A-LAN LIKES YOUR COMPANY.

After the extraterrestrial arrival, the aliens were brought to the Z-Patrol headquarters where they were separated into different cells. Willa, Wyatt, and Wynter were questioning one alien while Zed and Bonzo were speaking with another. The male of the group was kept on his own and no one went in yet. Carson was with her family and Principal Lee and watched them all through security tapes, trying to learn what she could.

"Great idea separating the aliens, Principal Lee," Dale told the woman.

"Not my first time dealing with spacey teens," she joked. Then Dale went in for a fist bump, but the principal turned it into an odd handshake. Carson just pretend she didn't see the awkward interaction.

"They're probably here to clone me to create an unstoppable cheer force," Bucky said, as narcissistic as always. "I mean, who wouldn't want more me?"

"I'm sure that's it, Buck," Carson said, rubbing her brother's shoulder.

"Well, they're uninvited and have to leave," Missy insisted.

"But we invited everyone to our Cheer Off to compete for the Seabrook Cup," Addison argued.

Bucky scoffed in disbelief. "Um, you can't just give away my bling."

"I don't intend to lose," Carson said sharply.

"And I always believed that cheer could bring people together," Addison said on a brighter note. Carson held in a groan. "Maybe even worlds together."

"Or tear our worlds apart," Bucky muttered. "Mark my words, these aliens are here to take what's ours."

Suddenly they all noticed the alien that appeared behind Bucky, making them all scream in shock. Bucky instantly moved behind Carson, using her as a human shield.

"Greetings," the boy said, smiling easily. "Did you want me to continue waiting alone?"

The adults all began to sputter out responses. "Uh, I think that would be... best," Principal Lee said.

"That's... I could... Yes," Missy told him, nodding.

"Yup," Dale agreed, clearly uncomfortable.

The boy nodded and held up a broken set of handcuffs and the panel to one of the doors that was supposed to keep him locked in. "Very well. Shall I redon your ceremonial jewelry and rewire your door panel?"

"That would be dynamite," Missy told him, nodding quickly.

"Oh! May you find harmony," he told them.

"Carson, dear, maybe go with him to make sure he, uh, finds harmony too," Dale said to the witch.

Carson rolled her eyes again before going along with the boy. "I'm guessing rewiring the door will be quite easy for you," she said to him as they went down the hallway.

"It is a simple and primitive mechanism," he informed her as they went into the cell. Carson leaned against the wall as he began working on the panel. "He called you Carson, correct?"

"Yes, that's my name. What do they call you and your friends?" she questioned, hoping to get as much information as she could.

Already finished with the door somehow, he stood back straight and nodded to her. "I am A-Lan. My companions are A-Li and A-Spen, who I believe to be with the werewolves and zombies respectively."

"Well, it's — actually, it's not nice to meet you. You blew up Main Street," she said, shaking her head. "But welcome to Seabrook nonetheless."

"We do apologize. It was never our intent, but there was no way of knowing what would happen as we entered the atmosphere," he explained. "But by the time we arrived and realized we were causing destruction, it was too late to turn around. I mean, after developing interstellar flight, defeating space squids, and making it through a carnivorous black hole — twice — a little electrical storm was nothing."

"Wow. Space squids?" she asked, laughing a little as he nodded in confirmation.

"What is that reaction?" he asked, confused by her laughter.

Carson tilted her head in confusion. "I was just laughing. You know, when you're amused or even in disbelief. Space squids sound intense but also fun."

"Interesting," he muttered. Then A-Lan shrugged. "Emotions are different for telepaths, so we suppress them. There was no amusement to be found when battling the squids, though the way you process these emotions seem compelling."

Then there was a banging on the recently-fixed door as Dale let them know A-Lan was free to go. "You can come out with him, Carson. A decision has been made."

Together, they met up with Addison, Bucky, Missy, and Principal Lee, as well as Zed, Bonzo, and the alien A-Spen. They walked down the hallway until they came across Willa, Wynter, and Wyatt escorting A-Li from her cell.

"We have many advancements to share with your primitive people," A-Li was saying to the wolves. "We even created a digestible bacterial fermentation of lactose at sub-zero stasis."

"Whoa," Wynter said, not understanding the scientific words.

"Fro-yo? Yeah, we got that too," Wyatt told her, smiling proudly.

"Impressive," A-Li admitted.

When Carson came over, she was pulled over to her pack and placed in between Wyatt and Willa.

"If you're here to invade Seabrook, our pack won't go down without a fight," Willa warned.

"In case it wasn't clear with the whole demonstration," Carson added, her eyes flashing that mix of gold and red.

"We do not want your one-star planet," A-Li said, shaking her head as if it was insulting. Then she whispered to her companions, though it wasn't actually a whisper as they heard her. "They are so emotional."

That earned several offended gasps, mainly from Wynter and Bucky.

"Yes," A-Spen agreed, "but when in Seabrook, I'm going to disengage our emotional suppressors. Personally, I'm excited to see what emotions feel like."

They all watched as A-Spen did something to the bracelet they were wearing, making a glowing orb appear. It beeped loudly, and a wave of new and unfamiliar feelings washed over the aliens.

"Excited!" A-Spen suddenly stammered with a grin that exposed all their teeth. "That's an emotion. It feels so exciting!"

"We've decided to let you stay until after the cheer competition, but not a day later," Missy told them sternly.

"Thank you, Mayor. We are honored to join your cheer competition," A-Spen responded.

"What is cheer?" A-Li then asked.

"Oh, don't worry. I'll show you later," Addison kindly offered. Carson looked at them, wondering why they'd come to earth to cheer without knowing that it was.

"Also, what is competition?" A-Lan then questioned.

"When you challenge others to prove you're the best," Carson said, grinning. "If you think you're excited now, just wait."

A-Lan shook his head at her. "No, we are a harmonious people. We do not compete amongst ourselves." But then he shared a look with her and considered it. "Although, that is an intriguing concept, is it not?"

"Well, hi, I'm Zed," the zombie said, stepping forward to introduce himself. "Zombie, football star. Generally well-liked."

"Well, I am A-Lan. Extraterrestrial," he introduced.

"Hey, the haters say I'm a little extra too," Zed said, chuckling at his own joke. Then he offered his hand to the alien.

A-Lan looked at Zed's hand and brightened up while rubbing his hands together. "Oh, competition!"

"No, it's just a handshake—"

It was too late as A-Lan grabbed Zed's hand. Electricity shot through the zombies, causing him lots of pain as he cried out and tore his hand from A-Lan's.

"Okay," he said, groaning a little while Addison comforted him.

A-Lan grinned brightly while looking back at Carson. "Did I win?" he asked her hopefully.

"Oh, you totally won," she said, laughing and moving closer.

"No, he did not," Zed muttered, holding his hurting hand.

"Apologies," A-Spen said to him. "Our people have a special stardust spark."

"That some lesser species may find painful," A-Li said snidely.

At that comment, Willa growled at her, raising her claws. The aliens leaned back. "Welcome to Seabrook." Of course, the aliens only smiled, not aware she meant it as a threat.

"That spark," Carson said, wanting to get back on topic. She eyed the three of them curiously. "Can I see what it feels like?"

"I don't know if that's a good idea," Wyatt said nervously while wrapping a hand around her wrist. He didn't want her close enough to the aliens to touch and feel the pain Zed did.

"It's fine," Carson said, pulling away from him. Then she smirked at A-Lan. "Maybe I just want to compete like Zed."

"That wasn't a competit—"

Zed was ignored as A-Lan offered his hand to Carson. She didn't touch him at first. Instead, red wisps of magic floated toward him, weaving through his fingers and around his wrist. Bits of electricity crackled, but not painfully. Then Carson took A-Lan's hand, careful with her claws.

"Woah," she breathed out, the spark rushing through her, like her magic received a boost. Magic swirled around the entire group.

"Astounding," A-Spen said, looking around at the magical display.

"Truly, this is amazing, Carson," A-Lan informed her while covering her hand in his with his other. "It will be an honor to see what other feats this so-called magic can accomplish."

"Yeah," Wyatt said lowly. He grabbed Carson's hips and pulled her away from A-Lan, eyeing him suspiciously. "You can see the accomplishments while still respecting personal space."

☽︎

Every day, Wyatt would meet Carson outside the Buchanan house, and they'd walk to school together. Most of the time, it was far too early in the morning for either Bucky or Willa to stomach their affection, meaning they were alone for the walks.

"Is Zed super upset about the recruiter running off?" Wyatt asked her, knowing Carson stayed up late talking with Zed on the phone.

"Not as much. Zed said that A-Spen somehow managed to look through all the records at Mountain Brook. There's one scholarship that doesn't exclude zombies, so he just has to fill out an application today," she explained.

"Wow. Aliens are already helping people," he said.

"You know, they said they are harmonious, but I could see it in A-Lan's eyes. We are the same — we thrive off competition," she went on, grinning.

"You're looking into his eyes. Great," Wyatt huffed under his breath. Carson didn't seem to catch it though. "I mean, do you really trust them already?"

"No way," Carson said, shaking her head. "I volunteered to show them around the campus today to try and learn more. How can they come for a cheer competition if they don't know what either is? But until they give us a reason to attack—"

"Such as blowing up the town a second time."

"Yeah, exactly," she said, letting out an amused scoff. "Until then, I figure I can be nice to them. I mean, maybe if everyone had been more welcoming when you guys arrived, you would've made the first move faster."

"Excuse you," he said, scoffing. "You made the first move. You kissed me first, which is understandable given how irresistible I am."

"I kissed you after you told me I was your mate. That feels like the first move to me," she informed him. "Though you aren't totally wrong."

"Really? About what part?"

Though the school was in sight, Carson pulled on his hand to get them to stop walking. She stepped closer and smiled up at him, moving her hands up his chest and around his neck. "You are pretty irresistible."

"I'm not the only one," he said lowly, cupping her face.

Then Wyatt leaned down to kiss her, taking the few steps required to back her up against a tree. She wound her fingers in his hair — there was plenty to tug on with the additional length. That was just what she did when Wyatt nipped at her bottom lip before slipping his tongue in her mouth. His warm hands were at her hips, and she could feel his thumbs slipping underneath the hem of her sweater, rubbing soft circles above the fabric of her skirt. She moved her hips forward, encouraging the contact. Wyatt broke apart and began kissing along her jaw, earning little whimpers from her.

"It is not even eight in the morning!" Bucky's shouting interrupted them, causing the couple to break apart quickly. They saw Carson's brother, who was fuming after seeing them kissing while he was trying to park his car. He'd parked very crookedly before jumping out to chastise them. "There is a UFO in the sky and a playground twenty feet away! Cut that shit out!"

Carson rolled her eyes playfully and stared up at Wyatt, ignoring her brother while aiming her middle finger at him. "Hm, suddenly, I find myself not wanting to go find the aliens and instead ditch the entire day with you."

"I wonder what could have changed your mind," he joked. Then he quickly kissed her on the cheek before sighing. "Alright, I guess I'll surrender you to the aliens. But if they hurt you, they'd better run fast."

"It's so cute that you think I couldn't take them," she said, her nose scrunching up as she pinched one of his cheeks. "I'll catch you later. And let Willa know that I'm not taking my eyes off A-Lan and the others."

"Great," he said quietly as Carson rushed off to the school. "It's not like that's the opposite of what I want you to do with A-Lan or anything."

When Carson made it to the entrance of the school, several aliens were wandering around outside. She spotted the three leaders instantly, who were seeming to finish up a conversation with their ship. Yes, their ship spoke.

"Okay. No need to bite your mothership's head off," the spacecraft seemed to complain.

"Wow," Carson said, walking up to them while looking at the sky. "Your ship is super cool."

"Oh, I like this one," the ship spoke up. "Such amazing manners."

"Mothership, this is Carson," A-Spen introduced. "Now, if you'll excuse us, she must show us to something called an admissions office."

"Don't act like I embarrass you," Mothership said as they walked off.

"So, are you ready for school?" Carson asked the aliens.

"Yes, we are excited to learn about Seabrook," A-Lan told her. "It's history and people — and... perhaps you could show me other things that are considered competition. I'm quite intrigued by the concept."

"Oh, I promise that by the time you leave earth, you'll be a master of competition," she assured him. "The emotions you feel when winning are off the charts amazing."

"Then I am looking forward to these new emotions," he said, continuing to stare at her as they stopped at the door.

Bree and Bonzo were hanging out by the entrance and looked at the aliens with welcoming smiles. A-Li couldn't help but be a bit condescending though. "I hope you take this opportunity to learn from our advanced intelligence."

Though her comment fell flat when A-Li tried to open the door by pushing on it. When it didn't budge, she threw her entire body weight against it, letting out a frustrated grunt.

"Uh, you have to pull," Bree told her with a smile. A-Li looked at the door for a moment before gently pulling it open. "Yeah. There you go."

Carson couldn't help but chuckle as the aliens entered the school. A-Lan even spun and walked backward through it while watching the door swing closed. Once inside, she gave the aliens a moment to take it all in, admiring the building and people moving around them. She took the time to wave at Addison and Zed when they walked past on their way to their lockers.

When she focused back on the aliens, she could've sworn they were whispering together about their home and a completed mission. She decided to not say anything — after all, winning the Cheer Off could be their mission. If Carson had any say in it, then they wouldn't be completing it.

After gathering the rest of the aliens that would be attending Seabrook, Carson took them to the admissions office to set up their class schedules. It was astounding how many complex, scientific things the aliens knew while also being clueless about the most basic concepts at the same time. But finally, they had everything sorted, and Carson was showing them around the school before the first bell rang.

It wasn't long before the pack of werewolves sought out their Great Alpha. She saw them coming down the stairs and picked up her pace, reaching them before the aliens did.

"There's no way they came across the galaxy just to cheer," Willa said, grabbing Carson's hand. "Why are they really here?"

"Intentions unclear thus far," Carson told her in a quiet voice just before the aliens reached them.

Many of the wolves let out warning growls, still not welcoming the newcomers. "Better watch your step," Wynter said, baring her fangs.

"We will watch our step," A-Spen said brightly. "Thank you for the warning."

"How adorable," Carson said, snorting.

Then A-Li held up a metallic oval-shaped object that began to glow. "Smile," she instructed.

"How cool, an alien camera," Wyatt said, bringing everyone in for a photo.

"No fleas," Wynter said, giving a pose.

Though Carson wasn't certain the object really was a camera, she at least didn't stand and glare like Willa. She stood on her toes to kiss Wyatt on the cheek while he held up his claws for his pose. The object flashed and an odd feeling washed over all of them.

For a moment, Carson thought she was missing a few seconds of time, but that couldn't have been possible. The aliens began walking past the pack, seemingly done with conversation after taking their picture.

"Woah. What just happened?" Willa asked as Wyatt rubbed his head.

"Oh," Carson said, moving after them. "So, that is the way to—"

"There's no need," A-Spen interrupted. "We've already downloaded a digital map to the school and memorized it last night."

"Then why'd you let me show you around for the last fifteen minutes?" Carson questioned, raising an eyebrow.

It was A-Lan and A-Li that spoke at the exact same time.

"We like your company—"

"A-Lan likes your company—"

"Well, thanks for letting me feel needed," Carson said, laughing a little. A-Lan was glaring at A-Li, though he didn't know why he was so annoyed by what she'd said. "And I like your company too, A-Lan."

Everyone heard the low, agitated growl that came from someone behind Carson.

"You'll still be showing me to the sporting fields later, correct?" he asked, smiling.

"Totally. And I get the feeling P.E. is going to be your favorite class," she told him. "I'll see all of you later."

As soon as the aliens were gone, an arm slipped around Carson's waist. Wyatt pulled her firmly against her chest, and he planned to walk to their shared first period in the exact same position. "You're showing A-Lan the sporting fields?" he questioned, unable to hide his jealous tone.

But Carson didn't really pick up on it. They were mates, after all. Why on earth would he need to feel jealous? She'd never look at someone the same way she looked at him. "Yeah, it'll be fun," she said, smiling. "I told you — he's gonna totally dig the athletic department."

"I think he totally digs you," Wyatt muttered, his words muffled as he spoke against Carson's neck. Then he took in her scent to calm down.

"What'd you say?" she asked, turning her head to hear him better.

"Nothing," he said softly, leaning in to peck her lip. "Let's get to class."

☽︎

Later, Carson was meeting with Addison in the library to cover a few last-minute details for the Cheer Off. There were still a few more schools that hadn't arrived and would need accommodations made for them. As they were working, Bucky ran up to his sister and cousin, ready to throw a fit.

"Sissy, Addison, you can't help those invaders," he said, stomping his feet.

"Back off, Bucky," Willa said, coming over as well. "Your sister's the cheer captain now. Not you. And Addison is carrying a lot of weight for this Cheer Off."

"Thanks, Will," Carson said, smiling.

"But Bucky is right," Willa then told them.

"I'm right?" Bucky questioned, unable to believe Willa — or any of the wolves — was siding with him. Then he grinned. "Yes, of course, I'm right."

"A little right," she corrected. "I don't trust the aliens, Addison. I know Carson doesn't either fully, so neither can you. Last time outsiders swooped into Seabrook, we were cursed and our moonstone was stolen. And this time, we might lose our shot of getting into Mountain College."

"She's right," Carson said. "We need to be cautious."

"Which is why we need to protect what's ours," Bucky added. "The Seabrook Cup, my legacy. Me, in general. Right, Willa? Or should I say, Wacey?"

Carson had to cover her mouth to stifle a laugh. Willa glared at Bucky, hating him so much in that moment as he tried to make her an Acey. "You should not." Then she got in his face and growled, her eyes glowing. Bucky screamed instantly and fled from the library.

"Don't worry about the aliens," Addison told Willa. "I'm not afraid of a little competition. Besides, we've got Carson. We all know that no one beats Carson."

"Yes. I'm friendly now, but at the Cheer Off, I will teach them the particular emotion that accompanies a brutal loss that crushes your soul and sends you back to your Mommy-ship in tears."

Addison looked at her cousin with a bit of fear, and Willa looked at her alpha with pride.

"So intense," Addison whispered, her eyes wide.

☽︎

Carson was walking with Bonzo through the hallway. Along the walk, he was questioning her about the aliens. She had been raving to anyone that would listen about A-Lan's athletic ability. She had been talking to Wyatt about it, but he left in a hurry, claiming that he needed to catch up with Wynter on some science homework. It wasn't until five minutes later that she remembered Wynter was in chemistry while Wyatt had physics with Carson.

"But yeah, A-Lan can lift, like, an insane amount of weights. Who knew aliens were so strong? Maybe it's a gravity thing," she went on. "Coach was super welcoming when I introduced them. He's loving the healthy competition A-Lan is bringing."

However, her talking was cut off when she and Bonzo saw an odd machine next to Zed in the hallway. It was moving on its own and seemed to have a screen attached to it with Eliza's face.

"Lizagar?" Bonzo questioned before pointing accusingly at the machine. "Zom ma grazion!"

"No, the aliens didn't imprison me in this robot body," Eliza said as they came over. "I did this."

Bonzo tilted his head and held out his hand. "Rez gurta."

"Yeah, I would have made myself taller too," Zed said, snickering.

"At least I didn't fail my driver's test, Bonzo — twice," Eliza shot back.

"Burn," Carson muttered. "And, hey! I took him test driving two days ago, and he's gotten less terrifying."

"Sorry, low blow. You're a genius," she told him, earning an accepting nod. "Uh, when's your application due?"

"Uh, today, so not technically last-minute," Zed said, wincing.

"Okay, let me get this straight. The only way you can get in is as an exceptional student?"

"Sounds right," Carson said.

"Okay, hold on. Let me pull up your transcript," she said. Then Eliza messed around on her computer for a bit before some readings appeared on the screen.

"Hey, check it out. I'm ranked third in our class for grade point average!" Zed said excitedly.

"Yeah, but I'm first," Carson couldn't help but brag proudly. She'd used her senior year to bring her GPA up to a perfect one. Eliza was in between her and Zed.

But then Bonzo spoke quickly while pointing at the screen, gaining their attention once again. In a matter of seconds, the numbers on the screen had changed drastically.

"What? I'm ninth now?" Zed questioned. "No, that... that's wrong—" Once again, the score dropped drastically. "I'm ranked 18th?"

"Wait, okay, this doesn't make sense at all," Zed muttered, beginning to freak out. "All these grades ahead of me are... otherworldly."

"Wait, no," Carson said, leaning in and reading the list. "Because if you're going down, then I'm also going dow — no. No, no. No. I'm..."

"Eleven," Eliza finished for her.

They all watched Carson carefully, who was clearly holding in her breath and a scream. Her face was turning red as she processed the change of events. Then she began to tremble as red wisps of magic swirled around her clenched fist.

"B - Bargozn?" Bonzo called her name timidly.

Carson took in a deep breath through her nose while clenching her eyes shut.

Then the loudest, most frustrating, angry scream to ever grace the halls of Seabrook High was released, red magic shooting out of her and slamming nearby open lockers shut and knocking flyers off bulletin boards. Zed and Bonzo took a step back — Eliza also rolled backward. And when Carson finished screaming, all eyes were on her.

"Y - you good, C-Dog?" Zed asked, clutching the straps of his backpack in fear.

She took another shaky deep breath to calm down before forcing a smile. "I'm fine," Carson told them, each syllable short and snappy.

"Really?" he asked hesitantly. "Because I think you're clenching your fist so tight that your palms are bleeding. I can smell the blood."