-1Chapter 4- Depression

"Mom, are you still up?" looking up with tired eyes, all I could do was smile at her, my blonde haired, mature for her age, teenage girl.

"Yes, I am."

"You shouldn't be. You're still recovering yet you know."

"I remember dear. I'm just trying to help out Anemone, Dominic, and dad on their investigations, that's all."

"Still, you need to rest a bit more mom. Work on it later, alright?"

"Ok sweetie, I will." I replied tiredly as I got up from the living room floor behind our coffee table. "What are you doing up by the way?"

"Just getting a late night snack mom. Got kind of hungry." she giggled.

"Ok, but back to bed afterwards, understand?"

"I know mom." Maeter said with a warm smile. "I know the routine."

"Alright." I said with a smile as I turned off the living room lights. "See you in the morning."

"Okay mom." Walking out of the living room and into my room, all I could do was let out an exhausted sigh as I sat on my bed. Stretching out while trying to relax my tired joints and muscles, all I did was wonder if what I was doing was really worth the effort anymore. Everyone around me who was on the investigative team has been trying for the last four or five years to find Renton and bring him home to me, but everything we've done to try to accomplish that goal had ended in a cold trail. Each tip, each clue, every shred of evidence we thought would bring him back got us nowhere and back onto square one. It's been especially difficult since Dominic and Anemone have had to restore all the information we had back into the database. What hurt us the most on that was the fact that we found, or may had found, some home and workplace addresses for Sarah, but those unfortunately got lost in the hack, putting us even farther behind than what we had started with. From what Dominic had informed me, they may have to send out an investigative team to get information manually by foot in Gladiolus city since that's where the investigation is centered right now. As I changed out of my clothes and into my nightgown, I looked and stared at a picture that had always caught my breath and made me smile each time I looked at it. There at the alter before we walked back up the aisle after we were officially married, was me and Renton. Picking up the picture and holding it close to my heart, small streams of tears began to fall from my eyes before I went back to my bed and sat down. But before I could stop the tears, I collapsed onto the bed and began crying uncontrollably, my heart missing the man of whom I loved so much and yet, was still missing from my life.

A few hours later early into the early morning hours on the upper bunk above Maeter, Felicity tossed and turned, unable to sleep as worry and stress began to fill her mind. Finally unable to get comfortable, she climbed down off her bed and woke up Maeter, hoping she would ease her troubled mind. "Sis, you still up?"

"What do you want Felicity? I'm trying to sleep here."

"I'm worried."

"About what?"

"You should know the answer to that!" Felicity snapped back at her rather sharply. "Jeez, what kind of daughter are you?!"

"Sorry." Maeter sighed. "I know what you're talking about. And yes, I think we're all worried."

"I think mom more than anything though. I never thought she'd stop crying like she was."

"Mom's heart is in a delicate position right now Felicity. Any hardship that she faces is going to be tough on her right now. Even for us it's going to be rough. All we can do is take things day by day and see what happens."

"Do you think so?"

"I don't see any other options Felicity. I wish there were though."

"So do I. Hey, do you think we can help mom with anything?"

"Just with the little ones and the household chores Felicity. The less work she does right now the better. I just want to keep her off her feet and resting for just a bit longer."

"Is that possible though? You know how hard she likes to work for us."

"We'll have to make it possible Felicity. The easier she takes it, the better."

The next morning seemed almost solemn. As everyone tried to get going for the day, we all seemed tired, sore, achy, and somewhat slow in our movements. One look at the weather outside though quickly answered the questions as to why. Opening the curtains, all I could do was sigh tiredly before going into the kitchen to make breakfast for everyone. Outside though, the skies had opened up to a cold rain that would send a chill down anyones spine no matter how warm they were. There was the occasional rumble of thunder, but nothing else otherwise that I could see. After Maeter came out of her room after getting ready for school, she could only take a deep breath herself. Looking outside reminded her of the day that Justin had first left home. It was cold, rainy, and somewhat depressing as she, Justin, Hilda, and Matthieu had went to visit Justin's mothers grave so he could say his final farewell before leaving home. But right now wasn't the time to worry about that, let alone think about it. Coming into the kitchen as I got all the kids lunches ready, all she could do was smile at me to help her mother relax. "Morning mom."

"Morning Maeter. Did you sleep ok?"

"Yeah, other than the weather this morning of course."

"I understand sweetie. Is Felicity awake?"

"Yeah. She's in the shower right now."

"Alright. Can I ask you a favor and have you get breakfast going for everyone?"

"Sure mom. I've got it covered."

"Thanks dear. I appreciate it. Oh, morning Linck."

"Morning mom." he said grogilly. "Is breakfast ready yet?"

"I'm working on it now little bro." Maeter said with a smile. "I'll have it ready shortly."

"Alright."

"Is Timothy up for pre-school Linck?" I asked as I continued to make the lunches.

"Yes he is mom. He'll be out here shortly."

"Thanks sweetie."

"Morning mom!" Felicity said exorbitantly.

"Must you yell?" Maeter replied grumpily. "Some of us aren't quite awake yet as you can see."

"Not my fault sis."

"Well aren't we the happy one?" I giggled. "And a good morning to you as well."

"Thanks mom. Are the twins up yet?"

"Not sure. Can you check on them please?"

"Right on it mom!" she happily sang as she danced into Angelina and Marie's bedroom.

"What got into her?" Linck said with a groan. "How is it that's she's full of energy and we're not?"

"Probably because she got more sleep than the rest of us, I don't know." Maeter sighed. "But of course, she's always been an energetic child."

"Of course."

"Now kids, less complaining and more getting ready for school, got it?"

"Yes mom." Maeter and Linck both sighed.

"What a day to work." Anemone said with a tired groan. "Makes you want to take a day off, get back under the covers, and just sleep the day away."

"I understand how you feel sweetie." Talho said warmly as she handed Anemone a cup of coffee. "Anyone can feel that way on a day like this."

"Thanks mom. Yeah, you're right. At least Dominic got the day off."

"Consider that a lucky break for him. As active as he is right now, it's a miracle."

"That's true mom, but at least this time I can't yell at him for anything."

"Why not?" Talho giggled. "You have before."

"Because all the work he's doing is for the family, so I can't have a fit for him trying to help."

"Good point. My husband on the other hand, refuses to give up on things until he gets what he wants done."

"Hasn't dad ever heard of a 'vacation' before mom?"

"I wish. Maybe I should try to convince him of that sometime."

"Wouldn't hurt mom. Anyways, any new information regarding the investigation?"

"I've got some of my old information officers on the job right now. They'll be leaving within the next day or two to head to Gladiolus City and see what they can find."

"I just hope that Sarah isn't a step or two ahead of us again like she has been lately. If she is, we're in for one heck of a fight against her."

"That's what I don't get." Talho said with a heavy sigh. "How is she able to do that?"

"If we knew, I'd tell you mom. This pisses me off as it does the next person who's involved in this whole mess."

"You're right. Do you or Dominic have any connections with the information bureau that we can use or borrow?"

"I wish. Ever since the last war ended, we lost what connections we did have since they weren't needed anymore. I've tried making a few calls, but they said that unless it's for military purposes, we can't use them anymore."

"Well if that isn't just a punch in the gut. Have you tried anything else?"

"Every last connection that we had previously. There's nothing left."

"Perfect. Well, looks like we're on our own on this Anemone."

"Not completely mom. There's always those few souls out there who are willing to take their time and help us."

"I sure hope so Anemone. Because right now, we're not only running out of tips, but time as well."

Meanwhile at four fifty six Island Drive in a fairly large for it's size two bedroom apartment, a young and upcoming couple were trying their best to get going for the day. Avriana was in their bedroom slipping on her dress and putting on her shirt and sweater for the day while Maurice lay still and almost motionless in the living room on the sofa just about half asleep. Outside the rain still poured as the thunderstorm gained a little strength adding a little more lightning and thunder to the mix. Coming downstairs from the bedroom and into the living room, Avriana had to smile as she walked past Maurice as he lay half asleep on the sofa. "Maurice, time to get moving sweetie." she said in the kitchen. After several minutes without a reply, she only giggled as she figured that Maurice had once again fallen asleep as he usually did on school days. Going back into the living room with a gentle smile, she went up to Maurice to do her usual routine of getting him up and about. "Come on Maurice, you know you can't be making a routine of this." she said gently said as she shook him. "Maurice, you ok hon?" still with no response, she layed her hand on his cheek and noticed right away he was burning up. "Oh dear…you're burning up!"

"I-I'll be ok Avriana…" he replied while trying to sit up. "It's only…a fever."

"Oh no you don't! You're staying right there mister. And I mean with a blanket, medicine in your system, and plenty of fluids."

"Eh, go figure huh?"

"What do you mean Maurice?"

"Reminds me of the time you were sick on the Gekko." he said softly. "How's that for a memory?"

"It's one that I'd rather forget hon, though I still think it's wonderful how you cared for me at that time. I'll be right back with a thermometer to take your temperature. You just lay still here under the blanket."

"Yes dear." he chuckled lightly. "What about school? You still have to go."

"I'll get that taken care of hon. Now less talk and more rest."

"Of course sweetie. Yeah, I'll contact the school and tell them you won't be in today."

"Thanks mom, I appreciate it."

"No problem. Want me to come over just to check things out?"

"Could you mom?"

"Sure. I'll be there after I get Jordan dropped off to school."

"Ok mom. Tell the little bro I said hi."

"I will. See you in a bit."

"Okay mom. Bye now!"

"Bye." Nadia said before she hung up the phone. "Hap, dear!"

"Coming, coming." he yawned. "Can't a guy sleep in for once?"

"Funny Hap. I'll be going over to Avriana's after I drop Jordan off at school. Maurice is home and is burning up from what she told me. I'm going to check on him on the way home."

"Alright, thanks for letting me know. Is he ok?"

"I'll find out when I get there. Jordan, hurry up bud!"

"Coming mom!" he yelled from his room.

"Well make it quick! You're going to be late! Hap, there's breakfast in the kitchen for you. I've got the cereal and bowls ready to go."

"Cold cereal on a cold rainy day. Perfect."

"Well if you would get up in time like the rest of us, you'd get the hot breakfast."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Ready mom!" Jordan happily yelled as he ran down the stairs.

"Okay bud." she laughed lightly. "See you later hon."

"Drive safe." Hap said with a gentle kiss. "Say hi to the kids for me."

"I will. Alright, let's go bud."

"Okay mom!"

"Alright, mom is on her way hon."

"Thanks Avriana. I guess having your mom is the best person to call, isn't she?"

"Considering she's the doctor of our group, yes. That's why I'm happy to call her mom."

"I…guess I had better call my mom too. I'd hate to have the school call and tell her I'm skipping classes."

"I'll take care of that myself sweetie. You just lay here and rest until my mom gets here."

"Yes ma'am." he coughed lightly. With a gentle kiss to his cheek, Avriana got up and went back to the phone to call Eureka and let her know of the situation. As he laid there silently, he could only think of the day when they first took off after the second war against the rebel forces of whom always tried to stir up trouble in one way or another…

It was the day that we had first taken off from Bellforest and back into action, or so we had thought, but that's a different story. Me and Avriana had confessed our love to each other the day before, and that's a memory that I'll never forget, even to this day. But as we had began to fly along and survey the damage done to the areas around our hometown, the stress of the that current situation had gotten to her.

"Hey you guys, is everything ok?"

"Hey Talho. No it's not. I think everything that we're seeing down below got to Avriana."

"I see. Yeah, it is a sad sight out there. It's amazing how much damage the rebels caused during the last war."

"But why did they do it?" Avriana sobbed.

"It's really hard to explain dear." Talho said calmly as she sat down next to her. "Basically the rebels believed in their own cause and were willing to do anything to achieve what they thought was the only way of life, their dream for the world. But as they tried to achieve that 'dream', they didn't realize the damage that they were causing."

"Hey Talho, do you think that'll happen again?"

"Maybe Avriana. But thanks to you two, the earth was saved once again. But this time everything is unknown to us. We're on a whole new ship and may be facing a whole new enemy. We're not exactly sure yet what's going on. But just remember this, you've got a whole group of people here who love you dearly now, including the person sitting next to you. So don't let these sights get to you. Let them make you stronger. Show the world that you know you can make it better for all mankind, no matter what happens ok? As we said before, let your faith in a better future show you the way."

"Ok, thanks Talho."

Things after that didn't get much better. In fact, they got worse for the next couple of weeks as her health worsened, causing her to collapse and be in bed for days at a time. After she was healthy and back on her feet, I was unfortunately injured a while later, an accident, to this very day, I'm lucky I survived. As I recovered little by little though, I finally got to see how strong the love of my life is and how she, in more ways than one, grew up to be one of the most compassionate, caring, and loving people I've ever grown to love. In fact, she's the spitting image of mom other than her hair color and length. Smiling at that fact as I continued to watch her talk on the phone, I still couldn't believe how lucky of a man I had become. Each day had become special, each minute the best I had ever lived. Through the hardships, the war, my therapy, of which she still forces me to go to, even to this day, and now…dad, she's always been there for me no matter what. Though I may still limp around on a cane, her heart has always been devoted to me and me alone. "Maurice."

"Huh, wha?" I said groggily.

"Your mom is going to contact the school and then come down here to visit for a bit, okay?"

"Sure." I said softly. "I'm sure the twins will be with her then."

"Maybe, or she may drop them off with Diane, but she didn't say. But she will be here shortly, alright?"

"Okay hon."

"Good. Now get some rest and I'll make you some soup."

"Hurry up girls, we're going to visit your brother today." I said with a smile as my two youngest ones rushed around the house. "And don't worry about toys, you know Avriana has some over there for you."

"Okay momma!" they both yelled happily back at me. Giggling as I watched them, all I could do was shake my head and smile. Those two little munchkins were the lights of my life during these stress filled days. Each day with them though was a blessing with Renton still being missing from our lives. Glancing back over to our coffee table with all of the paperwork from the investigations sitting there, I had to wonder if there wasn't something more I could do for him somehow, that maybe if I hadn't let Renton go and take Sarah home, that he'd still be with me. Shaking that thought out of my head though, I was right all along. Sarah never would be able to give up on him, not as long as I lived. Just having her on the Gekko for that one certain amount of time should've proved that to me. But I let her kind personality and warm smile weaken whatever hold I had on him, and I think that's how she was able to finally get what she wanted. She knew my weak spot, the one thing that would break me and let him go. It was my heart, and how I, without myself even knowing, let her take advantage of it and let him go with her on that one fateful day. I was weak, naïve, blind, and unable to notice anything in front of me. That's one mistake I promised myself that I wouldn't make again. If anyone was able to bring Renton back and to where he belonged, it was going to be me. "Momma!!"

"Yes sweetie?" I softly replied as she knocked me out of my trance.

"We're ready!"

"Ok hon. Come on, let's go to the car girls."

"Yay!!" They cheered as they ran out the door. Giggling as I followed them out the door, the smell of the gently falling rain caught my senses and brought back yet another memory of which leaves my heart racing to this day.

"Oh geez, it had to be raining on our date, didn't it?" Renton sighed as he and I, a very pregnant with twins wife, walked out of a local restaurant.

"It's alright love." I giggled while I snuggled close to him. "We can always sit here until it ends."

"Hard to do considering the place is closing shortly dear."

"Where is the car parked at?"

"About a block down since the area has been packed since we got here tonight."

"Well how about we just walk? It's really not that far hon."

"Are you kidding?! We'll be drenched by the time we reach it!"

"I think it'll be kind of romantic. Come on!" and pulling him along by his hand giggling and laughing, we ran to the car acting like we were teenagers in love for the first time. When we got to the car, we were still laughing as we held each other tight, dancing to the music, which for some strange reason, was playing in the background. But right at that moment, I didn't care. I was with the one of whom I had loved so much in this world, and nothing would change that. "Renton, love?"

"Yes, my dear Eureka?"

"Thank you for a wonderful evening. It really was splendid."

"You're welcome. Now how about we drive home before we get sick?"

"Sure, but one more thing first."

"Oh, and what is that my dear princess?" and that was when I planted the same loving, passionate kiss that he gave me on our wedding day. "That, is what my love."

"I like." he chuckled lightly before giving me one more light kiss. "Now let's go home."

"Sure."

"Momma!! Come on momma!!"

"Coming kids!" I giggled. Getting into the car and starting it up, I could finally feel my self determination kick back in. Adjusting and looking into my rear view mirror at our two rambunctious and ambitious four going on five year olds, my determination quickly hit it's peak. If this was some sort of fight or war that Sarah was trying to pull, she was messing with the wrong woman. This was my fight with my rules from here on out. Whatever Sarah tried to pull, I was certain I would be able to repel those attacks and come back with ones of my own. She may have won one major battle, but it's the smaller ones that can come back and take you out without warning.

"Bellforest Military Base, Investigations unit, Dominic Sorel speaking."

"Yes, is this who I talk to regarding a Mr. Renton Thurston?"

"That depends. What kind of information do you have?"

"Well…I may have seen him."

"I've gotten calls like this before. Now before I go any further, do you or do you not wish to remain anonymous regarding the information you're about to give us?"

"I wish to remain anonymous, for the person he's with I'm good friends with."

"Okay…so why would you want to help Renton and not your friend?"

"Because I've known your suspect for several years now, and I don't want her to know that I finally decided to do the right thing."

"That's completely understandable ma'am. Now what kind of information do you have for us?"

"Him and the suspect are here in Gladiolus City. They own a four bedroom home while she works with me in a boutique shop and he owns the local hardware store."

"Owns it now, does he? Can I possibly inquire as to what the name of the place is?"

"It's the only one in town sir. Rodney's Hardware."

"Okay…and do you have an address for the home?"

"Seven sixty three lotus bloom lane."

"Alright. Now, we had some previous information telling us that Renton has several people who are closely connected to him. Are you able to tell us what that means?"

"Well…"

"Ma'am, any information you can give us now will greatly be appreciated, no matter how good or bad it is."

"I don't know if this information will help or not, but he and your suspect have three children together." Dominic's eyes shot open and his heart stopped for a brief few moments when that information hit his ears. Sarah had done it. She got her family with him, which was now going to throw a whole new set of challenges and hurdles at them, especially Eureka, of whom he was sure wasn't mentally prepared for this sort of situation. But none the less, it was there now and they had to deal with it. "Sir?"

"Oh, ah, yes. What are their ages?"

"I believe four, two, and not even I'd say…two or three months."

"Boys? Girls?"

"Three girls. Adrian, Faith, and Hope. And that's in the order of their ages."

"I see. Thank you. Is there any other information you can give us?"

"Nothing else sir. That's all I have at this time."

"That's fine ma'am. I thank you for your help and cooperation."

"Of course. Bye now." and with a quick click, the phone on the other line went dead silent. Dominic shook his head as he hung up his reciever as the news he had just received finally sunk into his mind. Renton, the man he grew to have a strong friendship with, and then became brothers with, had a new family to care for, but with the wrong woman. Most of all, he was sure more than anything that he had a different last name or alias that he was living under, which meant something more than Sarah just kidnapping him was going on. Jotting down the notes and opening his investigations file, he tried to think of a way of how to tell not only the rest of the family, but Eureka as well.

"What do you mean we found him?!" Anemone yelled happily that night after her husband had returned home. "Where is he?"

"Right where we thought he was hon. I even got the address to where they lived, the name of his business, and one other fact that is going to throw this whole investigation into dangerous territory."

"And what fact is that?" Holland sternly replied from the living room sofa. "Dangerous information isn't what we need right now."

"Well Holland, from what the informant that called me said, he and Sarah have a family of their own." Dominic then hung his head solemly and began to head towards the kitchen for a late supper when Holland said "A…family?"

"Yes." Dominic replied. "Three girls named Adrian, Faith, and Hope."

"Why would he do that though?"

"I wish I knew Holland, but something tells me that there's something more going on here now other than just a simple kidnapping."

"Did the informant give you his or her name?"

"No, they didn't. They wanted to remain anonymous."

"What for?"

"The informant is apparently a co-worker of Sarah's. She didn't want Sarah to know who ratted her out."

"I see. Do we have a search warrant to go recover him or search the properties yet?"

"I'm still working on that Holland. I should have it within the next day or two."

"Good. As soon as it's confirmed and in our hands, we'll head over to Gladiolus City and do a takedown. This time, Sarah won't win."

The next morning was I'd have to say the busiest morning I've ever had, but it was all in pure joy and excitement. We were all getting our things together, all the lights off, house cleaned until it shined, and getting our things organized. The reason: we were off to our vacation that Sarah had planned for us. The bags were packed, Jenny was getting the girls buckled down into the van we had rented, and me and Sarah were finally getting things locked up. "Sarah, hon, let's go! The kids are waiting!"

"Coming!" she yelled back as she came up from the kitchen. "Had to check on a couple of last second things."

"Well everything is alright, now let's go!"

"Alright, alright." she giggled as we walked out and locked up the house. "Jenny, are the girls all strapped in?"

"Ready and waiting mom! Now let's hit the road!"

"Well Renton dear, what do you say to a wonderful two week vacation away from it all with just me and the kids?"

"I say what are we waiting for?!" I laughed as I ran to the car. "Let's hit the road!" and with one more laugh from my wife, a turn of the key and the rev of the engine, we hit the road in search of some much needed rest and relaxation.

At the same time coming up the highway from the opposite side of town, away from where the now Matthews family was heading, Holland, Dominic, Anemone, and a small company of reinforcements were heading towards the home where they resided, anxious to hopefully bring Renton home and get Sarah into custody for the last time. Holland was in the back of the large cargo truck they had used in order to remain from suspicion until they arrived at the scene giving orders to the troops. "Okay, here's what we're doing. Dominic, you and four officers head to the back of the house and keep the back door covered as well as the rest of the back of the house. Us other five will cover the front while Anemone, you and the other four will check the house, clear it, and take into custody anyone you find. Is that understood?" Everyone nodded in unison, like an army ready to strike down anyone who stood in their way. "Good. This warrant is only good for today, so let's not screw this up, got it?" Everyone nodded in reply one last time, letting Holland know that they understood their orders. "Great. We arrive in ten minutes, so make sure you're all suited up and fully armed. We go in with force."

"Now this is something that my old mom would never do." Jenny said with a sigh and a smile as the wind from the open windows sailed past her. "Thanks for letting me go."

"You're our kid now Jenny, why wouldn't we?" I said with a laugh.

"True dad, that I am. So mom, where are we heading?"

"That's to remain a surprise dear. You'll just have to see when we get there."

"You're no fun, you know that mom?"

"I try." Sarah giggled. "Now just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride."

"Five minutes everyone! Lock and load!" Holland hollered. All that could be heard for the next few minutes was the strapping of Velcro, the cocking of guns, and the strapping down of helmets. Anemone quickly looked at her husband and her father, who both gave her a reassured smile and nod. Smiling back, she cocked her .9mm pistol and waited for the final command to move out.

"Nervous Eureka?"

"Yeah mom, I am." I said with a heavy sigh. "I hope they can find him."

"I'm sure they will hon. You just have to relax. Hopefully this time we can bring him home."

"I sure hope so mom. I need him in my life more than you could ever believe."

Signal left. Signal right. Quick nods as the officers followed their orders and surrounded the house. Anemone stood to the right side of the door as did the team she was leading. Giving the go ahead signal, Holland nodded and kicked open the door in what sounded like a bone crunching smash. He then back up to the left as Anemone's team rushed inside from the front while Dominic's team rushed in from the back. The A team took the upper floor while the D team cleared the lower floor as the H team cleared around the house and the garage. Within several minutes, everyone came out with lowered weapons with the all clear signal sounded. "Dammit!"

"It's ok hon." Anemone said softly. "It was just bad timing I guess."

"I guess we can't win them all, can we?" Dominic chuckled lightly. "Still, I wish it had been a successful operation."

"Well dad and his team went to check the store that Renton owns to make sure that was clear. They should be back shortly."

"Right."

"Sir!"

"What is it Jacobson?"

"We just found some evidence showing they live here sir."

"What did you find?"

"Bills, invoices for the business, and the family photos."

"I see. Well that confirms it then. Alright, here's what we're going to do. I want this house under twenty four hour, seven day a week surviellance until they return home. When they do, we can then move back in and take control of the situation."

"Aye sir!"

"Sis isn't going to like this when we get back home hon." Anemone said with a sad tone. "In fact, it may just make things worse."

"We have no choice dear. It's better that she finds out sooner rather than later when it's too late."

"So he wasn't there…" Eureka said sadly several hours later. "Were you able to find anything?"

"Yes, we were sis." Anemone replied. "And it confirmed our worst fears."

"What do you mean?"

"Hold on Anemone." Holland quickly chimed in as he rushed down from upstairs and into the living room.

"What's the matter dad?"

"Before you go breaking the news to your sister, we finally got the information that may explain a lot from Gladiolus City Memorial Hospital."

"Let me see dad." she replied as he handed her the files. Looking them over, Anemone's eyes shot open in utter surprise of the report. "That does explain a lot dad. How were you able to get it?"

"Search warrants hold the key Anemone. I was also able to find marriage and birth records as well."

"B-birth records?!" Eureka yelled. "How could he?! He's my husband! We already have seven kids! How could he possibly have more with her?!"

"Hold on sis." Anemone said calmly. "These medical records should explain a lot to us."

"How?"

"According to what is shown on these files, Renton was administered to their hospital on the night of that accident."

"I knew it!"

"Hold on Eureka, there's more. When he was, he was only known as Renton, with no last name being given. Apparently he was unconscious and severely injured when they showed up. He finally woke up, let's see…four days later with no memory of his past or who he was."

"How can that be Anemone?!"

"Let me explain sis. Apparently from what the diagnosis is, Renton, even with therapy and counseling, had a confirmed case of severe amnesia. So before you ask, that means he doesn't remember anything about us, his friends, or even his family. Everything that he's known or remembered is gone."

"Renton…"

"It also says that there may be a chance that those memories will come back, but they only gave him a thirty or fourty percent chance of that happening."

"Not very good odds if you ask me." Dominic sighed. "But it does explain a lot."

"How so?" Talho asked.

"It's easy Talho. When Renton's diagnosis was first confirmed, Sarah used it to her advantage. After Renton was released from the hospital, she had him live with her so she could strengthen her relationship with him. So using the amnesia to her advantage was the last hope Sarah could ask for, and it worked."

"Exactly!" Anemone said excitedly. "With no memory of his past or family, she created her own background story that she could brainwash him with to make him think they've always been friends."

"And to add on to that," Talho chimed in. "when it worked successfully, he was able to fall in love with her like she wanted and whammo, instant marriage and kids."

"Not only that, but a new house and his own business as well." Eureka said sadly. "Just like he has here at home."

"Sounds like she copied the life he lived here over there in Gladiolus City so that way she could live the same lifestyle that Eureka does."

"Taking advantage of an illness, how absurd." Holland growled while he rocked in his leather recliner. "So that explains why we couldn't find him until now. His last name was never known to anyone there, so when they got married…"

"Sarah had him take her last name!" Eureka yelled. "So it's not Thurston, it's Matthews!"

"How could we miss that?!" Dominic yelled. "Be right back everyone. I need to make a phone call!"

Katherine Matthews. Five and a half feet tall, brunette hair, brown eyes, and probably the same amount of love and caring that Eureka always had for others. The mother of two, Jacob Matthews, and the infamous Sarah Matthews, the older sister. For the countless years, she's worked hard as a widowed wife to raise her son and daughter to let them be the best that they could be, but unfortunately Sarah went into a dark direction that she feared would take her down a dangerous path, and it did. To that very day she had mourned the loss of her daughter, of whom she believed had perished in on that one terrible night and was never found. But with the love of her friends and all the others from GekkoState, especially Eureka, she got by each day with little difficulty while still hoping that Sarah would be found someday. But on this day, she would get the news she was waiting for, though in a way, not how she wanted it. "Matthews residence, Katherine speaking."

"Katherine, this is Dominic Sorel calling."

"Dominic, good to hear from you again! How's the family doing?"

"Good to hear from you too." Dominic chuckled. "And the family is doing great. Thanks for asking."

"Well you're very welcome Dominic. So for what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

"I'm calling in regards to the investigation concerning Renton Thurston and your daughter, Sarah."

"Oh, I see. How is it coming along?"

"Are you sitting down?"

"Yes I am. Why, what's wrong?"

"We finally got the major break we've needed for a long time Katherine. And it's come up to be a big one."

"I see. Did you finally find Renton?"

"Better than that. We found both of them."

"What?!" She yelled cheerfully. "Do you have them?! Are they with you?!"

"Unfortunately no. There's more going on with them than what we thought. Are you busy this evening?"

"No, I'm completely free."

"Excellent. You remember where our residence is, correct?"

"But of course."

"Good. Can you be here sometime tonight then? We'll give you all the details when you arrive."

"I'll get Jacob and we'll head over right away. Give us about twenty minutes."

"Sounds great. See you soon."

"Alright. Bye now."

Twenty minutes later as promised, Katherine, with her son Jacob at her side, arrived at the Novack and Sorel residence nervous and yet excited to hear what she hoped would be the happy news that Sarah and Renton would soon be home. But as she was soon to find out, it was going to absolutely different from that fact. With one more deep breath, she rung the doorbell and then looked down to Jacob with a warm smile, letting him know that everything was okay. "Katherine!"

"Eureka, sweetie, it's good to see you again!" Katherine replied with a smile and gentle hug. "How are you feeling after your hospital stay?"

"Still a little weak on some days, but doing a lot better thank you."

"Wonderful to hear dear. Talho, Holland, looks like you're doing well."

"That we are." Talho said with a smile. "Want me to get you some coffee?"

"Could you please?"

"Sure. I'll be right back in a few minutes."

"Thanks. My, all of the kids have grown quite a bit, haven't they?" Katherine giggled as she hung up her and Jacobs jackets in the hallway closet. "They grow so fast these days."

"That they do." Anemone said with a warm smile. "Almost makes me want to have another one they grow so quick."

"Isn't that the truth." Dominic chuckled. "Katherine, I'm glad you could make it."

"Same here Dominic. So what did you need me for?"

"Follow me into the dining room. We'll explain everything there."

"Alright. Jacob, you stay in the living room and play with the other kids, okay?"

"Okay mom." Jacob said happily.

"Alright. Lead the way Dominic."

Almost one hour later after a slew of what felt like a massive information overload concerning the investigation and what had finally been found out about Sarah and Renton, Katherine was somewhat in a mixed mood state of mind. For one, she was elated that her missing daughter of several years had finally been found and was completely safe and happy. But moreso, she was highly upset and stressed at what Sarah had been up to up to that very moment concerning Renton. From taking advantage of his recouperation, his amnesia, and then finally getting him to a point where she wanted by them getting married and having kids, it was all a blur as the reality came crashing down as to what had to happen next. Granted, she wanted grandchildren someday, but definitely not in this way or fashion. But now, none the less, no matter what happened, she now had an extended family to look after. Looking to Eureka who was sitting beside her, she put her arm around her and gave her a gentle embrace. "It'll be alright Eureka, we'll make sure that Renton returns to you. He belongs with you, not my insane daughter."

"Thank you Katherine. It feels good knowing you're working with us."

"Sweetie, after what she's done to you and the rest of your family, I couldn't work with anyone else. Though, we are somewhat related now due to Sarah's persistence."

"Yes, we are, aren't we?" Eureka replied with a slight smile. "I'm just sorry that it had to be like this."

"So am I Eureka, but I still couldn't ask for a better family to be related to than you guys." Looking into Katherine's eyes, Eureka sighed a breath of relief as they got back to the meeting knowing that Katherine was on their side. "So Holland, what are we going to do to bring my daughter back down to a level that she needs to be on?"

"We're trying to get a surveillance order placed on the house right now to keep an eye on it, but so far we haven't heard anything yet on whether or not it's been approved. Other than that, we're stuck at a dead end. We have all of the work records, business records, marriage records, birth records, hospital records, and just about anything else we could find on them. The only thing we can do now is let time take it's place and hope we can catch them when they are least expecting it."

"Do you or anyone else know where they're at right now?"

"Unfortunate no." Dominic said with a sigh. "All we know is that they went on vacation sometime before we showed up. We're having any damage to the house that we did repaired as to not raise any suspicion that we were there. After that, like Holland just said, we let time take it's pace before we finally catch them."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"One thing." Anemone said with a tone of tiredness in her voice. "Hope and pray that this ends soon."

At the same time at a small diner that looked like you had stepped back in time when you walked in, two teenagers were behind the counter catching their breath after a hectic night of working. "What a night…"

"Something wrong Maeter?"

"Just tired, that's all Avriana. Work tonight was busier than usual."

"I know. My feet ache so bad it's ridiculous."

"Order up! Table eight!" the cook yelled from the kitchen.

"Got it! Be right back Maeter."

"Sure sis." I said with a depressed sigh. Looking up at the clock, all I could do was watch as the seconds slowly ticked by, that us until our boss knocked me out of my trance.

"You ok kiddo?"

"Oh, hey Margie. Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit tired, that's all."

"Well just hang in there sweetie. You've only got another thirty minutes to go."

"Yeah, thanks."

"How's your family doing? I haven't heard much from you lately."

"Still the same. We're all tired, burnt out, and I think just about stressed out as well. If things don't get better soon, I have a bad feeling the world is going to come crashing down on us."

"Come now Maeter, don't be so glum sweetie. Granted yes, you and your family are going through a rough time, but that doesn't mean you have to look at things so negatively."

"I know, but it's still tough not to."

"Listen hon, you have to brighten up, keep a smile on your face, and never give up the fight. You've got an amazing family, a wonderful fiance, and the best group of friends I've ever seen in a long time. What would make you think that things are coming to such a rough end?"

"Just everything that's happened really."

"Well keep that cute little chin of yours up darling. Things will get better, you'll see."

"Thanks Margie. I will."

"Good. If you can, I'll let you have the easy job of wiping tables before you leave. Hopefully that'll help pass the time."

"Sure, I've got it covered."

Later on that evening after work, I sat at my desk in our room doing homework and listening to some music that by all means, relaxed my nerves in an instant. Sitting back in my chair as the music continued to cleanse my soul of everything around me, I began to wonder if Margie was right. I know I helped mom a great deal, I worked hard myself, maintained good grades in school, and always tried my best at everything I did. Yet without dad, I still felt lost and somewhat empty inside. It made me begin to wonder what everything was all about these days. "Maeter?"

"Oh, hey mom. Need something?"

"Nothing at all dear. I heard the music you were playing and wanted to hear some of it."

"It is relaxing, isn't it mom?"

"Yes it is. But I could also tell you were thinking about something."

"You're right mom. I can pretty much tell that you know what I'm thinking as well."

"Your father."

"And she guesses right." I said with a smile. "Speaking of that, how did the search warrant go?"

"Everything went well, yet not so well at the same time."

"What do you mean mom?"

"You better relax dear. What I'm about to tell you is going to shock you."

"EEEEEHHHH?? Sisters?!"

"That's what she told me Avriana." I said softly at work the next day. The shock of the situation had yet to settle into my mind, but I knew the reality was there and that there was no way of changing it.

"Boy, Sarah's got her claws in him and good too. What do they plan on doing?"

"Not sure yet. Yet even I don't know what I'm going to do. I've already got plenty of siblings to watch over, and now…I've got even more." I sighed heavily. "What is Sarah up to?"

"I don't know, but she's definitely putting up one heck of a fight."

"Not only that, she's won the biggest battle of them all."

"Order up, table three!"

"Got it Frank!" I yelled back at him. "I'll fill you in more later."

"Okay sis."

"What do you mean we can't get a surveillance order?!" Dominic was yelling on the phone at his office. "We need that in order to find out when they come home!"

"I'm sorry Mr. Sorel, it's beyond my control right now. The Gladiolus City police refuse to cooperate."

"But we've got our own men! Who said we needed them in the first place?!"

"I'm sorry. All you can do is appeal the ruling and take it from there."

"Yes your honor. Thank you." and he hung up the phone. "Dammit!"

"That's what happens when you try to work with outside sources." Anemone said with a gentle smile. "How about you let me try now?"

"Give it a shot hon, but I can almost guarantee you won't get anywhere."

"Watch and learn dear."

"HOLLAND! Come down here quick!" Talho yelled from their living room the next morning. "We just hit a major snag!"

"What?" he replied while coming downstairs in his robe. "That's the last thing I want to hear right now."

"Look at todays headline in the paper!" Taking the paper from his wifes hands and opening it, his eyes shot open like he had just seen a ghost. "See, what did I tell you?"

"H-how can this happen at a time like this…?" Holland stuttered as he looked at the main headline.

JUDGE THOMAS SMITHERS MURDERED!

Body found in his office by janitorial crew last night as they were cleaning the building.

"What do we do now? It says in the article that this was no ordinary murder. From what they've found so far, it was a professional hit."

"That means someone is on to us, and that they know how close we are to finding Renton and Sarah. If they knew who the judge was that we were working with, that means they know where we are as well."

"What did I tell you, you idiot!" Sarah sneered on a pay phone to her contact that same morning. "Are you trying to get us caught?!"

"Mrs. Matthews, I don't think you understand the situation that you're in."

"I understand plenty enough, but I did NOT give you permission to hurt or kill anyone! That wasn't part of the deal! Do you not understand that yourself or are you just that brainless?"

"I do what I can to keep you and your family safe and undercover. If that means hurting or ki…"

"Hurting and killing anyone means EVERYTHING to me you fool! That man, like me, probably had a family and loved ones to watch over, and you just took him from that! How would you feel if I did that to you?!"

"But Mrs. Matthews, I…"

"No 'buts' you bumbling fool! From here on out, your services are no longer needed. I'll take care of things on my own."

"But…"

"You're fired. Good day." and with that, Sarah slammed the reciever on the phone and left. "I can't believe he did that! That poor man. But I can't let this get to me. I still have a big fight ahead of me, and it'll probably get rough from here on out. Oh well, no matter, I'm going to win this one, no matter what it takes."

"Novak residence, Holland speaking."

"Mr. Novak, this is Judge Melissa Gordon calling from the Bellforest judicial building."

"Ms. Gordon, how can I help you?"

"I was just calling to tell you that from here on out, I will be working with you on your case concerning Renton Thurston and Sarah Matthews."

"Thank you your honor. I'm sure the loss of judge Smithers was a great loss to all of you. I give my condolences to you."

"Thank you Mr. Novak. He was a great man who will be missed and cherished a great deal. But that's why I want to work with you on your case load."

"Do explain your honor."

"I've been following your case ever since Mr. Smithers took it on, and it's interested me a great deal. So I'd like to continue the case and hopefully bring it to a quick and peaceful conclusion."

"That's greatly appreciated Ms. Gordon. I thank you for your time in wanting to help us."

"It's really no problem Mr. Novak. In fact, it'll be my pleasure. Now the last thing I have here, a request for a surveillance permit was, for reasons unknown, denied by him, correct?"

"That's correct ma'am."

"Alright. I'll have that order reversed right away and you'll have your permit in your hands either tonight or first thing tomorrow morning."

"That's appreciated your honor."

"It's really no problem. I have a feeling it's going to be quite the adventure working with you."

"I feel the same way ma'am. I had best be going though your honor. I've got to get to work and a military base can't run itself."

"Of course Mr. Novak. If I need anything else, I'll give you a call there."

"Sounds good. Thank you again and have a good day."

"You too Mr. Novak."

"Well, it looks like we have a new ally." Holland said as he hung up the phone. "And by the way she sounds, she won't give up without a fight as well."

"Good dear." Talho said with a smile. "We could use someone like her."

"We all could right now."

"Welcome back dear." I said with a gentle smile as Sarah came back into the living room of our hotel room. "Is everything alright?"

"Just fine love. Where are the kids?"

"Out with Jenny burning off some energy."

"Sounds like they're going out to have some fun." she giggled. "Why didn't you go out with them?"

"What? And leave the most beautiful wife in the world sitting at home alone? I couldn't even fathom doing that."

"Oh Renton…" Sarah said softly. "Why was it you that always had to be so gentle and warm towards me?"

"Well if I wasn't, I wouldn't be a proper husband, now would I?"

"I guess not. Now, what shall we do today?"

"How about a nice stroll through town sound? Just me and you."

"I think that'll work hon. Let us go, shall we?"

"We shall."

Late that night as everyone slept, Sarah sat restlessly in the bay window of their room, pondering if what she had done in the past was really worth everything that she now had in her life. She had Renton, three, no, four wonderful girls, an amazing home, a thriving business, and a life that not only she, but the others as well, could only dream of. But through all the hardships, pain, laughs, tears, and the births of their three girls, she couldn't dream of being with anyone else other than Renton. With the same hair, soft blue eyes that screamed 'family man', and the same personality, which to this day, still surprised her to this very day even after the accident, she wouldn't trade him for anything in world. He was hers now. He was her life, her everything, the one thing that actually made her feel whole when he was around her. While she watched everyone sleep, she could only smile as a warm, comfortable sensation went through her body. To her, it was the feeling of love, of family, and the love and caring that she received through all of them through the last four or so years. But as she turned back to look at the stars above her, the thought of the judge that had been unfortunately killed rang back into her mind. It was a mistake, a horrible mistake that she knew outright that shouldn't have been made, no matter what the circumstances were. She only paid to keep everyone off their backs so that they could live peaceful lives, not to start an all out holy war against those who looked to harm her and take her back into custody. But now she felt, it was too late for that. Her plans had taken a devastating blow. With one death, she was sure that there may be others who followed if things didn't back to the way they were, how they should be, how she wanted them to be. "Now…" Sarah thought as she went back to lay down by her husband. "I have to think of a new way to keep us safe and hidden by those who are now my enemy."

"James! Keep an eye on Jessica, could you please?" Gidget said the next evening.

"Sure Gidget." Doggie chuckled. After the second war, James and Gidget had finally settled back into their lives at home in Bellforest. Jessica was in school with the twins Sara Jo and Lisa Marie, Stephen, and Felicity, and James and Gidget were finally able to work full time back at their shop as they tried to keep the sport of reffing alive in their home town. They of course kept in contact with everyone, especially with the whole Renton situation. "Jessica, are you bugging your mom again?"

"Of course not dad!" she giggled. "Why would I do that?"

"Because you're taking too many lessons from Felicity, that's why."

"Well…"

"Gotcha kiddo."

"Oh dad." Jessica laughed as she ran into the back of the shop.

"And no running!" he yelled before letting out a tired sigh. "That girl, I tell you."

"Spitting image of you Doggie."

"Hilda, Talho! Welcome! What brings you down here?"

"Just stopping by to say hi." Talho said with a smile. "How are things going?"

"Keeping busy as always. How about your end?"

"That answer you should know."

"Roger that. Anything new otherwise?"

"Better hang onto your belt Doggie." Hilda replied. "We're about to knock your socks off into next week."

"So that's what's going on now. Poor Eureka." Gidget said sadly after the lateset news had been told to them. "How is she holding up?"

"So far, so good." Hilda said with a heavy sigh. "But that's about all we can say right now for all of us. From here on out, it's going to be a rough and bumpy road."

"Hasn't it been already?"

"It'll probably get worse after this Gidget." Talho said sternly. "Which is why we decided to gear up the crew again."

"Another war?!" James yelled in shock.

"No Doggie. We're going to use the entire crew to help bring this whole thing to an end once and for all. How or when we'll be able to do it, I don't know. But it's gone on long enough. We have to stop Sarah before she causes any more havok."

"Well count me in then Talho. Renton is part of our family, so let's keep it that way."

"Right on little brother."

Back at the Thurston cabin, after another busy night at the diner, Maeter and Avriana collapsed onto her bedroom floor tired and exhausted, yet still smiling happy to be off and home. Avriana had decided to spend the night since she hadn't in a while just so she could visit Eureka and the rest of her family. Felicity, who walked into their room and shook her head at the scene that lay before her, smiled until she finally got an idea of her own and ran out of the room. "Maeter, what is your little sister up to?"

"Not sure Avriana. I'm too tired to get up and move to find out." she giggled.

"I second that motion." Avriana said with a light laugh of her own. "But of course, you know…" and that was it before a splash of ice water covered both of them like a drenching waterfall, forcing them to both jump to their feet. "FELICITY!!"

"Time to wake up you two!" Felicity laughed as she ran down the hall and outside.

"You're dead little sis!" Maeter yelled as she charged after her. "No little sister of mine does that and lives to tell about it!"

"I agree!" Avriana said as she followed.

"Oh my…" Eureka said with a smile as she watched the three run and laugh around the front yard. "It's been a while since I've seen them that happy."

"The same goes for all of us mom." Linck said softly next to her. "But I think Maeter needed it more than the rest of us."

"I agree dear, more than you'll ever know." and as she, Linck, and the twins continued to watch the three tear through the yard in a mix of laughter, yelling, and two drenched teenagers, Eureka finally felt that this was the first step towards a new and brighter future as a family.

A/N: Sorry for the wait everyone. Had a lot going on as always. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this new chapter. It was kind of a depressing one, but that was the point of it. A another new twist or two kept things interesting though. Makes you wonder what's going to happen next, doesn't it? Well, does it? Come on now, don't make me have to come find you...