Chapter 11

Saturday, January 18th, 1986

Hill Valley, California

7: 39 P. M.

Marty, Jennifer, and Mystie waited anxiously for Doc's return. It was the day after Biff's army had been destroyed, and everything appeared to be back to normal. The soulless vampires were now ashes scattered in the wind. Jay and Serena were adapting well to vampire life, currently living with their significant others. Not one of the people who had attended the film festival or seen the fight recalled the battle. To the rest of the souled vampires and Partials, everything was peachy keen.

For the Time Trippers, though, there was still a hint of worry to keep them awake at night (or day). That terrible future they had seen was still fresh in their minds, and it made them wonder. Had that attack on the film festival been the crux event that brought about Hell Valley? Or had it been another event, past or future? If so, what? And could they stop it?

They had gathered to discuss it that night, terrified they had done nothing to stop Biff's rise to power. Doc had finally suggested that he go to the future and see if everything was all right. He had left for January 6th, 1996, at 7: 30 P. M., promising to be back 10 minutes after his departure. It was now 7: 39, and the gang was on pins and needles. "God, if Hell Valley's still there," Jennifer mumbled, shivering.

"If it is still there, let's hope he didn't get caught," Mystie murmured, the thought making her want to retch.

"He's still alive, Mystie. I can still feel his heartbeat, steady as ever." During a test hop, Doc and Marty had learned to their surprise that their bond could stretch through time. No matter how far Doc went into the future or past, Marty could still feel his heartbeat. "And it hasn't speeded up any during the trip. That's probably a good sign."

"What will we do if Hell Valley's still there?" wondered Jennifer anxiously, chewing on a nail. "What do you think might have caused it?"

"Let's hope it's an event in the future," Mysteria said, looking towards the ceiling. "The past might be too dangerous to mess with."

"You're telling me," agreed Marty, remembering his first time trip.

3 sonic booms heralded the return of the DeLorean as he spoke. Everyone rushed outside to see the car speed off towards a quieter area. A few minutes later, it returned, driving along the street normally. The 3 friends followed it inside the garage, anxious for the news.

Doc hopped out with a bright smile. "Mission accomplished. 1996 looks normal again. Not a soulless vampire within sight or smell. I even caught sight of Future Marty shopping, and he looked fine."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. "That's wonderful, Emmett. Now I can marry you without worrying how long the marriage will last."

"And I don't have to face the prospect of facing eternity without any of you." Doc kissed Mystie tenderly. Mystie squeezed him, glad he didn't remember his death in Hell Valley.

Jennifer relaxed, leaning against Marty. "Good grief, I was so worried. Knowing the future can really take it out of you."

"That's why I always warn you not to look yourselves up in the future. If you find something you're not particularly fond of, you tend to agonize on how to prevent if once you get home. Since the future is never written, that agonizing could have a detrimental effect, making things worse. I nearly made that mistake when I discovered my future fate."

"Gotcha, Doc. I should stop worrying about if I'm gonna be a rich rock star and concentrate on my music," Marty nodded.

"Perfect example." Doc frowned. "There is a bit of bad news. I went over to Peabody's farm before I landed and came back here. It's deserted. Biff has obviously moved his headquarters again."

"Back to his house?" Mysteria inquired.

"No, I did a fly by check there too. It's a completely new place."

"Well, Doc, we'll keep trying," Marty said with a shrug. "After all, we've got a lot more eyes and ears now. We won't let him pull that stunt again." He cheered up. "Hey, did I tell you? I convinced the guys to play at Darkness Falls as a trial run for Future Fest. If this works, I could hit the big time!"

"You said you were going to stop focusing on money," Mystie grinned teasingly. "What do you think, Emmett?"

"I'm just glad there's a future where Marty can put his talent to good use." With nothing more left to say, they all hugged.

The End