Once I was out of earshot I answered my phone and was a little surprised to find out it was Berto.
"Hello?" I said and after a moment Berto answered. "What's up?"
"I was just wondering if you were free after school today." He asked me and I grinned knowing exactly why he wanted to know.
"Yeah I am. Why do you ask?" I replied and it took him a moment before he answered, probably working up the courage to ask me out again. But we've gone out a few times so why would he be nervous, I thought to myself. Once he finally spoke into the phone I was little shocked to hear what he asked next.
"You've probably already figured why I called you. It's to ask you out on a date of course and…well…"For a few seconds he was silent and then he came back on the phone. "Look I'll tell you after school okay?" He added sounding nervous for some reason and that puzzled me. After I agreed to meet him outside the school after, well school, he hung up and as I walked back to Sydney and Kirby I was lost in thought.
"What did he want to talk to you about?" Shock asked and I shrugged as I rejoined my friends.
"So who was it?" Sydney asked and they weren't too surprised when I told them that Berto had asked me out on a date again. "So where are you two going?"
"He said he'd meet me outside school after class and that's all I know." I replied and noticing the confused look on my face Kirby asked why I looked so worried. "I think Berto wanted to tell me something else but then he ended up hanging up. He said he'd tell me during our date."
"It might be good news so why do you look so worried?" Sydney asked as I chewed my lower lip.
"It's just…he sounded kinda nervous and that's what worries me." I answered and before I could say any more the bell rung and I sighed. As we walked to class I began to worry that he might be breaking up with me and that caused me to almost walk into Butch.
"Where are you going Jessie?" He asked as he stood in the doorway of my next class and I frowned at him, worrying about Berto and what he wanted. "To class" I muttered and he grinned at me before shocking me with what he said next. "Not until you agree to go on a date with me." And I stared at him in shock.
"If you remember I have a boyfriend. Now could you please move?" I asked trying to fight the urge to pick him up and throw him. Then I noticed him giving me a smile and I wasn't ready to hear what he said next to me.
"From what I heard it might be your ex-boyfriend soon. Sounds like he's gotten tired of you." Butch commented as he moved aside and I wandered in, shocked that he knew exactly what I feared most. "Give me a call when you're single again." He added before taking a seat with his two cronies and I didn't hear them laughing still freaking out over what he had just said. Seeing the lost look on my face Sydney and Kirby exchanged a look, clearly angry at Butch for being so cruel, but they didn't get a chance to help me when our French teacher walked in. Trying to focus on what our teacher was saying and attempting to ignore the thoughts running through my head proved pretty difficult and I was almost ready to run from class until Shock spoke into my head.
"He cares about you and he'd never do something like that. Butch is just jealous that Berto has someone as amazing as you and he doesn't." He said and I managed a small smile. By the time class was over I told Sydney and Kirby that I'd see them tomorrow before I hurried away. Even after Shock's encouragement I had my doubts that what Berto had to tell me was positive though I wouldn't find out until I actually got to talk to him. As soon as I stepped outside I saw Berto waiting and he waved to me. Waving back I walked towards him still nervous about what he had to tell me and as soon as I joined him he smiled at me. Then he saw the worried expression on my face and he frowned slightly.
"What's wrong?" He asked and that's when he figured it out and gave me a smile. "Oh I know. It's about the call from earlier isn't it?" He said and I gave him a quick nod. "It's nothing bad I promise." As we started walking towards central Copper Canyon Berto asked how I went on the Math test and I managed to grin before I told him the mark I received. "A 96? That's pretty impressive. Congrats."
"Thanks but I couldn't have done it without your help." I replied and he grinned at me. "So where are we going?" I asked him and I pouted a little when he told me it was a secret. "Okay fine then I guess I have to wait." But I didn't have long to wait before I found myself outside a movie theater and as I followed Berto inside I wondered what was going on.
"Where are we?" Shock asked and I told him the movie theater and that puzzled him. "I wonder what movie?" He said and I shrugged getting a strange look from a group of people nearby. Ignoring their stares I went looking for Berto and I soon found him holding two tickets. Before I could ask what movie we were seeing he grinned at me and hid the title under his palm.
"Alright I get it. So how long until the movie starts?" I asked with a sigh and Berto told me we had about twenty minutes to go so we went to get popcorn and drinks. By the time we found our seats and sat I checked and I found that we only had about five minutes until the movie started. Since it was pretty dark Shock flew out of my bag and hovered above the seat beside me, curious about what movie we were going to see together and after a moment Berto finally spoke.
"You don't know what today is do you?" He said as he turned to me and I shook my head. "It's your birthday." He told me and when I stared at him, puzzled he chuckled. "You really can't remember your own birthday?"
"Not really. I still have some trouble with my memory." I replied and he smiled at me. "So I'm really another year older today?"
"Yeah. I only just found out today that you turn 17 though I really don't know the exact time so your guess is as good as mine." Berto explained and I gave him a grateful smile. "So for now how about 5pm?"
"Sounds perfect. Thanks for taking me actually us out." I told him as I reached over and gave his hand a squeeze. After the movie we were on our way back to the Vista View Apartments and as we walked we talked about The Avengers movie we'd just watched. "That's was an awesome movie. Thanks again."
"You're welcome. I'm glad you had fun today. Besides you two have been fighting a lot against Makino and Dredd lately and I thought you could both use a break." Berto said as we reached my apartment and as he got ready to call for a lift back I surprised him this time by asking if he wanted to come in for a while and after seeing the shocked look on his face I giggled.
"I meant while you wait for your lift. Don't look so worried." I said and he finally laughed. Once inside the kitchen/living room he closed the door behind him as I walked over and opened the fridge door. Intending to get myself a drink I was caught by surprise when Berto wrapped his arms around my middle and I almost bumped into the fridge door when I jumped. "Whoa!" I yelped and he chuckled as I stood up straight intending to turn around but then Berto pulled me against him and as I stood there, very confused, he moved his face within centimeters of my neck before he spoke.
"How are you liking your second birthday present?" He asked me and I shivered as I felt his warm breath on my neck. Before I could think of an answer he brushed my hair out of the way and kissed my neck.
"I definitely like it." I answered before I turned around and leaned in. His lips brushed mine than he moved closer and as he did Berto reached up and put his hand behind my neck. Then he started kissing me and I wondered why I had thought we were breaking up in the first place. As he nibbled my lips I felt better than I'd ever had in months but of course we were interrupted yet again and I sighed as Berto's phone beeped suddenly. With his arms still wrapped around my middle I raised an eyebrow at him in disbelief as he took one hand off me to answer his phone.
"Sorry." He said as he checked his message and I stared at him. "Looks like my ride's here. I have to go." He told me and I sulked a bit. Before I had time to move away he wrapped his arms around my middle. I was about to let him know how mad I was but my anger soon vanished when he kissed me. When we broke apart I had a silly grin on my face and he chuckled. "I'll see you tomorrow at N-Tek." He told me and I said 'okay' still smiling at him. After he left Shock rolled his eye at me in amusement before asking how long I was going to stand there.
"Oh right. Heh I guess I got a little distracted." I replied. "I'm pretty tired so I guess its bed time." I said as I yawned. Stumbling to my bedroom I sprawled on the bed the same silly smile on my face. Flying over to me Shock rolled his eye at me again. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked as I sat and he shrugged.
"Well when you're with Berto all common sense flies out the window." He commented and I shook my head. "You were mad at him until he kissed you and now you have that weird grin on your face."
"Okay then I'll admit that I do go a little silly when he kisses me. But he is my boyfriend and I lo…oh boy." I answered suddenly blushing. Now interested Shock flew around me eyeing me curiously.
"Did you almost say that you love him?" He asked me and I tried to shake my head as I sat heavily on the bed. "It's just me asking and I can keep a secret."
"Alright. I can't believe that I'm admitting this to you but…yeah I do love him." I told him and I sighed as I lay on the bed. "But you have to promise not to tell anyone else okay?" I added and he nodded though I wasn't totally convinced he wouldn't tell someone. And the next day he proved me right. We had only just arrived at N-Tek having gotten a call about a possible sighting of Dredd and Naught early that morning and as Berto walked over to greet us, Shock changed me into my Camo mode. Then before I could stop him he told Berto exactly what he promised not to.
"Jessie has something to tell you." He said and I stared at him angry. Noticing the look on my face he suddenly flew away and I put my head in my hands. Not sure what was going on Berto looked towards me and then Shock before walking over to stand next to me.
"Is something the matter?" He asked and when I didn't uncover my face he sighed and put a hand on my shoulder. "You know you can tell me and I won't tell anyone."
"That's what Shock said and he lied." I said as I looked up. "I told him something and he blurts it out to the one person I didn't want him to." When Berto looked hurt I cringed.
"Then you don't have to tell me. I just thought…don't worry about it." He replied and as he went to leave I quickly grabbed his arm and stopped him. When he turned back and stared at me I managed to tell him what I didn't want to admit.
"I…uh…how do I say this?" I stammered and his expression softened. "I…um…geeze. Why can't I say it to you?" I muttered as I felt tears threatening. Suddenly Berto pulled me into a hug and after a moment I buried my head in his shoulder.
"Todo ira bien." He said as he held me and it wasn't until we heard Max call out that he let go off me and stepped back. "Ready to bring back Dredd and Naught?" He asked and I nodded. Though as we ran towards the Com Room I still had my doubts that I'd be able to tell him how I really felt about him. By the time we ran into the room we found Forge, Kat and Jefferson already waiting for us.
"Where's the fire?" I asked and Max rolled his eyes at me. As I walked over Berto studied the computer before his fingers raced over to the keyboard and then I saw a map of Copper Canyon appear.
"They're in the canyon though we don't know why exactly." Forge told us and I nodded.
"Whatever it is it can't be good so let's stop them before they can cause any more trouble." Jefferson said and I gave him a nod. "So what's the plan Commander?"
"We bring our big guns and take them down?" Shock said and I laughed at that.
"Not a bad idea. Let's move out. Jessie, you and Max team up and focus on Dredd." Forge told me and I nodded, more determined than ever to bring him to justice. "Oh and focus on the battle and not whatever Dredd says about your parents. We need you to focus." He added before he raced for the hangar and I stood there in silence.
"I should focus? What's he mean by that?" I asked and Max shrugged before changing to Flight Mode and leaving me. Knowing exactly why Forge had said what he said Berto walked over and gave my hand a quick squeeze.
"He doesn't want anyone to get hurt. And especially not you after losing your parents." He said and I gave him a nod before hurrying after Max and Steel. "Just keep her safe." He said to Shock who nodded and flew after his partner. Once he caught up with me we changed to Flight Mode in midstep and I flew out of the roof entrance and shot after Max Steel. By the time I caught up with him he gave me a thumbs up.
"Let's take them down!" He called out and I returned the thumbs up before overtaking him and he had to catch up with me. As we flew over the canyon we kept our eyes out for Dredd and Naught. Then I saw something and I flew a little closer which proved to be a big mistake when someone fired at me and I only just dodged in time.
"Whoa!" I yelled as Naught laughed and took aim at me again. But this time I was ready and dodging I flew after him, picking him up. Then I gave him an evil grin and threw him at Dredd who stepped aside and Naught hit the ground with a thud. "Bet he felt that." Shock commented as I laughed before charging after Dredd. Without landing I yelled "Let's rock Strength Mode!" and in seconds I charged at Dredd taking out any Dredd Naught dumb enough to try and stop me. "Take this!" I yelled before I threw a punch and it connected throwing him backwards where he landed and we clashed.
"What part of 'team up' did she not understand?" Forge grumbled as he watched me trade blows with Dredd. "Forget it. Let's just bring them back." He added before running towards the Dredd Naughts with several agents backing him up. As he did two Jump Jets flew overhead piloted by Jefferson and Kat who began firing on the army of Dredd Naughts who fired back. Meanwhile Max Steel had come to back me up but he instantly found his way blocked when Mega Elementor finally showed up and threw his mace at my friend. Ducking just in time Max Steel stared at the Megalink as it laughed at him.
"Miss me Max Steel?" It growled before charging and Max Steel realized he'd have to take him down before helping me.
"I guess Jessie's on her own for now." Steel said as they changed to Strength Mode and attacked. "I just hope she doesn't let her anger get the better of her again."
But I was as I fought Dredd and he quickly noticed my lack of focus and used that to his advantage. Suddenly grabbing me he drained my Turbo energy and I cried out. As I hunched over he laughed then his armor glowed red. Grabbing me by the shoulders he threw me and I crashed to the ground. Really mad I attacked with a yell and Shock tried to calm me down but it didn't work as I kept running. Then someone suddenly jumped in my way and I stopped with a growl.
"What do you think you're doing?" I growled at C.Y.T.R.O who just shook his head at me. "I have to beat Dredd."
"Beat or destroy?" Berto asked me and I blinked at him. "You're letting yourself lose control again. Calm down and focus on the plan." Taking a deep breath I managed to control myself enough to realize he was right. "Now are you okay?" He asked and I nodded.
"I'll just kick his butt!" I yelled before I went after Dredd. Using a combination of Speed and Strength mode I managed to dodge his energy blasts and then use the Turbo sword to knock him flying. Then I changed to Flight mode and went after him, raining multiple blows on the villain with the sword before he hit the ground. I landed and switched to Stasis Mode and began to use my Turbo energy to charge the canisters. As I did Dredd climbed to his feet and sent a blast at me. Having no time to dodge I braced for the blow but C.Y.T.R.O took the blow meant for me instead and I looked up still focusing my Turbo energy. Giving me a thumbs up I nodded at the robot and then the canisters flashed green. Grinning I let Dredd have it and I laughed as he let out a pained yell before falling to one knee. "And Dredd goes down!" I called out and to my surprise he began to laugh and I just stared at him. "And apparently he's lost his mind." I added as I watched him get to his feet and that's when I felt a chill.
"Why do I get the feeling that he planned this?" Shock said to me and I didn't answer as a shadow started to cover the battlefield. "Okay what is that?" He asked as I slowly turned around. And that's when I saw a huge spaceship appear that dwarfed the other ships that accompanied it. "Actually I suddenly don't want to know." He added as I swallowed. Before I could do anything it opened fire and I ran for my life.
"Oh man!" I yelled as I quickly changed to Speed mode and shot towards Max Steel. Even he had stopped fighting Mega Elementor to stare at the spaceship that was opening fire on everything N-Tek, including us and Forge gave the order to retreat. But Mega Elementor wouldn't let us go and he threw his mace at Max Steel. I rushed forward and shoved him clear which left me wide open and the mace clipped my helmet knocking me several feet away. I didn't even realize that I was back in Base Mode as I tried to stand and fight back. Pulling back his mace Mega Elementor swung it at me and I heard Shock yell at me to move. Confused I was about to be hit for the second time when someone dived at me and we both tumbled and rolled to a stop on the ground. "Owww. Why did you…Ven Ghan?" I said as he stood and offered me his hand. Wordlessly I took it and he pulled me to my feet before going after Mega Elementor who glared at him.
"Ven Ghan! This time you won't get away!" It yelled at him before they clashed and I hurried over to Max Steel. "Thank you!" I yelled as he side stepped a blow and slammed his sword into the Megalink's face. Roaring in pain and anger it charged at him and I completely forgot about taking cover as I watched the fight.
"I really think we should retreat." Shock said and I was about to but I realized I couldn't let Ven Ghan fight alone. So before Max Steel could stop me I rushed forward. "Oh no." He muttered sensing what I was going to do and as I called out "Let's rock Strength Mode!" we rushed Mega Elementor who wasn't expecting a team up.
"When did the Ultralink hunter gain allies?" It asked as it dodged my punch. "I thought you worked alone?"
"When we work towards the same goal, namely stopping Makino." I replied as Ven Ghan kicked out and knocked the Mega Elementor over. "And anyone who sides with him." I added as I threw a punch at its face. "So there." I finished and Shock detached for a moment.
"Nice comeback." He told me as I grinned. Unfortunately our little victory didn't last long when I heard a new voice that seemed to be coming from everywhere at once. "Okay who was that?" Shock asked and when we looked over I stared. Walking towards us was another alien and even from a distance something about him made me start to shake. Quickly I clenched my fists trying to fight my fear and the being began to laugh at me. Even Shock linked with me and I could sense his fear too. I didn't blame him.
"Makino." I heard Ven Ghan growl before he suddenly charged forward and that's when two of his Ultralink monsters blocked his attack and knocked him back. "The destroyer of worlds." He muttered and my eyes went wide.
"So you're one of Earth's protectors? To think that you and Max Steel have constantly prevented my soldiers from taking this world." He said and behind me I noticed Mega Elementor on one knee. "I once tried to take this planet by force but that proved…unsuccessful. So I bided my time and for the last sixteen years I have raised an army. Though it does interest me to find two of my soldiers fighting alongside my enemies. Steel the traitor who sided with a human and now Shock. Who betrayed me and my army so now I am here to finish what I started sixteen years ago by conquering this planet. " Makino then narrow his eyes at Ven Ghan. "Starting with the last of his kind, the Ultralink Hunter." He growled and he gave the order to attack.
Quickly changing to Knight Mode I blocked their attacks and called to Max Steel for backup. Preoccupied with trying to stop the numerous ships attacking I found myself teaming up with Ven Ghan. Thanking the fact he was an amazing fighter I joined forces and grabbed his arm before throwing him up and over the two Ultralinks. Swinging his sword at them he took them both down before running at Makino. To my shock he was thrown back and I rushed towards my ally to help him up but he jumped to his feet and attacked again. This time Makino knocked his sword aside and grabbed him around the throat before laughing in his face. "Ven!" I called out as I ran to help but Mega Elementor blocked my path and attacked me, forcing me to dodge.
As Ven Ghan struggled to free himself I could see that Makino was slowly choking him and as I dodged the Megalink, Ven Ghan began to struggle less and less. Thinking fast I pulled Shock off my chest and focused my Turbo energy through him before I launched him at Makino. As Shock slammed into Makino's arm he let go and Ven Ghan dropped to the ground gasping.
Dizzy, Shock managed to return to me as I hurried over and pulled Ven Ghan to his feet. Shaking his head he gave me a nod as a silent thank you then stood beside me as Mega Elementor attacked us. Tag teaming him we rushed and rained blow after blow on him, knocking him over and that's when Ven Ghan threw me at it. Linking with me we changed to Strength Mode and I slammed both fists into its face aiming for the five Ultralinks in its forehead. It was a direct hit and with a roar the monster fell onto its back, knocked out cold. Then I turned and glared at Makino who glared back at me. "And now for you."
"Pathetic human. I've conquered countless worlds before I arrived here and they all resisted. Soon this planet will fall just as they did." He said as he started for me. With a growl I ran at him and that's when he suddenly attacked me and I was thrown several feet slamming into the ground with a thud. Crying out in pain I heard Shock tell me to move but I couldn't stand. Thankfully someone picked me up and flew me to safety. As I shook my head, trying to clear it, I found that Berto had saved me.
"Are you okay?" He asked as I jumped down and almost fell to my knees. "Maybe you should rest for a moment." He said but I stepped forward.
"I have to help Ven Ghan and Max Steel…frankly everyone. If Makino wins we're through. Earth's gone." I said as I started walking and that's when C.Y.T.R.O stopped me with his arm. "What are you doing?" I asked him and I was shocked when I saw a Jump Jet land and Berto rushed down the ramp. Standing there I stared at him as he quickly stood beside me. "What are you doing here? It's not safe!" I pointed out but he shook his head. Then he reached over and put his hands in mine.
"I'll go but not until I hear what you wanted to say to me before." He told me and I made my helmet vanish so I could look him straight in the eyes. Looking into his chocolate-brown eyes I finally sighed and spoke.
"I wanted to say that…I love you. I couldn't say it before but now…I might not have another chance. If I don't make it…at least you know." I said and his eyes went wide for a few seconds before he smiled at me.
"Ques has tardado tanto?" He asked and I didn't have time to ask what he'd said before he wrapped his arms around my neck and pulled me closer. "I love you too." He said before he leaned forward and pressed his lips against. Stunned it took me a couple of seconds before I began to kiss him back and as I did I reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck. I closed my eyes as we kissed and I forgot about the battle raging around us as we held each other and as he nibbled my lips I made a noise in my throat. It wasn't until Shock spoke that we finally let go of each other and he sighed.
"We have to go." I said and Berto nodded. Giving my hand a quick squeeze he told me to be careful then hurried for the Jump Jet. As he did he looked back as I linked with Shock and flew back using Flight Mode.
"Please come back." He said before the Jump Jet took off and began to fire at the Ultralinks. While Jefferson and Kat fired from the sky Forge attacked the Ultralinks from the ground. Rejoining my friends I rushed to help Ven Ghan who was finding Makino to be a powerful being.
"Need some help?" I called out and without looking away he gave me a quick nod and I rushed forward dodging several shots fired in my direction and threw myself into the battle. Not knowing how to beat Makino I had to think on my feet and as I dodged Shock tried to think up a plan.
"What should we do?" I asked as I ran towards Ven Ghan only for Dredd to suddenly appear and rip my Turbo energy from me. "Agghh!" I screamed as I fell to my knees and he chuckled before stepping aside and Makino walked towards me. Weak I felt Makino reached down and grab me around the throat and as I suddenly found my air supply being cut off I panicked. Kicking out as I struggled to free myself I found my efforts were in vain and slowly I began to black out. Quickly detaching from me Shock fired at Makino again and again but the alien just swatted him aside. As he hit the ground several feet away I thought I was going to die and as I felt my mind start to shut down I heard Dredd mocking me.
"You failed. Just as everyone does eventually does. Now the Earth belongs to Makino. If he decides not to absorb it and everyone on it of course." He laughed and that's when I remembered what my parents did to protect me and this planet. Then I thought about Berto and how much I wanted to see him again and I felt my Turbo energy begin to surge as my fear and anger grew. To Makino and Dredd's surprise I began to glow a bright green and suddenly I had the strength to get free. I kicked out and his grip loosened allowing me to drop and roll to get away from him. Kneeling I gently picked up Shock and asked if he was alright. Linking with me he chuckled.
"Isn't that my line? Are you ready to take this alien down and save Earth?" He asked me and I smiled still glowing green. Giving him a nod I yelled and rushed at Makino who was puzzled that I had managed to prevent him from destroying me.
"Impossible. How did you…?" He asked before I leapt at him and I head-butted him squarely in the face. Now furious that I'd struck him he glared at me before he rushed me.
"Bring it on." I shouted just before we clashed.
End of part one