Third-Person POV

At an undisclosed location...

"Are our two new recruits prepared for what's ahead?"

"Of course. The last of those Outcasts won't know what hit them once they see their former friends now on our side. Even with their newest ally, they're going to be outmatched and outnumbered. One of them is leaving for the holidays, her sensing what's already written in the stars."

"At least she knows when to back down. Her brother's too stubborn to see what's meant to be. But by the time he finds out, our little spy will have him under control. This Thanksgiving is going to be memorable."

"But of course. Now, let's prepare our newest allies for their debut to the feast this Thursday. The boss wants them to be familiar with everything."

"Right."

**************************

Thanksgiving afternoon, the Browning residence...

Tamarious fussed with his all-black ensemble, the theme for his wardrobe fitting because he had this sinking feeling that things were going to be topsy-turvy at the Dermott-York Thanksgiving meal. If it wasn't for Kennedy's cajoling (and rather threatening) persuasions, he and his parents would've gladly followed his sister's advice and joined her in Tennessee for the Browning-Walton family dinner as per tradition. But he knew that he needed answers for Kyle's new outlook of life and also brace himself for what was ahead.

"Tamarious?" he heard the voice of his girlfriend from the hallways. "Can I come in?"

"Sure," he replied, brushing away any invisible lint off his dress shirt.

The door swung open to reveal Tiffany dressed in a tasteful Donna Karan ensemble with her hair pulled back. "How are you holding up?" she asked him.

"I'm holding on, babe," he replied. "I won't lie, though. I have half a mind to stay home and hibernate until springtime. I'm only doing this for Kyle's sake to avoid being blacklisted at Sandifer Bay High for standing up the Dermott-York clan."

"Ditto, though my grandparents think that this is a bad idea." Tiffany replied as she fiddled with her ponytail. "Pop-Pop Frank said that I should've gone up to Vail with my aunts and cousin for the week as they suggested."

"My sister's over in Knoxville with kinfolk there," Tamarious replied. "She called earlier and begged me to reconsider going. I told her that I needed to hear about this big announcement from Dermott."

"Wonder what it's about?"

"All I know is that things aren't going to be the same after today. Which means that we gotta take action once we do." Tamarious turned to the mirror and stared intently at himself. "As for Kyle, his grandpa did learn that he wrote a letter for me."

That caught Tiffany's attention. "You have it?" she asked.

He nodded, pulling out a small note out of his jacket.

Tamarious, the note began.

If you're reading this by now, then it means that Marcel, Dad,  and the other Titan Club guys have gotten their chance to reprogram me  so I can become Dad's perfect super-powered son.

And this means that I am too far gone to be who I was. Which is why you or my grandpa have to be the one to take me down and leave this town at once. I'm not going to lie, man. This could be over your heads and trying to stop what's going to happen is not going to end well for you. This is going to be one losing battle if you even try to get in Dad's way because he can make your life miserable. For your sakes and mine, leave Berkeley while you can. Start fresh somewhere else and tell others my story so they can know not to come over here.

Now, I have a headstrong cousin who's twice as much of a hell-raiser and a rebel as I was back in Oakland. If he does come to town, make sure that you take him under your wing and also let him know what's going down. Finally, my funeral arrangements are to be simple: a nice cremation. I spent my life trying to escape the box of conformity. I don't want to be buried in one. Promise me you'll fulfill my wishes, man. Tell Grandpa that I'm sorry for not leaving Berkeley sooner and kiss Grandma goodbye for me. I'm leaving you in charge of her and Grandpa since they see you as another grandson. I've told them to take you under their wings if anything happens to me, so I know that they'll take care of me.

Thanks for taking me into your crew, even if it's for a short while. It's been a pleasure knowing you, man. Good luck, and may the spirit of rebellion and non-conformity be with you.

-Kyle York.

Tamarious fought back a sob as Tiffany handed him a tissue to wipe his eyes. "Fuck," he hissed.

"What do we do, Tamarious?" his girlfriend asked.

Tamarious took a deep breath. "We fulfill his wishes in every single way," he replied. "Kyle believed in us and we gotta make sure that we follow through with our plans, success or failure. In either case, we're leaving Berkeley once and for all."

"My family and I are with you," Tiffany nodded. "Like I said, I'm with you to the end. Ride or die."

She was granted with a chaste kiss, him knowing she was a a virgin and was saving herself for marriage. "Thank you," he breathed. "Let's get this over with."

The two teens left the bedroom and were soon greeted by their grandparents alongside Kelante, Mr. and Mrs. Tillman, and a well-dressed Marion. "Ready to roll?" Mr. Browning asked his son.

The young man huffed a deep breath. "Let's go."

*****************

The Dermott residence...

The Dermott dining area was soon full of well-dressed guests (the hosts alongside the Beautiful Teens and their families more so than the other guests) as everyone sat down to a full-gourmet experience ranging from the typical Thanksgiving meal to a steakhouse setup, both themes full with all the trimmings.

"Isn't this a lovely affair?" Mrs. York crooned, her and her family dressed in Michael Kors as she enjoyed a glass of wine alongside the adults (the teens sticking to iced tea).

"I bet," Mrs. Detweiler sniped, narrowing her eyes at the shameless woman.

"Mrs. Detweiler, this is a merry affair and we all should be relaxing and enjoying each other's company," Kaleb said gently. "You're among friends."

"In a pig's eye," Mr. Tillman huffed under his breath.

Pleasant chatter flowed all around despite the hidden chill in the air between the Outcasts and the Populars. Just as the next course was about to be served, there was a knock at the door. "Who on Earth could that be?" Mrs. Tillman asked in confusion.

Andrew smiled widely. "I took the liberty of inviting two new allies," he replied just as his husband went to answer the door. To Tamarious, "You'll recognize them surely, son. In fact, you'll be familiar with them instantly."

"How's that?" the young man in question asked snidely.

His question was answered the moment he saw two well-dressed young men walk inside the dining room- a raven-haired young man and a beefy Hispanic teenager who were all smiles and greeting the Dermotts and the Populars (including Kyle and his parents), all of them welcoming them with open arms.

"Oh, God," Tiffany squeaked, eyes wide as silver dollars as she recognized the young men at once. "Yesenia? Mavis?!"

The Hispanic teen turned to her with a gentle grin. "It's 'Yavier' and 'Marlin' now, miss," he said in a deep Cuban accent. "And in case you're wondering, Marlin and I decided that our old selves weren't cutting it and the Dermotts were more than willing to...give us an upgrade."

"Goood Lord almighty," Mrs. Tillman exclaimed. "This is...is..."

"This is some straight-up bullshit!" Tamarious bellowed angrily, whirling on a nonplussed Brian York. "You bastard! You did all of this, didn't you?!"

"But of course," the older man replied, sitting up in his chair and wiping his mouth. "Your ex-friends knew that the wheels of change were in motion and wanted to...well, join the right kind of friends. Of course, this meant an extreme makeover and all. But all the same, they're no longer Yesenia and Mavis anymore. They're two all-American men who want to make a difference."

Tamarious faced Kyle, who wasn't without a care. "And you agree with this?"

"Why not, man? I mean, sometimes you have to break away the shackles that weigh you down and accept the changes of life so you can enjoy what's to come," Kyle replied. "It's a new kind of cool. The guys know it as do our new friends and so do I."

Tamarious slumped in his seat. "What the actual fuck is this?!" he lamented, rolling his eyes. "What else can make this night a nightmare on Earth?"

Marcel chuckled lowly as he stood to his feet, pulling Kyle up with him. "Well, I got an announcement to make, one that I'm not waiting to make anymore," he said. "And this Thanksgiving is one that I hope to never forget because this is going to be the anniversary when I ask Kyle this question."

He dropped to one knee, making Mrs. York and the other female Popular allies squeal with delight. "Kyle York, the moment I met you is one that I will never forget," Marcel went on as Kyle's eyes went wide. "I admit that you and I had our rough patches since then, but we soon clicked in perfect symphony. And now...I want the whole town to know who we are."

"Oh, my God," Kyle breathed. "Is this...is this for real?"

"Good Lord," Kelante exclaimed as he watched Marcel pull out a familiar blue ring box. "This isn't what I think it is, is it?!"

"OMG!" Kennedy squealed in delight, eyes full of glee. "I am so telling Mom and Dad about this when they come tomorrow!"

"Kyle York, will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?" Marcel asked dreamily.

"NO!" Tamarious bellowed, eyes full of rage.

"Yes," Kyle breathed, pulling his newly-minted fiancee for a deep kiss.

And just like that...all bets were off.

END OF ACT TWO                     

HOT DAMN! I bet you didn't see this coming, did you?!

Kyle and Marcel are engaged; Yesenia and Mavis are now superpowered dudes named Yavier and Marlin; and the games are not in the favor for the Outcasts! What else is coming up next?! All I can tell you is that act three is going to be a trip and a half- more game-changers, new allies and enemies, secrets revealed, and so much more! But the GRAND FINALE is one that'll steal the show as everything will be made clear and no stone will be left unturned! Fasten those seatbelts, folks, because act three is going to be LEGENDARY!

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