Two days later

The sun rose early in the morning, the Foster's manor casting a shadow that covered the street. At the same time, Jack had gotten out of bed and began exercising as was his routine. After finishing his push-ups, he took a shower (Frankie showed him how to use it the morning after he came) then dressed in his robe. As he exited the room, the halls were silent, save for the occasional snoring. He made his way to the end and descended the various staircases, his geta clicking and sometimes creaking the floorboards. After making his way to the foyer, a slightly disheveled Frankie came in sipping from a mug. Jack waved and the caretaker looked up, "Oh, hey. Get a good rest last night?"

"Yes, thank you." She smiled. "You really are too formal. Anyway, if you want some work, the unicorn stables need cleaning if you're alright with that."

"It would be no bother."

"Great! Help yourself to whatever's in the kitchen and you can get started." She retreated to the other hallways as Jack made for the kitchen. He snacked on an apple before grabbing another and headed outside. Just like the other friends, most of the unicorns and pegasi were asleep but a few were up and standing in their pens. Jack walked to one unicorn who was white with a pink mane. "Good morning, Frank."

"Hiya Jack." The horse's voice was gruff with a Brooklyn accent. "You brought me a little something-something?" Jack took the apple out of his pocket and held to Frank's snout. "Thanks, pal." As Frank began eating, Jack put his hand to his mane and started stroking it. "Hey!" The imaginary horse interjected, "You know I don't like being pet by adults. Makes sense for kids but when a man does it, it's just weird."

"Oh, I apologize."

"'S alright, just, please get it in your head." Jack bowed slightly before going to the nearby pitchfork. He took it and started shoveling old and new hay in and out of the stables.

Jack had been working for forty-five minutes before he stepped outside for fresh air. He wiped the sweat from his brow and looked up, smiling at the clear blue skies. It suddenly vanished as he made out a distant object that was rapidly becoming bigger and bigger. Jack could barely catch a glimpse as it quickly impacted into the front lawn of the Foster's mansion; the crash shook the earth, startling the imaginary horses and throwing them into a ruckus. Jack walked around to find that most of the residents of Foster's had come out to check the crash, many in their pajamas. Bringing up the rear was Bloo, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and groaning. "What the heck is going on? Is it breakfast already?"

"I do not believe we will be offered food my friend." Bloo made a grating scream of frustration before Jack walked past him. He pushed through the crowd to find a crater, and within it, a meteor made of green slime. Jack drew his sword, "Stay back! We do not know what this is." He slid down to the bottom before approaching the anomaly. He lowered his blade as he slowly began to raise his hand to place it on the surface. Suddenly, an emerald tendril shot out, reaching for Jack's neck. "Señor Jack!" Eduardo cried. He just barely ducked when the ball continued with more tendrils. After gaining momentum from his dodges, Jack countered with a one-handed swipe from his sword, managing to sever an appendage. The mass shrieked as its lost arm shriveled up. It then slowly pulled back its other arms before bubbling and shuddering. All of a sudden, a dozen blobs of goo erupted from it, spreading all around the street. Some hit tress while others hit cars. For one painstaking minute, all was silent. "Did we win?" Wilt was soon answered with the cracking of wood and twisting of metal, everyone covering their ears in response.

From the areas that the slime fell on, the objects were changing, rearranging. The tree's branches began to grow into arms and fingers as the roots started rising from the earth. The cars crunched within themselves as the headlights turned green. Eventually, the trees and cars had morphed into monsters, the former looking like shadowed tree-people with willow heads and arms and the latter like mini Tyrannosaurs with no arms. Instead of attacking however, they turned away and began expelling more of the green sludge into the environment. Jack looked back at the meteor behind him before narrowing his eyes. He leapt into the air, drew his sword overhead and let out a battle cry. He brought his blade down on the cancer, bisecting it vertically. The sides toppled oppositely, not a sound made from either. It is then that the car beasts turned towards Jack before roaring fiercely. They broke into a run, causing the crowd of imaginary friends to scream. At the doors was Frankie who shouted, "Everyone, get inside now!" She didn't need to repeat herself as the friends stampeded to get to safety. Luckily, they had all gotten in before Frankie shut the doors, leaving Jack with the monsters. The T-Rex's surrounded the samurai, one at each Cardinal direction. Jack took his stance as he waited for the inevitable assault, the beasts breathing steadily. Just then, the south one bellowed and charged, jaws ready to crush its prey. Jack ran towards it before making a side-step, allowing him to slice the creature horizontally. It made a feeble groan before falling into spare parts. Suddenly, the north mimicked it's fallen comrade's attack. As Jack made his side-step, the beast spun, smacking Jack in the back with its tail, the warrior falling on the ground. The west bellowed and attempted to stomp onto Jack but he rolled out of the way before getting to his feet. Rather than continue defensively, the samurai dashed forward. The Tyrannosaur in front attempted to chomp at the oncoming foe, but he jumped at the last minute, landing on the creature's head and stabbing it. Rather than stand still, he jumped to the next one, blade pointed downward. Before the Tyrannosaur could react, Jack had already pierced its cranium and its green headlights dimmed. The last one, in an act of desperation, shot a ball of green goo from its mouth, only to have Jack slice it in half with a quick draw. The monster began to step backwards, but Jack leaped in the air once more, sword held to the sun and yelling a battle cry. When he landed, the creature groaned and stumbled before melting into parts. Jack looked around at the junk before he heard a screech.

He turned to find that while he had dealt with the cars, the trees had been busy increasing their numbers. They had grown to easily three dozen and were marching to Jack, their roots acting like spindly limbs crawling in sync. Jack took up a stance as the trees stopped, red eyes calculating and planning. "Hold everything!" The sudden cry drew the combatants' attention to the roof of the manor. Looking upon them was Madame Foster, both hands resting atop her cane planted in front of her. Behind her, a blinding light shone, casting a shadow. "Now listen up! Oh, Herriman, you can turn that off now, I think they get the idea."

"Yes, Madame." Click!

"Now, if there's one rule we got here at Foster's, it's that we take care of our own! Artillery!" Behind her, nearly every single friend had gathered holding various objects from baseballs to apples to computers. The woman then held her cane in the air, "Ready?! Fire!" A barrage of random objects fell like a wave on the fusion creatures. It wasn't enough to actually destroy them, but it did brake branches and roots that served as hands and feet. Behind the group of friends, Coco kept laying eggs at an automatic rate, adding to the pile of junk. At some point, she must have laid a bomb because an object created an explosion which blew a hole in the trees' ranks. The creatures screeched and hissed, but with the continuous assault, they could not get themselves in a position to shoot acid at the friends. It was then that the sound of clopping rang out. From behind the house, a troop of unicorns came charging. At the front was one that Jack recognized. "Frank!" The imaginary horses stopped in front of Jack, "Hop on!" Frank shouted. The samurai didn't need to be told twice as he mounted up. Frank reared and cried, "Charge!" The horses dashed at their discombobulated enemies, either goring them with their horns or kicking them to the ground. Jack was busy slicing the trees as Frank galloped between the gaps. The attack continued until all of the trees laid upon the ground, broken, cracked and oozing green slime. "Cease fire!" The Madame called to her troops. After Eduardo tossed one last ball and broke a tree's limbs, things were silent. Then the friends burst into cheering, their enemies defeated. As Jack stepped off the horse, he heard a hissing noise. He looked to his sword and saw that the green goo was fading off of his blade. He wiped it off on the ground before sheathing it. "Señor Jack!" Jack barely had time to spin around before Eduardo tackled him and trapped him in a hug. "I am so glad to see you are alright!" Behind him, Wilt and Coco came into view. "I'm sorry, but that was amazing! The way you took 'em on!"

"Coco coco co coco."

"I know, right."

"Thank...you..." Jack barely breathed out. "Oh," Eduardo let go, "Lo siento." Jack coughed as he got to his feet. "Are you guys okay?!" From the front gates, Mac came running in, stopping in front of the group. "I saw something fall out of the sky and I came as soon as I could! Where's Bloo?!"

"Oh, he's inside. Is that okay?"

"So he's not hurt? Phew. Anyway, what happened?"

"Oh," Eduardo chipped in, "First this muy scary meteor came down and it made all of these monsters, and, and..."

"My buddy Jack here put 'em through the ol' wood chipper. Ain't that right Jacky?"

"Well, I could not have done it without all of your help."

"Ah, you're just bein' modest. From now on, you're one of my crew! A Bayside Bruiser for life, brother!"

"Thank you, I am honored by the invitation."

"Hey, Mac!" Bloo came strolling down the steps. "You should'a been here! I was amazing! I-"

"Frank already told me what happened."

"Oh, yeah. I guess he helped a little." Frank snorted. It was then the rest of the manor came out with Frankie, Herriman and Madame Foster out in front. "Well," Herriman began, "I'm glad that horrible ordeal is over. We can't thank you enough, Master Jack." Jack made his trademark bow. "Thank you."

Suddenly, Mac's phone began to ring so he pulled it out. "Yeah, mom? Uh huh. Yeah, I'm with my friends. What? OK. Don't worry, we're okay. Yeah I'm fine. Yes, I'll tell them. Okay, I love you too." Beep! "That was my mom. She says school's cancelled for some reason. I think it has to do with that meteor but I don't think they knew there were monsters."

"So what do we do now?" Jack asked. "We should probably head to Beach City to find Steven. He's got some friends who are supposed to deal with this stuff."

"Then it's settled!" Madame Foster tapped her cane. "You two head off on your little quest while we hold down the fort here."

"Wait, Grandma! Are you sure? Without Jack-"

"Oh pish posh, we handled ourselves just fine there. If those rapscallions want to tangle again, we'll be ready, right gang?" The menagerie of friends cheered in affirmation with fists in the air. "Well, there you have it. I'll give you fellas bus fare and you pack your bags. Funny bunny, grab my change purse!"

"Right away, Madame." Eduardo raised and shook his arm vigorously, "Ooh, ooh, can we go too?"

"I'm sorry, but can we?"

"Coco coco?"

"No." Madame Foster answered shrugging off their pleas. "Por que?!"

"We need each of you if we want to get ahead. Of course, Bloo is welcome to go if he wants."

"Pfft. No thank you! I'd rather stay here than get on some smelly bus."

"Suit yourself. Oh, I should mention that starting this afternoon, we'll be having exercise routines to get us in tip-top shape. No exceptions!" Bloo's face sunk. "On second thought," he zipped behind Mac, "I've got your back, buddy. Friends forever and that stuff." Madame Foster giggled as she returned to the house. What they failed to notice was that a strand of the goo from the trees began moving. Blending with the grass, it snaked its way to the house and slipped into the foundation...

Two hours later

Jack, Bloo and Mac each had a loaded backpack they got from Mac's apartment and had fresh clothes, snacks and other essentials. They were standing outside of the bus station, a building that was mainly black with large windows that allowed anyone to see the moderate size of people walking and sitting on benches. In the corner was a large computer screen marking the various busses, terminals and destinations. The trio were currently at the drop-off section as Frankie said goodbye. "Now you have everything, right? Chargers, phone, clothes?"

"Yes, Frankie," Mac groaned, "I already went over all of this with my mom."

"Just checking, kiddo." She gave Mac a quick hug before rising to Jack's level. "I am grateful for your help, Frankie." Once again, the samurai bowed. "We should be thanking you for what you did with those monsters. Grandma likes to act tough, but we all know you were the real hero." She looked to Mac. "Just make sure this little guy gets back safe."

"You need not ask." Frankie then gave a surprise hug, which prompted Jack to open his eyes slightly but answer in kind before the caretaker stepped back. She smiled, "I'm gonna miss you guys."

"Hey!" Bloo called from behind his two companions, "Let's get rolling! I don't want to hang out here all day!" Frankie began to walk to her bus while waving, Mac doing the same while Jack did it slower and slightly more awkwardly. "Good luck out there, you guys!" And so each of them turned around, embarking on their newly found destinies.

Meanwhile.

A white and navy jet screeched above the sprawling city of Townsville, its citizens looking and pointing at the unknown craft. The city was different than most cities you would expect to see, in that it was quite futuristic. Most buildings were snow-white with pulsating power conduits on their sides. The streets were packed with hovering cars and kids could be seen riding hoverboards (not like the ones we have). The tracks of a monorail system twisted between buildings, stopping either on the tops or ground floors of buildings. You see, Townsville is occasionally plagued by supervillians and giant monsters, thus reconstructions and replacements are common; and with Dexlabs and Mandark Industries based in the area, the city and its people often were given the latest technology, although one might claim it's a way of disguising field testing but that is neither here nor there.

Inside the jet was Dexter and Computress, one waiting with crossed arms while the other fiddled with her tablet. A beeping noise began emitting from Dexter's watch. He clicked the side and from it came a hologram of General Engel. "General."

"Mr. Schmidt."

"How did the talks with the KND go?" The general groaned, "It was difficult, but we worked out an agreement. They agreed to coordinate with us on the condition that they are given longer vacations and 'free pizza days'. I swear, these kids are insane."

"You also spoke with my colleague?"

"Yes, that 'Number Two' friend of yours. His commander and lieutenant want to be there first-hand when one of these things land. They agreed to go to New York where a majority of our troops are stationed."

"Don't get too comfortable. If these things can accelerate, more than likely they can change direction."

"We are aware. How is the analysis going on the sample."

"We've found," Computress began, "That these microorganisms act as if they are sentient. They absorb matter and corrupt it on a molecular level, turning it into a version of itself but still retaining former qualities. It is difficult to describe." Dexter looked at the hologram. "We've had Caesar and his group study it given their expertise. We found that the particles were some mixture of organic and inorganic compounds along with some unknown factor. They have since referred to it as 'fusion matter' and to answer your question, we still have nothing that is keyed to vaporizing it." The general sighed. "And your progress with Professor Utonium?"

"I'm currently meeting him for lunch."

"Good, make sure he helps us. Those children of his would give us a major tactical advantage, even if there are only two." Dexter winced slightly. "Dexter, out." He clicked the watch as the hologram vanished. He put his head back and stared upwards. "Dexter, are you alright?" Dexter looked to his helper. "If you're as smart as I made you, you know that the answer is no." She put a sleek mechanical hand on the boy's shoulder. "It will be alright. She'll be happy to see you." Dexter cracked a smile. "Thank you."

The jet touched down in front of a white house in a suburb near Townsville. The house looked like the construction of a Tetris piece which had three blocks horizontally and one atop the middle. Said top block had three circular windows horizontally arranged. Dexter stepped to the front door and rang the door bell. A high-pitched voice could be heard announcing, "I'll get it!" The sound of a sort of laser and whooshing could be heard before the door was answered by a girl who was a year older than Dexter. Her hair was blond and made into two pigtails on each side while her eyes were bright blue on a face that wore a warm smile. She had a blue dress with a short skirt and black horizontal stripes. On her legs were long white socks and black shoes. "Hello, Bubbles." Dexter casually greeted. "Oh, hey," she kept smiling. "It's great to see you again, Dexter. You're here to see the professor. Professor! Dexter's here!"

"Coming right up!" A man's voice answered from behind a door. Said door could be heard opening as a man in a lab coat, black pants and shoes with sleek black hair came to the front. "Oh, Dexter!" His voice was chipper but not as high spirited as the girl in front. "I'm sorry, I got wrapped up in my work. Come in, come in!"

"Thank you, professor." The young inventor entered with his floating companion in tow. Her smile became slightly bigger after she passed the professor, blinking one eye that one might suppose as a wink. The inside of the house was not as impressive as one might expect. Most of the interior was grey with a grey sofa in front of a TV, the lights seemed like they were from the sixties and on the left was a staircase that led to the second floor, which looked like a balcony. Past the living room was a quaint kitchen with a circular table and four chairs. The professor and Dexter sat at opposite ends while Bubbles started working at the stove. Computress took her usual place standing at Dexter's side. "Computress," the professor spoke up, "What are you doing? Sit down, sit down." Computress tilted her head. "Is Blossom not joining us?" Utonium adjusted his collar, "Well, Blossom is in her room, studying." Bubbles' eyes lit up as a pair of lasers were released, cooking the sandwiches in the frying pans. When she was done, she turned around and exclaimed, "Lunch is ready!" She laid a plate on the table with a stack of grilled cheese sandwiches. In a flash of blue light, she set three glasses of water and sat down at the remaining seat. Both Dexter and the professor took one and bit into them. "Delicious as always, Bubbles." Bubbles smiled at the professor's comment, "Thanks professor." They each finished off one sandwich before Dexter began. "Now the reason I'm here." The professor sighed, "What does the government want this time?"

"We need help."

"Does it have to do with that object that seems to be creeping towards us?"

"Yes. We were recently attacked by some of its 'inhabitants'. Creatures that assimilate matter on an atomic level and transform into monsters. Their leader is someone named Fuse. Does it sound familiar?" The professor put his hand to his chin. "No, I can't say it is."

"I didn't think so. Regardless, if you would be willing to help, it would be much appreciated."

"Alright, what's the catch?" Dexter sighed. "You'll be working alongside Mojo Jojo." Bubbles' smile vanished as her eyes widened. "What?"

"I understand your history, but-"

"No way!" Bubbles blurted out, her brows furrowed. "Professor, you can't! Not after what happened to Buttercup!"

"Bubbles, please."

"We can't! If it wasn't for him, Blossom wouldn't be a shut-in and Buttercup would still be-" She began fighting back tears as she sniffled. The professor got up and hugged Bubbles from behind. "I know, I miss her too." Both Computress and Dexter looked down solemnly. Just then, a girl's voice came out by the door. "Do it." Everyone turned to see a girl the same age as Bubbles in similar garb but instead of blue, it was pink. Her eyes were pink while her long hair was ginger with a red bow atop it. "Blossom..." Bubbles whispered. "If Mojo's willing to help, it means one of two things: he's committing a power play or we really are in trouble. Either way, professor should work to keep an eye on him." The professor's face became determined, "Yes, you have a point." He turned to Dexter. "Tell them I'm in." Dexter nodded. "Bubbles!" Blossom called to her sister. "Get ready. Just because crime's been slow doesn't mean the bad guys'll go easy on us." Bubbles wiped her tears. "Right." Dexter smiled slightly. "So we're in agreement. Good. Computress, let's go." The inventor and his confidant exited the kitchen to the front door. "Wait." Blossom's voice rang out. Dexter turned around just in time for Blossom to give him a hug. "I'm sorry for pushing you away." Dexter smiled. "It's okay." The super powered girl gave the boy a kiss on the cheek."Good luck."

"You too." Blossom let go, allowing Dexter and his robot to enter the jet and take off. When they ascended, Computress stared at Dexter, smiling. "What?"

"I told you so." The CEO couldn't help but chuckle.

So Mac, Bloo and Jack have set off on their adventure and we learn a little more about Dexter! I'm going to wait until they've stopped the cluster in Steven Universe before they get to Beach City 'cause I want to see if Peridot materializes a weapon. In the meantime, I'm thinking that our trio should make an uncalled stop in Peach Creek but I want to hear your thoughts. Later.