MISSION 10:

The Return Pt. 2


Tina laughed as she drifted and turned the Thunder Kat around the sandy location. She was avoiding the laser beams thrown at them by the massive aircraft above them. It was bigger than the Turbo Kat, almost like a moving fortress above the sky, with many defensive mechanisms to keep everyone at bay. She grinned as they narrowly avoided death many times and checked on her teammate, who was shooting his weapons at the aircraft.

"How's it going back there?!" Tina shouted, turning left and seeing a rock decimated by a laser beam.

"Not great! This sucker has a forcefield around it, and I can't put a dent in it," Jason roared, kicking himself for not bringing some scrambler or EMP for this situation. "We are sitting ducks at this point!"

"Shit! We are useless as the Enforcers at this point," Tina grumbled, seeing another Enforcer jet being taken down from her side mirrors. "Should we regroup?"

"Negative. If we lose sight of this hunk of metal, then Dark Kat gets to use that weapon whenever he pleases!"

Tina clicked her tongue, recalling a scared Puma-Dyne employee expressing that they needed to stop Dark Kat no matter what. "Eyes of God? When will these scientists stop creating weapons that can blow a hole in our city? Granted, I wouldn't mind using it to blow Dark Kat's ass to smithereens!"

"I wish I could use it right now, so I can make a dent in this aircraft!" Jason affirmed, exploring his available weapons and wondering what he could do. His ears flicked when hearing the roar of a jet approaching them. Jason grinned, "Or wait till our little genius arrives!"

The Swat Kats headed towards the Doomsday Fortress, ready to face Dark Kat and put him down. The pilot avoided the defense weapons, and the gunner shot a couple of missiles toward it. The shields protected the villainous aircraft as it kept moving away.

"Hey, you two copy?" Jason called out with his helmet's communication.


Jake's ear flicked when hearing Jason from their communication device, "We hear you, Atom! We just saw the force field. WOAH!"

Chance spun them to the side quickly as the Doomsday Fortress started shooting lasers at them, faster and more erratic than the ground defense. Dark Kat was more defensive about the air space than the ground as the light show was happening above. A deadly light show! Chance growled, taking evasive action and zooming them as fast as possible to avoid the mess.

"Guess that piece of shit was expecting us!" Chance said, creating some distance and lowering them so they would not get hit with the upper turrets. "Got anything to fry that force field?"

"Affirmative! Launching scrambler missiles!" Jake shouted, clicking on a button and firing missiles toward the aircraft.

Two scramblers were zooming toward the Doomsaday Express. However, both were taken down by the manned gunners of the ship. It creates an explosion near it and a large smoke cloud. At first, it appeared the countermeasures would protect the airship from anything. Suddenly, another scrambler appeared out of the smoke and contacted the Doomsday Express. A million volts of lightning shot out, creating the shield to flicker and be deactivated.

"BINGO!" Jake shouted, "Shields are fried, and Dark Kat is wide open. Atom! Launch the Wake Up Call!"

"Roger!" Jason shouted excitedly.

Chance nodded, moved the Turbo Kat away from the ship, and from the corner of his eye, he saw a short yellow missile with a fat head heading toward the Doomsday Express. Once it touched the airship, a massive explosion, like the sound of multiple claps of thunder, went off at once, creating an enormous hole in the ship's middle. A concentrated beam of energy shot in one direction, almost light brown like a lovely morning coffee, extending to the skies above for a bit.

A new weapon that Jake designed with the help of Jason.

The Doomsday Fortress started to crash toward the sandy area, unable to maintain in the air due to the damage. It slid briefly before crashing into a couple of rocks, halting the beast and ending the menace.

The Turbo Kat and Thunder Kat parked near the ship, with all four Strays wasting no time and gearing up to invade the Doomsday Express. The shoeless heroes ignored the hot sand beneath and ran towards a vast opening to seek prey. Their mission was simple, kill Dark Kat! No jury, no process, just plain execution before the Enforcers could prevent it. The Strays have a list of omegas that have passed the threshold of being killed on sight if ever found….and Dark Kat is one of them.

"Let's make sure we put this psycho down!" Chance growled, shifting his glovatrix and itching to rip Dark Kat apart.

They were closing in on the entrance.

"Let's see who puts the bullet in his head first!" Tina chuckled, following the Swat Kats as they jumped around to reach the entrance above.

"That's too nice for him. Let's strap him with some C4 and let him suffer a bit!" Jason corrected, being the last one to enter the Doomsday Express.

"First… let's find him and then decide what to do!" Jake snapped, noticing a couple of Kommando-Kats heading their way, quickly engaging mini-missiles to blow them away against the wall nearby. "Looks like some of Dark Kat's pawns are still alive and kicking!"

"Just a bunch of annoying flies!" Chance shouted, aiming his glove toward the incoming soldiers.

The Strays took cover, beginning their assault on the Doomsday Fortress.


In Megakat Sewers, Ethan walked around aimlessly, trying to figure out how to find the Sky Twins. The boy acted on impulses and had no idea how to track them. At one point, he stopped and scratched his head in frustration.

"So much for the help," Ethan muttered, looking at his surroundings and pinching his nose at the smell. "I wish I had my mask!"

Ethan tapped his foot and looked at the multiple paths he could take, all looking the same and all leading somewhere. He sighed, looking at the murky water below and thinking about what to do. Ethan rubbed his head and wondered if his abilities could help him.

"I wish I had a radar or something!" Ethan grumbled, crossing his arms and looking around his area. He thought deeply about what he could accomplish and mused about Shadow Resonance, wondering if he could expand and alter it. The boy jerked his feet back when a rat brushed him and scurried towards the side. "Shit!"

Ethan watched the rat run in a specific direction where other rats were scurrying around, looking for a bite. There were other signs of life. Bugs were around, crawling around the sewers and minding their own business. All were moving. All with shadows as the little light hit them. All left their imprint around the sewers as they moved around.

The boy froze, thinking about this, and a small memory played out in his head. The image of his late mentor….his mother, came into his head.


Returning to when Ethan was eight and sitting on a bench with his mentor Zoe. Ethan was wearing a T-shirt with his favorite cartoon at the time and some ripped shorts. Zoe was wearing casual clothes, almost showing enough side boob to make the passing males eye her with lust and women throwing daggers at her with their eyes. Zoe paid no mind to them and ruffled the bitter boy's hair while placing the book she read to the side.

"Don't focus on just one thing. Take account of everything and everyone around you." Zoe said as she leaned back and watched the beautiful day at the somewhat maintained park. She chuckled and smacked the boy's head when he ignored her, "You gotta be smart! Always be attentive to your surroundings, especially when robbing people."

"That freaking hurt!" Ethan whimpered, rubbing his head and pouting. "How was I supposed to know they were cops?!"

"Easy….how they walk, were dressed up, and how they went about their way….wanting someone to rob them," Zoe said, playfully pinching his stupid student's cheek, "Listen, we have been together for half a month, you should just go home…..this is probably not for you."

Ethan smacked her hand, looking away, "I don't have a home! If you are going to abandon me, then do it!"

Zoe's smile was slightly wavered, seeing the boy get defensive and shaking. She sighed, recalling finishing a job and going out to eat before realizing she had forgotten her wallet at home. Zoe quickly resolved the issue with a quick pickpocket, but somebody saw her, who was the boy sitting next to her. She groaned at the memory when the boy latched on and asked her to teach him how to do it. Zoe would have left him until she saw how dirty and tired the boy looked, appearing to have been on the streets for a few days. Of course, Ethan was begging so loud about being taught how to steal that it got some nearby attention from Finford's police. A quick getaway and carrying the child to her home, a large modified RV in the salvage yard.

The experience thief wanted to take the boy home, but Ethan refused to tell her about his life and had no form of ID on him. Zoe tried coaxing him to return home, but it would always lead to this.

With a heavy sigh, Zoe shook her head and looked at the sky, touching her cross and muttering a name for guidance. She was not experienced in dealing with this. She was a professional thief, not a babysitter! However, she clutched her cross, and her eyes drifted to the boy, seeing how broken the boy was. Ethan was aggressive and defensive and quickly lost confidence when getting feedback. Zoe could easily tell there was some form of child abuse at home…..but Ethan was one of the thousands of cases in this city alone.

Zoe took a moment, closing her eyes, muttering some frustration before opening them and looking around the park. She scratched the side of her head and saw a small family trying to enjoy their day, with their kid smiling despite their situation and imagining things around him like an adventure. Zoe glanced back at Ethan, frowning and looking at the floor, lost on where he was going. She shook her head and sighed.

"I'm not going to leave you alone," Zoe groaned before grabbing Ethan's head and ensuring he looked at her, "Fine! However! I'm not going to go easy on you! Also, no frowning around me….smile!"

Ethan frowned, looking at her in annoyance and confusion when she smiled at him.

"What the hell is that?!" Zoe chuckled, letting go of the boy and moving her fingers on her mouth to indicate to the boy how to smile. "Listen, kid. You gotta smile and not let the world see how you feel. Thieves always keep their appearance up, striking when people less expect it and grinning as they secure the loot. So let me see that smile!"

Ethan rolled his eyes but attempted to smile, giving a feeble smile.

"Wider!"

Ethan groaned but enjoyed this a bit, and a small genuine smile appeared as he looked away.

"Good enough!" Zoe said, brushing the kid's head. She waved at their surroundings, "Okay….so back to my amazing lessons! When selecting a target, always take a step back and analyze everything around them. And-"


Ethan looked at his surroundings, thinking about that small memory and wondering if it could help.

"Take account of everything…yeah, I can do that, but it's not like….." Ethan paused, thinking about his other teacher, Dante, who used his Eyes of Revelation to inspect his progress. It made the boy wonder if he could accomplish this feat and create his own eyes – that would show him the path.

Ethan's brain was firing a million volts as an idea started to form in his head. What if he used Shadow Resonance but, instead of projecting images for all to see, just gave himself a vision of it and created a different version that was in the middle of difficulty? Ethan looked at his hands and thought about the conditions before putting them together to enter his Inner Sanctuary. He closed his eyes, shifted his legs to a proper stance to avoid falling, and chanted it. Since it would be different from his usual Shadow Resonance, he would create something new and sacrifice some blood to activate it.

Ethan finished, his body slightly shifting as he stumbled forward, returning to catch himself from falling to the ground. He counted for a bit before reopening his eyes and pulling Evelyn's bar, regaining strength but shivering at the awful taste. He threw the foil behind him and clapped his hands together, summoning some energy before putting one of his hands on his right eye.

"Eyes – Lingering Shadow!" Ethan shouted, swiping across his eye – which altered to his inverted eye, black sclera, white iris, and leaking shadow that surrounded the eye.

Ethan was taken a bit back, disoriented with two different visions before closing his left eye. His surroundings were white with lingering shadows of creatures around him of where they were once. They were vague and fleeting, almost like smidges across a whiteboard extending everywhere. Ethan looked around the area and saw an enormous shadow heading in a specific direction. It appeared to be carrying something or a bizarre animal living in the sewers. The image was unclear and fuzzy, but it was something.

Ethan smiled, heading towards its direction but wincing as he could feel this new power straining his eye. It was like a nail was poking his eye, ever so slowly and slightly painful. Hopefully, this was the Sky Twins, as he did not want to waste all his mana and risk blood to extend the time.


Using their tools, the Swat Kats, Tina, and Jason took down the incoming units with hostility. It was like a raid, clearing room to room and engaging enemies that had gathered their footing. Some of the ship's defense mechanism inside was operational and shot at the group, who quickly blew them up as they kept moving forward.

Tina had her shield up, using her laser pistol to shoot down a couple of Kat Commandos as they attempted to overwhelm her. However, her protection stood firm, and she kept pushing forward. She used her knife at times, swiftly throwing it at the adversaries and picking it up as she kept moving.

Jason was ducking behind some panels, throwing a pair of black balls behind him and waiting till they exploded. He was using his other weapon for this assault, his signature Boom-Stick, a sort of laser shotgun that sprayed lasers in whatever direction it was pointed. Quick, but it needed to recharge after a couple of shots, leading Jason to take cover and use his mini explosives until it came back operational.

Chance would use his glovatrix for offense and defense, getting close and personal when a Kommando-Kat attempted to fight him. His brute strength quickly dispatched his foes, leaving a dent where he slammed their skulls. He grabbed one of the attacker's arms, flinging him like a sack of potatoes toward some mechanical furniture before landing an attack with his giant fist.

Jake was similar to Chance. However, he was calmer with his approach and would engage Kat-Commandos with quick and decisive kicks. Jake would disarm his foes with his gadgets and finish off stragglers, giving a brutal axe kick to one and crushing another's ribs with his mechanical hand.

The Doomsday Fortress layout was like a reverse 'Z' with the central control room at the end. They were doing quick work and already nearing the final room.

"Razor!" Jason shouted, throwing some mini-breaching charges toward Jake and placing his own on his side of the door. He looked at Jake, who set the tools at the entrance, nodding and moving to their respective sides with their partners. Jason pulled out his remote and triggered it, quickly opening the door with force inward and throwing a couple of white balls inside. The sound of a flashbang going off was heard.

The four kats enter the room, quickly dispatching any remaining kats before looking around for their primary target. However, the big kat was not there, and they searched everywhere to ensure it was not the case. They all let out a frustrating growl, kicking or throwing something away in frustration.

"Shit!" Chance snarled, pacing the room, "Of course, that furball is not here! Damn, it!"

Jake shook his head, looking around the room for clues about the omega.

The room was very high-tech, with large windows with supports looking out to the sandy area. There were round desks where the multiple gunners would watch each side of the Doomsday Fortress. The primary pilot appeared in the middle of the room with complex machinery to operate the aircraft – a helmet and wires connecting down towards the seat where the dead pilot sat, dying from shock. The room was also surrounded by Dark Kat's forces in various states, whether unconscious or dead.

Jason and Tina focused on finding the briefcase with the controls for the Eyes of God. Tina found it among the wreckage and threw it to Jason, who started to open it and was about to place a mini dissolving bomb to destroy it when….suddenly!

"It seems you, Swat Kats, are still functioning despite the years. How amusing….trying to play heroes like your twins?" a voice rang out, Dark Kat's voice.

Jake and Chance's ear perked, their eyes darting around and aiming for wherever the voice came from. They hoped it was that psycho, but they were quickly greeted by the projection of Dark Kat in the middle of the room.

Dark Kat wore his usual getup, purple fur, and an odd-looking face resembling a mask. However, his left leg and hand were missing and replaced with mechanical ones. The indication of what occurred to him could be shown in some of the furs on his left, showing old burn marks.

"Looks like someone's gotten a makeover," Jake mocked when seeing Dark Kat's appearance, getting some peace within himself about the situation. However, he quickly signaled with his eyes for Jason and Tina to stay vigilant.

"Yeah, looks like someone spent too much time in the tanning bed!" Chance added, grinning at the sight, "How about you come over here so we can have a closer look!"

"Insolent little…." Dark Kat growled, gripping his cane and wanting to swat at his former employees. He stayed silent for a bit before putting a hand on his chin, "No matter! I heard about you, Strays. I thought it was a myth, but seeing you two with this new team, I guess it wasn't a waste of money. I want to offer you four a deal."

Everyone's ear perked. However, the Strays quickly glared at the omega with hostility but stayed quiet to listen.

"Bring me the device and work for me. Why bother to save a city when they don't want you? I offer money, tools, and the opportunity to get revenge against all that wronged you," Dark Kat said.

Jason gritted his teeth and shook his head, "Please, as much as I would love to get back at certain kats…you are one of them!"

"Yeah, dumbass. Do you really think you can sweet talk us with your bullshit!" Tina snapped.

The Dynamic Duo glanced at the Swat Kats, who stayed silent and looked at the ground. Tina and Jason tensed up and gripped their weapons, wondering if the kats were seriously thinking about it.

"Shame for these two…..how about you, Swat Kats?" Dark Kat asked again. He smiled and continued, "I need you two to remember…..Chance Furlong, remember when they clipped your wings! Jake Clawson, remember the humiliation! The bill placed by Feral effectively ruined your lives as the Enforcers mocked you every chance they could. Are you two going to forget that!"

It was an internal battle within the pair.

Chance snarled, gripping his fist and wanting to get back at everyone who hurt him. He recalled when his old Enforcer buddies did a complete one-eighty on him and treated him like a criminal before his Swat Kat years. It appeared some had grudges against him and Jake as they would always get the glory and achieve so much back in Enforcer days, only really understanding it when they lost everything. He and Jake were on the fast track to becoming higher-ranking officers and would have been nominated for Captains at this point in their life. However, that future never happened. Even their good counterparts never got that reality!

Jake was the same way, thinking how life would have been different for them if they were not fucked over by Feral. The Enforcers excommunicated him and what remained of his family after being booted out. Jake could have applied for something to get better pay, but they were quickly blacklisted and prevented from leaving the salvage yard. He was finally achieving something and breaking out from his shell, only for it to be snuffed out and locked back in.

They had no one!

Chance shook his head, thinking a bit before his eyes hardened, drifting back to Dark Kat. His mouth opened before closing. Chance did have two new kats in his life, especially one handful child. He closed his eyes and let out a heavy breath, calmly releasing his claws as they drew blood from his paws. He thought for a second before opening his eyes.

"Shove it!" Chance snapped, making Jake flinch as he looked at him, "I'm done working with you. It didn't get me anywhere following you. You abandoned us and left us to rot in prison. You and Feral are on the same list for me….so you better be prepared because I'm going to break that neck of yours!"

Jake looked at his partner with a surprised look before shaking his head, "What you are offering us is shit! We have already seen how they end!"

Dark Kat frowned, tapping his fingers on his cane and growling at the pair.

"What a shame…trying so hard to be like your alternative selves. Fools!" Dark Kat snapped before cackling like a madman, "Then we are now enemies! So long, Strays!"

Dark Kat's image fizzled out an alarm started to go off. The room was covered in red lights, and it was flashing warnings.

"Shit, Atom, make an opening now!" Jake growled, already knowing what was occurring.

Jason quickly threw a disk at the nearby wall, which, when hitting the wall, created a quick large cut out with molting heat before the wall fell outward.

The Strays did not wait and were already jumping out. Jake and Chance grabbed their teammates and engaged hooks above to drop as fast as possible to the ground beneath. As they descended, the ship blew up from the top and around the whole airship. The team ran away from the vehicle as it continued before it finally exploded in one major explosion. The Strays were flung a bit but managed to quickly land on their feet and cover themselves as the sharp sand blew at them.

After a few moments, dusty clouds cleared, and they watched the broken airship and the large black smoke cloud.

Tina and Jason laughed, high-fiving at surviving another mess and watching the large fire pit. They glanced at the other pair, who stayed silent and moved away from each other, silently thinking about things as they looked in different directions. Jason looked at Tina with a look, which the she-kat shrugged before she signaled him to talk to Jake while she talked to Chance.

"For a second back there….were you thinking about joining him?" Tina said, walking before the tabby with her hands behind her head. Her eye drifted to her partner, who smacked Jake's back and was talking about things with his favorite genius. Jason had gotten friendly with Jake despite the smaller tom always shrugging him off.

"Don't worry….I was not planning to betray you guys!" Chance snapped, crossing his arms and eyeing Tina. He never had a real conversation with this she-kat. He has only been around Evelyn and Ethan while with the Strays.

"Good!" Tina smiled at the hostility, "Shame though…..It would have been fun going at it with the two of you."

"Please, both of you would be easy to take down," Chance retorted, raising an eyebrow when Tina grinned at him and placed a paw on her chin.

"Ah…how about a sparring match sometime? I love taking down cocky assholes like you a peg or two," Tina laughed, placing a firm paw on his shoulder, "Or….are you too scared to be knocked down by a she-kat?"

Chance scoffed and shook his head, but a small smile did appear as he liked the challenge. "Sure….just pick a time, and I'll be happy to take you down."

Tina seemed stunned momentarily, expecting a different response but nodded respectfully at the tabby. She seemed satisfied and started to head towards Jason, "Glad you have no problems fighting me. I can respect that…..hope your kit isn't a wuss about it."

"Valkyrie….go easy on him," Chance asked, grabbing his shoulder and rubbing it. Tina had a firm grip like steel, showing her dedication to her ability to fight.

"Not happening!" Tina laughed, waving her hand back at Chance.

They all saw the approaching Enforcers coming, late to the party, as usual, with them seeing Feral and June exiting a car together. The new duo arrived and watched the fiery mess nearby. Feral scowled in annoyance, and June smiled at her team, heading towards them to get the report and figure out what had happened.

It was getting darker, and the sun was beginning to set as the Strays reported the situation to their leader.


Back at the sewers, with the Sky Twins, near a platform with a ladder leading to the outside. Ryder was panicking, tired, and looking at his brother in distress. He stopped momentarily and inspected his brother's injuries. River was still breathing but was bleeding slowly from shrapnel on his side. Ryder had no tools or anything to address his brother's injuries, feeling his brother might die from them. Ryder shook, and tears fell as he held his brother, wishing for someone to save him.

"Please stay strong, just a couple more steps…..please don't die on me," Ryder begged, trying to convince himself he could somehow carry his brother to the far underground city. "River, don't you die on me! Don't-"

Ryder's ears flicked when hearing someone kicking a nearby can, making a small splash, which caused him to tense up. The pilot grabbed his side pistol and aimed it at the newcomer. Ryder's eyes widened when he saw something, not a kat looking at him but Ethan. He raised an eyebrow but held his gun at the boy with hostility.

Ethan cursed silently, wanting to sneak up on them originally but halting when hearing Ryder's cry for his brother. The boy had eased up after coming to the sight, and his plan of action when to the gutter. Ethan slowly raised his hands, and his eyes drifted toward River, seeing the injuries and feeling less enthusiastic about vanquishing the villains.

"Is…..he okay?" Ethan let out, seeing the bleeding River again before looking at Ryder.

Ryder raised an eyebrow and tilted his gun, wondering things before realizing this was the famous invader the underground had heard about. 'Guess I should have bought that info,' Ryder thought before re-aiming at the boy when Ethan approached.

Ethan froze for a bit before intently listening to his inner voice, not hearing any danger alarms or warnings. The boy continues to walk towards the pair, taking small steps to get to the same platform as them and ignoring Ryder's growl. After getting close, Ethan gets more comfortable and goes to River's side.

"He needs medical attention. I can take you to our set-up shelter above if you come with me. Just need-"

Ryder was befuddled with the whole situation, trying to figure out Ethan's mindset, but his eyes hardened when the boy pulled cuffs from his sweater's pouch. He kept his gun aimed at the boy's chest and could quickly end Ethan if he wanted to.

"Stop right there! You got close enough. Me and my brother aren't going to jail!" Ryder snarled, getting enough strength to grab his brother. He struggled to get his brother up while keeping a gun trained on the boy.

"He is going to die if you keep going! Look, it's over! Just let me help you guys and-"

"Not happening! Both of us would rather die than go to jail. It's not going to happen, you hear? We can't leave ma…." Ryder stopped, feeling his vulnerability leaking and stopping before he said too much.

"Ma? You mean your mom?"

Ryder winced when Ethan looked at him with sympathetic eyes. It confused the kat as he expected hostility or for the kid to attack him, not this! However, he shook the stranger's approach and ready himself to move.

"Shit!" Ryder snarled, feeling his strength failing him and getting on his knees as he tried to prevent River from hitting the ground. He quickly pointed his gun at Ethan again, expecting the boy to run at them, but was surprised when Ethan just stood there and watched them.

The Enforcers' footsteps and voices could be heard approaching them, making Ethan and Ryder look at the pipe it was coming from. The Enforcers would be on them in minutes, and the Sky Twins would be arrested.

Ryder tensed up and cursed the situation, head firing a million plans as he tried to figure out an escape while ensuring his brother lived for another day.

Ethan would glance back and forth between the pipe and the duo, feeling conflicted. It would have been easier if Ryder was a maniac like Michael, but he could not stop looking at the brotherly love and how Ryder kept a firm hold on his brother. He is a hero that stops bad guys, right? However, kicking them down did not feel good when they were already injured, and his concentration was on the badly injured kat.

Ethan closed his eyes and thought about what to do.

Ryder would not go down without a fight, and he would lose, especially in his state. Ryder would die, as well as his brother, in the crossfire. Ethan could easily and quickly leave them to their own devices, which would mean him letting someone die. That thought made Ethan shiver, recalling his incapability to save certain people, especially Zoe, but now he has the powers to do so. 'She was a criminal like them…they didn't kill anyone…..so….' Ethan tried to reason within himself.

Ethan had one more minute to decide, hearing the Enforcers approaching them and would see them in a bit.

"Shit," Ethan muttered, deciding something.


A bit later, the area above was given the all-clear when things settled down. Life returned to normal in this sector, and citizens breathed a little easier.

Ethan waited in the temporary shelter with his head down, refusing to look up as he mused about his decision. There was evidence of blood on his clothing, and it was already dry. His eyes looked up finally when hearing someone approaching him, seeing Evelyn, who had a tired look but appeared ready to reprimand Ethan.

"You can't keep running off by yourself. You had me worried!" Evelyn said with a firm tone, sighing and sitting with the kid. She rubbed her eyes and blinked to focus as she attempted to stay on long enough to act like the responsible adult. However, the need for a drink and a relaxing bath was something she craved. Her eyes shifted to the boy who leaned on her from the side and took shelter with her.

"I'm sorry, just…..wanted to do something," Ethan whispered.

Evelyn groaned but shook her anger away as she tenderly hugged the boy, "I know….. just tell me or one of the toms what you are doing. However…good job today."

Ethan refused to look at her and looked ahead to see a bloody bed. He bit his lips and wondered if he had made the right decision.

"That kat's brother is alive because of you. If you hadn't found them outside, who knows if he would have made it without first aid."

"Sure."

"Ethan…everything alright?" Evelyn asked, expecting Ethan's usual attitude. She used her finger to guide the boy's face to look at her, getting a lost expression from the boy. "Did something happen when you found them?"

"No…I," Ethan stopped, closing his eyes and reopening them with a smile, "Just tired, you know?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, wanting to dig deeper but felt her own tiredness coming at her. She nodded, thinking it was nothing, guiding them off the bench and leading them towards the exit, where their ride awaited.

Ethan's eyes glanced at the bed again, seeing the ripped civilian clothing and some blood.

Moments ago, Ethan had roughly transported the Sky Twins and him inside his Shadow Gateway. Ethan had told Ryder that he would help him and his brother escape if it would allow Ethan to rescue River. Ryder was tense and would watch the boy as he transported them to an abandoned clothing shop above. Ryder changed out of his bloody gear, and his brother, with the assistance of Ethan.

Ethan ate bars like a madman and paused before quickly transporting them to the shelter. The boy collapsed briefly, bleeding from his mouth, when Evelyn hurried towards the trio that showed up. Ryder took control of the narrative and quickly came up with a story of what occurred to the doctor and the approaching Enforcers. Ethan kept his mouth shut and accepted Evelyn chastising as she looked after him, ensuring he was stable before assisting the other medical Enforcers with the new patients.

The rest was history, and the decision was made.

Ethan closed his eyes and put his head on Evelyn's side, feeling her brush his head and wanting the day to end.


After reporting things to their boss, with everyone glossing over the offer from the Dark Kat, the team dispersed and headed back home as the Enforcer cleaned up the mess. The Swat Kats and Feral would glare at each other before heading their separate direction, with the duo flying above the night skies and staying quiet as they headed back to base. Chance and Jake did not say much and kept to themselves for the most part.

Chance would glance back at his former friend, silently thinking before focusing on the beautiful view. Jake would also reflect away from his work area and attempt to see the tabby, wondering about something before shaking his head.

"Shame we couldn't bury Dark Kat," Jake said, breaking the silence between them.

Chance's ears flicked when hearing him and nodded, "Though it was good to see the years haven't treated him any better."

"That's the only upside to this. I just wished I could have been there to see it."

"Same here," Chance said, leaning back against his chair. "So, who's the lucky bastard that hurt him?"

Jake crossed his arms and grumbled to himself, "It was…..Feral's niece, from what I heard."

"Really now? Felina Feral? Well…..I shouldn't be too surprised by that. She was one of the few Enforcers that was crazy enough to fight us head-on...she's probably a Captain by now."

"Not too sure about that. I heard Felina also got injured, though that's all I know since her condition and location are very hush-hush."

"Damn shame….she was a stubborn she-kat, but I'll give her props for her skills in the air."

"She was interesting…." Jake stopped, feeling he was getting too personal, hoping the tabby did not hear that part. However, the tabby did and laughed, making the smaller tom groan.

"So you had the hots for her? Wow…..I didn't expect that from you," Chance said before feeling a kick from behind. He growled at the force, "Hey, I'm flying here, scuzzball!"

"I said interesting, and that's it!" Jake snapped, gritting his teeth and snarling at the tabby.

"Whatever!" Chance growled, really wishing he had an eject button for Jake.

Jake grumbled, reflecting on earlier times as a cadet and seeing Felina for the first time in the academy. They never talked to each other, but he would sometimes glance at her to see the famous 'ballbreaker.' She earned that nickname after shutting down many toms and, in one instance, slamming her knee to someone's balls when they made a snarky comment. She was different from most she-kats he had met, and he found her unique because of it. However, his interest turned hostile when he became a Swat Kat and could only see her as the niece of the asshole that fucked his life. Some part of Jake resents her, and the other part wonders if she is doing okay.

Jake shook his head at the thought, looking outside and trying to distract himself from everything. Today was a horrible reminder of the past.


At Megakat Memorial Hospital, Ryder sat on a hospital bed, looking at the window nearby as he wondered about today. His ears flicked when hearing the groan on the bed next to him, and he quickly looked at his brother, who finally woke up and seemed dazed when opening his eyes. Ryder saw his brother turn his face to see him, puzzled but smiling at his brother, and River attempted to give his brother a weak thumbs up.

Ryder smiled, signaling his brother that they were good and to rest up. River nodded, letting his eyes close and relax, curious about what happened but decided to worry about it later. Ryder finally let out a heavy breath, slowly leaving his bed and going outside.

Ryder exited the room, walked down the hallway, and decided to go to a secluded area with a little mini garden in the hospital. The tom sat at the bench, quietly thinking before looking up at the bright moon. Ryder gripped the bench beneath him and muffled his frustration as he finally let out a small gasp. The tom grasped his hands and put them near his mouth, thanking whoever was up there….and Ethan.

After a moment, Ryder finally eased up and sighed.

Suddenly, Ryder's communication device rang, making the tom scoff. He let it go for a bit before reaching down his pants and pulling out his device.

"Go ahead," Ryder attempted to mask his annoyance with his usual calm demeanor.

"Seems like someone is still alive and kicking," Callie's voice came on, making Ryder curse under his breath at the annoying calico cat.

"You sound disappointed. Glad you care about us," Ryder snorted before looking around to ensure he was not watched. "So….how can I help you, former deputy mayor."

"Funny, almost wish you and that brother of yours drown today," Callie said with ice in her voice, "Anyways, expect another call from me and-"

"Nope, one mission is good enough for the both of us, especially if we have to deal with those crazy Swat Kats again," Ryder corrected, but hearing a laugh from the other side.

"Done?! There is no done until Dark Kat has no need for you two!"

"Oh yeah? Our contract was for this one mission. I don't remember signing any partnership with that freak, so bye!" Ryder growled, preparing to turn off his communicator.

"Katherine Rogue…..Room 401… Megakat Rehabilitation Center," Callie slowly revealed, making the tom freeze in fear. "Don't worry. She's still okay…..for now."

Ryder gritted his teeth, eyes wide, and held his tongue as he wanted to tell Callie what he felt. His paw shook, claws were out, and a slight crack appeared on the side of the device he was holding. Ryder released a shaky breath and eased his grip, looking around for guidance before looking at the device solemnly.

"Understood," Ryder said.

"Good! Happy to have you on board. Don't try anything with your mom…..we will be watching."

Ryder heard the line disconnect, and he let out a roar, punching the side of the bench with force. He cursed this new development and wished he never took it.

A deal with the devil always ends like this!


At the Stray's base at the underground hanger - Ethan sat by himself in a swivel chair and occasionally stared at the runway opening. His old clothes were disposed of except for his neckerchief, and he showered the dry blood off his body. The boy's mind sometimes drifted to what happened today and his decision to help the criminals escape, questioning his resolve and purpose. He sighed, shaking the thought and exploring around the hanger to busy his attention.

The roar of a jet was heard, making Ethan look to see it come in, slowing down and stopping. The Turbo Kat spun around and aimed towards the ramp, the canopy was brought back, and the two kats jumped out quickly. Chance and Jake made their way toward their lockers, prepared to be done with today, planning on going their separate ways, only to be surprised when a very excited boy greeted them.

"Welcome back!" Ethan laughed, shaking his worriers and focusing on the pair. "So tell me! Where did you guys go afterward? I heard from Eve that you guys went to fight Dark Kat. Did you guys beat him?"

Both adults groaned, shaking their heads and going around the boy toward their lockers. Ethan flinched, seeing their attitude, sensing that things did not go well with Dark Kat. The boy patiently waited for them to change before recalling something.

"Oh….uh, Evelyn and Benson are making dinner for us tonight. Some beef stew!" Ethan said, attempting again to lighten the mood but getting a nod and wave of confirmation from the duo. He frowned, wondering what was bothering them, and wished he could say something to get the pair to lighten up, but he was drawing blanks. He scratched his arm and looked down at the floor.

"You guys were so cool today…..like those heroes in Kat Kommandoes," Ethan said, only getting a slight pause from the pair.

Jake's ears twitched, refusing to look at the boy near them, putting on a shirt and throwing his helmet inside the locker. 'Heroes? What a joke,' Jake thought, shaking the idea and closing the door. He sighed, wondering about today's mission and their little bout with Dark Kat, the words still lingering in his head.

Chance also stayed quiet, already dressed up and staring at the ground. His mind was in a similar space as Jake's. However, hearing someone calling him a hero hurt him, making the tabby grip the door of his locker and wish things were different. He glanced sharply at the boy at his side, softening when he saw Ethan's worried look. Chance sighed, kneeling and putting a hand on Ethan's shoulder.

"Heroes? You do remember what I told you?" Chance whispered, ears flicking down and feeling his regrets spilling out.

There was a pause of silence. Ethan looked at his guardian and Jake with a blank look.

"So?"

Both Chance and Jake's ears flicked up at the boy's casualness.

"I think you guys are heroes. So what does it matter what others think," Ethan said with a grin, putting his hands behind his head, "The Enforcers were struggling to beat those pilots, and you guys did it, so….you are today's heroes! But…..I'm….."

Chance raised an eyebrow seeing Ethan looking discouraged. However, Ethan returned to look at him with a small smile before he could say anything.

"I'm…just glad you two are okay," Ethan said, moving away from the tabby's hand and walking towards the door. "Let's just eat and celebrate your win!"

Chance watched the boy until smiling and heading toward the boy. The tabby ruffled the kid's head before guiding them toward the exit.

"You're right! Those stupid Enforcers couldn't even leave a dent!" Chance laughed before frowning and glancing back at his partner. He watched Jake, looking at and tinkering with his metallic arm. Chance paused before opening his mouth, "You coming, furball?"

Jake looked at Chance with annoyance before looking at the excited boy, waiting for him to come and join them. His eyes softened, and he released a heavy breath, waiving his hand towards them.

"I'll head over there in a bit. Just need a minute," Jake said, returning to inspect his arm.

Ethan was about to take a step when he felt Chance gently tugging him to let it go. The boy gave his guardian a look but nodded and followed him toward the exit. They left with Ethan giving one final callout to the orange kat that they would be waiting for him in the mess hall.

Jake stayed silent, finishing the inspection of his arm before looking around the mini-changing room. His eyes spotted a mini mirror that showed a reflection of him, worn down, dark eyes, and someone he could not recognize. Jake was still Jake, but the years after getting kicked out of the Enforcers, the Swat Kats, their arrest, and then landing here with the Strays had done a number on him. Who was he? Where was he going? Jake sighed, gripping his metal arm and putting as much pressure as he wanted, knowing it would not break.

"Stupid kit," Jake whispered before looking at the door where they had left. Many emotions were clashing within the kat. However, he could not land on one as he stared blankly at the door. He shook his head and looked at Chance's locker, "Stupid oaf."


Ethan sat with three of his teammates on the bench, eating the food that Benson and Evelyn had made. Ethan sat between Chance and Evelyn. Benson sat on the opposite side, facing Evelyn. They were soon greeted by the Dynamic Duo, who briefly greeted them before grabbing their food. Tina decided to sit with Benson. Jason sat close to her but far away from Ethan. Mike entered the room, taking a spot on the opposite side of Jason but facing him.

"Adonde esta la jefa?" Ethan said, making the non-Spanish speakers' ears flick, wondering what Ethan had just said.

Mike grinned, pulling out a notebook and pen, "Ella está…..con Feral. Ella no vinene…..no that's not right…. Ella no vendrá aquí…..asta…how do you say tomorrow?"

"Mañana" Ethan said, "Muhn-yaa-nuh."

"Hmm….I see," Mike mumbled, writing the word out before quickly writing it how he thought it should be spelled out. There were other words in his notebook, plus written sentences on other things he had recorded. "Judging by how it sounds, then it should have a diacritical mark here with the 'n'"

Ethan shrugged, looking at Mike's notebook, "I don't know…..it looks right….I think?"

Everyone glanced at Mike and Ethan talking about things in English before switching to Spanish and back to English. Ethan would say something, Mike would write it in his notebook, and they would continue back and forth. Mike would stumble with some new words but quickly understood and figured out how to write them out. Mike was like an eager student, writing like he was recording something unique and enjoying his conversation with Ethan. Apart from this duo, everyone else was lost and trying to understand what was said.

"This language sounds lovely," Evelyn said, smiling but getting lost with the eager pair.

"It does! Wouldn't you agree, Jason?" Mike said with beaming eyes, looking at the annoyed kat on the opposite side.

Jason rolled his eyes but eased up, "It sounds like a bunch of noise. I don't understand a lick of it, and it sounds weird!"

"Aw...parece que alguien está confundido acerca de lo que estamos diciendo. Pobre gatito... su mente no puede entendernos! Estupido!" Ethan mocked, putting his mouth to cover his mouth but grinning at Jason who scowled at him.

"I didn't understand what you just said, but I can tell you just called me 'stupid," Jason growled, pointing his spoon at the kit, "Who scored like shit again? Oh, that's right….four-twenty-three!"

"Explosive diva!" Ethan snapped back.

Evelyn put a paw before Ethan, shaking her head for the boy to stop. Mike coughed to get Jason's attention, staring and shaking his head at the tom. This was the usual between these two - one would say something then both would be at each other's throats. Tina would cheer them on, Chance would glare at Jason and only step in if Jason attempted anything physical, Benson would try to defuse the situation, and Jake would stay silent and focus on his things.

Ethan groaned, crossing his arms and ignoring Evelyn's disappointed stare. The boy's eyes shifted toward the exit and noticed them opening, revealing Jake entering the room. Ethan shook everything away and smiled, waving at his teacher.

"Last one here! Welcome, slowpoke!" Ethan joked, making all the adults notice the straggler.

Jake scoffed, grabbing some food from the kitchen before sitting with Jason as far away from a certain tabby as possible. He noticed the lingering tension and put a spoon of food in his mouth.

"You two going at it again?" Jake asked, "Can't ya eat in peace without one of you yelling at the other about something?"

"It's not my fault that firecracker over there keeps glaring at me," Ethan said, sighing and returning to look at Jason, who kept eyeing him with hostility. It reminded the boy of today and how the citizens looked at him. However, the weight of something else bothered Ethan, and he looked at the ceiling before looking at the adults around him.

"Say…..everyone….," Ethan said, "What would you guys do when in a situation to save or stop someone? Let's say a criminal was right in front of you….depending on what you decide…it would lead to him escaping but surviving…dying if you decide to capture him."

Everyone froze, thinking about what the kid had just said, and some wondered why the boy would ask that. Benson was the first to respond, putting a hand on his chin and expressing his thoughts.

"It depends on the situation. I rather not take a life and would prefer to save than kill. However, if need be, then I would stop them. For me, it's the factors and which is more important to do in that situation," Benson said with a calm tone, no hesitance in his voice, and stating things like facts.

"I would prefer to save someone rather than cause their deaths," Evelyn said, placing a paw on Ethan's back and wondering if the boy was alright.

Chance and Jake stayed quiet, listening to the conversation, but not in the mood to share their viewpoint. Chance kept an eye on Ethan, feeling something was up for the boy to ask the question and thinking about questioning him later.

"I could sympathize with their situation, but laws are laws for a reason. I don't want to cause anyone's death, but we have to stop them and reflect on why it occurs later," Mike said, thinking about the question more.

Tina raised an eyebrow and rolled her eyes, "You can't hesitate regardless of the situation. It's you or them. Who cares about the criminal's backstory. Cloudy judgment and questioning can lead you to die in the field."

"I agree with Tina. Do you think they are thinking about you in any situation? Honestly stupid…you say the dumbest things sometimes," Jason growled, putting his elbow on the table and his head on his hand, looking at the boy with disgust.

Ethan ignored Jason's taunt and just nodded, "It's easy when it's someone like Tail Nabber…. He killed so many kits without remorse and…. I would not hesitate to stop him. But… I remember an old story from an autobiography someone read to me…a famous thief who would steal things during a great recession in old times and the officer who caught him. It was revealed that the thief was just a teenager, a few years older than me, giving most of what he stole to his starving community."

Everyone's ear perked on hearing that, all eyeing each other and wondering if this someone was Ethan's mentor. The boy would usually not say anything to them about his mentor since it was too personal, only talking about things with Chance and Evelyn. Ethan did not notice them and thought about Zoe's favorite book, a diary collection from the thief and the guard who caught him.

"How did it end?" Chance spoke up, making Ethan look at his guardian with a sad look.

"It was still during a time when the world had kings and queens, so they publicly executed the thief and reminded the city of what happens when someone breaks the law. The guard regretted capturing him as he damned the teenager and the teenager's community. I don't…want to regret my decisions, but I don't want to hurt those who can be helped. I don't…..know….. I thought this would be easy….like in comics, but….." Ethan trailed off, staring at the bowl before him and wondering about today.

All the adults were scratching their necks, feeling uneasiness about how the story ended, and trying to say anything to bring back the neutral mood.

"Jeez kit, you sure know how to bring the mood down," Jake said, continuing to eat his food after some thought. He eyed the troubled boy and waved his hand, "Easy? If only things were like that…you can't question every decision you make, but move forward with how you feel and follow whatever you want to do. Stop them? Then stop them. Save them? Then save them. You can't wait for guidance all the time as it would leave you with the third option…..do nothing…..which is worse than doing something."

Apart from Chance, the Strays gave Jake a look as he always stayed quiet and would only speak when called upon in their meeting or directly talked to. It was an odd sight for them to see their introverted technician speak up and talk to someone first.

"Scuzzball is right for once!" Chance snorted, seeing the odd reaction of the group, but focused on the kid beside him. He pulled the kid close and laughed, "Stop wallowing around. Just do the best you can and figure things out. You are still a kit. You will make mistakes here and there, so just live and learn!"

Ethan grumbled, feeling the tabby mess with his hair, but weakly smiled as he heard his guardian's laugh. He looked at him at his team, all relaxing and nodding at him to not worry about it. Ethan blushed, feeling like an idiot and shaking his worry about today. He felt a bit better but still questioned his decision.

'What kind of hero am I?' Ethan thought but pushed it to the side for now, enjoying his dinner with the team.


AN: Hopefully, you guys will enjoy this chapter. It will not be easy for the team to take down an omega, as they are slippery as hell and crafty bastards. Until next time!