Generation 2, Chapter 37 - It's Time Part 2

After leaving Appaloosa Plains, Peter made a quick flight home to Dragon Valley. There was no easy way to tell his wife that her son was kidnapped for the second time in his young life. Sensing something was wrong Jean took Peter by the hand and led him to their bedroom.  "Tell me what's wrong," Jean said her light blue eyes gazing steadily on Peter's face.

"Honey ..." Peter stopped becoming choked up "Elliot ..."

"Did the trial not go well? Did Kyle have to go back with his father?" Jean asked wondering if her son was having a difficult time being separated from his love.

"It's not that," Peter sighed looking down "I'm sorry Elliot, Kyle and Percy have been kidnapped."

"Kidnapped" Jean shouted "not not again. Not my son. Not my baby boy." Grabbing Peter's arm "why aren't you out there looking for him?"

"It's not that easy," Peter murmured.

"What's not easy?" Jean shouted "he's your son. You have to find him."

"Everything that can be done is being done," Peter told her trying to maintain a calm facade. "I have to go to Oasis Landing."

"No you're not," Jean shouted back anger replacing fear "your looking for our son. There's nothing more important than that."

"Jean I'm sorry" Peter shook her slightly to gain her attention "I want to be out there searching.
Believe me I do. That's the first thing I wanted to do. I have to believe that Adam and Emit will find him. I have to go into the future." He spoke calmly and steadily hoping he'd break through her wall of anger and fear.

Breathing harshly "what's so important that you have to go to the future? Why now?" she turned angry eyes upon Peter.

For the first time in their marriage Peter flinched away from his wife "I have to release the cure. Stop the aliens from abducting anyone else. The boys were kidnapped to prevent me from going to the future. If I don't go they win."

"Don't go" Jean cried "please don't jeopardize our son's life by doing this."

"I don't have a choice," Peter replied his voice rising. "There's no guarantee that whoever has them will release them if I don't go. Please Jean be reasonable. I love Elliot too. I want our son back as much as you."

Crossing her arms Jean turned away from him. Her fear and anger causing her to become unreasonable. With her back turned she said coldly "don't bother coming back without our son."

Sighing Peter warred with himself. He ached to go out searching for his son but logic dictated the most good would be accomplished by him going to the future. Release the cure. He had faith in Adam that he would find Elliot. Silently he put a hand on Jean's shoulder. Squeezed firmly whispering "I love you." Turning he walked out of the room his heart breaking.

***

Peter caught another flight to Lucky Palms to pick up William and company. Taking a taxi to the address William gave him. Peter arrived after dark. Shaking hands with his old friend Peter felt reassured he was doing the right thing. The presence of the silent altered alien confirmed it in his mind. This had to end. No one deserved to suffer like this not his son, not William, no one. Elliot would understand. He only hoped Jean would forgive him.

William looked at him in concern "is something wrong my friend?"

Peter mentally shook himself "yes my son has been kidnapped and I can't go search for him and my wife hates me for it."

Squeezing his shoulder William asked "was he kidnapped to prevent you from going to the future?"

"Emit thinks so," Peter replied "thanks to our neighborhood alien," Peter nodded towards Erik "I'm the only one with the knowledge to release the cure. Your son is the only one who can operate the controls." Looking directly at William "it's time we go to the future. End this once and for all."

"What about your son? If he's in danger you should stay and look for him," William insisted.

Peter looked thoughtful for a moment "what if this is the only chance we have to release the cure?"

"We'll think of something else," William told him confidently "you need to worry about your son. He's more important."

Peter felt his determination slipping. What William was saying made sense. He should be looking for his son. "You're right I should ...."

"No you shouldn't," Erik said coldly from where he stood. "I've waited to long, sacrificed to much to let you mess it up now."

"You can't expect ..."

"William ..." Peter tried to get his attention 

"Peter needs to find his son ..." Looking at Peter and the odd expression on his face. William's breath caught in his throat as he slowly turned around to face Erik. He nearly fainted at what he saw Erik holding his youngest daughter Joyce in one hand and holding an alien gun in the other.

"Whose child is more important?" Erik asked "his or yours?"

Standing immobile William groaned like a  wounded animal. He felt Peter put a comforting hand on his shoulder "it's alright Will. We'll go to the future. My son will be alright. Emit and Adam will find him. We have to think of your little girl. She's in more danger."

Nodding to show he understood William took a deep steadying breath. "I knew you couldn't be trusted. You heard Peter. We're going to the future let my daughter go."

Shaking his head Erik said coldly "not until we've gone through the time portal."

"Dad?" Casey called from the doorway "What's going on?" he asked seeing Erik holding something to his sister's head.

Erik smiled nastily at him "you're just in time to say goodbye."

"Erik what are you doing?" Casey asked wide eyed.

"Come in and close the door," Erik demanded "we're about to release the cure and they thought they'd going looking for a lost little boy." Shaking his head "you can look for him after this is done. My people need this."

"I know things are bad," Peter said "but that's no reason for you to hold a baby hostage."

"I'll do whatever it takes to accomplish my goal," Erik looked tenderly toward William "I'm sorry you don't understand. Once the cure is released I'll take you and Bryan away with me. We'll finally be together. A family."

"My family is here. Bryan's family is here," William said appalled "you can't expect us to leave them behind to go with you."

"You will," Erik replied "You have no choice." He fired his weapon at Peter. Peter cried out in pain dropping to his knees.

"What the hell are you doing?" William cried "we need him. Stop this."

"I fired a degenerative beam at him. It causes quite a bit of pain as his insides slowly liquefy. It's a slow painful death if not reversed in time." Erik smiled at William "If you agree to go with me I'll reverse it."

Helping Peter to his feet William nodded "I'll go with you."

"Dad no you can't" Casey protested.

Turning to face Casey William shook his head "I won't let Peter die to save myself. I'm sorry."

Tears streaming down his face Casey gave his father what he believed might be the last hug he'd ever give or receive from his dad. "Take care of the others for me," William requested confidant Casey would take care of his brothers and sisters like his own.

"I will dad. I love you." Casey squeezed him one last time before letting go.

William turned around in time to see Erik putting Joyce down. "I don't need this little one any longer. Peter is the only hostage I need to control you." Erik smiled up at him "we best be going."

As they walked towards the time portal Peter's  phone began to ring. Stopping short of the activated portal Peter fumbled to answer his phone "hello Jean? ... I'm sorry too baby ... I love you." Peter sighed in relief. Jean had come to her senses called to forgive him. If only she knew he had tried and now may never see her again.

William came along side his friend "you didn't tell her."

Shaking his head "no I told her what she needed to know. She didn't need to know anything else." Peter hesitated eyeing Erik uneasily "don't trust him. He's crazy. Bonding escalates the insanity."

Nodding William understood. Erik was unstable. He had felt it for a while; especially after Casey's wedding.  More clingy, more demanding, more frustrated at his refusal for a physical relationship. He dreaded what would happen once he was alone on the ship with the stronger alien male. He really didn't like his future prospects.

***

"It's good to be home," Beverly sighed flopping on the couch.

Bending down Adam kissed her forehead "I've forgotten how peaceful our home is in Dragon Valley. Are you sure you don't mind being so far from your family?"

Smiling up at him "my family is where ever you are." Patting the cushion beside her "join me?"

Jumping over the couch Adam snuggled close to her rubbing her stomach "are you ready for this?"

"With as many brothers and sisters I have I was born ready." Beverly laughed "don't get any ideas about me having that many kids though, cuz that's not happening."

Leaning over he kissed her lips tenderly "never crossed my mind," he murmured against her cheek.

A knock on the door disturbed them as Heath called from the stairs "I'll get it."

Smiling Adam sighed in relief. All he wanted to do was relax, hold his fiance and become lost in her eyes. "Have you picked a date yet?"

Shaking her head "after the baby" Beverly smiled "and after I've lost the baby weight. Six months at least." Groaning Adam pouted. Laughing at him "I want to look perfect," Beverly told him.

"You're perfect just the way you are," Adam told her.

Pushing against him Beverly looked into  his eyes "you would say that but I'm serious. Every bride wants to feel like they're the most beautiful woman alive on their wedding day."

"You will be. In my eyes you are the most beautiful woman alive," Adam drew her close to him.

"Dad" Heath yelled from the entry way.

Groaning at the interruption Adam broke off from kissing Beverly. "Heath I'm in the living room."

A moment later Heath came bouncing into the room followed closely by Emit. "Dad Emit wants to see you."

Heart dropping Adam stood up to shake hands "what brings you here?"

Looking around the room Emit asked "is there some place we can talk in private?"

Hesitating Adam felt Beverly slip her hand in his. "We can talk here. I don't keep secrets from my family."

Sighing Emit smiled faintly "I thought not but I had to try." Looking at Adam then down at a very pregnant Beverly he sighed "I need you to come with me."

"Why?" Adam asked "I finished everything that needed to be done in Oasis Landing. My part is done."

"You don't understand," Emit said slowly "I need your help to find Chase."

Beverly tugged on his hand. Adam looked down into her pleading green eyes as she shook her head. "Emit I'm about to have a baby. I'm needed here. Can't my dad help you?"

"No he can't," Emit looked away "he's on his way to Oasis Landing to release the cure. I told him I would get you to help." Turning back to Adam "Chase has Elliot, Kyle and Percy. He took them after the trial..."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Adam exploded "when were you going to tell me? After I agreed to help you?" Stopping Adam thought for a moment "that's why you wanted me to help you look for Chase. He took them and you don't know where. Oh god..." he dropped onto the couch heart racing. Beverly wrapped her arms around him. "I have to go," Adam whispered to her "I have to find them."

"No Adam no I .... we need you," Beverly protested tears swimming in her eyes.

Caressing her much loved face "there's no one else who can. Bev he's my brother. You can't expect me to do nothing to find him."

Shaking as she tried to control her sobs Beverly clung to him. "I'm sorry I know you have to go. I'd want you to look for any one of my brothers. I won't stop you looking for yours." Hugging him close "promise me you'll be careful." Kissing Adam one last time Beverly stood up walked over to Emit "promise me you'll bring Adam home safe."

"I promise to do my best," Emit told her unwilling to commit himself further.

"I guess that will have to do," Beverly wiped tears from her eyes. She held her hand out to Heath who took it and clung to her.

Twisting around Heath ran back "dad you're coming back aren't you?"

Bending down Adam pulled his son close "that's the plan bud." He wiped a few tears away looking into his son's blue eyes "listen to your mom and help her ok? I'm relying upon you to be the man of the house. Think you can do that for me?"

Nodding Heath threw his arms around his dad clinging to him. "Love you daddy," he whispered in his ear and ran from the room.

Standing up Adam watched two of the most important people in his life walk away. Blinking back tears that threatened to flow from his eyes he turned to Emit "do you know where Chase has them?"

Shaking his head Emit sighed "no I'm sorry. We'll have to start from the last place we know they were."

"Which was where exactly?" Adam asked accepting Emits word for it.

"Outside Brian's house. Corina lent them her car. Her car was parked outside the house. We know they left the courthouse and made it to Brian's."

"Any police involvement in their disappearance?" Adam asked not sure it was a good or a bad thing if they were.

"None that I'm aware of," Emit confided.

"And my dad's ok with that?" Adam asked shocked.

"I'm not sure he's aware of that fact," Emit told him. "It was hard enough to convince him he had to rely upon us to find them."

"That I can believe," Adam said thoughtfully. Taking his phone out "mom? calm down I can't understand a word you're saying." Stopping to listen to the torrent of emotions Adam let his step-mom babble on. "He's here right now." Adam told her eyeing Emit. "Yes that's what he told me ... I'll do my best ... Will you do me a favor while I'm gone? ... Look after Beverly and the kids for me ... Yes thank you ... Bev has another 8 weeks to go but if the baby comes early or this takes longer then expected I want to know she's in good hands ... I know you will ... Love you mom." Looking at Emit he wondered if he could really trust this man. If it came down to his son or his brother which would he choose? Sighing "let's get going before I change my mind."

Smiling sadly Emit reached out and squeezed the younger mans shoulder "I am sorry to take you away from your family."

"Yeah well shit happens," Adam said in response.

***

Driving back to Appaloosa Plains felt like it was taking forever. "Don't you have a transporter or something to make travel quicker?" Adam complained from the passenger seat.

"If I did don't you think I would have used it?" Emit shot back. "Sorry I'm just as frustrated with the time lost with traveling as you are. I wish there was another way."

"Do  you have any idea's where Chase might have taken them?" Adam asked again. He wasn't sure why he kept asking but he had a feeling Emit wasn't telling him everything.

Sighing Emit looked sideways at Adam "there's two possible places I can think of: Moonlight Falls or Midnight Hollow."

Adam stared at him for a moment "I never heard of those places."

"No you wouldn't. Most humans stay away from them..."

"Why?" Adam asked his interest piqued as he tried to pull information up on his I phone.

"Because supernaturals inhabit them."

"You're joking right?" Adam shook his head in disbelief. As he scrolled through the google searches he lost his smile. It was one news headline after another about people who went in search of vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches you name it they searched for it but not one returned. Looking up his eyes bleak "tell me those stories are someones idea of a bad joke. My brother can't be there."

"Those stories are all true," Emit confirmed as he turned along a dirt road that wasn't used often or maintained.

"Where are we going?" Adam asked "this isn't the road to Appaloosa."

"We're not going to Appaloosa," Emit informed him. "It would be a waste of time. We're going to Moonlight Falls."

"Are you out of your mind?" Adam yelled at him "We're human. We won't get out alive. We should go to Midnight Hollow instead."

"We can't" Emit claimed "in some ways Midnight Hollow is deadlier then Moonlight Falls. We go there like we are and we'll be dead within minutes of arriving. Chase is most likely hiding there. He has friends there where as you and I have enemies."

"What enemies?" Adam asked.

"Midnight Hollow is where Imaginary Friends were created. It's run by them. By all the ones who were made real by the boy or girl who loved them. Later all those IF's have tried to destroy their life givers. IF's hate all humans ."

"Why I don't understand," Adam asked astonished.

"No one knows but they all eventually wind up in Midnight Hollow. They know who is and who isn't an imaginary friend. Chase and other halflings are welcome there. Showing up with three captive humans would only endear him to them," Emit explained.

"Two humans," Adam corrected "Kyle is a halfling.

Smiling at the information Emit said "that might be his undoing." Turning towards Adam "IF's don't like it when another IF turns against one of their own. It's a capital offense."

"What about the humans with him?" Adam asked with a sinking heart.

"Same thing I guess," Emit muttered. "We'll find them before that happens."

"So how is going to Moonlight Falls going to help us find the boys?" Adam asked.

Emit remained silent before saying "you're not going to like it."

Staring at Emit Adam sighed "just tell me. I already don't like it. I don't need you to tell me how much I'm not going to like it."

Instead of telling Adam what he planned he said "the only beings other than IF's allowed into Midnight Hollow are supernaturals." Glancing at Adam to see if he was following along with what he was saying.

"Are we going to Moonlight Falls to ask them to help us?" Adam asked.

"Not exactly. I have a friend who has agreed to set up a meeting with the town elders about turning us ..."

"No way in hell," Adam exploded "there's no way I'm going to be turned into one of those creatures. Are you out of your mind?"

"I thought you wanted to find your brother?" Emit asked when Adam's rant died down. "This is the only way. I don't like it either but there's not another way.

Crossing his arms Adam stared silently out of the window. How can he do this? Change who and what he was? To become what? A supernatural being. A monster. A figment of someones nightmare.  It would end all his dreams. He couldn't return to his family. What if he did and he hurt them? "I think I'm going to be sick."

Generation 2, Chapter 37 - It's Time Part 1

Kyle grabbed Percy by the arm and pulled him away from the group. "Why didn't you ask for help?"

"I told you ... I didn't want sympathy," Percy muttered distracted by the commotion as Peter and Brian rushed from the courtroom.  "Hey what's up?"

"What?" Kyle repeated unsure what Percy was referring to.

Motioning for Elliot to come over Percy asked "where did your dad and Brian rush off too?"

Sighing Elliot mumbled "he received a call from Shannon regarding an intruder. He and dad left to check it out."

Running his hands through his hair Percy moaned "I didn't think. I'm such an idiot. Everything I touch becomes a disaster." Approaching Corina "we've got to get to Brian's. I saw one of the loan sharks in the courtroom and I think he might be the intruder."

"I've got to stay here," Corina said biting her lip. Reaching for her purse she handed Percy her car keys "take my car and be careful."

He snatched the keys and ran from the courthouse. He didn't notice Elliot and Kyle following behind him. They piled into Corina's car as Percy threw it into gear and sped from the parking lot. Percy hoped he was overreacting but he feared he wasn't. The blue haired man was insistent in the assignments he took and Percy knew he had a hand in how the stories were spun.  He didn't know why the blue haired man wanted to hurt the Van Winkles but his intentions were malicious.

Looking into the rear view mirror he groaned "where's a cop when you need one?" He looked at Elliot "call 911 and have the cops check things out at your brother's place."

Doing as instructed Elliot stared at his phone a moment "they said the police were already on their way."

"I really don't like the sound of that," Percy stomped his foot down on the gas pedal causing the car to lurch ahead. Racing down the hill towards Brian's house they could see a police car with lights flashing parked in front of the house. Slamming the car into park Percy ran toward the house, dreading what he would find.

"Halt! Don't move," a gruff voice commanded from behind them. Stopping in his tracks Percy raised his hands. "What are you boys doing here?" the officer asked gun pointed at them.

"This is my brothers house," Elliot explained "we think he might be in trouble."

"You call 911 kid?" the officer asked relaxing a bit.

"Yeah but I was told the cops were already on their way," Elliot replied.

Smiling the officer closed the distance between them "they just might be but you'll be long gone before they get here." Motioning with his gun he had the three boys walk in front of him towards the fake patrol car.

"What did you do to my brother?" Elliot asked attempting to turn around.

"Don't worry kid," the impostor said "he's more comfortable than you're going to be." Coming up to the car "you" he pointed towards Percy "open the trunk. See that box? Open it and handcuff your two friends together. Hands behind their backs." Under the watchful eye of the man and the unwavering gun Percy had little choice but to do as instructed. "Now get in the trunk." Percy did as he was told "lie face down. Hands behind you." A commotion above him had Percy struggling to his knees. A harsh blow to the head knocked him flat. His last sensation he had was having his hands jerked painfully behind him and secured to something on the interior of the trunk lid.  

After securing Percy inside the trunk the impostor went after the fleeing boys.  He quickly caught up to them "we don't have time for this," he snarled as he marched them back to the car. "Now get in," he demanded as he opened the backdoor. "you first" he told Elliot.  Kneeling Elliot crawled in almost falling on his face.  Kyle fell on top of him unable to stop himself without the use of his hands.  "Lie flat.  We wouldn't want anyone to see you now would we." He chuckled a little at his own bad joke. The man yanked on one of Elliot's leg to secure his ankle to a chain leading into the trunk. "Now you won't be going anywhere."

"Who are you? Where are you taking us?" Kyle asked hoping to stall the man in the vain hope the police might arrive.

Laughing at the questions the man got into the car tossing his hat onto the passenger seat. His blue hair evident in the light. He smiled back at his hostages "I'm Chase Mars and you really don't want to know where you're going."

***

Several hours later Emit was reviving Peter in Brian's house. "Where...What happened?" Peter asked groggily.

"I'm sorry old friend," Emit said helping Peter to sit up "I failed to see what Chase was up to before it was too late. This trial was an elaborate trap to get you out into the open. I think Chase intended to kidnap Adam and his family but because of Adam's relationship with the Bennett's Chase couldn't isolate them."

"Brian?" Peter asked groggily looking around.

"I'm here dad," Brian pushed himself into a sitting position. Leaning his head back he groaned "my wife ... kids ... where?"

"They're fine," Emit reassured him "knocked out from the gas but fine."

"Good ... that's good," Brian sighed in relief closing his eyes. "What's going on?"

Looking at him, Emit contemplated his words before asking "do you know who I am?"

Nodding "yeah you're the time keeper. I met you once in the future when dad was sick."

"That's right," Emit smiled remembering the young teenager "what you don't know is I'm a descendant of your dad's through Adam." He went on to explain how it was vital to keep the timeline intact to save the future and the people who want to prevent him from doing that. The watchers. His brother Logan. His son Chase.

Brian stared at him in consternation "this is unbelievable. Dad is this guy for real?" He turned to his dad who was nodding at him. His heart dropped wondering what new calamity was about to engulf his family. Looking around the room Brian asked with dawning realization "where's Elliot? Kyle? Percy?" He looked at Emit who glanced away refusing to meet his eyes. "They're gone aren't they?" Struggling to his feet Brian faced Emit "they wouldn't have been far behind me." Hanging his head "the call I received was meant to lure them here wasn't it?"

"Yes I'm sorry," Emit said "Chase has been using Percy to get to your family. He's the one extorting money and threatening Percy. Elliot was vulnerable. An easy target." Turning to Peter "I should have known Chase would do something to get to you. He knows how vulnerable you are when it comes to your children."

"I need to find my son," Peter said his voice muffled behind his hands.

"No you can't," Emit protested "that's exactly what Chase wants.  He wants to distract you from releasing the alien cure in the future."

Lifting his head Peter responded angrily "I can't. Not until I know my son is safe." Peter staggered to his feet grief marring his features. Brian reached out to support his father as he stumbled.

"You must. It's been delayed too long. It must be now or it won't work," Emit reasoned.

"I don't care," Peter mumbled "why is he doing this?" Peter asked his old friend "I thought the watchers want the aliens stopped as much as we do."

"I thought so too," Emit admitted "but their hatred of me. Me standing in their way and the image of the future they want to create has clouded their judgement. They seem to have accepted a future with aliens in it. I've done the calculations. Seen the future. It's not a place either of us want our children to grow up in."

"Why don't you do it?" Brian asked "leave my father alone. Can't you see he's devastated over this?"

"I would if I could but only your father has the knowledge to do it. He has the alien knowledge to do it. It has to be him." Emit said looking straight at Peter hoping his words would penetrate his grief and motivate him to act.

"Dad is this true?" Brian asked staring at him.

Nodding Peter felt shaky sitting there engulfed in memories when Elliot had been kidnapped years before. The pain and helplessness he had felt. It was ten times worse now knowing that this time he couldn't do anything to find his son. He had to go to the future. Responding to Brian's question "yes as much as I want to be the one to search and find Elliot I have to go to the future. Release the alien cure." Looking up" Emit's right it's been delayed too long. Adam's work has been done for months now. But with this trial I haven't wanted to leave until it was done. The familiar looking blue haired man in the courtroom today was Chase wasn't it?"

"Yes," Emit confirmed quietly "he refuses to believe anything I've told him about Logan.  His hatred of me has blinded him of the truth. I can't get through to him." He hung his head in defeat.

Reaching out Peter squeezed his shoulder "don't give up hope. He could change."

"He might given the opportunity and time.  Unfortunately we don't have the luxury to wait," Emit said lack of hope evident in his voice. "The future depends upon finding those kids before it's too late. I can't afford to have feelings. I need to find Chase and prevent him from endangering the future."

Shocked Peter looked deep into Emit's eyes sensing the depth of Emit's conviction. He had no doubt Emit would do whatever it took to stop Chase to save the future even if it meant sacrificing his own son in the process. "I'm sorry."

"So am I," Emit mumbled. Shaking his head he visibly shook himself to clear his head. "You need to go and collect William and his son and take them with you to the future. I'll go to Adam and together we'll look for Elliot and the others."

"What about me?" Brian asked "I'm coming too."

Peter turned to his son "no Brian your place is here. Shannon and the kids need you."

"But I ..." Brian began to protest before realizing his father was right. He couldn't leave his dying wife to cope with five young children by herself. "I'm sorry ...."

"Don't be son," Peter hugged him tight "we all have our roles to play.  Yours is here. It's no less important then anyone else's."

"I know .... I love you," Brian squeezed his father tight. Turning to Emit he gruffly said "bring my brother home safe."

"If I can I will," Emit told him.

"That's not very confidence inspiring," Brian muttered.

"I can't do better than to promise to do my best," Emit told him "the future is changing and while it's in flux I'm just as blind as you."

"We better get going," Peter interrupted "you have three boys to find. Brian you have your family to care for and I have the future of two worlds to save."

Generation 2, Chapter 36 - Competance Hearing Part 3

After two days of listening to nothing but lies about Kyle's character and mental stability Percy admitted to himself that what he did by taking the pictures and sending the resulting article to his father was the root cause of this fiasco.  He did this.  This was his fault.  He couldn't believe Kyle's father could be this ruthless towards his own son.  Percy should have known, Kyle always reacted badly whenever his father contacted him on the Sim Star Idol.  He understood why now, his father was intimidating to say the least.  His stomach tightened as he realized he would have to endure Mr. Lawrence's baleful glare from the witness stand.

Percy had tossed and turned most of the night wondering what good his testimony would do.  He hoped his testimony wouldn't cause more harm than good. Upon entering the court room Percy felt small and insignificant as he felt the baleful glance of Kyle's father rake past him.  A hush fell over the room as the judge called the session to order.  There was a slight commotion as some court clerk set up some video conferencing equipment. Briefly Percy wondered why. His curiosity was soon set to rest when Corina introduced her first character witness, Gene Bennett.  Percy looked around expecting to see his old co-contestant from Sim Star Idol.

He soon realized Gene was the one they were conferencing with.  Percy took a sharp intake of breath as shock overwhelmed him.  It was obvious why Gene wasn't in the courtroom in person, he was conferencing from a hospital room.  Percy tried not to see the obvious pain and difficulty Gene had talking if not breathing altogether.  Then there were the tubes connected to machines ... Percy closed his eyes losing track of what Gene was saying in response to Corina's questions.  He couldn't help but wonder what happened to him.

Soon it was the other lawyer's turn and despite Gene's physical state the lawyer laid into him "Mr Bennett have you ever take illegal drugs?"

Gene stared at him motionless "yes but ..."

"A simple yes or no will suffice," the lawyer sneered at him. "Have you ever been treated for alcohol abuse?"

"Yes that's no secret.  What does this have to ...." Gene attempted in vain to ask.

"Again a simple yes or no please Mr. Bennett," the lawyer cut him off.  "You've had your share of mental problems have  you not?  Several suicide attempts, isn't that right?"

"I object," Corina said loudly from beside Kyle "Gene's mental health is not in question here."

"I think it is," the lawyer shot back.  "How can one mental patient be able to adequately know when someone else is lapsing mentally if they're not all there themselves?"

Gene's lips thinned before he said "I suffered from depression not a mental breakdown.  There is a difference.  Besides those instances occurred while I was a teenager trying to cope with the tragic death of my older sister Sydney.  What relevance does that have now?"

"What about the episode at your house when you were taken by ambulance after you collapsed?" The lawyer threw back at him.

Smiling slightly "if you did your own research you would know that collapse was caused by a ruptured appendix.  Not drug or alcohol related as the paparazzi reported out of spite.  I can prove it." Gene stated in a calm firm voice.

"Err..." the lawyers bombastic facade slipped a little while he attempted to recover from this set back. "According to this article in Sim Celebrity you were hospitalized due to drug related side effects and the supposed appendicitis was a cover story."

"Don't you know you can't believe anything written in that the rag?"  Gene scoffed "I can show you my scar if you'd like."  A snicker went through the courtroom.

"That won't be necessary Mr. Bennett," the lawyer declined the offer "besides the scar could be from anything not necessarily from surgery."

Lips thinning again Gene stared at the man "then I suggest you look at the retraction Sim Celebrity wrote after their star reporter was sued for libel and lost after writing the article you just cited or you can interview the doctors who performed my surgery or the paramedics who came to my house.  I strongly suggest you check your information before you state them as fact."

Not willing to give up and admit defeat the lawyer was bent on discrediting Gene anyway he could. "What about your hospital stay in Barnacle Bay?"

Shaking his head Gene exhaled loudly.  Anger flashed from  his deep brown eyes "I was not a patient during the dates you cited.  I was there visiting my father and younger brothers who were patients at the time.  It was in all the papers or do you only read what you want and make up the rest?  What kind of lawyer are you?  Didn't you check your facts?"

A ripple of laughter spread through the jury box until the baleful stare of Mr Lawrence silenced them. He turned his stare on the lawyer next to him and in a low angry voice demanded "do something before he makes you look anymore of a fool than you already do."

Gene watched the exchange between lawyer and Kyle's father mumbled "if looks could kill we'd be seeing one dead lawyer." Several jury members hid smiles behind their hands as they heard Gene's irreverent comment.

The lawyer stared death rays at Gene for a moment while he tried to reign in his anger.  "You spend a lot of time in hospitals Mr. Bennett. Trouble seems to follow you around."  Glancing at a piece of paper he smiled slightly "my notes make reference that you were recently arrested for assault and battery."

"That's a damn lie," a female vice broke in as an older woman came into view cutting off Gene's words "I'm Amelia Vera and this young man saved my life when the assailant Wallace Reginald the third threw a knife at me and Gene stepped in front of me and took the knife instead.  Wallace is now in jail awaiting his court date."  Amelia's eyes narrowed "you really should learn to get your facts straight."  She looked straight at Kyle's father "hello Theodore I see you're still up to your old tricks. My soon to be ex-husband will not be able to donate this year.  I wouldn't count on him to back you up on your smear campaign either.  He's too busy trying to save his own ass right now."  Turning towards the jury "this young man is an excellent judge of character and he's a true hero who selflessly risked his life to save mine."  Patting Gene's shoulder she added "he risked his life again by attempting to leave the hospital to come to the aide of his friend.  He just came out surgery to repair the damage he did to  himself in his haste to help."  Turning to Kyle "I hope you appreciate this, I know Gene is in extreme pain testifying in your behalf but it was the only way we could get him to stay in bed, he was that upset with the lies he's been reading about you."  Addressing the whole courtroom Amelia continued "That's a mark of a true loyal friend.  I'm sure Kyle would do the same for Gene if given the chance.  It is not however something Theodore Lawrence would do; otherwise he would not be in the process of shredding his son to bits."

"I object," the lawyer shouted angrily towards the judge

.

"I will allow it," the judge commented evenly "you were after all trying to discredit this young man's credibility as a character witness.  Mrs Vera did an admirable job of rebutting it."

The next witness was Aimee Vera.  Percy wasn't surprised that she too was on video conference.  It made sense that she would be wherever Gene was.  She clung to Gene's hand like he was her life preserver.  Percy was shocked to find out she had been engaged to Wallace Reginald until the night Gene almost died.  He thought that nothing could break them apart but he had been wrong and in the back of his mind he wondered if this was the result of what he had done.

Percy sat in the court room overwhelmed with guilt in the part he played in Gene and Aimee's tragedy.  He had liked Aimee and felt sorry for her.  Gene was good for her.  Gene's protectiveness was the shield Aimee needed to stand up to her parents.  They could have been good friends if he hadn't ruined it.  Sighing Percy knew he was next as the lawyer finished questioning Aimee.  Percy jumped when Corina called his name.  Stiffly he stood up and walked towards the stand.  He felt all eyes on him as he traversed the short distance to the witness stand.  He felt like a condemned man waiting to be hung.  Swallowing over the lump in his throat he swore he would tell the truth.

Corina stood in front of him he was surprised by her first question. "As my esteemed colleague will no doubt bring up with great relish, why were you arrested?"

"Drug possession," Percy mumbled.

"Were you taking drugs?" Corina asked.

"No I was holding them for a friend," Percy mumbled wishing he was anywhere but here.  "The cops received an anonymous tip and I was arrested."

"So you know what it feels like to be betrayed by a friend," Corina stated.

"Yes," he replied refusing to look at Kyle who he felt watching him intently.  "What does this have to do with Kyle?" he asked.

"I'm providing the jury a picture of who you are," Corina told him "we all watched Sim Star Idol.  We all remember the lies you told to get onto the show.  The lies you told as to why you were a mole fixing the elimination results.  We all heard you say it was for revenge against a friend you thought betrayed you. Was that that the only reason?"

"No" he all but shouted at  her.

"Oh" Corina said innocently "then why?"

"For my ... my mother," Percy looked away and across at Kyle "I lied about who I was so that I wouldn't be associated with who my parents are.  I went to live with my grandmother in Sunset Valley.  My mother would visit occasionally telling me stories about the forest she played in as a child in Hidden Springs.  I wanted to save that forest for her.  It was going to be destroyed so that another worthless mall could be built so that my father could make even more money."

"Why was saving that particular forest so important?" Corina asked softly.

Wiping his eyes Percy hung his head "my mother had cancer.  I couldn't be there for her because of my father.  I wanted her to know I loved her.  That was my gift to her so she could die knowing her forest was safe.  She died shortly after the episode aired where I receive all the signatures required to save her forest."

"Why the lies?" Corina asked

Shrugging "I didn't want sympathy not after what I did."

"You feel responsible for your actions then." Corina stated.

Nodding "yes I hurt my friends and I'm sorry," Percy looked across at Kyle "I'd do things differently now if I could."

The other lawyer pounced on those words "what would you do differently? Not send the articles to Kyle and Elliot's parents? Maybe not have been the photographer responsible for taking the pictures in the first place?"

Kyle gasped out loud shocked and enraged.  Corina's hand on his shoulder the only thing restraining him from launching himself at Percy.

"I didn't think it would cause this much trouble.  Who really cares in this day and age whether their kids are gay or not?  I didn't think it would be a case of mental health.  There's nothing wrong with Kyle but there's plenty wrong with his father."  Several of the juror's snickered and nodded at his comment.

"You claim your sorry for betraying your friends on Sim Star Idol yet your actions prove you're a liar. Not only were you responsible for the pictures of Kyle but you also took the pictures of Gene Bennett kissing a young woman last year outside Barnacle Bay Hospital.  This no doubt helped to break up their relationship pushing Miss Vera into the diabolical hands of Wallace Reginald who mentally and physically abused her.  Who came within inches of taking the life of your one time friend Gene Bennett.  Yet you want us to believe that your sorry.  That you're telling us the truth."  Looking at the young man squirming in the witness stand he threw him the final blow "and yet you can't even tell us your real name.  It's not Percy Wilde is it?  It's none other than Percy Wilson the son of the entrepreneur Percival Wilson of Wilson Enterprises.  You have quite the reputation for being a backstabbing liar Mr Wilde I mean Mr Wilson.  Why exactly should we believe you now?"

"Because I'm not lying despite the fact that Mr Lawrence offered me money to lie and back him up," Percy shot back.  Turning to the judge "I have it on video.  It's on my phone if you want to see it.  Mr Lawrence thought I would want to keep my past a secret but I'm tired of the lies and deceit."

"This is preposterous," Mr Lawrence sneered at Percy.  "Utter fabrication from a desperate man who needs money to pay off gambling debts."

"How would you know?" Percy asked "unless you've been talking to my father.  I've never gambled a day in my life."

"Then why do you have loan sharks after you for money?" the lawyer shot back.

"Because my good for nothing father and his equally good for nothing friend Mr Lawrence have been gambling in my name.  They've lost thousands of of dollars in my name.  I have proof my identity has been stolen.  I just hadn't realized it was my my own father until recently.  I've had to change my name to keep the loan sharks from finding me and I had to put distance between me and my fathers dealings. It didn't work they still found me.  Gave me a beating within an inch of my life.  Pay up or else.  I was scared and I had no one I could turn to.  I took the first job that paid enough to keep them from killing me." Turning to Kyle "I never wanted to hurt anyone.  I ... I had no choice."

"Enough," the judge cut into the bedlam the courtroom had devolved into.  Turning to Percy "I want to see the video you claim to have."  Nodding Percy handed him his phone.  While the judge viewed the video the courtroom fell into an uneasy silence.  "I'm calling a recess until tomorrow morning. I'm going to have this video analyzed to make sure it's authentic. Once it's been verified I'll rule to dismiss this case."

Mr. Lawrence stood in one fluent motion and stalked over to Percy.  Staring down at the boy he growled "you'll regret this." He turned his back and walked out of the courtroom. 

Percy swallowed knowing it wasn't an idle threat.  Kyle walked over to him, blue eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and curiosity.  "Our father's know each other?" he asked coming along side Percy.

"Yeah they're old college buddies," Percy murmured.

"Then why haven't we ever met before?" Kyle wondered aloud.

Shrugging Percy said "maybe because I chose to live with my grandmother.  I couldn't take living under my father's iron thumb and she was my out."  Hanging his head "I really am sorry.  I never meant to ruin any one's lives.  I'm a walking disaster."

Elliot approached the two "Percy this is my dad, Peter."

Percy looked up into the sincere blue eyes of Peter Van Winkle, "nice to meet you sir."

Peter shook hands with the young man "Percy you've caused considerable amount of trouble but you also seem to have brought the one piece of evidence we needed to shut Mr Lawrence down.  With that video evidence it will allow Kyle and Elliot to move on with their lives and we can put these last few weeks behind us.  For that I'm thankful."

"I don't understand," Percy said looking confused "I'm the one who started all of this.  You don't have to thank me.  I don't deserve it."

Peter smiled "it's time you cut yourself a break and accept a helping hand.  If  you'll let me I can help you get control of your life and you identity back."

Looking into Peter's eye's he felt confident that he could help him get his life back.  Percy glanced over at Brian who was standing behind Peter.  "I should have listened to you more when we were on Sim Star Idol.  I thought I was so sure that anyone from money were all time jerks and there was nothing I could learn from them."

Brian smiled at "then let him help." 

Shaking his head Percy sighed "Brian I ... I lied when I said I gave you all my equipment.  I thought I needed to get pictures of you and your family to pay off the loan sharks.  I ..."  he hung his head regretting his actions and what he was about to confess "everything is on my phone .... I ...." He looked up "I couldn't bring myself to send them.  But what am I going to do?  I already took an advance on it to get the sharks off my back.  I can't pay it back ... I ....." A look of fear flashed across his face as he looked up and saw one of the men that always came to collect staring at him from across the courtroom.

Peter glanced over in time to see a flash of a smile from a young man who looked somewhat familiar. He was positive he had seen him before or was it just the blue hair under the man's hat that was causing him to think he was someone he knew?  Shaking his head he turned back to Percy "I'll give you the money to get the sharks off your back and to pay back your employers on one condition."

"What's the condition?" Percy asked feeling like he would do anything to get out of this mess.

"Actually it's two conditions you quit moonlighting as a paparazzi and you sue your father for identity theft." Peter told him.

Smiling in relief Percy felt a weight lift from his shoulders "gladly."