ELITE FORCE: Season 2 Episode 7

"Spike Through The Heart"

Skylar, Kaz and Oliver have lived with Bree and Chase for over a year now. So surely, they know everything about them, right? Wrong. How will they cope when Chase's infamous commando app makes an appearance? And when Oliver finds a compromising image of Chase & Skylar, tensions are high... will they be able to mend rifts and calm tensions over such a huge misunderstanding? Meanwhile, Bree and Kaz find themselves teaming up to stop a comic book rip off of the Elite Force's adventures!

FADE IN.

SCENE ONE.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY.
(KAZ, SKYLAR, and BREE are hanging out on the couch. CHASE walks in from the stairs, holding a mug of coffee. He turns to a bookcase by the front door, where the Arcturion space rock is behind a glass cabinet. He looks disgustedly at it and makes an "ugh" sound, walking towards the kitchen).

SKYLAR
(Amused)
Subtle.

CHASE
I can't help it. It's bad enough we had to go get it back, now I have to see it on display every day? No thank you.

BREE
You reinforced the glass with your polymer coating, drama queen, nothing's getting into it.

CHASE
I am not a drama queen. I am a normal, manly man, who - (CHASE, opening a kitchen cabinet, lets out a high-pitched scream).

BREE
(Understanding)
Spider?

CHASE
(Defensively)
No!

BREE
(Looking up from her magazine)
You want me to get it for you?

(A pause; KAZ and SKYLAR look amused at CHASE).

CHASE
(Quietly, defeated)
Yes, please.

(BREE sighs and gets up off the couch, raising an eyebrow as CHASE points to the place in the cabinet where the spider is. He watches nervously behind BREE as BREE gets it).

SKYLAR
Aw, who needs his superhero sister to swoop in and save the day from a teeny-tiny spider? (Laughs) Arcturion isn't looking so bad now, is it?

CHASE
I don't need my - (he scoffs) shut up!

KAZ
(Laughs)
Just curious, Chase, does she tuck you in at night too?

SKYLAR
Cut the crusts off your little sandwiches?

KAZ
(Condescending in a baby voice)
Do you want a bedtime story?

(SKYLAR and KAZ laugh, high-fiving. This clearly hits a nerve with CHASE and he doesn't stand up for himself like he normally would, instead just trying to speak, twitching a little with embarrassment. BREE walks forwards).

BREE
Okay, okay, let's cool it with the teasing, alright? It was just a spider, moment over. Last thing I need today is Spike making an appearance.

CHASE
(Sighs)
Thanks.

(CHASE plops on the couch).

SKYLAR
Wait, what? Who's Spike?

(CHASE and BREE look at each other for a second).

BREE
Chase has an override app on his chip called the Commando App, and it activates when he gets too nervous or embarrassed. We named it Spike because it makes him go completely insane.

CHASE
Yeah. Our first day of Highschool, some meathead senior cornered me in the cafeteria. Spike dumped pudding all over his shirt and challenged him to a game of football. Next thing I knew, I was on the field in a jockstrap ready to rip out someone's spleen.

BREE
And whilst it's usually hilarious, and it is hilarious… (She gets lost laughing fondly at something. CHASE lightly hits her arm).

CHASE
(Offended)
You were saying? Something supportive?

BREE
(Shrugging, uncaringly opening her magazine again)
Oh yeah, I just had my nails done, and I don't want them to chip trying to calm you down from a tantrum.

CHASE
(Sighing, sarcastically)
Yep. That's my supportive family.

(CHASE gets up, and walks towards the hyperlift. BREE, her head in her magazine, doesn't notice or care. KAZ, looking at BREE, sees something on the back cover of the magazine).

KAZ
Wait, Bree, what's on the cover of your magazine?

SKYLAR
Come on, Kaz, I'm an alien and even I know Taylor Swift. Her albums have reached all seven galaxies.

KAZ
Don't you accuse me of not being a Swiftie! I meant the back cover.

BREE
I don't know, it's just random advertisements. Why do you care?

KAZ
Because - (he snatches the magazine away from BREE and turns it over) This doesn't look familiar to any of you?

(KAZ points at the cover, comic book art of five superheroes in blue and black costumes. One is an exaggerated green alien).

KAZ
(Reading)
Comic book launch of The Extreme Force? Launch event on the 31st at the comic book store on Richardson Avenue in Centium City. (Disbelieving) The 31st? That's today!

SKYLAR
They made a comic book of us?

BREE
They totally ripped us off!

KAZ
Oh, we are so going.

BREE
Hell yeah, we're going!

(BREE and KAZ stand up. They turn to SKYLAR).

KAZ
Skylar, you coming?

(SKYLAR stands up, clearing her throat).

SKYLAR
Eh, I've had comic books made of me before, it's not a big deal. Plus, I already have plans.

(SKYLAR heads to the hyperlift. BREE is looking at the magazine; she gasps).

BREE
They made me green?!

KAZ
I think that's Skylar.

BREE
(She turns the magazine, squinting)
Oh yeah… (She gasps again) They made me a robot?! Oh they are going down.

(BREE and KAZ storm out of the penthouse).

ROLL TITLES.

SCENE TWO.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(CHASE and SKYLAR stand in mission command; SKYLAR looks nervous. They clearly have a secret between them from the way they are standing).

SKYLAR
Chase… I'm not sure about this. All this sneaking around…

CHASE
You're the one who suggested it, Skylar. Don't you want it?

SKYLAR
Of course I want it. But you know why I'm worried!

CHASE
Right… Oliver.

SKYLAR
Yes, Oliver! If Oliver finds out what you and I have been up to, he'll never forgive me.

(There is a pause, leaving any fly on the wall concerned as to what they are talking about. Then CHASE pulls a broken mug out from a shelf under the cyberdesk, the mug in one hand and the handle in the other).

CHASE
(Dryly)
You broke his favourite mug, I'm sure he'll reach for some way to find forgiveness.

SKYLAR
His limited edition "Tecton Always Heals" mug that his Mom got him, right before she went to prison?

CHASE
(Deep sigh)
Yeah, you're right, you're toast.

SKYLAR
(Desperate)
You have to help me out! It can't be broken forever! Tecton always heals, Chase! (Grabs his shoulders in a craze) He always heals!

CHASE
If you would stop shaking me, I might be able to fix it! (SKYLAR backs off sheepishly). Come on, who are you talking to? I got your back. Give me ten minutes and it'll be like nothing ever broke.

SKYLAR
(Relieved)
Thank you, Chase.

(SKYLAR hugs CHASE, but just as she does, OLIVER comes in through the tunnels. He sees them hugging and narrows his eyes).

OLIVER
(Pointedly)
What are you up to?

(SKYLAR and CHASE break apart and SKYLAR stands in front of the mug).

SKYLAR
(Too quickly)
Nothing!

CHASE
Yeah, all normal here!

OLIVER
Right… why were you hugging?

CHASE
(Shrugs, obvious lie)
I'm a hugger, you know me.

OLIVER
Yeah, I do! And I thought we've been over the whole "you not trying to steal Skylar from me" thing, ending with, you know, you not trying to steal Skylar from me!

(CHASE is quite taken aback with his tone).

CHASE
Oliver, buddy, I promise you've got the wrong idea. Nothing's happening.

(OLIVER narrows his eyes at CHASE).

OLIVER
Skylar, you want to come for a walk with me? It's a nice day.

SKYLAR
(Awkwardly)
No thanks, maybe later.

OLIVER
Alrighty. See you later then.

(He looks at CHASE suspiciously and pointedly says nothing, comedically giving him the cold shoulder before letting himself out of the tunnels towards the city. SKYLAR and CHASE share a look).

SCENE THREE.
EXT. CENTIUM CITY - STREET - DAY.
(OLIVER is walking alone down a quiet street. He's clearly in a bad mood).

OLIVER
(Mumbling)
Stupid Chase and his stupid genius, power-bringing-back stupid brain. Probably making an invention to show Skylar that I'm dumb and he's smart and…

(As he's walking, a figure materialises in black swarm from behind him - RIKER. OLIVER doesn't notice, but RIKER stalks towards him).

OLIVER
I'll show him. I'm way cooler than stupid Chase. I'm cool, calm, smooth -

RIKER
Hello, Oliver.

(OLIVER screams high-pitched. RIKER rounds in front of OLIVER and OLIVER clears his throat, yelling in a purposely lower register. He stops, shifting himself into a fighting stance).

OLIVER
What do you want?

RIKER
(Chuckling)
I'm not here to fight you.

OLIVER
Okay, so what crazy way have you and your brother come up with to try and kill us now? (He awkwardly shuffles upright, leaning forwards) For all your evil, you are creative, so I'll give you that.

RIKER
I'm not trying to kill anyone, Oliver. (He puts his hand on his heart) I'm here as a friend.

OLIVER
Huh?

(RIKER pulls his phone out of his pocket).

RIKER
Man to man, it didn't feel right just keeping this from you. See, we're the same, you and I. We both have family in Mighty Max, which makes us family in a way. And, as family, we need to look out for each other… especially when our friends keep things from us.

OLIVER
What are you talking about?

RIKER
I'm talking about this…

(RIKER shows OLIVER video footage from Facility Y on his phone, where it clearly shows SKYLAR and CHASE kissing. Of course, with the irony, RIKER and anyone who was there at the time knows that it is not SKYLAR, but REECE, who has shapeshifted into SKYLAR. But RIKER doesn't show OLIVER that part, and he also doesn't show him the part in the video where CHASE frantically pulls away in distress. OLIVER sees the footage of SKYLAR and CHASE, paused in a highly incriminating still, mid-kiss. "SKYLAR"'s hands are on CHASE's arm. OLIVER's face hardens).

OLIVER
(Paling)
What is that?

RIKER
My sisters caught it on camera when they were at Facility Y… it seems your "team" are keeping a secret from you, Oliver.

(OLIVER takes the phone from RIKER to get a better look, struggling to comprehend it).

OLIVER
(His breath quickening, devastation in his eyes)
Skylar… and Chase? I can't… I can't believe it.

RIKER
(Solemnly)
I'm sorry I had to be the one to tell you this. But I think you deserve to know, don't you?

(OLIVER looks completely heartbroken, processing the information that he thinks is true, as the camera focuses in on him).

SCENE FOUR.
INT. COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
(BREE and KAZ enter a comic book store, looking around. There are some chairs set up facing a small raised platform that has a microphone standing atop it, clearly prepped for an event. There are "The Extreme Force" posters up everywhere, a cartoon-ish version of the Elite Force in blue and black costumes. A table with copies of the comic sits by the entrance, with a large cardboard poster on an easel. BREE raises an eyebrow, and picks up a comic, inspecting it).

BREE
I can't believe this, that someone had the audacity to rip us off like this!

KAZ
Come on, superheroes are really popular! And since Mighty Med, there - you know - haven't exactly been a lot of active ones. A group of superheroes isn't a new idea. Fantastic Four, X-Men, Avengers, the list goes on! Maybe it's just coincidence.

BREE
Coincidence? (She turns over the comic in her hand to read a summary on the back). The Extreme Force are a group of ultimate heroes and friends fighting in Sementam City. Robot brother and sister Brooke and Chad join forces with mutant mortals Oscar and Ken, and along with their alien friend, Sadie, team up to save the world.

KAZ
Okay, so maybe someone ripped us off.

BREE
(Sarcastic)
You think? (She sighs) Do you realise how bad this is? Everyone thinks you guys are bionic, but this shows you two as having superpowers and Skylar as an alien! Whoever wrote this knows the truth about us, and we have to stop it from getting to the public before everyone starts drawing connections. (She pauses, looking around) "Robot brother and sister"... that's so offensive. I mean, Chase, maybe, I could see. But me? Who would do this?

KAZ
Is this a rhetorical thing or are you actually looking for an answer?

BREE
(Ignoring him, suddenly thinking)
Wait a minute… there's only one person I know who keeps calling me and Chase robots…

(BREE and KAZ look to the podium, as none other than PERRY walks in front of the microphone).

BREE & KAZ
(Incredulous)
Perry?!

PERRY
(Into the microphone)
Welcome everyone to my comic book launch! My live reading will take place in fifteen minutes, don't forget to get refreshments. Just a reminder that they are not free and cups are sold separately to the lemonade. Thank you!

(BREE narrows her eyes at PERRY).

BREE
Oh she is going down.

SCENE FIVE.
INT. PENTHOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY.
(CHASE and SKYLAR are standing in the kitchen, CHASE filling the now fixed "Tecton Always Heals" mug with water and SKYLAR anxiously watching on. He fills it up, lifts it to show no drips, and smugly smiles at SKYLAR).

CHASE
There - you're safe.

SKYLAR
It's good as new, Chase! Thanks, I really owe you one.

(OLIVER bursts through the door, his face angry, hurt and pale with shaking rage).

OLIVER
(Furious)
Owe you one what, huh? Another kiss? Was that last one not enough?

SKYLAR
Oliver!

CHASE
(Caught off guard)
What are you talking about?

OLIVER
Don't play dumb! I know, I know everything. You two kissed at Facility Y. What, did you think I wouldn't find out?

SKYLAR
Oliver, we didn't kiss.

OLIVER
(Completely devastated)
I can't believe you would lie to me, Skylar.

CHASE
She's not lying! We seriously didn't, Oliver, it's -

OLIVER
And you. How dare you, Chase? How dare you? You reassured me over and over, you promised me you had no feelings for Skylar!

CHASE
I don't have feelings for Skylar -

OLIVER
(Yelling, white with rage)
No! NO! You don't get to speak, you don't get to talk, you don't get to do anything but stand there, you nasty piece of trash.

SKYLAR
Oliver!

OLIVER
And you don't get to defend him, either, Skylar! I trusted you, I trusted both of you!

CHASE
Listen -

OLIVER
(Hissing, he jabs CHASE's shoulder with his finger, hard)
No you listen. You can't get your own girlfriend, so you have to steal mine, huh? You're that pathetic? I don't know why I'm surprised, Chase, I don't know why I trusted you in the first place!

(OLIVER pushes CHASE back by his shoulders. CHASE just blinks, caught so off-guard, anxiety creeps into his features).

OLIVER
You were supposed to be my friend! I'm supposed to be able to trust you, and when I was fighting for my life, when I was literally hours away from dying, you swoop in before I'm even cold? (He pauses whilst CHASE just gapes) What?! You're not going to say something? Go on! (He jabs his shoulder again) Say something, you pathetic little man.

(All of a sudden, CHASE glazes over. His eyes harden, his expression goes dull as coding clicks over his bionic features. His voice deepens as he squares his shoulders).

CHASE (SPIKE)
(Threatening)
You're going to want to step back, buddy boy.

SCENE SIX.
INT. COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
(BREE and KAZ, moments after we previously left them, walk frantically up to PERRY, who steps off the platform stage to the rest of the store).

BREE
(Hissing)
Perry!

PERRY
Oh, hey guys! What a surprise to see you here?

BREE
Really? It's a "surprise"? How can it be a surprise when you plastered our faces on the walls!

KAZ
It's an incredible likeness though!

BREE
(Furious)
No, it's not.

KAZ
(Growing serious, correcting himself)
No, it's not.

PERRY
Ah, so you read my comic book! (Smiling innocently) What do you think?

BREE
I think you have to get rid of it! You can't sell our lives!

PERRY
It's not your lives, I've changed details.

BREE
What, like making my character's chin slightly too pointy and giving her insufferable lines of dialogue?

PERRY
(Laughs)
No, that I took directly from you.

(BREE seethes; KAZ jumps in).

KAZ
Okay, for everyone's safety, I'm taking Bree ten feet away from you now.

(KAZ drags BREE towards a stack of shelves by the shoulders).

KAZ
Bree, calm down, before "The Extreme Force Volume Two" is your villain arc.

BREE
(Bitterly)
Oh yeah? Maybe it can be the volume you die in after you tell me to calm down again!

KAZ
(Mulls it over, then nods)
Point taken.

BREE
We absolutely have to stop this, right?

(KAZ smugly laughs).

KAZ
Of course we're going to stop it. Come on, who are you talking to? I've had twelve pranks locked and loaded from the second we stepped into the comic book store.

BREE
(Skeptical)
Pranks? Kaz, we're not going to get this to stop with a whoopie cushion on the chairs.

KAZ
(Rolls his eyes at BREE)
You're such an amateur. (Scoffs) Whoopie cushions. Sure, and then we'll hang a bucket over the door and grease the floor.

BREE
Alright then, "Oh High King", what do you have in mind?

KAZ
Well, snakes are extremely hard to get hold of this far West, but there's a pet store three blocks over that I happen to know just got an abundant shipment of rats.

BREE
(Unimpressed)
Can't we just use our powers? My vocal manipulation can put an end to Perry before she opens the first page. Plus, you can use a spark from your flame hands to short circuit the microphone.

(KAZ turns to BREE, an impressed look on his face as she stands there with a smirk).

KAZ
Well, aren't you a dark horse?

BREE
Please, you have no idea what I'm capable of.

(BREE smiles evilly and walks away towards a stack of comic books. KAZ stands there, slightly awed, blinks for a second, and then excitedly follows BREE).

SCENE SEVEN.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY.
(CHASE, currently SPIKE, is running rampage around the penthouse. There is overturned furniture, smashed glass, pillows strewn everywhere. OLIVER is hiding behind the sofa, whilst SKYLAR, very out of her element, stands in full view, trying to calm CHASE down).

SKYLAR
Chase, just, uh, try and calm down, alright?

CHASE (SPIKE)
Chase can't come to the phone right now!

(CHASE (SPIKE) throws a lamp at SKYLAR. She darts out of the way and ducks next to OLIVER behind the couch as CHASE (SPIKE) continues to run rampage).

OLIVER
(Hissing at SKYLAR)
This is my hiding place. You find somewhere else!

SKYLAR
Oliver, we have bigger problems than your insecurities right now!

CHASE (SPIKE)
(Stalking, laughing)
Come out, come out, wherever you are? Who wants to fight like a man now?

OLIVER
Insecurities? I literally saw a photo of you kissing!

SKYLAR
It wasn't me! It was Reece. She shapeshifted into me at Facility Y and kissed Chase just to mess with him. He pulled away and freaked out.

OLIVER
(After a pause)
Oh… really? But Riker said -

SKYLAR
(Eyes widening)
Riker?! Are you serious, Oliver? You believed a supervillain over us?

OLIVER
Well I was mad! You and Chase were hiding something!

SKYLAR
Your Tecton mug! I broke your freaking Tecton mug and Chase was helping me fix it!

(CHASE (SPIKE) having found the kitchen cabinet, bites his way through various plates. He takes the handle clean off the Tecton mug and spits it out).

CHASE (SPIKE)
Spikey no likey - taste like glue.

SKYLAR
(Awkwardly)
Or… well, he was helping me fix it.

OLIVER
Oh… (Awkward laughter) Wow, what a crazy misunderstanding. Forgive and forget, right?

(SKYLAR glares at OLIVER, completely furious, but CHASE is eyeing up the Arcturion. He sees it in its cabinet on the other end of the room and grunts, unhingedly bounding towards it).

CHASE (SPIKE)
(Excitedly)
Oooh… glowy rock. Spike want!

(SKYLAR and OLIVER leap to their feet, panicking).

SKYLAR
No, no, no! Chase - Spike - whatever your name is, I don't know, step away from the Arcturion!

CHASE (SPIKE)
(Grunts)
No one tells Spike what to do. Especially not little girls.

SKYLAR
(Offended)
Little girl? You want to see this little girl's lightning blast, huh?

CHASE (SPIKE)
Bring it on, highlights.

(SKYLAR sends a lightning blast directly at CHASE (SPIKE). It hits him in the chest, but he giggles).

CHASE (SPIKE)
That tickled.

SKYLAR
(Eyes wide)
Oh my gosh, he's unstoppable.

OLIVER
(Scoffs)
Big deal, I could take that.

SKYLAR
(Incredulous)
Are you seriously still jealous right now?!

(CHASE (SPIKE) turns to the glass cabinet where the Arcturion sits. He retracts his fist to punch the glass).

SKYLAR
(Like scolding a child or a dog)
Chase, no! Bad Chase!

OLIVER
Skylar, he can't get past that glass! It's coated in reinforced polymer, it's…

(CHASE (SPIKE) shatters it with one punch. He laughs).

OLIVER
(Swallowing)
…Unbreakable.

(CHASE (SPIKE) reaches out for the Arcturion and SKYLAR and OLIVER panic. In an instant, SKYLAR tackles CHASE (SPIKE) to the floor. There is a scuffle, OLIVER starts forwards to help, but then CHASE (SPIKE) picks up OLIVER and tosses him to the other side of the room).

CHASE (SPIKE)
(Laughs)
Rag dolls are Spike's favourite.

SKYLAR
Oliver!

(SKYLAR runs to see if OLIVER is okay. But OLIVER, still annoyed and embarrassed, struggles to his feet by himself, not accepting SKYLAR's help).

OLIVER
I'm fine, I'm fine.

(There is a strange silence. SKYLAR and OLIVER look at each other, simultaneously hearing the silence, and they turn around to the rest of the room. The Arcturion is there, safe, but CHASE (SPIKE) is not, and the front door to the penthouse is wide open).

SKYLAR
Where… did he go?

SCENE EIGHT.
INT. COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
(BREE and KAZ are hiding behind a shelf in full prank mode. PERRY is standing in front of the microphone, a few people on chairs listening to her talk).

PERRY
The Extreme Force is -

(KAZ sparks out the microphone from the amp next to the stage. BREE uses her vocal manipulation).

BREE (PERRY'S VOICE)
- A completely unreadable and badly designed story. Anyone who buys it is a brainless freak.

(The crowd all look at each other, confused, and BREE and KAZ laugh and fistbump).

BREE
(Raising an eyebrow at KAZ)
You think that's good? Watch this.

(BREE uses her superspeed to knock over every table with a comic sitting on it, and causing a poster to fly directly into PERRY's face. BREE comes to a halt beside KAZ, inspecting and blowing her nails like they are smoking guns).

KAZ
(Amused and impressed)
Man, you're awesome.

(KAZ sees something in the window of the comic book store, widening his eyes).

BREE
(Smugly)
Tell me something I don't know.

KAZ
Uh… your brother's eating a comic book.

BREE
What?

(KAZ points to what he is seeing, and sure enough, CHASE (SPIKE) is standing, deranged, chewing on a copy of The Extreme Force. KAZ and BREE look horrified).

CHASE (SPIKE)
Here's Spikey!

BREE
(Sighs, exasperated)
Oh boy, not again.

MIDWAY BREAK

SCENE NINE.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY.
(OLIVER and SKYLAR are silently trying to put the room back together. Overturning furniture, sweeping up glass, picking up strewn cushions, etc. The tension is thick. OLIVER clearly looks guilty, and SKYLAR is furious).

OLIVER
Skylar…

SKYLAR
Look, I get it, you saw a photo and you freaked out. But that photo came from Riker, Oliver. Riker! There are so many ways to fake footage, and I can't believe you trusted Riker over me.

OLIVER
I'm sorry, I freaked out, okay!

SKYLAR
Well, you shouldn't have! Why don't you trust me? You yelled at Chase, yelled at me, and didn't even give us a chance to explain what happened before Chase turned into the hulk! I'm your girlfriend, you should have trusted me.

OLIVER
(Raises an eyebrow)
Are you?

SKYLAR
What are you talking about?

OLIVER
Don't pretend like that's not the first time you've said it. You've never told me you loved me, you never compliment me, never act like we're a couple in front of anyone. We've never even been out for a meal in public together, Skylar!

SKYLAR
Oliver, that's not -

OLIVER
Isn't it? I'm sorry I'm insecure, but it's only because I spent so many years of my life chasing you, and the day when you finally woke up and liked me back felt like such a dream. I'm scared I'm going to wake up from it any day now, because you act like nothing ever happened in our day to day life! You're asking me why I don't trust you, well, it's because you don't give me anything to trust.

(There's a silence as OLIVER stares at SKYLAR, breathless, and suddenly guilty, realising what he's just said, unable to take it back).

SKYLAR
(Teary, offended)
I don't give you anything to trust?

OLIVER
Skylar, that's not what I meant.

SKYLAR
What did you mean then?

OLIVER
Well, I… I'm not… (He gives up, shrugs) I'm sorry, that's how I feel.

(SKYLAR is silent for a few moments, OLIVER trying desperately to read her, but not able to gauge anything. Eventually, SKYLAR walks away. She walks over to the kitchen, as though she is heading to the terrace).

OLIVER
Where are you going?

(SKYLAR picks up the broken mug from the floor, and, the chipped ceramic in her hand, brings it over to him).

SKYLAR
I'm sorry that I don't say it enough, Oliver, but I do care about you, very deeply. I'm just not very good at the - you know - touchy feely stuff, especially not in public. But I… I asked Chase to help me with this, because I don't want to upset you. (She turns the mug over in her hands) I don't want us to be this broken, and I'm sorry if you didn't know I felt that way.

OLIVER
No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have freaked out, you're right. I do trust you, I was just scared because… well, this whole life, Skylar, having superpowers, living in the city, facing evil every day, losing my mom… (He clears his throat to prevent emotion, and gently lifts her chin with his finger) You're the best part of my life, by far. I just can't stand the thought of losing you too. I just felt betrayed and freaked out, I'm really sorry.

(There is a pause. SKYLAR and OLIVER look at each other, lingering on each others gazes).

SKYLAR
You do believe me, don't you? Tell me you believe me, that there's nothing between me and Chase. We're just friends.

OLIVER
I believe you, Skylar. I believe you.

(OLIVER hugs SKYLAR, wrapping his arms around her, and SKYLAR leans her head against OLIVER's chest).

SKYLAR
And I'm sorry about your favourite mug.

OLIVER
Eh, come on, it was basically fixed before Chase started snacking on it.

SKYLAR
Yeah, Bree wasn't kidding before. (She pauses, then leans back, smiling) Do you want to go for that walk now? Just us? This mess isn't going anywhere…

OLIVER
That would be nice. (He offers her an arm) Milady?

(SKYLAR rolls her eyes fondly and takes his arm).

SKYLAR
You're still a dork.

OLIVER
Yeah, but I'm your dork.

SKYLAR
(Sighs, smiling)
Yeah, you are.

(OLIVER and SKYLAR walk together out of the penthouse, a calm comfort between them).

SCENE TEN.
INT. COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
(CHASE (SPIKE) has completely destroyed the store. He has stacked furniture in front of the door so no one can leave. The crowd of people are now hiding behind various tables, shelves, etc, and PERRY is watching, judging him, from the podium. KAZ and BREE are hiding behind the same shelf they were hiding behind before. BREE looks fed up, like she doesn't want to have to deal with this, and KAZ looks completely shocked).

KAZ
So... I'm guessing this is "Spike"?

BREE
What gave it away? I hope you're not expecting a formal introduction… he doesn't shake hands, he crushes them.

(CHASE (SPIKE) throws a chair and it clatters across the room. He grunts and runs up to PERRY. He wrestles her for the microphone and snatches it off her, pushing her back into the backdrop curtain of "The Extreme Force" and tearing it down as she falls).

KAZ
Well… on the bright side, I think we've successfully ruined the comic book launch.

CHASE
Spike's in the mood for a fight… who's the lucky volunteer who's going to come out and get their bones crushed.

(PERRY claws herself to her feet).

PERRY
I wasn't a bull fighter in the 70s for nothing!

(BREE, seeing where this is going and frantically trying to stop it, pushes KAZ out to the centre of the room).

BREE (AS KAZ)
(Using her vocal manipulation)
I'll do it, string arms!

KAZ
Bree!

CHASE (SPIKE)
String arms? Who are you calling string arms?

(CHASE (SPIKE) with one fell swoop, crosses his arms to tug at the fabric of his own sleeves. He tears both sleeves off his shirt at once, exposing his arms. He flexes and growls at KAZ).

KAZ
(Incredibly panicked and pointing frantically at BREE)
I called you no such thing, it was her! It was all her! I am innocent!

(KAZ narrowly ducks as CHASE (SPIKE) throws the microphone amp at his head. KAZ looks to BREE for help).

KAZ
You want to do something here, or were you going to let me die?!

BREE
(Groans)
Fine…

(BREE gets to her feet).

BREE
(Bitterly, sighing)
Hello, Spike. Long time no punch. How ya doin'?

CHASE
Out of my way, tootz, I've got a crowd of people to grind up into cubes.

BREE
(Folding her arms)
Tootz? You don't think maybe you should retire that one for the modern feminist age?

CHASE (SPIKE)
Hey! I'm an avid feminist, I kill men and women equally alike.

BREE
(Shrugs)
I guess you can't say fairer than fair enough.

KAZ
(From his hiding place)
Yes you can! Take him down!

(BREE and CHASE (SPIKE) engage in a quick hand-to-hand brawl. BREE kicks and flips, tries her best, but CHASE (SPIKE) swiftly tackles her and throws her into a stack of chairs).

BREE
(Staggering to her feet, speaking bitterly)
Ow!

CHASE (SPIKE)
(Chuckling)
Rag-dolls.

KAZ
Bree, you okay?!

BREE
(Breathlessly)
Yeah, don't worry… this will only take a second.

SCENE ELEVEN.
INT. COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
(About half an hour has passed and things have escalated. CHASE (SPIKE) has destroyed the whole store. He punches a table in half and it clatters to the ground. KAZ is cowering under another table. BREE is tossed into frame, landing with a thud against KAZ, who, concerned, helps to right her. BREE blows hair out of her face).

BREE
Okay, so it's taking me more than a second. He's a lot more… throwy than I remember. (She inspects her arm, which is bruising) Ow… (she notices her hand and gasps) He broke my nail! I'll kill him -

(BREE goes to leap forwards but KAZ drags her back).

KAZ
Bree, in the nicest way possible, you're not going to beat Spike one-on-one!

BREE
(Defensively)
I've done it before! Just… you know, as Spikerella.

KAZ
What the heck is a Spikerella?

BREE
It's my version of the Commando App, Douglas installed it so I could take Chase down once at the academy. If you find some way to embarrass me to activate it, I could end this for good.

KAZ
(Scoffs)
Yeah, and when that backfires and two Demon Davenports are crushing everything in sight down into cubes, what defence do we have then?

BREE
(Pointedly)
Well, you are a superhero, you could do something about it?

KAZ
Oh absolutely not. I saw what he did to your nails, I just got a facial. I'm not ruining this.

BREE
Fine… we need to end this some other way. Spike only ever gets activated when he feels threatened and defenceless. If we can get Spike to calm down, Chase should be able to take back control

CHASE (SPIKE)
(Creepily, sing-song voice)
Someone come out and play… Spikey's getting bored.

KAZ
And how do you suggest we do that? It doesn't seem like there's a lot of Chase left in there!

(CHASE (SPIKE) throws another chair that crashes into a shelf, scaring some people in the crowd).

WOMAN 1
What is going on in that kid's head?

(CHASE (SPIKE) snaps the mic stand over his knee and wields the two shards, and suddenly BREE has an idea).

BREE
Oh! Oh! I know! I can talk to Chase!

KAZ
(Raises an eyebrow)
Uh, yeah, we can all talk to Chase, Bree. I mean sure, it's a chore, but we all do it.

BREE
No, I mean, I can talk to Chase… with my mind! Remember? Our emergency signal!

KAZ
Will that even work?

(CHASE (SPIKE) throws one of the shards of the mic stand at KAZ, that lands impaled in the table above him, narrowly missing his head).

KAZ
(Panicked)
Do it, do it now!

(BREE hesitates, whimpers, then activates the signal).

BREE (V/O)
Pineapple, barnyard, kangaroo!

(CHASE (SPIKE) demonically snaps his head around to face BREE. BREE swallows).

BREE (V/O)
(Telepathically)
He-he, surprise! Chase made a secret signal, so now we can talk, Spike!

CHASE (SPIKE) (V/O)
Why would I want you in my head. He's gone soft.

(BREE slowly stands up).

BREE (V/O)
Yeah, well, it's not you I'm trying to talk to. I'd like to talk to my brother, please, if he's in there.

(CHASE (SPIKE) stands there breathing heavily, looking at BREE).

BREE (V/O)
You think you can get him for me, Spike? Can you let Chase take back control?

CHASE (SPIKE) (V/O)
Absolutely not. Chase is gone, Spike rules now.

BREE (V/O)
I don't think that's true… aren't you really tired? Don't you want to go rest for a little, 5-10… year nap?

CHASE (SPIKE) (V/O)
(Like a small child)
I'm not tired!

PERRY
(Judgmentally)
Are they just staring at each other in silence?

KAZ
It's a whole thing, I'll tell you later.

BREE (V/O)
(Placatingly, like a Mom)
Spike… you're not supposed to be active right now. There's no danger. I know you're protecting Chase, but it's safe enough for him to come back out again. Alright?

(Something flickers in CHASE (SPIKE)'s eye, something softer than the fight that SPIKE has. BREE steps forwards a little closer).

BREE (V/O)
I'm going to step a little closer, and you're not going to hurt me this time, okay? (Hesitant pause, BREE looks at CHASE (SPIKE)). Where's Chase, Spike? Can I see my brother, please?

(In a sudden moment, CHASE stumbles back, shaking his head as if forgetting something. He blinks, and straightens himself, unsure where he is. From CHASE's perspective, we see the room. Furniture discarded everywhere, cowering crowds of people, BREE stood in front of him, looking infuriatingly sympathetic in a way he hates. He sees people in the crowd start to snicker at him, even KAZ and definitely PERRY look at him like he's an alien. He looks down at himself, sees his torn shirt and his exposed arms. His breath quickens a little and his eyes widen, and before anyone can say anything else, he turns on his heels and bolts, finding a storage closet and slamming himself inside).

BREE
(Turning around to the crowd)
Alright, show's over people. Let's get these chairs away from the door.

(PERRY goes to get the furniture away from the door, as the crowd begin to make their way out. KAZ stands up, walking over to BREE and giving her a high five).

KAZ
(Impressed)
Not sure what you said - or, thought, I guess - but well done. (Chuckles) You're seriously awesome.

BREE
(Smirking)
You're not so bad yourself… if you want, I can tell everyone you helped.

KAZ
Nah, this was your save. I'm not taking credit.

(BREE and KAZ laugh softly, catching each other's eye).

BREE
Well, hey, like you said. Mission accomplished… (She turns to see the crowd bolting, with PERRY trying to give at least one copy of "The Extreme Force" to anyone who will take it, which is no one). I think we're safe from Perry's comic book ventures.

KAZ
Yeah, until she writes "The Tale of Spikerella".

(BREE laughs; KAZ looks like he suddenly has another thought on his mind).

KAZ
Hey, you, uh… you want to go get ice cream? (A pause, BREE blinks in surprise, and KAZ cracks a smile). You can show me your prank ideas for a park full of innocent people.

BREE
(Smiling)
That actually sounds really fun, Kaz.

(BREE and KAZ start forwards as if to go, but then BREE remembers something. She turns to the closet where CHASE disappeared to, and then sighs. She glances to KAZ, back to the closet, and then finally turns fully to KAZ).

BREE
I'll tell you what, I'll meet you there. I have to do something first.

SCENE TWELVE.
INT. COMIC BOOK STORE - STORAGE CLOSET - DAY.
(CHASE sits on the floor in a storage closet, his back against the wall, facing the door. His knees are brought tightly up to his chest, his head buried in his hands and resting on his knees, and whilst he is not crying, he looks incredibly upset. The door to the closet opens softly, and BREE steps inside. She takes one look at him and closes the door behind her, leaning against the wall with her arms loosely folded).

BREE
(Sympathetic)
What happened?

CHASE
(Not looking up)
I don't want to talk about it.

BREE
(Sighs)
Okay…

(BREE sits down, making herself comfortable opposite CHASE, smoothing down her trousers as she leans against the door).

BREE
We can just sit here.

(CHASE, embarrassed, looks up from burying his face in his knees. When he glances at BREE, she offers him a smile, and he groans, leaning his head back against the wall).

CHASE
Spike's never been that bad in public before…

BREE
(Gently)
I know.

CHASE
I can't believe I just did that.

BREE
I know.

CHASE
And I don't have any sleeves, Bree!

BREE
I know.

CHASE
(Snapping)
Stop saying you know!

BREE
Okay, sorry! (Pause) You want my jacket? (CHASE just glares at BREE, so she holds her hand up in surrender) Okay, so no jacket then. (She pauses, sighing) What even triggered it this time? You haven't Spiked out in forever.

(CHASE sighs, closing his eyes for a second. Then he leans forwards and hugs his knees, chewing his lip and looking down).

CHASE
(Confessing)
Oliver yelled at me, and he seemed really mad, and he got all in my face and I just… I don't know, then the next thing I know, I'm here.

BREE
(Confused)
Why did Oliver yell at you?

CHASE
He thought I kissed Skylar.

BREE
(Even more confused)
Why would he think you kissed Skylar?

CHASE
(Guiltily)
Because he saw a video of me kissing Skylar.

BREE
(Eyes wide, shocked, scolding)
Chase Davenport!

CHASE
It wasn't me! (Pause) Well, it was me, it wasn't Skylar. It was Reece. She shapeshifted into Skylar at Facility Y and tried to mess with me. I pulled away!

BREE
(Understanding, sighing)
Oh. And Oliver got the wrong end of the stick and lost his mind at you?

CHASE
(Nods, pulling his knees closer)
Oliver's so mad, Bree. Like, so mad. And we tried to tell him! It's not like it was real, and I've told him so many times I don't like Skylar like that!

BREE
(Raising an eyebrow)
And… do you like Skylar like that?

CHASE
No!

BREE
(Hands up in surrender)
Okay, okay, just asking. (She hesitates, speaking gently) Well, look, Chase, you can see where he's coming from, right?

CHASE
(Eyes wide, stressed)
Not really! He's always constantly eyeing me up, and I don't know why. Ever since I got Skylar her powers back, he gets mad if I spend too much time with her or Kaz. I don't know why he even cares, it's not like I'm - you know. I'm just…

(CHASE trails off, and BREE tilts her head. She nudges him with her foot).

BREE
You're just what, Chase?

CHASE
(Shrugs, dejected, confused)
I don't know! I'm just me.

(A pause, BREE looks at her brother and sighs, her eyes softening with sympathy. She motions for him to shuffle to the side).

BREE
Scoot over.

(CHASE does so, and BREE switches sides of the closet to sit next to him. Squished together in the small space, she pulls up her own knees and takes a deep breath, looking slightly exasperated, and CHASE looks at her, unsure).

BREE
Okay, listen up. I'm going to say something nice to you, but then we're going to forget this ever happened, and if you ever tell anyone we had this conversation, I'll break your arm. Got it?

CHASE
Okay…

BREE
(Sighs)
Chase, you're not the same dweeby little computer nerd you were when you were 14 and fresh out of the lab. You've grown up. I know that you don't see it, because the change has been gradual, but you're a different person, a much cooler person. You're smart, kind, funny, you work out, and you're a freaking superhero. And yeah, you spend more time in Mission Command building tech junk than you do speaking to actual human girls, but that's just part of your charm. Plus, you know, you're… (she screws up her face, clearly uncomfortable saying it) attractive… sort of.

CHASE
(Recoiling)
Ew! Bree.

BREE
(Shuddering)
Yeah, it was harder for me to say than it was for you to hear, trust me. (She pauses, sighs again) Look, I know that the whole Reece thing really threw you, but you don't have trouble with girls because you're some undateable loser, it's because you don't have any confidence in yourself. And, it's about time you do, because any girl would be really lucky to have you. (Pause) Oliver sees that. He's all freaked and territorial because he's intimidated by you, Chase. And yeah, he shouldn't be, because we all know you would never do anything on purpose to upset him or Skylar, or anyone, but he's insecure. And you can relate to that, right? Think about all the girls you had crushes on in high school that you wouldn't let Adam within twenty feet of, because you were afraid he would steal them right out from under you.

(There's a pause; CHASE thinks. He raises an eyebrow, pointing to himself in disbelief).

CHASE
I'm the Adam?

BREE
(Nods)
Uh-huh.

CHASE
Me? I'm the Adam?

BREE
Yeah, Chase. I've met a lot of people who have asked me if you're single.

CHASE
(Eyes wide)
No you have not… have you?

BREE
Trust me, I didn't think I'd heard them right - I had to ask them again to make sure they meant you.

CHASE
(Stunned, he leans back against the wall)
Huh...

(BREE sighs and stands up, holding out a hand to pull CHASE to his feet).

BREE
Okay, moment over before I puke. Come on, I've got stuff to do and you need to change your shirt.

(Before BREE can open the closet door, CHASE does something unexpected; he hugs her. BREE is surprised, but smiles, returning the hug warmly).

CHASE
Thanks.

BREE
(Smirking)
Come on, I can be supportive when I want to be. You're paying for my next manicure by the way - Spike broke like three of my nails.

CHASE
(Chuckles)
I guess that's fair.

BREE
(Grinning, excited)
Ooh, maybe you could come with me! Bet we could find you a cute girl at the salon.

(CHASE walks out of the closet).

CHASE
(Scoffing)
No way.

BREE
Hey, I would be a fantastic wing woman.

CHASE
You can't even be a half-decent wing woman for yourself.

(BREE looks offended, and then follows him out of the closet).

BREE
Okay, I take back the nice thing I said, you're a nightmare!

CHASE
(Grinning, half-way out of the store)
No take backs!

BREE
(Rolling her eyes)
Ugh, Chase!

(BREE and CHASE bicker all the way out of the comic book store, laughing and talking down the street as they head home).

SCENE FOURTEEN.
EXT. PENTHOUSE - TERRACE - NIGHT.
(SKYLAR is hanging out on the terrace, sitting on one of the chairs with her feet up, when OLIVER walks through the doors from the living room. He closes the door behind him and smiles at SKYLAR).

SKYLAR
Hey! Everything okay with you and Chase?

OLIVER
Yeah… I apologised for losing it on him earlier. And, you know, turning him into the hulk.

SKYLAR
(Chuckles)
Good.

(OLIVER sits down on a chair next to SKYLAR. He takes her hand).

OLIVER
And I just want to apologise to you again, for not believing you at first, and for not hearing you. I made a mistake, Skylar. I trust you completely, and I'm sorry.

SKYLAR
(Smiles)
It's okay... you're kind of cute when you're mad anyway.

OLIVER
(Teasingly)
Well maybe I should be mad more often then.

SKYLAR
(Smirking)
Maybe you should… (They gaze at each other for a moment, both smiling, OLIVER getting completely lost in SKYLAR's eyes. Then SKYLAR sits up with a sudden epiphany). You know what I just realised?

OLIVER
What?

SKYLAR
We got through our first fight and our first make-up today… as a couple.

OLIVER
(Smiling, touched)
Skylar, you don't have to label us if you're not ready.

SKYLAR
(Nodding)
I'm ready, Oliver. I promise. You trust me, right?

OLIVER
I trust you.

(SKYLAR gets up and walks around behind OLIVER, stopping behind him to loop her arms loosely around his neck. She rests her head against his).

SKYLAR
Good… And, you're not - you know - still upset with the image of me and Chase, are you?

OLIVER
Nah, it's gone. Barely even remember it.

SKYLAR
(Pouting, teasingly)
That's a shame. Because… I was hoping I would have to replace that memory with something else.

OLIVER
(Shrugs)
I mean, you know, it's worth a try…

(SKYLAR chuckles, and without further word, places a gentle kiss onto his lips).

SKYLAR
How's that?

OLIVER
(Pretends to think)
I don't know… (Teasing) Could you do it again to make sure?

(SKYLAR laughs, but does, and we pan out on the two of them together, watching the stars in each others' arms).

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE