Dimension shuffler

Chapter 7: The Siren's Melody

Preparations were being made. During Stephen's encounter with Cosmos, he found out about a laboratory nearby that had details that seemed to match Chico's. Of course, it was abandoned but maybe there was a way to scrounge something together and find her family. While normally they'd just walk in there and get what they need, the information came from their new adversary and the place could be booby-trapped so preparation was needed just in case.

Paz was perfecting her swordplay on a few stuffed dummies. Multiple pieces of cotton and fake limbs lay stricken across the floor as Paz precisely diced them up before piercing Florence through the head. She seemed to enjoy it at the very least.

Chico was trying her best to make use of her powers for offensive capabilities but was clearly distracted. The thoughts of finding out where her family was were exciting the young girl. Despite her distractions, she was able to pull various little rocks out the ground and hurl them all at once at her target. Truly devastating!

Drez was once again making alterations to Toot as well as getting some protective gear ready. It looked harmless in appearance but had decent defensive capabilities. For Chico: a small circlet designed to amply her powers into making a force field should she so choose. For Paz: a jewel designed to attach to Florence and boost its strength. (Although she'd likely reject it anyway) And for Stephen: nothing really. Drez had persuaded him to give him the helmet so he could find out how it worked and how Stephen could get it to work properly.

Meanwhile, Stephen was thinking. Cosmos' anger reminded him so much of Paz on that day they met. He was lucky she was 'tolerant.' It made him question, though, what other enemies may he make or, more positively, friends.

His contemplation was interrupted by a banging on the shack above them.

"Somebody help me, please!" It was the voice of a woman.

Rushing to the elevator, Paz had already beaten him there and Chico wasn't far behind. The three ascended as Drez tried to get visual. What they were greeted was, unfortunately, not very surprising.

Outside the shack was a woman. She was tall and skinny with black hair in a pony-tail and blue eyes. In front of those eyes was a pair of turquoise glasses. She wore a green jumper and a white lab coat on top of that. She looked in her early 20's. She seemed panicked and spoke quickly.

"Please. You must help me, I beg of you." She began.

"What's the problem mam?" Paz asked. Chico curiously shied away behind her.

"I was building robots to help keep people safe and they went haywire. They're chasing me." As if on cue, two robots approached from over a sand dune armed with what appeared to be stun batons but, with the excess of electricity that sparked from them, supposedly much more dangerous.

With their previous training, the robots weren't much of a challenge. A few shurikens here, a sword swipe there and a giant boulder for good measure and the metallic duo was dispatched.

"Oh, thank you. Thank you." The woman spoke, "If you hadn't shown up, I don't know what I would've done. Is there any way I can repay you?"

"No need mam." Paz was obviously enjoying the recognition, "I do this kind off thing every day."

"But since I've got here you haven't-" Stephen received a painful elbow to the stomach.

"EVERY day!" She turned back to the woman, "You should probably go home. Perhaps don't build death-bots again."

"I would but the robots have destroyed my lab and my partner was killed in the carnage. It's my fault, it always is. I should've listened, but no." She began ranting to herself.

"Hey, hey, hey. Don't beat yourself up. I'm sure we can..." She paused in thought. "You could stay with us until you find a new home."

"Really? Well, I'll be sure to do my part. And if there's anything I can help you with, don't be afraid to ask."

"By the way, what's your name?"

"Melody. Melody Sente."

Paz and Melody walked in together talking and learning about each other. It was clear they became fast friends. Before he could follow them, Chico tugged at Stephen's arm.

"What is it?" Stephen asked.

"I... I don't like this woman." Chico answered.

"Really? Why?"

"I just don't feel comfortable around her. That and did you notice the robots didn't really put up a fight?"

"True. Also, how could two robots, armed only with electricity, destroy a whole lab and escape no worse for wear?" Stephen thought for a second, "I'll keep an eye on her, Chico, but don't go around making accusations you can't prove, OK?" Chico nodded and the two followed Paz and their new comrade.

Melody was true to her word and helped out wherever she could. She was particularly skilled in science, which was a-given. She also bonded quickly with Drez with the two making various projects together. Chico avoided her on any instance she could much to Melody's dismay. Stephen also warmed up to her over their mutual love of science and, oddly, gaming. While she had no skills in combat, her knowledge and unparalleled skills in science were sure to come in handy. Especially against their next target: the abandoned research lab.