~A Week Later~

The alarms were sounding throughout Loonatics HQ, informing its heroic inhabitants of another emergency. It had been pretty quiet for a while, and everyone was edgy to be back on a mission. The team quickly gathered around Zodavia's hologram as she began to speak.

"Loonatics, there has been an emergency across the galaxy that must be dealt with immediately," she said. "I had previously thought that it would solve itself on its own, but I see now that I was horribly wrong. A new villain who calls herself l'Aryan has begun to terrorize the high school students of Escuela Divertida in Manzantania. You must -"

"Isn't Aryan, like…the name for the 'master race'?" Lexi asked. Zodavia nodded and continued, "You must be wary, for she disguises herself as a high school student. This means that you must also play a part. I have 'enrolled' Lexi and Tech as students, while Ace, Duck, Rev and Slam will watch over and make sure things go smoothly. Tech, Lexi, I have a wardrobe that is suited to fit you both so you will fit in better. Is this clear?"

"Clear as a summer sky," Tech murmured, a shocked expression on his face. "This is your chance, buddy!" Duck whispered in his ear, just loud enough for Ace to hear. Jealousy tore through his gut, but he tried to keep it concealed.

"Eh, Zodavia?" he asked, and she turned to face him. "I'm not so good waiting on the sidelines…you suppose you could get me in there, too?"

"Easily," came the reply. "I will also get clothes for you that are fitting for the teens. You will all be expected there in a matter of days. Zodavia out." And with that, her hologram cut out. Most of the team quickly dispersed to their individual rooms, with Rev, Slam, and Duck packing clothes, and Tech retrieving gadgets he thought would be of use to them. The chief and second-in-command lingered behind, wanting to share a moment together before they were joined again.

"You know, Tech and I can handle ourselves. I'm starting to think you just did it for the outfits," Lexi teased, sliding her arms around his waist and nuzzling his jaw line. He wrapped his arms around her and smiled, although it was fake. He could never tell her that Tech liked her! One, it was Tech's secret to share, and two, it would show just how crazy jealous Ace was. "Maybe," he responded, "Teen's have a great sense of style these days."

"Oh, puh-LEEZ! Their fashion senses are seriously lacking," Duck barged in. Lexi rolled her eyes and separated herself from her leader. She wasn't much for public displays of affection. "Duck, you're just jealous," she laughed. She was finally back to her normal self, and for that Ace was grateful.

"Me? Jealous? That's crazy," Duck scoffed, leaving the room. Ace chuckled, and Lexi looked up at him, happy that he had a smile on his face. He'd been a little moody lately, and she had no idea why. He'd be perfectly fine, the Ace she knew and loved, then Tech would come around, and the chief transformed into an entirely different person. It confused her.

Even with that, however, she was excited to be on a mission! It seemed like forever since she'd been anywhere outside HQ. She started out the door, but noticed that Ace wasn't following. She looked at him quizzically, then said, "Hey, you coming with me?" He shook his head, and she floated down to the training room, leaving Ace behind.

What on Acmetropolis is going on with him? she wondered as she prepared for a hardcore session. I don't know if I can be with him when he's like this...