- Chapter Three -

You were sitting on the couch, alternating between reading and texting. You had your book in your lap as you read the message on your phone.

How's it going over there? Are you okay?

You smiled as you sent a message back.

Fine, I guess. I'm doing okay, things are a little rocky but I'll get through it.

As you set your phone down, Oliver greeted Chase who came in from the terrance, asking what he was doing.

"Oh, I just reinforced all the windows with an impenetrable polymer I designed to keep this place safe from any threat." Chase explained smiling.

"Oh yeah? Well," Oliver then held up a plate, "I just made myself a grilled cheese."

Skylar then walked in. "Mm, something smells good."

"Yep. That's my sandwich." Oliver replied, walking over to Skylar with his plate in hand.

"No, smells like reinforced polymer." Skylar stated.

"Oh, you." Oliver pointed at her, accidentally shooting water at her.

"Oliver!" She exclaimed.

"I'm sorry! It was an accident." Oliver apologized. "I'm still trying to get the hang of my powers."

"Oh, you poor thing. It must be so hard for you." Skylar stated.

"Skylar, that's not what I meant." Oliver shook his head.

"No, no, no. Thank you once again for reminding me how you have powers and I don't." She stated, snatching his plate from his hands, walking away.

You rose a brow as Chase looked over at Oliver who was smiling sheepishly. "Alien chicks...am I right?"

"Yeah, I still don't get it." Chase stated. "If Skylar was born a superhero, then why doesn't she have any powers?"

"She used to, but a human-turned-mutant called the Annihilatior drained them out of her. Put them on a shelf as a trophy." Oliver explained.

"Okay, I'm sorry, but you have to agree that sounds ridiculous." Chase stated as he walked over to Oliver. "Look, if Skylar's going to be apart of this team, then I have to find a way to get her powers back."

"No, I have to be the one to get her powers back." Oliver informed.

"Why you?" Chase asked.

"Because then she falls in love with me, then we get married, then we live our happy little superhero lives together forever in a space castle!" Oliver explained quickly.

Wishful thinking, you thought as Chase spoke. "You know, in your funny yet creepy little world, I believe that could happen."

"I've been trying to get her powers back for years." Oliver explained. "So far no luck."

"Well that's because you didn't have my vast scientific knowledge to help you, and now you do." Chase smiled. "I'll even give you all the credit so she thinks you're the hero."

"Thanks buddy. You're the best, you know one day I'll do something for you." Oliver pointed at him, accidentally shooting water at Chase's face.

You quickly bit your lip to stifle your laughter as Chase spoke. "You can start by getting me a towel."

Oliver nodded as he quickly left. You couldn't help but chuckle as you opened your book to read. Oliver then came back, tossing the towel to Chase who wiped his face.

"Okay, Mr. Davenport has some science equitment downstairs in Mission Command. Let's head there." Chase stated as he and Oliver left, or that's what you thought.

Oliver stood in front of you as he spoke. "I need your help."

"What for?" You asked, setting your book aside.

"Well, I need you to bring Skylar down to Mission Command because she won't listen to me, and later I was thinking of going to the flower shop. I need you to help me pick out some flowers." Oliver explained.

"Why me?" You asked puzzled.

"Because Bree and Kaz are gone and I need a lady's input on what to pick out, please?" He asked, bottom lip pouting out.

"Yeah, okay. Just go, I'll get her now." You replied as you stood.

"Really? You're the best." He smiled, running to the Hyper-lift.

You hummed at Oliver's comment as you headed upstairs to the girls' room, where Skylar was at. Once bringing her down, she had set her plate in the sink before you both entered the Hyper-lift, going down into Mission Command.

Oliver was quick to greet Skylar. "Hey, Skylar. Guess what?"

"Don't tell me, you just discovered a new power? What now, can you shoot torpedoes out of your nose?" Skylar asked as you stayed behind.

"No, I thought I could a few weeks ago, but it turns out it was just a sinus infection." Oliver explained. "Anyway, I, Oliver, have been working with some of Chase's lab equitment and I, Oliver, have found a way to restore your powers."

"You did?!" She exclaimed smiling.

"Yes. I, Oliver, did!" Oliver confirmed smiling.

"He did?" Skylar asked Chase.

Chase stepped forward. "Yep. He, Oliver, really did. And I would know because I, Chase, am the smartest guy in the world that comes up with fixes for everything." Oliver shot him a look. "Except for this. But you know, I could've."

"But he didn't." Oliver stated.

"Right." Chase nodded. "But I could've."

"But he didn't." Oliver smiled as Skylar shot them a weird look.

"Anyway." You stated, breaking the awkward atmosphere as you pushed a white chair in Skylar's direction. "Let's get started."

"I can't believe this is really happening. I've waited so long to get my powers back." Skylar smiled as she sat in the chair.

"Well my dear, your wait is over." Oliver smiled as he spoke loudly to Chase. "The serum!"

"It's not ready." Chase informed.

Oliver then turned to Skylar. "I'm sorry, my assistant informs me there will be a slight delay. Can I make you more comfortable?" Oliver asked as he went down on one knee. "Would you like to put your feet up?"

"So you can measure my knees again? No thanks." Skylar stated as Oliver stood. "How exactly is the serum gonna work?"

You crossed your arms in amusement as Oliver spoke. "Well, uh...you see the serum," He trailed as he motioned to Chase mixing chemicals, "will be, um..."

"Injected." Chase stated, as he continued to mix the chemicals.

"Injected!" Oliver exclaimed. "Into you, thus..."

"Activating."

"Activating! The..."

"Cells."

"Cells! Which..."

"Are currently dermant but innately have superpowers." Chase explained quietly to Oliver.

"Trust me Skylar, I know what I'm doing." Oliver assured.

"The serum is ready." Chase smiled as he held out the large syringe.

"Woah. It's a big needle. Do you have anything tubal form?" Oliver asked Chase.

"No, but if you prefer, I can administer the injection." Chase offered as he walked over to Skylar.

"No way Frankenstein, this is my beautiful monster." Oliver explained. You rose a brow as Oliver took the syringe, only to give it back to Chase. "Yeah, it's all you."

Chase then took it, injecting the serum into the back of Skylar's neck. "Okay, there you go."

"I don't feel anything." Skylar informed as Chase took his gloves off.

"Oh, well it'll take time for the serum to kick in. Right, Oliver?" Chase asked, not getting a reply. "Oliver?"

You turned to see Oliver trying not to gag as he stood. "Sorry, I'm a little woozy."

"Okay, Skylar. Sit back, relax, and let the medical software wirelessly monitor your vitals." Chase explained as he placed the monitors on her neck.

"Yes, and your powers will be back in a matter of minutes." Oliver informed.

"Hours." Chase corrected as Oliver walked by.

"Hours!" Oliver exclaimed. "Look, we're going to make a quick errand. Just sit and relax and we'll be back as soon as possible."

You waited by the Hyper-lift as Oliver and Chase walked over, going back up to get Skylar some flowers.

~~~~~

"You know where the flower shop is?" Oliver asked, walking beside you as Chase followed behind.

"Yep. I know a few, and here is one now." You informed, the boys following you into the little shop. "Okay, knowing Skylar, you don't want to give her too much of the same color. If you're gonna give a girl flowers, you're gonna wanna mix it up a bit unless they have a favorite type of flower. For Skylar we'll mix it up a bit. We'll start with a rose." You explained, handing it over to Oliver. "Now we'll all go around, and pick a different flower."

You three then split, picking different flowers. You scanned the various different flowers, picking out ones you thought were best. As you turned around, you collided into someone. Looking up, you realized it was Chase.

"Um, I'm sorry." You quickly took a step back, turning around to see Oliver a few feet away.

Once you gathered up all the flowers and purchased them, you all headed back to the tower. Oliver held the flowers as Chase decided to give her treats.  Once everything was set, you three headed down to Mission Command.

You smiled at Oliver's enthusiasm as he walked out of the Hyper-lift. "Look at what your hero brought you. Flowers for your new superpowers."

Skylar turned in her chair to face you three, making you all jump back and causing the boys to scream. The veins in her face and neck were black.

"What's wrong?" Skylar asked.

"Uh, pfft...nothing." Oliver replied. "You're just shockingly beautiful. Like so beautiful, that I have to look away."

Oliver turned away, setting the flowers down as Skylar spoke. "None of my powers have kicked in yet. I don't think the serum did anything."

"It did something." Chase nodded as he pulled Oliver aside. "This is bad."

"Yeah, I mean it'll be a little weird being the good-looking one in a relationship but I'll get used to it." Oliver stated as you smacked the back of his head.

"I'm serious." Chase stated. "Her body is rejecting the serum. The coal must be deteriorating her organs from the inside out."

"So you're telling me, we just..."

"Killed her." Chase finished.

~~~~~

As time went on, you noticed that Skylar wasn't doing so well.

'Eh, doesn't really matter if she does or not.'

'It does matter! She's part of the team.'

You snapped out of your daze as Oliver ran to Chase. "Why haven't you found the antidote yet? You're suppose to be perfect!"

Chase set the beaker down as he turned to Oliver. "You know what really helps in a high pressured situation? You not interrupting me every five seconds and asking why I haven't found the antidote yet!"

"Sorry...but have you?" Oliver asked as he sighed in frustration. "I knew we shouldn't have given her coal."

"Oliver, not so--"

"You gave me coal?!" Skylar exclaimed, cutting you off.

"Loud." You finished sighing.

"Coal? Is that what you heard? Coal? 'Cause that would be crazy. Why would I inject you with your one true very lethal weakness." Oliver scoffed as he pointed to Chase. "He did it."

"Okay, yes. I'm the one who suggested shocking your system with coal, but I've also said that you should never mix superpowers with science." Chase explained.

"When did you say that?" Oliver asked.

"Just now keep up." Chase stated as Skylar began to cough black vapor. "I must have given her way too much. Her body's rejecting it and expelling it as a vapor."

"Is it dangerous?" Oliver asked, as Skylar coughed on the flowers, making them die instantly.

"Just to living things." Chase replied.

"We have to keep her contained, she'll kill everything if we don't." You informed.

Chase then stepped forward, activating his force field around Skylar to keep the vaopr contained. "Okay. Using my force field to seal the vapor in was a good idea. We still have time to figure out the antidote."

Skylar had another coughing fit making Oliver speak. "Uh, Chase? What's happening?" The force field began to crack. "I thought you said your force field was impenetrable!"

"It is!" Chade exclaimed. "It's built to withstand lasers, bullets, even atomic explosions. Not alien freak gas!"

"I told you that was going to happen." Oliver stated.

"What? When did you tell me that?" Chase asked.

"Jusy now keep up!" Oliver replied.

"If the gas escapes and spreads into the vents it'll kill everyone in the building." Chase explained.

"That's thousands of people." You informed, switching your gaze from Skylar to Chase.

"I think I know what has to be done." Chase stated, as he walked over to the cyber desk and picked up a metal rod.

"You're holding an electric toothbrush, I've got nothing." Oliver shook his head.

"No. It's a sonic de-atomizer. It'll stop the vapor at it's source by sending a lethal blast of energy through her body." Chase explained.

"Lethal?" Oliver asked.

"Yes. The only way to stop the vapor from spreading...is to destroy Skykar." Chase informed.

"Absolutely not! Give me that thing!" Oliver exclaimed, snatching the decice. Chase and Oliver fought over the de-atomizer until Oliver successfully pried it away from Chase. "Mine! I'm not letting you destroy her. The girl means everything to me, she's the reason I wake up in the morning. I can't imagine a life without her."

Skylar coughed once more, breaking the force field as you ducked for cover.

"The gas is coming out!" Chase shouted.

"I'm taking that space witch down!" Oliver yelled, running towards Skylar.

Skylar then sent out a blast, sending Oliver to fly backwards as she collapsed on the floor.

"Skylar!" Chase shouted, running over to her and helping her up. "You're okay."

"I'm not," Oliver grunted in pain as he leaned on the cyber desk, "but that's cool, focus on her."

"You just used one of your superpowers." You pointed out.

"I did?" She asked. "I did!"

"I guess all that vapor was just part of the healing process." Chase explained.

"Then the serum worked." Oliver smiled.

"Yeah, it totally did! And it's all because of..." Oliver held his arms out for Skylar as she held open her arms, "Chase!"

Skylar hugged Chase, taking him by surprise as Oliver spoke. "Chase? What about me?"

"You were about to destroy me." Skylar stated.

"What?" Oliver trailed. "Pshh. No, I was- would never...this is a...I...um...I was..." Oliver sstuttered as he set the de-atomizer down as he ran, with Skylar hot on his heels.

You couldn't help but smile as you made your way to the Hyper-lift. Chase followed, opening his mouth to say something but was stopped as Oliver ran past him and into the Hyper-lift, using you as a shield from Skylar.

"Save me!" Oliver pleaded.

"Okay, okay. That's enough, settle down." You smiled as Skylar stopped. "Skylar, you can get him later. As of now, let's just head back up."

Once everyone was inside, the Hyper-lift took you all up into the penthouse. When the doors opened, your gaze automatically fell on a woman with a gun.

"Oh look, it's a pig." Oliver smiled. "Kaz, you've always wanted a pig...ahh she's got a gun!" 

"Look out!" Chase exclaimed.

You all ducked as Skylar shot a blast, freezing the woman. "You guys okay?"

As you all stood, Kaz spoke. "Yeah, I mean...I'm afraid the pig is a bit shaken. Wait. Skylar, did you just--"

"Yep. I got my powers back." Skylar nodded smiling.

Kaz turned to Oliver. "Oh, good job, man. You finally did it."

"Actually, it was Chase." Skylar pointed to Chase who waved.

"Woah, that's gotta sting." Kaz chuckled as Oliver shot him a glare.

~~~~~

Once the police arrived and escorted the woman, who you learned was Mrs. Ramsey, and her pig Petey, Kaz spoke. "I can't believe I was duped by a barn animal...again."

"The police officer said that Mrs. Ramsey's been using the pig for over a year to break into dozens of high in apartments, but now they're in custody all thanks to Skylar." Chase explained.

"Well, I mean, really we should be thanking you." Kaz stated. "I mean you're the guy that got Skylar's powers back."

"We get it. Chase is great, he's the best thing ever, everyone loves Chase!" Oliver exclaimed.

"You know, I always thought I would be using my powers to like, stop an asteroid or something, but I guess stopping a pig from stealing video games is a close second." Skylar shrugged.

"We should go out to dinner to celebrate." Oliver suggested.

"That's a- that's a good idea Oliver. Are you sure it wasn't Chase's?" Kaz asked Oliver.

"Actually it was." Oliver replied shamefully, walking out as you all followed behind.

Just as you were about to walk out, you turned around, scanning the penthouse until you saw Bree banging on the terrance window soundlessly. You then walked over to the terrance window, picking up the tablet and unlocking the terrance door.

"I thought you guys were going to leave without me." Bree sighed as she walked inside.

"Actually, the others were going to, I was the one who wasn't going to." You explained, swiping your finger across the tablet to close the terrance door.

"At least you have a brain to realize when others are missing, unlike the team." Bree huffed as she smoothed down her shirt. "Anyway, where were you guys heading?"

"Dinner to celebrate Skylar for getting her powers back." You explained, as you both walked out of the penthouse.

"Yeah, I saw that." Bree stated as you both entered the elevator. "So, tell me. How did she get her powers back?"

"It's a long story, but to sum it up in one word: Chase." You informed.

"Figures." Bree shrugged one shoulder as the elevator doors closed.