The echoes of their time in Antarctica still lingered in the hearts of Eary and his friends. As they left the Nocopo ruins behind, their aircraft soared through the Antarctic skies, carrying them back to the tranquil town of Bright Hope.

The journey had been eye-opening, revealing the connection between their unique abilities and the ancient Nocopo civilization. This connection left them with more questions than answers and a renewed sense of purpose.

Back in Bright Hope, the group gathered at their cozy mountain lodge, nestled among the snow-covered peaks. The warmth of the lodge's interior was a stark contrast to the icy winds of Antarctica, but it couldn't thaw the frosty silence that had settled among them.

Still wrestling with the loss of Mote, Eary felt a void in his heart. He stared out of the lodge's frost-covered window, his thoughts drifting to the moteling who had been his constant companion and friend. He knew Mote needed to stay with Anu and his own kind, but the ache of his absence remained.

Knowing of his love's heartache, Decan joined Eary by the window and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I miss Mote too. But he's with his own kind now, learning about his past. It's what he needed." Decan said softly.

Eary nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"I know, Decan. It's just hard to let go." Decan pulled Eary closer to him. "It's gonna be okay: remember when I lost Noodle? That dog left a hole in my soul when he died."

Eary sighed. "Yeah. You loved that dog."

Decan nodded. "You don't ever 'get over it'; you learn to live without them."

Decan's words comforted Eary. However, it did little to quell his swirling anxiety. Thoughts of Mote, all alone in a frozen cave, kept intruding.

"How would he survive without Cheesy Num Nums, door dash, and daytime television?" He thought to himself.

Days turned into weeks, and the group began a rigorous training regimen. Mei honed her heat-manipulating abilities, creating firestorms with precision, and she could create elaborate ice structures with ease. Calvin harnessed the winds with greater mastery, enabling him to soar through the skies and create powerful tornadoes. Luke had become able to maintain his breakneck speeds indefinitely. While Alice delved deeper into her telekinetic powers, moving objects with unparalleled finesse, her telepathy also began to exceed expectations. Effortlessly reading minds. While Denby's strength and durability seemed to have doubled. Sakile, on the other hand, had gained a new light, purple. His light purple light manifested similarly to his blue. However, with his new ability, he could create 2 sentient copies of himself. A helpful trick, considering Sakile was placed as the head of the Star Gazer Institute security detail.

In the quiet moments between training, Eary grew closer to Decan. Their date in Bright Hope opened the door to a new chapter in their relationship, filled with possibilities and uncertainties. Decan's endless-brown eyes, always warm and inviting, now promised something more profound.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Eary and Decan stood on a cliff overlooking the picturesque town. The snow-covered landscape stretched out before them, a canvas of tranquility.

"Eary, there's something I need to tell you," Decan said softly but resolutely.

Eary met Decan's gaze, his heart pounding in his chest.

"What is it, Decan?"

With a deep breath, Decan confessed,

"I care about you a lot, Eary. More than just as a friend. I've been carrying these feelings for a long time, and I can't keep them hidden any longer."

Eary's heart skipped a beat, and emotions filled his chest. He had sensed their unspoken attraction, but hearing it spoken aloud was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. He smiled, his blue eyes reflecting the twilight hues.

"Decan, I like you, too."

With their newfound connection, they were no longer just friends and comrades but partners, bound by their shared destiny and blossoming love.

As the stars twinkled in the night sky, Eary and Decan held each other, their hearts filled with hope and the promise of what lay ahead. The echoes of the ancients whispered in the wind, guiding them on their path of discovery and self-discovery.

The next day was Saturday. And in the morning, Eary rose in the most chipper of moods. Dancing around his room, getting ready for the day. Eary played many upbeat love songs as he pranced around the suite.

As he entered the room, his brother Luke, who was also home, asked,

"Hey, little man! Why are you in such a good mood?" His question reflected actual interest.

Seeing how Luke approved of Decan, unlike Denby. He felt no discomfort sharing his experience with his brother.

"Decan and I made it official last night," Eary replied excitedly.

"Excuse me?" He replied in a huff. Eary giggled.

"Not like that. We did kiss, though." He replied, pleased as punch.

Luke chuckled back. "Oh, well... I thought you two were already official." He stated, looking at Eary. Eary replied defensively.

"Well, we kinda just told each other how we feel. And decided to be boyfriends!" Eary squealed in excitement.

A knock on the suite door saw Eary answer it. Calvin and Sakile were on the other side. Calvin and Eary had become best friends during the past few months. And now that Mote had been gone for nearly a month, it was a sorely needed relationship for Eary.

"Hey, Eary! Hey Luke!" Calvin said as he walked through the door.

Luke, enjoying his coffee, replied, "Hey, Cal!" As the boys made their way to the tiny living room.

"Hey, man! How's the morning?" Sakile greeted Luke as he poured himself a cup of coffee and joined his friend at the table.

"So, what did you boys plan for the day?" Sakile called over to Eary and Calvin, who had just turned on the television.

"Just chill," Calvin replied with a big smile.

"Uh-uh! You both need to get out and do some shit. It's a beautiful day!" Sakile nagged the two boys.

Calvin's chimed back. "Alright, we'll see if Mei wants to do something."

Sakile nodded. "Oh, that's a good girl, right there."

Calvin smirked and looked nervously at Eary. Eary smiled back knowingly and headed for the door.

"We should get outta here then," Eary said with a smile, pointing at the door.

Calvin and Mei's growing feelings had become no secret amongst the group—well, almost to no one. Calvin and Mei remained in the dark, and after Alice made Eary swear to keep his mouth shut, he knew, too.

Emerging from the suit, the two boys made their way down the hall.

"Sakile is pretty cool, Cal. You got lucky to have such a cool mentor. But sometimes, it seems more like your family." Eary stated casually as they strolled.

After a second or two, he noticed Calvin was no longer walking beside him. Turning around, the boy had stopped in his tracks.

"Can I talk to you about something?" Calvin asked, his voice almost trembling.

It was unusual for Calvin to say anything personal. Heck, it was uncommon for Calvin to say much at all. So, as Eary's expression shifted to concern, he replied.

"Sure." Calvin took a deep breath and leaned against the wall. "It's like with you and Luke. He is my brother." Calvin said in a flat tone.

As shocked as he may have seemed, Eary never anticipated Calvin and Sakile to be brothers.

Eary asked. "Did Sakile get abducted as a kid, too?"

Calvin laughed. "No, man." His face shifted back to a more somber look. "My dad," Calvin paused, staring down. "He had a few affairs."

Tears ran down Calvin's cheeks.

"Sakile is the oldest of us, he thinks. All together... about eight." Calvin said in shame.

Eary stood in shock. "I'm sorry, Cal." Eary paused, trying to find the words.

Calvin smiled, cheeks still tear-stained.

"It's okay now, man. Really. Sakile is a great brother. I'm gonna have him for the rest of my life. I'm happy about that. It's the lying. That's what gets me." Calvin said as he hung his head low.

Eary stood next to his friend in solidarity. He placed a hand on his shoulder and said,

"My dad never really took an interest in me. But I know it's not because he didn't love me. It's because our parents are people. And like everyone, they are bound to have some flaws." Calvin chuckled in agreement.

"Yeah." Eary's face lit up with another thought. "Since you and Sakile are brothers and Luke and I are brothers...then I guess we kinda are, too, huh?" Eary smiled as the thought of a brother he could be close to danced around his mind.

With an uplifted tone, Calvin looked back at Eary and replied,

"Thank you, man. And yeah. We kinda are." Calvin and Eary continued down the hall.

With a newfound brotherhood in one another, the Colorado cold was a bit less bitter.

The two boys boarded the elevator and left the third floor. Reaching the lobby, they quickly found Mei, who was having a laugh with Maggie and Hannah. As they approached, the three girls greeted them.

"Hey guys." Mei, always so warm and open, greeted them kindly.

"Hey, Mei," Eary replied with a friendly smile, feeling at ease around her.

"What's the plan for today?" he asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

Maggie, ever the enthusiastic one, asked,

"We were just talking about exploring the town. It's such a beautiful day outside, and there's a local festival happening in the park later."

Eary exchanged a quick glance with Calvin, agreeing it sounded like a great way to spend the day.

"That sounds fantastic," Eary said. "Count us in."

Mei's eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded.

"Great! It's going to be so much fun. Let's grab some breakfast and then head out," she said.

As they made their way to the nearby café for breakfast, the group chatted animatedly about their plans for the day. The sun shone brightly, and the crisp mountain air invigorated their spirits. It was a perfect day for adventure and exploration.

Over breakfast, Calvin and Mei seemed to be in excellent spirits, their playful banter and laughter filling the air. Eary couldn't help but notice their chemistry, and he exchanged a knowing look with Maggie and Hannah. It was clear to everyone that something special was brewing between Calvin and Mei.

Alice and Denby, who had been relatively quiet during the morning, sat across from each other at another table. Their silence was palpable, and an air of tension hung between them. The group was aware of it, and Maggie decided to address it.

"Hey, Alice and Denby," Maggie began, her voice gentle but firm. Is everything okay with you two? You seem...off."

Alice sighed, her telekinetic powers causing her spoon to stir her coffee absentmindedly.

"It's nothing. Really," Alice exclaimed, her face clear in annoyance and frustration.

Denby, his brows furrowed, countered,

"It really isn't, love, I swear it. It happens to people all the time! I'm not going to be turned off." Denby said, his eyes full of woe.

Alice's face shifted into pure rage as she quickly exited, sticking Denby with the bill.

Their argument remained unresolved. Eary could see Alice's frustration, and he wished he could find a way to bridge the gap between his two friends. Getting up from his seat, Eary pursued her.

Reaching her by the lobby elevator, Eary exclaimed,

"Alice? Is everything okay?" Alice shrugged and, with a big exhale, approached Earhart. Hey. Remember when you told me you cured your friend's cancer with your powers?"

Eary recalled the incident in the lab after first meeting Alice.

"Yeah!" He replied in confusion.

Alice squirmed as she begrudgingly asked, "Can you heal anything?"

Eary, unsure of the question, replied. "I'm not sure. Mote knew how my powers worked better than I did, But he's in Antarctica now. Why?"

Alice began to tap her foot.

"I guess we need to get to Antarctica again, and that's okay. I have an idea!" She replied in a panic.

She paced before the elevators, explaining,

"I need one of those magic rock thingies the professor gave you guys."

Eary was bewildered. "Alice! You have me totally confused! Why do you need a Nocopian jewel,"

Alice turned to Eary in a crazed panic. She approached him, letting her size and expression tower over the boy. As Eary cowardly slumped to the enraged teenage girl, he realized he had better do as she asked.

"Oh... okay. Okay." Eary rebutted as he led Alice to the training room with the gemstones.

He took out his phone to shoot Calvin a message explaining his situation and that he would meet him at the festival. The reply text told Eary it was fine and the Decan would wait for him at the festival. Eary sighed a breath of relief as one problem was solved, and the next was underway.

Arriving in the training room, a place Alice had been to a few times herself since the ruins, the two searched for the jewels. As they rummaged around the usual locations for the gems, the two were interrupted by the sudden appearance of the Professor.

"Can I help you two?" He asked suspiciously.

Alice quickly replied.

"Hi! Yeah! I was looking for those jewel things that make you stronger. I got a totally cool idea for a new power. I mean, I feel it, comin' man."

Alice was quick on her toes; Eary had to give her that. The Professor flashed an exciting look at Alice.

"Follow me."

As the two were led back to the Star Gazer's elevators, Alice, ever inquisitive, decided to discuss with the Professor.

"So... what brings you to the Star Gazer?" She asked as Professor Maxwell pushed the up button.

"I live here." He exclaimed. "My family built the Star Gazer over 150 years ago. It has a long history. It was built during the gold rush Era and was used as a lodge by the miners of the day." Maxwell continued as the doors opened, and they boarded the elevator. "I was the only child of my parents, you see. As such, taking responsibility for the Star Gazer was mandatory."

Eary, who had been quietly observing, asked. "What got you into archeology and the Nocopo professor?"

The doors opened to the fifth floor. A floor that up until now had been forbidden to enter. The Professor gestured for them to follow,

"Please, follow me."

As the group ventured down the long, zigzagged carpeted halls of the Star Gazer, they arrived at room 536. The Professor turned to his two young companions.

"Home sweet home." Upon entry, Maxwell continued. "And about your question earlier, Eary. Growing up in this desolate place, books were my best friend. Over the years, I developed a particular love of the past. Through years of research, deciphering texts, and examining artifacts, I discovered the true identity of the Nocopo civilization." The Professor, impassioned, continued his speech. "So when the U.N. came knocking, my research was finally recognized. I became the world's leading expert on the Nocopo."

Alice, now in a more defensive posture, inquired. "You're new?"

Professor Maxwell was already pacing around the suite when he emerged with an ornate case.

"I knew when I saw you in action in the ruins that this was the jewel for you," Maxwell stated excitedly.

He opened the case to reveal a shimmering amethyst. However, this one was different. For starters, it swirled inside, almost like a lava lamp. Secondly, strange red storms of light seemed to dance around its surface. Alice looked slightly surprised and replied,

"Don't mind if I do," She said, snatching the jewel from its case.

Holding it close to her face, she said, "I don't think it's working, " id, violently shaking the jewel.

Just the thick mass of purple clouds and mist enveloped Alice. Red thunderstorms and hurricanes swirled through the atmosphere that had surrounded the girl. Eary screamed at the sight.

"What's happening?"

Professor Maxwell announced, staring at the cocoon of swirling purple clouds. "The stone I gave your friend is intended for someone of extraordinary abilities. I believe Alice to be of the stock."

Eary gasped in horror. "Are you insane? It could kill her!" With that, Eary jumped into the vortex after his friend.

Inside, Eary fell helplessly through an endless sky of purple storms over an unending sea. Righting himself and observing his surroundings.

He called out, "Alice! Alice! Where are you?"

Helplessly, he smashed into the purple sea. However, the other side was another surprise: Eary was shot from a small pool into a cave filled with purple mist. Landing with a hard thud, He quickly healed any injuries and descended a dark path.

"Alice!" He cried once more.

"Eary?"

An echoed voice rang out from the depths of the darkness.

"Alice!" He called back as he raced down the cave.

Only to step and once more fall. This time into nothingness. He spun and twisted violently until an unseen force righted him. He could feel himself slow. Looking around, he called out,

"Who are you?" A voice emerged from the darkness.

A chorus of voices then emerged from the blackness.

"Who is he?"

"A human?"

"A Claris?"

The voices spoke all at once. The noise felt like it was drowning out Eary's existence. Until one firm but soft voice reached out to him.

"We are the Nocopo. Who are you?"

The question seemed to puzzle Eary.

"I am Earhart Olson." The voice replied.

"I feel a kinship inside of you. I am Ilia, and the light inside you once burned inside me."

Eary didn't know what to say. He gathered up what courage he had and pressed on again.

"Where is my friend, Alice: he asked firmly.

The voice replied softly. "She has been enhanced, as you have been. Go, find the other grand jewels. You will need their power for what lies ahead."

The atmosphere around Eary shifted; he called out to the voice again but in vain. As the world moved around him, he found himself again, standing in the Professor's suite with Maxwell and Alice.

"Shit! Did you get a talking lady, too?" Alice asked as Eary got back to his feet.

"I did," Eary exclaimed in exhaustion.

Maxwell, watching nearby, interjected, "Marvelous Alice; however, young Earhart, I don't understand why you had an interaction.

Eary heard Alice's voice in his head.

"Just tell them she let you go. That's all. I don't trust this weirdo."

He glanced over at Alice, who flashed him back a knowing look.

"I didn't; she just sent me on my way. She told me to look out for my friend. That's all." Eary lied as Maxwell examined the boy.

"Alright then. Well, young lady, I'm curious to see your new powers after connecting to the stone. I see no reason you couldn't assist me during the day, say, as a teacher's aide?" Maxwell stated.

Alice tilted her head in interest.

"Well, professor, you just got yourself a ginger." She said proudly as she swept her braids to the side.

The two ended their conversation with the Professor and proceeded to the festival. On the way, Eary inquired what Alice needed the stone for. She responded with one word,

"Teleportation!"

Eary and Alice made haste from the Star Gazer. Their whole encounter with the Professor and the voice 'Ilia' left them feeling uneasy as if they had crossed some line where there was no turning back.

The two continued their conversation as they went down the long drive road to the Star Gazer.

"So, how is that crystal going to help you teleport?" Eary asked, his curiosity peaked.

Alice smiled a cocktail grin. "Well, my dear, it seems to me that everyone got a magic crystal."

Eary glanced back at Alice in confusion. "Yeah, and?"

Alice scoffed.

"I've been having dreams and shit. In them, I can travel anywhere on the planet with a thought." Alice recounted as the bus arrived, slowing in front of them.

Eary rolled his eyes. "Well, that would be useful, seeing as we would save a fortune on bus fare." Alice chuckled as the two boarded the bus.

"I know, right," she replied.

As the two boarded the bus, they took their seats in the back and continued their conversation; as she sat down, Alice continued,

"What the fuck was the Professor's deal. I mean, has he been watching me the whole time?" Alice stated as the bus pulled away from the small, frozen stop.

Eary glanced back and continued, "He's odd. I know. But he has been researching a rather off-brand topic his whole life. I've never even heard of the Nocopo before him. So I assume he must have been called a crackpot."

Alice rolled her eyes.

"It's not like they are wrong. I can tear someone apart with my mind, and that guy gives me the creeps, " she said confidently.

However, Eary needed clarification. He felt a strange kinship with the Professor; he, too, knew what it meant to live alone.

"I'm not sure, Alice." Eary replied, "Maybe we should give him the benefit of the doubt."

Alice straightened her posture and took a more serious tone with Earhart.

"He took a bunch of children into a dangerous environment for his own benefit." Alice grew more angry as she spoke, "And what about that Ben kid? What a fucking useless power he has; no offense to him or anything like that. But that kid hid and cried during that whole thing. And while you were off with your boyfriend, I was consoling him," She said as she slammed her fist on the vacant seat beside her. "I held that kid while he sobbed and begged to go home. The good Professor, who was an earshot away, did not bat an eye. All that fucker could do was stare at his trinkets!" Alice's posture loosened at the sight of Eary's intimidated expression. "Look, I know you don't have the best radar. Okay? So just promise me you won't be alone with him. Because, honestly, I kinda took the teacher's aide position to keep an eye on him."

Eary promised her. And as the bus neared their destination, Eary couldn't help but wonder about Alice's fire. What invoked such passion for others in this girl? Maybe in time, he would ask her. But for now, the bus arrived at their stop. The Bright Hope Festival of Lights.

As the bus stopped, almost everyone was unboarded. As the two friends also vacated, they quickly spotted Eary's group from before. Calvin spotted them and waved from the crowd. His tall frame towering over the festival goers.

"Hey, Eary!" Calvin called out. Eary and Alice greeted them back and joined their friends.

As the two reunited with their friends. They disclosed the event surrounding the Purple crystal. Alice revealed it to the others, and as they gazed upon it, Calvin said,

"It feels like it's speaking right to me. Like a lady's voice."

Alice chimed in, "Oh, that's just Ilia. She's my magic jewel home girl."

Mei put her ear close to the stone.

"I don't hear anything," she said.

Calvin raised his eyebrow and replied,

"What? Why can we all hear her, and you can't,"

Alice looked around at the group and, recollecting her own experience with the crystal, decided it best to put it away for now.

"I don't know. But there are 7 of these things in the world. Probably one for each color."

Now, considering her dream's possible true purpose, Alice stated,

"I've been dreaming about teleporting. I think I know why now," Alice's voice and presence commanded the younger brood as she continued.

"Our next objective, kiddos, is to round these bad boys up.

Calvin's brow furled as he asked, "Maybe we should talk to the professor about this."

Alice flashed him a quick glance. "Don't you dare? We are the only ones who know about this for now." She said as she glanced at Hannah and Maggie, who had witnessed the Professor's apathy for their lives.

They looked back and shook their heads in firm agreement. Then to Mei and Calvin.

Mei replied to the look, "I've been feeling something isn't right here. Okay, I'm in!"

Mei looked up to Calvin, who quickly agreed as well.

Eary stepped forward, unsure of the decision, but with his trust in his friends, he replied,

"Me too."

Alice nodded, "Alright, first things first: we need access to Mote!" she said as she paced before the group, a habit he had noticed.

"Mote's different, and so are you, Eary. So he's gotta know more. And now that he's had time to catch up, we need info!" As she paced, she continued, "I will work on this porting thing. In the meantime, Eary lay low. I especially don't want you alone with Maxwell. So you four stick close to him, got it?"

The four teenagers unanimously answered, "Yes, Ma'am!"

As they giggled, Alice calmed them down and took command once more.

"We need to work together to get home. And we need to look out for our weaker members, like Ben." Alice glanced around. "Where is Ben, anyways?"

Mei responded, "Decan brought him to the bathroom a few minutes ago. Are we going to include them in this?"

Alice paused and thought for a second before she responded, "Eary, fill Decan in. But let's leave Ben in the dark. He's only 13, and I don't want to add more to his plate."

Eary looked over at Alice, half proud and half annoyed.

"Hey! Where was all this concern when you rescued me in my cell?"

Alice flashed Eary an irritated glance.

"You can take care of yourself. That mainly was lady troubles, anyway, and you know it," she said quickly.

As the six friends discussed the goings-on, Decan and Ben returned. With a big cup of cocoa, Ben walked in stride with the dashing Decan. A sight that gave Eary the sensation of a warm summer rain inside his heart. As Decan approached, he embraced Eary and tenderly said,

"Glad you made it," he whispered.

The warmth of their embrace made the world fall away from Earhart.

Eary breathed in deep, locked in Decan's embrace. Even under these frigid conditions, it always had a hint of dandelions. Something Eary had been aware of for most of his life yet had never uttered a word. A fact now that soothed him so.

Eary looked up and said, "I need to talk to you about something. Maybe we can go for a walk together?"

Decan nodded as the two headed off together through the festivities. The season's sights laid a firm mourning anchor around Eary's heart.

"What were Josh and Ephraim doing? Of course. Mom and Dad, too," he thought.

His mind focused on the assured devastation his abduction no doubt caused.

Decan put his arm around Eary and inquired,

"What's on your mind?" Eary sighed as if his heart was a teapot ready to boil over.

"I'm just thinking about my family. I'm worried about all the pain I've caused."

Decan pulled Eary close.

"None of this was your fault. And when not only you but Luke and I come back too? Since no one is hurt, I'm sure this probably won't be that big of a deal after you get home." Decan said as he stopped the pair and continued, "I also know your family well enough to know they're tough." Decan smiled; the stars of distant galaxies swirled around his silhouette. "Just look at you," Decan exclaimed, leaning down again to kiss Eary.

After the embrace, Decan asked, "Was that what you wanted to talk to me about?"

Eary paused in confusion, staring at Decan's face as it hit him.

"Decan!" Eary exclaimed, causing Decan to jump back, startled.

Eary then filled Decan in on the plan for the 7 grand crystals and to keep Ben and the Professor out of the loop.

"Okay. Yeah, I wanna get home. Let's do this." Decon exclaimed as the two continued along the festivities.

They rejoined the group, which Luke, Sakile, and Denby had already joined. As they all huddled together, Eary felt a sense of family. With Decan's arm firmly around him and his brother at his other side, Eary looked around at his newfound family. It looks like Calvin and Mei are growing closer, evident by Calvin's arm around Mei, her cat-eared white cap peaking out from his big, jacketed, green arm.

Alice and Denby were patching things up, as Alice didn't look so murderous anymore. She had been tending to Ben with Hannah and Maggie, the two girls' hands firmly locked. Eary smiled at the sight as he turned his attention to his brother and Sakile. The two enjoyed a jolly conversation as they, too, sipped cocoa. Eary looked up at the boy he had always known. But I never knew before now. The stars still danced around the boy, his features dimly lit by the twilight. Eary smiled, and a sense of contentment washed over him. For the first time, he had wholly belonged.

After the evening's events, the group returned to the Star Gazer. As he and his brother turned down for the night, Eary received an emergency text from Alice. Sneaking out of his suite, he made his way next door.

Mei opened the door as the two stood in their small living room like Eary's.

"You're not going to believe this! Look what Alice can do!" Mei said excitedly.

Eary turned his attention to his friend. Alice waved cockily to him, then, the next second, she was beside him.

"Hey! What's up?" Alice joked as Eary nearly hit the roof.

He looked at her, perplexed, and said, "There is no light!" Alice chuckled. "Nope! Pretty snazzy, huh?"

Eary smiled. "Yeah, so how far can you get?" He asked, his voice piqued with curiosity.

Alice sighed deeply.

"Only a few feet so far, but this was one day!" Alice exclaimed.

Eary knew this was an important step, so trying not to be disappointed, he replied

"What?" The tears welling up in his eyes betrayed his calm exterior, Eary said, his voice cracking with emotion. I just sort of thought, when you teleported, we would go see Mote now."

Alice's expression shifted to that of concern. "I get it, I do. I actually grew pretty accustomed to him, too. But we're not there yet. Okay?"

Eary nodded. "I know. This is good! Progress."

Alice and Mei embraced Eary in a group hug. Thoughts of Mote rattled through Eary's head. They said goodbye from the first meeting under the frigid Antarctic ice sheet. His heart ached to be picked on or stolen from again.

"Oh, Mote! I miss you!" Eary erupted as the loss finally set in.

As the three friends held each other, a brisk, icy embrace enveloped the trio. Lifting their heads, they were back in the Nocopo ruins.