A/N: So, I don't usually respond to reviews in my author's notes, but:

Guest: I know. It was weird. I do believe that this one will be much better, though.

…oOo…

Douglas often checked the rearview mirror on the drive home from the hospital, and it wasn't because of the early-January ice warning. He was sure he was grinning like an idiot at his wife and newborn son in the backseat, but he didn't care.

It was during one of his checks that the other vehicle seemingly came out of nowhere and T-boned into the driver's side of the car, sending it flying into the side of the road and pinning it against a cement wall. Douglas would always curse himself for not being smart enough to stay focused on the road.

He blacked out momentarily, then woke to see sparks splattering the hood of the car. "Kaitie?"

"Nnh...?"

"Kaitie?"

"Oh, my God," came the reply as Chase started crying.

"Are you okay?" Douglas whispered, trying to remain calm.

"Just a little scratched up. We both are."

"Okay, I think we hit a telephone pole. I can get out, can you?"

Kaitie jiggled the handle. "No, I can't. The other car's in the way - pinning the door shut."

"Okay. Do you have your phone?"

"Yeah."

"Call 911, I'll try to move the other car and get you out." Douglas hopped out of the car, sparing an angry glance at the other driver before walking around to the other side and trying to move the car.

"Holy crap," the driver yelped, coming to. "I'm so sorry!"

"Shut up and help me get my wife and son out," Douglas snapped.

The two slaved for quite a while. Every time another spark touched the car, Douglas' breath would catch in his throat, and he would mumble encouragement to his family. But ultimately, he collapsed against the side of the car, as the other driver made his way down the road to lookout for the emergency responders.

"Kaitie?" Douglas asked quietly. "I can't move it. I'm not strong enough."

"It's okay, Douglas. I can hear sirens coming. But I think I can roll down the window, and I want you to take Chase."

"Okay."

The window rolled down, and Kaitie very carefully passed Chase to Douglas with a kiss on the forehead.

Douglas nodded and rushed Chase to the now-pulled-over emergency vehicle and handed him to a paramedic. "My wife is still in there!" he shouted, running back. He had nearly made it when the gas tank ignited, knocking him off his feet. "No!" He stumbled to his feet, earnestly searching the flames, even as tears ran down his face.

...oOo...

A/N: You already knew the mom was going to die - Lab Rats is a Disney show, and I don't mess around with pre-show most-likely-canon too too much...

I imagine Adam and Bree are at the house with a grandparent in this chapter. After me (I'm second of five), that's what my parents did. We didn't get to see the new baby until s/he came home.

So, yeah. This chapter was actually hard for me to write. I knew Kaitie was going to die, and I knew it had to be in a way that gives Douglas someone (or multiple someones) to blame, as well as reason for Adam, Bree, and Chase's powers. But I don't actually like causing characters pain - it's just a necessity of the job.

Next chapter will jump around a bit. There'll be a paragraph or two of story, then it'll be tracking Douglas' thought processes through his turn to the Dark Side and the bionics' creation.

It will also be the last chapter.

Wow, I think this might be my longest A/N in any story I've posted. On that note, shutting up. Who wants to do the review notice?

Little Adam, Bree, and Chase: Me!

Me: Only one of you can do it.

Adam: Well, you killed Mommy, and I'm the only one who remembers her, now, so!

Me: Guilt-tripper, much?

Chase: There are three or four parts to the review notice. We can go in age order. You first, Adam.

Adam: *nods* What's my line, again?

Chase: *whispers to Adam*

Adam: Right. Hope you enjoyed, please review!

Bree: Flames are never welcome!

Chase: But constructive criticism will always be considered!

Thanks for reading! See you next update!

-River

P.S. I GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL TODAY! Honestly, I don't feel that different.