- Chapter Twenty-Five -

You were leaning against the Hydra-loop, casually chatting with the Davenport trio as Leo and S-1 strode over.

"Well, guys, it took awhile, but we finally came up with S-1's new name," Leo informed.

"We went through hundreds before we came up with the perfect one," S-1 stated.

"What is it?" Bree asked.

"Charlotte."

"Taylor"

Leo and S-1 spoke at the same time before looking at one another.

"Right, Taylor. My...second choice," Leo smiled.

"I like it," Bree smiled.

"Yeah, great name," Chase nodded.

"I think it fits you," you nodded.

"Eh, doesn't really matter to me. I didn't remember your other name, and I'm not gonna remember this one either," Adam shook his head.

"Hey, guys," Mr. Davenport greeted you all as he walked towards you all. "I have some very exciting news."

"You're finally eligible for senior citizen discounts?" Adam asked.

"No. Maybe. I don't want to talk about it. Look...the president called, and he's honoring you guys with a prestigious award for completing mission number one-thousand."

"That's awesome. Congratulations, guys," Taylor congratulated.

"Thanks, but technically, if you count all the missions where our bionics were still a secret, then our number is actually two-thousand-six-hundred-four," Chase informed, "but who's counting?"

"You are," Bree replied. "That's all you do is count."

"I do not," Chase stated. "Just for the record, that's the fifty-third time you've told me that."

"This is going to be great," Leo commented. "It's about time I got honored for something. So when is this little shindig?"

"Uh, in a couple of weeks. There's gonna be a big fancy ceremony on the mainland," Mr. Davenport replied. "But the president's only honoring the original team, Adam, Bree, and Chase."

"What? How could they do that? [Name] and I go on missions with them all the time," Leo replied.

"I'm sure when they hand out awards for completing thirty-two and a half missions, you'll get yours," Mr. Davenport stated, patting Leo's back as he walked away.

Chase then stood. "It's actually thirty-one and a half, but who's counting?" he smiled, patting Leo as he walked away.

~~~~~

You were with Bree and Chase as you three entered the Hydra-loop area, seeing Adam with his team.

"Hey, Adam, how's the fire prevention training going?" Chase asked Adam.

"You said fire prevention?" Adam questioned, as an explosion was heard and the fire alarm went off. "Ooh, well, it's too late to prevent that one. Could you guys go put that fire out and prevent the other fifteen we set?" Adam asked his team, as two of his team members ran out.

Just then Logan came running in. "Guys, you have to come see this. Leo just did something super amazing."

You and everyone else followed him into the training area to see Leo and Taylor holding hands.

"Aww. Leo's holding hands with a girl. That is amazing," Bree smiled.

"I see that you both are moving quickly in your relationship. Am I right?" you teased as Leo rolled his eyes.

"We found a new ability," Leo informed. "Check this out." As Leo and Taylor held hands, a small sphere began to swirl around their joined hands. "Now." Then they released it into the screen, making the lights go out.

"Oh, man, now I can't see what the new ability is," Adam commented.

"That was the new ability," Leo replied.

"Well, do you have another that turns you into a night light?" Adam asked.

"How about we all play hide and go seek in the dark?" you offered, as everyone began to agree.

"No, hold on. I'll bring the back-up system online," Chase stated, as he went on his tablet turning the lights back on.

"So? Isn't our new ability cool?" Leo asked as Taylor smiled. "When we join hands, our laser spheres combine to create one large sphere that's so powerful, it sends out an electromagnetic pulse."

"EMP's disable any piece of electrical technology they touch," Taylor explained.

"Dude, that was incredible," Logan complemented, pointing at Leo. "One day, I'm gonna be just like you."

"Thank you, son. Now move along," Leo smiled.

"Uh, no offense, Logan, but when did Leo become your hero?" Bree asked.

"Are you kidding? Talk about an underdog," Logan stated. "He was just a regular guy. All of a sudden, he got bionics and became an inspiration to the whole world."

"That is my story," Leo smiled.

"And I love how he didn't let his scrawny body and inferior skill stop him," Logan stated.

"We got it, Logan," Leo stated smiling forcefully.

"I'm a little worried about this new ability," Chase commented. "EMP's are very, very dangerous."

"But if we had this when Krane was around, we could've shut down his triton app in a second," Leo explained.

"It doesn't matter. It's still dangerous," Chase stated. "Don't use it again until we've had time to study it in a controlled environment."

"C'mon, Chase," Leo stated.

"No."

"If we just--"

"You heard me. No more EMP's," Chase snapped, cutting Leo off.

As Chase began to walk out, Logan let out a 'boo', which made Chase halt and turn around giving Logan a look, which made Logan look in the opposite direction as Chase continued to walk out of the training area.

"Alright, guys, lets get back to work," Adam stated, turning to his team. "Next up, CPR training. Uh, no, wait. CPR prevention."

As he and his team walked out with Bree following, Leo spoke, "I hate this. I've worked so hard to prove myself, but it doesn't matter. They're always going to see me as their little brother who's barely bionic."

"If it makes you feel any better, I think our new ability is super cool," Taylor smiled.

"Yeah, I mean it is dangerous but I think it's pretty sick," you smiled.

"Yeah," Logan agreed. "They're just jealous because they were born perfect, and you were born a teeny, tiny, weakling--"

"Shut it!" Leo cut Logan off. "I'm so sick of them not taking me seriously. It's time to prove I'm as much a bionic hero as they are."

"I hear you, Leo," Taylor nodded. "And we've got your back."

"Thanks, guys. Means a lot," Leo smiled, as he fist bumped Taylor, creating a blast to shoot up and causing the lights to go out once more. "Yeah, we gotta stop doing that."

"You think?" you asked sarcastically. After a few moments the lights flickered back on, as you turned to look at Leo. "Leo, if you want I can talk to Chase."

"Would you please?" Leo smiled. You nodded as he held up his fist, you giving him a fist bump. "Thanks."

"Anytime little man," you smiled as you walked away.

~~~~~

When you entered the living quarters, your gaze landed on Chase who stood beside the counter, tapping away on his tablet.

"Hey," you greeted, causing Chase to look up as you walked forward.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Chase questioned, as he set down his tablet.

"Just came to see how you were doing. You know, since that incident in the training area," you stated, referring to Leo.

"I'm doing fine," he replied.

"I don't think so, your face says otherwise," you poked his cheek as he sighed.

"Leo is just frustrating. That new ability he discovered is dangerous, and someone could get hurt," Chase stated.

"Yeah, but you know how Leo is, too stubborn but he's trying to prove a point," you explained.

"Trying to prove what?" he asked. "That it's dangerous? Because he proved that."

"Chase, no--"

"Are you siding with them?" Chase asked, cutting you off.

"What? No, I'm not siding with anyone," you shook your head. "I'm just trying to understand both sides here. Look, you're right on one thing; it's dangerous. I give you that. Leo is only trying to prove--"

"To prove what?!" Chase snapped.

"To prove to you that he's not so little anymore!" you snapped, raising your voice a bit. "Leo feels like he's useless, that he can't do anything because you, Adam, and Bree don't believe in him. He's trying to prove to you that he's just as good as you guys, but you keep letting him down," you sighed. "He feels like you still see him as your little brother, and that's how it'll always be. He may be an underdog, but he's trying to prove to you that he's just as good."

Chase kept silent, his hands on the counter as he kept his gaze forward, not giving you a glance as you walked away.

~~~~~

You went to find Leo and once you did, you saw him with Logan and Taylor.

"Did you talk to him?" Leo asked, hope gleaming in his eyes.

"Yeah, but I don't know if he actually listened or not," you replied.

"Well then c'mon. We're gonna go prove ourselves," Leo stated, as he began to walk towards the Hydra-loop area.

"What are you guys up to?" you questioned, quirking a brow.

"You'll find out," Taylor smiled, as you four walked into the Hydra-loop area, seeing the Davenport siblings.

"Hey, Leo," Bree greeted.

"Don't talk to me like I'm a child," Leo spat.

"All I said was 'Hey, Leo'," Bree stated.

"Well, I detected a tone," Leo informed.

"What's up with you?" Chase asked.

"I'll tell you what's up with me," Leo replied. "I am tired of everyone treating me like some kind of non-existent bionic hero."

"Just because it's true doesn't mean you have to take it personally," Adam stated.

"Oh, really? Well, guess what? We're starting our own team," Leo informed. "That's right. You're looking at the next generation of bionic superhumans." Then they posed, but Logan was facing the opposite direction. "It's the other way like we rehearsed."

"Oh, right," Logan stated as he posed in the correct postion.

"And, uh, who might be the leader of this new bionic team?" Chase asked, as he stood and took a few steps forward.

Taylor pointed at Leo. "You're looking at him."

Chase then laughed as he spoke, "You kidding me? Leo? And you're with them?" he asked, looking at you as if it were some sort of joke.

"I didn't pick a side," you glared, as Leo stepped up to Chase.

"See, right there. There's that tone," Leo pointed out.

"Look, you don't just become a leader by saying you're a leader. It takes years of mission experience," Chase stated.

"You named yourself mission leader when you were fourteen," Leo stated.

"Eh, wrong, I was twelve," Chase informed. "Good thing someone around here counts. You're not ready," Chase shrugged as he began to walk away.

"Oh, yes, I am, and I'm going to prove to you that I'm ready!" Leo explained.

"Sold!" Logan held his hand up.

"You were already on board," Taylor stated.

"And he sold me again. He's that good," Logan stated.

"Is Mr. Davenport okay with this?" Bree asked, as Mr. Davenport came striding in from the training area.

"Douglas thinks he's gonna beat me at my own game. I don't think so," Mr. Davenport spoke to himself as he went to the cyber desk.

"Hey, Big D., is it cool if I start my own team?" Leo asked Mr. Davenport.

"Yeah, Leo, whatever. It's indestructible," he mumbled as he walked away.

"Ha! Victory pose," Leo stated. This time, Leo faced the opposite direction.

"Other way, sir," Logan stated, as Leo the right way.

You then turned and walked into the training area, your gaze automatically landing on Chase. "What was that?" you asked, referring to what just happened moments ago.

"That, was the truth you heard," he replied.

"Were you not listening to me earlier? Look at what Leo's doing because of you. If you would just believe in him, none of this would be happening right now," you stated.

"You want me to believe in him when he's not ready? I don't think so," Chase stated, crossing his arms.

"Why can't you just believe in him for once. You didn't believe him about Marcus, you don't believe in him now, and they are other plenty of times you didn't believe him. I know all this because he told me, he showed me. Why can't you believe him for once?" you asked as he scoffed, rolling his eyes. "This right here, is not the Chase I know. You are better than this, Leo's going through all this trouble trying to prove to you that he's just as an equal as you are."

"Than why don't you just join his team if you keep defending him?!" Chase spat.

"Maybe I will! I would rather be with an underdog than be with Mr. Perfect, Mr. Know-it-all!" you spat, turning around to see Adam and Bree standing by the door.

You rolled your eyes as you passed them, deciding to take a walk to cool off.

~~~~~

After about an hour or so of walking around the beach and academy, you made your way inside of the academy. You walked into the training area, seeing Taylor and Logan holding Leo up.

"Faster, faster. Mush! Mush!" Leo exclaimed, "and stop."

"How is carrying you down an imaginary moutain part of our training? Oh, hi [Name]" Taylor greeted smiling.

You sent her a nod as you looked at Leo, "Leo, I'm siding with you if that's alright?"

"That's perfect! The more the better. Now, because a good team should be prepared for anything and this could happen," Leo stated. "You never know when your leader's gonna get taken out of battle, or break a bone, or get a case of the dizzies from a light lunch."

"I don't mind carrying you, Leo," Logan commented.

"Thank you," Leo nodded.

"I mean, you're, like, the lightest human being ever," Logan informed.

"Hey! I am not light. With a full bladder, I am pushing triple digits," Leo pointed out.

You furrowed your brows as Taylor sighed, "Can we take a break?"

"Yeah. You guys have been working hard. I guess you do deserve a breather," Leo replied, as Logan and Taylor set him down as they flopped down onto the floor.

"Hey, Leo," Chase greeted, as he walked in with Bree and Adam.

"Break's over. Everybody up," Leo commanded, as Taylor and Logan quickly stood up.

"How's your new team doing?" Chase asked.

"Great," Leo replied. "You see this right here? This is a little something we like to call leading and training."

"Really?" Adam asked. "Looks to me like standing and talking."

"We carried him all the way down an imaginary mountain," Logan commented.

"Why?" Bree asked.

"Because the guy weighs sixty pounds," Logan replied. "Give him a break."

"We've been working hard. We found a way to include Logan and make our new ability even better," Leo explained. "Check this out."

You watched as Leo and Taylor held hands, creating their large laser sphere.

"Leo, I specifically told you not to do that again. It's too dangerous," Chase stated.

"And I told you specifically to believe in him," you commented.

"Too dangerous, or too awesome?" Leo asked, motioning to the sphere.

"Now I'm gonna use my energy manipulation to guide their EMP toward a target," Logan informed.

"Not yet, junior. These kids came for a show. Amp it up, Tay-tay," Leo smiled.

You saw Taylor began to struggle as you looked at Leo, "Leo..."

"Okay, now I'm gonna--"

Leo cut Logan off, "Not yet."

"Leo, stop this right now!" you exclaimed, seeing that Taylor was struggling more.

"Leo, it's too much for her!" Chase informed.

"Leo stop!" you yelled.

"Oh, please, you're just jealous that your team isn't powerful as mine," Leo explained.

"Leo, stop!" Bree exclaimed, taking a step forward.

"Back off. This is my team!" Leo shouted.

"Leo Dooley!" you shouted, as Taylor got blasted across the room, going unconscious.

You all quickly ran over to her as Chase checked her pluse. "She's barely breathing. Go get help!" Chase commanded as Logan ran out.

~~~~~

Everyone waited in the Hydra-loop area, waiting to see if Taylor would be alright. You sat on top of the cyber desk, as Leo sat on the steps and the Davenport trio standing off to the side of the room. Once you saw Mr. Davenport, you quickly hopped off and ran over.

"Mr. Davenport, how's Taylor?" Chase asked.

"The good news is, I flew in the best doctors money could buy, so she's in good hands," Mr. Davenport explained.

"How seriously is she hurt?" Bree asked.

"She's in critical condition," he answered. "We'll know more when she wakes up."

As Mr. Davenport walked over to the cyber desk, Leo follwed after him. "I'm sorry, Big D. I feel terrible," Leo apologized.

"You should," Mr. Davenport replied. "What were you thinking, making her max out her abilities?"

"I didn't think she'd get hurt. I just wanted to show everyone what my new team could do," Leo explained.

"New team? Who said you could have a new team?" Mr. Davenport asked.

"You did," Leo replied. "Earlier today when you walked through here."

"Well, you should know better than to bother me when I'm focused on me," Mr. Davenport motioned to himself. "Look, I have go get back to the infirmary. I'll let you guys know if there's any other news," he informed as he walked out.

Then Chase walked forward with Adam and Bree behind. "You should've stopped when I told you to." That's when you stepped forward, making sure that nothing got out of hand. "This just proves you're not ready to lead your own team."

"I am more than ready. And maybe I wouldn't feel like I need to prove that to you guys if you weren't always looking down on me," Leo explained.

"Leo, we don't look down on you," Bree stated.

"Yeah, we have total respect for all of your shortcomings," Adam commented.

"When are you guys gonna stop treating me like I'm an idiot? [Name] sure doesn't," Leo stated.

"Maybe when you stop acting like one," Chase stated.

"You know what? Maybe quitting your team wasn't enough. Maybe I need to quit being your brother, too," Leo replied as he walked away.

"Don't worry, Chase. He can't legally do that," Adam assured. "Trust me. I looked into it," he replied as he walked into the training area.

Chase stood silently as he met your gaze, but you shook your head. "You can call me an idiot, but we both know who the real, idiot is," you stated coldly, as you followed where Leo previously walked off to.

~~~~~

After awhile of searching, you found Leo and Logan alone in the training area. You sat on Leo's right as Leo talked to Logan on his left.

"Look, Logan, I know this is a stressful time, but the best thing we can do is keep training," Leo stood up. "Taylor would have wanted that."

"She's dead?!" Logan asked, standing up as well.

"No. I mean, if she were here, she would've wanted that," Leo explained.

"Oh, okay. I'm just really worried. The doctors won't even let us see her. That can't be good," Logan informed.

"It's okay to be concerned. I am, too. But we need to be a team now more than ever," Leo nodded, pointing upwards. "For Taylor."

"She's in heaven?!" Logan asked.

"No!" you and Leo exclaimed.

"Upstairs. In the infirmary," Leo infomed, as Logan sighed. "Just trust me. She's gonna be back before you know it."

"Are you sure?" Logan asked.

"Absolutely. Big D has the best doctors in the world taking care of her. Not to mention every piece of bionic technology at his disposal," Leo explained, lifting his bionic leg slightly. "I mean, look at my leg. After I was crushed by the space elevator, not only did he fix it, but now it's better than ever."

"I thought you said it locks up when it rains," Logan pointed out.

"I'm waiting on a part," Leo replied, as you rose a brow.

"Sure you are," you slightly smirked.

"Well, I'm gonna go. Tell me if there's any updates on Taylor," Logan stated.

"Will do," Leo nodded, as Logan walked out. Leo sighed as he sat on your right.

"You okay?" you asked.

"I'm fine," he assured, as he rubbed his face.

"Well, if you need anybody to talk to, I'm here. I'm with you till the end of the line," you smiled faintly.

"I know," he smiled.

~~~~~

After about an hour or so, everyone had gathered in the training area, waiting for the next update on Taylor. You stood a few feet away from the Davenport trio as Leo ran in, stopping beside you.

"Hello," Leo greeted the Davenport trio coolly.

"Excuse me, sir. Now that we aren't brothers, what should I call you?" Adam asked Leo.

Bree then greeted Logan as he walked in, as he did the same. Leo coughed as he shot Logan a look.

"Oh, right. We're still mad at them. Hey, guys, it is not good to see you," Logan rephrased, as he walked over towards you and Leo.

Then Mr. Davenport walked in, as Leo quickly ran over to him, "How is she?"

"Awake. She's gonna make it," Mr. Davenport infomed, but you knew by the look on his face there was something else.

"See? Told ya," Leo smiled. "So, what kind of bionic upgrades did you throw in? Rocket feet or rocket elbows? Rocket hips? Just sayin' the girl could use some rockets."

"No, Leo. Taylor made it, but the laser spheres damaged her retinas," Mr. Davenport infomed. "She lost her eyesight. She's blind."

"What?" Leo asked.

"We tried everything, but no amount of bionics will fix this. It's permanent," Mr. Davenport concluded.

"Permanent for how long?" Adam asked.

Seriously, sometimes you wished that Adam had a mute button.

"You can't just give up. There's gotta be something you can do. You have to keep trying," Leo stated.

Mr. Davenport shook his head, "I'm sorry, Leo."

As Mr. Davenport walked out of the room, Leo blinked in surprise. "I can't believe it." Leo then turned to face you and everyone else. "She's never gonna see again. It's all because of me."

"But, you said she was gonna be okay," Logan commented.

Leo pursed his lips as he walked out of the training area, leaving the dead silence to fill the air.

~~~~~

The next morning you decided to check on Leo, to see how he was holding up. But the moment you looked in the living quarters, he wasn't there. So you looked everywhere, the dorms, the cafeteria, the beach, everywhere. You skipped out on breakfast and your morning training sessions. You didn't care if they were consequences, Leo was more important.

As you walked into the Hydra-loop area, you beagn to hear Mr. Davenport.

"Have you guys seen Leo? He wasn't at breakfast this morning," Mr. Davenport infomed.

That's when Leo walked in, holding a black duffle bag. "That's because I was packing."

"Leo, what are you doing? You're suppose to be training," Chase stated.

"I'm going back to Mission Creek," Leo informed. "I don't belong here anymore. I'm quitting the academy."

"What?" Chase asked.

"Wait, we can do that?" Adam asked.

"Adam!" Bree exclaimed, shutting him up.

"Look, Leo, I know you're upset about Taylor, but it was an accident," Mr. Davenport stated as he walked forward.

"No. Chase was right. I'm not cut out to be a leader," Leo explained.

"I never meant for you to leave," Chase stated.

"Part of being a leader is making mistakes," Mr. Davenport infomed. "You learn from them, and you move on. Look at Chase. Think of all the mistakes he's made as mission leader."

"Yeah," Adam agreed. "Remember when the particle collider collapsed on us because of him?"

"Or when he told Sebastian about Krane, and started the rebellion," Bree added.

"Or the other time he made you and [Name] clean up the entire academy--"

"MISTAKES WERE MADE! WE GET IT!" Chase exclaimed, cutting off Adam.

"But he's never hurt anyone," Leo pointed out. "Taylor has to live with my mistake for the rest of her life."

"So you're just gonna give up and leave?" Logan asked. "What about our team?"

"Logan, you deserve a better team, or at least a better leader like [Name]. I'm not gonna put you or anyone else in danger ever again," Leo explained, taking out his mission suit and handing it over to Mr. Davenport. "Here. Give it to someone more deserving."

"Leo, I'm not gonna let you--"

Leo cut Mr. Davenport off, "Yes, you are, because it's not your choice. It's mine. Bye, guys. Sorry I let you down."

As Leo went to turn around as you took his wrist and spun him around. "You can't leave. People make mistakes and that's normal. Taylor would want you here if she knew what was going on. You can't leave and what about the team?"

"I want you to be leader," he informed.

You took a step back puzzled, "What?"

"You would make a great leader. I seen what you're capable of and I know you'll be better than I'll ever be," Leo informed, looking in your eyes.

"But being a leader isn't me," you stated.

"You moved up to expert level within a week, you join us on missions, and you're the top student in the academy. Promise me you'll carry on the team and be leader," Leo pleaded.

You shook your head, "Leo--"

He cut you off, "Promise me."

You stayed silent for a moment before nodding your head, "I promise."

Leo nodded as he went into the Hydra-loop, taking off back to Mission Creek.