"Frank" Douglas' father knew time was of the essence  in moments like these "I got in contact with doctor Steinem...based off the pictures and information Douglas gave us I think we've found the anti-venom" Frank nearly jumped from joy at the news "Of course you'd come through!! I didn't doubt you for a second sweetheart." however his heart dropped as his wife's voice took on a low tone "Whatever little secret you and your son are keeping from me-" he could do nothing but gulp  "-I'd sure like to know." Douglas' father felt torn, but asa father his son's confidence in this situation wasn't something he could betray-for some reasons he just knew.. "If I truly don't know Beloved, and even if I knew exactly what it was for I probably couldn't tell you." the barely intelligible cursing heard over the phone startled him a bit before he heard the click of the phone being hung up   'And to think...Douglas thought we didn't love him..crazy boy.'

"Dad" Douglas started at  his phone in disbelief  "Yo. What's going? You found it!?" Douglas' eyes nearly jumped out the socket at the news "I...I can't believe it!? It's at Mom's lab...okay."  Brook's attention was diverted between the conversation on the phone on the road, nearly swerving into the adjacent lane he adjusted his hands on the steering wheel "Be careful babe." Tess looked in worry from the backseat "Was that your father Douglas? What'd he say?" Douglas rubbed the back of his neck "Well there's good news and bad news"  "Tell us the good news first" Brook inquired, taking the exit to their apartment complex  "The good news is the cure has been found-" Brook gave Douglas a confused "-the bad news is we have to go to my Mom's lab to get it." 

"Can't look a gift horse in the mouth"  Tess advised "If it's the only way it's the only way." Douglas groaned in response "She's been suspicious from the get-go, and out of the two she's probably 'the serious one' when she engages parent-mode. I hate to say this, but that bogus story you told your dad was crap-" Douglas held up his hand, wanting to hear no more "I Know!!" Brook put the car in park on the side of the road, it was time to devise a plan "So what're we going to do? Green's running out of time." 

Douglas' stomach started putting on a gymnast exhibition, but his mind was already working two steps ahead "I know what to do." he took a deep breath and gathered himself "Brook, I'm putting the address in your GPS.. there we go." Brook could see Douglas brimming with confidence, more determined than he's ever been "Say less." Brook took the car out of park, revving the engine in a brash display, before making  rubber meet the road 'Mom...I really don't know what you want me to say' Douglas thought to himself staring out the window 'But-' an image of a certain green-haired fellow flashed through his mind '-I have no choice but to act-the time is now.' pressing the keys on his computer he knew exactly what to do.

Several cop cars pulled up on the scene in front of an old abandoned house located in the midst of Daisy Parks. Daisy Parks was a neighborhood on the lower middle class of things, run of the mill, and nothing out of the ordinary, it's the last place you'd go looking expecting to find some trouble  "Go! Go! Go!!" the officers slammed their  car doors shut and leapt out ready for action  "Are you sure this is the right house?" one of the officers questioned Lieutenant Miller "Don't question me Til. 

I got my information from a very reliable source."  Giving his men the signal to move in, they stormed the house kicking down the front door and tearing loose the old fencing in the process. Entering the abandoned residence, it  was clear from the unmentionables on the floor and the dust collecting  the place hadn't been lived in in quite some time "I NEED A FULL SWEEP STAT!" Lieutenant Miller ordered "FULL SWEEP!!" Soon the men spread out in different directions searching every nook and cranny , pulling out an extra phone from his back pocket, Lieutenant Miller's made sure to update his contact with new information. 

"We're running out of time" Brook announced, they were homing in close to his mother's lab and Douglas wasn't quite sure how to handle the conversation without giving anything away "Figure out what you're going to say to her yet?" he quizzed Douglas for what felt like the umpteenth time "No" Douglas sunk into his seat deflated "At this point I might be better off telling her the truth." he groaned, Tess could only watch the conversation play out in front of her with a frown, unsure of what to say "I haven't even told Aunt Rain the truth about any of the craziness happening.." he trailed off, hoping to lose his train of thought watching the cars pass by "Well, you better make up your mind Dougie-" Brook took one last left turn before the car came to a halt "-we're here."

"D, they weren't there" Jay informed Derrick scrolling through the messages on his phone "What! Hell you mean they wasn't there? Shit!" Derrick cursed shooting up out his seat and pacing back and forth "Get Miller on the phone man, one false move and it's game over!!" he gestured and pointed at Jay he looked his friend over in worry "What you waiting for Jay!? Make the call!!

"Sir" One of the officers reported back to Lieutenant Miller "We did a full sweep of the house, and we even checked the perimeter all around...not a single trace of evidence nor persons on the premises was found " this didn't come as surprise to Lieutenant Miller who had stepped out and  corresponding with the contact on his phone "Seems like I've made a mistake, it's somewhere else we need to be. Put the message out for everyone to report back to their cars." he instructed the junior officer "Where are we headed sir?" he readied his radio before relaying the message "Downtown." 

 The car came to a sudden stop "Hi, are you a visitor?? Who are you here to see today?" A voice came from the intercom, VLabs was  near the outskirts of the city right before the limits gave way to the countryside, and thought it was only one floor, its build  wide and spacious build gave way to a bigger inside.  Douglas never really tried to pry into his mother's research or what she  worked on , but if it was government funded and required security clearance it must've been pretty important. 

"Um..I'm Mrs. King's son...she's expecting a guest..and um..that's me." Douglas barely squeaked "Ohhhhhhh!" the voice on the intercom squeed " You must be the famous Douglas your mother's goes on and on about during her lunch breaks. It's finally nice to meet...er....well...see you. Wait for the buzz and head on in."  Waiting several seconds they a loud buzzzzzzzzzzzzzz rang their ears and the gates in the front opened "Guess we're in" Brook stated the obvious, before giving Douglas a teasing glance  "Now there's only one thing left to do-" he wiggled his eyebrows "Yeah, yeah, I read you loud and clear meathead." Douglas replied giving him the finger  "Been awhile since I've been out here to visit" Tess mused out aloud "Just how often do you come out here to visit my Mom?" 

Douglas whipped his head, shooting Tess a look of suspicion "Boy if you don't turn around " Tess shot him a look back "Your parents are family to me and the smartest people I know" she bragged  "I'd be stupid not to hit them up to ask them questions and help with school projects and stuff....plus a run a couple errands for them too."  All Douglas could do in response is pout  "You two are weird." Brook put the car in park finally having found a spot; an awkward silence ensued over the next several minutes, and would've lasted longer had  Tess not  interrupted "Uh Douglas..." Shooting Tess a dirty glare that was promptly ignored, it didn't take a mind reader to know what she was going to ask him next "Not that hell freezing over would be a big deal or anything..." she started, getting on Douglas' nerves in the process "Tess..." he warned, squirming in his seat "Isn't Gano going to literally die if you don't stop pissing your pants and go talk to your Mom?" she feigned innocence asking "TESS!!" 

With a swish heard from the automatic doors, Douglas stepped through and entered the building, much to his chagrin, his mother was right there to greet him- holding a sizable black container "Douglas, how nice to see you" he wasn't sure if his fear had caused his mind to play tricks on him, but he could've swore she growled "I talked to your father earlier, and was able to procure exactly what you needed from my lab. Anti-venom for a school project, that's what you needed right?"

 Douglas gulped nodding his head, trying his best to ignore the inflection and emphasis on certain key words "It's right here" she handed the container over to him, the weight of it surprising him and nearly dragging him down "That's quite heavy son-" his mother instructed, despite her icy tone her hands were under his making sure he was holding onto it "-you have to be absolutely sure not to drop it, it's sensitive material, but as long as it stays in that container until it's ready for use, you'll be fine."

"Ye-Yes m'am. Thank you." was all Douglas managed to respond  "You're welcome dear." Douglas' mother offered him a silver of a smile  "I sure wish you would tell me things, but I know that when you're ready you will, until then-" taking  two of her fingers, she gently poked his  forehead "I'll have trust and faith in my son." closing her eyes for a moment, she looked into a pair of light brown eyes identical to her own and turned away "Mom?" Douglas made to reach out and touch her shoulder in concern, before pulling away "I'm sorry, when I get time, I can't make any promises....but I'll try to explain everything." 

"I know you will. Take care son." Douglas' mother continued back down the hall, heading back  to her lab, though he detested cats and he was pretty sure he was allergic to them, one must've snuck and stolen his tongue; at a loss for words, the echoing of his mom's heels click clacking down the hall filled the vacuum of everything he wanted to say 'The one thing we don't have time for, and that we should never make time for is regret.' 

"Blllllrrgggggghhhhhhhh!!" Gano held his hand over his mouth to muffle the sound of him throwing up and swallowing his own vomit; the snake's poison had started to take effect,  causing intense stomach pain, in addition, his limbs were starting to visibly shake 'No! Can't have it end like this!! Hold on!" Mayuri clenched her teeth; for the first time in a long time, she was experiencing a moment of legitimate panic and  distress.  Gano's  caramel skin was starting to turn pale, lights flickered on and off within the building, the more the venom take hold, the more he lost control of his powers  'Wait a second?' Mayuri's eyes widened in realization 'Don't tell me his abilities are-' taking note of his condition, she decided thoughts of that nature were best left for later. 

 Crawling over to where he was slumped  against the wall,  she pulled a handkerchief out of her bra, making sure to dab the beads of sweat quickly forming on his brow, taking a seat next to him she reached her arm around and made sure to position him so that he was leaning on and being supported by her weight "Thank....you..." she could've swore she heard him wheeze under his breath "This is just a one time thing green....don't get any bright ideas." she retorted 'I'm not one for believing in a higher power-being a cursed witch and all-but. please..' closing her eyes  Mayuri hoped for the best, Mr. J'smith under her spell had fallen asleep, and in this moment was the only who had seemed to find as sense of peace 'Hold on Gano......" though only minutes passed  Mayuri noticed his condition continued to worsen  "Hold on." 

"Yo, I got it." Douglas announced opening the door to the car "Tess, hold this and be very careful-make sure not to drop it." Douglas instructed while strapping in his seatbelt and pulling out his phone  "Step One. So what's next?" Brook fiddle with the steering wheel and park and tapping his left foot "Stop bay. You're nervous." Tess rubbed a knot in his shoulder "Hold on." Douglas held up his finger "I'm making a call" Tess looked on perplexed "Who the hell are you going to call?" Tess questioned, poking Douglas until he paid attention "Stop!" Douglas smacked her hand away and shushed her "I'm calling Gil!" 

"His old conspiracy friend buddy from freshman year?" Brook looked back and forth between the two "That Gil? That's who you're counting on?!"  Brook just stared at Douglas in disbelief, Tess couldn't stop shaking her head and refused to "Nope. Nope. This is a bad idea!!" Tess  threw her hands up, nearly over the whole thing "Stop acting like I want to call him Tess" Douglas defended "Unfortunately we're in a situation where unless you know some high people in some high places-" he squeezed his eyes shut not really believing his own words "-sometimes you have to go low."  

 Brook fingers tickled and played with his facial hair "Aye" Brook cut in "Eh, already in the dark....why not give it a shot?" Tess could only facepalm in response before leaning back "Not about me, it's about Gano, if you guys think this'll work.....do what you want." Douglas and Brook looked over in concern "Sure?" Brook asked one last time to check, he couldn't help himself from snorting when Tess flipped them both the bird  "Well, okay. Where to Douglas?"  "Mangrove Apartments on Berry Dr. 3601." Douglas dialed the number of his old friend one last time, hoping he'd pick up.

Gill lived in the middle class apartments down the street from Brook and Tess in a bustling area in New Arcadia. Gil and Douglas were classmates in Bio 101 and Chem 101 freshman year and due to their shared interest in conspiracy, espers, psychics, and Space Avengers developed a strong rapport.  Unfortunately that all came to an end when Gil decided to pull a prank on campus involving modified drones and illegal underwear "Whoever's calling...this better be good" Gil' was lounging on his white couch marathoning Space Avengers.

  "Yo Douglas!" his face lit up in excitement  "I've been expecting you" "In a far away galaxy, where the crescent moon trails the distant stars -" "-Gil I love Space Avengersssssssssss......probably more than you-I'm in some deep shit right now man. Remember that project you were working on?" Gil rubbed his fingers through his frazzled fro-damp from cold sweat  "Don't tell me you're interested now? Seemed to lose connection with me pretty fast after I went to jail" Gil' teased "Gil' I'm sor-" he was cut off by a shrill of laughter "Cool man, consequences of my actions and what not, but everyone's was pretty pissed with you for associating with me at the time....let's say I completed that project?" his eyes narrowed "What would you need it for?" 

 Douglas checked the time on his phone, seconds and minutes wasting away "Gil I abandoned you, my whole life I've been a sheep with black wool, but your wool was the same as mine and we became friends, sincerely and truly I'm sorry for abandoning, if you can...if you help me out of this one, you have my word that once this is all over I'll tell you everything I know." Silence was heard on the other end  "Sounds like you may have discovered a rift?" Gil' played with a tuft of hair on his chin "Fine then. I'll help. You remember my old  address?"   

Douglas smirk despite himself "I was hoping too much hadn't changed. Already outside." Gil' shook his head, unable to suppress a grin "Seems my squire has returned, in need once again!! The long a waited sequel to our travels to begin yet again!" Douglas took the opportunity to hang up the phone, Gil' had a habit of getting wrapped up into his rants "Hello? Hello? "  Shrugging his shoulders Gil' scrambled around his apartment searching for a pair of pants "Here we go!" yesterday's jeans weren't his normal attire, but from the hint of panic heard in Douglas' voice time was of the essence for what he could assess-he knew his friend after all.

"Good new guys" Douglas informed Brook and Tess "Gil's gonna help out?" Tess sucked her teeth unimpressed "Don't be like that Tess, we have no other options." huffing, puffing, and knowing she had neither will nor way to blow the house down Tess remained silent "Good as it's gonna get from her..." Brook muttered under his breath 

"Yo Dougie?" Douglas pursed his lips at the nickname "What's the plan here anyway?" Pulling into Mangrove Apartments' parking lot, Brook finally hit the brakes "Best we all confer with each other up stairs, everything going according to plan kind of depends on what Gil' has." Shooting each other confused looks Tess and Brook stared at Douglas for several seconds, raising one of his eyebrows curious at their expressions he stared right back "Do you have any other options in this moment and time?" hearing all he needed to hear Brook got out the car with Tess soon to follow "Exactly." 

"Yo there's Gil'!" Douglas exclaimed, excited to see freshman year friend "Yo Dougie!" the two hugged and high-fived "Long time, no see my man!!" Brook and Tess kept their distance watching things play out "Yo man." Gil' took Douglas by the shoulders looking him up and down "Running ragged, you got a lot of fatigue in your eye" he noticed "What's really going on?" Douglas leaned over and cupped his hand around Gil's ear "I've met  someone on the 'other side.'" Gil' pushed Douglas away from him in disbelief "Stop lying!!" his eyes widened, his body trembling, shaking, and shivering from sheer jubilation "Oh..my...God!!" he hit his knees "Do they know?" he tilted his head, gesturing towards Brook and Tess "Only them man. Gil'.."

 Douglas folded his hands pleading "Can we...go up stairs?" Getting up and dusting himself off, Gil' walked over to Brook and Tess  "Brook" his head was on a swivel "Tess..nice to see you." he nodded before spinning around, galloping towards the elevator whistling a tune familiar to only him "That was weird." Brook scratched his head in confusion "That's Gil' for you" Tess placed her hands on her hips "Dude's so weird, he makes Douglas' worst look normal" Douglas motioned for them to follow "But beggars can't be choosers...we've got a green-haired alien to save." Picking up the pace the two walked in a brisk manner, once they all collected themselves in the elevator, the doors shut, taking them upstairs.

"Pretty sweet building right?" Gil stopped in front of his apartment door; taking out the key from opened the door to his apartment "Now-" he paused allowing everyone to enter "Welcome to my humble abode "Gil-"  Douglas could feel the heat from Brook and Tess' gazes boring a hole through his skull, but knowing an argument would stall for time, he ignored it "Do you really need all this stuff?" Gil's apartment was pretty plain, except lining the wall were memorabilia, props, and posters from his favorite child hood shows 

"Is that Helga's axe from episode four!" Brook rushed over scared to touch the prized (in his eyes) item "You can't be-" Gil' rushed over and they two fanned out "Indeed!" he jumped up and down excitedly "It is!" Douglas inspected the place and to the untrained eye not much had changed, deciding to be nosey he took a peek inside Gil's room and to his surprise "OH MY GOD!!" Hovering in the air, lifted by some fuel advanced propulsion system were an array drones in his room "GIL!!" Douglas came running out the room out of breath "How..." he gasped "...did you...build these things?" Tess reached into her back pocket, pulling out an inhaler, walking over to Douglas she worked on calming him down "Lots of free time on my hands y'know" a look of satisfaction was plastered on his face "Let me se-oh shit!" Brook almost stutter stepped back "You order these from the sci-fi convention or something." Gil' walked over and placed a hand on Brook's shoulder, admiring his admiration "Let's just say when you're  smart and you have good connections...things get taken care of." 

"Now Douglas old pal-" Gil' turned around, checking on his old friend "What'd need these for?Will the actually help?" Recovering from the initial shock, Douglas rubbed his eyes and blinked several times "Will they help!? These are exactly what we need!" It was Gil's turn to look suspicious "Sounds crazy..I know." Douglas answered with a sheepish grin, scratching his head 

"But, A friend of mine got caught in the crazy commotion downtown, and even though I can't tell you why, if we don't make it to them in the next half-hour...they might die." Gil' made no comment, walking over to the couch and opening his lap top "That's explanation enough I suppose, but you will tell me the rest later...so we sneaking in or sneaking out?" Gil' looked around the room to gauge everyone's temperament, from what he'd seen so far it didn't inspire confidence "Both." Douglas answered "So here-" Douglas walked over  and sat down right beside them "-are the schematics both overground  and underground, how do you guys feel about the sewers?" Tess' face turned green and Brook's gag reflex suddenly kicked in "Pressed for time that's our only real option" Gil' took on a tone of finality "Security's probably not gonna be lax there." 

Douglas gave him a confused look "You really oughta keep up with the news..the law enforcement increased their presence around the bank fearing a 'second' attack." 'Derrick!' Derrick, Brook, and Tess thought to themselves "Makes sense. So-" eyes downcast Douglas shoulder's sagged with the weight of reality finally starting to hit him  "Divide and Conquer my friend" Gil' raised a finger as if he was giving a lecture  "With my drones this really shouldn't be any trouble at all."

 Brook punching the air drew everyone's attention "Sounds like we've got everything we NEED!! I don't get all the nerd talk, but once you get a plan, the only thing left to do is put it to action!" Tess giggled, her boyfriend's enthusiasm lifting her mood "What were you hoping to accomplish with that 'little' speech?" Brook was flustered "Little!? I'm given em' some of my best stuff!!" Gil' couldn't help himself from chuckling and shaking his head "Chill muscle man, things should run pretty smooth, making it there in time's the most pressing matter at hand. Help me sneak those out-" he pointed to his room "-and we're basically in the clear...I really don't want to go back to jail." 

Stuffing the drones into several duffle bags, they all went over the plan "So Brook I need you-" he handed him a lighter and a flammable stick "-to set off the fire alarm. Once that's done Tess and Douglas will meet up with you and I and take off in the car. You think you got enough gas?" Brook made as if he was cutting his throat "Nah bro. Don't smoke." the other three groaned "Ha. Ha. Excellent joke. 

Okay, this really shouldn't be hard to pull off." Signaling a huddle, Brook lifted Gil' off the couch "What are yo-" Douglas elbowed him in the side "Just go along with it." Gil' looked around the newly formed circle, and put his hands on top of theirs "On 3, we say Team Space Ready Go!" he could tell from the rest of the circle's faces they weren't as enthused "Show some spirit man!" he encouraged "Brook-" Douglas started "You need to get your ass back to practice. You...know this isn't football right?" Brook ignored them, starting to count "One!! Two!! Three!! Team Space Go!" 

The other three joined in reluctance "Now let's go back break my mans out the vault!" Giving a thumbs up Brook exited the apartment closing the door behind him "Lot of energy that guy" Gil' observed  "Yeah, he's starting to grown on me." Douglas said, Tess checked her ears making sure she wasn't hearing things 'Can't believe they're finally starting to get along, maybe meeting that green-haired idiot wasn't such a bad thing after all.'

"Gil, what's in the bag?" the person in the front desk questioned before he walked out the door "Do you realllllyyyyyyyyyyy want to know?" under Gil's crushing and questioning gaze the front desk person folded "Nah Gil', you're a pretty weird dude, if it's a dead body or something I'll just let the cops catch you." Giving him a thumbs up and deciding to smile, Gil' made sure to show off his pearly whites "I hate you kid." the front desk said giving a look that truly could kill "I know." Gil' responded before walking out the door.

"Alright" Brook entered the guest restroom, duffle bag slung over"This better work Gil" he muttered under his breath flickering the lighter while holding up the flammable stick to the smoke detector-it was exactly where Gil' told him it would be 'Douglas was right..dude's reliable.'  It took only a minute before the room was engulfed in smoke, and it the rest of alarms in the building were set off. Many of the residents crowded into the halls and lucky for them it was quite the large crowd. Blending and disappearing, Brook push amid the tide of people, finding the emergency exit. 

"Guess that's our cue"  Tess and Douglas gave each other a nod, not wanting to stand out, instead of going with duffle bags, they decided to switch things and wear back packs "Brings back memories of that camping trip doesn't it?" she teased pinching Douglas' cheek "Quit!" Douglas smacked her hand away "That was my first experience out doors...no told me where we'd be using the restroom" he shuddered "I still remember the poison ivy, knowing they were pressed for time, Tess took Douglas' hands into hers, diving straight into the hall "We can take a trip down memory lane later" she whispered "Right now we gotta take care of business." 

"Yo! You found the whip!" Brook arrived at the rendezvous point first with Tess and Douglas trailing behind "Took you long enough" Gil yawned "Considering the seriousness of the situation and all I expected you  all to beat me down here." Seeing he was bringing down the mood, Gil' decided it was best to let bygones be bygones "No use worrying bout' the past, only the future can be changed." 

Loading in the car, seatbelts strapped, Brook slid the key into the ignition of the car, figment of his imagination or not, it seemed like there was a little more life in the engine's roar "Guess she's ready to get this thing started" Brook smiled, taking note of each and every one of the passengers "WOO!" he let out, backing out quickly than ever had, letting his foot rest on the gas, and tightening the wheel, skid marks were left in their trail in what could be their last time hitting the road.

"Keep your eye out for them" Derrick was on the phone wit Lieutenant Miller "They've lost something very precious to them they're desperate to get back, if my suspicions are correct they should be arriving soon." Lieutenant had his men cover all sides of the bank in an attempt to ward of the suspected attack he'd been warned about, being extra precautious he'd also took the extra step of informing the investigative team inside the building as well, who despite several efforts were unable to crack the vault open after trying failsafe after failsafe to no avail.  

Taking a pair of binoculars, Miller looked up down and all around "Even if they were to break through.....where the hell would they be coming from....and what're they attacking with?" he pondered aloud 

"So why are we stopping here again?" Brook questioned while parking in front of an abandoned warehouse "Um.." Douglas was unsure how to answer "There's some stuff here we can use...be back in a second." the two boys got out the car, knocking on the front of the door, only a second or two passed before the door creaked open and they were let inside the building "What the hell" Tess observed from the car, before even a minute was up the two were seen sliding out the building carrying flash grenades and smoke bombs in heavy stock "Mind telling us what that's about?" 

Brook inquired "Trust me, once we outfit my drones with these victory's assured "Is that so?" Tess was commented "Yes" Gil' pulled out his laptop "Brook I need you to drive to this address, according to my visuals it's the only place there won't be a heavy police presence. If you all can sprint quick through the sewage system, and position the drones to pop up out of this man hole perpendicular, it should be easy for you to walk in. Take these just in case." Separating the pile in his lap, Gil' handed out four sets googles, providing one for himself just in case "Remember" he warned, a stern expression on his face "There's no going back."

"Yo that's kinda weird" one of the officers observed a small dot in the sky "What?" his fellow officer looked to where he was pointing, the dot grew bigger, bigger, and bigger, by the time they could fully make it out-it was too late.

'81-3! 81-1!!" one of the member's of the investigative's teams radio went off, a deafening sound was heard outside and a flash of light took away her vision, all should do in the moment was squeeze her eyes shut in pain and cover her ears "What the hell is going on!?" she shouted out, but as everyone scrambled in a panic her demands for an answer were left unheard.

"AH!! I SHOULD'VE SEEN THIS COMING!" Lieutenant's Miller's eyes burned, and he started coughing from the smoke filling his lungs "Listen!!" he cleared his throat "All active and inactive officers in surrounding area, move to the bank!! They have drones and are utilizing guerrilla tactics! Be careful!" The effects of the flash grenade wore off, but the tinnitus and obscured  vision from the smoke remained 'Shit! From the looks of things this may be a search and rescue, if we can predict their moves they won't escape!'

"Brook!!  There goes the signal!" Douglas shouted, heart beating a mile a minute "You don't have to tell me twice!" Brook gave him a thumbs up in return, their mad dash through the sewer was uneventful, wet, murky, but successful all the same  scaling up  the ladder like a spider up the drain pipe Brook carried one bag on his shoulder and one on his back, twisting and uncovering the man hole, Brook opened the bags, allowing a swarm of drones to exit onto the surface 

"Yo Dougie!! was all that needed to be said, using every ounce of strength left in his legs Douglas threw up the last bag before turning to Tess "Douglas please-" she knew the words that weighed on his heart and that he was getting ready to see "Just... just make sure to bring him back to us...and keep Mr. Action safe up there." 

A tender expression found its way on Douglas' face "I will" and before the words were completely uttered he found himself crushed in her embrace "Now Go!" she gave him a light push "Okay." Climbing up the ladder, Douglas' face was damp, his shoes were smelly and muddy, and he could feel his legs turning to string, despite all that one thought persisted in his mind giving him the strength to go on 'Almost there..' 

Grabbing Douglas' hand and tugging him up Brook hit the ground like he was shot out a cannon, the goggles he and Douglas wore allowed them to make out figures in the smoke, fear seized his heart for a moment when the officers trained their guns on them, but once they started bumping into each other it was clear they couldn't make them out 'No time to hesitate, looks like Gil's got our back.' 

Four drones formed a circle around them, and a couple more carrying a combination of smoke and flash grenades flew ahead, using a swim move Brook knocked one of the men into another, "Hey!" he cried out "Watch where you're going!" Feeling Douglas' grip loosen, Brook dug his nail into his palm to let him know he was there 'Ouch!' Douglas bit his lip in attempting to stay silent 'I hope we're almost there!'

'Hell's going on out there' Mayuri's one foot in dreamland was interrupted, the commotion outside jolting her awake, phone vibrating, she checked her messages-it was Tess of all people 

"We're outside" Mayuri read  "Oh!"  Crawling over to Mr J' Smith she shook him awake "Sir! Sir!" he was groggy and taking long to wake up "It's an emergency again sir!!" she still appeared to him as his trusted guard "No time for talk! We have to change location!!" Walking over to Gano her heart sank at the state he was in: body covered in sweat, his breathing was no longer labored, having nearly come to a complete stop, placing her hand on his chest his heart beat was fast, and her blood ran ice cold upon noticing his pulse was weak "Don't you dare go dying on me now!" 

Mr. J'smith stepped back startled "I won't!! I won't!!" she thought she was talking to him! Turning around and dropping low, Mayuri made sure to get her weight shifted under his, legs under heavy strain but nothing she hadn't done before, she grabbed both arms making sure he stayed on her back 'Consider us even after this!' "Gano! If you can hear me even a little bit, draw on whatever strength you have and open the vault!!" 

'Damn! did Douglas text her!' the smoke was starting to clear somewhat and a few of the drones were shot down in an instant when several officers regained their sight "Freeze!" one of the members of the investigative team gun was aimed in their direction "Identify yourself you two!!" "Ow!" "Ouch!" "No!!!" Several cries were heard and most of the officer's guns were dropped in anguish "Howdy boys." 

A familiar voice greeted them, making out the silhouette of the voluptuous figure Douglas couldn't help himself "Mayuri!" he cheered in excitement "Don't wear out my name kid. Got something I've been lugging around for ya." Knowing it was not time for small talk, Brook made sure they got on the move, seeing Gano slumped over Mayuri's back was all he needed to see..it was time to get out. Visible, but not being able to be identified the three took off in last ditch sprint, but blocking their path were several officers forming a line where the open manhole cover was "Yo!! Little Miss' boy toy" Mayuri shouted at him "If I take out their weapons, can you do the rest?!" Brook furrowed his brow "Sure! What the hell-" Glancing back at Douglas, he pulled him closer, linking their arms together but making sure they matched pace "-but only if I have a little bit of help." 

A sudden burst of adrenaline surged through his system "Hell yeah." Douglas responded, clearly on his last legs "Shall we call this little play action...Boyz II Men?" satisfied with her pun, six shots let out and rang through the air, each hitting their exact mark, all the officers blocking their bath were disarmed, hands clasped in pain "GET-" Brook yelled lowering his shoulder, slamming two into the ground, knocking another to the side  "OUT" Douglas yelled doing the same "-OF THE WAYYYYYYYYYY!!" 

Mayuri joined in, giving a triumphant scream of her own, knowing they'd be in a hurry and might've had to jump down, Tess found an old cushion for them to land on below, to everyone's shock the man hole cover sealed itself behind them in place, with no trace or evidence of being touch whatsoever 'Even now" Tess looked down on the group in concern "You're still trying to protect us. Guess you weren't lying after all." Knowing there was no time for crying, but unable to help herself Tess broke into tears. 

"Sir we've got bad news!" Lieutenant Miller's world had gone topsy turvy, zigging and zagging through the air, all he could do was predict the movement of the drone flying through the sky and hope for the best, a loud BANG erupted, and with his last bullet the target was finally hit "Go collect that thing" he instructed one of his men "Run specs on it, and see where it's from, maybe we can track those bastards." Spitting at the ground, all he could do is hold his head down in shame 'Derrick' he thought to himself 'I failed.' dark cumulus clouds formed in the sky, and a dark day grew even darker, once a day full of sunshine was greeted with a downpour of thunder and rain...with that came...

"Lighting?" Douglas looked at Mayuri like she'd lost her head "What'd you mention that for?" Mayuri looked away refusing to meet his gaze "No reason."Tess was busy opening the container and prepping the anti-venom for Gano, so Mayuri and he were brainstorming on the best route to take in order to make their escape "Gil' provided us a complete layout of the surrounding area!! 

We can't go that way!" Mayuri merely made a face "We can" she turned to look at Gano "Trust me, just cause there isn't a path doesn't mean we can't make one." Douglas' temple vein "STOP ACTING LIKE WE'RE USING HIM!! HE'S A HU-" Brook covered Douglas' mouth "Don't let this woman make a fool of you! Chill!!"Biting his hand, Douglas realized Brook was right, but he was still in a frenzy "Say something to her!!" he yelled in a hushed whisper 

"Quiet down and listen guys-" Tess instructed, laying Gano down flat, they made sure to walk a good distance before stopping in case they were followed before Tess insisted they make time for Gano's treatment "-this medicine doesn't get in his system now it's over for all of us. Brook, Mayuri I need you to hold him up and keep him still while we walk. Douglas-" Realizing the seriousness of the situation they all calmed down, doing what she instructed, taking one arm each Brook and Mayuri lifted Gano up, making sure to keep him steady and balanced "-whatever happens don't let the IV setup fall from his arm, his physiology's human in nature, but there are still differences we can't tell apart...I don't know how soon he'll recover or if the medicine will be enough.

Another spasm shoot through Gano's figure and his fingers splayed all over the place "Just hold on for a sec-" Tess' hands were even and steady, needle pierced into skin, and transfer of medicine into vein began, whether a side effect of ability or pure luck a medical miracle was witnessed with the drug showing immediate effect "His color's returning-" Mayuri noticed "-and the twitching's stopped." Tess noticed a faint spark of green electricity and it took nearly everything in her power not to jump back 'Yeah" she frowned, disappointed with herself "Still not used to that." 

In the wake of the aftermath Gil' took to the road "Beggars can't be choosers I suppose." Having installed a protocol to wiped all programming and memory of the drones, he knew there was only one thing left to do "The other side doesn't sound so scary, but you never really know til' you're actually there." It was light traffic and only a few cars on the road, but Marylin Margret would never forget the sight of the red care she intentional saw swerve off the side of the road and plunge into the deep river below, by the time she pulled to the side to inform the local authority it was too late-the deed was already done.

"Strange" Douglas checked his phone, having to multi-task and running on fumes, he nearly forgot to check in on Gil' "He's not answering his phone. I hope he didn't get caught." he voiced his concern "Seems like everyone gets caught hanging around you" A weak voice echoed, eyes fluttering open, Gano's emerald green eyes opened once again "I'll be damned" Brook whistled "Gano! You're back!!" Douglas was elated, nearly jumping to hug the man before Tess stopped him with her friend "You'll kill him if you do that!!" she warned "So he returns from the dead, checking the vial, a fourth of the medicine still yet to go, him being awake and alert was a bit ahead of schedule "Mayuri, is that you hanging on my arm like that-" he teased "-I'd much rather you hold my hand." 

Digging her nails into his skin, Gano winced "Watch it, I may forego my uses for you and do you in myself. I'm surprised you can even stand, you were bitten by the most poisonous snake in the world-a normal human'd be dead." Gano gave a nonchalant shrug response "I am who I am." Taking notice of their surroundings Mayuri figured it was no time like the present to call an audible on the play "Lets take a left turn here" she commanded "Douglas, come take me spot holding his arm in place, the ladies will be taking the lead now."  The group as whole shot her dirty looks, minus Gano, who remained curious more than anything as to where this was going on 

"Hey guys, for now, I think it's best we follow her lead, she could have left me for dead back there. Honestly, without her help I wouldn't be alive, I trust you Mayuri." Mayuri sneered at what-to her- appeared to be false sincerity "Those emerald greens don't fool me! We're headed this way!!" making sure to avoid the vermin scuttling and scurrying about their foot, a dead end meet them, the passageway blocked by a set of bars.

"I told you!! I told you!" Douglas stomped his feet pouting "It's a dead end here!!" Mayuri snickered, before breaking down in a fit of laughter "What's wrong with her!" a drop of sweat found its way down Tess' face "You..." Mayuri hunched over, grabbing her stomach in laughter "...fools....." tears welled up in her eyes, Gano remained stone-faced, and the others froze in shock "......thinking you were in real danger....is the JOKE!!" suddenly the laughter stopped and Mayuri soon wore an emotionless mask as well "Gano, do you mind clearing a path?" Deciding to oblige, and wanting to cause further commotion, the bars were covered in a green electric spark and threw themselves back  "Just how easy was that for you to do?" Mayuri interrogated the green-haired man hooked up the IV, accelerating the process, the rest of the medicine quickly deposited itself into his system "What?" Tess looked over in shock 

"The only trouble you brats were in was when this man got bit...I see why my employer's so desperate to get a hold of you...." Mayuri raised an accusatory finger "I've figured your trick! If the more people that know the easier it is to defeat you that's why you've been holding out." Confusion etched itself on Douglas, Brooks, and Tess' face "Your little fri-" Holding up his hand, Gano gave a nod to Brook and Douglas messaging he could stand on his own 

"What Mayuri's trying to tell you, what I should've told you before taking your life in my very hands, and dragging you into my mess, is that my particular ability is of a dangerous sort...my power is-" Pulling a taser out of her bra, Mayuri held it to Gano's neck, making sure the voltage was set onto full blast, to everyone's shock, Gano wasn't, not even a little bit "Yo" a lightbulb went off in Brook's head "So that's it" Douglas put two and two together, thinking back to when they first me "Gano you lied to us...again?" Mayuri giggled in wake lieu of their response "That's Gano for you...our electromagnetic star." 

https://youtu.be/TlMRstKf8B0