Just Friends?

Chapter 9: To The Beach!

The Power Heroes were in Zoomzania. They had just finished a race with Carly and Cartoka, the Speedy Twins.

"Now it's time to announce our winners!" announced Newton Star in his best sports commentator voice. "In third place is Gekko and Luna Girl on the Lunar Board!"

The duo held hands and raised them in the air. PJ Robot gave them a small bronze trophy.

"And in second place is Catboy and Owlette on Cat Stripe King!" Newton Star gestured at the two heroes who were hugging each other happily. PJ Robot let them hug for a few more seconds before handing them a small silver trophy.

"And the winners for the Zoomzania Partner Race are..." Newton Star paused for dramatic effect. "You know 'em, you love 'em - well, now we do, anyway - Carly and Cartoka, the Speedy Twins in the Flashcar!"

The twins high-fived and PJ Robot presented them with a small gold trophy.

Newton Star looked over at another pair who had joined the race. "Sorry Night Ninja and An Yu, better luck next time."

"It's fine," said An Yu. She smiled up at Night Ninja. "We enjoyed ourselves, didn't we my ninja prince?"

"We sure did, my dragon princess," he replied, smiling back at her.

"They look so sweet together," thought Owlette. First she and Catboy had become boyfriend and girlfriend, followed by Gekko and Luna, and now it was An Yu and Night Ninja! She wondered how those two even got together, but she and the rest of the Power Heroes accepted this with open arms.

"You guys were great out there," said Ice Cub.

"I agree," added Bastet. "I really thought it was fun watching you all race."

"Well, you're all welcome to come over and race again anytime," said Carly.

"Thanks." Catboy gave the twins a polite smile. "But we should really get going. It's almost morning."

"Okay then, see you guys again soon!" Cartoka and his sister waved as the Power Heroes entered the portal to return to Space Q.

"That was a fun race," said Gekko. He, Catboy and Owlette were relaxing in the cat hero's HQ room. "I kinda like the Speedy Twins now. You think they'll join the Power Heroes sometime?"

"Not sure," replied Owlette with a shrug. "But it would be great if they do."

"Hey, Owlette, your family's going to the beach tomorrow, right?" asked Catboy.

Owlette nodded. "Uh-huh. And guess what? They said I could invite you guys to tag along if you wanted. So what do you guys say?"

"Oh boy, I'd love to!" Gekko jumped to his feet eagerly. "I can't wait to play in the sea. What about you Catboy?" He and Owlette looked at their friend.

"Um..." Catboy thought it over. If he said yes, he'd have to get himself wet; something he dreaded doing. But if he said no, he'd disappoint his girlfriend. Wait, what if... "I'll come along too," he managed to say. "But I'm only gonna play on the beach."

Owlette exchanged glances with Gekko before saying, "Um, okay then."

"I'm just, uh, gonna go get a snack." Catboy rubbed the back of his neck. "All that racing kinda worked up my appetite, and the snack cabinet in here is empty." He walked out of the room. "I wonder if Ice Cub's got anything yummy..."

Owlette sighed. "Well there goes my awesome idea."

"What awesome idea?" Gekko asked her.

Owlette twiddled her fingers. "I was hoping... if he came along, I could help him get over his fear of water. I mean, I get that I'm not supposed to force him, but think about how we'd be able to fight baddies if we didn't have to take his fear into account."