Confessions

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the cast. They belong to Warner Brothers.

It was late at night while Wakko looked over the folder Yakko had given him. After the wonderful Christmas spent with him he found the folder tucked neatly into his gag bag. There were various newspaper clippings detailing an accident that happened a few years back. Three of the occupants were killed, however one lived under mysterious circumstances. Wakko sighed and turned to the next clipping and froze when he saw a list of those who died. The first name listed was, Claire Plotz, age 13. Wakko felt his blood run cold, then how was she alive now if she was dead three years ago?

"This makes no sense" Wakko sighed and pulled out his journal.

Yakko,

What the heck is this stuff that you've given me? It says Claire died three years ago at the age of 13, but she's alive now. How is this even possible, it's not right! It said that only one person survived the crash someone named Kimiko? That sounds like a Japanese name, maybe it was her friend or something? Come on I could really use your help with this. I know you're reading these entries.

Love,

An Annoyed Wakko

Wakko continued to look through all the clips and tried to peace the puzzle together. In one picture he noticed that Death could be witnessed in the darker part of the photograph. Then it hit him, what if Claire did the same thing Yakko did? Giving her life so her friend could live? It started to make sense to Wakko that it may be a possibility. At the last part of the folder he came across a certificate of life signed by Death himself.

"Whoever this certificate is presented to have been returned to the world of the living after performing their service for Death. (This official copy shall be kept in the underworld due to the fact that mortals are clumsy). This certificate has been given to Claire Plotz for her servitude, and the saving of Death from being exposed." Wakko read out loud.

It was more than Wakko could take in, but then he started to think. If Claire had earned her life back, did that mean that perhaps Yakko could as well? Shaking his head he tried to put everything back, and eventually get to sleep. As soon as he did he was welcomed by Yakko who was waiting for him.

"So did it help?" Yakko asked crossing his arms.

Wakko nodded, "How did she earn it back though? It's so vague."

"Not sure" Yakko shrugged, "Ask her later if you're still curious. I need to get that certificate back though. Once they notice it's gone I could get into some serious trouble."

"Of course." Wakko nodded in understanding.

After that Wakko fell into a deeper sleep where he wasn't disturbed or bothered by anything going on. He wasn't sure how long he had slept, but when he awoke again he could hear Dot and Claire talking downstairs. This was his chance he could finally corner her and talk. He headed downstairs and the girls said good morning to him.

"So Claire, how long has it been since you earned your life back?" Wakko asked coldly.

Claire froze, "How do you know about that, Wakko?"

Wakko put the folder on the table in front of the girl, "Yakko gave this to me."

"Figures" the girl muttered, "Well then I guess you two want to know how huh?"

Dot nodded still looking very confused, "Then how are you?"

Claire plopped Wakko in a chair and sighed softly, "I earned my life back Dot. Every once and awhile Death takes pity on those who make sacrifices to save others than themselves. I did the same thing for my friend Kimiko. She was visiting the states for the first time and we were in a horrible accident. My parents were killed on sight and we were slowly dying. When Death came I pleaded with him to allow Kimiko to live, and I would take her place."

"Did it work?" Wakko asked.

Claire nodded, "It did. I don't know what changed that night but shortly after Death approached me with what he called a "gift". It's a scroll of paper full of terms and conditions that must be met for one to earn their life back. Once your service to him is done he returns you to the world of the living. The body they identified as you at first changes into someone who dies that day, and all records of your death vanish. However, each person's terms and conditions are different. For mine I had to prevent ten deaths by auto accident. During the last one I saved Death from nearly being hit by a drunk driver."

"So that's how he owed you." Dot stated.

"Yes it is. He said when I died my heart still continued to beat. Which means you truly aren't "dead", and are given the chance to regain your life" Claire stated.

Wakko turned pale, "Yakko's heart was still beating."

"Does that mean he'll have a chance?" Dot asked.

Claire nodded, "I didn't know that, but yes you two it means that he does have a slim chance."

Wakko and Dot started to dance around the table feeling a little bit of their hope restored. As long as Yakko's heart continued to beat, he still had a chance to earn his life back just as Claire did. Both were curious on what their brother's terms would be. They didn't care if it was a slim chance or not, their hope was still restored.

Claire smiled as she watched Wakko and Dot, she had no doubt that they were the cause of Yakko's still beating heart. As long as it continued to beat Yakko would have a chance to return to where he was needed most, at his sibling's sides.

Wakko suddenly froze as if he remembered something, "Oh yeah Claire. One night when I saw Yakko he said he liked you too."

Claire was caught off guard and smiled weakly, "Thank you Wakko."

The three turned their attention as the door opened and a tired looking Scratchy walked in. Wakko and Dot were the first to greet him. Dot took his suitcase and set it down, while Wakko took his coat and placed it on the coat hanger. Scratchy smiled and patted their heads and went to go sit down. Dot and Wakko still followed him seeing what they could do to help.

Scratchy turned around almost looking angry, but his expression softened, "Sorry you two I'm just very tired and feeling under the weather."

"Oh" Dot said, "Then we'll make dinner!"

Wakko nodded, "We're old enough now, and we do have supervision." He pointed at Claire who smiled and waved.

"Fine" Scratchy sighed softly and retired to his bed.

The two Warner's looked at each other, "So what should we make?"

"Why not Chicken Noodle Soup? Scratchy looks like he's starting to catch a cold." Claire suggested.

Wakko nodded, "Yeah that'll work! To the kitchen!"

He grabbed Dot and pulled her along into the well-kept kitchen. Claire smiled at the sight, and called home to inform her grandfather she would be later than expected. After that she turned her attention to the Warner's who were trying to stuff a giant chicken into a pot of water.

"Uhhh guys?" Claire blinked.

Dot smiled, "So how long until the chicken lays noodles?"

The girl held her head and sighed, "It doesn't work that way you two."

She released the chicken who immediately fled from the house. Next, she pulled Wakko and Dot to the pantry and handed them a can of Chicken Noodle Soup. After they read the instructions Wakko and Dot were able to handle the rest of it. Dot continued to look around the kitchen for something to go with the soup. After throwing out half the fridge and bread, she found what she was looking for, soda crackers. They waved goodbye to Claire as she left, and then turned their attention to giving Scratchy his dinner. Wakko carried the tray as Dot got the door for him. When they looked in they saw a miserable looking Scratchy. Dot hopped up onto the bed next to him and Wakko did the same, placing the tray in front of the sick doctor.

"You two did this for me?" Scratchy asked clearly touched.

Wakko nodded, "It's the least we could do since you've been letting us stay here."

"Besides you look horrible!" Dot chimed in.

"Thanks" Scratchy mumbled.

Dot and Wakko smiled and stayed at the ailing doctor's side. Something caught Wakko's attention though. He heard the window downstairs break, and shortly after that he caught the faint scent of smoke. Getting up he hurried to the stairs and to his horror, the house was on fire.

"Dot! Get Scratchy out of here and call 911!" Wakko screamed at his sister.

Dot was confused, but with the urgency in Wakko's voice she quickly obeyed. Scratchy got up and followed Dot to the window, he had showed them an escape plan incase such a thing would happen. Picking up Dot in his arms he slid onto the roof outside his window. Keeping Dot close he jumped down and landed in the yard, but not without injuring himself slightly.

"Wakko!" Dot yelled.

Wakko meanwhile was going through the house and collecting what he could for Dot and Scratchy. Rushing into Dot's room he grabbed her treasured items, the posters, her stuffed bunny, and a few of her clothes. Next he rushed to Scratchy's room and grabbed the lockbox that held everything important. He also grabbed Scratchy's pictures of his family, and a few of him with the Warners. Never once did Wakko think to retrieve anything of his own, the others were too important. Satisfied with everything he grabbed he escaped out of the same window Scratchy used.

"Good you're safe!" Dot hugged Wakko as he landed.

Wakko nodded and looked at a distraught Scratchy, "Whoever did this, must be the same person who killed Yakko. Scratchy we're sorry…. We didn't mean-"

"It's alright Wakko" Scratchy reassured him and pulled him and Dot close, "As long as the three of us are alive it's okay, ya?"

Dot and Wakko nodded but still felt guilty. The fire department arrived shortly, and with it a concerned Plotz and Claire. No one was sure if Plotz had hit his head, but he offered for the misplaced trio to stay at his home with himself and Claire. Scratchy not seeing any other option agreed. Wakko and Dot were excited they would see Claire more, but still felt in pain for Scratchy's loss.

"Are you alright, Wakko?" Claire asked.

Wakko blinked, "Huh? Oh yeah I'm fine…I just forgot to grab my journal…I was in such a hurry to grab stuff for everyone else."

"That's very sweet of you Wakko." Plotz responded.

Dot nodded and looked sad, "Sorry about that Wakko. I knew that journal meant a lot to you."

Wakko smiled and hugged Dot, "its fine. I can always get another one if I want. Besides I saved these things for you." He pulled out his gag bag and pulled out her stuffed bunny and her posters. To his surprise he was tackled to the ground by Dot who was almost in tears.

Claire smiled faintly and looked at the house that was still burning. She made out the shadow of a figure who looked back at her. It nodded and threw something at her, Wakko's journal.

"Hey Wakko, take a look at this." Claire caught up with him.

Wakko looked shocked, "My journal, but how?"

"Not sure, but I think someone wanted to make sure you had it."

"Was nice of them, but the pages are now burnt and singed." Wakko sighed sadly.

"Could always just hold onto it so you can remember everything you wrote to your brother?" Claire suggested.

Wakko liked that idea, "Yeah, you're right. So see you when we get back to your grandpa's place?"

Claire nodded, "Yeah I still have a few more things to do. I'll see you there."

The girl looked back to the burning house and realized that the figure was gone. Shrugging her shoulders she returned her attention to the car that was waiting for her with Ralph in it. He may not have been the brightest, but he was always there when Plotz needed something. Sighing in defeat she got in and made her way back to the house. Upon her arrival she found everyone had settled in and Wakko reading through his burnt journal.

Carefully she pulled Dot aside, "His birthday is coming up soon right?"

Dot nodded, "Yeah it is. Are you thinking what I am for a gift?"

"IF you mean getting him a new journal then yes." The girl responded.

With that settled the rest of the night went rather smoothly, except for one thought on everyone's minds. Who just tried to kill the Warners and Scratchansniff, and better yet, why? With heads full of questions everyone retired for the night, though the rest was far from peaceful.

-End-