Changes
Chapter 2
Spoilers: The character of Eric Golem, Jr. comes from the Rocket Power: Beach Bandits game (which I don't own the rights to, so don't sue. I'm not making money off of this story). If you haven't played it, his intro may be kind of confusing. Basically, he is the bad guy in the game, but he's the same age as the gang. He turns good at the end, though. I thought his return might prove interesting…
"So guys, now what," Reggie asked. She had gotten all of her studies done earlier that afternoon. Therefore, she had some time free. The guys were excited that, finally, the four of them had the opportunity to do something together.
"Well, we haven't hit Mad Town in awhile. Why not give it one last group run," Otto suggested.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Rocket Team. Long time no see," a voice said behind them. All four turned around to see none other than Eric Golem, Jr. standing behind them, in his traditional conceited stance. Through the once arch-enemy had kept in touch, this was the first time anyone had actually seen him since the attempted destruction of Ocean Shores, eight years ago. Eric had proven himself a decent guy, just someone who had major issues. The man before them still the qualities of the boy they once knew: confident, brilliant, athletic, and conceited. His outward appearance had changed somewhat, being as tall as Otto, his black hair disheveled, a goatee framing his mouth. However, the Eric Golem they knew was still behind the grin he now wore.
"If it isn't Eric Golem. They finally let you off," Sammy began.
"Yep, on probation, but nonetheless free. I've proven myself a good boy. Even paid a visit to my friend Officer Shirley to show that she had nothing to worry about."
Reggie still looked skeptical as she asked, "So, on your first few days of freedom you visit the gang that put you behind bars in juvenile hall? I must say, I'm kind of honored."
Eric smiled as he made his way over to Reggie, wrapping an arm around her. He replied, "Well, Rocket Girl, you are the reason I turned to actual flesh-and-blood friends instead of my own robot creations. As your brother suggested, I got rid of the chip on my shoulder, thus creating a better man. And to celebrate, I though we could all hit Mad Town for some serious, but friendly, competition. Later, we can get some dinner at the Shack."
Twister had a feeling that the last part was directed at Reggie alone, especially when Golem turned to her and gave her one of his charming smiles, one that Twister wanted to knock off. However, before he got the change, Sam answer, "That's not a bad idea, Eric. We were heading for Mad Town anyway. The more the merrier, or so I've heard," he added lamely.
Otto decided to throw his friend a life-line, "Come on, let's go before the invasion of shoobies forces us to visit the dead waves again."
"Then it's settled. I'll meet you guys there. I have to grab my board," Eric said. With that, he took off, leaving Otto, Reggie, and Sammy watching him curiously, while Twister watched him suspiciously.
It was an hour later once they caught up with Golem at Mad Town. He had even managed to charm Conroy Blanc, the manager of Mad Town and the principle of Ocean Shores Junior High, into convincing him that he was a changed man. In fact, Eric seemed to be impressing everyone, especially the female population. When the gang had arrived, he was surrounded by four different girls, two of which were Trish Carmen and Sherry, Sammy's girlfriend. Sam immediately pulled Sherry away, who was blushing, while Otto just smiled at Trish. The two had always had a sense of flirtatious competiton, and Otto knew that he had the advantage with this battle.
"I thought you weren't into flashy, fast-talking, rich boys," he began as Trish tore herself away from Eric.
Never one to be bashful, Trish just smirked as she replied, "Hmm, is that jealousy that I sense?" Laughing, she pulled her helmet over her long, ebony hair as she bladed around Otto, her brown eyes never once leaving his dark blue ones.
Otto gave Trish an annoyed look as he answered, "Jealous of what? Golem may have hit puberty, but his boarding skills probably still need work." To prove his point Otto boarded onto the half-pipe with ease. It was a matter of seconds before he was tearing up, shredding this way and that. As always, Otto managed to draw an audience, and before long several people stopped in their tracks, watching the young athlete at work. Even Trish had to admit that nobody could match Otto's skills.
Eric just grinned as he watched Rocket Boy. He was not stupid, and challenging Otto would only result in his own humiliation. That was the last thing he needed. He looked over and saw Twister looking at him in turn. Ever since his arrival, Eric had sense Twister's edge of suspicion. Eric merely smirked as he turned his attention back to Otto. He had nothing to prove to the idiot, as far as he was concerned. However, he had a feeling of his own, one that held the real reason for Twisters obvious distrust.
Reggie Rocket.
'This is going to prove interesting,' Eric thought.
Chapter 2
Spoilers: The character of Eric Golem, Jr. comes from the Rocket Power: Beach Bandits game (which I don't own the rights to, so don't sue. I'm not making money off of this story). If you haven't played it, his intro may be kind of confusing. Basically, he is the bad guy in the game, but he's the same age as the gang. He turns good at the end, though. I thought his return might prove interesting…
"So guys, now what," Reggie asked. She had gotten all of her studies done earlier that afternoon. Therefore, she had some time free. The guys were excited that, finally, the four of them had the opportunity to do something together.
"Well, we haven't hit Mad Town in awhile. Why not give it one last group run," Otto suggested.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Rocket Team. Long time no see," a voice said behind them. All four turned around to see none other than Eric Golem, Jr. standing behind them, in his traditional conceited stance. Through the once arch-enemy had kept in touch, this was the first time anyone had actually seen him since the attempted destruction of Ocean Shores, eight years ago. Eric had proven himself a decent guy, just someone who had major issues. The man before them still the qualities of the boy they once knew: confident, brilliant, athletic, and conceited. His outward appearance had changed somewhat, being as tall as Otto, his black hair disheveled, a goatee framing his mouth. However, the Eric Golem they knew was still behind the grin he now wore.
"If it isn't Eric Golem. They finally let you off," Sammy began.
"Yep, on probation, but nonetheless free. I've proven myself a good boy. Even paid a visit to my friend Officer Shirley to show that she had nothing to worry about."
Reggie still looked skeptical as she asked, "So, on your first few days of freedom you visit the gang that put you behind bars in juvenile hall? I must say, I'm kind of honored."
Eric smiled as he made his way over to Reggie, wrapping an arm around her. He replied, "Well, Rocket Girl, you are the reason I turned to actual flesh-and-blood friends instead of my own robot creations. As your brother suggested, I got rid of the chip on my shoulder, thus creating a better man. And to celebrate, I though we could all hit Mad Town for some serious, but friendly, competition. Later, we can get some dinner at the Shack."
Twister had a feeling that the last part was directed at Reggie alone, especially when Golem turned to her and gave her one of his charming smiles, one that Twister wanted to knock off. However, before he got the change, Sam answer, "That's not a bad idea, Eric. We were heading for Mad Town anyway. The more the merrier, or so I've heard," he added lamely.
Otto decided to throw his friend a life-line, "Come on, let's go before the invasion of shoobies forces us to visit the dead waves again."
"Then it's settled. I'll meet you guys there. I have to grab my board," Eric said. With that, he took off, leaving Otto, Reggie, and Sammy watching him curiously, while Twister watched him suspiciously.
It was an hour later once they caught up with Golem at Mad Town. He had even managed to charm Conroy Blanc, the manager of Mad Town and the principle of Ocean Shores Junior High, into convincing him that he was a changed man. In fact, Eric seemed to be impressing everyone, especially the female population. When the gang had arrived, he was surrounded by four different girls, two of which were Trish Carmen and Sherry, Sammy's girlfriend. Sam immediately pulled Sherry away, who was blushing, while Otto just smiled at Trish. The two had always had a sense of flirtatious competiton, and Otto knew that he had the advantage with this battle.
"I thought you weren't into flashy, fast-talking, rich boys," he began as Trish tore herself away from Eric.
Never one to be bashful, Trish just smirked as she replied, "Hmm, is that jealousy that I sense?" Laughing, she pulled her helmet over her long, ebony hair as she bladed around Otto, her brown eyes never once leaving his dark blue ones.
Otto gave Trish an annoyed look as he answered, "Jealous of what? Golem may have hit puberty, but his boarding skills probably still need work." To prove his point Otto boarded onto the half-pipe with ease. It was a matter of seconds before he was tearing up, shredding this way and that. As always, Otto managed to draw an audience, and before long several people stopped in their tracks, watching the young athlete at work. Even Trish had to admit that nobody could match Otto's skills.
Eric just grinned as he watched Rocket Boy. He was not stupid, and challenging Otto would only result in his own humiliation. That was the last thing he needed. He looked over and saw Twister looking at him in turn. Ever since his arrival, Eric had sense Twister's edge of suspicion. Eric merely smirked as he turned his attention back to Otto. He had nothing to prove to the idiot, as far as he was concerned. However, he had a feeling of his own, one that held the real reason for Twisters obvious distrust.
Reggie Rocket.
'This is going to prove interesting,' Eric thought.