You stretched your arm as Liz set her timer. The sun was still down, but you were awake and already about to go for a jog.

Liz: Alright. Ready?

You nodded. You crouched down and placed your hands on the ground, stretching your leg out. You gave her a nod and Liz hit the button.

And you took off.

A cloud of dust was the only evidence you were even there. You were gone from her sight in a second only to reappear, dragging a gust of wind that kicked up even more dirt. Liz stopped the timer and turned away from all the dirt while you coughed.

Liz: You alright?

You nodded.

Y/N: Dirt.

Liz smiled as she held up the timer, placing a fist on her hip as if posing for a picture.

Liz: You totally beat your time from yesterday by a whole second!

You smiled like a fool, jumping in excitement. Liz let out a laugh at the sight. You were still such a boy. She looked at the time again. It had been a month, but you had adapted to your new....abilities pretty well. It was a struggle at first, but with Liz's help and your Grandparents' support, you were able to get a grip of what was happening.

Puberty was weird.

Liz put her timer away, only to feel her phone vibrate. She pulled it out and checked it to find a message. You were looking at your sneakers with a frown since the rubber was now...not as nice. You looked over to Courage who had another pair ready for you.

As you put on a new pair of shoes, Liz responded.

Liz: Hey, Buster.

You looked over to her as you took a drink of water.

Liz: You wanna have a sleepover this Saturday?

You stood there for a second before your eyes grew a bit wider in realization.

Power Up!

Chapter 2:
Canyons and Cryptids
By
Morning Blankets
&
Necessary_Chaos

You had been restless since last night. You were sitting on the porch waiting for your friend to arrive. Liz watched from your Grandpa's chair with a smile. Even Courage was happy. You hadn't had much of a win lately, but you were excited.

And as the wind began to pick up, you smiled even more. You got up and hurried out towards the barn. It was there that you found something incredible. An airship that blocked out the sun itself as it began to land. Liz and Courage joined you soon as you watched. Soon it was on the ground and the dust had settled.

Then the bay door opened.

???: Y/N!

Y/N: Zak!

A boy your age, bit a bit taller, ran towards you. You both collided into a hug that nearly toppled you over.

Yes, this was your best....and only....friend Zak Saturday. He and your parents were friends so you and Zak had known each other since you were just babies. Granted, he was a lot more hands on with his parents' work. You weren't exactly sure what they did, but they were brilliant in their own right.

Drew: Zak! Be gentle with him!

Liz: It's alright. He can take it.

Zak let go of you and took a look, stopping when he saw your eye.

Zak: Woah. Sick.

Y/N: Right?!

Drew and Doc, Zak's parents, walked to Liz. They gave her a comforting hug. The last time you saw them was the funeral. You were sure Liz was keeping in contact with them, though.

Doc: How have things been since we last spoke?

Liz: Much better. Some bumps here and there, but he's a good kid. Still Y/N, you know?

Drew: That's great to hear.

Zak: Dude, guess what? I got the newest Storm Hawks game!

Y/N: R-Really?!

This was already shaping up to be an awesome sleepover. The two of you hurried inside to get everything set up while your sister stayed back with Doc and Drew. Once you were out of sight, a low mew came from the ship. Liz looked back and smiled gently.

Liz: Hey, Fiskerton. How are you, sweetie?

-♡-

Zak: The one on the left! The left!

Y/N: Got it!

You maneuvered your way to avoid being shot down. You spun to the left and slingshotted your way back to the enemy. You landed a clean hit which destroyed the enemy's bike.

You both cheered as the victory music began to play, signaling a successful mission.

Zak/Y/N: Cahoooo!

You high-fived each other as Courage sipped on a cola. Doc and your Grandpa had headed into town to get some Pizza while the women stayed back to talk. You didn't really know about what, but it didn't seem to be any of your business.

Zak opened another can while you scrolled through your new reward from the mission.

Zak: So, did you end up deciding if you'll go to school or not?

You were a bit surpised, but you figured Liz probably told his parents about it. Indeed, you were thinking about not going back to school and just being homeschooled instead. You never were really good at that sort of thing. You were always isolated from your peers, picked on for being smaller, being smarter.

And now you had these powers. Powers you couldn't even tell Zak about. He was the only one who still thought you were normal. You didn't want to lose that. Then there was also the fact that you would be the oh so poor orphan.

Y/N: I don't know yet. Probably not.

Zak took a bite from his taffy as he eyed you in surpise.

Zak: Welly?

He chewed and swallowed.

Zak: Why not?

You shrugged.

Y/N: I dunno. It was never fun.

Zak thought about it for a second. Then he nodded.

Zak: Yeah, does seem to be for losers. But, that's also your only shot of getting a girlfriend out here.

You stuck out your tounge at him. You didn't care about that stuff anyway. Even if Zak did have one, it didn't mean you needed one.

Zak: But yeah, I heard that school is pretty whatever. You probably won't be missing out on much. I mean, what is there to even look forward to?

You thought about it for a second, rubbing your chin. There were dances, but those seem lame. School trips? But you could just...go if you wanted to. You could probably fly anywhere you wanted. Still, you mumbled a single word under your breath as Zak continued the game.

Y/N: Friends.

A word that still felt a bit weird to you. Sure, you had Zak, but he was really more like a brother than anything. But you've never really had more than one. A whole building of people your age was a scary thought, leaving yourself open to all kinds of hostile nature, but it could be worth it if it meant finding friends. Besides, you couldn't hide away from the world forever.

-♡-

Liz: A thunderbird?

Liz sat at the table with Doc, Drew, and your Grandparents. Though Liz knew well that your grandparents didn't believe in such nonsense, but Liz had seen such nonsense with her own two eyes.

Doc: Just East of her. We received reports of sightings so we'll be investigating tonight.

Drew: We could use some help, if you're interested.

Liz was, and she knew her Grandparents wouldn't have a problem with it, but she was a bit worried about you. She was sure you'd be okay on your own, but she was even more confident that Zak would be with you.

Truth was, and as you may have known already, dear reader, the Saturday family were cryptozoologists. They studied the unknown creatures of legend that hide in the secrets of the world. Creatures too rare to allow others to take care of them by normal means. They needed to be protected and studied, not attacked and defeated.

Liz: Y-Yeah. Of course. Whatever you need me to do.

Drew laughed, reaching over and placing a hand on your sister's bicep.

Drew: Relax, kid. It's not going to be nearly as intimated as you might think. Thunderbird are usually pretty docile.

Doc nodded in agreement.

Doc Saturday was already a pretty respected scientist when your father met him in collage. The two apparently having connected on their theories of of the unknown and their own aspirations. They got along well and when Drew showed up, it was even better. Though Drew leaned more towards the mystical side of things, her and your parents were always close.

Doc: Besides, you'll be with us. We'll keep you safe.

Liz: Oh, don't mistake me. I'm not scared of the dangers. It's just...

Muriel: Oh relax, deary.

The three looked over to your grandparents. Eustace was still reading the paper, but your grandma was now smiling, looking up from the scarf she was working on.

Muriel: Y/N will be fine with his friend here. I can even bake them something nice.

Liz felt a bit more relaxed, but honestly something in her didn't feel right. She was still worried, but why? You could protect yourself with your powers anyway. Still, what if something was to happen? It was just you and her now. She didn't...

No, she was overreacting. Everything would be fine.

Liz: Okay. When do we head out?

Doc: We still need to get the equipment ready. After that, we'll start heading East and see if we can find it's usual stomping grounds.

Muriel: You can use the truck if you need to.

Eustace finally lowered the paper with an exasperated face, only for Muriel to give him a look to silence whatever complaint was about to be fired from his mouth. Eustace instead mumbled to himself and went back to reading.

Doc and Drew shared a knowing look before sharing a smile.

-♡-

You and Zak found yourselves with Brownies on the edge of the world. The desert of Nowhere stretched out for miles upon miles, seemingly an endless sea of the dirt and red stone with it's merciful sun finally setting in the distance. Hues of purple and yellow and orange filled the sky which ended up making an almost painting like scenery. The myriad of colour acted as the backdrop of your usual catch up.

With Zak traveling with his family so much, seeing him is rare. They kept in touch through way of the always useful phone, but you were both pretty......well you weren't the best at using said phones. You weren't the best at reaching out, Zak wasn't the greatest at technology. Ironic considering who his parents were, but also understandable seeing as Zak would prefer to be active than on some device.

Still, the two of you managed to take your treats outside just to get a moment to yourselves.

Zak had a few questions on his mind he wanted to ask, but he didn't want to bring it up. The accident was a nightmare for him to, after all. You had a lot you wanted to talk about, a lot has changed since you last saw him. Your powers remained a secret from your friend.

You really did want to tell him, but what if that was what pushed him away? You would lose your only friend. But maybe he would think they were cool?

Zak wanted to check in on you. To ask you if you even remembered the crash. Did you want to talk to him about it? No, why would you? Why would anyone want to relive that?

If Zak knew you had changed, that you were now able to fly with super strength, would he be scared of you? What if you won a game, a good game, and Zak wanted to give you a high-five? Well then he could be worried that you could hurt him.

Zak's parents told him this was a sensitive thing. He knew it was, he'd lost people to. But you lost your parents. If Zak lost his he would be....he would be destroyed.

Zak: Have you been keeping up with Sumo Slammers?

Y/N: Huh? It's back on? Since when?

Zak: Oh dude, it just started. It's been so cool so far. What was the last episode you watched?

Y/N: It was when...

As the two of you talked, the old and now running truck took off into the endless sea. You could hear the faint sound of rumbling thunder in the distance.

A storm?

-♡-

Liz calibrated the systems on the tablet to link all the equipment to the airship back at the house while Doc and Drew got their own things prepared. Drew smirked as she stared at the blade of her fire sword, the one gifted to her by the monks who raised her. She returned it to it's place on her belt and turned to Doc who was still fiddling with his glove. He was reading the files on the laptop he had set up on the tailgate of the truck.

Liz: Alright, that should be everything.

Doc: Good job, kiddo.

Drew suddenly perked up.

Drew: Hey, I forgot to ask earlier, but have you thought about that offer anymore? With the Professor.

Liz's face immediately told Drew her answer.

Doc: What's the matter? Something holding you back?

Liz: What? No. I wouldn't say it's holding me back. It's just...Y/N is going through a lot right now and not being there for him right now juts seems, I dunno, wrong?

Drew: For him?

Liz sigh. Drew placed a comforting hand on the younger girl's shoulder.

Drew: I know it might seem like a lot, but Y/N is a good kid. And...you'll need to move on with your life eventually to.

Doc: She's right. Grieving is hard, but we can't allow that to be what keeps up in place.

Drew: They would've wanted you to keep chugging forward. And I'm sure Y/N would be more than happy to support you.

Liz smiled a bit.

Doc closed the laptop and placed it back into the truck before looking over the entrance of the canyon they had come across. It's entrance was about 2 miles wide with the walls nearly touching the clouds that had gathered in the skies above. The swirling grayness created an ominous air that made Liz shiver.

Doc: All the reports have seemed to triangulate to this canyon. Could be that it's nest is on a ledge?

Drew tapped her chin.

Liz: Why would that be weird?

Drew: Not really weird, but Thunderbirds are massive creatures. To make a nest on a canyon wall with an opening this wide...

Doc: Could be a small one?

Drew seemed to consider the idea.

Doc: Well, either way, we should get going. The desert gets dangerous at night.

Just then, a loud snarl erupted from the depths of the canyon. The three looked inside as more danger was both seen and heard in the seemingly pitch darkness.

Doc: A lot more dangerous.

Drew wielded her blade with a flame erupting around it, providing a light source. Doc activated his glove, clenching his fist. Liz held the tablet close and took a breath.

Together, they entered the canyon.

-♡-

You were sound asleep by the middle of the night. That sugar rush was quickly met with a sugar wall that sent you to the sugar hospital where they did sugar surgery. After a few more rounds of Storm Hawks, you and Zak ended up making a kind of makeshift bed space on the floor with every cushion and pillow you two could find in the house. Now you, Courage, and Zak were now spraled across each other. Zak's slight snore filled the air where the video game's theme didn't.

Y/N: Hm...

You slowly opened your eyes, the glow from the TV greeting your eyes. You blinked a few times, the burning in the edges of your eyes slowly going away, before looking around a moment. Courage was laying on Zak's arm, trapping him in an awkward position that left his leg to lock with yours. You yawned as you got up, trying not to wake anyone up, and headed to the bathroom.

After dealing with the natural needs of the human body, you started to walk back to your room, only stopping when you got to the hall window. You rubbed your eye and looked down to see that the truck wasn't there. You looked over to the grandfather clock at the end of the hall and saw that it was already 2AM.

You stood there for a second and wondered what to do. Should you tell someone? Everyone was asleep, and what if they came back right after? You would've gotten everyone worried over nothing. But they should've been back by now. And what if something did happen and you didn't say anything?

So now you were shaking Zak, trying to get him to wake up.

Y/N: Zak. Zak. Wake up.

Zak groaned and slowly sat up,turned to you, blinked, looked at the TV, then back to you.

Zak: What?

Y/N: It's 2 in the morning.

Zak: Okay?

Y/N: And your mom and dad aren't back yet. Neither is Liz.

Zak seemed to suddenly wake up a bit more. He quickly reached over and grabbed his phone, unlocking it to start going through it. The signal was always a bit weak out here, but it seemed like he had no problem making a call. When nothing happened, Zak gritted his teeth.

Zak: Something's wrong.

And just like that, you were on high alert.

Y/N: What?

Zak: It was supposed to be a simple investigation. They should've been home by at least midnight.

Zak stood up with you following suit. The two of you quickly hurried downstairs, put your shoes on, and rushed out to the airship. However before you were able to get inside, Zak stopped you.

Zak: Uh, hold on.

He turned to you and seemed to think about what to say for a moment. He placed a hand on his chin.

Zak: Do you...know what Cryptids are?

You stood there for a moment almost dumbfounded.

Y/N: Y-Yeah. Like...Bigfoot.....and Mothman. It's the stuff your family researchs.

Zak just nodded. He dropped his hand and turned back to the ship.

Zak: Okay, so that makes things easier.

Zak boarded the airship with you right behind him.

Y/N: That makes what easie-

Before your sentence was complete, you were greeted by the sight of a tall cat like humanoid creature with a blanket around it's shoulder and a tub of ice cream sitting on a couch watching what seemed to be a soap opera. The creature was crying before saying something in gibberish and blowing it's nose on the blanket.

Y/N: Oh.

Zak: Fiskerton.

The creature looked up and you realized it wasn't alone. Rather, there were two others with him that were seemingly sleeping before you and Zak bothered them.

One seemed to be about six feet tall when she stood up straight, making her wingspan around twice that. She had dull teeth suited for a diet of fish and sharp claws and talons for hunting. She had a feathery head of "hair" than ran down the back of her neck.

The other was.....was that a Varanus Komodoensis?

Zak: Fiskerton, can you get the systems started up? We wanna see where Mom and Dad are.

The cat creature stood up and saluted before hurrying off. Zak then turned back to you.

Zak: So, uh, do you know what they are?

You pointed to the massive lizard that was now staring at Courage who was hiding behind you out of fear.

Y/N: That's a Komodo Dragon.

You then pointed at the winged creature.

Y/N: I have no idea what that is.

It then snarled at you, making you flinch and sending Courage into the roof from sheer terror. You reached up and pulled him back down, setting him back down as Zak crossed his arms.

Zak: So, uh, Cryptids are actually real. My family researches them, yeah, but we also work to protect them. They're rare and people out there want to use them for nefarious reasons.

Y/N: And you keep them as pets?

Zak: Ah-n-not pets! They're more like siblings.

You looked at the creatures and suddenly felt bad for calling them pets. It was clear that Zak cared about them a lot.

Zak: But my parents were supposed to investigate these reports of a Cryptid known as a Thunderbird just East of here. It should've been a simple investigation especially with Liz with them, so if they're not back yet something must have happened.

You immediately grew worried at the thought of something happening to Liz. Just then Fiskerton hurried back into the room holding a tablet. He showed it to Zak who seemed to check it over. He made a face that immediately told you that something did indeed happen.

Zak: They haven't moved from this spot for almost two hours. That means they either dropped the equipment or...

He seemed to suddenly remember that you were here and stopped himself from finishing his thought.

Zak: At least we have a location. It's a start.

You were a bit surpised by his statement.

Y/N: Are we...going?

Zak: I am. You can stay back if you want. I'm not about to drag you into something like this.

Y/N: No way. I'm going.

Zak was a bit surpised by how fast you agreed to tag along. Still, he smirked.

Zak: Well, in that case, I think we should suit up. We might have something that can fit you.

The airship was up and running soon after. As it took off, Courage happened to be standing next to Zon, the flying creature, who once again snarled. Courage stumbled back in fear which made him hit a switch that turned on the spotlight that just so happened to be aimed right at your grandparents' bedroom window. Just as Eustace woke up to get some water he was greeted by a wall of light.

Eustace: AHHHHHH-

-♡-

You messed with the strap of the jacket Zak gave you. It was his old coat he would use when he went to the colder parts of the world. The hood almost swallowed your head whole and the sleeves were a bit too long, but it worked. Zak wore something a but lighter, but his hood stayed down as he held some weird looking weapon. Zak noticed you looking at it and smirked.

Zak: I call it the Claw. Pretty cool, huh?

The baydoors opened and the two of you stepped out with Courage and Fiskerton following. Komodo stayed on the ship while Zon took off into the air to seemingly scout ahead. The clouds overhead seemed to swirl into a kind of spiral that never ended. Lighting peppered it with the occasional burst of thunder. The air was cold and nipped at any exposed skin you had.

Zak: It's alerted. Not good.

You both hurried to the truck where you found the equipment left behind by your sister and the Saturdays. Zak checked it over before he found the laptop that Doc left. He opened it and you both took a look to see the reports on the creature.

Y/N: The center is here?

Zak: Yeah. It's nest much be inside the canyon.

You looked to the canyon and sighed. Of course it was in the dark and scary canyon. Courage was already about to jump out of his skin but he stayed close to you and remained alerted. Zak stood at the ready with Fiskerton hanging back to make sure nothing snuck up on you. Together, you entered the mouth of the canyon.

Zak: Stay close. If anything happens, run.

Not a chance. You were going to help in any way you could. And that help may have to come sooner than later when a bolt of lightning suddenly fired down from the clouds above. Time seemed to slow as you watched the tip slowly start to reach the wall beside Zak. The strike would take Zak out immediately. Thankfully, you've been practicing.

In a flash, you grabbed Zak's collar and pulled him out of the way just in time to shield him from the blast. You flinched at the impact, but found that you were surprisingly okay.

Zak: Woah!

You both looked at the wall to see it now completely changed. A chunk of it was now gone and littered the floor. Courage and Fiskerton managed to hide behind some cover to avoid it, but it was clear that the area itself was a danger.

Zak: Thanks for the save. Are you alright?

You nodded just as a screech erupted through the air. You both looked up to see Zon circling around just ahead. You looked and spotted a figure laying on the ground a few yards ahead.

Y/N: I see someone!

Zak looked to where you were facing but could only see a few feet ahead due to the conditions.

Zak: How?!

Y/N: Uh, well...

Before you could tell him anything you were interupted by another, louder, screech. You once again looked to Zon but instead found a much larger creature emerging from the darkness flying right towards Zak's sister. Before Zak could even call out, he felt the air right next to him shift. He turned just in time to see your feet suddenly take off into the air.

He next saw you when his head snapped back to Zon where you were flying past her. The creature began to open it's beak, but you grabbed it and instead steered it away, sending it back into the clouds. You and Zon hovered and kept your eyes on the darkness that engulfed you. Zak couldn't really believe his eyes, but he did snap out of his daze enough to hurry down to where you said you had seen someone. He did come across his mom. He knelt down and checked her over which seemed to wake her up.

Drew: Zak?

Zak: Mom! What happened? Are you alright?! Where's dad?!

Zak helped his mom up as Fiskerton opened the First-Aid kit that you had brought along.

Drew: The bird...ow...it's a juvenile. When it saw us it must've set it off. The reports had exaggerated it's size so we were under the impression it was an adult. We slipped up.

Zak: It happens. I'm just glad you're okay.

He hugged his mom who gladly returned the gesture. She did oull away a bit to show some affection for her other son as well. You and Zon returned to the ground just then as well, leaving you to have all eyes on you.

Drew: Oh, let me guess. Puberty?

Y/N: Uh...we don't actually know. But, yeah. I have powers.

Zak: Like super powers? Actual super powers?

You immediately began to panic.

Zak: That's awesome! We both have powers now!

Wait, what?

Zak: This just made things a lot easier. Look, I can control Cryptids. I think we can stop this thing if we work together.

Drew: Not a chance.

Drew struggled to get to her feet but managed thanks to Fiskerton.

Drew: I'm not about to let my son and his friend rush off into danger.

Zak: Why not? I usually do anyway.

Drew: This is different.

Zak: Yeah, it is. I have Y/N.

You looked to your friend and smiled. Guess you had nothing to worry about after all. Drew looked to you and sighed. In truth, Liz had told her and Doc about your new powers. But seeing them in action, seeing you in action, it was uncanny. Almost like you were an entirely new person.

Drew: Fine. But, keep each other safe. Me and Fiskerton will get Doc and Liz. Keep it distracted.

You both nodded and hurried off with Courage following. You picked up Courage and flew up as Zak fired off the Claw which acted as a grapple to get him to the top of the canyon. You hovered just above the ground, your fists clenched and ready for a fight. Zak extended the Claw which now acted as more of a staff. Courage even brought a fish. Seabass.

The Thunderbird emerged from the dark clouds and began to circle overhead. It screeched out again, but it didn't scare you.

Zak: You ready?

More than ever.

Y/N: Let's do this.

Thunder erupted through the air as lightning shot through the air. Zak tapped his ear and nodded to you. You tapped on the device that Zak had given to you earlier which turned on the Saturdays' communication channel.

Zak: We need to get it tired so I can take over. Try to get lower.

Y/N: On it.

You took off into the air with your fists outstretched. You rolled and curved around lightning strikes and the powerful gusts coming from the creatures' massive wings. You finally reached the creature which attempted to attack you with it's tail. You narrowly dodged the rat like tail before you realized the tip was actually a kind of metal. Thinking quickly you grabbed the tail and began to turn, shining the creature before flinging it towards the canyon.

Zak and Courage hurried over as the creature crashed into the ground where you met them.

Zak: Not bad.

You nodded as the creature rose back to it's feet. It let out another screech before Zak rushed forward. Once again the creature attempted to attack with it's tail, but Zak only smirked. He slid under the metal tip, emerging on the other side of the creature. He lifted his staff and quickly slammed it into the side of the beast, using the momentum to instead spin the Claw around to hit the creature again.

The Thunderbird cried out which seemed to summon a bolt of lightning that Zak managed to avoid on his own. He aimed his weapon at the creature who was now too distracted to notice you flying towards it. You delivered a punch to the creature that manages to knock it down long enough for Zak to leap up and use his Claw to get some distance from the Thunderbird before it could recover.

You flew back a bit but the Cryptid ended up being faster than you thought. A spark was all you saw before you felt your entire body tense up as a burning sensation spread across your body. It took you a moment to process what had even happened before you even hit the ground.

Zak: Y/N!

The wind was knocked out of you but the Thunderbird was already on you. Luckily, Courage was a good boy. He suddenly appeared in front of the Thunderbird, only to be smacked away.

Courage: AHHHHHhhhhh-

You watched as he flew back into the Canyon with a blank stare. You turned back to the Thunderbird who just shrugged and went back to getting ready to attack. But, once again, Courage is a good boy.

Courage: AHHHHHHHHH!

The Thunderbird was suddenly hit with a warmth as Courage ran towards it with Drew's sword. The creature snarled and turned it's attention to Courage which left it open for you to grab. You spun it around before tossing it.

Y/N: Zak!

Zak: Got it!

Zak closed his eyes and for a split second time slowed once again. You noticed the lightning too late. All you could do is fly to Zak to try and shield him again, but instead this time...you looked up.

And the lighting was met with a blast of red. Zak's eyes opened as lasers emerged from your own. It was over just as fast as it began and you found yourself blinking as if trying to believe what you had just done. The Thunderbird seemed to calm which made the storm do the same. Zak let out a sigh for relief as you suddenly began to lean against his back.

Y/N: That was scary.

Zak: That was....something alright. So, heat vision?

You smiled.

Y/N: Heat vision.

You finally landed and turned to face Zak. He placed his hands on his hips and let out a yawn.

Zak: I can't wait to get back to sleep.

He looked to you.

Zak: You alright, Y/N?

You could only smile.

Y/N: Yeah. I'm alright.

-♡-

Liz woke up on the Airship the next morning. It was fairly early still, about 5 or so, but she felt like she had slept for days. She managed to get away with only a few scrapes here and there but was otherwise fine. When she started walking through the ship she came to realize that everyone on it was probably still asleep, so she decided to leave them be. Instead, she headed back into the house.

The smell of coffee greeted her as well as the sight of her Grandparents. Her grandmother immediately got to her feet to check on her Granddaughter while Eustace stayed in his seat with his newspaper.

Muriel: How are you feeling, deary?

Liz: I'm alright. Just a bit shaken.

Muriel: Oh good. When Buster told us what happened we were worried sick.

They both looked to Eustace. It took a couple of seconds before he realized they were looking at him.

Eustace: Oh, yeah. Glad you're okay, kiddo.

Liz made a face before she realized something.

Liz: Wait, did you say Buster told you what happened?

Muriel: Of course. He and his friend went out to find you all after you didn't come back.

Liz: Is he okay?!

Muriel: Oh, he's alright. They're upstairs.

After letting her grandma check her over once again, Liz headed upstairs and to your room. She quietly opened the door and peeked inside.

You were once again on the bed floor with the two big blankets you were using now pretty much useless as they only remained on your feet. Zak was laying on his stomach but his arm had somehow found it's way around you neck which kept you in place. Your arm in turn was resting on his back while the rest of your body was sticking out at an odd angle. Of course Courage was asleep but he was now laying on Fiskerton's lap who was also being cuddled up against by Komodo and Zon.

Liz smiled at the sight, feeling relieved that you were able to accept such an odd part of the world. But, more so, she smiled because she came to a realization.

She closed the door and started head back downstairs to make herself some coffee. She...also had a phone call to make.

Next Time: Chapter 3. The Haunting of Nowhere