A/N: Hello everyone! Yes I know it's been a long time-WAY too long. I assure you-I did not lose interest in this story. What I did lose was time. After I published the previous chapter, I was moved to a different shift which came with a new supervisor. The work load increased, and I was also caring for my parents and moving to a new place. But...better late than never right.

Anyway, here we are. The long awaited final chapter.

Alright, time for legal jargon. Biker Mice does not belong to me, nor does anything affiliated with Marvel, DC, Paramount or Lucasfilm/Disney. While being used without permission, no profit is being made from their use. However, Danielle "Danny" Aguirrez does belong to me so no using without permission please. Jenessa "Jet" Velociata belongs to Tess La Calme, who is allowing me to use her with permission.


Danny ran as fast as she could in a pure black void. She wasn't sure what direction she was running in-everything was pitch black. Not a dark place where one could faintly see outlines of furniture, street lights or even buildings. Just pure darkness. She didn't even hear anything aside from her own rapid footfalls and heavy breathing. No place was like this-not even her neighborhood slums. No sounds except her rapid running and heavy breathing. What made it even worse, was that there were no smells-familiar or unfamiliar. Nothing to give her an idea where she was-or if she was anywhere at all. It was unnatural.
What was more unnatural was that she was running. She didn't even know what she was running from-or towards. The only thing that let her know she was actually moving was the sound of her rapid footfalls. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to keep running or something…something bad was going to happen to her.

She looked back and forth, to find something-anything-for a sense of direction. When she looked to her right, she saw a small white light. Could it be-a way out? Anything was better than running in supposed circles in the dark. Danny ran towards it, sprinting with an energy she didn't know she had left. Or tried to anyway. She barely took two steps before a loud, cackling laugh broke through the silence.

"And just where do you think you're going?"

A thick, vine-like object wrapped itself around Danny's ankle and pulled her down. She screamed as soon as she fell on the ground (or what she figured was the ground as everything was pitch black). She grabbed the vine and tried to pull it off her, but more appeared-black as her surroundings-and wrapped themselves around her wrists. The teenager struggled against her binds, squirming back and forth trying to get free. But the more she moved her body, the tighter the vines got. She winced as they tightened around her wrists and ankles, and they started to feel like they were going to pop off at any moment. She leaned forward and tried to bite down on a vine to yank her hand free, but it gave no leeway. In fact, it was as if the vine got thicker in her mouth, sensing her resistance. She quickly released it and looked around. Where were the vines coming from? There had to be a way to get out!

"The more you try to fight it, the tighter your binds get."

Danny felt her skin turn cold-she recognized that voice anywhere. But it was impossible-he was dead! She saw him bleed out…didn't she? She heard soft footfalls to her left, getting closer and closer. When she turned her head, her worst fears were confirmed. Joe stood before her, his body red from the chest below, his body swollen and bloated.

"You really think you can escape it all?" Joe bent down and locked his pale, lifeless eyes with her own. "Us, the life, who you are…you really thought you could leave it all behind and live out some stupid childish fantasy. Become a hero and be more than the piece of trash you are? Hah!" He spat to his side, and looked back at her. "I don't know who's a bigger idiot: you or that whore of a sister?"

"She's no hero," someone in the shadows spoke up. "She's in it for the wrong reasons."

Danny bolted up…at least as much as she could considering she was pinned to the ground. She recognized that voice! She turned her head as much as she could, and saw a feminine figure obscured in the darkness. Said figure stepped forward, her feet making clicking noises with every step, each click louder than the rest. She knew those clicks anywhere-the kind only high heels can make. When the shadowed figure stepped out into Danny's line of sight, everything lit up: the pink strapless tank, the leather skirt that barely covered the hips, torn fishnet stockings accompanying high heeled boots, and bleached blonde hair.

"R-Raquelle!" Danny shouted-or tried to shout with her mouth covered.

Raquelle stood where she was. Something was off-VERY off. She was as still as a statue, her skin white as a sheet. Even with her face-plastered with her thick makeup did nothing to hide her flat expression. What as more, Danny saw a thin red gash on Raquelle's neck, and what looked like blood leaking out from said gash. She felt her skin grow cold and clammy looking at her, her breath tightening in her throat.

"Heroes do what they do because it's right. You were in it for yourself."

"Raq-"

"It was never about fighting the good fight-to stop evil in its wake. You wanted attention-to be adored. But you couldn't be satisfied with what we had-couldn't wait for things to get better for us. Because you couldn't accept that what you wanted is something that abuela, abuelo, and I couldn't give you." She paused and scoffed. "I'm sorry-I mean wouldn't give you, right?" She looked back at her. "You say we're the evil and selfish because of what we did to you. But you're no better than us."

Another figure stepped out from the darkness, dried blood caked around his neck. He looked straight at Danny, his cold dead eyes locked on her own.

"Keith…"

"You didn't want to escape and fight evil because it was the right thing to do. You wanted revenge for what your family-your grandparents, the gang-did to you." He scoffed. "I'm a woman beater, a pig, a drug dealer, and a gangbanger. But at least I'm honest about it."

"You want to know what the worst part is? She doesn't learn."

Danny felt her heart go still at that moment. That voice...one she'd know anywhere. NO…no, not him too! This had to be some sick, twisted joke!

The heavy footfalls and the following metal clinks further fueled her fear. With every footstep, she felt her throat tighten and her stomach sink. As said figure got closer, Danny was able to make out a sillouhete-tall and wide, with large pancake-shaped ears on top of the head. When it stepped into her line of vision, it was all she could do not to cry out against her gag.

No…no him too!

Modo narrowed back at her with his one red eye. Just like Jimmy, his eye was cold and dead. Unlike the others, his neck was free of any slashes or dried blood. However, the rest of his face was not spared, covered in cuts and scratches all over.

"You did this to me," Modo simply said, pointing to his face. His voice was flat and emotionless, almost robotic.

"M-Modo-"

"I almost got half my face carved off because of you. Had to face a giant zombie protecting you. And no matter what we told you, you kept doing the opposite." He paused, still glaring at her. "My Bros were right all along: you are nothing but trouble. We should have left you to Limburger's mercy."

Danny felt her vision blurred as she fought to prevent tears from running down. She couldn't argue back, even if she wasn't gagged. As much as she wanted to deny it, they were right. Her desire to be a hero, to save the day…it wasn't just about doing what was right. She wanted to escape everything. To escape being the family scapegoat and punching bag. To believe that her life had meaning and purpose…that she could be more than what she was right now. And maybe…that would lead her to finally being loved.

She was selfish. And they saw right through her.

"You talk all about heroics and saving the day. But you're like the rest of us-no better than a street rat. And you know what happens to street rats." Joe looked at Modo. "The honor is all yours."

Danny blinked. What honor? What was he talking about?

She didn't have to wonder long as Modo stepped right up to her and lifted his right arm. Her eyes widened as the gun barrel popped out from his wrist and pointed right at her. She wiggled against the vines faster as she tried to squirm free.
She was able to wiggle her face free from the vines and looked up at the large gray mouse. "Modo, don't do this!" She begged, her voice cracking, tears falling down her cheeks. "This isn't you! You're a hero-not a murderer!"

"I am a hero. And one of a hero's duties is to stop all evil in their tracks before they get worse." A blue light inched its way from the barrel as he aimed his weapon at her forehead. "And selfishness is one of the first signs of evil."

"Modo…no! Please, stop this! I beg you-"

"Too late."

"MODO DON'T!"

A hot, bright blue light shot out of Modo's arm barrel. And that was the last thing Danny saw.


Danny screamed and bolted up. She gasped for air and felt around her face. Her skin felt cold and damp, and she froze once more. Good God-was she shot? She slowly removed her hand from her face and looked at her palm. No blood-just sweat. She sighed in relief, and pulled her legs up to her waist. Her body shook violently as she hugged herself.

A dream. It was just a bad dream.
Even knowing that, she still couldn't stop her body from shaking. Or the tears coming down her eyes. She was too upset and paralyzed to register-or care-how she looked at that moment.

Even knowing it was all a dream, it didn't make a difference. She couldn't deny the truth anymore. And what was worse, everyone knew the real her. Even Modo. And now she was going to be sent away. Maybe to a foster home, or back to her grandparents (assuming they were still alive). She didn't know which of the two would be worse.

What was the point of trying to do right if she was going to be ignored and cast aside? Maybe she should have stayed where she was-remain as everyone's scapegoat and punching bag. At least she knew what to expect, and could (theoretically at least) leave when she turned eighteen. Now it was too late.

"Why did I try to be something I'm not, and never will be?" She sniffed, and rubbed her face with her forearm. "Why didn't I listen and just stay in my place?"

"Because heroes are too stubborn to listen to the ones who say otherwise?"

Danny blinked, and looked up. Her vision was blurry, but she could make out a large black blob. When she blinked and let the tears slide down her face, she saw Throttle standing on the other end of the sofa-bed. She hastily wiped her face, trying to destroy the evidence of her breakdown. She already lost her hopes and dreams-she wasn't going to lose what was left of her dignity dammit!

"How long were you standing there watching me like some creepy perv?"

"Long enough to know that your runaway mouth is still intact."

Danny rolled her eyes, and looked away. She didn't feel like talking to Throttle right now. Actually, she didn't feel like talking to anyone at that moment-she was still frazzled from her nightmare. But of all the people around her, he was the last person she wanted to speak to. At least with Vinnie she could make him storm off after a few seconds of talking with her-she knew he didn't like her and wouldn't make the effort to reach out. She wouldn't be so fortunate with Throttle.

Especially after last night.

She still couldn't get over her breakdown. How she snapped and turned into a blubbering mess. In that one night, she became what she swore she would never be: weak. Tears were a weakness. And she let herself be weak in front of everyone. Now they saw her as both crazy AND a crybaby.

She felt the sofa-bed sink as Throttle sat next to her. She buried her face between her legs to avoid looking at him. Yes it was childish-and ineffective as he was still there. But maybe if she made it clear she didn't want to talk to him, he would take the hint and leave her alone.

Instead, she heard the clinking of what sounded like a cup. She didn't think anything of it, until a sweet smell caught her attention. Was she still frazzled from her nightmare, or did she smell chocolate? She slowly turned her head, and saw a plain black mug with steam rising from it. When she leaned forward, she noticed a light brown liquid inside the cup. She could feel water pooling inside her mouth as she inhaled the rich smell of chocolate. Her fingers twitched as she fought the urge to grab the mug and chug down the inviting warm liquid. She doubted he would bring her poisoned hot chocolate-way out of character for him. But she knew why he brought it-a petty compensation before the team booted her out and she was left to fend for herself…again.

"It's chocolate, not poison," Throttle insisted. "We wouldn't go through the trouble of saving you only to kill you while you're up and alert."

"I'm not a chocolate kind of girl," Danny insisted, though more to herself than to him.

"Yeah…your voice says no, but your mouth-or rather, your drool-says the opposite." He smirked and pointed at her mouth.

Danny touched the corner of her mouth. No doubt, there was a small trickle of drool running down her chin. She felt her face turn warm at that realization. Damn her betraying taste buds! And damn the rumbling in her stomach! She could have sworn her face felt hotter when Throttle chuckled. She hastily wiped her mouth with her shirt and buried her face between her legs again. Her ears perked up when she heard sliding ceramic against the table, gradually becoming louder-and the chocolate more fragrant. She slowly lifted her head up and looked straight at the inviting brown liquid, then back at Throttle.

"Even heroes eat sweets once in a while." Throttle paused. "Besides, I find it easier to deal with everything when I have something in my stomach."

He pushed the mug closer to her.

Danny looked at the mug for a moment, then looked at Throttle through the corner of her eye, then back at the mug once more. She opened her mouth to speak, but all that could be heard was the grumbling of her stomach. She dared not open her mouth, lest the drool that flowed to the end of her mouth come running out like water out of a broken dam.

She quickly grabbed the mug-surprisingly not burning her hands-and took a small hesitant sip of the rich, creamy chocolate. She blinked as the warm brown liquid went down her throat. Warm, sweet, yet slightly spiced. Could it be…?

"Something wrong?" Throttle looked at her, one of his eyebrows cocked. "Is it bitter? Too sweet? Too powdery?"

"This chocolate…what kind is it?"

"Not sure. Charley made it. It came from some sort of yellow box with an old woman's face on it. Why?"

"I…just haven't had this kind in a while."

She looked back at the contents of her mug, then took another sip of the warm, sweet, slightly spiced liquid, feeling it go down her throat and into her stomach, warming her all over. This was the same type of chocolate that she used to have back at home, before everything went to hell.

Whenever her grandparents would punish her over something, their standard go to method was isolating her from the family in their apartment's closet for an entire day. It would be over anything-a chore she didn't complete properly, acting out, or just simply being there. More often than not, she would be made to spend the day in there after getting a thorough beating, and would not be allowed to have any food for the time she was in that closet. She lost track of how many time she would bang on the door wanting to be let out and saying over and over she was hungry, but they would either ignore her or make her stay longer. But when her grandparents were asleep or distracted, Raquelle would sneak her something to hold her over-usually something simple like peanut butter with crackers or dry cereal-anything that didn't require using the stove and would get their attention. And it would always include a cup of hot chocolate. THIS type of hot chocolate.

And now she's gone. No idea where she could be, or even a lead on where to start. The only person in her family was gone. And now she was truly all alone.

Her vision became blurred and watery once more. When Danny blinked, two tears were released and plopped straight into her hot chocolate. She quickly ducked her head down when more threatened to stain her face and change the taste of her drink. It was pointless; she knew Throttle saw she was crying. But she didn't want him to see her breaking down again.

Why couldn't she stop crying dammit?

A box of white tissues was quickly thrust into her line of blurry vision. The corner of her eye looked up at Throttle. Even though his shades covered his eyes, his face seemed soft.

"…dammit." Danny grabbed a wad of tissues and vigorously wiped her eyes with them.

How did these mice keep tricking her to let her guard down and act so damn weak?

"Just got the record, I'm not crying." She sniffed and wadded up the wet tissue paper. "There's just a lot of dust here."

"Yeah, that dust is nasty stuff." Throttle looked at her, a small smirk on his face.

She cradled the mug between her chest and legs, keeping her head down. She may have let her guard down, but she still refused to see Throttle's smug smirk. He already beat her; she didn't need to see the expression on his face.

"I guess you do hate chocolate." Throttle chuckled. "I mean, who else would gulp it down in five seconds?"

"Fine, you win. Hope you're happy, Summers." Danny rolled her eyes and took another sip.

"That's what I figured. A female hating chocolate…that's even crazier than women hating diamonds."

"What kind of comparison is that?" She looked at Throttle incredulously. "Seriously-who the hell came up with that statement 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend'? They don't do anything but sparkle. Makes ya a target for buzzards and crazies to jump ya. Even if you can find a place where you can pawn them, you're lucky if they'll give you enough for a week's worth of food and the haggle buyers to buy it for twenty times what they gave you for-"

Danny stopped and realized Throttle was looking at her. Dammit-she did it again! First Modo, and now this guy. Seriously-these mice men had to have superpowers that made her blab parts of her life she thought she'd take to her grave. How else would she have been able to blab this stuff so easily to him? What's worse, she could feel him judging her behind his shades. His silence said it all.

"Sounds like you have some first hand experience."

She shrank further back against the sofa, still cradling her cup. Damn her mouth. Forget foster care-they were probably getting ready to ship her off to juvie. Or worse-prison. People like her were a favorite target for the slammer, even if they weren't adults. She wasn't sure which would be worse: prison, foster care, or her grandparents. On one hand, with the first two she'd at least be guaranteed food and a bed (there was no way her grandparents would let her have either). On the other hand, the idea of having to use the bathroom or shower with people watching her all the time disturbed her.

She looked own at her mug. Not much liquid left. But maybe it would be enough to splash on Throttle's face. It was still warm-not scalding. But it could distract him-and maybe the others-long enough to make her escape before the cops came and drag her behind bars…or be shipped off to wherever.

But could she bring herself to do such a thing?

"Something on your mind, Kiddo?"

Danny bolted her head up and looked back at Throttle. How long was she lost in thought? More to the point-did he know what she was thinking?

"Look…I'm not here to judge or lecture you about the things you know, or what you did. None of us had rosy childhoods either. I mean, we've done things we're not proud of in order to survive-and to protect those we care about. If anything, I'm mad that you were pushed into that life and got dragged into the middle of our mess." He sighed and looked at her. "We do what we do to protect people, and then we see that there're still messes happening that're outside our control. Or understanding why this happens."

Danny didn't bother to listen to rest of Throttle's speech. At this point, it didn't matter anymore. She was too upset and shook up to even pretend to listen. All she knew was that she was going to be gotten rid of-again. It was a never ending cycle-first her birth family, then the gang (as much as she wanted out), and now these guys. Maybe it was what she deserved. So many people died in that one night because of her. It didn't matter that they were hired thugs or gang bangers-death was death. What was worse, Modo got injured-almost killed-because of her. Yes he said otherwise, but that just made her feel worse. Because she knew the truth: it was all her fault. She wanted to make a difference, and so much shit went down.

Joe was right in the end-she was no hero. She was just some selfish brat who didn't know when to stop pretending to be something she's not. To want something she couldn't have. And maybe her grandparents were right about her too: she was a waste of flesh, and a curse to everyone who came in contact with her.

Maybe she did belong in prison, or the streets.

She quickly buried her face between her legs as she started tearing up again. Why couldn't she stop crying? Why was she so damn weak today?

"Hey, can you sit up for a moment please? We need to change that bandage on your face."
"Why?" She asked, her voice muffled.

"You really want your scrape to get infected? Trust me, I've seen what happens if you don't clean those out regularly."

"It looks worse than it is." Truth was, she really didn't care if it did get infected. But she didn't want to give Throttle the satisfaction of seeing her so broken down. Once was bad enough-he didn't deserve an encore dammit.

Throttle gently lifted Danny's face up to look at his. She tried to avert her gaze so he wouldn't see the tear marks on her cheeks, or how red her eyes were from all her crying. But he kept his grip firm on her chin as he turned her to his direction, forcing him to make eye contact. It was odd; this was not the first time someone gripped her this way. But for whatever reason, she didn't feel her body tense up, her heart beating faster, or her blood freeze in terror. Nor did she feel the need to coil one of her hands into a fist to punch him and try to escape.

"Hey, no playing the 'macho' act with me, Danny-girl. Only me and my bros get to play that card." He slowly peeled off the bandage of her cheek and poured ointment into a cotton ball. "This is gonna sting like hell, but try to hold still and not make a scene."

Throttle lightly dabbed the moist cotton ball on the exposed scrapes on Danny's cheek. The ointment on her skin stung like hell, but she didn't move. Didn't even make a sound. She just stayed still, too numb from everything to cry out, blink, or react at all.

"Looks to be healing up nicely-I'm amazed that you didn't scrape off all the flesh on your face. Guess you got a guardian angel on your side or something."

"…how's Modo?" Danny didn't want to have a conversation, least of all about last night's events. But she couldn't keep her curiosity at bay, especially about her gray-furred savior.

"He's holding up." He removed the cotton ball and dug a fresh bandage from the first aid kit. "Believe it or not, last night wasn't the worst fight we've been in…or the bloodiest."

"Wh..what about right now?"

"He's downstairs with the others. There's a lot of baggage from yesterday that still needs to be unpacked and sorted through." He placed a fresh bandage on her cheek. "And there. I don't have Modo's or Charley-girl's gentle touch when it comes to healing, but I can at least do basic first aid."

Danny continued averting her gaze from Throttle. She was relieved Modo was alright-she was. But it was only a reminder that this was all her fault. Four people almost died because of her-MODO almost died because of her. All she wanted was to be part of something great-to prove to everyone and herself she was worthwhile. But most of all, she just wanted to belong somewhere. And it all went to hell.

She clenched her fists, her nails pressing against the soft flesh of her palms. If she squeezed any tighter she could probably cut through her skin. But it didn't matter. At this point, nothing else mattered.
"…you can stop pretending to care, you know."

"What're you-"

"I know you blame me for everything that went down last night." When she blinked, a tear went down each of her eyes, but she couldn't bring herself to wipe it off. "Not that I don't deserve it. I screwed up big time."

"Danny-girl-."

"So many people died last night because of me. Your friend Charley almost died-MODO almost died- because of me." She sniffed. "Because I was trying to be something I'm not. You wouldn't be trying to get rid of me if I wasn't."

"Danny-girl, that's not-"

"Stop lying to me Throttle!" She turned to look at him. By then, the tears were flowing freely from her eyes. But she couldn't get herself to stop spewing the words from her mouth. "We all know the truth! We all know it's my fault everything went to shit! I messed up and endangered everyone! I'm selfish and a fake! That's why you're tossing me out like yesterday's trash!"

She hastily turned her head away as she vigorously wiped her face with her forearm. Another breakdown in less than twenty-four hours. Seriously-why couldn't she keep herself together? Why was she so damn weak?

At that moment, Throttle reached over cupped her chin in his hand. He turned her face to look at him, but she averted her eyes. She already broke down in front of him-she couldn't bare the idea of him seeing how much she was wrecked.

"Kid, I want you to humor me and make eye contact. Staring at me is not gonna make you turn to stone or blow you up or…whatever." He waited until she slowly-very slowly-turned her eyes to his. "That's better. Did you know what Limburger had in mind with all that gunk?"
"No-"

"Did you create that zombie army and told them to find us? Or attack Charley-girl in any way? Or us?"
"No, but-"

"What happened back there was awful, and one of our more higher stakes battles since coming to Earth. But it wasn't your fault." Throttle sighed. "Look, me and my Bros, we're soldiers. We've been fighting since…well, for a long time. Longer than any of us can remember. Battle scars like the ones last night, that comes with the territory."

"But…but Modo almost-"

"He survived though. And he knows what happened to him wasn't because of you." Throttle ran a hand through his hair and looked back at her. "Yeah, you disobeyed us and tried to fight them when we told you-multiple times-not to. But none of us blame you for how things went down. You just got caught in the crossfire."

Danny snorted and rolled her eyes. "Well, the hairy loud mouth says otherwise."

"Well…Vinnie has a history of running his mouth when he should be keeping it shut." Throttle paused and looked back at Danny. "Kind of like a certain dark haired kid I know." He chuckled as her face went warm, no doubt blushing. "But seriously-when Charley-girl is involved in any way, he gets tunnel vision." He paused. "Calling him Two Face didn't help your case either."

"…not my proudest moment, I know." Danny sulked. "Doesn't matter either way. I know you're still gonna send me somewhere else."

"Yeah…about that."

Danny looked back at him. She felt her heart suddenly still, and her breath catch in her throat. Did they change their minds? Was she actually going to be accepted by them?

"…it might be better if you come downstairs. Hear it from everyone."

"Why can't they just come up here and say it?"

"Just get downstairs." He looked her over. "…maybe wash your face first."

Danny watched as Throttle stood up and walked downstairs. She watched him leave, then looked back at the mug on the table. Was this it? Was she finally going to get her happy ending and be welcomed in the ranks? Has everything she endured finally paid off and she was finally being given the life she had dreamed of? She had been chasing after this dream for so long…and now that she was finally away from the perils of her former gang, it seemed like it was finally coming true.

So why couldn't she bring herself to be happy?

You've come this far, Danny. She grabbed the mug and hastily chugged what was left of the hot chocolate. No backing out now.

She stood up and made her way to the bathroom. She was already past the point of no return. If she was going to face her destiny, then she would do so with a clear face.


Charley flipped through the channels on the television set. By now, all the major news stations were covering last night's explosion at the factory. Every channel had the same thing: smoldering rubble and paramedics carrying away all the dead bodies found (in body bags). No signs of the bloated zombie bodies-either they were crushed by all the fallen concrete, or Limburger had what was left of his goons go back for them. No doubt to avoid any change of civilians finding out about his connection to everything…and perhaps try to find a way to salvage his failed plan. She quickly turned it off-the last thing everyone needed was to see reminders of last night's events. So much happened in just a span of twenty-four hours. And there were still more loose ends to tie up.

One would think she'd be used to it by now.

"I still not sure about this everyone," Modo said. "What if she doesn't accept this idea?"

"It's the best option we got, Modo," Charley answered. "If there were any other solutions available we'd go for those in a heartbeat. But with everything else that's happened, it's either this or a foster home for Danny."

"I know." Modo sighed, slumping forward on the chair he was sitting on. "I still just can't help but feel…like there's gotta be another way."

Jet placed a hand on Modo's shoulder and gave it a soft but firm squeeze. He in turn looked up to her, and she gave him a soft smile. As the large mouse opened his mouth to respond, he saw Throttle walking downstairs to join everyone. Modo quickly stood up, almost knocking the chair over in the process.

"How is she Throttle? Any better?"

"Hanging in there if that's what you mean. Still blames herself for everything that happened."

"She should," Vinnie mumbled. He yelped when Throttle smacked the back of his head. "What was that for!?"

"He never learns." Charley rolled her eyes and handed Throttle a mug filled with coffee. "Here-it's not root beer, but I think we all need extra caffeine after everything that went down."

"Thanks Charley-girl." He graciously accepted the mug, took a sip of the contents, then gagged. "Ugh...now I remember why I don't drink Earth coffee. Seriously-what is the appeal behind this bitter crap?"

"Told you to go for the tea, Specs," Jet shrugged, taking a sip from her own mug. "No milk or sugar necessary." She looked back at Modo and squeezed his shoulder once again. "Have a little faith, Mighty Mouse. This will work out for everyone-I promise."

Before Modo could say anything else, footsteps caught everyone's attention. Everyone turned to the source, and saw Danny slowly coming downstairs. Dressed in a long sleeved dark red shirt and blue jeans, hair tied back in a messy ponytail, carrying her backpack with her. As she descended downstairs and into the room, she kept her gaze averted from everyone. Her eyes were still a slight red, still puffy-no doubt from crying earlier, complemented by dark circles forming under her eyes.

"Danny." Modo bolted up from his chair, and tried to approach her, but Jet grabbed him by his bionic arm.

"Whoah. Easy there, Modo. Don't wanna make yourself dizzy. Besides, you'll end up overwhelming the kid if you rush her." She looked back at Danny. "How're you holding up, Kiddo?"

"…I'm alright." The teenager kept her voice low, but slowly lifted her head up to look at Modo. "Modo? A-are you-"

"You were worried about me, Little Lady?" Modo smiled reassuringly at her. "It's gonna take more than a few pieces of glass and some overbloated goon to take me down."

Danny looked at him for a moment, and her eyes began to water again. She dropped her backpack and ran towards him. She quickly wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest. A sob escaped her mouth, and she began to cry.

"I'm sorry," she spoke between sobs. "I'm sorry, Modo. It's my fault. What happened to you…it's all my fault."

"Hey, we've talked about this, Danny." Modo tilted her head up to look at him. "I've been through much worse than this." He gestured to his bionic arm, then to his face. "Besides, these lil' scratches are already starting to heal up."

Danny sniffed, and slowly released herself from Modo's body. "Geez…I dunno why I'm still crying." She raised her forearm up to her eyes to wipe her tears-only for Charley to thrust a packet of tissues in her face.

"Trust me-these are much better to use than clothes."

Danny rolled her eyes and accepted the tissue packet only to stuff it into her pants pocket. "So…what's been decided about me? Am I being shipped off to a foster home? A random orphanage in the middle of nowhere? Juvie?" She paused. "The Phantom Zone?"

"I swear if that last place is from Star Wars or one of your stupid comic books then-" Vinnie stopped the moment Charley covered his mouth with her hand.

"Vinnie, don't start this again," Charley ordered. "It's too early in the morning and none of us got any sleep."

"I believe that's where I come in," Jet stepped up towards Danny. "We've been doing a lot of talking last night, deciding what the best course of action should be taken regarding you. Our priority is making sure that you're sent to be where you'll be protected, and have a stable environment." She paused. "But we also know that whatever we decide, it won't matter if you don't like where you are. And the last thing we want is to send you somewhere you'll hate and have you run away from over and over. So we have two options for you to decide from. One-you can take your chances with child services."

"…what's the second option?" Danny raised an eyebrow as she looked at Jet.

"Option two…you come live with me."

Charley looked at Danny staring at Jet, her eyes wide and jaw hanging low. If she wasn't part of the decision process last night, then she herself wouldn't have believed this was happening either.

"You want me-a kid you don't know and met just last night in the middle of a chaotic battle to save Earth-to move in with you."

"That's what I just said," Jet smiled. "My apartment isn't very big, but we can make it work. And I'm sure it will be better than staying at wherever CPS takes you."

"But…but you don't know me!" Danny protested as she looked at Jet. "For all you know, I could be some deranged serial killer in the making!"

"Not even five minutes after meeting me and my Bros, you wanted to join us for interstellar adventures," Throttle countered.

Danny sulked and hunched forward as the others laughed at her. Jet shook her head, still laughing before turning her gaze back to Danny.

"Deranged serial killers don't try to fight off intergalactic invaders. Or worry when someone is injured on their behalf." She smiled. "I'm willing to take my chances with you, if you're willing to do the same.

"Besides, Miss Jet works at the diner we frequent," Modo added. "This way we can keep in contact, and be around if you need us."

"So, what do you say, Kiddo? What's it gonna be?"

Charley watched Danny's facial expressions as she pondered what her decision would be. The young girl tucked in her mouth, looking away as she thought over which of the two options to take. After what felt like an eternity, Danny looked back up at the curvy woman.

"…how many sugar cubes does Picard put in his coffee?"

"Ha. Trick question," Jet snorted. "Janeway is the coffee drinker. Picard's signature drink is tea." Pause. "Earl gray. Hot."

Charley couldn't help but chuckle as the mice groaned in frustration. It seemed Jet was as much of a science fiction and comic afficionado as Danny was. Probably more.

"What was the title of the final Star Wars movie of the original trilogy before it was changed at the last minute?"

"Revenge of the Jedi."

"Who were the first five original X-Men?"

"Cyclops, Iceman, Beast, Angel and Marvel Girl. Also known as Jean Grey, who later became known as Phoenix."

"What was Joker's real identity before becoming Batman's archnemesis?"

"Also a trick question. He has several possible origin stories. Even he doesn't know who he originally was before he became the psychotic Clown Prince of Crime."

"…you're good." Danny smiled.

"For the love of-enough with the geek talk!" Vinnie called out. "All this damn nerding out is clashing with our macho environment and giving us serious brain rot!"

"One last test before I decide." Danny pointedly ignored Vinnie. "To convince me to move in, quote something from Star Trek."

"Danny-girl, enough," Throttle pleaded. "You put us-I mean her-through enough with all this nerd stuff."

"No, it's okay. I don't mind at all. This is actually a lot of fun." Jet looked back at the mice who were groaning and complaining. "I don't want to hear it from you three-especially you Vincent." She pointed at him. "We all know you've been watching Star Trek and Doctor Who."

"It was one time! And nothing else was on!" Vinnie shouted back in defense, his face red from embarrassment.

"Whatever." She ignored Vinnie's protests and looked back at Danny. "Does it have to be from a specific Star Trek series, or can I go with any version?"

"Whichever. It just has to parallel this situation."

Jet smiled. "I have just the perfect quote in mind." She cleared her throat, and lowered herself so her face was parallel to Danny's. "Buried deep within you, beneath all the years of pain and anger, there is something that has never been nurtured: the potential to make yourself a better man. And that is what it is to be human. To make yourself more than you are. Oh, yes — I know you. There was a time you looked at the stars and dreamed of what might be."

Danny looked at Jet for a moment. Charley looked back and forth between the two ladies. Both ladies appeared stoic in their expressions. If it weren't for the comical quiz and the Bros' frustration at enduring all this "geek talk" as Vinnie put it, this would be a very dramatic moment.

"…you're really good." Danny held out her hand. "You got yourself an underage roommate."

Jet laughed and reached out her other hand, clasping Danny's and shaking it. The three mice slumped forward, relieved everything-including Danny's "quiz"-was finally done.

"I swear if I had to endure anymore of this geek stuff today I was going to rip out my fur," Vinnie grumbled.

"Oh come on. Stop exaggerating." Charley rolled her eyes. "It wasn't that bad."

"Easy for you to say, Charley-girl." Throttle looked back at Jet and Danny. "Looks like a happy ending all around, huh ladies?"

"I think it more as the beginning of a new chapter. For all of us." Jet yawned, then looked back at Danny. "We got a few details to iron out, but first thing's first-"

"We PARTY!" Vinnie exclaimed. "Bring on the hot dogs and root beer!"

"…actually Vinnie I was gonna suggest SLEEP." Jet looked pointedly at him.

"Yeah, I think I'm with Miss Jet on that." Modo let out a loud yawn. "That fight took a lot out of me and I'm running on fumes."

"Tired after one night? Man Modo, you're getting old." Vinnie chuckled.

"I hate to say it Vincent, but I'm with him on this." Throttle removed his glasses to rub his eyes. "After we bring these ladies to…wherever, I say we head back for some overdue shut-eye."

"I third it." Charley yawned. "After last night, I think I'm gonna spend at least a week in bed."

"Party poopers." Vinnie rolled his eyes. "Fine…I guess I can hold off." He paused. "For now."

Danny went back for her backpack and began to slide it back on. As she started to slide one of her arms through the straps, Lil' Hoss approached the young girl, and rubbed itself against her. She smiled, bent down and wrapped her arms around the blue cycle's frame. In response, Lil' Hoss's engine lowered itself to a purr-like rumble.

"Don't think of it as 'Goodbye', Lil' Hoss. More like…see you later." She smiled at the bike. "Be good to Modo, Kay? Keep him safe."

"Hey."

Danny looked up at Modo's direction, and slowly stood up. The large gray mouse handed her a gray duffle bag.

"Don't want to leave this behind," he said. "Charley-ma'am put in a few extra clothes for you-some shirts and jeans that'll fit you better than what you had before, and your skateboard." As Danny set the bag on Lil' Hoss's backseat, Modo presented her with a light gray bundle of…something. A blanket, maybe? "It may have stopped raining, but it's still pretty chilly out there."

Danny unfolded the parcel Modo gave her, revealing a light gray hooded zip up sweatshirt. She smiled and began to slide it on. When she slid one of her arms through, she noticed one of the sleeves had a black Martian Mouse head engraved on it. She ran her fingers along the insignia, then back at him as he knelt down to look at her face to face.

"I promise, once you get settled in, we'll come visit ya." He smiled at her. "And I also want you to know-no matter what happens, you'll always be a Biker Mouse at heart."

"Modo, I…" She smiled at him, her eyes shining as tears threatened to spill out once more. "That is…thanks." She sniffed, looking away while rubbing the back of her head. "I'd hug ya, but I know you're not into that whole showing emotions type of th-"

Before Danny could finish her sentence, Modo pulled her against his chest, and wrapped his arms around her in a firm hug. Danny stood where she was for a moment, then embraced him back, burying her face against his neck as the tears spilt once more.

"I think I can make an exception this one time, Little Lady."

"Hey, any room for me?"

Danny looked up at Throttle, then looked back at Modo for a moment. The large gray mouse smiled, and jerked his head at the tan mouse's direction. Danny slowly released her arms from Modo and rushed over to hug Throttle. He chuckled in return, ruffling his hand through her hair before patting her on the same spot.
"Make sure you stay out of trouble, Danny-girl."

She looked up at him, and smiled. "No promises."

"Yeah…guess that's the best answer I'm gonna get from ya," he chuckled.

Throttle ruffled Danny's hair once more as Vinnie and Charley approached her. Danny looked up at the third mouse and slowly released her arms from Throttle's waist. She looked away, vigorously massaging her arm. Vinnie in return looked the other way, rubbing the back of his head. The two mice and Charley just looked at each other, then rolled their eyes in unison. Throttle pushed Danny towards Vinnie, and she stumbled slightly before quickly regaining her footing. She looked back up at him, and he in turn met her gaze. They stared at each other for what felt like an eternity, neither daring to speak first. This was going to be tougher than any of them thought.

"Okay, one of you speaks up first or I'll make one of you start." Throttle wasted no time and looked at Vinnie. "Vincent, you're the older one. Be the bigger person here."

"But she-"

"Vinnie, for once deflate that ego and talk to her." Charley pushed him towards Danny.

"Alright, alright!" Vinnie lifted his arms up in a placating manner, then lowered them when he looked at Danny. "Umm…you...you put up a good fight back there." He paused. "For a kid anyway."

"Umm…thanks, I guess." Danny looked back at him. "You, uh…you were…pretty good yourself." She paused, rubbing her arm and looking away once more. "Umm…about the things I said last night. I…I was out of line. I'm…I'm sorry."

"You mean about this?" Vinnie pointed at his mask. "I've been called worse by bigger baddies. Uglier ones too." He laughed, but then turned serious. "But…yeah. Thinking back, I was out of line too. I…may have lost my cool and said things I shouldn't have. My mouth works before my brain does."

"The first step is admitting it." Charley smiled, and Vinnie looked at her. "It also means you gotta work at when and where to use it."

"First it's my ego, now it's my mouth." Vinnie groaned. "One vice at a time everyone!"

Everyone laughed at Vinnie, who in turn sulked and folded his arms across his chest. Danny, who gradually stopped laughing, looked back at Charley.
"…Charley, right? Hey, uhh, about what happened-"

Charley placed a finger on Danny's mouth. "No apology needed."

Danny in turn smiled back at the auburn-haired mechanic, who in turn pat her on the shoulder. Jet approached everyone from behind.
"So, we all done saying our good-byes?"

"Eh, good-byes don't exist with us Jet," Throttle chuckled.

"Yeah, kind of figured with you mice men." She turned to Danny. "Ready to head out, Danny-girl?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Danny answered as she climbed on the back of Lil' Hoss.

Modo climbed onto the driver's seat as Danny slipped on a spare helmet provided to her. Throttle and Vinnie boarded their respective motorcycles, with Jet and Charley boarding behind them respectively. The three mice revved up their engines as the three ladies each placed on their helmets.

"Everyone ready?" Throttle waited as they settled in. "Alright, then let's rock-"

The three bikes and their respective riders sped out of the Last Chance's entry way.

"-AND RIDE!"


A/N: WHOOHOO! And that's it! The final chapter. Thank you all for hanging on for as long as you did, and leaving reviews for my writing. It's your views and reviews that keep me motivated to keep going. I also want to thank Tess La Calme for not only allowing me to use Jet, but to bounce ideas off her and for being my beta reader. Your side comments always leave me in stitches, and I appreciate your edits and suggestions.

And to those who are still here-while this is the end of this story, it's not the end of Danny's story overall. There are still some issues that have yet to be resolved, along with other potential adventures. They will be addressed in another fanfic I'm working on. I don't know when it will be posted as I'm still working on it while also still balancing work. But I promise you-the Biker Mice's and Danny's adventures have not ended yet.

Thank you all. And Ride Free Everyone!