walks over to the door. She opens it and reveals a very attractive teenage girl about her age. She has amber eyes, brown skin, and blonde box braid hair. She wears stylish clothing and red, round sunglasses.
"Meygana?" Tempest spoke in surprise.
"Hey, Tempy, I heard that your relatives are living with you." The girl said with a grin.
"Tempest? Who's at the door?" June asked as she, Jack, and Rain came over to see the teenage girl. "Oh, hello. Who are you?"
"Everyone, this is Meygana Scorpio, she's a friend of mine." Tempest said to them blankly.
"Call me Mey for fort." Meygana said with a smile.
"Hold up!" Dark came rushing to the door and faced Meygana with wide eyes. "Meygana Scorpio?! As in, one of the daughters of the Scorpio family?! The fifth richest family on the planet!"
June, Jack, and Rain looked at Meygana in surprise, they didn't know Tempest was friends with a billionaire. Meygana gave them a smirk. "Guilty." She said in a teasing tone.
Tempest rolled her eyes at Meygana. "Since you already know here. Meygana, these are my relatives. My Aunt Juliet and her son, Jack. His girlfriend, Rain. And this Danica, a friend of theirs that's helping them with the move." She introduces Meygana to them.
"Sup." Dark greeted.
Meygana waved but soon stopped when she made eye contact with Dark, like she was reading her. "You're not human." She suddenly said before looking at Rain and Jack. "Same goes for you two. You're not human and you…are half human."
This shocked the group, especially Dark. No one could've known about this except their friends back on the island. Seeing this, Tempest moves a bit and gestured to Meygana to get inside. Meygana nodded and entered, allowing Tempest to close the door. They went into the living room, where June, Jack, and Rain sit on the couch while Meygana sits on an armchair. Tempest and Dark stood next to the three.
"So…how the Hell did you figure out we're not humans? Hence June." Dark asked Meygana.
Meygana made a sly smirk. "Well, since we're here telling truths, the Scorpio Family isn't always about business, in fact. They're more of the…magical kind." She explains to them.
"What?" Jack asked in confusion.
This was where Tempest did the explanation. "The Scorpio Family are into the dark arts, they are known by the Magical World as the deadliest family, considering their history."
"Wait, does your family know magic?" Dark asked in surprise and grinned at this.
"Yup, the Scorpio family has been around for 70 generations and we have our own family tradition." Meygana explained with a grin. "All though, our tradition is very-very complicated than normal family traditions."
"What kind of tradition?" June asked hesitantly.
"Meh, we Scorpio family's tradition is very dangerous, we do scary rituals and crazy shits. Heck, the Scorpio Family have managed to survive from the impossible and even cheated death many times." Meygana explained about her family history.
Jack, June, and Rain stared at Meygana in somewhat fear while Dark was laughing in amusement. "Damn, girl, I never knew that your family has that kind of secret." Dark said between laughs.
Meygana soon laughs as well. "It's true, but we kept it a secret and humans on Earth think we're just a very successful family, owning a huge mining business." She said with a grin.
"What do you mean?" Rain asked curiously.
"You see, members of the Scorpio family are warriors, warlocks, and witches." Meygana explains, grinning like Dark. "We are courageous and stubborn, many of our ancestors have been found in the front lines in wars and the first to volunteer in battle, willing to face down any enemy with nerves of steel under fire."
"Damn! Your family is badass!" Dark complimented.
"Thanks!" Meygana said with a grin.
"But why did your family move here? At Sunny City?" Jack asked Meygana curiously.
"Long ago, the head of the Scorpio family, my great-great-something grandaddy, decided to move here at the human world and start a mining business, as cover up the fact the Scorpio Family are dangerous, dark users, that probably might destroy the world…if wanted to."
Dark snickers at her. "I like you." She said to her.
"Same goes for you. Anyways, now that you know me, what about you? What's your story?" Maygana asked them.
"It's a long story." Jake said with hesitation.
"Don't worry, I have plenty of time." Maygana said casually.
So, the group told Maygana about the situation and Jack's true origin. Maygana listened to the explanation with each nod, understanding it with no problem, considering she dealt with craziness since childhood, and she understands what they have been through.
"And that's why we have to move here with different names and identities." Jake finally finished his explanation with a sigh.
"Hmm…well, your story is strange." Maygana said, earning looks from the three. "Afterall, I enjoy strange things."
Dark grins. "You and I are gonna be best of friends." She said to the girl.
"Right back at ya." Maygana winked.
"Oh, God." Tempest muttered in annoyance as the two girls shared teasing remarks.
Suddenly, they heard a car horn from outside. Getting up from their seats, they went to the door as Tempest opened it, revealing Xenthos with a blue Lamborghini Aventador and Keizer with a silver motorcycle ninja 1000 with black wolf designs on both sides.
"Surprise!" Keizer grinned at the shocked mother and son. "These are our welcome gifts!"
"Welcome...gifts?" June asked hesitantly.
"See, since you guys need to ride around the city, we got you two of the best vehicles that money could buy." Keizer explained, still grinning.
"Woah! You got me a motorcycle?!" Jack exclaimed in amazement as he observed the motorcycle.
"Yup! You need a ride to school after all." Keizer said with a grin.
Tempest looks at her uncle. "You do realize I have a jeep, right? I can just give them a ride."
"Tempest, come on, it's the boy here who needs his own wheels. And besides, it's good for him to explore the city with his girlfriend." Keizer jokes, earning a blush from Jack and an eye roll from Tempest.
"Ugh, Uncle K, why?" Tempest mutters in annoyance, earning a chuckle from Keizer. "Speaking of which, I should show you guys around the roots, that way you won't end up getting lost."
"Thanks, Tempest." Jack thanked her with a smile.
"Yeah, yeah." Tempest mutters out before noticing discomfort. "Is there something wrong?"
"Huh? Oh…sorry, it's just I've never driven such an expensive looking car before." June confessed sheepishly.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it." Maygara assured. "Now, come on, let's show you the grooviest and snazziest places around Sunny City. Tempy, get your jeep. We're giving them a tour."
Tempest wanted to glare at her, but decided not to, so she went to her garage to get her jeep, which was a jeep wrangler, and brought it out. Maygana, Dark, and June got in while Keizer handed Jack the keys for the motorcycle.
"Wait, you guys are not coming?" Jack asked as he and Rain got on the motorcycle before Keizer gave them their helmets.
"We need to scout the area to find any surviving Equal Salvation members and capture them before they mess with anything ancient." Xenthos said to them.
"Yup, we don't want them messing with other ancient artifacts that can't be controlled." Keizer said. "And don't worry about your car, we'll park in the garage for you."
"Um…thank you?" June said hesitantly.
"Enough chitty chat, let's hit the road!" Meygana cheered, sitting at the back with Dark.
"Hell yeah!" Dark whooped.
"Why me?" Tempest muttered out in annoyance.
"Have fun!" The Corvus Twins said to them as they drove off.
Tempest and Meygana showed them the best spots in Sunny City. They first took them to the Sunrise Mall. A big mall filled with the best districts and a grocery store. They were amazed by this before Tempest and Meygana showed them the root where June will be working. The Astral Hospital is a large hospital. June will be working there as a nurse, using the name Juliet Blackstone. June was worried that she might get lost on her way home. Luckily, Tempest has a neighbor that works as a doctor there, he'll be showing her the roots on her first day. They took them to the pier, where there was an arcade, ferries wheel, Carousel, game booths, and more. It was close to the beach, allowing them to surf and enjoy a nice day in the sun. They then took them to the best shops and the most popular shop is a café called Morning Delights, the best café shop in the Sunny City. There, they decided to buy their guests some treats.
"All right, drinks are on me." Maygana said as she brought out her credit card.
"Oh, you don't have to." June wanted to decline since she didn't want anyone to pay for them.
"It's all right, Ms. J, all of you're our guests, so enjoy yourselves." Meygana assured them with a smile.
Jack placed a hand on his mom's shoulder. "Come on, Mom. You need to relax and enjoy yourself." He assured her before looking at Meygana. "I'll have a cappuccino with whip cream and cinnamon, and oh! A muffin."
"Can I try the Frappuccino and this Tiramisu?" Rain asked for her order.
Meygana nodded before turning to June. "Ms. J? Want anything?"
"Well, if you insist." June said slowly. "I'll have an Americano with milk, please. And a cheesecake.'
"All right! There you go!" Meygana said before turning to Tempest. "Tempy, what about you?"
"The usual." Tempest answered blankly, "Black coffee and a croissant."
"Suit yourself." Meygana shrugged and turned to Dark. "What about you, girl?"
"Double Espresso with heavy cream and chocolate powder, and a chocolate devil cake." Dark ordered.
"Wait, you put heavy cream and chocolate powder on your double espresso?" Meygana asked in surprise.
"Yeah, why?" Dark questions her.
"Girl, I do the same thing too on my espresso." Meygana said with a grin.
"Seriously?!" Dark grins at her.
"Seriously!" Meygana grins back at her. "But I like mine with blackberry scones."
"OOooohhhh. Fancy." Dark commented.
Meygana bought their drinks while they sat outside the café, waiting for their order. Dark and Meygana sat together, chatting about, talking about favorite movies, weapons, and trading fighting skills. As their order came, Tempest took a sip of her coffee while Jack, Rain, and June enjoyed their beverage.
"So…how's your stay in Sunny City so far?" Tempest suddenly asked, placing her cup down.
Jack looks at her and then to his drink, seeing his reflection through the liquid. "So far…it's great. I didn't know you live in such a great place." He commented.
"It was a safe place for me." Tempest answered to them blandly.
"Safe place?" Rain asked in confusion.
"Sunny City is not only a fun city, but also a safe haven." Tempest explained to them. "It is surrounded by magical stones that keep me and my residence safe from dark forces that wish to bring harm. The stones also keep my powers in bay, preventing me from snapping, except for the bad luck curse. It's unpreventable considering there were some people that had bad intentions towards me." She mutters out the last part.
"Woah, I guess there was a reason Xenthos and Keizer took care of you here." Jack said to her.
Tempest nodded. "Yeah, they kept me safe until I was old enough to take care of myself." She said before looking at them. "And now, you guys can be safe too, you won't have any problems with the Equal Salvation group."
June and Jack smile at her, appreciating her words, until Jack realizes something. "So…how long?"
Tempest raises a brow at him. "Pardon?"
"How long will it take for your uncles to capture all of the rest of the Equal Salvation members?" Jack asked her.
"Knowing them…I say about two or three weeks, but in any case." Tempest said, taking another sip of her coffee.
"Hell yeah." Dark agreed, coming over to them with Meygara. "And once they get it done, I'll contact Fury and he'll give you the go signal to go back to Jasper and meet up with your friends, and robotic companions who aren't nearly as badass as the ones at Isola Della Vita. But still…"
"He gets it." Tempest said blankly to Dark before turning to Jack. "And once you and your mother are in the clear, you can go back. But for now, stay here and lay low until the matter is resolved."
Jack and June nodded their heads. "Understood." Jack said to her.
Meygana decided to lighten up the mood. "Hey, cheer up, once this is over, you can go back. Your friends will probably say-"
"THAT GUY IS A JERK!" Miko screams, marching in the base with Raf.
Miko is in a very grumpy mood since the new student, Trickster, was always teasing her nonstop. Ever since he came to Memorial High, all he did was go to her instead of all the other girls in the student body that were basically flirting with him. But nooo, he had to choose her?! What was it about him?! All he does is make teasing jokes about how adorable she is when she is mad or how she was short, much to her rage. She would lash at him, giving him names like Jerkface or Playboy, which he took as compliments. He wouldn't leave her alone for days. Heck, he even knows where her host parents' house is! She was able to avoid him when she and Raf had to go to the base. Trickster almost came along if it wasn't for Xander, saying that they have important matters.
"What's wrong, Miko?" Smokescreen asked her curiously.
"That Jerkface Playboy has been teasing me about being short all day!" Miko huffs as she sits on the couch in anger with Raf sitting beside her.
"Oh, boy. Is that new guy still bothering you again?" Mirage asked Miko, referring to Trickster.
"Yes! I don't know what's wrong with him!" Miko said in frustration. "He keeps teasing me for no reason and calls me 'Little Mimi!'" Sunstreak and Sideswipe snickered at that name, along with Ironhide, Crosshair, and Hound. Miko glared at them in annoyance. "Stop it! It's not funny!"
"HAHAHA! He called you Little Mimi?! HAHAHA!" Crosshair laughed at Miko's nickname that Trickster gave to her.
"Well, I don't like it!" Miko exclaimed in anger. "He keeps following me, making fun of my height, and giving me dumb nicknames!"
"Didn't you give him dumb nicknames too?" Arcee reminded her.
"I did! And he took them as compliments! How is Xan even related to him?!" Miko exclaimed in annoyance as she slammed her face on the cushion.
"H-he's not bad once you get to know him." Raf said to Miko.
Miko snaps her head to him, eyes filled with disbelief and dumbfounded, "Are you insane?! That guy is nothing but trouble!"
"Hmph, you two have so much in common." Ratchet said, busy looking at the data.
Miko glares at him. "No, we don't!" She shrieked.
"Miko, calm down, I'm sure everything will be over, and he'll lose interest in you." Bulkhead assured Miko.
"When?! I'm stuck with him for the rest of the school year!" Miko screech.
"Stop with you screeching! I'm trying to work here!" Ratchet said in annoyance as he continued working on the formula of synthetic energon.
"Still working on finding the formula, Doc?" Wheeljack asked, polishing his sword.
"Yes, due to our shortage, this alternative fuel source is our only hope of survival. However, I lack the resources in making it as well as information since some parts of the formula are incomplete." Ratchet said to them.
"Then we must continue searching for more energon mines." Optimus said, walking up to them. "There are possible mines that are far from our destination, we must form teams in order to cover more ground."
"I hear yeah, Prime." Hound said, playing his cigar. "But how are we gonna deal with the Predacon problem?"
On one of their scouting missions, they found a small energon mine just out of the city, until they were attacked by an ancient and forgotten species, a Predacon. It attacked them, just before they could send the energons to the groundbridge Of course, they did fight back, however; it was proven to be too strong. They barely got out of there alive with the energons if not for the arrival of Ultra Magnus. Ultra Magnus was Optimus' key lieutenant during the war back on Cybertron. He is a firm, stern, but fair leader. He prefers to follow exact protocol as he even required/expected the Autobots to call him "Sir." No one has seen or heard from him since Cybertron went dark. He found his way to Earth thanks to Prowl, who sent a private signal for only Autobots to detect. He explained that he wandered the spaceways in search of others after all Cybertronian left the planet, he was able to reunite with some, but only to see them fall at the hands of the Decepticons.
Thanks to him, they were able to get away from the Predacon, but the Predacon seems to be more interested in taking a piece of a broken fossil. Optimus was able to get it when it saw it fall. And when they brought it to base, they were shocked that it was the remains of a Predacon. Though it is unclear why such a fossil would be found on Earth. And consider that Predacons have been extinct since before most life began on Cybertron. But Ratchet and Optimus believed that this Predacon was cloned by none other than the Decepticons' mad scientist, Shockwave. It shocked everyone, even Arcee. Afterall, she was the one that blasted his face. But he survived and the Decepticons must've found him. They believe that Shockwave cloned Predacons before on Earth and were destroyed like the dinosaurs did. And with the new Predacon of Shockwave, the scientist will continue cloning if he finds more fossils of Predacons. He only requires a single strand of CNA from the fossils to clone more. This leads them with a beast war on their hands. The Autobots become Beast Hunters.
"We will figure out a way to handle the new threat, no matter the cost." Optimus said, earning nods from everyone. "As of now, Ultra Magnus is scouting some areas, far from our location."
Wheeljack rolled his eyes, like he didn't want to hear about Ultra Magnus. Suddenly, Miko's phone rings, causing the girl to pick up her phone and notices it was an unknown number.
"Huh, who's this?" She asked curiously.
"Is there something wrong, Miko?" Bulkhead asked.
"Yeah, I'm being called by some unknown caller." Miko told her assigned guardian.
"Do you think it's Jack?" Raf asked hopefully. "I mean, he left his phone back then and…maybe he got a new phone and is trying to contact us."
"Probably…" Optimus thought out loud.
"Let's find out!" Miko said before answering the call without a second thought. "Hello? Jack?"
"Ooohhh, sorry, wrong answer, Little Mimi." Trickster's teasing voice came through the phone.
This caused Miko's eyes to widen in shock as she glared at her phone. "You!"
"Me!"
"How did you get my number?!" Miko exclaims through her phone.
"Oh, I have my ways, Little Mimi." Trickster said, snickering at Miko's anger.
"Is that Trickster?" Bluestreak asked in a confused tone.
"Yes! That Jerkface somehow got my number!" Miko exclaimed in a huff.
"Awww…are you telling your friends about me?" Trickster teased.
"No! And don't call me ever again!" Miko yelled as she rudely ended the call. "That jerk!"
"Hehehe…he sounds like a match for you." Crosshair snickered.
"Shut up!" Miko screamed in anger.
Raf made a worried look at Miko before his phone started ringing. He picked up and answered. "Hello? …Um…okay?" He said hesitantly before handing the phone to Miko. "Uh…it's for you."
Confused, Miko picks up Raf's phone and answers it. "Hello?"
"That's rude of you to end the call without saying bye, Little Mimi." Trickster's voice teased.
Miko flushed in anger as she glared at Raf's phone. "How did you even get Raf's number?!"
"His mom." Trickster snickered at the line. "She was kind enough to give it me since she worries about her son getting in trouble with his wittle friend."
"Shut up, Trickster!" Miko's face was burning red in rage, only earning a chuckle from Trickster.
"It's cute when you're angry~" He teased.
"Whatever! And stop calling me Little Mimi!" Miko yelled at him.
"Hmmm…nope!"
"Urgh!" Miko groans in annoyance as she ends the call and tosses the phone to Raf. "That Jerkface! When I get my hands on him! I'm gonna-"
"-Beat you up and push you off a cliff." Raf finished telling Trickster and Xander, who were in his room.
After visiting the base, Bee gave Raf a ride home, whereupon Xander and Trickster were at his home, talking with his mom. They came to talk with Raf with a project that they were going to make, which she believed, and invited them in. Raf brought them to their room and talked to them about the situation and what has been happening for the past few weeks. Like how the Decepticons were collecting Predacon bones to create more clones and energon shortage. Xander was standing beside Raf, leaning over his wall, while the young boy sat on his computer chair. Trickster was lying on Raf's bed, looking at his phone that 'bought' from the store and was skimming through the internet with an amused smirk on his face, after hearing the story that Raf told them about Miko.
"I knew that girl has a thing for me." Trickster said in amusement.
"Why must you insult her?" Xander asked Trickster in annoyance. "You were supposed to be in a low profile.
"I am, by teasing Miko as humanly as possible." Trickster said with a grin, causing Xander to glare at him. "What? I like a female that fights back."
"Xander?" Raf began, causing the Monstrum/Galatria hybrid to look at him. "Do you know about the Predacons?"
Xander raises a brow at him but nods. "Yes, I learned about the Predacons when I was young."
"You do?" Raf asked him, earning another nod.
"Yes, their downfall was caused by the ancient Monstrums of the past." Xander answered simply, which made Raf's eyes widen in shock.
"WHAT?!" Raf exclaimed in shock, causing both male teens to look at him.
"Wait, you didn't tell him?" Trickster questioned Xander.
"Raf did not ask about the Predacons until now." He said as he looked at shock Raf. "And to answer your question, the Monstrum did cause the destruction of the Predacons. The reason, to get rid of any rival species."
"Wait, Predacons are also rivals to the Monstrums?" Raf asked in shock.
"Yes, due to their brute strength and fire power, they possibly can outmatch a Monstrum. And knowing they are a threat, the Monstrum caused the great cataclysm towards them, ending the species." Xander explained the history.
"Until you mention some crazy scientist that was able to clone one." Trickster said, looking back at his phone. "He should work on that theme called Jurassic World."
Raf looked at him in surprise. "You know about that?" He asked curiously.
"Yeah, I looked it up on the internet. Turns out, there's a human that goes by the name Dr. Henry Wu who had created his own hybrid dinosaurs." Trickster said to them. "He appears to be quite a popular scientist…I wonder if I can try and get the tickets there."
"Don't even try and use this as an excuse to flirt with Miko." Xander warned him. "We have an important mission on our hands."
Trickster rolled his eyes and put his phone down. "Yeah, yeah, keep the Cybertronians and wait for Natrix's go signal." He mutters, sitting up on Raf's bed.
Raf looked at him. "Wait, where is Coach Shaw?"
"Natrix said he's going to meet a spy who is secretly a deserter. He has intel about Thanatos's plan." Xander explained to him.
"Wh-why is helping Natrix?" Raf asked him.
"Natrix didn't say, he only told us to wait." Xander explained to him.
Raf was confused and worried, wondering what the spy was up to, and why Natrix was keeping secrets. "I hope knows what he is doing."
"Same here, Raf, same here." Xander said in a serious tone.
"Quit calling me!" Miko's shrill voice yelled out.
Both Raf and Xander looked over to Trickster, smirking as he contacted Miko and placed it on speaker mode. He then notices them staring at him, causing the fox Monstrum to look at them with wide and confused eyes. "What?"
Xander mentally groans at his behavior. "Let's just hope that Natrix doesn't take too long."
~In Virginia~
Val and her friends were staying at a rental house that was rented by Marco. Quinn and Aggie's dad informed them that he discovered hidden information that belonged to Mortem. He contacted them to meet at the address that he sent. They weren't alone in that house, Lieutenant Tim Murphy and Agent Fury were there with Owen, Claire, Carl, Wu, and Barry. And the holoform of Foxtrot was here plus Stefano and Giovanna. Marco made sure to contact them as well since they need to know something very important.
"I wonder why Dad contacted us?" Quinn asked with worry, sitting on the couch with her sister Aggie.
"I dinnae know, but Dad says it's important." Aggie said to her sister, wondering as well.
"Well, whatever it is, it sounds urgent." Owen said to the girls. "He said he found more info about Mortem's work and wished to share it with us."
"It will help us get more information about Uberto's location." Tim added with narrowed eyes. "That bastard can't hide forever."
Just then, Marco came in, causing everyone to look up at him in surprise. "Glad you're all here." He said before he notices someone missing. "Where's Dark?"
"At Sunny City, she's said she's with someone." Val answered innocently.
"…Right, anyways, I called you here for something important." Marco said to them. "Just now, I was able to find private files that belonged to Mortem's."
"That's great! Where are they?" Tim asked eagerly.
"Well, here's the thing, I didn't encrypt them." Marco said, getting everyone's attention. "Someone else did, and he promised to give them to us, unless we give him something."
The group looked at each other with suspicious looks in their eyes. They knew something was up and didn't want to risk it. However, they need the information about Mortem's old experiments and data that was hidden away. They have to risk it, even if it means giving the one the things he needs.
"How do we know that he won't turn on his word?" Foxtrot suddenly questions Marco.
"He won't." Marco said seriously. "Trust me, he will give you the information."
Foxtrot, Tim, and Leonidas weren't convinced by this. But Cornelia knew he was telling the truth. "He's not lying, the man is outside, promising his word if we give him what he wants." She said to them.
"All right." Tim sighs a bit. "We'll give him what he needs."
"Good, because he wanted to see someone here." Marco said to them.
"Really?" Damien asked. "Who?"
That's when Marco signals someone to come in. A strange man entered the house, wearing a blouson coat, black pants, and brown shoes. He has long hair that he tied into a low ponytail and has amber colored eyes. He stood beside Marco, hands in the jacket's pockets, looking at the group as they looked at the man suspiciously while Val and Aggie were shocked to see him. Val knew the man since he had helped her before at Isla Sorna, while Aggie recognized who the man was.
"U-Uncle Archie?" Aggie asked hesitantly.
Looking towards Aggie, Archie made a small and happy smile on his face. "Hello, Aggie, it's been a while."
"Uncle Archie?" Everyone, minus Destiny, repeated in confusion and shock.
"Aggie, do you know him?" Quinn asked her sister in concern.
"Y-Yeah…he's my uncle, my mom's older brother." Aggie explained, looking at Archie with disbelief. "I haven't seen him in years."
"Why is that?" Kendall whispers out to her.
"Because…he disappeared when my mom got married." She answered, looking at her uncle with somewhat distraught. "I…never met him fully, he only came when I was born. Although, mom did mention him to me from time to time but…he stopped visiting and didn't come when my parents…" Aggie trailed off sadly as she recalled her parents' death.
Seeing this, Archie was fully aware of what she meant. "I know I wasn't there to come get you in your time of need, Aggie. But I had a reason to not show myself to you."
"You better." Stefano said in a serious tone. "Because we recognize you as one of Mortem's top scientist."
This shocked everyone in the room, except for Val and Destiny, she was fast asleep on the couch while Val already knew this before. "Y-You work for Mortem?" Aggie asked in a hurt tone.
"Look, I know it's hard to believe, but yes. I used to work for him."
"Then why are you here?" Foxtrot's holoform steps in, shielding the kids and teens from him, suspicious about this man and his motive.
Archie sighs and shakes his head. "Hear my side of the story, please?" The group was silent at first but agreed as they allowed him. "Back before I worked for Mortem, I used to be a scientist at Biosyn."
"Bio-what?" Damien asked in confusion.
"Biosyn is another genetics company similar to InGen." Owen explains before looking at Archie suspiciously.
"I used to work for them, hoping to study and learn more about dinosaur genetics. But I realize that they don't have the dinosaur embryos and had sent someone to steal embryos from Ingen but failed. I couldn't work with a company that steals from others. So, I left, to go back to my sister in Scotland and assist her in studying marine life, until I was suddenly recruited by Mortem, who found out about my thesis of new evolutions and genetic mutations."
"That explains why he took you." Barry said to Archie.
"He said he was on a mission to change the world to a better place. Little did I know that I was forced to work at a training facility, filled with experimental children." Archie explained to them. "Because of my high intelligence of genetics and splicing, he made me his chief scientist."
"Mortem made you chief scientist on your first day?" Alex asked in disbelief.
"Yes, it became sudden after the original chief scientist was killed by the hands of a mutated hybrid." Archie explained, causing everyone to look at him.
"The first chief scientist was…killed?" Claire asked hesitantly.
"Mm-hmm, he was actually eaten by her, the experiment I mean. He thought he could control the rampaging experiment but was proven wrong as she devoured him." Archie explained to them. The group was shocked by this, except for the serious ones. They slowly turned towards Destiny, who was sleeping soundly, and began wondering if she caused it. "I soon doubt Mortem's work and figure out a way to escape. And it wasn't easy."
"And why is that?" Leonidas asked suspiciously.
"Faking my death was proven difficult, but an opportunity happened when X77 escaped from her holding cell. I was injured, my wound was deep but not fatal. I injected myself with Tetrodotoxin." Archie explains to them.
"Aren't Tetrodotoxin poisonous to humans?" Aggie questions her uncle.
"They are, but if refined, it can achieve a state of apparent death like the character Juliet in Romeo and Juliet." Archie said to them.
"…I don't get it." Damien said to him.
"You didn't read the Romeo and Juliet story, didn't you?" Gem questions his annoyance.
"Hey! I'm still in chapter one!"
Gem sighs in annoyance. "Before her arranged marriage with Count Paris, Juliet drinks a sleeping potion at night and in the morning, she didn't wake up and everyone believed she died. But in truth, she just faked her death." She explained to him.
"Spoiler!" Damien said to her, earning a glare.
"Anyways, yes, as they thought I was dead, they dumb my body somewhere. I woke up just in time and stole a ship."
"If you faked your death and escaped Mortem, how come you didn't return to Aggie when she needed you the most?" Quinn questioned him; eyes narrowed.
"I wanted, I really, really wanted to. When I found out about your parents' accident, I tried to go back to you, but if I did go back, Mortem will find out that I fake my death and threaten Aggie just like Marco did, he will threaten her life just like she did to Quinn's."
"What?" Everyone, minus Marco, asked him in confusion.
"What are you talking about?" Quinn asked the man. "I was sick! I inherited the same sickness as my mom."
Archie looked over to Marco. "You didn't tell, didn't you?" He asked, earning silence from the
"Tell me what?" Quinn became worried as she looked at her dad. "Dad, what's going on? What is he talking about?"
Marco sighs and shakes his head. "I didn't want you to know, Quinn. I didn't want you to have any nightmares." He explains to them. "Before I became a father, I was known as a deadly mercenary that goes by the name Stryker."
"Stryker?!" Tim and Owen exclaimed in shock. "You're that mercenary that is wanted by forty states?!" Tim said in shock.
"And committed his death by a fiery explosion?!" Owen added.
"You were a wanted man?!" Quinn and Aggie both exclaimed at their dad in shock.
"Awesome!" Damien said in awe before he got glares from Gem. "I mean…oh, no! That's terrible!" He corrected before whispering. "But still awesome!"
"Yeahhh…not my proudest moments." Marco mutters out. "But I put all that aside when I met your mother, and then we have you." Marco said towards Quinn, who looked at him with a small smile. "But soon, Mortem found out about my hidden life, and track me down after my wife died with lung cancer."
"Lung cancer?" Quinn whispers out. "But I thought…"
"You didn't inherit your mother's sickness, Mortem did it. He gave you a deadly virus that put you in a coma for years. He said that if I want Quinn to wake up, I have to get back to work with him."
"So, that's why you were desperate for the antidote." Owen said to him. "He made the virus and he's the only one with the antidote."
"And that's why Marco here had to serve Mortem, so he can get his daughter back. I, for one, didn't get a chance to see my niece grow up, I have to hide myself from the rest of the world, away from my niece, who needed me all these years." Archie said, making Aggie shocked at this information. "Now, let's get down to business, I promise to give you all the hidden files and info about Mortem's plan. If you promise to give the requirements that I need."
Everyone, minus Val, Aggie, and Destiny, looked at each other with suspicion. They have their doubts about him. "You can trust him." Val suddenly said, getting their attention.
"Oh, why is that?" Leonidas asked her.
"Because he helped me before, when I got lost at Sorna." Val explained, looking at Archie, who smiled at her. "He's the reason why I was able to find Uncle Owen."
Everyone was speechless by this. They always wonder how Val found her uncle and the group on Sorna, they always thought it was the raptors, but in truth, Archie helped her. He was the one that brought her to them. Tim glanced over to Archie, who was looking towards a worried looking Aggie, before going back to Owen. The ex-navy saw this and made a nod, like they were signaling each other. Sighing, Tim looked over to Archie.
"All right, what are your requirements for this trade?" Tim asked.
Smiling, Archie was satisfied by this as he listed out. "There's a few things I want, but here are the major three. Firstly, I wish to work at Jurassic World to continue my research and decoding more of Mortem's hidden files."
Tim and Owen looked at each other and then to Claire. The Park Operation Manager saw their looks and understood what they meant. "I'll see what I can do." She said to him with a nos.
"Second, I want no charges against me after working with Mortem and to be allowed to visit Aggie every day." Archie added.
Quinn looked at her sister and held her hand, "Aggie? Are you okay with this?" She whispers.
Aggie looks over to Archie briefly and then to Quinn with a nod. "Yes, he's my uncle after all." She said softly before looking at Marco with a nod.
"All right, I'll make some calls, and you can see Aggie every day." Tim said narrowed eyes. "And the third?"
"The third one is simple. I get to spend time with Aggie every weekend, with no problems or excuses." Archie said to them. "That is all."
Tim sighs but agrees along with Marco. "That can be arranged." Tim said to him.
Archie smiled at this. "Then we agree, I'll send you the file and info about Mortem's plan." He said before handing Tim a USB drive. "A deal's a deal."
Tim takes the USB drive from Archie with a nod before he allows Archie to come forward towards a nervous looking Aggie. "I know I may have not been with you for a long time, but it seems it's time for me to get to know you and you to get to know, what do you say, Aggie? Will you let me?"
Aggie looked at her uncle with slight shyness and nervousness. I mean, she hadn't met her uncle in years since the only time he ever visited when she was just a baby. But since he knows more about her mom and dad, maybe he can tell her what they were like before she was born.
"Y…Yeah…That would be nice." Aggie said with a small smile.
Archie smiles back as he ruffles Aggie's hair, making her giggle, before the scientist gets up and faces Marco. "By the way, Kingbird, how's your extraction team?"
This caught everyone off guard as they looked at the scientist. "What?" Tim asked.
"Seriously, Marco, you didn't tell them this either?" Archie sighs at the single father.
Marco made an annoyed look towards Archie before turning back to the group. "The reason why I need an extraction group is to infiltrate and attack a base that has one of Mortem's allies."
"Mortem has an ally?" Tim suddenly asked, wanting to find out more.
"Yes, and this particular ally was the reason why Destiny's family was massacred." Marco said. Everyone was shocked to hear this, even Destiny. The most dangerous one of their group suddenly woke up at the mention of her family. Opening a single eye, Destiny listens to Marco's words. "Mortem made a deal with someone, saying that if he gets Destiny, he will give him access to weaponry and vehicles."
"Who was he?" Andrew asked, leaning over the couch.
Marco looked at them with serious eyes and said the name of the man. "The man working with Mortem is named Silas." He explained, earning gasps from the group.
"S-Silas?" Yunna whispers in fear, almost falling on her knees. Luckily, Leonidas caught her before she could fall. "He…He works for Mortem?"
"Yes, and I am sorry for what he had done to you." Marco apologizes to Yunna, who was silent. "He was the one that caused the fire on Circus Phantasticus and took Destiny away. Silas was determined to get what he wanted."
"So, that's what he's been doing." Tim said with a growl.
"Tim, do you know Silas?" Owen asked the Lieutenant. Ignoring Destiny's low growl as she discovered who caused her family's death.
"As a matter of fact, I do. An agent of ours found that Silas was once Colonel Leland Bishop. He was once a member of Special Tactics in the US army." Tim explained to them. "He was ambitious with weapon ideas which led to the creation of Project: Damocles."
"Project: Damocles? What's that?" Val asked innocently.
"It's a space operated satellite. It was supposed to be classified, but you all need to know that Project: Damocles was a US military space weapon." Tim explained to them.
"What is the purpose of this weapon?" Foxtrot asked him.
"The purpose of Project: Damocles was to create a network of satellites to orbit around Earth. It would be able to target any location on the planet with solar-powered lasers. Colonel Leland Bishop was the foreman. However, it was proven to be too dangerous, and soon he was discharged from the military due to the severe risk that the project could inflict."
"And thus, he becomes the head of the terrorist organization M.E.C.H.'' Leonidas said, holding a slightly trembling Yunna in his arms. "That man deserve to suffer for what he put Yunna-san into."
"I agree." Jay said to Leonidas. "What he did to Yunna, he must be punished."
"I know, that's why I need Stefano and Giovanna help on this. Since they and their clones have military experience, they can help me stop Silas." Marco explained to them his plan.
"I doubt it." Leonidas as he lets go of Yunna, who finally calms down, and faces Marco. "The Date, Yashida, and Mikadzuki clan want Silas's head for taking Yunna's freedom and her humanity. They will assist you on your mission, Kingbird-san. Whether you like it or not."
Marco stared at Leonidas. He knew very well that those three clans are very powerful, considering their history and skills. He knew that Stefano and Giovanna were great soldiers along with their clones. But he needs a lot of stealth if wanted to infiltrate M.E.C.H. 's base. And Leonidas proved to be right.
"All right, I agree with your idea, Leonidas."
Sorry for the late post, I got writer's block. Anyways, as you know, I am still working on this story before I can make the Camp Cretaceous. So, please wait a little longer.
And if anybody ask, yes, Dark is dating Meygana, as she is Bisexual. Okay?
Review and Favorite.
Later!