Adventure of a Lifetime

Chapter XI

SHANNA

Music: Ending from Gradius Gaiden

After Archie was done explaining everything that had happened to Hannah, we began trying to figure out ways off of this planet. After beginning our search, Archie told us, "Look, guys, I don't know how I can thank you enough."

"It was actually all Chomata's idea," Sam explained. "He was the one who told us about you, and to come back for you guys."

Archie then proceeded to give Chomata a huge bro hug, telling him, "Thanks, bro." Chomata just stood there awkwardly. I couldn't help but chuckle a little bit.

After that awkward moment was over with, Sam noticed that Anastasia, Luke, and Heath were gone. Anastasia's voice yelled to us, "Hey guys! Over here!" We followed her voice until we discovered that the three of them noticed what appeared to be some sort of warp pad. It was circular, rather large, and had the logo "ZABATECHNO INC." on it.

"Could this take us back home?" I asked,

Sam shrugged. "It might be able to. Let's check." We all stepped on the pad (it was a little crowded, but we all managed to fit on it) and...

When I opened my eyes after the teleportation, we were right next to our elementary school!

I let out a whoop and did a small victory dance with Anastasia. Everyone else started either cheering or letting out a small whoop. The sweet, sweet feeling of victory was so satisfying. We managed to beat Thomas AND reunite Archie with Hannah!

"This calls for a celebration, doesn't it?" Anastasia exclaimed, a huge smile on her face.

"Eh... later. I'm a little exhausted from the events of the past 24 hours," Luke replied, letting out a huge yawn.

"Yeah, I'm a little tuckered myself. Why don't we all go home and, I dunno, rest?" Chomata said, a "Let's-do-what-I-suggested" look on his face.

And so, we said our goodbyes to each other, and Sean and I began the walk back to our house.

SAM

Music: Name Entry from Gradius Gaiden

A few days after we beat Thomas, Mr. Button held a recognition ceremony for the 7 of us. Not many spectators (aside from our families) showed up, however.

There was a stage set up, which the 7 of us sat in folding chairs on. Two podiums were set on the stage- one for Mr. Button, and one for Archie and Hannah (who's apparently Mr. Button's daughter...).

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my fair pleasure, as president of the Missouri Incorporation of Power Sources, to announce that these seven children were given the task to stop a vile creature with the name Thomas, and they not only succeeded, but rescued my daughter, who was captured by Thomas' minions and mutated!" Mr. Button proudly announced. Our families gave us some polite applause.

Next up were Archie and Hannah. Only Archie spoke, and he didn't have too much to say. "When I saw Hannah mutated, it scared me a little bit. I wasn't sure if I would ever get her back, but these 7 proved me wrong. Can we get another round of applause for them?" And that's just what the "audience" did.

Music: Fire Tripper from Salamander 2

Mr. Button then smiled, and gave us a "come here" signal. We walked up next to the podium, and Mr. Button announced, "Now, I'd like to give these 7 a token of our appreciation- not just from MIPS, but from my family as well." Then he put his hand out, where I noticed 7 medals in it,

"To Sam, Sean, Shanna, Anastasia, Heath, Luke, and Chomata!" he shouted, and the "audience" (must keep putting quotes around that) began cheering for us. Slightly blushing (I don't do well on stage like this), I took the medal and hung it around my neck, and everyone else followed me.

Mr. Button wasn't finished, however. "Now, behind the stage is a fancy little dinner we have planned for you all. Enjoy!"

We followed Mr. Button to a group of circular tables, and I believe he intended for us to sit with our families, but I said, "Screw that," and sat with Heath, Luke, and Chomata.

CHOMATA

Sam sat down with Heath, Luke, and I, with a plate of roasted chicken, and said, "Well, that was fun, wasn't it?"

Our reply was a bunch of "Eh"s.

"Oh, come on, guys, don't be a bunch of downers. Sure, it was a little stressful, but we made it through unscathed, didn't we?" Sam said, nudging Heath in the arm.

"Well, when you put it like that... I guess it was alright," Luke replied.

"I just hope we never have to do anything like this ever again," I said.

Heath looked at me kinda sheepishly. "I'm afraid we might have to. After all, we do have powers now."

I moaned.

"I think it'll be interesting to see where this goes in the future," Sam said. "I wonder what missions are in store for us later on in life."

"Hopefully none," I retorted.

Then something caught Sam's attention, and after following his eyes I immediately turned away. Apparently Shanna felt the need to start doing some sort of victory dance, which went on for about a minute before she stopped. When she did, Sam turned back to us and said to himself, "She's still got it."

At that point, I had to be somewhere, so I left with my family. Everyone else seemed to have the same idea of leaving when I did, so we sorta parted.