- Chapter Ten -

You slowly opened your eyes, blinking a few times to get rid of your blurry vision. After a moment, you were able to see clearly. You looked around and saw the blazing hot golden flames, leaping and twirling in a fiery dance, twinkling like the stars.

You quickly jumped up and ran out of the room, looking frantically around. Smoke had clouded your vision as you had stumbled up the stairs to see if he was all right. When you had reached the top, you had thrown the door open, scanning the room quickly. You then spotted him on the floor, body covered in ash from the smoke and the arousing flames. 

You quickly scrambled over to him, holding his face as you called out to him. "Dad! Dad! We need to go!"

He coughed heavily, trying to air to fill his lungs. "Go...you n-need to get out of here."

His voice cracked as he couched and wheezed. 

You shook your head stubbornly. "I'm not leaving without you!"

The flames drew closer, trying to take you both in its fiery heat. 

"Leave now! I'll always be with you, I promise."

 You nodded with a quivering lip. "Okay."

"All right, listen to me. I need you to go. Go now! And don't look back!" He shouted, pushing an object in your hand; the clock locket.

You quickly scrambled up, and with wobbly legs you ran out. The flames had engulfed everything in its path. You coughed heavily as you made your way to the stairs. A burning ember had fell beside you, starting you. You lost your footing and tumbled down the stairs. 

You banged your head onto the wooden floor, which made black dots sprout your vision. As the flames drew closer, you gripped the locket tightly in your hand. Before you fell into complete darkness, the last thing you saw was a figure looming over you.

-

You looked down at your blood stain hands as a small giggle rose in your throat. "Who could've guessed?" You laughed now. "Killing is so much fun."

You glanced up to see the whole Davenport family lying motionless on the floor, laying in their own pool of blood. You wiped your bloody knife on your bloody soaked shirt before pulling out your phone and taking a picture.

-

You walked into the lab, walking towards Giselle who's back was facing you. When she turned, you lifted the phone up to show her the picture. "Mission accomplished."

~~~~~

You woke up with a loud gasp, eyes searching around frantically. You were in your capsule, with the girls in their own sleeping soundly. Your heart pounded in your chest, and your body shook as you tried to take calming breaths. 

Once you were able to calm yourself down, you stepped out of your capsule and pulled out the locket from your pocket, seeing that it was five in the morning. Knowing that you weren't able to fall back asleep (nor that you wanted to), you headed out of the room and downstairs, going straight into the kitchenette, passing by AJ who was seated on the stool.

Ever since that day he tapped into Chase's chip, he's been coming over which you didn't mind. As you made yourself a cup of coffee, AJ had broke the silence. "So what's your story?"

"My what?" You asked, turning around to face him, cup in hand.

"Your story, you know, life story. I basically know about everyone except you. Of course I know about your abilities and that you had went to the bionic academy, but I couldn't get any more information." AJ explained.

"Well, I'm a woman of...mystery if you will." You smirked as you leaned forward on the counter, sipping your coffee. 

AJ glared at you playfully. "I see you're using my own words against me."

You couldn't help but laugh softly. As time passed, everyone eventually made their way downstairs, and soon enough you all were trying to make plans for the day, but none of you could agree on one thing.

"Wait, I know a movie that just came out. I've seen it and it's really good. How about we go watch it?" AJ offered.

"I don't mind." You shrugged as everyone else agreed. 

"Great, you'll love it." AJ smiled.

~~~~~

Lets just say that AJ was very excited about the movie (since he already saw it) and proceeded to tell you all about it literally. You couldn't be mad since his enthusiasm had taken over.

When you all made it back to the tower, AJ was rambling on about the movie. "I love that movie. I've seen it like five times. Oh, I hope I didn't ruin the ending for you guys."  

"No. You had already ruined the beginning and the middle, so I didn't really  are about the end." Kaz explained as he walked away.

"So, uh...what do you guys wanna do now?" AJ asked, as the team let out a few ohs.

"Hey, uh, why don't you stay right here while we go have a quick little team meeting out on the terrance, okay?" Bree smiled at AJ.

"Okay." AJ shrugged as you all walked out to the terrance.

"Chase, I know you told AJ he could hang out with us, but this is getting ridiculous." Bree told Chase. "He never leaves."

"Yeah. This morning, I came down for a bowl of cereal, and he poured my milk, which was nice, but kinda creepy." Oliver explained.

"That's creepy?" Skylar asked Oliver. "This morning, you offered to be the milk in my cereal."

You scrunched your nose in disgust as Oliver stammered. "I didn't...the offer still stands."

"Look, guys, the only reason that AJ's been hanging around so much is 'cause he doesn't have any friends." Chase explained.

"So he's a mini you. Got it." Kaz nodded in understanding.

"He's not that bad, guys." You defended AJ.

"Look, and it is nice that you and Chase are looking out for him, but we need a little bit of space." Bree said.

"Yeah, and not to mention, it's really risky." Kaz stated as he sat up straighter. "We have to keep our superhero status a secret."

Chase nodded. "Okay, I get it. I'll go break his heart and tell him he can't hang out with us as much."

You sighed, not liking where this was going as you followed behind Chase back inside as the rest of the team followed too. 

"Great cookies." AJ complimented as he held up a cookie. "Got anything to wet my whistle."

"Oliver can be your milk." Skylar smiled as Oliver shot her a 'really' look.

"Can we not please, that's so gross." You scrunched your nose in disgust.

"Uh, look, AJ we should talk." Chase began. "There's been some concern, mostly from the team--"

"Except me." You informed, cutting Chase off momentarily.

"About you being around so much." Chase finished. 

"Eh." AJ shrugged as he stood. "I get it."

"You do?" Chase asked. 

"Of course. They're afraid I'm gonna they're superheroes." AJ replied simply.    

Oliver, Kaz, and Skylar quickly walked forward, denying that they weren't superheroes.

"We're bionic." Oliver informed.

"Uh, no you're not. She's an alien and you two touched the Arcturian space rock." AJ explained as if it wasn't a big deal.

"He knows too much." Oliver stated, leaning towards Kaz. "Light up your fire hand. We gotta take him out."

As Kaz lifted his arm, Bree and Skylar shoved his arm down as you moved besides AJ. 

"You're right. We don't wanna make a mess." Oliver nodded. "We better freeze this punk." 

Skylar forced his hand down as you talked to Oliver. "You better cool it before I electrocute you."

"Was that a pun?" Kaz asked. "Because if it was, that was great."

"How did you know we were superheroes?" Skylar asked AJ.

"It's my fault." Kaz admitted as he stood on AJ's right. "I'm just way too heroic-looking to pass for normal."

"I've know your secret for weeks." AJ informed. 

"Okay, I don't like this. Who knows what else is in that little cat-toy-sized head of his?" Oliver voiced as you rolled your eyes. 

"If AJ tells the public that superheroes exist, it'll cause hysteria." Skylar stated. "Not to mention, we'll be under a microscope which will make tracking Roman and Riker even harder."

"Why would I sell you out when I'm trying to convince you to make me apart of the team?" AJ asked.

"He's right. Look, AJ's a smart kid. I think we can trust him." Chase explained as you nodded in agreement.

"Or can we?" Kaz asked, jumping into AJ's personal space. "He didn't flinch. I think we're good."

"Now that we're cool, there's something I wanna show you guys." AJ stated as he walked over to a chair to grab his tablet as you all followed. "My Elite Force breakdown. I complied all of your abilities and superpowers, and then ranked your value to the team, one through six."

You then looked at the tablet, seeing that Skylar was first, Kaz second, Bree third, you fourth, Oliver fifth, and Chase sixth. 

"Uh, why am I third?" Bree asked AJ.

"Skylar has twenty-four powers and you have five." AJ smiled.

Bree pursed her lips as she pulled Oliver. "All right, Oliver freeze this punk." 

"Don't be upset. It's not like you're last." AJ stated as he suddenly smiled. "Chase is."

"What?!" Chase asked, snatching the tablet to look at the list. 

"Relax, it's not personal. It's just accurate." AJ explained as Chase shot him a glare.

"Oh, guys. It's just a list, not that big of a deal." You told the team.

"Really?" Bree asked. "It doesn't matter that you're fourth on the list than first?"

"No." You replied. "They're just ranks."

"Why would it matter if she was first?" Skylar asked.

"It doesn't matter." You said, taking the tablet away from Chase and giving it back to AJ. "Look, it's getting late. Lets just go to bed."

~~~~~

The next day when you went down into Mission Command, you were greeted by the sight of Chase moving slowly on what looked like a hover bike. 

"Chase, a grandma can move faster than you." You commented as you stood besides Oliver. 

"Hey, why am I going so slow?" Chase asked AJ.

"Oh, let me try this." AJ stated, suddenly making Chase fly forward and crash into the wall. Chase groaned as AJ walked forward. "Well, at least we know the helmet works."

The rock wall then opened as Kaz walked out.

"Kaz, what were you doing out there?" Oliver asked him.

"I was, uh.." Chase then walked forward as Kaz continued, "Chase, what's the word for exploring underground passages?"

"Spelunking." Chase replied.

"Yeah, I was exploring underground passages." Kaz smiled a bit too widely.

"Wait." Oliver said as he walked towards Kaz. "I know that fake smile. You're up to something. What are you hiding out there?"

"Nothing." Kaz smiled.

You watched in slight amusement as Kaz kept stepping in Oliver's way. Chase and AJ ran forward also trying to get through, but Kaz couldn't block them all out. Oliver made it through. 

"Oh, yeah! I'm through!" Oliver cheered as you walked past the boys and into the tunnel. 

"Kaz, you're a horrible liar." You told him. 

"I know."

When you made it to the end of the tunnel, there was a bunch of junk laying around. You furrowed your brows as you looked around. 

"What is all this junk?" Oliver asked as you stuffed your hands in your hoodie. 

"It's not junk. They're my mementos. I can never throw anything away." Kaz explained as Oliver shot him a look. "I can't help it; I'm a hoarder!"

"Ugh." Chase groaned as he picked up a retainer. "Is this your retainer?"

"It's a retainer. Try it on, I did." Kaz smiled as you scrunched your nose in disgust. 

"Ew!" Chase threw the retainer in disgust as AJ came walking around the corner. 

"Woah, what's this?" AJ asked, holding up a purple orb.

"That's the Arcturian." Oliver answered as he snatched it from AJ. 

"This is what gave you two powers?" AJ asked in awe as Chase walked forward.

"Ah, the pyramid with the glowy racquetball inside. Now that is science." Chase smiled as he patted Oliver's shoulder. 

"I though it was destroyed when Roman and Riker took down Mighty Med." Oliver thought aloud, looking at Kaz. 

"I thought so too. It must've ended up in one of those storage bins." Kaz stated. "I didn't even know it was down here."

"How do you open it?" AJ asked as Kaz snatched the Arcturian from Oliver's hands.

"You don't. If any human makes direct contact with the orb, it'll kill them."

'Touch the orb. We can become one of the most powerful beings. I'll make sure you won't get hurt.'

'Do not touch it. You don't need to become anymore powerful.'

You shook the voices out of your head as AJ spoke. "It's the coolest thing I've ever seen. I wanna just--"

Chase pulled AJ's arm down as AJ continued to try to touch it. "No."

"Touch it to-"

"No."

"Study it-"

"No! Go over there and play with the retainer!" Chase told AJ, pointing to the corner as AJ walked away. "Look, guys, we can't have something this dangerous just lying around. Mr. Davenport has a secure storage area called Facility Y where it'll be safe. You two take it there." Chase then picked up a dark object as he looked at Kaz. "Why would you save this?"

"I didn't." Kaz replied as he walked away. "That's a dead rat."

Chase quickly threw the dead rat as you sighed through your nose. "Chase, you really need to stop touching things."

"Yeah, I know." He grumbled.

~~~~~

When you, Chase, and AJ got back to Mission Command, AJ explained to you what they were working on which was a hover bike. Since you and Chase were the only ones who couldn't get to mission sites fast enough, since neither of you had super speed or flying abilities, AJ decided to create the bike for you and Chase to be able to get to missions quicker.

AJ only made one, basically as a prototype so if it succeeded, he would build another. Now since he was going to test it, you three migrated to an empty tunnel just as Bree walked up towards you and AJ.

"Hey, Bree. You're just in time to watch our lasted test run." AJ informed.

"Oh, is Chase gonna get hurt? If so, I'm in." Bree smiled. 

"Not gonna happen." Chase stated. "We worked out all the kinks. Soon I'll be able to get to missions as fast as you. Then you'll be at the bottom of the list and I'll be at the top."

"Uh, no you won't." AJ told him.

"Okay, you are not in charge of the list anymore!" Chase shouted quite irked, as he hopped onto the bike as AJ set him off.

"I could've sworn I saw steam coming out of his ears." You smiled in amusement.

"Doesn't look that fast." Bree commented.

"Really?" AJ asked. "Cause I clocked him going faster than you."

"No you didn't. Let me see that!" Bree snatched the tablet from AJ before giving it back to him. "You know what? I don't have time for this. Just call me when he crashes."

After Bree walked away, you and AJ heard a crash, making AJ look at where Bree walked off. "Oh, Bree~"

~~~~~

The next day when you walked down the stairs, you saw Oliver and Kaz holding a giant pink pool noodle. 

"Um, what's going on?" You asked, looking at Chase, Skylar, Kaz, and Oliver as you made your way over.

"They still have the Arcturian Rock." Chase informed as he looked at Kaz and Oliver. "Get rid of it like I told you to yesterday."

"Fine." Oliver said as he dropped the noodle and walked into the kitchenette. "Consider it gone. Actually it is gone."

"What do you mean it's gone?" Kaz asked.

"Someone must've taken it." Oliver concluded. "I bet it was AJ. He wanted the Arcturian as soon as he saw it."

"No, AJ wouldn't do that." You shook your head as AJ came running through the door.

"Hey, guys, did you see me on the news last night? I told everyone you were superheroes." AJ smiled.

"What?!" Skylar shouted.

"Kidding. You guys gotta lighten up." AJ smiled as Chase walked towards him. 

"We know what you did, AJ. Give us back the space rock." Chase demanded AJ.

"What are you talking about?" AJ asked. 

"It's missing and everyone saw how badly you wanted it." Chase stated. 

"No, I didn't take it I swear."AJ told him, and you can see the honesty in his eyes. 

"I can't believe you're lying to me." Chase scoffed. "You know what, AJ? If you're not gonna admit it, then we're not onna be friends anymore."

"Chase." You said, but he ignored you.

"What?" AJ asked almost inaudibly.

"You heard me." Chase said as he pointed at the door. "Get out."

AJ then quickly ran out as you turned to Chase, now pissed. "Seriously, Chase? What was that? He's just a kid!" 

"It had to be him." Skylar stated as you shot her a not so friendly look. "I mean the only other person who knew about Arcturian was--"

"Bree." You breathed in realization. "We need to go, now!" 

You all had ran to the Hyper-lift, going down to Mission Command and into the tunnels. Luckily you all were able to find her before she was able to make contact with the orb.

"Bree, don't!" Skylar yelled, blasting the rock, which bounced off and hit Bree, making her fly backwards and hit the wall.

You all had quickly ran to her as Chase checked her pulse. "She's got a pulse."

You then helped Bree up as she spoke to Skylar. "What did you blast me for?"

"I wasn't aiming at you. I just wanted to knock you away from the Arcturian." Skylar told Bree. "I was trying to save your life."

"Yeah, if you actually touched it, lets just say there'd be one less person on AJ's list." Oliver explained.

"Just to be clear, Chase, you'd still be at the bottom." Kaz said as Chase shot him a look.

"Wait, so the rock would've killed me?" Bree asked.

"Yeah. What were you doing with it in the first place?" Chase asked her.

"I don't know. I found it in the cabinet. I thought if I touched it, I'd get more powers." Bree admitted.

"Why would you want more powers?" Chase asked.

"Yeah, I mean, we understand Chase." Kaz stated.

"Okay, we get it. I'm at the bottom!" Chase shouted, quickly calming down as he stepped towards Bree. "Bree, what's going on?"

"Speed has always been my thing." Bree stated as she took a breath. "When Skylar came in, and had speed too, it just made me feel less important."

"You know that's not true." Skylar said.

"Yeah, but when I saw my name near the bottom of AJ's list, I realized that other people think I'm unimportant, too." Bree explained. "I know touching the rock was selfish but...I just wanted to feel special again." 

"I get it, but it's just too risky." Skylar said as she picked up the rock. "I'll take it the Arcturian back to Facility Y."

"You know, that's pretty far. Maybe we should just keep it in the cupboard and hope for the best." Kaz stated, reaching out as Skylar smacked his hand away.

As everyone began to head back to Mission Command, you and Bree trailed behind everyone else as you spoke to her. "You know, you didn't have to do that."

"I know." She replied. 

"Bree, you're special in your own way; everyone is. Don't let abilities or powers control that. You're perfect the way you are." You explained, shoving your hands in your hoodie.

"Thanks." She smiled, as she looked down at the dirt floor. "That was very chick-flicky."

"Shut up." You told her with a smile as she chuckled.

When you all got back to Mission Command, you had noticed that the hover bike was gone.

"Hey, where's the bike?" Chase asked, seeming to realize this also.

"AJ. That sneaky little punk." Oliver shook his head. 

"No, it's not his fault." Chase sighed. "I accused him of taking the Arcturian. He's just getting back at me by stealing the bike."

"Which reminds me, you need to apologize to him about stealing the Arcturian." You told Chase sternly, crossing your arms.

"I will. Look, I can track him using the bike's location." Chase informed as he went on his phone. "Looks like he's joy-riding around the tunnels. We can cut him off this way." 

As the boys took off towards another tunnel, you realized that Bree was bent over, looking pale. "Bree, you okay?" You asked her in concern.

"No. Ever since Skylar zapped me. I've been in a lot of pain."

"That's weird. I didn't even fire at full strength." Skylar informed as she looked down at the Arcturian. "Hold on. When my lighting blast rocketed off the orb, it must've magnified my power. That's why you're--"

Bree the suddenly collapsed, making you catch her quickly before she could hit the floor. "Bree, Bree!" You shifted a bit,  making her lean against you. You patted her cheeks a bit. "Come on, Bree. Come on."

Skylar had shouted for help but it was no use. "This is all my fault."

"No, don't say that." You shook your head.

"It is." Skylar replied, glancing down at Bree. "If I hadn't bragged about my super powers and made you jealous, none of this would've happened."

"No." Bree breathed, shaking her head. "It's not your fault for thinking the rock would fix everything."

Skylar then had walked to the Arcturian, and you knew she was going to do something.

"Wait, maybe it can. The supernatural energy from the Arcturian should heal you." Skylar informed. "If I touched it, then the healing energy will pass through me to you, and my super powers should protect me." Skylar then stood as she took Bree's hand, ripping part of the case that held the Arcturian off.

You helped Bree sit a bit straighter as she talked to Skylar. "No. It's too dangerous. I'm not letting you do this."

"And I'm not letting you die." Skylar told her. 

You moved away from Bree as Skylar touched the Arcturian, sparks and electricity flowing through Skylar to Bree. Then Skylar had collapsed next to Bree, both of them passing out seconds later. You quickly slid over to the girls, checking their pulses. They were okay.

'It's not too late to touch it.'

'Do not touch the rock.'

You snapped out of your daze as Skylar regained consciousness and sat up. "You okay?" You asked her. 

"Yeah." She replied as she held Bree's hand, who was gaining consciousness. "Bree, are you okay?"

"Wait, do you have six heads? Is this alien thing or am I just dizzy?" Bree asked as you helped her up slowly.

"You're dizzy." You answered.

"Wait." Skylar waved her hands over her head. "Yeah it's you."

Bree suddenly stood up without any pain. "Wow, I feel great." Bree smiled as she turned to Skylar. "How are you?"

"I'm fine." Skylar smiled, but you knew she was lying as she suddenly looked down. "Okay. I lost a few powers."

"What? Why didn't you tell me that could happen?" Bree asked her.

"Because if I did, you wouldn't have let me do it." Skylar explained. "Look, Bree, I would've givin up all my powers to save you." 

"I don't even know what to say. Thank you." Bree said, hugging Skylar before quickly pulling away as Skylar yelped. "Woah, what just happened?"

You seen that Skylar had burn hand prints on her back, which were from Bree. 

"You just burned my brand new shirt, that's what happened." Skylar said, looking over her shoulder. 

Bree then pressed her hand onto the tablet that was on the cyber desk, showing you both her burned hand print a moment later. 

"Woah, that's thermo-touch. You made indirect contact with the Arcturian." Skylar informed with a smile. "Bree, you have superpowers."

Bree's hand then glowed blue as a proton ring formed in her hand. "Woah, okay, what is that?" Bree asked. 

"It's a proton ring." Skylar smiled.

Bree's face scrunched in confusion. "What do I do with it?" Skylar had told her to throw it, and when she did it came back in a circle before disappearing in her hand. "That felt amazing. It's supposed to go in a circle, right?"

"I am so excited for you." Skylar smiled. "Come on, lets go tell everyone. I cannot wait to see Chase's face when he finds out." 

Just as Skylar ran to the Hyper-lift, Bree stopped her. "Uh, I actually kind of wanna hold off for a little bit. It's just a lot to take in." 

"Okay, it'll be our little secret." Skylar smiled. 

"Wow, I can't believe I actually have superpowers." Bree exclaimed in disbelief and excitement. "That makes me..."

"The world's first bionic superhero hybrid!" Skylar exclaimed 

"I was gonna saw first on AJ's list, but that works too." Bree smiled as they both walked into the Hyper-lift.

'That could've been you. You could've become powerful if you just listened.'

'You don't need to be powerful. You don't need anymore abilities.'

"[Name], you okay?" Bree asked in concern. "You've been quiet."

"Oh, no I'm fine. It's just a lot to take in, but I'm so excited for you." You smiled sincerely.

And you meant it.

~~~~~

As the girls went up to the room, you went to the kitchenette where Oliver and AJ were at.

"Is everything okay with you and Chase?" Oliver asked AJ.

"Yeah, it hurt my feelings that he didn't believe me, but now we're good." AJ answered. "I've aslo decided to get rid of the list, because everyone on the team has their own unique value."

"Chase told you say that, didn't he?" You asked.

"Yes he did." AJ sighed.

"Knew it." You shook your head with a small smile.

"Well. I'm glad you guys worked everything out. But I was kinda hoping you'd still wanna get back at him for not trusting you." Oliver told AJ.

"Why?" AJ asked.

"Because I have a really awesome prank I've been dying to pull on him. Unless you'd want me to." Oliver explained, looking at you.

"Go right ahead. He deserves it for accusing AJ." You replied. 

"Guys, this is so immature." AJ said before smiling excitedly. "Lets do it!" 

You couldn't help but smile as Oliver spoke. "All right!" He then ran over to the desk in the corner and pressed a button. "Watch this. Chase get up here quick! There's a mission alert!"

Moments later, Chase came stumbling out of the Hyper-lift with roller blades on, falling to the floor. You couldn't help but laugh with the two boys as Oliver spoke. "That could not have gone better."

"Agreed." You smiled, fist bumping Oliver.