Whew, ok, this is my second longest chapter. Had fun coming up with it and wanted to thank all of the readers. This story just past 500 views.

Also stayed up till about 5:30 writing half of this chapter, think I'm getting addicted to writing.

Again thanks to evil Ratchet96 for the reviews and input, been fun and a lot of help. Also thanks to Trekker77 for their review.

So, what does Ebony want?

.Chapter 11, Necessity,

The two Praetorian Guards charged the intruder.

She spun around, white and purple lightning jumped from the sphere on top of her staff. The guards went flying back as thunder roared and they were shocked. The guards collapsed and were convulsing.

Everyone froze to see what would happen next.

Ebony turned back to the chiefs. "Now that was rude, I trust that we won't be interrupted again?"

"Who are you madam and what is it you desire?" The Chief of Justice asked in as a respectful tone he could muster.

"Why don't you ask Ratchet who I am?" She remarked as she smiled knowingly at the young lombax.

Ratchet felt a pang of fear as she mentioned him. He jumped up and was visibly shaking, "I don't know you! You were a dream!"

She scoffed, "If you really still think that was just a dream, then you are a fool." She turned back to the council, "I am Ebony."

"What is your desire?" The Chief of Justice repeated.

"I want you," She pointed her staff at Kaden, "To visit me in Parson."

Kaden was more than a bit surprised, "Me? What business do we have?"

Ebony smiled, anger and spite was practically written on her lips. "Oh we have more business then you know. You will visit me in two weeks in Parson's square or there will be dire consequences. And, I want Rykk and his friends to escort you."

"Why?" Ryan Decagon asked.

Ebony smirked, "Idiots, it would be pointless for him to perish in Parson before meeting me. I want Kaden, and his son's ragtag group to meet me in Parson. I suggest you get ready, Parson is a bit uncivilized."

"Rykk has killed a high ranking official, he must pay for it." Decagon retorted.

Green flames appeared around Ebony as she became irritated by the young politician. "Fine, I'll make this simple for you imbeciles." Her voice took an even more menacing and outright fiery tone. It also seemed to resonate more throughout the chamber. "If Rykk's neck hangs on the noose, all the powers of hell, on your families I will loose!" The green flames grew in intensity as she spun her enchantment. She finished her spell with a loud, echoing laugh. It was the same laugh Ratchet had heard in his dream and in the bathroom. There was a flash of flame and Ebony vanished. Her laugh echoed and everyone was silent.

Rykk was stunned, it was one of few times in recent memory he's felt that way. He then noticed that his collar was off, he looked down and saw it lying on the ground. He blasted the collar, leaving a charred mark on the floor. "Well, that was unlike anything I've seen before." He remarked as he stood up.

Ratchet was trembling, his hands and tail were quivering and Sly looked at him; "Your dream, what did she say or do?"

Ratchet took a second to respond, "Later."

"I get the feeling you'll have to tell them about your dream now." Sly whispered and pointed at the chiefs.

As if on cue, the Chief of Justice pointed at Ratchet. "Young Ratchet Ellipse, step forward please."

Ratchet did.

"What happened? How do you know this Ebony?" Kaden asked firmly with just a touch of concern.

Ratchet knew he had no choice, so he explained his nightmare as best he could remember. When he finished he was told to return to his seat.

Kaden was by this time more than a bit worried. "Sir, what are your orders?" He asked the Chief of Justice.

"Rykk, you're one lucky tail, we'll deal with you later. But, I want you…"

"Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait," Rykk started, a grin of satisfaction laced his lips. "Now, you do not own me. I will help Kaden and Ratchet as they are my friends. Then, I'm hunting Calamity." He said firmly with dead-eye resolve.

The Chief of Justice sighed before pausing to think a bit. "Kaden, I can't order you to go or stay, I will leave this situation up to your discretion. Everyone, this court is adjourned."

A few hours later and everyone sat around the dinner table in Kaden's home. Theo, Phil, and Nai had returned to their hotel. Leo told them he'd tell them the plan when they've made it.

Rykk started, "The way I see it, if you want to actually meet Ebony there's only one route."

Kaden sighed, "I've got an idea where you're going. And as far as I can see meeting her is the only option. So, what is your plan?"

Rykk paused for a second to gather his thoughts. "You newbs to Agrona take the VIM serum and get whatever superpowers you can. You guys won't survive Parson if you go the way you are."

Ratchet grinned, "Well now, I'm up for getting some powers. Anything that'll help us kill Calamity and deal with this Ebony. What say you Talwyn?"

She chuckled, "Came with you this far, not gonna stop now."

"I too shall assist in any way I can." Clank offered.

Ratchet then looked at Sly, "What about you guys?"

Sly sat with his arms crossed, "Course I'm in. Not much of a monster killer, but I get the feeling we need all the help we can get."

"Murray and I are both in," Bentley stated and Murray nodded.

Carmelita smiled, "I'm ready to take down these clowns, just get me set."

Kaden looked down, "My status will grant us access to VIM, Rykk, I want you to teach them how to use their abilities and train them until we leave for Parson."

Rykk leaned back, "Three questions; one, them? You're not going to take VIM? Two, how many lombaxes are in the program? And three, why do you want me to train them?"

"Before I get to answering them, anyone want something? Food or drink?" Kaden offered.

Only Rykk took him up on the offer, "I'll take a bottle of Fyre."

Kaden chuckled, "A whole bottle? Rykk, you got a gut of steel to handle that."

Rykk just smiled as Kaden got him the bottle. It was a tall, blue bottle with a bright orange flame logo on it. Rykk took the top off and began to drink it quickly.

"Yes them, I'll take the Law Men serum, Hammer. It's not that it's not safe, I wouldn't let you guys do it if it was, but I can't. As a chief, I can't enter the VIM project. It would cause too much trouble and bureaucracy. However, I have obtained a syringe of Hammer. I'll administer it tonight and then we'll get you guys into VIM tomorrow morning. As for your second question, there are three lombaxes that have taken the VIM so far. You'll meet them tomorrow. Sorry, don't have their names or list of abilities. I do know it works and they've been practicing for a few weeks. And third, because you're the best fighter around; that and I'm sure Leo, Atlas, and the other Law Men and Dragons are willing to help teach as well. But I do want you to lead it."

Rykk then asked, "Think this'll help get the lombaxes off my tail?"

Kaden shook his head, "Can't answer that. All I can say, it'll be an interesting two weeks."

"Whenever you are ready Mr. Ellipse, I'll administer the Hammer to you," Leo stated.

"I'll go get it," Kaden went and got the syringe. He came back a minute later, "The Law Men gave this to me when I turned down the offer to join them. They said this was in case I changed my mind." He then handed the serum to Leo.

"Mr. Ellipse, do you have any clothes a bit bigger than what you have on?" Leo asked. "Hammer tends to add bulk and height to ya."

Kaden thought for a sec, "I got a pair of old work pants that were always a bit loose for me."

In size, Kaden was just a bit bigger than Ratchet. If you didn't know they were father and son, you'd swear they were brothers.

Kaden changed from his Chief uniform into the pair of old, brown, torn-up, bit-too-baggy pants. "Always wondered why I kept these blasted pants. How do you want to do this?"

"It would probably be best if you lie down." Bones recommended.

Kaden led Leo and Bones and, well, everyone else into his living room. Everyone new to Agrona wanted to see what Hammer did.

"Mr. Ellipse," Atlas started.

"Please, call me Kaden, Atlas." Kaden requested.

"Kaden, dis will feel a bit rough, basically, Hammer while be growin your muscles an' hardening your bones. Et will make ya stronger, but et will hurt loike notin you've felt before."

Kaden grunted, "Then let's get it over with." He then nodded to Leo.

Leo then carefully sunk the needle through Kaden's armfur. There was a bit of a pinch and a bit of blood. Leo withdrew the needle and a drop of blood rolled down Kaden's arm.

Kaden took a deep breath, for a few seconds there was no reaction. Then his face contorted into an expression of pain. His hands clenched up and soon his whole body seemed to tense. There was a faint cracking sound and Kaden began to yell. His howl echoed throughout the house and the cracking sound got louder. This lasted for over ten minutes; Kaden yelled one more time before his body relaxed and he breathed a sigh of relief. He was sweating profusely and breathing hard but was able to sit up.

While Kaden wasn't a slouch when it came to physical fitness, he was definitely bigger after the Hammer injection. He stood almost a foot taller than Ratchet, whereas before he was maybe two inches taller. His chest, back, stomach, arms, and legs gained a good layer of muscle. The pants, that were baggy for him a few minutes earlier, were now quite tight. Kaden examined his body, "Wow, this is impressive." He still felt off, the Hammer had to finish; boosting his immune system, strengthening his heart and lungs, raising his metabolism, reinforcing his joints, and hardening his bones.

Ratchet looked up to his dad, literally now. "Wow dad, you really grew and bulked up!" He was definitely impressed, and everyone else was too.

"Kaden," Carmelita started, "Is VIM going to do the same?"

"Hm, think so, but it'll also give you random powers based on your DNA. Looks like I, need to go clothes shopping tomorrow." Kaden shook his head and laughed, "If your mom heard me say those words she'd of had me committed." Kaden suddenly felt, and heard, his stomach yearning for sustenance, "Atlas? Does Hammer make you very hungry?"

"Hammer effects everyone en different ways. Some git hungry, some git jittery, oters git tired, an' oters git notin. When Oi was Hammered, Oi felt loike Oi was gonna pass out."

"It makes sense," Clank added, "Your body just expended a good deal of energy and probably needs more. This is no small change."

Kaden chuckled as he walked towards a com panel on the wall. He pushed the red talk button, "Ms. Axis, you awake?"

Kaden's housekeeper answered. "You know I stay up, how may I help you Kaden?"

"I just got a very strong hunger, need you to make me a late-night meal."

"I'll be down soon,"

"Thanks Terry,"

Terry Axis was a top-notch housekeeper and a sweet lombax. She often acted as Kaden's right hand and was a very tough woman. Like Kaden, she lost her spouse on Fastoon. She was about ten years older than her employer/friend and one of the best cooks in Velocity.

Within an hour, she had prepared everything he requested. Kaden's requests were many; it was enough to feed half the group. Yet, she somehow managed to make it all in an hour and chat with Kaden and the group. She was a friendly sort and gave tips to Talwyn, Carmelita, Ratchet, and Bentley on how to prepare local cuisine.

When she was done, Kaden dug in. When he finished, about a half hour later, he leaned back in his chair and sighed contently. Everyone was amazed (it was becoming a common occurrence on Agrona), the older lombax's gut was a yellow, furry orb. All that food would go to fueling the rest of the Hammer process. Soon after eating, he soon felt a wave of drowsiness set in. "Guys, stay up as late as you want," –yawn- "but think this took all my energy. I'll see you in the morning."

Everyone said goodnight to the older lombax chief.

They then each went back to their rooms.

"Dang Ratchet," Sly sat as he sat on the edge of his bed. "Your dad looks ready to kick butt."

Ratchet chuckled, "Yeah, it makes me wonder what the VIM is going to do to us tomorrow. I can't wait to see; I just hope it's enough. Ebony has me a bit spooked."

"Can't blame you there; the way she sounded in your dream was creepy enough, but her appearance in court today shook everyone up, even Rykk."

Ratchet gave Sly a look that read, "What?"

"Saw Rykk's expression when she showed, there was definitely surprise in it."

"Guess so," Ratchet responded.

Sly tossed his gloves and shirt onto the nightstand, "By the way, I knew that you lied to me about forgetting your dream."

"I'm sorry," Ratchet apologized, "I just didn't know what to think."

Sly nodded, "Understandable, but I am a master thief; I've learned how to read people pretty well. I either recommend you get better at lying or don't do it around me." Sly stated with a light chuckle.

It was early in the morning when Ms. Axis made rounds to wake everyone up.

Ratchet woke and went downstairs. He heard voices out back and wandered over. Outside, Kaden and Rykk were facing each other in sparring stances. It was then Ratchet noticed that there were dozens of white, crisscrossing lines on the line of black fur on Rykk's back. The lines were no doubt caused by Calamity; however there were few scars on his bare skin.

"What's going on?" Ratchet asked. Atlas, Leo, and Bentley were also outside.

"Rykk's testing your dad in a practice duel." Bentley answered.

Kaden charged Rykk and performed an uppercut.

Rykk dodged, grappled Kaden's arm, spun, and shoved Kaden onto the ground. Kaden recovered by rolling to his feet and faced Rykk. "Not bad," Rykk commented, "Decent speed and good recovery."

This time Rykk charged Kaden and threw two rapid punches to Kaden's core.

Kaden blocked both punches with his forearms and countered with a kick.

Rykk blocked the kick and punched Kaden in the chest.

The hit knocked Kaden back. Rykk was obviously pulling his punches. Even though Kaden was now pretty strong, Rykk was no doubt stronger and faster.

Kaden recovered and performed a flurry of punches. They were all blocked. Kaden finished his strikes with a spin kick to Rykk's head.

Rykk ducked the kick and spun. His tail quickly curled around Kaden's ankle and tripped him. Kaden fell onto his back and Rykk finished his move by putting his foot on Kaden's chest. "You got some good moves and speed." Rykk took his foot off and offered his hand.

Kaden took Rykk's hand and was hoisted up. "Figured I'd be beat by you, but not by your tail; didn't know it was prehensile."

Rykk chuckled and winked mischievously, "That's one of my secret tricks. For now, I suggest you all get ready for whatever this VIM thing is."

An hour later and everyone was walking down the street. For obvious reasons Rykk opted to fly.

"Where is the VIM project?" Ratchet asked.

"At the New Center for Advanced Lombax Research," Kaden answered, "It's about a mile away, should be a nice walk."

It was a nice day as far as Agrona was concerned. Ratchet looked up at towers and monorails that were hundreds of feet above. He was able to spot small dots, not trains, sliding on the rails and jumping from rail to rail. Sweet, looks like at least these lombaxes know how to have fun. "Dad, do you ride the rails up there?" He pointed at them.

"I can, we use these," Kaden pointed to his boots, "When we get the chance, I can show you."

Atlas shrugged, "Tese rails are noice, but New Elko's? Now tose are intense and a whole lotta fun."

Like any city, there were thousands of lombaxes going to and fro. On the streets were carts being pulled by those enhanced horses; there was also an occasional motorized transport. They vaguely resembled cars except the two front wheels were a bit further apart than the rear ones.

"Hey Kaden," Sly started, "What kind of vehicles are those?"

"Those are Efficient, Vehicular, Transports; EVTs for short. They use a combination of Valkyrie and gasoline to run. The Valkyrie both makes them very efficient and neutralizes the exhaust. So they get great fuel mileage and are safe for the environment." Kaden explained.

"How many lombaxes are there on Agrona?" Talwyn asked.

Bones answered, "2.8 million are currently living on this planet."

"Wow, that's an impressive number. Are most from Fastoon?" Clank asked.

"Roughly 55% are native-born to Fastoon; it would seem that they partially adopted the human culture here as well." Bones stated.

"Didn't have much choice," Kaden remarked, "They outnumbered us and outgunned us."

"So, they conquered us?" Ratchet asked.

"No, they allowed us to settle here and helped us a great deal. Without them, there would be half of the lombaxes there are now."

"So what's going on in New Elko?" Ratchet asked, "Was told that it wasn't safe."

Leo answered, "New Elko has taken the brunt of Rykk and Calamity's fight. That and Calamity helped a civil dispute and political tension to turn into civil war. The fight is over but they are still cleaning up and it's been difficult. If everything goes well in Parson, we'll go there after."

A short time later the group arrived at the NCLR. It was one of the biggest buildings in the city. Above the main door was the logo that Ratchet had first seen on Sargasso. The structure was composed mostly of glass and dark, riveted metal. There were a large number of lombaxes and a decent amount of humans in the crowd.

The group moved through the crowd and entered the huge lobby. It was an impressive sight. It had large, stone columns; each had carvings of lombax symbols and figures. Large windows let the yellow light shine on the crimson stone. The floor was a smooth, grey and white tile.

While everyone took in the sight, Rykk appeared through the floor. "Hmph, this is gonna be awkward."

His voice made Carmelita jump. "Aw geez, can't you warn us next time?"

"Thought you didn't care what people thought?" Leo stated.

Rykk shook his head, "I don't, but anything more than a bad look rubs me the wrong way." He said with a low growl.

"Just keep your cool Rykk; I'd prefer to not have to deal with a disruption." Kaden ordered. "This way," He then led them past the main info desk into a large elevator. Be pushed button for the 244th floor. It took the elevator a minute to reach the floor. When the doors parted they revealed a short hall with two guards. At the end of the hall was a door.

"Hey guys," Kaden waved,

"Hello Chief Ellipse, go right in." One of the guards responded and pushed a button.

Kaden then typed in his code and the door slide aside. Everyone passed through and entered a lab. In the center of the lab was a chair with arm and hand restraints. There was a pair of big, semi-circle tables around the chair; vials, test tubes, needles, and containers of chemicals on them. There were three lombax scientists and they were waiting.

"Hello Chief Ellipse, everything is set." One of the scientist said, she motioned towards the chair. "We just need to know who will go first."

Sly, surprisingly, stepped forward. "I'll go."

Carmelita was more than a tad taken aback. "Wait, what exactly is this going to do to him?"

"You know Hammer?" The female lombax scientist asked.

Carmelita nodded.

"It does what Hammer does though we've made it so that it won't make you extremely; hungry, tired, or energetic. In addition, it will give you one or more superpowers based on genetics. Though, I've never seen your kind, we'll just have to play this by ear. I'm Celesta by the way."

"Celesta is the head scientist of the VIM project. This whole thing is her brain-child." Kaden added.

Celesta smiled proudly at Kaden's words.

Sly sat in the chair. "Hello, I'm Sly. Celesta, how would I know what powers I would get?"

"We'll run a test on you after your injection. It will tell us what powers you will have. Um, one thing sir," The scientist stated, "We need you to remove your hat and mask."

"Oh, sure," Sly gave his hat and mask to Carmelita.

Sly felt the restraints on his arms and legs tighten. Celesta approached with a syringe of a red and white serum. Sly felt a pinch as the needle went into his arm.

The master thief began to tense up as he felt a burning cold rush through his veins and arteries. His muscles clenched and his bones felt like they were being crushed. He yelled, he and everyone in the room was glad that he was restrained. There was a buzzing sensation in his head and that feeling spread to every nerve. It was like that irritating itch you get every now and then, that feeling spread throughout Sly's body. The pain, no torture, lasted for about five minutes but time was lost to Sly.

When it ended Sly was like Kaden after his injection. The serum did make him bigger, heck he gained about five inches in height, but he felt something Kaden didn't; a tingle or expansion in his mind.

"Alright Sly," Celesta started, "We're about to determine what powers you have. Trust me, this'll be nothing compared to what you just felt." At those words the bindings released him. He looked at himself, nice, could get used to this. But what is that dang tingle?

Celesta approached Sly with a device that had a short rod with a circular piece of metal at its tip. She gently lowered Sly's head so his chin touched his chest. She then placed the tip on the back of his neck. He yelped as he felt a jarring pinch and the device was removed.

"Okay… let's see what you got… alright… here's the list."

Sly thought and said, "List?"

"Yeah, besides being stronger like a Law Man, you got; short-range teleportation, wall-clinging, and extreme senses. Not bad, you'd be great as a spy. Try "touching" that tingle or extension, that's how you use them. Try it…"

How do I touch a feeling? Uh… Sly felt a rush of energy through his system. Instinctively he imagined himself near Carmelita.

In a puff of grey and black smoke, Sly disappeared and reappeared at Carmelita's side. For the second time that day Carmelita jumped. She moaned, "Oh great, not you too."

It was then Sly began to hear everything, everyone's breathing, their heartbeats, the sounds of electronic equipment, and everything else imaginable. He smelled everything; everyone's scents, the chemicals. Luckily the lab was filtered so he wasn't totally overwhelmed as far as scents. He could also see everything and noticed his vision was able to zoom. He began to panic and clutched his head. He closed his eyes, "Too much! There's too much!"

"Sly, breath, relax, filter out the excess." Celesta stated.

Sly took a deep breath, he was tough, and it took him a few minutes to filter out enough to function. He looked around. "You said wall-clinging?" Sly asked as he walked over to a wall.

"Yep," Celesta answered.

He put his hand on the wall and accessed the extension. He felt his hand stick and he pulled himself up. He placed his other hand on the wall and stuck it. His feet also clung to the wall. Sly began to laugh as he climbed up the smooth, white wall. Soon, he was standing on the high ceiling.

Rykk appeared beside him through the ceiling and stood there as well. "So, I assume you've taken a liking to your new abilities?"

"Heck yes! This is great!" Sly exclaimed and held his arms up.

"Ok, now jump back down." Rykk said before jumping down himself.

Sly was a bit hesitant, the floor was well over forty feet below.

"Don't worry; you're strong enough!" Celesta shouted.

Sly took a deep breath and let go of the ceiling. He flipped in midair and landed on his feet. He barely felt the impact, like he had jumped from at four-foot drop instead of forty.

Sly stretched, "Gotta admit, I've never felt better!" he then teleported a half-dozen times around the room.

Celesta had one last piece of info for Sly. "Like I said, your teleportation is short range, best I can tell; your teleportation is limited to within about a hundred-yard radius or your sight. So if you can see it you can go there, or you can teleport within that radius. Got it?"

Sly nodded, "Got it, now, who's next?"

"I'll go," Carmelita answered. She handed Sly his mask and hat back. "I've always chased you, ringtail." She winked at him as she sat in the chair.

A few, painful minutes later and Celesta checked Carmelita's results. "Let's see… pyrokinesis aka the ability to generate and control fire and lastly, you can absorb most types of energy to heal yourself or others. That doesn't apply to Calamity's Ravage or Rykk's Alter though. However, plasma, radiation, and Dark Radiation are applicable. Dark Radiation though, you must be careful with."

"Why?"

"Because, too much will be detrimental instead of helpful." Celesta stated, "Go ahead, and try it out. Just remember, fire spreads and I'm not a fan of incineration." She remarked.

Carmelita drew a deep breath and held her hands as if she were praying. Soon, a blue flame appeared on her hands. She pulled them apart and the flames split. They soon spread and soon she was covered by the blue tongues of fire.

"Hey Carmelita," Rykk started and she looked at him. He was holding a circle of Alter. "Burn the target!"

She smiled and thrust her right arm forward. A large flame shot from her hand and hit the Alter target. Upon impact, it made a brilliant display of blue light before fading away.

"Now I really like this." She said as the flames around her condensed to one in the palm of her hand. "Now someone get hurt so I can heal you."

Ratchet chuckled, "Boy Sly, she's a handful."

Sly chuckled back, "Yeah, but she's also amazing."

"Now, who will be next?" Celesta asked.

Ratchet stepped forward, "I will go."

Celesta looked at her device and waited for it to process Ratchet's results. Ratchet now matched his dad in both height and size; it looked like they were brothers again.

"Alright… size manipulation, highly resistant skin, and increased reflexes." She read aloud.

"Size manipulation?" Ratchet asked.

Celesta nodded, "Yep, you can shrink down to about a half-inch or grow to around a hundred feet. Please don't grow above twenty feet here please; I'd prefer not to be crushed to death." She remarked. She then tossed him a pair of dark-grey, shorts that were made of a smooth material. "These shorts are made of a special and rare fabric that will grow or shrink with you. Our initial tests of this serum gave us a list of possible powers so we had these and other things made. At least we didn't have to worry about sizing them." She then showed Ratchet to a closet so he could put them on.

Ratchet soon reentered the lab. He focused and envisioned himself smaller.

Everyone watched as Ratchet was engulfed in a brief, bright, yellow flash. When he reappeared he was only about two inches tall.

Rykk was the closest to him. To Ratchet, he, and everyone else, was the size of a mountain. "Huh, well that's neat." Rykk remarked as he kneeled down.

Rykk's voice sounded like thunder and Ratchet quickly turned back to his original size. Ratchet chuckled and looked at his best friend, "Orvus was right, seems like the universe does have a sense of humor Clank."

Clank also chuckled, "Yes, no one can give you a hard time about your size anymore."

There was another flash and Ratchet now stood about fifteen feet tall. He didn't move as he didn't want to break anything. His tail was a bit of a problem as it moved without his discretion. It made a few of the scientists duck. "Yeah, I doubt anyone will when they see this." He commented before returning back to normal, much to the scientists' relief. "You also said stronger skin?"

Celesta nodded, "Yep, basic Valkyrie shots, bullets, normal, metal stabbing weapons, acids, and fire will be ineffective or cause minimal damage. Alacrity rounds, extreme fire, and both Calamity's swords and Rykk's blades can do damage or kill though."

"Sly, let's say I know how you feel now." Ratchet began to laugh. Not some weak, small, puny, furball anymore.

"Next contestant?" Celesta asked.

"I'll go," Bentley stated and wheeled himself to the chair. Celesta and Sly helped him into it.

When his process was complete, he still couldn't move his legs. He was more than a tad disappointed but disappointment turned to happiness when Celesta read his abilities; "Electropathy i.e. the ability to communicate with machines with your mind, bio-electrical transformation, and enhanced code-breaking. Basically you can control any tech with your thoughts and you can turn into electrical impulses and physically enter computers, essentially becoming like Bones or Clank at will."

"So… I can become an A.I.?" Bentley asked.

Does this answer your question? Bones voice echoed in Bentley's mind.

Bones? How did you?

I call it Instrumental Telepathy myself; I use it to communicate with machines. Now, I can chat with you. Hey, try jumping into that computer console to your right.

Bentley turned and saw a device that looked somewhat similar to what he knew as a computer. He focused on it, touching the extension, and he felt himself fly towards it. His body turned into a blue and purple electro bolt and merged into the machine. All it's information flooded his mind. The feeling of all the knowledge felt amazing!

Bentley, that's enough for now. Come out, Bones ordered.

Bentley begrudgingly obeyed. He felt powerful inside the machine and didn't really want to withdraw. He reentered his chair. "That was a real rush! All that information so much and instantly! It was sensational! Amazing! Spectacular!"

"You can also hack virtually any system with you enhanced code-breaking." Celesta said, "Just be careful, you can make a lot of friends and even more enemies. I suggest you be careful about who knows your abilities especially." She recommended. "Alright, that leaves two."

Talwyn stepped forward, "Let's see what happens."

Celesta put the tip against Talwyn's neck. Talwyn jumped at the prick.

"Ok… the ability to cast concussive blasts, flight, and short-range situational awareness."

Talwyn repeated and asked, "Awareness?"

"Yes, like a sixth-sense if you will. When you use it, you can sense everyone and everything within about seventy-five feet."

"Hey Talwyn," Rykk created another Altar target. "Blast it,"

She thrust her hand forward and a yellow blast of sound and air flew from her hand. The blast made ripples in the air as it flew and hit the target.

"You also said flight?" Sly asked.

Celesta nodded.

Talwyn focused and began to levitate off the ground. She started laughing as she hovered. "Incredible!" She exclaimed as she made laps in the room's air. She landed chuckling and smiling widely. "I always used tech to fly, but to have it as a part of me? It's terrific!"

"Now that leave you, big guy." Celesta said as she looked at Murray.

Murray punched his palm, "The Murray is ready!"

He took the VIM the easiest out of the group. He flexed his arms as Celesta read her device. "Let's see now… biometal transformation, extraordinary strength, and seismic blasts."

"Biometal? What do you mean?" Murray asked.

"Touch the extension and find out." Celesta said.

Murray concentrated and felt a coolness spread over him.

Sly grinned, "Nice pal."

Murray was encased in shiny metal. He could still express himself and move. "Now this, is, freaking awesome!"

He took a step forward and there was a metallic clank. "So I'm made of metal?"

Celesta nodded, "Yep, it seems unique to you. It's both biological and metallic, so Calamity can't use his Ravage on you."

"What else did you say?"

"You are obviously, incredibly strong, possibly even tying with Rykk here. You can also make seismic blasts but please, test those outside." She asked/ordered.

Murray nodded, "Yes ma'am."

Celesta smiled, her blue eyes shimmered. "You don't know how fascinating this was. If you all would follow me, I will introduce you to the other subjects." The group of now-enhanced beings followed the scientist. She led them to the far side of the lab, through another door. The room past the lab was a lounge with what looked like a TV. Three lombaxes sat watching some show. "Draxis, Fen, Arco, come meet your new friends." Celesta stated.

The three lombaxes were all young and they all wore casual clothes. They eagerly shook the hands of everyone. Except for Rykk of course, only one of them would shake hands with him and showed no hard feelings.

Draxis Cot was the oldest of the trio. He was a good-sized lombax with white fur and crimson stripes. He had yellow eyes with green pupils.

Celesta then told the group a bit about the three. "Draxis can transform into any of the Plain's animals; a Prowler, a Hunter, Flame Drake… you get the idea. That and he can see in the dark. They each have given each other nicknames. Draxis has been monikered Revamp..."

Fen Karanis was a very rare, blood-red furred lombax with golden stripes. His eyes were brown and he was a little bit smaller than Draxis. He was also the youngest of the three and the only one that shook Rykk's hand. On his shoulder was a big, dark brown hawk. It also had crimson highlights in its feather.

"…Fen here control the bird…"

"Her name is Ferra," Fen interrupted and then said lowly, "For the thousandth time."

"…Ok, Ferra, Fen can see and hear through Ferra. Ferra can also divide into multiple smaller birds or even insects. She can be used both as recon and offense. Should Ferra be hurt, she will return to Fen and will enter him to heal. Fen also has impeccable senses and aim with any weapon. He's been nicknamed Arcane."

Arco Domain was in the middle as far as age. She was the tallest of the three and had yellow fur and black stripes. She had crystal blue eyes and a ponytail.

"…Arco can create protective shields around herself or others. Best we can tell they are very resistant but not impenetrable to Ravage or Alter. The guys call her Bastion."

"Well it's nice to have some more freaks like us." Draxis stated in a joking tone. Then eyed Rykk and the tone became one of distaste, "Some more of a freak than others."

Rykk sighed.

Kaden stepped forward, "Guys, I'm taking you all to a private area where you will train for the next week and-a-half." Kaden sighed, "Decagon has insisted that you three accompany the group to Parson."

The trio jumped in excitement and high-fived each other, Draxis exclaimed, "Our first mission!"

Arco was smiling, "Finally! We get some real action!"

Fen leaned against the wall; he just grinned and high-fived Draxis and Arco.

"As of now, you all are under Rykk's command. He'll be teaching you guys."

Upon those words, Draxis and Arco moaned.

"You will do whatever he says. Don't make have you guys separated." Kaden threatened sternly.

Sly saw fear cross both Draxis and Arco's faces, "Uh, n, no sir," Draxis stammered.

Rykk stepped forward, "You three won't have any issues, right?" He said as he leaned close to Draxis' face. His expression was dead cold, like he was looking through Draxis' soul.

"N, n, no,"

Rykk leaned back and the chill left his face. "Good, cause I would prefer to be friends."

"So where are we going?" Sly asked Kaden.

"An old mansion out on the Plain; it has a bunch of space and is unknown to all but me and a select few. So," He then spoke to the trio, "Get set, cause we're leaving soon."

Wow, a lot of things happened in this chapter. What do you think of; Ebony's demands? the abilities? the plan? Draxis, Arco, and Fen?

Thoughts, ideas, concerns, reviews are all needed and appreciated.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned.