Now the group relaxed in the den with a lovely fire in the fireplace.  The remnants of the birthday cake and candy were rapidly disappearing under the onslaught of ten people.

 Daniel was helping Sally study for a test.  Sebastian and Jessica were playing war. Poopsie and Alec were discussing disguises.  Dee was sketching and Techno was reading "Popular Mechanics".  Zarbon was reading and Tonya leaned against him crocheting a scarf.

 The phone rang and Zarbon picked it up. "Hello." "Hang on..." He handed the phone to Tonya.

 "Hello?"  "Oh hi, what's up?"  "Nothing."  "Yeah, yesterday."  "Umm, marbled with that creamy frosting stuff.  Uh, hey.  It is there a point to this or are you just bored?" "Here." "In the mansion." "Oh, on campus.  So?" "So?"  "I suppose there's room in the garage." Tonya smirked.  By this time the rest of the rest of the group was glancing at her, curious.  Suddenly, she winced. "I was kidding.  Ask him, he knows that." "We have plenty of rooms." "No, T would make him sleep in the garage before he'd let him in his room." "Okay, let me talk to him again.  Bye mom." "When are you coming up?" "Okay, do you know where the pool is?" "I'll meet you there at 3." "No AM bug butt." "Okay, bye."  Hanging up the phone, Tonya sighed. "The freshman is coming."

 "When?" Poopsie asked.

 "Feb 21st and he'll stay till Sunday." Tonya replied.

 "Why?" Jed asked.

 "Swim meet on Friday and Saturday." Tonya replied.

 "Who's the Freshman?" asked Sebastian.

 "You'll find out."
- - - - - -
 Tonya was getting cold waiting for Matthew to show up.  Her brother had been dubbed "the Freshman" his freshman year because he was a freshman, the girls were seniors, and the fact half of them couldn't remember his name.  Now he was late and she was freezing.

 A red and white pickup turned the corner slowly, as though the driver was unsure about his choice.  It crawled down the street until the driver seemed comfortable with his decision, then it shot forward.  It stopped at the curb in front of her and Tonya blinked.  Matthew opened the door and Tonya raised an eyebrow.

 "The orange one got killed, remember?" Matthew said.

 "Oh, yeah." Tonya jumped into the warm pickup. "Did you bring the pictures?"

 "Yeah.  They're in my backpack.  Sorry I was late.  I couldn't find the right street.  Now how do I get to the house?"
- - - - -
 Turning into the driveway, Matthew stared at the gate. "How do you get through that?"

 "Well," Tonya grinned, "We have gate openers in our cars.  There's a touch pad on the wall where you can type in the code, or ask T to let you in."

 "So I have to get out, walk though the snow drift, and punch in the code, right?"

 "Yup." A car pulled up behind them, and Tonya waved. "It's Daniel."

 Daniel returned her greeting, then poked his gate opener.  Tonya flashed him a thumbs up, and the pickup took off.  Daniel followed.

 "What the Hell?" Matthew exclaimed, "What is this?  A forest?"

 Tonya laughed, "Ask Daniel.  He's in charge of that.  Pull into the garage."

 Daniel parked beside them.  Tonya got out and tapped on his window.  He just opened the door and got out.

 "Hello.  New truck?" he asked.

 "For him, yes." Tonya answered, "This is my little brother, Matthew.  Matthew this is Daniel Lairdlot.  He's the mansion's gardener.

 The boys shook hands and exchanged greetings. "I'll see you later." Daniel said, "I'm going to trim the hedges today."

 Tonya led the way into the house.  She guessed everyone would be in the den like they usually were.  She paused outside the door and looked at Matthew. "You understand anything you see or hear while in the mansion can't be repeated outside these walls.  That includes not telling Daniel and or friends.  You especially cannot tell mom everything."

He nodded and they walked into the den. "I understand. I'm to tell mom."

"Don't tell mom."

"Tell mom."

Tonya glared at the boy and clearly enunciated, "Do Not Tell Mom."

Matthew smirked. "Tell mom."

Tonya acted like she was going to punch the kid and unsheathed her claws just inches from his face.  She raised an eyebrow as if asking him to repeat his answer.

"Don't tell mom," he said quickly and the claws disappeared.

As she turned to introduce him to the group, Matthew caught her braid and flipped it around so it whacked Tonya in the nose.  The group laughed and Tonya looked shocked.  She rubbed her nose ruefully and glared at her brother again. "You know the girls already and you've met T.  This is Alec, Sebastian, and Zarbon.  Everyone this is my brother Matthew, aka the Freshman." The group politely welcomed the boy.

"Hey, T." Matt said, "What's your real name?"

"T."

"What's the T stand for?"

Techno looked at Tonya who was now sitting next to Zarbon.  She shrugged, "Your choice.  Tell him or listen to him ask all weekend."

"Techno."

"Your name is Techno?" Matthew looked doubtful. "I don't believe that."

"Believe it or leaving it." Tonya said, snuggling against Zarbon as he put his arm around her.

Matthew turned to say something smart, then gawked at the pair. "How the hell did you get a boy friend and how drunk was he?"

Tonya glared at the boy for the umpteenth time, "Maybe I should show you to your room.  You must be tired."
- - - - - -
 That night at supper, Matthew wasn't as annoying as he had been.  He just asked the usual questions:  history of the building, how'd the guys meet the girls, etc.  Of course, the boys modified their stories so that there were neither illegal actives nor super heroines mentioned.  Sebastian had just finished his story when Matthew's next question caught them off guard.

 "So who's going out tonight?  Do you take turns?"

 Tonya choked on her Dr. Pepper, and started coughing.  Matthew looked innocently at the others who were trying to look confused, instead of shocked.

 "What do you mean?" Jessica finally said, "No one has classes tonight."

 "I meant later than that." Matthew grinned, "You KNOW what I mean."

 "I afraid we don't." Techno replied shortly, "You need to be more specific."

 Tonya finally managed to stop coughing and began to laugh instead.  Her companions looked at her in surprise.  Regaining some of her composure, she said, "The looks on your faces.  Oh jeez, that was too funny." she giggled, "I didn't think you'd have the nerve to ask, Bugbutt." Shaking her head, still smirking, "It's my turn tonight.  And NO you can not come."

 "Why not?" Matthew frowned.

 "You have a swim meet tomorrow.  You don't need to be out gallivanting about the city in the middle of the night."

 "Wait a minute!  He knows?" Sebastian cut in, "How?"

 

"It was easy." Matthew looked smug, "A long haired, female super hero with a tail starts fighting crime in Salina.  What are the odds that there is another girl in Saline County with a tail and long hair."

 "Yet other draw back to the tail." Tonya stated flatly. "Immediate family knows.  Telekinetic powers aren't noticed unless blatantly used.  Pointed ears aren't a huge distraction, and the rest of your powers aren't that obvious.  Smoking pot isn't exactly something done in front of one's parents.  Seduction can be blamed on appearance and regeneration is a miracle."

 "Whoa, that was really serious, Tonya." Jed said, "I didn't know you could do that."

 "I am allotted an hour of seriousness a year." Tonya replied, deadpan, "How and when I use it is at my discretion."
 - - - - - - -

"Hey, Zena.  How's it going?" Tonya greeted her Parasitology lab partner.

 "G'day." The raven-haired girl replied. "Pretty good.  Just setting up to review."

 "What are you doing tonight?  If you would like, we could have a study session at the mansion.  I found a lot of pictures in the library."

 Zena looked sad, "I wish I could, but I have to run some errands for my mom, tonight.  I don't think I would have time to stop by.  Sorry."

 "That's okay.  I understand." Tonya smiled, "We'll just have to review our best right now."

- - - - -
 Tonya and Zena walked across campus chatting about the upcoming test.  They said goodbye and headed off in different directions.  Sensing the same power she'd been detecting for the past month, Zena turned.  Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of her target.  A tall man with flame red hair was once again following Tonya as she headed across campus. The man hurried to catch up with Tonya and tapped her on the shoulder.  Zena glared at the man, but realized she could due nothing at this time.  Turning to leave, she cast a parting glance to her friend, wishing her luck.

* * * * 
 Tonya turned to face the man. 'Just another lost student looking for directions.' she smiled, "Hello Can I help you?"

 "Your Tonya, right?"

 "Yes." Tonya answered warily, "That's me."

 "Where's Zarbon?!?" the man growled.

 

Tonya acted confused and pretended to scratch her ear, turning on the mike hidden in her hair.  "Who?"

* * * * * *
 A crackle of static drew the boys' attention from the problem of defeating the selfish goblin without magic carrots.

 "Who?" Tonya's voice came clearly.

 Techno reached to push the button so he could reply that they hadn't called her when a gruff voice answered, "Don't play games with me, little girl.  I know you where he's hiding."

 "I'm not playing games." Tonya replied calmly, "I just didn't catch the name you said.  Maybe if you repeated it, I could help you."

 "Zarbon.  I'm looking for a man named Zarbon."

 Zarbon paled slightly, and the others looked at him questioningly.
* * * * *
 "Zarbon?" Tonya paused, "I think I man by that name a while back." She paused thinking, "Right after my birthday last February.  But I haven't seen him for a long time."

 "Really?" the man seemed unsure if he should believe her.

 "Yes." Tonya nodded, Cause each class seems to last for years, and I haven't talked to him since last night. But what she said was, "If I see him again I can tell him you're looking for him.  What's your name?"

 He hesitated, then answered, "Zerro."

 "Okay.  I tell him if I see him.  If you'll excuse me, I have to get to class." Tonya  smiled, "Have a nice day."
- - - - -
 Zarbon met Tonya at the door when she got home. "Are you okay?" he asked looking worried, "He didn't hurt you, did he?"

 "Who?" Tonya blinked.  The confrontation was two hours old and she was thinking about more pressing things.

 "Zerro." Zarbon said slightly annoyed, "The guy who threaten you this afternoon!"

 "Oh.  No he didn't." she tried to step past her frowning boyfriend, "Excuse me.  I have to get ready to go to the swim meet."

 

Zarbon looked shocked, but didn't move. "you're still going?!"

 

Tonya blinked and looked confused, "Yeah.  I don't see why not.  Matthew'll expect me to be there."

 

"What if Zerro comes back?"

 

Tonya shrugged, "I'll tell him I told you."

 Zarbon looked at her sternly. "I wish you would take this more seriously.  Didn't the Navy Seal thing teach you anything." Tonya tried to move past him, and he caught her arm firmly and pulled her back, "I mean it, Tonya.  It could be dangerous." his voice was laced with emotion.

 Tonya brushed a stray lock of hair from his cheek and tucked it behind his ear.  Her free hand rested at the junction of his neck and shoulder before moving up to cup the back of his head.  He released her arm, which found his waist.  Zarbon allowed himself to be pulled closer to her, his face just inches from hers.

 "Life is dangerous." she said, "If you're so worried, come with me."  Her forehead touched his, much like a cat rubbing her head against its mate.

Zarbon sighed and relaxed, defeated. "Alright." Tonya's other arm moved to his waist and pulled him closer for a hug. She's the prefect height, Zarbon noticed again as his chin rested on her head.  Closing his eyes, Zarbon let himself relax and enjoy the feeling of just holding his lover close.

 "RENT A ROOM!" Matthew yelled, "Come on, I've got to be there in 20 minutes." Matthew grinned, "You guys can get all mushy later.  Hurry up!" Then he walked off.

 Zarbon blinked in surprise at the retreating boy.  He wasn't sure how to react to being ordered around by someone almost 10 years younger than himself.

 "Can I drowned him?" asked Tonya her voice muffled against his neck.
- - - - -
It was clear, bright and very warm.  Matthew was still ecstatic as the VW bus drove up the driveway to the mansion.  South High had taken 1st in the state swim meet, and he had dropped 2 seconds off his best time.  Sally, Zarbon, and Poopsie kept congratulating him on the win, but Tonya just shook her head and parked the bus in the garage.

 Getting out, Tonya looked at Matthew again and frowned, "I really hope Mom and Dad knew you were going to shave you head for the meet.  They'll pitch a fit when you get home if they didn't."

 "I told them." Matthew replied grinning.

 "You look like a bloody Neo-Nazi or something." she grumbled.

 "No, I don't.  If that's true, you look like a potting smokin' hippie." He retorted as they entered the house.

 "What did I do?" Jed asked.

 "Nothing." Tonya replied, then turned to face Sally, "Daniel's not going to come today is he?"

 "Umm...no." Sally answered, "Peter and him had some big project they were working on.  He said he wouldn't be coming tomorrow either.  Why?"

 Tonya smirked at Zarbon, "Want to spar on the side lawn?"
- - - - -
After stretching for about five minutes, Zarbon popped his neck and stood up straight.  He watched as Tonya touched her toes, then very slowly bent backwards into a bridge.  From there she went into a handstand and finally back to her feet.  She noticed Zarbon watching her and raised an eyebrow. 

 "Ready?" she asked.  At his nod, she took her stance, and watched for his first move.

 Zarbon started with a simple kick, which Tonya easily dodged.  She retaliated with a spin kick.  A flurry of blocks, punches, and kicks were exchanged and less than 2 minutes had passed when the first round was over.

 Tonya squirmed and struggled, but as every time before, she was pinned.  She glared at Zarbon, and he grinned in reply.  He resisted the urge to lean down and kiss her.  The last time he's done that, she'd bit him.  She apologized later and said that they were supposed to be fighting not making out.  Zarbon grinned wider as he remembered that she had kissed him the first time she had pinned him.

 "What?" Tonya asked frowning.

 Zarbon blinked with an innocent smile, "Hmm...?"

 "What are you smiling about?" Tonya studied him, "Are we going to spar or just lay/sit here?"

 Zarbon smirked and stood up, then offered Tonya a hand up.  She took his hand and allowed him to pull her to her feet.

 Tonya frowned again. "What's so funny?" she demanded.

 "I was just thinking about kissing you, and why I shouldn't."

 Surprise flashed across her face, and Zarbon chuckled.  Her eyes narrowed as she closed the distance between them and smiled as she placed her hands on his chest.  Zarbon's grin broadened and he relaxed, but didn't move to initiate the kiss as Tonya rubbed her instep against his calf.

Tonya hooked her foot in the back of his knee and pushed him off balance onto his back.  In the time it took to blink, Zarbon found himself pinned to the ground.

 In shock, Zarbon just stared at his lover.  Then he frowned, "Cheater."

 Tonya shrugged, "All's fair in love and war."  She leaned forward slightly, "Yield?"

 "Yield?" Zarbon studied the girl, That's only asked at the end of the session to end the fight.  Why is she...Oh. Zarbon smiled, "Yes."

 She released his arms and shifted so she could kiss him.  Tonya's lips lightly brushed Zarbon's, then she nipped his nose.

 "Hey." he pouted, "What did I do?"

 "I'll think of a reason later." she replied before kissing his injury.  Then she kissed his lips firmly.  Her tongue traced his lower lip, and Zarbon opened his mouth to retaliate with his own.  

Zerro stepped from his hiding place in the bushes and approached the pair.  They were too busy to notice him standing there, so he cleared his throat.  That didn't work so he coughed.  The couple glanced up looking guilty.  Then they realized who he was.

 "Hello Zerro," Tonya smiled sitting up, "How are you today?"

 "Fine." Zerro was flustered by the girl's response to his presence.

 Zarbon watched him, "What do you want?" he said calmly, but Tonya could feel him tense.

 "Zucca wants you to come with her back to Zydney."

 Tonya stood up, "Well tell Zucca tough luck.  Zarbon's not leaving."  Zarbon flipped to his feet, and Tonya looked at him, "You don't want to leave, do you?"

 "No." He replied pulling her close, "I've found what I've wanted right here."

 "I'm sorry, but I must insist that you come with me." Zerro said, about to gag from the looks the couple were exchanging.

 "Go away." Tonya said moving into her fighting stance, "Or I'll make you leave."

 "Tonya...This isn't the best ide..." Zarbon began.

 "Bring it on Earthling!" Zerro growled and charged.

 Zarbon stepped back, closed his eyes, and rubbed his forehead. Unless Zerro's improved his technique, he's in trouble.
* * * * * * *
 Sally, Poopsie, and Matthew were coming to watch Zarbon kick Tonya's tail all over the lawn.  Their eyes went wide and they ran the remaining distance to the clearing.  A strange man with flame red hair was slowly giving ground to his opponent.

 "What's going on?" Sally asked Zarbon, "Who is that?"

 "His name is Zerro.  He wanted me to leave with him for Zydney.  Tonya told him to get lost, then..." Zarbon gestured to the combatants.

 Zerro managed to get in a decent punch before Tonya's kick-punch combo sent him to the mat.  Tonya eyed the prone form and toed his shoulder before kneeling to take his pulse.

She glanced up at friends and grinned, "I beat him!"  Walking toward her friends, she cocked her head, "But now what do we do with him?"  Tonya was about five steps away went the group heard a soft "phewft".  Clapping a hand to her neck, Tonya whirled to face the new threat.  Sally pushed Matthew behind her and Poopsie.  They scanned the bushes intently, but saw no sign of life.

 A wave of dizziness engulfed Tonya and she swayed slightly where she stood.  This feeling was followed by a heavy sleepiness that was impossible to fight.  Her knees buckled on their own and she began to fall.  Zarbon jumped forward to catch her and slid her to the ground gently.

 A gasp from one of the girls made him look up slowly.  Ten longhaired men armed with dart guns and stun sticks surrounded them.  Zarbon deftly picked up his unconscious lover and face the leader, who was signified by his earrings.
 The leader spoke something quickly in his native language.  Zarbon simply nodded in reply.  Poopsie, Matthew, and Sally were herded closer to Zarbon and the man spoke again.

 "What did he say?" Poopsie hissed.

 "He asked if I was Zarbon.  Then he said we are coming with them."

 "Can we beat them?" Sally asked.

 "Maybe a few, but they would knock us out quickly with their weapons."

 The leader spoke sharply and the men prodded the group with the blunt ends of the sticks.  The quintet was lead through the bushes into another clearing where a shuttle sat waiting.  They were loaded onto the ship and each of them wondered what was going to happen next.
- - - - - - 
Zerro and Tonya were taken to the infirmary, while the others were escorted to the bridge.  Sally, a Star Trek fan, was impressed with all the high tech looking things the group saw on the way.  They passed several differently colored panthers prowling down the hallways, but the cats barely cast them a glance before moving on.

 Sitting in the captain's chair was a woman.  Her pale blue skin and severely bobbed purple hair marked her as an alien, but her beauty was astounding.  Her eyes were pale silver, and a smirk played across her lips.

 "Welcome back, Zarbon," the woman said, "So good to see you again, my love."

"I am not now, nor have ever been your love." Zarbon replied coldly, "Why are you here, Zucca?  And where is Captain Zyria?"

 "I'm here to collect my wayward fiancé, and Captain Zyria," Zucca paused, "was unable to come."

 "You mean you stole a flagship." Zarbon retorted, "On top of kidnapping me and Four earthlings, you'll be lucky to avoid the mines."

 "We shall see." Zucca's evil grin made everyone's blood chill.
- - - - - -
 Tonya felt like she was floating.  Opening her eyes, she realized she was.  The watery substance stung her eyes a little and the mask over her nose and mouth allowed her to breath.  A clear window in front of her let her see a little bit outside of her tank.

 Now I know what a goldfish feels like. she thought.  Suddenly, a blurrly figure appeared at the window.  Tonya jerked back in surprise.

 "<Zeft>," called the man, "<She's awake.>"

 "<Really?> Zeft answered.  He walked over to look in the tank, "<That was quick.  Suppose we should left her out, huh, Zeb?>"

 "<Yes or Zucca will kill us.>"

 Zeft pushed a button on the panel and water began to drain out of the tank.  Tonya knelt on the floor of the tank as the last of the water drained out.  The door swung upward, and Zeb stepped into the tank.

 "<It's okay.  I'm help you.>" Zeb said reassuringly, "<You can trust me.  I'm a friend.>"

 Tonya stared at the man.  She thought he had said "methlon" which was trust and "malleon" which was friend.

 "Malleon?" she said, her voice muffled by the mask.

 Zeb looked surprise.  He smiled and nodded vigorously. "Malleon." He removed the mask and helped her from the tank.  Zeft led her to a raised platform and had her stand on it.  He pressed a button and warm air began to blow, quickly drying Tonya's clothes.

 Tonya laughed and danced on the platform.  The two men laughed at her antics and talked between themselves.  All to soon, she was dry and the machine was shut off. 

 Zeb spoke to her again, but none of the words made sense.  He beckoned her and she followed him to a door.  He pointed to her then to the door.  Tonya studied the door and looked at Zeb uncertain.

 "Zarbon." Zeft spoke suddenly.  Tonya looked at him curiously.  He pointed to the door and repeated, "Zarbon."

 Tonya grinned and stepped toward the door.  She paused and looked back at the two men, "Malleon?"

 They nodded affirmative.

 "Methlon malleon?"

 Zeb glanced at Zeft, then nodded.

 "Zucca?" Tonya pointed to the door.  More nods. "Zucca malleon?"  The men blinked, then shook their heads negatively.  Tonya bit her lower lip, her eyes worried. "Methlon Zucca?"

 "Nani!?!" The men stared at her, then vigorously shook their heads no.  Tonya bowed to the men and walked through the door.
* * * * *
 A loud beep sounded on the bridge.  Zucca grinned and pushed a button.
 "Your friend's already awake.  How nice.  Soon we'll be able to leave this backward mud ball and primitive galaxy and go home."

 "What are you going to do?" Sally asked.

 "Me? Oh nothing much." Zucca pressed another button.  A large screen lowered and displayed Tonya standing in a short hallway. "Just watch the show."
* * * * *
 "What a lovely waste of space." Tonya eyed the corridor suspiciously.  She walked to the other door that opened to reveal a darker room.  She shrugged, "might as well." and stepped into the room.

 The door shut and the darkness was absolute.  A metallic clank drew her attention.  Accompanying the noise a shower of sparks flew up, illuminating a blade.  Straining her ears, Tonya also heard a steady swoosh, like a blade cutting the air.

 The light snapped on and Tonya winced at sudden brightness.
* * * * * *
Zarbon, Matthew, Sally, and Poopsie stared at the screen in shock.  The room Tonya had entered contained a huge obstacle course.  Giant scythes swung back and front, a guillotine, deep pits with spikes, and ropes filled the room.
 "Does you recognize this, Zarbon?" Zucca inquired, "It's the obstacle course for those who wish to mate with a prince.  I have the fastest time.  Do you think your Earthling can beat me?"

 "What was your time?" asked Poopsie.

 "35 minutes, 45 seconds." Zucca said smugly.

 Matthew started to laugh.  Everyone looked at him confused; had the poor guy snapped?

 "What's so funny?" Zucca glared at the boy.

 "This obstacle course reminds me of a video game we have.  Most people take about half an hour to beat the dungeons." Matthew smirked, "The longest Tonya's taken was 15 minutes.  That was because she was doing laundry."
* * * * *

Tonya smirked.  This was too easy.  Dashing forward, Tonya jumped and grabbed the rope, swinging across the pit.  The blade of the guillotine slammed down and she dove over the top of it.  Turning the dive into a roll, she jumped as soon as her feet hit the floor, aiming for the pole of the first scythe.   She hit her mark perfectly and paused waiting for the next one to come into range.  Leaping lightly from pole to pole, Tonya had soon passed them all.

 Tonya paused on the last blade.  Another deep pit was in front of her and there was no visible way across.  While she could just fly across, she didn't want to give away any of her powers yet.  She scanned the pit trying to figure out the riddle.  On the third swing she saw it.

 "Bingo!" she smirked and jumped.
* * * * *
 "How the hell is she going to get across that?" Poopsie asked.

 The group gasped as Tonya suddenly jumped off the scythe.  Their eyes went wide as she landed on an almost invisible walkway.

 "A leap of faith." Sally grinned. "Only with a leap from the Lion's head can a woman prove her worth."
* * * * * **
 Sally is so getting a hug when I see her again. Tonya thought, I'm so glad she watches the trilogy so much.

 Tonya ran across the bridge, dodging lasers that began to shoot from the walls.  On the other side, her goal lay in site past a few more obstacles.
* * * * *
 "Four minutes so far." Sally said with a grin. "Looks like she might beat your record."

 Zucca was fuming, "She's cheating.  That bitch is cheating."  Her eyes locked on Zarbon, and she stepped down from her high seat, "You told her what to expect.  You wanted your whore to win, so you told her."

 "I didn't tell her anything.  I had hoped this would never happen." Zarbon replied glaring.

 "You're lying." Zucca screamed, "That slut is trying to steal my rightful claim!"

 "She's not a slut!" Matthew yelled back, stepping forward from the group. 

Zucca paused eyeing the brazen upstart. "The only slut here is you.  You're trying to steal Tonya's boyfriend, not the other way around."

 Zucca's eyes narrowed with hate. "Why you little brat.  I think you've outlived your usefulness." She raised her hand to hit Matthew, which would probably kill him instantly.

 "Do it and I'll break every bone in your arm twice!"

Zucca whirled to face an angry Tonya, who was stalking across the bridge.  She looked at the screen where the time 7' 40 shown brightly.  "Impossible!  You can't have beaten my time!"

 Tonya shrugged, "Whatever.  I beat your little obstacle course, so let me and my friends go."

 "Zarbon is coming with me.  I'm his rightful mate." Zucca said.

 Raising an eyebrow, Tonya looked skeptical, "Really?  I don't think he agrees.  You should let him decide."

 "Men are inferior to women.  They don't know what's best for them.  He'll chose a quick fling over proper happiness."

 "This is getting us nowhere." Tonya frowned, "I didn't want to do this but," She took a deep breath, "I challenge you to a fight.  If you win, Zarbon goes with you.  If I win, Zarbon stays with me.  Do you except?"

 "Yes." Zucca grinned evilly. "Are you ready?"

 "Of course."

 Zucca lunged expecting Tonya to be to surprised to move, but Tonya like the other girls, knew that most opponents fight dirty.  Tonya dodged and kicked Zucca in the stomach.  The armor she wore absorbed most of the force, but it still hurt the woman.  Zucca jumped back and the women circled each other.  Tonya feinted a punch, and got in another kick.  Zucca doubled over in pain and was surprised to find her armor had cracked.  Now Zucca was pissed, but she put her anger into her speed instead of pointless attacks.

 Soon, Tonya was on the losing end of the fight.  She just didn't have the speed to keep up with her opponent, but she was stronger and could take more damage.  Tonya went down onto her hands and knees, and Zucca laughed at her.

 "Ready to give up?" Zucca laughed.

 Wiping the trickle of blood from her nose, Tonya replied, "Never."  Zucca jumped over the leg sweep with a laugh, but the tail lash knocked her off her feet.  Tonya pounced and pinned her to the floor.  Unsheathing her claws, Tonya raised her fist to punch Zucca. "Do you yield?" Tonya asked.

 Zucca glared and spat, "Yes."

 Tonya stood up and began to walk to her friends.  Climbing to her feet, Zucca began to gather an energy ball to kill Tonya.

"Don't even think about it, Zucca." A new voice commanded, "Your in enough trouble as it is."  Tonya's lab partner stepped from her hiding spot.

 "Zena!" Tonya cheered, then blinked, "What are you doing here?"

 "Saving my brother and his friends." She answered.

 "Your brother?" Tonya asked wide-eyed.

 Zena touched her necklace and the hologram disappeared.  Her long green hair was lighter than Zarbon's, but her eyes were the same color.

 "Hello, little sister." Zarbon smiled slightly, "It's good to see you again."

 "I bet it is." Zena crossed the room, keeping an eye on Zucca. "You're getting soft, big brother.  You didn't even know I was on earth."

 Zarbon smirked, "Who do you think left you the note on the best places to eat?  Mother?"  Zena looked shocked and he added, "But I didn't know Zerro was here.  Did mother send you to retrieve me?"

 "No, she sent me to spy on you." The door slid open and everyone, but the girls and Matthew, dropped to their knees.  Poopsie, Matthew, and Sally quickly followed suit, but Tonya, who had her back to the door just stared.

 "What?" she asked confused.

 *Turn around* Poopsie voice sounded in her mind.

 Tonya turned and her jaw dropped.  The woman had to be about 6'3, with intense gold eyes, and blue skin.  Her deep green hair was loose and flowed to her knees.  Her robes were pure white accented with gold and an exquisite gold tiara with blue sapphires graced her forehead.

 *Bow you idiot.*

 Tonya dropped to her knees and stared at the floor scared to death.

 "Zena, report." Commanded the woman.

 "Yes, your majesty." Zena replied and stood. "This is Tonya.  Zarbon has been living with her and her friends.  She is a kind hearted female with good values and a strong sense of loyalty.  She is reliable and trustworthy.  She talks a lot, is prone to fits of hugging, can be annoying, and mischievous."

 "You forgot a decent fighter and that she now holds the record on the obstacle course." the queen chided gently, "Zarbon, what do you say?"

 "I love her, Queen Zorana," he replied looking up. "If I must leave, I will.  But I would rather stay with her."

 "You would give up your title to stay here with her?" the queen asked coldly.

 "Yes."

 "Then, I have no choice," the queen sighed, "but to give you my blessing." she smiled warmly, "I only wanted to make sure you were happy."

 Zarbon jumped up and ran to the queen.  He hugged her tightly, "I am, mother, I am.  I've never been happier."

 "Mother?" Tonya's voice was full of surprise, her eyes wide, "If the queen is your mother, than you're a..."

 "Prince." Zena supplied helpfully.

 Tonya's eyes widen even further, and her jaw was on the floor.

 The queen smirked, and she raised an eyebrow at Zarbon, "You didn't tell her?"

 "No, I didn't think it was important." Zarbon shrugged.

 Queen Zorana laughed, "Not important!  Only you, my son, would think that wasn't important.  Surely she's seen the mark."

 Zarbon blushed, "Well, yes.  Once.  When I was...sick."

 Tonya stood up, "That mark on your back means you're a Prince!  You told me it was a birthmark." Her tail swished in annoyance.

 Queen Zorana smiled as Zarbon hid behind her, "He didn't lie to you.  It is a birthmark of sorts.  It is made with a special dye to identify a prince of our planet.  It's put on shortly after birth."

 "Soo...you're not going to take Zarbon back to Zydney with you?" Tonya asked to confirm what was happening.

 "No." Queen Zorana replied, "He appears to be very happy here.  I will let him stay as long as he wants to."

 "Nooo!" Zucca shrieked, "What about my claim?"

 Zarbon stepped forward and glared at the wailing woman. "What claim?"

 "My marriage claim!" Zucca cried.

 "Your claim has been outranked." the queen replied, "You claimed Zarbon loved you, which I doubted from the first.  Your only real claim was the fastest time on the test, but your record has been broken."

 Zucca's face twisted in fury, "This is your fault." she hissed her eyes locking on Tonya. "All your fault."

 Tonya took a step back, cautious of the anger on that face.  Suddenly, Zucca snarled and lunged at the frighten girl.  Tonya tripped and fell on her butt in terror and surprise at the shape rushing toward her.  A roar from behind startled her as a second form hurdled over her head.

 Everyone stared as an emerald green panther thrashed the grape colored one.  The purple one finally rolled over into a submissive posture, and the green panther approached Tonya slowly and carefully.  Tonya tensed as he looked her over like a cat inspecting his claim.

 He looked into her eyes, and asked, "Are you okay?"

 Tonya's eyes went comically wide and she about fell over. "Zarbon?!?" she squeaked.  He nodded and she wrapped her arms around his furry neck, burying her face in his fur.  She pulled back and looked at him with a critical eye. "Is there anything else you'd like to tell me?"

 Zarbon hung his head and looked up at her through his bangs, "Ai shiteru."

 Tonya smiled and blushed, running her fingers through his fur, "I love you, too."

 "Zucca." The queen's voice was cold, "This was the last straw.  Your punishment for your crimes is to be stripped of your powers and title." A large, pink, blob-like man with wart like bumps entered the room.

 "No!" Zucca shifted back and knelt before the queen. "Please no!"

 "You have been warned before, and you ignored those warnings.  "You are now the property of Dodoria."

 The blob stepped forwarded and grinned.  Zucca's eyes widened and she seemed to shrink with fear.  Dodoria brandished a collar and chain.  He drug Zucca to her feet and snapped the collar around her neck.  "Come along, slave." he tugged the chain, forcing her to take a step.

 Tonya, Sally, and Poopsie shuttered as the man drug Zucca away.  Just before the couple left the room, Zucca turned to look at Tonya one last time.  Tonya was floored by the look of peace and contentment on the other woman's face.  Then, Zucca was gone.

 "Well, that was disturbing." Poopsie said.

 "Yup." Matthew agreed.

 "Now we shall return you to earth." Queen Zorana said.  "I'm very sorry for any problems that we may have caused."

 "It's okay." Sally replied.

 "If you would follow me, I will take you back." Zena said.

 Sally, Poopsie, and Matthew started to follow, but they realized they were missing a couple of people.  Zarbon was half draped across Tonya's lap with his eyes closed and a look of pleasure scrawled on his face.  Tonya was giving him one of her pet massages.

 "Tonya!" Sally called, "You can do that later.  Come on."

 Zarbon groaned and moved, and Tonya stood up.  Shifting back to his human form, Zarbon straighten his shirt.

 "Where do your clothes go when you change form?" Sally asked.

 Zarbon and Zena shrugged, "We don't know."

 Queen Zorana grinned, "We've got a lot of talented scientists working on that.  So far the best theory deals with something called "Hammer space", but it has yet to be proven."

 "Oh." Sally did a very good impression of Larry the cucumber.
- - - - - -
 "Where have you been?" Alec asked as the group walked through the door.

 "We were abducted by aliens." Sally replied.

 "Really?" Sebastian said sarcastically, "We're they nice?"

 "The Queen, the two doctors, and Zena were." Tonya said, "Zucca wasn't."

 Bowie bounded into the room.  He was seven months old now and was about half the size of a German shepherd.  He jumped up on Tonya, showing her a ball, trying to get her to play.  Tonya knelt and began to scratch behind the pup's ears, and a goofy-pleased look grew on his face.

 "Now I know why he likes you so much," Zarbon grinned, "When's my turns?"

 "That's disturbing." Dee said flatly, "Wait until you two are alone."

 "Who's Zucca and Zena?" Techno asked.

 "Zena is my younger sister." Zarbon answered, "And Zucca is a crazy female who was obsessed with making me her mate."

 "Like Jess and Chris O'Donnell?" Alec asked.  Jed shot him a death-glare.
 "Kinda." Tonya put in, "But I don't think Jess would kidnap Chris and make his wife run an obstacle course, then have a fist fight."

 "What Queen was there?" Jess asked. "You said a Queen was there."

 "Queen Zorana of Zydney." Zarbon said.

 "Why was the queen there?" Dee asked.

 "To pass judgment on Zucca, and to meet Tonya." Zarbon replied, "The queen's my mother."

 "So you're a ...Prince?" Jed gasped.

 Tonya grinned, "Yup." She wrapped her arms around him, "and he's all mine."

 Suddenly Matthew snorted.  Everyone looked at him in surprise.  His arms were folded and an annoyed look was on his face.

 "What?" Tonya asked.

 "I've got one of the best stories on Earth." Matthew frowned, "Super heroes, aliens and abductions, Queens from other planet, two fights, shape shifting" Matthew threw his hand into the air. "And I can't tell anyone about it!"