"I really don't get what's so funny. But at least you're better and that's the main thing." Shock said and I grinned.
"Yeah I feel better now. Just wish I knew more about this 'Makino'." I replied and Berto shrugged.
"I would clear a few things up. Too bad Commander Forge won't tell us anything. Maybe we could…" Before he had time to finish his sentence his wrist computer started beeping. "Okay now that's annoying." He muttered and I smiled at him as he answered the call.
"Hey guys we managed to find Toxzon. He's been located near the abandoned building where you were hiding." Max said and I rolled my eyes.
"I wasn't really hiding. Never mind. Want us to give you a hand at bringing him in?" I asked and he frowned at me.
"For the record I don't really need help with him. Anyway we wanted to know if you'd like to have first shot at him?" Max replied and I nodded, already thinking about kicking his sorry butt all over Copper Canyon. "Then meet us at the building and we'll bring him in." When he vanished off-screen Berto raised an eyebrow at me.
"Okay why are you giving me that look? I'll be careful so what's the problem?" I said and he rubbed his face.
"You can go on one condition; I'm going with you." Berto told me and I tried to talk him out of it. Sadly I found that he's just as stubborn as I am.
"Okay fine. But you're staying to the sidelines because I don't want anything to happen to. Please?" I asked and he nodded. "Oh and bring C.Y.T.R.O in case we need backup." With a grin he called the robot and together we raced for the Hangar. When we got there, however, I realized that the Jump Jets were empty and that made me pause. "That's strange. I wonder why no one's here yet."
"More bad guy for us then." Shock said, linking and changing modes. Now in Flight mode I was ready for some action.
"Something's not right." Berto said as C.Y.T.R.O appeared and stood nearby.
"Come on he'll get away if we don't go now." I said and Berto sighed. With a nod I wrapped my arm around his waist and we headed for the building, C.Y.T.R.O not far behind us. As soon as we got to the building I let go of Berto and started for the stairs, only for him to block my path.
"What gives Berto?" I asked and he told me that he was going first. Before I could protest he and his robot ran up the stairs, leaving me to stare at him. "Man I've never seen him so determined. I have to say I kinda like it."
"Fight now, flirt later okay?" Shock replied as we hurried after him. We hadn't even gone up three flights of stairs when I heard a yell. Instantly I knew it was Berto and I rushed up the stairs like my feet were on fire. Just as I got to the top floor I found Toxzon standing in front of Berto, laughing.
"You were a fool to think you could take me on yourself." He said as Berto stood next to C.Y.T.R.O, who looked like he'd been thrown around a bit.
"Berto!" I called out and when he turned Toxzon fired a bright red goo at my boyfriend. It struck him and knocked him into the wall nearby. "You jerk!" I shouted at Toxzon and changed modes as I rushed him. Now in Strength mode I slammed both fists into the villain who was thrown backwards. Angry I didn't realize that I'd made a massive hole in the wall until I felt the building shaking.
"I think this place's gonna collapse! Let's get out of here!" Shock shouted so I rushed over and freed Berto who shook his head.
"You okay?" I asked as he rubbed the back of his head. When he gave me a thumbs up, still covered in a red goo, I sighed relieved. Quickly he used his computer to call C.Y.T.R.O as I changed back to Flight mode and together we flew out of the building with only seconds to spare before it collapsed. Thankfully no one was around and we landed safely on the street below. "Now that was pretty incredible. Too bad we lost Toxzon once again."
"Don't worry Jessie. We'll catch him. Let's just get back to N-Tek so I can repair C.Y.T.R.O…and get this gunk off of me." Berto said as he attempted to wipe some of it off. "Okay now this is gross."
"I dunno. Red looks good on you." I laughed and he grinned. When we got back to N-Tek I switched back to Base mode. Then I asked if he needed anything.
"I'm fine. I'll go wash this off and meet you in my lab." Berto answered and after he left Shock detached.
"Something doesn't feel right." He said as we headed for the lab. "Where did Max go and why was it so easy to beat Toxzon?"
"Can't we have one easy victory for once? It makes a nice change of pace. Though you're right about Max. Where did he go?" I answered as we neared the lab. "I guess I'll ask him when he shows up."
Half an hour later I was talking to Shock about Makino and what I think it, or possibly he, are when Berto showed up. And as I turned to greet him my eyes went wide in shock.
"Berto!" I cried as I hurried over to him. "What happened to you?"
"What do you mean Jessie?" He asked and that's when I told him that his eyes were red. "I mean I feel a little tired but I have worked a lot. Wait did you just say my eyes are red?" When I nodded he stared at me.
"She's right." Shock added just as Berto coughed. "They don't look right."
"Guys I'm fine." Berto replied and I raised an eyebrow at him. "Look I promise that I'll take it easy." When I continued to stare at him, he rolled his eyes and started for his keyboard.
"Hey I thought you just promised to take it easy. Working is not taking it easy." I said as I crossed my arms against my chest. "Seriously you don't look right."
"Hey you don't have to insult me." Berto growled and I sighed, walking over to him.
"I didn't mean it like that. You're pale and you were coughing." I answered as I reached for his hand but he shrugged me off. Turning around he walked out, leaving me in shock. "Why did he do that?" I said to Shock, feeling pretty hurt.
"Maybe when he hit his head." Shock suggested. "Let's just give him a little space and he'll be fine." With I sigh I agreed and left the lab. Two hours later Shock and I returned only to find the lab empty. "Now that's strange. I wonder where he is."
"Okay now I'm worried. Where is he?" I asked and Shock hovered around the room, thinking. And that's when I heard footsteps approaching. "Do you think that's him?" I said as I listened.
"Do they sound...kinda funny to you?" Shock asked and I frowned, not sure what he meant. Though after a moment I thought that whoever it was sounded like they were stumbling around the corridor outside.
"Sounds pretty weird. Maybe we should check it out." I said as I went towards the door, only to stop and stare as Berto stumbled into the room. Leaning against the wall, I could see that something was seriously wrong with him. His eyes were bloodshot and he was shaking. Hurrying over to him I wrapped my arm around his shoulders and helped him into the room. Grabbing a desk chair, Shock moved it over to us and I helped Berto into it.
"Maybe…you were right…I don't feel well." Berto coughed. Concerned I pressed one hand against his forehead and one on his shoulder if he fell.
"You're burning up and you're sweating. Shock can you get Kat?" I asked and Shock nodded, rushing away. "What happened?"
"I was...feeling kind of woozy so I thought I'd get some water. Then as I walked down the hall I felt dizzy and I couldn't walk straight." Berto explained as he rested his head against my shoulder.
"We'll get you some help." I said and he tried to smile at me. "You'll be fine."
"Sorry…about before. I didn't mean…to upset you." Berto replied as he reached for my hand. Taking his hand in mine I squeezed it.
"It's okay. I know you're not feeling well." I answered as I looked at his face. "So I can forgive you."
Berto started to laugh, only to start coughing again. Concerned I rubbed his back, hoping Kat would get here soon. Then pretty much everyone showed up at once; Kat and Shock were first, followed by Forge and Jefferson. When Berto finally managed to stop coughing he looked up and that's when he took one look at the sandwich in Jefferson's hand and gagged. I didn't even have time to ask if he was alright before he leapt out of the chair and raced out of the room, one hand clamped firmly over his mouth. Everyone except me just stared as I bolted after him. When I reached the corridor I couldn't see him and I panicked. Seconds later I heard a noise coming from the boy's bathroom a few feet from me and I stood there, trying to work out what the sound was. Then I cringed when I realized that it was the sound of someone, most likely Berto, gagging. When I approached the bathroom I heard a toilet being flushed then running water. After a few minutes I saw Berto stumble out of the bathroom, looking even more pale then he did before. As he leant against the wall I hurried over and he glanced up.
"I think I'm sick." He gasped before his eyes rolled up and he collapsed just as I reached out and caught him in my arms. I tried to get him to wake up and when he didn't respond I called out for help. Within minutes he was lying on a couch in the Medical Bay.
"What's wrong with him?" I asked Kat as I stood nearby, trying not to show how scared I was. When she looked up I knew it wasn't good.
"He's been poisoned." She told me and I almost collapsed. If Forge hadn't caught me I would have hit the floor.
"How?" I asked as she moved over and let me stand near him. "Who did this to him?" Then my eyes narrowed when I figured it out. "Toxzon."
"I took a sample of that red goo that you found. It's the reason Berto's so sick. It's highly toxic and its causing his illness." Kat explained as I reached out and stroked Berto's forehead. He didn't even respond and I sighed.
"Is there anything we can do?" Shock asked when I didn't.
"If we can find Toxzon we can get the antidote from him. Assuming there is one." Forge said and I closed my eyes.
"If there isn't he'll make one. I'll make sure of it." I growled and everyone looked shocked at the anger in my voice. "He hurt my boyfriend and he's not getting away with it." Then I walked out of the room.
"I'll get her." Shock said as he went after his friend.
"They'll have to find the antidote soon." Kat said and Jefferson asked what she meant. "If Berto doesn't receive it in the next few hours…"
"Then we'd better get moving. I'll call Max and Steel and you two go after Toxzon." Forge told them.
"What about Jessie and Shock?" Jefferson asked and Forge shook his head.
"Jessie's too emotional now so the best thing for her is to stay put and look after Berto. Otherwise there's no telling what she might do." Forge explained. After exchanging a look of worry between them they rushed out. As they ran past I looked up for a moment.
"I wonder where they're going." Shock said and I sighed.
"After Toxzon probably. But I'm going to get there first. Let's go Shock." I said and walked away, leaving the Ultralink to look back at Berto and then his friend.
"What about Berto?" He asked and I hesitated. "What happens to him?"
"I can't help him unless I get the antidote and that means I have to find Toxzon." I replied and giving up, Shock attached to me. "Let's rock, Flight!" I yelled and seconds later we were in the air. Had I stayed a little longer I would have heard Berto whisper; "Jessie."
"So where to?" Shock asked and I have to say I had no clue. "You dragged us all the way out here and you don't even know where we're going?"
"Hey Berto's sick and I want to help him, okay?" I shot back. Looking around I soon landed on a building nearby and Shock detached, eyeing me.
"I know he's sick. Getting mad at me won't help him." Shock said, his arms crossed and I rubbed at my eyes.
"He might be dying and I don't know what to do!" I shouted as I felt tears threaten. Flying into my face Shock rolled his eye.
"Hey it's okay. We'll save him." Shock told me and I nodded. "Now where is he?" Linking again we took off and that's when I saw Max Steel flying nearby. When he saw me he called out and flew over.
"I just heard what happened." Max told me and I nodded, wishing I could wipe my eyes. "We'll get that antidote and catch Toxzon."
"How can you be so sure? I tried to catch him and he poisoned my boyfriend. Now what do I do?" I sniffed as I hovered in midair. "I'm not so sure it's that easy."
"What happened to the stubborn Turbo user that Berto hangs out with? Where did she go?" Steel asked and I closed my eyes for a moment. When I opened them I was feeling more determined than ever.
"Let's go." I said and with a nod, we flew over Copper Canyon. For once we got lucky and I saw exactly who I was looking for. Madder than I had ever been in my life I charged for Toxzon who dodged at the last second and I almost hit the ground. Before I could face him, he flew away and I raced after him, leaving Max Steel in the dust.
"Get back here!" I yelled as I flew at top speed. When I finally caught up with him, I was a little out of breath.
"I'm guessing you're here about that N-Tek stooge." Toxzon said and I frowned at him.
"His name is Berto." I growled and he laughed. "Hand over the antidote." When he didn't answer I flew closer and he fired something at me. This time it was a green goop which slammed me into the ground and I was soon stuck fast.
"I thought you would have learned by now not to underestimate me." Toxzon said as he landed and stood over me. "But I guess once an N-Tek stooge, always an N-Tek stooge." Furious I struggled as he laughed in my face.
"It's no use. We walked right into that one." Shock said. "Jessie?"
"So you've failed, once again. I guess Berto will be the one to take the fall and die because you took me on yourself." Toxzon gloated and l surprised everyone present when I screamed; "Noooo!"
Toxzon actually took a step back as my Turbo powers built up and I managed to break free. Still screaming I unleashed the most powerful blast of Turbo energy I had on Toxzon who was struck and slammed into the ground. Before he could stand I rushed forward and grabbed him around his neck, yanking him off the ground. By this time Max Steel had arrived and they watched on in shock as I threw the villain. Then I grabbed him again and he actually whimpered.
"I'll give you the antidote!" He yelled handing me a small vial of an amber liquid. "Just let me go." Still fuming I dropped him.
"Go before I change my mind. And if you ever hurt Berto again…"I growled and he quickly nodded, rushing away as Max and Steel looked on. "Let's go Shock." I said as we flew away. After a moment Steel spoke to Max.
"I've never seen her blow up like that. I'm glad I'm not Toxzon." He said. Eventually they went after me. Rushing towards N-Tek I almost didn't see Max Steel fly into my path until I almost slammed into him.
"What do you want?" I asked him and he shook his head.
"To make sure you're okay. You blew up back there." He answered as I flew around him and he moved into my path again.
"I want to get back to Berto and help him." I replied as I again started for the Canyon entrance. This time he let me go and I managed to make it all the way back. As I landed I changed modes and soon raced to the Medical Bay in my camouflage mode.
"Berto?" I called out as I walked in. "Sorry I took so long." I said as I gently touched his forehead. When he didn't respond I placed a hand on his neck and I recoiled when I couldn't find his pulse. "Please no." I whispered as Shock detached.
"Calm down!" He shouted as I stood there. Quickly he checked the computer opposite. "He's alive."
As I heard that I fell to my knees and Shock called for help. Thankfully Forge was still at N-Tek and he rushed inside.
"What's happened?" He asked and Shock looked up. Quickly Shock took the vial from my pocket and handed it to Forge, who looked from it to Shock and me.
"It's the antidote to save Berto. Jessie got it from Toxzon." He told the Commander who nodded. Hurrying away to call Kat and Jefferson back, he left Shock to take care of his friend.
"Jessie listen to me carefully. Berto's still alive and we have the antidote to save him so stopping freaking out." Shock said as he hovered in front of my face. Sitting on the cold floor I took a deep breath and managed to climb to my feet.
"Are you…sure?" I asked as I looked at my boyfriend. When he nodded I didn't know how to react. As I stood there I felt my shoulders start to shake and by the time my friends arrived to save my friend I let out all the pain and anger I'd been holding in ever since I found out that Berto was dying with an almighty scream. As Kat injected the cure into Berto's arm I stayed as far back as possible, thinking that something somehow would go wrong and I'd lose someone else I cared about. It only took a few short minutes until Berto began to respond to the treatment and his eyes flickered open. He looked around and when his eyes settled on me he managed a smile. "Jessie." He whispered and I smiled back. When he closed his eyes, falling asleep, I fell to my knees and sobbed.