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HM-07 Viva La Fiesta Del Hazardo! - 08/04/2007

Written By The Writing Team Of Darrel James Vanwinkle & Joanna Leigh Vanwinkle

Quote:

A telegram from one of Mikael's old, though younger, pen pals sends the team to Mexico for a fiesta celebration. But will the Demon Dogs and the Toltec Ghost Priest allow the team to enjoy their outing?

Coming up next on Hazardous Materials!

It was indeed a good thirty days or more before the team was able to see Alex again. He arrived early one morning via limousine at Mikael's home and after being admitted to the home, sat down at the kitchen table with Mikael and Lionel. "My father is placated, Mikael. He gave me permission to come get the details of whatever your emergency is."

Lionel chuckled. "So Vicky was able to please him?"

Alex grinned. "He hired her to work at the corporation for the next 30 days. He wants to make sure her act isn't just an act. And working at the corporate offices is his way to find out if she's the right choice for me. She has to continue to wear those proper clothes she's been wearing. And as a bonus, he told her that if she declined the offer, then she could spend the rest of the Summer walking around L.A. with her father... get this... holding her hand every waking moment. Believe me, she accepted his offer. I think there is strife in the Lane household. All of the boys left town, conveniently, when their father returned home."

Mikael laughed. "Yes, it sounds like they know something we don't want to know. Poor Vicky..."

Alex smiled. "So what is the purpose for this meeting?"

Mikael smiled back, patting Alex's hand. "Have you ever been to Mexico?"

They heard the distinct sound of a souped up sports car pulling up outside, and a few minutes later, Trina entered the kitchen, carrying a bag of goodies. Sitting the bag down, she winked at them and said, "I brought some munchies," and began pulling out chips, candy bars, and sodas.

"That's real healthy," Hel said skeptically, eying the stuff she was pulling out of the bag.

"Healthy, smealthy. I'm all for comfort food," was her rebuttal as she pulled out a gallon of chocolate, chocolate chunk ice cream and went to the drawer for a spoon.

Hel's eyebrows raised as he shot a bemused look at Mikael and Alex. "Are you having a bad day?"

"I don't want to talk about it," Trina answered, ripping of the lid and shoveling a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. She made a loud pleasureful sigh as the ice cream melted in her mouth.

"Right," Hel, turned back to Mikael. "I don't believe I've ever paid a visit to Mexico before. And that's saying something for me," he winked.

"Mexico?" Trina asked, the spoon paused on the way to her mouth. "We're going to Mexico?"

When Reena walked in the door, she had two boys with her this time. The first was obviously her brother in the wheelchair, Adam Dalton, the handicapped boy with the flair for the fantastic. And apparently, the other boy was another brother, though this one was as built as Hel, but was definitely dressed the part for the rodeo circuit.

Reena smiled. "Mom put Daddy in the hospital recently, so I agreed to bring Adam and Juan with me. Plus Adam was really wanting to see you guys again."

Adam smiled, too. "I recently read in the Mysteries Inc newsletter that you guys nearly sank the British Isles." He winked with a grin.

Juan shook Hel's hand with a firm grip. "Howdy Hel. I'm Juan Dalton. You really are built. I'll bet anything you'd look fantastic in rodeo gear. Any chance of my seeing that on this trip?"

Hel chuckled, "I don't think that's likely to happen, but then again, stranger things have occurred during our mysteries."

Just then, Kevin entered the kitchen. He had dark circles under his eyes, which were blood shot, and his hair was disheavelled. He went straight to the coffee pot and poured a large mug before sitting at the table and beginning to drink.

"Man, you look rough," Trina said between bites of ice cream.

"Uh? Oh, I've been pulling some late night investigating while my mom is away. She had to go to Geneva, Switzerland for some delegate meeting and I've been using her absence to my advantage," he answered, smothering a huge yawn.

Genie and Grim Reaper were the next to pop in, and quite literally... and Grim had what looked like a teen aged Death trainee with him. "...and these are friends of mine, rookie. You don't try to kill them or they'll find a way to resurrect you as painfully as possible."

Genie waved at the others! "Hi guys! I just got back from a date with Coyote! Who wants to hear about Wile E. Coyote knots?"

Then, Mark arrived with Ivan. "Look who I rescued from the TV station, guys!"

Ivan chuckled. "And a fine rescue it was, too. They'll never know what happened. Is Vinnie around yet or is that him over there and he just went Western dude on us?"

"Not quite," Vinnie said, walking in from the living room. He was dressed emaculately in a dollar, three-piece suit, and soft leather shoes. It appeared as if he had just come from some Wall Street board room. "Your shares are doing tremendously well, Mikael."

"Wow!" Trina had stopped eating ice cream to stare at Vinnie. "I didn't know you could clean up so well."

Hel handed Trina a paper towel as he laughed. "Either eat it or put it away. You're making a mess."

Trina looked down. "Whoops!" She grabbed the paper towel and blotted at the spots of melted ice cream on her blouse.

Mikael smiled. "Is everyone here yet?"

Adam replied, "I don't see Erina yet. I assume that Vicky is either going to be late or won't be able to come at all. How right am I?"

Alex laughed. "Vicky is working for my father as his personal secretary, at the moment. If she knew we were having a meeting, she'd be throwing a fit to get here. However, her dad is watching the corporate building from the outside, so if she leaves... she'll have to come here with him holding her hand." He winked with a grin. "It's a catch-22."

Andrew walked in and sat down. "Sorry I'm late, guys. That record producer in town that the Count set up for me to record at wanted to make sure my new 45 single was going to sound right. I am still overwhelmed that I am going to have a record single with one of my songs on it."

Genie smiled. "So if you're successful, you'll be in the same music rank as Pan's Dream and Secret Singer."

Andrew chuckled. "I'm being dubbed as the Moon Dog Bard."

"So Vicky is actually working for your father?" Kevin asked, pouring himself another cup of coffee. "I hope he doesn't corrupt her into some big time corporate executive."

Erina strolled in casually, sat next to Genie, and smiled at everyone. "I hope I didn't miss too much." She eyed Juan and said, "Who's the new guinea pig?"

Kevin almost choked on his coffee but quickly gained his composure. "Guinea pig?"

"Well, yea," Erina nodded sagely. "Every time someone extra comes along, they end up in the middle of something fantastic. I'm just wondering what he's going to land in."

Hel chuckled. "He wants to get me decked out, western style."

Reena giggled. "Come on, Erina. Surely you know Juan Dalton, the famous Rodeo Star. He's even been a guest star in a few movies."

Juan smiled. "I had some time off for good behavior and I heard from Adam on how Reena's friends are all the time finding some wild stallion that needs to be broken in, so I thought I'd tag along one time and see what's what. I'll be disappointed if I don't see any horses on this trip. I can ride anything, though. And am not afraid to prove it." He winked.

Andrew quietly coughed, muttering, "...a likely story... Frigga's mount might have something to say about this guy..."

Mikael laughed too. "Okay guys... we're going to Mexico this time. An old friend of mine... a pen pal that I wrote to a lot when I first moved to San Francisco... he's invited us to a huge Mexican celebration. But there's an undercurrent to our being invited. There's a mystery to solve and the local police don't want to be involved in it because it involves Demon Dogs and a Toltec Ghost Priest. We'll likely be down there for about 2 weeks, so if you need to get permissions from people or just need to make prior plans, now is the time to do it. As for Ivan, just think of all the new customers down there you can sell some security systems to."

Ivan replied, "No thank you. I'll have to call my cronies in crime in Mexico before I can go down there. You know how the hero system works in Europe? Well in Mexico, they have a villain system set up the same way. If you're registered with the local crime boss, then you have instant 'help' whenever you ask for it against heroes and police. There is no hero system down there, because there are rarely ever any heroes in Mexico."

Alex excused himself from the table. "I need to go call my dad about this." And he walked out of the room to use his cell phone.

Erina simply smiled. "Juan Dalton? You don't say. Well, this should be a very interesting trip." Then she turned to Mikael. "Demon dogs? Are they in heat? because if they are, I won't protect any of you."

"That's reassuring," Kevin muttered.

"I just need to change out of this costume," Vinnie said, and with a flash he was dressed in his everyday 'casual' clothes. "I'm ready."

"I have to go talk to Frigga for a moment. I'll meet you there," Hel said, then vanished quietly from the kitchen.

Alex soon walked back inside with an odd little smile. "My father gave me the weirdest permission just now."

Lionel asked, "How weird was it?"

Alex replied, "He told me to go have fun with the rest of you and spend as much money as I wanted and be sure to buy lots of souvenirs. He told me to treat all of you as if we were on a Christmas holiday."

Mikael huhed. "Now that is weird. But I think I know why he told you that. He knows that if you and the rest of us are off in Mexico, there is no way in Hell that Vicky can show up where you are. He's been trying to arrange a way for you to spend a month away from Vicky and with her working for him, and you now going to Mexico, it's the perfect set up."

Alex hummed. "That actually makes sense, Mikael. Now I know what he's up to... he couldn't control where I went where Vicky wouldn't show up where I was sent... so he's keeping Vicky working with him so I can go off without her being right there to hold my hand. I hope Vicky doesn't find out what he's plotting..."

Vinnie laughed. "Vicky is working with your father? Oh, that is rich. I just wonder how high and mighty he will feel when he finds out just how effectively and efficiently Vicky can multitask. We are talking about the girl who successfully oversees not one, not two, but three L.A. gangs, and still manages to traipse around the cosmos with us."

"The bad part is that Vicky was probably standing in the room when your father said that to you. You did say she was acting as his personal assistant," Trina pointed out, finishing off her ice cream and disposing of the carton. She took the spoon to the sink and washed it, putting it in the drainer, then washed her hands. After drying them carefully on a dish towel, she turned to the group, "I'm sure he wants Vicky to know that we're heading off on another adventure while she's trapped in the quicksand of the corporate world."

Vinnie shrugged, "It's really not that bad. Once Vicky figures out how much running a business is like running a gang..." he shrugged again.

"What?" Kevin asked, "You don't think Vicky will do a hostile corporate take over from the inside do you?"

"Of course not. Vicky isn't one to stay inside for too long. But Mr. Hazard's plan may backfire, he may find himself wanting Vicky around on a more permanent basis. And don't forget that her father is lurking around," Erina reminded them.

Mark said, "I know Vicky better than most of you, and I can tell you now... it's not the business that she isn't able to handle... it's having to constantly dress like she's going to Sunday School."

Teen Death then whispered to Grim Reaper, "Do they carry on like this all the time?"

Grim nodded his head, whispering back, "Oh yes, and it gets better and better. I am surprised no one has killed each other yet."

Ivan then said, "I just called one of my Mexican cronies... when they heard that Hazardous Materials had been invited to Mexico, they told me to at least let them all get hidden so they wouldn't be in our way."

Trina looked at Mikael, "So what is to be our mode of transportation for this trip?"

"That's great, Ivan. Unless, of course, one of your Mexican cronies is responsible in some way," Kevin pointed out.

"Mexico isn't that far," Erina began, "so we could easily drive. Of course, fitting us all into one vehicle would be an adventure into itself."

Mikael smiled. "We have an 'in' this time. My friend will be opening a teleportal for us that is large enough to take our vehicles through it. Because I will be driving a catering truck with our special guest star... Blackstone. This is a special Fiesta that involves a lot of food and drink. And yes, and I am not sure how Juan knew... but there will also be a rodeo at the event."

Reena smiled. "THE Blackstone will be at the Fiesta with us? Now that IS a special treat! Next thing you'll be telling me is that Timeslip will be performing there, too."

Mikael giggled with a wink. "Among others. We've been officially invited to the Day of the Dead Fiesta. We normally call it Halloween, but they are having the Fiesta a week early because of a rainy weather forecast. My friend invited us for the Fiesta... but there is also a mystery down there to solve."

Alex hummed. "Your friend... is he a cat person, like you?"

Mikael grinned. "There is no fooling you guys, is there?"

"Hello, Mikael. Are you guys ready?" Blackstone asked, walking into the kitchen. "I need to get down there to begin setting up my crew."

Trina smiled, "Finally! We get to deal with some more cat people."

Mikael smiled at Blackstone. "Of course, my dear. Let me briefly update you on the Hazardous Material crew first, however...

Alexander Hazard, for whom the mystery solving team is named for, surprisingly enough. He prefers the shortened Alex name. I didn't think Hawthorneous Materials had the right sound." He winked. "Alex has been continuously seeing Garm's visage here on Earth, even though Garm is chained up in Asgard and can't leave.

Hel Shadowspawn, our godly support and man of the utmost lack thereof fashion statement. There isn't much more to say about Hel except he's very reliable, unless Hela grabs him to bitch about something, and that hasn't happened for quite some time.

Reena Dalton, the wild flame of Utah for whom on every adventure we get to hear of a new threat that her father has made to make her rear end glow in some non-magical fashion of a brightness so great... that other dimensions or far, far away galaxies can see it shining." He again winked. "And the boy in the wheelchair is her brother Adam, and the cowboy stud is her other brother Juan.

Katrina Lorraine Tracker, our bikini wearing offspring of a bounty hunter," Mikael grinned. "She prefers to be called Trina when she's out and about with the rest of us. And even though she's human, she has this fetish with drooling over cat people.

Ivan Kingsley, our on the spot Carrington Security Systems infomercial," he laughed. "Formerly known as Ivanovinski Kingslokov the Notorious Crook of Russia, he shortened his name upon coming to the United States in the 1950s and eventually found that making security systems was far more rewarding and profitable than robbing places was.

Kevin Seasons, son of Hannah Seasons and a man from Chicago who has been missing for some time. He's one of Chicago's cold case files. Hint, hint!" he hinted toward Kevin. "Kevin has been battling the mental game of wits against his former super villainess mother who won't tell him who his father is or was.

Geneva Kurta Zeligmann, our resident ghost toastie from 1007 A.D. Germany," he grinned at Genie. "The Grim Reaper's son, Grim, of Grim and Crypta fame, accidentally killed her back then and now, the Grim Reaper has been trying to find her a new life and has that ever been mission impossible. She calls herself Genie Hall these days. And the young Teen Death standing with Grim right now is someone he is training, and now he knows what I have been through in the past few millennium.

Erin Os Balraugoth, whom we all know as Erina Osborne, the Hollywood stunt woman," he chuckled. "She is part demon and not afraid of any one or any thing. Her father's name is Balraugoth, a name not usually heard in the surface world, except during Halloween.

I am Mikael of Hawthorne Wood, a place outside of Old Salem, Massachusetts. And yes, I am a real witch cat who can become humanoid. This is Lionel Flavelle, my apprentice and teen aged boy of old Salem in that dark past era. We both lived there and I was teaching him magic there, until he used his powers in public to save the mayor's daughter from being smashed by a falling tree. She would have been killed instantly, but quick thinking saved her. And then... the witch hunt was on...

Victoria Lane, or Vicky the L.A. Gang Leader, isn't coming with us this time. In order to prove herself to Alex's father, she is working in his corporate offices as his personal aide, not maid.

Marcus Merlin, preferring Mark of course, is really related to Linda Star, though the exact ties are not yet known at this time. I am still doing my homework. He is our resident white magician, although we often hear about his bratty sister. And this is his friend Andrew Rook, though more recently known as the Moon Dog Bard. He has been with us since the Haunted Toy Factory mystery, just after his parents were going through a bitter divorce and they still have detectives out looking for Andrew as we speak. I think it has something to do with a secret inheritance in Andrew's name that both parents want to get their paws on.

And last but not least, Vincent Cabriano, our resident financial adviser, playboy, and former super villain known as Dagger Master, though that was a long time ago. In those days, he was always trying to kidnap Lancing Vixen."

Lionel then said, "Mikael, the transportal is opening in the front driveway."

Genie was growling because Mikael KNEW her real name. No one was supposed to have know who she was originally. She was steamed at the cat.

Hel didn't respond, he just nodded in Blackstone's direction. He didn't bother mentioning that they already knew each other, being from the Outer Planes.

Trina practically steamed at Mikael. She couldn't wait for an opportunity to show him just how mistaken he was about her abilities. She didn't drool over cat people. Of all the nerve.

Kevin, however, was eying Mikael closely, wondering just how much Mikael knew that he wasn't telling him. He had been trying to find information for months and Mikael had sit back and not said a word. What else he was keeping from the group as a whole, he wondered.

Erina chuckled as she listened to Mikael butcher her father's Earth name. Her mother and father would get a kick out of that.

"At least I wasn't Jack the Raper," Vinnie mentioned offhandedly.

Ivan chuckled. "Hey, I knew Jack! We shared a prison cell once! And boy... wait until you see HIS secret! Can we get going now?"

Mikael was already heading outside to the catering truck.

Alex hummed... "Mikael sure knows a lot... and that makes me suspicious. We better keep a close eye on him."

And the guys started heading out of the house to the Driveway Transportal.

"He either knows a whole lot more that he's been letting on, or he's been doing some research on his own without sharing with the rest of us," Kevin responded. "Makes you wonder just how much he does know for sure."

Blackstone smile as they loaded in the assorted vehicles. This could be very interesting, she thought as they drove through the portal and arrived in Mexico.

Moments later, the team had arrived in a location south of Mexico City. There was a huge carnival, circus, rodeo, and other such entertainment displays set up, like several band stages and the designated Blackstone section of the thoroughfare. And there were people every where. And most either didn't look human or were human, but wore costumes and masks.

Reena blinked her eyes. "Did we just walk into a shopping mall or something? This is crazy."

Genie growled. "No, we're in Mexico, all right... now if you'll excuse me..." and she stalked off over toward the Timeslip stage area.

Andrew hummed. "Maybe I should just sit down on a street corner and play my flute."

Mark said, "How can you find anyone or anything in this crowd?"

"Genie seems more agitated than normal," Trina mentioned to Mark. "Do you think she's really that upset over what Mikael said? And did you notice that he really didn't say anything about Vicky? I wonder if that is because she wasn't around to hear whatever veiled clues he felt like dropping?"

"I don't know why she let it get to her," Hel interjected. "She's dead, after all, and there isn't much that can be done about it until Grim finds her a new position. And since she's being so particular about it, I don't see that happening so soon. As for me, I'm a god and the petty musing of the non-divine crowd doesn't ruffle me in the least," he winked.

"Wow," Kevin muttered, admiring the colorful costumes and decorations all around them. "Vicky is going to be so jealous that she's missing out on this party."

Mark replied, "I think Genie is agitated because the guy who killed her is on stage just over there tuning up his guitar... and boy is he about to have a blast from the past."

Alex hugged Kevin fondly with a sigh. "...my friend..."

Just then, a teen aged jaguar man wearing a government like suit and dark sunglasses walked up to the team. "Excuse me. Are you Hazardous Materials... Mikael's strike team?"

Trina practically drooled. "Yes, we're the Hazardous Materials team. I'm Trina Tracker, and you are?" she asked, extending her hand.

Vinnie chuckled, "Look out, Mark, you've got competition this trip," he whispered in an aside.

Mark quietly pulled out a camera and snapped some quiet digital camera shots of Trina drooling over another cat person, just as Mikael said Trina did. Hey, got to have evidence for Miss Trina N. de Nile! He wasn't happy that Trina was being true to form, but this was supposed to be a festival... maybe he could slip off and meet with some other girl or something.

The jaguar lowered his shades and said, "I am Ja Chiko del mar Zagado. Mexican Warlock, at your service. I am so pleased Mikael was able to convince you to come. Especially with such a beautiful young lady, such as yourself." He kissed Trina's hand.

And yes, that was all Mark could take, as he turned and walked off into the crowd... very upset.

Ivan whispered to Hel, "Am I imagining the temperatures rising on the team? Are we sure Vicky isn't lurking around here someplace? And why is Alex hugging Kevin?"

Hel considered it for a moment, "Let's hope that it has something to do with the mystery at hand. Mikael, perhaps you should get things back on track here."

Blackstone had since went off to set up her own thing, leaving them to their own devices.

"Alex, you ok?" Kevin asked, surprised.

Alex whispered to Kevin, "I feel... really cold... and you were the closest. Sorry Kevin. I'm not... you know... I don't know what came over me just then."

Mikael ahemed. "Ja Chiko. It is good to see you again. I see you met Trina. Maybe if you ask her nicely, she will agree to perform in your jungle club, though I somehow doubt she would do it once she found out what kind of club it is."

Ja Chiko slyly grinned, then he slapped Mikael. Pretty hard, actually. "We don't say such things in front of ladies. Speaking of such... when will we see a Mrs. Hawthorne in your household?"

Mikael rubbed his sore jaw. "Not while I have an apprentice to educate."

Lionel then whispered to Vinnie, "The last time I asked about a Mrs. Hawthorne, I ended up with thirty days of cleaning the outhouse with a toothbrush. I think it's a sore subject with Mikael."

Kevin looked around concerned, "Hey guys, something's wrong with Alex all-of-a-sudden."

"Hello, Genie. What brings you here?" Crypta asked warily. "Has Grim still not found you a new place? I often wonder why he's waited so long to even begin looking. It would have been little effort to have returned you to your life if he had chosen to."

Genie quietly replied to Crypta, whom she wasn't mad at, "I'm here with Hazardous Materials. We're on a mission. As for why I walked over here... I want to knock Grim's block off. I know he'll just put it back on, but I am still mad at him."

Grim glanced over and said, "I didn't tell you that you had to accept my father's offer for getting you a new life. You could have hung out with Crypta and me. So you can't be mad at me for my father's stupidity. What has he done this time?"

Genie replied, "His idea of finding me a new life is by getting me involved with the Pantheons... as far away from Earth as possible. The last job he tried to shaft me in was a very perverted Raven who wanted me to wear..." and she explained the TRUTH of what the job involved and how it exploited her looks and body. "I've asked him a ton of times to get me a life around my friends, and he won't do it. And now, he's training a new Death. And Heaven is still arguing over that Jesus incident."

Juan walked over and felt Alex's head. "He's not feverish." He then felt the neck, then the tummy, and the butt. "He's not sick."

Alex growled, "No, but you are, you perv! I am not a horse, you twit!"

Juan frowned, "But Reena said you were a unicorn. Isn't that the same thing?"

Alex sighs, mad at Reena now. "She's obviously STOO-PID. Unicorns are related to the cervine species, not the equine species, except for that one tribe of Irish Unicorns... they are equine related. But I am not one of them."

Reena growled back at Alex, "It's not my fault, Mister Garm's Love Toy!"

Ja Chiko then whispered to Mikael, "Are they like that all the time?"

Mikael rolled his eyes. "And more, Ja Chiko. Hel and Vinnie are about the only ones who are civilized in this team."

Teen Death said to Grim Reaper, "You're right. They sound like they are on the verge of killing each other. When is their time to die again?"

The Grim Reaper explained the dates and times once again.

Wow, Kevin thought to himself, either something really wild is going on here, or, without Vicky to balance out the team everyone is wanting to tear each other to pieces. Interesting.

Out loud he said, "Take it easy, Alex. Let's go over to Blackstone and see if she's got some hot tea or hot cocoa or something."

Trina was still kinda spaced out ga-ga over Mikael's friend. "So what is it you need us to do?" she asked, ignoring the others.

Ja Chiko said to Trina, "There is an ancient Toltec ghost priest who has appeared at an old temple in the nearby jungles. He claims that man has desecrated one of their holy burial sites and unless he is appeased, then he will unleash the Diablo demon hounds to ravage the land and they will drive all mankind out of his lands. To make matters worse, a young boy and a young girl were snooping around the old temple and both have vanished. Their parents are frantic, which is why I contacted Mikael. I had heard of Hazardous Materials' ability to get things done and asked the team to come help out. In return for your assistance, whatever each of you wants from our festival is yours for the taking. Please say that you will assist us."

Adam hummed, sitting there in his wheelchair. He had been quietly watching the reactions of the others. "Jinkies..."

Erina scoffed, "Diablo demon hounds? That's a bit far-fetched."

Trina, however, hung on Ja Chiko's every word. "Of course we'll get right on it. Can you take us to this temple?"

Alex and Kevin had walked over to Blackstone's area. Alex was still having that weird feeling, and felt clingy to Kevin, only because he was closest, or so Alex said...

Meanwhile, Blackstone served Alex a steaming cup of cocoa. "You don't look so good, Alex," she observed. "You didn't drink the water did you?"

Kevin was getting increasingly concerned. He had never seen Alex like this and he was at a complete loss as how to treat a unicorn.

Alex replied, "N-no, Brenda... I was fine when we were in San Francisco. But the moment we came... through the transportal... I was suddenly hit by a wave of extreme cold. And..." he blushed darkly at this point. "...I got the most disgusting feeling washing over me... for hugging a guy... and Kevin was the closest... I've never felt like this before... I actually feel... sick... in a way..."

He then suddenly collapsed on the ground. He simply couldn't hold on to Kevin or anything else anymore. "I feel... really... ill..." He then closed his eyes and moaned.

I can't believe I'm looking over acquisition forms, Vicky thought. What's even more amazing is that Mr. Hazard would actually consider taking on some of the ventures that he had folders for. It may be out of line, but she felt she had an obligation to tell Mr. Hazard that some of these venues were guaranteed to lose him billions of dollars. But first I have to refile all of them, she fumed, tugging at the collar of her blouse.

Mr. Hazard chose that moment to enter the main office and walk over to his high tech computer embedded desk and activate a program that projected it's image on a viewing screen on one wall of the chamber. It appeared to be a map of a fantastic continent, with kingdom borders, weird city names, and a blinking circle around a major city in the Southeastern portion of the upper continent. He then walked over to the screen, holding his voice remote, and began to study the map with renewed interest. He was not acknowledging that Vicky was even there, surprisingly.

"Yes, Mr. Kinsbert was right about the isolation part, it looks like. Alexander could certainly focus on his college classes there. And an added business opportunity for Hazard Enterprises, as well. And all tax deductible, too."

Grim took that moment to say to Erina, "Actually, there is really an underworld species of hound by that title, but fortunately, they do not have the ability to come to the surface world, at least, not under their own abilities. Not to mention... Asmodeus is surely not going to let them leave his Ninth Plane Kennels merely for a mortal's whim."

The Teen Death was surprised that Grim was getting involved. But she remained quiet and observed his tact.

Ja Chiko smiled at Trina. "Of course I can, lovely one. We can go right now, if you'd like."

Reena whispered to Hel, "What was it that Mikael said about Trina? Practically drooling over cat people? Is Trina entranced or something? I don't think she's even once turned away from Ja Chiko to even notice that the rest of us are even still here."

Mark, who had already left the group, was walking through the crowd by himself and trying to ignore the fact that Trina was literally in love with the new jaguar teenager who was a magic user, to boot. Instead, he focused on seeing about following up an angle of this mission on his own. Seeing Trina gaga over someone else, in truth, hurt him.

"Yes, I'd like to see the temple now, Ja Chiko," Trina then turned to the others to ask, "Is everybody ready?"

Hel frowned. It seemed to him that everyone was acting out of sorts. "I think you may be correct, Reena. I've never seen Trina 'drool' over any cat people. Of course, we haven't actually came into contact with any other than Mikael and Lionel. I'd almost say she was in heat, but that doesn't explain Alex's sudden illness."

Erina nodded at Grim, "I think we'd better keep a close eye on Trina and Alex this trip," she noted. "I really wish Vicky could be here."

Reena walked right up to Trina and said... "Hey Katrina! Are you in heat or something?"

Adam blinked his eyes when he heard his sister say that! "Um, Juan? Remember how you were asking how often Reena gets thumped?"

Juan replied, "Yes. What of it?"

Adam said, "I think she's about to get thumped right now."

Mark noticed that Andrew had caught up to him, and the two were now checking on an old antiques store. What had caught Mark's attention was what looked like a temple artifact.

Genie glanced over at Hel and Vinnie, saying, "Is this the adventure where we find out who all dies in less than a week? Hazardous Materials: Survivor Week?" She winked.

"GUYS!" Kevin shouted, "Alex is really sick!"

Vinnie rushed over to check on Alex. "This is very odd," he muttered. "I think it would probably be best if we can take him somewhere a bit more private."

Trina just frowned at Reena. "What are you talking about? Are we going to investigate this temple or not?"

Hel's jaw almost hit the ground.

Erina's eyes got wide.

Trina continued to look at them like they'd lost their minds, then she turned and said to Ja Chiko, "I guess it's just you and me. Lead the way."

Ivan stood next to Vinnie. "I know a place where we can take Alex. And afterward, one of us gets the terrifying job of contacting his father. And for once, he can't say that Vicky caused this."

Mikael and Lionel joined Vinnie, Ivan, and Kevin. He lightly touches a spot of nothingness in front of Alex's head. "He's burning up. And it's worse than a human would be if a human was sick. Vicky won't want to hear about this."

Reena replied to Trina, "Of course we're coming along. Someone has to make sure you don't fall into a pit of quicksand, what with your head in the clouds like that."

"I can't believe we're splitting up already," Erina muttered. "You guys go take care of Alex, with the exception of you, Mikael, after all, Ja Chicko is your friend, and the rest of us will check out this temple and make sure that KATRINA doesn't get bred on this trip." She paused to look around. "Where the Hades did Mark and Andrew go?"

"I've never seen you take charge before, Erina," Hel said, surprised that her leadership qualities were showing.

"Well, someone has to, KATRINA is being silly, Alex is sick and I do NOT want to be the one who has to call and tell his father and Vicky that he collapsed less that ten minutes after we arrived," she tossed her hair back and continued. "Now let's go team, Trina and Ja Chicko have already took off."

Mikael said to Lionel, "Stay with Alex and the others. Erina is right, of course. We need to keep a steady head in this." Then he turned to Erina and started walking. "As for Mark, his feelings were hurt when he saw his girlfriend literally throwing herself at another magic user who not only happens to be a boy, but is a cat, to boot. And I think Andrew went after him to keep him company."

Juan looked at Adam. "You weren't kidding about this bunch, Adam. And you said they were like this all the time on every outing?"

Adam replied, "Actually, it's usually far worse. They are one member shy this time. Victoria Lane is off working for Alex's dad in his corporate offices. But the moment she hears that Alex is sick, I can almost predict that she will show up down here. And if not her... then it will be Vicky's right-hand gang female. But in any event, it will be Vicky's presence at work. When she's around the team gets things done."

Grim added, "Here, here. I've been with them on one outing." Reference to (HM Eps 5: Uni-versity Fright Night)

Genie then said, "And Katherine Crane helped us in Japan and in England. We've even teamed up with Doctor Crimson on a very early outing and got some help from a really cute college student when we were chasing the pirate ghost in San Francisco."

And so, the team split up.

Vinnie shook his head as he watched the team depart. Something was definitely wrong with this mystery. He turned back to Alex. "Let's get him moved as quickly as possible, Ivan," he said.

Kevin, who had opted to stay with Alex, was cradling his head and looked up at Ivan and Vinnie. "Do you think he's going to be ok? I've never seen him like this before."

Ivan replied, "We'll know more once we get a doctor that we can trust to examine Alex. Mikael said that Alex was burning up, though he never actually touched him."

Lionel ahemed. "Mikael mystically touched Alex's horn and felt to see if it was emitting any heat, which it was."

Alex was unconscious in Kevin's arms. He wasn't going to be saying anything.

Ivan had the others help to move Alex into a fancy looking gaucho horse ranch complete with security cameras, cowboys, and a nice big sign that read... WAYNE. Alex was then laid down on the lower bunk of a bunk bed in a private dude bunkhouse.

Lionel then said, "So... who gets the pleasure of calling his father?"

"I vote for Lionel to call," Kevin said. "Alex's dad doesn't know you and Vicky won't want to murder you cause you're just an apprentice."

Vinnie frowned. "That's not even funny. I'll call him and tell him, and then HE can tell Vicky." he said, pulling out his cell phone and dialing.

Lionel added, "Besides, don't you recall the University caper? When he saw that Vinnie was a member of this team, he was very impressed, yet he called Vicky a necessary evil."

"Mr. Hazard? Vincent Cabriano. I'm well, thank you. We seem to have ran into a little trouble down her in Mexico, however," he paused. "Alex seems to have fallen ill. We're taking care of him, but I wanted to let you know. I'll contact you if he gets any worse, but we'll take very good care of him. Goodbye." Vinnie ended the call.

"That's taken care of," he said as he dialed another number. "Now for a doctor. Dr. Remedy? Vinnie here. My friend Alex has fallen ill and I was wondering if you could come and have a look at him. Name your price and I'll have it waiting for you when you arrive. Is that all? Ok, we'll see you soon." He ended that call.

"Ok, guys. Dr. Remedy is on his way, and I have to go get his payment so I'll be gone for a few minutes," Vinnie explained, then he disappeared silently.

Ivan smiled. "This ranch is actually owned by the Wayne family in Texas. They set up this Mexican ranch about four years ago and had me put in a Security System here to protect the horses."

Lionel was wowed. "Isn't there any place you haven't put in a security system?"

Ivan grinned. "Yeah! Santa's Workshop at the North Pole! The jolly old fatso won't tell me where it is! And I've been good, too!"

Vinnie reappeared with a large satchel that was packed full. He set it by the door, then he moved to check Alex again. "I hope Remedy hurries up," he said, "I don't like the looks of this."

Trina, who knew something was wrong but couldn't seem to put her finger on it, followed Ja Chicko away from the festivities. She was really interested to see this temple, although she didn't know why.

Ja Chiko led the others through the nearby jungle and past several interesting plants and wildlife. Then he called for a halt and pointed through some thick bushes, whispering, "The Temple of Tezcatlipoca. This is where the two young teenagers vanished. They thought that they could solve the mystery of the ghost by themselves. When they didn't return, their parents contacted me and I contacted Mikael."

Reena hummed. "So... we get to plunder the anal cavities of this temple."

Hel stopped and face palmed himself. "No wonder Trina is acting all gaa gaa. The Jaguar God is pissed off and now there's a female in the area for him to distract himself with," he explained to Erina.

"Why doesn't he just wipe out Mr. Ghost Priest then?" she asked.

"That's a good question. Chances are that the perpetrator has his mirror," he guessed.

Erina rolled her eyes. "No offense, Hel, but why can't you gods keep your play toys out of reach of stupid mortal hands?" she demanded, tired of stupid gods losing their stupid artifacts.

"Hey, I keep my toy out of mortal hands," he replied with a wink.

Mikael also face-pawed himself. "Another god's artifact? Do you know what kind of damage this guy could do with that mirror? And I wonder how the boy and girl teenagers fit into this puzzle. Either they are trapped in some hidden chamber or they were captured by the perpetrator and can't get away."

Reena grinned. "Want me to just burn down the jungle and find the twit?"

Mikael shook Reena a bit. "Get a hold of yourself, Reena. The mirror is causing you to act like this. In fact, it's causing the whole team to act funny."

Genie said, "Wait a minute... you mean to tell me that this god's mirror can make people act however he wants them act? With that kind of magical item, he could take over Madame Borva's operations in New York City. He could force Psi-Khan to tell Kevin about his missing father. He could..." LIGHT BULB! "...do you think the Jaguar God would let us borrow that mirror for a while once we get it back?" BIG GRIN!!! She was thinking about Kevin!

"Hold on, Genie. One of the things that this particular god is known for is for punishing evil and rewarding goodness, he tests men's minds with temptations, rather than trying to lead them into wickedness. He also has a thing for pretty ladies," Hel added, waggling his eyebrows lewdly. "The mirror has been known to trap souls, so the missing boy and girl could easily be in the mirror. As for burning down the jungle, Reena, that would really piss him off as he's also the lord of the world and the natural forces."

Erina considered all that for a moment. "Ok, so we let Trina go into the temple and get molested by the god and then burn down the jungle while he's distracted," she concluded.

Hel shook his head. Leave it to them to get stuck with the hot heads of the bunch.

Genie hummed. "Suppose I pull the ghost toastie thing and walk through the walls of the temple and see what I can see? Or are you saying that this god is into necrophilia?"

Grim sighed. "I will go in and talk to him. Wait here, all of you. I deal with the gods all the time. And try not to fall into an orgy while I am gone." That last part was directed right at Trina, as he vanished off into the temple.

"What I don't understand is who would be stupid enough to mess with Tezcatlipoca in his own temple," Hel wondered aloud. "He is trickster of his pantheon, but it is only to help man to achieve a better life. He isn't known for being malicious."

"I'm going in," Trina announced, stalking toward the temple.

"Trina, wait!" Erina called, but it was too late, Trina had disappeared into the dark temple.

Erina looked at Hel, "This is ridiculous," she announced.

Genie called out after Trina! "RANDALL RICHMONDS IS IN THERE!" She then glanced back at the others. "Hey, it's worth a try!"

Grim, being the specter of death, knew right where the Jaguar God's personal chambers were. He also knew how to avoid all of the booby traps in the hallways and false rooms.

Trina couldn't seem to stop herself. She knew that she shouldn't be going in by herself, especially after the trip down the trap door in Linda's house. But, for some reason, her normal sense of self-preservation had fled and she was being lead by a more base instinct. All she could do was hope that whatever had come over her wouldn't end up getting her killed.

Reena said, "You know... this isn't much of a mission, so far. The team is acting strangely and Grim is off speaking to the Jaguar God, and we've all called Trina 'Katrina' multiple times and she hasn't exploded or slugged anyone even once."

"I agree," Hel said. "Let's see if we can find Trina before she ends up in deeper trouble."

"Mikael," Erina began, "tell us about your friend. Something about him just doesn't feel right."

Meanwhile, Trina had wandered deep into the temple. She couldn't seem to get herself under control. Something was drawing her deeper and deeper into the catacombs of the temple. She'd never felt this strong pull before. Then there was her irrational reaction to Mikael's friend. Shuddering, she tried to make sense of it even as she turned another corner.

Vicky had watched Mr. Hazard as he had talked on the phone. His body language had told her that the news wasn't good, but she wasn't going to ask, and she and a pretty good idea that he wasn't going to tell. Especially since she had used his distraction to look over the map that he had projected. It wasn't anywhere on Earth, she knew, which left another planet or another dimension. She just wondered which.

Mr. Hazard turned to look at Vicky and said, "I think you deserve to know so I can judge your reaction, Victoria. Alex fell ill in Mexico shortly after they arrived there. They called in Doctor Remedy to examine the boy."

Vicky's reaction was obvious. Her face reflected the pain that shot through her heart. "Alex? How is that possible?" she asked, looking around, seemingly at a loss.

All her instincts screamed at her to fly to his side, but she knew that his father wouldn't understand that. Plus, she had given her word. Taking a deep breathe, she drew herself up straight and looked Mr. Hazard in the eye.

"I feel that I should be at Alex's side, but since I have given my word that I will work for you I won't leave. Know this, however, if he doesn't get better soon, nothing will keep me from him, least of all you. Alex is more important to me than anything else, including your opinion of me."

Then she handed him the file she had been going through. "You should know that this is not a good investment. The corporation is already so far gone that it would take a substantial amount of your assets to get it back in a running condition, plus you'd loose valuable time and manpower in revamping the company. I'd stay away from it if I were you, but that is only my opinion. Please excuse me while I finish going over these files."

Mr. Hazard hummed. "Victoria Lane..." He paused, thinking about the offer that he was about to make. "...if you can take any three of my unopened investment opportunities and turn them into profits for the Hazard Corporation... then I will permit your dating of Alexander."

He then sighed as he thought about his son being ill. "As for Alex's condition himself, you did give your word that you would work here while your team was in Mexico. But... if you can think of a corporate reason for Hazard Enterprises to be in Mexico, I wouldn't blink twice at your going to represent the corporation. I would even permit you to use the Corporate Helicopter and the Corporate Jet. As long as its for the company, mind you."

Mr. Hazard then turned and walked back over to the foreign continent projected map. "I have found a college that Alex is willing to attend. In fact, it was one that he himself asked me to check out for him. I spoke to the Dean myself and he made available all of the data that I have been going over. It's a fine college and very VERY private."

Vicky's eyes narrowed slightly as she thought about the ultimatum that Mr. Hazard had just lain before her. Then a smile spread across her face. She picked up a file from a small stack she had been building.

"I happen to have come across a promising investment opportunity that has a base in Mexico. It would only take me a matter of days to determine whether or not it could easily pan out. While it looks good on paper there are a few holes that I need to take a closer look at. I'll leave within the hour and be back by the end of the week," Vicky explained. "I'll also check in on Alex to get a first hand report of his condition."

She looked at the map. "I'm glad that you took Alex's suggestion."

Ja Chiko turned to look at Erina, then Hel. "I should have known that my glamor illusion would not fool a half demon and a Norse god, not that I was trying to trick anyone, mind you. I will answer for Mikael, as he wasn't even aware himself. When I wrote to him as a pen pal, that was the one part I kept private... I really AM... Tezcatlipoca, the Jaguar God. And as Hel has already guessed... my magical mirror has been stolen. But not by whom you might think. It is not common knowledge, but I have a cruel and wicked brother. He had been imprisoned under a stone tomb in the southern jungles. But recently, an oil drilling company made a test drilling on that spot and they accidentally released him. He then possessed the foreman of the company, and had him dress up as the Toltec ghost. That would scare any locals away while he came here to steal my mirror. However... two local junior sleuths got too suspicious for their own good one night and followed the Toltec Ghost back to my temple here. I had been away, at the time, with Tlazolteotl... a FINE woman I'll have you know... and the two teenagers apparently were trapped by my brother deep inside the temple's hidden chambers. I couldn't handle this by myself, because he had my mirror, but then... I recalled the local talk of the Heavens as of late. The Hazardous Materials team had solved a HUGE mystery in Asgard. And that is when I remembered that Mikael was a member of that team. So I asked him to bring you guys down here for the festival and to help me solve my mystery."

He then sighed, as he sheepishly looked at the others again. "Please do not be mad at me for the means I had you brought here."

Reena huhed? "Wait a minute! If you're out here, then who is Trina all gaa gaa over at the moment?"

Ja Chiko said, "My brother has the mirror and is probably using it to claim a bride."

Mikael face-pawed himself!

"We need to get Trina out of there!" Erina exclaimed, heading for the temple entrance.

"You should have just asked," Hel reprimanded, "We would have gladly helped you retrieve your mirror."

Doctor Remedy then appeared in the bunkhouse and looked at Alex on the bed. "How long has he been stuck in human form, Vincent Cabriano?"

Lionel face-pawed himself. "Doctor... that isn't the problem. He's sick and you were called because Alex isn't human."

Doctor Remedy oh'ed, as he knelt and began giving Alex a full examination.

"What do you think, Remedy?" Vinnie asked.

Doctor Remedy then slowly stood up and said, "Vinnie... Alexander Hazard has an illness that I cannot cure on Earth. And I can tell you now... he did not get this illness here in Mexico. It has the scent of Irish musk on it. He caught this illness in Ireland, but even then, it's not an Earthly illness. The cure will have to be acquired from his original home world. And as far as I knew, he was from Earth. Someone is going to have to get him to a doctor of his own species or he will die."

Lionel gasped. "Better not let Vicky hear you say that Alex will die..."

"That might prove to be an obstacle," Vinnie explained to Dr. Remedy. "You see, we don't know what Alex's home planet is. I'm sure his father doesn't either. We'd have to find out just how Mr. Hazard came to be Alex's Earth father."

Lionel said to Kevin, "How are you holding up, Kevin? I know how worried you must be over Alex. You two are close friends and all."

Juan then said, "I hate to point this out, guys. But the Grim Reaper went inside to speak to the Jaguar God. Surely he knew that the Jaguar God was standing out here with us, didn't he?"

Reena said, "That's right. What is up with Grim anyway? Or did he go in because he suspected what was going on?"

Mikael said, "I think Grim is sometimes worse than we are. And he IS a junior Hazardous Materials member."

Mark and Andrew emerged at a run from an old warehouse in the jungle being chased by a pack of hauntingly glowing red mastiff hounds!

Andrew exclaimed, "I told you not to open that back door, Mark!"

Mark shouted back, "Just shut up and run!"

Mr. Hazard walked over to his desk and pulled out a sealed brown bubble-wrapped package and handed it to Vicky. "If you are going to check on Alex, then make sure Vincent Cabriano gets this package. There is a note inside for his reading only. I was going to wait until he returned, but seeing as how you'll be going there anyway, you can deliver this to him as a favor to the Corporation. Though the Corporation has nothing to do with this, Ms. Lane. This is a personal favor, of sorts. Perhaps he can learn what I could not."

He then turned back to study the map again. "Have a safe flight, Victoria. And don't lose that package."

Vicky eyed the package briefly before turning and leaving Mr. Hazard's office. As she stepped into the elevator she pulled out her cellphone and dialed Vinnie's number.

"Hey, Vinnie, I have a package for you from Mr. Hazard. He said it might help make Alex better," she explained. "I'm taking the corporate helicopter down to there so I should arrive in about 3 hours or so. See you soon," she hung up before he could respond.

Vinnie stared at his phone. "Guys, Vicky is on her way and she said that Mr. Hazard is sending a package for me that might help Alex."

Kevin looked at Lionel and shrugged. "Alex and I have been friends for a long time. Even before he met Vicky," he explained.

Lionel hummed. "So how is it that Alex's past has never come up, Kevin? Surely you wondered why he was able to change into an anthropomorphic unicorn. Didn't you?"

Kevin shrugged. "My mother is Psi Khan, I always thought everyone had super powers when I was growing up. The associates of my mother have always been varied, aliens, inter-dimensional beings, etc., so an anthropomorphic unicorn that hides his identity as a human boy didn't seem out of the ordinary. Also, as far as Alex knew, he told me that he's always lived on Earth with his very human father."

Lionel said, "Oh. But Mr. Hazard isn't married. Who do you think his parents are? How do you think Alex got to Earth?"

"I find it interesting that Grim left his Reaper in training out here with us," Erina noticed.

"We really need to get to Trina," Hel said. "You lead the way."

Teen Reaper said, "I am in training. Learning the do's and don't's of doing this job. What I am having a time understanding is why he bothers with your group. He's already said that none of you are slated to die for quite some time, with the exception of one IF he doesn't get proper medical treatment within 30 days."

Genie then emerged from the wall of the temple. "That place is like a maze in there. Good thing I can pass through walls or I would have been stuck in there myself."

Reena said, "Did you see Trina or Grim in there any place?"

Genie huhed? "I saw Trina standing quietly in an alcove, looking as if she had snapped out of a trance and was trying to decide what she was doing there. But I didn't see Grim anywhere in there. I didn't see the two kids, either. I would say that they are trapped inside the mirror, except I couldn't find the mirror either."

Adam hummed. "I am starting to think that the false jaguar god must have gotten called to another location. That would make sense if Genie couldn't find him in there."

Mark whispered, "Keep playing that flute, Andrew. The dogs seem to be entranced by your music."

Andrew couldn't reply, as he was continuing to play the flute. He was actually surprised that it actually worked on supposedly demonic beasts.

"Ok, now that is just downright odd," Erina mumbled. "How or why would Grim just disappear?"

"What else is going on?" Hel demanded, turning on 'Ja Chicko'.

Ja Chiko set a stern look at muzzle and said, "Hel, I am not the God of Vice. I didn't bring anyone down here to get them stuck in my temple. If you would rather, we can get everyone who is in there that we know is in there out of there right now. We are gods, you know."

At that moment, Grim walked up behind Hel from the direction of the town. "My son called me and I had to take him something. And then an old man in Tempe, Arizona croaked and I had to go up and collect him. What are you all looking at?"

Genie sighed. "GRIM! When you have to leave to do something, you really need to tell people you're going to be gone!"

Mikael smiled at Hel. "Just like old times. But none the less, let's get Trina out of the temple, shall we...?"

"That's not the issue," Hel pointed out. "Where would your brother go all of a sudden?"

"Neither is my mother," Kevin pointed out, "another universal that I assumed as a child. As for how Alex got to Earth, I'm sure that is information that Mr. Hazard may have to reveal to us."

Lionel hummed. "So you and Alex were so much alike, you both just naturally bonded instantly. Right? Alex must have really appreciated your being there for him."

"I guess you could say that Alex and I are like brothers. I had no father and Alex no mother so, yes, we bonded. Even from separate coasts we could always count on one another," Kevin explained. He looked down at his friend and sighed. "I hate feeling helpless."

Mark was now busy performing the magical defenses and offenses of his life, while Andrew continued to play his flute in the most top form that he had ever played in his whole life. And there were weird vibrations in the air as he played on and on.

The Toltec Ghost continued to send death dealing magical attacks at the two boys!

Ja Chiko hummed, thinking about that for a moment.

Mikael, in the meantime, summoned Trina OUT of the temple and was quietly explaining to her what all they had found out in the last 30 minutes.

Ja Chiko finally said, "Someone must have gone too close to his trained mastiff hounds. That would send him running to see who was getting too close to something of interest to him."

Trina growled and slapped 'Ja Chicko'. HARD. "How dare you! I have to find Mark," she snapped, heading back toward the festival, shifting as she ran until she was in her full jaguar splendor, something she'd never revealed to the crew before.

Reena suddenly said something classic! "This team gets wackier all the time!"

Adam said, "I was wondering when someone was going to say that."

Genie blinked her eyes at the retreating were-jaguar girl. "I never knew she could do that... Grim, did you know she could do that?"

Grim was talking to his apprentice at the moment, but he quickly replied, "Yes." and then he resumed his talk with his apprentice.

Juan stepped over and examined Ja Chiko's slapped face and pulled out his handkerchief and began to doctor the jaguar god's face. "Apparently Trina thought you made her act that way. How's your muzzle?"

Ja Chiko, being a god, wasn't all that hurt, but Trina had caused his nose to bleed. "I'll live... thank you for showing some compassion, Juan."

Juan smiled. "Had you done that to Reena, you would be hogtied right now and getting branded... Dalton style."

Mikael looked to Hel. "Now what should we do, Hel? Trina is off on the war path."

Lionel hugged Kevin, then released him. "We'll save him somehow, Kevin. I promise."

Ivan, who had been out at the news stand, entered the bunkhouse once again with a prim and properly dressed woman.

It was Vicky!

Ivan said, "Look who I found coming this way, guys. I almost didn't recognize her."

"This is for you Vinnie," Vicky said, thrusting the package toward him, "from Mr. Hazard," she finished as she went to Alex's side. "Alex? I'm here. I can't stay long 'cause I'm on an assignment, so to speak. I have some good news for you though. Your dad is actually considering the university you picked out."

Vicky carefully stroked Alex's invisible horn. "Wake up, Alex," she whispered, a tear running down her cheek unchecked.

Meanwhile, Vinnie was examining the package from Mr. Hazard. "Excuse me," he said, disappearing. He had a feeling he should open the package somewhere private. Appearing on a rooftop, he carefully opened the package and removed the contents. "What have we here?" he murmured.

Toltec Ghost shouted, "Hold still, you white wearing gringo!" He sent a lightning bolt directly at Mark, who was a bit slow in getting another spell ready.

Mark exclaimed, "Oh-" the rest was vulgar!

Andrew was starting to get tired himself. He couldn't keep playing that flute forever and weird things were starting to be seen in the air around them.

That is when an Electric Guitar tune joined in with Andrew's flute, followed by Tribal Drums, Castanets, and the rich feline voices of that rock group, The Lions Den, as they joined right in with Andrew's song, in perfect pitch!

Andrew was relieved that he was getting musical assistance. It was the first time he ever had to fight magic with music.

"We'd better follow her," Hel suggested. "If the ghost/god has indeed left the temple, Mark could be in trouble." Hel paused for a moment as he considered something. "This would be the second time Mark wondered off on his own and got into something he couldn't handle."

Trina had returned to the location of their arrival and had been trying to find Mark's scent when she heard the music. "Andrew!" Trina leaped off in the direction the music was coming from.

Inside the package was a Hazard letterhead typed up by Mr. Hazard himself. It read:

Quote:

Dearest Vincent Cabriano:

Within this package I have included one of the pieces of Alexander's past. If this helps you figure out where he came from, I will be overjoyed. I love the boy more than I ever show publicly. And his being sick with some alien illness is tearing me up inside.

For the record, the only ones who witnessed his "hatching" at the time were myself and my chauffeur/butler, Reggie Thompson. When Alexander was "born", he briefly looked like a beautiful unicorn colt, then in a flash of light, he changed into a young male one-year old child.

I am sure you will know what you are looking at the moment you see the package's contents. Also, no man-made tool can even dent this stuff. I have tried.

Sincerely and professionally yours...

Reginald Ramsden Hazard II

Inside the package was one of the smaller, though still good sized pieces, of the glowing techno-gridded eggshell.

Lionel said to Vicky, "He hasn't woke up since he collapsed, Vicky. And Kevin... is really worried about him. Dr. Remedy said that Alex needed to receive a species cure from his own people."

Vinnie examined the shell fragment. "Oh boy," he muttered. He'd only seen something like this once before, and it had been before a great war that had all but obliterated two races. He'd have to show the fragment to Dr. Remedy and hope that he could come up with something. Vinnie had a feeling that creating a cure from Alex's home planet would be quite challenging.

With that thought, he summoned Dr. Remedy to him, not wanting the others to see piece of Alex's past. Not yet anyway.

When Dr. Remedy appeared, Vinnie handed him the fragment and asked, "You know what this means don't you?"

Vicky stood, "I have to do some business. That was my angle to get to come down here and I'm going to prove to Mr. Hazard that I'm not just a cutthroat gangster." She smiled evilly, "Even though being a business person is virtually the same thing. I'll come back later to check on him. I'll be here for a couple of days."

Mikael teleported the team back to where they had arrived, unexpectedly, then they too listened for any signs of Andrew's moon dog flute. Where ever Andrew was, Mark would be there, too.

Andrew was still playing his flute and the very surroundings had the strangest images and scenes being displayed. One part looked like the meadows of Arvandor, while another looked like deepest tribal Africa. And by now, an all-female third band had joined the battle. It was a new bunch comprised of a few of the "Jetsy and the Jets" original band members and a few new girls, and they called themselves... Cosmos. And they were pretty damned good, in truth.

Lying on the ground to one side, Mark was badly burned and unconscious from where he had taken the full brunt of a lightning bolt. There is going to be a very angry Trina when she sees that.

The Toltec Ghost/God was fully focusing his attack magic at Andrew and the bands now, but the music was probably more powerful than his magic, for it was easily deflecting his powers to and fro. And that was making the bad guy really mad.

Erina smiled, "Sounds like Andrew is getting some serious backup from the bands."

Trina let out an ear-splitting roar as she pounced toward the Ghost. No one hurt her boyfriend. She had every intention of ripping out the Ghost's throat, if he had one.

Mikael exclaimed, "That snarl was Trina! She's over there where Andrew and the bands are! Let's go!" And they headed in that direction!

The Toltec Ghost wasn't expecting the appearance of the angry female cat woman, as he was immediately caught off guard and taken down by the ferocious feline woman!

The moment he was down, the mastiff hounds lost interest in the fight and looked confused.

Andrew and the bands then stopped playing their music, as the surroundings resumed their normal appearance. He turned to the bands. "I humbly thank you for coming to my aid, noble musicians."

Leo said, "On behalf of Lion's Den, it was our pleasure. We had been hearing about the Moon Dog Bard for some time and we sort of wanted to meet you. I didn't think we would see a werejaguar, though. She looks mad."

Mark was still unconscious on the ground.

"I'll kill you," Trina growled, her claws wrapped around the Ghost's throat, her fangs gleaming.

The others arrived at the scene, Hel going to check out Mark.

"Trina, NO!" Erina shouted. She turned to Ja Chiko, "There he is, deal with him before she rips him to pieces."

Dr. Remedy replied, "The one world I have never been to, Vincent. I never had a reason to go there. Plus outsiders are not exactly welcome there. Last I heard, they had an orbital cloaking shield around their entire solar system. Apparently, there was a war going on within that they didn't want outsiders to become involved with. This is a fragment like those one would only see among the mystic nobility of their home world. Perhaps there is a record of this breach in the Galactic Patrol's video disc files. But all in all, I would say that this is literally going to be your team's next mission."

Lionel then said, "Perhaps Mr. Hazard will let you come with us when we try to find Alex's cure. Remedy did say we would have to get it from his own species."

Vicky considered that for a moment. "The only problem is that I'm sure whatever he sent down here for Vinnie is vital to Alex's recovery and I still have to turn three possible investments into money makers. He's not going to let me bail on that, plus I gave him my word." Vicky leaned down and kissed Alex on the cheek. "I have to go. The sooner I take care of this venture the sooner I can knock out two more and then maybe I can join you guys."

"Exactly. Is there anyway to create some kind of cure from that fragment?" Vinnie asked, already fearing the answer.

Dr. Remedy replied, "I am afraid not. This type of egg shell is only malleable while it is in the state of hatching. After that, it hardens to a ridiculous degree."

Ivan felt of Alex's forehead, then the boy's nose. "I am not going to check his rectal temperature, you perverted readers!"

"I was afraid of that. That means that we're somehow going to have to get the team into that system to find a cure," Vinnie muttered.

Reena flew in and over Trina in a planned maneuver to grab her off of the 'god', when suddenly... the god's legs popped off revealing circuits and wires, and then the left ear fell off revealing more circuits.

Reena stopped in midair and said, "I thought it was a god! It's some sort of stupid robot!"

Mikael said, "Stop Trina anyway! That thing is the only clue we have!"

Mark was slowly coming to, muttering, "I'm...not...dead...yet..."

Trina's nostrils flared and her ears twitched. "A ROBOT?!" she roared. She turned when Mark spoke and immediately left her prey to check on him. "Are you ok?" she asked, kneeling at his side.

Erina rushed over to the robot. "What is going on here? I thought you said we were dealing with a god?"

Mark moaned, hurting to move. "Electrocuted... but...I'll live... that thing... ruined... one of my... best suits..."

Andrew said to Erina, "Mark once told me about a robot that your team fought before I joined you guys. A T-Rex, or something like that. The bands and I just fought this thing with our music. I am surprised that we affected it at all."

"That's because, as with most electronics, vibrations can disrupt their processes," Erina explained as she kicked the robot. "Let's take this thing somewhere where we can examine it and find out just where it came from."

"Are you alright, Mark?" Trina asked, caressing his cheek.

Mikael said, "Where can we take it?"

Leo of Lion's Den said, "You guys can use our tour bus, if you want. We have a laboratory in there for our own strange uses. It's the least we can do for the greatest junior detectives in the world. I think everyone has heard of your team by now."

Mark was trying to sit up. "I'm not mad at the robot, Trina... I am mad at the man or woman behind the robot. My white magician's outfit looks horrible." He paused as he realized something. "Um, why are you in your jaguar woman form, love? I didn't think you wanted to let that out in public. Your dad is going to have a conniption when he hears about this."

Adam looked at Juan and said, "A conniption. The last one we saw was when mom hurt dad this morning."

Trina's ears tinged pink. "I lost my cool when I found out that I was being controlled by a god to make me all gaa gaa over him," she explained. "especially when I realized that you might be in trouble. Dad will just have to get over it."

Dr. Remedy said, "Alexander will remain unconscious until he gets that cure. I just hope none of your female team members balk at what the locals call this illness. To their people, this is considered a deadly illness."

Vinnie frowned. "I don't think that will be an issue," he responded. "Our first course of action, however, will be to complete the mission that we're on now. I'll let them know that we'll need to wrap this up so that we can prepare for our trip to Alex's home world." Vinnie paused as he thought. "I suppose it will all right to move Alex? It's not like we can leave him in Mexico."

Dr. Remedy said, "It is safe to move him, yes. Though I would suggest that he be moved to a controlled environment where his friends can keep a close eye on him. Kevin is worried about him the most, it seems, so I would suggest that he be Alex's caretaker in this case. And Kevin's mother be damned in this situation."

"I'll make arrangements to move Alex to somewhere more private. I'll be in touch when we're ready for you," Vinnie said, then vanished to appear next to Alex. "I have good news and bad news."

Kevin blanched. "What's the bad news?"

Vinnie's brows rose. "The bad news is that we're going to have to go to Alex's home world to get a cure and they despise outsiders and have been at war for a very long time."

Kevin looked down at his friend. "So what's the good news?"

"We're going to be moving Alex to a secure location where you are going to be in charge of keeping him comfortable until we get back. He'll be unconscious until he gets cured," Vinnie explained.

Lionel said, "Poor Alex. Is there anything I can do, Vinnie?"

"Unfortunately not, Lionel," Vinnie replied. "The only way to get a cure is to go to Alex's home world. And I fear that that will be an undertaking of monstrous proportions."

Erina nodded, "Help me get this robot into the Lion's Den bus," she said to Mikael.

Mark grinned. "I'm surprised you didn't pull the Incredible She-Hulk when you changed, like last time... your clothes were gone and I was trying HARD not to look."

Mikael summoned a floating stretcher for the robot, then helped Erina get it loaded up.

Trina chuckled. "Hence the bikini," she winked.

"So what do we have here?" Erina asked, examining the robot once they had it inside the tour bus.

Mikael opened a plate on the robot and hummed immediately, "Erina? Wasn't Stripline Pictures Ltd the name of that Porn movie company who asked you to do a naked stunt scene in that B-rated Flop movie called, Naked Ninjas? You turned them down because the movie was an insult to Ireland or something like that? This robot was made by that movie company. There is a company logo imprinted here on the inside of this plate."

Mark smiled, as he and Trina were in the back of the Witch Van, where Mark was changing out of his ruined suit and into a fresh clean suit. Again, all white. "You know, I am quickly running out of clothes. My parents don't understand where all of my clothes go when I have outings with the team."

She laughed as she asked, "You mean you haven't explained that there is always some kind of skirmish that we get stuck in the middle of?"

"I wouldn't have thought some low budget company like that would be capable of building something this elaborate," Erina commented, looking at the logo. "I wonder if, perhaps, they didn't run into some kind of financial/electronic backing?"

Business Prospect Number 2 on the Hazard Corp List...

Vicky overhears two security guards talking about that 'magic mirror' that the boss lady was so obsessed with. The two thug like guards were heavily armed and looked like they enjoyed breaking teenagers in half.

Vicky grinned to herself as she approached the guards. "Victoria Lane, Hazard Corp. I have an appointment," she said, in her gang leader, take charge voice.

One of the two sneered at Vicky and said, "Sure thing, toots. Right in through those doors."

The other muttered with a grin. "We'll never see that one again."

Just inside the doors, Vicky saw a near naked, scantily clad woman standing in front of a HUGE black mirror with gold and jewel inlaid trim. The female smiled without turning around and said, "Victoria Lane... I didn't expect you to show up without your teen aged sleuth friends, the Hazardous Materials team." And that's when she turned around, and at the same time that Victoria saw that the woman was actually Tlazoteotl, the goddess of vice, the thugs, crocodile men, both grabbed Vicky from behind on both sides, holding her in place. "You were a fool to come here by yourself, Ms. Lane. A pity that no one will ever know what happened to you. I was aiming for Erina Osborne, but you'll do, I suppose. I just need to sacrifice a fiery female of extreme inner rage. And that's you to a tee. What do you have to say for yourself, Ms. Lane? There's no Superman to save you here."

REALLY BAD JOKE! Someone is surely going to get it!

Vicky smiled and then laughed. "Oh you are truly clueless aren't you?" she asked. "You see, I'm here to make you a business offer, that would be in your best interest to accept. But, since you're determined to have a sacrifice, I suppose we'll have to do things the hard way," as Vicky finished speaking she began glowing white hot, the heat radiating off her singing the two thugs holding her. "And I believe that that mirror doesn't belong to you!" she shouted as she grasped the thugs arms and thrust them away from her.

Tlazoteotl growled, "I am the goddess of vice, you mutant freak! I demand a foreign female sacrifice!" And she begin firing her own spells at Vicky!

Inside the mirror, a teen aged boy and girl watched the fight unfolding! They've been stuck inside the mirror since they caught Tlazoteotl stealing it!

Mikael hummed. "Wait a minute... I've found another clue, Erina. Jadeco. That's one of those companies that Alex told me one time that his Father was thinking about doing business with. And... oh no. Victoria is down here checking on these companies. Oh crap."

"That's not good," Erina said, "we need to find her quick!"

The Mexican jaguar warlock, Ja Chiko del mar Zagado. lowered his shades and said, "I just detected a huge energy spike coming from some construction place near here. And it's so strong that the energy wave about bowled me over."

Mikael said, "That's got to be Vicky! Let's go, people!"

Vicky didn't even flinch as she took the brunt of Tlazoteotl's spells. Vicky hadn't told anyone that she'd been practicing controlling her power. She had also kept secret the fact that her father had actually given her a few insights as to why she had the power she did. Laughing out loud, she approached Tlazoteotl and grabbed her by the hair.

"You have no idea just how foreign I am," she growled. "Now what do you say we settle this little disagreement in a more civilized manner?"

Erina lead the charge as they rushed toward the construction building.

The gang then arrived at the construction office to see burnt crocodile men lying on the ground. And they weren't robots this time.

Ja Chiko said, "Those things work for Tlazoteotl! Don't tell me SHE is involved in this mess!"

Inside, Tlazoteotl growled, "Let go of my hair, you street cow!"

Vicky frowned. "Street cow? You really are stupid aren't you?" Then Vicky let loose a radiating shock wave of cosmic heat as she released Tlazoteotl's hair that knocked the goddess out through the doors that the guys were standing before.

Vicky followed her out slowly, keeping her personal heat in check. "Hey guys, it's about time you showed up," she said, smiling.

Erina was surprised. "Wow. Are you in control?" she asked, struggling to keep her mouth from hanging open.

"Yes. I'll let you guys wrap this up. I have to find a replacement investment opportunity for Hazard Corp. I did give her a chance to reconsider," Vicky had completely powered down at this point and was idly brushing invisible lint off her sleeve. "I'll believe that big mirror in there is the one you're looking for."

Hel smiled. "I must say I'm impressed." Then he looked down at Tlazoteotl. "I'm Hel. Such a pleasure to meet you."

Ja Chiko then suddenly shimmered for a moment, and in the blink of an eye, a normal looking glowing jaguar stepped out of Ja Chiko and padded into the office where the mirror was at. Ja Chiko then fell over on the ground.

Mikael rushed over to his friend immediately. "Ja Chiko? Are you okay?"

The Jaguar, obviously the REAL Tezcatlipoca, looked up at the mirror and said, "Nico and Rita. Haven't I told you time and time again how dangerous sleuthing by yourselves is? Come, your parents are worried sick about you both. MIRROR, RELEASE YOUR OCCUPANTS!"

And instantly, the two teenagers, Nico Francisco and Rita Lucita, emerged in a glow of light and appeared outside with the Hazardous Materials team!

Then, Tezcatlipoca said, "Thank you for retrieving my mirror for me. I apologize for possessing Ja Chiko, but it was necessary for snooping around without the locals screaming about the wild jaguar. Hel, you and your people will be reimbursed for any trouble this trip has been for you and your team. I will take my leave now." And he and the mirror were both instantly gone.

Tlazoteotl growled, "That Lane bitch burned my hair!" And she and her injured crocodile men vanished without a trace!

Reena said, "Those Kulkanopolis gods sure don't stick around, do they?"

Grim said, "It is probably a good thing that they don't. The head of their pantheon is awake at the moment. I just returned from telling him what Tlazoteotl had been doing. He was rather in a mood to talk to her. I didn't wait around to watch the fireworks."

At an amusement park just outside of Oakland, California...

Alex was laid out on a transport bed in one of the space aged 'buildings' in the closed for the Winter park.

The proprietor, an anthropomorphic fox named Starstreak, had allowed Vinnie to bring Kevin, Alex, and Lionel into the grand central station for extraterrestrials. "When you told me what was going on, I really felt sorry for the boy, Vincent. When do you think the rest of the team will be showing up here for the trip into the wild black yonder?"

Vinnie checked Alex again. "I'm sure they'll be along as soon as they finish up with a little Central American deity problem they've been having a problem with. Of course, they don't know the full extent of Alex's condition. I haven't had the opportunity to fill them in yet. Thanks again for allowing us to let him rest here."

Kevin was amazed that the amusement park was actually an arrival and departure location for aliens of the extraterrestrial variety.

Ivan walked up and said, "Are we about wrapped up here? Or do we still need to explain the events like we usually do?"

Nico then spoke up. "Rita and I were exploring the old temples without permission and we saw Tlazoteotl sneaking into a temple just ahead of us. We followed her and saw her stealing the mirror of Tezcatlipoca. We turned to run out of there and her crocodile men caught us. She stuck us inside the mirror and took it with her. While we were stuck in the mirror, we overheard her plotting to kill Erina Osborn for desecrating a statue important to her that was broken during a Hollywood stunt scene last year. A stunt scene that Erina performed in. Then she stole the failed robot experiment from a porn company, souped it up, and sent it to lure Erina into a trap. But she didn't figure on your whole team showing up and getting in the way. And she didn't know that Tezcatlipoca had possessed Ja Chiko, the local jaguar warlock, to intercept you guys and try to warn you. But then he met Trina and her beauty made him forget what he was doing. The rest you know."

Erina laughed at that. "Is that what all this mess was about? That stupid ugly statue that got broken? Oh, jeez. Sorry guys, I just thought it was a prop."

A portal opened before the group then and Vinnie stuck his head out. "I hope you guys are done because we have something very important to take care of. If you'll be so kind as to step through here," he said, then disappeared back through the portal.

Once the group had all stepped through to the Galactic Amusement Park, Vinnie sighed and proceeded to explain the extent of Alex's illness. "So you see. We're going to have to go to Alex's home world. Unfortunately, Vicky will be stuck here on earth and Kevin will be caring for Alex until we return. If any of you don't want to go on this trip it is best to say so now because once we get there, there will be no turning back until we get the cure we need."

"I didn't realize that Alex was that bad off," Trina said, slipping her arm through Mark's. "I'm in, I'm sure my dad can give us some kind of info."

Erina sighed and said, "Count me in, I can't imagine how Alex would have gotten sick in Ireland with an illness from his home world, but I kind of feel responsible."

"Of course I'll go," Hel added, "I just hope Garm doesn't get loose while we're gone."

Reena grinned. "Bring him with you, Hel! You know he's an honorary member of the team! Of course I'm going! I'm your team fireball! And I can fly!"

Juan said, "I think I better take Adam back to Utah. I know he would say he would want to come along with you guys, but I am sure space travel isn't made for wheelchairs."

Reena sighed. "That's not really fair, Juan. This is the first really cool trip that the team is going on and Adam would likely never get another chance to do something like this. Besides, Alex's people might regard us differently if Adam were with us."

Mark said, "Hold up, Vinnie." He was on his cellphone with someone.

Mikael said, "Lionel and I will be glad to come along. This is a team effort and-" and that is when Mikael's cellphone rang. He stepped away to answer the call.

Genie said, "Damned right I'm going!"

Grim sighed, "I am afraid I must stop you, Genie. And there is really dumb reason why this time."

Genie exclaimed, "Huh? What's the dumb reason I can't go?"

Grim replied, "Because you are a displaced spirit that wanders the planet your body is stuck on. If you attempt to leave the planet, it's like going to Heaven. It will be the end of you and you will never get a life of your own. You'll wipe yourself out."

Genie frowned, looking really sad.

Ivan smiled. "I'm coming, of course. I might be able to sell someone a new Carrington Security System in space."

Lionel muttered, "I knew he was going to say that."

Adam said, "Reena is right, Juan. I'm an honorary member of the team. Besides, Andrew can't go because of his record contract. He has a few recording sessions that are due to take place in a few days and if he's in space, he'll miss his chance to do those sessions."

Andrew sighed. "Adam is correct. I'd love to come along, but I can't. I did sign that contract. Please save our resident unicorn. Most of my flute songs are about him."

Hel frowned. "You know, now that you mention it, I'd better stay here and spend some time with Garm. He's been acting strange lately. Plus, I've noticed that he's been awfully quiet for months." He shrugged. "Sorry, guys. I guess I've been neglecting my buddy."

((OOC: Possible lead in for next adventure? NOTE TO READERS: The team splits into two groups during the next two episodes; one group stars in the first adventure, the second group stars in the second adventure.))

"That really blows, Genie," Erina said. "Are you sure, Grim?"

"It looks like you guys are going to have a very small party on this one," Kevin observed.

Vinnie considered that for a moment. "It might not be a bad thing. In case we end up needing some back up, it will be good to have some of us still here on Earth."

"So you're saying this is going to be dangerous?" Trina asked.

"What part of 'They've been at war for a very long time' did you not understand?" Vinnie asked sarcastically. "It's probably worse because we only have a couple of non-human team members."

Trina blinked. "You mean I'll get to be in full jag mode?"

Vinnie smiled evilly. "Oh, yes. That will be a major advantage. After all, jags are predators. The factions at war are both prey species."

"What are the species we'll be dealing with?" Erina asked.

Indicating Alex, Vinnie explained, "There are the members of Alex's race, of course, and then there's the rival species. Their Earth counterparts would be deer, elk, moose, reindeer, etc. Even though they are a prey species, they are very violent and territorial. No one even remembers what started the war between them, but it's been raging for a long time. At least, that's the version I've always been told," Vinnie finished.

At that moment, Mark turned off his cellphone and did something that the others rarely ever heard coming from his lips, let alone see him do. He was immediately down on all fours, pounding the ground, cursing and screaming, then words, "It's not fair!!!" and "Why me?!!!" and "No! No!!! Noooooooooo!!!!" issued forth between all the cursing.

Grim arches an empty eye socket. "Er... I wonder who killed his parade?" Then he turned to Erina. "I don't make the afterlife rules. Genie is tied to the Earth, so she can't leave the planet she died on. If she had a body, a REAL body, mind you, then she could go with you. But if I give her a San Francisco female's body, she would lose all of her ghost toastie powers she loves so much, and then she would be useless to your team. And then she would be mad at me again. So she can't go."

Genie was still pouting silently.

Mikael then ended his cellphone call and said, "Guys, Mr. Hazard just called me. He wants us to wait for his official representative on behalf of the corporation to arrive to give the Hazard presence during our trip. He sounded really distraught over the phone. He must really love Alex a lot and it's making him fall apart when he speaks."

Ivan said, "You're kidding? Mr. Hazard is supporting Hazardous Materials now?"

Reena added, "That's a switch! I thought he hated us!"

"Mark? What in the world is wrong with you?" Trina asked, shocked.

Erina frowned, "That makes sense. It still sucks rotten eggs though."

Kevin actually managed a smile at that. "He doesn't hate us. He just thinks that we're bad influences on Alex, his golden child."

Then Vinnie added, "Of course he loves Alex. He may not be Alex's birth father, but for a man as powerful as Mr. Hazard, Alex represents the unconditional love that he couldn't find in his youth."

Mark finally composed himself and replied, "My parents have decided to go on their second honeymoon in the Philippines and while they are gone, they want me to stay home to..." he shudders. "...babysit YOU-KNOW-WHO..."

If Grim could pale from hearing that information, he would. He doesn't even like... YOU-KNOW-WHO.

Trina then began her own little tirade about the unfairness of dealing with younger, bratty, spoiled, no-good, younger siblings.

Reena said, "Too bad Mark's sister isn't as well behaved as Adam is, or we could bring her with us... and maybe sell her into slavery by accident or..." She had an evil grin.

Vicky walked into Mr. Hazard's office and placed the file from Mexico in the dud pile. "That turned out to be a fiasco. Apparently, Central American goddesses don't know when to accept a good business proposition." She then looked at Mr. Hazard and grew serious. "I've already lined up a replacement investment, so you have nothing to worry about. I'm still going to complete my job."

Mr. Hazard turned to face Vicky and said in a solemn voice. "Victoria. I spoke with Accounting while you were gone. Yesterday, you went in there and reorganized all of the records and located some previously lost allocations. The report is that you found some traces of embezzlement going on and put a stop to it. Furthermore, you re-allocated various funds in the corporation and... turned over a huge profit in doing so. I don't know if that was your intention, but... you've proven yourself to me. Therefore, I am allowing you permission to date and someday marry, Alexander, if that is your will. I trust you now." He was very serious as he said this to Vicky.

Vicky blinked. "Oh. Yes, I'd forgotten my little visit to accounting." She shrugged as she continued. "You see, Mr. Hazard, while you run a very powerful global corporation, I have been successfully running multiple organizations since I was 13. Making numbers balance was child's play for me, wait a minute did you just say that you trust me?" Vicky was shocked. "Does this mean that I can rejoin the others?"

Mr. Hazard replied, as he walked over and ushered Vicky over to the large plate glass window overlooking the Hazard Complex Courtyard, "You have earned the right to be there with Alexander. And you've earned my trust. Your friends are about to make a trip into space with Alexander to get that cure he needs. I want you there to protect Alexander. I don't want anyone else getting any sexual ideas with my son. And while you have never even thought about it, to my knowledge, I know you'd be mad if some other female scored on Alexander if during a time you couldn't be with him. Therefore, I am assigning you officially, with pay, to be Alexander's protector when he's not home. And yes, that means you get to go join your friends right now, if you'd like. If in the future you need any kind of equipment from the Corporation for any reason, Victoria, you may have it. No questions asked. You are exactly the type of young lady that I want with Alexander. They are waiting for you right now, although they don't know it is you that I am sending. Good luck, Victoria. Keep my son safe. And..."

He then hugged Victoria fully. "Welcome to the family." He released her and stepped aside. "Now get going. I'm counting on you." He was now smiling.

Vicky smiled and nodded then quickly left the office.

"Yes, well, some siblings aren't worth lighting on fire," Erina chuckled.

Kevin looked at his watch. "How long are we going to have to wait for Mr. Hazard's representative?"

Vinnie shrugged. "I'm sure it won't be too much longer, he knows that time is of the essence."

Lionel grinned. "If this representative walks in here and says, The fun has now arrived, we may have to kill him."

Mikael chuckled. "Here, here. I agree. This isn't Tarzan."

"Now that is harsh," Vicky said, striding in. "And here I thought you'd be happy to see me. Are we ready to go?"

Ivan grinned! "Yay! It's Vicky! She escaped from the EVIL Corporation finally!"

Grim chuckled, then looked out toward the audience and said, "By the way, this little situation is to be continued, so stay tuned for scenes for next week's exciting episode. OK, producer... you can roll the credits now."

And the credits for this episode began to scroll up the screen and at the end was an ominous...

**...TO BE CONTINUED...

End of HM-07 Viva la Fiesta del Hazardo!

Stay tuned for both HM-08 The Unicorn Planet Mystery & HM-09 Who Stole My Garm?**