Disclaimer: Disney owns the Mighty Ducks. I own Magic. God owns me now and forever till the end of time.

A/N: I was inspired by a song one day in church. This is the result of the inspiration.

WARNING! WARNING!: Danger Will Robinson! Danger! Danger! (I've always wanted to say that =)) This story contains religious material. It is not a lot, but it does contain religious content and Biblical references (later on). If you are offended by this don't read my story, but you will be missing a great story. Yup another Wing torture fic. As well as Dive torture too. Heck it's a torture fic for everyone. I just wanted to warn you now so you didn't get half way in and find the scene'.

Knowing You

By Silver Elf Child

"This is it ducks! We're going to finish Dragonus off once and for all!"

The Mighty Ducks cheered as they followed their leader to the aerowing. Tanya had just pinpointed the Raptor's coordinates in central California near a national park. This was to be the last battle to end the Saurians attempt at universal domination.

The ducks arrived and with Duke's skills gained entry to the ship. Tanya and Mallory planted explosives in the engine room as the others engaged the Saurians. The explosives ripped the base of the spacecraft apart and sent the warring fractions outside.

"Where are they?!" Wildwing barked.

"Over there!" Mallory pointed up a rocky trail in which the Chameleon was trying to escape. The ducks quickly pursued him. The Chameleon tried his hardest to run up the steep slope, but it was a futile struggle. He may have been the smallest of Dragonus' troops and should have easily escaped up the embankment, but he was also the least fed. The mountain face proved to be his down fall. The ducks overtook him in no time and took him into custody.

"Hey not so rough, will ya?"

"Shut up, you stinkin' lizard," Mallory spat.

"Where are the others?" Wing demanded.

"I don't know."

"Where are they?!"

"They took off and left me behind. I should have never left Atlantis."

"Tie him up and make sure he won't get away. We've got three more to catch."

Duke and Nosedive tied Chameleon to a nearby tree and raced up the trail after the others and the Saurians. When they reached their teammates the battle had recommenced. No one had noticed that they were teetering on the verge of a dangerous cliff. The ground on which they fought was decayed and underneath had been eroded away. The forceful blows sped up the erosion process and the large slab of mountain was ready to slide away. The pile of molten rock on which they stood was not the only problem. After a sharp drop the gully below opened up to thousands of razor sharp spikes that had arisen during Earth's youthful tectonic movements.

Dragonus lunged at Wildwing, who fell backwards to use the large lizards own momentum against him and launched the saurian though the air. Dragonus came to a stop at the edge of the edifice and glanced down at the deadly trap. He growled and quickly looked back to the battle. Wildwing was down, on his back, pinned to the rocky mountainside by Siege. Wraith was fighting Duke, Tanya and Nosedive. He was mortally wounded, but bent on taking at least one of the ducks with him to the shadow world. Mallory was unconscious by a boulder with Grin standing protectively over her. She moaned and Grin looked up to find Dragonus staring at him. Grin stood up and started to approach the Saurian Overlord.

This was not a good day for the Saurians, or was it. Chameleon had freed himself and was standing on an overhang overlooking the battle.

"Chameleon! Destroy that duck!" Dragonus bellowed pointing at Grin.

Grin paused and looked around for the tiny lizard. When he finally spied the Chameleon there was an evil smile curled upon his lips and his eyes were narrowed with a hint of mischief sparkling in his pupils.

"Destroy him!"

"Sure Dragonus," Chameleon sneered. "As soon as I am done with you." Chameleon leveled his blaster at Dragonus and fired at his former leader.

The saurian overlord cried out in pain from the assault, but did not die. He bellowed with rage and smoke erupted from his flared nostrils. Dragonus waved his arms in the air and stomped forward. He froze in his tracks when he heard the sound of rocks cracking. He looked down and watched the cliff disintegrate beneath him and sent him to his doom.

Siege stopped fighting when he saw Dragonus disappear over the cliff edge. "Lord Dragonus!"

"Join him, Siege!" Wildwing grunted as he shot the large saurian off of him.

Siege stumbled away from Wildwing with minor wounds, nothing life threatening. Grin attempted to subdue the bulky orange lizard, but the Chameleon blasted him first. Siege joined his leader on the jagged rocks below.

Wraith bowed his head in defeat and leaned against the mountainside. "Let me die in peace. I'm old and withered. I can do no more in my present condition."

"I don't buy that," Nosedive proclaimed.

"No, Nosedive. Don't shoot him," Wildwing ordered as he stood up.

"What?"

"I said don't shoot."

"But Wing" Nosedive protested as he looked from his brother to Wraith.

Suddenly the ground on which Wildwing stood gave way when the Chameleon fired at Wildwing. Dive looked up to find the Chameleon laughing maniacally on the cliff ledge above his position. Dive looked back to where Wildwing had stood and found nothing. The young blond took out his anger by repeatedly firing at the small green saurian. The Chameleon fell to his death and Dive turned to Wraith.

"Nosedive wait!" Duke pleaded, but nothing could hold back his anger. Nosedive shot and killed the dying Saurian as he powered up a fireball behind his back.

***

Wildwing felt the ground give way from under him. He didn't know what had caused the slab of rock to disengage from the mountainside. All he knew was that he was falling, and falling fast. He immediately dropped to his knees and latched onto the rock slab. He used the rock as a boogie board as it careened down the mountain's slope. Trees, shrubs, bushes, and boulders were a blur as he flew by. Nothing seemed to slow him down. Instead pieces of his organic sled' broke off as it smashed into stationary objects.

"Oh man, this is going to hurt," Wing muttered to himself when he spied a large Coulter pine tree standing in his destructive path. Wing tried to steer the slab, but it was futile. Just before the rock slammed into the tree Wildwing jumped to safety. He tumbled down the slope head over heals until he came to a stop twenty meters below the tree. He didn't know it at the time, because he was unconscious, but he landed on a hiking trail. He was found by a Boy Scout troop fifteen minutes later and given medical attention.

***

"We have to go after him!" Nosedive proclaimed as soon as he came to his senses.

"No Nosedive," Tanya objected, clasping onto his arm.

"What?" Dive asked, bewildered by Tanya's reply.

"Not this way. We have to find another way down."

"But Wing"

"Tanya's right. We can't go this way. We'd die trying," Duke agreed with the female blond. "Besides we need to get Mal back to the aerowing."

The ducks searched high and low for their leader. All they could find were two smashed gauntlets and a mangled shoe. They lost all hope as the days past and reckoned that Wing had died on the steep slope.

***

Wildwing awoke several days later in a convalescent hospital that was run by the state of California. He pulled himself onto his elbows and looked around. To his left was a large window that looked out into a small garden. On his right was another bed that was occupied. The person on the bed was a grungy looking old man that hadn't shaved in weeks. On the wall hung a television and there were two tables set next to the beds with lamps on them. The place gave off a warm glow and was peaceful. He laid down and closed his eyes. *Where am I? How did I get here? Wait a minute, who am I?* he thought. He opened his eyes and looked out the window. The sun was up and it's warm rays were sprawled across his bed and warmed his bashed body. He tried to sit up, but his battered frame cried out its protests. He quickly laid down again and looked out the window again.

In the middle of the garden stood a maple tree. The foliage provided a home for birds and insects. The large branches cast cooling shadows on the earth below. A soft breeze rustled the leaves and carried the fresh scent of nature around the garden. Around the edges of the garden rose bushes grew. The colors were magnificent and enchanted the onlooker. The grass was a perfect green velvet carpet spread across the garden. The only hint of human habitation in the garden was the building that encircled this small Eden.

Wildwing heard the song of a bird and he listened intently on the sweet melody. This simple garden and its residents calmed him before lulling him to a semi slumber.

His roommate awoke and cleared his throat. Wildwing laid in peace in the sun as his mind pulled him back into the past. He was lying in a bed, listening to birds singing. The sounds of the new day brought him to a sitting position. He hopped out of the bed and looked out the window. The world that graced his sight was of sparkling ice as far as the eye could see. The refractions off the roads and buildings were breath taking. He heard the sound of a baby crying and he instantly raced from the room.

"Mac!"

Wildwing opened his eyes and looked out the window. The vision he had seen quickly faded as he realized where he was. A robin was perched on the rose bush outside his window and looked in. It chattered at him and tilted its head from side to side.

"Hey Mac, you awake?"

Wildwing turned and looked at his grungy companion.

"Bless my soul! You are awake!" Drawled the bearded man.

"Who are you?"

"The names Clancy, but you can call me Bubba."

"Hello Bubba," Wing said slowly.

"You had us scared, Mac. Never thought you'd wake up."

"Really?"

"Sure thing. Miss Terry's been tendin' to you and me. She'll be pleased to know her prayers have been answered."

"What are you talking about?"

"Let's see, you and me's in a convalescent hospital. You were banged up and they couldn't find any relatives, so you're here."

"What are you doing here?"

"Me? Well, that's a long story, Mac. My kids got tired of taking care of their old man, so I got sent here. They could have sent me back home, but they afraid I was goin' to fall off da tractor again," laughed Bubba.

Wildwing laughed too.

"So where are your family, Mac?"

"I have no idea if I have any family. I can't remember who I am."

Bubba sucked on his teeth. "That's too bad, Mac."

"Clancy Barbital are you talking to yourself again?" asked an angelic semi masculine female voice.

"Why no Miss Terry. I have never talked to myself."

"Then who are you oh, hello."

Wildwing looked at the owner of the voice. He smiled at the nurse and tried to sit up.

"Wait, don't do that," she insisted as she rushed to his aid. She activated a small box attached to the arm of the bed and it raised the head of the bed. She stopped the movement when Wing was in a semi reclined position. "How's that?"

"Better."

"How's bout helping me with mine?" Bubba asked the nurse.

She spun around and placed her hand on her hip. "Mr. Barbital, you are more then capable of pushing that button for yourself!" she scolded.

"Ya see ma'am, in my old age, I'm startin' ta foget things. Which one is it again?" he scratched his head.

She rolled her eyes and huffed at the old man before walking over to his bedside to show him which button to press. Bubba winked at Wing before listening to the instruction on how to operate the bed. When the nurse was finished helping Bubba to a sitting position she left the room and returned with a tray of food. She placed it on the night stand nearest Bubba's bed before pouring him a glass of orange juice and setting out his medications. "Now what are we going to do about you?" She pondered aloud looking at Wildwing.

Wildwing looked around nervously, afraid that he had done something wrong. Had he offended her? Was he suppose to say something after she had helped him with the bed? Was there some traditional greeting he was unaware of? The nurse started to laugh and he gave another puzzled look. She nudged Bubba and he turned from his breakfast and saw Wing's perplexed expression. He gave a snort of amusement before turning to the nurse. "Now Miss Terry, it ain't polite to laugh at those who are utterly confused," he playfully scolded her.

"Did I miss something?" Wing asked.

"No. You just looked so silly. What would you like for breakfast?"

"I don't know. I'm not really all that hungry."

"Sure you are. Just because you are on an IV doesn't mean that you're not hungry."

Wildwing blinked at the term IV. He looked down and found a thin plastic hose taped to his hand. It was attached to a bag full of a clear liquid at one end and to a needle shoved into his vein at the other. "What happened to me?" he asked himself.

"You were hurt while hiking," Terry informed. "Don't worry. The broken bones will heal and you should be able to leave in a few months after your physical therapy."

"Broken bones?"

"Yes, your right leg, hip, and several ribs."

Wildwing sat back and tried to remember what happened. All he came up with was an empty space. His memory was a blank slate ready to be filled with new knowledge. He shook his head before speaking with frustration. "I can't remember."

"Don't worry. It will come back to you in time, if God so wills it."

*God?* Wing quietly pondered as the nurse left the room. *Who or what is God?*

***

The ducks slowly packed their belongings into boxes and loaded them into the aerowing. Tanya had upgraded Dragonus' dimensional gateway several weeks earlier and now they were going to go home. Nosedive sat in his room and tried to pick through his brother's belongings. He was going to have to choose only the important items to take back to Puckworld. The process was slow and painful. *Why Wing? Why you? Was it really worth loosing you?*

A knock came at the door and interrupted Dive's train of thought. "Come in."

"How's it coming?"

"Slow. Tanya, I don't see why we have to leave now. We still haven't found Wing."

Tanya knelt beside him and tried to help him understand. "Nosedive, I know you miss your brother. We all do. But we can't continue to hold onto a futile hope."

"It's not futile!"

"Dive, Wildwing's dead."

"He is not!" Dive protested and pulled away. "He's alive, I just know it!"

"Nosedive"

"Just leave me alone. You will get your way. I'll pack Wing's and my stuff. Don't worry about me. I'll live, even though you've sentenced him to DEATH!"

"Nosedive!"

"Just leave me alone! I don't wan to talk about it."

Tanya hung her head and let Nosedive be. He was too upset for her to get through to him.

***

Each day Wildwing's body became stronger. He was still plagued with pain when he tried to sit up, but that's what painkillers are for. Terry, Wildwing's nurse, would not only tend to his wounds, but she also became a very close friend. They would spend hours talking about different things, the weather, politics, the news, and God.

"Tell me Terry, who is this Lord God, you are always speaking about?"

"You haven't figured that out yet?" she laughed.

"No."

Terry turned to Bubba. "What do you think?"

"If you're thinkin' what I know your thinkin' then you had better think again. You may be able to talk to your boss into letting you take the both of you's out to the garden everyday is one thing. I doubt that he'll let you do what you want to do in this."

"He may, if I ask."

Bubba gave a muffled laugh. "You do not know him as well as you think. He will not agree."

"Would you like to go with me to church on Sunday?" she asked Wing.

He looked at Bubba and shrugged. "I guess. I don't see any harm in the request."

Bubba shook his head and returned to his television program.

***

"How's he doing?"

"He's convinced Wing's still alive," Tanya said mournfully.

"He's right you know," Duke said.

"What? How can you say that?"

"We don't know IF he's dead."

"What else could he be? We can't even find a body."

"Tanya, Wing will live on in our memories."

"You can't take away his hope, Tanya," Mallory joined the conversation.

"The odds that we'll find Wildwing are a billion to one, and the odds of him being alive are even smaller then that. We can't let Nosedive harbor a useless hope. He has to learn that life doesn't always go the way we want it to."

"I know that, Tanya."

"NOSEDIVE!" Tanya exclaimed in surprise as she tuned to find the teen behind her.

"I also know that no matter what the odds, I cannot give up on my brother. He would never give up on me. I'm not going back to Puckworld with you."

"But Nosedive"

"I've made up my mind. I'm NOT going back," Dive raised his eyebrows as he emphasized his words.

"Nosedive, this is ridiculous! How do you expect to live by yourself?" Tanya demanded.

"Here," Dive shrugged. "I'm pretty sure Phil will be ecstatic to have me stay and play hockey. I can't go back without Wing."

"What if you never find him?"

"Then I'm never going home. If Wing's dead, then he's dead. But I can't, won't go back without his body."

"Nosedive," Mallory said quietly as she placed her hand on Nosedive's shoulder. "Your right. We can't go back. Our mission is not completed yet."

"But I thought you said with Dragonus' death that it was completed?"

"That part, yes, but we can't go home until we have the entire team."

"Great," Nosedive rolled his eyes. "That means we have to find Canard too."

Mallory laughed with Nosedive.

"I will stay too," Grin said as he stepped beside the two laughing ducks.

"But Grin" Tanya protested.

"It's no use sweet heart. Their right, we can't go home without Wing. Alive or dead we have to find him," Duke said as he looked at Tanya.

"We're never going home," Tanya mumbled under her breath.

"Yeah, well at least we have each other," Dive smiled as he hugged Mal and Grin.

***

Sunday rolled around and Wildwing sat in his bed enjoying his breakfast and a comical conversation with Bubba.

"So ya see, Mac, it's not that important to be good lookin' but it's all in how you present yerself to the ladies."

"But like that,' laughed Wing.

"I was young and foolish, Mac."

"But like that!"

"It worked, Mac. Six months later I was sayin' I do' to my beautiful wife."

"What is she like Bubba? You never talk about her."

Bubba looked away and wiped a tear from his eye. "She was the best part of me, Mac. She was my mornings and my night. I still remember the day the good Lord took her home and left me to raise our children."

Wildwing looked down at his food, regretting the fact that he made his friend dig up the painful memories.

"Now Mac, she had a way in the kitchen I never saw in any other woman." Bubba picked at the food on his plate with his fork. "She could whip up the most tantalizin' things ya ever did taste. Like I always says, never trust a skinny cook'." He waved his fork with scrambled eggs on the end at Wing. "My Margaret may not have turned them city folk' heads, but she was all I needed. Now Ms. Terry, she's somethin' to look at!"

Wildwing smiled, "How so?"

"Mac, are you blind as well a numb noodle!? She may not be no Cindy Crawford or any bony runway model, but she's a true treasure."

"I thought you didn't like her?"

"What gave you that idea boy?"

"You are always fighting with her."

"Nah, that's how I let her know that she's needed. Most people treat her bad because she's what they call fat'."

"Fat! She's not fat. A little chunky in places, but not fat."

Bubba laughed. "Don't let her catch you sayin' them things. She'd tie ya up faster then you can say"

"Good morning."

"Mornin' Ms. Terry." Bubba inclined his head to the nurse.

"Hello Mr. Barbital. Hello handsome."

"Run boy, yer in fer it now," Bubba teased as Wildwing turned a bright shade of red.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, well almost. I need to finish breakfast."

"Go ahead, I have to go get the wheelchair. I'll be back in a flash."

Terry returned with the wheelchair and she placed it between the window and Wing's bed. "Hop in," she smiled.

Wing pulled the covers off, but did not get into the wheelchair. He was dumb struck at what Terry was wearing.

"What's wrong?"

"Your beautiful."

Terry blushed.

"I've never seen you in a dress before."

"Take a picture. It last's longer," she winked.

With Terry's help Wing made it to the wheelchair and they prepared to leave.

"Now you take it easy with him Ms. Terry."

"Don't worry Mr. Barbital, I won't do any wheelies."

"Watch out, Mac, she's a tricky one."

"Don't worry Bubba. I can take care of myself."

Bubba shook his head as the two left the room.

Terry borrowed the convalescent hospital's van to transport Wing to the church service. As she drove, she and Wing talked.

"So Terry, how come Bubba said you'd never be able to talk your boss into this outing?"

"My boss is an atheist."

"A what?"

"Atheist. Someone who does not believe in God, any god."

"Oh," Wing said disheartened.

"Don't feel bad, you don't know what you use to believe in. You may have had a very strong faith, why else can you explain why you survived this long."

"So your saying an atheist rejects faith, while someone like me has never had the opportunity to choose?"

"In a way."

They sat in silence watching the traffic pass by at the stoplight. When the light turned green Wildwing spoke again. "How did you talk him into this then?"

"I told him it was part of your rehabilitation. I figured that if you were given some stimulation, you might regain some of your memory. I told him I was going to take you shopping."

"Are you?"

"If you want to."

"All right."

"After church!" she said sternly as she parked the van.

"Of course. I already promised to come to church. Besides I want to know more about this God you keep talking about."

Terry wheeled Wing into the church entryway to find many of the congregation members conversing in noisy groups.

"Happy Sunday, Terry," came a male's voice off to their right.

"Happy Sunday, Pastor. I would like you to meet one of my patients."

"Hello Sir," The pastor greeted Wing with a handshake. "I hope the Lord will bless you with a speedy recovery."

"Thank you."

"Excuse me, but I have to go and prepare for the sermon. Enjoy the day and today's lesson."

"We will Pastor,' Terry smiled. "Let's go get a seat," she whispered in Wing's ear.

"Thanks, I already have one," Wing teased.

She smiled, ignoring the comment and pushed his wheelchair into the chapel. She found a pew near the front and sat down. Wing's wheelchair sat in the aisle next to her

"So when do we know when the service begins?" he asked.

"You'll know."

"Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, very dear friends of Jesus, welcome to our walk with God. If you are new here and are a guest for the first time do not worry. The spotlight will not be on you. All we ask is for you to enjoy the Gospel and the day Lord has blessed us with," said the announcer. "Let's open today's worship with a song of praise, will you please stand with me and sing Rock of Salvation'."

The congregation rose as the guitar player began to strum his electrical guitar. (yes this church has a rock band.) Wildwing attempted to stand up alongside Terry.

"What are you doing?" she hissed under her breath.

"Standing up. What does it look like I'm doing."

"But you can't."

"No, I can. You just don't want me to," he grunted in pain.

"Sit down. You are not suppose to be standing."

The congregation members, who were standing near enough to hear the whispered argument, turned and looked at Terry supporting Wildwing by his right arm. They saw the pain on his face and knew that he was trying his best to stand as he was requested to do. When the song was completed, the announcer asked everyone to greet his or her neighbor. A man came up behind Wing and placed his hand on his back.

"Good morning, Happy Sunday."

Wing turned to him and tried to smile through the pain. Terry was trying to force Wing back to his seat, but he wouldn't budge. Wing took his hand from Terry and extended it to the gentleman and almost fell.

"Whoa, are you all right?"

"No, he's not. Will you sit down already?"

"But"

"Here let me help you, Sir," the gentleman offered. When Wing was safely back in his mobile seat the sermon began.

The pastor spoke on the topic more to the love story then just Easter'. He talked about our lives and love stories of old. He specifically recalled the tale of a grandmother who passed away and her hidden memoirs found.

"The memoirs helped her children and grandchildren go back in time to learn about her and her husband. The memoirs are the source to help them relive the past. The Bible is our source of help to learn more about Jesus and his love story," the pastor said. "God wants you to know that there is more to the love story then just Easter. God, our father in heaven, wants us all to find his undying love for us. Let's pray." The pastor began a prayer for different members who were in need. Wing was surprised when there was a request for his speedy recovery. "Amen, Go in peace. God goes with you."

"Our walk is not alone," the congregation said in unison.

The service ended and Terry wheeled Wing back out into the lobby. "So what do you think?"

"Wow. That certainly was different."

"Different?"

"A band, people praying for those they do not know, a stranger offered to help"

"That's what spiritual living is about. To help others in need, whether we know them or not. It's about love and compassion."

"Hence the love story theme."

"Something like that. Would you like something to drink?"

"Sure."

"I'll be right back, don't go anywhere."

"Where am I suppose to go?"

"Stay there and out of trouble."

Wildwing gave her his best smile as she turned, shaking her head, to retrieve the refreshments. He silently laughed and sat back to watch the people mingle.

"Hello."

Wing sat up and looked around. He found an older woman smiling at him. "Hello."

"So you're the brave soul we prayed for today."

"Oh I wouldn't say brave."

"Disobeying Terry is brave, or maybe you're just stupid."

"Excuse me."

"I wouldn't tick her off. She's quite a fighter. Sweet and gentle, but also a hell of a fighter. She won't let a man get near her. But you already knew that, huh?"

"Um I guess so."

The old woman snickered. "Such an adorable one. No wonder Terry brought you to church. Gladis I think our Terry's a changed woman."

"Oh Nora, stop talking nonsense. You know as well as I do that Terry hates men."

The two older women walked off arguing about Terry and her sexual preferences. Wing suppressed a laugh and looked around. He spied the pastor a few feet away and rolled himself over to speak with him.

"Hello, Sir."

"Hello, Pastor."

"I trust you enjoyed the service."

"Yes I did, but I was wondering how I can learn more."

The pastor smiled. "There are many ways. I can give you a Bible," The pastor said as he handed Wing the mentioned text. "We offer Bible study classes and study groups. We have a program called faith comes by hearing'. There are"

"I'm sorry for interrupting, but I don't get out much. In fact Terry is taking a major risk by bringing me here today."

"Well Mr. I'm sorry I didn't catch your name."

"You can call me Mac. Bubba has been calling me that since I came to the hospital."

"Bubba?"

"My room mate. He loves to torment Terry. He's very opinionated, outspoken, odiferous, and quiet pungent."

"Really?"

"He doesn't care all that much for personal hygiene. He teases Terry all the time. I grew up round horse dung and cow manure. I've smelled worse then I do now. Be grateful I don't have to wear a diaper Ms. Terry.'" Mac tried his best to mimic Bubba's country accent.

The Pastor broke out laughing.

"It drives Terry crazy. He's a wacky ol coot."

"I'll arrange to have a special class set up just for you. For now you can start by reading that Bible I gave you. I'd start in Genesis and Exodus, then fast forward to the New Testament."

"New Testament?"

"Ask Terry. She's very well versed in scripture. I'll talk to you later, Mac."

"Thank you, Pastor."

"Mac?"

Mac spun around and found Terry standing with her hand on her hip glaring at him. "Hi Terry."

"Who is Mac?"

"I am."

"You remember your name?"

"No, but I figured that if Bubba can change his name, why can't I."

Terry knelt in front of Mac and took his hands in hers. "Look at me."

Mac, thinking this was some kind of game, smile at the brunette with wavy hair.

"Look at me! This isn't funny. You can't just make up someone and expect that it will fix all your problems."

"I'm not."

"Yes you are."

"Terry," Mac sighed. "Do you remember that one day in the garden you told me that sometimes we need to give up old things and just move on with what we have?"

"Yes."

"Well, I am. I can't remember my past for the life of me. I can't keep living like that. I have to move on. I don't know who I was, but I do know who I am now. I just found God and I would appreciate it if you didn't take him from me."

Terry blinked back tears. "Oh Mac, no one can ever take him from you once he's found his way into your heart."

***

Nosedive tossed and turned in his sleep. Visions of Wildwing falling to his death played over and over in his mind. It would all replay in slow motion. Wildwing would look down at the ground before looking up at him. The look of horror was unmistakable as Wing tried to reach out to his brother. The sound of The Chameleon laughing sent Dive off the deep end and he fired at him. One shot wasn't enough. He had to empty his blaster into the lizard. But Chameleon had to rob him of his revenge by falling to his death. The blood coursing though his veins pounded in his ears. The sound was deafening, yet he still was able to hear Wraith laugh his sickening laugh. He may not have been able to finish the Chameleon off, but Wraith was just as guilty as the others were. Dive turned and fired repeatedly at the dying lizard.

"Dive, NO!" called a voice far off in the distance. He turned, trying to find the voice, but no one was there. He turned back to finish off Wraith only to find that he was gone and replaced by Wildwing covered in blood- dying.

"Dive, no."

Dive tried to steady his hand and put the puck launcher away, but the harder he tried, the more his fingers compressed the trigger. "NO!" Dive screamed as the puck launcher went off and shot his brother.

Dive sat up and hit his head on the top bunk. He fell back to the bed and rubbed the injury. "Oww." Dive tried to go back to sleep, but the images haunted him even now. Dive swung his legs over the bed and sat up. Magic lay fast asleep at the foot of the bed. His screams of terror had not waken his little cat. This was torture. Magic always slept on Wing's bed, as he did now. When was this nightmare going to end?

Dive rose from the bed and headed to the kitchen. Maybe food could calm his nerves. Dive walked into the kitchen and turned on the light. He went straight to the refrigerator and opened the door. He was startled when he heard the scraping of chair legs being drug across the linoleum floor. He looked around the door and found Mallory sitting, chair pushed out, at the kitchen table.

"Dive, what are you doing up?"

"Couldn't sleep. You?"

"Same."

Dive closed the refrigerator door without getting anything to eat to go sit down at the table next to Mal. She watched him carefully as he sat staring off into space.

"Want to talk about it?"

"Huh?"

"Dive, you can't keep it bottled up inside. You need to talk about it," Mallory said as she placed her hand on Dive's shoulder.

"I was just thinking."

"Dive, I'm here anytime you need to talk." Mallory added as she stood to leave.

"Mal."

"Yes, Dive."

"I can't get it out of my head."

"What?"

"The look on Wing's face just before he fell. He reached out for me and I did nothing. I stood there and let him fall."

Mallory sat down, listening as he spoke. "Nosedive, there was nothing you could have done. There was nothing any of us could have done."

"Then why do I feel like it's my fault!" Dive slammed a fist against the table.

"If it's anyone's fault, Dive, it's mine."

"Yours?! But you were unconscious."

"If I hadn't let Siege throw me then I would have been able to help."

"Mal, you can't blame yourself."

Mallory smiled, "and neither can you."

"Oh fine, I'll stop blaming myself," Dive laughed. "But Mal" he added getting serious.

"No but's Dive."

"I killed Chameleon and Wraith."

"Dive"

"I did it out of hate and anger," Dive closed his eyes. "I'm just as bad as they were. Wing told me not to, but I did it anyway."

"I'm sure Wing would forgive you, Dive."

They sat in silence for over an hour. Mal broke the silence by reaching out to take Dive's hand. He looked down at the clasped hands before looking into her sparkling eyes.

"Mal."

"Yes, Dive."

"I don't know if I should tell you this."

"Tell me what?" She asked softly.

"I have a secret."

"A secret?" she smiled. "I hope it's a good secret."

"I guess it is. Wing told me that I was crazy when I told him."

"If you told him, then it's not really a secret, now is it?"

"I like you, Mal."

"And I like you, Dive."

"No, Mal, I LIKE you."

"Dive, that's sweet."

"Never mind you don't get it."

"Dive, I know what you said."

"You heard me, but you didn't listen. I LIKE YOU!" Dive looked at Mallory, but when her confused expression didn't change he waved her off. "Oh forget it."

"Wait, Dive," Mallory jumped to her feet and blocked the door so Dive couldn't leave. "I understand that you oh my."

Dive cocked his head to one side, confused by Mallory's actions.

"You like me?" She whispered.

Nosedive nodded.

"Dive, we can't. It wouldn't work."

"I knew I shouldn't have told you," Dive said in frustration, brushing past Mallory.

She grabbed his arm and pulled him back into the kitchen. He was about to shout his protests, but Mallory cut him off with a kiss. Dive pulled back, eyes wide and darting around wildly. Mal blushed a deep red and bowed her head. She took a couple of steps back and rubbed her right arm. This was truly and awkward moment for the two.

Dive thought about leaving, but he didn't. Instead he stood there looking at Mallory. The kiss had been rushed. Even through his astonishment, he enjoyed it. Dive stepped forward and lifted Mal's head up to face him. He would never know if she meant it or not unless he did this. Dive leaned forward slowly, tilted his head slightly and kissed Mal. He expected her to recoil, but she did not. Instead she pressed forward and wrapped her arms around his waist. The next thing he knew Mallory was in his arms and they were enveloped in a very passionate kiss that lasted some minutes. They only pulled apart briefly to take a breath. Mallory and Dive stood in the kitchen wrapped in each other's arms, laughing nervously.

"So what now?" Dive asked.

Mallory fixed her hair, "I have no idea."

"Maybe we should just stay friends."

"That's a good idea."

To be continued in Chapter 2

Smile, live, laugh, love and God Bless