Making her way to study hall, Nat now noticed her friends gathered around a far table. In only a week things had drastically changed.
The arrival of the teens from the future threw everyone for a loop. Time travelers, multiple timelines, a murderous secretive organization, even robots! These things were the last concern Nat and the others had last week. Now, they were front and center, especially with Darren and most of his friend's now attending Nat's school. As Nat now approached her friends, she smiled as she pulled up a chair. "So how's everyone doing?"
"Best as can be expected all things considered," Connor stated. "Still trying to wrap my mind around all this." The others nodded, watching as Darren and a couple of his friends entered study hall. The Sophmores now glanced over at the Junios, whispering among themselves. "What do you think they're talking about," Miles asked. "Probably their sleeping arrangements," Stephanie shrugged. "They all ended up moving in with someone."
Nat nodded in agreement. Although she had been spared housing one of the time displaced teens, some of her friends weren't so fortunate. Stephanie currently housed two of them. Pam and Stella both polite, both very intelligent but finding the transition into the past difficult. "I still can't believe these two were teachers in the future," Stephanie stated. "Well they are geniuses," Amara shrugged. "From what Mary was telling me she was shocked. They might be smarter than she is."
"Guess that's why Ms. McKinnon didn't take them in," Spark smirked. Thr others chuckled light heartedly, knowing Mary Elise had only enough room for Amara. "I'm surprised you took Crystal in Spark," Miranda grinned. "Didn't future girl kick your butt?"
"Hey it was a lucky shot," Spark grumbled. "And besides Jacob and Nina could use the help. Besides Connor held his own against that Catalyst guy." The others now stifled a laugh, Spark still angry at the fact this future fairy had surprised her. "Thats not the only reason though," Connor added. The others paused, curiously watching the teenage hunter as he looked at Spark. "OK fine," Spark huffed, relenting under Connors gaze. "That Crystal girl. She's related to Calista."
"No way," Rei exclaimed.
"No it's true," Connor stated. "Turns out Crystal is Calista's great grand daughter. She showed off her family crest, Spark was shocked when she saw it. It's Calistas." The others now turned their gaze to Crystal Masters, shocked to see this girl who was the future progeny of Sparks old friend. "Calista was shocked that's for sure," Spark sighed. "Not as shocked as Crystal though. Kind of threw her for a loop seeing her grandma as a kindergartener."
"I can only imagine," Nat stated, the dhamphir turning to Stephanie. "So what about your cousins? Didn't they take in a couple of them?"
"Katie and Kellie took in Darren and that robot Steph," Stephanie said. "My aunt Lisa took in the other robot girl Hannah and Gail. So far things have been okay. I guess Gail is just adjusting to going back to school like Pam and Stella."
"What about the other two geniuses," Miles asked. "That guy Ewart and Neela?'
"Ewart is actually staying with the Davis family," Nat stated. "From what I heard Mike Davis likes having him around. They talk sports all the time?"
"And Neela," Chenoa asked.
"She moved in with my Uncke Rick and Aunt Julia," Connor replied. "She was a doctor in the future. Apparently she had her fill of school and wanted to get to work. I overheard my mom talking with Aunt Julia about her. Neela is brilliant but she drives Julia crazy."
"I still don't completely trust them," Travis stated, the teens icy gaze focused on Darren. The others paused, a worried look on their face as they watched him. The group was thankful for Travis coming to their rescue but shocked at the power he manifested coming to their aid. From what they heard, Darren was incredibly powerful, surpassing even the strongest wizards in his abilities. That Travis held his own against him was stunning. Still, Travis was proving to be overprotective of his friends, carrying a grudge against Darren for attacking Stephanie and the others.
"Travis," Chenoa said softly. "We appreciate you being so protective of us. We couldn't ask for a better friend."
"Or a stronger one," Miles added. "I mean dude, from what I've heard this kid Darren is like the LeBron James of wizards and you were going to kick his butt!" Travis blushed from the compliment, offering a shy smile as Chenoa took his hand. "You protected my friends and my best friend Travis," she smiled. "And I know that will never change but, try to forgive him. It was an accident what happened."
Travis sighed, nodding as he offered the Deer girl a small smile. He would try to forgive Darren for Chenoa's sake.