Disclaimer : Disney owns Sky High and it's characters , all the OC's belong to me
Welcome back to Sky High Part 2
Oo------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------oO
Sky High , Maxville, U.S.A
Will looked up and grinned as he saw Warren enter the classroom. Behind him several other students flood into the large lecture room , footsteps and mixed conversation filled the air as they find places to sit. Hero History 201 the last of the " Regular " classes before the " Team" classes that will be held after lunch. The room was rapidly filling up since every single sophomore are enrolled in this particular subject.
Will removed his bag on the seat beside him
" Saved ya a seat " He breamed
" Thanks " Warren said as he sat down on the seat beside Will.
Zack who was sitting a row in front of them turned around.
" So, how was Home Economics ? " he grinned
Warren grimaced " Ms. Lamont's gonna teach us to cook for the whole semester"
He glared at them as the gang snickered.
" That's what you get for taking Public Speaking with us " Magenta said smugly
Warren quirked his brow and folded his arms " I rather suffer and make a souffle than stand in front of you guys and do an elocution piece"
Will laughed. " I gotta admit it would have been kinda fun to watch"
" Yeah, Mr Porter said if we wanted to pass his class we have to learn how to orate with feeeeeeliiiing " Layla said mimicking their overly dramatic Public Speaking teacher.
Ethan grinned " That would be priceless , Warren being forced to emote "
Zack laughed " Yeah he' be like " he cleared his throat " Friends , Romans and countrymen lend be our ears..." his Warren imitation ended with a squeak as the irate pyro poked him with a flame-tipped finger.
Warren smirked " Keep that up Glowstick and we'll be calling you Matchstick from now on" he said as he brandished his flaming hand in front of Zack's face.
Zack grinned cowardly and obediently shut up.
Jules and Serenity entered along with the last of the sophomores. The gang noticed them as they made their way to the rear of the class where a few vacant seats were still available.
" Looks like we have a couple of transferees " Layla said
"Yeah, the tall guy was in our Public Speaking Class" Will chuckled as he nodded at Jules " He and Mr. Porter hit it off right away"
Ethan grinned " I think Mr. Porter's infatuated with Jules' British accent"
Magenta frowned " But whose the pipsqueak with him , I don't think she was in our class"
" She's not" Warren said
His friends turned to him , their eyebrows raised as if asking him to elaborate further.
" She's in my Cooking Class " He added
" So , who is she? " Layla asked
Warren quirked his brow " How should I know "
" She's in your class , you could at least found out her name " Will said
Warren stared at his friend " Why?"
Will shrugged " I don't know , she's a new face , and we don't know a thing about her?
" So?" the pyro asked
"Aren't you even a little bit curious ?" Layla leaned closer " I mean like , why did they transfer here?"
" It's none of our business Hippie " Warren sighed
" Oh yeah ? " Zack said " what if they're supervillains in disguise , for all we know they could be plotting some evil scheme like Royal Pain did last year"
They stared at Zack and looked then at the two new students sitting in the back of the class. Jules was gesticulating as he talked while Serenity just listened and smiled.
" Right " Magenta said dryly " what villainous deed are they planning , to take over the school with girly clothes and big sad eyes? "
" It could happen" Zack said a bit defensively " looking like they do they'll easily slip under the radar and when we least expect it...BAM!!!" he claps his hands causing several students to look at him.
glaring Magenta reached up and irately yanked his earlobe in admonishment making him yip.
'' One things for sure " She growled " It'll be a huge surprise if you turn out to be a villain in disguise"
Rubbing his ear Zack just grinned at her and nodded.
A moment later entered the lecture hall and walked towards the podium. He took out a ruler from his bag and tapped in on the board , conversation died as the students finally settled down and focused their attention on the teacher.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
An hour later...
Students stood up and began leaving the lecture hall.
" Now class , don't forget you assignment on " Prominent Heroes of the 1970's" , we'll be having an oral quiz tomorrow " Mr Boy said
The gang was almost out the door when he said this.
Will scowled as he shoved his hands into his pockets " Unbelievable , it's first day of class and we already have an assignment"
" We'll we are sophomores and we're no longer beginners , and we're expected to hit the ground running this year" Ethan said
Zack smiled sourly " And it doesn't matter that a bunch of us are gonna fall flat on our faces in the starting line"
Warren shrugged " They did warn that it's gonna be a lot tougher that freshman year , so there's no point griping about it"
Layla nodded as she slipped her arm around Will's " Right , might as well buckle down and get it over with " She smiled brightly " Think of it as a new challenging adventure in our path to becoming heroes "
" Yipeee " Magenta sarcastically muttered as she slung her bag on her shoulder
The gang joined the mass of students making their way towards the school cafeteria. As they entered several groups have already seated on the tables and are busy talking and eating. They made their way to their usual table , originally Warren's private-keep-away-or-I'll-burn-you-to-a-crisp-table. As they reached the table a group of freshmen were about to settle down. Without hesitation Warren walked over to the group. They looked up and nervously eyed the tall , dark and menacing sophomore
" Your in my table " Warren rumbled his face hard and menacing.
They scrambled out of the table and quickly melted into the crowd.
Warren flung his bag into the table and walked towards where the food is being served , and after putting their bags and books on the table the rest of the gang followed him. After getting their food they made their way back towards their table and sat. The freshmen Warren threatened have found another table and looked apprehensively at him. Seeing their reaction Layla turned to Warren.
" Really , War , did you have to scare them so badly ?" Layla said reproachfully.
Warren pulled out a book and and picked up his Hero Sandwich " Got them off our table , didn't it ?"
" Sure did " Will laughed , but stopped grinning when Layla sighed at hiim with exasperation " I mean , violence never solves anything Warren , you should practice more diplomacy " His face taking on a virtuous expression as he quoted one of his girlfriend's sayings.
Magenta giggled as she stuck a straw into her milk box. " Gotta admit War's fangs and claws does have it's advantages"
Zack grinned " Yeah , Hothead here can get more things done with a " I kill you " look than any of us could put together...right War?" Zack said as he slung and arm around the pyro's broad shoulders. Only to jerk back when Warren growled like an irate wolf.
Layla looked at her friends shook her head and sighed. Still a loooong way to go she thought.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
" Oh good Lord " Jules said under his breath as he stared and the cafeteria's food selection , Hero Sandwiches packed with meat and mayo , large piles of fries and hash browns sat besides several trays of freshly baked muffins.
" There's no way I'm letting any of that clog my arteries" He said walked down the selection trying to find anything palatable for his tastes.
Serenity walked by him and ordered a extra small Hero Sandwich ,a box of milk and a muffin. Jules looked at her choice of food and shuddered. After Serenity got her food tray she stepped back and waited. Jules approached the cafeteria lady and smiled sheepishly.
" Pardon me ,Madame , but do you have anything....er" He fluttered his hand " healthier?"
Mrs. Musso the large and rotund cafeteria lady stared at the tall platinum haired boy.
" Healthier?" She asked carefully
" Yes " Jules nodded " You know , fruit? , wheat toast? anything that won't trigger a heart attacK?"
Mrs. Musso scratched her head " Uuuh lemme see what I can do" She turned her head " Phil?... , could you take over for a minute?...I have to pick up some stuff in the back!"
Muttering about picky eaters Miss Musso disappeared into the cafeteria's kitchen. In the meantime Phil manned the cafeteria cashier as more students lined to pay for their meals.
Jules stepped back and stood beside Serenity. Again he looked down and her food tray and grimaced.
" Uuuh do you really want to have all that junk in your system Serenity?" He said
Serenity smiled up at him and nodded.
" Mayonnaise , red meat , cholesterol " Jules said " thats going to do wonders on your arteries , love"
Serenity wrinkled her nose and shrugged.
Jules sighed " Your not going to feel it now , but years down the road when your forty all that junk is going come back and bite you in the behind"
Miss Musso reappeared carrying a styrofoam container and handed it to Jules.
" That's all we got , we dont't get many vegetarians here in Sky High so we keep a limited stock"
Smiling gratefully Jules took the container , added an orange drink and paid for it. Then the pair walked amongst the occupied tables , they finally found a place to sit in one of the tables in the rear end of the cafeteria. Serenity set her tray on the table and settled down. Jules walked over the opposite side and also sat down.
"Well , we survived so far" Jules said wryly
Smiling Serenity help up her touch pad
=Yup , everyone's so nice =
Jules made a face " Well, everyone except that horrid Coach Boomer"
=He's ok , a little prickly , but he's ok=
" He's a saddist that's was he is " Jules said as he opened the styrofoam container. Inside was a pile of lettuce mixed with tomatoes and cucumber. And on top of it was a pair of buttery pieces of toast, slightly burned . With a look of distaste Jules picked up the toast and cautiously sniffed it.
" Eeew , trans-fat" Jules said jerking his head , he took the plastic knife inside the container and proceeded to scrape the butter off.
Eyes dancing with amusement Serenity bit into her sandwich and watched Jules scrape. For a few minutes nothing was heard from the table except for the scraping sounds. After a while Serenity wrote something on her pad and showed it to Jules.
= Their Hero Sandwiches are actually very good!! , you don't know what your missing , want a bite?=
Serenity smiled as she held our her sandwich to Jules.
" No ,thank you " He said rather primly " I like to keep my body free of garbage if you don't mind "
=Think as part of your American Experience = Still smillng more cheekily this time , Serenity waved her sandwich in front of Jules.
Jules made a face and scraped his toast faster. Finally he held up his toast , which after all that scraping now resembles a thin spongy wafer , tentatively he took a bite made another face and swallowed.
" Well , it's better than nothing " He sighed " but I'm going bring my own lunch tomorrow nevertheless"
Serenity smiled and just shook her head at her friend.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
After lung period....
Warren stepped into the classroom , stopped and raised his brows. Already seated inside were the two transferees , they were talking quietly , rather Jules was talking and the tiny girl just listened and every now and then held up a small electronic pad. Behind him the rest of the gang entered the room and also stopped.
" Ok this is weird " Will said " How come there are only nine chairs?"
" Yeah " Magenta said " our classes usually have around twenty to twenty five students"
Layla took Will's arm and began tugging him into the room.
" When our teacher gets here I'm sure he or she will explain why" She smiled
After a beat the others followed them and settled into the vacant chairs. The transferees were seated in two of the rear seats , Layla and Will sat on the front with Ethan , behind them sat Warren. The transferees momentarily stopped talking as the gang occupied the chairs in front of them , then went back to their conversation as the other six students settled themselves.
Zack suddenly turned around a smiled really big at the transferees.
" Hi,I don't think we've been formally introduced" He said cheerfully " I'm Zack , Zack Steinberg "
Jules stopped talking and turned to Zack ans smiled back.
" Hello, I'm Jules St. Clair " He squeezed his companions hand " And this is Serenity Wright"
Serenity smiled and wiggled her fingers a Zack.
" So, were you guys from ?" he asked
" We're from Wales " Jules said " originally from Mountain High " a subtle note of longing in his voice as he mentioned his old school.
"Cool" Zack said " So why did you guys get transferred got in trouble and got expelled or something??"
" Zack!!" Magenta hissed at her nosy pseudo-boyfriend.
Jules chuckled " That's quite alright , my parents wanted me to experience my American roots "
He looked at Serenity who smiled and gave an consenting nod , Jules smiled back and turned back to Zack
" Serenity is here because she has difficulty controlling her powers and our Principal recommended Sky High's training program "
By now the others except Warren have turned around and are listening to their conversation.
" So " Magenta said " What are your powers?"
" I can morph my skin into metal " Jules said
Serenity wrote on her touch pad
= I have sonic voice powers =
Zack and the others looked at her funny. Correctly interpreting their questioning expressions she wrote again.
= I can't speak because I can't control my powers , I might end up hurting someone = She pulled down her sweater's thick collar revealing the sonic supressor.
" Ooooh " Zack said " So what's that thingy on your neck? "
Ethan knelt on his chair to get at better look . Seeing this Warren turned around to see what his got his friend so interested.
" It's a sonic supressor " Ethan said " It generates a frequency directly opposite to her own vocal frequency that way creating a canceling effect that shuts down her voice"
Serenity nodded
= That's right =
" That is sooooo cool " Zack said, then grimaced " I mean not that your situation is cool , I meant what your collar does is cool , I mean not that you wearing it that's cool , I mean-" Magenta clapped her hand over his mouth to stop his babbling.
" We should put a collar around your neck , maybe that'll stop you from constantly putting your foot in your mouth " She said wryly.
Zack blushed as the others snickered.
They turned to the door as it slid open. A chubby man of average height and in his thirties walked in , his thick black curly hair poofed outwards from his cranium and a small moustache graced his upper lip ( Authors Note: I kinda imagine Jack Black in Nacho Libre for his look ) , he's wearing a brown tweed jacket and khaki slacks and was carrying a small leather handbag. He walked up the class platform , placed his bag on the teacher's desk. then he turned to the small class smiled.
" Good Afternoon, class " He spoke with a slight Spanish accent
" I am...." he turned to the board , picked up a piece of chalk , and began writing " Mr. Pablo Coronacion "
He turned back to the students " and also I am the Hero known as El Rayo "
Smiling he placed his fists on his hips. " but here in Sky High you can just call me Mr Pablo or Mr C. "
He made a sweeping gesture across the classroom " And welcome to Team Dynamics 101 "
turned and took out a notebook from his bag.
" Now you may wonder why there is ony eight of you here "
The class nodded
" Well, take a good look at each other because these are your team mates from now until graduation " He smiled " As we speak all your fellow upperclassmen have been assembled into other teams of ten "
" And each of team has been assigned one " he held up a finger " Hero Mentor to train and teach you ,and I am yours " he bowed
" Now since the whole sophomore batch has fifty-nine students , you have been divided into six teams" he paused " now before I continue do any of you have any questions? "
After a beat Ethan raised his hand.
"Yes , Senor Tyler? " Mr Pablo smiled
" Sir, you mentioned that we'll be separated into teams of ten" Ethan asked " but theres only eight of us here "
" Ah yes " Mr. Pablo nodded " Due to our current number of fifty-nine sophomores the Board decided to divide you in this manner "
smiled at the gang " And since the six of your were responsible for saving Sky High , the Board deemed it fitting that you be kept together "
Zack and Will high fived
" And in addition the three new tranferees will be assigned to your team as well " He smiled " I hope you can help them with their adjustment here "
" Three transferees ?" Layla asked
" Yes , yes , you have a ninth team member " Mr. Pablo said " He's taking care of personal business right now ,but he'll be here by tomorrow"
Walking back towards the board, " Now, since it's the first day of class , we won't do any lessons or have any assignments"
" Woohoo!!!!" Zack whooped
" Yes! indeed " Mr Pable laughed " believe it or not I was a student here once and I know how it feels to be smacked with an assignment on day one "
" Instead " He said " All I'll do today is to explain to you about your team classes "
Mr. Pablo opened his notebook " Firstly, team classes are meant to train you students how to effectively function as a team"
Then he held up a hand and ticked each point with a finger " How use you collective powers as a unit , How formulate strategies as a group , How to operate effectively as a team ,How your powers can compensate foe each of your team mate's shortcomings , How to develop each of your strengths and contribute to the team and so on and so forth..."
Mr Pablo noticed that Magenta , Ethan and Zack have slightly crestfallen expressions on their faces.
" Senor Tyler? Senor Steinberg? , Senorita Vintz? is therre something wrong " He asked , his face showing concern.
The three ex-sidekicks looked at each other , after a few seconds of silence Magenta and Zack nodded at Ethan who in turn turned back to Mr. Pablo
"Uuuh, sir it's just that..." Ethan hesitated then sighed " You mentioned how our powers can contribute to our team and...uh....our powers aren't exactly what you call...uh...."
" I turn into a guinea pig" Magenta added " He glows " pointing at Zack " and Ethan over there melts , how exaclty can our powers contribute to the team " she said
Mr Pablo smiled " Never underestimate your powers or you capacity to develop them "
He folded his arms and leaned back on the teacher's desk " And other than your natural powers , you have other talents that can contribute to the team "
Mr. Pablo turned and took out a folder from his bag and opened it.
" These are your collective school records and skill evaluation files " He looked up his eyes moving from one ex-sidekick to the other.
" You Senorita Vintz have an exceptionally high aptitude for computer programming , one of the top in your batch" he said to Magenta
" Senor Steinberg , a very gifted machinist almost to a superhuman level " He looked up wryly " That is if you focus hard enough and not tinker each gadget too much that it either blows up or runs amok"
The entire gang looked at Zack their expressions ranging from dry to near laughter , Last year Zack tinkered with one of Sky High's android test units causing it to go on a rampage chasing every student it sees. Zack grinned at them with a very sheepish expression.
" And Senor Tyler " He looks at Ethan and smiles " Superior IQ , photographic memory , genius level intelligence"
"Those my dear students are talents that are not to be overlooked " Mr. Pablo said " these skills can be very beneficial to your group and if developed further will be forminable assets to your team"
With that three ex-sidekicks perked up and looked encouraged
" Now, since I'm in charge of your training " Mr Pablo smiled " That means I get to decide how to design your entire team training course , so in my progam only forty percent of your team classes will be in the classroom and sixty percent will be laboratory and practical hands on experience"
The class looked at each other.
WIll raised his hand
" Yes, Senor Stronghold " Mr. Pablo smiled
"Uuuh practical hands on experience...what exactly do you meant by that ?" Will asked
Mr. Pablo smiled and winked " You'll find out my boy , you'll find out"
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
Double R Ranch , Maxville , U.S.A
Later that afternoon.....
Megan and Theo stood at the main porch watching Steve Stronghold's SUV roll out of the ranch's gate. They have just finished discussing Theo's case and Eric's handling of it. Eric assured them profusely and confidently that he will do everything in his power to prevent the Order from reclaiming the teen. Megan was overjoyed by this and exuberantly hugged the Attache , Eric blushed bright red much to Steve and Raman's amusement.
Magen looked at Theo " Well, Theo honey why don't we bring your stuff to your room"
With a silent nod Theo turned and headed back inside after a second's hesitation Megan followed. They entered the public living room were Theo's bags are. He picked up two of his bags and without a word Megan picked up the other two.
Megan smiled at her nephew " Ok then , this way sport"
With Megan leading the way they left the living room and entered a wide hallway , then they climbed up the stairs on the end of the hall , turned left and stopped in front of a large oak door. Megan opened it and stepped back.
" After your " Megan grinned
Theo walked in followed by Megan. The room was large , it's floor is covered with a dark gray carpet , a single large window filled the north wall , in the center of the room is a wide bed and beside it is a large oak study desk.
" This was your mom's room " Megan said " When she studied in Sky High "
Theo nodded and walked towards a large cabinet near the study desk.
" Your can put your clothes in there and..." Megan walked towards a door in the back of the room " heres your bathroom "
Megan opened the door and walked in , After putting his bags beside the cabinet he followed. Theo stood on the doorway and watched Megan pulling out a couple of towels from below the sink and hung them on the towel hangers.
She turned to Theo and smiled " Now theres extra soap and shampoo as well in there when you use up the ones on the sink and shower"
Theo nodded
" Now is there anything else you need " Megan smiled at her nephew
" This is all fine , thank you " Theo said flatly
" I have some work to do for the ranch , but I'll be finished by tonight " Megan smiled " We'll talk some more over dinner alright?"
Theo nodded
Megan headed for the door and opened it. She stopped and turned back to the teen. Theo had opened his bags and is now putting his clothes on the cabinet's shelves.
" Theo?"
Theo stopped holding a pair of jeans and turned to look at his aunt.
" Yes?" He asked
" I know this ia all new to you and your still adjusting " Megan said " But I just want you to know that your not alone in this any more , you have me now , and if you need anything or just want someone talk to , I'm always here for you , ok?"
Theo nodded
"Thank you " He said quietly
Megan smiled " Alrighty then , I'll get out of your hair for now , but see you later "
With that and a wave Megan closed the bedroom door.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
For a minute Theo just stood there looking at the door. Then he turned back to his bags and proceeded to finish putting all his clothing into the cabinet. Then he unzipped a the front flap of the smallest bag and drew out a sleek black laptop. Theo walked over to the study desk , sat down and opened it. He switched it on and a small crystal square began glowing , he placed his thumb on it and a thin line of light moved across it's shiny surface , a few seconds later the laptop's screen activated , then it's user interface display appeared.
Theo selected the " Global Wireless WAN System " icon, and after a few seconds the laptop indicated that it is now connected to the internet. He then selected the " Private Communications Network " icon , a password input window pops out. Theo inputted his password and after a few seconds he was able to connect into the private messenger. Then he activated his online indicator icon and waited.
Then a little of a minute later the name " Savant " appeared
= GEO13 ?? = Savant asked using Theo's account code name
= Yes , it's me = Theo typed
= It's been awhile, where have you been?=
= I was taking care of personal business = Theo responded
= Care to elaborate?=
= No = Theo typed
= Alright, alright , I get the message , none of my business , backing away now =
= Good , did you receive my email ?= Theo queried
=Yes, I have = Savant responded
= Then is it possible for me to have a private database in your confidential server ? = he typed
= Yes I believe I can accommodate your request = Savant said
=And is it possible to transfer my research work from the main servrer as well ?= Theo typed
= Yes it's very possible = Savant confirmed
= Thank you, here are the codes for those accounts = Theo then transmitted the codes to Savant
= Ok got it , it will take me at most 48 hours to have you database up and ready , contact me the day after tomorrow for your username and password = Savant said
= I will thank you = Theo typed
= Anything else you need = Savant asked
= Actually yes , use the codes I gave you to send a system wipe virus to my files in the original server , it's best not to leave any copies of my files on the common server system = Theo typed
= Ok, done = Keeper said = alright I'll get to work on the tasks you gave me ASAP , but in return I expect you to be ready for some projects I will give you in the next few weeks =
= Yes , I'll be ready , our usual arrangement still stands then ?= Theo asked
= Indeed it does , see you in a couple of days GEO13 =
Keeper signs out. Theo shuts down the private communicator and opens a file folder , then he begins to do some work on some of his files.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
Sky High , Maxville , U.S.A
School dismissal....
Students rushed out Sky High's main entrance and flooded down the steps. On the field the buses rolled into position awaiting their passengers to board them. The gang walked amongst the crowds of students as they made their own way towards the buses.
Zack suddenly spun around and began to walk backwards.
" Man. Mr Pablo is so cool " He grinned " he's sooo fun to be with and that accent daaaaamn"
" So do you want to ask him out ?" Warren said dryly
" Looks like Zack has a man-crush on our teacher " Will laughed
" Ha-ha " Zack said sourly
" C'mon Zack I think it's kinda cute how you gushed over Mr Pablo " Magenta snickered.
" Yeah, you hung on to his every word and asked questions and took down noted" Ethan said wonderingly " I never saw you so absorbed "
Layla nodded decisively " Definitely a man-crush"
" Stop saying man-crush will you " Zack said in exasperation" I just admire the guy a lot ok ?"
Will gave him and exaggerated wink " Gotcha "
The rest of the gang snickered while Zack glared at them.
The gang reached the bottom of the school's wide stairs , they stopped and waited for Jules and Serenity , the two transferees were called to Principal Power's office to finalize their papers. After a few minutes the two of them rushed out and hurried down the steps towards the gang.
" So you guys your files in order with Principal Powers?" Layla smiled
Serenity smiled back and nodded
" Indeed we did, she just wanted to double check our files with us and to see how we were doing so far" Jules said.
Serenity wrote something in her touchpad ,then she tugged at Jules' sleeve. Then raised it to him when he turned to her.
= Tell them what Mr. Pablo said =
Jules snapped his finger " Oh , your right love , I almost forgot about that."
He turned to the gang " Mr Pablo caught up with us in Principal Powers office , he said he forgot to give us one teensy assigment "
" I thought he said we don't have any assignments today?" Magenta said suspiciously.
" It's not anything difficult " Jules said " he just said we to come up with a name for our team "
" A what? " Magenta and Layla said blankly
" Mr. Pablo wants us to come up with a name for your team " Jules repeated " so that he can register us to the shool's team database "
Will scratched his head. " Team name huh? "
Beside him Zack literally glowed." Alright!! , let's think up something real super cool " he scratched his chin " How about Ultra Power Squad or Mighty Mega Team or-"
" Or maybe someone else come up with a better team name " Warren folded his arms and nodded at Zack " and something not lame would be nice"
" Hey!, what's wrong with those I suggested? " Zack said outraged.
" Nothing , that is if you want to sound like something from a kiddie Saturday morning show" Warren said in a deadpan voice.
Ethan adjusted his glasses " Uh guys, we should get going , most of the students have boarded the buses , and I don't think Will can carry all of us if we get left behind"
The gang looked at where the buses were parked and saw the last of their schoolmates are entering the buses. Some of the buses have taken off and are now descending into the clouds below. They quickly began walking towards their buses.
" Ok here's what we'll do " Will said " each of us will come up of a list of team names then we'll pick the one the most of us likes "
" Good idea " Layla nodded " Will ,I'll come over tonight so that we can compare lists "
Will grinned " Sure "
Zack rubbed his hands together " Daamn , I can't wait to get started with my list , I still got a lot of ideas for super cool team names"
" God help us all " Magenta muttered
" What was that ? " Zack asked " I didn't catch that"
" Oh nothing , I just said watch your step you might fall " Magenta said innocently
As they approached the buses Warren , Serenity and Jules headed for their school bus.
" See you guys tomorrow!! " Will called out
Warren raised his hand without looking back while Jules and Serenity smiled and waved a them. Then the five remaining friends hesitantly turned to their own bus.
" Hope Mr. Donners isn't our driver again" Ethan said
" Probably " WIll said glumly
" C'mon guys think positive , maybe something came up and another temp driver is handlinig our bus" Layla said
" Yeah maybe " Magenta said perking up " maybe Mr. Donners got sick or maybe if we're lucky got blasted out of the sky by mistake "
" Too bad " Zack said with false bravado " I was getting used to his radical moves and-"
Danny Donners peeked out of the bus door.
" Duuuude" He said giving a peace sign
" Mummy " Zack said weakly
" C'mon dudes and dudettes your the only ones not on board " Danny said " come in , buckle up so we can get movin' "
He winked
" Remembered more super rad moves , and I can't wait to show it to you guys " Danny winked
" We're going to die " Ethan said weakly
The gang entered the bus with a deep sense of doom.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
Double R Ranch , Maxville , U.S.A
Later that afternoon....
Theo folded his arms and leaned on the railings of the fence as he watched several young colts prance and frolick in the corral. They neighed and chased each other across it's wide circular area. The setting sun sent a reddish cast on the entire ranch and a cool breeze caused Theo's gray shirt and black hair to ripple gently. He studied the animals allowing and allowed his senses to take in the sights , sounds and smells of the surrounding environment.
" Your mom use to do that " Megan said
Theo turned his head slightly and his aunt's figure visible on the edge of his peripheral vision. Megan walked over and stopped beside him. Then she placed her booted foot on the lowest railing , vaulted her leg and straddled the top railing. Theo turned back his head and again looked at the colts.
" Do what?" He asked quietly
" Look at the horses " Megan said " Whenever she's tired , stressed out or simply bored she comes out here , and just look at them"
" I see " her nephew said
" There are times when Alice....your mom would just stay here for hours on end " Megan said softly ,as she too looked at the colts.
She turned back to her nephew.
" Have you ever done this before? " She asked curiously
" No " Theo said flatly
" So with all the possible places in the ranch you came here and just looked at the horses " Megan asked
Theo nodded.
" Care to tell me why? " again she asked curiously but politely.
Theo was silent for a moment.
" Honestly , I don't know " he finally said.
Megan gently smiled as she looked at Theo. So much like her cousin Alice , the face , the slender build. Her cousin was a Rank A Hero in the agency, her Hero name was Lynx and thanks her powers of super reflexes she was assigned to Covert Operations than deals with underground criminal organizations. That was where she met Theo's father Lucio Saccay a.k.a Tracker ,a Hero with the ability to amplify his senses.
With their powers complimenting each other they were assigned is in several missions together. Their professional relationship quickly became personal and after a couple of years they got married. A year after that they had a son and they named him Matheo, nicknamed Theo. While Theo inherited his mother's physical features , he also aquired his father's black hair and eyes.
The small family use to visit the ranch often , spending the summers and Christmas there. Theo was a lively little boy , his dark eyes dancing as he played with everyone , relatives , ranch hands , even the dogs. The Saccays were a very happy family until all of that came crashing down when---
A loud car horn sounded at the gate. Interrupting Theo and Megan's private musings. Together they turned and looked as the heavy gates opened and a large pickup truck rolled in. Recognizing the truck Megan smiled.
" He's finally here " she said as she leaped down the fence.
" Who?" Theo asked quietly
Megan chuckled " Someone I want you to meet" she tipped her head towards the truck " C'mon "
The two of them walked towards the pickup truck as it parks in the common garrage. The driver's door opened and a large hairy man got out.
" Uncle Horace !" Megan grinned as she waved at him.
" Hi Meggie " the big bear of a man said as he walked over to the approaching pair. His friendly blue eyes lighting with interest at Theo.
" This must be Alice's boy " Horace said solemnly
" Yes, he is " Megan said as she draped an arm over Theo's shoulder.
She turned to her nephew
" Theo this is your great uncle Horace " she said "He's your grandfather's brother "
Theo silently nodded. Horace towered over the teen , he leaned closer , his eyes widened as he took in Theo's facial features.
" Jesus, Meggie he's the spitting image of Alice " Horace breathed
Megan tightened her arm around Theo's shoulder.
"Yeah, I know , took me by surprise too" Megan smiled
Horace reached out and ruffled Theo's dark hair. In his mind's eye he saw Alice's lively face, Her long blond hair wafting in the wind as she ran around the ranch in her teens. He vividly remembered the last time he saw her , Alice carrying little Theo as they stood on the airport's departure area , the two of them waving goodbye to the family as they left for Southeast Asia , a few months later news reached the Rhoubes family of the tragic murder of the Saccays , they were devastated , and when they were told that little Theo was missing but most probably alive every single member of the family went searching for him. But even with the help of the Agency they were unable to locate him. Horace's throat tightened with happiness and relief as he continued to look at his great nephew.
" Well, son " He said gruffly " Your home now , and your amongst family , and we're always here for you no matter what , ok?"
Theo nodded " Thank you "
Suddenly the pickup truck shook and muffled barking emanated from it.
Megan laughed lifted her arm from her nephew's shoulder and hurried towards the passenger door.
" Uncle Horace , you forgot about Buddy " Megan laughed
" Oh!!!" A huge grin spread across Horace's bewhiskered face as he followed Megan " Dangit , sorry about that , got caught up in the moment"
Megan opened the door and a huge beautiful black Newfoundland dog bounded out. The dog sniffed and rubbed Megan's legs with his body. Megan laughed went down on her knees and hugged Buddy's thick muscular neck. Horace walked over and rubbed the dog's ear. After a minute of patting and playing Megan stood up and dusted her pants. Buddy turned and his big friendly eyes lighted on Theo , after a beat he bounded for the teen . Then he stood on his hind legs and landed his front paws on Theo's chest. The teen staggered backward but managed to balance himself , slowly he straightened up as Buddy continued to smell his neck , hair and ears.
Megan and Horace stood back grinning as they watch the huge friendly Newfie continued to investigate Theo.
" So what did the vet say?" Megan asked
" Dr. Weston said Buddy just had a upset stomach , nothing major " Horace said
Megan sighed " That's a relief , I was so worried last night when he kept howling"
They turned back to the teen and the dog. Buddy had sat back on his haunches tail vigorously wagging as he looked up at Theo. They smiled as Theo after beat reached out and placed his hand on the Newfies huge furry head.
" There's hope for him yet " Megan whispered to her Uncle.
Beaming hugely Horace nodded in agreement.