3Below: The Adventure Continues

Chapter 6, 7, & 8: New Faces Revealed, Aliens in Arcadia, & Team Struggles

**Author's Note: Hey guys! So, I was going to make this into all separate chapters but then I realize that the more I planned these chapters out, the more they seem to merge together. So, this is going to be a combine chapter of 6, 7, and 8. I apologized that this is late, I was trying to figure out how I should post this chapter. I've broken the chapters into parts so that way nobody gets confused when a part begins and when it ends. I apologized that this is late, I was trying to figure out how I should post this chapter. Fair warning, I may do this again in the future. Alright, I'll shut up now. Let me know what you guys think! Enjoy!

PART 1: New Faces Revealed

The next day, Toby woke up early again, despite staying up late with ARRGGGHH! playing Go-Go Sushi, drinking almost every soda in the fridge, and eating one box of nougat nummies and other various snacks. He took his phone, tempting to look at it but then decided against it since it would likely be the same result, and put it in his pajama pants pocket. He got out of bed and left his room, carefully once again. Before he left, however, he grabs some clothes, headed to the bathroom, and changed. Once he was done, he made his way to the kitchen, finding it vacant as it did the previous morning. Except this time, Toby just made himself some toast with jam and a glass of juice. Once he finished his small breakfast, he got out a piece of paper and pen, to write a note to his Nana.

Toby's Note:

"Went out for a walk. Be back soon and don't worry, I already ate.

Love you

-Toby"

He left the note where his Nana would find it and headed out the back door. Of course, his "walk" would be more than just a walk. He headed towards to woods. Now, he knows he shouldn't go into the woods by himself, but he couldn't help himself. Even though it was just last night, he couldn't wait for Eli to finish his research on the robot parts. He needed to know what's going on now and something tells him that their answers aren't going to be on some robotics website that's he's never heard of. He started to walk towards the edge of town when something caught his eye. He looked toward the Lake house and saw Barbara Lake. He smiled when he saw her and decided to go say hello, "Hey, Dr. L," he greeted her. Barbara looked up from her car and saw Toby, slightly surprised, "Toby? Hi, how are you?!" she greeted him as she suddenly ran up to him and hugged him, "And what you doing up? It's...pretty early," she asked him as a warm smile appeared as she adjusted her purse back onto her shoulder, "Oh...I'm okay. Just...up for a morning walk," he answered her as he rubbed the back of his head, "How are you doing?" Toby asked her, warmly. Barbara shrugged slightly, "Oh you know...work...raising the changeling babies...with Walter. He watches them while I'm at work," Barbara said to him as she explained what was going on. Toby perked up slightly, "Oh, yeah.... I heard you guys were doing that. So, I guess you and Stickler are still going strong, huh?" Toby asked her, assuming that they were giving dating one more try. However Barbara shrugged, "Oh, it's nothing like that, Toby. We're just friends," Barbara said to him, shocking him slightly. "Really? Just friends?" Toby asked her, in slight disbelief. Barbara was silent for a moment before she nodded her head, "Yeah...just friends. Besides, given what happened a few weeks ago and everything else...I'm not really interested in pursuing THAT kind of relationship right now," she said, honestly. Toby looked at her with sadness. She really missed Jim, "That's...understandable," he commented as Barbara smiled in response. They stood there in silence for a moment before Toby, cautiously, began speaking again, "Hey...um...if you don't mind me asking but...have you heard from Jim at all?" he asked her, hoping he wouldn't upset her but at the same time hoped that she heard something from his best friend. However, his fear may have been confirmed when she looked upset, "No...I haven't. Have you?" Barbara asked him, sadly. Toby frowned as he shook his head "no", "Sorry," he apologized. Barbara sighed sadly as she began to fiddle with her purse strap while Toby played with the rocks on the ground with his foot. The stood there for what seemed like a long time before Barbara broke the silence, "I'm sure he's fine. I'm sure they're all fine and I'm sure we'll hear from them soon," she said as she tried to remain positive. Toby scoffed, "Of course we will. I mean this is Jim we're talking about. He always tries to keep his promises," he agreed with her. However, the two still were worried about the whole situation. Barbara then suddenly looked at her phone to check the time, "Um, listen I have to go to work but please don't be a stranger. If you ever need to talk at all, just come right in. In fact, why don't you guys come over for dinner sometime?" Barbara offered him. Toby had a false look of fear on his face, "I don't know.... are you cooking?" he asked her, teasingly as he raised an eyebrow. Barbara chuckled at his question, "No, no, I'll order something. But seriously though, if you need to talk, I'm here. You...mean a lot to Jim and I hate for you to feel alone," she said to him assuring. Toby smiled at her, "Thanks, Barbara. I appreciate that," Toby said to her. Barbara smile down at him once more before giving him one last hug and walk towards her car. She looked back at him one last time as she entered her car. She started it up and drove out of her driveway, waving a goodbye. Toby returned her wave as he watched the car drive away and disappear before he began his walk to the woods again. Focusing back on the task at hand.