The princesses invitation - Part One

Moments Later ]

ReLode crashed right into the middle of the road, causing a pileup of cars as they screeched to a stop. With his curved hands raised, he pulled something forward, exerting his immense strength.

A cyborg swiftly descended towards him, firing three missiles. ReLode, momentarily breaking his pull, used his magnetic powers to deflect the missiles away.

The cyborg launched itself at ReLode, slamming him into the road and nearly colliding with a black vehicle. Reacting quickly, Katherine stepped in and erected a forcefield around the car, protecting it from any damage.

"Watch where you're fighting, Mr. Hero," Katherine exclaimed.

"Sorry, I'm just distracted by this CYBORG!"

The cyborg landed a punch to ReLode's face, but Katherine swiftly intervened, delivering a powerful knee strike to the cyborg's jaw. The cyborg went sliding back, coming to a stop, and then blasted off into the sky.

"I'm starving right now," ReLode admitted. "We've been at this for so long that my stomach won't stop rumbling."

"Relax, metalhead. We have all morning to grab something to eat. It's not the end of the world."

"You!" a voice exclaimed from behind them. Katherine and ReLode turned to face the black vehicle. "The brunette, I need you! No, I choose you!"

"Wait a second... You're the princess!" ReLode recognized. "Oh my god, I'm such a huge fan of your uncle. He's the one who created the ultimate MegaHit game."

"Young lady, I want you to be my lookout at my grand coronation tomorrow. I know it's sudden, but I promise to grant youfull access to the palace."

"Do you seriously think I'm gonna say n—wait, I will be your guard on one condition. You also have to grant my family a pass as well."

"A family of what?"

"It's just the three of us. Myself, my brother, and my cousin."

"Alright then, it's a deal."

[[ Meanwhile ]]

The cyborg jetted through the sky and eventually landed on a nearby rooftop, joining another cyborg.

"The mission was compromised."

"Do not worry. The failure of the recent mission does not matter anymore, according to the head. Our new mission is directed towards those three individuals."

"Shall I strike now?"

"Negative. The head said we will strike when he deems the moment opportune. For now, we return to our posts."

[ Moments Later ]

Katherine, Cameron, and Marcy pulled the Sienna to a stop just outside the palace, where they were greeted by an escort.

"You've worked here for nearly your entire life, so you won't mind giving us a heads up on what to expect, right?" Cameron asked the man.

"Questions will not be answered."

"This guy seems uptight," Marcy noted.

"Uptight? Maybe he's just trying to do his job, and Cameron is making it difficult." Katherine said.

"Why won't you answer? I'm a guest, dude. You have to tell me something. Maybe the location of the Ultimate MegaHit game?"

"Questions will not be answered."

"Is that the only response he's capable of?" Marcy whispered.

"Christ these people feel boring. Maybe it's not Cameron." Katherine said.

"Is telling you the same as asking a question?" Cameron asked.

"Questions WILL NOT BE A- answered."

The three entered the inside of the palace ]

As they entered the palace, the princess greeted them warmly. The shofur stood behind them, observing with a vigilant gaze.

"Why does this guy have to follow us?" Cameron questioned, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Perhaps he has valuable information to share with you," Marcy suggested. "Maybe he wants to tell you something in secret."

"Trust me, I can tell he's irritated by my presence," Cameron replied, a touch of sarcasm in his tone.

"Maybe irritating him a little more will get you the answers you want," Marcy teased.

"How does it feel to be a princess?" Katherine asked. "Sorry, that was a silly question. I'm sure everyone asks you that."

"You're right, but not everyone asks so informally," the princess replied.

"Oh, did I offend you?" Katherine wondered.

"Not at all," the princess reassured her. "It's actually refreshing to have a conversation that isn't solely focused on my royal status."

"It sounds like most people you meet are quite a hassle," Katherine remarked.

"You have no idea," the princess responded, her voice tinged with weariness.

[ The princess escorted them all to the main room where the king and queen were ]

As they walked into the main room, a butler named Friad greeted them at the entrance and held the door open.

"What is the meaning of this, Friad?" the queen questioned, her tone filled with concern.

"Your majesty, the princess has brought a superhero and their family to the palace," Friad explained.

"The family? Is May out of her mind?" the queen exclaimed in disbelief.

"I understand your doubts, my queen, but the princess has valid reasons for bringing them here," Friad assured her.

"It's like they're talking about us as if we're invisible," Marcy whispered with a hint of amusement.

"It does feel weird, doesn't it? Like we're just background characters," Cameron whispered back. "Is this how they always act?"

"Unfortunately, yes. They often forget that we're here," May sighed. "Sometimes I wish for a day where I can escape the responsibilities of being royalty."

"I trust you, Friad. If you believe these people can be trusted, then so do I," the queen said, her voice filled with unwavering confidence.

"Shall I prepare dinner?" Friad inquired.

"No, Robert will handle the dinner preparations," the queen replied.

Marcy couldn't help but chuckle. "So that uptight guy's name is Robert?"

"I feel sorry for all the Roberts out there, if that guy is in their ranks," Cameron agreed with a smile.

Friad guided the group out of the main room, leading them through the corridors of the palace. Cameron saw this as the perfect opportunity to search for a game room, hoping to find the game he had been longing to play.

As they started the tour, Cameron quickly realized that it was not going to be as extensive as he had hoped. Friad only took them to a couple of important rooms, before leading them to their sleeping quarters.

"I apologize if the tour wasn't as impressive as you expected," Friad said. "Since you are only guests, we are not able to provide a comprehensive tour at this time."

"That's alright," Marcy replied.

"Although it is a bit underwhelming," Katherine added, voicing her disappointment.

Cameron, always quick with a joke, couldn't resist making a playful complaint. "It's rather disappointing that we didn't get the full royal treatment. After all, you guys are royalty!"

Friad frowned slightly at his comment. "Please refrain from using such language when addressing the future queen. If you are not satisfied with the tour, you are free to leave."

The princess interjected, trying to maintain a calm atmosphere. "Please, respect our guests."

Sensing the tension, Marcy playfully slapped Cameron's head. "Enough, Cameron. Let's just appreciate what we have been shown so far."

Despite the disappointing tour, the group slowly started to feel more comfortable with Friad's presence. They began to see him as an ally rather than just a guard.

Later that evening, during dinner, a cyborg in the center of the palace smiled sinisterly.

"The strike protocol has been initiated," the cyborg announced.

"Protocol accepted by bot F5, lowercase -y," a cyborg stationed on the palace roof confirmed.

"Protocol accepted by bot 6u, uppercase -C," another cyborg by the palace gate reported.

Moments later, as the moon shone brightly in the night sky, the people within the palace peacefully slept. However, their rest worked against them as they became more vulnerable to the imminent attack.

Cameron's slumber was abruptly interrupted by the sound of breaking glass. He cautiously opened his eyes, only to see a shadowy figure and a round object being thrown through his window. Alert and alarmed, he watched as the robotic figure gracefully crawled through the window, resembling a spider.

In Marcy's room, a similar scenario unfolded. The figure stealthily approached Marcy's bed, its intentions clear. Just as it was about to pull off her blanket, Marcy's instincts kicked in, and she retaliated with a forceful kick to the intruder's face.

The all too familiar robotic figure crumbled under Marcy's swift counterattack.

"You better think twice before sneaking up on me, dumbass," Marcy taunted, her voice dripping with confidence.

"Motion failure. That's fine... motion three," the cyborg responded mechanically.

Without hesitation, the cyborg lunged at Marcy, aiming to take her down. But Marcy was quicker. She leaped off her bed, causing the cyborg to crash into the wall. Seizing the opportunity, she grabbed a nearby lamp and hurled it at the cyborg's face before launching herself at it with a tackle.

"I bet you must be the best guy on your team," Marcy mocked, taunting the cyborg.

"Humor? Not funny," the cyborg retorted coldly.

Realizing that the cyborg had been programmed for this attack, Marcy questioned, "So you're one of those cyborgs. Somebody must have ordered you into doing this."

"Eliminate guests!" the cyborg commanded, ignoring her statement.

With lightning-fast precision, the cyborg unleashed a flurry of claw strikes toward Marcy. But she proved to be agile, evading each strike with quick footwork. Seizing an opportunity, Marcy blocked one of the cyborg's strikes, using the force as a launchpad to initiate her own attacks.

Each blow landed, but the cyborg's cybernetic body absorbed much of the impact. Undeterred, Marcy remained relentless. Sensing an opening, the cyborg attempted a tackle, but Marcy evaded it effortlessly. The cyborg crashed through the wall and tumbled outside, incapacitated.

Taking a moment to catch her breath, Marcy moved to the open wall and braced herself to jump. Just then, Mimick burst through the window, tackling another cyborg out of the room. The cyborg crashed into its companion, followed by a horde of Mimicks.

"We got 'em!" the Mimicks exclaimed triumphantly.

Spotting Marcy, one of the Mimicks called out, "Hey Marcy! What are you doing all the way up there?!"

"Can you guys please stand together?" Marcy called back.

The Mimicks quickly formed a cohesive group, providing Marcy with a suitable landing spot. Without hesitation, she leaped out of her room and landed gracefully on the Mimicks.

"Why?!" one of the Mimicks questioned, bewildered.

"I needed somewhere to land," Marcy replied nonchalantly, "It's either that or death."

"Maybe we could've thought of a better way of doing this?" another Mimick suggested.

"I agree with him," chimed in a third.

"We all agree," the rest of the Mimicks confirmed. At that moment, the Omnitrix on Cameron's wrist flashed green, reverting him back to his human form.

"Calm down, it's not so bad. Your alien body is durable-" Cameron tried to reassure Marcy.

Interrupting him, Marcy observed, "I feel like something bigger is afoot here."

"What a wild guess, Marcy. I don't think I could've guessed that," Cameron sarcastically remarked.

"Relax, little guy. I was just thinking out loud," Marcy replied with a playful smirk.

Soon, Friad, May, Katherine, and a group of guards arrived, sprinting toward the duo.

"What happened?" Friad asked, concern etched on his face.

"Now, where should I even begin?" Marcy muttered, realizing the magnitude of the situation.

Moments Later ]

They all made their way into the palace and met up with the king and queen, who were abruptly awakened from their slumber.

"Friad, what is the meaning of this? Why have you disturbed our sleep?" the queen asked.

"I apologize, my queen, but your daughter wishes to speak with you in person," Friad explained.

"Mother!" the princess exclaimed. "Our guests were attacked! Something is clearly amiss here. I believe we should cancel the coronation and prioritize the security of the kingdom."

"Absolutely not! The coronation will proceed as planned. You are to become queen tomorrow. If you have concerns about the security, I suggest you address them with your chosen guard... where was she?" the queen retorted.

"I was guarding your daughter-" Robert attempted to speak but was interrupted.

"-Do not speak to the queen!" Robert shouted, cutting him off.

Marcy, stepping forward, confronted Robert. "Do not address her like that. I will not hesitate to take you down."

"Is she threatening one of my men?!" the queen gasped. "How dare you threaten one of my guards? Who gave you the audacity to even speak to them?"

"I gave it to myself! Now tell me, who gave you the right to be such a neglectful mother? If I didn't know any better, I would think you want your daughter to be harmed," Marcy boldly accused.

"Are you accusing me?" the queen responded in disbelief.

"Katherine, please speak with your sister. We cannot have her upsetting my mother any further," the king intervened.

"Yes, I am-" Katherine interjected, but before she could finish, she used a sphere to close Marcy's mouth.

Katherine exchanged a meaningful glance with Cameron, prompting him to sigh.

"We're so, so sorry!" Cameron bowed deeply. "We were overwhelmed by the events that unfolded. Our behavior was unacceptable, and we apologize for our rude and inappropriate actions. We should have known better, but unfortunately, our kind is accustomed to behaving atrociously."

"Mmmh... I rather like the boy... Very well, only because he has gained my favor will you two be forgiven, but that girl is still on thin ice," the queen declared.

[ The day of the coronation ]

Everyone, excluding Cameron, had risen early and dressed for the momentous occasion.

The queen and king awaited the arrival of the princess and her guests in their elegant vehicle.

May remained upset about becoming princess against her own wishes, despite Katherine's attempts to cheer her up.

Katherine and May were given the luxury of riding in the elegant vehicle, while, per the queen's demands, Marcy was forced to use another mode of transportation.

Friad kindly escorted Cameron to the dressing room.

"So, this is where I'll be getting ready?" Cameron asked.

"Yes, young Mr. Lenardo. Just make sure to be quick," Friad answered.

"Don't worry, Mr. Friad. I'll be prompt," Cameron assured him.

"Good. Just be cautious. The door can sometimes lock, so ensure you don't get trapped inside."

"No problem. I've got it under control."

Friad exited the room, leaving Cameron alone. Closing the door behind him, Cameron turned his attention to the mirror, ready to prepare for the upcoming events.

Meanwhile ]

"The targets are on the move...."

"Our new mission is ready for operation."

"The terms of our agreement are null and void."

"We will strike at their home base while their leader faces a personal attack."

"Operation: Take Down."

[ Moments Later ]

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the queen's black limo led the way down the road, followed closely by the Sienna.

Marcy and the other guards remained vigilant, ensuring they were aware of any suspicious activity. Unlike the other guards, Marcy's focus was solely on monitoring the queen and king themselves.

The vehicles arrived at the main hall, causing a frenzy among the news crew and spectators.

[ Moments Later ]

While Marcy stayed in the Sienna, the rest of the guards entered the main hall to prepare for the grand speech and coronation.

"Are you prepared, May?" Katherine asked.

"Do you really think I am? I'm being coerced into something I don't want."

"I asked if you were ready, not how you feel about it."

"No, I'm not ready. I don't want any part of this."

"It's unfortunate to be forced into something you don't desire, but that's the reality we face."

"Is it selfish of me to resist?"

"I guess, but it's your personal feeling, so there's no need to feel guilty."

"Oh god... it's almost time..."

[ Meanwhile, at the palace ]

A burst of fire shattered the door, reducing it to ashes in an instant.

"Ha! 'Beware of the door,' my ass. No door can hold back the greatest hero. This place feels eerily empty."

BurnOut stretched before embarking on a thorough search of the palace, hoping to explore every nook and cranny that had previously been inaccessible to him.

After some time, BurnOut found himself lounging at a table, legs propped up, and savoring a can of juice.

"Having an entire palace to myself isn't as satisfying as I imagined. But at least I found the ultimate Megahit game, that's a..."

An employee walked into the room, freezing upon seeing BurnOut.

"Um... okay, this looks incredibly suspicious, but I swear I was just... um, okay, please don't tell the king and queen. They scare me a little."

The employee continued to stare at BurnOut.

"Hello? Are you even there?" BurnOut approached the employee. "Can you hear me? Anyone?"

Without warning, the employee swiftly attacked BurnOut, impaling him against the kitchen counter. Three more workers joined, fixing their hostile gaze on BurnOut.

Since when did you guys become so powerful?" BurnOut questioned in disbelief as the workers charged towards him. With a swift leap, he managed to evade their grasp and land behind them. Before he could make a move, one worker snuck up from behind and grabbed him, immobilizing him. The other workers closed in, tackling BurnOut out of the kitchen, crashing into the worker who held him.

"This is not right! What has happened to you all?" BurnOut exclaimed, struggling against their powerful grip.

The workers pinned BurnOut down in a lock, leaving him no choice but to unleash a burst of fire, sending them flying. Taking a moment to catch his breath, BurnOut realized that the workers had now transformed with bionic parts, turning into cyborgs.

"Eliminate the guests!" one cyborg commanded.

"The princess must be captured," another stated coldly.

"We need to get rid of any distractions," a third one added.

Before BurnOut could react, the cyborgs simultaneously punched him in the face, launching him straight through the palace walls. He crashed into the well outside, momentarily dazed. As he collected himself, the Omnitrix on his wrist flashed green.

[ Moments Later ]

Inside the Sienna, Marcy was resting when she heard a noise behind her. Startled, she glanced at the rearview mirror and saw a cyborg standing inside the vehicle.

"What's going on?" Marcy began to ask, but before she could finish her sentence, a gas was released from the cyborg, causing her to instantly fall asleep.

[ Behind the curtains, at the main stage ]

Katherine noticed Friad standing near the entrance to the main stage and approached him. "Is everything going well?" she asked, concerned.

"As well as it can be," Friad replied dismissively.

"Great," Katherine responded. "Now, could you please move so that I can stand in position with the other guards to protect May?"

Friad shook his head. "No."

Surprised, Katherine persisted, "What do you mean, no? It's my duty to protect her."

Suddenly, a scream pierced the air from outside, and Katherine's senses heightened. Racing towards the entrance, she was abruptly stopped as Friad delivered a powerful elbow to her, sending her crashing to the ground.

"The plan must not be disrupted," Friad declared coldly.

Using a rocket blast from his hand, Friad broke through the curtains, revealing the chaos unfolding outside. A horde of cyborgs hovered above the fleeing crowd, and all the guards were nowhere to be seen. Friad seized May by the arm, preparing to fly away.

Determined to fulfill her mission, Katherine unleashed her powers and pulled Friad down forcefully. "Let her go! It is my responsibility to protect her!"

"You have caused enough trouble," Friad retorted, unfazed. "Retrieving her is my mission."

Suddenly, three cyborgs appeared out of nowhere and speared Katherine to the ground. Friad took advantage of the distraction, propelling himself into the sky and escaping with May in his clutches.