CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

FEARS AND FEELINGS OF FAILURE

Norm looked at the M.E.R.F. agent's array of vehicles and weapons. He saw the giant kitchen sink that apparently these agents were going to launch into the Darkness. The genie just shook his head.

"They're throwing everything in plus the kitchen sink," said Norm, "this town has got the worst puns."

"Well," said Jorgen, "regardless we've got to stop them. The Darkness might be able to survive those weapons, but those three kids might not."

"Well," said Cosmo, "what are we waiting for. Let's do this."

"You're going to need my help," said a very familiar voice behind them.

The group turned around and saw the last person they expected to see.

"Mr. Crocker?," said Tootie.

Inside the Darkness, Timmy Turner began to stir. He was slowly regaining consciousness. He must be waking up. Good. He had just had the worst nightmare. The Darkness had taken him, Chester and A.J. He was glad the dream was over. However, when he opened his eyes, it was still dark and very cold. He, also felt two hands; one gripping his right arm another his left.

This was no dream. The Darkness had come back. Timmy felt a wave of horror and heartbreak wash over him.

"I've failed," he said to no one in particular, "the Kindness turned back into the Darkness."

The boy choked on his words and then said,

"I was right the first time the Darkness came; I am a bad choice. I'm the worst Chosen One ever."

Then he heard A.J.'s voice.

"Timmy, stop that. Like I said before, people have called you a loser and stupid for so long that I think you still believe it on some level. You are not a loser."

"Yeah, dude," said Chester who was apparently on his right, "Listen to A.J. The ones who have called you that are truly the losers."

Jimmy Neutron stared at the small child before him.

"Your name is Timmy?," asked Jimmy

"Timmy" nodded.

"Timmy what?"

The boy looked a little scared and said,

"I'm not s'possed to talk to strangers."

"Well, all right, how about this," said Jimmy, "I'll tell you my name. Then we won't be strangers anymore."

"'Kay," said the boy.

"My name's James Isaac Neutron, but my friends call me Jimmy."

"My name is Timothy Tiberius Turner, but my friends call me Timmy."

"Tiberius?," asked Retroville's genius who furrowed his eyebrows.

"Are you gonna make fun of my middle name," said "Timmy" who seemed to withdraw further into the blanket.

"No," said Jimmy, "it's a good, strong name."

This seemed to make the small boy feel better and he seemed to be letting his guard down. Jimmy took all of this in. The child certainy acted like Timmy Turner. The fact that the young genius had gotten "Timmy" to talk to him without much effort reflected Turner's trusting, some might say gullible, nature. This didn't make any sense, though. Timmy was eleven and this boy before him was clearly much younger. At the most he was eight, although Jimmy doubted this boy was even that old.
"How old are you, Timmy?,"asked Jimmy.

"I'm seven."

Jimmy was thoughful for a minute. Had Vlad and Anti-Cosmo done something to Timmy Turner like making him younger. Or did they go back in time and bring a younger version of Timmy up to the present. Right now, Anti-Cosmo and Vlad were unconscious and confined. The Anti-Fairy in a butterfly net and Vlad in what looked like a magically enhanced cell so he couldn't really ask them right now. Even if they were awake, Jimmy still doubted they would tell them. Jimmy, though, had a theory as to what this Timmy was. He'd have to examine him. However, he noticed that the little boy was still very scared. Regardless of what or who this boy really was, he clearly believed he was Timmy Turner and he was in a strange place that he didn't understand. Jimmy knew he needed to reassure him everything was all right. Jimmy had an idea.

"How'd you get here, Timmy," said Jimmy.

"Timmy's" lip trembled and he said,

"I dunno. I was playing tag with my friends Chester and A.J., then everything went blank and now I'm here."

The boy then started crying.

"I want my mommy and daddy."

"Sheen is on planet called Zeenu. I sent the rocket he was in out there far beyond the charted regions of your universe," said Bitteroot.

"I trust you have the charts in the computer," said Cindy.

"Yes, child," said Alden, "now, are you allow me to go back to my regular younger appearance."

"Perhaps," said Cindy, "but just answer me one thing. What did you mean when you told Jimmy it was too late for Sheen."

"I gave orders to destroy him to a native of that planet named Dorkus," replied the wizard.

"Well then," said Cindy, "I suggest you contact this Dorkus and tell him to abort the plan."

Bitteroot furrowed his brow a bit. He looked like he might refuse. Cindy, then, picked up a broom and dustpan.

"Remember what I said you nasty old thing," said Cindy, "I can make you a pile of living dust. Do you have any idea what it would be like to be swept and have those dust particles separate while you're still very much conscious."

"All right," said Bitteroot, "There's a transmitter over there. It's a direct line to Dorkus."

"Very good," said Cindy, "I thought we could come to an agreement."

"Crocker," snarled Norm, "how can you help us. By using one of your lame plans."

"You don't understand. I have to help you," replied the humpbacked teacher.

"And why do you have to help us," demanded Jorgen in his thick Austrian accent.

"Because M.E.R.F.'s equipment and weapons have an anti-magic shield around them," said Crocker.

"Oh really," said Trixie, "and how do you know this?"

"Because I'm the one who gave them the anti-magic shield."

"Guys," said Timmy, "look I appreciate what you're trying to say and I know you're trying to make me feel better, but look around you."

"I can't," said Chester, "man is it dark in here."

"That's the point," said Timmy, "the Darkness is back."

"You don't for certain know if this is the Darkness Timmy," said A.J.

"Come on, A.J.," said Timmy, "it's the Darkness. I can tell and worse I've put everyone including you too in danger. Why did you grab onto me when I jumped into the Darkness?"

"Because buddy," said A.J., "we're not going to let you face danger alone again like you did the first time the Darkness came."

"And like you said," said Timmy "the first time. I failed; whatever light I poured into the Darkness is gone."

Suddenly a voice boomed out,

"You have not failed."

The voice was raspy and deep at the same time and it was powerful.

"D...DDude," said Chester nervouse, "what was that?"

"I think the Darkness is speaking to us," said Timmy.

"You were with your friends Chester and A.J.," asked Jimmy.

"Uh-oh," said the boy who continued to sob.

"Timmy, it's okay."

Suddenly Timmy through his tears said,

"There's somethin' stuck in my neck."

Jimmy moved in closer.

"There's something in your neck. Does it hurt."

"Yeah," said the boy.

"Let me see," said Jimmy, "maybe I can help you."

The boy very cautiously pulled the blanket back from his neck. Sure enough, there was what looked like some type of wire. It was actually at the top of "Timmy's" neck. It looked like it was at the base of his brain. The wire had also been broken. Jimmy looked around and saw another a piece of another wire leading towards what looked like a computer. Jimmy began to realize what this Timmy really was.

"Timmy," said Jimmy, "I need to see if you're hurt so could you come out of that blanket so I can check you."

The boy hestitated a bit and then came out. He had nothing on but his underwear. He stood up and looked at Jimmy. There were still tears in his eyes.

"Could you get up on that table. I'll help you up," said Jimmy.

The child nodded and began to climb up on the table with Jimmy's assistance. The genius of Retroville pulled out a scanner and looked at the readings. He, then, compared the readings of Timmy with the readings of the yellow goo on the floor. It confirmed what Jimmy had already suspected. This was a clone of Timmy Turner and they had been feeding Timmy's memories into the clone's brain via the computer system. The yellow gunk on the floor was what was left of clones that had simply died. According to these readings, there had been several of these, at least twenty. They, also, likely died in agonizing pain. Jimmy shuddered at the callousness of Anti-Cosmo and Vlad. Suddenly, Jimmy heard the door open. He heard Cindy's voice

"Okay, Jimmy, I know where Sheen is and once we get this wreck of a ship going we can find..."

Cindy noticed the small boy on the table. He looked like...but no..he was too young.

"Neutron," said Cindy, "who is that?"

"Cindy," said Jimmy, "I'd like you to meet Timmy Turner."

"You let M.E.R.F have anti-magic defenses," said Jorgen angrily, "why?"

"Because, I was working with Trixie's grandfather to capture some..."

Suddeny Crocker began contort and spasms

"FAIIIRIEES!"

"And you expect us to trust you," said Isaac,"why?"

"Because before I didn't remember the Darkness and that I owe Turner my life," said Crocker, "I know want to help him."

"As do I," said another voice behind them.

The group turned around and saw the source of the voice. It was Remy. Winston was standing there. Binky was also with them (Tootie had lent Binky to Winston for the day).

"And so do I," said Vicky, "I owe that twerp my life and I'm not about to let anything to him."

"And you can count us in too," said Mr. and Mrs. Turner, "because we, also, remember everything that happened."

The voice had resonated deep within the chasm of the Darkness' heart. Timmy decided to speak.

"You said I did not fail, but aren't you the Darkness."

"Somewhat," came the deep voice.

"What does that mean?," asked Timmy.

"I think I know," said A.J., "I've studied the Darkness. Sometimes fragments would fall off whenever you were attacked, isn't that correct, Darkness."

"Yes young wise one. I am what's left of the Darkness."

The boys took all of this in.

"You need our help don't you?," said Timmy.

"Yes," replied the otherworldly being, "I am incomplete, lost I need light."

"How can we give you light," said Chester, "the last time it took three wands."

"I need the light within you three boys; the light of your friendship."

Okay, I tried to give you a little bit of a longer chapter. This story, as you can guess, is reaching it's climax. There should be two, maybe three chapters left. Please review.