4.13 Hope and Despair

Lincoln shut down the computer console he was using. Worry furrowed his brow line. Where was Peter? It had been a couple of hours since he had gone to find Emit. A vague uneasy feeling was making his stomach queasy. He took a step towards the door when it swooshed open. The time keeper stepped inside a smile upon his pasty face. Looking behind the blue haired man Lincoln asked "where's Peter?"

Ignoring the boys question Emit walked towards the window. Gazing out over the city he opened his arms wide "is it so wrong to want to do whatever takes to save all of this?"

Lincoln stared at the man unsure if he should reply or not. He had other concerns that seemed unrelated to the man's question. Taking a step forward he asked again "where's Peter?"

Emit turned smiling at him "what is he to you?"

"He's my friend," Lincoln told him "look I don't have time to answer stupid questions." He grabbed the older man's arm repeating "where is Peter?"

"He's neither here not there," Emit said almost in a sing song manner.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lincoln demanded.

"It means you'll do as I tell you or you'll never see your friend again," Emit snapped at him satisfied with the look of dismay and confusion that flashed across the boy's face rendering him silent.

***

In an area not seen by many, a man lay strapped inside a machine. Electrodes protruding from his skull preparing the subject for an information download. As the power built up whimpers could be head from the helpless man trapped inside. Low moans of pain soon replaced the whimpers.

Ten minutes later if someone had passed by the room they would have heard the excruciating screams from the man strapped within. A moment of reprieve left the man panting for breath. His brain on fire with the information dump flowing through is mind.

Unable to close his eyes he could see the spark as energy started to recharge inside the machine. He knew it wouldn't be long before another download was ready to shred his brain apart. Gulping in fear and rage he tried to relax to let the energy flow through him without resistance.

The moment he relaxed the energy pulse ripped through his mind. This time not to download new information but to rip the man's memories from him. Gritting his teeth the man felt anger well up inside him as hatred replaced all remnants of the friendship he once had with blue haired man responsible for his current suffering. He had a hard time reconciling how this person could be a descendant of his. What had gone wrong with him? He knew Emit had been raised by a lonely alien, an outcast from his own kind. Emit had watched his parents being killed. His own brother had betrayed him. It had to have affected him, making him what he was today.

Pain ripped through his brain as the machine tried to extract his memories. The harder he fought to hold onto to them the more energy and power the machine exerted to extract them. The door opened letting Emit and Lincoln into the room. "Why fight it?" the blue haired man asked "it's a gift I'm giving you."

"How can taking my memories be a gift?" Peter asked struggling against his restraints.

"Without your memories you won't know what you left behind. You'll be the time keeper, a man without a past." Emit explained checking the settings on the machine.

"You can't do that to him," Lincoln said trying to stop him.

Turning Emit punched the boy in the stomach. "I warned you not interfere," he hissed "next time listen."

Curling into a tight ball on the floor Lincoln moaned in pain "why are you doing this?"

"Why?" Emit scoffed "isn't it obvious?" He looked over at Peter sill struggling inside the machine, helpless tears flowing from his eyes "it's his own fault. If he would just do as he was told I wouldn't have to be so cruel. He could just have accepted his fate and become the time keeper in your dimension. But no his family is more important." He made a few more adjustments on the machine. He looked over at the man he once called friend. The light caught on a certain expression in his eyes that showed he knew what he was doing was wrong. A moment later he pulled the switch. "Sacrifices have to be made," Emit muttered his eyes going hard, cold and distant.

***

Adam staggered under the sweltering heat of the sun shining above his head. Everett grabbed him before he fell. "Any rescue attempt will have to wait until after dark," he told the almost unconscious man.

Everette flagged down a taxi. Once he got Adam inside half lying on the backseat and floor he gave the driver his address. "Is your friend alright?" the driver asked dubiously.

"Just had too much to drink," Everett told him "his girlfriend just dumped him." Smiling at the driver he added "as you can see he's not taking it well."

The man relaxed. Putting the car in gear he asked "you have enough money to cover the fare?"

Laughing off the man's intended insult Everett nodded "it won't be a problem." He scowled from the backseat as he watched the landscape whiz past his window. He had forgotten how judgmental the citizens of Lunar Lakes were. He had become numb to how people looked at him. Had forgotten how most people couldn't see past the scar upon his face.

He'd almost forgotten his role as outcast in the only place he called home. He had become soft living with the Van Winkles. His mind drifted to Kimberly. The way she felt in his arms, soft but strong at the same time. She had broken through his reserves. The walls he had built around his heart had crumbled down around him at her touch. How was he going to cope when he was here and she was in her dimension?

He should have pushed her away the first time he felt himself melting in her arms. The taxi came to a stop effectively ending his unsettled thoughts. He hauled Adam from the backseat, half carried him to the house he and his brother called home. He dragged him to the bedroom and let him fall onto the bed. Concern for Adam's listless state Everett bared his arm "you need to feed" he offered his arm to the vampire wincing at the thought of being fed upon. 

Adam's vampire nature took control as he reached for the offered arm. Sniffing his fangs extracted with a moan he pushed Everett away from  him. "No" he shouted curling in upon himself.

Picking himself up Everett approached him "you need to feed. Get your strength back." He held his arm out again "you need blood. Take what you need."

Trembling Adam ignored the outstretched arm, the smell of blood filled the room, his nasal passages making it difficult to keep control of his faculties. "My bag" he grunted with difficulty.

Confused Everett reached for the bag and handed it to him. Watching in concern as Adam dumped the contents all over the bed. Rummaging through the contents until he found what looked like a juice pack to Everett's eyes. He tore it open and greedily slurped the contents up in huge gulps. Grabbing another Adam drained it's contents slower as he felt his strength return. "Thank you" he murmured leaning his head back. Gathering the remaining packets and plasma fruit he handed them to Everett "can you put these in the fridge for me?"

Taking the items Everett nodded. Puzzled by what he had just witnessed he went to the kitchen his mind still trying the grasp the idea of a vampire refusing to drink blood especially from someone who was willing to provide it. Turning from the fridge he found Adam behind him "what are you?" he asked giving voice to his confusion.

"A not fully turned vampire," Adam explained "as long as I don't drink blood I'll be able to reverse my condition. Become human again. Once I drink blood that option will be gone forever."

"But you're the..."

"I know," he smiled at the young man "it's a day to day struggle not to give into the desire to feed. To take the final step."

"What's stopping you?" Everett asked abandoning caution. Adam was so different from any other vampire he had ever encountered before.

Shrugging Adam looked away "I hate being a vampire. It wasn't I choice I willingly made to become one. Allessandro had several of us trapped and imprisoned in the dungeon below the castle. He thought that I'd feed eventually on my fellow prisoners." He gulped trying to push past the memories 

"I almost did" he shuddered "on my little brother. I'd rather starve to death then feed upon someone."

"If you can reverse your vampirism. Why haven't you become human again?" Everett asked.

"My son," Adam said "he's too young to take my place. He was born a vampire. His condition is non reversible. I can't leave him to face the responsibility of ruling Moonlight Falls and Midnight Hollow on his own."

A pang of jealousy twisted his stomach into knots. Everett missed having his parents around. Having someone looking out for him like Adam did for his family. His parents would have been the same had they lived. They had sacrificed their lives so that he and his brother could live. 

It had been difficult raising Lincoln on his own without anyone to help support him. It was hard to imagine that it had been five years since he had lost his parents. Lincoln had been a thirteen year old kid looking to his older brother for everything. Everett had only been eighteen struggling with the betrayal of his girlfriend who had led him into a trap. His parents coming for him the recurring thoughts that if it weren't for him they may have lived. The scar on his a daily reminder of the things he had lost, the mistakes he had made and the guilt he'd never be free of.

"Tell me about this research facility" Adam requested breaking through Everett's thoughts.

Nodding relieved to direct his mind away from his past Everett moved towards the living room before he started to talk.

***

Don set Malachi down in front of the TV. Stretching he glanced out the window. His breath caught in his throat "that can't be who I think it is?" he murmured moving closer to the window. Peering down towards the sidewalk he thought he saw someone familiar.

Running from the room Don hurried down the stairs. "Adam" he shouted as he neared the force field. Picking up several rocks he hurled them at the force field. "We're in here," he cried throwing the rocks to no avail.

The two men stood discussing something until Adam swayed on his feet no doubt becoming disoriented from the heat of the sun. Helplessly Don watched as they got into a taxi and drove away. Falling to his knees he gave way to the sobs he had been holding back afraid that once he gave in he'd be lost. 

Some time later Don picked himself up, made his way back inside the house. Malachi turned to him curiously as he sat heavily onto the couch. "He was so close," Don mumbled leaning over with his head in his hands.

Malachi got up putting a hand on his knee "did they find us?"

Don looked up to find the boys green eyes staring up at him. For the first time in weeks there was a spark of hope in their depths. He didn't want to crush that hope anymore than he wanted to give the boy false hope. "I don't know. I hope so," he said "I thought I saw Adam just outside the force field."

Malachi nodded moving away back towards the lure of the television set and it's mind numbing cartoons. Don couldn't tell from the boys back whether the news had meant anything to him. Not until he noticed the boys shoulders shaking and a shrill keening sound filled the room drowning out the tinny laughter from the TV.

***

"Where am I?" Keenan demanded his eyes darting around him large and wide.

"Some place they'll never find you," Silver told him emitting a loud hyena type bark that may have been laughter.

"You can't keep me here," the boy said getting to his feet. He swayed disoriented from being teleported and hunger.

"I can do whatever I want," Silver shrugged at the boys discomfort. He reached out with his mind forcing his way past Keenan's defenses. "You're weak" he said "when I'm finished you'll be like me....strong."

"I'll never be like you," Keenan screamed as the man leaned over him. Moving faster than any human ever could Keenan ran for the open door. It slammed shut as soon as he reached it knocking him onto the floor. 

"You might have made it," Silver observed circling above the boy "if you had tapped into your latent powers. You're more like me than you know." He hoisted the boy from his feet "I'll teach you how to tap into that power...."

"No," Keenan hissed as he doubled over holding his stomach.

"You will succumb to my will once your thirsty enough," Silver's hyena like barking filled the room before he disappeared.

Keenan lay panting on the dirty floor. Silver must have done something to increase his hunger. He had eaten breakfast before he followed Heath that morning. He was still young enough to receive nutrients from real food. The hunger he was experiencing now was thirst...a thirst for blood.

He shouldn't be experiencing blood lust so soon not until he became a fully developed vampire. That shouldn't be for another three years at least. Groaning as the pains increased he momentarily lost control over his mind.

"You're weak" Silver shouted triumphantly in his head "I'll make you strong. I'll show you the way to become like me."

"No," Keenan screamed in agony his voice bouncing off the cold uncaring stone walls.

***

Heath stared at the spot where Silver had stood a few moments before. Turning to Kimberly he gently shook her until she turned terrified eyes upon him. "Can you reach him?" his voice urgent demanding.

Closing her eyes she nodded concentrating "I need your help," she murmured taking his hand in hers.

They were engulfed by a tidal wave of chaotic emotion, an overwhelming desire to feed. They both gasped under the onslaught. "Where is he?" Heath demanded shouting to be heard over the chaos.

"Everywhere," was Kimberly's response. "Grandpa taught him well" she explained "this is all set up to disorient anyone who enters his mind without invitation."

"Is this what I'd encounter if I connected with you without invitation?" Heath asked.

"No daddy your mind is always welcome" she reached out and caressed his mind with hers seeking to comfort, to calm him. "This is what I encountered when you were wearing that necklace Grandpa gave you."

"Is Keenan wearing his necklace?" Heath asked.

"I don't know. I doubt it" Kimberly fell silent as the noise around them tapered off and went silent.

An eerie unsettling silence enveloped them. "No," Kimberly whimpered.

"What?" Heath's voice fell silent as another more ominous voice filled all their minds. "You can't have him." Heath shouted at the man that had robbed him of so much time with his family.

"You can't stop me," Silver laughed at him momentarily diverting his attention from breaking his son's mind.

"Yes we can," Kimberly shouted hoping Keenan would be able to use the time they offered him to reinforce his defenses. 

Silver's laughter filled their minds causing them all to cry out in pain. "Be gone all of you," he demanded as a gale force wind started whipping around them.

"This is my mind" Keenan shouted through the wind "the only one not welcome here is you. Get out." 

The Sunshine Blogger Award

Thank you so much violincat for the nomination! This means so much to me. Everyone should check out her blog Our Different Paths. It's a must read if you're not already reading it.

What is the Sunshine Blogger Award?

Well, it is of course an award for bloggers from other bloggers. It is a beautiful way to share all the amazing things other bloggers do and write about. To recognize their efforts in inspiring others to do what they love.

The Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and add a link to their blog.
2. Answer the 11 questions sent by the person who nominated you.
3. Nominate 11 bloggers and add their links.
4. Notify the bloggers you included.
5. Keep the rules in your post.

Answers to her questions:

Do you have any favorite characters in your own stories? Who?

At the moment I adore Charlie and Andrew in Not So Ordinary Life. 

What are your favorite genres to read or watch?

Drama as if you couldn't tell from the stories I write.

Which fictional character do you wish you could be real life friends with?

Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice - I just like her attitude and we could totally get into some trouble.

Would you rather land the perfect job or find true love?

True love - I'm a romantic at heart.

Do you cook or bake? If not, would you want to learn how to?

I can do both. I love to cook and bake.

What is your dream career?

My dream career would be an author. I've loved to write since I was a little kid. Writing for my blogs lets me hone my skills.

What is the one thing you absolutely can’t live without?

My family although they would say it's my electronic gadgets because I never leave home without them.

Which country do you most want to visit?

Australia 

Are you a day or a night person?

I'm more of a night person but I've become a day person because of work schedule.

Would you want to become famous?

Maybe for a day but honestly no I wouldn't want to be famous.

What do you like the most about gaming?

I've never really given it much thought but with the Sims it's you imagine how life could be whether good or bad without having to experience for myself.

To see the list of blogs I nominated go here. 

My questions are:

1. What's your favorite color?
2. Do you like to travel?
3. If you could go anywhere, where would it be?
4. How long  have been playing the sims?
5. What motivated you to start writing?
6. If you could meet anyone in from the past, who would it be?
7. What's your favorite song?
8. Day or Night?
9. Do you plan out every detail of the stories you write or do you just let the story take you to unexpected places?
10. Do  you like to write first or third person?
11. If  you could do anything right now, what would it be?

Thank you again for the nomination. It was greatly appreciated!

4.12 Secrets, Lies and Deception

Peter went in search of Emit having grown tired of the man's stalling tactics. "It's been a month," he said upon finding the man standing immobile in front of a window "I really need an answer."

Rubbing his chin Emit turned slowly towards him "I know you do. Don't you think I'd tell you if I had the answers you want?"

Walking towards the window Peter took a moment to appreciate the view "do you really want me to answer that?"

Shrugging Emit moved several feet away "not really."

Peter blew air through his nostrils. There had been a time he would have trusted the man before him without doubt without question. Now he wouldn't trust him any further than he could throw him. "You must know something" he insisted.

Crossing his arms Emit gave the impression of not having heard Peter as he walked from the room. He didn't look behind him to know Peter would follow him. He knew Peter wouldn't give up until he got the answers he sought. Stopping in front of a computer he pulled up several files. "This is all I know about Lincoln's dimension" he stepped back to allow Peter access "I do have feelers out for more."

Peter took a step forward drawn to the images on the screen "thank you" he mumbled "I'll review it with Lincoln."

Nodding Emit walked several paces away "I never thanked you for helping me find Chase."

"I did it more for him than you," Peter replied. He saw the pained expression in the man's blue eyes

"I miss the days when you trusted me," Emit said throwing himself in a nearby chair.

Grunting Peter watched his once trusted friend for a moment. "So do I" he replied "what else could you expect? You tricked me..."

"Would you have gone through with it if I hadn't" he asked.

"Of course not," Peter glared at the man "that's not the point..."

Lincoln walked into the room. Glancing from one man to the other "should I come back later?"

Peter broke eye contact with Emit to smile at the young man "no we're finished. He was just showing me the information he had on your dimension." He motioned for the boy to come over "I want you to review it with me since you know your dimension better then me."

"Um ok," Lincoln said giving Emit a quick uneasy glance before allowing Peter to guide him to the computer.

"Don't worry kid I'm not going to hurt you," Emit chuckled while staring coldly at Peter "if you need me I'll be in my room." He got up and left the room without so much as a look behind.

Taking a position beside Peter in front of the computer Lincoln murmured "I don't like him."

"That makes two of us kid," Peter agreed watching to make sure Emit was out of sight. Satisfied they were alone Peter mumbled "I have a feeling he's hiding something. Something he knows will be unforgivable."

"Can we trust the information he gave us?" Lincoln asked fear making his voice quiver

"To a point," Peter told him "that's why I need you. You'll be able to spot any discrepancies in the information. I need your knowledge of your world."

Swallowing Lincoln nodded overwhelmed at the enormity of the task. "Maybe Everett should have come with you instead of me."

"You'll do fine," Peter put a comforting hand on the boys shoulder "Everett and Adam are already putting the second part of the plan in operation."

***

Everett reached a hand out to steady his companion as they emerged through the dimension portal. "Careful the gravity is heavier than your used to."

Adam straightened looking around at his surroundings. Terror filled his mind and heart "where the hell did you bring me?"

The man's anger washed over him like a tidal wave. Everett took several swift steps backwards "this...this...is my home. Lunar Lakes."

Hands clenched tight, fingernails biting into his palms Adam squeezed his eyes shut. "This is....this can't be happening." 

Sensing the man's distress Everett asked "where do you think you are?"

"A bubble universe," he muttered in distaste "you tricked me. Tricked me into coming here."

Everett gasped as Adams eyes narrowed to slits turning red to match his anger. "I..I...don't understand," he stuttered "I was born here. It's a different planet. It's easy to get to from anywhere in the universe."

"I've never heard of Lunar Lakes before," Adam muttered eyes wide with disbelief and fear.

Everett stared at him in shock. He had never seen a vampire look so scared or vulnerable before. He was used to rage that drove them to kill at a moments notice. Adam had always appeared so calm, level headed. He put a hand on Adam's shoulder then hesitated. "Haven't your scientists discovered Lunar Lakes?"

"No I...." he closed his eyes casting his mind back "there was an expedition several years ago that failed in there teraforming attempts."

"Did it fail?" Everett persisted "my dad told me stories of how the citizens tried to cut themselves off from the rest of the world by saying the mission failed when it was a roaring success."

"Maybe" Adam mumbled "but it doesn't explain the messed up passage of time if this is what Silver used as his bubble universe."

"Come on," Everette  urged "I have something to show you."

***

"I'm coming with you," Kimberly announced as she followed her dad from the house.

"No you're not," he frowned at her "I have to do this."

"No you want to do this," Kimberly corrected.

"I don't have a choice," he countered back "Silver said to come alone."

"So what" Kimberly retorted "I heard the whole ultimatum. I'm coming," she said leading the way.

Sighing Heath hurried after her "I want you to go home right now."

"Not going to happen," she said determined to do with him "Malachi is my boyfriend. It's my responsibility to bring him home."

"What about Everett?"

"What about him?" she asked keeping her eyes facing forward "he left..."

"He and Dad had things to do in his dimension," Heath explained to her.

"He didn't say goodbye," she stopped abruptly causing her dad to bump into him.

"He's planning on coming back," Heath told her gently putting his hands on her shoulders.

"So was Malachi," she said her voice low sad "I can't handle having another person I care about lost with no way back. Grandpa Peter is in Oasis Landing and who knows what Emit will do. Then Grandpa Adam is with Everett in a different dimension. Now your wanting to go with Silver." She turned to look at him "everyone I care about are disappearing I don't want to lose anyone else."

"Sweetie" Heath half sobbed as he pulled her close "you'll never completely lose those who love you. We'll always be right here." He touched his chest indicating his heart.

"It's not the same," she mumbled taking his hand "whether I go with you or not is up to Silver but I'm staying by your side until I can't."

They walked in silence the rest of the way to the appointed place. Both too deep in their own thoughts to notice the young white haired boy following behind them.

***

He woke up with a start. Heart pounding. Something wasn't right. His feet weren't where they were supposed to be. Had he shrunk overnight? With a feeling of dread he dragged himself out of bed and trudged to the bathroom. With horror he stared at his reflection. The face staring back at him had been one he hadn't seen for almost two decades.

He grabbed the sides of the sink with both hands while his body convulsed with tremors and shudders. Was this how Malachi felt each time he manifested symptoms of aging backwards? He knew this would happen eventually. His mind recoiled at the ramifications as he tried to convince himself it wasn't so bad as he was assaulted by waves of dizziness. A faint cry from the other room broke him free of his shock. Running into the room he found a small child about the size of a four year old lying on the floor crying. He scooped up the child trying to offer comfort in a situation fast becoming intolerable. It was somehow more tolerable when he hadn't noticed any effects of the backwards aging process. When he still looked the way he should. His entire world was different now. Things that used to be easy required more effort. He hadn't realized he had been so short as a teenager.

"It happened again," Malachi muttered "I wasn't expecting it. Didn't realize until the floor wasn't where I expected it." Malachi looked up eyes widening in shock as he took in Don's changed appearance. "It's happening to you now too."

"Yeah" he looked away unable to look at the boy. His green eyes seemed to penetrate into his soul "I'm about sixteen or seventeen now." He took a chance to look down at the boy in his arms. His green eyes mirrored his own. Everyday that passed he'd grow less able to do the things he used to. He'd grow smaller and smaller until eventually he wouldn't be able to care for himself. In the end he'd starve long before he vanished. Malachi would be spared that. Don would take care of him as he regressed through the baby years.

***

Keenan watched as Heath and Kimberly slipped from the house. He followed at a distance he felt they wouldn't notice. Careful not to draw attention to himself by making unnecessary noise or sudden movements. This would be his one chance to meet Silver for himself. He needed a face to go with the image he had of the man that was responsible for his existence. Silver was his donor father as Keenan referred to him as.

All he knew about him was he was both feared and hated by everyone in his family. A powerful creature that had lived thousands of years. He was told he received his white hair and pale skin from that man. He despised his looks because of him. He hated he was a constant reminder to his father of what that man did to him. Maybe if he had a face other than his own he could hate the man and not himself.

His fingers curled into fists. He could feel his nails digging into his flesh drawing blood. The pain was nothing compared with the pain he felt each time he looked at himself in the mirror. He hated knowing he had Silver's blood running through his veins. What if that wasn't all? What if he was evil? An evil buried so deep inside lurking, waiting for an opportunity to be released. 

He couldn't let that happen. He had to protect his family from himself. He had to understand what made Silver the way he was in order to understand himself. He ducked into some bushes as Heath and Kimberly stopped walking several feet ahead of him.

***

Peter glared at the images on the computer screen. At first he was shocked. Even surprised at what Lincoln told him. Now all he felt was anger, a deep burning rage. He was staring at the source of his families troubles. Emit had concealed it from them for reasons only he knew. With this knowledge they could have gotten rid of Silver the first time he reared his ugly head.

Cautiously Lincoln gazed up at the older man sensing that his words had ignited a fire within the other man. "I'm sorry I..." he stammered unsure what he said or did to cause this unpleasant outcome.

Taking a deep breath Peter closed his eyes counting to ten or a thousand but his rage didn't abate. Opening his eyes he found Lincoln staring at him like he had become a fire breathing dragon. "It's not you son," Peter attempted a reassuring smile before getting up to find the culprit of his current foul mood. Lincoln watched him go uncertain he wasn't to blame for the sudden change in the man who had seemed so unflappable. 

Peter barged into the room Emit had indicated he would be in. He was standing in front of a window staring out across Oasis Landing. "Why didn't you tell me?" Peter demanded wanting nothing more than to smash his fists into the man's arrogant face.

Emit turned from the window smirking a little at Peter's tone "certain things had to happen..."

"Don't hand me that shit," Peter snarled using words he hardly ever used "I'm not buying it anymore."

"When  you're in my position you can judge me. Until then don't presume to tell me how to balance time."

"I'd do a hell of a lot better job than you," Peter retorted "all you've ever done is lie and trick us to do your bidding."

"Boo hoo," Emit retorted "most people would be thanking me for the gift I gave you. Immortality without ever growing old or dying."

"Maybe if you had asked," Peter crossed his arms turning his smoldering gaze upon the view of Oasis Landing "you didn't give me a choice."

"If I had would you have gone through with it?" Emit asked.

"No" Peter told him with no hint of doubt in his voice "all I've ever wanted was to go home. To be with my family. You knew how I felt. How important my family is to me. Still you robbed me of the time I could have had with them."

"The same wife and kids you wouldn't have if it weren't for me," Emit countered with "I did you a favor. You owe me."

Shaking his head Peter couldn't believe his ears "it came with a price didn't it? You didn't do it out of the kindness of your heart. Everything you do comes with a price tag. What you did wasn't for me or my family. It was to save your miserable existence."

Grunting in dismay Emit turned away from Peter saying "my counterpart should have done the same as me. He'd still be alive if he had."

"I was right" Peter muttered "Lincoln's dimension doesn't have a time keeper. He opted to die instead of saving me."

"Sometimes you're too smart for your own good," Emit told him "a time keeper can be replaced with someone with the same gene marker." Something in his eyes sent a chill down Peter's spine a moment before Emit's hand leveled a stun gun at him dropping him to the ground without a sound. "Sorry old friend" Emit stooped over Peter's still form "fate once again has decided you're needed elsewhere."

***

Adam tried to still the hammering of his heart. Was it possible that the bubble universes that plagued his family were an actual planet? "What is this place?" he asked Everett waving his hands towards a lot that appeared to be empty.

"I don't know," he shrugged "when my brother and I were kids we thought it was haunted. The city founders put a force field around the house that once stood here."

Shaking his head Adam took a step closer to the force field. He could feel the tingle of energy flowing around him. "Does that house still exist on the other side?" he asked "when I was inside the bubble universe I was inside a house. It's where Silver had trapped Heath and Don. It's where time becomes warped."

"This Silver person must be experimenting with how time flows," Everett said breaking into Adam's thoughts "the only way I can think of finding out for sure is figuring out how to break into the force field."

Turning towards the young man he nodded "that sounds like a good idea." He rubbed his chin "I wonder if Silver is dimension hopping or if he's using the same dimension each time? If this dimension really has no time keeper this would be the ideal spot to experiment with time."

"If you're right we'll find Don and Malachi," even as he said it Everette could feel his insides twist. He didn't want to give Kimberly up. The way she felt in his arms. The way she looked up at him. The way he became lost in her beautiful blue eyes. Mentally shaking himself he found Adam gazing at him in concern. 

"She's just as confused as you are," Adam said "if we do find them she'll need time to figure out her feelings."

"I know," Everett sighed walking away "it's just been so long since I felt this way about anyone."

"I know I'm not your dad," Adam said coming along side the young man "if you need someone to talk to I'm here."

Stopping Everett sniffed a few times while his fingers traced the scar upon his face "I appreciate the offer." He shook his head straightening his shoulders "it won't be necessary though. I belong here and Kimberly belongs in her dimension. There can never be anything between us."

"I told you to come alone," Silver snapped upon seeing Heath and Kimberly together.

"You can't always have what  you want," Kimberly snapped back as she took her dad's hand squeezing it tight.

"I don't want you," Silver retorted turning his attention from her "go home little girl."

"I won't let you take my dad," she cried taking a step forward "you've taken enough from me. It stops now."

Eyes sparking with barely contained rage Silver demanded "either make her be quiet or I will." His voice left little to the imagination. The menace was clear.

Turning to his daughter Heath said "sweetie please go home. There's nothing you can do."

"I don't want to lose you," she sobbed clinging to him.

"I'm losing my patience," Silver snarled grabbing Heath dragging him away from her "you're mine now."

"Let him go," a young quivering male voice called out.

"Who are you that I should listen to you?" Silver challenged.

"I'm your son," Keenan announced. An eerie silence filled the park. Silver release his hold on Heath pushing him away as he stepped towards the white haired boy. "How is this possible?" he demanded  reaching a hand out to touch the boys cheek. The tingling in his skin confirmed the validity of the boys claim.

"Who is your father?" Silver demanded. Before Keenan could respond Silver ripped through the boys mental barriers extracting the information for himself. "Perfect" he said before vanishing with his son.