Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The entire group was having a relaxing day of watching tv, Ace had gotten the final vote and he happily picked a reality tv show.

Ace would forever deny it but he secretly loved to watch drama unfold, as a leader he had to keep things together with only the bits of silliness, but when he was watching his shows everyone saw Ace wasn’t a leader.

He was a joyful teenager who acted like the characters in his shows were real people, he was a drama queen nerd that over-explained it and constantly said why something would be better than canon.

Sometimes it could get annoying, other times everyone is just relieved to see their leader taking a step off his pedestal and relaxing freely.

These moments didn’t come often. Sure he quipped on the battle field and participated in goofing around with the gang, but other than that he was almost always trying to hold a situation together, even Tech sometimes built things just for fun.

These are one of those nights where everyone could just spend time together as best friends, plus their newest member little Sam was sitting in Rev’s lap, and her twin brother Trever in Tech’s lap.

short backstory? A villain created them using Rev and Tech’s DNA and mixing them with human bodies and a bunch of animal DNA.

Sam had pale white skin with freckles, green eyes, reddish-brown hair (which felt more like thick animal fur), a long cat tail that ended with a purple tip, and she had Coyote ears on her head. She’s physically 5 but has only been alive for a year.

Trever has the same facial features (although half an inch taller), his eyes are a different shade of green, his hair is green with brown shading, he also has the same tail, he doesn’t have ears. He’s the same age as her.

They were created for world destruction, but the Loonatics were raising the children to be  heroes someday, Sam had adjusted very well with everyone, but she had a special bond with Ace.

Her Uncle Ace introduced her to tv dramas, superhero history, and would do things for her just with the blink of her puppy dog eyes. He was a fun uncle despite being all serious leader most of the time.

Auntie Lexi was also fun, she helped procure hair products for Sam’s hair and she taught Sam different fighting moves, they had girl nights where they just listened to music and danced around.

Her daddy was also amazing! Rev was super fast and kind and he told the best stories! She was the only one that could keep up with him, it was the road runner in her. She ran really fast and she could draw fast too, and when she got excited or scared? She talked almost just as fast as him.

Uncle Slam DIDNT talk much, Sam didn’t understand what he was saying half the time but she figured it out through his body language. He was fun to climb on like a playground, and he was very gentle with her while carrying her, she even got him to play tea party with her! It was super fun and he was very nice, he was funny too!

Uncle Duck she’s unsure about, he seems nice sometimes but acts mean a lot, he jokes about a lot of mean stuff too. He also constantly calls her a dog due to her running around on all fours and having coyote in her, to which he gets threatened by tech for it. Uncle Duck was funny when he got sassy but not as funny as Uncle Ace! Uncle Duck however was funny when he slipped and got hurt, hehehe!

Mr Tech was the only one she didn’t call uncle, nobody knew why. She was very very close to him, he was constantly protective of her and defended her, he did her hairstyles due to their similar hair-types, and they bonded with different coyote activities. He would sit her on his lap while working on machines, and answer all her many many questions, even calling her a smart girl. If anything he was like a second parent to her, but she didn’t call him uncle…because she had a feeling one day he would be something much more.

Trever was the same in a lot of ways, but he was much more violent and easily triggered, very protective of his sister and only obedient of his father Tech.

Ace loved Sam a lot, she was his honorary niece after all. So he definitely taught her about everything he knew and he constantly quipped around her which earned a giggle, she was learning more about jokes due to the tv. He had a similar bond with Trever although a different type.

Ace had a brother-sister relationship with Lexi, it was funny how much they had in common! Same biological last name, same birthday, same age, they even looked a lot alike! You’d almost think they were twins. Now Lexi celebrates her birthday on the second while Ace celebrated his on 23rd because those were the days they were adopted- yeah! They’re both also adopted!- but they were actually born on November 15th, that’s their biological birth date.

Ace got along well with Slam, the big guy was funny and super sweet when he wanted to be, he was like a fun big brother.

Duck and Ace had a frenemy brotherly relationship. Duck is actually older than ace but due to his height Ace likes to pick on him by calling him “little”. 

Tech is like a protective/easily irritated older brother, one minute he’s bragging about his invention trying to impress everyone, the next second he’s growling at anyone who looks at him wrong. He’s protective of his team (mostly of Rev and Sam) and he’s also a good friend.

Rev is like Ace’s little brother, he’s a hyperactive bird guy who’s always fun and comedic, he’s a theater kid half the time. Honestly Ace doesn’t blame him, if he could he’d goof off all the time too. Now that’s not saying Rev can’t be serious, when it’s a serious mission Rev is in a serious mood and gets it done, but if it’s not that serious then he’s typically making a few jokes here and there. Not that ace is complaining, he’s guilty of some quips here and there.

Ace loves his friends, they’re like his family, it’s a home away from home. Ever since he joined this team he’s been avoiding any contact with his father, his father is not the kindest or most supportive man, he’s a bit…intense to say the least.

Ace never had a mother as far as he can remember, he was adopted when he was so young the only memories he has is of his adoptive father, and he’s never had an uncle or aunt so no cousins to play with. Growing up he didn’t have an issue with making friends, but it was difficult when his dad got mad at the smallest things.

You got a B- in school? Your grounded for a month!

You accidentally broke a plate? I’m gonna break your gaming system!

You had a cookie before dinner? You don’t get dinner!

You talked back to dad? You get the belt!

You so much as DROPPED anything on the carpet? And you better pray dad doesn’t make you bleed.

Ace knows now that his childhood definitely wasn’t normal, but surely it was his fault wasn’t it? He wasn’t a good kid growing up, but he was good now! His father would surely care about him now if he saw all the good he did.

Ace stopped criminals and led a whole team! He had so many fans and respect! What more could his father-

Ace froze when he heard a knock at the door.

”Anyone order a pizza?” Duck asked confused

“It wasn’t me.” Lexi said

”Not me!” Rev said, “And the kids can’t reach the phone- at least I don’t think Trever can.”

Ace had a bad feeling deep down, but he shook it off. He didn’t want to be rude.

“I’ll get it.” He said with a smile.

He walked over to the door and opened it up…his stomach dropped when he saw who it was.

”Long time no see, son.”

Ace felt his heart pounding with fear

”Dad?”

Chapter Text

Barrett narrowed his eyes at his son

“Ace.”

The whole team was shocked when they heard this, duck yelled

“Hold on!” He pointed at the guy

“Ace, that’s your dad?!”

Ace felt himself tremble a bit at the sight of his dad.

Unlike himself, Barrett’s fur was brown, and he had dark green eyes and he was much taller. Ace looked nothing like his dad even in his original form, which was grey and white and his eyes were blue.

Ace backs away a little.

“E-everyone,” he forces a grin holding out his arm

“This is my dad, Bar-”

“Barrett.” His dad said and then glared at Ace, “You know I can say my own damn name, Ace.”

Ace flinches back and forces another grin

“Y-yes sir.” He whimpered “Sorry sir.”

The team looked at Ace, they were worried for him. Something was wrong…I’ll

“Are you going to introduce your little friends or not.” Barrett said

Ace quickly nods “Yes sir.”

He nearly reached out to take Barrett hand but quickly stopped when Barret raised an eyebrow at him, daring him to touch him.

“Uh follow me, dad-“ Barrett glared at him and he shivers fearfully “I-I mean please, follow me sir.” He corrected himself as he led his dad over and grinned introducing his friends.

“This is Tech E. coyote,” Tech looked skeptical at Barrett

“Rev Runner,” the Road Runner pulled his daughter in his arms, not trusting the guy.

“Duck,” Duck looked at Lexi.

“Lexi Bunny,” Lexi crossed her arms glaring at Barrett which made Ace sweat a little.

“Slam Tasmanian,” Slam growled

”Tech’s son, Trever.” Trever is glaring, he doesn’t like this man.

“And, Rev’s daughter Sam.” He gestured to the little girl in rev’s arms, Rev’s grip on her tightened and Tech pulled his son behind him.

Upon hearing Barrett cough Ace quickly added “Sir.”

Ace started to sweat when he noticed Barrett raise his eyebrow at the group, oh no did he do something wrong already?

“I-is something wrong, sir?”

He dreaded the words Barrett uttered next.

“I need to talk to you.” Ace gulped and nodded looking up at him….After a long minute, his father then added “Alone.”

Ace now felt himself panic.

‘Oh no. What did I do wrong?’ He thought to himself ‘Did I shake too much? Was I talking too fast? Did I miss any respectful gestures? Did I step out of line?!’ He felt his heart beating very very fast.

“Y-yes sir…”

Ace whimpered quietly as Barrett grabbed his arm, and Ace was pretty much dragged out of the room since his legs could barely keep up. Rev handed his daughter to Tech and attempted to run after them but Ace quickly held up a hand.

“I-it’s okay, Rev.”

Rev frowned pausing in his tracks and the door shut. When they were out of the room the team looked at each other and Sam looked up at Tech.

“Is sometin wong wit Unca Ace?”

Tech looked at her then at Lexi.

“Lexi, hold Sam for a minute. I need to check on something real quick.” Lexi immediately understood and nodded taking the child in her arms.

“You got it.”

Sam looked up at her aunt, “B-but, what’s wong?”

Tech goes to his security footages trying to check the rooms that Ace possibly went into, but frowned when the screens started glitching.

“What the…”

The team looked at him as he attempted to get the screens working, but nothing worked.

”What’s wrong, daddy?” Trever asked. Unlike his sister he didn’t have barely any speech problems anymore.

“I can’t see anything.” He sighed frustratedly, “I need to work on that for a bit, and see what caused it.”

Rev frowned because Tech’s cameras only failed when someone messed with them.

“That’s…weird.” Rev muttered

Tech nodded, “Yes, I could have sworn they were working this morning,” He muttered suspiciously then sighs “If they’re broken, we won’t be able to look at footage in case of a break in.”

Sam raised her hand and Tech smiled a little amused

“Yes, Sam?”

Sam lowered her hand and said “What if you do like t’at movie? wit lasa detectas?”

Tech was surprised by her idea and nodded

“That could work,” he smiled at her “I’ll work on those and when I finish that I’ll see what’s wrong with the security cameras.”

Trever smiles a tiny smile at his sister.

Lexi smiles down at the girl in her arms

“That was brilliant, Sam!”

“Bil-ant”?

Trever spoke up  “Really cool and smart.”

”Oh…”

Chapter Text

Barrett SLAPPED Ace across the face. Ace was shaking as he tried to stay standing. He wasn’t allowed to fall right now. Not without permission.

“D-did I d-do something  wrong, s-sir.” He whimpered

“You think, that just because your a superhero, your so amazing,” Barrett mocked him before he scoffs “Well, your wrong!”

“I-I don’t think I’m amazing, sir.”

Ace yelped loudly when his father punched his stomach and Ace nearly fell to his knees in pain, he would have if Barrett hadn’t held him up by his ears.

Barrett whispered to him in a dangerous tone

“You remember, you only live this life because of me, remember that i took you in and raised you!“ He glared into Ace’s eyes “Or else no one would have known you even existed at all!”

Ace is whimpering from fear and pain.

“Y-yes sir.”

“Good, now don't forget it, i found you when you were a stupid kit, i'm the reason why your so "tough" now.”

“I-I know sir.”

“And if you act all high and mighty in my presence again,” Barrett warned “I’ll just remind you of how I kept you in line as a child.”

Flashback…

A young 10 year old ace was crying on the ground, he was stripped down to his underwear and his dad hit his back and legs with his leather belt.

“D-daddy I’m sorry!! I won’t do it again!!”

End of flashback…

Ace started trembling

“P-please not that, sir.”

“It will happen, if you try to act like you’re better than me.”

“I-I won’t do it again, I promise sir.”

“Good, but since i am so kind to you, you can act heroic in the public eye, i don't want you to be an embarrassment after all.”

“I swear I won’t be, sir.”

Barrett let him go and Ace fell to his knees on the ground.

“You better not disappoint me.”

Ace quickly nodded “Yes sir.”

“Stand up.”

“Yes sir.” Ace stood back up and Barrett slapped his head.

“Don’t kneel down without my permission again.”

“Yes sir.”

”Good. And do not tell any of your little friends about this or I’ll make them suffer too.”

Ace was horrified by the response. 

“Do you understand me, Son?”

“…Yes sir.”

Chapter Text

An hour later everyone was in the same room again and Ace was pretending that nothing happened, although the loonatics noticed that he was less enthusiastic and not being much of a leader right now, in fact he was acting very meek.

Rev looked at his friend, “Hey you alright, Ace?”

“Never better, Rev!”

“Are-you-sure?” Rev asked then points out

“Because-you-look-pretty-tired-and-exhausted, you-don't-seem-very-energetic-at -all. In-fact-you-don’t-seem-like-yourself-at -all-”

Ace cuts him off “That’s just because you’re always energetic, doc-” Ace started sweating at Barrett’s glare “Er-Rev.”

Rev is worried by this.

“Hey Ace!” Duck called out holding up Sam.

“It’s your turn to watch the kids! Tech’s turn ended 20 minutes ago! Trever’s already attacked me, and Sam keeps getting into everything!-“

“Explain.” Barrett ordered

Ace quickly explained

“Uh the kids are new here, we take turns watching them because we’re always busy. It’s my turn.”

“I see.”

Duck handed the toddler to ace and muttered bitterly, “She bit me.”

Ace is surprised looking down at her.

“Why’d you bite him?” He asked curiously

“Cuz Mista Tech said to.”

“And…why did Tech tell you to bite Duck?”

Tech answered for her

“Because he tried to give her a dog bone.”

Trever nods after his father says this.

Barrett looked at her “Isn’t she a dog?”

Tech’s eye twitches in irritation, “She’s part COYOTE.”

“And?”

Tech Growls in irritation. Trever glares at Barrett.

”I don’t like you.” Trever said bluntly

“Excuse me, boy.” Barrett grit his teeth.

“Ace, you wouldn’t be offended if I gave your dad a punch in his fluffy face would you?”

Ace however shook his head no, “Tech, please don’t punch him.” Tech was about to argue but Ace added “He’s tough.”

Tech paused in confusion and Barrett smirked

“That I am. You don’t want to see me when I’m mad.”

Tech raises a brow standing a bit straighter with a hand on his hip.

“I have powers and he’s just a regular grown man. Even if he can pack a punch you know I can regenerate from literally anything. Why on earth are you scared of ME getting hurt? Here I thought you’d be begging me not to hurt your pa.”

Ace begged “Tech, just don’t do anything you’ll regret. Please.”

Tech frowned in concern.

“Ace are you okay?”

Sam looked up from Ace’s arms, Trever frowned from his spot on the ground.

“Unca Ace?”

“Uncle Ace?”

“I’m ok.” Ace said too quickly

Before Tech could ask again Barrett spoke up

“You hear him, he’s okay. So drop the subject, dog.”

Tech growled at the insult, but he paused when he saw Ace shaking.

Ace has never showed any signs of fear when Tech growled before.

He could look ace straight in the eye and yell at him with full force baring his fangs and Ace would either calmly handle the situation in leader mode, or laugh if it wasn’t that serious……

But Ace looked terrified right now.

‘He’s been acting different since his dad arrived…’ Tech thought to himself

“You still haven’t given me a tour, son.” Barrett stated

“R-right sorry dad!” Ace apologized.

“I’ll do that right away, sir!”

“And leave the little pup.”

Ace nodded quickly handing her back to Duck

“What- Ace it’s YOUR Turn!”

“Well…y-you can watch her.” Ace then lies

“I totally trust you to take care of the kids in my place for a few hours.”

Everyone else froze.

“T-this way da- Sir!” Ace quickly corrected himself leading Barrett down the hall.

The remaining loonatics looked at each other.

This proved that something was wrong, Ace would never abandon his duty of taking care of the kids, yet he just did!

Not to mention he also claims he trusted Duck to take care of them after just this morning he bluntly stated that Duck was the last person to look after them BECAUSE of his lack of caregiving skills.

“Okay somethings wrong here.” Duck said

“You’re tellin’ me.” Tech muttered looking at them

“Ace is hiding something from us.”

Lexi stepped forward,  “Literally just this morning we were talking about how bad Duck is at taking care of the kids, Ace would never say that!” She said in disbelief

“Hey!”

“You know it’s true!” Rev exclaimed, then he looked at Tech, “And when I was talking to Ace,  he almost called me Doc, but then he changed his mind and called me my name!” He then started to rant “He-never-changes-his-mind-about-that, it’s-like-one-of-his-most-regular-quips!”

Sam speaks up, “I don’t like Unca Ace’s daddy.”

”He mean.” Trever added coldly

Everyone looks down at Trever and Lexi took Sam from Duck’s arms holding her.

“Why do you say that, sweetie?” She asked with a soft voice trying to hide her suspicion.

“Cuz I hea’rr him yellin’ at Unca Ace!”

“And it’s obvious.” Trever added as Tech picked his son up.

Duck raised a brow, “So he was yellin, at Ace. But why?”

“I dunno…” Sam whispers

The team looked even more concerned, and Tech decided to speak up as well.

“When I was growling Ace started shaking…like he was scared.”

“Come on, was he actually scared?” Duck asked in disbelief

“He was shaking and begging me not to attack his dad…because he said his dad could hurt ME.”

“Rub wou rane Powers!”

“Slam is right,” Lexi said “You have powers and can defend yourself.”

“Strange…” Rev muttered

“I don’t know what’s going on here but whatever it is, it’s effecting our leader and our friend.” Tech growled “And I don’t like that.”

Lexi hummed for a minute,

“Well , It all started when his dad appeared-” she started to say but was cut off by Duck

“Alright before you buncha bozos jump to conclusions, I got yelled at by my parents all the time growing up and it never meant anything, how do we know our oh so brave leader isn’t just having a bad day?”

Lexi rolled her eyes, “Well the day has been going well for all of us.”

“Ugh, if only I could check my cameras…” Tech muttered in irritation.

“Maybe we can help you with the cameras?” Lexi offered

“It might speed things up a bit…. “ Tech admitted but then considered “However if I’m right about how those got cut out in the first place, it might not be the best idea for all of us to be busy.” He looked at everyone

“So we need two volunteers to go spend time with Ace and his dad, to make sure nothing bothers him, one person on a lookout around the lair for anything suspicious, and Rev will help me with the cameras.”

“I think Slam should keep an eye on Ace and his dad.” Lexi suggested

Slam nodded in agreement.

Duck rolls his eyes “I guess I’ll go with him.”

“Alright, that means Lexi you’re gonna look around for anything suspicious.” Tech said

“Got it.” Lexi responded “Since Ace isn’t taking his turn, I’ll watch the kids.”

The said little girl had already climbed on her back, and Rev was right by her side.

“Ugh so we gotta act all nice with Ace’s dad?” Duck asked in disgust

“Just for a bit, don’t let them be alone for long term, watch Ace’s reactions and movements, if you get separated, Lexi will secretly spy on them.” Tech explained.

“And I’ll make sure I’ll be listening.” Lexi’s ears twitched “In case anything happens.”

Tech nodded “Great. It’s a plan”

Trever spoke up “I’ll look after my sister.”

Sam raises her little hand

“Wha’ I do?”

“Don’t let Barrett and Ace know.”

Chapter Text

By the next hour Slam and Duck were with Ace and Barrett, Ace was nervously showing Barrett around giving a full tour

“And this is the kitchen, sir!” Ace shouted gesturing around

“It’s pretty big.” Barrett commented

“Yeah-“ Ace flinches at the look he’s given

“I mean Y-yes sir. Um…” he starts sweating as he grins “Would you like a meal? I-I’m not the greatest chef but I could cook you up some carrot stew!”

“Yes, I have been feeling hungry.”

He raised up his hand and Ace’s eyes widened as he flinched covering his head…only to receive just a gentle pat.

“Don’t be so dramatic, get the food going, boy.”

Ace is still shaken up as he forced himself to respond “R-right away, s-sir…”

Duck and Slam glanced at each other, even Duck had to admit now…that didn’t look good.

But they didn’t say anything, they didn’t want to seem suspicious to Barrett.

Duck watched as his friend carefully grabbed pots and pans as if he was terrified everytime he made a tiny noise. He worked without saying a word, no quips or comments, his smile wasn’t fully up and it looked incredibly forced.

He looked like he was cooking for someone that had the ability to execute him if the meal wasn’t made right.

It took like 30 minutes before Ace was done

Barrett rolled his eyes “About time.”

Ace sputters uncontrollably out of fear “S-sorry, it took some time to prepare it and-”

“Just give me the damn food, and get out of my sight.” Barrett ordered

“Yes sir.” Ace quickly hands him the plate and backs out of the room.

Duck realized now for sure…

‘He’s terrified.’

Lexi could hear this from another room with her superheating, she became very worried about her best friend.

“Is unca ace in t’ouble?”

Lexi kneels down to her,

“He’s scared.” Lexi said with a sad smile, “But don’t worry, we’ll figure out what’s going on.”

“I’m weal sca’wd too, auntie lexi.”

Lexi’s heart broke and she hugged her,

“I promise, everything will be okay.” She stroked her hand across Sam’s hair

“We just need to be patient….”

“Otay…” Sam whispered, Trever growls a bit in irritation at Barrett.

Lexi put her hand on his head and pulled back enough to look at Sam.

“I’m worried about your uncle too, we all are. And that’s why we’re going to help him. That’s what heroes do.”

Sam smiled a bit brighter at that. And Trever sighed forcing himself to calm down.

Chapter Text

Ace’s Dad

Rev and Tech were working on trying to fix the cameras

“Tech-I-really-don't-know-about-this-guy.” Rev said worriedly as he talked faster

“I-know-he's-Ace's-dad-but-he's-been-nothing-but-rude-since-he-got-here.”

“Trust me, I know.” Tech muttered as he tried to look through the security cameras, he managed to get a few working but some were still glitching

“What-if-he-really-is-a-bad-guy? I-don't-want-him-around-my-daughter.”

Tech looked at him

“Rev, don't worry, Sam will be safe, lexi is watching her right now.” He reasured him

“But what about-“

”Rev.” Tech stated turning to his friend, “I know how you feel. I feel the same about Trever, but in order to help we can’t get distracted.”

Rev looks at Tech

“Do you think you know the truth of how he is? If he’s good or bad?”

“I wish I did.”

Then they heard the door open and looked back seeing everyone.

“I thought I told you guys not to let Ace be alone.” Tech stressed

“He ditched us.” Duck said pointing back

“They went into a room and locked the door, I couldn't follow.” Lexi explained

Tech rubbed his temple

“And I’m still working on the cameras.” He looked at her “So, we still can’t see what’s going on in that room.”

Sam raises her hand again, Tech sighs and looks at her.

“Yes, Sam?” He asked tiredly

“Can I twy sometin?” She asked, everyone is confused but at this point Tech doesn’t even care anymore.

“Go ahead, we’ve tried everything else.” Tech looks at everyone “It can’t get much worse than this.”

”What you got, sis?” Trever asked with a smile

Sam climbed down from her Auntie Lexi and walked over to the footages. She held up her arms.

“Want up!” She called out.

Tech picked her up and held her up to the controls. Sam put her hands on them and at first tech thought he’d have to pull her away from pressing buttons…

But he’s shocked when instead her hands glowed bright white. Her eyes had a purple haze in front and suddenly the footages started to glitch back to life.

Everyone gasped.

“Sam, how did you do that?!” Lexi asked in awe

Sam looked down at her hands for a minute, which had stopped glowing….

Then she looked back with a small shrug

“I dunno…”

Rev grabbed her from Tech and hugged her close with a big smile kissing her head

“Mwah! Oh-Sam-that-was-so-amazing! Daddy-is-so-proud-of-you!”

He hugged her tightly snuggling into her making her giggle.

Tech and Trever smiled at them before Tech looked up at the cameras and started ty ping in the controls.

“Now, let’s see what’s going on in that room-“

Tech paused as something on the screen came up, Rev gasped quickly covering Sam’s eyes. Trever is clenching his fists in fury but otherwise has no real reaction.

Ace was on the ground screaming in pain as his father beat him with a belt, he wasn’t wearing his suit, he was only wearing boxers, his back and legs were badly bruised and had started bleeding in some areas.

Lexi screams in horror

“OH MY GOD!!!”

Barrett’s voice: Who’s your superior?!

Ace’s voice: *cries in pain* Y-you are!

Barrett’s voice: If I ever catch you thinkin’ your better than me again, you just wait and see what I’ll do to your little friends!

Ace’s voice: *whimpering* Yes sir!

Duck stared in shock

“Ace….” He felt his blood boiling

“So that's what's been going on this whole time! We have to save him!”

Rev is mortified as he points to the screen

“Guys….He's bleeding.”

“We have to go!” Lexi yelled “Rev, stay here with the kids and yell if anything else happens in the room, i'll be able to hear it thanks to my powers.”

Rev nodded shakingly holding his daughter close as they ran out, he also pulled Trever close so he could be near both.

“Daddy?” Sam says when her eyes are uncovered and the camera is turned off.

He whispered to himself, “I can't believe I let this monster near you…”

The others ran to the room, but it was locked.

“So, how do we open the door?” Duck asked in a panic

“I got it!” Tech exclaimed as he used his powers to break the metal door off.

Looking at each other they all ran in, and when they turned the corner, there they were.

Barrett pauses as his belt is in the air

“What the-?!”

Ace is whimpering curled up on the ground, still injured.

Tech growled in anger.

“Get away from Ace. NOW!”

Barrett glares back at him

“He’s my son-”

Tech cut him off walking closer.

“And i don't care, he is our leader and friend, we are ashamed that we let this happen to him, but now we know the truth!”

Lexi and Duck walked behind him, followed by Slam.

“Get away from him.” Tech demanded once again

Ace hears the voice and looks up trying to see through his tears.

“T-tech?-“ He yelped loudly when Barrett hit his aching back again with that belt.

“I didn't tell you, you could speak!”

Barrett lifted up the belt to hit him again, but Slam grabs barrett and throws him across the room.

“Y-y-you.....” he slumps onto the ground, glaring at the others

“Don’t try to attack us, slam here used to be a pro wrestler, so don't mess with him.” Duck warned

Barrett looked a bit frightened when he heard that, then Tech looked him dead in the eyes.

“Get. Out.”

Barrett quickly ran out like the coward he was, running on adrenaline and trying not to fall on his injuries.

Ace was looking at his friends in shock by what took place

“G-guys-“

Lexi quickly ran over “Ace!” she helped him up and he yelled out in pain when she accidentally touched his marks on his back.

“AH!”

Lexi gasps quickly changing her hand position, instead of his back she held him by his upper shoulders.

“Sorry! Sorry!” She apologized

“Wh-why?” Ace stuttered

“We are a team and we look out for each other,” Lexi said with a smile then she touched his face, feeling the warmth of a hand print and she frowned sadly at him.

“We are so sorry we didn't help you sooner….”

“I-it's fine-“ Ace tried to defend.

“No. It's not fine.” Tech stated firmly

“Why didn't you tell us that your dad was abusive?”

Ace immediately became defensive

“H-he's not abusive! I-I've just...alwyas deserved harsher punishment. A-and he cares I-i just do things wrong and-and-…”

Lexi held his hands and he felt tears pouring from his face, he felt himself start to sob.

“He is abusive,” Lexi said sadly as she held him against her shoulder. “He doesn't have any right to treat you that way at all, you’re an amazing person who cares about people, and you’re an amazing leader as well.”

Ace sniffs looking up at her, he’s never been so vulnerable in front of his team before. He felt so exposed, so humiliated, so weak…but he never felt safer or more comforted than being right here with them.

“I-I just...” he tried and failed to form the words

“Come on man, why didn't you ask any of us for help?” Duck asked

Ace was silent, then he forced out the words

“He …h-he said he'd…hurt you.”

“Ace, we can take care of ourselves, but you shouldn't have put yourself in danger.” Duck said with an eyeroll

Ace lowered his head in shame

“I-I know I shouldn't be afraid, I know it's ridiculous, w-we're superheros we all can handle more than a regular grown rabbit but...l-i don't know…”

He rubs his arms nervously

“H-he's just always made me feel....”

Lexi immediately understands

“Smaller?”

Ace looks up at her...and nods

“Y-yeah…how'd you know?”

“i know how it feels, to feel small under someone, despite being older and away from the situation…” Lexi said softly

Ace looked surprised and then he felt Tech putting a hand on his head.

“He's your dad, you don't need to feel ashamed for being scared of him.”

Ace smiled a little at them before he looked down at his hands.

“I just...always felt like I was doing something wrong...”

“Well, you've got us now.” Lexi said smiling as she helped him up.

“You don't need HIS approval. You're our leader and our friend.”

Tech smiled as Ace seemed to believe her, then he added “And, as touching as this is, we need to get you cleaned up and get a first aid kit. You’re bleeding.”

Duck speaks up “And speaking of cleaning up!” He points “The douchebag is still here, he didn't even get through the door.”

Everyone looked back seeing the guy passed out.

“Damn, he really is weak.” Lexi laughed

Ace is a little embarrassed by this, but also kind of relieved.

“Yeah I-I guess he is...damn and I got beaten up by him-“ he then realizes something and blushes looking down

“...I'm also only in my boxers. Which are now covered in my own blood...”

Tech chuckled “Come on, let's get you treated first.”

Duck adds “And besides, we're all men! Well except for lexi.”

lexi sarcastically says “Thanks duck.”

The casualness made Ace laugh a little. A GENUINE laugh which he hadn’t made for hours today, it made everyone breathe relief.

Ace then breathes

“But seriously though, can i at least put on some shorts for the sake of my dignity?” He pleads embarrased

Tech tosses him a pair with a smirk, “Here you go.”

Ace catches them

“Thanks tech.”

“You’rere welcome.”

Ace was still here, he was still the same.

Everything would be okay.