Author's note: Nailing down their ages to be middle schoolers, around 12, in this branch only; they can and will be other ages in different branches.
As Monday dawned, Fred and Barney found themselves back at Rocky Bed Middle School, far from the high-end computers of the high school they had been sneaking into and light years away from the alien technology of Gazoo.
They did, however, have a newfound confidence. They felt like they had a secret superpower, and in a way, they did, though they couldn't flaunt it or even mention it. But they felt different. They walked different. They talked different. Other students noticed.
As they walked through the school's corridors, they came across a poster for the upcoming school talent show. Suddenly, Fred had an idea. He had always been good at ideas - grand, adventurous, sometimes even impractical ideas. But that's what made Fred, Fred.
"Barney, what if we signed up for the talent show?" Fred suggested, eyes gleaming with excitement.
Barney looked at him, confused. "But we don't have a talent."
Fred smiled, an idea already forming in his mind. "That's where you're wrong, buddy. We have Gazoo."
Barney looked skeptical. "We can't use Gazoo for everything."
"Why not?" Fred argued. "It's not like we're asking him to do anything bad. Besides, it's a talent show. Everyone will think it's just some clever trick."
Barney considered Fred's words, looking hesitant. "I don't know. It seems risky."
But Fred was not to be deterred. "Think about it, Barn. We could be the stars of the show!"
Meanwhile, Mrs. Slate, their homeroom teacher, had noticed a change in her two most lackadaisical students. She had no idea what had sparked their sudden interest in school activities, but she wasn't going to let the opportunity pass.
Throughout the day, Fred and Barney's plan for the talent show was the talk of the school. They promised an act that would 'blow everyone's mind', but refused to give any more details, adding to the air of mystery.
As the school day ended, Fred and Barney walked home, discussing their plan for the talent show. They knew they had to be careful with how they involved Gazoo, but the idea of being the stars of the school was too enticing to pass up.
