Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"A little higher. Just a higher." I squinted, looking at the radio my uncle was setting up. Fiskerton and Komodo stood underneath him, observing curiously.

"Hey mini-man, maybe let me deal with this. I know what I'm doing." Doyle stated, flying up with his jet pack.

"Just trying to help." Zak said, unable to hide the mischievous grin on his face.

Doyle looked down at his nephew with a small smirk, looking back up to finish attaching the radio onto the wall. Sure he could act annoyed, but I knew he loved me.

"What are you guys doing?" I yelped, quickly turning around. My mom stood at the door frame, a smirk on her face. Her arms were folded, with a curious look on her face. "Nothing!" Doyle exclaimed. I gaped as he accidentally dropped the radio. Before it could crash into the ground, Fiskerton luckily caught the radio. "Wazzwu." Fiskerton murmured. "Thank you." I breathed out. I had finally gotten mom and dad to get me this new radio, we didn't need it broken. "Just helping mini-man out. To short to do it on his own." Uncle Doyle chuckled, ruffling my hair. "Hey." I elbowed him smirking. Doyle pulled away, scoffing.

Mom shook her head, pinching the bridge of her nose. "What am I going to do with you two?" Mom sighed out. I smiled innocently. "Hurry up you two, come on. It's family movie night." Mom said. "Alright, alright." I walked over. Fiskerton placed the the radio on my bed, following mom out. "Guess we'll deal with that later then mini-man." Uncle Doyle said, heading out as well. I nodded, following along, nearly tripping over Komodo. "Ugh, Komodo!" I groaned, following everyone.

We all made our way to the living room. Zon chirped from one of her extra nest, watching over us. "There you are, I was wondering when you all would show up." Dad popped up from behind the couch. Dad placed the remote on the coffee table, whilst mom checked on all the snacks. "Wow, you guys went all out!" I exclaimed, smiling. "Any alcohol?" Doyle questioned. Mom immediately scowled at him. "What?" Doyle asked playfully questioned. "Shut up before I hurt you." Mom said, walking past Doyle and punching him in the arm. Doyle chuckled, groaning and rubbing his arm. Dad rolled his eyes at the two, turning on the TV.

"So what we watchin?" I questioned, jumping over the couching. Komodo climbed onto the couch, sitting at my feet. Fiskerton came over too, sitting right beside me.

"I was thinking of this good educational movie. I found it while me and your mother were shopping." Dad explained.

Uncle Doyle and I both let out a collective groan. I knew my parents were both scientist, but did everything really have to be all smarty in here? Why not watch a cool action movie or something? Like Avengers!

"What?" Dad asked.

A chuckle left mom as she made her way into the living room, smiling at us all. "Um, dear I thought we agreed on watching a 'normal' family movie." Mom said, walking over to dad. Dad looked at her, before turning to the DVD case in his hand. "Wow, you guys are really trying to nail this whole normal thing, big si." Doyle said, folding his arms smirking. "Coming from the guy flying around in a het pack." I remarked, getting jabbed in the side by Uncle DOyle.

"With Argost gone, we... want to give the best life we can to Zak." Mom placed a hand on my shoulder. I looked up at her smiling. "As long as this version of normal doesn't involve me going to school." I offered.

Mom let go, shaking her head as she rolled her eyes. "Don't push your luck kid." Mom said.

Deciding that was enough bantering, Dad flicked on the TV, and we were all caught off guard to it flicking onto a signal. "What the?" I asked. "Whada bu?" Fiskerton looked at the screen. "Our new movie is a some cheapo message?" Doyle questioned, running a hand through his hair. "Hold on." Dad changed remotes, searching for the message in the signal through the signal.

The screen turned on to reveal a man older then dad, with salt and pepper hair. He looked a lot like dad, just had more hair and no scar. "Is that Carter?" Mom asked, a surprised gasp leaving her.

Wait, so mom knew who this guy was too?

I looked at my mother confused. Komodo sat up, looking at the screen as dad adjusted it. "Who's Carter?" Uncle Doyle asked before I could. Zon flew down, chirping in curiosity. "He's my older cousin." Dad confessed. "Older cousin?" I questioned as the screen began to clear up and we were able to see him fully now. "Carter, what is it?" Dad asked, his brows knitting together.

A heavy sigh left man on the screen, rubbing his temples as he tried to find the words to say. "Soloman, we have a very big problem. I know it's been a very long time since we've spoken, but I need your help. This situation is dire. It's about the Kur stone."

We all looked surprised. The kur stone? It had been a year since it was brought up. Why now? I didn't have powers anymore and Argost was gone. It was all over. "What about it?" Dad quickly asked.

Carter paused for a moment, biting his lip nervously as he looked at us. "We...we've located another one."

Chapter Text

"So you never told me about your cousin." Zak poked out from behind Doc, looking at the two of us.

I smiled a bit, but it faltered slightly. We all had our strange family divergences, but it was unfortunate that this was the reason that they talked again. Turning towards my husband, I gently rested my hand on his shoulder, he ignored me however. Doc kept his focus forward, flying towards the destination of his cousins's lab. The lab appeared to be somewhere off in the coast of South Carolina, some things don't change even years later. "Carter did always prefer the outdoor experience, said it made research easier." I remarked, trying to stop the awkward silence.

My husband grimaced for a moment, but it vanished quickly once Zak looked at him. "Carter, isn't exactly... a scientist like us per say." Doc confessed, trying to dance around the topic.

Quirking an eyebrow, I turned my attention to him. "What does that mean? He's done research with us Doc, he studied with us for some time." I said, remembering how long ago it was.

"Well... he used to be a really well known scientist, you know that Drew. Much like me, only more interested in digging up bones then what we were into. That's paleontology, not like what we do. That's where he met his wife, Lucille." Doc explained. "He was still a scientist Doc, we've dug up bones with him, remember." I commented. Even if we weren't the closest, I understood the value of all forms of science.

An exasperated sigh left Doyle, making us look at my little brother. "We don't need his entire life story, can you speed it up a bit? What's with this guy?" Doyle asked impatiently, folding his arms over his chest. Doc scowled at my brother, but continued none the less.

"The two of them were always together, doing all sorts of expeditions together. However, eighteen years ago was their last expedition. No one knows what happened that day, but only one thing was for certain. Something bad had happened in there, because Lucille never came out of that tomb. Carter was the only survivor, but he wasn't the same man. Something in bad happened in that tomb, we were never able to find out. I wasn't able to contact him afterwards because he was sent to a mental ward. There was no way to contact him, there was nothing. Their daughter was sent to live with our grandmother, and I couldn't get in contact. I didn't even know that Carter was released." Doc explained, rubbing his temple with a heavy sigh.

I gently took his hand, giving it a tight squeeze. "I thought they just retired, I had no idea it was that bad Doc." I softly said, rubbing my thumb over his hand.

Zak rubbed his arm silently, wishing that he hadn't pressed. Couldn't blame him though, I was curious myself. "Is that why you didn't tell us?" Zak asked, a tint of regret in his voice while Fiskerton wiped his face off sniffling.

"As I said, I had no way of contacting any of them. I didn't think he'd ever get out with how those doctors talked about him." Doc said.

"So we're trusting a possible nut so with our lead to another 'possible' kur stone?" Doyle asked. "Say possible one more time." I muttered, shooting my brother a glare.

Doc shook his head, exhaling as he started to lower the airship towards the location. "When we get there, none of you mention his past that I told you at all. He can be... sensitive. It was a very traumatic experience for him and we don't know how he's doing yet." Doc simply said, stepping out of his spot. I followed my husband, before turning to Doyle and Zak, "Try anything, and you are both grounded." I threatened. "Yes mam." They quickly said. "Good." With that I walked out.

Komodo walked along the marshy grass, growling. "Phew, this place stinks!" Doyle whiffed his face, disgust clear on his features. "Is this really where we need to go?" Zak asked. Doc nodded, walking towards the small house not far down the path.

Just then car pulled up to the road, catching us all off guard. "Expecting company?" Doyle questioned. Doc shook his head, "No one else knew about his lab except me.". Instinctively I put a hand on my sword, getting ready in case there was trouble. The car was a black Bentley, looking a bit worn down. Well, this wasn't the nicest area to drive through I guess.

The driver's door soon swung open, making Komodo click his tongue curiously. Zon let out a hiss as a woman stepped out, all of us watching her climb out. She seemed to be in her mid 20's at least, not much younger then Doyle was it seems. Her hair was a mess of black curls that stopped at her shoulders. Her skin a light brown, light freckles on her cheeks. For going to the swamp, she didn't really dress for the environment, wearing a dark blue college sweater, black ripped jeans, and surprisingly a pair of brown open toed flats. I mean I wear a uniform all the time so it's not the most stylish, but this was a surprise for sure. She wore a lot of make up too, burgundy lipstick, eyeliner, even a new coat of black nail polish.

The woman looked out way, raising a brow as she adjusted her gray backpack. "Are one of you Soloman?" The woman asked, folding her arms over her chest as she tried to get a good look at all of us. I turned to my husband confused, while his eyes widened in realization.

"Patricia?" He questioned. "Wait, Patricia?" I asked, doing a double take and it hit me seeing how much she looked like her parents.

"Who's Patricia?" Zak asked, not catching on. "I'm Carter Saturdays daughter, Patricia Saturday. But please, just call me Trish." Patricia responded.

Oh boy, this just got a lot more interesting.

Chapter Text

"Aduba gah?" Fiskerton questioned.

"I can't believe this, I remember when you barely went to my knees!" Drew gaped, still processing this reveal.

I sighed, shaking my head. I could understand their confusion in all of this, but all I wanted to do was go and find Carter. If it was really a Kur stone, then we didn't have any time to waste. "I can explain more later, but for now we need to find Carter. We don't have time to waste." I stated, starting to make my way to the house. Patricia's eyes widened, scoffing before stepping in front of me, "So that's why you're here? More science mayhem, not to check on his well being after eighteen years. No! Just to check on the cool science thing he found that's the reason he got into this mess!"

Wait, so she came here when we did and didn't know why we were even here?

A chuckle filled the air and Doyle made his way over. "Don't worry, I got this, Doc. Look Princess, we're on a little mission right now. It's kinda important as you can see, after all I'm here, and I try to avoid this line of work nowadays. They got work to do, and I want to keep my place. So mind showing us where your old man is, short stuff?"

"Doyle!" Drew snapped out. "What?" Doyle asked. 

Patricia simply tsked, looking up at Doyle. "Short stuff and Princess?" Patricia walked up to him, folding her arms over her chest.

"Yeah, what about it?" Doyle smirked, amused by this. We all watched her step closer, smirking, before kicking him in the knee, "This princess is in the police academy!". Zak gasped as his uncle swore loudly, holding his knee. Drew couldn't help but laugh, "You know to never insult a woman's height little brother.".

"You still have your mother's spirit." I said, looking down at Doyle. Doyle glared at me, rubbing his knee as he stood back up. "Don't think you're off the hook Soloman. You're gone for years and the second dad mentions this 'stone' you need." Patricia pointed out, glaring at all of us. "Kur stone." Zak whispered, getting shushed by Drew.

I grimaced, nodding, "You have every right to be angry with me. I know I haven't been there since what happened to you're mother, trust me I tried. But this could be something bad, your father called for our help. You remember the news about first stone. The possibility of there being another has to be examined now, we can't allow the stone to fall into the wrong hands.". Patricia looked at me for a long time, arms folded as she thought over my words After a while she sighed heavily, shaking her head. "I'll take you inside, he'll want to see you." Patricia huffed, waving us to follow after her.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Zak beamed, rushing towards Patricia to get to know her. Patricia smiled, the two immediately hitting it off as they walked. At least they were getting along fast, unlike some others. "Screw her." Doyle hissed out, following after the two with Fiskerton.

"Aw, someone's pride hurt?" Drew teased, chuckling as we walked after the two. Komodo hissed softly, catching up to Zak and Patrcia. Guess she hadn't seen him earlier, because boy did she scream seeing him. Not that I could blame her for seeing a giant lizard, we had just gottem used to it at this point though.

With everyone up ahead, I looked at Drew. "Another Kur stone, the possibilities seem so amazing. But so terrifying at the same time." I said, remembering how much damage had been caused by the first stone. 'We'll have to take this slow and steady, hun. Carter's been through a lot and so have we. I don't think anyone wants to rush these memories." Drew responded. 

After a bit of a walk we finally arrived to the house. Carter preferred subtly, that's why his lab was just in his home. He was always paranoid, but after the last two decades I guess he had every reason to be paranoid. "This is it. Home sweet home." Patricia stated, pulling a pair of keys of from her backpack, and unlocked the door.

"Looks pretty worn down here, you sure we're at the right address." Doyle asked.

Patricia scowled at him, opening the door for all of us. Guess the subtly part had changed though, as the living room had been transformed into a larger lab. Various objects were spread out on the table, papers, and... "The stone?" Drew gasped out, surprised to actually see it.

A man was hunched over the largest table, observing the various markings on the stone. "Carter?" I asked, it was still hard to believe that I was actually seeing him again. The man tensed, turning around to find all of us. His hair was ruffled, and his facial hair outgrown. Clothes were a mess and he wasn't the most tidy looking. How long had he been living like this?

A sigh of relief left Carter, a hesitant smile grew on his face, as he walked over. "Soloman, it's been far too long." Carter said, wrapping his arms around me. I was a bit caught off guard to Carter hugging me, but I didn't pull away. A single look at him and I could see all the damage the last twenty years had done on him mentally. It must've been so good for him to return to family, be embraced, have that weight of loneliness removed from his shoulders.

"So you're dad's cousin, sweet." Zak said, starting to wander immediately and observe everything. "Hey, don't touch anything young man." Drew scolded, making Zak stop in his place.

"So, this stone. Where did you find it?" Doyle cut in, bringing us all back to focus.

"Oh right...the stone." Carter let go of me, walking over to his table. The rest of us followed, looking at the stone. Being so close to it, I knew for sure that this was a second Kur stone. But how?

"Dad, how did you find this..?" Patricia asked, worried for her father. Patricia had started living with her father again for a couple months and the idea of him doing research so soon terrified her. Explained her reaction, she just wanted to keep her dad after he was gone for so long.

Carter quickly nodded, pulling a microscope down to look at the rock. "See, it looks that one stone you always mention, it had the same markings at the one you found." Carter stated. He must have done extensive research, we hadn't told him anything about the first stone.

"It does. It's the same language, but clearly it's a different story." Drew pointed out, gently touching the markings on the stone. "Uba nu nu?" Fisk asked. Patricia and Carter both looked at him confused, they were going to have to get used our... unique family members. Zak noticed their reactions and quickly translated for them, "He's asking when you guys found it. Fisk gets curious.". "Oh." Patricia softly said, looking at Fisk with a confused expression.

Carter hushed his daughter and gather our focus once more. "You won't believe me when I say this but... but this is what Lucille and I found in the tomb! The one where...she..." Carter paused for a moment, the awful memories starting to resurface.

"You don't need to force yourself to speak Carter... I understand if the wound is still fresh." Drew placed a hand on his shoulder.

He smiled a bit, before continuing to explain, "Because of that, we discovered this stone years before you had found yours.".

"Wait, you found this stone before we found ours?" Drew questioned, we were both shocked by this reveal.

"You said it happened 18 years ago, how did this happen? Why wasn't the power unleashed?" I questioned him. There were too many questions, we needed to figure this out.

"That's because it was like a child stone. Weaker in power." Carter informed, running his fingers over the carvings. "Meaning what exactly?" Doyle asked. "He means that this is the result of the kur stone, the one we obtained. The only reason it's activated now is because Zak lost power of Kur." Drew explained.

This caught Carter's attention immediately, looking at us wide eyed. "Your son absorbed the power of a Kur stone?" Carter gaped, and I simply nodded. It was certainly a long story that we'd have to tell eventually.

"You have no idea pal. There was so much the last stone showed us. Now that there is another, oh baby. Just imagine what we could get from this one." Doyle walked towards the table.

"Don't." Drew snapped, yanking him back by the arm. "You never let me have any fun." Doyle groaned.

"I'm still not getting the big picture, what does this mean? What does it have to do with my powers? Does this mean they're back?" Zak asked, clearly just as curious to what this all meant as we were. Drew and I  turned to each other, before Carter answered for us. "It means that Kur is returning." Carter exclaimed, "And with all these years of growing and it's parent finally dead, it's stronger than ever.".

Chapter Text

"Today just got a whole lot more interesting." I remarked.

The moment Carter told us about the stone, Doc and Drew helped him bring his stuff into the airship. No messing around when it came to this, I mean another stone? As content as I was living with the family, I couldn't help but think about how loaded I would've become if I managed to get two stones. Oh well, that futures out the window. This ones gonna be more interesting, that's for sure.

Trish and Carter both ended up sharing one of the smaller rooms of the airship, unpacking everything they needed in there. Once they were set up, the two joined us in one of the rooms. Carter quickly laid out all the information he had, which was a ton. Jeez, and here I thought Doc took too many notes.

"As interesting as this is, we can't waste any time, Doyle. If there's a chance that Kur is back, we need to solve it." Drew stated. 

The scientist were chatting, leaving the non scientist, mini-man, princess, Fisk, and I to go through the tons of notes that Carter had made. "I'm going to contact the secret scientist. You deal with flying. And Doyle," I looked up after checking one of Carter's papers to see Doc's annoyed face, "Try not to do anything stupid.".

"Dick." I whispered, flicking him off as he left. "So mature." Trish scoffed, rolling her eyes at me as she went through her father's notes.

Rolling my eyes, I decided I had enough of the snooze fest and got up. "Excuse me, where do you think you're going, we have work to do." Trish stated, gesturing to the massive pile of notes in front of us.

"Hey, I'm not into the science mumbo jumbo, okay." I asked. "Neither am I, but you don't see me leaving." Trish remarked, glaring at me. "Well I guess that's all we have in common." I scoffed, deciding not to even try with her. Though it was fun to really make her mad that's for sure.

Folding my arms, I decided to see what Drew and Carter were up to. Carter was speaking to himself, looking over the languages on the papers he had, Drew helping him decipher certain phrases. Guess the meeting with the geek squad was over, because Doc was finally back. "Nice work Carter, this is impressive." Doc said, checking over the notes as well.

"So where are we going? Volcano? Underground temple?" Zak asked, everyone else making their way over.

Doc shook his head, checking a piece of paper, "Actually, our first stop is the temple where Carter discovered this stone."

Trish was caught off guard by this, shaking in anger, "After what it did to you and mom, y-you're gonna go back in there?! Are you insane? I know we need to stop it but this is too far, dad!".

"N-No. I'm never going back in there. But... someone will have to go in. There were many things that we were unable to uncover in that temple." Carter explained, nervously rubbing his hands. "So who's going then?" Zak questioned, I could see he was hoping for a chance, but there was no way we were letting him go.

"I'm willing to go tomb raiding. As long as I get some pay out of it, of course." I stated, grinning.

"Of course you're a mercenary, I shouldn't be surprised." Trish said with disgust, before thinking a bit "But if you're going, I'm coming. I don't trust you in there alone, this means to much to my family.". As terrified as she was of this place, this place meant a lot to her family... maybe she'd be able to find out what happened to her parents in there.

Doc nodded, seeming content with this plan. "Then just you two will go." Doc replied. "Aw, just them?" Zak groaned, knew mini-man would want to come.

"Without your Kur abilities you can't fight any cyrptids there." Doc stated.

"If you're sure Patricia." Carter sighed, worried for his daughter, "I will be with you the entire way. When you go down, I'll explain what I can through a headset.". "Then let's get to business, the sooner we recovery what we can, the sooner I get paid." I said.

I yelled as I was shoved into the ocean by Drew and I quickly slid on my breathing mask before I hit the water. "What was that for?!" I shouted through the headset.

"It's been nearly two decades since they checked out the temple Doyle. The temple is well underwater now because of global warming. What, don't want to get your hair wet?"

Ugh, I could almost hear Drew smirking.

I looked up, scoffing as Trish was lowered towards the water by Zon. "Thanks pretty bird." Trish smiled, stroking Zon's chin before hopping into the water, making sure to purposely splash me. She wore a pink and purple scuba diving outfit, her curly black hair was tied back into a simple bun, keeping it out of the way while we were swimming. A oxygen tank hefted over her back, as she wore goggles and flippers. Fine, I guess she knew what she was doing after all. In her hands was a camera, probably so everyone else on the airship could see what was going on. "I love scuba diving on my free time. So try to keep up." She popped in her breather, and swam down. "Why'd I have to get stuck with you." I huffed, diving down after her.

Deep blue surrounded us as far as we could see, nothing in sight so far. "So where is this place." I asked, swimming deeper into the water after Trish. Light from the sun illuminated downward, making it easier to see, but there was still no sign of this temple anywhere.

"You're at the right location, but I can't see it." Carter explained, huffing in annoyance. "I wish I could be down there with you guys, I mean an underground temple would be so cool to explore!" I heard Zak whine from the background. 

"Not missing much mini-man." I said, kicking harder to catch up with Trish. She glanced back at me, before turned her attention back forward. "We don't have any sights on the temple yet." Danica sighed, "How much farther could it possibly be?"

There was a long silence, causing us to look at each other. "Giving us radio silence up there sis, cause if so, that's cold." I said, swimming deeper into the water.

"Guys, be very careful. It's weak but I catching cryptic signatures." Drew informed, making us both stop. Cryptic signs? No way that was good news. "Any idea what they are?" Doc made his way over at some point I guess, or they were all in the lab. "No clue." Drew replied.

Patricia took a shaky breathe, looking around anxiously, starting to get freaked out. Did these signatures somehow correlate with what happened to her parents? "I don't like this. Maybe we should go back? I'm not going to get eaten by a cryptid on my first search." Patricia took a shaky breathe, shining her flashlight around. "Eating ain't all they do girl." I chuckled, amused by her reaction.

Patricia glared, swimming in front of me. "You can be a real jerk you know that Blackwell?" Trish stated, glaring right at me. "Now isn't the time for this, please." Carter simply muttered.

"No I want to hear what the princess has to say." I countered. "Where do you get off at?! I've barely known you for a day and you're acting like a complete, a complete! AUGH!" She exclaimed, unable to find the words. "Hey, last time I check you were the one who kicked me!" I snapped.

Drew groaned angrily from her spot on the air ship, fed up with the two of us. "If you two don't act like adults, I swear I will come down there and treat you like the kids! DO YOU HEAR ME?!" Drew screamed into the head set.

"Ow! Okay okay! Just stop yelling!" I exclaimed, rubbing the side of my head. "Wow mom, your fiester then usual." Zak said as we continued swimming. "What does that mean, little man?" Drew hissed out. 

Well it was nice know you, mini-ma. We'll honor your heroic sacrifice when we get back.

"It's getting darker the deeper we go, how much did the sea level rise dad?" Trish whimpered, her breathing becoming more panicked as she realized our lighters weren't going to provide a lot of help in this situation.

"It was only a few yards, I don't understand. These are the exact same geographic location of the temple from eighteen years ago." Carter said. "Sure you aren't acting crazy, Mr. Saturday?" I questioned. "Doyle!" Doc shouted.

God, so much yelling into the headsets was giving me a serious headache!

Carter went silent, and I merely huffed."I'm sorry, it's just my sense of humor-" Trish let out a scream, "Hey my humor isn't that bad!". "No, behind you!" Trish shouted. I turned around, and immediately gasped. A large serpent like cryptid shoot out of the ground, hissing loudly at us. "We didn't find the temple, but we found the cypritids nest!" I shouted.

The two of us immediately kicked into gear, barely swimming out of the way as it charged at us. Trish aimed the camera at the cyrptid, "What is it?!". "I don't know, but what was setting off the radar earlier!" Drew informed.

Okay, looks like things were going from zero to a hundred! I hefted the cortex disruptor off my back, firing at the large serpent. The serpent let out a screech, giving us to escape. "Come on!" I yelled to Trish, quickly paddling towards the hole the serpent came out from. In a matter of seconds the serpent had regained it's composure, screeching as it searched for us. "Go go go!'" Trish cried out, swimming as fast as she could. The large serpent charged at us, and we just barely dove down into the hole on time.

Way to close for my liking. Totally gonna add that to the bill.

"Are you two okay?" Drew asked in panic. Totally fine if you ignore that near death experience we just had.

"We're fine, we dove inside the serpent's cove." I explained, looking around.

Trish flashed the camera around, both giving us light and showing them what we saw. When the light revealed what was around us, we were both shocked. Endless walls of stone surrounded us, every inch etched with some sort of image. "Wow, get a look at this." I said, swimming up to touch one of the walls.

"That's it... this is the temple." Carter whispered breathlessly, "This was the temple me and you're mother went into.".

Trish frowned at the mention of her mother, but swam closer to a wall. She was going to find out what happened here, what secrets were held here, she had too for her parents. "I'll take pictures of everything we can. I'd like to decode it once we're safe and dry on the airship." Trish remarked. "Another thing we can agree on." I said, swimming towards the wall to investigate it myself.

"These markings, their telling an entire story." Doc stated, pacing back and forth from the trip. Wow, this man really thought that it would help him think better.

"Yeah, we got that, any idea what they mean though?" I questioned, moving around to check out the rest of the walls.

"It looks like it's telling the story of an ancient civilization. Similar to how Kur was protected by lemurians, this one must've been protected by a race similar." Drew informed. "That temple did have an hole that did lead to water. It might have lead to this ocean here." Carter added, all of them were throwing out their theories now.

"So we had another race of ocean people? I totally gotta call Ulraj about this later." Zak smirked.

"These translations have been eroded greatly by water, but I can make out some of the images. Take as many pictures as you can, then bring them back here." Drew said. "On it." Trish swam closer to wall, taking in all the details she could. We observed the images on the wall, when I noticed something in the one with a certain painting. It was a faded out image of one of the protectors I was assuming. They were on their knees, an image of kur before them. Something was happening to the protector, but fading colors and crack prevented me from understanding what it was.

"What's this?" I thought, pressing against the crack. Much to my surprise the walls were much brittle then I expected. "Oops." I grimaced, I was so screwed. "Doyle, those were ancient relics! We need those to solve this new Kur!" Drew screamed out in anger. "Woah sis! I didn't intend for this to happen." I exclaimed trying to defend myself. "Ugh, never leave hot headed morons in places with sensitive objects." Trish groaned, shaking her head as she looked at me, her eyes widening. "Hey, that's-" I was caught off guard as something wrapped around my waist, pulling me through the crack.

"DOYLE!" I heard everyone scream as I was dragged deeper into the darkness of the temple.

Chapter Text

"I'm going in after them!" I ran over, grabbing a diving suit and my fire sword. Nothing was taking my baby brother from me again, nothing!

"Drew, you can't!" Doc shouted to me. "Watch me!" I countered, getting into my suit.

Before anyone could stop me, I leapt out of the open hull, diving straight into water. Kicking as fast as I could, I made my way towards the hole where I saw Doyle and Trish enter. The serpent had tried to attack me, but I quickly drove it off with my fire sword. Nothing was going to stop me from going after Doyle, nothing!

Searching around the dark waters, I eventually spotted Patricia and swam forward. "Trish, Trish, look at me! Where is he?!" I exclaimed, paddling over to her.

The woman turned over to me, still freaked out over what happened. Trish took a panicked breathe, pointing into the dark abyss of the temple. "Come on." I stated, swimming into the hole. Trish let out a nervous gulp as she followed me, using the camera light to lead us forward. The two of us made our way deeper into the underwater searching for Doyle. "Doyle, Doyle can you hear me?!" I shouted into my head set, looking for him. Trish's camera light wasn't bright enough to illuminate the entire area. Biting my lip, I hastily activated my fire sword, making a bright blue light glow. To our shock multiple pathways were revealed, how big was this place?! "Which way?" I breathed out.

As I asked that a loud scream filled our comms, shocking the two of us. "DOYLE!" I screamed out. "Oh no, this is a terrible idea..!" Trish groaned, swimming after me. Hold on Doyle, hold on please!

"Doyle hold on!" I shouted into the comm, hoping he could hear us. The two of us were swimming as fast as we could go, trying to find him. "What was that thing, Drew? Are those things defending the temple?" Trish asked from besides me, still struggling to understand what was happening. "I-I don't know..! The radar was faint, we didn't think there was another serpent! Ugh, we couldn't have known!" I snapped out, starting to head to the grand hall.

Why were they so long?! How far did Carter explore?!

The yells were getting closer which made me worried, going as fast as I could until I finally spotted him. Doyle struggled underneath the serpent, being pinned against the wall. This thing looked similar to the serpent, only much larger, with two miniature arms that were at it's stomach area. This must've been the queen or mother judging by it's side. I didn't want to attack a new race of cryptid, but this thing was too dangerous and I couldn't let it hurt anyone else. "Doyle!" I shouted, gripping my sword. 

"Think this'll help at all?" Trish asked, taking the cortex disruptor off her back. I know she didn't bring one down so Doyle must have dropped it- Trish screamed as she accidentally touched the trigger, getting sent flying back from the force of the blast. Unlike the other one, this one seemed completely unaffected by it. In face, it just made it a lot more mad.

The serpent shrieked loudly at them, letting go of Doyle to charge at the two of us. Trish yelped, swimming away from being hit, while I stayed in position. "Mom, now isn't the time to pull these stunts!" Zak shouted.

"Trust me baby, Mommy's got this" I swung my sword at the cyrptid "handled!". I heard Doc groan from the background, pinching the bridge of his nose. Much to my surprise, the sword cut through the serpents skin completely, like a knife with butter. So a sword can cut it, but not the cortex disruptor. But that wasn't what surprised us the most. What surprised us the most was the serpent leaking out a dark blue liquid, similar to blood. Oh no, this was bad.

"Oh, that is just foul!" Doyle shouted.

The serpent let out a feral shriek, swinging it's tail at us. "Abba addu gah!" Fiskerton warned.

"We know to watch out for the tail!" I snapped, swimming underneath the serpent's tail, "Come on, we need to leave. We can't research if we're dead!"

"I am sick and tired of you thinks!" Doyle yelled aloud, taking the cortex disruptor from Trish and fired at the serpent. Once again nothing happened, the creature only got angrier. The cyrptid screeched loudly, swinging it's tail at my brother. Doyle tried to move away, but wasn't fast enough sending him flying at one of the temple walls. "Doyle!" I shouted. "Keep that thing off us, I'll get him!" Trish shouted, swimming over to Doyle. Fine, want a fight? Come at me you big ugly sea lizard!

I swung my sword at the serpents, keeping them away from the other two. Checking around, I started swimming towards the two of them. A gasp left me seeing a large crack in Doyle's mask, water starting to pour in. Doyle took a deep breathe before taking his mask off, making me worried. Trish noticed immediately, reaching for me to relax us both. "Drew, Drew calm down! I can share my mask with him to help us both breathe, but we need to get out of here now!"

I nodded, keeping my focus on the serpent. With how it was charging at me, it was making it extremely difficult not to cut it. While it was causing damage, this was it's home. We couldn't just kill it!  Yes, I would rough it up a bit to keep us safe, but to kill something defending it's home?

"What are you doing!?" Carter's voice blared out of the ear piece.

"Carter, I know how you feel about this, but we can't just kill it! It's not what we do!" I shouted back. The serpent didn't care for my hesitance though, shrieking at us. It charged at me so often, it was impossible not to accidentally cut the cryptid more. Trish and Doyle let out anguished cries, well Doyle's was more bubbles as it was Danica's turn with the breather, as they were douced with blue serpent blood. "I'm gonna be sick, I'm gonna be sick..!" Trish groaned aloud.

The serpent wiggled around in pain, giving us a chance to escape. "Come on!" I shouted at the two. Doyle was the first to snap out of it, dragging Trish after him. She took a deep breathe, passing him the breather. Doyle took a deep breathe of air, coughing as he got his breath back. "I am done with underwater temple diving. Stupid sea freaks!" Doyle exclaimed, glaring back at the serpent as we all swam.

The three of us got out of the hallway, swimming back to where we were originally. In the darkness, I could faintly making out the serpent heading back towards us. "Doyle!" I shouted. Doyle caught on quickly, taking the cortex disruptor from his back, firing at the wall above the serpent. Smart move, little brother. The ancient walls immediately crumbled, blocking the serpent off much to our relief. A heavy sigh left me, double checking to see if the two were okay, "Come on, we got what we need.".

"Agreed, I think that's plenty of excitement for now." Doc said, relieved that we were all okay.

We all swam up to the surface, Doyle gasping loudly for air. "Alright, well when this is over, I know to cancel my scuba permit." Trish groaned, the water washing this blue blood off of them.

Doc lowered the airship, opening the back hull for us to climb in. Fiskerton waved to us smiling, helping to pull us all into the ship. "Bet you don't see those big things in the coral reef." Doyle murmured, swimming over to the hull. Fiskerton eagerly lifted him and Doyle up, while I followed behind slowly.

Man, I felt so winded after that...

Doc stepped over, quickly grabbing me as my arms began to paddle less and less. "Drew?!" He exclaimed, picking my up. I groaned weakly, my eyes dropping. "So...tired..." I murmured, my vision darkening. "Drew, what's wrong with her?!" Doyle exclaimed. I could faintly hear Zak screaming my name, but everything faded away slowly into darkness.

Chapter Text

"What's wrong with mom?!" I exclaimed, running after my dad who ran into the infirmary of the airship. Carter took Danica's camera heading to the lab. "No way you're not letting me help." Doyle muttered, running after dad. I turned to Fisk, Zon, and Komodo. "Come on, let's go see what's going on!" I ran forward. My three cyrptid siblings followed me easily, making our way into the airship. As I ran to follow my family, I was suddenly grabbed by Danica. "Where do you think you're going young man?" She asked sternly. "Checking on my mom, obviously." I remarked. She exhaled loudly, shaking her head, black curls swinging back and forth. "Kid, don't. Give them space alright? Plus I'm sure it's nothing serious. You're mom fought amazingly down there." Danica told, but deep down I couldn't shake off the worry. "Now if you don't mind me, I'm gonna go shower."

I sat outside the med lab, silently, arms folded as I pouted. It was so unfair. They wouldn't even let me inside. "She's my mom. I should be allowed to see her." I huffed out angrily.

"Careful kid, keep that up and you'll have a permeant stink face." I looked up surprised to see uncle Doyle stepping out of the med lab. "Doyle! How is she, is mom okay?!" I questioned quickly. Doyle quickly stepped back, surprised with me shooting out of my seat. He held me back when I tried to walk inside. "Woah chill there Zak-man. Your mom's just fine. But...I'd give her some time to rest. She was just, well tired is all." Doyle said quickly, clearly struggling to find words. I raised an eyebrow at him. He was hiding something.

"What happened?" I asked, folding my arms. "Woah, you are way to young to pull the parent interogation thing. Look, it isn't my place to tell you. Just...ask your parents when their ready or something." Before I could stop him he walked off. Ugh, uncle Doyle. I groaned watching him walk off deeper into airship. Fiskerton shrugged at me, not knowing what to say. Komodo growled, following him. I didn't even try to stop him.

"Thanks for the help uncle Doyle..." I grumbled. I turned back to the door, trying to open it. "ACCESS: DENIED." A male robotic voice chirped out. "Oh come on!" I groaned out, trying again. The stupid door voice thing continued to chirp out the same two words. "Come on Dad, or whoever's in there! I'm a part of the family. Just because I'm technically still a kid to you guys, and don't have my kur powers doesn't mean I should be locked out of this stuff! Let me help, come on!" I exclaimed, hitting the door. I kicked the door, quickly yelping, grabbing my foot. "Zaazubu wah." Fiskerton said. "I know it was a dumb idea, okay!" I hissed out. I was tired of everything treating me like a baby again. I was 14, finally a teen! Why was everyone still treating me like I was 11?! Despite my last attempt, I turned around ready to kick the door. Fiskerton mumbled erractically while Zon crowed.

Just before I could kick the door, it opened. "DAD!" I shouted in surprise, trying to pull off my best innocent pose. Dad looked down at me for a moment, then the door. "How long have you been out here?" Dad asked. "Well...about ten minutes." I replied. Dad's features softened, and he sighed heavily. "I guess we should just let you in on it now." Dad sighed out. "Yeah, you should! Let me in on what?" I asked. He looked at Fiskerton and Zon, motioning them to leave. Zon chirped, flying off while Fisk seemed hesitant on leaving me. "It'll be okay Fiskerton." Dad stated. He looked at me, and I nodded slowly. Fisk left once I nodded, leaving just me and dad at the door.

"Let me in on what dad?" I asked again. Dad glanced into the hallway, before motioning me to follow him into the med lab. I followed him curiously. "What did Doyle tell you?" Dad questioned. "He just said it was something that you guys should tell me. How come he knows and I don't." I pouted. "Zak just calm down. He is right, this is something me and your mother should tell you." Dad said, heading into the room with all the beds. I looked up seeing mom in one of the beds, back in her normal clothes, well her jumpuit. She flashed me a tired smile. "Hey sweetie." She said. The two of us walked over. Dad sat besides mom, taking her hand, while I stood on the otherside of her bed.

Mom and Dad looked at each other, and I crossed my arms. "Can we get to this big secret now please?" I questioned, quickly losing the little patience I had. Dad sighed heavily, turning to face me. "There's something important me and your mother have to tell you Zak." Dad confessed. "It's just, things were finally getting back in order. We wanted to tell you a week ago, but then Carter called in. With the whole new Kur situation, we didn't know how to tell you." Mom stated. "Guys, so what if the timings bad. You can't keep me out of this, I'm not some secret. I've pretty much already gotten the worst news before. 'Hey Zak, you are Kur.'. I think I can handle whatever this new stones throwing at us." I pointed out. Mom sighed heavily, rubbing my face. "It doesn't have anything to do with Kur sweetie." Mom replied. "Then what does it have to do with?"

"Zak, you're going to be a big brother."

Chapter Text

"The secret scientist, I can't believe I'm finally meeting them!" Carter beamed.

God, this man was such a nerd.

"Why so excited? Their just a bunch of science geeks." I stated. Trish rolled her eyes at me, turning her focus to Doc and Zak. I smirked seeing him have a bright grin on his face. They definitely told him, it was honestly cute. "What's got you all bouncy, Zak?" Trish asked, genuinely curious.

"Oh nothing, except the fact that there's gonna be another Saturday around in 7 months or so!" Zak exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air. Oh they totally told them. I smirked, ruffling my nephew's hair. "I'm sure you'll do great kid." I stated. The look on this kids face, pure innocent glee. He turned to me with a sour face, "How come you told him first?" He asked. "Hey, your mom told me first. She wanted me to tell your dad." I pointed out snickering. "Congrats Soloman, you can spread the news to everyone else now." Carter beamed, pointing outside. I turned my attention to large base we were approaching. Headquarters of the secret scientist, nice.

Waiting for us was Dr. Paul Cheechoo, and Dr. Henry Cheveyo. "Saturdays, it is great to see you again." Cheveyo said. "Glad to see you all made it back in one piece. That serpent incident didn't sound pleasant." Cheechoo stated. "Oh great, glad to know me nearly being eaten by a sea lizard was broadcasted to the legion of super geeks." I grumbled. "Doyle, act you age." Drew warned, folding her arms. I muttered under my breathe, not wanting her to hear. Drew was already scary enough as is sometimes, now mix that with pregnancy hormones? Yikes, I was not ready to see the big man in the sky. I still had a lot of money that I could earn.

"Everyone else is inside. It's probably best we hurry, this information you got is no joking matter." Cheveyo informed. "Exactly what I was thinking." Doc replied, and we followed the two secret scientist inside the headquarters.

The rest of the secret scientist were all gathered around a large table, already in the middle of a meeting from what it looks like. "Sorry we're late! There were some altercations." Zak informed, making his way in. "We've noticed." Mitzuki replied. "Wait what?" I groaned out loud. "Looks like everyone saw your amazing display of being an idiot." Danica chuckled. I scowled, pulling out a concussion grenade. "Every feel one of these Danica, don't feel that nice." I stated. "Woah, uncle Doyle! I get you two don't get along, but now isn't the time!" Zak announced. "No, let him. Let's see how-"

"ENOUGH!" Drew snapped, "Both of you are doing it again. We are in a serious predicament, and now isn't the time for fooling around. So please, both of you at least TRY to not annoy each other.". I sighed heavily, but nodded. Can't stress out Drew during these times. "Alright." I replied, following them towards the table.

The rest of the secret scientist looked up, facing us now. Talk about study group. Each other them had their own research. Mizuki walked over to his white tiger, petting them. Epilson was going over some files with Francis beside him. Zak smiled, making his way over to Francis. While everyone had their own interesting forms of research, the one most shocking was the neural parasite Grey had in a glass casing.

Nope, nope, screw that! "Why is the hell is that here?!" I exclaimed, getting a glare from my sister. Those things were not on my favorites list. Whilst I myself was never was attacked by one, that didn't make it any better. They were still creepy as all hell!

"I wasn't thrilled either when I saw it my friend." Henry replied, shuddering at the though.

Miranda stood up, turning to us. "This is important research. These neural parasite are being used similarly to how V.V. Argost had controlled his." She explained. "No way." Zak gasped. "You're saying someone was able to control the host with it? How?!" Doc ran over to look at the parasite. Fiskerton growled at it, but Zak gently pushed him back. "It's okay, Fiskerton, that things locked up tight." Zak informed. "It's better at the bottom of someone's foot." I remarked, folding my arms. "And this is why you aren't a scientist." Doc quipped.

"Is it linked to what we found in the tombs?" Carter asked, starting to lay out his research onto the table. "We don't know." Paul replied. "How did you even find it?" Drew questioned, standing besides her husband. The parasite hissed, flying against the glass. "It's gotta be controlled, no other way to explain it's behavior." Zak commented. "But by whom?" Mizuki asked. "That we'll have to figure out." Miranda stated, putting a hand on her chin.

"Then it better not be on empty stomachs." I gasped hearing the voice.

No... No way... It couldn't be. I turned around and my eyes widened seeing who it was. At the end of the hallway, leading into the room was Abbey holding a tray of snacks and beverages. A shocked expression crossed her features, a gasp leaving her. Her same beautiful olive eyes staring back at me. "Abbey..." I gaped, staring at her stunned. "Doyle..." She whispered out. The two of us stared at each other in surprise, and everyone else grew quiet. Couldn't blame them, this was really awkward.

After a while, I couldn't take it anymore... My heart ached painfully as I turned around, walking out of the room. No way was I doing this. Not with the woman that traded my families safety and my heart all for money. Why was she even here? Why wasn't Abbey off stealing or doing mercenary work? She could've been doing any of those things right now. But no...she had to be here, and break my heart all over again... well, I was going to be the one to walk out this time

Loud foot steps chased after me, but I ignored them. I just walked, walked in no particular direction, my bangs hanging in front of my eyes. The boots clacked against the metal flooring, and when a gloved orange hand grabbed my arm, I knew who it was. "Go back inside Drew...." I simply said, she didn't need to worry about my love life too.

My sister kept a tight grip on my arm, and I slowly turned to face her. Drew frowned, wrapping her arms around me. It had been so long since she had done this... just.. just hold me like a kid. Guess it was that mothering thing. And even though I wouldn't admit it out loud, this is what I needed. It was something I needed since we were all split up. "Doyle...god I am so sorry. I had no idea she was going to be here, not this soon."

Wait, what?

I pulled away from Drew shocked, and her mouth dropped realizing what she had said. "Wait, I can explain-" She tried. "No, you meant exactly what you said." I snapped, clenching my fist, "You knew Abbey was here, and didn't think to tell me?!". "No! I knew that Miranda gave Abbey another chance by having her work under her wing, but I had no idea she was going to be here at this meeting!" There was desperation in her voice, but I shrugged her off.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me. Seeing her- dammit, Drew I thought I was finally able to get over her after a year, and then just like that it all crumbles down again!" I shouted angrily. Not giving her a chance to speak, I turned on my jet pack, and flew up to the roof of the headquarters.

I made my way to the top, sighing heavily. Turning off my jet pack, I decided to take off. Not like I was going down any time soon. Huffing, I dropped my jet pack to the floor, laying down on the roof to stare at the sky, This was one hell of a day, that's for sure. Guess there really wasn't a normal with this family.

Staring lazily at the sky, I let out a loud groan as a familiar caw filled the air. Of course. Turning my head slightly, I watching as Jurassic flew up with mini-man. "I had a feeling I'd find you here." Zak simply said, stroking Zon's neck.

"Again with parent interrogation, Zak? Look, I'm not in the mood this okay." I stated, pushing myself onto my elbows so I could look at him. Zak sighed heavily, ignored what I said, stubborn kid. I watched as he walked over to me, taking a seat right besides me. "Not very good at listening there, Zak." I muttered, laying back down. "Well I get it from you." He quipped, Zon chirping as she laid down by Zak.

Of course you do, smart ass.

"I know you're shocked about seeing Abbey, I am too Doyle. I think a lot of us were with how things ended. After how she betrayed us, it's hard to just forget that." Zak said, looking down at me.

Oh, come on kid. "I'm sensing a but at the end of that sentence." I groaned loudly, tilting my head to look at him.

"But, we need to learn to forgive. We gave you a second chance, so why can't she get one?" He asked. I sat up quickly, glaring. "Don't compare me to that harpy. Those are two completely different situations!" I stated. "How? You both worked for the same bad guy. But you also both tried to make amends for your past. If you can do it, why can she?" I grew silent at his words, looking away from him. "At least try to talk to her, uncle Doyle. If not for her, then for me please. Pretty please?"

"Dammit Zak, can't believe you actually convinced me into this." I thought to myself, walking back into the building. Stupid kid with his stubbornness.

Everyone else was mostly busy trying to decipher the stone, allowing me to sneak past them with ease. "Brainiacs are so sucked into their own work, they don't even notice a thing. Bet a bomb could go off but they'd still be too focused on their stones." I muttered, heading into the hallway I last saw her in. Heading deeper into the headquarters, I heard something within the kitchen. Gotta be in there. Not cause she was a woman or anything, just because she was well getting snacks earlier! Ugh, damnit.

Making sure I wasn't being loud, I proceeded into the room...and there she was. Abbey Grey...

Abbey clearly heard someone come in, as she immediately turned around brandishing a kitchen knife. "Stay back y-oh...Doyle." Abbey was clearly surprised to see me back, slowly setting the kitchen knife down on the table again.

"Hey Abbey...." I replied.

Yes, I had agreed to try to talk to her... but honestly I had no clue what to even say. "Look let me start off with... that I'm sorry." Abbey simply said, the apology was a struggle to get out. "You know that's not enough." I stated, folding my arms over my chest. A frown formed on her face, a sigh leaving her as she stared at the floor. "I know it isn't, I know I may never even have enough..." Abbey confessed.

The tone in her voice... it had seemed so genuine... but deep down I couldn't bring myself to believe it. Maybe I was scared of opening up to her again...of having my heart being ripped apart again.

I laid in the bed of the room I was given in the head quarters, processing the talk I had with Abbey. A years worth of healing was nowhere near enough, and I was just fully realizing that now. Even if I didn't want to admit it, I still had feelings for Abbey. I still loved her. And she had too...

"Doyle... I know the chances are slim, but I want there to be a way that somehow we can happen again."

She wanted to get back with me. Be a couple again. My heart wanted to be with her, hold her in my arms, play games, laugh with her. But my mind kept trying to over power my heart. The fear of just being betrayed again over whelming. Her getting bought out again and betraying us all, what if she hurt one of the family this time..?

"Why are women so complicated?" I muttered, running a hand through my hair. It was only 8 PM, but I was exhausted. Today was hell on it's own and I was ready for it to be over already. Tossing the blanket over my body, I laid on my side. I could think more about this tomorrow. But right now all I was focused on was sleep, some form of escape. As I shut my eyes, I could faintly make out the sound of something in the walls. It was probably just my paranoia. After all, most of the scientist were still awake. Letting myself off, I ignored the rustling sound that made it's way to the vent.

Chapter Text

I nervously tucked a piece of hair behind my ear as I exited my room. Yesterday was certainly something else entirely. Seeing Doyle again after all this time. I, of course, had been well aware that he officially joined the Saturday family after the Argost incident, but I couldn't expect seeing him here for a meeting with a secret scientist. And clearly he hadn't either.

Honestly, I had expected him to flat out ignore my existence. It would have been fair considering everything that had happened between us. Yet, he came to me last night. We talked, we spoke. Even if things weren't going well, we both clearly had feelings for each other. Doyle probably didn't want to say it out loud, but I could see he felt the same feelings I had. I couldn't blame him for that though, I used him and his family. Goodness, if I could go back to the way that things were.

"What?!" I looked up upon hearing my sister's shouts not far from where I was.

"Miranda?" I questioned, walking faster down the hall as worry knotted within me. No, please don't let her be hurt!

Much to my relief, my sister was unharmed. Miranda was with Talu and Soloman, the three of them staring at something. "How is this possible?" Soloman asked.

I made my way over, surprised to find the glass containing the neural parasite. How on earth had this happened?! That was bullet proof glass, there was no way it could have possibly escape on it's own. "The neural parasites gone?" I questioned, leaning over the table to look at the damage in shock.

"Yes, I was going to go for a walk when I noticed it was gone." Talu explained. Miranda looked at the glass from all angles, even taking a shard of it from table. "Either it broke out, or someone broke it out." Miranda stated, cautiously eyeing all of us. This caught everyone else's attention. "Broke it out? Why would anyone do that?" I questioned.

"Impossible." Soloman stated. "Is it though?" Miranda replied. Goodness, she was really alluding to the fact that one of us could be a traitor.

"I heard yelling, what happened?" Paul asked. It seems that he, along with everyone else, was up do to our frantic states. Normally I'd apologize for waking others up, but this was a serious matter. "Neural parasite escaped." Talu explained, looking at everyone who had arrive.

Everyone else was as shocked as we were. "What?" Francis questioned.

"I know, we were all shocked as well." Soloman said, looking at the fragmented glass on the table.

A concerned expression grew on Doyle's face, looking at everyone. "So that neural parasites off just flying around in a headquarters full of Secret Scientist, who you know, pretty much know a lot of things about a new potential Kur stone. Why is no one thinking about this?" Doyle pointed out, running his fingers through his mess of a bed head.

"The ex-mercenary is right, we should search the building for it. But first, we should check to see if it's on anyone." Henry stated.

And with that, everyone was now being checked if the neural parasite was on them. We started of with Talu, who was the first to find the broken case. Henry pushed some of his fur, searching for the parasite. Once he was clear, Henry was then checked. There was nothing underneath his suit, another secret scientist cleared. I got to check my sister. "Hold still Miranda." I said, lifting up her scarf and lowering the zipper on her back. Nothing, good. With her cleared, I turned around to be checked.

"Watch it be on her." I faintly heard Doyle whisper. Of course he was going to keep that wall up... I couldn't blame him though. "No, she's clear." Miranda retorted, shooting a glare at him.

Doyle was caught off guard, nervously looking away. Drew smirked, checking her family as well. Everyone was being checked over for the neural parasite. To our surprise, the neural parasite wasn't on anyone's back. "If it's not on any of us, then it's probably still in the headquarters." Francis pointed out. That certainly didn't make me feel any better about all of this.

"How do we now it didn't fly out?" Arthur questioned.

"All the windows and doors are closed at night. There's a set of cameras and detection machines. It would've caught it if the neural parasite tried escaping that way." Soloman explained. "Plus, if it did, Deadbolt would have noticed." Miranda added.

It really was still in the headquarters... this was bad.

We all split into groups. I was with Miranda, Deadbolt, and Paul. Everyone else was in their own grounds. I walked with Miranda, looking around for the parasite with her. "We cannot allow it to latch onto anyone. There is to much valuable information that cannot get linked. This is far too important." Miranda said. "Of course." I replied. This wasn't something I wanted to do, but I had to do what she told. Otherwise it was back to prison. Rather be back here getting all these looks then be locked up.

"I don't see anything." Paul remarked. "Neither do I." I stated. With all the lights on, and Deadbolt scanning the area, we couldn't find anything. "Then maybe we should head back." Paul offered. Before Miranda could reply, loud alarms blared through out the building. "What's going on?!" I exclaimed. "The alarms in my lab have gone off. Security activated, but I didn't activate it! Some one must have entered my systems to activate the security weapons." Miranda stated. "Wait, isn't that where Doyle and Soloman were?" Paul gasped out.

The four of us ran towards Miranda's laboratory, my sister contacted all the other scientist. "Everyone, the security systems have been hacked. They are targeting my lab, their trying to stop us!" Miranda demanded. No one tried to stop her, and before we knew it everyone was joining us towards Miranda's lab.

"Dad!" Zak screamed out finding the door busted open. Gun turrets could still be heard, oh no, what was happening?!. "Mini-man!" Doyle shouted, catching Zak's attention.

The fourteen year old saw the two men hiding behind a broken lab table, barely being shielded from the blast. Without thinking, he ran forward into the dust. "No, stay back!" I heard Soloman scream out. "Zak!" Drew cried out, but Trish quickly held her back. "You can't!" Trish pleaded. I watched in horror as the gun trained itself on Zak, firing at the boy. "NO!" Drew screamed loudly. Zak froze in place, going wide eyed. To everyone's shock, at that exact moment a figure lunged forward, wrapping their body around the body shielding him. The blurs of orange, black, and now red tumbled across the ground of the lab. Before the turrets could fire any more rounds, Drew broke free from Trish. She wasted no time blasting her fire sword at the two turrets, blowing them up.

With it now being safe, and the smoke beginning to clear we stepped inside of the lab, trying to look around for the boy in the debris and smoke. "Zak! Are you okay?!" I asked. Arthur and Paul heading over to the table, helping Doyle stand up. "I'm fine, I'm fine, where's Doc?" Doyle groaned, rubbing his forehead. At the mention of the name, a loud pained cry of anguish filled the air. "ZAK?!" Drew cried out, running towards the yell. The rest of us followed, and the smell of cooper made me tense. Blood.

On the floor was a hysterical Zak, tears streaming down his heart broken face. I gasped horrified seeing Doc laying on top of the boy, he had shielded his own sons body.

Chapter Text

"N-No!" I screamed out, running over. No, not Doc! "Soloman!" Carter exclaimed, as I lifted my husband off of Zak. My poor baby looked like he was in a horrifed daze. "I'm sorry..." Zak whimpered. Dyle came over, pulling Zak away for me. "Mini-man, come here." There was a unusual softness in my brother's voice. Tears slid down my cheeks, dripping onto Doc's face.

"Is he..?" Trish whimpered. I laid my head on my husbands chest, not caring if the blood stained my white hair. There was a beat. And a breathe of air. He was still alive, he was still alive!

"He's still breathing..! Come on!" I shouted. Arthur and Paul came over, lifting him off the ground. I was about to follow them, before turning to my brother. "Go, I got him." Doyle said. I nodded, running after them.

We all ran towards the med-bay. Doc was to still for my liking. Way to still. As we headed towards the med-bay, a arm pulled me back, preventing me from entering the med-bay. I turned around, seeing it was Trish. She grabbed both my arms, making me face her. "Drew, breathe. Take deep breathes, stress isn't good for your baby or you." Trish said. How could I not stress out?! My husband was shoot up by a auto-mated defense turret that was hacked! Despite wanting to fight, or shout, I followed her instructions. Taking a deep breathe. While doing my breathing patterns, I placed both my hands on my stomach. "Why..why did this happen? We were finally having things be normal. Zak was going to go to school, and then another baby...but now." I whimpered, feeling tears roll down my face.

Trish wrapped her arms, and I wept into the shorter girl's shoulders. Why did things turn out this way?

Trish proceeded to wait outside with me. Miranda came out eventually, sitting with us as well. "He's going to be in stable condition, we got lucky Drew. However, with all the damage his body has sustained, he's gone into a coma. We just...don't know how long it'll take him to wake up though." Those words horrified me. No, no. Not a coma. Why a coma? Why couldn't it just be a small little concussion? One where he'd wake up in a few hours to a day. But no. It had to be a coma. One where we didn't know when he'd wake up.

I cried harder, causing Trish to pull me into a hug. "Drew..." Miranda was surprised by my reaction, "I can understand this is a very rough situation, but you're more emotional then usual. Are you...". She stopped herself, as if unable to process the rest of her words. I looked up slowly, sniffling. Trish decided to speak for me, holding me tightly. The way she held me reminded me of how I would hold Zak when he used to have nightmares. Tears welled down my face faster, my breathing becoming weak hiccups. "9 weeks along..." Trish merely replied. Miranda gasped softly, squeezing my shoulder softly.

This wasn't supposed to happen. Me and Doc were going to have our family life. Finally relax, spend time with the kids Yet here we were, being thrown back in the fray.

I waited by the door for Arthur and Paul to come out. Everyone was mostly off working. Miranda eventually left to check on progress with the photos. Trish also left, going to check on her father. Leaving me still by the door. From what I had heard, Abbey, Henry, and Francis went back to searching for the neural parasite. groaned, rubbing my temples. All because of that stupid parasite we were dealing with this. The fact that it escaped was still mid boggling to me. How could it have? Miranda said it was in bullet proof glass. So how on earth could it have gotten out...unless one of us did. I quickly shook my head. It was the hormones talking. There was no way one of us was a traitor. No matter how hard I tried to ignore the thought, it lingered.

After what felt like hours of waiting, Arthur came out. "How is he?" I asked, quickly standing up. "Calm down Saturday, he's healing." Arthur simply replied. Paul followed him out. "I can understand your concern, but right now let him rest. We have worse matters to deal with." Paul stated. I looked through the door, seeing him lying in the bed. I frowned, nodding slowly. If there really was a traitor, we had to snuff them out,

We all grouped up into the main lab. It seemed all work on the new stone was currently on hold. The only ones missing were Francis, Zak, and Miranda. It made sense for my poor boy to be out of here. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn Francis was watching over him. Miranda had gone off to check what remained of her lab, seeing what she could salvage from the turret. Everyone was looking at each other. "So, guess we now know that the bug escaping wasn't just an accident." Arthur stated. "Beeman's right. First the parasite, now someone hacking into the security system? There's no way this is just a convenient thing happening." Trish remarked. "So what now? Interrogate everyone?" Doyle asked, leaning against the wall not far from us. "That could work." Epilson said. "No, we aren't interrogating anyone. There isn't enough time. This situation is a big what if. If there is a traitor, their trying to distract us. From what we know, they could be trying to get us off track to learn the secret of this stone before us." I pointed out.

This got everyone silent... this was so much worse then any of us could have imagined. "We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted any longer, we need to solve the kur stone before we have another Argost situation."

Chapter Text

"What have you been able to find?" Dr. Cheveyo asked. I looked up from my work on the stone. "I've been copying down everything I can on here." I stated, turning to face him. "I was going to have Drew transfer them...but she's currently with Soloman." I sighed out. I couldn't even begin to imagine what she was going through. When I had lost my darling wife, I as well broke. Soloman still had a chance to live, but it was doubtful that would lessen the pain. Dr. Cheveyo nodded, moving over to investigate some of the photos my daughter and Doyle had taken. Letting him inspect the photos, I observed the stone more, using charcoal and paper to copy down the writings on it.

"This footage is interesting. The cyrptid they were being chased by does not seem to match any we are used to." Cheveyo stated. If I had known out those war serpents, I wouldn't have let Danica go in. Last time I was there, it was only a hole that led down to the sea. Who could have know two decades would make the entire thing flood?

"What do you make of these writings?" Cheveyo asked. "I am at a loose. While you all have been looking for this 'traitor', I have been examining this stone as much as I could." I informed, using a maginifine glass to observe the finer details, "My daughter has been trying to solve the temples writings, sadly she no replacement for Drew.". "There were some drawings to. Similar to ones people would see in the pyramids." Cheveyo stated. "Exactly." I looked up to see my daughter walking in with Drew's brother, Doyle I believe. "Have we gotten answers to why those sea lizards tried to eat us?" Doyle asked, crossing his arms. "I can't get it's blue blood off my wet suit." Danica muttered. Cheveyo looked up from the pictures at this comment. "From what I heard, Cheechoo had taken a sample from your suits." He stated. "Good to know dad." Danica turned around, heading out.

Doyle remained, putting his hands in his pockets. "Look...I'm not good with this whole smarty buisness, but are you okay?" To my surprise, his attention was on me. "I'll be fine, I just need to focus on my work." Before he could say anything else, I went back to work on the stone. We needed to solve this. And it had to be done with quickly.

Chapter Text

I laid silently on my bed, starting at the ceiling. I should have felt angry, sad, but no. There was nothing I felt. Was this shock? Komodo let a soft growl from his spot on the floor, before climbing onto my bed. "Ugh Komodo, hot lizard breathe." I groaned as he crawled up, laying besides me. He growled when I tried to move, so I just left him besides me. For being a komodo dragon, Komodo sure acted like a big dog. With Komodo besides me, I couldn't help but wonder what Fisk and Zon were up too.

"Zak, are you still in here baby?" I slowly turned my head to face the door.

This was the third time she asked me in the last hour. Turning around, I pulled the sheets over my body. Mom let out a loud sigh from behind the door, and I could hear footsteps coming from the hallway, getting closer to my room. "Drew." It was Dr. Cheechoo, "I know your worried about him, but you need to eat and sleep too. For two people.".

Had mom not been resting well? Was she to worried about me and dad to take care of herself? Guilt panged my heart, feeling bad for making her stay out. Mom had enough to worry about.

"Paul, I'm no eating until-" I interrupted my mother as I opened the door to my room. She and Cheechoo looked at me concerned. I nervously rubbed my arm, looking at them. The three of us looked at each other, an uncomfortable silence around us. "Want to grab something from the kitchen?" I asked finally. Mom smiled softly, nodding. "Yeah, let's go grab some food kiddo." She said, taking my hand. Normally I would be embarrassed of this kind of treatment, but I let her. Now wasn't the time to act like a little kid. Mom faced Cheechoo before we left. "Thanks for worrying about us, can you take over on research for me?" She asked. "No problem." Cheechoo smiled as we headed to the kitchen.

"You're the expert on crafting grilled cheese now Blackwell?" I could hear Abbey's voice come from the kitchen. Blackwell? Uncle Doyle was in there with here? Mom and I walked to the entrance, looking inside. Abbey was already inside the kitchen. Standing besides her at the counter was uncle Doyle. "What can I say? I'm a jack of all trades." Doyle quipped. Abbey snickered, facing uncle Doyle.

"Are you now?" Abbey stated, a small smirk on her face as she looked behind uncle Doyle, "Because your burning bread.". Doyle gasped in realization, quickly turning off the burners. "The definition of jack of all trades is a person who can do many different types of work but who is not necessarily very competent at any of them. Guess you really are one." Abbey explained, getting a scowl from Doyle.

I turned to my mom, who had a worried frown on her face. I guess I could understand why. Abbey had betrayed us. Betrayed Doyle. Yet here they were, talking as if none of that had happened. I really didn't get it.

"Mom, what do we do?" I couldn't help but ask. She sighed softly. "I don't know, Zak...s he betrayed us, I remember that. But she's trying to redeem herself. She broke his heart, but he still loves her." Mom looked at the two, "Sometimes you can't help but always love the ones that accidentally hurt you. Love is a very strange thing.". After a while, mom walked in as if she hadn't seen anything.

Doyle noticed her, stepping back from Abbey. "H-Hey, Drew. Want some grilled cheese?" Doyle asked, getting an eye roll from Abbey. Mom let out a groan, wrapping an arm around her stomach. "Their doing flips just thinking. Do we have anymore bread?" She asked. "Pantry." Abbey replied. "And what about grape jelly and mashed potatoes?" Drew asked. Me, Abbey, and Doyle proceeded to stare at mom disgusted. "What? Pregnancy cravings are natural." Mom stated. Not wanting to deal with an angry pregnant older sister, Doyle went to grab the jelly and mashed potatoes mix.

"Zak." I turned around to see Francis standing at the door. I glanced at mom, who waved me off. "I got this kiddo, you go hang out with Francis." Mom said. I wouldn't call that hanging out. "What is it?" I asked, following him. "Just follow me." Francis stated, leaving the kitchen. Well that was more discreet then normal. Huffing, I followed Francis. He lead me through the building, passing some of the labs. The rest of the secret scientist seemed to be struggling on the whole new stone thing still. Couldn't blame them. With another stone though, I couldn't help but wonder if I'd ever get my kur powers back.

Francis lead me outside, which to my surprise, I watched an unfamiliar plane fly down. "What's going on?" I questioned. "Just wait." Francis replied. I huffed again, crossing my arms. Francis was definitely an 'interesting' friend. The hull of the plane opened, and I was shocked to see Trish and Fiskerton walk out. "Fiskerton?" I asked surprised. "Azzza abba!" Fisk shouted, running over and lifting me into a hug. Scared whimpers left him.

Trish let out a soft chuckle, putting her hands on her hips. "Didn't know fuzzy was afraid of flying in a plane. It gives me a heck of a rush." Trish said, giggling as she looked at Fisk. "So that's why you're so freaked out, but what were you guys doing in there?" I asked.

"Getting us." My mouth dropped seeing Wadi and Ulraj step out from the plane. Fisk let me go, and I ran over to the two, hugging them. "Guys what are you doing here?" I exclaimed, staring at them in disbelief. "Paying a visit."

Chapter Text

"Hold on a second. You want me to watch these four?" I questioned in surprise. Since when was I the babysitter?!

"Yes, that's exactly what you're going to do, Patricia." My father stated.

No way, not fair. "But dad, I want to help with investigating the stone. I know I'm not as good at science as you guys are, but I can help." I stated. Yes, Zak wasn't in the best position to be alone after Soloman's...  accident, but come on! The kid was 14! Surely his big monkey brother could easily watch him, plus he had a huge bird sister and lizard brother.

Dad sighed aloud, frowning a she rubbed his temple."Sweetie, please. Everyone else is preoccupied, he shouldn't be left alone." Dad said. "I was too, I was observing those photos we got back from the temple! You know, the place where I actually went to dive!" I groaned, throwing my arms in the air. Dad grimaced, and I gaped in realization, "You want me to stay so you can keep me safe, don't you?! Ugh, dad you always do this! I am NOT the same baby girl you left years ago. I am a 26 year old woman, not an 8 year old girl. You have to realize that sooner or later! Ever sense you came back, you've just been sidelining me like I can´t do anything. Even before Soloman came, back in the labs you would just ignore me.¨

"Patricia, I cannot lose you too!" Dad suddenly snapped, grabbing my arms which caught me off guard. He shook his head, taking a seat. ¨The temple...where I lost your mother.¨ He looked up at me, tears starting to run down his cheeks, ¨When that serpent chased you, I swear, I thought I would lose someone else to it."

I pulled back the chair that was in front of my dad, sitting in it. "Dad...what are you talking about?" I asked. Dad let out a ragged breathe. "18 years ago, me and your mother went on an expedition. We were with a team, but your mother...so adventurous made us get up early, to scope out the tomb. When we came into that tomb, we had no idea what we were looking for. Your mother, god, she was the first to learn about the stone." I looked at my father wide eyed. They had seen the stone years ago? My mother had found the stone, but she disappeared. What was really going on with this stone.

"What... what happened after that dad?" I asked, terrified for what he would tell me.

He exhaled loudly. "Chevaska, those serpents. Their the protectors of the stone, when we tried to grab it, the tomb started to flood. That small hole leading to the ocean began to grow. And out came those damned serpents. The rush of water caused the already ancient tomb to collapse. We tried running, but our ways got split eventually, your mother shouted for me to continue, and foolishly I did. I was the first out, finding my team waiting for us. However, shortly after I got out... the entrance caved in, water seeping out from the entrance." Dad hiccuped, tears running down his face, "They called me insane, mad when I told them about the serpents. My own team sent me away to be locked up. It worked to, as this occurred before cryptids were known to mankind."

My breathe began to hitch, as tears ran down my face as well. "I-I never got to hear about how mom really... Gran just told me it was an accident, how she blamed you. Oh god, daddy... I blamed you too, because I was just...I was so young and angry. I didn't know... I'm sorry." I sniffled. Dad held out his arms, and like a small child I walked over, leaning into his arms, crying into his shirt.

"That stone...it was evil. It hurt so many. I wanted nothing to do with it, but it had so much power I knew it was best for Soloman to get involved. Yet look now, look at what it's done to our family. He's in a coma and there's a possible traitor that will use this power for evil." Dad exhaled loudly.

I sniffed, calming down as hugged him tighter. "Dad, we're going to solve that stone..." My expression darkened as an idea formed in my head, "One way or another...".

After a while, I had left my dad in his lab. The four were already waiting on the air ship for me, so I climbed in. Zak quickly introduced his friends, and I couldn't help but smile. At least in his weird life he had good friends. I made my way to the front of the air ship, and got it started. Good thing I bothered Soloman about how to pilot this thing a while back. With the four of them doing their own thing, I was currently piloting. But I couldn't help but glance to the hallway out of the corner of my eye. The kids were distracted enough. Flicking on the auto-pilot, I got up from my seat, and headed deeper into the air ship.

Traveling through some hallways, I came upon their armory. "Yup, this'll do just fine." I whispered, getting to work.

Flipping open my bag, I picked up a new looking weapon. It seemed similar to the cortex disruptor, but glowed a faint green where the blaster what. Lifting it up, I aimed at a dummy at the end of the armory. My mouth gaped when it completely blew the arm off the dummy.

These thing packs a hell of a punch!

I looked at it, and wondered how much damage this thing could do to a person. Sliding it into my bag, I noticed a suit on a shelf on the other side of the room. It was a solid black body suit, accented with dark gray gloves, a silver belt, and a pair of dark gray boots. These, these will do find. Grabbing the body suit, I held it against my body to observe it in a window, and nodded to myself before concealing the body suit in my bag.

I wasn't going to allow some traitor or this stone to continue to hurt my family. The secret scientist are going to solve this problem and deal with it, one way or another. And if that traitor even tries to stop them, they'll have to deal with me.

Chapter Text

"So where are we going?" Wadi questioned. "I hope it's somewhere not to difficult for me to handle." Ulraj quipped. Trish sat at the seat of the plane, turning to face us. "We're gonna check some old ruins of Machu Picchu." Trishexplained, keeping focus. "Babba zabbaz?" Fiskerton grinned. "Oh, sounds found." I smiled a bit. Wadi and Ulraj on the other hand were less excited. "This is your idea of fun?" Wadi asked. "Yes, so don't you dare steal anything from this place Wadi." I retorted. Wadi pouted, folding her arms.

Danica flew the plane, eventually approaching the ruins. "We're here." Trish unbuckled herself, climbing out of her seat, "You guys head out. I'll be there in a second. I just need to grab my stuff, promised I'd take pictures.". With that, Trish headed inside the airship. The other two looked at me, and I merely shrugged. "Come on." I led the way, Fiskerton tagging along behind us.

"Wow." Ulraj muttered, looking around the mountain range. Wadi looked at the edge, and gulped stepping back. "That is a... terrifyingly long way down." She breathed out. "Just stay away from the ledge, and we'll be safe." I stated. Fiskerton murmured, as he shooed us away from the ledge. "So while we are waiting, what shall we do?" Ulraj asked. "Maybe explore?" Wadi asked. "Well... Trish said we could head out, but she never said how far." I smirked, looking over to the ruins.

"Look at this place, it's ancient!" Ulraj exclaimed, looking at the remains of the city.

"It is. My dad says it roughly five hundred years old, maybe older." I explained, walking around. Wadi walked around, feeling the walls. "Gross." She muttered, seeing all the dirt on her fingers.

I attempted to walk deeper into the city, when Fisk put his hand in front of me. "Huh? What's wrong Fiskerton?" I questioned. "Abba zaabu." Fiskerton said, looking back to where we came from. "It's okay buddy. We'll check the place out quick. Plus it's been abandoned here for centuries. What could go wrong?" I didn't let him answer, already heading down hill with Wadi and Ulraj. "This city looks like it goes on forever." Ulraj commented. "I wonder why it was abandoned." Wadi added. I turned to her, "Because it couldn't last after the collapse of the Inca couldn't survive the plagues all the Spanish brought when the arrived." I informed.

The four of us continued exploring the city, when there was a soft crack of a branch. "Was that you?" Wadi asked, turning around. "I did no such thing." Ulraj stated. "It wasn't me either. Or Fisk. Wait, if it wasn't one of us...then who was it?" I asked. Fiskerton got in front of us, and I clutched my claw searching for the sound. As I looked around, I spotted a figure in the tree line. Not wasting a second, I shoot the claw at them knocking them down. "WOAH!!!!!" A voice cried out as they fell backwards. I looked surprised upon seeing uncle Doyle.

"Uncle Doyle?" I asked. "Uzzza wah?" Fiskerton questioned.

Doyle groaned, pushing himself up. "Jeez mini-man, you've gotten better at your aim." Doyle smirked, rubbing his head. "I am glad it is not some ancient monster." Ulraj remarked, "I would've felt bad for you when we kick your butt.".

"Well I'm not, still can take you squirts on. But you should've expected me to show up, after all you called me, mini-man." Doyle stated, looking at me. "What?" I asked, confused as I looked up at him. I hadn't called him, I didn't call anyone while we were pit.. Heck, I didn't even have my communicator on me. "We did not contact you. Zak did no such thing." Wadi said for me, "None of us brought out communicators.".

A perplexed expression crossed uncle Doyle's face as he looked at us. "You didn't call me? If you didn't, then who did?" Uncle Doyle asked, looking between all of us.

"I did." Uncle Doyle cried out in pain as a green blast struck him in the arm, and he fell to the floor clutching it. I whipped around, looking in horror to see Trish clutching dad's prototype. Wait, dad's prototype?! Why did she have it?! Dad haven't even tested it yet, why was she using it on uncle Doyle?!

"Is this a part of the trip? Because if so I do not enjoy it!" Ulraj exclaimed. "Trish, what are you doing?!" I shouted, running to Uncle Doyle's side.

"I'm taking out the traitor." Trish glared at me, aiming the blaster at us.

Chapter Text

“Trish, what are you doing?!” I shouted, still clutching my arm. Shit, it stung! Standing, Fisk and I got the kids behind us. “What are you going off about a traitor?!” I exclaimed, scowling at her. I knew she was trouble, but to this extent?!

Her brows knit together, scowling at me, “Don’t play innocent! My family has suffered too much from this stone, nothing is going to stop them from stopping whatever this is!”.

Zak grimaced at this, stepping out from behind the both of us. “This is insane! None of us are the traitor, so please put the gun down!” He pleaded, attempting to end this.

It seemed as if his words were worked, a frown growing on her face as she looked at us. “Zak… I’m sorry, but I can’t lose my dad too.” We all gasped as she lifted her gun back up, but before she could fire Fiskerton tossed a rock at her foot, knocking her down. The second she was down, I rushed over tackling her. “Get off of me!” Trish shouted, trying to grab the weapon.

“Not a chance!” I kicked the weapon away, struggling to keep her down with how much my arm stung. “None of you are stopping me!” Trish shouted, pulling something out of her pocket. Oh, shit- “AH!” I shouted as I was sent flying back.

Trish panted as she stood back up, holding a concussion grenade in her hand. “If I remember correctly, you told me that these packed quite a punch, Blackwell.” Trish hissed out.

“What are you going on about?! We’re not traitors, if anything it’s you who took four kids out in the middle or nowhere to try and kill me!” I snapped back, remembering the kids right then, “Fisk, get them in the plane! I’ll handle crazy lady!”.

“Wait, uncle Doyle-!” Fisk picked up the kids, shouting something before running to the ship.

A loud scoff left Trish, scowling at me as she held two more concussion grenades, “You’ll handle me, huh? That’s hilarious since you’re the one getting your but kicked!”. “Police training ain’t got nothing on being a mercenary!” I shouted, jumping away from the grenade.

My side was still burning from the concussion blast and I could hardly feel my arm, but I couldn’t let her go after the kids. Not after everything, I wasn’t going to let anything touch these kids! Trish yelled as she threw the grenade at me, which missed me. “Nice try!” I panted, but my eyes widened seeing that was her plan.

“Didn’t they ever tell you to watch the hands, Blackwell?” Trish held up the cortex disruptor, blasting me with it.

I went flying through the city wall like a rag doll, groaning in pain. Jesus, how many times was I going to get hit with this stupid thing?! “Uncle Doyle!” I heard Zak call out, making me look over to see the five of them. “Stay back, mini-man! Get the communicator on the ship and call for help!” I shouted, struggling to stand. Normally I could take princess with ease, but not with these weapons.

Ulraj and Wadi hurried in the ship, leaving the other three to watch. “This is the only way!” Trish shouted, aiming the weapon at me again. 

Before it could fire, Trish was shot with a taser, screaming as her aim weavers and fired. I gasped as her aim drifted towards the three, firing at the ground at their feet. “No!” I shouted, watching them all get sent flying back. No one hurts my family!

Pushing myself up, I yelled as I rushed at Trish, tackling her to the ground. “Look at what you did, they’re children!” I screamed, trying to wrestle the weapon from her.

“I don’t want to hurt them, but we’re all in danger if the traitor isn’t stopped!” Trish yelled, picking up a fist full of dirt and tossed it into my face. I yelled, struggling to clean my eyes when she kicked my jaw to knock me off. Damn, she was really kicking my ass here!

I blinked heavily trying to clear my vision, struggling to see. Trish panted as she stood up, shaking from the taser attack earlier. Must’ve come from that spy kid Francis, maybe he wasn’t a little creep after all. “Stop fighting me! I’m trying to save everyone, you’re the reason this is so much worse!” Trish shouted, aiming the weapon at me once more.

Crap, she had me backed towards the cliff and there was no doubt that my jetpack was busted from all the hits I had taken.

“Trish, don’t do this! This isn’t helping anyone you psycho!” I snapped, struggling to look at her.

Trish scowled, her grip on the gun shaking, “You don’t know when to shut up, do you?!”. She pulled the trigger, a gasp leaving me seeing the gun glow green as it prepared to fire.

Wadi had rushed out from the airship, her eyes widening seeing what had happened to her friends and what was about to happen. While she didn’t know the two that much, she knew she couldn’t let this happen. Rushing to Zak’s side, Wadi took the claw and fired it at Trish. The wire wrapped around the woman’s hands, the two of us yelling as it shot the floor. Our eyes widened at the sound of the ground cracking, screaming as it crumbled.

I just barely grabbed onto the ledge with my good arm, hissing in pain as something caught my other arm. Straining, I looked down to find Trish holding onto my hand. Great, of course I had to get stuck in this predicament!

“Hold on, we are coming!” Wadi shouted from above, a grunt leaving me as I struggled to hold onto the ledge. Trish was really weighing me down, but I couldn’t drop her, even if I really wanted to! “Hurry up, I don’t know how much longer I can hold on!” I shouted, glaring down at Trish.

She looked back up at me with wide eyes, still clinging to my hand. “Doyle..?” Trish gasped, seeming conflicted. Good, feel guilt for this shit show! The Secret Scientists were really going to have a lot to talk about after this.

I groaned, the pain in my arms intensifying as I struggled to hold onto the ledge. Zak and Fisk rushed over, the latter leaning down to grab us. “Ababa, ababa!” Fisk shouted, leaning down to grab me when the ledge peace broke, both of us screaming as we dropped.

Fisk quickly leaned over, grabbing my hand making me gasp. Holy crap, this was playing it way too dangerous! “Pull us up, now!” I shouted. Fisk whimpered, starting to pull us up when I heard a tear. I looked down just in time to see Trish’s glove slipping free, her hand falling from mine as she dropped. Our eyes made contact as she fell, a look of horror on her face as she fell, screaming until she vanished from our sight.

“NO!” Zak shouted, looking over the edge. Francis shook his head, pushing Zak away, “It’s not our fault. She instigated a fight and this was the outcome. I advise we return to the base.”.

“We’re sorry this is how things turned out.” Ulraj frowned, patting Zak’s back while Fisk pulled me back up. Zak just frowned, looking at the ledge. “Come on, mini-man. Let’s go home.”. Zak slowly nodded, heading for the plane along with the other kids. Fisk gave me a worried look but I waved him off, yeah I was sore as hell, but I’d be fine. Rubbing my shoulder I followed the five of them, shuddering as I felt a chill on my back. Man, I was going to need a massage and long nap.

All of us boarded the plane, finally something I was allowed to drive, and I set things into gear. Sucks that this was how things turned out in the end… she was too smart for her own good. I flicked on the controls, staring at the console as the neural parasite remained latched on my back, things were far from done.