1.1.1 Chapter Thirteen – I Want My Family Back
1.1.1.1 Because I Have Some Last Words
1.1.1.2
1.1.1.3 Notes made by Dillan Syntosh:
I have a family that's gone. A nice one is housing me for now. The evil Merchenyl killed them. I wish they were back. I'd have these things to say:
Emily, the youngest, you were my best friend in the world. Even when you acted pesky, deep down and inside I know you just wanted someone to play with. I wanted to be your playmate, that is, until Merchenyl struck. I hate her! I truly do! She wrecked my life! I'll never forgive her! Not ever!
My mom, you were very nice when I was sick and when I was not. You were kind to me and never bitter. Everything seemed lighter when you were around. I wish you were here, to comfort me and say it was okay. This war brings nothing but sorrow. I wish there never was any stupid war. You'd still be here anyhow.
Dad, why'd you have to go? You would always read me a story at night and tell me what it was about and discuss it after reading. You've encouraged me when I've been discouraged, just like any good person would do. I miss you, dad. Why'd you have to go?
Notes made by Dib at age 5, a couple years after his mom's mysterious death:
Mom, what happened? Three years ago, you died. It was something like three years I think. But why? How? You always told me to stand up for what I believe in, and I'll do that. I think you were abducted by aliens. It's not just something I'd say to explain it just so I'd have something to go by as fact. No, I'd never do that! I've studied very hard about your sudden disappearance, and that seems most likely. Mom, I wish you were home!
Notes made by Callista at age 4, one year after her parents died in front of her:
I miss you Mom and Dad. You were very nice. Always being there for me. No one ever hurt me when you were around. Now that you're gone, Seralio takes care of me. He's nice, but I still want you around! I shouldn't be deprived of you! Please come back! I hate Merchenyl! I swear, that one day, I'll get my revenge on her! She can't do this to me! Twice the amount I hate her, I love you. Please, I'm begging of you, please come back!
At dinner with Callista, Dib, Caitlyn, and Dillan:
"Callista?" Dib asked, breaking the silence between the four of them.
"Yes?"
"You'll be leaving on your mission tomorrow. This is our last dinner together. Hopefully not, but it might be."
"I am aware. Continue."
"Well, I think that we all should get to know each other in more depth. The adoption is complete; Dillan, you now belong to our family. We are very happy to have you here with us. I don't think Callista will leave just tomorrow. She wants to get acquaint with you before she leaves. She'll spend extra time with all of us because of the potential longevity of her mission."
"Yes. Dillan, perhaps you should introduce yourself."
"My name is Dillan and I miss my family. They're gone. Merchenyl killed them."
"What type of things are you interested in?"
"Well…promise you won't laugh?"
"We promise. Don't laugh, Caitlyn. That's punishable by me. Go ahead, what is it?"
"Well…I like to investigate paranormal activity."
"What do you know? Dib is into the paranormal as well. Aren't you?"
"Well, of course! I should say so! What are you most interested in?"
"I like the thought of there being beings from other worlds."
"Aliens? Me too."
"Actually, the better preferred term is extraterrestrial because the term 'alien' actually means someone from another country."
"So that's why Dad asked what country Zim was from…very good. You seem to know a lot."
"Oh yes. I've been studying ever since I was…oh, let's say about three. That means for approximately two years."
"I think our family will get along just fine."
"Mom?"
"Yes Dillan?"
"Um...I just wanted to say something."
"I'm listening."
"Well, I don't want you to go. You'll die, just like my family. They all died to protect me! I just don't think I'm so important for all these people to die for! I'm sick of it! My whole family died for me, and now you? It can't be this way! I'm sick and tired of everyone wanting to protect me! I'd be better off if you didn't go! We all want you here with us!"
"I was thinking in those terms as well. Tonight I was going to announce it to you. I'm staying."
"Do you really mean it, Callista?" Dib inquired of her.
"Yes, I really mean it. I'm staying. You all present too good a case for me to go now. Caitlyn's pleading, Dillan's protests, and Dib's requests. I can't go when I can clearly see how it will negatively affect the three for whom I love. Kristen will stay behind as well because – you don't want to know."
"What happened?"
"Zim died. Caitlyn knows Zim faintly from before we moved. Dillan, Zim's my good friend and Dib's acquaintance. Kristen is his wife whom is my best friend. That is, next to all of you." The conversation died right then as unexpectedly as Zim. After the meal had been completely consumed, Dib took Dillan to another room to talk to him.
"I had a mom, and a dad, and a sister too. They were killed by Merchenyl as well. I know that the war is such a hard time for us all. Just don't lose hope. I know it's hard. Things feel like there is no answer, no escape, no way to deal with life's troubles. Sometimes you feel like you'd rather die. But don't ever believe any of it. You are worth dying for, but Callista's staying here with us. You don't have to worry. You'll have a family.
"I know how difficult it is. I'm the only one remaining of my family, just like you. We're in the same position. I can completely understand the pain of losing them. It's the hardest thing to have someone you care about die. So long as you know that things will work out, it'll turn out okay. I promise."
"There's something I need to ask though."
"Yes?"
"What happened to you?"
"Merchenyl. She killed my family and tried to destroy the new one of which I attempted to build another. She tried to ruin the remains of my life. If I were to lose anyone else, I think I'd go crazy. Callista. Callista's her adversary. She'd kill her at any chance given and try to ruin our lives. We just want to be left alone! We just want to live away from all of this! She tortures me by threatening to come back for revenge. I wish I knew when she will come so I could prevent it." A shrill scream broke the silence between them. "Callista!"
Dib bolted out the door of the room and saw Merchenyl holding Callista by the neck pointing a dagger to her throat. "No! Stop it!"
"Oh, it's the Serenitian that wanted so desperately to be a hero. Nearly died, and for what? Morals? You scared Callista half to death!"
"That's not true! Besides, you're the one who's trying to ruin our family and tear us apart! You don't want us to be together, because you're own greed for power! You just don't want her to take your place! I tell you, she'd make the best ruler you'd ever seen! She'd make sure that people like you are well out of the way! She'd –"
"Silence! Or I'll kill her right now!" Dib backed away as Merchenyl pressed the blade up against Callista. A thin trail of blood dripped down. Watching in horror, Dib began to plea,
"NO! Don't hurt her! I'll do anything!"
"Well, I think I have something. It turns out, your beloved sister Gaz IS alive. However, only one can live. You must choose. Either Callista dies and Gaz lives, or Gaz dies and Callista lives. What will it be?"
"I...I can't choose."
"What?!"
"I...can't. I want them both to live."
"You can't. If you don't decide now, I'll kill them both."
"NO! You can't!"
"What'll it be then?"
"I...I...How can you do this? I can't choose between Callista and Gaz!"
"Fine then!" Merchenyl drew back the knife so as to slit Callista's throat, but she punched from behind to escape from her grip. The knife flung across the room and the three scrambled for it in desperation. Callista got it.
"Callista, keep a hold of that knife!"
"So what if you've saved her? Your sister is about to die at any moment. Goodbye." Dib jumped and grabbed Merchenyl by the arm as they dematerialized to her headquarters.
"How is it that you're still alive three-hundred years later?"
"Time travel, Dib. Of all people, you should know that. I will not rest until every last one of you are dead."
"I won't give up that easily."
"I give you a choice right now – Give me Callista without a fight and I'll let everyone else leave in peace never to be bothered again. I'll let you live your life and you'll be a success."
"I can't give up Callista. You know that."
"This is such a simple thing to do! Just give her to me and I'll let you live."
"Zim. He died. You murdered him, didn't you?"
"I didn't murder him. He's alive. You can see him right now, if you wish."
"Is he where you have Gaz hidden away? Did you put them into prison cells, without food or anything? Tell me where they are!"
"Dib, you are no longer a child. You can't expect me to just tell you."
"I'll tell you something about my childhood! I almost never saw my dad in person, my mom was killed by you! My sister Gaz is in some prison, my entire family on the line – and it's all your fault! Dad got wrapped up in his work ever since my mom disappeared! It's all your fault! You wrecked my life! You wrecked my life! What's left of it is a torment! Now tell me where my sister is! Did you really kill them all? Is there any chance that they're still alive?"
"I suppose I can't hide it any longer. You're right. They're not dead. They're alive."
"What about Callista's family?"
"Are you kidding? I killed them and tossed their ugly corpses onto Callista before she could even talk."
"She said she was four years old when it happened."
"Yeah, but she was so traumatized by the event that she didn't talk again for a couple years. She was two at the time."
"You...you're despicable. How could you do that?! Poor Callista! I can imagine her, sitting helplessly while you slaughter her parents and throw them upon her!"
"You wanted your family. Do you still wish to see them?"
"Yes."
"Follow me." Dib walked behind Merchenyl as she showed him a hallway in which led to a series of chambers.
"Oh no...Gaz!" Dib rushed to a cell that concealed his sister. It looked as if she had been severely injured with Zim attending to her.
"I don't know how much I can do..." Zim uttered in terrified despondency, "She's going to die."
"No! No, she's not! She can't!"
"Dib? Dib, is that you?" A soft voice questioned him.
"M-m-mom?"
"Dib! I thought I'd never see you again! I remember that day..." A screen projects a holographic image of what happened that night:
Merchenyl has snuck into Dib's room when he was about two years old. His mother was there with him too. She assaulted his mom and flashed lights about the room. Upon discovering Dib, her flashlight paused. "Do you think we should erase his memory?" A man asked Merchenyl.
"Oh, no, he's just an infant. He won't remember. Slice her throat and get out of here. Hurry it up, too."
"Uh...he's awake. And staring wide-eyed. It's as if he knows what we're going to do."
"That's the stupidest notion I've ever heard. He doesn't know anything, he's just a baby. And the baby of a Serenitian. Stupid creature."
"Don't get near my son!" she shrieked as she guarded him.
"Come with us!"
"NO! I'll never surrender to you! You'll never take charge of the planet! It's rightfully under the rule of Hally Nali-noka!"
"Not for long!"
"You will never industrialize my planet! I'd rather die!"
"Then so be it." Merchenyl slid a laser out of her pocket and slashed her neck. The young Dib gasped. She dragged her out of the room and flashed an amnesia ray into Gaz and Proff. Membrane's eyes to make them forget what they had witnessed. Merchenyl pressed a button to something on her wrist that projected a sinister looking void of which she catapulted herself into. Nothing more remained except for Dib in his crib staring in absolute trepidation.
1.1.1.1 Because I Have Some Last Words
1.1.1.2
1.1.1.3 Notes made by Dillan Syntosh:
I have a family that's gone. A nice one is housing me for now. The evil Merchenyl killed them. I wish they were back. I'd have these things to say:
Emily, the youngest, you were my best friend in the world. Even when you acted pesky, deep down and inside I know you just wanted someone to play with. I wanted to be your playmate, that is, until Merchenyl struck. I hate her! I truly do! She wrecked my life! I'll never forgive her! Not ever!
My mom, you were very nice when I was sick and when I was not. You were kind to me and never bitter. Everything seemed lighter when you were around. I wish you were here, to comfort me and say it was okay. This war brings nothing but sorrow. I wish there never was any stupid war. You'd still be here anyhow.
Dad, why'd you have to go? You would always read me a story at night and tell me what it was about and discuss it after reading. You've encouraged me when I've been discouraged, just like any good person would do. I miss you, dad. Why'd you have to go?
Notes made by Dib at age 5, a couple years after his mom's mysterious death:
Mom, what happened? Three years ago, you died. It was something like three years I think. But why? How? You always told me to stand up for what I believe in, and I'll do that. I think you were abducted by aliens. It's not just something I'd say to explain it just so I'd have something to go by as fact. No, I'd never do that! I've studied very hard about your sudden disappearance, and that seems most likely. Mom, I wish you were home!
Notes made by Callista at age 4, one year after her parents died in front of her:
I miss you Mom and Dad. You were very nice. Always being there for me. No one ever hurt me when you were around. Now that you're gone, Seralio takes care of me. He's nice, but I still want you around! I shouldn't be deprived of you! Please come back! I hate Merchenyl! I swear, that one day, I'll get my revenge on her! She can't do this to me! Twice the amount I hate her, I love you. Please, I'm begging of you, please come back!
At dinner with Callista, Dib, Caitlyn, and Dillan:
"Callista?" Dib asked, breaking the silence between the four of them.
"Yes?"
"You'll be leaving on your mission tomorrow. This is our last dinner together. Hopefully not, but it might be."
"I am aware. Continue."
"Well, I think that we all should get to know each other in more depth. The adoption is complete; Dillan, you now belong to our family. We are very happy to have you here with us. I don't think Callista will leave just tomorrow. She wants to get acquaint with you before she leaves. She'll spend extra time with all of us because of the potential longevity of her mission."
"Yes. Dillan, perhaps you should introduce yourself."
"My name is Dillan and I miss my family. They're gone. Merchenyl killed them."
"What type of things are you interested in?"
"Well…promise you won't laugh?"
"We promise. Don't laugh, Caitlyn. That's punishable by me. Go ahead, what is it?"
"Well…I like to investigate paranormal activity."
"What do you know? Dib is into the paranormal as well. Aren't you?"
"Well, of course! I should say so! What are you most interested in?"
"I like the thought of there being beings from other worlds."
"Aliens? Me too."
"Actually, the better preferred term is extraterrestrial because the term 'alien' actually means someone from another country."
"So that's why Dad asked what country Zim was from…very good. You seem to know a lot."
"Oh yes. I've been studying ever since I was…oh, let's say about three. That means for approximately two years."
"I think our family will get along just fine."
"Mom?"
"Yes Dillan?"
"Um...I just wanted to say something."
"I'm listening."
"Well, I don't want you to go. You'll die, just like my family. They all died to protect me! I just don't think I'm so important for all these people to die for! I'm sick of it! My whole family died for me, and now you? It can't be this way! I'm sick and tired of everyone wanting to protect me! I'd be better off if you didn't go! We all want you here with us!"
"I was thinking in those terms as well. Tonight I was going to announce it to you. I'm staying."
"Do you really mean it, Callista?" Dib inquired of her.
"Yes, I really mean it. I'm staying. You all present too good a case for me to go now. Caitlyn's pleading, Dillan's protests, and Dib's requests. I can't go when I can clearly see how it will negatively affect the three for whom I love. Kristen will stay behind as well because – you don't want to know."
"What happened?"
"Zim died. Caitlyn knows Zim faintly from before we moved. Dillan, Zim's my good friend and Dib's acquaintance. Kristen is his wife whom is my best friend. That is, next to all of you." The conversation died right then as unexpectedly as Zim. After the meal had been completely consumed, Dib took Dillan to another room to talk to him.
"I had a mom, and a dad, and a sister too. They were killed by Merchenyl as well. I know that the war is such a hard time for us all. Just don't lose hope. I know it's hard. Things feel like there is no answer, no escape, no way to deal with life's troubles. Sometimes you feel like you'd rather die. But don't ever believe any of it. You are worth dying for, but Callista's staying here with us. You don't have to worry. You'll have a family.
"I know how difficult it is. I'm the only one remaining of my family, just like you. We're in the same position. I can completely understand the pain of losing them. It's the hardest thing to have someone you care about die. So long as you know that things will work out, it'll turn out okay. I promise."
"There's something I need to ask though."
"Yes?"
"What happened to you?"
"Merchenyl. She killed my family and tried to destroy the new one of which I attempted to build another. She tried to ruin the remains of my life. If I were to lose anyone else, I think I'd go crazy. Callista. Callista's her adversary. She'd kill her at any chance given and try to ruin our lives. We just want to be left alone! We just want to live away from all of this! She tortures me by threatening to come back for revenge. I wish I knew when she will come so I could prevent it." A shrill scream broke the silence between them. "Callista!"
Dib bolted out the door of the room and saw Merchenyl holding Callista by the neck pointing a dagger to her throat. "No! Stop it!"
"Oh, it's the Serenitian that wanted so desperately to be a hero. Nearly died, and for what? Morals? You scared Callista half to death!"
"That's not true! Besides, you're the one who's trying to ruin our family and tear us apart! You don't want us to be together, because you're own greed for power! You just don't want her to take your place! I tell you, she'd make the best ruler you'd ever seen! She'd make sure that people like you are well out of the way! She'd –"
"Silence! Or I'll kill her right now!" Dib backed away as Merchenyl pressed the blade up against Callista. A thin trail of blood dripped down. Watching in horror, Dib began to plea,
"NO! Don't hurt her! I'll do anything!"
"Well, I think I have something. It turns out, your beloved sister Gaz IS alive. However, only one can live. You must choose. Either Callista dies and Gaz lives, or Gaz dies and Callista lives. What will it be?"
"I...I can't choose."
"What?!"
"I...can't. I want them both to live."
"You can't. If you don't decide now, I'll kill them both."
"NO! You can't!"
"What'll it be then?"
"I...I...How can you do this? I can't choose between Callista and Gaz!"
"Fine then!" Merchenyl drew back the knife so as to slit Callista's throat, but she punched from behind to escape from her grip. The knife flung across the room and the three scrambled for it in desperation. Callista got it.
"Callista, keep a hold of that knife!"
"So what if you've saved her? Your sister is about to die at any moment. Goodbye." Dib jumped and grabbed Merchenyl by the arm as they dematerialized to her headquarters.
"How is it that you're still alive three-hundred years later?"
"Time travel, Dib. Of all people, you should know that. I will not rest until every last one of you are dead."
"I won't give up that easily."
"I give you a choice right now – Give me Callista without a fight and I'll let everyone else leave in peace never to be bothered again. I'll let you live your life and you'll be a success."
"I can't give up Callista. You know that."
"This is such a simple thing to do! Just give her to me and I'll let you live."
"Zim. He died. You murdered him, didn't you?"
"I didn't murder him. He's alive. You can see him right now, if you wish."
"Is he where you have Gaz hidden away? Did you put them into prison cells, without food or anything? Tell me where they are!"
"Dib, you are no longer a child. You can't expect me to just tell you."
"I'll tell you something about my childhood! I almost never saw my dad in person, my mom was killed by you! My sister Gaz is in some prison, my entire family on the line – and it's all your fault! Dad got wrapped up in his work ever since my mom disappeared! It's all your fault! You wrecked my life! You wrecked my life! What's left of it is a torment! Now tell me where my sister is! Did you really kill them all? Is there any chance that they're still alive?"
"I suppose I can't hide it any longer. You're right. They're not dead. They're alive."
"What about Callista's family?"
"Are you kidding? I killed them and tossed their ugly corpses onto Callista before she could even talk."
"She said she was four years old when it happened."
"Yeah, but she was so traumatized by the event that she didn't talk again for a couple years. She was two at the time."
"You...you're despicable. How could you do that?! Poor Callista! I can imagine her, sitting helplessly while you slaughter her parents and throw them upon her!"
"You wanted your family. Do you still wish to see them?"
"Yes."
"Follow me." Dib walked behind Merchenyl as she showed him a hallway in which led to a series of chambers.
"Oh no...Gaz!" Dib rushed to a cell that concealed his sister. It looked as if she had been severely injured with Zim attending to her.
"I don't know how much I can do..." Zim uttered in terrified despondency, "She's going to die."
"No! No, she's not! She can't!"
"Dib? Dib, is that you?" A soft voice questioned him.
"M-m-mom?"
"Dib! I thought I'd never see you again! I remember that day..." A screen projects a holographic image of what happened that night:
Merchenyl has snuck into Dib's room when he was about two years old. His mother was there with him too. She assaulted his mom and flashed lights about the room. Upon discovering Dib, her flashlight paused. "Do you think we should erase his memory?" A man asked Merchenyl.
"Oh, no, he's just an infant. He won't remember. Slice her throat and get out of here. Hurry it up, too."
"Uh...he's awake. And staring wide-eyed. It's as if he knows what we're going to do."
"That's the stupidest notion I've ever heard. He doesn't know anything, he's just a baby. And the baby of a Serenitian. Stupid creature."
"Don't get near my son!" she shrieked as she guarded him.
"Come with us!"
"NO! I'll never surrender to you! You'll never take charge of the planet! It's rightfully under the rule of Hally Nali-noka!"
"Not for long!"
"You will never industrialize my planet! I'd rather die!"
"Then so be it." Merchenyl slid a laser out of her pocket and slashed her neck. The young Dib gasped. She dragged her out of the room and flashed an amnesia ray into Gaz and Proff. Membrane's eyes to make them forget what they had witnessed. Merchenyl pressed a button to something on her wrist that projected a sinister looking void of which she catapulted herself into. Nothing more remained except for Dib in his crib staring in absolute trepidation.