Running as fast as humanly possible away from the Megalink I wanted to change into J-Shock but I knew I couldn't for two reasons; Shock was trying to catch up and I didn't want Mega Elementor to find out my identity. So I kept right on running and crossing my fingers that Max Steel, C.Y.T.R.O or N-Tek turned up and saved me. Having to be saved did annoy me a bit but it did beat being stomped into the ground so I continued to stay just out of its reach, wishing I could tap into my Turbo powers.
"With Speed Mode I'd easily get away from you but no." I muttered to myself as I dodged a swipe of its claws by rolling. Leaping back to my feet I took off again and I heard Mega Elementor yell something.
"Would you stop running?" And I rolled my eyes as I ran and that's when it stopped running after me. Thinking maybe it had given up on catching me I made the mistake of stopping and turning around. Instantly something struck me and I hit the ground hard. Seeing stars I didn't notice it reach down and pick me up by one foot until I was dangling in its face. "I still don't see why Dredd thinks you're an obstacle to Lord Makino's conquest of this pathetic planet." He commented as I groaned, dizzy and the blood rushing to my head didn't help.
"So many stars." I mumbled and he growled at me before he lifted off the ground. Dazed I heard Berto call out to me but without Shock I couldn't change to any of my modes and that left me completely helpless. Without any backup I wondered where he was taking me but before he could leave the park something slammed into him and suddenly I was falling. Still dazed I closed my eyes waiting to get slammed into the ground and after a few seconds I discovered that I wasn't falling anymore I worked up the courage to open my eyes. To my shock I realized that someone had managed to catch me even though I had fallen and when I laid eyes on my rescuer I wasn't pleased. "You can let go of me." I said and he instantly let go, causing me to fall on my rear end with a yelp. Annoyed I stood and glared at Ven Ghan who was staring at me. Or at least I think he was because I can't see his face under that helmet thing he wears anyway.
"Max Steel asked if I could save you and I owed him." Ven Ghan told me as I continued to glare at him. Before I could think up a witty comeback, something about me not being helpless he shoved me suddenly and I sprawled. Furious now I was about to hit him when I realized that the Mega Elementor had just landed exactly where I had been seconds ago. Climbing to my feet I moved away as Ven Ghan attacked with his sword and I had to admit that he was an okay fighter.
"You alright?" Berto asked as he headed towards me and I grinned at him. "Maybe you should team up with him and…why are you looking at me like that?" He said as I crossed my arms.
"After what he did to me and after trying to take Shock away? No way." I growled and he rolled his eyes as Shock finally caught up with me. "Hey what kept you?" I asked and Shock rolled his eye at me before linking. Taking cover for a moment we changed to Strength Mode and I begrudgingly decided to help Ven Ghan. "I suppose he did save me but then we're even."
"Yeah yeah. Let's just stop Mega Elementor." Shock commented and I gave a quick nod before calling out to Ven Ghan.
"Heads up Ven!" I yelled and he jumped clear as I slammed my fist into the Megalink. As he was sent flying I changed modes and now in Flight Mode I grabbed him in midair before throwing him into the ground. Then I changed modes for the third time and before he could get up I hit him with my sword and shield in quick succession before taking a moment to charge up my sword with Turbo energy. Of course he dodged the blast with seconds to spare and followed up with a swipe of his metal claws. Having to dodge I didn't realize that it was a feint until he hit me with his mace and I was thrown into the ground with a thud. For the second time I was left dazed and helpless, instantly transforming into Base Mode. Berto, having seen the fight from a few feet away, yelled at me to get up but I couldn't focus enough with a ringing in my ears. Shock detached and began firing his Turbo energy at the Megalink but all it did was make him angry and he swung his fist at the Ultralink. Not moving quick enough he got sent flying and ended up at Berto's feet. Picking him up Berto asked if he was okay.
"Bad idea…really bad idea." The Ultralink mumbled as he tried to go after the Megalink again but too dizzy he fell to the ground instead and Berto had to pick him up again.
"Game over J-Shock." Mega Elementor laughed before he sent three metal spiked discs at me and I tried to dodge but even standing was impossible and as my boyfriend looked on it horror the discs kept coming. Closing my eyes I waited for the pain to start…but when it didn't I opened one eye to find that I was unhurt. Confused I wondered why until I saw Ven Ghan's sword still in front of me and that's when it clicked that he had saved me by deflecting all three discs. Wordlessly he reached down and, grabbing my arm, yanked me to my feet.
"Um…thanks?" I muttered and he nodded as Mega Elementor glared at us. Before I could say anything more Mega Elementor charged and I back flipped as Ven Ghan dodged before leaping and taking a swing at our enemy. Even in Base Mode I fought back and kicked out as Mega Elementor attacked me, striking his arm and as I watched Ven Ghan suddenly vanished. Confused I almost didn't dodge an incoming blow and at the last second I just moved in time, mentally telling myself to find Shock. As I raced away Ven Ghan appeared right beside Mega Elementor and taken off guard the villain hit the dirt. When I reached Berto and Shock I heard a familiar voice and when I looked up Max Steel waved to me.
"It's about time!" I called out and he yelled he had a test to finish before he could join. As he rushed towards Mega Elementor, currently battling Ven Ghan, I rolled my eyes and asked Shock if he wanted to help. With a quick nod he linked and together we shouted "Let's rock, Speed!" before we shot toward the monster and knocked him down. Finally enjoying having the upper hand I didn't figure out that he had backup and I was again knocked off my feet when Dredd and Naught showed up. Before I had time to dodge I was knocked flying by a blast of his Turbo energy and thrown several feet before ending up facedown barely conscious on the ground. Dimly I heard Berto call out to me and that's when I saw two Jump Jets fly overhead and begin firing at Dredd, Naught and the Dredd Naughts that they'd brought as backup. Then I felt someone take my arm and gently this time, pull me to my feet.
"You should really take better care of yourself." Berto suggested as C.Y.T.R.O looked down at me. Shaking my head I went after Dredd this time and Berto shook his head. "Just saying." He muttered to no one. Rushing headlong into battle I changed to Stealth Mode and made my way over to Naught first. Tapping him on the shoulder I managed not to laugh as he spun around and when he couldn't see anyone he scratched his head. This is going to be good, I thought to myself as I stepped in front of him. Before his eyes I reappeared and shouted "Boo!" in his face. The second he jumped I shoved him and he fell on his rear. Laughing I went after Dredd who proved a lot tougher though that was fine with me. Still furious about my mom's fate and his role in it I didn't concentrate enough. The second he saw me he charged and as I tried to attack I forgot about his syphon and he ripped my Turbo energy from me. As I screamed in pain he laughed at me then blasted me into a tree. But he didn't let up and flying over he grabbed me around my neck and, lifting me off the ground, began draining all the energy I had left. Grunting in pain I fell to my knees as I cried out and he laughed again.
"So pitiful and yet Mega Elementor couldn't defeat you?" Dredd said as I knelt there, gasping. With no energy to change modes I was helpless and then he said something to me. "Just like Claire and Henry. Both N-Tek who died trying to stop Makino. Too bad their deaths were in vain. I wonder what happened to their daughter. I guess she's an orphan now and all because of her parents' stupidity." He mocked and that's when my eyes glowed bright green under my helmet. As I managed to stagger to my feet I opened my mouth and let out a scream that caused everyone to stop and stare at me.
"Calm down Jessie!" Shock shouted into my head and normally that would have made me wince in pain from the volume. But not this time. So angry at Dredd for mocking my parents and for leaving me alone in this world something broke in me and I lunged towards him. Dodging he tried to syphon my energy but I grabbed him and punched his as hard as I could across his face. Ending up on the ground several feet away he watched as I stomped towards him. More than a little surprised at my anger he still managed to stop me in midstep. Not even caring I was thrown into the ground but I shot to my feet, ignoring the pain and lunged for him again. This time however Mega Elementor hit me with his mace and I hit the ground. This time I didn't get up and he kicked me, making me cry out before I blacked out. Rushing to my aid Max Steel used Turbo Cannon to knock Dredd and Mega Elementor flying and as they climbed to their feet he picked me up and carried me to safety. Once we were out of range Jefferson and Kat opened fire making Dredd, Naught and Mega Elementor retreat as their Dredd Naughts were decimated. Once the smoke cleared Berto rushed over to me and paused when he saw that I wasn't moving.
"Jessie?" He said and I moved my head, letting out a groan. "Oh thank goodness." As he stayed at my side Ven Ghan walked over, sheathing his sword. Once he was standing next to me he asked why I'd lost so badly and Berto actually whirled on him. "Don't you dare talk about her like that! " He shouted and Max Steel stepped in worried that Berto might actually attack Ven Ghan.
"Dude just chill okay?" Max said and Berto crossed his arms, still angry but more concerned about me for the moment. Turning back to me I felt him reach over and take me hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Barely conscious I still felt it and managed a weak squeeze in return before I completely blacked out. While I was passed out I missed what happened next but after I came to I found myself in a very familiar place.
"Uhhh."I groaned and when I opened my eyes I saw someone standing nearby and instantly my eyes narrowed. "What is he doing here?" I asked as I struggled to sit which caused my head to throb and I grimaced.
"Is this what all you people are like on this planet?" Ven Ghan asked his arms folded against his chest.
"No that's just Jessie's personality." Max said now in Base Mode and wearing his helmet. And that's when I found, to my disbelief, that I wasn't wearing my helmet as well.
"What happened to…?" I began to ask until Berto stepped forward and I stared at him, wondering why I wasn't in disguise. "Oh man. Now you know what I look like? Well there goes my secret identity." I muttered holding my head and my boyfriend laughed. I would have made a smart-alecky comeback if my head didn't hurt so much.
"Before you get mad he helped save you. Oh and by the way you made your helmet disappear in front of him so quit complaining." Shock told me as I groaned. "Are you okay?" He asked me as I lay back and rubbed my forehead.
"If my fracture hasn't healed yet I'm not. Besides I think my brain's going to come out my ears." I groaned as I lay there and Berto managed a laugh.
"You are injured and you fought your enemies still? That is impressive." Ven Ghan said and I grinned despite my pain. "Foolish but impressive." He added and I glared at him.
"Did you have to say 'foolish'? That just spoiled the complement." I grumbled and Max burst out laughing. "Yeah you keep laughing funny boy. I was fighting before you showed up."
"Like I told you before I had a test so I had to finish that before I rushed to help." Max told me and I rolled my eyes making my head hurt worse.
"I was running away from Mega Elementor in a dress. Beat that." I replied as I tried to stand and almost toppled to the ground. Sighing Berto took hold of my shoulders and gently pushed me back onto the bed.
"You're really accident prone aren't you?" He asked as I squeezed my eyes shut. Opening one eye I stared at him and he chuckled. "Don't give me that look. You know you let your anger get the best of you again." He pointed out and my other eye opened then.
"So you're saying that I getting hurt was my fault?" I asked him and he could sense the barely controlled anger in my voice. When he reached over trying to hug me I moved away. "Makino's to blame for both my parents' deaths and Dredd had a hand in my mom's death when he sent Ultimate Elementor after her. They're both dead because…just forget it." I growled suddenly and jumped onto the floor. Ignoring the pain in my forehead I stumbled out of the room obvious to Berto calling out to me. Once I was in the hallway I placed a hand onto my forehead and kept walking for the alleyway entrance. Flying after me Shock hovered next to me and asked why I'd run away from Berto.
"I don't want to talk about it." I grumbled and he shook his head before linking with me. "I feel like going home." Changing modes we left through the hangar entrance before Berto had time to catch up. A short time later I landed on the roof, changed to Camo Mode and climbed in via one of side windows. Once inside the apartment I ended up sitting on the floor my headache getting worse and when I groaned in pain Shock shook his head. Quickly closing the window he reached down and tried to pull me to my feet but obviously that didn't work since I weigh a lot more than him so he finally asked if I could stand. Groaning I climbed to my feet and staggered to the bedroom door before I found myself unable to open the door and Shock, really worried about me, reached over and opened it for me. With a bemused grin on my face I wandered inside and walked into the bed before falling it. Pulling my legs onto the bed I reached for my pillow but I didn't even manage to put it under my head before I fell asleep. When I finally woke up I discovered someone standing over me and when I opened my eyes I found Berto looking down at me.
"When did you get here?" I mumbled and he chuckled before sitting on the edge of the bed. Managing to sit up I rubbed my eyes as he watched me. "Huh? Why are you looking at me like that?" I added as I tried to figure out where I was.
"You left in a hurry yesterday and it's because I upset you." He told me and I tilted my head to one side, puzzled.
"Hmm…I don't really remember. Did we have a fight or a something?" I said as I yawned and he blinked before he spoke.
"Never mind. Are you feeling alright? You did get hurt and you still haven't had any tests done." He said to me as he reached over and brushed my fringe out of my face. As he did I watched his chocolate-brown eyes stare into mine and before I knew what I was doing I moved closer and kissed him on the lips. Hesitating for a few seconds he reached up and held my chin as he returned the kiss and for a few minutes we forgot about fighting to protect Earth, Makino or anything except each other. Then we broke part he smiled at me before he leaned over and began kissing my throat and I sighed, tilting my head back as he moved his mouth across my throat and neck. Then he began nibbling my throat and I groaned and he reached over and intertwined his hand in mine. Within a few moments he lifted his head and began nibbling my earlobe and I groaned again and I swear I heard him chuckle before he tongued my ear and I shuddered as he continued and I ended up lying on my back. Looking down at me he smiled then leaned down and nuzzled my neck and nibbled my ears until I closed my eyes. "Feeling better?" He asked me and when he saw the smile on my face he chuckled before he kissed me on the cheek and I opened my eyes.
"Aww that's it?" I pouted and he smiled at me. "Get a girl's hopes up why don't you?" I complained and it took him a moment to understand why I was annoyed.
"You thought that we were going to…oh boy." Berto said as he blushed and I gave him a grin. "I…uh…why did you think that?" He stammered and I giggled.
"We were making out weren't we?" I pointed out and he looked pretty embarrassed. "Maybe next time we could." I said and he coughed before I laughed. "Of course we can't. I mean I can't exactly remove my Base Suit so it's out of the question." I added tugging on a sleeve to emphasis my point and that's when I noticed that he actually looked disappointed. "I thought so. You do want to huh?" I laughed and he blushed. Still laughing at him I moved closer intentionally making him uncomfortable and he frowned at me before I rolled my eyes at him and stood. "I suppose we'd better get back to N-Tek." But when Berto pointed out that I should be going to school instead I frowned at him and he stood crossing his arms against his chest.
"Don't give me that look. You know what'll happen if anyone worked out why you've missed class." He told me and I winced before sighing. Finally agreeing to go to school I asked what he was going to do while I was 'bored out of my skull' as I put it and he grinned. "Believe it or not I'm working with Ven Ghan." The second he told me that I growled and he nudged my arm. "He's on our side so calm down. Besides he's an enemy of Makino and we need all the help we can get."
"You didn't get shot, twice, by him. Okay then have fun." I grumbled and he grinned before Shock flew in.
"Did she agree to go to school?" He asked and I stared at the both of them before I walked out. "She's really not a morning person is she?" He said as they heard a thud and I growled before I finally found what I was looking for. An hour later I found myself in the hallway of Copper Canyon High School and I sighed, still not completely convinced that I should be here. "You'll be fine. Besides if you miss any more classes they might make you repeat." Shock told me and I cringed at that.
"Thanks for that Shock. Class hasn't even started and I'm already bummed out." I grumbled before I went looking for Sydney and Kirby. Thankfully I didn't have to look further than my locker. As I walked over they were standing there and as I got closer Sydney waved me over.
"There you are." She said and I noticed that they both looked relieved at finding me here.
"Is something wrong?" I asked as I opened my locker and they exchanged a look of surprise before Kirby spoke.
"Well yeah. You got hurt helping Max Steel a few days ago and we were worried." He told me and I managed not to blink. Shock quickly spoke into my head and told me what to say so I didn't end up staring.
"Oh yeah. I'm completely fine now though. Still thanks for worrying about me." I said to them as I closed my locker. "So what's our first class?" I asked and a short time later I found myself in Math class. Trying hard not to worry about my test results I sat there listening to Mr Thornhill until class finally ended. But as I went to follow my friends into the hallway he asked if he could speak to me about the test I'd taken a few days ago. Now really worried I walked over to his desk and that's when he produced the test sheet and I was shocked to see my mark.
"Yes I'm as shocked as you are. But you did pass and actually surprised me by studying. Good work." Mr Thornhill said as he handed me the paper. "Keep this up, and actually attend class, and there's hope for you yet. Now hurry to your next class." Thanking him I hurried into the hallway unable to stop grinning. When lunchtime finally arrived I met up with Kirby and Sydney.
"So how'd you do?" Kirby asked and I wordlessly showed them my paper. "Whoa!" He said looking as surprised as I was.
"96 out of 100? Impressive. How did you manage to get that score?" Sydney asked and I sat down before I explained that Berto helped tutor me. "Oh that explains it." She added as they both grinned at me and I blushed slightly at them.
"Hey he offered to help me. Not because he's my boyfriend." I replied though I could tell they weren't totally convinced but I didn't have to explain further when I received a call on my phone. "I'll be right back." I said as I went to walk away and that's when Kirby called out to me.
"Say hello to your boyfriend for us!" And I tried not to blush furiously as I took the call.