Someone else?! Who?! Ace? Lexi? Rev? Slam? Tech? WHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-runs around screaming-

Tessa: Ignore her. Please.

What's with the HSM reference in the chapter title? XD
Noooo! Techie must not be sick! Hopefully he shall heal. We will pray for him. *prays*
Can't wait for the update!

Oh noes! TECH!!!!

But I'm glad that Duck's alright! Hmm... I have this sneaky suspicion that Mastermind's shot has something to do with this......

Tessa: You have a sneaky suspicion on EVERYTHING.

Me:...shut up.

-is hugged- YIPPIE!!!!! -hugs back-

TECH'S MISSING?!?!?!

Tessa: No, she meant Andrew.

...oh...-facepalms-

Where IS Tech anyways? And what is it with the news people? Where are the others? WHY ARE YOU KEEPING US IN SO MCUH SUSPENCE????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tessa: I believe you're the only one screaming like crazy about suspence right now.

You're not the only one....
Icy: SSSSSUUUUUSSSSPPPEEEENNNNCCCCEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me: See?

Chapter 10: "Shreds of Faith"

 Minutes ticked by in what seemed like hours to the six Loonatics. They had last seen Tech when the doctors took him to the emergency room. Now they were sitting in the waiting room of the hopsital, hoping that their freind would pull through.
 
 Ace and Lexi sat side by side, holding each other's hand. Lexi had her other arm around Cassidy's shoulder. Rev sat beside Cassidy, his bright green eyes bouncing from place to place out of nervousness. Duck and Slam were on the other couch in the bright, white-coloured room. Duck was unusually solemn and Slam had lost his appetite. The six sat in dead silence.
 
 Suddenly, Cassidy stood up. Ace glanced at her. "Where ya goin'?" He asked out of curiousity.
 
 "Outside for a walk." She replied quietly.
 
 "Want one of us to come with ya?"
 
 "No, that's okay. But thanks." She was desperate to find some space to herself. When she was outside the hopsital's walls, she felt a slight weight lift off of her chest. This would be the first time she had visited the hospital since the meteor. But that was the last thing on her mind right now. She sat down on a nearby bench. Glancing down at the locket around her neck, she opened it. Cassidy stared at th picture inside of it for a few minutes.

 Suddenly, Cassidy was ambushed by a bunch of news people, hurling questions at her. Like, "What happened to Tech?" "What is his condition?" and "Are the doctors able to help him?"
 
 Cassidy stared at them, controlling the thoughts that she so desperately wanted to scream at them. 'Why are you asking? You don't care about him like we do! Leave me alone!'
 
 Just as suddenly, Duck appeared beside her. "Please, I'll handle the questions. As you can see, Cassidy is still in a state of shock. And she has a good reason to be! Now, what were the questions again?" He walked away, the news people eagerly following him. Duck glanced at Cassidy and gave her a thumbs-up.
 
 Cassidy smiled at him. Relieved that she could now breathe, she leaned against the cold bench. She thought about the questions she had been asked, realizing what was worse than being asked. It was not being able to answer them.
 
 The feeling of a hand on her shoulder snapped her out of her trance. Cassidy turned around to see Rev's concerned green eyes. "Ace sent you two after me, didn't he?"
 
 "Are you okay?"
 
 "Yes, I am."
 
 "Hey, don't worry, I'm sure that Tech's gonna be fine! I mean, pnuemonia may be bad, but Tech has regeneration powers, making him pretty strong! On top of that, these are some of the most intelligent doctors in the world I'm sure they can find a way to help Tech!" Rev piped, hoping to cheer her up.
 
 Cassidy smiled and hugged him. "Thanks Rev." She let go of him. "I'm gonna go see if we can visit Tech."
 
 "Okay, I'm gonna go tell the others!" Rev disappeared.
 
 Cassidy searched for the doctor she had talked to, but had no luck. So, she walked to the room where Tech was. It was a very large room, with a smaller room inside. This room had glass walls all around. "Pressurized, most likely." She murmered to herself, glancing at the machine outside of it.
 
 "Excuse me, miss. What are you doing here?" A doctor asked her.
 
 "I'm here to see Tech." She answered.
 
 "Relation?"
 
 "No, I'm a freind." The doctor probably didn't recognize her as she was no longer wearing her uniform, but casual clothing.
 
 "Well, you can't enter the room, but you can speak to him. Careful, though, anything could send him into a coughing fit again."
 
 "Thank you, sir." Cassidy replied, walking up to the speaker. "Hi, Tech."
 
 "Cass?" Tech responded.
 
 Cassidy winced. His voice sounded weak and hoarse, and it probably hurt to speak. "How are you feeling?"
 
 "Are you worried about me again?"
 
 Cassidy half-smiled. Tech could read her like a book, he always knew what she was thinking. "You know I am. And you didn't answer my question."
 
 "I'm okay." He lied.
 
 Just then, Ace, Lexi, Duck, Rev, Slam, Bailey, Mike, and Melissa entered the room. "Oh, Techie, I can't believe this is happening!"
 
 Cassidy's face twitched. Tech's family didn't know what had happened three months ago. Bailey noticed the haunted look in Cassidy's eyes. She stepped beside her and hugged her. "I'm scared, too." The younger girl whispered.
 
 "Don't worry, mom, I'll be fine. And you guys keep an eyes on those two," Tech pointed at Cassidy and Bailey. "Knowing them, they might be up to something." He said jokingly.
 
 Cassidy and Bailey allowed slight giggles to escape them. But they quickly died down when Tech began coughing again. Everyone exchanged worried glances.
 
 Ace finally broke the silence. "Come on, guys, maybe we should let him rest."
 
 The six Loonatics left Tech's parents with him. Cassidy once again made an escape to the bench outside.
 
 Duck walked up to Cassidy slowly. "I'm sorry."
 
 Cassidy gave him a look of surprise. "Why?"

 "For all of this. Especially after what happened three months ago...." His voice trailed off.
 
 Cassidy nodded, bravely trying not to let her tears show. But Duck spotted them anyway. "You can punch me if you want."
 
 This broke her into a small giggle. "No I couldn't."
 
 "Seriously, punch me. It will make both of us feel better."
 
 Cassidy sighed. "Okay." She gently touched his arm with her fist.
 
 "What was that? Come on, do it like you mean it! Like you did to Andrew!"
 
 Cassidy's face stiffened. Duck slapped his forehead. "Sorry, Cassidy, I didn't mean to bring him up..."
 
 "I know. I forgive you. It's just, I don't know where he is, and it's bothering me....." She stopped. "Anyway, I want to say thank you."
 
 "For what?"
 
 "For driving away those newspeople. Before they drove me insane."
 
 "Ha! They should be thanking me! I practically saved their lives!"
 
 Cassidy giggled a little more. "I guess I've grown a reputation for being a little violent when I'm mad."
 
 "A little?" Duck snorted. "You practically beat you-know-who to a fine powder!"
 
 "Well, it doesn't matter right now...."
 
 "You know what?" Duck started, "If I could make one wish, it would be that none of this happened."
 
 Cassidy smiled. "Thanks, Duck. That meant a lot to me."
 
.BLUE TRIANGLE.
 
 Later that day, Ace returned to the waiting room after taking a walk with Lexi. He and Lexi stopped and smiled at what they saw.
 
 King John was sitting on the couch with Maria beside him. Cassidy was curled up on the couch, asleep, her head resting on her father's lap. Ace cleared his throat and the two coyotes looked up at him. King John smiled at both of his daughters. "I finally got her to sit down and next thing I know she's out like a light."

 "It must've been hard, knowing your daughter was in someone else's hands." Ace said simply.
 
 John gave a slow nod. "It's amazing though, to see her now, after all that time. I'm being serious when I say that she's just like her mother." He handed Ace a picture.

 Lexi gave a small squeal. "Awww...... Both her and Maria look so cute and little! But, they also look completely different from each other. She looks like her mother, and Maria looks like you, Sir."

 "You're right, Lex. And, Sir, you should save this and show it to Tech." Ace said with a small chuckle.

 King John was confused. "Why? What is so funny?"

 "Well, Sir, here, when a girl begins dating, it's tradition for the parents to completely embarrass her by showing the boyfreind baby pictures." Lexi explained.

 "Oh..."

 "You two realize I can hear you, right?" Cassidy's eyes opened sleepily.

 "Have a nice nap there, shortstuff?" Ace asked.

 Cassidy ignored the name-calling and sat up. "Any news on Tech?"

 "Not yet."

 "Actually, yes." One of the doctors they were talking to earlier that day walked forward.
 
 Cassidy jumped up and followed the others to the white-lab-coat clad man.

 "Eh, what's up with him, doc?" Ace asked.

 "The good news is, your freind Cassidy was wrong. Tech does not have pneumonia."

 Everyone breathed a large sigh of relief, except Duck. "Wait, I've seen this on tv! What's the bad news?"

 The man hesitated a moment. "The bad news is, he has pneumonic plague."

(END CHAPTER)

*GASPS* WHAT THE HECK IS PNUEMONIC PLAGUE? FIND OUT IN THE NEXT CHAPTER OF "DUCK'S CHRISTMAS WISH!"

hehe.. you're gonna haveta wait and find out!

*glomps*

Yeah, something's going weird with it for me, it won't show what I've typed and when it does show up, it's all bunched together. I didn't feel like fighting it 'coz I'm on my mom's computer and it drives me up the hall 'coz it's soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo slow!

Coz I'm bored...... TEASER TIME!!!
------------------------------------

"Cass, you need to rest."

"I will, later."

"If you promise me you'll get some sleep now, I promise you I will fight this off as hard as I can."

Cassidy gazed at him for a moment. She slowly nodded. Forgetting for a moment the doctor's warnings, she slid the mask off her face and kissed Tech's cheek. They smiled at each other.

Tech then burst out in a coughing spasm. Cassidy clutched his hand and talked to him as the doctors scurried around, watching his vital signs and telling him to breathe.

One of the doctors looked at Cassidy. "Miss, you're going to have to leave the room."

Cassidy began to slide her hand out of Tech's, but he only clung to it tighter. Cassidy glanced up at the doctor with pleading eyes. 'Please let me stay with him.'

After a moment's pause, the doctor nodded. Cassidy's attention returned to Tech, who had stopped coughing and pulled himself up into a sitting position. "Cass..." He called out weakly.

Cassidy sat beside Tech and hugged him. "I'm here, Tech. I'm not going to leave you.."

"Cass," Tech wheezed. "Can you... sing the song?"

"What song?"

"Our song..." Tech pointed to her locket.

Cassidy smiled slightly. "Okay." She took a deep breath. "I never believed in... What I couldn't see... I never opened my heart to all the possibilities...."

Tech smiled. Cassidy's voice was muffled by the mask and the tears that were choking her, but it didn't seem to matter to Tech, he just wanted to listen to her. It sounded just as beautiful either way to him.
-------------------------------------

It might just be my mom's computer. It keeps shutting down and restarting on me. It's done it, like, 6 times today. *pulls hair*

Thanks! I think I have a habit of writing stuff like that when I'm not feeling good. I haven't been able to go in our pool for the past three days! And it's been the hotest days yet this summer! *pants* We don't have an air conditioner in our house!

*glomps you back* Joo is mah best Acer buddie!

Tech has a pnuemonic plaegue? So it's like this pleage that generally has the same symptoms as pnuemonia but can be cured?

NOOOOOO TECH!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE TO GET WELL! FOR YOUR TEAMMATES, ACMETROPOLIS, CASSIDY, AND YOUR COUNTLESS FANGIRLS' SAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tessa: Yup. She likes it a lot, and she's going crazy because of the cliffhanger.

Pnuemonic plague sounds quite similar to the bubonic plague - except with pneumonia. But I want to find out for sure.

doggirl: *snugs Keeda*

ruth: Well, cassidy's gonna explain it!

DragonWing: ^^^^^^

RileyBunny: ^^^^^^^

Now, I must warn you to bear with me, please, I am not very good at science, first off, second, all this information came from an episode of NCIS and a little bit of research, plus, I'm only a beginner writer. So, if there are any mistakes, please try to ignore them. Thanks! <3

Chapter 11: "Tech and Cassidy's Song"

 "New- what?" Duck attempted to repeat what he had just said.

 "Pneumonic plague!" Cassidy gasped, her eyes widening in horror. "Are you sure?"

 The doctor nodded gravely. "I'm afraid so..."

 "Wait! It can't be! For a person to get pneumonic plague, they have to inhale the y-pestis!"

 "The what now?" Duck and the others stared at her, blinking in confusion.

 "It's a bug that causes pneumonic plague. It's usually in the form of a powder. Tech wasn't around any kind of powder today." Cassidy explained.

 "That's because he didn't contract it by inhalation." The doctor said. "It was injected."

 Now Cassidy was completely confused. "But that's almost impossible."
 
 "Wait, Cassidy, didn't you say that Mastermind hit Tech with some sort of needle-like thing?" Ace cut in.

 "Yes..."

 "That's most likely what caused it. This 'Mastermind' must have modified the disease so it could be injected."

 Cassidy thought for a moment. "No. It wasn't her."

 "What do you mean?" Lexi asked.

 "Tech's told me a lot about her. She's not a biochemist. She couldn't have modified it."
 
 "Biochemist?" Slam repeated, confused.

 "Hang on a sec, I remember you and Tech using that word before..." Lexi thought about it. "I remember! It means a person who experiments on plants and animals, right?"

 "Close enough."

 "Are you sure? I've heard about this 'Mastermind,' I do believe she could have done it." The doctor disagreed.

 "Ya see, Doc, Tech taught this girl everything he knows. I'd consider myself a little nuts if I didn't trust her judgement like I do Tech's." Ace said with confidence.

 Cassidy looked up at Ace in surprise. "Really?" She didn't realize how much he trusted her.

 Ace gave her a nod. "You bet. Now, 'biochemist?' Does that remind us of anyone?"

 Rev was first to answer. "I know! Professor Zane! Remember, he created the Fuz-Zs!"
 
 "Good job, Rev. Let's go get him!" Ace said. Lexi, Rev, Duck and Slam headed for the door. Cassidy hesitated, torn between her duty and her wish to stay with Tech. Ace, reading her thoughts, set his hand on her shoulder. "I think it might be best if you stayed here. Tech needs you more than we do right now."

 Cassidy nodded, smiling appreciatively at him.

 "Wait, she can't go see him, now. He might be contagious." The doctor warned.

 "Please, sir?" Cassidy asked.

 "You might want to reconsider that. I mean, she could be useful in there." Ace suggested.

 The doctor gave a small sigh. "I guess so, but you'll have to wear this mask."

.YELLOW TRIANGLE.
 
How long will I be waiting

 Cassidy took Tech's hand in her own, squeezing it tightly. Tech gave a shaky cough and whispered hoarsely, "Cassidy..."

To be with you again?
 
 "It's okay, Tech. I'm right here." Cassidy replied.
 
 Tech opened his eyes in surprise. "How did you get in here?"
 
 Cassidy smiled. "The hospital hired me on as a nurse." She said jokingly.

Gonna tell you that I love you

 Tech smiled back. "Well, in that case, tell me nurse, what do I have?"
 
 The sparkle faded from Cassidy's eyes. "Phneumonic plague."
 
 Tech stared at her, as if waiting for her to burst out in laughter, telling him it was a joke. But, she didn't, she burst out in tears. "Cass....Cass, look at me." He paused when he saw Cassidy's fear-filled eyes. "Go get some sleep. I'll be fine."

In the best way that I can
 
 Cassidy shook her head. "I'm not tired."

"Cass, you need to rest."

"I will, later."

"If you promise me you'll get some sleep now, I promise you I will fight this off as hard as I can."

I can't take a day without you here

Cassidy gazed at him for a moment. She slowly nodded. Forgetting for a moment the doctor's warnings, she slid the mask off her face and kissed Tech's cheek. They smiled at each other.

You're the light that makes my darkness disappear

Tech then burst out in a coughing spasm. Cassidy clutched his hand and talked to him as the doctors scurried around, watching his vital signs and telling him to breathe.

When you look me in the eyes

One of the doctors looked at Cassidy. "Miss, you're going to have to leave the room."

Cassidy began to slide her hand out of Tech's, but he only clung to it tighter. Cassidy glanced up at the doctor with pleading eyes. 'Please let me stay with him.'

And tell me that you love me.

After a moment's pause, the doctor nodded. Cassidy's attention returned to Tech, who had stopped coughing and pulled himself up into a sitting position. "Cass..." He called out weakly.

Everything's alright,

Cassidy sat beside Tech and hugged him. "I'm here, Tech. I'm not going to leave you.."

When you're right here by my side.

"Cass," Tech wheezed. "Can you... sing the song?"

"What song?"

When you look me in the eyes,

"Our song..." Tech pointed to her locket.

Cassidy smiled slightly. "Okay." She took a deep breath. "I never believed in... What I couldn't see... I never opened my heart to all the possibilities...."

I catch a glimpse of heaven.

Tech smiled. Cassidy's voice was muffled by the mask and the tears that were choking her, but it didn't seem to matter to Tech, he just wanted to listen to her. It sounded just as beautiful either way to him.

I find my paradise

When Cassidy finished singing, Tech, weak from coughing and fighting to sit up, had fallen asleep. Cassidy stroked the patch of hair that was on top of his head softly. "I love you, Tech."

 When you look me in the eyes......

After a few minutes, Cassidy returned to Tech's room. Ace, Lexi, Rev, Slam, Duck, and her father were standing in the room.

 Slam noticed the tears in her eyes. "Cassidy need hug!"
 
 Ace, Lexi, Duck and Rev gasped. "Wait! Slam!"

 But before any of them could do anything, Slam had put his arms around Cassidy in a friendly, but caring, hug.

 Cassidy's father looked at Ace in alarm. "Don't worry, Sir, Slam sometimes doesn't know his own strength, dat was all dat was about."

 Lexi smiled. "Just think, a year and a half ago, Slam getting within five feet of Cassidy without her running off would have been considered a miracle."
 
 "Thank you, Slam." Cassidy said as Slam let go of her.
 
 "Tech be okay, Slam knows."
 
 "So, Cassidy," Ace cut in. "What exactly is this, 'pnuemonic plague?'"
 
 "It's kinda like pnuemonia, but worse. Remember that bug I told you about?" Everyone nodded. "It attacks the lungs, slowly deteriorating them."
 
 "What about Tech's regeneration powers? Can it repair the damage?" Rev queried.
 
 "Most likely, yes. But the bug might be able to move faster than Tech's powers can."
 
 "So, pretty much all we can do at the moment is wait and hope Tech pulls through?" Ace guessed.
 
 Cassidy nodded sadly, but then a faint sparkle returned to her eyes as she remembered something. "Did you catch Professor Zane?"
 
 "Yep, and he eventually admitted to helping Mastermind."

 The room fell into complete silence. Duck glanced around at everbody. Ace wore an unusually stiff, yet concerned expression. Rev and Slam shared similar worried looks, andboth Lexi and Cassidy looked ready to cry. Duck slipped silently inbetween everyone unitl he reached Cassidy's side. He hesitated before setting his hand on the coyote's shoulder. Cassidy jumped at first, but then smiled at the mallard.

.ORANGE TRIANGLE.

 Later that day, Lexi and Cassidy found Bailey in the washroom. "Are you okay?" Lexi asked.

 Bailey, not knowing that they were in there, as well, jumped and hurriedly wiped the tears from her face. "Yeah, I am."

 "How come you're here? I thought you and your parents went home for some sleep." Cassidy inquired.

 "The hospital called us and told us about Tech's sickness. We had to come back."

 Both Lexi and Cassidy put their arms around the younger girl's shoulders. "This isn't the fisrt time it's happened, maybe it won't be the last." Lexi said simply.

 Bailey was confused. "What do you mean?"

 Lexi blinked. "He never told you, didn't he?"

 "Tell me what?"

 "I think Cassidy should tell you." Lexi glanced at her freind. "Sorry I sorta spilled the beans, Cassidy."

 "It's okay," Cassidy said. "I would like to have her know." Bailey was completely confused. Cassidy took a deep breath. "We almost lost Tech three months ago."

 Bailey gasped. "What? But, how?"

 "It's a long story. But, short version, my father is the king of a planet called Sari. I was sent to grow up on Acmetropolis for certain reasons. I'm suppossed to be the heir to the throne, but I don't want to be. My older brother wants to be the next king, but there's a problem."

 "Problem?"

 "The only way he let my father know that he wanted to be king is by kidnapping him, Maria, and I. Tech came to the rescue."

 "Wait! Three months ago? That was when the team was disbanded, right?" Bailey cut in.

 Lexi and Cassidy nodded. "That's why I was there at the time. Father made me come back to Sari. Anyway, I got freed and Tech and I teamed up to take my brother down, but....." Cassidy hesitated, second-guessing herself for a moment. "Tech sacrificed his life for me. We thought for sure he was gone.... But when we got back to Acmetropolis, he started breathing again. He

was still very weak, and there was a good chance we'd lose him, but he pulled through amazingly."

 "I.... I never knew." Bailey whispered.

 "He probably didn't want to upset you..." Lexi began.

 "His main concern was probably Mom, she would've flipped if she had heard that. But, why didn't he tell me? We tell each other everything."

 "Like Lexi said, he didn't want to upset you, especially over something that was done and over with." Cassidy reassured her.

 "Thanks for telling me, though. You're right, it was over with, so no worrying over something that doesn't matter anymore."

 Cassidy giggled. "I wonder where I've heard that one before?"

 Bailey smiled. "On another note, I must say, I'm surprised. I thought the fact that my brother has a girlfreind was amazing enough, but a princess?"

 Lexi smiled, too. "He should consider himself lucky, I mean, she had that stuck-up weirdo Edward after her, too."
 
 Cassidy pulled a face of disgust. "Please, Lexi, don't remind me of him! Just hearing his name makes my skin crawl!"

 The three giggled a little bit. Bailey's smile grew wider. "Thanks, Lexi, Cassidy, for cheering me up."

(END CHAPTER)

Not much of a cliff-hanger, I admit, but I can't have every chapter like that, now can I? Or else I think everyone would be passed out on the floor. XD
 ENJOY!

Me iz agree vis doggirl!

*passes out anyway cos the chapter is too good*

Tessa: Yup, you don't need cliffhangers to make this girl pass out.

All so sweet ^_^

Yayz!!! More Ace/bunny/family/lovey-ness!! XD

Great to hear about Ace's family... sorta makes me regret what I'm about to do to him now...

Ace: Uh... what are you talking about? Wait, does it involve pain? Cuz then, please reconsider! Regret, change, and live happy, in 100%-ness. Am I right?
me: I said I was SORTA regreting it. Not that I do... did... am... *is confuzzled*  What did I just say?

Oh, Duck.

That was a very nice chapter Cassidy

Tech Plushie!!! I want one! *tries to steal from Cassidy, but was held back by an unkown force*

Tessa:*growls* Nobody steals from my friends, not even you, maker.

Me: BUT I WANNA TECH PLUSHIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tessa: No.

*ahem* That was really great, Danielle! I love the moment between Cassidy and Duck. And Duck's just so clueless when it comes to medical and scientific stuff. XD

And YAY for much luff between the bunnez!!!!

Hehehe... poor little Ace. Here, I'll make it better! *glomps him*
Ace: Ugh... and... how exactly does this make me... better..? Ow...
me: ^^; Guess I don't know my own strength.

One word: UPDATE!!! 8D
 
And, I'll color them; once I find my mp3 player... which I lost... again...... I will color and post!!

Considering that they put their lives on the line everytime they battle the villains, those five years are something that's too good to lose. XD

Man,Danielle you totally based this off of SWAK!

NEW CHAPTER!

 
Chapter 13: "Recovery"

 "Hey Lex." Ace called, walking into the kitchen where Lexi was making herself some lunch. He gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
 
 "Hey, Ace." Lexi smiled, returning the kiss. "Where have you been hiding all day?"
 
 "I wasn't hiding. I was workin' off all that food you and Cassidy cooked the other day." He half-lied.
 
 "Sure." Lexi rolled her eyes. "So, what was up with you last night? You were acting weird. Plus, you left me with your mom."
 
 "Sorry about that. Did you two talk?"
 
 "Yes...." Lexi paused. "And she apologized for what she said. But I never said anything about it to her. Did you?"
 
 Ace didn't answer, but Lexi caught the slight smile on his face.
 
 "Ace!" She screeched, slapping him. "You know I didn't want to make a fuss over it!"
 
 "If you're done yelling at me, I have some exciting news."
 
 "What?" Lexi asked, suddenly interested.
 
 "Well, before you walked in on us, I was talking with my parents, and they told me something...."
 
 "Are you gonna tell me or will I have to slap you again?"
 
 "They're going to try getting back together."
 
 Lexi gasped, then squealed. "Really?"
 
 Ace nodded, smiling widely.
 
 "Oh, that's so great I'm so happy for them!" She said, hugging him tightly. Ace chuckled and hugged her back.
 
 Lexi suddenly let go of him, a look of concetration on her face. Lexi's ears started glowing pink.
 
 "What do you hear?" Ace asked.
 
 "Footsteps." She answered. "Rapid ones."
 
 "Rev?" He guessed.
 
 "No. They're short and choppy." Lexi had learned to tell her teammate's footsteps apart.
 
 Cassidy, being the second shortest of them, depended on how fast her legs could go rather than how far they could go in one step, as the others, except Duck, did.
 
 Even though they used the same technique to keep up with the others, Lexi could still tell whose were whose, as Duck's sounded hollow, probably because of his being a duck. Plus,

Cassidy had a nervous habit she had picked up after the meteor. She would take a few steps then do a small hop, then continue. But, now she only did it when she was nervous or excited.

And that's what Lexi could hear.

 "Cassidy? Why would she be running?"
 
 Just then, the black-and-blue clad coyote burst through the kitchen door, scaring nearly five years off the end of Ace's life, who jumped six inches off his seat.
 
 She ran up to Lexi and practically tackled the bunny. "Oh, Lexi you'll never guess! I have the most exciting news!"
 
 "I'm barely over the last peice of news!" She giggled.
 
 "What's up, kiddo?" Ace asked. 'Kiddo' was a nickname Ace had given to Cassidy when she first joined. He rarely used it now, considering that the girl had proved herself to Ace, who

hadn't been completely sure about her. But, every once in a while he still called her that.
 
 "The hospital called! Tech's getting better!"
 
 Before either rabbit could react, Rev burst throught the door, followed by Duck and Slam. "Oh, what's going on what's the news I saw you run in here like you were being chased by a

monster, Cassidy but I didn't see a monster behind you so I figured it was pretty important news what's going on????!!!" Rev asked, running up to Cassidy.
 
 Cassidy calmly repeated her story to the roadrunner. Rev's green eyes sparkled and he gave out a whoop of joy. "Oh that's better than good news that's great news actually it's even

better than great news it's amazing news!" He practically tackled the coyote to the ground in a back-popping hug. Then, he let go of her and went running around HQ in sheer happiness.
 
 "Oh. So that's what you said." Duck spoke.
 
.RED TRIANGLE.
 
 After telling the parents and celebrating, they all rushed to the hospital to visit Tech. They stayed there all day, talking to Tech and telling him everything that had happened. Which,

actually, wasn't much, as they had been so wrapped up in worrying about him that they hadn't done much. So, the six let Tech be alone with his family for a while.

 The day came to a fast end, and the Loonatics' parents had to leave.

 "I'm so sorry to have to leave you in this condition, honey, but your father has to work tommorrow and Bailey has to get ready for when school comes back in a few weeks."
 
 "Don't worry about it, Mom." Tech whispered. Although his recovery was progressing extremely well, his voice was still very weak and hoarse, and he didn't talk very much. When he did,

it was short sentences and they were barely above a whisper.
 
 Melissa hugged her son tightly. When she let go of him, Bailey hugged him. "I'll see ya later, Wise Guy."

 "You too, Shortstuff."

 Mike set his hand on Tech shoulder. "Tech. You know we were skeptical about your job, but we're very proud of you. And consider yourself lucky to have Cassidy. She's one in a million,

that girl."

 Tech smiled. "Thanks, Dad. I know." His gaze flew to Cassidy, who was saying goodbye to Bailey. 'I really am lucky...'

 As Mike was leaving, Cassidy came in. "How are you feeling?"

 "Better, now that you're here."

 Cassidy smiled. "Why? Were you lonely without me?"

 Tech nodded.

 "Well, you don't have to worry, cause the doctors said I can camp out with you in here for tonight. And, depending on how you are tommorrow, you might be able to go home."

 "Yes!" Tech punched his fist in the air, but this sudden movement threw him into a coughing fit. Once it settled down, Cassidy sat down beside him and kissed his forehead.

 "I ain't interupting anything, am I?"

 The two looked up to see Duck standing in the doorway. "Ace said for me to stay with you two tonight. So we're havin' like a little sleepover, without all the girlyishness."

 Tech and Cassidy exchanged confused looks. That didn't sound like Ace. They shrugged it off and Cassidy climbed into the bed beside Tech's.

 Just then, Cassidy's father and sister came into the room. They walked up to Cassidy's bed.
 
 Cassidy smiled at her father. "Come to tuck me into bed?"
 
 King John smiled back. "One of the many things I missed doing with you."

 Cassidy's smile faded slightly. "I'm sorry things didn't turn out how we planned, and I'm really sorry we didn't get to spend much time together." She apologized, looking up at both of

them.

 "Hey, don't worry, Baby Sis, we'll get another chance soon, I know it." Maria said.

 "Yeah, maybe I can get a weekend off and visit you or something. And I promise to call you at least once a month!" Cassidy said with all of her heart.

 John gave his yooungest daughter a kiss on the forehead. "Sounds great to us. Goodnight, Aurora."

 "Goodnight, Father. Goodnight Maria." Cassidy replied, hugging her sister.

A few minutes later, all was quiet in the room.  Duck glanced over at Cassidy, who was curled up under the blankets. "Is she asleep?"
 
 Tech nodded.
 
 "Good. Cause I wanted to talk. I..... I'm sorry."
 
 Tech blinked.
 
 "I know it sounds really weird coming from me, but I mean it. I was a jerk the other day, yelling at you guys. And I want to thank you for trying to help me."
 
 Tech reached out and put his hand on Duck's arm. "We forgive you, Duck." He whispered.
 
 Duck smiled a bit.
 
 "You two aren't gonna start a male-bonding thing, are you?" Cassidy asked, stifling a yawn.
 
 Duck looked at Tech. "I thought you said she was asleep!"
 
 Tech shrugged. "Sorry. She's a light sleeper."
 
 "One question, did she tell you that, or did you learn that by personal experience?"
 
 "DUCK!" Cassidy screeched, sitting up.
 
 "I figured he'd know cause you two...."
 
 Cassidy kept Duck from saying any more by chucking a pillow at his head.
 
 "Owww... I was just asking!" Duck picked the pillow up and tossed it back at her. He then yawned. "Okay, I'm hittin' the hay."

 "Yeah, we all should." Cassidy agreed, yawing as well. "Goodnight, Tech." She said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, Duck."

 Duck held out his hands. "You don't need to give me a goodnight kiss." He said, pulling a disgusted face.

 Cassidy rolled her eyes and curled up under the covers.

 "Night Cass. Night Duck." Tech said, his voice still weak and hoarse.

 "Yeah, Goodnight Tech." Then, with extra enthusiasm just to annoy her, Duck added. "Goodnight, Princess."

 Another pillow came flying over Tech and hit Duck in the head. "Oww!"

.GREEN TRIANGLE.

 Cassidy woke up to the feeling of somebody's hand on her cheek. Much to her surprise Tech was sitting on her bed, stroking her cheek. "Tech?" She gasped. "What are you doing up?

You're supposed to be resting!"

 "I'm feeling better."

 "But this kind of rebound from infection is impossible, even for you! You're gonna hurt yourself!" She scolded him lightly, inside feeling happy to see him up.

 Tech chuckled. "I thought you'd be happy to see me up." He feigned insult.

 Cassidy giggled and sat up, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You know I am."

 "Hey!" A voice broke through to them.

 Tech and Cassidy looked around to see Duck standing nearby.

 "You're making me feel left out here!"

 Tech and Cassidy laughed and pulled him in, making it a group hug. A few seconds later, Duck quacked out of it. "Sorry, I forgot that I hate mushy-gushy stuff."

(END CHAPTER)

I was planinng on having this the last chapter, but alas, my imagination went too far and I have one last chapter to write!!!

That was a cute chapter I can't wait for the next

I CANNOT BELEIVE IT! I HAVE FINALLY FINISHED THIS STORY!

Sorry, just felt like I'd been working on this one FOREVER.

Chapter 14: "Merry Duck-mas!"

 "Come on, come on, come on, let's go, let's go, let's go!!!!" Rev shouted annoyingly as he and the others walked down the street towards
the hospital.

 "Calm down, Rev. We'll get there soon." Lexi reassured the restless roadrunner.

 "But I wanna be there now!!!" He whined. "I wanna make sure Tech's okay!!!!"

 "With Cassidy looking after him, Tech's probably having the time of his life." Ace commented, earning an elbow in the gut from Lexi.
 
 As Ace, Lexi, Rev, and Slam were walking into the room, Duck stopped them. "If you don't like hearing Lexi squeal, then I suggest either earplugs or duct-taping her mouth shut."
 
 "Duck!" Lexi punched his arm, then slipped inbetween him and Ace. "Awwww, look at them!"
 
 Cassidy was curled up in Tech's arms, and Tech was nuzzling her cheek lovingly. They were gazing into each other's eyes, oblivious to the fact that they were being watched. Cassidy had been worried sick about him, and now, that she knew he was going to be okay, and that she was with him again, she felt safe, wrapped up in the warmth from his body.
 
 Tech smiled. He had been bored out of his mind, and surprisingly, very lonely. He had grown so used to Cassidy's presence that when she couldn't be around him, he longed to be with her again, or any of his teammates. Now that she was once again by his side, he felt the happiest he had ever been in a while.
 
 Before Lexi could stop him, Ace walked forward. "Hey, Romeo, we heard you're getting better fast."

 "Yeah, I am." Tech replied.

 Ace noticed the extremely worn-out look in his eyes. "So, how is he really, Cassidy?"

 "Stubborn, hard-headed, and unaware of his own limitations." She said, hugging him tighter.

 "Sounds 'bout right."

 Rev burst through the small crowd. "Oh Tech, old buddy I'm so relieved you're okay we were all so worried about you You really scared us good this time but nothing compared to what happened three months ago..."

 Before Rev could say anymore, Duck slapped him upside the head and gave him a look.

 Rev noticed the momentary upset look on Tech and Cassidy's faces. "Oh my goodness Tech Cassidy I'm so so so so so sorry! I didn't mean to mention it!"

 Tech and Cassidy smiled. "Don't worry about it, Rev. After all, it did happen three months ago. We've put it behind."

 Rev smiled widely. "Yay! I'm so glad to hear that!" He then tackled the two in a big bear hug.
 
.ORANGE TRIANGLE.

The next couple of days flew by, and Tech's condition was improving rapidly. But Ace and Cassidy both insisted that he take at least two weeks of rest and recovery time. Then he would slowly start getting himself back into shape again. Tech asked continuously, but the lab was off-limits for the first week. The only way he could lessen the time was, as stated by Cassidy, if he was "a good boy."

 So, now it was New Year's Eve. Ace, Lexi, Tech, Rev, Slam, and Cassidy had been planning for this day. And now that Tech could talk, it was time to initiate their plan.

 Duck was sitting in the living room, watching the weather. Suddenly, the TV was turned off. "Hey! I was watching Misty Breeze!" He snapped, turning around, but saw no one behind him. He shrugged and turned around.

 "SURPRISE!!!!" Ace, Lexi, Tech, Rev, Slam, and Cassidy appeared out of nowhere in front of Duck.

 "YYYIIPPPEEESS!!" Duck screeched, jumping a few feet out of his seat. "What are you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?"

 "Not exactly, but we could try to if you wanted." Ace returned.

 "Haha... funny." Duck replied flatly.

 "We wanted to give you this.." Lexi and Cassidy handed Duck a large box, covered with sparkly wrapping paper.

 Duck was taken back at this. "Wow... Thanks."

 Rev started bouncing up and down in excitement "Are you gonna open it are you are you are you? Open it open it open it!!!"

 "Okay, okay, keep your shorts on..." Duck muttered as he unwrapped the present. Inside the box he found a small device, shaped like a book.

 "Remember how you used to bug Zadavia about a personal biographer?" Tech asked.

 "Yeah..."

 "We made this for you..." Slam said.

 Duck pressed the button on the side and a light appeared from the top. "A story. About me?" Duck said, his voice almost a whisper.

 "Yep. You earned it."

 "Seriously, Duck. Although you can be a bit of a pain in the rear at times, this team couldn't survive without you." Lexi said, setting her hand on his shoulder.

 "Really?" Duck asked, not sure if this was a trick.

 "Yep. I mean, we were gettin' creamed out there until you came." Ace replied.

 "And even though we don't show it too much, we really do appreciate the things you do for us." Cassidy added.

 "Or at least try to do." Tech put in.

 They all laughed, then Duck cut through. "Okay, enough of this mushy-gushy heart-to-heart stuff! Here, you guys open my gifts for you!"

 Lexi opened hers and found a sweater inside. "Well, you did say how those winter sweaters make you look chubby, so I found this one. It's supposed to not do that." Duck explained.

 "Thanks Duck." Lexi smiled, giving him a hug.

 Rev gave a yelp of excitement when he opened his. "YAY! Seed buns! My favourite!!!!"

 Cassidy opened hers and looked confused. "My Music Blaster?"

 "Yeah, I remembered how mad you were when I broke it, so I got it fixed." Duck said. "And... I ... added a song on there I thought you might like...."

 Curious, she put on the earphones and turned on the music player. She smiled as she recognized the song. She took out one of the earphones and gave it to Tech. "And now, looking in your eyes, I feel in my heart....

 Tech smiled too as he recognized the song. "Feel in my heart..."

 "The Start of Something New..."

 "Oh boy, I'm starting to regret that now." Duck rolled his eyes.

 Cassidy giggled and turned her music player off. "Oh, Duck, you know how much that song means to Tech and I." She said, hugging him. "It's a very sweet gift. Thank you."

 "You're welcome." 'But you're gonna be thinking otherwise when you open the card......'

 Then the Loonatics began opening the cards. "Wait!" Duck shouted. "Tech, Cassidy, you guys open yours at the same time."

 Tech and Cassidy exchanged confused looks, but shrugged and opened their cards.

 "WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?! WHO?! WHO?! WHO?! WHO?! WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?! WHO?! WHO?! WHO?! WHO?!"

 "DUCK!!!!!"

THE END!!!!

Yeah, Duck got them one of those singing cards. When you open it, it plays a song. I couldn't pass up the opportunity. It was too good. XD
Thank you one and all for all your reviews. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be this far! I love you guys! *SNUGS* 8D

Coming up Next: The Loonatics face what could be their most important mission yet. What secrets lay behind a mysterious statue called "The Tempa Loada?" What happens when the Loonatics have some unexpected guests, who turn out to be themselves? Will Optimatus be able to take over Acmetropolis thanks to his new sidekick, Andrew? Is Cassidy really over the last battle she had with her older brother? Does Maria know more than it seems? What the heck am I talking about? FIND OUT IN MY NEXT LOONATICS ADVENTURE: "Time Race Part One: Present!!!!"