Beyond The Great Unknown, a Big Mouth/Final Fantasy crossover

Author's note: this chapter takes place after chapters 4 and 5. Chapter 5 showed what the other characters were up to while the characters in the Robotics Club room were working on the robot. This chapter returns events to the present time, and begins with the characters meeting up at lunch, and follows the events that happen after lunch, and later after school. The first part will show multiple points of view, and show multiple characters thoughts, so at times it may be hard to follow, so please bare with me. 

Cafeteria, multiple POVS

As expected, the line for lunch was longer, louder, and busier than usual, with students arguing, shoving, and cutting in line to get their pizza first. The school, as usual, had ordered a dozen pizzas so there would be enough for everybody. Besides the pizza, the school had also purchased a dozen large bottles of soda. Students had a choice of either Sprite, Orange Fanta or Cherry Pepsi. Once everybody got their pizza and a cup of soda they either took it to a classroom, the student lounge or sat at one of the tables in the cafeteria. 

As Nick and Devin each grabbed a plate of pizza and a soda, him a Sprite and her a Fanta, they headed towards an unoccupied table, hoping to sit alone and chat while they ate, but the second they sat down, Andrew sat down at the same table, followed by Jay, then Missy and Nate, then Jessi, with Camden, predictably sitting next to her. Seconds later Lola came swooping in, taking the spot on Devin's other side. 

Jessi, taking a bite of her pizza, told the others what had happened earlier with her and Camden, and about the principal making them come to the observatory that night. She shrugged. "I dunno. It might be fun. Beats staying home."

Missy smiled. "I'll come. I've actually had the alignment and eclipse marked down for a while. I can't wait to watch it with the observatory telescope. Did you know this is the largest and most powerful telescope this side of the United States? You'll be there right Nate?" She turned to him and smiled. 

Nate smiled back. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world." 

Missy turned to the others and smiled. "How about you guys? We should ALL go. It will be almost like the school sleepover, but with a super powerful telescope, plus we'll get to see all the planets. It's really a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

Everybody looked at each other. Nick smiled at Devin. "I dunno. What do YOU wanna do? I was just thinking of video chatting tonight, but I dunno, this sounds pretty cool. I'll probably have to beg my parents to let me go though since it's a school night."

Devin shrugged and smiled. "Yeah maybe. My dad's getting home today but my mom said they're going out to dinner with some friends. If I know my parents though they'll probably end up staying out later than they planned, hitting the club and whatnot. They always do. What about you, Lola?"

Lola scoffed. "Why, it sounds nerdy and boring!!" Seeing the hurt looks on Missy and Devin's faces, she quickly added: "But I mean, Rodney did say yesterday when he called he'd try and stop by this afternoon to check in on me, maybe bring me dinner. I know he sometimes has coffee with some security guard buddies. I think the night guard at the observatory is one of them. I'll ask if he can bring me, and he can have coffee with his buddy while I'm hanging with you nerds, then he can drive me home after. Happy now?"

They looked at Andrew, who sighed. "Well, I mean, even if I could get a ride, I mean, I just don't know. I mean, I haven't really been into astronomy since I read that book, plus there's no way my dad would come out so late to bring me back home."

Nick shrugged. "No problem, my parents could probably give you a ride back."

Andrew sighed again. "I really don't know. I mean....."

"You should go, Andrew. It'll be fun." They turned to the voice. Rachel stood behind Andrew, smiling. "Me and my dad are totally going. We've been talking about it all weekend." She held something out and showed it to Andrew. "I stopped by the school library on my way here. I got it, the book you mentioned. Doubting Andreas. Gonna start reading it later." 

Missy smiled. "You should check out the Rock Of Gibraltar. If you're into historical romance, it's a really great read. There's this scene with Fatima and Gustavo where......"

"If you can't get your parents to bring you back I'm sure I can convince my dad to bring you back", Rachel said, acting like she hadn't heard Missy. 

Andrew seemed to think hard. Finally he smiled. "Well, I guess it'll be fun. If I stayed home my dad would probably make me help him throw out old Newsweeks or break down moldy old boxes. Sure, I'll come. I guess we can talk about the book if you start it this afternoon before we go."

Rachel smiled. "Great!! We still hitting the computer lab after lunch?" 

Andrew smiled. "Sure. You'll have to help me create my profile, I'm no good at those things. Also I still have to think of a good character name. Unfortunately unlike your name, the letters in Andrew just don't make for a good anagram."

She shrugged and smiled. "We'll think of something. The character creation part is really fun. You can even create a backstory for the character, which can affect how other characters act around you. It's really cool. I'll meet you after lunch. See you soon." She waved to the others and walked off. 

Nick turned to Jay. "Well, looks like everybody else is going. You wanna come tonight Jay?"

Lola snorted. "He probably wouldn't go unless MATTHEW went!!" 

Jay opened his mouth, about to angrily retort, when Matthew walked by. "Unless I WHAT?", he asked, looking from Jay to Lola curiously. 

Jay nervously took a giant bite of his pizza, looking at the table, seemingly trying to avoid Matthew's eyes. "Nuffim!! Ipf nuffim, neffer nimb!!!", he replied, chewing while he talked. 

Lola, however, seemed determined to rock the boat. She turned to Matthew. "Well, these dorks are all going to the observatory tonight, and roped me into going. Now they want Jay to go, but he probably wouldn't want to go unless YOU did."

Jay, trying to wash down his food with a long drink of soda, gagged and sputtered, spraying his shirt, the table, and Andrew with soda and chewed up pizza. He gasped and coughed as Nick patted him on the back. After coughing several more times, he glared angrily at Lola before turning to Matthew. 

"No, Matthew, look, everybody was just talking about going. I never even said I wanted to go. I didn't even KNOW about the eclipse or whatever tonight. I don't even care about it, and I know you'll probably wanna stay home anyway and play board games and text what's-his-name or......."

Matthew shrugged. "I can text Dewayne while I'm THERE. The observatory should have WiFi. I'll go. I'm too old to be playing kid games with the others." Perhaps it was Jay's imagination, but he actually seemed EXCITED about going. 'Probably just to get away from home for a bit. Definitely not excited about hanging out with ME. He has a boyfriend', Jay thought. 

Matthew smiled. "I'll have my dad bring me tonight. If you want, Jay, I can even have him drive you home. He's been asking about you, remember? I'll see y'all there." He walked off, leaving Jay and Lola staring speechless after him. 

Everybody sat in silence for a few moments. Finally Missy smiled. "Well, it looks like we're ALL going tonight. I remember going my first time. My dad gave a lecture there to some university students and took me along for take-your-daughter-to-work day. I was like 8 at the time I think. I think I took a picture of the telescope with my mom's old instant camera. I forget what I did with the photo."

Nate smiled. "Well, I'm sure you'll get some better photos tonight."

Missy smiled. "Oh yes, I DEFINITELY gotta get a picture of you standing next to the telescope. A high-tech, state-of-the-art, high-powered telescope AND my big, studly man in one picture?" She laughed wistfully. "Can't wait!!!"

The friends finished eating, talking about their excitement for the night ahead. Finally, finished eating, everybody went their separate ways. As Andrew headed off to find Rachel, Jessi and Camden headed off to see what was playing in the movie room. Jay and Lola decided to head back down to the basement, and Missy and Nate decided to hit the library, trying to find some epic space fantasy books in honor of tonight. 

Finally, only Nick and Devin remained at the table. Nick smiled. "So, what do YOU wanna do the rest of the day?" 

Devin shrugged and smiled. "I dunno. Maybe just sit and chat a bit? Maybe later we can go see what games they're playing."

Nick laughed. "You're a gamer too? Awesome. What kinda games do you like?"

Devin shrugged again. "Anything with great big stories and lots of characters with great personal stories and character arcs. Mostly fantasy stuff like RPGs. Stuff like Dragon Quest and Fire Emblem, my sister and I both love those, although lately she's been getting into cozy games like Story Of Seasons and Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, stuff like that. Let's see.... Elder Scrolls is pretty good, but I've only played Oblivion and Skyrim. Greedfall is pretty good too. Just generally anything with lots of player freedom and character customization and tons of quests. What about you?"

"Mostly action games or shooters", he replied. "The Doom games are one of my favorites. I've played pretty much all of them except the Doom RPG games or the Mighty Doom mobile game. The Quake games are pretty great too. Same developers even."

Devin nodded and smiled. "Yeah Doom is pretty great, I've played all of them too. I actually think Doom 3 is one of the best even though it's supposedly non-canon. I just really love the atmosphere and jump scares in that one. The old-school ones are super fun to play too. You can find the original Doom on pretty much ANY system or any device with an app store. Did you hear Netflix is making a Doom animated series?"

Nick nodded. "Yeah, can't wait. I hope it's as good as the Castlevania series and the Devil May Cry show. I've played every Devil May Cry game except 5, even the reboot from 2013, which I personally think is one of the best."

Devin nodded again. "Yeah I like them too. But besides the story and characters, I think the most important part of ANY game, shooter or RPG, is the soundtrack. Personally I think RPG games have the BEST music. Like every time I play a game with a great soundtrack I usually listen to the music for hours on YouTube or anywhere I can download the songs. I mean, the music in games is more than just background ambience in towns, dungeons and boss battles. The music brings the games to life."

"Yeah I like listening to the music too. Like lots of games from the Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64 era have great music. Like the original Doom and the Mario games. Pretty much all the Mario games, actually."

"Yeah, I like how the music from those games are considered classical music now. My dad is a big fan of classical music. Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky, stuff like that. Like my parents kinda hate how I prefer classic rock and metal and stuff, even though that music is actually sort of INSPIRED by classical music. It's just a bit LOUDER than the stuff my parents and THEIR parents listened to." 

Nick laughed. "Yeah my brother listens to stuff like that, metal and punk and stuff. My parents are always yelling at him to turn it down." 

Devin laughed. "I don't turn mine TOO loud, cause I usually just leave my clock radio on while I sleep. I can only sleep if I have some form of light and sound. I can't sleep in darkness and silence. I always plug in the lights over my window and turn on my radio before I go to bed, but just loud enough so only I can hear it."

Nick laughed. "Are you like scared of the dark or something?"

Devin frowned, and for a moment Nick was worried he'd hurt or upset her, but she shook her head. "No, it's not that. Well, not exactly. I mean, I just HATE silence. In a weird way silence is actually LOUDER than anything else. You know what I mean? And well, maybe.....yeah maybe I AM a bit afraid of being in the dark. But not for the reasons you think. You see, I..... well BOTH my sister and me, we used to have really......WEIRD dreams. Still DO, actually. And by weird, I mean WEIRD. Strange. Scary. Like not so much nightmares, but more like.....VISIONS it feels like. Like I'm watching a movie instead of dreaming. Like I see places I don't recognize. Places and people and......CREATURES not of this world. And I don't mean like Hormone Monsters and Lovebugs and Shame Wizards and stuff, I mean like something right out of a book or.....well, maybe a game."

Nick stared at her, as if trying to make sense of all this stuff. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't help himself as he replied. "Maybe you've been playing TOO MANY fantasy games."

He expected her to glare at him, but she just shook her head again. "No. I've.....I've had these strange dreams even BEFORE I started getting into video games. My sister started having these dreams after she was born too. What's even weirder is we both often see some of the same things in our dreams. Like we sometimes see the same places or creatures. And we've both seen....." Devin paused, and suddenly she looked scared. 

Nick waited for her to continue, but she stared at the table, as if lost in thought. Or maybe too scared to continue. Finally Nick couldn't stand it anymore. "You've both seen WHAT?"

Devin shook her head. "No. I'm sorry, I can't.....I can't talk about it. Sorry, but.....I just can't. It's just too scary. Too weird. Too difficult to describe." She shook her head again, then seemed to think about something. "You know, I wonder if my sister and I got some of this weirdness from Grandma."

"What do you mean?", Nick said. Weird? No way Devin's grandmother could be weirder than his grandfather. 

Devin sighed. "It's just.......our grandmother was just.......really strange. She never talked about where she came from. I mean, my dad's side of the family, where we get our last name, their ancestors are from France. But my grandma from my mom's side, she never talked about where she was from, but she had a sort of strange accent nobody could place. My mom said she used to tell her strange stories though, and sometimes when she spent the night or me and my sister would stay with her, we would sometimes hear her at night, talking in her sleep. Like WEIRD stuff. Like once I could have sworn I heard her say stuff like "magic" and something about a tree, and then, once, I think it was just me over there that time, I saw her jump awake, and she said, almost SCREAMED "they're all dead!!". Devin shook her head. "She was just really strange, kind of distant. I'd never say it in front of my mom, but I don't think growing up with her was easy for my mom. Maybe that's why mom is the way she is. I used to hear people talking about her, my grandma, like at church and stuff. Pretty much everybody knew how weird she was. Some people think maybe it might have been from a head injury when she was young. She had a scar on her head, not really big, but shaped really weird. She never talked about how she got it, just like she never talked about anything else. She died when I was like 11. The weird thing is, the only people that came to the funeral from her side were my mom, my sister and me. The entire time she was alive, neither my mom, my dad or my sister and me never met anybody else from her side. No brothers or sisters or even cousins. We never met any and she never mentioned any." She sighed again. "But then I guess EVERY family has that one weird relative." 

Nick laughed and told Devin how about a year ago his grandfather, his father's father, Seamus, had moved in and made their life a living hell, corrupting his father, and how he himself had briefly swapped bodies with Seamus. By the time he had finished, he and Devin were the only people left in the cafeteria. 

Devin laughed and shook her head as Nick finished. "Wow. Crazy. My grandma was definitely weirder though. I DO miss her sometimes though. All we have left of her is some old photos, but not many. She didn't really like having her picture taken. Plus my sister has a necklace she gave her before she died. My mom said grandma had worn that necklace CONSTANTLY. Like she NEVER took it off. Mom says grandma even SLEPT with it on. It's true, actually. Every time I saw her she was wearing it. I don't know WHY it was so special to her. It's just a big piece of crystal, about the size of a shotgun shell, on a long leather cord. I mean it's pretty, but she was like OBSESSED with it. I mean, mom told me that she once refused to take it off to get an X-ray when she fell and hurt her back. The doctor eventually relented and let her keep it on since he didn't think it would affect the X-ray. Like literally the only time she took it off was when she gave it to Tiffany, a couple days before she died. She even made Tiffany promise to never lose it, sell it or give it away. And actually, Tiffany wears it every day, never leaves it at home. I mean, unlike grandma she takes it off when she showers and goes to bed. But it's Tiffany's most prized possession, and one of the few things to remember grandma by. What's weird is, when she gave it to Tiffany, Tiffany at first wanted ME to have it, since I'm the oldest, but grandma INSISTED that TIFFANY had it, for some reason. It seemed so important to her. I don't think mom was too happy about it though, I think she was planning on burying grandma with it so she'd never have to see it again."

Nick shook his head. "Wow. I never knew MY grandma. Dad doesn't talk about her much. He never even talked about grandpa until I tracked him down myself. I sometimes wish I never had. But like you said, every family has somebody weird." He looked around the empty cafeteria. "Well, anyway, you wanna go check out the game room?"

Devin nodded. "Yeah, let's go check it out. Maybe they have some multiplayer games so we can play together."

They got up and headed out of the cafeteria. In the hall they were met by Ali and Gina who stood talking to a few other girls. Gina smiled as they approached. 

"Hey Nick, Devin. Where have you been, Devin? After you talked to Nick you kinda disappeared. I've actually been looking for you."

Devin smiled. "Sorry, Gina. Me and Nick and some of the others were working in the Robotics Club room. It kinda went a bit longer than we thought. I was kinda wondering where you guys were too. I didn't see you at lunch."

"Yeah we ate in the student lounge. I was gonna text you but I forgot to get your number earlier. Here, let me give it to you."

Gina and Devin exchanged numbers. Ali also gave Devin her number. 

Devin smiled. "So, what are you two doing the rest of the day? Me and Nick are going to see what games the others are playing. Hopefully multiplayer games, like Mario Kart or something. By the way, me and Nick and the others are going to the observatory tonight. You two wanna come?"

Gina smiled. "Sounds good. Let's go too, Ali. Beats staying home with my brothers for a change. We'll come to the video game room too. I barely get a chance to play at home, my brothers hog the couch and controllers."

The group walked off to the game room, passing by the computer lab on the way. Nick saw Andrew and waved. Andrew waved back, then turned back to the computer as Rachel instructed him. 

Andrew's POV

Andrew waved back to Nick and the others and turned back to the computer screen. Rachel stood by his side, explaining the character creation process step-by-step. 

"Ok, now just select the race you want. Personally, and I know it sounds boring in a game with many different species, but I suggest go with human. My character's human too, remember. Good. Now, job class. Let's see......" She stood in thought for a few moments, then nodded. "Ok, how about space pirate? Cause you can actually run into lots of other pirates as well as other types of outlaws, but some will actually not attack you if you're one too, and others will even join you if you've gained enough infamy. Plus pirates are good with laser swords, guns and other weapons, and can fly many different types of ships, and can even hotwire them to steal them."

Andrew nodded and chose space pirate. Now Rachel walked him through the character design. He decided to try and make his character look as far from his real self as possible: tall and thin but muscular and broad-shouldered, without glasses. No mustache, but long blonde hair down to his shoulders. Speaking of hair, Andrew hoped Rachel wouldn't notice his OWN receding hair as she stood beside him. 

Rachel nodded as she studied his character. "Cool. Now, let's see, we need a name and backstory." She thought again, then smiled. "How about: you were born on a war-torn planet, your parents and older siblings killed during the war for resources. Some survivors found you, and after wondering the desert for days were found by pirates hiding in the desert? They took you and the other survivors in, and over the years the pirates taught you gunfighting, unarmed combat, mechanics, how to fly and hotwire a ship, and other useful skills? That way you have a tragic backstory, but are also hardened and tough." She watched as Andrew typed in what she told him, then frowned. "Wait, why did you put you play the clarinet?"

Andrew laughed. "Well, I used to be in the jazz club in middle school, and I played the clarinet for a while." He didn't bother adding that he practically SUCKED at playing it. She didn't need to know that. "I just thought it'd be cool if he was a sort of jack-of-all-trades. Multitalented. You never know. Might come in handy."

Rachel nodded and smiled. "Yeah maybe. The newest update actually did add music halls and nightclubs. I heard if you play good enough music you can earn a lot of space bucks and even rare items. Ok, now the hardest part. Your character needs a name. Any ideas yet?"

Andrew shook his head. They both sat in silence for a few moments. Then, suddenly, Andrew gasped. "I GOT IT!!!!", he said, louder than he meant. He went to the character name window and typed: Drewkent Siwel. 

Rachel studied the name. "Interesting. But where on earth did you get a name like that?"

Andrew smiled. "Well, the first part of the first name is just a nickname for MY name, Andrew. I even started going by Drew when I first got here, but it didn't stick. The second part, Kent, well, I used to tell strangers I met my last name WAS Kent, just to seem cooler, you know? As for the last name, well, it's just my dead grandpa's name, Lewis, backwards. Just a way to honor him, you know?"

Rachel nodded. "I see. Well, that IS an interesting name. And it's kinda fitting for a sci-fi fantasy game." She smiled. "Well, I think you're all ready. Just click Begin. You'll start where everybody starts: the spaceport."

Andrew clicked Begin, and his character appeared on screen, and, after reading the control tutorials, started testing out his character. Rachel took the computer next to him in case he still needed help, and logged into her own account. Andrew looked around the room. Besides him and her, and Caleb sitting by himself at a computer further down, and a couple other kids he recognized from the Robotics Club, they were the only ones. 

He turned back to the screen and started moving his character around. He turned to Rachel. "Hey you said we could join parties. Where are you right now?"

Rachel laughed. "Well, to even FIND me and my party you have to get a SHIP to leave the spaceport. And it needs a good hyperdrive cause I'm quite a few planets away. And you need to buy some decent gear and weapons cause some of the other worlds can be quite dangerous. But since you just started you don't have a space buck to your name."

She laughed again, but then she sighed and shook her head. "Ok, tell you what, I don't have any active quests or faction missions right now. I'll come find YOU. Let me send a message to Caleb over there, he's in my party too, and we'll come get you. I'll add you to our party, and you can come with us. Our ship has some pretty good spare armor and weapons in storage."

Rachel quickly typed something on the computer and turned to Caleb. Next second he turned and gave her a thumbs up. Rachel turned to Andrew and smiled. "Ok just sit tight. In game, hyperspace travel takes hours or even days, but in the real world, here, it only takes mere minutes. Just a sec, lemme see......." She sat and looked at her screen for a few minutes, then turned back to him. "Ok, our crew is on the way. The ship's computer says it will take about 10 hours, but in our case that's just like 10 MINUTES. We'll be there soon."

Andrew smiled at her. "Thanks Rachel. You know. For everything. For being my friend, even though I was a jerk. For helping me."

She smiled back. "No problem. You're actually pretty cool." Perhaps it was Andrew's imagination, but he thought she was blushing slightly. 

They sat in silence for a few minutes while Rachel's ship traveled to meet his character. Rachel pulled out her phone. She smiled as she read something. She turned to him. "My dad just texted me. I'm gonna ask him if he'll be able to give you a ride to the observatory and back, so you won't have to ask your parents. He shouldn't mind, he actually gives his coworkers rides all the time." She texted a message on her phone, her fingers flying across the keyboard faster than Andrew could blink. Finally she sent the message with a beep. A minute later her phone beeped again. She read the message and smiled. "Hey said maybe, if you're not too far. Where do you live?"

Andrew told her his address. She gasped. "Wow, we used to LIVE on that street when my parents were still together. After they split up me and my dad moved further into the city so he'd be closer to the lab. But your place isn't too far from the observatory. I'm sure he won't mind." She texted another message and waited for the reply. When her phone buzzed she checked the message immediately. She smiled. "He says no problem. But we'll have to clean out the back seat before he picks you up. Dad was keeping some parts for the lab's new project in the back. It's ok, we'll just put them in the garage." She put her phone back and checked the computer screen. "Cool, we're almost there. Just a few more minutes. Wait till you see our ship."

A few minutes later the doors to the spaceport waiting room opened and several characters walked up to Andrew's character. A female who was most likely Rachel's character stepped up to him. He got his first look at her: tall, thin, and dressed in some sort of sci-fi military gear. Like Rachel herself, she had the same sandy brown hair, but no glasses, but had the same intelligent spark in her eyes. Andrew couldn't help but notice that her curves still showed magnificently through her armor. 

A message bubble popped up as she approached. Andrew clicked the dialogue button. "Hello, I am Dr Lechar. Wanna join my crew?"

Andrew eagerly clicked "Accept" and turned to Rachel. She smiled at him and brushed a strand of hair from her face. Again Andrew could have sworn she was blushing. 

Another character, a giant bear of a man with a shaggy beard and arms and legs bursting with muscle, walked up and thumped his chest. "I am Lord Infinite. I wield the power of all the gods of the cosmos." 

Rachel laughed. "Caleb, you just have a nuclear warhammer and double-barrel blaster. And the name you chose is Belac, your own name backwards." She turned to Andrew. "Ok, come with us. Our ship is totally neat."

She led them outside. There, across the sandy, windswept desert spaceport landing zone, sat a large, silver-grey ship. It reminded him of a shark: besides the color, it had two large 'wings' on the side, almost like fins, and a third, smaller on the hull. Even the front of the ship, the cockpit, was long and pointed, ending in a sharp point like a snout, the twin laser cannons beneath adding to the imagery of a greedy maw waiting to devour prey. 

Rachel smiled at his shocked look. "Beautiful, ain't she? Besides the cannons, this baby has a few other tricks. Stick around long enough and you just might learn all her secrets. Come aboard and we'll get you set up with some cool weapons and armor."

Andrew followed them onto the ship. By now he was getting used to the controls, which were easy, if a bit clunky. The inside of the ship matched the outside, silver-grey steel with an eerie white light filling the halls, courtesy of the florescent light panels on the walls and ceiling. The eerie silence, save for the faint hum of the ships engine and buzz of the lights, made him feel like he'd been swallowed by the very creature the ship reminded him of. He had to remind himself he was playing a game. 

Rachel turned her character to face Andrew. Next to him she typed something, and seconds later her character's message popped up. "Ok, the storage lockers are just down the hall. Just grab whatever you want, anything that looks good or easy to use. Make sure you check carefully before you equip anything, weapons or armor, cause some things can make stats go up OR down when you equip them. The game will tell you before you do. Green arrow means it raises stats, red means the stats will go down. Got it? Ok. See you soon."

Andrew moved his character in the direction Rachel had mentioned. Instead of typing a message back he turned to Rachel herself. "Got it. Thanks. I actually think I'm going to like THIS better than the board game. No offense. It just feels easier." 

She turned to him and smiled. "You're welcome. And it's ok, I like both. I know some people just prefer video games. I used to myself, until I joined the Robotics Club. Speaking of robots our ship has a couple of gladiator robots we use in battle. We keep them deactivated unless we need them to save power. Anyway come back to the bridge once you finish picking out your gear."

Andrew walked to the end of the ship and found the lockers. He opened them one by one and inspected the contents. He carefully checked the effects of each on his stats as Rachel had suggested. He soon found the best armor, which at first looked heavy, but according to the description, was actually light but strong. It looked pretty close to Rachel's own armor. He equipped it, then looked at the available weapons. He remembered Rachel mentioning that, being a pirate, he was good with laser swords, so he looked until he found one, and, equipping it, also found a blaster, probably barely bigger than his hand, but according to the description and attack ranking was actually pretty powerful. He took it too, along with a few medkits, then headed back as Rachel had instructed.

He approached Dr Lechar and Belac and the others. He decided to try messaging as his character. Walking up to Dr Lechar until the speech bubble appeared, Andrew clicked Open when the prompt appeared in the bubble, and a keyboard screen appeared. He quickly typed: "I found some good supplies I think. A blaster and sword and armor. Oh and some medkits. Where to now?" He then clicked Send, and turned to Rachel as she looked at his message. She read it and turned to him, smiling. "Yeah, your character looks great in that armor. Where to? Hmmmmm, I dunno. Actually let's return to base. There might be some faction missions by now. The base is a few hours away by hyperspace travel, but remember for us that's only minutes. Let me just talk to the pilot."

The "pilot" turned out to be the first alien Andrew had seen in the game so far, a large, pink, gelatinous creature whose blobby, Jello-like body appeared to not so much sit in as melt over the large pilot's chair. The creature worked the ship's controls-a complex array of switches, buttons, dials, levers and screens-with a dozen or more long, blobby tentacles. Dr Lechar approached him and spoke briefly. The creature responded with a noise like a cross between a hiccup and a pig's snort and quickly flipped several buttons and switches, and next second the ship appeared to shake, and suddenly the lights in the ship changed from soft white to dark blue. A loud, earsplitting noise filled the ship, almost like a dozen nails dragging across a chalkboard. 

Rachel turned to him. "We're in hyperspace. The lights went into energy-saving mode to give more power to the hyperdrive. That sound? That IS the hyperdrive. That's the only downside. It's really, REALLY noisy. It's ok, you can just mute the speakers. Nothing important should happen till we get to base." She turned the volume knob on her own speaker until it turned off and waited until Andrew turned off his own. She smiled. "How do you like it so far? Probably different from most games you've played. What kind do you usually like?"

Andrew smiled. "It's pretty cool I guess. And I don't really play games much. I mean, I don't actually have any systems of my own, my parents say they're too expensive, so I don't play unless I'm at a friend's house. Actually, the last time I actually played a game was like a couple years ago at my friend Jay's house. It was supposed to be a fun sleepover, but it kinda turned into one of the worst nights of our lives. Me and Nick I mean. You wouldn't believe what happened if I told you."

Rachel laughed and checked the screen. "Well we got plenty of time. C'mon, tell me!!"

Something about her playful, teasing smile was just too hard to resist. Somewhat reluctantly, he told her about going over to Jay's house and playing Hooker Killer: Vatican City, and having a good time until Jay's brothers came home and forced them to play a series of humiliating, sadistic games with the promise of letting them watch a pornographic movie, eventually trying to make them ejaculate on crackers and eat them. Nick and Andrew had eventually fled the house, but Andrew had managed to swipe the porno. Andrew told her that he and Nick watched the tape, but NOT that watching it led him spiralling into an addiction that had nearly destroyed his life, including getting him arrested when his jizz-soiled clothes were found in a dumpster with a victim of the Ponytail Killer. She DEFINITELY didn't need to know any of that. 

Rachel stared in increased shock as he told the story. When he was done she shook her head. "Wow, crazy. That's why I'm glad I'm an only child. I mean, I have lots of cousins, like the one I told you about earlier, but at least I don't have to deal with them that often."

Andrew immediately thought of his own cousin, Cheryl, and for a moment thought of telling Rachel about how Cheryl had come on to him not once, but twice, the first time during a family trip to Florida, the second time at his grandfather's funeral, but again decided it's best she not know EVERYTHING. Besides, if he told her THAT, his tongue just might become loose enough to tell her about his sending a dick pic to Cheryl as well. What would she think of him THEN? 

He sighed, and to his relief saw she had turned back to the computer. She turned to him with a smile. "Good news, we should be coming out of hyperspace soon. We're almost at the base. I'm thinking maybe we should just save the game here, I don't want to get wrapped up in a mission and have to turn it off halfway through to go home. How about we pick it back up tomorrow after lunch?"

Andrew nodded. "Sure. Um, how do you save the game?"

Rachel tapped a few buttons on the keyboard. "Just a sec, the ship's coming out of hyperspace now." Andrew turned back to the screen. Sure enough, the ship stopped shaking and the lights turned from that eerie blue back to blinding florescent white. He turned the sound back on. Perfect. No more nails-on-chalkboard. Just good old sci-fi space music. 

Rachel appeared at his shoulder. "Ok, we can just save here. Our ship's landing at the base hanger, but we can just save on the ship. Just click the pause button, there", she pointed. "And just choose save. Some places you actually can't save, like certain dungeons or during battle. To be safe I always make THREE saves every time, and always overwrite my previous saves when I get to a new location." 

Andrew followed her instructions and saved the game, then before he realized it, created two more save files. He turned to her, thinking she'd be annoyed by him copying her. Instead she smiled. "Three saves are always good. Just in case you make a mistake during a quest, or wish to reset abilities or something, or in case the game glitches, so you don't lose too much progress. Oh, by the way, let me show you...." 

Andrew was reaching for the Escape button to exit the game, and Rachel reached out at the same time for the keyboard. Their hands met, for the second time since the Robotics Club room. Just for a second, but Andrew noticed that her hand felt warmer now. He quickly moved his hand away. He hoped she couldn't see the embarrassment on his face. "Sorry. I was just, um, just gonna exit the game. Uh, what did you want to show me?"

To his surprise, he noticed she was looking sideways, seemingly in the direction of the other students, but he still noticed her red face, and noticed she was trying to stifle a laugh. Nervous? Embarrassed? He wasn't sure. But next second she turned back to him and smiled as if nothing happened. "Oh, nothing. I was just gonna show you, in pause menu you can also bring up the music library. It keeps a record of the music of every location you've been to so far, and you can change the menu music to any track you like while you're changing weapons and armor and upgrading your character and stuff. It's pretty cool. Anyway, there's only like what, thirty or something minutes left of school. That's why I didn't want to start any missions. But you have a computer at home, right? And the game is free. So, tonight, after we get done at the observatory, maybe before bed tonight, you wanna..... well, play a bit?" She suddenly appeared shy, he noticed. 

Andrew nodded. "Um, sure. My parents will be asleep by then. I just hope my dad doesn't find out. He has like a sixth sense. He knows when me or my mom touch the thermostat or turn on a light or the TV or anything. Even when he's asleep, anybody touches ANYTHING, he'll know, and will wake up and be on you in a flash!!!" 

Rachel laughed and shook her head. "Wow. But MY dad's kinda like that with his experiments, you know? He literally has signs and Post-Its all over the house, for friends, guests or even ME, saying stuff like "Don't Touch" and whatnot. Anyway, I almost forgot. Let me give you my number." She pulled out her phone and gave Andrew her phone number. Andrew quickly added her to his contacts. All of a sudden, despite his promise in the Robotics Club room, he suddenly felt both excited and hopeful. Hanging out with Rachel today, both in the Robotics Club and in here, had been fun. He was sure, just hours earlier, that she would hate him forever, but now she had not only forgiven him, but had given him her number, and was looking forward to hanging out with him tonight, and had even convinced her father to give him a ride. Despite hours earlier swearing off any romantic feelings for a good long while, he suddenly felt his heart beat quicker as the truth dawned on him: he was actually starting to fall for her, and, quite possibly, as strange as it would seem, surely SHE must like him too. It would explain the blushing. 

'But what do I do?', he thought. If he simply came out and told her how he felt, or flat out asked her how SHE felt, not only might it make things awkward or uncomfortable by moving too soon, but Andrew had learned from experience that the wrong move could jinx a relationship. Kissing Missy in the photo booth. Visiting Bernie unannounced in Vermont. Even relationships he hadn't wanted or been serious about had blown up in his face because of his actions. He almost winced in pain as he remembered Lola breaking his wrist. But surely Rachel, as sweet and kind as she was, wouldn't hurt him the way any of them did? Surely, if he told her that he thought he liked her, and asked if she liked HIM, which he was sure she did, surely that would be a good thing? 

But try as he might, he just couldn't bring himself to say anything except his own phone number, and watched as Rachel added his number. She smiled. "So, um..... I'm gonna go back to the Robotics Club room real quick, make sure everything's ok. Make sure nobody's come in and messed with anything, then gonna lock up and give the key back to Principal Goldberg. He holds the key to the room. Not even the janitor comes in there until we're done with our projects", she explained, and showed him the key. "Wanna come with me, or meet me after, and we'll talk a bit before the bus comes?"

Andrew thought, then shrugged. "I'll just see you after. I'm gonna go see what Nick and everybody's up to."

She nodded and smiled. "Ok. See you soon."

Andrew watched as she walked off, then sighed. A bit louder than he meant, as Caleb turned and shushed him. Andrew just shook his head. Here he was again, another pretty, nice, cool girl who he liked, and who actually liked him back, but he was just too chickenshit to make the first move. He simultaneously wished Maury was here right now so he could ask him for advice, but also glad he WASN'T because he knew the advice would probably be bad, leading to embarrassment, heartache, injury, or all three. But at least he would be somebody to lend an ear, however dirty, or a comforting hand on his shoulder, however filthy. For the second time that day he found himself missing the Monster's presence. His loud, hairy, horny, smelly presence. He felt like he was the only person-if he could even be called that-he could talk to about such things. He knew Nick would probably just tease him, Jessi would give some preachy, annoying feminist insight into the matter, likely some "her body, her choice" bullshit, while Jay would probably give WORSE advice than Maury. And Missy, well.......he wasn't even gonna go there. As for his parents, well, that would be the most embarrassing conversation of all. Even though his mother had comforted him the night Bernie dumped him, she wasn't exactly a romantic, and his dad........actually, now he wondered what Marty Glouberman's Hormone Monster could have possibly been like? Could he have possibly been better, or perhaps WORSE, than Maury? Could a bad Hormone Monster, or perhaps NO Monster, to guide his father through his own puberty be one of the reasons he was such a curmudgeon? And on that note, if Andrew couldn't navigate the rest of his adolescence on his own, including the impending trip to the observatory with Rachel, where these feelings would be festering sinisterly like the contents of Pandora's Box, would Andrew be destined to grow up to be just another angry Glouberman man: angry, stingy, loud, overweight, balding, misogynistic and lazy, shaking his fist at the world he had once loved? 

Andrew sighed again and exited the computer lab. Forget looking for Nick and the others. Seeing them, with their boyfriends and girlfriends, probably all canoodling and having a grand old time as couples, would just make him feel even worse about his dilemma. For a second he considered retreating to the janitor's closet, the one he had hidden in on that fateful day when he first joined the Robotics Club, and staying there for the last 20 or so minutes of school. But he remembered how dark and smelly and gross it was. Plus, all by himself he knew he was easy pickings for the Shame Wizard, and he DEFINITELY didn't need a visit from HIM right now. So he simply headed to the front of the school, where surely one of the benches would be unoccupied, where he could sit and think, and mentally prepare himself for the night ahead. As it would soon turn out, however, he could NEVER have prepared for what would happen that night, and that soon, humiliation and heartache would be the LEAST of his worries. 

Nate's POV

Nate sat next to Missy at the table as they looked over the books they had selected to read over the weekend. Sci-fi books, obviously, in honor of tonight's celestial event. Nate wasn't surprised to discover he had already read most of the books, either here, or in middle or elementary school. Mostly books based on favorite sci-fi movies or shows, or forming part of the franchise. He actually had quite a few signed copies of Star Trek and Star Wars books at home, and at least a couple signed Spaceships And Martians books, including a sourcebook signed by the games creators themselves. Definitely one of his most prized possessions, and one of his most memorable experiences at a fan convention.

He looked over at Missy, leaning back in her chair slightly and smiling as she read. He could tell she was as excited as he was about tonight. Maybe even more so. That was one of the most wonderful things about her: it didn't take much to make her happy. Unlike most girls, who were obsessed with celebrities and fashion and social media, Missy truly lived for the moment, and didn't need anything more than her family, friends, and, of course, him. 

Nate at times wondered if he wanted more from the relationship, to go further, and also wondered if she herself wanted more, or when. He almost cringed with embarrassment as he remembered her parents walking in while they were making out. He had honestly been terrified her father might grab a shotgun and chase him off, or worse, like countless movies and shows. But to his surprise, after a brave but respectful talking-to from Missy, her parents had let them close the door and continue their makeout. Of course that was ALL they had done, and all they had been doing ever since. Despite Missy's horniness and apparent eagerness, he could tell she wasn't ready for anything more yet. But he wondered when HE would be, and what she would say when he was. 

As he gazed longingly at Missy, he heard a familiar voice at his side. "What's going on in that noggin?"

Nate turned and saw his Hormone Monster beaming at him. 

Nate sighed. "I don't know, Simon. It's just, I've been nervous about going over to Missy's place ever since....since that happened. And well.......I dunno, I'm sure Missy's parents will be there tonight. And it'll just be awkward seeing them again after.......you know, after THAT. Plus at times I feel like I want.......MORE. You know. To go further. But I don't know how SHE feels." He was speaking as softly as he could so Missy wouldn't hear. Plus it was a sacred library rule to not talk loudly. 

Simon Sex nodded. "I see. The age-old dilemma. Move fast or move slow. Stay in the slow lane or pick up speed. Indeed, that is the question that has boggled both humans AND Monsters since the dawn of time. And the truly vexing thing is, there IS no easy answer."

Nate sighed again. "Yeah, I know. I just......Missy is the most interesting person I've ever met. She's given me something to think about besides schoolwork and robotics and just generally being the smartest guy in school. Like I used to pride myself as the smartest and hardest worker in my grade, but Missy made me want to also work on being the BEST BOYFRIEND. And I'm afraid if I don't put more effort into it, besides just making out and occasionally going to the movies, she might get bored, but I'm ALSO afraid if I tried asking for more, she might not be into it, or I might scare her off."

Simon appeared to think over Nate's words. Finally he nodded. "Yes, I see. Kinda like me and my boyfriend Walter. Not long ago we moved in together, because we were bored with only seeing each other every so often, because our work keeps us constantly busy. I even tried getting a job at the same office. Unfortunately, well, it turned out that we were moving too fast. Like we started driving each other crazy, living under the same roof. We both had different tastes, different habits, stuff like that. We realized we weren't ready to live together just yet. We ARE still together, just not LIVING together. The point is, sometimes you listen to your gut, sometimes you listen to your GROIN. But your heart should always have a vote. Basically, if you're just horny being around the one you love, and want to keep taking it further, that's your dick talking. But if you feel nervous or anxious when you have those thoughts, perhaps your gut is trying to tell you something. But the most important feeling often comes from the heart. The mediator between head and hands MUST be the heart. So, whatever you want to do, or whatever you feel like SHE might want, you have to pay attention to which direction your heart leans. That's what Walter would say, I'm sure."

Nate nodded. "Yeah. That makes sense. It's just, I know Missy pictures me as some hunky sci-fi action hero. She even told me I remind her of Nathan Fillion. And actually that's flattering. But I know most teenagers, like her and myself, only entertain such fantasies while we're in school, but after college, what with jobs and bills and stuff, that's usually when you......wake up. My dad actually used to dress up as Mario as a kid, and even got his friends to dress as Luigi, Bowser and Peach for Halloween. Funny thing is, my dad actually IS a plumber, but now he thinks video games are a waste of time. He didn't even want to see the Super Mario Bros movie, I just ended up going with my friends from the Robotics Club. I'm just saying, what if after high school, Missy grows out of these fantasies, and wants somebody more......grounded? What if I do MYSELF? Or we might just be too busy to see each other and just end up drifting apart?"

Simon sighed. "Alas, any of those things are possible. But the point is to live in the moment. In the here and now. The point is, you don't KNOW what's going to happen down the road. You don't even know what will happen TOMORROW. And by the same token, you know that no matter how much either of you might or might NOT want to go further, you know you won't be able to TONIGHT, cause you have plans. Whether you will or won't, that's tomorrow's problem. In my experience, love and lust go hand in hand, and both grow with each passing day. I know it can often feel like a lot of pressure, but remember, pressure makes diamonds. Given time, one way or another, I know you and Missy will no doubt shine all the brighter!!!" 

Nate smiled. Sometimes Simon could be very wise. Even though Nate could tell he was usually stoned, he wasn't as vulgar or loud or demanding like most Hormone Monsters. Indeed, he sometimes reminded Nate of a wise old wizard from a fantasy story. He had been with him since Nate was 13, and had always been a source of great advice and often comfort. 

While Nate still wasn't comfortable with admitting it to Missy, Nate himself had had many a kinky sexual space fantasies too, usually involving sex androids and sexy alien chicks, sometimes with three or more boobs. Simon even sometimes helped paint the picture in his mind's eye, along with occasionally supplying incense to help clear the mind all the more. Of course, Nate hadn't had many of those fantasies since he had started dating Missy. 

Nate smiled again and nodded. "You're right. I shouldn't worry about the future." He turned to Missy, who was still quietly reading, completely absorbed, oblivious to the conversation happening right next to her. "The present is.......well, a PRESENT. Time is the greatest gift we're given. I guess that's why they CALL it the present."

Simon smiled. "Couldn't have said it better myself. And don't worry, I'll be there tonight too, making sure everything goes smoothly. Maybe I should go find Maury, see if he wants me to try and score some good bud for tonight. Maybe I'll even try and get some....."

Just then the end-of-school bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Next to him Missy jumped, startled by the sound, and almost fell out of her chair. Catching herself, she turned to Nate, smiling as she gathered up her books. 

"Well, my parents should be on the way. I guess I'll see you tonight? Like 8, like Jessi said?"

Nate smiled as he gathered up his own books. "Sure. I just hope I make a better impression on your folks this time around."

Missy smiled. "I'm sure you will. Just let my dad know you love sci-fi shows as much as him and he'll be your friend FOREVER."

Nate had a feeling it would take more than his taste in television to impress her parents, but nodded and smiled. "I heard your folks like board games. Maybe I'll come by sometime with Spaceships And Martians."

Missy laughed. "Maybe, but you'd have to explain how to play. My parents aren't exactly hip to THOSE kinds of games." Her phone beeped, and she pulled it out and checked the message. "It's my dad, they're here. I'll see you tonight then." She put her phone back and adjusted her backpack and the books in her arms. She leaned forward and they shared a quick kiss. Nate heard Simon sigh behind him. 

Missy gave him one last smile and walked off, waving with her free hand. Nate watched her walk away until she turned the corner then turned to Simon, who was smiling like a parent watching their child take their first steps. 

"Ah, young love. So precious. So pure. I always get sad knowing that humans only live such a short time, but take solace knowing the flames of love burn forever."

Nate smiled. "Forever just doesn't feel like long ENOUGH when I'm with her. Sometimes I wish something like one of these books or Spaceships And Martians could happen in real life. Death-defying adventures ALWAYS make romance stronger."

Simon nodded. "Indeed. I've worked with people in the military. Fighting far away from your loved ones DOES make that love grow bigger and stronger. Even love that blossoms between TWO soldiers, friend or enemy, grows stronger with danger. Cause you're not just fighting for freedom, you're fighting for LOVE." He sighed. "But alas, you and Missy are much too young to join the armed forces. And I doubt something like one of your shows or books could actually happen."

Nate sighed as he headed out of the library, Simon following. The hall was crowded with students heading towards the front of school to the buses. Even though he was sure Simon couldn't hear him over the deafening cacophony of voices, he replied nonetheless. "Yeah, probably not. I may be tall, handsome, smart and strong, but I'm not that brave."

Little did he know that in only a few hours he would both get his wish for a "death-defying adventure", and would be forced to find his bravery. For himself. For Missy. For the world.

Nick and Devin/simultaneous POV

Nick and Devin walked out of the school together, hand-in-hand. Despite telling her mother she would take the bus home, Devin decided to walk home, like she walked to school that morning. Besides, her and Nick lived only like several blocks from each other, so neither had to walk that far. Devin knew her sister would be getting home soon herself, and wanted Nick to meet her, since they hadn't really had a chance to meet at her and Devon's 'wedding'. 

Waving goodbye to their friends, promising to see them tonight, Nick and Devin set off toward their neighborhood. Technically Nick's house was first, but his parents were still at work. Leah was probably hanging with friends, and Judd was out doing who KNOWS what. Plenty of time to walk Devin home and get back himself. 

After a few minutes of silence, simply turning to smile at each other as they walked, Devin sighed. "I really think today was.....well, I'm only 15, so, probably not the best day of my LIFE, but definitely the best in a long, LONG time."

Nick nodded. "Same. So much has happened in the past couple years. Every day it seems there's just something crazy. At least today was...... normal."

Devin nodded and smiled. "Yeah. The robot thing was actually really fun. Hanging out with Missy and them. I'm so glad she and I are friends now. I just wish....." She frowned and sighed. "I just wish her and I had been friends BEFORE now. Jessi and Gina too. If only I just hadn't always been so....." She sighed again and shook her head. 

Nick sighed. "Same. In fact when you and I had that fight, after I said..... said what I said to you, I should have thought better of it. My friends all pulled my ass out of the fire so many times, but I keep doing and saying the wrong things, and hurting people who I care about. I remember, a year or so ago, after I broke my leg, I was in my room, thinking about everything. Jessi and Ali and the statue, the things Missy and I posted, EVERYTHING. I sat for a long time, just thinking. And I finally realized I can't blame OTHERS for the things I say and do. I need to take responsibility for my OWN actions. I remember actually saying that out loud, and my Monster....well, my old FORMER Monster, Rick, he said something like: "well, I MAY be your Hormone Monster, but YOU'RE your own Monster too!!" I remember just sitting and thinking about what he said, and I realized he was right. In fact that was the night you and Devon re-married. I remember you making Devon apologize for breaking my nose."

Devin nodded. "Yeah. And then the whole episode with Lola and Jay and Matthew." They both laughed. Nick turned to her and smiled. "I remember the dress you wore that night. You looked so beautiful."

She smiled. They stopped walking for a second and shared a long kiss. Nick pulled Devin closer and pulled his arms around her waist. For a second he thought about slowly inching his hand further down to grab her ass, but thought better of it. 'Too soon', he thought. 

As they slowly broke apart, however, Nick gazed at her beautiful face framed by the sinking afternoon sun. As he took in her beautiful smile, something struck him. A long-forgotten memory from so long ago. He felt like a bolt of lightning struck him as it came back to him. 

"Wait, hold on a second. I just remembered: you DID have freckles in kindergarten. I remember now!!!"

Devin frowned, as if trying to remember. "Did I? I don't remember. I know I started wearing makeup like during my second year of elementary school. That's when they started showing up more. I don't remember if I....."

Nick shook his head. "No, I remember. In fact I remember you trying to cover them up with a crayon. In fact you grabbed a crayon from Lola, and she tried to beat you up, but Devon stepped between you two. In fact that was the day you tried climbing that tree!!!"

Devin laughed. "OH MY GOD!!!! Now I remember!!! They had to call my mom over to help calm me down. I was just so scared being around so many noisy kids. I just wanted to go home and watch cartoons. Wow, that feels like ages ago now." Suddenly she gasped and turned to him. "Wait. I just remembered something too. When I first got there, when I was sitting alone in the corner, just watching everyone else play or draw, you.....you came up to me and introduced yourself. You told me not to be scared. You gave me something.....I think it was a drawing you did. I think a basketball hoop or something."

Nick gasped. He had totally forgotten about that. How on Earth did he NOT remember any of this until NOW? He nodded as he started to remember. "Yeah. I'm starting to remember. My parents had bought the basketball hoop for Judd, cause he used to play with some neighborhood friends. I'd only recently started trying to shoot baskets myself. I tried drawing it, but......"

Devin laughed. "Yeah, I remember, it was pretty awful. Still, it was really sweet. I remember getting out of the corner and sitting in the desk next to you as they started to pass out snacks. I think we shared something. An apple I think."

Nick nodded. They just stood there in silence for about a minute as these memories came flooding back. Devin shook her head. "All this time I thought Devon and Lola were my first friends, the first people I talked to in kindergarten, but it was YOU." She smiled. "And like I said earlier, I think I liked you back then too, as soon as I met you, but I was just too shy to say anything, and by the time me and Devon got to elementary school, we'd already started that stupid couples facade." She shook her head again. 

Nick smiled. "I think I had a crush on you back then too. You were the cutest girl in class. Now you're the most beautiful girl in school."

They smiled and kissed each other again. Just like before, it felt like they were the only two people in the world, the cars and people passing by a mere illusion, or part of a world outside their own reality. Time seemed to slow down. They could have stood in that position, their lips locked, the only sounds their own breathing and beating hearts, for hours or days. 

Finally they pulled apart again, smiling. They turned around to resume walking, only to see Maury and Mona beaming at them. 

"Hello darling. Sorry to interrupt. Maury and I were just talking, and decided we should introduce ourselves to our client's respective significant other." She turned to Nick. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Mona, Devin's new Monstress." 

Maury bowed and grabbed Devin's hand, kissing it lightly. Devin flinched, but tried to maintain her smile. "And I am Maury, Nick's Monster. Such an honor to formally meet you." 

Mona glared at Maury, sensing Devin's discomfort at his action, but turned back to Nick and Devin with a smile. "Don't worry, we know you two have plans tonight. We're not gonna hover. The thing is, Maury and I agree that you should have some space now that you're together. Same with Missy and HER boyfriend. What I MEAN is", she added, seeing their confused expressions, "just when you're TOGETHER, like now, or at school or each other's house. Obviously we'll still be with you, and touch base once you're by yourselves."

Maury nodded. "Indeed. I feel perhaps it was my meddling that caused Andrew so much misfortune in the dating department. If only I hadn't been so pushy, so demanding, things might have been different. However, my co-worker Megan told me today at lunch that Andrew is actually getting close to your Robotics Club friend Rachel. I wish I could wish him luck, but at this point I think it'd just embarrass him more. Also, the way Megan describes her, Rachel is as smooth as sandpaper in the romantic department herself, so they probably both have their work cut out. Just let me know how it goes, Nick." 

Nick smiled. "Sure. They're both going to the observatory tonight with the rest of us."

"Rachel's really sweet. I loved working with her today.", Devin added. "You're right, Maury. I think they like each other, they were talking for a long time, and Rachel was blushing when she came back."

Maury sighed. "Well, just remind him, Nick, if he ever talks to you about her, remind him not to overdo it. Don't be possessive or aggressive. Just be HIMSELF."

Nick smiled and nodded. "Sure thing." 

Nick and Devin started walking again, followed by their Monsters. The bus passed by and Nick and Devin waved to the others on the bus. 

Maury sighed again. "I remember the day you kids got on the bus to go to the Statue Of Liberty. I remember you and Jessi sitting in the back next to Devin and Devon. I tried to get Andrew to sit next to Missy, but another girl took the seat, and he ended up sitting next to Coach Steve."

"Wasn't that the day Jessi got her period?", Mona chimed in. "Connie told me that's the night she got assigned to her."

Maury nodded. "And Andrew was such a noble gentleman that day, buying Jessi that 9/11 towel to cover her pants. God that feels like decades ago even though it was barely over two years ago. Man how the time flies. Of course when you've been alive for billions of years, the years just feel like days."

Nick laughed. "I remember when I asked you to help me with my puberty back then, at the time you didn't want anything to do with me."

Maury chuckled. "Well I had my hands full with Andrew. Remember, at the time he had a nasty porn addiction after the breakup with Missy. Even Connie didn't want to deal with the fallout, so Mona was assigned the task. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't happy they gave you Rick, he's hopeless, but I'm simply too OCD to leave a task until I'm finished. It turned out all right though, I'm here NOW, and look at YOU. Tall, handsome, popular, and have a girlfriend. And most of that was with little or NO help from me. Andrew was too dependent on ME for everything. At least YOU'RE a bit more independent and pragmatic."

Mona nodded. "Like Missy. Soon, although hopefully not TOO soon, she'll be ready to fly solo. It's always sad when your work is done and you have to say goodbye. That must be what it's like to be a parent and watch the little birds leave the nest. Same with this little cutie." She placed her hand lovingly on Devin's shoulder. Devin smiled at her. 

Maury laughed. "Before, Mona here wouldn't give me the time of day. Now she has to work WITH me."

Oh?" Mona said, cocking an eyebrow. "Do you know me so well, Maurice Beverly? Enough to call me a snob AND an opportunist in one breath?"

Maury grinned and held up his hands. "Maybe I spoke too soon."

"Maybe you should stick to things you know about," Mona snapped in a tart tone. She gazed ahead, and her tone changed as she added: "Our promise, for example."

They stood in front of Devin's house. Nick hadn't even noticed them pass his own house. Nick had seen her house many times when the bus picked her up or dropped her off before or after school, but had never actually been inside. 

"Well, like I said, we'll give you two some privacy for now", Mona said. "By the way darling, I forgot to tell you this morning, Emmy said to say hi. I can't wait to tell her the good news." 

Devin smiled. "Tell her I said hi too. I miss her. I hope she gets time to drop in, like she promised."

Mona nodded. "I'm sure she will, darling. She really likes the guest house. We hardly see each other though, our busy schedules and all. But she'll be so glad to hear about you and Nick."

Waving goodbye, promising to touch base once they were alone, Maury and Mona vanished. 

Finally alone, Nick and Devin let out a sigh of relief at the same time. Devin turned to Nick and smiled. "Come on, my sister should be home by now. My mom will be getting off work soon, but she'll have to go pick up my dad. We can hang out a bit until she gets here."

Nick followed Devin up the stone-paved path to the front door. Devin opened the door and called out. "Tiffany!! Are you home yet?"

A second later Tiffany appeared at the top of the stairs. She was watching something on her phone, judging by the sound, but seeing Devin and Nick, she paused whatever she was watching and put her phone in her pocket. She smiled. "Hey sis. You just get home?"

Devin nodded. "Yeah, just now. Tiffany, this is Nick. Nick, this is my sister, Tiffany. She goes to Brutus Pink Middle School, the new middle school after Bridgeton Middle closed."

Nick smiled and shook her hand when she descended the stairs and reached them. "Oh cool. My friend Matthew's younger brothers and sister go there. How is it?"

Tiffany shrugged. "It's ok. They let us bring handheld game systems to school and play them during break if we want. It's also one of the few schools who still do the fake money thing. You know, give us plastic dollars for behaving during class or doing all our work, and we use them to buy snacks from the student store. Also, the bus drivers will even turn the radio to adult stations as long as we behave on the ride to and from school. And on Fridays they have a movie day, and will sometimes choose a PG-13 movie for class. It's a really cool school. I just wish it had a Lax Day like YOUR school!! Speaking of, how WAS Lax Day today?"

Devin smiled. "Pretty good. Me, Nick and the others worked on a robot my friend Missy is building for a robot battle contest. I also showed my poems to the teacher in charge of the poetry club. He said he's going to try and get one published in the school paper."

Tiffany smiled. "That's great sis. Your poems are really good. I remember the one you wrote when grandma died."

Devin smiled. "Speaking of, show Nick the necklace grandma gave you. I told Nick about grandma today."

Tiffany nodded and fiddled with her shirt collar. For the first time Nick noticed the thin cord around her neck. A second later she pulled from under her shirt a long strap of what appeared to be aged, worn leather. On the cord was a piece of crystal. Like Devin said, it was barely bigger than a shotgun shell, and probably weighed about the same. But while at first glance it appeared to be clear as glass, Nick noticed that as she moved it around, fondling it between her fingers, it appeared to shimmer strangely, the center seeming to crackle with electricity, like a miniature lightning storm, or swell with fire, the flames dancing like a campfire in a high wind, or solar flares jettisoned from the sun. 

Tiffany noticed him examining it curiously. She nodded. "Yeah, the crystal must have a flaw. In science class they taught us about gemstones, and they said if a stone has a flaw inside it can cause it to look weird in certain light. See? If I stop moving it it stops. But sometimes it still does it, even when I'm not moving it. Even at night when I take it off. I always leave it on my nightstand next to my bed, and sometimes it seems to glow, like very faintly. Like a strange blue-green glow. It's weird, but I like it. The glow is really pretty. I love it. It's one of the few things we have left of Grandma. I would NEVER give it away or throw it away or sell it, not for a BILLION dollars!!"

Devin smiled as Tiffany put the necklace back on and tucked it back under her shirt. She turned to Nick. "Actually, Nick, do you want to see her grave? The cemetery is only a few minutes walk from the house. We'll be back before Mom gets home."

Nick smiled. "Sure. If we're lucky we might catch a rare Judd sighting, my brother likes to hang out there."

Devin lead the way out of the house, Nick walking beside her. After a couple seconds they took each other's hand again. Tiffany followed behind. She looked at their joined hands curiously, but didn't say anything. That's what Devin admired about her younger sister: she minded her own business, didn't ask annoying questions like most younger siblings. She knew Tiffany wouldn't say anything to their parents about Nick being over here. She was the coolest, most mature little sister in the world. 

After only a few minutes they reached the cemetery. The smell of freshly-mown grass greeted them, and dozens of small flying insects buzzed around the place, looking for a new place to rest, but they appeared to be the only people. Well, LIVING people, anyway. Devin guided them past the long row of tombstones, some new and shiny, some old and faded with age, until they reached a large marble double tombstone with the inscription:

Here lies Gerard Stanford Coppersmith 1938-2017. Banker, chessmaster, and beloved father and grandfather, and his wife Serena Jill Coppersmith (ne Carol) 19??-2022. Dressmaker, painter, and beloved mother and grandmother. 

Nick studied the tombstone closely. "It doesn't mention your grandma's birth year."

Devin shook her head. "She acted like she didn't know it. And maybe she didn't. I told you she wasn't really all there. Anyway Coppersmith was grandpa's family name, my mom's dad, and Carol was grandma's maiden name. My mom was a Coppersmith before she met my dad."

Nick nodded. "Cool. So she was a dressmaker and a painter?"

Devin nodded. "Yeah. Well dressmaking was her actual job, painting was just a hobby. But she sold some of her paintings to places like hospitals and senior citizen homes. You know, for decoration. Most of her paintings were landscapes. You know, valleys, mountains, oceans. But some of them, strangely, looked like places in the dreams we've had."

Tiffany turned to Devin, a worried look on her face. "Devin, I don't think you should....."

Devin shook her head. "It's ok, sis, I told Nick about our dreams. We can trust him. I mean, I had to tell SOMEBODY. I mean, it's just so weird, us having the same dreams, seeing the same places. And that they became more frequent, more VIVID, after Grandma died, and that the places we've seen look like the places she painted. Places that don't look like anyplace on Earth." 

Tiffany shook her head. "Devin, please. You know I don't like talking about those dreams. They scare me."

Nick looked from Devin to Tiffany, confused. "What's the big deal? I mean, they're just DREAMS, right?" 

A heavy silence fell over them as they appeared to contemplate the question. Devin and Tiffany stared at the tombstone, as if hoping it would vouchsafe an answer. Finally, Devin sighed. "Come on, we should get back, mom will probably be getting home any minute now."

They exited the cemetery and set off in the direction of Devin's house. Nick noticed the troubled expression on Devin's face and hoped he hadn't upset her. He was about to ask her when his phone buzzed. He pulled it out and saw it was a text from Jessi reminding him about the observatory tonight and telling him to remind the others. He turned to Devin. "Jessi was just reminding me about tonight. You're still coming right?"

Devin turned and nodded. She noticed Tiffany still appeared troubled after their conversation about the dreams. She thought of something that might cheer her up. "Hey sis, me, Nick and some others are going to the observatory tonight, to watch the eclipse and planet alignment. You want to come?"

Tiffany thought for a second, then smiled. "Sure. We're actually studying space and the planets and stuff at school. It might be cool."

Devin smiled. "I'm sure it will. Don't worry, we'll only stay for like an hour, and be back before mom and dad get back. You know they like to stay out late."

Finally they reached Devin's house. Devin turned to Tiffany. "Go inside, I'll be there in a few minutes." Tiffany nodded and turned to Nick. "It was nice meeting you. I guess I'll see you tonight." 

After she entered the house and closed the door, Devin turned to Nick. "I wish you could stay a bit, but my mom will get home any minute, and she doesn't like people over after a long day. Plus she'll be going to pick up my dad, his train should be arriving soon. I'll just see you tonight. Me and Tiffany will come meet y'all as soon as my parents take off for their dinner."

Nick nodded. "Cool. I'll see you there then." They shared a quick kiss, then Nick set off toward his house, while Devin walked up to the front door. No sooner had she entered the house than she heard the garage door open. Her mother was home. 

Sure enough, Abigail stepped into the house, on the phone with a friend. She carried a takeout bag with two Styrofoam containers. Her and Tiffany's dinner no doubt. 

Seeing Devin, she handed her the bag, continuing her conversation. "Yeah. Yeah. No. Maybe. I don't......see that's why I'm glad they only had the ASSes test in middle school. But college tests are harder. If any more players flunk and get benched they might as well cancel. Plus that scandal with the coach and the cheerleaders. Yes, the coach I'm taking over for. Well, there WAS another coach, the one who worked at Bridgeton Middle. Kind of touched in the head. What was his name? Well anyway he disappeared, and I was the only one available. Lucky me. But anyway, now they're requiring players to submit urine tests before practice, and of course before the big game. All because A FEW decided to hit the reefer instead of the books. It's a nightmare I tell you. If only I knew I probably would have......oh, hang on a sec, it's my husband. I'll call you back." She hung up on the current call and answered the incoming. "Yes Bertrand, I'm fixing to leave now, I was just bringing the girls their dinner. Yes, yes. You want to come home and shower first? Yeah, plenty of time, we're not supposed to meet them until 7. Sure. All right, see you soon." 

She hung up and turned to Devin, who was already opening her food. "I'm going to pick up your dad from the train station, he's gonna come home and shower and change before we go to our dinner with our friends. We might stay out a bit later though."

'You always DO. Dad's been gone for over a week and now he's going to dinner with you and some bigshot friends, barely stopping to say hi to his daughters', Devin thought. She sighed as Tiffany entered the room and grabbed her own food. She said hello to her mother, who repeated the same thing verbatim she had told Devin, then, grabbing her phone, purse and keys, headed out to the garage. Next second they heard the car start and the garage door close.

As soon as they heard the car pull away the sisters sighed at the same time. They ate their dinner in silence, the only sounds their chewing and the slow ticking of the clock on the kitchen wall.

Finally, their meals eaten, Devin threw the empty containers in the trash. Tiffany stood up and stretched. "I'm gonna go lay down for a bit. What time did you say we're supposed to meet your friends?"

Devin checked the time. "At 8. That's the time Jessi is supposed to be there. Mom said her and dad are supposed to meet their friends at 7, so we'll head out as soon as they do. We still have a few hours. I'm gonna go lay down a bit too. It's been a long day."

So the sisters headed upstairs to their rooms. As soon as Devin entered her room and closed the door, Mona appeared at her side. 

"Hello darling. Missy is on video chat with Nate, talking about their plans for tonight. I thought I'd give them some privacy and check in on you."

Devin sighed as she lied down on her bed. "I'm fine, Mona. Just tired. I'm just gonna rest for a bit until it's time to go. Mom's going to pick up Dad, then they're going to their big dinner with their friends. That's when we're gonna sneak out and meet the others."

Mona nodded sympathetically but didn't say anything for a while. Devin closed her eyes. Surely Nick was home by now. She knew he'd have no trouble getting there tonight. Even if his parents said no, he'd either sneak out or have his brother bring him. 

Mona seemed to read her mind. "I know Nick must be excited too. This is technically your first REAL date. I hope all goes well tonight."

Devin nodded, her eyes still closed. She hoped so too. She sighed as she rolled over on her side. She felt sleep pulling her under. Mona said something else, but Devin couldn't make it out as she started to drift off. When she finally fell asleep, she had one of those strange dreams, but couldn't remember what she saw when she woke up. Little did she know that tonight she would find herself in the very world she had been glimpsing in these dreams, a world as terrifying and dangerous as it was

beautiful and mysterious, and that soon her dreams would make sense, and her questions would be answered. For better or worse.

End of chapter 6

So, I think y'all can see where this is heading. First the things Devin mentioned at lunch, then the things they talked about in the cemetery. Speaking of cemetery, did you catch the last name on the tombstone? If not go back and check. People who've played IX should have caught it, especially if you love the game as much as me. 

Anyway, NEXT chapter is when it FINALLY happens, when our beloved horny teens finally find themselves drawn into the beautiful, mysterious and dangerous world of Final Fantasy IX!!! Are y'all pumped? Then simply go to next chapter, I'm posting it immediately after this. As I said I have all chapters up to 11 already done, and will work on chapter 12 soon. 

Be sure to follow, review, and comment. Pretty please., Thanks a bunch in advance!!!