We're One

The day began at Vill City Junior Highschool, with every student buzzing with excitement about their upcoming final year exams, which would mark the end of their junior high school journey. Whispers and chants filled the hallways as students reminisced about the days they had spent together, realizing how quickly time had flown by.

"I can't wait to be a senior!" exclaimed a random female junior student to her friends, their voices filled with anticipation. "Only a few days left until we move to the next level, girls! So, who are you going to ask to prom? Or has anyone asked you out yet?"

As the school bell rang, signaling the end of the break, the students made their way to their respective classes. After the summary lectures were over, a brief announcement was made about their upcoming graduation, adding to the excitement in the air.

During lunch break at the cafeteria, Peter surprised Debbie, who was sitting with her friends, including Rita. Peter had planned something special for her, capturing the attention of everyone around. The crowd erupted in cheers as Peter got down on one knee, as if about to propose, but instead, he asked Debbie to be his prom date.

Debbie was flattered by Peter's gesture, as he presented her with a beautiful bouquet of roses. The roses were a mixture of red, white, and pink, symbolizing various emotions. Red roses were associated with deep love and passion, while pink roses conveyed admiration and gratitude. White roses represented purity and innocence.

The romantic act by Peter encouraged many other guys who were shy to ask their potential prom dates out. Inspired by Peter's bravery, they too mustered up the courage to approach their crushes. Debbie joyfully accepted Peter's invitation and sealed it with a kiss, making the crowd go wild with excitement.

Meanwhile, at the Mayor's office, Mr. Lyrecius Rich had just finished signing an agreement with the Mayor of Vill City and Vill City High. He was a mayoral candidate, along with another contestant, as the current Mayor was stepping down from office. The campaign for the Mayorship had been ongoing for months, and the elections for the presidential and mayoral candidates were scheduled for the same date.

The Mayor congratulated both candidates on their applications, having thoroughly reviewed their proposals. The final decision rested with the people of Vill City and Vill City High, who would cast their votes.

After school, Sophie transformed into her ultra-orange form and flew straight to Super Jail. She signed an agreement for the temporary release of the Hacker, whom she considered a friend. The security guard informed the Super Twins that the Hacker had a visitor.

Curious onlookers among the villains realized that it was one of the Ultra Family who had come to set the Hacker free temporarily. The Hacker reassured her brother, Tekno Boy, that everything was under control and that she had explained her situation to him regarding her education. Tekno Boy agreed, unaware that the Ultra Orange Sophie was the same person. The Hacker promised to behave herself and left with her best friend, Ultra Orange Sophie.

After their departure, villains like The Artist, Musical Girl, and Solvent began questioning Tekno Boy about his sister's relationship with the Ultra Family. However, Tekno Boy remained tight-lipped, refusing to disclose any information. This left the inquisitive villains pondering over the connection between Tekno Boy's sister and the Ultra family.

"Uh! I see. Trying to cover up for your sister," said the musical girl. "That's so sweet. She's out there enjoying her freedom, whereas you're in here with us, all alone. You know, blood also betrays. It's nothing new in the systems and society we live in. Friends betray friends, and families turn against each other. You'll see."

Sometime later, Sophie and Christine the Hacker arrived at their ultra family headquarters, and Christine was nervous about it. Just as Sophie was about to ring the doorbell, Christine stopped her, unsure if it was the right thing to do. Sophie assured her that it was.

"No more secrets, Christine," said Sophie to Christine. "It's best that my family knows who you are as well. For so long, I've been keeping our friendship a secret, just like you... We've both been keeping our identities and my family's secret hidden. It's time for you to see the other side of us and get to know us better. It won't be an easy task, but I can assure you they will come to love you once they fully understand you, just like I do."

Christine sighed with a bit of relief, and as Sophie opened the door to her family's ultra headquarters, everyone was waiting for her. Peter, Mark, Rita, Debbie, Mason, and Jenna had heard their conversations. Christine whispered to Sophie if there was something on their faces because of the way her family was staring at them.

"So, when are you going to tell us?" Peter asked Sophie.

"Wait!... What? You knew?" Sophie responded.

"C'mon Sophie. You of all people should know that we are the Ultra Family," said Mark. "We've all known from the start, but we were waiting for the day you'd summon the courage to tell us."

"I'm glad you did, sweetie!" Jenna said as she gave a warm hug to Sophie and Christine.

Christine tried to apologize for her misguided path, but Jenna and the rest of the McCoy family fully understood her and her brother's deeds. Christine and her brother were forgiven by the Ultra Family, and they all hugged one another warmly.

Later, during dinner with the Ultra Family, Christine shared classified information about Mr. Lyrecius's plan to free the super villains and conquer the Ultra Family after he becomes Mayor. This came as a shock to the McCoy family.

"Despite all we have done for this city, Mr. Lyrecius wants to free the super villains. We're talking about super villains like Tetraman, who could wipe out an entire planet, solar systems, or even a whole universe with ease, as if it were some sort of training exercise. Not to mention, Tetraman destroyed his entire race throughout the maniverse," said Peter.

"That dude alone is not only a superman on his own, but a god of destruction," Mark added. "Nothing seems to work on him. Tetrenite, which was supposed to be his kryptonite or Achilles heel, is totally useless."

Suddenly, Rita recalled what Peter had said to them during his previous encounter against Tetraman, which made him bleed (reference to chapter 13: New Transformation). After a long discussion following dinner, the McCoy family retired for the day and went to bed. Sophie invited Christine to stay in her room, as they now had separate rooms for each family member. Sophie had her own spacious room, Rita had hers, Mark had his, Debbie shared Peter's room as they were together, and Mason and Jenna stayed in their own room.

Everyone was in their rooms, either sleeping or engaged in various activities. Sophie was thrilled to have Christine by her side. They linked their pinky fingers together and said in unison, "we're one," which brought back memories of how they met and became friends. They chatted for a while, exchanging smiles before finally saying their goodnight.

The next day, the kids all prepared for school after having breakfast. It was the day of their final year exams. Mason dropped off Peter, Debbie, Mark, Rita, Sophie, and Christine at school, wishing them success on their exams. On the way to school, Mason turned on the radio, and they heard a discussion about the upcoming mayoral election, which would take place in three days.

"Three days!" Debbie exclaimed, capturing everyone's attention. She reminded them that it was also the day of their graduation and prom. Debbie doubted if her dad would ever make it to her graduation. Peter cheered her up and lifted her spirits, assuring her that they would always be there to support her every step of the way and that her father would somehow make it up to her. His inspiring words brightened Debbie's face as they arrived at school.

The principal made announcements in the hallway, reminding the students about their upcoming graduation and Junior-Senior Prom, which would take place in three days. She wished the final year students the best of luck with their exams.

They headed to their respective classes and prepared for their exams. The exams went well, and after finishing their papers, the principal and coach gathered all the students together. They congratulated them and delivered awe-inspiring speeches, with the coach adding a few inspiring words. They advised the students to rest and get ready to celebrate in three days. The students cheered in excitement.

The next day, the exam results were sent to their email. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy were amazed at their children's exceptional performances, including Debbie and Christine. They celebrated both indoors and outdoors.

Finally, two days later, the graduation day arrived, and they were all prepared. Debbie arranged for a ride to pick them up from the McCoy residence. They were driven to Villa City Junior High School, looking classy and standing out among everyone else. Parents who attended their children's graduation were seated in the crowd, with some given special seats as honorable guests. Among them was Debbie's father, who had not shown up on the day of her graduation.

The mayoral election took place on the same day as the graduation ceremony, and the results were to be announced. During the ceremony, students who excelled in their performance were awarded, including Peter, Mark, Debbie, Rita, Tyson, Jerry, Sophie, and Christine, who received multiple outstanding awards. Their parents stood up to cheer for them as they received their accolades.

While receiving her awards from the principal, Debbie tried to spot her dad in the audience but couldn't find him. She felt downcast until she realized that her father had sent someone in his place to represent him at her graduation ceremony. Peter lifted Debbie's spirits by encouraging her to focus on the positive aspects of the day, and she did. After the academic awards ceremony, the kids informed their parents about the party organized by their coach. With their parents' consent, they were allowed to go to the JS prom and return home on their own afterward.

The assistant who had represented Mr. Lyrecius at the graduation ceremony approached Debbie, pleading on behalf of her father for not being there. Suddenly, his phone rang, and he realized it was Mr. Lyrecius calling. He congratulated his daughter and apologized for not being present. He also delivered the surprising news that he had been elected as the Mayor of Villa City with the highest number of votes, two billion in total. This news left Debbie in a state of shock. She responded to her father's call, congratulating him, and the call ended.

Meanwhile, at the JS prom celebration, Coach Bridgette had organized a well-designed and decorated event as a surprise for the students. She had kept her promise, and everyone was enjoying themselves. Peter waited for Debbie at the front door and spotted her approaching. Debbie was worried about her father's decision to free the villains once he became Mayor, and she shared her concerns with Peter. However, Peter reassured her and wasn't worried about the situation Debbie presented to him.

Peter took Debbie by the hand, hugged her passionately, radiating warmth and joy. Debbie embraced Peter with great affection. Peter looked into her eyes and spoke softly,

"Do not worry about what's to come, my love. Challenges and trials will arise, but as long as we are together, we will always overcome. Look at what we have achieved, both individually and as a family. That's what truly matters. As long as we're together, as long as we are one, the future is bright for us. Let's live in this moment and enjoy our day. It's about us stepping into the next level and phase of life."

Peter then kissed Debbie passionately under the skylight, sealing their bond and celebrating their love.