Author's Note ~
Three chapters…. Three chapters we have managed to do in one month. Maybe this story won't take four years to make. We got a little lazy with reactions, why are they so hard?!
Truth Be Told
On Akiridion, through the dark hues of red and blue, two guards stood in place as an automated voice spoke in the distance. Nearby, hidden in the covers sat Izita and Zadra, staring down their target.
"If this Omen-Blank is as dangerous as you say, we need the royals more than ever," Izita commented.
"Let's hope my status can get us a ship that can reach Earth," the two moved from their place, heading to the guards and walking with proper posture as if they hadn't planned anything. "On orders from King Morando, I require a Taylon-Stryker. The fastest in the fleet. You are welcome to check with the king."
"That won't be necessary. We have a new security protocol," the guard said before moving out of the way as a much taller and muscular blank headed toward them, scanning the two women.
"What?" Zadra breathed out as her resistance ring was noticed instantly. "Kleb. We've been detected." The robot raised its arm, ready to fire as she reacted quickly, blocking it with her blade. "Get to a Stryker! I'll distract them."
"Girl, how on Earth did you forget that guy existed."
"Do not mock me and my choices. All I cared was to get the royals to safety and from the traitor."
"Thanks for reminding them," Varvatos hissed, feeling every eye land on him as the betrayal swarmed him.
"I do not forgive you, those kids need their parents and your greed took them out!"
"Alright, chill out you two," Toby started. "Let's see what happens, yeah?"
"You did not just tell two tough warriors to chill," Claire said in disbelief.
"I want to know what happens!"
"Commander Zadra?" A blank asked before being tackled to the ground with her weapon.
"I'm with the Resistance now," she answered before focusing on the much bigger bot, throwing numerous blades but it never slowed the bot, she moved and leaped out of the way of a blast before taking off in a run, panting as the bot gave chase.
As she came to a dead end, staring down the massive drop, an automotive voice spoke again as she was cornered. "The Kyron Bay is initializing in 20 sectons. The Kyron Bay is initializing in 20 sectons."
Knowing what was best as she stared down the gun, Zadra dove off the platform, landing on a passing vehicle and startling the driver. Behind her, as she clung to it in desperation, the guard followed, continuing to fire as she swiftly dodged each blast, leaping onto different pods.
She eyed her escape, readying herself before leaping off, however, her jump wasn't enough as she missed the ledge. She let out a panicked cry before she fell, trying to slow her fall with her shield.
When Zadra hit the ground, she tried to scurry back away from the red ship that appeared from behind the corner, stopping in front of her as a voice echoed from the ship, the voice instantly being recognized as Izita's.
"Commander Zadra, halt! By the order of the Resistance!" She jumped out of the ship and helped Zadra to a stand. "You held off Omen long enough for me to get you a Stryker."
"You shouldn't have come back."
"The royals trust you," Izita said, placing a hand on her shoulder before screams erupted from behind them, knowing who had caught up.
"Kleb," Zadra hissed as the security bot closed the distance, firing at the two who quickly dove for cover.
"I'll hold it back. You bring our royals home," Izita stated before letting out a fierce grunt as she tossed an orb at the bot, causing a massive explosion while Zadra moved into the ship, messing with the controls before it blasted off through the blue flames, leaving the planet.
Krel and Aja glanced at Zadra who had fought her way to get to them. They were glad she made it to them, opening their eyes to the truth, but at the same time, it seemed so much more was caused by her arrival.
Maybe it was the denial that things would have been fine if it was done differently, but the way the wizard talked during the beginning, it happened for a reason.
"Baluba," Stuart's voice said as cartoon images appeared on the screen, showing alien kids having fun as their parents smiled, right before an alien kid threw up. "If ya can't head home till your parents regenerate, you might as well enjoy the happiest Horvath in nine galaxies, but go easy on the barium iced teas. Trust me. Or you could check out Pooplorth. Don't let the name fool you. White sand beaches, and crystal lakes, but freezing! Pack a parka. Then there's always Durio, home of Moi! It's like Canada, but built on a nuclear waste site, so everything glows and smells. Finally, Earth. Sure, it's class D, but can you name another planet with a Stuart? Plus, the best part, you're already here."
On the couch, Krel looked rather bored as he strummed his guitar while Aja played with Luug, who had a stack of papers in his mouth.
"Stuart…" Krel sighed.
"I know, I know, but with your daxial array working, you want to get going. But I just want to give you a few pointers."
"We're not leaving right now," Aja answered. "The ship takes some time to recharge."
"My royal is being vague to protect your emotional state, but we will be ready to launch in 48 horvaths." Mother spoke, shocking Stuart.
"That's hardly any time at all! Mother!"
"Mother tells it like it is."
"OOOOOH SASSSSY!"
"Guys, we aren't happy for you guys to leave, you know that."
"We know, but nothing ever goes to plan," Aja teased, glancing at Krel as they knew they returned only a couple of days later.
"Why do you guys have to move?" Stuart asked before Varvatos stepped up behind him, answering the desperate question.
"It is too dangerous to stay on the mud ball. The Zeron Brotherhood and that Birdie woman found us. Seklos knows what hunter will come next."
"So, we need a new planet to hide out on until Mama and Papa wake up," Aja added.
Stuart sighed, pulling out another pamphlet. "Then might I suggest Nuobus? It's got a killer music scene, advanced tech, and some of the best skelteg gambling in this star system. I'm looking at you, Aja."
"Why didn't you tell us that sooner?" Krel gasped as he took the small booklet, Aja quickly trying to fight her way to grab it.
"Wait, let me see," Krel did his best to keep it away as Luug barked. Aja thought quickly, jabbing her foot into his before taking the booklet when he was distracted.
"Wait your turn, Queen-in-waiting." Krel hissed as she took off in a run Krel gave chase, Luug following close behind and leaving Stuart and Vex alone in the living room.
"Sorry, not sure if chess is a thing on Nuobus," Stuart said.
"Varvatos Vex will not be going," the mentor said, turning his back to Stuart.
"Just because they don't have chess? Have you tried checkers? Checkers are universal."
"Varvatos must stay behind and slaughter any hunters who reach Earth. Morando cannot discover that the royals have fled to a new planet."
"You'll miss seeing the king and queen wake up. You've protected their children. Saved their lives. They'll want to thank you."
Varvatos sighed as he turned away again, walking away to end the conversation, "Somehow, Varvatos doubts that."
Everyone turned to look at Varvatos who seemed to ignore their gaze. They weren't as mad after they found out, seeing how much he hated the thought of what he had done, but seeing the regret that continuously affected him, almost made them feel sorry.
After all, they watched Strickler, Draal, Nomura, and everyone change after doing something they regretted doing. Bad people became good ones when exposed to someone who cared and had a big heart.
Jim made them golden, he freed them from themselves, giving everyone a second chance despite others hating them.
It was only fair that Varvatos experienced the same chance they were given.
"Hang on, what's that supposed to mean?"
"I got it! It's mine now," Krel said, holding up the pamphlet as Aja chased behind him through the hallway. He moved to his bedroom door, waving the paper in her face before closing his door on her.
"Fine. I'm late for my date anyway," she said, walking away and instantly catching Krel's attention.
"Wait. What date?"
"With Steve."
"Ugh. How is Staja still a thing? We leave in two delsons."
"I cannot leave without saying goodbye. He's been so kind to me. He deserves to know."
Steve blushed and instantly realized what this meant. She wanted to tell him, she was willing to expose herself to someone she barely knew because he was nice to her. He was so lucky to have her.
So lucky that she trusted him.
"Are you sure we are talking about the same Steve?" Mary joked.
"Hey, I changed!"
"Somewhat."
"Deserves to know what?" Krel asked before the paper was ripped from his hands by Luug, who held it out for Aja to take. "Hey!"
"I'll be taking this. It will help me break the news to Steve that I'm moving."
"Wait, Aja. You cannot show him that." Krel stated, trying to grab the paper, but Aja was quick to keep it away.
"Why not? We're leaving soon anyway."
"Exactly. So why take the risk now? We are so close." Krel watched as she walked away, no longer bothering to listen as Luug came running up to his feet, spinning wildly with paper in his mouth. "She's not actually going to tell him, is she?"
His answer was never guaranteed as the scene switched to a young woman walking toward the kitchen, pushing open the doors, and yelling at her coworkers as loud music from the jukebox played. "We need extra slices of lime."
At a table, Steve and Aja sat across from one another, Aja sipping from her drink as Steve spoke, causing a laugh to rip from her throat. "And that's why Eli can't eat clams."
"Sounds like you and Eli shared a lot of lively adventures."
"Totally. Our friendship really began when I was taking out some trash for my mom," As Steve explained, behind him, Krel appeared from the booth behind Steve, glaring at his sister, who tried to act cool as she giggled, but angrily waved her brother off when Steve glanced away. "There was this weird, little, green raccoon thing, and I was like, "Ew!" But I was also like, "Cool." You know? Because Eli's weird, and I thought maybe they might know each other."
"Thank you… for the compliment." Eli stated, unsure if he should say thank you.
"This is so weird to hear Steve praise Eli. Just before he was throwing him into lockers." Darci mentioned as Steve instantly tensed, not wanting Aja to see the wrong side of him. But if she was so interested in Jim's story, she would see it later.
"Good evening. Mind if I join?" Krel asked as he appeared beside the table.
"Yes," Aja questioned as Krel sat beside Steve, grabbing the cup and slurping from it. "What are you doing here? Hey, that's mine." She tried to take the soda back, but Krel put up a fight.
"I'm not sure I can trust you with this soda. I have to protect it."
"You can't tell me what to do. If I want to share my soda, I can."
"But if you share your soda, then you also share my soda. And I don't want to share my soda, especially with Steve."
"Okay, yeah, that makes more sense when they aren't actually talking about sodas," Steve said.
"I mean, Krel has a point, he's not ready to let Steve know who he really is, that is something that has to be decided together," Stuart mentioned.
"It seemed really desperate at the time," Aja answered.
"I ordered my own soda, butt-snack. And a slice of lime. Brings out the flavor," Steve stated, biting from his burrito.
"It's not that, Steve. It's…" Krel grinned when he managed to grab the cup, squeaking the straw with a very mischievous look. "I'm sorry. My little brother is an... Ouch!" She yelped when Krel kicked her shin beneath the table. "I was going to say an annoying pain in the dorsal."
When Aja's foot came out, it was unclear who she hit as Steve began to choke, holding his throat and coughing. "The lime!"
"Oops," she reached for him as he pounded on his chest, the lime flying out and hitting the floor as he mumbled it once again.
"The lime!" However, Aja's attention instantly went to the flickering lights that flashed in the restaurant. "Krel, stop playing with the lights!"
"That's not me. Although, it would have been a good idea," the radio cracked as it turned on, playing music that was hard to hear over the static as a bright golden light shined through the diner windows, whatever was on the table, began to float, causing Krel to gasp.
"Oh, no," Aja mumbled.
"Why is my burrito floating?" Steve asked, hitting his burrito before letting out a yelp as it moved farther into the air. He reached for the food and clutched it in his hand.
"We need to run," Krel stated before their bodies began to lift off the seat, floating into the air. Yet, Krel seemed to get the unfortunate part as Steve's behind had collided with his face.
"Uh... What is happening?" Steve asked in fear.
"Ugh!" Krel groaned, pushing Steve away from him.
"Oh, my...!" Steve whimpered as they began to move out of the building, smacking the doorframe on their way out as a massive cone of orange sucked them further up, right into the bottom of a spaceship.
"You're getting abducted with Steve? Wow, good luck with that." Mary mentioned as she watched the screen.
"You know, casually getting abducted and no one is reacting the way I thought they would," Stuart said.
"Uh, we've seen killer trolls and a deadly wizard turning the daylight into a red night. What are we supposed to do, act surprised? That's how messed up our lives are in Arcadia."
"Yeah, that's true, one of our students is a troll now!"
"Uh…."
"No offense, Jim. That's good, you're hot."
"I got extra lime," the waitress started, carrying out a tray. Her eyes landed on the empty table, just as everything clattered back onto the surface. "Oh, no."
On the ship, the trio appeared within the strange tunnel. "This is not good," Aja mentioned as Steve shoved passed them, panting nervously.
"And it gets worse," Krel mumbled in annoyance.
"Oh! This is a spaceship!" Steve cried.
"Steve.."
"This is a spaceship!" He yelled, not listening to Aja who was trying to speak with him.
"I can explain."
"We've been abducted! We've been abducted!" He sobbed.
"What?" Aja asked.
"Oh, it's just like in season 2, episode 17 of Earth Invaders. I binge-watched it all with Eli during our last sleepover. Okay. Not to worry, folks. I know exactly what to do. As Agent Muldoon always says, Beware of the probing." Steve spoke, tossing his burrito out of the wrapper.
"During our last sleepover, Steve and Eli slept over," Toby muttered. "That is something I am more surprised about than a massive ship kidnapping three people."
"What is so shocking about it," Steve asked.
"Yeah, it's normal to us," Eli finished.
"Just imagine that, to US! The world is ending."
"Who is he talking to?" Aja whispered to Krel.
"Aliens are cruel and nasty creatures. They'll suck out your brains through your face, okay? And then they probe… with their questions," Steve continued
"Do you hear the offensive stereotypes your boyfriend is peddling?" Krel mentioned, receiving a glare from his sister.
Steve grunted as he messed with his burrito wrap, placing the makeshift hat on his head. "Okay. Now the butt-snacks can't read my mind."
"We already looked," Krel chuckled. "There was not much to see."
Steve looked offended, he would have freaked out if he heard that, but now that he was used to it, it was fine. The other students laughed, which Steve didn't get angry about, but more embarrassed.
"We love Krel, his commentary is absolutely priceless."
"Why thank you!"
Steve moved to the strange doors, pounding on them as he inspected the area around them. "There should be a button or a panel that opens the door. Or a code word. Uh… Pineapple! Password? One, two, three, four! Pineapple!" The doors opened as Steve turned to face the two with a victorious look. "I did it! Ha, ha! Follow me."
When he turned, he crashed into the remaining Zeron brothers, Omega raising her weapon and pointing it at them while Alpha confiscated their serrators.
"Aja and Krel Tarron," Omega hissed.
"Hey!" Krel hissed, struggling to keep his weapon, however, it didn't last long as Alpha stepped away with both weapons, confusing Steve.
"Wait, what?"
"And what is this?" Omega asked, leaning closer to Steve.
"Palchuk. Steven Q. Palchuk," As Omega sniffed the blonde boy, Alpha spoke up.
"Throw him in the vivisection room."
"No probing!"
"He could be useful yet," Alpha continued as Omega picked the boy up, the two enemies walking out with the human boy as Aja reached out for him.
"No! Stop!"
"The Palchuk never surrenders! Take this! Save yourselves," Steve said, tossing his hat to Aja's feet before the door slid shut.
"Wow, way to hold your ground," Jim said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Right, no one messes with me!"
Back on the ground, unaware of the danger the kids were in, Varvatos was back in his human attire. He resided in the backyard with his old friends. A steak sizzled on the grill as Varvatos played against Phil.
"Checkmate! Ha, ha! Rookie mistake right there, Vex. You feeling all right?" Phil said as he took out one of Vex's pieces, however, the grumpy old man seemed quiet and staring down nothing in particular.
Vex groaned as he picked up the fallen piece. "In truth, Varvatos Vex did not invite you all here for chess. He is in need of advice."
"Well then, shoot."
"Varvatos Vex has heard you speak of your children. What did you do when they moved away?"
"He had a par-tay," Jerry answered as he stayed by the grill, dancing playfully.
"He's joking."
"No, I'm not," Jerry fought back. "There was a conga line."
"Fair enough. But after that? Surely, you cannot expect Varvatos to play chess all dels… all day." Varvatos cleared his throat as Nancy stepped up beside him, placing her hands on his shoulders.
"I know you, Vex. You want those kids to stay home so you can protect them. Aja and Krel need to explore the world and find their adventure."
"That means you've gotta sacrifice what you want so they can have what they want," Phil added.
"Hello? Pawn sacrifice? We've gone over this," Jerry stated.
"But what if Varvatos misses them?"
"Kids grow up, Vex, and they leave home. That's natural," Nancy answered.
"Yes. But is it natural for them to leave with the home?"
Aja and Krel were quiet, they didn't even notice the crowd that shared somber expressions. Besides Zadra who still seemed as if everything Varvatos did was an act, maybe it was because she feared to believe in second chances, but she couldn't feel sorry for him.
Before anyone could answer, Lucy appeared at the door, holding the phone. "Ring, ring, ring. My new Ecoline phone just sing, sing, sings. Now in two volumes, soft and loud!"
"Huh? What'd she say?" Jerry asked as Varvatos passed him.
"Someone is calling Varvatos."
"Ah, that was one good conga line," Phil reminisced as he stepped up beside Jerry. It wasn't long before the three oldies were busy in the backyard, recreating the line.
"Conga line!"
Inside, Varvatos stepped up to the hologram, unaware of who was calling until he looked it dead in the eye. His posture couldn't hide his shock as he stared down Alpha.
"Varvatos Vex. Your human form is much wrinklier than we anticipated." Alpha chuckled. "You look like a larvox."
"At least we know they have a sense of humor," Toby mentioned as he stared down the enemy.
"Right, not totally dead inside."
"Ha, ha, ha. Enjoy that insult, for it shall be your last. Your death will be Varvatos' masterpiece." Alpha moved to the side, revealing Omega who held both Aja and Krel, pressing them side by side as they looked rather deflated at their capture. "Xerexes' maelstrom! If you so much as lay a finger on them…"
"Bring us the cores of the king and queen, and we won't have to."
"And you will let them go?" Vex asked as Aja and Krel raced up on the hologram, only to be stopped by Omega.
"Don't do it!"
"Save our parents!"
"Bring the king and queen, or bury the royal children. The choice is yours," Alpha hissed before they hung up, leaving Varvatos to stare at the chess piece, all while the three old people crossed by the window, still doing the conga line, unaware.
On the ship, Steve was thrown down on the floor as the enemies towered over him. "Don't probe me, bro."
"You'll never set foot on Earth again," Omega hissed as she pinned him to the ground. It was only just for a moment before she hissed and disappeared out of view as Steve groaned.
"I hate this!" He cried as he scanned the room, staring down at a cage with a shadow trapped inside it. He scoured the rest, yelping when he saw a strange sharp device. "Oh! Why is it shaped like that? Of course, they'd wanna experiment on a specimen as fine as the Palchuk."
The crowd groaned in disgust, "as you literally just started whining the entire time, freaking out over a strange device." Mary said.
"Uh, I'd like to see you handle that situation."
"I fought a bunch of beetles with you, I think I handled it better than you did."
He kissed his muscles before the shadow let out a loud echoing bellow, catching the boy's attention, and causing him to stalk closer to the cage. "What?" He jumped back in surprise when a cow appeared, mooing at him. "Oh, they really do abduct cows. Just like in season 4, episode 10. It's okay. Don't worry, Bessie the cow. I'll rescue you, too. Think, Palchuk. Think!"
"Remember when Toby always made these kinds of notes with the criminal show, trying to compare it to his Trollhunting activities?"
"We don't have anything in common, you know that," Toby quickly defended.
He glanced around before finding a button and pressing his hand against it, instantly freeing the cow from his cage. "Ha! Okay. Uh... Moo. Uh, cow. Cows make milk. Cheese. Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack! Eli Pepperjack. Yeah! Thanks, Bessie!"
Eli stared at him in surprise, "that's how you got to that thought process?"
"Don't judge me!"
Steve pulled out his phone, waiting for his friend to answer. Back on the ground, Eli gasped as he stared down the gaping hole in the canals, watching as the golden light shined through.
He laid down his bike as the concrete cracked, and investigated the hole as his phone vibrated. It wasn't long until he picked up his ringing device and pressed it to his ear.
"Eli! You're never gonna believe what's happening!"
"You felt it, too?" Eli questioned. "That's like the second earthquake today," Eli yelped as he felt another tremor. He fell back as the hole expanded. "I think something's going down with Jim and his Troll buddies, or Troll enemies."
"What are you talking about?"
Jim and the Trollhunter team stared at the hole in sadness, catching the attention of Zadra. "Your planet is affected too?"
"It was," Blinky answered. "They destroyed our home, we went through the same situation as your royals, but if it wasn't for the choices we make, the forgiveness, and the energy to push through, I fear we wouldn't have made it."
"We hate seeing Arcadia be affected by something we should have kept at bay," Jim added.
"Yet, no one blames us for what happened, even though they have every reason too," Claire mentioned. Zadra glanced at the group before turning to face Varvatos who avoided her gaze.
Eli yelped as another tremor shook, causing his hand to slip off the phone and drop the device down the hole. "Sorry, Steve!"
Back on the ship, Steve pulled the phone down and panicked. "Oh! I'm on my own." The cow mooed, instantly catching his attention. "Yeah. You're right, Bessie. I have you, too. I'm sorry." He was perched on the cow as he eyed down the exits. "Steve, you're a genius. Come on. Ha!"
When the cow began to move, Steve smiled in excitement. "Yes!"
"We'll get out of this room, rescue Steve, find the cockpit, and open the escape hatch, all before Vex gets here. Easy." Aja said as the view switched to the two, Aja pacing around as she wore the film hat.
"Take that ridiculous hat off."
"No. Steve said it could be useful."
"It would save time if we didn't have to save Steve." Krel hissed, grunting as he tried to pull his wrists apart. It only got him so far before the cuffs connected again. "Or if I had four arms."
"In about 17 mekrons, I will," Aja said nervously, fixing her hat.
"Why didn't you renew your transduction before your date?"
"'Cause I'm tired of hiding. To be normal on Akiridion, I had to hide that I was a royal. To be normal on Earth, I have to hide that I'm a royal and an Akiridion. For once, I just want to be me."
"I know, I know. But it's too dangerous," Krel said, more calm as he sat beside his sister, still trying to work at the restraints.
Aja sighed. "I want to tell one person, and I thought Steve would understand. I wanted him to like me, no matter what form I'm in. But apparently, he thinks anyone not from this planet is a brain eater."
Steve turned to face Aja, gently grabbing her hand. "That was a dumb movie reference, if you taught me anything, you are something I would never fear. I'm glad you told me, you could be yourself around me, you don't have to worry anymore."
"Thank you, Steve. I appreciate you, I'm glad I met you." She smiled, squeezing his hand and the two shared a loving look as the crowd stayed silent, giving them the moment they deserved to have.
"He'll come around. Hey, I used to think all humans were barely evolved amoebas. And now I know they're somewhat evolved." He glanced at her as she flipped the hat, watching as golden sparks erupted from the restraints on his sister. "Aja! Steve was right. His ridiculous hat could save us! I can use the aluminum to disrupt the ionic latch."
He sawed through the bondage with the hat, freeing his sister as he continued to speak. "Go save Steve, and I'll meet you in the cockpit. And don't tell him he was right."
Back on the ground, Varvatos stepped up to the resting cores, placing his large hand on the surface. "Varvatos hopes you can forgive him." He stated as he held a case, closing his eyes in sadness.
Aja tensed but Krel quickly placed his hand on her shoulder, calming her. He saw what their mentor did and while both Zadra and Aja were tense, unaware of what he did, Krel gave him the chance to show what he thought of.
Just like Blinky said, if it wasn't for the chances they gave their allies, they feared never making it through the hard battles. He was learning so much from the experience, that given the chance, he would use it to make it better.
On the ship, Krel was slowly walking through the darkened tunnels of the ship, gasping as footsteps echoed, seeming to grow louder. He let out a gasp before finding a hiding spot, just as Alpha walked through, never noticing Krel who clung to the jagged ceiling.
As Alpha moved through, Krel followed behind him, diving under the closing door and taking cover just as Alpha glanced back, feeling something had been off. When the enemy found nothing, he hummed before continuing forward.
Krel stayed behind his hiding spot, watching as Alpha's back stayed turned. He decided to act quickly, sneaking behind Alpha but instantly leaped into cover when the door opened.
Omega stepped in, thankfully not noticing Krel's quick escape. "Varvatos Vex has been detected on the premises."
"Now, let's see if he cooperated," Alpha said as he stared at a screen where Varvatos stood. On the bridge, Varvatos stood as the beam of golden light shined down on him. "Have you brought the cores? Speak, you soolian." Alpha hissed when he received no answer.
"Varvatos has the king and queen," Vex replied, holding up the case.
Zadra was ready to spit on the traitor but when she met Krel's pleading eyes, she froze in her spot, grumbling as Merlin also sent her a warning gaze.
Alpha chuckled as he turned to Omega, "Ready the children." At that, his teammate moved out of the room, not seeing Krel who hid beneath a strange piece of furniture. On the ground, Vex let the beam suck him into the ship. "Setting course to Akiridion-5."
His comms beeped, causing Alpha to stop what he had been doing and answer it. "The royal children, they're gone."
"Find them and cut them down to their cores. I'll handle Vex," Alpha hissed before he stood, grabbing his weapon and leaving the room.
Krel took his chance, looking at the screen where Varvatos appeared on the ship, waiting. "Seklos. Vex, have you lost your mind?" Krel leaped from the chair and grabbed a weapon from the wall.
In the halls, Aja had inspected each room, mumbling to herself. "Vivisection room. Vivisection room. Why aren't there signs? Steve, where are you?" She whispered before gasping and pulling out her device. "His phone!"
She heard the soft tune of his ringtone and smiled, "Yes!" She mumbled, racing toward where it came from, however, when the door opened, she found Steve sitting on a cow, trying to get her to move.
"Come on, Bessie. Come on. Come on!"
"Steve!"
"Aja!" The boy laughed nervously before jumping off the cow as she ran to his side.
"Did they hurt you?"
"The Palchuk remains intact and unprobed. Are you okay? If those nasty aliens harmed a single brain cell, I'll pummel those butt-snacks." The cow mooed and Steve gently grabbed her snout. "Quiet, you interrupting cow! Bessie's very talkative. Aren't you, Bessie? Yes, you are."
"You named it? No time! We have to go, now," Aja stated, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the exit where Omega appeared.
"You'll come quietly, or else." Aja's eyes landed on her weapon before she flipped back, standing behind the cow and sending her feet into the animal's side. The cow mooed before it crashed into Omega, only to stand up, completely unphased by the hit.
As Aja reached for the weapon, she was kicked back, the serrator flying from her hand and into Steve's.
"This thing again? What is it? Where did you get this?"
"I got it for my tenth birthday. Now throw it!" Aja said before she was plucked off the ground by Omega. Steve did his best and tossed the weapon, only for it to smack Omega in the face, but it gave Aja the chance to break free.
"Might as well just blurt it out, we can't go back after this," Krel mentioned in a joking manner as Aja chuckled.
"He's already seen too much."
"Man, too many muscles," Steve said, flexing before Aja stood in front of him, armed. Omega lifted up her weapon and pointed it at the group. "It's armed."
"So am I." Aja hissed as she opened her shield, the blast knocking from the surface and bouncing back at Omega who had to move quickly to dodge it. Yet, Aja didn't give her a moment to collect herself. The blonde threw herself at the enemy and kicked Omega back into the wall.
Steve, who was under the cow, watched as the two had gone back and forward, dodging and delivering blows. Steve was unbothered as the utters rested on his head as he cheered for his girlfriend.
"Yeah! Kick his butt! Her butt? Its butt! Kick its butt!" Aja tried her best, only to be knocked down and the weapon thrown from her. Thankfully, she managed to reach it as Omega aimed the weapon, ready to fire as Aja's shield opened.
"Mary, I already see a comment trying to leave your mouth, you better keep quiet," Steve warned.
"Fine, but I am definitely posting about it."
It was a short victory when Aja was knocked to the side of the room, Steve crying out for her. "Aja!"
While Omega was fighting the battle, Alpha walked toward Varvatos who stood waiting. "Hand over the cores, Varvatos."
"Where are the royal children?"
"Held in the cockpit. Now, I shall not ask again."
"The king and queen, as you wish," Vex stated, pushing the case to Alpha who reached for it, unaware that Krel was standing behind him, armed.
"Your honesty will be your downfall."
"Stay away from my parents," Krel said as Alpha turned to face him.
"Krel, no! Leave this place!" Vex yelled, but the boy didn't listen. He fired the weapon at Alpha but it hadn't done much damage. Krel continued to fire as Alpha charged at him, throwing him across the room.
Varvatos grabbed the boy and pulled him to safekeeping as Alpha grabbed the briefcase, opening it.
"No!" Krel cried.
Alpha stared down the contents of the case, no longer laughing as he saw a blinking blue device and two chess pieces. "You lied?"
Aja and Zadra looked at Krel with a surprised look, not expecting him to use chess pieces against the enemy. The way it played out, they thought he had done something he shouldn't have, but knowing that the parents were still safe, Aja should have figured.
"See, give them a chance," Krel stated, looking toward Blinky who smiled at him.
"Varvatos promised a king and queen," he stated, knowing exactly what he was getting at before pulling Krel behind him and opening the shield, just as the explosion went off. "Checkmate."
Out with Aja and Steve, who currently were trying to deal with Omega, felt the explosion rip through the ship and push them forward. The blast ripped a hole in the side of the ship, sucking them toward the opening.
While Steve and Aja held on, the cow continued to walk in place, unbothered while Omega tried to climb up and away from the blast.
"This sucks!" Steve whined.
"Literally!"
The ship spun out, throwing the group around wildly as Aja and Omega continued to fight. However, Steve and Bessie had been tossed around, right until the cow slipped out of the opening and dropped down below. "Bessie! No! No! Bessie!"
Steve watched the cow disappear below the cloud line as Aja kicked Omega closer to the opening. With a final kick, the hunter was tossed out of the ship, however, she grabbed a hold of Steve right before the two fell.
"Aja!" Steve yelled, suffering the same fate as Bessie.
"Steve!" She cried, leaping out of the hole. Back where the commands were, Alpha was struggling to take control of the ship as Krel and Varvatos followed. The ship spun and twirled, throwing the remaining passengers all around.
At that moment, Krel planted himself on the chair, sitting in front of the controls and typing into it frantically.
"Can you land this thing?" Vex yelled.
"I think the best we can hope for is to crash gently." As the ship continued to fall, Steve was as well, catching up with his cow companion.
"Bessie!" He cried as he flailed in the air, screaming. Above him, Aja kept her composure as she dove down, gaining speed as her eyes glowed, warning that she was about to change, but she didn't seem to care.
The crowd sucked in breaths, ready to experience the moment of reveal. Steve was about to see his girlfriend in a whole new light, and if they were still together, it had to go smoothly.
"This is so exciting, thank you, Aja. You made Steve a better man," Darci said, giving the girl a soft fist bump.
"I don't know what you mean, but thank you."
"Aja!" Steve yelled, the two reaching their hands out but never grazing one another, just as blue pixels wrapped around Aja and showed her true form. "You're a… You're an alien?" Steve gasped as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Yep."
"You can fly?"
"Nope."
"What?" Steve said before they dropped faster. Steve began to hyperventilate as Aja pulled out her serrator, summoning the hoverboard in hopes of slowing their fall. The board shook and struggled with the rapid change and as they got closer to the ground, the board was pushed out of under their feet, sending them tumbling into the ground.
"Oops. I didn't mean to…" Aja breathed, helping Steve to a stand. "So this isn't really the way I wanted you to find out. We're not all like the Zerons."
"Wow. You are so beautiful."
"You're not frightened?"
"I was! But that was more about almost becoming a pancake and less about you being blue." At the comment, Aja couldn't help but giggle.
The crowd was awed at the two, they were surprised at Steve's comment, but knowing that he was in love, they shouldn't have assumed.
"He made her giggle, this is the sweetest thing I have ever seen!"
"Alright, alright, I get it. We're in love." Aja said, not being able to handle the mad blushing.
"First Jim and Claire, now Steve and Aja that I can fangirl over. Why is everyone falling in love so perfectly?"
"And did I also mention I'm a Queen-in-waiting?"
"Awesome. Have I told you that I'm the king of all science?" He gently cupped her face, Aja seeming extremely happy as they were ready to share a kiss, however, Steve's startled gasp, scared her.
"What? Is it me?"
Steve gripped her hand, she wasn't used to his affection, still worried that she would receive the reaction she never wanted to hear. "Don't ever think that way."
"Sorry, wasn't used to it." She said with a blush, the smile on her face never dropping. Steve smiled, the two sharing a loving look until Krel cleared his throat.
"No. It's a giant cat-probing thing!" She turned her attention to where Steve stared, finding Omega stalking up on them. Aja opened her weapon, ready as Omega struck, their weapons colliding.
However, Aja grew distracted, staring off into the distance as Omega grabbed her wrist, thinking she had the upper hand. That was until Aja screamed out, "Run!" Omega looked up, finding the ship speeding down at them.
It was too late for Omega, as the beast ran from the ship, it was too fast, crushing into the ground and Omega disappearing underneath it. Aja and Steve continued to run as the ship dragged itself across the dirt, ready to corner the two, but thankfully stopping just a small distance away from them.
When Aja and Steve opened their eyes, they found Varvatos and Krel falling out from the ship.
"Little brother! Thanks for not crushing us."
"I must admit, I have better aim with spaceships than serrators."
"Uh, yeah, you drug that body six feet over, it's like when you crush a spider with a shoe and make sure it's really dead by rubbing the shoe across the floor."
"Yeah, die you nasty spider!"
"Boom!" Steve said excitedly, "That alien's probing days are over."
"We need to talk about your use of the word alien," Aja stated before Vex grew defenseless, staring down Steve.
"Varvatos Vex will slaughter any…"
"Relax, Vex. He's okay," Aja replied as Steve ran up to Varvatos excitedly, feeling the much larger mentor.
"Oh, great, the secret's out. Steve knows," Krel mumbled.
"This is so cool. You're not gonna memory-wipe me, are you?" Steve asked, staring up at Varvatos who seemed bothered.
"No. We're going to suck your brains through your ears," Krel answered sarcastically, causing Steve to scream, covering his ears.
"We are? Most glorious."
"Guys!" Aja scolded.
"Kidding," Krel said as his sister grabbed her discarded weapon.
The crowd laughed as Toby gave a playful look to Steve, "I don't think he's joking."
"Don't say that, buttsnack!"
"So, how come you're not blue?" Steve asked.
"Just give me a mekron. Jeez."
"Steve, you have to promise not to tell anyone about us," Aja said and Steve stepped toward her, growing serious as he lifted up his pinky.
"Pinkie swear."
"The color of the swear is irrelevant. I am serious. You must promise."
"It's the most serious Earth pact we have." At that, Aja grabbed his pinky with two of her hands with a smile. Soon, they were found back at home, standing in front of their resting parents as Aja spoke, explaining everything to Steve.
"And then we crashed here, far from Morando, but also far from everything we've ever known."
"You're all so brave. And I thought being in the school play was scary," Steve replied.
"You know, Steve, you are not such a lumbering oaf after all," Krel said.
Jim couldn't help but let out a teasing comment, "he's got that side to him."
"Hey, I don't appreciate your tone today, buddy."
"Really? Whatcha gonna do?" Jim said with a smile, staring down Steve who tried to break eye contact.
"Nothing."
"Thanks. Neither are you, buddy."
"Ha! That was never under consideration." Steve's attention moved to the door that opened, revealing Varvatos, Luug, and Stuart, only Stuart was dressed in his human attire.
Luug barked, running toward Steve who seemed excited until he saw the strange drool.
"Well, hello, little... Ew! Ew!" He was chased around by the pet as Aja and Krel found it funny, helping Luug slobber the boy once he got the chance. Outside the room, in their own privacy, Stuart spoke to Vex.
"When the kids leave, you're more than welcome to stay with me."
"No."
"I know, I know. I'll get air fresheners."
"Varvatos will join the King and Queen-in-waiting. His duty is to protect, and he cannot do so from afar. He will go wherever the royals go… and deal with the consequences when they come." Varvatos mumbled as he turned away, leaving the three kids nothing but laughter and screaming.
Krel listened to Varvatos, knowing now he was willing to face his consequences, no matter what. He just wanted to be with the kids and Krel's heart nearly dropped at the saddened look that Varvatos wore.
"Guys, I think he feels bad," Eli mumbled.
"We know, we have mixed feelings about it," Aja stated, glancing down at her feet as if it was interesting.
Outside, Bessie was mooing as she was sitting on a tree branch, ignoring the ship that landed behind her. The cow fell from the branch due to the force of the wind as the ship powered down.
From the ship, Zadra leaped onto the ground, studying the woods she was placed in. "Varvatos Vex, where have you taken them?" She mumbled before turning to face the cow. "Citizen. I need to find the royal children." When the cow just mooed, she groaned in disgust before walking away.
Already tired, the cow just laid its head back down, chewing like the same bot that had chased Zadra through Akridion, and crawled off the ship, watching her walk away. In the fallen ship, Alpha moved to the screen, clicking the device.
Aja and Krel stared at the screen, wondering how they were discovered. They blinked before sighing, it wouldn't be too long before they had to start something they never wanted.
Morando stood tall back on Akridion, smiling down at the screen, "We have their location. A planet called Urth."
"SON OF A BI-"
"NO!"