30Miracle City
A thriving city built on secrets and lies
But now those secrets are about to be exposed
What will become of the city after the truths are revealed?
Inside the Avera house, Carlos and his little sister Maria stood next to each other nervously staring out the two different windows. It has been three days since their encounter with the Flock of Fury during their training session with White Pantera, and the kids have been looking out nonstop for another possible attack. Almost afraid to step outside. "Uh nice weather today," Carlos said awkwardly while jiggling his belt buckle. Trying to strike up a conversation to alleviate some of his anxieties.
"Just like yesterday," Maria responded dryly, rubbing her watch. She hated the fact that they are hiding from the Flock, but after seeing them in action, even she had to admit that they are currently no match for them.
"Sure if you like that sort of thing," Pablo grumbled in a foul mood. Caressing his golden phone.
"PABLO!?" his siblings gasped, who are just noticing that he's staring out a third window next to them. "What are you doing here?"
"Hey it's a free country," Pablo protested. "At least I think it is?" As with most kids of his generation, Pablo gets most of his education from tubeyou.
"Sorry bro," Maria apologized. "It's just that I'm surprised to see you looking at a 'windows' that doesn't have any pixels." she joked.
"Yeah, I thought you'd be playing those new games with your friends." Carlos commenting on the games they stole on their last heist.
"About that , well you see, it's complicated!" Pablo tried to shrug off, but it's obvious that neither would let if go. "Okay, they kicked me out of the group," he admitted. The Griffon Gang, with the exception of Frida, were so enraged at Pablo for making them targets of the famous Puma Loco they told him that he's out of the gang until he resolved this predicament.
"WHAT!? WHY? ARE THEY BULLYING YOU? IS IT BECAUSE YOU'RE ALWAYS GLITCHING?" Carlos and Maria demanded. "They will pay for this disrespect! VENDETTA!" Vowing revenge.
"No! It's nothing like that! It's because, uh..." Pablo pleaded. But before he could respond or even come up with a valid excuse; they all heard a loud explosion coming from inside the house. At first they all assumed it's from an attack from the villains and hero, until they realized where the explosion originated. The basement garage: aka Zoe's not so secret workshop.
"Mom and Dad have been working nonstop for days now. I wonder what they're up to?" Carlos wondered. After returning from the volcano Manny and Zoe announced that they are starting a new project. So top secret that they gave all the servants a weeks vacation. Leaving the mansion hauntingly empty.
"Do you think it might have something to do with them?" Maria suggested. No mystery who 'them' are as news of the Riveras' return have been the talk of the town for days now.
"Why do you think they came back?" Carlos asked.
"They've been around long before we were even born, and will be here long after we're gone," Maria quoting a documentary saw about ancient ruins.
"It'll be better if they just go away!" Pablo mumbled.
"They never go away. Not until they get what they want." Maria using her scary campfire voice.
This caused Pablo to realize something important. "Do you think he-I mean they'll come here?" Afraid that Puma Loco might come for his mech-suit.
"No villain is crazy enough to cause trouble here, not after what happened last time." Carlos trying to reassure his sibling by sounding more confident than he looked. It didn't work.
"We can only hope," Maria quoted with uncertainty. Obviously just as concern as her brothers.
Meanwhile a few blocks away, Jorge Rivera casually walked down the road checking the map that he got from Chipotle. Following closely behind him, his son Rodolfo, who was suspiciously scurrying about. Jumping behind every tree, bench, and trashcan. All the while, scoping the area as if expecting an ambush. "Rodolfo! It's been three days. Is this really necessary?" Jorge complained.
"Father, Voltura is after my apprentices!" Rodolfo argued. "I have to make sure they are safe."
"Yes, yes," Jorge waved off. As if the old villain cared about the fate of two random kids. "It is because of this we had to delay our search for that boy who stole the golden app of chaos!"
"Didn't you give him the app?" Rodolfo corrected.
"Eh, details," Jorge again brushed off as if it's unimportant. "The point is the sooner we get the app back, the sooner we can continue our search for Manny. Or are those new kids more important to you than your own son?" he accused.
"Everyone is important to me father!" Rodolfo shot back. The look of anger in his eyes were enough to make Jorge know that he crossed a line.
"Sorry son," Jorge apologized in earnest. He should have known better than to question his son's loyalty to family or his devotion to heroism. "But seriously, we have not seen or heard anything about your apprentices in days. Are they even alive? Did Voltura get to them already? Who know?" Jorge pointing out the facts.
"I've already considered that!" Rodolfo gulped nervously. Truthfully this hadn't once crossed his mind until his father suggested it. "But I can't just abandoned them. I just not sure of what to do," he confessed.
"That is why we need to find the kid with the app," Jorge insisted. "He may know something about your young heroes."
"Of course!" Rodolfo perked up. After all he knows from experience and from his father that villains tend to keep a close tab on their hero adversaries. "Hurry father let's find that boy!" Rodolfo excitedly ran towards their destination.
"Idiot," Jorge commenting on how easy it is to manipulate his son.
Nearby Carmelita Aves and her mother Pachita were also searching the surrounding area. "Are you sure she's around here?" Carmelita asked skeptically.
"I have run the calculations multiple times, she must around here somewhere." Pachita insisted. Even though they were able to 'tag' the Pink Sphinx during their last encounter, for some reason the Aves spy satellite lost track of her within this area of the city. This is due the tracking jamming system that Zoe designed to protect herself and her family.
Shortly before starting the CbP company, Zoe began having nightmares that her family was able to find her using a 'Zoe' tracking device. In her paranoia, she redesign/rebuild the cellphone towers around her house to disrupt any known tracking systems with in a 3 mile radius. Unfortunately this also interrupted several telephone, cable, and internet signals as well. Turns out this is the main reason why Pablo's games were always glitching. Thankfully the interference were small and far in between, so no one except Pablo complained too much about them.
After losing the signal, Pachita used Sphinx's last known trajectory, along with interrogating the surrounding residents, to calculate that Sphinx's base must be around this area. "Tell me something mother, why are we walking here instead of flying?" Carmelita complained as her feet were starting to hurt.
"Idiot!" Pachita smacking her daughter with her bird cane. "We don't want to spook Zoe by rocketing from the skies!" she pointed out. "Also that accursed CbP headquarters is somewhere around here as well. So we have to be extra careful." Carmelita nodded in understanding. As much as she hated to admit it, CbP security is proving to be extremely formidable. It's easy to see why the villains all gave up after its founding.
"This should be the place!" Pachita and Jorge said at the same time, pointing to the front gate of the Avera estate. Causing the two rival families finally to notice each other.
"PUMA!"
"GOBBLER!"
"Rodolfo!"
"Voltura?"
The four of them instinctively activating their Items of Power. Jorge jumped into his Sombrero of Chaos, transforming it into a robotic suit. Rodolfo rips his grey suit off, to reveal a similar looking suit only white. With Carmelita and Pachita engaging their bird suits. "What are you doing here?" they all demanded as they pointed their weapons at each other. Their standoff was interrupted however by the blaring sounds of sirens, followed by several cannons popping out and targeting their laser pointers at the intruders.
"Super powers detected. Rivera and Flock of Fury identified. This is your only warning. Exit the premise or we will be forced to use force. You have ten seconds to comply." A loud speaker announced with a robotic voice.
"What is going on here?" Pantera freaking out as this is his first time encountering CbP security.
"Ha ha clueless as ever, this is why I broke up with you in high school." Voltura mocked.
"Uh I broke up with you," Pantera reminded her.
"AS IF I COULD EVER FORGET!" Voltura screeched.
"Look there is no need for this," Gobbler using her sweet manipulative voice on the speakers. "We just want to talk to the girl. We are distant relatives." Looking at the Riveras she quickly added, "Well me and my daughter are. Those lying, deceitful, cheating, RIVERAS are nothing but trouble!"
"She is here?" Pantera shocked by this bit of news, not that it change their situation.
"Well we happen to have some business in there as well. A young boy who lives here has some property of ours." Puma snubbed. "So if you please just let us in-" Puma was cut off as one of the cannons fired right next to him.
"Intruders have failed to comply. Maximum force is authorized!" the security system warned. Instantly all the cannons began firing on them.
The Riveras and the Aves quickly jumped out of the way. Avoiding the initial attack. The Flock along with Puma quickly retaliated by firing back at the cannons. Destroying about half a dozen of them. While White Pantera ran at high speeds to dodge laser blasts, robotic arms, booby traps, as well as not-so-friendly fire from Voltura. Eventually he managed to get close enough to the cannons that he could use his Super Power Punch Kick on a few of them.
Back inside the mansion, the Avera kids watched the chaos nervously as their front lawn turned into a war zone. "W-we could have sold tickets to this," Maria joked trying really hard to lighten the mood.
"There goes the rose garden, the mom is not going to like this." Pablo shaking his head. Death Roses is the cute nickname Zoe gave her favorite cannons. Even going so far as to painting them red with a thorny vine decorations.
"I have to admit, those Riveras and bird ladies are a lot stronger and more impressive than I heard." Carlos commented admiringly. Causing his siblings to give him the stink eye.
Outside the battle is slowly turning against the Riveras and Flock, as the security system unleashed several robotic drones to attack the intruders. Already tired from fighting the cannons, the villains and hero were getting overwhelmed. Lady Gobbler got her cane destroyed and lost one of her eyes. Luckily it was her glass eye. Voltura lost a wing and is down to her last blaster. Puma is faring a little better since he had his armor plating reinforced in his old age, but he's quickly running out of ammo. With Pantera already bruised and bloodied from the battle. Resulting with all four of them ducking for cover behind the wreckage of the rose garden.
"It's no good. They know all of our moves." Pantera noting how the drones are out maneuvering them.
"This must be Zoe's work, that's my girl." Voltura laughed. Feeling a sense of both pride and betrayal at the same time.
"So any ideas?" Gobbler asked.
"To deal with this many opponents at once we must use the Rivera Caliente Catapult of Carnage!" Puma declared. "All of us," he added looking at the Flock.
"What? Are you nuts?" Gobbler gasped. She's faced off against enough Riveras to not only see that move in action but to also know the risks in using it.
"Any better ideas?" Puma asked, Pointing to the army of drones closing in on them.
"Fine," Gobbler conceded. "But if you live through this, we get dibs on the girl."
"You can't do that!" Pantera protested.
"Deal!" Puma agreed, completely ignoring his son. Even shaking hands with Gobbler, sealing the deal.
With the matter settled, the four of them prepared to use the move. First Puma at the bottom, next Pantera standing on top his father's mech, third Voltura stood on Pantera's shoulders, with Lady Gobbler on the very top.
"Rivera!"
"and Aves!"
"Cliente!"
"Catapult!"
"of Carnage!"
After sounding out their attack, Puma began spinning the top half of his mech suit. Twirling everyone around and around, going faster and faster. The centrifugal forces getting so strong that they could barely hold on to each other. Some of the drones that got too close ended up being either smashed or diced, depending on if they were hit by the Flock's talons or by something else. As Puma reached peak speed, they all released each other sending Gobbler, Voltura, and Pantera flying off in different directions. Using the force of their velocity to destroy all the drones in their paths. Then using incredible acrobatic feats worthy of villains and heroes of their caliber, they maneuvered themselves to use objects like lampposts, trees, and statues to slingshot themselves back into the fight to destroy even more drones. By time their momentum began to die down, all of the drones and cannons were destroyed.
"Well that wasn't too bad," Pantera laughed until he spat out a bloody tooth.
"Ha typical Rivera. Can't handle their own moves." Voltura criticized. Only to reveal that she's also in bad shape, as she could barely stand. Luckily she can still hover despite losing a wing.
"Enough, we are wasting time here!" Gobbler groaned. Ordering her daughter to assault the mansion. Not wanting to the Flock to win, the Rivera men quickly chasing after them. Resulting in all four breaking down the front door.
"Zoe! I'm here to see my new granddaughter!" Voltura yelled. Only to notice three kids cowering on the other side of the hall. She immediately began to choke up seeing how much Maria resembled Zoe.
"She can't be talking about me?" Maria gulped.
"I'm sure it's a case of mistaken identity," Pablo speaking from experience. "And why haven't the internal defenses activated!?"
"Uh, NONE OF YOU ARE GOING TO HURT ME OR MY YOUNGER BROTHER AND SISTER! THIS IS SWEAR!" Carlos declared trying to shield his siblings. Causing both Pantera and Puma to gasp at hearing him use the classic Rivera catchphrase.
"She belong with us!" Gobbler and Voltura making a mad dash at Maria!
"No you won't!" Pantera challenged, diving after them. To protect his young charges.
"Forget them, the boys!" Puma pointing at Carlos and Pablo.
Panicking, the kids reached for their items of power. With only Carlos hesitating for a second as he wasn't sure if he should go Crazee or Champs. Not wanting to reveal his dual alter-egos to his siblings, he hoped and prayed for a third costume he could use in this situation. As the kids activated their powers, a new alarm sounded.
"Superpowers detected. Activate Ultimate Capture Trap. Restrain, Contain, and Neutralize Powers." The robotic voice announced. Almost immediately several chains shot out of the walls cuffing the arms of everyone present, negating their suits, and shackling them on the wall! "What's going on?" "What Happen?" "You can't do this to us?" "Do you know who we are?" "VENDETTA!" They all screamed.
"It looks like we got the new traps up and running on time," Manny said as he entered the room.
"Yes, and it worked better than we planned," Zoe added. Admiring her latest handy work. Enjoying seeing the Riveras and Aves shackled, only to glare disappointingly at her own kids chained up as well. The children all trying to use the old 'we are obviously guilty but trying to look cute and innocent' smile to weasel their way out of trouble.
"Who are you?" Camelita demanded.
"And let us go!" Rodolfo added. "Please."
"Don't you recognize us?" Manny and Zoe sighed as he removed his glasses and she taking off her hair pin allowing her hair to cover one eye.
"ZOE!" Camelita and Pachita squealed.
"MANNY!" Rodolfo and Jorge cried in excitement.
"Seriously?" the kids uttered in disbelief. Not only at the fact that those ridiculous disguises were enough to fool anyone, but that their parents are somehow connected to the Riveras and the Flock of Fury.
"Mom, Grandma," Zoe said dryly.
"Dad, Grandpapi," Manny greeted a little more warmly.
"Mom, Dad, What is going on here?" the kids demanded. This caused the elders to gasp at the fact that they are chained up with their grandchildren!
"As you all probably figured out now, these are your grandparents and great grandparents." Manny introducing them.
"Not by choice," Zoe sneered staring at her mom and grandma.
"Uh Manny, what is this? How is it that these chains can restrain us so easily?" Rodolfo asked.
"Those are the chains that Sartana of the Dead used in that retirement sham tournament of hers," Manny explained. "Upgraded to not only restrain super powerful beings, but also deactivate their powers as well. Whether it be magic or scientific."
"I see," Rodolfo understanding why they lost their suits after the chains cuffed them. With the exception of him since his suit is just clothing.
"Speaking of which," Manny angrily removing his Bronze Boots of Truth. "I told you you can come and visit, but your powers are no longer welcome!" He then removed Jorge Golden Sombrero of Chaos as well. Zoe proceeded to take her mom's and grandma's bracelets and handed them over to Manny. After getting the items from her, Manny turned to their parents and grandparents on the wall. "You can have these when you leave," Manny dumping the items in the trash. "Or let the garbage zombies have them. I don't care which." This caused Jorge and Rodolfo to become incredibly depressed as they never truly believed that Manny would renounce superpowers until now.
While this was going on, Zoe sadly walked over to her kids on the wall. The kids were all sweating profusely, afraid she will not only taking their items of power but ground them as well! Zoe hesitated as she's aware this could cause them to hate her as much as she hates her own mother. But just as she was about to say something, Manny jumped in front of her.
"It seems that the trap can't differentiate who does and doesn't have powers yet and just ensnares everyone in the area." Manny made up to justify why the kids are shackled. "We're going to need to make a few adjustments so it doesn't keep attacking innocent people," Manny winking to his wife. Zoe smiled as she nodded, knowing that he's doing this not only for the sake of their children but for her as well. The kids all breathed a sigh of relief, believing that dodged a bullet. While the Elders were all smiling mischievously, thinking that Manny and Zoe are ignorant of the children's powers. Meaning that they still have a chance to 'bond' with kids at some point in the future.
"Zoe, stop this nonsense now!" Carmelita snapped. "It's time for you to take your place in the Flock of Fury! Look you even have the perfect successor right there! Such a promising young villain." Carmelita proudly gesturing at Maria.
"Hey I don't want to be a villain!" Maria protested. "I'm training to be a hero. Right Shifu."
"Please don't call me Shifu," Rodolfo objected. "Call me Grandpa," he insisted. Feeling all giddy at the prospect of being reunited as a family. Unfortunately this brought a whole heap of arguments about which family legacy takes precedence and what fate each child should follow.
All this commotion was bring Zoe's rage to the boiling point! "THAT IS IT! I HAVE HAD IT WITH ALL OF YOU!" Zoe roared as a dark, purplish black aura began emanating from her body. Soon everyone fell silent as the dark aura around her forming a giant Hummingbird.
"Oh boy we're in trouble now," the kids cringed. Since the last time her 'Bird Spirit' grew this large, half the mansion was destroyed. But before anything could happen, a green flame erupted behind her, taking the shape of a flaming green tiger. Everyone gasped as the tiger approached Zoe, gently placing its paw on her shoulder. Sending a stream of green flame up the dark aura, encircling the hummingbird. The hummingbird tried to fight it but quickly succumbed to the flame as the two energies seemingly canceled each other out. Zoe, appearing to have calm down a lot, allowed the dark aura dissipated. While the green tiger transformed back into Manny, with his hand now on her shoulder. The two lovingly staring into each other's eyes.
"I forgot he could do that," Jorge commenting on the ancient tiger spirit that Manny learned from the first Rivera.
"I don't know how much longer I can stand being with all of them again," Zoe sobbed on her husband's shoulder.
"I know," Manny agreed. "This is a bit much for one day. How about we take a break?" he suggested. "Just you and me."
"It's been awhile since we had a proper date," Zoe smiled seductively. "But what about the kids?"
"They can babysit," Manny winked. Pointing at the elder Riveras and Aves on the wall.
"What? No! We don't need a babysitter!" the kids complained. The elders were dumbfounded as they weren't sure how to take this.
"Oh no you got it all wrong," Manny assured them.
"They're not babysitting you, you're babysitting them." Zoe teased. Leaving everyone dumbfounded.
Before anyone could say anything else, Zoe and Manny sped out the door. "Goodbye, and be good!" Manny said before closing and locking the door. Leaving his kids and guests still chained and shackled on the walls.
The kids and the elders all looked at each other with confusion since no one is sure how to take this situation. With the exception of Rodolfo who has been staring giddily and giggling creepily at the kids nonstop after learning that they are in fact his grandchildren. "So we haven't been properly introduced yet. I am Rodolfo Rivera. I'm your grandfather." he said excitedly. Extending his foot as if wanting to shake their feet, seeing how their hands are currently being restrained.
"Read the room Rodolfo. Now is not the time for that!" Carmelita criticized.
"How can you say that? These are our grandkids. We've been looking forward to meeting them for 20 years." Rodolfo pointed out. Looking at the kids, she had to reluctantly agree.
"Too bad their noble Aves blood has been tainted by dirty Rivera blood." Pachita spat.
"Oh please, you've been wanting Rivera blood for years." Jorge rolling his eyes. "It's just that we Riveras usually wise up to what you Aves really are before things get too serious." This of course opened a floodgate of arguments and accusations of who cheated who, why they broke up, and which family is in the right.
All the while, kids were just hanging around with sour expressions on their faces. Realizing what their parents meant about babysitting the elders. "You know I'm starting to see why mom and dad left these guys," Maria commented. With her brothers both nodding in agreement.
Later on a romantic gondola/dinner ride. Manny and Zoe Avera were trying really hard to not only forget what happen today, but also trying to enjoy what could be their last date in Miracle City. "Would you like another strawberry tart mi amour?" Manny offered.
Zoe looked sadly at the treat before getting on the subject they've both been trying to avoid. "Manny what's going to happen to us? Now that everyone knows the truth! Will our kids leave us to be heroes or villains? How will the citizen react when they find out who we really are? And will our parents crash at our house?"
"Hush," Manny smiled his usual warm, confident, if not a little too cocky smile. "We'll deal with any problems as they comes up. Like always. For right now, is enjoying the moment." Manny directed her attention to the beautiful view of the city. Where once it was filled with fires and chaos, now it's full of shining lights and sparkling buildings. Almost as if the city is a giant Christmas ornament. All thanks to their hard work to bring a positive change to their home, as well as a hefty profit to their pockets. Mainly for profits though.
Zoe smiled as she snuggled close to her husband. "You're right my love. As long as I have you, I can overcome anything."
"I'll always be here for you," Manny assured her. Kissing his wife of the forehead. The two finally managed to push their troubles out of their minds as they let the gondola gently float down the artificial river.
Epilogue
As expected, the Rivera's and the Flock of Fury's attack on the Avera estate was front page news. As word got around, many former villains such as the Cactus Kid and the Golden Eagle Twins began to wonder if this is a sign that the good old days were coming back. Only to have their hopes dashed as Averas reassured the public that CbP just made several security upgrades that can handle the Riveras. A photo of them shackled in the newspaper serving as proof. (Along with a 10% coupon for CbP insurance.)
Later at a press conference, Rodolfo and Jorge revealed to the citizens that they have indeed found Manny during their travels. However they decided to respect his choice and allow him to live his life away from the family legacy. Which is close enough to the truth so it didn't violate Rodolfo's oath as a hero, but withheld enough that they didn't betray Manny or their grandkids. Zoe they are still on the fence about. In addition, they also announced that due to CbP proving that they can take care of the city better than they can, they are officially retiring from super heroing and villainy.
Reception to that last bit of news was mixed. Most didn't believe them as they both once claimed to be retired more than thirty years ago but still continued regardless. Others believe that their pride and honor has been shattered by CbP which is why they are quitting now, a few defended them saying that they are too old to do anything dangerous now and just want to enjoy their golden years. Especially since Miracle City is now safe and peaceful.
As for the Aves, they disappeared from the public eye without any fanfare. Which is to be expected as their identities weren't known to the public as the Riveras were. Fortunately for them, they still had a few safe houses that Zoe was unaware of due to the fact that they were where Pachita and Carmelita hid their booze and other things that kids shouldn't know about. This along with the loot they acquired during their twenty year search, they have more than enough to live comfortably for a long time.
With their secret safe, life return to normal for the Avera family. Or as normal as one could expect from their unique situation. Rodolfo would meet up with Champs and Sphinx regularly for superhero training. However Carmelita would later join in teaching the kids. Stating that they need to learn their bird legacy as well. (And secretly try to convince Sphinx to join the Flock.) Rodolfo reluctantly agreed but only because Carmelita is family now. Hearing him call her family caused her to blush, even though it's not the type of relationship she's longing for with him.
As Carlos skills as Champs improved, he realized that he needed to work on Crazee's powers as well in order to better protect Pablo. Thinking that Rodolfo would never approve, as he wasn't aware of the El Tigre's conundrum, he instead asked Carmelita for help. Revealing his second alter ego to her, making her the only family member besides Glove to know about his dual forms. When asked why he has two super suits, Carlos admitted that he didn't know. Carmelita examined the belt buckle and quickly recognized it as zombie work due to it being a patchwork of different devices held together by toxic goo.
At first Carmelita wanted nothing to do with him, due to him flip flopping between good and evil reminded her too much of El Tigre, but then she got the idea that maybe she could use him to convince/manipulate Maria into join the Flock. Taking a page from his parents, Carmelita created a false identity for Crazee called Kim Aves. A distance relative in training to be Zoe's replacement. (And hopefully make Maria jealous.) It will be this alias that the Griffon Gang would come to believe is Crazee Chimera's true identity.
Speaking of which, Jorge reluctantly agreed to provide several old battle suits to Pablo's friends. Thus fulfilling his deal with them. However in an act of betrayal, the gang ditched him as soon as they got their suits. As they no longer want to be villains under his leadership. Unfortunately for them Jorge anticipated this and made a contingency plan. While the suits were free, as they were promised by Pablo, the nuclear batteries needed to power them are not. And since Jorge is the only one who know how to get such dangerous and illegal tech, they begrudgingly agreed to continue be part of Pablo's Griffon Gang. (Even though Jorge/Puma Loco is the one really calling the shots.) That is until Pachita revealed that she also can get said batteries trying to steal the gang/Pablo from Jorge in a petty act of revenge.
As for Manny and Zoe, with their secrets safe for now the two of are able to sleep better. And thanks to people fearing the Riveras return, CbP sales nearly tripled, bringing in massive profits. They still keep tabs on what their families are doing with their kids in order to make sure they are safe, but recently it's become more of a reality show entertainment for them.
While fights will still break out between Pink Sphinx and Glitch Griffon, it didn't effect people's lives too much thanks to the new security upgrades from CbP. Keeping life in Miracle City relatively peaceful. Unfortunately, unbeknownst them all, this story will be the catalyst for other dangers to the Avera family!
Post Credit Epilogue
A mysterious figure sat in a large decorated chair tuning an oddly shaped guitar, with a copy of the newspaper next to her. "So the Riveras returned to Miracle City have they?" the figure laughed. Tossing the paper down on a table, showing the headlines to in another person tied to a chair, Maria Rivera. "Or is it more accurate to say that they never left?"
"Frida, please don't do this!" Maria begged. Struggling to get out of her chains. "They did nothing to you!"
"NOTHING! Auntie?" Frida yelled. "Those two ruined my life! Zoe stole my best friend and Manny dumped me for HER!"
Maria flinched in fear. "What are you going to do?"
"Do?" Frida laughed. "Isn't it obvious. First I'm going to get rid of Zoe Aves! Then win back Manny!" Frida laughed.
"What about the kids?" Maria asked. Only to realize a second later that she shouldn't have said that.
"Kids?" Frida jerked as this is the first time she's hearing about them. "I suppose I could be a stepmom," she considered. But then her expression turned to disgust, "Ugh, just thinking about raising Zoe's kids is making me sick to my stomach. I'll have to get rid of them too." she decided.
"Frida, you know what family means to Riveras! For them family is more important than anything. You harm Zoe or those kids in any way and Manny will never forgive you!" Maria warned.
"That's fine," Frida snapping her fingers. Maria noticed a small but familiar creature crawling on the ground. It then Crawled up a bookcase and hit a secret button. The bookcase opened up like a door revealing a hidden room with several cats in cages. All labeled with the breed of cat they are, and at the center, a giant cage labeled Tigre. "If Manny won't be my husband, I'll settle for him being a part of my collection." Frida laughed as the creature crawled up to her shoulder, giving Maria a good look at it.
"Glove?" Her eyes widen recognizing her Item of Power. Only for it to gesture angrily at her!
"Not quite," Frida holding it out to give Maria a better view. That's when Maria realized that while it looks exactly like Glove, this one is obviously a right hand whereas Glove is left. This is Glove's long lost twin. "I call him Gauntlet," Frida introduced. With Gauntlet cuddling up to Frida like a puppy.
"How?" Maria stuttered.
"I found him at a garage sale," Frida explained. "I tried to use him to give myself superpowers but he refused. Luckily he came with the instruction manual." Frida tossing down a dirty worn out book with a picture of Glove and Gauntlet on the front. "You see the thing about mystical gloves; they are not suppose to give powers to anyone unless they are wearing both." Frida explained. "So you can imagine how mad he was when I told him that his twin violated the rules by making you Plata Peligrosa." Gauntlet began hissing at Maria.
It finally made sense why the power she received was so unstable. She needed both Gloves to make it work. Yet the level of insanity she got as Plata Peligrosa is nothing compared to the insanity Frida is displaying now. "What are you planning?" Maria had to know but was afraid to.
"Isn't it obvious. Revenge. Gauntlet will get his revenge on Glove and I'll have my revenge on Manny and Zoe! Mostly Zoe!" Frida bringing out a double neck guitar. As she started playing one neck, Gauntlet played the other. Singing about how they are going to make everyone that has wrong them pay! The two of them creating such an amazing sound that the cats in cages began hollering and cheering. Almost as if they were fans or groupies. Even Maria had to admit that if she wasn't afraid for her family's life, she could have really dig this tune. "Alrighty Gauntlet, it's time to schedule my homecoming tour! There's a lot of old friends for us to get reacquainted with."
The End
(for now)
Character Profiles
Billy Cactus aka the Cactus Kid: Due to the fact that he grew up in a town that idolizes villainy, Cactus Kid is one of the few villains that refused to go straight. Being one of the lesser villains, most of his crimes are usually thwarted by the Albino Burrito. Causing many to think that they are archenemies. Never the less he continues on committing crimes, dreaming of becoming the world's greatest villain, and make his parents proud.
Carla and Carlito Aves aka Golden Eagle Twins: An offshoot of the Aves clan, they portrayed themselves as heroes but in reality they are con artists. After the formation of CbP work/victims quickly declined, and the two converted their Zeppelin into a tourist ride. Giving people a bird's eye view of the city, while trying to cheat them at every chance they get. Unfortunately business is not doing so well as they have a bad rep due to Carlito always freak out and nearly crash the Zeppelin every time someone calls it a blimp.
Frida Suarez: Formerly Manny Rivera's best friend and Zoe Aves eternal enemy. She left Miracle City to pursue a music career after Manny and Zoe became a couple. Sadly her success is mediocre as best, barely making enough sales to justify her contract. Then one day while looking through a garage sale for a new look, she discovered Glove's long lost twin that she named Gauntlet. The two ended up bonding by learning how to play a double necked guitar together, giving her a unique sound that boosted her popularity. Frida is secretly planning of using both Glove and Gauntlet to give her the full power of Plata Peligrosa to get revenge on Manny and Zoe. The only problem is that shortly after she dropped out of school, Manny and Zoe disappeared as well. As fate would have it, during one of her concerts, a special visitor came backstage to see her. The only person who knows were Manny is his mother, Maria Rivera.
Gauntlet: Glove's right hand twin. Gauntlet have been searching for Glove for an unknown amount of time. Possibly decades. During that time, many people who are aware what Gauntlet is tried to force him to give them powers. Luckily Gauntlet came with the instructions stating that one needs both gloves to gain powers. Gauntlet continued on for many years alone until Frida Suarez found him in a garage sale. Frida immediately recognized him and told him another glove that looks just like him is making her friend's mom into a crazy superhero. Gauntlet was outraged that his twin would violate the sacred rule and vows revenge! Not only on Glove but his chosen champion as well. Something that Frida wholeheartedly supports. At first Gauntlet didn't want to kidnap Maria viewing her as innocent, until it's revealed that she's Plata Peligrosa! Making Maria a target of his vengeance as well.
A/N: Well this is the end of Pajaro-gatos the next Generation. I know it's a strange place to end it just as things are about to get spicy. But this is as far as I'm willing to take this story. Maybe I'll do a sequel some time in the future, but for now I'm calling it quits.
Also if anyone is interested in using my OC as part of your stories or if you want to continue this story yourselves, go right ahead. You have my permission to do so. Only let me know so that I can check out your stories. Thank you for reading.